Chapter One
[A loud whistle blew]
The train was arriving at Hogwarts and Harry, Ron and Hermione were about to begin their 6th year.
Hermione ecstatic as always was trying her hardest to tone it down for Harry. He was still having trouble dealing with the death of Sirius. Both Ron and Hermione had spent countless hours convincing Harry it was best for him to come back to school, to get on with his life and move forward. A trying task that was. Now that they were finally here she could see that the storm was far from over.
She knew that for the next ten months the three of them were going to be challenged both together and separately. As the train came to a halt Hermione took a deep breath, put a smile on and joined her two best friends as the stepped off the train to begin their year.
Draco having spent the entire summer tending to his distraught mother was surprisingly looking forward to this school year. He never really thought of Hogwarts as a place that would teach him what he was really going to need once he graduated. This year was different though.
It was more of an escape, an escape from being constantly reminded about his father's imprisonment. After Lucius was apprehended in the ministry he had been sentenced to life in Azkaban Prison.
Narcissa had fallen into a deep depression. She walked the manor as if she had no purpose, no reason for being. A month went by and she was starting to regain a little more of herself that she lost. A little part of her that made it her mission to push it upon Draco that he was the man of the house now. He was now expected to take over his father's roles at home and eventually, if things went according to plan, he would also step up where his father fell with the Death Eaters.
So looking at ten months inside the walls of Hogwarts was a decent distraction from all that was hanging above his head. As he stepped onto the platform a slight feeling of relief fell over him, but almost as quickly it was gone. At any point he could be called away to wherever the Dark Lord demands. That left Draco feeling uncertain.
All the 6th years made their way through the main doors. Everything looked bright and cheery. Hermione supposed the school was trying to lift the spirits of the students after the news of Voldemort's return. Each table was decorated with its house colors; it was above and beyond anything she had seen in her previous years.
The feast hadn't been served yet. "I'm bloody starving." Ron exhaled. "When is the food coming?"
"Hush Ronald, Dumbledore always gives a speech before food is served. Must we do this every year?" Hermione said sarcastically.
Ron gave her a smirk, "Relax Hermione I know. It's just, after the train ride and all your chatter about what we can do to make this year great, a lot was taken out of me."
Hermione gave him a shove, "Oh shut it Ron. I was just trying to put a positive spin on things. Anyway you weren't hel-" Before she was able to finish Dumbledore was at his podium ready to begin.
"Welcome to another fine year here at Hogwarts. We will begin our feast shortly, but first I have a few things we must go over." Dumbledore paused to scan the faces of his students.
"I know emotions are running wild with some of you along with your families after the events that took place this previous year. With the return of You-Know-Who there are some protective measures we must follow." Some students looked alarmed and others didn't seem the least bit fazed (mostly the Slytherin House).
"All students, regardless of year, must follow the curfew. No students are allowed out of their dormitories before six in the morning in order to prepare for classes and are expected to be inside at dark. Students will be lead to and from classes by their House Prefects. If there is anyone caught roaming the halls unsupervised during class hours there will be a punishments enforced. Also each day we will have three hours of free activities. With permission you will be allowed to visit Hogsmeade Village under supervision. For any students that cannot receive permission they will unfortunately have to remain inside the castle walls. You will not be confined to your dorms during this time, but do not go near the forbidden areas." He turned to look at Professor McGonagall, and then returned his attention to the school.
"Now, Professor McGonagall will take over to award the two students the titles of Head Boy and Head Girl, Professor." Dumbledore held out his hand to lead her to the podium.
"Hello students, I am looking forward to a new year with all of you bright individuals. Throughout this year I will need some help of course. There are far too many of you to keep track of by oneself. So without further ado may I please have Ms. Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy join me."
Hermione frozen with utter shock was unable to move herself. She had always expected to be given the role of Head Girl, but to have to share her glory with Malfoy was a bit unnerving. Malfoy of all people was granted the prize of Head Boy. She should have known things in her life never are a simple as they should be. This is obviously going to be her biggest challenge yet.
Harry gave her a nudge which broke her concentration. She quickly made her way to the front.
Draco scowled. How dare they buddy him up with the Mudblood! McGonagall must be daft if she thought this was a brilliant plan. Ignoring his inner quarrels he strode his way up to the front with Malfoy poise. He wasn't going to let one filthy creature keep him from having this title. He wouldn't dare have that over his head. He would just have to figure a way to force her into giving up hers.
