Chapter 1: An Unpleasant Beginning
Author's notes: This is my first ever fanfiction!
Please R/R! Thanks!
Hermione Granger knew she had made a mistake by attending her only Slytherin friend, Adrienne Blake's back-to-school soiree the moment she stepped on the threshold. Wide-eyed, she took in her surroundings. A Muggle wouldn't have been out-of-place here. The girls were all wearing hot pants, with belly tops, and the guys were wearing metal shirts and jeans. They were all invariably making out, or drinking. Loud Muggle music was blaring from the music system. Feeling thoroughly out-of-place in her long gown, Hermione felt as though Ade had stabbed her in the back. She had given everyone a dress code. Everyone, that is, except Hermione. Either that, or she had forgotten. Feeling thoroughly put out, Hermione sat down on an elegant chair surrounding an ornate table. She couldn't contact her parents now. They had left her and gone for an emergency appointment with one of their patients.
She looked around for familiar faces, and the only one she saw was the sneering face of Draco Malfoy. She had two thoughts, and they didn't match. One, he was dressed impeccably in black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a blue tie.
The second was that he had noticed her, and was making his way to the table where she was seated.
That wasn't a good thought. Hermione started hyperventilating, and feigned any knowledge that she knew he was approaching.
Only when he greeted with a, "Enjoying the party, Granger?" did she look up and greet him with a curt nod.
"What, Malfoy?"
"Just what I asked."
"In case it makes you happy, then no. I'm not enjoying one bit."
"Tut, tut, Granger, and why indeed?"
"Sod off, Malfoy, before I hex your nose off."
"Mind if I sit, Granger?"
"Why don't you just leave me in peace at least outside school? She groaned.
"I'm curious, that's all."
"Curious about what?"
"Let me sit." "Aw, c'mon" he added in a mock-high pitch when she glared at him.
She shot him an annoyed glance, and nodded, full of reluctance.
"Okay, first off. Why aren't you with Potter and Weasel?"
"Nose down, Malfoy. It's nothing to concern you."
"Sure it is. I want know where my lovely Gryffindor boys are" he said sarcastically.
"If you want to know, they weren't invited."
"And you were?" he asked, incredulity evident in his voice.
"I know Ade. She's nice; unlike some of the Slytherins I have the misfortune of knowing"
"Gee, Granger. I'm hurt."
"I'm not referring to anyone, but if the cap fits, wear it" Hermione retorted.
"Touché, Granger. And how do you know Ade, anyway?"
"I met her in the library, and she was browsing for information on Amortentia for Snape. I helped her out, and we started talking."
Draco pretended to puke and made retching sounds.
But curiosity got the better out of him.
"When did this happen?"
"End of fifth year."
They were all starting their sixth year at Hogwarts in a week.
"Aw, how touching."
"Why don't you just go and hang out with you little Slytherin friends, Malfoy? Crabbe and Goyle?"
"They didn't come. They are scared stiff of Ade because she's very accomplished in non-verbal spells, and she usually practices on them."
"Hah, I wish I could see that."
"Don't wish so much, Granger. If you want, I could request Ade to do it on you."
Hermione snorted.
"Haw, Malfoy. I'm so scared, I just wet myself."
"Why, are you-"
She cut him off, and shot him a glare.
"Piss off, Malfoy. Or I'll really hex your ugly nose off."
"Ooh, Granger-"
"Now."
She brandished her wand, and Draco stood up, putting his arms up in mock-fear.
"Bye Granger. See you in school. Thankfully, I don't have to see in the train. I'm in the Prefects' coach." Draco said with a smirk.
"Ooh, ickle Drakie is a Prefect. Mummy and Papa must be sooo proud." Hermione drawled. "And surprisingly, I'm Prefect too. As is Ron."
"Oh, Granger and Weasley, the gruesome twosome. Merlin, I can't be spared even in the Prefect's carriage, then."
"Shut it, Malfoy."
"Scary, Granger, the way you glare. Your nose turns all red, and your hair looks even wilder, if that's even possible. How-?"
Hermione threw him a scathing look that shut him, and turned back on her heels.
_
The next few days were very eventful for Hermione. She went to Diagon Alley to get her books, stationery, and Potions supplies.
She was thrilled with her O.W.L grades, and planned to continue with most of her lessons.
Having given the Burrow a miss, Hermione felt lonely, but cheered up considerably at the prospect of meeting Harry, Ron, Ginny and her other House-mates.
