Hermione had read that Muggle-born had some difficulty finding jobs, but she'd hoped that having high OWLs from every elective would negate that. However, she hadn't factored in the three years of stress before OWLs. She was low on energy and drowning in homework. Third year was going to be terrible.
She was hidden in the library behind her tower of books, struggling through nine homework assignments, when trouble happened upon her.
"Look at Granger," came Malfoy's whiny voice from above her.
Oh god. Couldn't he leave her alone for one night? She avoided looking up, hoping he would leave.
"She had to be every teacher's pet, so she took every class. Little zealous Mudblood, thinking she might actually amount to something in the world."
"Fifteen points from Slytherin, Malfoy."
She did look up at that, in time to see a pink flush make its way across Malfoy's cheeks as Cedric Diggory of all people docked him points.
"When my father hears about this," he snarled, only to be interrupted.
"Yes, when your father hears about it, you'll still be down fifteen points. You know, Malfoy, I thought you were Slytherin enough to understand the importance of intelligence. I guess not."
Malfoy stormed off, leaving Cedric standing in front of Hermione.
"Looks like you're swamped," he said friendlily. "Care for some help?"
Hermione smiled as Cedric sat down next to her. Maybe this year wouldn't be that bad after all.