Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did, one- I would not be here writing about it, and two- I would not have included the epilogue to completely screw up people's dreams of DMHG.

Setting: After Hogwarts and the war.

Summary: What might have happened after the war, if Draco and Hermione had chanced to meet. The epilogue in the 7th book is completely disregarded, and the characters are a bit OC.

Chapter 3: Don't Hold Your Breath

The next day, Hermione was working at the library desk with Harry watching her silently. He had been trying for the last twenty minutes to come up with something to say. Then Draco walked in, and Hermione was shocked to find that she had mentally referred to him by his first name. Apparently it only takes one night to change someone's point of view if they're willing, she laughed to herself. The look she gave him was full of curiosity and a bit of fear; she had no idea how much he had changed in one day. The look he returned almost made her laugh. He seemed to be doing everything within his power not to smile at her. Incognito he winked at her and proceeded with his usual insults, though, she noticed there was no bite to them. She responded in the same fashion, the look in her eyes conflicting the meaning of her words. The most important part of their conversation went something like this,

"I bet you spend every waking hour in this library Granger," Draco sneered. "It's not like you have any friends to spend time with, save Weasel and The-Boy-Who-Won't-Die, but everyone knows they just use you for your looks."

"Oh really, well everyone says the same about you." Hermione responded, wondering if he had just called her pretty, "At least I don't spend my life in a dungeon. Great social life, 'so how are my prisoners doing today?' " she finished sarcastically.

"If you were wondering," Draco shot back, "I go many places, in fact, I am going to Pizza Palace tonight at 7:30."

"Sounds lovely, but I bet you're going alone." Hermione smirked.

Draco gave his own smirk and said in a low voice, "But I don't have to be," and walked out the door hoping she got the hint. Hermione looked after him puzzled, did Draco Malfoy just ask me to dinner? She wondered to herself. He must have. Well this should be a new experience… I wonder what I should wear… Her plans were interrupted by a certain Mr. Potter, who had apparently not been listening to the content of their "discussion."

"Who would have thought that he would be here?" Harry commented, "I haven't seen the ferret in months." He laughed, "Whatever you said must have been pretty insulting, because he didn't even pick up a book."

Hermione gasped, "You're right!" and added to herself, so he must have come in for the sole purpose of inviting me to dinner. A smile graced her lips and Harry laughed harder thinking that she was pleased with herself for ruining his plans.

That night found Hermione in a pretty spring dress with her hair down in ringlets and a brush of makeup upon her face. Sitting across from non other than Draco Malfoy at Pizza Palace. "So," Draco started making small talk, "what are you going to order?"

Hermione laughed and said, "I was actually thinking about letting you order and stealing your food," she smirked, "so get a big plate." They continued with their light banter for a while, but it soon progressed to a more detailed conversation. Before either knew it, they had finished eating and were ready to go.

"Thank you for the wonderful night, Draco." Hermione said, feeling a shiver run down her spine when she said his name.

He looked at her, taking in her beauty for yet another time that night, and responded with, "The pleasure was all mine."

"So," she continued, "do you think you'd ever want to do this again?"

He replied impishly, "Maybe… I'll think about it and get back to you tomorrow night, my house, at 8."

"Fine," she answered, "I just might be there. But…" she continued with a grin, "don't hold your breath." With that she quickly kissed him on the cheek and apparated away, before he even had time to arrange his thoughts.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter :D and I promise a cookie to anyone who reviews :D. Also, there is a link on my page that will let you see the outfit hermione wore to dinner, if you want to see it. Well, thats all for now, see you soon. :)