Having in mind how big of a bitch I am I tried my best to make this at least a bit longer…. I have no excuses, but I am truly sorry, if anyone still continues to read this, then this chapter is for you guys. Love you all forever…

And that was Ronald, not so quietly barging in.

-Oh bollocks…- came a quiet respond from Draco to which, Hermione also had a few words to say, but gladly (in someone's opinion) she wasn't given that chance, because…:

-Oh hey there, Weasel, care to explain what the fuck are you doing in this part of dormitories this time of, well, night?- and there he was, savior of the day (at least in Draco's humble opinion) the one, the only, Blaaaaaaaaaise Zabini (!)

-WHAT THE FUCK IS umph (!) – he was efficiently shut up by a hand on his mouth. By the same Blaise Zabini.

-You will shut up this instant and you will get your blood-traitor-ish ass out of here. And you know why, you will do that? – his iron grip only allowed Ron a miniscule nod before all his movements were stopped entirely by Blaise – Because it's fricking 3 a.m. and these are not only Slytherins dormitories, it's the fricking Head-Boy's private rooms.- Ron was seriously trying to talk and by now, his face was turning into such deep share of purple that Hermione was about to say something, but it was Draco that beat her to it this time:

-Zabini's right, Wease… Weasley, so you better beat it. It would be rather unfortunate if I had to report you hulking around after curfew, now wouldn't it? – at this, Blaise actually released Ron who was about to open his mouth again, but once again, Draco stopped him :

-Do I seriously have to spell it out for you, Weasley? Get the fuck out of my private quarters before you get help. – Ron was way outnumbered here, plus, he was obviously dizzy and his eyes were unfocused (as Hermione later realized) so without anymore nasty encounters, Ronald Weasley has left the build…em, the Head-Boy's private quarters.

-There's gonna be Hell to pay tomorrow…-was silent Blaise's comment, while observing Hermione's disheveled state and obvious possessiveness in Draco's arm around her.- I ain't gonna judge you here, mate. Not my place, nor time. But you two better have one Hell of a story for your 'lady's' here, friends, or… you tell me when you're going out, I'll watch your back. – Draco was gaping at his friend for a moment before smirking and nodding:

-I owe you, Zabini.- his friend's smirk rivaled his own:

-You bet you do, Malfoy, you bet you do…- with that, he closed the door and left, leaving still smirking Draco and a totally baffled Hermione in his arms. Who, by the way, was about to say something, to be stopped yet again by the man, who (still) was holding her as close as possible:

-Whatever it is you're planning on saying, Granger, I am sure can wait until a more…decent hour…- Hermione promptly shut her mouth, which, in turn, made him smile. A true, genuine smile, which, in turn, left Hermione's head buzzing with all sorts of thoughts. So all she decided upon saying was:

-… - which made Draco most pleased and satisfied. So after this little conversation has so peacefully (to both of theirs surprise) ended, he did the only logical thing left to do, he turned of the light, hugged his little 'slave' even closer and, after whispering a soft "g'night" into her hair, felt asleep. She did the same in only a few minutes, her all thoughts about what to tell Ron ceasing mid-drift.

Thankfully, the next morning was the morning for all of them to return to Hogwarts so the scandalous conversation with Hermione's private tormentors was now in safe premises of the RoR, where they have FINALLY decided to believe that she had not, in fact, "slept-slept" with Malfoy.

-So, to sum up, you basically woke up in Malfoy's arms, saw Ron being molested by said Malfoy AND Zabini and then calmly went to sleep again, once more, in the said Malfoy's arms? – calmly concluded Harry with an eyebrow raised. At that, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

-Yeah, that seems to be the case…

-Hmmm…..- was Ginny's reaction before she looked up to Hermione from Harry's lap and mumbled- What I don't quite still get however, is why the heck were you in his bed in the first place?- at that Hermione winced.

-Now wouldn't that be pleasant to know…- at the six raised eyebrows this time she grimaced- I have no clue how I ended up in his bed to be honest…. But… Argh, why does my head hurt this much?

