Author's Note: I found a prompt on tumblr and rolled with it; it's on the first chapter. I don't own it. My amazing roommate is helping me edit and I couldn't thank her enough, Jackie S. Also, I am obviously not the queen JKR, bless her soul, so I don't own HP or any characters or any of that jazz. First fic, leave me something to improve onn or what you liked about it or what you'd want to see happen or whatevvvvs. Kthanks.
It was the end of the second week and Hermione sat, collecting her books after Sterns' class. She was furious at the fact she found herself searching for that sneer amongst the faces of the students she saw leaving the lecture hall every day this week. She had been looking around quite quickly, but not quickly enough apparently, for the boy was nowhere in sight once again. He always seemed to disappear before anyone else could actually get up. Maybe that was a good thing though, for Hermione's temper at least.
As she did a final survey of the room on her way out the door, she spotted Blaise, and she smiled. He made a curt nod to her and then shouldered his bag and left. At least there was still a handsome face to admire, she thought to herself as she glanced at the clock as well. Shoot, I need to meet the girl I'm mentoring! And with that, she headed straight out the doors.
She went across the library garden to the café. It was a small little shop with only a walk-up window. There were a large cluster of tables and chairs outdoors for nice weather. Since it had been a gorgeous fall day, there weren't many open if any and Hermione looked around. She was supposed to meet up with her mentee here. The girl's class got out ten minutes before Hermione's, so she had said she would save them a table.
Most of the tables were already cluttered with study materials, which even for Hermione, was quite an absurd amount for only the second week. Amidst the clutter she soon spotted a girl seated by herself with a cup of coffee and a muffin, a sea of red hair gleaming in the light on her shoulders. Hermione was instantly struck with a sense of déjà vu; she definitely recognized her.
Is that- it's the girl I saw on the first day! The one that… that did the thing with her hair and… even in her own thoughts she didn't want to admit to herself what she saw or thought she saw. It couldn't be what she thought, that she possibly saw magic. No, it wasn't, remember? It totally wasn't, not HERE of all places, at this simple little university no, it wasn't. Just relax!
Taking a deep breath, she shook her head of the thoughts. She's just a freshman, she's harmless, and she HAS to be my mentee, she's the only person alone, she told herself in confidence. Hermione walked up to the tables and weaved her way towards the girl.
"You stole my table," Hermione commented upon approaching, making her words sound casual despite their accusation. She hoped this joke could break the ice well enough. She took the seat opposite the girl, who Hermione could now see close up. Her face was pretty with fiery eyes and a splash of freckles along her high cheeks. Her red hair really looked like flames around her and it suited her, Hermione quickly took note, as she spoke.
"And who the bloody hell are you anyway," the girl chimed back, raising her eyebrows. "I don't see a name anywhere," and she gestured to the table in between them.
"Oh!" Hermione said taken aback. "I was kidding actually, I'm Hermione. I think I'm your-" she had started to say, before the girl cut her off with a grin.
"Mentor! I know, I figured. I didn't mean to scare you there," the girl added with apology, "it's just, you're like the fifth person to try to take this bloody table from me! You'd think it was made out of galleons or erm gold or something…" She seemed to stumble a bit on her words. It was a curious thing but maybe she was just nervous, Hermione thought. "Are students always this competitive for table space here, or is it a special occasion?"
"Really, the best ones are by far in the library. East wing has extra staircases in the back that not many people know about," Hermione stated, setting her bag next to her and unzipping her jacket. "It's kind of a secret spot, like in old castles and dungeons, at least that's what the boy who told me said. He was a history major and I forced him to tell me during finals week freshman year because I was freaking out and needed a better place to study. What can I say, the library gets packed beyond belief and I can get a little psycho about my grades so," She smiled telling the memory and the girl laughed.
"That's actually hilarious. So I take it you're super smart then. Perfect. I'm Ginny by the way," the girl added and held her hand out. "I'm also used to living with 6 brothers, so excuse me if I'm a little, uh, on the harsh side sometimes. My sarcasm has a way of getting away from me."
"Oh no worries, my roommate's a wildcard, not to mention all the crazy girls she brings home with her, so it's nothing I can't handle," Hermione said taking her hand and shaking it. "It's nice to meet you in person. So, how's the first week treating you here?" Hermione inquired, waiting for the girl's reply.
"Well, I did find this university vastly different from my original one, shitty if you ask me," Ginny said, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh, I'm sorry I hadn't realized you're a transfer. And what do you mean, shitty? Have you looked around at this place?! It's practically a castle, how can you not like it?" Hermione asked, incredulous that this girl was already putting the school down without giving it a chance. She liked it a lot here.
"Well, that's just it; my last school WAS a castle. Well, it was in a castle," Ginny said. "You can see why this could be, uh unimpressive?" She sounded like she was searching for a gentler word than she originally came up with.
"Well then! Let me give you the grand ole spiel about why this University is the premiere academy of the well-educated British nobility and has been ranked seven times in the UK's most competitive top ten lists of graduates!" Hermione said as if she were suddenly spitting out tour guide pamphlets from her mouth.
