Disclaimer: I don't Own Harry Potter, Nor am I making a profit from this.
Beginning note to new Readers: This story is NOT Cannon. Draco is out of character. I'm aware of this fact. And its AU in that The Half Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows didn't happen. Draco did not Complete his mission. Nor did he take the mark; He fled instead and is MISSING for the entirety of the war. PLEASE keep that in mind when freaking out because he's out of character or knowing things you don't think he should. Also, If you plan to review, don't just leave me a message saying there are errors my beta missed; if you spot one, please tell me what it is and I will go back in and fix it. Thank you.
Chapter 1: Beginnings
Bathsheda Babbling watched her classroom with an anxious exuberance. Today was the day that her seventh years would find out who qualified for the apprenticeship in Egypt.
Ancient Runes was a required course for those looking to become Curse Breakers for Gringotts, and only a handful of students each year were selected for the apprenticeships. This year two of her students were eligible, almost unheard of.
The classroom was full of whispering students, jostling each other as they stood, waiting to hear the news. Nervous faces looked at her expectantly.
Clearing her throat, she began. "As you all know, the results of your applications have come in today. And this year, two of your year-mates have been chosen." Shocked exclamations sounded. She had to raise her hand for silence again before continuing. "Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, would you please step forward and receive your Gringotts letters?"
All eyes turned to the pair, who were slowly making their way to the front of the room. Cheers and groans of disappointment followed them, along with muttered oaths about know-it-alls and stupid spoiled rich kids. Hermione disentangled herself from the center of the pack with barely retrained glee while Draco, unfolding himself from the window where he had been seated, remained unreadable.
As they reached for their letters, she spoke again. "Please, tell us all who your respective professors will be? I'm sure your classmates are dying to know."
Hermione ripped into her letter, reading it over quickly. "Bill Weasley! Oh, I must tell Ron! He's going to be so excited that I'll be with his brother." Joy was written all over the young witch's face. Draco was silent, his brows furrowed in unhappiness.
When he still didn't say anything after a long moment, the girl reached over to grab his letter. He allowed her to snatch it from his hand, a smirk blooming as she read.
"Looks like we're partners; your boyfriend going to be 'excited' about that?"
Bathsheda clapped her hands for attention, before Hermione could release the scathing comment that was no doubt coming. "Now then, I know we are all excited for the pair, but they need to return to their dormitories to pack and you all need to turn to page 276. We're starting on Logograms today!"
As the two turned to leave, she saw Hermione stick her tongue out in the direction of Draco's back. It lacked any real animosity though; the girl was still wearing a giddy smile and clutching her letter tightly to her chest.
It was a beginning.
Note: So I've been working on this for a while now, and there are a couple of chapters finished already, but I wouldn't expect regular updates.