Romancing the Stone: Chapter 1
Premises
by Iridian
Shit. Those were the first words in Hermione Granger's mind when she realized that the Hogwarts Express was due to leave in exactly twenty-five seconds, and that she hadn't even gotten to Platform 9 ¾ yet.
"Hurry up Harry, Ron, Ginny we're going to be in so much trouble," shouted the brunette at her two lanky friends and the petite redhead running after her. The four rushed panting, through the enchanted wall to the platform, where they stood, panting, basking in their temporary triumph.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny! You all must get on the train now, you haven't got any time at all," said Molly Weasley frantically, shooing the three onto the train.
"Have a good time at school….And don't get into any trouble," shouted Mrs.Weasley fruitlessly, her words falling on deaf ears. "Those children will be the death of me someday," she muttered, before turning and bustling out of the platform.
Damn Lucius. That sorry excuse for a father. He didn't believe in their stupid Death Eater cant. He wanted nothing more than to be rid of it forever. But that stupid father of his. Draco's fists clenched. He couldn't even protect his own goddamn wife and he was supposed to be the trusted right hand man of the 'great' Lord Voldemort. Psh. Draco knew they were all weak. Too weak to question this pathetic excuse for a wizard.
He was not one of them. He didn't care for authority, no exceptions. Not even for the Drak Lord and his father. He knew it was coming soon. The initiation. Damn his father and Voldemort. Draco would find a way out of it, if it was the last thing he did.
"Let's go find a compartment to sit down in," said Hermione, "I want everything to be ready before the heads meeting."
"Don't nag, we heard you the first time, thank you," muttered Ron under his breath.
"What was that?" said the brunette suspiciously. Her no longer bushy hair twirled around her as she spun on the lanky freckled redhead.
"Nothing," said Harry, "He didn't say a word." With that, the tall black-haired boy sat down, shooting a glare at his friend, who cringed in turn.
"Well, I'm off to the heads meeting then," said Hermione, walking off, already changed into her black Hogwarts robes, her head badge pinned onto the front.
She walked down to the end of the train, up to two rather out of place heavy oaken doors, then muttered Estiverdi, and walked in when the doors slid open, revealing a large office.
"Hello Professor McGonagall," said the head girl cheerfully.
"Hello Miss Granger. If you would take a seat, the Head Boy will be arriving shortly," said Prof. McGonagall.
True to her words, the heavy doors soon slid open, revealing a tall blond boy with the head boy badge pinned onto his robes.
"Good morning Professor McGonagall," said Draco Malfoy, striding into the office.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. If you would take a seat," replied Prof. McGonagall.
"Malfoy?" said Hermione, eyes open in shock. I thought Malfoy had horrid grades…
"And hello to you too Granger," said Malfoy smoothly, slipping into his seat with ease.
"Back to business then. Now you two, as the new heads have certain responsibilities apart from the regular prefectorial duties," said Prof. McGonagall.
"Yes, I've read the Head handbook you sent by own, professor," piped up Hermione.
"As have I," said Malfoy, glaring at Hermione for her attempt to upstate the blond Slytherin.
"Good," said Prof. McGonagall, nodding her head in approval. "The prefects will be coming in shortly. I want to inform you of one more thing though. Professor Dumbledore has informed me that there is to be a series of balls. It is the Heads' job to decorate and plan these balls, and I trust you two will do a fantastic job. You two must present an idea for the first to Professor Dumbledore in two weeks time. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go fetch the prefects." Prof. McGonagall stood up, then walked out the door to brief the prefects, leaving Hermione and Draco to their own devices.
"Well, well Granger. Made Head Girl? Congratulations," said Draco smoothly.
"The same to you Malfoy. Now about the ball, I was thinking we could do a Renaissance theme. Characters from books, historical figures, that sort of thing. What do you think?" said Hermione.
"It's a good suggestions. Has both Muggle and Wizarding background, so everyone will be able to do something…" said Draco thoughtfully.
"It's settled then?" asked Hermione, shock reverberating through her as she realized she was having a civil conversation with the crown prince of Slytherin.
"Very well. We can make some outlines and a schema for the Great Hall, then we can tell Dumbledore," agreed Draco.
The two fell silent again as the prefects filed in for the meeting.
"Zanders , Davis," shouted Prof. McGonagall.
"Ravenclaw," shouted the Sorting Hat.
"That concludes the Sorting. Congratulations to all the new students. Let the feast begin!" boomed Prof. Dumbledore's voice magically around the Great Hall.
All kinds of food began blooming onto the golden plates on the four House tables, the students eagerly digging in.
The feast soon came to an end, and Draco and Hermione helped the professors and prefects to herd the students back to their prospective towers.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. Follow me," said Prof. McGonagall, striding off with the two students trailing her.
She stopped in front of a handsome portrait of a tall, handsome, black-haired man standing behind a chesnut-haired beauty seated on a high-backed chair.
"Hello Minerva. Haven't seen you in a while," said the dark-haired man, his voice aristocratic but warm.
"Yes, you haven't been to visit us in such a long time. I was beginning to feel neglected," said the woman.
"I am absolutely sure that none of you felt so desolate over the lack of visits, you two seem to keep each other entertained very well," said Prof. McGonagall wryly. "These are the two new Heads, Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy."
"Welcome Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy! I am Rowena Ravenclaw and this is Salazar Slytherin. We are the guardians of the Heads rooms. I should hope that we will be one first name basis," said the chesnut-haired woman, moving to stand up beside her partner.
"Rowena Ravenclaw?" said Hermione incredulously.
