Chapter 3 – Initial plans.

Today was Friday. Classes were how I expected them to be, easy. I'm not being egotisical but after hel[ing Harry track down and destroy horcuxes and then participating in the battle, I was finding main stream lessons mundane. Of course there were always new things to learn, I just found my concentration waning. Instead of taking notes, I doodled on my parchment. Instead of listening intently, I daydreamed. I had to admit it, but I also found my self completely immersed in all the goissip and latest scandals. Yesterday, Neville and Luna were caught snogging in the green house by Professor Sprout. House points weren't taken away as Professor Sprout is heavily into house unity like McGonagall.

I hadn't forgotten about my conversation with Harry at the start of term feast. Stage one of my plan was going to take place tonight. As I was going over my plans for the fifth time today, the bell rang to signal the end of classes. Packing away my things I made my way toward the Head dorms.

I opened the portrait. I had made Head Girl, unsurprisingly, and Malfoy Head boy. I had thought that by sharing a common room with Malfoy, I would get the chance to know him better. I was wrong, that doesn't happen often I can tell you! I'd only seen him at classes and in the Great Hall so far. He'd always be here before me, locked up in his room with music floating through the door. The only thing I had learned about him so far was that he had good taste im music, both magic and muggle. How he knew any muggle music in the first place is mystery.

I took out a biro and a clean sheet of parchment that I had not yet doodled over. As much as I loved my quills, biro's were much more convienient.

Draco,

With all this house unity business and us being Heads, I feel obliged to invite you to spend some time in my presence tonight. I feel the Head boy and girl should at least be on civil terms with each other. I don't bite. I'll bring the fire whiskey.

Signed,

Hermione Granger.

From my experiences with teenage boys, I knew that none of them would refuse free fire whiskey. As for me, rule breaking seemed like the perfect solution to pull me out of this week long stupor. I stuck the note to his bedroom door before going into my own room to change.

I met Harry and Ron in the Great Hall for dinner. Ron was already on to his second helping of mashed potatoes. I nearly lost my own appetite watching his stuff more and more into his mouth. I sat down next to Ginny, opposite the boys.

I was halfway through my own serving of mashed potatoes when I felt someone push past me. How rude! I turned in my seat to make them appologise. My Chocolate eyes met with the swirling silver of Malfoy's. Before I had the chance to speak, he gave me a slight nod and dropped something in my lap before walking out of the hall. Glancing around me to make sure no one was looking I unfolded the small piece of parchment.

Granger,

I accept your offer of house unity and fire whiskey. Blaise will be staying over. Feel welcome to invite the girl Weasley as well.

Malfoy.

His elegant scropt seemed too perfect.

"Hermione, what was that about? Why is malfoy writing to you? Oh, no you didn't tell him did you?"

"Relax Harry, no I didn't tell him anything. He was just letting me know that we need to pick the date of the first Hogsmeade weekend." the lie came out easily, I usually don't lie very well. But it seemed believable to me at least. Harry gave me a skeptical look before returning to his meal. Once he was engaged in conversation about quidditch with Seamus, I elbowed Ginny in the ribs.

"Gin, you want to spend the night in my dorm?"

"Sure, Herms, we haven't had a chance to catch up for ages."

"How many time do I have to tell you not to call me that ridiculous name!"

"Sorry Hermione, but your name is just so long!" we both giggled at that. We got up out of our seat and exited the hall. I waited until we were almost a the Heads portrait before I told her about tonight.

"Malfoy and Zabini will be joining us for some fire whiskey" I stated smoothly.

"Malfoy and Zabini? Are you serious?" Ginny's eyes widened slightly.

"I'm just trying to promote some house unity, plus they don't seem so bad now that they are with the Order." Ok so I didn't know if they had changed at all, but they did come over to the Order just before the final battle. That had to mean something right?

I gave the password and we entered the common room. Let the fun begin!