Chapter 2
Hermione POV
Right, I have no idea what possessed me last night. I TALKED to Malfoy. I called him by his first name. What was I thinking? But, honestly, I think he could be a nice person. I just have to find out.
Today we have double potions with the Slytherins. I have a plan. I meet Harry and Ron in the entrance hall. "So- potions now, right?""Harry, yes, it's potions. It is always potions this time on Tuesday." I realize I'm babbling, so I shut up. Ron is looking at me oddly now. I blush scarlet and he raises an eyebrow. All this is not making it any easier for me to do what I'm about to do.
We walk into potions. I note, from the first, that the seat next to Mal-I mean, Draco, is empty. Good. I walk over to him and ask quickly, "Canisitwiyou?" I'm blushing scarlet, shaking, and I see that every eye is on me. I repeat myself when I see he hasn't got what I've said. "Can I sit next to you?" He smiles at me, his pale face becoming pinker. "Of course." I sit down, breathing a sigh of relief. I see Harry and Ron by the door. Harry looks dumbfounded, but Ron is openly gaping. Same with Pansy Parkinson and Crabbe and Goyle, though Parkinson looks about to hit me, and Goyle looks like a lemon. I stifle a giggle, and Draco turns to me. "Let's get started." He smirks, and I stick my tongue out at him. Juvenile, I know, but it's all I can think of. Suddenly I'm self conscious. "Right."
The lesson goes smoothly enough, and Slughorn gives us each ten points for brewing the best shrinking solution. Afterwards, I pack up and turn to go-but Draco's blocking my path. "So, you know- Hogsmeade this weekend? Meet me at ten in the entrance hall?" I smile, and suddenly it's not awkward at all. "Alright." Then I turn and head for the door.
"What was that about?" Ron demands as we follow the crowds to the great hall. "Oh, Ron!" I sigh. "I just think it would be nice to try and make friends with him." "Friends?" Ron is about to go off on a rant, when Harry cuts across him. "Well, it's a good idea, Hermione, but with him? With that-that-" Ron cuts him off with a string of swearwords. "Exactly my point!" Harry laughs. Suddenly, I'm sick of both of them. "Fine! Be that way! But I'm not changing! Now I'm going to find my FRIENDS."
