I am back! I started this story almost a year ago. I wrote one chapter and then was beset by writers block. I had all but forgotten about it when I came across it quite by chance. A wave of inspiration hit me and I am proud to say I have plotted out the rest of the story. So please enjoy.

Disclaimer: I am not J.K Rowling… yada yada yada… you know the drill.

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Chapter 2 – The Bet is on.

The sorting feast went smoothly with only one first year that broke down when his name was called and was dragged from the room crying for his mother. Once the feast was over and everyone had returned to their dorms Neville, Colin, Denis, Ginny and Luna all met in the Gryffindor common room. Luna had been given special permission by Professor McGonagall to access the room when it became clear she was uncomfortable in the Ravenclaw room. They all grabbed their favourite chairs around their table.

The conversation started innocently enough as they discussed their summers. Ginny complained about the terrible trio and Fleur while Luna sympathised. Neville recounted tales of his great-uncle Algie who had recently gone battier than ever. Luna had gone on some adventure with her father looking for yet another mythical animal. Colin and Denis had spent the summer working at a magazine and talk soon turned to all the gorgeous guys there. Denis went to visit some of his other friends and Neville was left to listen to the gossiping. Neville might not have been quick, but he certainly wasn't stupid. He was an observer. He preferred to think things trough instead of rushing, and thinking was exactly what he was doing. You could almost hear the cogs turning in his mind as talk turned to Hogwarts most eligible bachelors. "So Ginny, " asked Neville slyly " did you get a good look at Blaise? He is even better looking than last year"

" I heard that he is single again," added Luna. Ginny was almost as red as her hair. She quickly recovered and turned on Luna

"What about Draco? He is looking pretty good" now it was Luna's turn to blush. Neville grinned slyly.

"I don't think either of them will be available for long".

"We'll see about that, " muttered Ginny

"What was that Ginny, Did you just imply that you could snag Hogwarts most eligible bachelor, a certain Mr Blaise Zabini" smirked Neville. "Would you be willing to prove that?" Ginny nodded. "Well then, let us make it a bet. Luna, do you want in?" Luna thought for a moment before agreeing. "Here are the rules, you each have until the Yule ball to get Blaise and Draco to go with you. Nothing illegal it must be done willingly. If you succeed you get to choose my costume, if not… I get to choose yours. Agree?"

"Agree," answered the girls.

"I want to make a bet," whined Colin. "Who can I have?"

"What about Seamus?" asked Ginny

"No way, that kid is straighter than an arrow. Grrr, everyone in this school is straight or taken. The only one left other than me is Denis, and even he has his eye on someone". Luna, who had been very quiet up until then, suddenly spoke

"There is a fifth year boy in my house who might be a possibility. I don't know his name but I can point him out to you." Colin thanked Luna and talk moved to other subjects before finally they all retired.

Down at the other end of the school an entirely different chain of events had taken place. The Slytherin boys had retired to their private room. This was a privilege afforded to the sons of the pureblood families, which translates to a large donation on the part of Lucius Malfoy. Blaise had moved in during second year when they realised that he practically lived there anyways. Their room wasn't large; it had one main common room, a bathroom and a bedroom that they shared. The rooms were not decorated in Slytherin colours but rather in Black and Silver, those of the Malfoy family. The boys flopped on their beds to plot. Blaise broke the silence by asking, "what are we going to do about our 'arrangements' if we succeed?" Draco thought for a moment before answering.

" We will have to ask Snape to help. We know father has access and that will have to change. We may also need to add another bedroom if I know you." This was followed by a suggestive wink.

"Right back at ya, you sly cow"

"Wait…cow? What about fox, or dragon, of something remotely sexy you dolt?"

"Because that would imply that you are sexy." answered Blaise smirking. A pillow was launched at Blaise followed by a very angry Draco. The room was soon filled with feathers and all thought of plotting forgotten. That is, until the next day.

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