It was the eve of the first of September, when Hermione and Eleanor Granger stood together in the kitchen, preparing a salad for dinner.
"Hermione, dear, have you packed your trunk?"
"All done, Mum. I just need to add my hairbrush, my socks and a few petty things to my trunk."
"Ah, that's a job done, then."
"When's Daddy coming home?"
"Oh, Hermione. Daddy's still stuck at the Doctor's Conference. He's eating out with his colleagues."
"Oh. I hope he's back before I go to sleep." Hermione said wistfully.
Eleanor kissed her daughter on the head.
"Yes, dear. He should be back by 10 o'clock. It's just 8:30 now."
"Ooh, good. What's for dinner?"
Seeing this was Hermione's last home-cooked meal before Christmas, Eleanor had gone out of her way, and left no stone unturned for a special dinner. Roast beef, applesauce, string beans, baked potatoes and a creamy dip all adorned the table.
"And a chocolate mud cake for dessert!" Eleanor finished.
Hermione sighed, and dug in.
"Fis ef wafaful."
"Hermione, dear, don't talk with your mouth full." Eleanor admonished.
Hermione swallowed, and spoke: "Sorry, Mum. I meant, this is wonderful."
"Thanks, dear. I'm so glad you liked it."
Hermione and her mother chatted till dinner got over, and Hermione got up regretfully.
"The dinner was incredible, Mum. But I should get back to upstairs."
"You do that. Don't want to leave anything behind, do you?"
Just then, Brian Granger walked in, and dumped his briefcase on the sofa.
Hermione rushed and engulfed him in a bear hug.
"Hey, honey. How's it going?"
"Hey Daddy. We just finished dinner."
"Oh, that's wonderful."
Hermione and Brian chatted for a while, after which she stood up.
"Sorry, Daddy. I have to go and pack now."
She kissed her father, and retired to her room, where she threw various items into her trunk.
After that, she snuggled into bed, and slept dreamlessly.
_
As the First of September incepted, Hermione sat up groggily, as the alarm went off for 7 AM with the sound of ABBA's Dancing Queen.
She sniffed the air, and smelt coffee. Mm.
Feeling thoroughly invigorated, she walked into her bathroom, and turned on her shower.
After brushing and showering, Hermione threw on jeans and a long top. She would change to the Hogwarts robes in the train.
She pranced into the dining room, where her mother and father were seated, drinking mugs of coffee, her father's head buried into the morning newspaper.
"Good morning, Hermione dear. Did you sleep well?
"Yes I did, Mum."
She poured herself a mug of coffee, and dunked two sugar cubes into it.
Stirring, she sat down on the table, and added two cinnamon rolls. It was Eleanor's special, and Hermione's favourite.
"So, dear. Are you excited to meet your friends?" Brian asked.
"Yes, Dad. I'm finally seeing Harry and Ron and Ginny and Neville and all the others."
"That's my girl. So, Hermione, when do you want to leave? Its quarter to nine now."
"Oh, the train leaves at 11:00. So, um, leaving at ten should be perfect."
"Ten it is, then."
Hermione finished her breakfast, and went to check on her holiday homework she would be submitting.
She murmured to herself as she mentally crossed out each subject.
After that, she settled with her favourite book, Hogwarts: A History, and read until her father bellowed from below the stairs that it was time to leave.
Sighing, she collected her luggage, and trudged down the stairs.
She got in her father's Chevrolet, and they zoomed away.
_
Draco walked through the ticket barrier, and Lucius and Narcissa followed.
The gleaming, scarlet Hogwarts Express stood majestically, and Draco stood on the platform, as his parents entered a moment later.
"It's ten to eleven, Dad," Draco told his father, and added after a glance at his expensive gold watch, "I think I should get the luggage up."
Using a quick spell, Lucius expertly moved the trunk into the Prefects carriage, and after a crisp nod for Lucius, and a kiss for Narcissa, Draco stepped on the train.
_
The excitement and exhilaration in Platform 9 ¾ on 1st of September was palpable.
Having left her mom and dad at the barrier, Hermione felt lonely, as she walked through the platform, looking for a friendly face.
That was when she spotted Harry.
Harry. She almost died of shock. Hermione felt her jaw drop to the floor.
Could a month of vacations do so much to your physique and appearance that you changed from dorky to dashing?
It could, apparently.
Here was Harry, after all.
His hair had grown slightly longer, and it was mussed carelessly, making it appear incredibly sexy.
