{Thanks to everyone for your support. Reviews are appreciated. This was my favorite chapter to write because of the title with a touch of the dramatic. You can see the effect they have on each other. Shameless self promo now: My profile has a JKR friendlier Dramione series listed and my original works as well bc I'm thinking of going to pubilication with my original that is. Again THANKS wonderful readers.}

Chapter 11 Flirtations and Charms

Over the next couple of weeks, Hermione didn't see much of Draco other than during class and a couple of polite hellos, leaving her to wonder if that slip of the tongue reflected deeper feelings, or if he felt a slight awkwardness over the incident. Often she wondered, on her part, what the next step was between them? Nonetheless, she studied diligently so she didn't have to think about it. After practicing frequently with blaring music and other noise, Hermione was finally able to sustain her full concentration on any spell she chose.

At their next Dark Arts Combat practice, Draco blasted the music once more. "Can anyone sustain a Patronus for fifteen minutes?" Everyone knew when he said something like that, he had something devious in mind. "If anyone can, I'll dismiss class early. If you fail, the class stays an extra hour."

Before Harry could volunteer, Hermione stepped forward. "You have a deal." Draco nodded for her to begin. "Expecto Patronum!" A bright ghost-like otter appeared.

Draco blasted speed metal this time. A few minutes later, whiz bangs popped loudly two feet away from her. Luckily, Hermione had gotten Ginny to perform the same trick earlier that week, so she maintained concentration.

Having been foiled momentarily, an iniquitous gleam reflected in Draco's eyes. "Everyone but Hermione, out now!" Some of the students immediately left while a few loitered. "Now! I don't want to reveal all my nefarious tricks." The room immediately cleared. "Four more minutes, are you sure you don't want to give up? After all, you're challenging a Dark Wizard. Remember the waiver you signed."

"I'm not afraid of you Draco Malfoy." Neither the class leaving nor his question broke Hermione's concentration nor her determination. Keeping her patronus in front of her, she smiled. For a moment, Draco focused on her and her skirt flew up. Franticly, she pushed her skirt down, dropping her wand and the patronus. "How dare you! That was so unfair!"

Immediately, he broke into laughter. "There's no such thing as fair in combat. That's what this class is all about."

Fists clenched, she almost growled at him. "You are the most despicable wizard I've ever known!"

"I barely saw anything." Now Draco laughed so hard he leaned against the wall for support. "You're so irate over this because you're so pristine." Between chuckles, he could barely speak the words.

"You're absolutely contemptible!" On that note, she went outside for a breather. After a break of pacing in the brisk cold, she returned to class for their extra long practice. Thankfully, no one seemed upset.

At dinner that evening, Draco stopped by the table where she, Ginny, Harry and Ron ate. Audible to Hermione only, he whispered. "White lacey dainties with red bows at the top: the white symbolizes purity while the red symbolizes passion, interesting choice." With an amoral grin, Draco stood up and squeezed her shoulder and spoke solely to her but let everyone hear. "I look forward to teaching you everything I know, because I'm sure you'll be an apt pupil. Until next time." Then he winked at her. Nonchalantly, he addressed everyone before he left. "Enjoy your meal."

Ginny nudged her once Ron and Harry resumed their conversation. "What did he say to you? You're beet red."

"Nothing, it was just dark wizard trickery." At least Draco isn't awkward around me anymore.

Brazen: a word Hermione would never use to describe herself, but for some reason she felt confident enough to be so with Draco around. Years ago, with the help of a salon, her hair went from bushy to wavy and highlighted. A pixyish face and petite figure stared back at her as she readied for class. Maybe he doesn't want tall and chesty. You have what it takes to distract him. Besides, he does flirt. Just do it Hermione, fight fire with fire. What have you got to lose? You did wear red; something you never do. What if he tries something? ….That might be nice. Stop it!

At the next Dark Arts Combat lesson, halfway through it, Hermione stepped up. "I would like to challenge Spitze Malfoy." Draco cocked his head. "I would like you to maintain one of your illusions for fifteen minutes while I try to break your concentration."

"I can sustain much longer than that." Wickedly, he grinned. "Name your terms."

"If I win, we have half classes today and next week. If I lose, we stay double time." Some of the students met her gaze wide-eyed.

"Deal," he replied. "Rutilus bows visum!" Red bows just like on her dainties danced in front of him as he smiled smugly.

Arrogant prat! Amidst, the blaring music, she shouted. "Everyone please wait in the hall. I don't want everyone to know all MY secrets." Humbly, everyone ambled out. Looking upset, Ron left last with Hermione ushering him out. "Are you frightened? I might tackle you or something."

"When it comes to brawls, I don't fear pint sized witches." In front of Draco, the red bows hovered still.

"I'm not pint sized you egotistical ….Malfoy!" Crossly, she stood three feet in front of him.

"You can yell all you want but it won't work. Besides, egotistical isn't insulting to me, merely factual." Draco concentrated fully on his illusion. "Recognize the bows?"

"Insufferable," she muttered. To take Draco by surprise, Hermione stepped behind him. Deftly, she removed her sweater and unbuttoned her shirt. Oh God! I can't believe I'm doing this! Instantly, she stepped in front of him and flashed her red lacey push up bra. With a gasp, all the bows faded away but his gaze remained on the prizes wrapped in red.

To her surprise, he grabbed her waist and jerked her into a dip. "Careful Hermione," he drawled. "If I were a dark wizard WITHOUT standards, you wouldn't be wearing your dainties anymore." With a firm but delicate grip, he stood her back up and turned away while she dressed. "I admit that I never would have expected this of you. I admire your tactics." Once she finished dressing, he looked at very flirtatiously. "So, when's the next showing?"

What do I do now? Why does he have this effect on me? I sort of wanted him to try something. Foregoing my heritage issue, I've never dated someone like him with that crazy hair; that's actually hot. Stop it! Judging from his passel of witches, he moves too fast for me. Now unhinged, Hermione bolted away. Behind her, she heard Draco dismissing the class.

The next day, as Hermione moseyed towards an isolated area near the rose garden, Ron ran up to her. "Hermione, you said you would think about dating again. How about it?"

"Ron, I just don't think it'll work. It's nothing against you."

"Would you at least be my date for the Saint Nikolas Dance?"

"I'll think about it."

Feeling flustered, she darted to the rose garden. Right now, I don't understand this flirtation between Draco and me or is it a flirtation? Could he be interested in a Muggle-born? He kissed me goodnight, but it was just a kiss on the cheek. Was he really going to kiss me in the rose garden? He flirts outrageously, but maybe that's just the way he is.

In a vain hope to meet Draco, since he occasionally studied in the rose garden, she studied there as well, but in the back corner, so as not to be too obvious. Not long after, she heard Draco and Bianca's voices, chatting and laughing in Italian. Two hours later, they left, followed by Hermione a little later.

Now upset, she went to the library where she found Ron doing some homework. "Hello Hermione," he greeted with a slight questioning look in his eyes.

"Hello Ron, the answer is yes. I'll be your date for the dance."