The Change

Chapter 1

Blaise stared out of the window. He could see the clock tower from here. It was 7:16 pm, just the right time for Hermione to be down in their common room, reading Hogwarts: a History.

Her daily routine was always like this. When Blaise would come down to join her, at first she'd try to ignore him, but then she'd give up and ask him questions about her divination homework. Their relationship wasn't friendly, but they weren't enemies either. She respected Blaise. His family was neutral and therefore there was always a chance he'd join the order.

So, like every other night, Blaise wearing his emerald silk pyjama bottoms, made his way to the common room. He sat in his black chair and reclined a bit. He stared for a while at the painting of a young, lively red-haired witch. Her piercing green eyes were staring at the portrait of a man with incontrollable raven hair. Under his portrait, engraved in a gold plate, you could clearly read "James Potter. Head Boy of graduating class 1985-1986''

Blaise glanced at Hermione, and was surprised to see that she was staring at him. Of course, she quickly looked away when their eyes met, but Blaise could have sworn that she looked anxious for a second.

After about 25 minutes of complete silence, Hermione got up from her red chair and inched towards the fireplace. She sat on a red and black couch. Blaise grinned inwardly as he went to join her, leaning comfortably on the couch, legs slightly open.

"Hey,'' he said.

"Hey,'' she replied meekly.

"What's up?''

"Nothing.''

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Blaise?'' she asked.

"Yeah?''

" What exactly do you look for in a girlfriend?"

"Well, I…" The boy was surprised by her question. "I look for someone smart, funny, intuitive, and that is very outgoing."

"Uh… ok. Thanks."

Hermione took a deep breath and blurted, "canyoumakemelookhotsoguyswilllikemepleaseBlaise?''

"Whoa! Can you repeat that…slowly?''

"Can you make me look hot so guys will like me please Blaise?'' she almost whispered, her eyes downcast and avoiding his own.

"I… oh.'' He was surprised it wasn't another divination question. Hermione usually wasn't interested in this kind of thing. "I… sure Hermione, sure.''

"Really?'' she asked, peering up at him through her eyelashes, her eyes sparkling with hope.

"Yeah, but is it ok if I ask someone to help me? He's really good with hairstyles.''

"Ok! Who is it?''

"Draco Malfoy.''