Written with the help of Leila, just because she has the manga.

Copyright: This story follows the plot of "L'Amour À Tout Prix", a manga written by Minami Kanan. So technically, nothing here belongs to me because Harry Potter and Inc belong to J.K. Rowling. Look at me wailing because I don't own Draco Malfoy's tight ass!

It was summer vacation! Where lovers meet in the park, families reunite, and schools end. Warm wind swept over the country, leaving rain and muck in the gutter. Smiling faces turned up to the sun to enjoy its warmth and bask in its rays. In a month school would start again, but now everybody forgot about their worries to in its place go outside.

-+-

Of course, England was a different matter al together. As per usual, the sun hid itself behind those great grey clouds to appear in another country. Countless faces looked up to the sky to plead silently for them to go away. One face in particular, turned up to the sky with those magnificent grey eyes. But they were now dulled, surrounded by black and blue bruises. His mop of messy black hair rested against his knees, his chin turned up slightly to look up at the sky. His skinny pale arms had encircled his knees and pulled himself even more to a ball to gather some heat from his own body. His lips were partially opened, his eyes looking far away before… He started screaming again with short bouts of maniacal laughter in between that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Dull thumps resounded and the door flew open.

"Boy! What did I tell you about making a racket?"

-+-

Hermione Granger knew none of this. She was in Venice this year, soaking up the sun that energized even the laziest people. She was looking critically at her reflection as she added a touch of mascara to her brown eyelashes.

"It's time to go, honey!" a voice called out from the doorway of their hotel bathroom.

An older version of Hermione walked in, looking like a replica if she didn't have straight short hair and a taller build.

"I don't know why you bother with those group dates. You're a pretty girl, you don't need to go to some stupid group and go bowling of all things. Cancel and go with us to visit the churches…" she trailed off at the indignant stare that she got from her only daughter.

"Mum, we've already been here. I know a few people here and they organized a bowling event. Besides," she blushed and looked away from the mirror, "I'm not pretty. And even if I am, it doesn't matter. If I open my mouth I'll start spouting off facts..."

"What's so wrong with being intelligent?"

"Oh come on mum. No man likes to be outsmarted by a girl. It's the reason why guys walk the other way when they see me coming. It's why I don't have a boyfriend. It's why…" she trailed away and quickly turned away.

"Why what?" Hermione's mum grabbed hold of her chin and tilted it up. "Look at me, Hermione. Why what?"

"It's why my two best male friends won't even notice that I'm female. I've heard how they talk about me. A year ago I was a reserve for them, in case no one wanted to go out with them. And after they got turned down, then, THEN, they finally noticed I was a girl. DO you know how hard it is to be cool and sophisticated with them all the time? I've got to go!"

"Hermione, wait!" The sound of a door slamming answered her request.

---

Hermione angrily swept the tears away from her face. She had gotten over Ron Weasley, hadn't she? Burying herself in her studies hadn't deadened the feeling of disappointment, only made it greater.

'Stop it! Stop it, you wimp. What are you going to do, mope about it? You're a woman. Get a grip.'

Hermione used a tissue from her bag to clear her face up. 'Thank god for waterproof make-up.' Hermione had to stifle her laugh for that thought, but then though, 'Oh, what the hell!' and began laughing with great peals of laughter.

After a minute of two of undirected laughter, she felt good enough to go to the Blue Bowling, where the group was supposed to meet.

---

Hermione stepped into the badly lit bowling alley.

"Oy Hermione! Over here!" Sam yelled over the din of bowling pins being knocked down.

Hermione grinned at the thought of seeing Samuel Logerdoz again. It had been two summers ago when they had met. She had been walking when she bumped into him. As an apology he had invited her to go bowling with a few friends. Afterwards they wrote to each other and now, two years later, she stood before him again.

"Darling, where were you? We have a new addition to our group" He waved vaguely to the numerous shadowed chairs while they kissed three times. "But, first, let me take a good look at you." His eyes roved down and up her body. "Oh honey, nice tits. And those jeans make your ass so bubbly!" he smacked them playfully while Hermione sat down.

"Now now, Sam. I can say the same about you!" she smiled at his body. "Have you been working out again? I honestly don't know why, everyone already looks at you… Oh, I see, you want me to look bad, huh?" Hermione mock played angrily as she swatted his arm teasingly.

The silent spector watched their conversation with growing disbelief. Hermione Granger, giggling? Flirting? Not spouting out facts like a library? What was going on here? Suddenly, a question leaped out as they continued their conversation.

"…So Sam, how's your old boy doing?"

"Oh, I dumped him. I've got my eye on someone else."

"No, really? Who is it this time?" she asked with an exasperated sigh.

Sam nodded in the direction of the barkeeper. "See the hottie behind the counter? He's really shy, but look, He's so hot!"

No wonder. Sam was gay! He had suspicious when he had looked him up and down like a falcon searching out his prey, but he thought it had been out of suspicion, not…lust.

"So, Hermione, have you met our newest member yet? He's got the best technique. I know he could help you!"

"Oh come on, my technique's not that bad!" Hermione protested, but was overwhelmed by the according nods from around the table.

"So Draco, do you think you can help this helpless thing?"

---

Hermione stopped mid-laugh when she heard the word 'Draco'. Certainly not… She had to stifle a gasp as the mysterious man moved forward into the light. Pale blond hair was easily distinguishable, and his eyes lifted towards her. Grey eyes, with a tint of blue. And that smirk. Yup, it was Draco Malfoy.

AN: Ok, I'll need to tell you which parts are from L'Amour À Tout Prix. Hermione primping herself, that she goes to see a group date, and that somebody she hasn't seen for a long time suddenly shows up. Also the fact that the mysterious person is hot and that Hermione feels she has to hide her true self from others. What was not in the manga is the fact that Hermione's smart, Hermione's doesn't do karate (the girl did and that's what she was hiding) and that they first had dinner before bowling (which the girl did have). I know it's very confusing but I can't outright show you the book. Though you really should read it, if you can ever find it.