Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a nice time!

And we are hopefully back at the biweekly update scedue. I really wanted to update last week but it's hard to coordinate the lives of 3 people (my 2 wonderful betas Nantai and chocomieux - many thanks to you two - and me) so it wasn't possible. But good news is, I've already started writing the next chapter!

Many thanks for you reviews and comments and I really hope you keep them going. I love and reread them all the time! Tell me what you like and what you don't like!

Hermione reached out to the bell, but stopped a few millimeters over the button. She took a deep breath and then another, her finger hovering over it. Her gut was doing weird things and she felt like she would vomit any time soon.

She cursed herself for agreeing to this. It was stupid. She hated parties. She didn't like Parkinson. And she definitely didn't like Malfoy. Or did she?

Hermione's head was still spinning from the talk she had with Oliver earlier. He made her question her opinion on Malfoy. He had managed to throw her off.

He had made her dress up and now she was standing here, sure that she was making an utter fool of herself.

She should just go home and spend the evening on her favourite chair, reading a good book.

"Are you going to move or what?" somebody asked from behind her and Hermione flinched. She hadn't realised someone had come up the stairs, or exited the elevator.

Focusing her attention back to the door, she took one last deep breath and finally rang the bell.

The door swung open almost immediately with a force that suggested the person opening it was in a rather foul mood. The scowl on Malfoy's face - as it was him who appeared behind it - only strengthened that impression.

The scowl disappeared to Hermione's great surprise when Malfoy finally looked at her and was quickly replaced by what she assumed was supposed to be a smile. It looked more like he was in pain.

"You came," he said breathlessly and stepped aside, ignoring the people behind Hermione as they pushed past them, complaining about them being in the way.

"I said I would," Hermione said as he closed the door, and looked around the hallway, quite curious to see how Parkinson lived. Not to mention that it gave her a reason not to look at Malfoy.

"You can keep your shoes on," he said, "and I'll put your coat into a spare bedroom where we put our things. That way it will be easier to find. Of course you could just put it anywhere, if you are more comfortable that way, but-"

Hermione shoved her coat into his arms before he could even finish the sentence, silencing him effectively. "The bedroom is fine," she said, not sure how to feel about the fact that Malfoy was nervous.

"Uh, sure." He started walking and Hermione followed, watching him curiously. He was acting strange, which wasn't that surprising considering the strangeness of the whole situation, but she was not feeling that strange. Hermione had to bite the inside of her cheek to suppress the giggle that threatened to escape her mouth when she realized just how often she had used the word "strange" in one sentence alone. She definitely was acting strange.

Her thoughts had thrown her off so much that Hermione almost didn't realize that Malfoy had just showed her where he put her coat and they were now standing awkwardly in front of a closed door, surrounded by people dancing and talking

"Do you want something to drink?" Malfoy asked and Hermione nodded eagerly, desperate for something she could cling to. And alcohol would help them relax. Or so she hoped.

She was sure she wouldn't be able to stomach the current level of awkwardness for the whole evening.

"What would you like? May I mix you a cocktail?" Malfoy asked as they made their way to the kitchen, slowed down by the mass of people. Hermione wondered just how many Parkinson had decided to squeeze in this four room flat. And how she could afford it. Scratch it. Hermione knew that: rich parents and a trust fund.

"I don't know yet."

Hermione nodded her greetings to Nott, who was discussing something with a tall blond she didn't know and who nodded back, raising an eyebrow slightly as his eyes moved to Malfoy. It felt like he was asking her a question, but she didn't get it and hurried after Malfoy. If Nott wanted to ask her something, he should do it properly. She was in no state of mind for guessing games.

"We have beer, wine, rum, vodka, whiskey, gin and whatever the hell this is," Malfoy took a bottle full with a bright green fluid from the counter and studied the label with a frown. "Apparently a German peppermint liqueur. No idea where Theo got it," he said while Hermione studied what kind of non-alcoholic beverages were there to mix the alcohol with.

"Sounds disgusting," she said and reached out for a bottle of wine. It would be best to start slowly.

"That one's awful," Malfoy said offhandedly as he put back the green alcohol back, barely glancing at the bottle in Hermione's hands. "I can recommend the one next to it."

Hermione looked from one bottle to another and put the one she was holding back. She couldn't see a difference and she really didn't care that much. "You know what, I think I'll take vodka with some juice," she said, trying not to sound exasperated. She knew he didn't mean it in a bad way but she was extremely high strung and well, she never really liked wine that much anyway. It was just better than beer and weaker than the other things, but maybe for once she really needed strong.

"I didn't mean-" Malfoy said but she already shoved a vodka bottle into his hands.

