A/N: Please excuse any horrible Italian. I used an online translator, and we all know how unreliable those can be. I know no one who knows Italian and my beta, as amazing as he is, could not be responsible for proofing a language he's unfamiliar with. If you DO speak/write/read Italian and are wish to point out any errors, I'd be grateful. ~Krystle

Blaise Zabini

"So..." Ginny said, as she jumped up and down on Hermione's bed. She'd waited as long as she could, and then took it upon herself to Floo to Hermione's flat and wake her up.

Hermione laughed at her friend. "It was nice."

"Nice?" Ginny asked, her voice skeptical. "That's not a very strong reaction."

"It was nice," Hermione said again with a sigh. "What do you want? There were no fireworks, but he really is a sweet guy and we had a nice time."

"So, basically we can mark him off the list," Ginny said, pulling the sheet of names out of her pocket.

"NO!" Hermione screeched, diving for the paper. "I didn't say that. Look, Ginny, let me make the decision after I've met with all of them, please?"

"Fine," Ginny said. "But don't forget your initial reaction. It could be the most telling."

"Fine," Hermione agreed. "Can I put some clothes on now, or will you be leering at me a while longer?"

Ginny giggled and nodded, going to the kitchen to start a pot of tea.

"Er, Hi Harry," Hermione said awkwardly when she ran into him in Diagon Alley later that day.

"Hermione," he breathed, eyes wide as he pulled her level, keeping her from falling to the ground. "I'm sorry I haven't called, I just thought...well, given the bid and everything it might be..." he stammered awkwardly trying to get his words out.

Hermione just smiled at him and pulled him into a tight hug. "I understand, Harry," she said. "Actually, it's a good idea. I want to do this the right way, and you already have the advantage of knowing me so well." Harry's eyes brightened at this, but he didn't say anything. "It's just a week," she continued. "Then we can go back to normal."

Harry grimaced slightly, but quickly pulled his features into a smile. "Sure thing, Hermione. I'll see you Saturday anyway, right?" Hermione smiled and nodded at him. "Great," Harry said, smiling brighter. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, and as he walked away, Hermione couldn't help but touch the cheek her best friend had kissed and smile. There was definitely a spark there, but what did it mean?

Hermione found herself rushing before her date with Blaise. She'd been tied up at the hospital when she went in to talk to her boss, and ended up seeing two additional patients. She just couldn't bring herself to say 'no'.

After that, she just happened to run into Ginny, who had heard about her run in with Harry that morning and wouldn't shut up about it. Finally, Hermione had to remind her that she had a date to get ready for. Ginny gasped, looked at her watch and quickly told Hermione to hurry up. Hermione roll her eyes and laugh at her friend since it was Ginny who had stopped her forward momentum after all.

She nearly tripped over a box that had been placed in front of her door when she got home. It was wrapped in green paper and she had a feeling it was from one of her Slytherin suitors, but she didn't have time to open it. So, she cast a few spells to ensure it was safe and set it on her kitchen table before moving to her bedroom to ready herself for her date with Blaise.

As silly as it was, Blaise was a beautiful man, and she wanted to be beautiful enough to stand next to him whatever the date might be. She started with her make-up, going with a more dramatic eye shadow than she'd worn with Theo, and deep red lipstick to go with the emerald green dress that clung to her curves while falling just above her knees. It was an early date, so she didn't want to wear something too formal.

A knock on the door pulled her from her self-assessment and she smiled brightly to herself before going to the door to greet her date. Her breath literally caught in her chest when she laid eyes on him. His hair was perfectly coiffed and his dark skin was almost glowing, even under the harsh florescent light of the hallway fixtures.

"C-Come in," she nearly choked, grabbing the flowers he was handing her. She had a feeling she'd have enough to fill a garden by the time the week was over. She added them to Theo's flowers and made a mental note to pick up another vase soon.

Blaise looked so relaxed as he stood in her living room, hands in his pockets, wearing the most impressive black suit she'd ever seen. She tried to control her beating heart as she saw him looking at her lustfully, but she had to say, she'd never been on the receiving end of a look like that before, and it was quite intoxicating.

He was the opposite of Theo who was nervous and unassuming. Blaise was the picture of confidence as he smirked at her. "You look stunning, Hermione," he said.

"Thank you," Hermione smiled. "You don't look so bad yourself."

Blaise smiled at her then and offered her his arm, leading her to her own door as if he always belonged there. "I thought we'd walk," Blaise said, leading her out of her building gently. "I have to admit, I used a few of the company files to 'research' your area," he grinned, looking down at her.

"Oh really," Hermione said, cocking an eyebrow at him. "And was this all legal 'research'?" she giggled.

"Certainly," Blaise said, lengthening his stride as they exited the building and turned to the right. "I am an Auror after all," he winked at her, and she wondered how a man could get to be so...smooth.

"So, where are we going?" Hermione asked, as he slipped his arm around her waist. He was much more forward than Theo, and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. It felt good, but it also reminded her that he was practiced at this sort of thing.

