At six, Theo came to Hermione's office and entered after knocking twice. Hermione smiled at him, already bundled up in her cloak. "Hey Theo," she said. "I'm just about ready."

Theo smiled. "Great. I've got a reservation at a pasta place. All right with you?"

"Sure." Hermione closed up her office, then left with him. On their exit, she saw Malfoy standing there, looking like he was waiting for someone. He smiled at the two.

"Hey Granger, Theo."

"Hello Malfoy," Hermione said, and Theo greeted him with a smile. "What are you doing out here alone?"

"Oh, I was waiting for someone," he said, and Hermione nodded. "I see."

"Where are you two headed?"

"We're having dinner," Theo replied, and a look flashed across Draco's face.

"Oh. Well, better hurry off then, shouldn't you?" he asked, snippily.

"Not going to wish us a happy time?" Hermione asked sarcastically, and the look passed across Draco's face again.

"No. Goodbye Granger. Nott."

Theo looked semi-startled by his best mate's sudden change in behaviour, but Hermione didn't notice it.

"Goodbye Malfoy."

Draco watched as they walked off together, then left when he was sure he was alone.

Hermione and Theo arrived at the restaurant in just a few minutes and were seated in another few.

"It's very cozy here," Hermione commented, and Theo nodded.

"I know. That's why so many people like it here."

"I could tell!" It was crowded in the small restaurant. "So, why dinner all of a sudden?" she asked. She had to get right to the point. However, the waiter came before he could answer, and they ordered drinks and their dishes before they were finally alone again.

"So your answer?" she asked, and Theo sighed.

"Well, I wanted to tell you something quite…personal."

Hermione nodded. "Go on."

"Well, you see…Granger, I like you."

Hermione's eyes widened.

"I fancy you quite a bit, and I was kind of hoping to myself that this could sort of be like a date between us. You see?"

She nodded.

"And now that I've laid my cards out on the table, I, obviously, am hoping that you feel the same way."

Hermione cleared her throat, looked at the table, then cleared it again.

"Well, Theo, I…I don't really know what to say. I mean, you are a dashing bloke, that's for sure, and…well, the thing is, I don't…I don't fancy you in that way. I'm sorry, and I hope we can still be friends and all! I'm sorry."

Theo sighed. "Well, all right, I suppose. You're missing out, though," he said, smirking cheekily at her, and Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"I'm sorry," was all she could reply, and Theo smiled.

"Well, I'm kind of glad we got that over with. Now I can get over you."

"How long've you fancied me for?"

"Maybe for a week or two."

Hermione smiled. "Really. Most blokes I know would keep their love kept unrequited to themselves for years and years before putting themselves out there like you do."

The food came, piping hot, interrupting their conversation for a few more seconds.

Theo grinned. "I know wizards like that too. I just think it's a waste of time. If the witch doesn't like you back, there's no use brooding over your feelings for a long time."

Hermione shrugged. "I suppose. But then there are those wizards who'd chase after the girl they fancy whether or not she liked them."

"Another waste of time," Theo declared. "But now that we've got that out of the way, let's eat. I'm starved."

Hermione smiled, a little put out by his lack of emotion. Perhaps he was just keeping it all inside, like most men did. But then again, Theo was never one to keep to himself much. Hermione shrugged and dug into her pasta.

Two days later, at work, Malfoy was the first person Hermione met upon her arrival. He nodded at her.

"Granger."

"Hello Malfoy."

She went to her office and began to unlock it as he leant against the wall and watched her.

"How was your date with Theo?"

"All right."

Hermione succeeded in opening the door and entered. Draco's jaw clenched as he followed her in. "Where'd you go?"

"Oh, this pasta place. It was delicious."

"Hmm."

"Yeah. Theo was a dear, paying for it all, too."

"Well, it's customary and expected for the bloke to pay for everything."

"Not always."

"Well not if the bloke doesn't have any manners."

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Hermione asked sharply, tired of their banter. "Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

"Maybe I am."

"Are you really that bored?"

"Yes, because when I have nothing better to do, I come in here and pick on Granger. Grow up."

"Just give me whatever the hell you want to give me and get out!" Hermione replied angrily, and Draco scowled at her and threw the papers onto her desk.

"There. Happy?"

"Quite. Now you can get out and go—"

Hermione was interrupted by Draco grabbing the back of her head and pushing her lips onto his in a hard kiss. She was shocked out of her mind for a moment, one moment too long, and Draco had released her and left before she could fully get her scattered mind back together again.

Hermione ran to her door and stuck her head out. "Don't you ever kiss me again!" she yelled after him, and all the passing employees looked at her strangely.

"Gods Hermione, I never knew you and Malfoy—" Zacharias Smith began, and Hermione glared at him.

"Shove it!"

She went back into her office and slammed the door shut.


A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short! I'm going to post another chapter later this week to make up for it. :D Hope you enjoyed, and review for the next one! Thanks! -LoVeDoNtHaTe