How Hermione met Tracy
Summary: The start of Hermione and Tracy's friendship. Next chapter will show the start of the study group.
Note: This is a side story from my story Educational Decree 24, explaining the beginning of Hermione and Tracy's friendship.
Hermione started when someone dropped a pile of books on the table where she was studying.
"Potions, right?" A blond witch that Hermione thought was in Slytherin asked.
"Yeah, I'm trying to do that essay that Professor Snape assigned for next class." Hermione decided to be polite, even though Ron said that Slytherins wouldn't want anything to do with her. "I'm Hermione Granger."
"I know. You kind of made a name for yourself today in Potions. Tracy Davis, first year Slytherin." Tracy stuck out her hand for Hermione to shake. "A word of advice: Don't try to answer every question. Even if you know the answers, no one likes a know-it-all." She sat down facing Hermione and continued her pseudo-lecture. "I know you're trying to prove you belong here, but if you continue like this, you'll only have people wanting to copy off you and no real friends." She sighed. "I don't know what it is, but I like you. I'm going to try and help you get along with your Housemates. After all, you're stuck with each other for the next seven years."
Tracy held up her hand with her pointer finger extended. "Rule 1: Don't raise your hand more than three times a class period. Let other people answer." Another finger joined the first. "Rule 2: Don't correct anybody unless they specifically ask or otherwise indicate that help would be appreciated. There is nothing worse than a friend who lives to correct your faults. You may offer to look over someone's essay and offer suggestions, but don't completely cut them down. Understand?"
Hermione's head was reeling. "What? Why are you even talking to me? I thought Slytherins hated Gryffindors with a fiery passion that rivaled anything. And you hate Muggleborns even worse."
Tracy laughed. "I'm trying to help you, Gryff. The way you're going, the only way you're going to be included is when someone needs your help. Not really a part of the House, but no one will want to cross-House lines to befriend you either. Besides, I'm half-Blood myself. Blood doesn't matter, talent and determination do. That's why I'm in Slytherin, a thirst to prove myself to anyone who says otherwise. Not Blood. You, as of today, have the reputation of being a bloody know-it-all, and if I help you out, you'll be honor-bound to help me out with some stuff. Equivalent exchange and all that jazz. So, wanna help me with that Potions essay?" She suddenly looked up at Hermione through her eyelashes, fluttering them flirtatiously.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but grabbed her Potions book and pointed out the difference that the preparation of potion ingredients makes.
A/N: Be on the lookout for more scenes from the study group. Anyone wanna beta-read for this and my other HP story for me? Send me a message or say so in a review.