Word count: 521


"I didn't ask for your help, McLaggen!" Draco snaps, scowling and jerking away from the idiotic Gryffindor who just helped him up.

A lot of people would have at least flinched at Draco's tone. After all, he's always had something of a reputation for being a bit of a jerk, and the war's end has only solidified that. Now, one wrong move, and it's like people are waiting for him to explode, to kill them all with a single glare. Despite his name being cleared, he's still treated like a criminal, like some dangerous thing.

But not McLaggen. The younger man just stands there, grin still stuck on his stupid face, completely unfazed by anything Draco has said. "Well, you didn't have to, Malfoy," he says, and his grin only broadens. Draco wishes he could punch him in his face, but he's supposed to be proving that he's reformed. "Couldn't resist helping a damsel in distress."

Draco rolls his eyes, fingers curling inward to form fists. Just one punch. Surely anyone who's spoken to Cormac for even five seconds will understand.

"I'm hardly a damsel! I tripped over the bloody pile of rubble. That doesn't mean I need your help."

Helping to restore Hogwarts was supposed to be a good thing. It was supposed to be a way to give back to the community and prove Harry wasn't completely mental for defending him. Instead, it has been a nightmare. No one talks to him. On more than one occasion, he's found himself the butt of some stupid joke. Draco has never really believed in karma, but he can't help but to think maybe this is the universe's way of punishing him.

"Anyway, no need to thank me. You can take me out to dinner if you're just dying to repay me," Cormac continues, as though Draco hadn't spoken at all.

"Why the hell would I take you out?"

"Because you need someone, and I am someone," Cormac says, reaching out and resting a hand on Draco's shoulder. The touch makes Draco shiver. "I'd be lying if I said I haven't wanted to have dinner with you for some time now."

Draco swallows dryly. No one has ever touched him like this. So softly. So gently. He looks up, and he sees something in Cormac's eyes that he doesn't quite understand. Not completely. "Why?"

"Because who can resist such a handsome man?" Cormac laughs. "You've always had that sort of edgy thing going for you. I find it quite hot, if I'm honest."

Draco stares at him for a moment, slowly processing his words. When it finally clicks, his jaw drops, and he stares at Cormac, dumbfounded. "Are you asking me on a date?" he finally manages.

Cormac snorts. "Caught on, have you? Blimey, I thought you were supposed to be smart. Well?"

Draco thinks his father would probably kill him, but his father's opinions don't matter anymore. Prisoners can hardly control what's happening in the outside world.

Besides, Draco does need someone, and he can't think of a reason why that someone shouldn't be Cormac. "I'll see you tonight at eight."