What a Gentlemen

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or the Harry Potter books,movie...etc, they belong to J.K Rowling.

A/N: Hey guys, I decided to update so soon after my other one, because I felt like I hadn't updated in a while before yesterday...sooooo, here you go! Please remember to review, it makes my day when I come home to an inbox full of reviews! Authors out there, you know exactly how I feel! Enjoy, byeeeeeee! x

Draco picked Hermione up, carried her into her room and laid her gently on her bed.

What was the point of doing it now if she wouldn't remember anything the next day anyway? This time I will follow her advice and build on this slowly, Draco thought to himself, but what did he want to build on? A relationship? No it's just to get back at Pansy right?

Hermione was spread over the covers, looking like a model promoting a bed that Draco definitely would have bought had he seen the advert. She looked so peaceful, and the moment he laid her gently on the bed, she fell into an easy slumber.

For a while, Draco simply stood there and watched her sleep. He thought about his situation with unease. Was he was he actually falling for Hermione? Over the past few days they had been forced to talk more than usual and it had not always resulted in an argument. He liked the fact she could stick up for herself, and that she had determination and personality. Most girls just acted girly and cute so that he would fuss over them and defend them, but Hermione was different. And it didn't hurt that she was prettier now.

Well, more than pretty. Hermione was gorgeous and Draco, always the willing insurgent, wondered what people would think about him getting together with Hermione. There was always Blaise he had tried something with her as well, so Draco knew he wasn't the only one to think of it.

She was a mudblood though, and friends with Potty and Weasel to boot. And however stunning Hermione proved to be, Draco was still destined to be Voldemort's right hand man. Draco had a funny feeling that dating one of the Dark Lords adversaries wouldn't go over too well with the rest of the Death Eaters.

Draco stepped slowly towards the bed, bending down to brush a stray strand of hair from Hermione's face, gently kissing her warm cheek.

Then, he left the room.

X

The second the door clicked shut; Hermione's eyes flew open in shock.

What the fuck was that about, she wondered silently, struggling with her sleep-addled mind to sort out Draco's anomalous actions. But before Hermione could fully think things through, she fell into a sudden dreamless sleep that left her mind void of answers.

X

Draco walked downstairs to find the party slowly drawing to a close as people gradually filtered towards the exit.

As he immersed himself into the party scene once more, Draco heard people asking where Hermione had ended up. From what he gathered, the few people remaining wished to thank her for throwing such an awesome party. Not that anyone had bothered much with the clean up. Draco noticed that the room was littered with abandoned masks that had been discarded after the mystique of the masquerade had worn off, which wasn't such a terrible idea. It was always helpful to know who had been making out with, so you could speak to them, or try to ignore them the following day.

In one deserted corner of the room Draco managed to spot Hermione's elegant mask. Despite all of the trash and mess around it, the mask itself was positioned rather neatly by a few throw pillows and as Draco walked over to retrieve it, he began to wonder whether he was doing it just to be nice, or if he was doing it as an excuse to speak to her again. Drawing closer, he noticed two rather-rumpled figures lying on the floor in the same spot where he and Pansy had been only an hour or so before.

X

Pansy needed to get over Draco cheating on her.

The memory of that awful night had only made her realize that she needed to get back at him before she could forgive him. She had lost too much sleep; shed too many tears, to let him be forgiven without punishment. Without revenge. And Pansy had the perfect plan.

Even in the waning lighting of the room, Draco could make out Pansy's shadowy profile entwined with another, equally distinguishable character. They looked awkward and thrown together, but their actions were undeniable. They were marking each other with sloppy kisses, each one louder and more distinguishable than the last. Coming closer, Draco realized he had been holding his breath, desperate to prove himself wrong. But upon closer inspection, Pansy's cohort was undeniable. Blaise.

When Pansy kissed Blaise she felt a wave of relief surge through her body. She hadn't shown anybody this amount of affection since her break up and there was no question as to how good it felt. To be kissed again, to be wrapped in someone's arms again, and to feel loved again. It was amazing how much she had missed it. And now that she had done it, she realized exactly how much she wanted her partner to be Draco. So what if he had cheated on her, she had cheated on him too. And even though they weren't technically dating it still made the situation seem righted. Now at last they could finally get back together.

