Chapter two

It was supposed to be a good day

The first few weeks of the term passed without incident. Classes flew by and everyone settled back into their usual routine. Almost everyone. This last school year was going exactly as Hermione had always planned. Top of her classes (already), Head Girl conducting her duties to a higher level that anyone expected (Obviously) regardless of the Head Boy (Malfoy of course) who mostly stayed out of her way and spending time with her two favourite boys playing exploding snap, enjoying the sunshine while it lasted and happily reading whatever book held her fancy when Quidditch or flying was involved.

What she hadn't expected or planned on was the amount of times she found herself gazing at the blonde Slytherin. Being the two top students of their year (and the school) meant sharing most classes, and being Head Boy and Girl meant that they were actually in each other's vicinity more than they had been before. Though she kept telling herself to forget it, the 'vision' thing Hermione had witnessed the night of the feast, would not leave her mind and so her eye's would continue to trail to Malfoy wondering what it had been all about,

Draco, on the other hand, had noticed Granger's growing fascination with him. He noticed that her eyes would follow him as he walked, talked, studied, hell if he was doing nothing. And though it would be the perfect material to mock the bushy-haired mudblood with, he couldn't get the way she had looked at him that first night, panic smearing her features for no reason, out of his mind and so he held back in hopes that the reason why would become apparent. This was a girl who had faced down some of the worst Deatheaters in the Department of Mysteries with the bravado of a true Gryffindor. Yet the way she had looked at him made no sense.

"Morning Ron, where's Harry?" Hermione singsonged from the bottom of the staircase, today was going to be a good day. She could feel it. The sun was shining, her hair had been manageable enough to pull into a braid and best of all it was Friday - which meant Hogsmeade tomorrow.

"Right behind you," Ron mumbled yawning - rolling his eyes at the boy standing behind the wild-haired girl. Hermione spun round and came face to face with her long-time best friend and boyfriend.

"Harry," she exclaimed and gave him a hug and a sweet peck on his check.

"Morning Mione'," he replied a gentle smile spreading over his face, washing away the sleepiness. He brushed a curl behind her ear and lent forward giving her a soft kiss. Even though they had been together for a year, Hermione still blushed even as she returned the kiss

"As much as I love to watch my friend's make out first thing in the morning," Ron started sarcastically, nudging Harry in humor. "I'd rather not lose my appetite so let's make a move to the great hall for breakfast,"

Harry shoved Ron back good naturedly whilst Hermione rolled her eyes, smiling at the playfulness the trio shared. "Come on then," grinning she looped her arms through both of theirs and together they made their way to the Great Hall.

"- so according to Tonks, Lupin won't be back for another few weeks," the three settled at the Gryffindor table, their quiet discussion easily lost in the chatter.

"At least we know he's safe if he's managed to get contact to Tonks. Hopefully it has been worthwhile. I may not like it but Dumbledore is right, having intelligence in the packs would be a big benefit once You-Know-Who starts fighting in the open," Hermione muttered taking her usual place, Harry next to her and Ron on the opposite side. She shot a glance at the Slytherin table, as had become her habit. Seeing no sign of the trademark blonde hair, she tuned back into her surroundings as she felt Harry squeeze her hand gently.

Hermione reached forward to grab some oatmeal as the conversation changed from the dark tones of the storm rising to light -hearted (and in her opinion - utterly boring) topic of Quidditch. She caught a glimpse of Malfoy and his posse strutting into the Great Hall, laughing amongst themselves, probably having just picked on an innocent first year, and her thoughts turned back to the the little girl. Ami… why was that familiar to her? She had never had friends as a little girl, named Ami or otherwise. How was she connected to what was obviously Malfoy and his childhood? Was he skilled enough to be playing some kind of mind game with her? And if so, why? What was the end game? Since that night Hermione had researched all she could find on legilimency and similar mind magic. But none of what she had read quite explained how he would have implanted a complete memory into her head. That required a wand or a deep bond between the people involved. Malfoy hadn't even appeared to be touching his wand and they sure has hell did NOT have a bond, of any kind, thank you!

It was more likely that she had somehow thrown the magic back upon Malfoy and seen a memory of his - but that was not a skill that just appeared - it was a very advanced and difficult form of mind magic.

"Seho wagdt eigrt tordei?" Ron asked, causing Hermione to spring to attention as bits of blueberry pancakes landed on her robes. Ron quickly swallowed, "Oops sorry Mione. Got a little bit on you" Hermione's reproachful glare had him quickly redirect his question to Harry.

"I don't know mate ask-" Before he could finish however he was cut off by the chortles radiating from their section of the Gryffindor table.. Lavender, whom had had the unfortunate luck of sitting next to Ron, had also been sprayed with food. She however, had not got an apology and after hearing him give one to Hermione, promptly stood up and slowly poured her porridge over his head.

"How do you like having someone else's food all over you?" She spat before tossing her hair and storming out of the hall with Parvati in tow. Ron sat there in utter shock, mouth open and covered in porridge.

