Conflict
Captain Peroxide meets his match.
Chapter 1
DISCLAIMER: THE USUAL.. ALL CHARACTERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF JK Rowling.. I, as many have done before me, have merely borrowed them to have a little fun..
Another year.. thought Hermione to herself, wondering how on earth the last six years had passed so fast that she was now in her seventh and final year at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
The holidays had ended far too soon for her liking, and she had found herself packed and ready to step onto platform 9 ¾ yet again.
"I'm going to enjoy myself this year, I'll work hard, but I'm going to make sure I have a good year" she told herself resolutely as she crossed through the barrier and stepped out onto the heavily crowded platform.
Hermione glanced around, trying to spot a familiar face, or more likely, the collective flaming red hair that pronounced the weasley's like a signpost wherever they went, she thought wryly to herself.
Unable to spot Harry or Ron, Hermione turned rather dispiritedly towards the train, and began pushing her trolley forward so that her luggage could be stowed on board.
"Granger" drawled a smug voice behind her, and Hermione felt her anger rise at the way that only a Malfoy could make the pronunciation of her name sound like a swear word.
"Get a ticket and stand in line Malfoy, I've got no time for you at the moment" she called airily over her shoulder. Hermione noted with satisfaction, that Malfoy's mouth was drawn in, in a tight line of anger.
"Malfoy's don't wait Mudblood" he retorted, voice as sharp and cold as ice.
"Not my problem" Hermione replied, suddenly curious as to why Ferret face was even bothering with her.
"Leave her alone Malfoy!" an angry voice snapped from beside her, and Hermione turned to face Ron, who smiled quickly at her and then glared as he eyed Malfoy once more.
"What's it to you who I choose to talk with weasel?" drawled Malfoy nastily, and Hermione placed a hand on Ron's arm as he made to lunge for Draco.
"C'mon Ron, he's not worth it" she stated quietly, and Ron looked for a moment as though he might disagree, but eventually nodded, and followed as she walked stealthily away from Malfoy, not bothering to look back.
The moment that Hermione thought that they were far enough away not to be bothered by Malfoy any longer, she turned to him, and threw her arms about his neck.
"It's so good to see you Ron!" Hermione enthused, and Ron grinned boyishly at her, as she took in how much her good friend had grown and changed over the summer.
The summer had been very kind to him she decided, as her eyes skimmed over his once gangly, now taut and toned body. He had gained a tan, and he no longer looked the pale, lanky boy she had first laid eyes on six years before.
"Mione! Ron!" called a voice, and they both turned to face the direction from which the wonderfully familiar voice had come from.
"Harry!" they both called out delightedly, and Harry bounded up to them.
Hermione was once more forced to reel at the sight of one of her friends, and she took in first the hair that had once been so unmanageable, It still was, but had somehow along the way, gained an appeal that she was at a loss to explain.
Harry too had grown and now stood at six foot, toned muscles bulged under his charcoal grey knit jumper, testimony to the weeks he had spent at a quidditch camp, one that had been very selective in it's admittance and her friend had been stoked to get into, even if it did mean horrendously early mornings, fitness work that could quite reasonably be equated with machiavellian torture, and horrid food. No, Harry, being Harry, had been thrilled, regardless of what he had to put his body through.
Hermione stood back, and smiled, observing how happy her friends looked, they were going to break hearts this year, she thought sadly to herself, wishing that she too had obtained the prerequisites for such a feat over the summer as the other two had.
Moments later, Hermione, Ron and Harry were seated in their usual compartment. Hermione knew that technically she wasn't supposed to be here, the letter informing her that she had been nominated and chosen for head girl had come via owl not two days before, but she had been reluctant to owl Harry and Ron, wanting to savor and enjoy the achievement for herself first.
"Uh.. Guys, I have to go, I'm not really supposed to be sitting here" Hermione began tentatively, and Ron looked at her as if she had grown a second head.
