Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Just this fanfiction.

HARRY

Harry closed the laptop after answering his mother's email and stretched out on his bed, playing with a rubber ball tossing it over and over to the ceiling. If Seamus, his roommate, had been present he probably would have said something about the noise, but he was in class and Harry was alone with his thoughts.

"Damn girl" he thought while remembering Ginny interrupting his oratory lessons with a basket full of cupcakes. "I should have never listened to Draco, I shouldn't have accepted to participate in that stupidity".

Harry threw the ball so furiously towards the other end of the room that it bounced several times before falling onto Seamus' bed. He sat up, annoyed by the whole situation, and his eyes fixed on the pink box that still contained the cupcake Ginny had given him.

On Wednesday Harry had left the classroom very angry so he forgot to bring his backpack. Once he realized, ran back to the classroom and found the box that Ginny had given him. Unable to restrain himself, he took the box and now it rested on his desk.

He couldn't help but think how beautiful Ginny looked that afternoon in her yellow dress and that smug smile that he hated so much but at the same time it attracted him tremendously.

Ginny was the kind of girl he detested, the superficial ones that abounded in his world; but still there was something different about her that made a warm sensation spread through his body whenever he saw her.

Harry remembered the first time he saw her. She was dancing happily with a few other girls. It was a stupid fraternity party that Draco convinced him to assist. After that night he couldn't remove the image of Ginny from his head, her laughter, fire red hair, her smile and her way of walking. It was because of her that he accepted to participate in the threesome, his only spontaneous decision that was now hunting him. But he couldn't resist. He wanted to have her just for once, because they couldn't be together as a couple. No when she was so shallow and egocentric.

He got out of bed and took the little pink box. He pulled out the cupcake, which looked appetizing even though it was already Friday and two days had passed. He thought about throwing it away and was about to, but in the end he regretted it and took a bite out of it. The flavor was hazelnuts and chocolate, his favorite. He wondered if maybe Ginny had asked Draco about it, though he doubted his friend remembered those details.

Harry finished the cupcake and decided it would be better to get some air, so he put away his wallet and keys and left the building where his room was. He walked aimlessly, then realized his feet had guided him to the offices, where he knew Hermione worked as Professor Lockhart's assistant two days a week, Friday including.

He entered the place and found Hermione sitting behind a desk reading some papers with a focused expression. He smiled and walked over to her, leaned against the desk and enjoyed the surprised look she gave him when she realized he was there. "Harry", she smiled too, "What are you doing here?"

He shrugged, "I felt like stopping by to visit you. Are you very busy? I'm interrupting?#

She put the papers aside, "No, not at all. I was just checking that the professor assigned correctly the grades for each student. I was almost over and Professor Walker has already left#.

"I see", he nodded, "So what are your plans for this weekend?"

She answered instantly, "Mmm nothing special. I will probably stay at the house starting to organize everything for the Greek Week and selecting the places for our charity work of the semester".

Harry laughed but preferred not to comment, "Can I walk you home? Or better, invite you to dinner?" He asked when he saw her turn off the computer and stand up.

"Oh", Hermione nibbled her lips as she considered the offer, and Harry thought there was something strange about her attitude

"Does it bother you that I invited you to dinner?" He was quite perceptive

"Of course not, it's just that…", she muttered but in the end smiled, "I accept the invitation. But only if I pay for my food".

Harry narrowed his eyes but she looked at him very seriously. In the end he sighed, "As you wished", he said.

The dark haired boy helped her close the office, and then they walked to a nearby pizza parlor. They ordered two slices of Hawaiian and soda, "How are the classes going?" He asked as they ate.

She drank her soda, "Pretty calm actually, at least for now. Then I'll have to run like a crazy person and divide my time between studying, working and sorority work", she sighed.

"Do you have to organize the Greek Week?" Harry knew it was one of the biggest and most anticipated events for them. Hermione nodded, "I thought that was the duty of the President and the second in charge".

"Angelina is our president and Ginny is in charge of the social calendar and events, I am just supporting them".

