“You’re the only one that was ever important to me,” he said softly, and brushed her hair away from her face. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Charlie,” Hermione replied, as if she meant it. Draco leaned in and was about to kiss her when she pulled back. “We don’t really need to practice this part, do we? I mean, I said the last line with emotion. We don’t need to do the kiss yet.”

“Do you know how awkward it’s going to be if we’re on stage together and it’s our first kiss?”

“I don’t care. They’re going to black out the stage right afterwards anyway.”

“Fine,” he said. “Listen, we don’t like each other. That’s completely apparent to everyone. But this is a play: we’re not us when we’re acting. You don’t have to mean any of it; you just have to look like you do.”

“Why is this even so important to you?” she asked, sitting down and taking a sip of her water.

Malfoy sighed. “I'm… I'm failing my Transfiguration class. McGonagall said she’d give me extra credit if I landed a role in the play- even a minor one.”

“Ah,” Hermione replied. “And I'm guessing since you got a main character, you’re getting a lot of extra credit.”

“Yeah,” he answered, sitting down next to her. “As long as I don’t back out.”

“Are you going to?”

“No. Come on, stop procrastinating, Granger. The play is in two weeks. Throw aside your script. We’re going to do this without it.”

“What time is McGonagall coming?”

“Nine. We need to have this scene down or she’s going to be mad.”

“Like you care.”

Ignoring her, Malfoy smiled. “Now remember; my character is extremely good looking and rich… and you’re the poor farmer girl. Oh, look… we are more like our characters than I realized.”

She could only glare at him.

….

“Very good,” Professor McGonagall chirped tightly. “A few pointers are required here, though. Never turn your back to the stage. Don’t put your hands in front of your face… and get that kiss down. I understand that it’s uncomfortable to do something… ‘intimate’… in front of others, but you can’t pull away from him on the night of the play. Also, as Head Girl, this will represent a bonding that is definitely needed between the Houses at a time like this. Practice is tomorrow during your lunch break. Bring a snack.”

She left and Hermione couldn’t help but groan. “I have to miss lunch, too?”

“Oh, get over it, Granger,” sneered Malfoy. He picked up his black bag and swung it over his shoulder. “As Head Girl it’s your duty…”

His voice trailed off as he left the room. Frustrated, Hermione threw herself against the wall and tried to sort out her thoughts.

….

“I want a five page essay on Karemptions and their uses,” Professor Flitwick squeaked, holding the giant wood door open. “Due Wednesday. You’re dismissed.”

“Urgh,” Hermione groaned, falling into step between Harry and Ron. “I have no idea how I'm going to finish this in time.”

“Really, Hermione? I thought you would’ve had it finished already,” Ron teased.

“I thought you would’ve learned to catch the Quaffle already, but looks are deceiving,” she snapped back, and stormed away, leaving Ron in her wake with his jaw dropped open.

“Smooth,” said Harry casually, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“She… Well she…”

“Don’t say that she started it. You did. That’s the last thing she needs, Ron. You should apologize.”

“Have I really been that bad at Quidditch lately?” he asked, letting his head hang a little.

“No. Stop changing the subject. Go say that you’re sorry.”

Ron sighed and headed towards the library, where he found Hermione pushing her way through pages of dust. “Hey.”

She ignored him.

“Listen, I'm really sorry. I shouldn’t have picked at you.” He pulled out a chair and sat down, taking the fact that she hadn’t started yelling yet as a good sign. “I know you’re stressed out… and if you want, I could help you with your essay.”

Hermione couldn’t help but smile a little. “Considering the fact that you can’t even pronounce ‘Karemptions,’ I think I’ll pass.”

Her hair was falling over her face, and he pushed it back. “Keep leaning over the book like that and your neck will fall off.”

“Yeah,” she laughed. “I think I’ll really pass on that offer for assistance.”

Ron smiled and wrapped her in a hug. “We all right?”

“Mmhmm,” she nodded. “And I'm sorry for snapping at you. I’ve just got a lot going on.”

“Like what?”

“Five page essays… Constant practices… Oh, yeah, and I have to kiss Malfoy in the last scene of the play,” she added, trying to make the latter sound as normal as possible.

However her attempts proved futile; Ron stood up, his eyes wide. “What?”

“Shh, Ron, you’re going to get us kicked out.”

“You have to kiss… Malfoy?” he hissed, resting his hand on the table so he could be at her eye level.

“Yes. Careful, or some might just think you’re jealous.”

“Ha,” he replied. “Well, if you want to go kiss some guy that’s despised you, Harry, and me, have fun.”

“Well, I'm glad you don’t care,” Hermione said, standing up and bringing the book she was using to the counter to check it out. “Because I have to go work on that scene right now.”

“I… I could come with you,” he suggested, trying to sound calm and relaxed. “Just… you know… for support. Support on the play, not on the kiss… Or that… Yeah.”

Hermione raised her eyebrows. “All right, if you insist…”

….

He looked into her eyes and leaned in… just before their lips touched a loud cough sounded from the other side of the room.

Hermione turned to look at Ron, who shrugged. “I… er… had something stuck in my throat.”

“Yeah, sure,” said Draco, backing away. “And I'm Santa Claus.”

“You’re ugly enough,” mumbled Ron underneath his breath.

“What was that, Weasley?” Draco asked, jumping off stage and rounding on Ron.

“Oh, nothing,” he replied coolly. “I just figured that you have a very striking resemblance to Father Christmas and all… I mean… let’s see… You both have rosy cheeks, you’re both pretty tall…. Oh, yeah, and you both suck at Quidditch.”

Malfoy stepped closer, as did Ron. They pulled out their wands and were on the point of a duel when Hermione interrupted. “Let’s go, Ron.”

“No, I don’t think you’ll be leaving.”

“Actually,” said Hermione, stepping in between the two of them. “I think that we will.”

Draco glared at Ron then put his hands on Hermione’s arms, pulling her forward. And before she even knew what was happening, Draco kissed her.