A/N: Wow thanks for all your reviews! Made me so happy…::tear::. I made sure to read all your suggestions. In the future, I'll watch my grammar and spelling (thanks for pointing that out Marisela). And also most of you suggested that I make my chapters longer. I'll try!
Disclaimer: I again do not own Harry Potter characters. If I did, I'd be counting my millions right now.
Chapter 3: A Night With Malfoy
"On the plus side…at least he's good-looking." Ginny said trying to comfort Hermione. They were up in her room, sitting on her bed. She was about to meet Draco in an hour, but was having second thoughts. I wonder what would happen if I ditched the bloody git?
"But on the downside, he's a self-absorbed, sadistic son of a-"
"Hermione! It's not as bad as you try to make it seem. Maybe if you think of the bright side to all this…"
"What bright side?" Hermione asked glumly.
"Well…" Ginny paused for a moment. "…you have a chance to get back at Ron."
"Get back at who now?"
"'Mione! If you make Ron think that you're actually looking forward to this date, he'll realize the mistake he made." Hermione thought about this for a moment.
"Alright, Gin…since you put it that way, I may have fun with Malfoy afterall."
"Great!" Ginny looked at a clock on Hermione's nightstand. "Damn, you have to get ready right now. Want me to help you?"
"Yeah, I think I'll need it."
After 10 outfits and 5 different hairstyles later, Hermione was finally ready. Ginny had lent her a silky light pink halter and black pants. She also wore black sandals and her hair was in a half ponytail with soft, loose curls. Her makeup was subtle, but showed she was out to impress.
"Ok, you look great. Now, what are you not going to do on this date?"
"Um…insult Malfoy, talk about Ron, and…"
"And?"
"Throw up."
"Good." Ginny put a few finishing touches on Hermione, gave her a jacket, and sent her out the door.
Draco was sitting on one of the bottom steps of the staircase waiting for Hermione to show up. He let out a loud sigh and looked at his pocket watch. 11:10. What the hell is taking this girl so long?
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of echoing footsteps going down the stairs. He abruptly stood up and straightened his clothing. Hermione watched her step as she tried to look like she's had a lot of experience walking in heels. Damn these shoes…can these heels get any skinnier? As she reached the last step she came face to face with an extremely handsome Draco. He is good-looking. Can't deny that.
The mudblood cleans up pretty well. Who knew? "I didn't expect that you would actually show up, Granger. Looks like you do want to go on this date…" he said arrogantly.
"Don't flatter yourself, Malfoy. My name might've been dragged into your twisted little game, but I'm not about to show people that Gryffindors do not hold up their end of a bargain."
"Look, you don't want to go on this date with me, I'm fine with that." Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"What exactly are you playing at?"
"I'm not playing at anything. I would rather spend this night doing something else rather than spend it with someone who's just going to waste my time and money." Hermione thought hard about his proposal. He was actually giving her a choice. Something Ron hadn't bothered to do. Just as she was about to accept, both heard noticeable whispering down the corridor.
"Do you hear that?" He asked.
"Sshhh."
"What makes you think you have the right to 'sshhh' me? I am a Mal-" His words stopped as he heard the familiar voices.
"So Ginny told you they were meeting here tonight? Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Crap it's Harry and Ron! What are they doing here? But then a thought came to mind. This was the perfect chance. She waited until the footsteps sounded closer.
"Well Draco you're looking very handsome yourself," She said loud and clear enough to stop Harry and Ron in their tracks. "Where do you plan on taking me this fine evening?" They hid in a corner watching Hermione taking a surprised Draco's arm and leading him out the school.
"I guess you won't have to worry about Hermione not having a good time."
"Shut up Harry."
"I can't help but get the feeling I'm being used." Said Draco as they walked into the Three Broomsticks. He led her to a secluded booth.
"If you were any other person I would be ashamed to say that I am using you."
