Harry let himself in the next morning. Early.

"Morning! I bring breakfast as payment for gossip. Morning Ro- oh my eyes!"

Hermione giggled as she heard the door slam.

He actually knocked on her door and waited to be let in.

"Don't worry, Harry. I walk in on Ron and his 'friends' at least once a week." She said, chuckling as he perched on her bed. She took a bacon sandwich from the pile he'd brought. "I take it they weren't wearing anything?"

"Yep. Looks like he had a good night. How about you, though? Should I prepare to be surprised when Draco comes out of the bathroom wrapped just in a towel?"

Here she sighed, and Harry looked concerned. "No, he's not here. I don't understand it."

"Something you don't understand? That's a first."

"Stop it Harry. I'm serious."

"Right, sorry. Go on. Date went well?"

"Very. It wasn't like a normal first date, because, well, it's Draco."

"How was Venice?"

"Terribly romantic. And so was he. It all went splendidly."

"So what don't you understand?"

"He didn't kiss me or anything."

"Not even goodnight?"

"No. Although he was a gentleman, it went so well that I was expecting at least a goodnight peck on the cheek."

"What's he playing at? He's been dying to kiss you for years, and now he gets the chance, he doesn't make a move. That's very odd."

"Not really." Ron called from the doorway. "He's playing a game. Leaving you wanting more. It's something I do quite a lot."

"You didn't last night. I could hear you." Hermione snapped, not unkindly.

Lee, standing beside Ron in a pair of Ron's pyjamas, blushed. Ron sniggered. She waved them into the room and they collected on the bed and tucked into the sandwiches.

"So, what you're saying is that he's toying with her?" Harry said.

"In a way yes. But don't worry. He's just doing it because she'll want him more. Well think about it, how long has he loved her?"

"About ten years I reckon." Lee said smirking.

"Longer, actually." Harry put in.

"Exactly. And now he's getting his shot with her, he's got to keep her wanting more dates. Was he charming?" Ron was remarkably smug.

"He could have charmed the birds from the trees."

"And now you're confused and worried that you did something wrong, right?"

"Yeah."

"Aw don't worry pet." Ron put an arm round her shoulders. "I'll tell you what you do. You do nothing. He's planning on having you begging him for another date. And while that is what you want, you can punish him for this."

"How?" she raised her head off his shoulder and looked at him.

"Act like the date was only mediocre, like it was nothing special. Turn the tables on him. Make him think he's got to work extra hard to get another date with you."

"I don't like playing games with him. What if it doesn't work?"

"Oh it will. Making him think he's failed will spur him on to trying harder. He's Draco, he always has to win, remember? And you're the prize."

"I'm not sure I like that."

"Oh and being a little cheesed off with him wouldn't hurt."

"You could also flirt with Harry in front of him?" Lee put in.

"Ooh that's good. Get him jealous."

"When did you get so smart?" Harry asked.

"Round about the time we started Prince's Potions. I blame Hermione."

"Sorry about that."

"Hello? Anyone in?" a voice called from downstairs.

"Up here." Harry called.

A few minutes later Draco entered the room with the Weasley twins.

"Just let yourselves in, why don't you?" Hermione said sarcastically.

"Yes we will, thank you." George said seriously. The four on the bed rolled their eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked Draco coldly.

He suppressed a grin and tried to look hurt. "Oh don't be like that, honey. I just came to check up on Ron's date, since ours was such a success."

"I'm not your honey." She snapped.

Fred winced. "Ouch. Are you sure this date went as well as you think it did?"

"Not as well as Ron and Lee's obviously, since he clearly spent the night." Draco said, smirking that infamous smirk at the twins.

"He did what?" the twins roared in unison.

"Uh-oh." Ron muttered, exchanging a look with Lee.

"Run!" they chorused, leaping up and fleeing the room with the twins in hot pursuit.

Those left behind laughed.

"Harry. Fetch." Hermione pointed at the door.

"I'm not a dog, you know." He grumbled, getting up and leaving.

After he had gone, Draco sat on Hermione's bed.

"Got him well trained haven't you?"

"Please, I was just trying to get rid of him."

"Hm, want me alone, huh?"

"Ugh, you're so full of yourself."

"Wouldn't want me any other way though, would you?"

"No, I guess not."

"See, told you so."

Hermione smirked. "So, honey, who do you think will win the pool?"