"Which means you are likely to do everything"

She shrugged, "I'm happy helping"

Harry wasn't a fool; and had instantly realized how her sisters treated Hermione. He remembered the way Ginny behaved in that cafeteria, ignoring Hermione all the time while the brunette tried only to be supportive.

A wave of tenderness rose in him towards the girl who was eating calmly her pizza. Harry changed the subject because he didn't want to engage in a discussion with her about the sorority or make her uncomfortable, so they talked about cinema for a long time, so much so that it was already dark when they left the pizza parlor.

On the way to Hermione's house, as Harry had offered to accompany her, they passed a large marquee from an old cinema announcing a special "Casablanca" feature for the weekend. Without much thought Harry went to the box office and bought two tickets. "You're coming with me tomorrow right?" He smiled as he showed her the tickets

She smiled as well, "Only because it was of my favorite movies"

"I'll pick you up at seven then"

She replied shooking her head, "Let's better met here, I'll be out of the house running some errands".

They continued walking as they talked about the movie and suddenly they were already on the avenue where the imposing fraternity houses were erected, the avenue was for once quite deserted. "Which one is yours?" He asked looking at all the houses.

"The one at the end", she pointed to one of the larger houses, a two-story white Victorian building.

"Pretty", he laughed and Hermione couldn't help but smile.

A tall and stylized silhouette appeared next to them, "Potter?"

He hadn't realized the moment Draco had appeared on the street. Harry felt Hermione tense next to her. "Well, well, Harry Potter in the Greek neighborhood", he chuckled, mockingly, "Are you considering joining us? Did you like tasting the system so much on Sunday?"

"I was just walking through the neighborhood", he preferred to omit Draco's provocations and replied, "I'll see you later Draco", he said, and turned to Hermione, gently placing his hand on her back

"You are Ginevra's friend", Draco's grey eyes locked on Hermione, who blushed completely and looked away, nodding.

"This is Mione, my friend", Harry didn't like the way the blonde looked at her.

"Mione? I thought… of course, Mione, Hermione"m he gave her his best charming smile, "I'm Draco Malfoy , by the way, although I guess you already knew me".

"Hermione Granger", she managed to whisper as she got closer to Harry.

Harry hadn't realized until that moment that Draco looked much more elegant than other times, clothed in a black suit, grey shirt and with his hair pushed back, like he did for a formal occasion, "Where are you going by the way?" Harry asked while taking Hermione's hand in his, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Draco.

"Father insisted on meeting me since he is in the city", he shrugged without giving much importance, "I'm late, to tell the truth".

"We won't hold you back then", the green eyed replied, smiling at his friend.

"See you later, Potter. Hermione", Draco smiled at the latter and strode off to his car.

The car was lost after turned on the avenue, and they walked back toward the house. Harry gently left her hand at the entrance and Hermione smiled at him. "Thanks for accompanying me home", she said.

"It was a pleasure", he smiled at her.

She didn't seem to say anything else, and although he was dying to ask her about her reaction to Draco, he knew the time wasn't right, "I'll see you tomorrow then, Mione"

The girl nodded, "Tomorrow. Good night Harry"

"Good night", he approached and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Hermione blushed but smiled at him. Harry put his hands in his pockets, and walked away from the house.

Once he was out of sight of Hermione, he took out one of his cigarettes and lit it. He inhaled the smoke slowly, allowing it to fill his lungs, as he thought of possible reasons to explain Hermione's nervousness. She was quite quiet and calm, but in Draco's presence she had practically minimized herself.

He imagined many hateful situations that Draco could have put her through, considering they were neighbors and belonged to the Greek system; but judging from their recent exchange it seemed like Malfoy and Hermione hadn't had much contact.

Harry exhaled a large puff of smoke and sighed. "I guess she likes Draco."

It was the most obvious conclusion and it seemed the right one, and for some reason that idea hurt him. He wasn't jealous or envious of Draco; he was concerned because Malfoy never took girls seriously. Harry didn't want Hermione to be just another of the blonde's girl.