But Harry merely leapt to his feet and embraced her,
"But Mione, why didn't you tell us you got it?" he cried, hugging her once more, while Ron looked on in confusion.
"Got what Harry?" he asked through a mouthful of Pumpkin pasty.
"Why Head Girl of course" replied Hermione, a hint of her know-it-all air from previous years in her tone.
"Oh Hermione! That's super!" enthused Ron, jumping up to join the hug.
"Thanks guys, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I guess I needed time for it to sink in" she explained quickly, before extracting herself from the hug.
"I really must go and meet the new head boy" she offered by way of an excuse, and they nodded and smiled as she left the compartment.
Hermione hurried along the corridor of the train, which was bustling with frightened looking first years, and excited looking others.
"Can't wait to get back.. Have a new charm I've been working on during the holidays.. ripper this one!" a particularly loud third year told his friends, and Hermione gave the group a reproachful glance.
The group noticed her head girl badge, and obediently went back in their compartment before resuming their conversation.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she practically fell into the Heads compartment, only to be met by a cruel pair of grey eyes that regarded her with more disdain than interest.
"Mudblood for head girl, what'll be next? That savage Hagrid for headmaster?" muttered Draco angrily, watching her every move, as she regained her rattled composure, and sat down on the seat opposite him.
Hermione ensured that outside she appeared the picture of composure, but inside was a completely different story.
I can't believe Malfoy's head boy! Malfoy! Of all people! What were they thinking? Hermione wondered; thinking, not for the first time, that Malfoy's success was due only to Professor Snape, who seemed to consider the young Malfoy his protégé.
"Snape had nothing to do with me getting head boy" Draco spoke calmly, but Hermione observed a muscle working at his jaw, the only indicator of his anger.
"Wha- I didn't say anything of the sort!" Hermione replied indignantly, But Draco merely gave her a measured look.
"It was obvious by the expression on your face that you were thinking something along those lines" he explained.
And Hermione was at a loss as to what to say, he had her there and he knew it.
So she merely shrugged, and turned to look out of the window, hoping that the train journey would soon be over and that they would arrive at the picturesque, medieval castle that was her home for the majority of the year.
Hermione felt her eyelids begin to droop, and gave in to the exhaustion that was overwhelming her body, she had been unable to sleep last night, in a state of nervous excitement about returning to Hogwarts as a seventh year, and head girl to boot.
"Granger!" a voice whispered urgently at the edge of her consciousness, and Hermione groaned in protest to being woken.
"Get up! We're there!" continued the voice, and Hermione jumped up suddenly, now fully awake.
Hermione stifled a yawn, and stretched as she quickly followed Draco out of the compartment.
She noticed Draco's hair glistening in the moonlight, as they clambered into their carriage and began the journey up the cliff to Hogwarts.
Hermione forced herself to stay awake and soon they were climbing out of the carriage, and entering the Great Hall.
Hermione grinned as she looked around at the hall that had become so familiar to her throughout the years, the odd marks, stains and nicks on the Gryffindor table she knew like the back of her hand, and she sunk down gratefully on the wooden bench that bordered the table.
Harry and Ron came bustling in soon after, and each took a seat beside her.
"So, whose the head boy?" asked Harry curiously, and Hermione grimaced, she didn't want to think about having to spend the year living and working with Draco Malfoy, It was the one thing that could potentially ruin her year, as well as her resolution to enjoy it.
"Wait and see" she replied, and Harry frowned,
"C'mon Mione, you know you want to.." he coaxed, But Hermione merely grinned at him and pressed her lips together, indicating that he would just have to wait and find out when Dumbledore announced it, just like everyone else.
"What's the point of being the boy who lived if I don't even get the inside info" muttered Harry halfheartedly, and Hermione giggled.
Awhile later, the sorting over, and several new additons to each house, Dumbledore arose to make his announcements before the feast was due to begin.