"As you know, I'm of Italian decent," Blaise said, and at Hermione's nod, he continued. "There is an amazing authentic Italian restaurant just up here," he said pointing up the street. "It's Wizarding, but very few people go there because it's not well known."

"I've never been, and I've lived here for five years," Hermione said.

"After, I thought we'd have a few drinks at the pub on your corner before I drop you home," Blaise suggested.

"That sounds lovely," Hermione smiled.

"Well," Blaise said, leading her into the restaurant, as they arrived, "I just figured, if I only get one shot, I might as well make the most of it." His grin could not have been wider, and she wondered how, in seven years of school together, she'd never seen him smile until this night. He seemed to be doing it all the time now. Was it an act, or was this the Blaise Zabini of today.

"Ah, Mister Zabini, right this way," the maitre d' said with a warm smile. Hermione guessed that Blaise was a frequent patron of this establishment. He probably didn't mind the cozy atmosphere any more than the food that he assured her was spectacular.

Once seated, Hermione found herself a little lost with the menu. "I don't suppose you could help me with the Italian?" she asked, blushing furiously. She didn't like to admit intellectual weakness in front of anyone, least of all a possible suitor.

Blaise just smiled warmly at her, "Do you mind if I order for you instead?"

Hermione was surprised by his offer but nodded anyway. This was an adventure after all. "Be my guest," she said, hoping he didn't order her something she'd hate although she wasn't known to be a picky eater.

"Fantastic," Blaise replied smoothly, waving the waiter over.

"What may I get you," The waiter asked in a heavy Italian accent.

"La bella donna vorebbe gli gnocchi con la salsa di vodka e l'antipasto del risotto con il limone. Vorre' i ravioli di aragosta nella salsa di pomodoro panna con il Cioppino cominciare," Blaise said in the most beautiful and flawless Italian she'd ever heard. She bit her lip in arousal as his voice made love to the words. Never had she been so turned on by a dinner order before.

"Molto Buono," the waiter said, taking their menus and leaving behind a bottle of wine Blaise must have ordered ahead of them. He poured them both a glass and took a sip from his own, smirking at Hermione's reaction. She quickly schooled her features.

"So, before the food arrives, I must know, what ever possessed you to auction off your virginity? I mean, it's truly brilliant. But a Gryffindor, such as yourself, is usually a little more uptight about these things," Blaise said, his tone amused and curious at the same time.

"Well," Hermione started, blushing slightly, "I guess I just knew it was time to lose it. And with my humanitarian work seriously lacking funding, and my social circle consisting of Ginny, Adrian, and Harry...I just thought it might be a good way to start the next chapter of my life," she explained.

"I certainly commend you for it," Blaise said. "Regardless of what any small minded people might say, it's really quite brilliant. What is dating but bidding without calling it bidding? A guy asks a girl out on a date and, usually with money, tries to impress her until she goes home with him."

Hermione hadn't considered it like that before. It sort of made the whole dating scene seem a little...dirty. "Is that really all men are interested in?" she asked, keeping her voice light. Blaise owed her nothing after all. This was all about sex, really, wasn't it?

"No," Blaise said, "not all men. However, I must admit to you, I have little interest in settling down for a while. Call it a reaction to watching my mother settle down too quickly," he chuckled to himself and she smiled. "I suppose, the right witch could make me a believer in monogamy, though."

"Blaise, I'm not asking for a boyfriend in this," Hermione said seriously. "Would I like this whole thing to turn into something more? Sure. I am a Gryffindor after all, and we are known for our sentimentality. But you don't have to worry about me expecting anything from you. The auction was for one night, nothing more."

Blaise laughed heartily at that. "If there was one witch that might make me want to settle, it'd be you, I'll admit."

"Why?" Hermione asked, truly wanting to understand. "I mean, I saw you in the paper the other week with an American supermodel that puts me to shame. I just don't see how you could go from that to this."

"They don't have intrigue, Hermione," Blaise said, smiling at the waiter who'd just arrived with their starters. "Sure, you are beautiful, but that's not what excites me about you. You're brilliant, and independent. You don't need my money, nor do you want it for anything other than something totally unselfish. Do you know how hard it is to find a brilliant, independent, gorgeous woman who is unfailingly kind?"

Hermione blushed in embarrassment. "When you say it like that, it's a wonder to me I haven't had men stalking me for a date."

"Don't you?" Blaise countered. "From what I hear you had enough bids to fill a house. Besides, you have to remember that with all your good qualities, you pack a mean hex. That intimidates some men."

"Not you though?" Hermione asked, she was flirting and she actually enjoyed it.

"No," Blaise said, winking at her. "The only reason I didn't approach you sooner is that you were with someone else and there was no opportunity. Trust me, auction or no auction, had you stayed single long enough, I'd have made my move."

"This is all so fascinating to me," Hermione breathed feeling a little light headed. "But enough about me. How did you get into Auror work?" she wanted to get off the topic of her.