"I'll have to keep an eye on that relationship," he said to himself as he stubbed out his cigarette and lit a new one. He hadn't liked the looks of interest Draco had given Hermione at all.

DRACO

The waiter poured them another glass of wine and Draco couldn't stop his thoughts from leading him to his recent encounter with Harry and that girl. He took the cup between his fingers, sniffed it for a few seconds to taste it, and took a small sip while evoking Hermione Granger, his next target.

If he had to describe her in one word it would be simplicity. She wasn't ugly, but she wasn't his type, either. He used to prefer tall, slimmer women, those who always looked like catwalk models and most of all, who had zero brain. Hermione, on the other hand, wasn't wearing much makeup and was wearing the dullest clothes a sorority girl should wear.

"She will serve for my purpose" he thought as he cut off a piece of his chicken parmigiana and brought it to his mouth.

"Are you listening to me, Draco? I hope you're not wasting my time", the stern voice of his father brought him back to the immediate reality of the restaurant.

Draco excused himself with some rather formal words, and his father continued to talk about his grades and the need for him to become the businessman to meet the expectations of his last name. He disconnected again in a few seconds. He had heard that speech many times and knew it through and through.

He continued eating and thinking of some way to get closer to that girl and make her fall for him as soon as possible. Draco tried to hide a smile at imagining Potter's reaction once he began to frequent his new friend.

Inciting Harry's rage was the main motivation to approach this girl. The blonde remembered all those summer camps they were sent as children, always competing against each other in games, his father comments when Harry passed him on lacrosse; or the time Tess, the first girl he really liked, fell in love with Harry.

Draco could never forgive him for any of that even though he knew it wasn't Harry's fault. He had always lived to beat him in everything, to try to annoy him, although at the same time he sometimes felt that he was the only true friend he had.

"But now I will take away something that matters to him", he thought. Because Potter cared about Hermione, there was no doubt of it.

And then there was Ginevra. She also seemed determined to keep that girl away from Draco. Although of course she did it for other reasons.

"A virgin. A real virgin". Draco drank from his glass again and licked his lips.

"Maybe you could get a tutor to help you with those terrible grades", Lucius suggested, although it sounded like an order, "Of course, if you do it, it should be with all the discretion of the case", he gave him another stern look, "I don't want rumors to spread that my son needs tutoring".

Draco smirked, "You know father? I think it is an excellent idea".

"It's settled then. Once we return from our trip you can get a tutor".

"Trip?" He lifted an eyebrow and looked at his father, "Are we traveling?"

Lucius explained, "It is time for you to learn more about the family business. We will go to Asia where our main businesses are located and I will introduce you to the board of directors".

"It's really necessary?" Draco asked thinking how boring that sounded.

His father gave him a severe look again, "In two years you will begin to assume your responsibilities as heir to the Malfoy Family so it is necessary, I would say rather essential, that other executives know you"

"As you say father", Draco finally accepted, suddenly losing his appetite, "When will we leave?"

"Tomorrow. It is not something that can be delayed".

"And the college, my classes?"

"I've already arranged everything with the dean"

As always, Draco muttered under his breath and finished his glass of wine.

After leaving the restaurant, Draco accompanied his father to the airport. They flew to New York and then to Beijing. His father never wasted time, as he understood as soon as they arrived in China and the endless meetings began.

It was a boring two weeks for Draco, and he only had a break for two days in Japan because the bad weather did not let them fly. It had been a long time since he had visited Japan. He had forgotten the beautiful and futuristic city that it was, the peculiarity of its people and the hectic style of life. Draco was fluent in the language so it was not difficult for him to escape his father's control and explore the city a bit.

By the time his short stay in Japan ended and he had to return to the United States, he was feeling much more relaxed than ever.

The sun was shining high in the sky when he arrived at the campus. He left his belongings in his fraternity room and left determined to implement the idea he had had before his father dragged him on that business trip.

Draco crossed the street and was about to ring the bell for the huge white house where he believed he would find Hermione when it suddenly opened and Ginny appear before him, "So you're finally here", she greeted him, raising one of her finest eyebrows.