"Look, Dumbledore's going to announce it now, you keep whinging, and you'll miss it!" She replied, and laughed again as Harry merely rolled his eyes and sat forward so that he could listen to what the headmaster had to say.
"As I do every year, I now caution all students, the third floor corridor is out of bounds, and anyone found there will be lucky to receive detention." The headmaster broke off, and Hermione shuddered at the implication of death should anyone stray out of bounds. Dumbledore proceeded with hus customary warnings about the dark forest, and there was much whispering amongst the new students.
"And without further adieu, I would like to present you with your new head boy and girl. Draco Malfoy of Slytherin, and Hermione Granger of Gryffindor" Dumbledore grinned at Hermione as she approached the head table, catching sight of Draco making his way up, past the rows of Slytherin's that appeared to be egging him on.
The headmaster finished his address, and shortly after the feast appeared before them. Hermione glanced around at the lovely food, and felt a prick of conscience at the house elves situation. Although she had learned to accept that the house elves indeed enjoyed their station and work, it was still a sore point with her.
After Hermione had eaten her fill, she once again felt exhaustion push her under it's enveloping wave, and rose from her seat.
"Come along Granger, we're due to meet Dumbledore outside the entrance to our room" stated Malfoy blandly, and she whirled around to see him regarding her with open contempt.
Hermione grimaced, and followed Malfoy out of the hall, she wondered how on earth she was going to cope, having to live with an insufferable git for an entire year.. Maybe she could set Crookshanks on him.. she thought smugly.. the cat certainly did seem to be a good judge of character.
Hermione couldn't help but notice how Draco had matured over the years.. sure not in character or nature.. but he now was a lot taller.. had filled out, slim hips, a lean, crystalline look that slipped under her defenses with all together too much ease for her liking.
Hermione thought over the experience she had had with boys as she climbed the stairs over Draco..
There had been Viktor Krum, a passing flirtation that had never truly amounted to much, Hermione thought with genuine regret, although she acknowledged that they had been far too different for it to work.
There had also been Ron, if you could call that anything, Hermione mused.. being told at the end of fourth year that you were liked by someone who had never come out and said anything..
No, I have a sorry romantic history.. she decided, wondering, if not hoping that it was through no fault of her own.
Maybe this year will be different.. she thought to herself, coming to a stop just in time to prevent herself from bumping into Draco.
"Geez Granger, Didn't know you wanted to shag me that badly.. regrettably though.. I don't shag mudbloods.. but speak to Crabbe or Goyle, I'm sure they'd be most happy to oblige" Malfoy drawled coldly, his grey, steel eyes glinting in deep, inky amusement.
"Malfoy, you are the last person on earth, I would ever consider shagging" Hermione bit back, more than a little insulted..
"Promise?" asked Draco, flashing a grin..
"Anyway, I don't shag Ferrets, so I guess we're both out of luck" Hermione replied sweetly, and then laughed at the angry expression marring Malfoy's features.
"Did I hurt your feelings? I would apologize but, I'm not sorry" Hermione continued, marveling at the harshness of what she was saying.. normally she was the one to walk away and not to bother with petty insults and mud slinging, but something about Malfoy had always irked her, and now she saw a chance to get back at him.
"Where is that old fool?" muttered Draco crossly, and Hermione grinned, Dumbledore had always had a way of arriving precisely when you didn't want him to, and she was sure that this would be no exception.
"I am here Mister Malfoy, however, whether or not I shall allow you into your chambers after what you have just said I have yet to decide" The aged wizard emerged from the depths of the shadows, with a stealth that could rival Snape's.
"Have you chosen a suitable password?" he asked, ever present twinkle currently directed at Hermione.
"Conflict" she spoke up immediately, and Dumbledore nodded,
"So be it" he replied, and after the portrait, a landscape, somewhat unremarkable, had swung open and they had stepped inside, he departed.
Home sweet Home.. thought Hermione ironically.