His arms and chest were muscled, and toned, as though he had been working out regularly. It was the result of reveling in Molly Weasley's excellent cooking for a month, Hermione knew.
He had noticed her, and walked to her, with a huge grin on his face.
Harry pulled her into a bear hug, and Hermione felt her heart flutter.
What tosh, she admonished herself. He's just a buddy.
Falling for a best friend was a bad idea. She had read many Muggle magazines, and all of them warned against this happening.
Snapping out of her reverie, Hermione realized that Harry was awaiting answer to a question that she hadn't heard.
"S-sorry, Harry. What did you say?" she stuttered embarrassingly.
"I said, Hermione, d'you want to find Neville and Luna, and then put our stuff in?" he sounded annoyed, so Hermione presumed that this had to be the third or the fourth time he was repeating.
"Er, Harry. You see, Ron and I have to go to the Prefects carriage, and uh, we can't sit with you. We'll just be there for an hour or so, finish our duties, and come sit with you. Go and find Ginny, Neville and Luna."
His face fell when she said that they couldn't sit with him, but brightened up considerably when she suggested Ginny. Hermione wondered what could be the reason.
"Oh, and Harry, please tell Ron to go to the Prefect's carriage. He must have forgotten."
"Will do, Hermione."
Just then, Ron walked up to them, still tall, gangly and freckled.
"Hey, Hermione, Harry! Ready to slog, Hermione?"
"What do you mean, Ronald?"
"As Prefects."
Hermione sighed impatiently.
"Oh, c'mon Ron. I know you are super-proud of your status!"
"Oh, okay. Maybe I am. But I wish I could lord it over Malfoy for a while. It would be a change.
But he's a Prefect too."
"I know. Who are the rest of the Prefects?"
"Hufflepuff has Ernie Macmillan, and Hannah Abbott. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw."
"I'm not surprised. And who's the other Prefect for Slytherin?" Harry asked.
"I dunno. I just hope it's not Millicent Bulstrode!"
The other two murmured their agreement.
"But really, 'Mione. Percy has always been griping about what a dog's life a Prefect leads."
The clock struck 11 then, and Hermione and Ron climbed into the Prefect's coach hastily.
Harry went, looking thoroughly crestfallen.
They had reached the end of the dark passage, when Ron called out.
"I need to go to the toilet, Hermione. You go on, I'll just come."
Hermione slid the door open, and gasped.
Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson were kissing passionately, his arms on her waist, hers around his neck.
She wondered whether she was supposed to be here.
Eight people were to share the coach, after all.
She tried to announce her arrival conspicuously, but before she could, Draco and Pansy broke apart, and he glared at Hermione.
"What are you doing in here, Mudblood? Haven't you been taught not to invade others privacy?"
"Don't call me a Mudblood, Malfoy. I'm as much as a witch as you're a wizard. And yes, I do know not to barge in, Malfoy, but really, making out in public. I never thought you'd stoop so low. Tut, tut. Being a Malfoy; shame, isn't it? I wonder what'll happen if news gets around."
Malfoy's pale face, paled more, and his grey eyes narrowed.
"What the hell do you mean, Granger?"
"You know what I mean. I'll let this little tidbit slip."
Draco brandished his wand, and raised it threateningly.
"What the bloody hell is going on?"
Hermione, who was about to shoot a Body Bind at Malfoy, turned, and sought the person who spoke. Ron stood there, his face red.
"What's wrong, Hermione?"
"It's nothing, Ron. Let's go and patrol, yeah?"Hermione said, desperate to change topic.
"You go. I'll come by later."
"Oh, okay."
Draco stood up, and followed Hermione out.
Ron yanked him to a stop.
"Now, don't you dare mess with her, Malfoy!"
"I wouldn't mess with your Mudblood girlfriend if she was the last person on earth, Weasley.
"Why the hell are you following her!"
"I have some things to put straight with her. Wish me luck, Weasley." Malfoy said maliciously.
Pansy, who had been witnessing all this with her eyes wide, came over to Draco, and put her arm on his. He shook it away, and Pansy shrank back, incredulous.
"Go away, Parkinson."
"Draco, what's the matter?"
"You are my problem! Nattering away, eating my head up. You annoy me, Parkinson."
Pansy looked ready to faint.
"It's over, Pansy. I've been telling you that for ages. I have to go and talk to Granger, now. So please, move."
Pansy looked at him, tears brimming in her eyes, unshed. She was aghast.