Pansy knew perfectly well that Draco was standing over her and the thrill she felt at the jealousy in his eyes was unquestionable. She wanted him to know that she still had charm and beauty and desirability.

And then, Pansy had another idea.

She wanted Draco to feel exactly as she had and so decided to step up the kiss. Smiling devilishly to herself, Pansy threw herself at Blaise, her hands racing to touch every part of him. His hair, his face, his chest. And it didn't take long for Blaise to follow her example, letting his hands roam freely at the expense of Draco, who looked ready to burst with anger. Pansy felt a twinge of remorse for him, but quickly pushed it away. After all, the further she went with Blaise, the more she forgave Draco for his indiscretion.

Draco, who had been momentarily paralyzed with jealousy, quickly reached over to grab Hermione's mask, shouting uncontrollably in the process.

'THIS PARTY IS OVER! EVERYONE GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE NOW!'

The people who remained cast confused and angry stares his way, but began to get up and move towards the door nevertheless. Draco glared at them all, waiting until he heard the two love-birds break apart to turn around and face Pansy who was looking suspiciously satisfied.

'Draco you know, this is my party, right? I think I should decide when people leave', she began hotly but suddenly lost her nerve when she saw the look Draco shot her. Staring uneasily down at her feet, Pansy began to mumble something about the clean up and how the morning would surely bring some clarity to things.

Draco walked away, leaving her faltering and alone, with the intent to start shooing people from the room, but his earlier declaration had remedied that and so he resigned to pacing the room, kicking at deserted pieces of trash and debris. Out in the corridor he could hear some of the more inebriated partygoers still laughing and making merry. Any other time Draco would have been out there joining them in their frivolity but this time was different. As Head Boy he would have to stay in his room and deal with the aftermath of the party.

Draco collapsed heavily into an arm chair to think things through. He began to understand Pansy's revenge for that was all it could be. Pansy wasn't a terribly bright complex individual and certain things were understood. She had been hurt by his earlier infidelity and was therefore attempting to right a wrong with a wrong. And although Draco understood this, he didn't necessarily appreciate it. And the more he mulled it over, the more he became enamored with the revenge tactic himself. She had done it to get back at him, but no Slytherin could take any form of revenge with understanding. In short, Draco was at a loss. He knew he needed to make her regret what she had done, and then they could be together, providing she understood her lesson in humility. Now if only he could think of something well, more like someone he could use to humiliate and infuriate Pansy.

Suddenly, it came to him. He knew exactly who he should use. Laughing at his own genius, Draco drifted into a contemplative slumber, dreaming of the days ahead.

X

Hermione woke up.

'Ugh', she grumbled, tumbling gracelessly out of bed. Fucking hangover.

Standing up slowly, Hermione made her way to the bathroom, all the while trying to ignore the dull pounding in her head.

When she finally reached the bathroom, Hermione was surprised to find the air still thick with steam and the tiles slick with water. Attempting to avoid the foot-shaped puddles dotting the floor, Hermione found herself wondering how Draco had managed to beat her to the bathroom. Even in her current state, she had been sure that she had woken up before him unless he had snuck out earlier.

Hermione had little time to think over this peculiarity though before her body begged to be soothed. So, locking the door behind her, she undressed with surprising speed, and stood in the shower. She was so exhausted from the previous evening that before she knew it, her own salty tears were mixing with the water running down her face. Even in her diluted condition she remembered Pansy's cruelty like a knife to the gut. They had all seemed so nice and genuine. It was inconceivable that they had all just been playing some huge joke at her expense. Still, Hermione found herself wondering how she could have been so blind to their tricks of course they wouldn't have wanted her to be a part of the clique without getting something in return.

And what Blaise had tried to do to her was simply awful. Thank god for Draco.

Hermione couldn't hide her grin when she thought about him.

