Title: Great Debate
Rating: k+
Disclaimer: I clearly borrowed the characters and setting from the famed J K Rowling.
A/N: Hello, Audience …. This is my first excursion into the world of fan fiction so any assistance would enhance the experience of the story. Greatly. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Chapter One:
Encounter in the Dungeons
Granger, in her fuming anger, could barely restrain herself from committing a violent attack on a certain slytherin. This particular slytherin , however, saw the biting rage oozing out of Granger's very being. He thought of himself as an intelligent and superior being and therefore he knew not to press the issue any further. Instead, a classic smirk developed over his otherwise straitlaced mouth. A trait his father would have been proud of if he ever noticed his son. "well well it looks like granger here has a passion for something other than elf rights. (Crabbe and Goyle snicker behind Draco) how about this granger, you and I have a debate in front of the entire school about the growing strain that muggle-born and half breeds have on the wizarding community in general and Hogwarts in particular."
His smug look enraged Granger even more, however, a new thought occurred to Hermione. This is a civilized way to end their bickering once and for all. "Very well but let us also stipulate that no matter who wins, and the winner will be me, we will speak of this no longer EVER. Got that Malfoy?"
" Naturally I catch everything."
" Not a snitch"
" Is that a challenge cause you have seen me in action Granger and should know my abilities to catch a snitch." Malfoy in his pureblood arrogance leaned forward and whispered in Hermoine's ear "Unless what you desire concerns my performance I will generously give you a private viewing." Stepping back he signaled to his two goons and sauntered off., his robes billowing in a manner rivaling that of Prof. Snape.
What just happened? thought Hermione. Did Malfoy just think up something intelligent. Granted he does hold second place in Hog warts , comes up with catchy and annoying chants and his practical jokes are imaginative. Wait! Did I just compliment Malfoy? Ewwwwwww
Once Hermione calmed down from the latest in a long line of bickering with Malfoy, she went to the great hall to eat lunch with her best friends Ron and Harry. They as always stuffed their faces silly and complained about either professors, the war or quiddittch, or worse all three at once. Hermione let them have their traditional lunchtime conversation without interference, allowing herself to contemplate what had just occurred. She in her opinion looked at that suicidal soon to be death eater who was sitting at the Slytherin table. Her mind wandered back to earlier when she had run into Malfoy and his two bodyguard goons in the dungeons.
She hated the dungeons with its horribly bleak ambient lighting . No wonder the slytherin are as evil as they are having to live in this atmosphere. When Malfoy arrived in such a hostile manner she had panicked. No one was around to hear her scream or help her combat her enemy. Yet he did not attack her or give any indication that her presence posed any threat to him. Instead they argued as usual about his mythical superiority and her natural giftedness for know-it-allism.
Why had he encountered her if his intention did not include harming me? Thought Hermione. Yet here she sits in the safety of a crowded great hall next to her best friends. Looking up with great wonderment she remembered something of the conversation. OH No. I have to speak in front of the entire school ! Despite her brave front Hermione did not handle performing in front of a crowd well. she suffered from a bit of stage fright . She stopped thinking about that encounter and joined in the conversation with Harry and Ron.
