Chapter 7: Never Miss a Beat

After eating Hermione couldn't help but wonder what happened next. It was kind of an entertaining story they had so far. She wanted to see the part where Draco changed though; maybe that would help to trust him a bit more and not feel like she was a stranger in her own home.

"Hey, Draco?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah?" he asked as he looked up.

"So what happened after the part where you left off?" asked Hermione.

"As in when you got home or that specific part?" asked Draco.

"Just keep telling the story from where you left off," said Hermione, "The interaction seemed a bit too nice for something between us."

Draco smiled.

"Yes. You are correct there," said Draco.

Draco was actually thinking to himself that she wasn't half bad. And then he remembered who he was, and his parents, and his real beliefs and stopped right there.

"Well now that you're awake and not drunk and you ruined my morning, get out of my house. You're no longer welcome," said Draco pointing to the door.

Hermione threw a look of irritation at him.

"Once a prat, always a prat," said Hermione walking out the door.

"Once a worthless mudblood, always a worthless mudblood," said Draco smirking.

Hermione stopped in her tracks. She drew out her wand and whipped around pointing it at him. Draco just laughed.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked still laughing at her.

"Stupefy!" yelled Hermione as she went to hex him.

Unfortunately he easily blocked it.

"Don't underestimate me and don't bother to duel me. You'll never win. To save yourself the embarrassment you should probably just leave," said Draco.

"I hate you," said Hermione with a glare as she hurried out of there as fast as she could.

"There's the Malfoy we all know and love," said Hermione without even thinking.

Draco's face fell. Even though it was in the past he still felt horrible for the way he treated her. Especially because that was the exact person she remembered.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't even thinking! I don't mean that… I see now that that isn't who you are," said Hermione.

"It's ok. I am still sorry that's how I treated you," said Draco.

"Well anyways, continue on with the next encounter. I won't interrupt with anymore stupid comments," said Hermione.

The next time they met was the next day, at Flourish and Blott's.

"Do you do anything other than shop for and read book?" asked Draco as he came up next to Hermione.

"Excuse me, but I'm looking for required texts for my healing classes and as always it's none of your business anyways," said Hermione not bothering to look at him.

"A healer? Interesting? You didn't follow Scar-head and Weaselbee around to become an auror?" asked Draco.

"And take people like you down? No, but now I'm wondering if I should have," said Hermione.

She never did miss a beat did she? No wonder he used to bait her all the time and still continues to. She's never boring.

"Ha ha very funny but FYI I'm not Death Eater anymore," said Draco.

"Well you could have fooled me," said Hermione finally turning around to look at him.

"Yeah, well there was no money in that line of work. I'm all about the money," said Draco.

"That's nice, move you're in my way," said Hermione.

Draco just stood there.

"Now that's not any way to talk to someone of higher status. Didn't your muggle mother teach you any manners or do muggles not have any?" asked Draco as he crossed his arms and still didn't move.

Hermione glared at him.

"You leave my family out of this," said Hermione.

"Just because you're ashamed…." said Draco.

And that's where Hermione lose it.

"Ugh! You are horrible! How can anybody stand you?" asked Hermione as she steeled herself and then just barreled into him to buy her book and leave.

Draco was surprised she even had power enough to do that. He smirked then realized it was probably only because he irritated her to death. He decided to follow and see what else would happen.

"That's where you're wrong. Every man wants to be me and every woman wants to be with me," said Draco.

"Oh I highly doubt that," said Hermione as she reached the counter. But unfortunately the lady at the counter didn't care a bit about her. She was too busy staring at something. Hermione turned to see what it was and came face to chest with Draco. Startled, she backed away and then looked closer. The woman was absolutely besotted with him and he wasn't even saying anything… oh wait, no he winked.

"Eww. I think I just threw up in my mouth," said Hermione still watching. But then she'd had enough.

"OK! I have this book. I'd like to buy it if you're done ogling that blonde lump over there," said Hermione loud enough to distract her.

The check out lady frowned at her comment and wordlessly rang up Hermione's purchase.

"When's your break? I'd like to take you out," said Draco directing his comment to the other lady.

"I…uh, I… " she said as she stumbled threw her words.

Hermione rolled her eyes and walked away not bothering to listen to the answer. She needed to get away before she really did throw up.

"See told you," said the obnoxious voice behind her.

"Malfoy, you're disgusting. But once you actually open your mouth I'm sure that lady will see right through you. If not, well then she's perfect for you!" said Hermione.

"You're just jealous. You could never get my attention like that and you know you want to. You're just like everybody else," said Draco with a smirk as he stepped in front of her.

Hermione gave him a smirk right back and said, "I think I already did, though it was incredibly unwanted. I've already been in your bed, remember?"

Draco froze. He forgot about that, but then he picked up again, "Yes, and then I had to burn it. You were so drunk you probably don't even remember half the things you said to me."

Hermione tried to walk quicker to get away. He was unfortunately right and she had no comment.

"Speechless? See. Told you again," said Draco.

"Malfoy, I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole ever! You're right, I was drunk, and I don't remember what happened but I'm fairly certain nothing did. You only wish it did. Now if you would excuse me I've had enough of you, I'm leaving," said Hermione and then she apparated on the spot.

Draco smiled to himself. Maybe he should run into her more often. Not many people can give him a run for his money like she did.

Sorry for my absence! I had something written and then disliked it so I changed it. :) I'm back now.