"Hello for you too Ginevra", he said.

"Whatever", she rolled her eyes she left the house with long strides, "Right now I don't have time for you Draco, I'm late", she said while pressing the button that deactivated the alarm on her car.

"I wasn't really looking for you", he grinned at her as he leaned against her red convertible, "Do you know where I can find Hermione?"

Ginny stopped halfway to get into the car and stared at him with her big hazel eyes, "How is it that suddenly everyone seems to be interested in her?" She whispered angrily.

He smiled sideways, "I was told that she is a very interesting girl".

She ignored him and got into her car. Draco also got into the car and sat in the passenger seat, "What do you want Draco?" She turned to him and continued to stare at his grey eyes.

"For you to drive", he smiled, "You're running late, remember?" Ginny said nothing and started the car's engine. "So… why are you so upset about?", he asked while taking one of the magazines Ginny had in her car.

"Too many things. You among them".

Draco couldn't help to smirk, "Potter is still ignoring you, I assume"

Ginny turned the car around carelessly and he staggered off balance, "I don't want to talk about him"

"Fine, I won't mention him", he said running his hand through his hair, "But tell me where I can find Hermione"

"I see that you have not given up the ridiculous idea of approaching her. Why?"

He shrugged, "I have my reasons".

Ginny laughed, "Basically meaning you want to fuck her".

"Don't be jealous, beautiful", he approached her and kissed her neck, "You'll always be my special girl".

Ginny laughed and pushed him away, "Stop saying nonsenses", she said and parked the car, "You know what? On second thought, go and mess with Hermione, you both deserve each other. I do hope you have a lot of fun with her until you lost all interest, like you usually do".

"I see that the I'm a good friend attitude lasted you for a few days", Draco laughed ignoring her comment.

She gave him another glare before answering, "I deal with my girlfriends as I please Draco", she smiled sweetly at him and then snapped at him, "Now get out of here, I have things to do".

Draco preferred not to upset her for the moment and obeyed her. She got out a few seconds later, locked her car, and entered the arts building where he assumed she would have classes.

"I'm certainly back home", Draco thought as he walked in the opposite direction from Ginny to head for the block of residences where Harry lived.

On his way, he stopped at a Starbucks and ordered an ice cold drink because the sun was getting worse with each passing hour. Draco was about to leave the store when a familiar silhouette among the people that crowded the cafeteria caught his attention.

Draco looked around to confirm his suspicions. Must be my lucky day, he thought as he sipped his drink and approached the girl, who was reading the menu as she considered what to order, "Hello Hermione", he greeted with a big smile as he managed to position himself next to her.

Hearing her name, she turned and Draco could see her face turning soft pink when she realized who had greeted her. That seemed hilarious and at the same time different from what he was used to. "Draco", she said at the end as she clutched nervously at her small purse.

"Can I accompany you?" He asked.

"Uhm … I guess so", Hermione nibbled on her lips.

It will be easier than I imagined, Draco thought as he smiled at her, "So, how have you been?" He sipped his drink while still watching her.

"I've been fine, thanks".

He was going to say something else but it was Hermione's turn to order. She ordered two cold drinks, paid the bill, and walked toward the bar. Draco followed her, "Two cold drinks? Thirsty much?" He smiled.

"One is for Harry", she explained.

For some reason her answer annoyed him but Draco smirked, took another sip of his drink and preferred to think that the closer Hermione and Harry were, the more it would affect Potter. "Are you going to meet him? I was heading to his dorm".

She smiled, "We're going to lunch together". He nodded. Hermione took her drinks and they left the place.

"Are you two good friends?" He asked while walking together.

"I've known him for a short time, actually, but I like him", she smiled again, "Have you two known each other for a long time?" She dared to ask.

"Since we were children", Draco threw what was left of his drink in a trash can, "Well, here we are", Draco pointed to the building, "I'm afraid we'll have to wait here for Harry because I can't remember which one is his room"

"Oh, that's no problem, I know which one is", she entered the building and he had no choice but to follow her.

