CCH: Yeah, I'm not even going to bother apologizing because my apologies are rubbish. :P Well, now I've updated and we're back on the road. I'm writing chapter 14 as we speak. There are only about 3 chapters left, so sit tight guys.

Chapter 13: He Always Gets What He Wants.

"I'm planning on asking Herbology Professor, Ms. Sprout."

Harry rolled his eyes and loosened his grip on Draco's robes. Why did he ever think Malfoy would tell him? And why was he so interested in the first place?

Draco smirked. "Like I'm going to tell you, Potter."

Pfft. Read my mind.

Harry half smiled. "So, our deal? I help you.. grow up," Malfoy grimaced at this, "and you help me get a date with Cho."

"Haven't we already settled this? Why are we having this pointless conversation?"

Harry had half a mind to sock him one right then and there, but his teenage desires to go to the dance with a beautiful girl left him standing in his spot. If he could just hold out long enough to confirm his suspicions about Malfoy and Hermione…

"Meet me back here tomorrow at 4." It was Harry's turn to walk away.

Draco was left standing outside the great hall as he watched Harry stride off. He knew he was going to have to pay for this later, but it was either losing his reputation at school, or losing his credibility with his father. And since the kids at Hogwarts were the ones he had to spend every waking minute with, Draco would just have to take this chance. Even if it meant getting helped by a Gryffindor and going to a school function with a mudblood all in the same week.

Harry couldn't believe he was actually helping him. He pondered his decision all the way to the Gryffindor common room, and up the stairs to the boys sleeping quarters. He flopped down on his bed, thankful that the room was empty, and stared up at the ceiling.

Why would Draco need his help on something like this? The most wanted guy in Hogwarts needs Harry's help getting a girl? Draco could get anyone he wanted!

Harry sat up quickly at his thought. Except for Hermione.

Hermione finished the last bite of her pie and got up from the Great Hall table. She glanced around the hall before she left. Various teachers were scattered around the edges of the hall, starting to prepare for the dance.

The dance! Hermione had completely forgotten. It was in less than a week, and she had agreed to go with Slytherin's foulest. She inwardly groaned at her spur-the-moment thinking. Ron and Harry would be there! She hadn't even considered other people being involved. What would they say? What would they DO?

Just then, Draco came waltzing back into the hall and took a seat at the almost empty Slytherin table. In fact, the whole hall had almost cleared out except for two first years at the Hufflepuff table who were engaging in a violent game of Wizard chess. Hermione remembered when Ron and Harry were that naïve.

She looked over to Draco, who had his head buried in his hands, letting his fingers intertwine with his golden locks. Hermione felt a tinge of pity. Was he regretting asking her? Granted, it would make things a lot easier for the both of them, but she hoped that wasn't the case.

Hermione walked over to where Draco was sitting and quietly sat down in front of him.

"Draco," she eased. Draco jumped at the sound of her voice, and let his hands fall from his head to the table.

"What do you want?" Draco sighed.

Hermione looked taken aback. "I'm just seeing if you're ok."

"Oh, a lot of good that will do, because I'm not."

"Draco, I'm trying---"

"You're trying to what? You're the reason this has happened to me. You're the reason my dad wants to banish me from the entire family tree, and you're the reason I can't concentrate on anything lately!"

"Oh, is that what this is? Am I making your life a living hell all of a sudden? Well, let me make it a little easier on you!" Hermione sprang from the table and ran out of the hall.

"Hermione!" Draco got up quickly and ran after her. "Hermione, I didn't mean it like that!"

Hermione whirled around. "Oh, and what did you mean it as, Malfoy?" Draco took note that she used his last name. "Because frankly, you're sounding as if you're being forced into doing something!"

"I'm not!" Draco sighed. "I'm not."

Hermione walked over to him. "Then what is your problem?"

"YOU!" Draco spat. "YOU'RE my problem! I can't get you out of my mind, and do you have THE SLIGHTEST IDEA what that could do to me?"

"My apologies, Draco. I'm sorry that you don't act on your impulses, and I'm sorry that I cause so much disgrace to your family, but could you just ONCE, ONCE think about how others are feeling!"

"I do, Hermione! That's the point! I can't go on thinking about you like this! I can ruin not only my reputation, but yours!"

"Well, Draco, that's a chance I'm willing to take, and it should be one that you'd take also. But apparently you don't care enough to even get off your ass and do something!"

Hermione turned to run, but Draco grabbed her forearm and spun her around, slamming her into a wall. He hesitated, and then crashed his lips down upon Hermione's. Her eyes widened, but she sank into him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She parted her lips slightly, giving Draco permission to enter her mouth. He explored her skillfully, as he placed a gentle hand on her waist.

As Draco pulled away, breathing hard, Hermione was glad she was up against a wall or else she would have collapsed. She regained her breathing and smiled at him.

He smirked. "You were saying?"

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed. :) This chapter was fun to write. REVIEW! Please. :P