-That's because you're hung-over, Granger.- answered her a highly amused voice from behind her.

-How…how did you get in here, you ferret?- bellowed Ron making both girls wince and, as strange as it was, making Harry roll his eyes.

-Somehow I do believe, that you're kinda missing the point here, Ron.-sighing, Harry turned his face towards the blond intruder and, completely ignoring his smirk, calmly asked- and why, exactly, has she said hangover, mister Malfoy?- Malfoy smirked, walked over to the sofas and made himself comfortable on the one where Hermione was seated. He was way too close for her comfort but she endured, intrigued and awaiting his response.

-She is hung-over, because she emptied a good half a bottle of my private stash offirewhiskey last night. Speaking of, - he continued unperturbed by their jaws simultaneously hitting the floor,- here you go.- and he handed her a small vial, filled with a faintly glowing liquid.

-What's this? – asked Hermione unsure of what exactly she was supposed to do with that vial.

-A hang-over potion of course, down it down.- this time it was Harry who answered and a quick glance to Malfoy only confirmed it, since he nodded, a tiny smile gracing his lips.

- Here goes then…- whispered Hermione downing the vial in one gulp. She knew from Harry's and Ron's experiences, that the potion was supposed to be one foul-tasting thing, but to her utter surprise the taste that filled her mouth was anything but. She couldn't hold out a moan of pure delight that assaulted her senses.

Opening her eyes, she saw that her friends were looking at her like she has finally lost it, but another quick look at the blond next to her, who, by the way, was now with a full-blown grin on his face, told her that something was suspicious. – what exactly have I just drank?- the man beside her laughed.

Exactly what Potter here has suggested, it was a hang-over potion. – noticing that he was still smirking, Hermione didn't felt convinced at all.

Was it now… why didn't it taste like it's supposed to, then?

What did it taste like?- asked a curious Ginny, moving a bit in Harry's lap, to be able to see the vial on the desk better.

It tasted like…- at that Hermione blushed and everyone went "O.O"- I don't know how to explain it… but it was amazing.- she finished glancing at Malfoy again.

That was the least I could do after I got you all drunk after all.

Speaking of which…how the fuck could you do that? How dare you give Hermione, of all people, alcohol? She's way alcohol intolerant, you bloody bastard.- growled Ron. This time no one stopped his rant, since he was right. Harry nodded solemnly.

That's right, why did you do it?-shrugging, their blond nemesis answered:

She was freezing, that was the fastest way I could think of of warming her up.

Hmmm…-hummed Ginny again before addressing the blond next to her best friend.- Don't you do something this stupid ever again though, Malfoy, or..- before she could finish he grinned.

-Why's that, Weaslette, jealous much? Does Potty here forget to take care of you often?- only Hermione's swiftly cast shield charm prevented him from a nasty curse that Ron had fired his way.

-Watch your filthy mouth while you're talking to my sister!- he growled and Harry followed up with a nasty glare.

-What are you doing here, m, Malfoy? – said man smirked at Gryffindor's attempt at civility. It was obvious man was trying his best not to send a hex his way himself. Deciding not to tempt good Fate anymore, blond Slytherin turned to face curly head beside him and smiled. His smile, noticed Hermione, wasn't promising anything good.

-Speaking of which, thanks for reminding me, Potter. Granger, we need to talk. Come. Now.- with that said, he stood up and without even a glance walked out the door, leaving Hermione no choice but to follow him. Sighing, Hermione stood up as well.

-Sorry guys, gotta go.

-EhhhhH? You're just going to do as he said? What the hell, Herm….- pouted Ron and was about to stood up and stop her, but Harry's hand on his arm stopped him.

-There's no point in trying to stop her, Ron, she has to do what she has to do. – nodding silently to Harry in thanks, Hermione ran after the departed blond.

-I wonder…- hummed Ginny.

-What bout?- asked Harry, planting a kiss on her temple. Ron mutely closed his eyes at the scene.

