AN: I know, I know. Haven't updated this one in a while. My other story, which is how most of you found out about this one, just finished, and I'm avoiding several assignments for my classes. A lack of inspiration also played a part. So not sure about how often updates will be, but I'll do my best.
Ok, the situation: It's now seventh year, and the previous chapter took place a few months previously. Also, the war hasn't happened yet, but is on its way to breaking out. Voldemort is still at large, but all the students are at school. And obviously, Dumbledore is still alive. Any questions? Please review or PM me!
Disclaimer- not my anything really. Characters are JK Rowling's, plot line is hopelesslydark's. I just write.
Hermione Granger stretched slowly, blinking her eyes open against the blinding light that invaded her bedroom. She took a deep breath as she adjusted to her surroundings. Smiling, she reflected on how at ease she felt in the Gryffindor dormitory, all the garnet and gold (AN: had to throw that in there. Go 'Noles!). She threw off the covers, and strode to the bathroom.
Once she was finished getting ready for class, Hermione headed down to the common room, where a loud noise greeted her, sending her stumbling backwards. "SURPRISE!!!" She blinked, then broke out into a huge grin. It seemed that the entire Gryffindor house was waiting for her arrival, with balloons, streamers, and eager faces.
"You guys! You didn't have to do all this!" Hermione exclaimed, hugging Harry and Ron at the same time.
Ron beamed, while Harry replied, "It's your seventeenth birthday! Of course we had to. We wanted to." Breaking away, Hermione turned to Ginny, who was patiently waiting her turn for the birthday girl's attention. The redhead grasped Hermione's hands, both girls grinning.
"So…. How does it feel to be a year older? The big 1-7?" Hermione just laughed and shook her head. But Ginny persisted. "Oh come on. This is your last year at Hogwarts, one year away from being of age? How are you not bouncing off the walls right now?"
Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. I guess it's just another day, another year of my life. What makes today so special? It's just the anniversary of the day that my mother birthed me. Speaking of which, I have to send my parents an owl later. But for now," she said, looking at her friends, "we go to breakfast."
The day went smoothly, with classmates wishing Hermione a 'Happy Birthday' all day. Potions was the only class where the teacher didn't add on. Snape's only remark was on her tardiness, which was due to Draco Malfoy locking the door behind him with an advanced spell. Once Hermione broke the spell and stumbled in, she spilled her books all over the floor. While the Slytherins roared with laughter, she struggled to gather them back into her arms and fought back tears. Harry and Ron rushed to the front to help, but Hermione shook them off. "I'm fine, I'm fine."
When they returned to their seats, Harry shot a look at Malfoy. "Knock it off. It's her birthday."
Malfoy stopped laughing, and put a hand on his chest. "Oh my goodness! Is our little Mudblood finally growing up?" he asked, mimicking a falsetto voice. Then he cracked up, back to joking with his cronies. "Maybe she'll finally fill out."
Hermione, safely back in her seat, glared at the blonde, malicious intent in her eyes. He blew a kiss in response.
After class, Hermione approached Malfoy, who was actually alone for once. "Why can't you just leave me alone? And not just today, 'cause I don't really care about my birthday, but really? Really?" She huffed, then waited for his reaction.
He simply stared at her for a minute, then asked, "Why don't you like your birthday?"
Now it was Hermione's turn to stare. Ok, not what I was expecting. "That's not the point! Just leave me alone. Go back to whatever hole you and your pureblooded family crawled out of."
Malfoy's eyes flashed. He grasped her upper arm as she made to turn away, holding her captive for the moment. His face neared hers, and although she struggled to free herself, Hermione's eyes conveyed nothing less than determination. The look made Malfoy smirk inside, but he quickly caught himself when he remembered who he was talking to.
"You're nothing more than a filthy little Mudblood. Don't even pretend to be my equal, or anything close to it. Your family isn't worth the spit on my family's shoes."
Hermione laughed. "Oh, there's spit on your shoes now? Too much firewhiskey, ferret?"
Malfoy sneered, and released his hold on her arm. "Happy Birthday, scum."
AN: maybe a little ooc for Draco, but I haven't quite figured out what's going on yet. I'm just kinda writing. Please review to let me know what you think!!