She gave a great, wracking sob, and ran away.
Draco looked at her retreating figure, his face quite impassive.
Pushing Ron away, he sauntered out of the coach, looking for Hermione.
_
Pansy looked at her image in the mirror. She looked dreadful.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, and tear tracks streaked her face.
Her hair was a mess. It stood out in every direction.
Thinking back to the previous hour, Pansy wondered what went wrong with her relationship with Draco.
Hadn't he responded eagerly when she kissed him in the train?
What was the matter?
A new possibility entered Pansy's mind.
Maybe it was Hermione…
But Draco scorned Muggle-born people, didn't he?
He had ridiculed, and looked down his nose on all Muggles. He thought they were equal to dirt.
But…
"I have to go and talk to Granger."
He had to talk to Granger.
This thought reverberated in her mind as fresh tears sprung from her eyes.
And then…
"Nattering away, eating my head up. You annoy me, Parkinson."
Was she too sycophantic with him? Was that what irritated Draco?
But how couldn't she?
Pansy had had a crush on Draco since their third year, and had been thrilled when he asked her to accompany him to the Yule Ball. Their relationship had been pretty good.
Everyone in Slytherin loved gossiping about Draco and Pansy.
Both of them loved the attention. They reveled in the stares and pointed fingers and smothered gossip.
But she was a mere Parkinson now.
And why Parkinson?
Why was she referred to as Parkinson?
Pansy wiped her face using a napkin, and applied some makeup. She smoothed her hair using Sleakeazy's Hair Potion.
She looked better. She flushed the toilet and her thoughts of her relationship with Draco with it. She put the thoughts out of her head.
It was time to act. And time to seek some answers.
_
"You open your filthy mouth, Granger, and you'll face the music."
"Oh, Malfoy. Guess what, I'm going to face the music. Just choose a good song. I like the Weird Sisters." Hermione replied sarcastically.
They were inside a deserted coach. Hermione was pushed back against a wall, and Draco's palms were pressed on her either side, caging her in.
He seemed unaware of her awkwardness, and Hermione fervently wished no-one walked in.
"Shut it, Granger. You dare not tell anyone about me and Pansy. It'll add fuel to fire. "
"And why may that be?"
"It's nothing to concern you, Mudblood. Now, do as I say, Granger. You will-"
"Shut up, Malfoy. YOU will listen to me, yes? Now, this is how it's going to work. You stop calling me a Mudblood, and I'll keep mum about yours and Pansy's little to-do. Or else, well. Let's say, the gossip-mongers will have something to blab about. It won't be pretty." Hermione looked obstinately into his grey eyes, and awaited his reply.
"Well, Granger, let's not do it your way. You breathe a word, I'll Cruciatus you. Or else-"
"Nothing doing, Malfoy. We do what I say. So just shut the hell up." Her tone clearly voiced her peremptoriness.
And before he could reply, Hermione pulled her wand out, and yelled "Densaugeo!"
Draco's teeth grew alarmingly fast, and Hermione walked out, smug.
"Justice. Sweet justice." She called loudly.
For it had been the spell Draco had shot at her, in their Fourth year.
She shut the door, and the image of Draco writhing, trying to set his teeth properly.
_
Hermione sought out Harry's coach, and found Ron, hogging on Chocolate Frogs.
"You could have called me, Ronald."
Before Ron had the chance to, Harry spoke up.
"We searched the entire bloody train for you, Hermione. Well, except the one which was locked."
Hermione blushed, and Ron's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What, Hermione? Where were you?"
"Oh, er, the bathroom." Hermione's face reddened, and it was evident she was lying.
Ron and Harry exchanged glances which said: She-sure-as-hell-is-lying.
They said no more, and Hermione settled gratefully next to Ginny, throwing furtive glances at Harry.
Crushing on your best friend, she mused. Whatever next?
_
"All students are requested to leave their trunks in the train. They will be collected later. Please follow discipline and do not push. Prefects are expected to congregate near the engine, as they will be guiding the First years. Thank you."
The loud voice which blared out of nowhere, and Ron patted his badge self-consciously.
"Better get going, 'Mione."
Hermione frowned at the nickname Ron had been using for a few hours now, and nodded mutely.
All the eight Prefects met at the engine, and Hermione was unsurprised to see Malfoy with normal teeth. He shot her a glare, which she chose to ignore.
She concentrated on the task at hand, and helped and guided the little First year students.
Ron hadn't been kidding, Hermione thought. This really is hard work.