Captain Peroxide meets his match.
Chapter 1
DISCLAIMER: THE USUAL.. ALL CHARACTERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF JK Rowling.. I, as many have done before me, have merely borrowed them to have a little fun..
Another year.. thought Hermione to herself, wondering how on earth the last six years had passed so fast that she was now in her seventh and final year at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
The holidays had ended far too soon for her liking, and she had found herself packed and ready to step onto platform 9 ¾ yet again.
"I'm going to enjoy myself this year, I'll work hard, but I'm going to make sure I have a good year" she told herself resolutely as she crossed through the barrier and stepped out onto the heavily crowded platform.
Hermione glanced around, trying to spot a familiar face, or more likely, the collective flaming red hair that pronounced the weasley's like a signpost wherever they went, she thought wryly to herself.
Unable to spot Harry or Ron, Hermione turned rather dispiritedly towards the train, and began pushing her trolley forward so that her luggage could be stowed on board.
"Granger" drawled a smug voice behind her, and Hermione felt her anger rise at the way that only a Malfoy could make the pronunciation of her name sound like a swear word.
"Get a ticket and stand in line Malfoy, I've got no time for you at the moment" she called airily over her shoulder. Hermione noted with satisfaction, that Malfoy's mouth was drawn in, in a tight line of anger.
"Malfoy's don't wait Mudblood" he retorted, voice as sharp and cold as ice.
"Not my problem" Hermione replied, suddenly curious as to why Ferret face was even bothering with her.
"Leave her alone Malfoy!" an angry voice snapped from beside her, and Hermione turned to face Ron, who smiled quickly at her and then glared as he eyed Malfoy once more.
"What's it to you who I choose to talk with weasel?" drawled Malfoy nastily, and Hermione placed a hand on Ron's arm as he made to lunge for Draco.
"C'mon Ron, he's not worth it" she stated quietly, and Ron looked for a moment as though he might disagree, but eventually nodded, and followed as she walked stealthily away from Malfoy, not bothering to look back.
The moment that Hermione thought that they were far enough away not to be bothered by Malfoy any longer, she turned to him, and threw her arms about his neck.
"It's so good to see you Ron!" Hermione enthused, and Ron grinned boyishly at her, as she took in how much her good friend had grown and changed over the summer.
The summer had been very kind to him she decided, as her eyes skimmed over his once gangly, now taut and toned body. He had gained a tan, and he no longer looked the pale, lanky boy she had first laid eyes on six years before.
"Mione! Ron!" called a voice, and they both turned to face the direction from which the wonderfully familiar voice had come from.
"Harry!" they both called out delightedly, and Harry bounded up to them.
Hermione was once more forced to reel at the sight of one of her friends, and she took in first the hair that had once been so unmanageable, It still was, but had somehow along the way, gained an appeal that she was at a loss to explain.
Harry too had grown and now stood at six foot, toned muscles bulged under his charcoal grey knit jumper, testimony to the weeks he had spent at a quidditch camp, one that had been very selective in it's admittance and her friend had been stoked to get into, even if it did mean horrendously early mornings, fitness work that could quite reasonably be equated with machiavellian torture, and horrid food. No, Harry, being Harry, had been thrilled, regardless of what he had to put his body through.
Hermione stood back, and smiled, observing how happy her friends looked, they were going to break hearts this year, she thought sadly to herself, wishing that she too had obtained the prerequisites for such a feat over the summer as the other two had.
Moments later, Hermione, Ron and Harry were seated in their usual compartment. Hermione knew that technically she wasn't supposed to be here, the letter informing her that she had been nominated and chosen for head girl had come via owl not two days before, but she had been reluctant to owl Harry and Ron, wanting to savor and enjoy the achievement for herself first.
"Uh.. Guys, I have to go, I'm not really supposed to be sitting here" Hermione began tentatively, and Ron looked at her as if she had grown a second head.