"You wanted to make me a cocktail? Do your magic," she said with what she hoped was a smile. She wasn't sure. She could have looked like a maniac as well. Not that much of a difference in the current circumstances.

"There you are," Parkinson appeared next to Hermione with Zabini in tow just as Malfoy gave Hermione her drink.

"Thank you for having me," Hermione said neutrally, not forgetting her manners and Pansy smiled at her. It seemed at least one person on this party was still capable of that.

"Relax," Zabini laughed, opening a beer and they clinked their glasses together.

Hermione took a sip from her drink, which was surprisingly tasty, even though a bit strong.

"Anybody up to shots?" Malfoy asked and Hermione wondered if he was trying to get her drunk. But considering the events of the last party she had met him at, it could be just his usual behaviour.

"Seriously?" Parkinson didn't look too amused at the suggestion and Hermione wondered what the story behind that was.

She didn't get to ask though, as two girls appeared, eager to get Parkinson's attention. Hermione recognized one of them as Daphne Greengrass, a girl who went to school with them. Going by the similarity the second girl was probably her sister or cousin.

"Let's go look for Theo," Malfoy whispered into Hermione's ear, startling her, and suddenly he was pushing her out of the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" she asked, but Malfoy, who's hand was still on her lower back, didn't answer, guiding her to the corner where Nott was sitting on a couch, discussing something eagerly with a bunch of other people.

"Granger, who do you think has influenced our history more: Columbus or Drake?" Nott asked as soon as they arrived.

"Excuse me?" Hermione looked from Nott to Malfoy and then to the other people around them. She recognized one of them as a fellow law student from their year, but didn't know his name as she hadn't talked to him before.

"We are discussing the importance of historical figures," a girl said. "It's quite interesting to hear everyone's perspective. Today we have already decided that da Vinci has has a greater influence than Michelangelo."

"They play this every party," Malfoy whispered into Hermione's ear, making the fair hairs on the back of her neck stand. Suddenly, she realized just how close they were standing next to each other and sat down on the armrest of the couch.

The game seemed interesting enough to spend at least some minutes joining in.

"I think it is a question of whether we look at the importance for the world or for Great Britain. Columbus is more important if looking at world history, but Drake has greatly influenced our history. He is one of the reasons why Elizabeth won the war against Spain. It's hard to tell if they would have managed to come up with such a brilliant tactic without him - as far as I know, there are no records about who exactly came up with it. Columbus on the other hand did what he did on accident. Besides he was an uncultured-"

Draco listened to Granger, mesmerized, finally experiencing one of her debates in real life. He didn't count those he had witnessed in their school days, as he hadn't really listened back then, his only goal being to taunt her.

This was different and he really liked it. When he went to take a sip from his drink the glass was empty.

He sighed. He would have to get more, but he really didn't want to miss anything.

Granger, Theo and two other hardcore enthusiasts of this game - Pansy's friend Sarah and Theo's friend D-something Smith - were arguing about Columbus and Drake for over half an hour now and it was only getting more and more interesting.

He would have liked to join in, but his knowledge about Columbus was extremely limited. Sure, he could talk about a British hero, as his father called Drake, for hours, but he didn't feel comfortable with knowledge only about one of the two sides. He was content with listening for now.

"I'm getting more to drink. Should I bring you something as well?," he leaned down to whisper into Granger's ear. She didn't look at him, only holding up her empty glass so he could take it, but he didn't miss her shiver and grinned.

Draco hurried through the crowd, pointedly ignoring Astoria, who shot him a dirty glare as he passed her. Not that it mattered. She was in the past and he really liked Granger now - this evening, where he was practically content just standing next to her, proving it to him.

It was surprising to say the least.

Draco mixed their drinks quickly, recreating the fruity drink he had made for them earlier when Pansy appeared next to him out of nowhere.

"Is it going like you imagined?" she asked, leaning against the counter. "You don't seem to be saying much."

"I'm content listening for once," Draco replied and looked up at her. He took in the slightly smudged lipstick and untucked shirt. Pansy must have interrupted a make-out session to come talk to him. That's just how good of a friend she was.

"Who is the lucky man?" he asked.

Pansy made a point of rolling her eyes before speaking. "I don't kiss and tell, my friend. You should know that by now. And shouldn't you bring Granger her drink? We don't want her to think you abandoned her."

Draco wanted to say something but Pansy wasn't paying him any more attention. He took the glasses instead and started his way back into the living room when Astoria appeared in front of him.

He tried to pass her, but she blocked his way.

Draco sighed. "What do you want?" he asked, glancing at where Granger was currently explaining something to the others and Daphne, who had apparently joined them.

