DUET
A/N: This is my first time writing something like this so be nice okay? I'd really love lots of feedback, advice or constructive criticism so help me out okay? I'm going to take a really long time updating this because I can't get online very often. So you've been warned! ^^
I do not own any of J.'s work because if I did Hermione would have married Draco.
"Attention students!" Silence descended very slowly upon the Great Hall as the students turned to Dumbledore. "Just a few announcements before you can go off to bed and rest well for your first day tomorrow. Firstly, the Ministry had decided that, excellent school though we are we need a more holistic education. Also, I am pleased to inform you that I have interviewed several sixth-years over the holidays and have decided upon your Head Girl and Head Boy. So. Here are my announcements. You are all required to sign up with your Head of House for either Art class or Music class and your Head Girl and Head Boy are Hermione Granger of Gryffindor and Draco Malfoy of Slytherin. Good night!" The hall erupted into confusion, everybody unsure which announcement was more astounding. Dumbledore chuckled as the prefects ran around like chickens with their heads chopped off trying vainly to restore order. "Was it necessary to excite them so Dumbledore?" asked Snape drily. "Of course not. However I must have my little joke." His merry blue eyes twinkled as he got up and left the table.
"Oy Hermione! Why didn't you tell us?" demanded Ron. Hermione sighed. "Professor Dumbledore told us not to tell anyone. We promised." Harry stared at her. "It's so weird to hear you refer to you and Malfoy as 'we' and 'us'." Believe me Potter, I don't relish it either." they whipped around and came face to face with the other half of Hermione's 'us'. The boys glared at him. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Say weasel, did you know the Heads share adjoining bedrooms?" drawled Draco. Ron's eyes fairly popped out of his head. "You stay the hell away from her ferret." Draco smirked. "I think it's getting her away from me that's the problem." Ron swelled in a way that would've done his mother proud. "Ron, just drop it." Harry and Ron stared at her in disbelief. "Look, either way I still have to work with him so can we all just act mature about this?" The two glared at Malfoy and grudgingly nodded. "Granger, much as I'm enjoying your fascinating pep talk, can we get a move on? Dumbledore's waiting." Ron stopped Hermione as she made to walk forwards. "I'll wait up for you okay?"he whispered. Hermione fought back a shudder at his soppy tone. "I'm sorry but Malfoy wasn't kidding. I have my own personal bed room and joint common room with him." She gently tugged her arm free and followed Malfoy down the hall. She had tried to be soft but one glance at Draco's knowing smirk proved he'd heard their exchange after all. "You don't like him do you?" She shot him a Look. "Come on Granger I saw the look on your face when he went all love-struck." "Ronald is my friend and I am not some open book for you to read so easily Malfoy." Her voice would've scorched through any normal person's skin but Draco's was of a rare thickness. He smirked. "Yeah right. I spent one week of that dumb probation thing with you in the holidays. I know how you look when you're disgusted." "Yeah well Malfoy if you haven't noticed I only look like that around you." She shot daggers at him. Draco's smirk widened into a full-on grin as he fanned the flames that were her temper. "You're not so ugly when you're mad." "Just shut up Malfoy." she snapped.
Ron stared unhappily as Hermione walked away with Draco Malfoy. Harry pitied his best friend. "Come on man. Let's go." As they walked Harry shot furtive looks at Ron. He looked completely miserable. "Why can't I get her to like me Harry?" Ron's voice broke the silence first. "I don't know Ron. Maybe she isn't sure how you feel?" Ron sighed. "You have to help me Harry. I can't stop thinking about her." Lost for words, Harry clapped his shoulder in mute sympathy. In silence, the two boys entered their common room and headed for bed.
"Professor Dumbledore, you sent for us?" Dumbledore turned around and smiled at Hermione and Draco. "I just wanted to check on things so far. Have you both kept to your promise not to call each other 'mudblood' or 'ferret' or any other insults?" His eyes lit up with amusement as an identical scowl appeared on their faces. "Yes." "Excellent. Now, just a quick reminder. It's your responsibility to set each month's password for the House common rooms. Also, I am considering a more extravagant end-of-year feast than usual so I'd like you two to plan it. Take your time but I would like it before the start of the second term. Lastly, you two are also expected to patrol together every night at midnight starting ?" They replied in perfect unison, "Yes professor."
His piercing eyes took in the two students seated before him. The tall, handsome, scowling blonde lounging in his chair and the petite, pretty, bright-eyed brunette sitting neatly in her chair with her hands folded. His eyes and tone softened a little. "Don't be upset about this arrangement my dear students. Your working together will perhaps heal the discord between your two houses." The two stared at him in blatant disbelief. "Trust an old man with much experience. In time, I do believe you'll like each other after all." Both of them looked things not lawful to be uttered. Dumbledore chuckled. "Well, tomorrow will be your first day of leading the school. Be fair to all, help your teachers and fellow students, never turn away anyone who seeks your advice and feel free to come to me for anything. To lead is also to serve. I trust in you two completely. Do not make me regret it. Goodnight Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. They obediently got up, bid him goodnight and left. Dumbledore watched them then turned to face the portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses. "They will like each other. Very much so." He couldn't help a small smile at the doubt on their faces and the open disdain on Phineas Nigellus'. "The conflict between Gryffindor and Slytherin has raged on since this school was first founded. I could already guess that opposites would attract. I chose those two knowing that if I was right it might help bring a little peace and also reduce the general dislike against Slytherin." That said, he too went to bed.