But Harry merely leapt to his feet and embraced her,
"But Mione, why didn't you tell us you got it?" he cried, hugging her once more, while Ron looked on in confusion.
"Got what Harry?" he asked through a mouthful of Pumpkin pasty.
"Why Head Girl of course" replied Hermione, a hint of her know-it-all air from previous years in her tone.
"Oh Hermione! That's super!" enthused Ron, jumping up to join the hug.
"Thanks guys, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I guess I needed time for it to sink in" she explained quickly, before extracting herself from the hug.
"I really must go and meet the new head boy" she offered by way of an excuse, and they nodded and smiled as she left the compartment.
Hermione hurried along the corridor of the train, which was bustling with frightened looking first years, and excited looking others.
"Can't wait to get back.. Have a new charm I've been working on during the holidays.. ripper this one!" a particularly loud third year told his friends, and Hermione gave the group a reproachful glance.
The group noticed her head girl badge, and obediently went back in their compartment before resuming their conversation.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she practically fell into the Heads compartment, only to be met by a cruel pair of grey eyes that regarded her with more disdain than interest.
"Mudblood for head girl, what'll be next? That savage Hagrid for headmaster?" muttered Draco angrily, watching her every move, as she regained her rattled composure, and sat down on the seat opposite him.
Hermione ensured that outside she appeared the picture of composure, but inside was a completely different story.
I can't believe Malfoy's head boy! Malfoy! Of all people! What were they thinking? Hermione wondered; thinking, not for the first time, that Malfoy's success was due only to Professor Snape, who seemed to consider the young Malfoy his protégé.
"Snape had nothing to do with me getting head boy" Draco spoke calmly, but Hermione observed a muscle working at his jaw, the only indicator of his anger.
"Wha- I didn't say anything of the sort!" Hermione replied indignantly, But Draco merely gave her a measured look.
"It was obvious by the expression on your face that you were thinking something along those lines" he explained.
And Hermione was at a loss as to what to say, he had her there and he knew it.
So she merely shrugged, and turned to look out of the window, hoping that the train journey would soon be over and that they would arrive at the picturesque, medieval castle that was her home for the majority of the year.
Hermione felt her eyelids begin to droop, and gave in to the exhaustion that was overwhelming her body, she had been unable to sleep last night, in a state of nervous excitement about returning to Hogwarts as a seventh year, and head girl to boot.
"Granger!" a voice whispered urgently at the edge of her consciousness, and Hermione groaned in protest to being woken.
"Get up! We're there!" continued the voice, and Hermione jumped up suddenly, now fully awake.
Hermione stifled a yawn, and stretched as she quickly followed Draco out of the compartment.
She noticed Draco's hair glistening in the moonlight, as they clambered into their carriage and began the journey up the cliff to Hogwarts.
Hermione forced herself to stay awake and soon they were climbing out of the carriage, and entering the Great Hall.
Hermione grinned as she looked around at the hall that had become so familiar to her throughout the years, the odd marks, stains and nicks on the Gryffindor table she knew like the back of her hand, and she sunk down gratefully on the wooden bench that bordered the table.
Harry and Ron came bustling in soon after, and each took a seat beside her.
"So, whose the head boy?" asked Harry curiously, and Hermione grimaced, she didn't want to think about having to spend the year living and working with Draco Malfoy, It was the one thing that could potentially ruin her year, as well as her resolution to enjoy it.
"Wait and see" she replied, and Harry frowned,
"C'mon Mione, you know you want to.." he coaxed, But Hermione merely grinned at him and pressed her lips together, indicating that he would just have to wait and find out when Dumbledore announced it, just like everyone else.
"What's the point of being the boy who lived if I don't even get the inside info" muttered Harry halfheartedly, and Hermione giggled.
Awhile later, the sorting over, and several new additons to each house, Dumbledore arose to make his announcements before the feast was due to begin.