They continued eating as Blaise told her how he'd always felt guilty for being neutral in the war. His mother had been his biggest priority then, and when things got serious he took her to Italy, basically running away. When it was all over, he took his N.E.W.T.s and found that he'd excelled at all the required courses for Auror work and enrolled a few months later. He never looked back. He enjoyed the public spotlight every once in a while with a high profile date here or there, but for the most part, he spent time working on cases.

"It seems like such a tiring job," Hermione said. "I don't think I'd be able to leave work at work. I'd always be thinking about the cases at home. I do that now as a healer."

"It's hard sometimes," Blaise said, finishing up his ravioli. "Certain cases stick with you. I always have a soft spot for children. I guess because I remember being that kid who had to be the man of the house. It wasn't easy."

"I'll bet it wasn't," Hermione sympathized. She found Blaise was a great deal deeper than she'd once given him credit for. She never thought the man shallow, but he did put a playboy image out there. While he was that, he was also a deeper more caring person as well.

"Shall we head to the pub?" he asked, slipping several gold coins discreetly into the bill pocket.

"That would be lovely. However, I must warn you, I'm a cheap drunk, and after two glasses of wine, I think one will be my limit at the bar," Hermione said with a blush.

"Perhaps this was all a plan to get you drunk and take advantage," Blaise beamed back and Hermione just rolled her eyes.

He held her around the waist as they walked the few blocks to the corner of her building where their pub was located. Once inside, Blaise insisted they sit at a table telling her that the bar was actually for prostitutes and drunks. She giggled at that, wondering where he'd heard such a crazy thing.

"So, how am I doing?" Blaise asked, scooting closer to her after they made their drink orders.

"Ah ah ah," Hermione said shaking her head, "no progress reports." She had a slight buzz, but she was still coherent enough to laugh at her own words. "I won't be making a decision until I've had the time to spend with each of the gentlemen."

"I had to try," Blaise said with a shrug. "Look, Hermione, in all honesty, I just want to say, whatever happens, I had a nice time tonight."

Hermione couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "I did too, Blaise."

They chatted idly as they drank their cocktails and Hermione could feel herself slipping. She wasn't drunk, but she was getting that tired feeling she always got when she'd had a little too much. "I hate to cut this short," she said with a frown, "but I did warn you, I think I need to get up to bed."

Blaise chuckled. "Let me at least walk you back to your apartment. I promise to behave." Hermione giggled and nodded.

His hand held hers tightly as he walked with her up the stairs to her flat and she felt a little tingle at the contact. She hoped it wasn't just the booze talking. She'd had a nice time with Blaise. He was a little too smooth, but perhaps that was just the way Italian boys were raised.

When they reached her door, she turned around and hugged him. "Thanks again, I had a great time."

"A kiss for the road?" Blaise asked boldly, his smirk still present.

"Sure, why not," Hermione shrugged with a laugh, and she allowed him to lean into her, taking her chin in his hands and plant a kiss right on her lips. It was longer than the kiss with Theo, and held much more passion, but it was missing something. Maybe her brain was too foggy to feel everything. There was a spark, a small one, and as his arms went around her waist, pulling her closer, she had to admit it was nice to melt into his strong chest.

Blaise's eyes were slightly dazed when he pulled back to look at her, and it was the first time she saw him look anything but composed. It flattered her that she had that effect on him and she kissed him one last time on the cheek before she turned around and opened her door. "Goodnight, Blaise," she said.

"Goodnight, Hermione."

When she was inside, she leaned against the door for support, suddenly feeling a little more sober. The kiss was great, that was sure, but was it enough? She still didn't know.

She shuffled into the kitchen, reaching for a glass for water, hoping it was stop any possible hangover in the morning, but her eyes caught on the box that she'd deposited there before her date. She was tired, but she was also curious. Gulping down the water, she sat at the table and began pulling at the wrapping around the box. Lifting the lid, she saw a thick card with elegant writing on it that read:

Granger,

I saw this at the office. My family's company controls all Hogwarts publishing. I know how much you loved this book when we were in school, and since it's the newest edition - with you in it and McGonagall's introduction - I decided to get it for you before it hit the bookstores.

Malfoy

Her eyes nearly doubled in size and when she lifted the note from the box and saw, underneath, the brand new edition ofHogwarts: A History including the new section on the Battle of Hogwarts.

She actually squealed with delight when she realized that, besides the editor, she'd probably be the first one reading it. The gift was more than thoughtful. It reminded her of something else. Draco Malfoy knew her favorite book. How did he know her favorite book?

The butterflies erupted in her stomach when she considered that, perhaps, he did really harbor some feelings for her for a very long time. Could it be true? Could the Slytherin Sex God really have been infatuated with her for so long? Or was this part of the game? One thing she knew was that Malfoys didn't like to lose. Maybe it was all part of the auction.

She shook the thought from her head and decided to be open minded. Besides, she had a date with Lucius tomorrow before she could even think about Draco. That didn't stop her from curling up in bed with the book he'd sent her and reading several chapters before she finally fell asleep.