As she placed the pins on their robe McGonagall exclaimed "Congratulations to you both! It was an easy decision to make with you being the top two students by far in your class. You both deserve it and I hope as young adults you can work together peacefully." She lowered her head so she was looking at them over her glasses.
"Yes Professor." They both unwillingly replied.
Will a smile Professor McGonagall faced the rest of the students "If everyone could help me congratulate this year's Head Boy and Girl." McGonagall raised her arms above her head and with that the students stood and cheered for Hermione and Draco.
On the outside the two of them looked proud, which they were, but on the inside they were both wishing this moment could be shared with someone else.
"Professor!" Hermione shouted while slamming her palms onto McGonagall's desk. "How can you possibly expect this to work? He is a vile, evil, deceptive, loaths-" She was cut off by a very furious Draco.
"How rude of you speak about me in such a disrespectful manner! You should watch your mouth Mudblood, next time you speak ill of me I might not be able to control myself." He said while moving towards her.
She matched his moves with her own. "I'm disrespectful? How DARE you!" Hermione screamed. "How dare you even keep a straight face when uttering that word? You are the last person I want to speak to me about respect." She was panting, utterly furious from head to toe. She wanted to hex him with every ounce of magic she could conjure.
A hand on her shoulder startled her. She whipped around to see Dumbledore standing with a forced smile on his face.
"That is enough fighting. In these trying times we don't need a war going on inside our walls. Professor McGonagall has chosen you two for a reason." Dumbledore paused long enough to see some calm in their faces.
"She has faith in the both of you. Though you might not see it now or maybe not for a while even. You both have a role in keeping this school alive." He walked passed them to stand by McGonagall's side.
"It's going to be hard and at times it might seem bleak, but I have faith in the Professors decision. Now you both will retire to the Heads Quarters immediately. Tomorrow you will sit down with the Prefects to discuss and plan a schedule. Until then settle into your new living space and try to find the silver lining in this time of darkness." He smiled and lifted his hand showing them the door.
Reluctantly the both left the office and headed towards their rooms.
Professor McGonagall turned to Dumbledore with a look of distress.
"Do you really think this is a good idea? Having those two in such close quarters? Mr. Malfoy has never seemed to be an imminent danger to Miss Granger, but with the path he has been rumored to take, who is to say he wouldn't cause her harm now?"
Dumbledore grabbed her hand and gave it a light pat. "My dear, I'd be more worried about her causing the harm. She's a very talented witch." With a wink he made his way towards the exit.
Just before leaving he turned back to her.
"I have no doubt this will be difficult Minerva. It might be downright impossible, but if anyone can derail Draco from his fast moving path towards Voldemort and his cause, it will be Miss Granger." He paused to let out a deep sigh.
"I just hope we haven't underestimated the amount of understanding she has in her heart."
With that he left, leaving the professor to mull over the events that just transpired.
She sat down at her desk and laid her head in her hands. Was this a good plan? Could Hermione handle Draco without even knowing the intent behind this whole ordeal? What if something far worse were to occur?
What if one of these children, by God they are only children. What if one of these children was to be hurt? Hurt or worse... She couldn't bear thinking about this a moment longer. She left her office and headed for her quarters.
This had to work, it just had to.
Hermione was practically charging down the halls towards the dorm. How can this be happening? How can she be expected to peacefully coexist with such a chauvinist pig? He made her insides ache with pure hatred. Draco Malfoy was the definition of everything she despised. Now she was assigned to work by his side the whole year? Unbelievable! She was so angry she felt like she could cry. So she kept up her sprint, all she wanted was her bed to fall into.
Draco was keeping up a steady pace. He was enjoying watching Granger get all worked up over this. She looked like a bloody lunatic, panting and sprinting down the corridor. Even though he was feeling just a furious as she probably was. How on Earth could he be expected to live with this… with this creature? This creature that was so below him that the sight of her made him want to put her out of her misery. Right now all he wanted was to retire to bed. Dealing with this at the moment was not going to happen. He was exhausted and just needed rest. Tomorrow will be a new day and there will have to be some way to fix this little snag then.
When they reached their quarters they found a very large living space. There was a small fire burning in the fire place which gave a little warmth to the dark room. To the left there was a small kitchenette and small eating area. On the back wall there were two large wooden door separated by a smaller one which was assumedly the lavatory.
"Lumos." Draco had his wand held out in front of him as he made his way to the room on the right side. It had a larger version of the Head Boy's badge attached to the door. Once inside he slammed his door behind him.