So she's been here before, he thought. How close are these two really are?" He couldn't help wondering as he watched Hermione's silhouette walk in front of him.

"This is the one", she pointed the room number 317, "I don't know if Seamus is in there or…"

Draco forced the lock on the door and it opened without much effort. Hermione looked at him, alarmed, and he couldn't help but smile at that gesture. "Easy Granger", he gently ran his knuckles across her cheek, "The door was practically open"

Hermione shuddered and stepped back. He smiled again and entered the room. In the end, she followed him too.

Draco lay down on the bed that he knew was Harry's and watched the girl go to the the mini fridge and make a space to put the drinks she had bought. He wondered what she would look like under that boring jean and red shirt.

When Hermione finished with the drinks, she sat down on the bed in front and didn't look at him at any time, but devoted herself to observing the room in detail. Draco and smiled and spoke, "So Granger", she turned to him upon hearing her name and he looked at her so intensely that her cheeks turned pink again, "Does your sorority have everything ready for the Greek Week?"

"We are working on it".

"Are you on the organizing committee?" Draco asked as he played with a rubber ball that he found on the bed. Hermione nodded, "Great, me too, that means we'll see each other more often".

Draco chuckled to himself at Hermione's nervousness. Although he wasn't used to deal with girls as quiet as she was, he had to admit that it was somewhat refreshing not to have to be getting rid of her, as was the case with others. He continued, "I'm looking forward to that kissing booth you guys did the last year"

"You and many others", she replied. There was something in her voice that he couldn't understand.

After that the room was silent for a few minutes in which the brunette nervously looked at the time on her phone and occasionally looked at the door, surely wishing for Harry to appear. "Ginevra said you were really smart, you know Hermione?"

"She said that?" The girl asked smiling sweetly.

"She did", he nodded as he sat on the edge of the bed with his body leaning towards her, "She mentioned that you had a full scholarship and I thought you must be really brilliant. So... I was wondering if... maybe...", with each word he got closer to her, "Could you help me with some of my classes?" Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him wordlessly, "I'm really having troubles with some of them", he continued pouting.

"I don't think it's a good idea - she said after clearing her throat".

Draco frowned. He did not expect a negative, "Why not?"

"I work in the afternoons", she explained, "And with the classes and the work of the sorority, I really don't think I can help you"

"Oh come on, I think you could find a space in your schedule", he got up from the bed and sat next to her, "You would really be helping me a lot and obviously I would pay you to be my tutor", he looked at her again, now with a serious expression

"That is not the problem", she said after a pause, "It's just that..."

"So what is the problem?" He asked, reaching out and touching her soft wild brown hair.

And Harry chose that precise moment to arrive, gasping, and interrupting Draco. "Mione, I'm sorry, I…", He stopped when he saw them, "What are you doing here Draco?"

Hermione took advantage of the distraction to get out of bed, "Hi Harry", she said, "Draco and I met are on our way here. I think he was looking for you too".

Harry looked at him and questioned him with his green emerald eyes. "I came to bring you this", Draco took a small package from his pants pocket and threw it at him. Harry caught it in midair, "I was in Japan a few days ago and remembered that you used to collect them".

Harry's grim gaze relaxed for an instant, "Thanks Draco", he said as he placed the package on his desk and turned to Hermione, "Shall we go?"

"Sure", she took her purse and then said, "By the way, there are a couple of drinks in the fridge that I bought for us".

"Great", Harry grinned, "I'm really thirsty. Thank you Mione", he took out one of the drinks and took it in big sips.

Draco suddenly felt quite out of place. He got out of bed, smiled and walked to the door, "I should go now", he said, and then turned around, "By the way, Potter you should change the lock, I think it's a little loose. Granger", he looked at her, "Think about what we talked", Draco gave her one last wink and left the building.

N/A: So what do you think? Please leave a review :) They make this writer soul happy :)
also chocolate chips cookies for the person who leaves a review ;)