"I'm fine Draco," Hermione insisted for the fifteenth time that day. At least if felt like that.

"You pulled a muscle."

"And I took some ibuprofen," Hermione said. "I'm going to be fine. Even Madame Pomfrey said that I'd be fine."

"You've never pulled a muscle before?" James asked.

"I did," Hermione said. "And it's not like Draco hasn't either. He's played rugby. I just think that it's ridiculous not to let your body heal, especially when it's something this small. If I'd broken my arm I think I'd worry more."

Hermione was sure that she would worry more if she had broken an arm. Especially if she had broken her right arm. She was not interested in getting behind in her school work. Especially if she intended to prove Draco wrong and beat him out of the top spot.

"She's never pulled a muscle in her back," Draco said exasperatedly.

"I've never pulled a stunt like that before either."

"Oh look at them bicker," Theo said. "I hope we get to see that over the holidays. You are coming to the ball this year Granger."

"I've invited her for the past six years," Draco said. "She's always said no."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I didn't say no. I said that I was going to be going to Greece. You know that. You've known that since we were five."

"Have they always been like this?" James asked.

"No. They don't usually fight unless Draco's being overprotective," Blaise answered. "And you know how well that usually goes."

"Not," Theo said.

"About as well as it goes when he's being possessive," Hermione added.

"Alright, alright," Draco said. "I can be a bit much at times. That's why Hermione's good for me. She keeps me balanced."

"More balanced." Hermione rolled her eyes. "What are your plans for the holiday James?"

James shrugged. "I was just planning on staying here. I don't really want to go back to the Dursley's."

"You can come stay with me," Draco said. "I know my mum would be thrilled to have you. She's thrilled to have anyone stay with us."

"And you're sure I wouldn't be imposing?"

Hermione hid a smile at that. Of course that would be the first thing that James was worried about. As if he needed to worry about Narcissa being upset.

"Look, if I can get my mother to fuss over you instead of me, I'll feel a lot more relaxed," Draco said. "She'll probably badger you constantly. But you'll get some decent presents out of it."

"More than decent," Blaise said. "Narcissa picks the best presents. Much better than my mum."

James looked at Blaise then back at Draco. He shook his head, clearly trying to sort out his mind.

"You'd love the manor," Hermione added. "It's huge. And if you're going to spend any time there at all, you'll get a room. I suspect you'd get one in the same wing as Draco."

"Where's your room?" James asked.

"On the other side of the house," Draco moaned. "I don't know why."

"Have you no sense of propriety?" Daphne asked. "If your mother heard you she'd box your ears."

Hermione saw the look on James' face.

"It's not considered proper for young people of the opposite gender to be housed close to each other," she explained. "Especially if they don't have a betrothal announced."

"Do you think your parents would be willing to arrange one for me?" James asked.

"Are you sure you want that?" Hermione asked. "You don't have to worry about that now."

James shrugged. "At least I know I'd be getting someone of high caliber. Too bad it wouldn't be you Hermione."

Hermione laughed. "You just say that because I was raised by muggles too. Don't worry. We'll find someone good for you. Maybe Astoria?"

Daphne snorted. "Fat chance. Mum and Dad still think they're going to work some arrangement with Draco's parents for him. Right Theo?"

Theo looked down sadly. "They hardly considered my petition. I suppose we'll try again next year."

"You know Astoria adores you," Blaise said. "You'll win her parents over. They just have to get over the fact that Draco's not going to marry her. Then maybe you'll get to some agreement."

"I don't think they understand that Draco gets a say in the matter," Daphne said. "And why would they want to marry her off to him? Aren't I better?"

The entire group laughed. Daphne wasn't at all interested in Draco. If anything she was much more interested in James. But she wasn't about to let James know that.

The day passed relatively quickly. The only hiccup was Ron Weasley saying that he was going to be visiting Romania over the winter holidays. All the Slytherins rolled their eyes at his attempt to make anyone jealous.

"Relax Weasley," Hermione said. "You sound as if you've never left the country before. And that's not an attractive look."

"Like you have," he retorted.

Hermione laughed. And she had quite a hard time stopping.

"You do know that her grandparents live in Greece," Theo said. "And that she's been going there every year."

They watched as Ron flushed an unattractive red. It clashed horribly with his hair. Thankfully he was quiet for the rest of potions and everyone was exceptionally glad for that.