There was a small fire place lit so that he could see his surroundings. The room wasn't extravagant. Nothing like his back home at the Manor, but it would have to do. It was decorated nicely with silver and green linens and drapery.
"It's quaint." Draco chuckled. He was too exhausted to worry about the décor right now. So he slipped off his shoes and trousers and fell into his pillow. It didn't take him long to drift into sleep.
Hermione was still in the common area. She was over by the oversized bookcase examining the texts that were laid neatly on the shelves. Countless amounts of literature from your standard charms books all the way to use of advanced magical weaponry.
She was in awe she never thought that any space could outdo the Gryffindor common room. This was exceptionally beautiful. Though she was amazed it just didn't feel right. That dark cloud known as Draco Malfoy was hanging over her head. They would be sharing this space together. How on Earth was that going to be accomplished?
"Bugger, this isn't how I saw this year starting." She said with a sigh.
With a shrug she made her way to her door. As she entered she grazed the crest that was on her door. A small smile crossed her lips. She'll find some way to make this work. She closed her door behind her and settled in for a much needed sleep.
[Bang, bang, bang]
"Aw bugger off!" Draco shouted still half asleep.
[Bang, bang, bang]
This time the knock was louder and more rapid.
"Malfoy if you do not get up and ready this instant you will not be involved in the planning of this year's schedule." Hermione slammed her fist on the door again until it was violently swung open.
"Listen Granger, do you really think I give a damn about the schedule? You can go right ahead and do it yourself. Never call on me like that again." He started to close the door, but she put her foot in the way.
"So you don't care when you're scheduled to patrol? Anytime of the day is fine for you? Hmmm?" Hermione said with her know-it-all smirk.
Draco's forehead scrunched up. "Fine you insufferable pest. I will meet you in the study hall in fifteen. Now if you please would remove your foot, I would like to keep you from seeing me change." He put on his sly grin.
Hermione snorted. "Like I'd want to be put through that torture." She removed her foot and made her way towards the main door.
Once out in the hall she regained her poise and began her walk to the study hall. She had planned to get there early to make some pre-meeting notes, but she wasted that time trying to wake the ferret. She was hoping that she'd still have a few minutes to prepare herself.
Draco turned off the water to the shower. He leaned his hand up against the wall and ran his other through his dripping hair.
This was absurd. This arrangement is absolutely ridiculous. He sighed with frustration.
After a few moments he grabbed a towel and dried himself off. He left the bathroom and went to his room.
Now with the sunlight in his room it felt a little warmer. He removed his towel and made his way to his closet and began to dress. Grabbing his school bag he made his way to the meeting.
The meeting took about an hour. They went through choosing patrol partners and the schedule for each pair. This shouldn't have come as a surprise to either of them that McGonagall made a speech on how the Heads should patrol together. So that was how it would be. Hermione and Draco still just couldn't understand why they were being forced to spend so much "quality" time together.
"Ms. Granger, may I have a word with you dear?" McGonagall said with a small smile.
Hermione nodded and made her way over to her. "Yes Professor?"
"I just wanted to discuss with you privately about your situation with Mr. Malfoy." McGonagall held out her hand to gesture for Hermione to sit.
"I just wanted to make sure you understood this isn't meant to cause you stress dear. You both are our best students and it was only right to appoint you both as Heads. I know you were shock and I could see in your face that you were a little hurt, but I can assure you it wasn't meant to be that way." She reached out and patted Hermione's shoulder.
"I understand that ma'am. I would never really believe that you did this to hurt me. It was really just an overwhelming feeling at first." She lowered her head.
"I know and I apologize for not giving you a proper warning, but I believe that you are a strong woman and that you can handle anything that comes your way, especially this." She chuckled. "You are probably the only student I would consider partnering with him."
"I suppose I can take that as a compliment." Hermione grinned. "I won't let you down Professor. I'll do my best to make this work."
"I knew I could count on you." McGonagall began to stand. "Now run along to class. You don't want to be too late for it." She said with a laugh.
Hermione nodded and left the study. Still feeling uncertain about her situation, she did have a small sense of relief knowing that Professor McGonagall had faith in her. She was going to do what she must to make this situation bearable. So she put her head up and made her way to class.
After classes Hermione was ready to settle into her bed and cuddle up with a good book for the night. Harry and Ginny were going to Hogsmeade together and she didn't want to intrude. Though Ron had asked her to come to the common room for a little, she chose to pass. She wanted some peace after all this animosity from the previous day.