"You and Granger," Astoria said flatly and Draco suppressed the urge to groan or drown both of the glasses in his hands.

"It's none of your business. You broke up with me, remember?" Draco knew he sounded tired and if he was honest, he really was. If it was up to him, he would be twice as drunk as he currently was during this confrontation. Or they wouldn't be talking at all.

Hell, he didn't know what Astoria wanted and he didn't want to know. It was the last thing he needed right now.

"If you would excuse me," he said and pushed past her, but she caught his arm, causing some of the drink to spill over his hand.

"Draco," she said and he squeezed his eyes shut for just a moment before turning to face her.

"Yes?"

"You need to open up. You deserve to be happy," she said and let go.

Draco looked at her and it felt as if the world stood still around them before it started moving again, images and sound flooding him. He turned around and walked back to the small discussion group, sitting down on the vacant seat next to Granger. She took her glass, thanking him with a small smile.

"We're discussing Augustus and Alexander the Great now," she said.

Draco groaned. "Not again! Seriously, Theo, how often do you want to bring this up?" he looked at his friend.

"Until we finally have a winner," Theo replied, grinning at him from behind his glass with whiskey. "But back to the topic. I think Alexander is one of the most influential people ever born, simply because of the idea he represents. He has inspired many and united Greece-"

Draco drank, glaring at Theo who was watching him with mirth in his eyes as he spoke.

"Technically, Greece was conquered by his father Philipp II and definitely not united as they constantly fought back and would after his death too-," Hermione said and Draco almost choked on his drink. It was usually him who said that.

They continued the discussion, emptying glass after glass and Draco found himself leaning into Granger after a while, who didn't push him away.

When Theo said one of his signature arguments, Draco was drunk and comfortable enough to bury his head into Granger's shoulder.

She didn't react and continued arguing with Theo as if everything was completely normal.

Draco stayed in place a few moments longer than were necessary for theatrical purposes and pulled away only reluctantly.

Usually, he wouldn't let himself go like this, but this wasn't usually and he had too much to drink already.

"I think I need a break for my brain. It's not getting any easier," Sarah said and Theo and Daphne agreed.

Only Granger looked disappointed, but didn't say anything.

"I'm sure someone will start another round later," Draco said, nudging her arm slightly.

She turned to look at him, an unreadable expression on her face. "Is it weird that I am actually quite surprised that I am enjoying myself?" she asked.

Draco's breath hitched at how vulnerable she sounded. He had certainly not expected that and he didn't know how to properly react.

He licked his lips. "Not really," he said. "The only people you knew here before were people you didn't like and mostly disliked you. But that was based on us not knowing you and you not knowing us. And on me being a prick." He laughed nervously, looking at her delicate hands clutching the half-empty glass on her lap.

"That's probably true."

Draco looked up at her hesitantly, and when she didn't seem hurt or angry he took a deep breath, gathering all the courage he could muster. "Does it mean you are willing to give me another chance?"

Hermione chewed on her lip, obviously thinking as to what say as she avoided his eyes.

Draco wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers, anxiously awaiting her response. Just what did she have to think about? He sincerely hoped she wasn't thinking about how she should word the rejection and more about actually considering giving him a chance.

He had been on his best behaviour all night. Well, minus the alcohol. But he had needed something to calm his nerves. And to pretend he hadn't seen her with that guy-

Draco stiffened. He really didn't need to think about that other guy now. He was tense enough as he was. He emptied his glass.

"I think I am," Hermione said slowly and Draco did the one thing he could think of as relief spread over him. He leaned forward and kissed her, his free hand holding her head gently.

And she kissed him back.

She kissed him back. Draco pulled her closer tangling his hand into her hair, enjoying the foreign, unexpected, more than welcome sensation of kissing Hermione Granger.

Everything tingled and -

Glass broke and suddenly she was pushing him away, staring at him with wide eyes.

Draco stared back. He could feel his heart against his ribcage. It was too much. "I'm sorry," he whispered, searching her face for something, anything.

He had just barely managed to earn her forgiveness, he couldn't lose it again. Not like this. Not when he was sure that he wanted to much more.

Hermione didn't say anything for the longest way, her eyes dating between the exit and Draco.

The silence was killing him.

"Why?" she asked.

That was a good question. But he felt like he had answered it more than once. He was tired. She was insecure. It was his fault. He was drunk. It mattered. It mattered too much.

"I like you," he said, hoping that she understood how hard it was for him to be this honest with her, with himself, with them both. "I just really like you."

Hermione nodded and put a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Just don't do that again. Not anytime soon at least.," she said, looking at him uncertainly.

"I won't if you don't want it. I promise."