"Look, Dumbledore's going to announce it now, you keep whinging, and you'll miss it!" She replied, and laughed again as Harry merely rolled his eyes and sat forward so that he could listen to what the headmaster had to say.
"As I do every year, I now caution all students, the third floor corridor is out of bounds, and anyone found there will be lucky to receive detention." The headmaster broke off, and Hermione shuddered at the implication of death should anyone stray out of bounds. Dumbledore proceeded with hus customary warnings about the dark forest, and there was much whispering amongst the new students.
"And without further adieu, I would like to present you with your new head boy and girl. Draco Malfoy of Slytherin, and Hermione Granger of Gryffindor" Dumbledore grinned at Hermione as she approached the head table, catching sight of Draco making his way up, past the rows of Slytherin's that appeared to be egging him on.
The headmaster finished his address, and shortly after the feast appeared before them. Hermione glanced around at the lovely food, and felt a prick of conscience at the house elves situation. Although she had learned to accept that the house elves indeed enjoyed their station and work, it was still a sore point with her.
After Hermione had eaten her fill, she once again felt exhaustion push her under it's enveloping wave, and rose from her seat.
"Come along Granger, we're due to meet Dumbledore outside the entrance to our room" stated Malfoy blandly, and she whirled around to see him regarding her with open contempt.
Hermione grimaced, and followed Malfoy out of the hall, she wondered how on earth she was going to cope, having to live with an insufferable git for an entire year.. Maybe she could set Crookshanks on him.. she thought smugly.. the cat certainly did seem to be a good judge of character.
Hermione couldn't help but notice how Draco had matured over the years.. sure not in character or nature.. but he now was a lot taller.. had filled out, slim hips, a lean, crystalline look that slipped under her defenses with all together too much ease for her liking.
Hermione thought over the experience she had had with boys as she climbed the stairs over Draco..
There had been Viktor Krum, a passing flirtation that had never truly amounted to much, Hermione thought with genuine regret, although she acknowledged that they had been far too different for it to work.
There had also been Ron, if you could call that anything, Hermione mused.. being told at the end of fourth year that you were liked by someone who had never come out and said anything..
No, I have a sorry romantic history.. she decided, wondering, if not hoping that it was through no fault of her own.
Maybe this year will be different.. she thought to herself, coming to a stop just in time to prevent herself from bumping into Draco.
"Geez Granger, Didn't know you wanted to shag me that badly.. regrettably though.. I don't shag mudbloods.. but speak to Crabbe or Goyle, I'm sure they'd be most happy to oblige" Malfoy drawled coldly, his grey, steel eyes glinting in deep, inky amusement.
"Malfoy, you are the last person on earth, I would ever consider shagging" Hermione bit back, more than a little insulted..
"Promise?" asked Draco, flashing a grin..
"Anyway, I don't shag Ferrets, so I guess we're both out of luck" Hermione replied sweetly, and then laughed at the angry expression marring Malfoy's features.
"Did I hurt your feelings? I would apologize but, I'm not sorry" Hermione continued, marveling at the harshness of what she was saying.. normally she was the one to walk away and not to bother with petty insults and mud slinging, but something about Malfoy had always irked her, and now she saw a chance to get back at him.
"Where is that old fool?" muttered Draco crossly, and Hermione grinned, Dumbledore had always had a way of arriving precisely when you didn't want him to, and she was sure that this would be no exception.
"I am here Mister Malfoy, however, whether or not I shall allow you into your chambers after what you have just said I have yet to decide" The aged wizard emerged from the depths of the shadows, with a stealth that could rival Snape's.
"Have you chosen a suitable password?" he asked, ever present twinkle currently directed at Hermione.
"Conflict" she spoke up immediately, and Dumbledore nodded,
"So be it" he replied, and after the portrait, a landscape, somewhat unremarkable, had swung open and they had stepped inside, he departed.
Home sweet Home.. thought Hermione ironically.