Unwell

"Malfoy, I must say that this is one of your most brilliant plans that you've ever come up with," Crabbe said, patting his leader on the back.

Draco grinned. He enjoyed being the center of everyone's attention. The praises and glory didn't hurt his ego either. The only one who seemed to have a problem with the idea was Pansy. She had been huffing and puffing ever since Draco explained his plans for revenge upon the Potter Pack.

"I just don't understand why it had to be her!" Pansy whined. Everyone groaned, and Draco rolled his eyes.

"Because, darling, she's the best way to seek revenge on the whole bunch. She's the key. Besides, I happen to know that Hermione has feelings for me."

"And just how do you know?" Pansy asked, placing her hands on her hips, still huffing.

"Don't be insane," Goyle added, "every girl fancies Draco. He could charm his way to any girl's heart. Granger is going to melt like chocolate in Draco's hands."

"Fine. I'll give you that. But, why do you have to sleep with her?"

Draco noticed that the thought of him and Granger having sex got underneath her skin. To be honest, he didn't mind the idea at all. He had long wondered what how Hermione would react during sex.

"Because," Draco explained, "just imagine the look upon her face when she finds us together, alone, in my room, with me whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Imagine the look of horror upon her face when she realizes that it's really you that I'm in love with."

Pansy giggled, and looked pleased. "Okay," she agreed, "but remember, I'm the one you come back to. I'm the one who really loves you."

Draco flashed her his toothpaste-ad smile. "But I still don't like the idea," Pansy added.

"It doesn't matter, because Granger is never going to give Malfoy any."

Everyone turned to face Theodore Zabini, Blaise's younger brother, who had been listening in on the entire conversation.

"And just how do you know Teddy? You're only a second year. We've known Hermione much longer!" Pansy interjected.

"Because," Teddy continued, "I happen to know for a fact that Hermione is very proud of her virginity. She wouldn't just give it up to just anyone. It's a known fact that her best friends, Potter and Weasley despise Draco. Do you honestly think she'd go against their wishes just for a one night stand and give up the one thing she values the most?"

All eyes turned to Draco. He knew that Teddy had made a point, but he wasn't about to give in to a second year. "Care to place your money where your mouth is Teddy Bear?" Draco watched as the boy cringed at the sound of the nickname. Only Blaise was allowed to call him that, and the boy threatened anyone else who used the pet name his sister had donned on him. Draco knew he had him.

"Fine. I bet you 50 galleons that you won't have sex with her by the Yule Ball."

Draco contemplated this for a moment. The Yule Ball was less than three months away. He didn't have much time, but he was a Malfoy, and he had always been able to charm his away with a girl. But this wasn't just any girl. This was Hermione Granger. She was going to be a challenge, he knew, but it was one he was willing to take. Besides, Draco had a reputation to uphold. He couldn't back down from a bet. Especially one against a second year.

"Make it 75 and you've got yourself a deal." Everyone gasped. 75 galleons was a large chunk of money. They knew that money was no object to a Malfoy, but the Zabinis weren't exactly the richest family on the block. True, they were well to do, but lately, they had been having some financial problems. Evidentially, the money didn't mean much to Teddy, because he accepted Malfoy's proposal with a mere nod of the head. Draco smiled. His idea was turning out better than he had anticipated.