He had saved her for one, and he was such a gentleman. Maybe not all the time, but he was definitely making improvements. Maybe he had changed, but I would expect something like this from Ron or Harry, but not from Draco, Hermione mused silently to herself. To his credit though, he had been raised in one of the proudest, aristocratic families she had ever seen, so maybe he did have some manners under his cocky facade.

But he had kissed her and that was too unexpected for Hermione to even begin to comprehend. What could he want with her? Sure he had been nicer to her since they had been working so close due to Head duties, but there were so many other girls who he could have gone for.

Times truly have changed, she thought mildly, we have been forced to talk more and I guess, we have been arguing less and less the past few days, but was it truly possible?

X

He could hear her taking a shower.

Draco had been up for hours, trying to think things through. And in his musings he had come to the conclusion that he indeed like Hermione. He was still a death eater though, and he had changed. On becoming a Death Eater, he realized how low he was in the chain of Voldemort's followers. He was younger, inexperienced and scared to really demand superiority and respect from the rest of them. He had learned to hold his tongue, and that had changed him…a lot. And besides, it wouldn't really matter in the long run, she would just be his girlfriend from school. He was destined to be with Voldemort, and above all he was a Malfoy. No girl could change that.

And its not as if I like her like that, Draco added hurriedly, it's to get at Pansy. That's right Pansy.

Not matter how hard Draco tried to remind himself of that simple fact however, he was finding it increasingly harder to focus on the revenge aspect of his plan. And he fully blamed Hermione. She was just slightly different than the rest. She was the girl he knew he could never have, but consequently wanted the most. She was so perfect, the smartest girl in school, the prettiest one around and he was a Malfoy. And Malfoy's always got the best. There would undoubtedly be speculation if they were to get together, but he had never really cared about what people had said about him.

Besides this was school. Just school. Not the real world.

X

Hermione wiped the condensation from the mirror and examined herself critically. She was a mess; there was no getting around it. Fortunately, it was easily remedied and after a few quick spells to get rid of the dark bags under her eyes, and style her hair in a casual bun, she was satisfied.

Hermione stifled a yawn and ventured from the bathroom to her room to collect her homework. She preferred studying in the common room if she was able (which, being the Head Girl, she usually was). It had the best books, it was quiet, and no one interrupt her there. It was the perfect safe haven.

So, in the pursuit of silence, Hermione made her way down the stairs, stumbling only slightly under the weight of her books.

Draco watched her approach, casually noting the way certain strands of hair fluttered sexily around her face and the way she was obviously having difficulty managing her load. Typical, Draco thought to himself, she's probably battling the worst hangover of her life and she still wakes up at the crack of dawn to study. Still, he stood up, unable to resist helping her, and saved several books from crashing to the floor.

She turned red, and muttered a quick thank you.

'Oh hell, that reminds me', Draco groaned, catching sight of one of her books, 'I have Ancient Ruins homework that I've been avoiding all week.'

He paused, as if caught in thought before dashing upstairs, only to return a moment later, his arms laden with his own books.

Hermione however didn't seem to notice this brief interlude, and had already seated herself at the table, quill in hand, her face buried in the Ancient Ruins book.

Draco joined her, spreading his work out on the table opposite her. A few minutes passed in silence.

'Hmm…'

Hermione breathed contemplatively, breaking the silence. When Draco glanced up she appeared baffled.

'What's the problem?' He asked, looking up towards her.

I don't understand this one Hermione admitted finally, pointing towards the problem in question. When she glanced up however, the last thought on her mind was the problem.

It was quite pleasant to be working so closely with Draco. He was probably the smartest boy in the year, and it was nice to be able to have an intellectual conversation with someone, even if it was just over a confusing homework problem. It surprised Hermione how easily just being together had been though to her surprise they had been together for an unprecedented thirty-six minutes before she had come across the particular nasty code.

Draco stood up, moving so that he was right next to Hermione before crouching down to assess the problem. Pulling up a chair, Draco plopped down next to her, and Hermione was oddly thrilled by the feeling their proximity inspired in her. It was the closest they had ever been to each other (with the exception of the night before) and the hairs on Hermione's arms were tingling expectantly. Expecting what she didn't know, but her gut told her that it would be worth it.

