Chapter II: The Usual

I looked up at Malfoy to see him glaring at me. I just shook my head. Malfoy's problem was subtlety. He was crap at it. It was no secret to the entire population of Hogwarts that he hated muggle-borns. Everyone else in Slytherin did. The difference is, unless egged on by Malfoy, they tend to simply ignore the fact that we exist. He had so much wasted talent. If I could just get him to commit to our cause the possibilities would be endless. The real Malfoy may be a blunt jackass, but I know there's a leader in there somewhere. A leader we could use.

I guess I had been staring at him during my contemplation of his talents, because all of the sudden I hear:

"Listen, mudblood. I know I'm hot. I know that I'm probably the hottest guy you have ever seen. And I know that because you're a gopher-mouthed know-it-all with a crows nest for hair you will never get laid. But please try to refrain from using me in your sexual fantasies."

I'm not even going to grace that with a response, so I look away. By doing that I'm letting him think he's gotten to me. Oh well. We all have roles to play in life. Mine is the meek, smart, strict, prudish, ass-kissing friend of Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Not that I mind it too terribly. I did conform to the role. But if anyone from school saw me during the summer, they wouldn't know me. It's not that I put extra effort into my attitude and appearance during the summer, no; it's the fact that during the year I purposely downplay my good-looks and independent attitude. I don't really like the attention that goes along with it. During the summer I can escape attention. At school I can't. I've never liked getting attention.

My parents raised me to be an observer. You can't observe if someone else is watching you. Unfortunately, after coming to Hogwarts I fell in with Harry and Ron. They're not the best of friends to have if you were hoping to glide through school unnoticed. But my parents were happy with my choice of friends. In fact, they think I've got the best friends ever. I love making them proud.

I was unceremoniously pulled from my reverie as the train blew its whistle at the Hogsmeade station. That's the best thing about thinking; it always gets you there faster. I look around and see Malfoy's already gone. No doubt he didn't fancy spending more time with a mudblood. It's a good thing he left, though, because I still have to put on my robes.

I'm still finishing the knot on my tie as I step from the carriage to fulfill my head duties. Malfoy, the little git, is already on his way to the Heads' carriage. I take comfort in the fact that he can't leave without me. That could be why I'm taking so long to help the first years over to Hagrid. Or maybe I'm just slow. Yeah, right.

I finally Shepard the last first year over to Hagrid and walk nice and slowly up to the carriage—just to make sure Malfoy is good and pissed. I don't know if he's realized it yet, but I'm not putting up with his crap this year. I've worked my ass off to get to where I am in life and I won't let him ruin in. I have had a lot of expectations placed on me, more than Malfoy, and I've lived up to them. I deserve a break.

I ignored him as I entered the carriage. Didn't even look at him, but inside I was grinning. Malfoy hates being ignored.

"So, mudblood. Are you looking forward to living with me?"

I rolled my eyes. He really did hate being ignored, even if it was by me. I didn't respond and he spent the rest of the ride glaring at me.

We made it to the castle less than five minutes after the rest, but the way Malfoy went on you'd think we'd missed the feast. He hopped out almost before the carriage stopped and was at his seat in the Great Hall by the time I walked in. Ginny had saved me a seat next to her and I rushed over. People had begun to look at me because I was late. Like I said before, I hate the attention. I sat down and let out a sigh of relief. Harry opened his mouth to ask me a question, but was cut off by Dumbledore.

"Welcome! A new year begins and I have a few announcements before we tuck in. First off, I would like to announce as I do every year the Forbidden Forest is, as its name suggests, forbidden. Mr. Filch has asked me to inform you that all items purchased from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes have been added to the list items forbidden within the castle. The complete list has been bound into four tomes and moved to the library for anyone wishing to see it.

"Now moving on, I would like to introduce to you two new members of the faculty. Charlie Weasley will be taking over the Care of Magical Creatures post—"

"What the hell!" Ron interjected, "he never told me!"

"—as Rubeus Hagrid has family responsibilities in addition to his already substantial duties as gamekeeper." I looked across at Malfoy, he seemed unusually giddy. "We also have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Nymphadora Tonks has graciously agreed to give up her job as an auror to come teach. And last but not least, I am happy to announce that this year's Heads are non other than Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy." The Great Hall erupted and I shrank down blushing. "Those are all the announcements for now, I hope everyone enjoys their meal."

Immediately the tables filled with food and I began filling my plate. I was hungry and the house elves were the best cooks. I had gotten over S.P.E.W rather quickly. It was more of a spur of the moment thing than an actual cause.

"That's bad luck Herms," I grimaced, Ron was speaking through his mashed potatoes. "I mean," he swallowed, "you have to share a common room and stuff with him, don't you?"

"Yes, Ron. Thank you for reminding me. I was hoping to enjoy this feast, but I think I've lost my appetite." And then I pushed away my plate. Okay, so that was a bit harsh, but I can't stand it when someone talks with their mouth full. Besides they will all think I'm mad about Malfoy.

"Oh cheer up. If he does anything to hurt you, I'll curse him." I smiled; Ginny was pretty good with a curse. I realize suddenly that Harry hasn't said anything and I look over at him. He's glaring daggers at Malfoy.

"Harry, as much as I wish they could, looks cannot kill. So stop glaring at him." Harry knew who 'him' was. "I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself you guys. But I'll be sure to let you know if he tries anything." I added the last bit in when I noticed Harry glaring at me.

Thankfully, it was then that McGonagall chose to rescue me from my rather protective friends.

"Miss Granger, you will follow me."

I smiled at everyone and with a quick "See you later" followed her out. Snape was waiting with Malfoy in the Entrance Hall. Yay. With a nod from McGonagall he re-entered the Great Hall, but only after sneering at me. McGonagall then started up the steps and motioned us to follow.

"Professor Dumbledore has great faith in your abilities to carry out the head duties. Do not disappoint him. You will have to cooperate with each other. Your anonymity is well known throughout the school and you are not expected to be best friends, or even to get along, but your duties must not suffer because you refuse to work together. You will patrol every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 10:00 to 1:00. At one you will report to me any events. You are expected to organize events once a month for the entertainment….."

I zoned out. I knew the head duties by heart anyhow. Percy Weasley had told me everything back in third year. I didn't pay much attention to the route McGonagall was taking, something I might regret in the morning, but oh well. She stopped in front of a statue of hippogriff. I smiled.

"Here is the entrance to your common room. The password is 'honte soit qui mal y pense.'" Good one McGonagall. "I trust you can find your rooms on your own. Good night."