As soon as Draco walked into The Leaky Cauldron he took in his surroundings. He didn't particularly like busy places, which was an odd thing, considering he worked as a barista in a popular coffeehouse. Draco reasoned that the atmosphere at the restaurant slash bar slash inn was just… different. Too many people were doing too many different things. And doing it all at once. People were dancing, eating, drinking, drinking alcoholic beverages, people upstairs sleeping, and or doing god knows what.

Draco crinkled his nose in distaste. "You know, Weasley, I could afford a more—"

"Nevermind that, Malfoy." Ron clapped Draco's shoulder. "This place is perfect. 'Sides Hermione and Harry are probably already here, somewhere. And Harry, I'd say, he eats more than I do, you'd be broke by the end of the night if we go to some fancy-smanchy restaurant."

Draco rolled his eyes as he followed the red head to one of the booth tables.

A waitress noticed them as they sat down, and smiled. "Well, hello there, Ronald Weasley, it's been ages."

"Pansy Parkinson." Weasley smiled as he nodded in reply.

Pansy's smile grew bigger, and Draco did not miss the sparkle in her eye as she looked Ron over. He didn't like that one bit. Did he forget Hermione? Draco cleared his throat. "I'd like to start off with some water," Draco said out of turn and a bit too loudly. He stared at the menu. He groaned as he noticed that everything on it came with a side order of fat.

Pansy had turned her attention to Draco and her smile widened even further. But this time, Draco noticed, the smile was no longer genuine. "Is there anything else you'd like with that, honey?"

"Yes," Draco returned the fake smile with one of his own that he, himself, paid to customers that didn't deserve his attention. "I'd like you to not call me honey, honey."

"Oh, of course, sugar, never again." Pansy smirked and then turned to face Weasley. "The usual?"

Ron nodded. "Yeah, and two friends will be joining us."

"One of the two friends is actually his girlfriend," Draco couldn't help pointing out.

"Umm, yeah, that's right," Ron said slowly, narrowing his eyes at Draco. Then turned back to look at Pansy. "Hermione, you remember her?"

"Of course." Pansy winked. "How could I forget? If I see her I'll be sure to direct her here."

"Thanks." Ron smiled, and just as soon as Pansy left, he glared daggers at Draco. "You're a real git, you know that?"

"I'm the git? I'm the git. You were the one flirting with that that—"

"I was NOT flirting, and I'd watch what you call her."

"Why are you so protective of her?" Draco's eyes widened. "Oh, my god. Do not tell me that you're cheating-

"What? I'd never-I'd never. Pansy is just a friend. That's all."

Draco watched Ron flush as he tried to calm himself down. Draco wondered why Ron got so worked up. He believed him when he said he would never cheat. But Draco wondered if there's something else, something that he was hiding. Whatever it was, Draco didn't like the thought of it.

Ron sighed. "Look, Pansy is the one who helped me get the courage to ask Hermione out. She's the reason why we're together in the first place."

Draco nodded. "Sorry, I just-"

"Forget it." Ron said.

Silence overtook the table. But rather it being uncomfortable, things fell into place, a place where they were not really friends but still friends and all was right with the world.

Draco took out his notebook and pen.

And before he realized what he was actually writing, he had added to his list.

5. Is not temperamental


6. Arrives on time

And as if on cue, Hermione showed up at the table. "Sorry, we're late."

"Just got here," Ron said as he stood up again, to allow for Hermione to have the inside seat next to him. "Where's Harry?"

"Someone stopped him outside, wanted to check out his motorcycle," Hermione said excitedly.

Ron nodded as he grinned. "So, how was the trip?"

"Trip? 'Mione, you rode with him on his motorcycle?"

"Honestly, Draco, it's how I got here." Hermione's eyes glinted as if she had some secret she was dying to share. "It was amazing!" Hermione gushed, not able to contain herself. "He's amazing."

"That bastard, always taking away my girls," Ron said, playfully.

Hermione laughed.

Pansy returned with the drinks, water for Draco and a beer for Ron. "Hello, love, what can I get you?"

"Water, please." Hermione smiled.

"Sure thing, and just let me know when you're ready to order." Pansy smiled at Hermione and Ron before she left and unsubtly, ignored Draco.

"And another beer," Ron said, calling after her.

"Coming right up." Pansy waved without turning around.

"So, what are you working on?" Ron nodded at Draco's notebook.

"A list. It's to help me find my perfect boyfriend."

Ron snorted and coughed as beer went down the wrong way. "You're kidding, right?"

"No." Draco bristled. "Why?"

"Yes, why?" Hermione repeated. "It was my idea, actually."

"Really?" Ron raised his eyebrows. "'Mione, it's just… well, those kinds of things just don't work. Here, let me see."

Draco handed over his notebook and Ron quickly scanned the page. "Draco, you realize you're not gonna find this person just because you list out these qualities. What are you gonna do, interview for a boyfriend?"

Draco sniffed. "Like you'd know what works."

"I got Hermione, didn't I?" Ron grinned.

"Point."

"Wait, don't just cast aside the list just because Ron said so." Hermione took the notebook and read over the list. "I think you have a great start, however—

"However," Ron interrupted. "It's still not gonna work, finding the right person sort of just happens, doesn't it? Trust me, Malfoy, you'll meet him and your list will go out the window."

"How romantic, Ron." Hermione smiled, and then a second later she was all business again. She handed back the composition book. "Draco, keep on the list, it wouldn't hurt to narrow down your prospects."

Draco nodded. He uncapped his pen and jotted something on the next line. "You did make a good point, though, thanks Weasley." Draco smiled as he read over the list' new addition.

7. A romantic.

But Ron didn't hear Draco's thanks as he was signaling for someone from across the room. "He's here."

"Be still, my heart," Draco said sarcastically and rolled his eyes.

Then he turned around in his seat to see what all the commotion was about for this Harvey-or was it Henry?-whatever.

This Henry person was dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt. The clothing was nondescript, but his body was anything but. His shirt was just tight enough to reveal hard long lines and flat planes of smooth muscle. Draco gulped. A black leather jacket covered his arms, but Draco imagined that they would be just as defined. Draco licked his lips as his eyes were drawn to the man's face. A strong chin, thin lips that turned upwards in an easy smile. His jet black hair was messy, but seemed soft; it was long at the sides and front as it fell into his eyes. His eyes. Draco was lost in his eyes as this Henry person stepped closer and closer to him. How could eyes be so intense? this Henry person wasn't even looking at him, and he was already mesmerized. Draco then realized that they were green, and happy to note that they were behind thin black wired frames. Draco always hated the idea of contacts. And then this person smiled, really smiled as he reached their table. "Be still, my heart," Draco whispered.

TBC