"Bloody hell! What was that for? I didn't even do anything. Mental that one," he huffed as he pulled out his wand and cast a quick 'scourigfy' (it wasn't the best and a few bits of porridge stayed stuck to the strands of ginger hair).

"Well Ronald, if you were more aware of your surroundings and less concerned about scoffing food like it was your last meal you might understand better." Hermione explained still chortling at her friend's expense.

"Well if you had told me what we had today it wouldn't have happened,"

"Yes it would. You were asking me what we had today when you spat all over Lavender," Hermione snapped back.

"Fine whatever. Now will you tell me what we have today? Please?" He added at her annoyed look. She sighed and gave in.

"Double potions with the Slytherin's, then charms with Ravenclaws - oh Ron you'll be able to see your girlfriend," Luna was uncharacteristically good at charms and had been placed in their year level for that class alone. "Then we have DADA with Slytherin's and then finally we have double transfiguration with," groan, "Slytherin's. What is with them? Do they really think we like working with Slytherin's continually. You know, you two really should know this, you are a prefect and you are the Quidditch captain. It's important," Hermione pointed out primly.

Ron looked like he was about to make a rude remark but Harry cut him off, trying to prevent yet another fight between his best friends. "What's the point, you know everything," she sighed and he gave her a quick kiss on the lips before scoffing a piece of bacon as the food disappeared and people starting dawdling to their first class. The trio joined the masses and turned their attention to the staffing of the year.

"Snape is still an evil git but at least we learn something from him. Even if it is just how to crush a beetle correctly," Harry and Snape still had a shared hatred for each other that never failed to make an appearance. Every. Single. Potions. Lesson.. "I'm just glad it's Lupin back teaching DADA, imagine if we had Treslee for N.E.W.T.S." Treslee had been the teacher hired to replace Umbridge for sixth year. It was a tough call to make over whom had been the worse teacher.

While Umbridge had been under a corrupt and frankly idiotic Ministry's thumb, they had at least been taught (albit only theory and only from a textbook) Defence. Treslee however was the definition of an air-head. A year fresh out from Beauxbations, with long curly blonde hair that she liked to twist around her finger and a giggle that had quickly turned from endearing to irritating, in a cause-a-manic-twitch-in-the-eye way, every time it pierced the air (which turned out to be more than Umbridge's beloved 'hem hem'). The classes, while sticking to the curriculum had become a joke, with frequent references to Witch Weekly and the smell of nail polish heavy in the air.

Though less needed, Harry had continued teaching the DA, which had expanded to include quite a number of people, and many believed if it hadn't been for Harry they would not stand a chance at passing their NEWTS.

"I'm just glad bloody Malfoy didn't try and get him fired again. Then again with everyone knowing You-Know-Who is back, no one's really bothered about anyone else."

"Speak of the ferret and he shall appear," Hermione groaned as they approached the potions room door to see a familiar face.

"Well, lookie here if it isn't the Golden Trio. Potty, Weasel and the mudblood ," Malfoy sneered and predictably his band of slytherins tittered and sent looks of loathing in their direction.

"Wow Malfoy your originality astounds me! Using the same insults that you started in what, second year wasn't it?" Hermione retorted rolling her eyes, automatically grabbing for Ron whom had predictably taken a step towards Malfoy.

"Purebloods understand and respect tradition Granger. If it's always worked well there's no need to change it, or bring in unsavouriness into the fold. Of course you would never understand, being an unsavory sort yourself,"

"Witty Malfoy, real witty. Come on Ron, Harry let's go". Hermione pushed the boys through the door with an arm on each of theirs preventing any retaliation. Malfoy and his crew followed in after.

"I'm gonna kill him one of these days if he doesn't stop with the mudblood insults," Ron snarled.

"As I keep saying ignore it. Honestly Ron it's not worth it.. He's just trying to get us to retaliate so he can run to Professor Snape. He's not worth it and quite frankly neither are his insults," She replied sitting down in her usual seat and opening her potions book. A clear indication that the conversation was over. The boys slowly took their seats still grumbling about the spoiled prat.

"Mione, are you okay?" Harry asked quietly as the room filled with people and Seamus pulled Ron's attention with talk of the upcoming Hogsmeade visit.

"Yeah, of course," she squeezed his hand in reassurance and gave him a half-grin. He leant forward and gave her a gentle kiss. Unluckily for them that was when Snape chose to sweep in, robes billowing in his typical fashion.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for that inappropriate display. Please do try to control your hormones until you are at least in your own common rooms, other people should not have to suffer," Snape sneered at them. Malfoy smirked and his cronies predictably snickered. Hermione turned to look back and glare at them. Malfoy winked at her and she quickly whipped her head to the front of the class, his cruel chuckle reached her ears and she straightened up further in her seat. Like she was going to let bloody Malfoy distract her in SNAPES class.

"Today we will be learning the Retertes Memoris potion. Can anybody tell me what it is?" Hermione's hand was the first to fly into the air, along with a small handful of others.

