Hermione sat in the Gryffindor Common Room with Ginny, laughing at the latest letter Fred and George had sent them. With Harry and Ron away hunting for Horcruxes, the two girls were left to fend for themselves at Hogwarts. Hermione didn't mind, she and Ron had parted on somewhat awkward terms. Just as Hermione had given up hope of Ron ever returning her feelings, he had admitted to being attracted to her but it was too late. She had let go of the idea and once she set her mind to something, she stuck to it. Perhaps after the fighting, when things settled down and she had a moment to think, they could try again. For now, though, there were more important things. Ginny, however, was unreadable. She seemed to be continuing on as though nothing had happened. Or so Hermione had though, until the younger girl had started sneaking off at odd hours.
"Hermione, look at this! Their newest product causes boys to feel the pain us girls have to feel during that time of month!" Ginny laughed, handing her the letter.
"What?" She exclaimed, taking the letter and reading it through. "They're advertising it as the perfect revenge for a cheating or inconsiderate boyfriend."
"It's brilliant, really. How many times have Harry and Ron been complete tossers when we were PMSing? Wish we'd had it then!"
"How they even managed to create this is beyond me," Hermione giggled. Fred and George really were quite inventive. She would definitely be visiting the shop in Diagon Alley soon to pick up some of their latest creations.
"Damn, I've got to go, Mione." Ginny said, gathering her things. "It's already ten and I've got a Potions test tomorrow."
"Alright, I should be getting back to the Heads' Dorm anyway; it wouldn't do for the Head Girl to be out after curfew." Hermione sighed. The Heads' Dorm should have been a wonderful place for her, except for one Draco Malfoy. He was Head Boy this year, a decision she thought completely mad, but of course she kept her mouth shut when it was announced. A Head Girl was mature and didn't complain on the account of petty things such as House Rivalry.
Never mind his status as an up-and-coming Death Eater… She though dryly. Well, it was out of her hands. The most she could do was make sure the arrogant prat wasn't up to no good. Oddly enough, he'd been inconspicuous this year, hardly speaking to anyone and focusing on his studies. Probably his way of staying off the radar.
"Is there anything you have any questions on?" She asked Ginny kindly, knowing what a nightmare Snape's tests could be.
Ginny looked startled at her offer, glancing nervously about the Common Room. "No, I've, uh, got it all sorted. Thanks though."
Hermione suppressed all of the questions she had. Questions on Ginny's strange behavior and why she was always so antsy. "Well…. Just let me know, I suppose. I'll be off then."
"Goodnight!" Ginny called, moving towards the Girl's Dorm as Hermione made her way to the portrait hole.
Once outside, she ducked behind a large suit of armor and waited. It didn't take long. About fifteen minutes later, Ginny poked her head out, glancing around carefully before stepping out of the Common Room and quietly shut the Portrait behind her.
"Not too late tonight, dear." The Fat Lady told her.
"Of course." Ginny said, looking rather guilty.
"Oh, don't feel bad. I've seen it all." The Fat Lady smiled knowingly. Ginny nodded her thanks and walked swiftly down the hall. Moving as silently as she could, Hermione followed her. Down the stairs, past the Great Hall and down more stairs. Into the Dungeons. How peculiar…
She shivered as she tiptoed behind the red head. Merlin, Ginny could walk fast! And it was bloody freezing down here! Suddenly, Ginny turned opened the door to an empty classroom and quickly shut it behind her.
"Damn." Hermione muttered, leaning against the wall.
"You?" A voice asked behind her. She spun, whipping out her wand. Malfoy stood behind her looking both confused and annoyed. "You're who Blaise has been sneaking off to see every night?"
"Blaise?" Hermione asked, lowering her wand slightly. "What are you on about, Malfoy?"
"Don't play dumb, Granger." He sneered at her, "Blaise has been sneaking off several times a week and acting very odd. Now I know why."
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Hermione snapped. This night was just bizarre.
"What did you do? What have you got against him? Like he would ever willingly touch you." He snarled, taking a step towards her.
"Back off, Malfoy." Hermione spat, "I don't what the hell you're talking about. I followed Ginny down here since; she too, has been sneaking off… Oh my…You don't think…?"
"Ginny…Ginny Weasley? The Weaselette? No way…" Malfoy said, more to himself then her. "Makes sense, in a way. Always had a thing for red heads."
He continued to mumble to himself for a few minutes, before looking at her again.
"Are you done talking to yourself?"
He sighed, "Lower your bloody wand, Granger. I'm not going to attack you."
"Oh, of course n-"There was a slight scuffling sound from the other side of the classroom door. The next thing she knew, she was yanked into a nearby alcove and the feeling of something wet, slimy, and cold being poured over her head came over her. There was an arm around her waist and a hand covering her mouth. She squirmed violently, trying to free herself.
"Shh." Malfoy whispered, his mouth dangerously close to her ear. She could feel his hot breath on her neck.
