Here is chapter two-after a few changes.
Chapter Two: Pansies and Potions
The pattering of rain against the windowpane finally woke Hermione when none of her roommates could. She grumbled irritably when her feet tangled themselves into the bed sheets.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you're going to be late if you don't get a move on, Hermione," lilted Lavender as she walked out the dormitory. Parvati had gone on before her.
Hermione rushed out of bed, took a five minute shower, and ran down to breakfast. In her haste, she didn't bother drying her hair.
At the entrance of the Great Hall stood the ever so infamous Draco Malfoy. He sneered at Hermione as she made her way to her table. It was quite strange he was lying off the insults. He'd been doing that since the start of seventh year. And though Hermione was glad, she couldn't help but worry.
Harry commented on it as she sat next to them. "Malfoy doesn't seem quite like himself, does he?"
Ron was stuffing his face as usual and couldn't form a coherent response. "Heef muff be ubto somein', mmm smimy git."
"Sorry?"
The red-head swallowed, "I said, he must be up to something, Harry."
"Maybe since he's Head Boy now, he's probably focusing on his responsibilities and duties."
Hermione's two best friends stared at her in horror but she just shrugged them off. She smiled when Ginny took the seat next to her. "Hey, Ginny."
"Hey, 'Mione."
"Good morning, Gin," greeted Harry with a peck on her cheek. Ron looked away in disgust. No one was quite sure how he felt about his sister's and best friend's relationship. But they made the best of it.
Seeing the interaction between her best friends Hermione got to wondering about her newest plan-Operation: Matchmaking! The first step was getting Ron's opinion on a certain Slytherin. So Hermione brought up Pansy casually.
"She does look prettier this year," commented Ginny.
The tips of Ron's ears turned red as he discreetly glanced towards the blonde Slytherin. Hermione didn't know what more of a confirmation she needed on Ron's side. It was obvious he at least thought she was pretty-something he definitely wouldn't admit to anyone. And that was a start.
Now to only see if Pansy felt the same way. That would be one of the difficult parts. Hermione mulled over the thought as she walked into Potions with Harry and took a seat. It was only a week into the school year and the teachers had already started to preach about the N.E.W.T.s the students were to take later on in the year.
Professor Snape started class as soon as the last students trickled in. He started class slightly differently than last week's by assigning partners for the first term of Potions. As Snape rattled off the partners from a list Hermione hoped she would be partnered with someone from Gryffindor or any other House besides Slytherin. But alas, fate had other plans for the Gryffindor bookworm.
"Granger and Parkinson." Hermione supposed that wasn't too bad. It'd give her time to work on Pansy.
"Malfoy and Potter." Malfoy scowled, it was just his luck to get paired with the boy-who-lived.
After the groups had been set up, Hermione and Pansy worked in silence for a few minutes. Hermione had to admit while Pansy wasn't too bright, she was an alright sort of partner. She decided to get started on her plan. "I heard that you were going out with Malfoy."
Pansy sneered, "I don't see why that's any of your business, Granger." Well this wouldn't be progressing too well. But, hey, on the bright side at least she didn't call me a Mudblood.
Hermione needed a different sort of approach-and fast.
Help came in the form of sixth period Ancient Runes. Hermione arrived a second before class began. Finding the only seat was next to Blaise Zabini an idea struck Hermione. Blaise was pretty nice-for a Slytherin. But he was also known for being one of the biggest man-whores. They'd met during the first Prefect meeting her and Draco had hosted.
"Hey, whore," whispered the Gryffindor as she took her seat.
"Hey, there bookworm," smiled Blaise as he glanced at her.
Class soon began and they'd been working quietly for a few minutes, before Blaise felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning he noticed a devious smile playing on Hermione's lips. "What?" he asked wearily. Blaise knew the bookworm was up to something, because that was a very Slytherin look and it did not belong on goody-two-shoes Gryffindors.
"Oh, I was just wondering what you thought of Ginny," Hermione stated nonchalantly. But it wasn't as carefree as she would've liked for it to be since Blaise narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Weasley?" At Hermione's nod, Blaise said, "She's going out with Potter."
Hermione grinned, "As if that stopped you from other girls."
"I don't like her, if that's what you're asking."
"Uh-huh, that's why you ask me about her from time to time, huh?"
Blaise ignored her, but the stubborn girl continued. "I even noticed you staring at her from across the Great Hall."
"Sounds like someone's been paying close attention to me," winked Blaise.
This caused Hermione to scowl. "That's only because you're so obviously attracted to my best friend's girlfriend."
Blaise smirked; reminding Hermione of Malfoy for a weird second. "Keep telling yourself that."
"I could help you out," stated Hermione, ignoring his comment."
The Slytherin stared at her as if she'd grown two heads. "Why the hell would you do that?"
"Frankly, I think Harry and Ginny aren't as happy with each other as they pretend to be. So I thought about getting them to go out with different people. And you, Mr. Blaise Zabini, are perfect for her!"
This didn't stop him from staring, "You know you're crazy, right?"
"I've been told that countless times," admitted Hermione. "Don't worry she's attracted to you too."
"Oh really?"
Hermione nodded, "I wouldn't be saying this if I weren't sure."
"So what's in it for you?"
"Oh, nothing much. I was just wondering if you could help me out with Ron and Pansy."
"You, my dear, are a Slytherin. But tell me why in Merlin's name you think Weasley and Pansy of all people would get together?!"
Hermione was slightly insulted at the Slytherin comment, but pushed it aside as she answered him. "Well, it's obvious Ron is interested. I just want to know if Pansy is as well."
The Italian quirked a brow. "Okay, I'll help."
"Really?" Hermione was a bit surprised he agreed so readily. She thought it would've taken longer than that to get him to agree.
"Sure. I have to admit I'm a bit curious. So what else crazy Hogwarts couples have you come up with?"
"Well, only one so far, "she hesitated, "Luna and Harry."
Blaise snorted. "Hermione, sweetie, I think you've officially lost it. Maybe you should lighten up on the studying. A couple good nights' rest will do you wonders."
Hermione huffed, "Well I thought you and Ginny made a good couple."
"That's different."
"Right," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Okay look, first we'll test how Ron and Pansy work out. Then if they get together we'll work on Harry and Luna, and you and Ginny."
"Who says I'm going to help out with the others?"
"C'mon, Blaise. Like you said this could get interesting."
"Alright, so what do we do?"
Hope you like it. Review! Up next: Sinister Slytherins