-Well, why is he civil? I mean, he helped her when she was freezing, even though the method was…well, just like him, then he stopped by personally to give her a potion. Not to mention that the potion was, well, you heard her, it was delicious .. I am not even gonna mention all the year, I mean, all the snakes acting normally and shit. It seams that the deal holds.

-You mean the deal Hermione made? In the beginning of the year?

-Mhm…I'm worried though.

-Why's that?- asked Ron, once again watching them.

-Well, I wonder what she has to do for the whole thing to hold. It makes me wonder. Like, just right now, he waved his finger and she ran. What's up with that? – she pouted. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her frown. Ron, however, was deep in thought. That was never a good sign…

(…)

-Okay, what did you… hey, Malfoy… Malfoy, stop. STOP WALKING DAMN Y…oh, you stopped…

-Done yelling?- he asked smirking and then his smirk grew.- heh, if only looks could kill.

-I have no idea what you're going on about.- Hermione answered blushing just the tiniest bit.

-Oh come on now, you're totally pissed at me right now. Was it not for our "deal" I'm quite certain I'd be harboring a pretty nasty hex up my ass right now.

-That's not…-she sighed and glared at him- yeah, you're right, I hate you right now.- he waited a few minutes before asking curiously.

-Calmed down yet?

-Mhm..-she mumbled still not looking him in the eye.

-Great, because I've got something to ask of you.- that got him her eyes and he inwardly cackled at the pure, innocent curiosity he saw in them.

-I'm listening…

-I have the desire to see you tonight.

-Say what?- he chuckled.

-I, want, to, see, you, tonight.

-Might I ask why? – she asked rolling her eyes, which only made him smirk more.

-I want to have dinner with you.- Hermione went completely still for a moment.

-When?- her short reply threw him off.

-What, no trying to get out of it?

-When am I to report to you?- she asked in a dead tone of voice, which made his smirk waver a little, but , being a Malfoy, he quickly composed himself.

-8, if you please. – he almost started laughing out loud, when his not only soft tone, but politeness too, had the girl in front of him completely frozen in place.

-Yeah, sure.- her quietly whispered reply seemed to satisfy him for now, as he nodded to her, let a shadow of a tiny smile touch his lips and left. Hermione stood there, in the middle of the hallway for long moments before she was able to move. She was scared. Scared like hell, of what could happen tonight. "Keep calm, Hermione, you can do this. Add the facts. One, you'll be in the Head-boy's quarters. Two, you two will probably be alone, if he's not planning on making a full-blown party. Three, you were asked to come at 8…which is after curfew already. Four, he said dinner. Dinner usually comes with drinking, doesn't it? Crap…" concluded Hermione before turning around and walking to her own quarters to make herself presentable. Only after having spent good two hours before mirror in her room did she realize what she was doing. After realizing that she was, in fact, trying to make herself look pretty for him, Hermione groaned and mentally slapped herself. – what am I going to do…- she groaned before glancing at the clock one last time and standing up to leave for the tower in the opposite side of the castle.

(…) 7 59 the entrance to the HB's quarters.

"Calm down, deep breath and…" she raised her hand to knock on the door, but even before her knuckles had the chance to touch them, the door opened and before her, stood her blond menace of a host, smiling charmingly.

-Please, come in, miss Granger. – he threw her a suave smile while he undressed her with his eyes. Those eyes, bottomless pools of liquid silver, Hermione felt herself blush under their gaze. While he was leading her to the table in the middle of the room she couldn't help but notice the romantic atmosphere of the place. Faintly glowing candles silently fluttered around the room and soft tunes could be heard in the background. Not to mention the way he, himself was dressed… tight black pants, hugging all the right places, pale silvery white shirt, two top buttons unbuttoned. Hermione cursed inwardly, he was looking good, to say the least. - Do sit down.- he smiled while he offered her a chair, only sitting down when she did and continuing to talk like this was a usual thing for them. –You look…beautiful tonight, Granger, I'm impressed.- Hermione blushed and thanked silently while "You better be, I've spent a ridiculous amount of time to look like this" was running through her mind. Her train of thoughts was interrupted when her host offered her some wine. Thanking him once again, she finally noticed just exactly what was on the table in front of her.