"Salazar Slytherin?" said Draco, disbelief lacing his voice.
"You two are founders, correct?" said Draco, regaining his composure, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Well, the two of you must choose a password now. Your things have been moved into your rooms. I'm sure you two will find your accommodations pleasant," sad Prof. McGonagall, then turned and left.
"She's right. Would you two like to choose a password now?" asked Salazar.
"Mens mentis, corpus, animae," said Draco immediately, "Will that do Hermione?"
"Yes, of course," said Hermione, secretly surprised at Malfoy's choice of password. Mind, body, and soul. Something Malfoy doesn't seem to care a whit about…Interesting. Though it certainly goes along with his far more amiable persona, even charming.
"Welcome then," stated Rowena cheerfully, the portrait sliding over to one side to reveal Draco and Hermione's new common room.
The room was lavishly furnished in green and gold. The furniture was a rich, almost black stain, comfortably furnished and upholstered with dark green shot through and embroidered with gold cushions. There was the same color of wood floors, with a magnificent golden rug in the middle, inside the circle of chair and couches with all four of the Houses' crest emblazoned on it. A huge white marble fireplace roared with a large fire, and was furnished all over with an oriental feel. Japanese screens with dark green and gold bamboo with gold hinges and edging were positioned along the two corners nearest to the fireplace, and small vanilla scented candles were burning in large clusters all over the room positioned on top of small stained wood tables.
Both Draco and Hermione looked at the room with awe, each realizing that the common room was tailored to their own tastes, both ignoring the fact that both of their tastes were one and the same. They both turned to find open their bedroom doors.
Hermione's room was done in red, dark colored wood, and gold. Her large four-poster bed had heavy red and gold curtains, as well as red satin sheets. Her desk was positioned close to a magnificent French window overlooking a gorgeous Japanese rock garden, with a paper screen for shades, as well as translucent gold curtains with more red and gold velvet curtains covering them. There were red and gold throw rugs positioned around the room, and a large red and gold phoenix Chinese painting over a set of dark-colored oriental influenced dressers, table, and vanity.
Draco's room was far more masculine, done in shades of dark green, dark wood, silver, and gold. His four poster bed was covered by dark green and silver velvet curtains, with dark green and gold embroidered satin sheets. His table was large, and old-fashioned, with small drawers for various necessities. A large French window overlooking a beautiful Japanese rock garden was curtained with translucent gold curtains covered with heavy dark green and silver velvet curtains. His dresser was topped by a large dark green, silver, and gold Chinese painting of a dragon.
Both rooms were large and extremely pleasing to the two Heads, who both favored oriental styles. The two then walked into their shared Heads bathroom, all done in white marble, with a huge marble Jacuzzi, two showers with cloudy glass doors, complete with toiletries and fluffy towels.
"The rooms are simply magnificent," breathed Hermione.
"They are. The dragon painting in my room is stunning, as is the rock garden outside the window," commented Draco coolly.
"Yes," said Hermione, uncomfortable holding civil conversation with Draco.
She glanced over at the blond boy who had sprawled himself elegantly over one of the sofas, and sat down across from him.
"How was your summer Malfoy?" said Hermione, eager to break the silence.
"Fine," replied Draco, his tone cold, and his silver eyes hard.
"Ok," said Hermione, unnerved by this sudden change of mood.
"It was fine. Nothing special," said Draco lightly, "How was yours?"
"Well, I was preparing for the school year naturally. It was very relaxing. I went to a spa and salon for the first time, got a new wardrobe…" Hermione trailed off, blushing slightly at telling Draco this. "Not that you'd be interested or anything…"
"Oh no, it's scintillating, I assure you. You're looking much better this year, Granger," said Draco, smirking at her.
"Oh and so are you…not so pale and mousy…" said Hermione teasingly.
"Why thank you Granger, I appreciate it. I do try, after all. And as for you, you hair isn't a bush anymore…my God…you do have a face!" said Draco, mock-surprised.
"Very funny. And here I was thinking you had improved over the summer," said Hermione, turning away, insulted.
"But I have, you said so yourself. Don't think you can escape my charm, eh Granger?" said Draco, arching an eyebrow.
"I think I can," said Hermione.
"Care to bet?" said Draco coolly.
"If you would like. What is it?" said Hermione, determination showing through.
"If I can make you fall in love with me, you have to date me. If I can't, then I'll be your personal slave for a week. The bet's on until the night of the last ball," said Draco.
"Agreed," said Hermione.
"I'll see you tomorrow then. The bet starts bright and early," said Draco.
"Goodnight Malfoy," said Hermione, turning to go to her bedroom.
"Goodnight Granger. And keep in mind, Malfoys don't lose," said Draco huskily, giving her a seductive half-smile.
Time passed, with Malfoy not making any moves. Hermione began to take more of an interest in him when he just seemed to breeze over her. He had stopped making fun of Gryffindors. He had even stopped bickering with the Golden Trio. Will wonders never cease?
"Professor Dumbledore?" said Draco, walking into the Headmaster's office.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. What can I do for you?" said Dumbledore jovially from behind his desk.
"My father has sent me an urgent letter. I must go home for a week, there was an emergency in the family," said Draco, handing Dumbledore the letter.
"Of course you may," said Dumbledore, his smile not reaching his eyes, "But know that you can do whatever you choose, and that Hogwarts is and always will be a sanctuary for all, including you."
"Thank you professor." With that, Draco turned from the Headmaster, his robes billowing as he stepped out of the office.
"He is strong," said Dumbledore to himself. "He will make the right decision."
I revised this whole story…I think it's a million times better now.
Iri