"Ouch Granger. That stung." He replied sardonically. "2 butterbeers." He told the waitress. There was a moment of silence as both tried to figure out what to say to each other. Hermione played with the ends of her hair as Draco twiddled his thumbs. Finally one spoke.
"What did you ever see in the Weasel anyways Granger?" he asked coldly.
"For your information, Ron is a very sweet, loyal, compassionate…" Her voice trailed as Draco shot her a look of minor disbelief.
"Here are your butterbeers." The waitress interrupted as she brought the bottles to the table.
"Thank you." Hermione said relieved. She took it almost immediately and drank half the bottle. This is going to be a long night… Her eyes wandered to the door as it opened. It revealed Harry and a very distressed Ron. Without thinking, she moved closer to Draco. He gave her his trademark smirk.
"Why, Granger. I didn't know you to be so forward. Though who could blame you?"
"Ego, Malfoy. I just saw Harry and Ron walk in." She felt their eyes watching them. Apparently so did Draco. He slipped his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder. A soft scent reached his nose. Hm…Granger's hair smells good. He took another whiff. I wonder what shampoo she uses?
"Is he SMELLING her hair??" Ron squeaked. Harry looked disgusted.
"I think he is, mate." He looked around for a table where they could have a clear view of the two.
"I swear, Weasley's face gets more and more ridiculous every time I see him." She felt his chest reverberate as he chuckled. She was about to protest, but stopped herself as an image of Ron making the bet came to mind. She remained quiet. "Granger, did you hear me?"
"Yes."
"Hmm. Thought you would have one of those so-called witty comebacks you always give me when I'm bad-mouthing your friends."
"Shut up and look like you're having a good time." Hermione said while she slid her other arm around his torso. Just as she did that, Draco felt a small shiver. Strange.
"This is going way too far!" Ron exclaimed getting up. Harry grabbed a hold of his arm and made him sit down.
"Stay put! We don't want to cause a scene here!"
"Speak for yourself!" He said getting up again. Harry pulled him down yet again.
"I don't know about you, but I think Hermione is irritated enough." Ron calmed down a bit and stole a glance at Hermione and Draco. They were forcing smiles and trying to look like they were occupied in an interesting talk.
"Yeah, well she's got a funny way of showing it."
"My cheeks are starting to get numb Granger." Draco said through gritted teeth.
"Mine too. Let's go." Draco attempted to look like a gentleman by helping Hermione put on her coat. Normally, he would've never helped her like this. But this was an opportunity to break up the 3 and he wasn't going to let it go. The fake smiles were still on their faces as they exited with their hands intertwined with each other.
Harry and Ron stared at the exit for while. Neither spoke one word until closing time.
As Draco and Hermione walked back into the castle, they were actually having a civil conversation with each other. On the carriage ride home, Hermione was curious on how Draco had beat Ron so many times. He had explained that there were many boring nights at the Malfoy manor and had played with his cousins. The conversation also grew to how one of his cousins taught him how to play quidditch. They reached the bottom of the staircases where they had met earlier that night.
"Oh yes, I'm sure joining the quidditch team had absolutely nothing to do with wanting to beat Harry at his own game."
"I really did want to play quidditch. Shoving it in Potter's face was just a bonus." They both chuckled lightly. After a moment of uneasy silence, Draco spoke. "As much as I hate to admit it, I had a fun time with you tonight."
"Funny…I did too." There was another moment of stillness. Draco caught himself. Did I just say I had a good time with her tonight?
"I meant I had a good time because we were plotting against your friends." He said quickly.
"Right right." She replied nervously. Another deafening silence.
"Well…"
"Well…"
"Um…goodnight Malfoy." She hurried up the stairs before she heard Draco say anything back.
"Goodnight Hermione."
A/N: There's the 3rd chapter! I know most of you guys were anxious to find out what happened on the date. Hopefully this wasn't too much of a disappointment! You guys know what to do! You can give me some of your ideas on how to bring these two together if you'd like and I'll take the good ones and try to fit them in the story. I tried to make this chapter a bit longer for you guys as well.