Blaise Zabini stepped out into the corridor, wand raised. "Is anyone there? Show yourself!"
Hermione and Draco stood as still as possible, barely breathing as Zabini walked a few feet up and down the hall. When he found nothing, he went back into the classroom, shutting the door.
"I think you can let go of me now…" Hermione said uncertainly, stepping away as soon as he loosened his hold on her. "Well…That's interesting."
"Interesting?" Malfoy said, after removing the Disillusionment Charm he'd placed on them. "It's fucking weird!"
"Lower your voice, damn it!" She snapped, "Do you want him to come back out?"
"Yes, I do. Someone needs to shake some sense into him!" Malfoy growled, moving towards the door. Hermione leapt into his path, pushing him back.
"No!"
"Keep your filthy hands off of me!"
"Would you just relax for a minute? You're about to barge in there and do what exactly?" She asked, holding her ground between him and the door.
"Tell him exactly what the consequences of his currently idiotic actions are!"
"Why is that, exactly? It's a great show of inter-house unity, in my opinion." She told him.
"This may come as a shock to you, Granger, but your opinion doesn't mean a damn thing to me. And inter-house unity? Figures you'd think of something like that. I'm a little more concerned with the war and the fact that they are on opposite sides. This little…whatever it is, could get them both killed!"
"Or it could be what saves him…" Hermione pointed out.
"What makes you think he is the one who needs saving?" He asked coldly.
"Oh please Malfoy, we both know you don't believe any of that Pureblood supremacist nonsense, you're smarter than that." She protested, knowing full well he was only on the Dark Side to protect his family.
"It doesn't matter! It still puts them both in danger."
"Don't act like you care about her!"
"Alright, Granger. I don't give a damn about what happens to the she-weasel. But Blaise probably does."
"Perhaps we could just speak with them. It would be the most logical thing to do." Hermione said, though she was a bit uncertain about that whole idea. Who knew how pissed Ginny would be when she found out that Hermione had followed her?
"Oh, yes. Very brilliant Granger, since, you know, the most logical course is always the best." Malfoy let out an irritated sigh. "Damn Gryffindors. Alright, here's the deal. We say nothing for a few days. Watch them; see how often they meet up."
"And find out what they're doing." She pointed out.
"It's a bit obvious, isn't it?"
In spite of herself, Hermione felt her cheeks heat up. "Well, yes. I suppose it is. Still, you never know. It could be a casual hook-up type thing or something serious. Either way we need to gather information before we make any more assumptions."
"Fine. We'll 'gather information'." He agreed mockingly, "Now what?"
"We wait for them to leave and then head back to the Heads' Dorms."
"That could be hours!"
"Like Zabini has that much stamina." She shot back with a wicked smirk. It shocked her when Malfoy actually smiled at her remark.
"Too right you are, Granger." He smirked, "I give it another fifteen to twenty minutes and they'll be out."
"Care to put some money where your mouth is, Malfoy?"
"What, finally sick of Weasley's scraps?"
"Oh shut it." She snapped, stepping further into the alcove and placing another Disillusionment charm on herself. Within seconds, Malfoy had done the same. It was odd, she could feel his presence, but she couldn't see him. "I'm not with Ron, you know."
"Wonderful. And you're telling me this, because…?" He trailed off.
"I don't know. I just hate when people make assumptions about me, I guess."
"Right. Like back in Fourth Year when everyone assumed you were fucking Krum." He laughed.
"Yes. Though some rumors can be true sometimes." There, let him make of that what he will, she thought darkly.
"Touché, Granger."
They sat in silence for what seemed like eternity. The corridor was damp and cold. Both were just about ready to give up when the door opened and Blaise appeared, leading a tired looking Ginny by the hand. The two looked up and down the corridor before heading towards the entrance hall. Suddenly, Hermione felt a hand groping her.
"Malfoy, that's my tit!" She hissed.
"Sorry." He sniggered, "Just trying to get your attention. Let's go."
They set off as silently possible, both hidden under their powerful charms. It didn't take long to catch up to the couple, who quickly kissed each other goodnight and parted ways.
"Well," Malfoy stated, removing his charm once the coast was clear. "Best be off to bed."
Once again they set off in silence, but it wasn't awkward. They were both lost in thought, wondering how something like this could have come to be. Hermione thought it best not to speculate, while Draco had a swarm of scenarios racing around in his head. Inside the safety of their Common Room, they stared uncomfortably at one another.
"Erm…I guess we'll come up with a more detailed plan tomorrow?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah… Tomorrow then." Malfoy said, going to his room and closing the door firmly behind him.
Hermione did the same and leaned against the door after shutting it behind her. She sank slowly to the floor, one hand tangled in her hair. She hadn't known what to expect, but that had been nothing anyone could have anticipated.
Thanks for reading. Like it? Hate it? Let me know! This will probably be two-three chapters long, unless I get caught up in it!