~Slimy, Contemptible Sewer Rat~
DM/HG

It had all started in the summer of 1998 while the wizarding world worked to rebuild itself, wizarding Britain working to restore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There was a lot of spells, charms, wards, and manual labor to be done. As the grounds began to teem with witches and wizards as they arrived to do their part, Minerva McGonagall took it as an opportunity to promote unity where there had been none. That was how it came to be that Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy worked to restore the Hogwarts library with Madam Pince. They slowly reached a tentative…..well one couldn't quite call it friendship, but it was certainly more than civility toward one another. A companionship of sorts. It was during this companionship, nearing the end of the summer and the end of the restoration, that Draco Malfoy began to pursue Miss Hermione Granger. The relationship that she had held with one Mister Ronald Weasley had been delicate to say the least and had crumbled in light of the company she kept with the Malfoy heir.

"So, Granger-"

"Could you pass me A Guide to Medieval Sorcery? I just don't know how it got out of place," Hermione said as she interrupted him. Draco passed her the well worn leather tome before returning to his stance leaned against the colossal bookcases.

"As I was saying, Granger, how would you like to have the privilege of accompanying me to a benefit my family happens to be throwing? It's going to be held in the big ballroom, all the best will be there, headmasters and admission heads from all the top universities."

Hermione stopped arranging books for a moment before turning to face the sharp featured young aristocrat. He had a confident look upon his face, acting blasé about the whole thing. Hardly the attitude one wanted when a gentleman asked regarding a lady's company.

"No, Malfoy. I'm perfectly fine at my flat in London. Ballrooms do not entice me." With that, Hermione returned to her shelf.

"Come on, Granger. Any witch would be jumping at this chance. There is still quite a high opinion of the name 'Draco Malfoy.'"

Hermione carefully placed a few books onto the shelf before turning back to the Slytherin prince and replying, "Draco, no one can have a higher opinion of you than I have, and I think you are slimy, contemptible sewer rat. And just another hint, when asking a girl out, it's usually accepted that you use her first name." With that she picked up a rather large pile of books and walked off in a flourish of robes.

Draco stared after her for half a moment before following.

"Gra-Hermione, would you please come? Give me a change to show you I'm not a complete rat."

The muggleborn witch did not turn and stayed quiet for quiet some time before responding to him.

"Why do you even WANT to go out with me?"

"Because you're smart and witty and I've actually started to enjoy spending time in this library with you. Because you helped my family in the trials even after what happened this past year. And I guess..." his voice trailed off with his sentence.

"What was that?"

"I like you."

There was a silence, neither moving any further or closer to the other. And then...

"I'm not buying new dress robes."

"You don't have to."

Hermione turned to face him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I don't do flying or flooing."

"I'll apparate."

She nodded. "Seven alright?"

"Perfect."

They both smiled and Hermione walked away after a moment. "Come on Malfoy, these books aren't going to arrange themselves."

"Actually, Granger, they-...okay. you're right," Draco consented and followed, twirling his wand in his hand. Well, if they did it the manual muggle way, that would just mean more time spent in the library, buried in books, with Hermione Granger.

Well, there's another one :) here's hoping you guess it right!