"Very well, Mr Finnegan? " Snape asked almost incredulously.

"The Retertes Memoris potion makes a person remember a memory that they have forgotten. It is powerful enough to break through the strongest of memory charms, though it can cause damage or supply fake memories if the wrong dose or concentration is taken," Seamus replied. The Gryffindors all exchanged surprised looks. It wasn't often that Seamus knew something that didn't involve the female anatomy or blowing things up. Even Snape had one eyebrow raised and paused for a moment longer than necessary.

"Well it seems that Gryffindors do know how to open a textbook, will wonders never cease. Now this potion is potent and since Madame Pomfrey has refused to treat someone after these classes, as is tradition every year, further precautions have had to be taken. Professor Dumbledore has decided that you this means you will be treated like first years and no longer be able to pick your own partners," Whispers began to break out and Hermione and Harry shared a look of disbelief. Partnered up? Was that a joke? They didn't even enforce that in First Year. "The Headmaster has chosen your partners and hopes that it will promote unity amongst you, and stop injuries occurring due to house rivalries" Professor Snape's lip continued to curl as he spoke, clearly showing his feelings of foolishness towards the Headmaster's wishes.

"When I call out your name you will sit with them. There will be no arguments and no changes." The glare Snape sent out left the room feeling colder than it already was. The muttered conversations all stopped. This was not a subject to discuss or kick up a fuss over, even a dunderhead would know that.

"Mr Finnegan, Miss Parkinson,

Mr Zabini, Miss Patil,

Mr Weasley, Miss Blustrode,

Mr Potter, Miss Greengrass,

Mr Nott, Miss Morris" The list continued through a couple more pairs before Snape paused, a almost pained smirk developing across his face.

"Ah," Pausing for dramatic effect, everyone waited for him to continue. All but two who had already worked out their fate. " Predictably the Head Girl and Boy, Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy."

The class went a deadly silent. Harry and Ron stared horrified at Snape and each immediately placed a protective hand on Hermione's arms, as though that was going to guard her from Snape's and, apparently, the Headmasters wishes. Hermione just shook her head, already resigned and started packing her stuff.

"What are you all waiting for? Move! You should all have completed step 12 by the end of class, so it can simmer for 36 hours before your next lesson. Anyone who hasn't completed this will automatically receive a failed grade and will make this in their own time." With that he swept back behind his desk, pulling over reports to read through. The class immediately began to scurry into action, nobody wanted to complete extra potions.

Hermione got up and sat next to Malfoy. They both wisely kept their thoughts of their disgust to themselves and quickly got to work. The class was louder than normal, a range of insults, mumblings and continuous grumblings. Hermione and Draco however managed to work rather well together, in silence and in a rhythm that was odd for two people who never worked together more than passing patrol rosters to each other as they passed in the corridors.

"Two pinches of mugwort, not three Malfoy," Hermione broke the pairs comfortable silence just past half way into the lesson. Their potion was a light peach and emitting a small amount of vapour - exactly as it was meant to. .

"Shut it Granger I can read,"

"Surprise, surp-," Hermione was cut off and her face went from snarky to terror as she fell forward into Draco.

Neville had tripped over Pansy's foot, knocked into Hermione, who had in turn fell into Malfoy's elbow, resulting in a whole mortar of mugwort being dropped into the potion.

The class seemed to freeze as the commotion occurred to look towards the newest catastrophe that Longbottom's clumsiness (or Pansy's bullying) had caused.

As the mortar landed in the potion it was swallowed with an audible gulp, Hermione squealed causing her stool to tumble as she tries to scramble away from the now hissing potion. The sound of a gunshot echoed off the dungeon wall and both Hermione and Malfoy were thrown forward, landing in a heap in front of Professor Snape's desk.

"Hermione," Harry yelled snapping out of the classes immobility and rushing forward. Before he could touch her, he too was thrown by some invisible force, except he was thrown backwards landing painfully on his behind.

At the same time Hermione's and Draco's eyes snapped open, their eyes glowing a fluorescent blue and their heads snapped to face each other like puppets on a string. Their gaze connected and for a moment nothing happened. A blue cloud began to seep out of the contaminated cauldron and snaked around objects until it reached the two entranced figures, before engulfing them from sight. It hovered for a few moments before it started to disperse into a blue mist until nothing was left. The class gasped as the as the floor where Hermione and Draco had been lying came into view. This was the last thing they had expected.


Hermione's POV

I was in a tree house with Malfoy but he was younger. A lot younger.

"I won the race." my mouth opened and closed but it was not my voice that sing-songed. It was the little girl from the vision.

"No I did."

"No me!"

"Me!"

"Me!" the voice's seemed to be fading and I opened my eyes to find I was rather comfortable but sore. I looked up and caught Malfoy's gaze. I saw in his eyes that he too had just seen what I had and I smiled, he smiled, not smirked but actually smiled, back. I could of melted into the floor right then and there. Then my gaze was covered in blue and the world disappeared.