'Oh', he breathed and the sudden heat from his exhalation sent shivers down her spine 'It's actually quite easy, when you look further than what it says…'

Hermione knew he was explaining it, and she knew she should probably be listening, but she couldn't tear her eyes away from how elegantly his hand moved across the parchment when he was drawing notes. Sometimes he would glance up at her, as if to make sure she was still following, and even though Hermione barely heard a word he said, she continued nodding her head in agreement. Draco glanced up again and for a minute their

eyes met, something that startled both of them, yet neither could quite bring themselves to break the contact. After a moment however, Hermione blinked and Draco looked surprised, drawing away and heading back to his seat.

The rest of the hour, Hermione spent contemplating her feelings for Draco. He had obviously changed quite a bit and they hadn't been fighting as much. Since becoming Head Boy and Girl, they had somehow learned that they were capable of working together without killing each other. And he seemed to like her right? He had kissed her the other night. If he were to ask me out, Hermione thought vaguely to herself, and if he were to ask me out, then well, think about how mean he would be if I said no! Exactly, I'm doing this for my own safety aren't I? But I think, maybe we would probably get a long better if we were dating, and, and he is definitely not bad looking.

Then it struck her.

Pansy.

Payback time.

After that realization hit, Hermione found she couldn't concentrate and around noon decided that she had spent enough time staring at the problems before her and opted for an early lunch. She didn't feel like dealing with the hustle and bustle of the Great Hall though and decided instead to take her lunch outdoors to take advantage of the last few sunny days before the year's first snowfall. She was halfway out the door when a new thought came to her mind, and before she could think it through she was turning to face Draco who was still sitting at the table bent over his homework.

'It's probably the last nice day outside before it snows,' she said quickly, 'I'm going to go and have a picnic and if you want to come well, it wouldn't be terrible,' she finished, grabbing a book and walking quickly out the door.

'Wait!'

She froze, turning slowly to face her caller.

'I'm coming, let me just get some of my homework though.'

Draco rushed to gather his things, not wanting to miss one second with Hermione.

He joined her at the door, and together they walked outdoors, discussing their plans for the future after Hogwarts. Draco was surprised to find himself admitting his own uncertainties even though he knew he was destined towards the Death Eater line of work. It was mostly due to Lucius prompting of course, but a part of Draco also longed for the protection that working under the Dark Lord would provide. He would never have to worry about himself, as long as he remained loyal, and when the time came for him to take a wife, he would never have to worry for his family's safety.

Heading across the grounds, Draco and Hermione were surprised to notice that they weren't the only ones there. Several groups dotted the Hogwarts landscape and looked openly puzzled at the proximity of the two Heads, not to mention the distinct lack of bickering.

Lets go over there Hermione suggested, pointing towards the edge of the lake where a big oak tree stood. It seems quieter; she noted when Draco looked unsure.

'Good idea. Here let me take that,' Draco offered, silently berating himself for not taking the picnic basket and books she had been simultaneously juggling earlier.

'Thanks,' Hermione blushed shyly, allowing him to shoulder some of the weight.

'My pleasure,' Draco responded chivalrously. Manners after all, were essential in the Malfoy family.

They sat down slowly, leaning up against the oak tree, and unpacking the sandwiches. They stared out across the lake, both lost in thought of what the future would bring. What were they going to do when they left the gates of Hogwarts? The security and comfort of Hogwarts that they had always taken for granted was quickly dissolving and neither felt ready to face the real world.

And the war… they both knew it wasn't long till it would start.

The school was forcing everyone to leave for Christmas, because Hogwarts would be void of teachers and therefore unsafe, because everyone would out fighting and doing their part for the war. Hermione found herself anxious regarding her own uncertain future, although the foreboding had brought a new perspective as well. Faced with her own possible mortality, Hermione felt as if she should experience the most she could now in case she didn't make it. What if she never got the chance to do all those things she wanted to do when she older. Who knew what would happen to her during the war?

No regrets, she told herself. Carpe Diem.

She turned to face Malfoy.

He looked at her.

She leaned in closer.

It was all about taking a chance.

Should she take a chance with Malfoy?

R&R!