So she made her way back to her room and took her time walking the halls to enjoy being back at her home away from home. She was happy that she didn't have to patrol tonight with Malfoy. It was a nice break from his unbearable personality.
She finally made it to the portrait and whispered the password "Grindylow".
The portrait swung open and Hermione passed through the hallway into the common area. She came to a halt when she stumbled upon Malfoy in a compromising position with one Pansy Parkinson.
Hermione was frozen. She didn't know if she should make a break for her room or turn around and go to the Gryffindor common room with Ron.
She stupidly didn't make her decision quick enough, because Malfoy was turning around to see who was rude enough to interrupt his private time with Pansy.
"Ah Granger. Come for a show? I didn't peg you for someone who liked to watch. Unfortunately for you this is a private show with invitation only. Now remove yourself from my sight, I'm losing my appetite." He smirked then turned to give Pansy a wink.
"These are my quarters too! You cannot command me to do anything. Trust me the last thing I want to witness is you defiling some hussy from your house." She crossed her arms and made her way to her room.
"Hussy?" Pansy screamed and leapt up. "I am no hussy you filthy, disgusting Mudblood. Just because you are jealous of my social standing doesn't mean you're allowed to speak in that manner to make yourself feel better." Pansy had backed Hermione up against a wall at this point.
"In fact you should not speak to me at all if you know what is good for you." She leaned in to emphasize her force.
Hermione was standing her ground. She knew she could outwit Parkinson with her eyes closed, but the fact that she was up against a wall improved Pansy's chances of getting a hex off.
"Enough Pansy!" Draco yelled while pulling her back.
"Draco are you mad? It's the Mudblood, I can hex her with anything ri-"
"You cannot hex her with anything, especially in our quarters. Can you imagine the repercussions you and I will face if she were to be harmed?" Draco glanced back at Hermione
"Don't get me wrong Mudblood. I wouldn't like anything more than to see you suffer. I just don't see things ending well for me if something were to occur whilst I am here." He grabbed Pansy again.
"I think it's best if you were to go now. We'll pick this up again at another time." He kissed her cheek and handed her bag to her. "Run along pet. You wouldn't want to be caught roaming the halls unattended."
Pansy giggled and touched her cheek where his lips just left. She moved towards the exit with a little bounce in her step.
Draco was now back facing Hermione with a look of disgust. "I swear Granger if you ever interrupt me and my guests again you will be one sorry little girl." He chuckled.
"Well pardon me Oh Great Malfoy, I was not aware you were having guests. It's not like you gave me any warning. So there really is no reason for you to be attacking me as though you gave me one." She said crossing her arms and raising her chin.
He made his way toward her, pressing her back up against the wall. "We've discussed you speaking to me with a tone. Don't." He made his way towards his room. "Watch yourself Granger. You're stepping on a lot of toes recently."
"A lot? You mean you and Pansy? That's a laugh. I'm not too nervous about retaliation. I'm pretty confident in my skills. Pansy wouldn't be a challenge." She snorted and turned to her bedroom.
Draco turned back to her. "Though I do believe that Pansy, how should I say this, lacks certain abilities that you might possess. I wouldn't get too smug if I were you, that's when you'd slip. I wouldn't want anything more, but to see you fail. It's just I'd rather have you fall from the top, instead of a gradually defeat."
She had a grin on that irked him the wrong way. "Well Malfoy, if I didn't know you better, I'd say there was a compliment in there somewhere. Hmmm, most interesting."
That hit Draco like a punch. He did in fact make a small compliment towards her. He had no idea where inside him that crawled out of. He stuttered and managed, "That was nothing but an observation Mudblood. I would never stoop to complimenting you."
He hardly convinced himself with that. He took to his room immediately so she had no time to respond.
Hermione just stood there baffled at what she just saw. Malfoy looked as though he had a small panic attack. She giggled to herself and went into her bedroom.
"Oh my, that was priceless." She laughed to herself while changing into her pajamas.
She couldn't help but wonder how he managed that. She would have never thought him to be capable of anything nice, intentional or not.
It got her thinking. Maybe there was hope that the two of them could coexist. Who knows maybe they could be civil associates, never friends, but possibly associates? She wasn't in the mood to dwell on it longer.
She grabbed one of her books from home and cuddled up on the bed. She was determined to have a relaxing moment tonight. Everything else will have to be put off until tomorrow.