-Wow… this is, a true feast, Malfoy. How did you manage to pull this off? – she asked intrigued, there were at least ten different dishes, and none of them were your everyday-meal type. He just smiled.

-Have I met your expectations then? I have to admit even for me, this took some time.

-I bet it did…- after that, however, their conversation died and they ate in silence for a few minutes… finally sighing, the Head-Boy spoke again.

-Is it truly that bad?

-Hm?- the girl hummed at him in question, still munching on a delicious piece of something, which was honestly a total mystery to her.

-This. I mean, do you truly despise me to the degree where you can't even have one decent meal with me?

-I do not despise you, mister Malfoy.- she said quietly, lowering her eyes.

-Yes, you do.

-No, I don't. – lifting her eyes to mean his strong gaze, she quickly continued.- I may have in the past, but I don't anymore.- as soon as words left her mouth, Hermione realized that she meant them. Her gaze from insisting became wondering and Draco honestly couldn't make heads or tails of it.

-Well, then, if you really don't despise me…then, -he gave her a challenging smile- dance with me.

-Eh?- was Hermione's smart reply. Not bothering to react to her lack of reaction, he swiftly stood up and offered her his hand which, she hesitantly took and stood up as well. Leading her to the empty space in the room, her host stood a step away from her and made a formal bow. Remembering the books she read about the wizarding etiquette, Hermione curtsied and was relieved to see him smile approvingly. "Since when exactly am I fishing for his approval I wonder…" after a slight wave of Malfoy's hand, the song which was playing in the background changed and became a bit louder. It was a slow and very exotic song. Still following the etiquette, young man offered her his hand and put his other hand on her slender waist. Putting her other hand on his shoulder, Hermione looked him in the eyes and offered him a small smile, which he returned. They started moving to the music and with each passing note Hermione couldn't help but notice that their dance was getting more and more sensual. Trying to ignore the waves of something that wasn't supposed to be there around her, she tried to concentrate on something, anything, that could keep her sanity in place. The first thing that literally caught her eye, however was none other, but her host himself, smiling brightly at her. Somewhere along the dance, her hands ended up around his neck, and his, around her waist. Their bodies moved in unison with way less space in between them then it was proper, but neither of them seemed to notice it. When the song ended, their dance didn't, he continued to spin her in silence and somehow it felt just right. Hermione let her head fall onto his chest. A weird thought that they were dancing to his heartbeat passed through her mind and she smiled at the corny idea. As if feeling her smile he opened his mouth for the first time since they started dancing.

-What's so funny, Granger?- "he has a very calming voice…" lifting her head up once again she looked him in the eyes and said:

-Nothing really, I was just thinking…

-Thinking what?- he smiled gently- Share your musings with me?- now she smiled.

-I was just thinking how we were dancing to…- but he interrupted her words by cursing silently and then kissing her. It was slow, exploring and sensual and so, so wrong. And the worst part (at least that's what Hermione will tell Ginny later) was the part when Hermione woke up from the initial shock and kissed him back. Giving as much as taking until they both ran out of breath. After pulling away, Draco cursed again.

-Fuck, Granger, I think I have to escort you to your quarters right now…- 'before it's too late' was left hanging in the air, but still made the girl blush prettily. At her nod, he gave her one tense smile and walked her first to the door and then to her quarters. At the entrance to her chambers she stopped and turned to face him.

-Thank you for the wonderful evening.- she whispered softly and he felt he'd be damned if he stayed there for even a moment more.

-Nah, it's me who's thankful, Granger.- he countered preparing to bolt. Turning, he was about to make his escape, however, he stopped for barely a moment to whisper- Sweet dreams, Princess…- he didn't hear her gently whispered 'you too', nor did he see how roses once again bloomed on her cheeks.

That night, each lying in their respective beds, in different towers of the castle, they both were thinking the same thing: "Damn… I think I'm screwed…"