Hey! So this is my first fanfic ever so it might suck but I tried! It also may have a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes... im tired haha. Other than that, it's pretty good! (but i have kind of a biased oppinion, huh?)

PLEASE REVIEW :D (Good or bad reviews... I can take it!)

I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters... just the plot.

A Matter of Chance

The pain was bearable at first, starting out as no more than the occasional slap, but it slowly started escalating until it was all I could do to not cry out. I deserved it though, I was worthless… weak… replaceable… I was lucky that anyone loved me.

Despite Hermione's disposition in knowledge over fate, she still found herself being a strong believer in karma. That's why she knew that she had done something wrong the moment she opened the door this morning. The day had started out as any other, she had woken up at the crack of nine and had taken her time getting up. The morning sun had been shining through her window blinds and had cast an intricate checkerboard pattern across Hermione's bed, telling her it was time to start the day. Once she finally did, she felt great; it was a beautiful day outside. As cliché as it sounds; the sun was out, the birds were singing, and everything seemed absolutely perfect. That is until she made her way into the bathroom. In her bliss, she had forgotten about her handicap. Her dirty little secret. She glanced at herself in the mirror and instantly her perfect day was shattered…but she was used to it, this was how Hermione started every day. She grabbed her cover-up as usual, painted over the purple splocthes that covered her face as usual, and broke a little inside… as usual. This had become her daily ritual.

Her day had done a complete 180, though, the moment the doorbell had rung. Hermione made her way to the door and opened it, where she came face to face with a tall, skinny, beautiful man with hair that was so blonde it was almost white.

"D-Draco?" she asked, visually frazzled by the unexpected visitor. God, he's beautiful Hermione thought. He had changed since their days at Hogwarts, his hair was looser now, hitting right below his eyebrows, and his features had become somewhat softer. On top of all that, he had an air of maturity surrounding him. However, Hermione thought sourly, he's still Malfoy.

The man cocked an eyebrow at her, amused at the frizzy haired women's reaction, "Hello, Granger," he smirked, "nice to see you too."

"It's Hermione," she corrected, regaining her confidence, "and what are you doing here?"

"Yeah, I prefer Granger, and for your information, I just moved into the apartment next door." She eyed him warily. Ugh, why me?, she wondered, I honestly can't handle this right now. "I know what your thinking, Granger, and don't flatter yourself. I didn't choose to live here. It's… an assigned living arrangement." Draco said almost uncomfortably, "My family is in a bit of trouble."

"Trouble?" Hermione smirked, "What kind of trouble?"

"Well, I don't see how that is any of your business, Granger," the blonde snapped, tugging anxiously at his sleeve, "but I was just stopping by to warn you of the new living arrangement."

"Well that's very kind of you," Hermione sneered, "but I'd prefer that you'd leave now. Ron should be home soon, and I'd rather not have a dead body on my hands."

"Don't worry, I wont kill him," he laughed coldly, "Speaking of the Weasel, where is he?"

"At work," Hermione answered a little too quickly. In fact, Hermione had no idea where Ron was. She hadn't seen him since he had gone out drinking last night.

"Mmm Hmm," Draco smirked, obviously not believing Hermione's answer. God, he was full of himself, she thought, but right as she was about to respond, she heard a loud POP, indicating that her boyfriend was home.

"Shit," Hermione muttered under her breath. "Leave," she hissed, "now!"

"I… what..?" Draco questioned, his bleached-blond eyebrows knitting together.

"Just GO!"

"Honey?" an angry voice said from behind the brunette. Hermione spun around to face her fire-haired boyfriend. "What is HE doing here?"

"He, um, was just saying hi," Hermione stuttered nervously, "he- he just moved into the apartment next door."

"Oh, well isn't that… interesting," Ron said, his face turning red with anger and his eyes narrowing into slits.

"I was just leaving," Draco said coldly after a long, awkward silence.

"That would probably be for the best," the ginger responded. He grabbed Hermione by the arm, and Draco couldn't help but notice her wincing at the vice-like grip her boyfriend had on her. She looked almost scared, but before he could say anything, Ron had slammed the door in his face. There was nothing he could do now but go home and pretend not to hear the angry shouts coming from the apartment next door.

So.. there's the first chapter! I hope you liked it! :) XOXO Ritch