The redhead across from her leaned in on her elbows. She appeared to be intrigued in the school, but Hermione could catch a hint of jest in her expression and her voice when she said, "Oh do tell me you had to memorize all of that, or I'll piss myself if you did so on your own!"
"No interruptions, now let's get started!" Hermione began in false introduction, "So: there's plenty of your basic clubs, intramural sports, club sports teams, community service groups, then there's the university sports teams, but you have to try out for those, let's go Lions!" she did a fake pompom cheer.
Ginny laughed. "Come off it, they actually try to convince people to go here by telling them they can join a club and go to a football game? Times are really hitting hard, huh?" Hermione felt instantly comfortable with this girl, and it felt good to not have to put on an act like she thought she was going to have to (besides this little game of tour guide shit she was doing).
"Well no, obviously that's not totally what gets people to come. A lot of people are on scholarship, like myself, and the academics are some of the best in Europe," Hermione mentioned in her real voice again.
"Well while schoolwork seems amazingly great and all, what actual things are fun around here, like I bet you are president of like five clubs just because there's nothing to do here," Ginny said after their laughter stopped. Hermione thought about what else there was and her mind was brought back to partying. The school's messy social scene came to her mind in a foggy haze as a reminder of the weekend.
Ginny was a genuine girl and made her opinions well known. She wasn't interested in clubs and research papers; she was interested in having fun and that didn't include anything Hermione had listed. Hermione liked that about the girl, and was happy to realize she didn't actually want help with the typical mentoring crap like how to makes friends and help on homework assignments.
"No actually, if you must joke like that, I'll inform you that I'm only on the board of two clubs and I only really like one of them, so you aren't too far off," Hermione said, "but I did sleep with the student association president so I could have more funds to work with." She laughed and Ginny looked rather impressed. "What, it's not like anyone wants to see the hula hoop club do the same dance to twist and shout for the sixth semester in a row, they could use a little less money."
At this Ginny burst out laughing even harder. She had to admit, this girl was right up her alley: witty and sarcastic but still clever. It was refreshing and reminded her a lot of, unfortunately, Harry. His knack for choice words in the right situations was admirable and this girl had a similar sense of humor. She liked this girl and she wanted to make this friendship happen. Besides, Ginny and Luna were alone here and it would be valuable to have some friends on this side of the situation that was starting to brew back home.
"You're lying! That is too good though, must make things easier for your clubs, probably won all the awards that year!" Ginny winked.
"Well, surprisingly for the president of student 'affairs' he is quite bad with affairs of the intimate sort…" Hermione mentioned as she recalled her confusion at his blatant inexperience. It was worth it to give the local charity the proper benefit event this year anyway, she thought. She shrugged and continued.
"Anyway, okay, so a lot of the clubs are exclusive and hold tons of parties on weekends, but I find the sports teams' ones are better," Hermione said, finding that she couldn't avoid recalling her not so proud escapades of the first weekend back.
It felt fresh in her mind because she hadn't spotted the inane little ferret after class today. Every other day this week he had strutted out like he was a king and it annoyed her to no end. She really hadn't wanted to turn into a time bomb, ready to explode with anger whenever she saw his vile, arrogant face. But it felt like that was what was going to happen if she ever had to talk to him again. He was just so unpleasant.
Her nose crinkled up at the thought of him causing Ginny to cock her head to the side.
"Oh, sorry! I, the parties are a lot of fun really! I just, I met this complete jerk this weekend and thought I wouldn't have to deal with him ever again but, we have class together. Annoying really, but it's fine!" Hermione cleared up, I'm not even going to let myself go there. He's stupid.
"Oh boy, well what did he do? Was he a perv, did he try to come on to you?! Boys when they drink get so handsy," Ginny said eagerly. She looked off into space and smiled slyly, like she was remembering some welcome advance from some guy at her old school. Hermione wanted to ask but decided against it; they had just met after all.
She listened to Hermione continue on about her weekend for the next fifteen minutes or so. Hermione explained the houses on the West Side, where all the parties were and she explained all that happened last weekend. She didn't give full details about what the boy said to her, just an explanation of his attitude problem was enough.
"What a complete arse, reminds me of some kids I knew at school. No one liked them, not even the teachers in their house- I mean, their faculty advisor? Anyway never mind take me with you to the next time, I love a good fight," Ginny stated in a very brave sort of way. Hermione got the feeling she talked like this a lot. It was refreshing to see such a strong young woman.
"Well, that can definitely be arranged, are you free tonight? A few of my girlfriends are coming over, and Erin will be her normal drunk self. It'll be loads of fun!" Hermione gushed suddenly. It was time she showed Ginny the real fun at this place.
"That sounds awesome actually. Can I bring Luna, she's so nice, you'll love her, she's my roommate!" Ginny asked, very excitedly.
"Of course. The more, the merrier! Now, why don't you tell me about your old school then? Why was it so much better?" Hermione changed the subject back to her school. It seemed curious to Hermione that, despite appearing as a normal college girl, she spoke with a few strange phrases here and there that made her seem completely backwards. It was like she was from another place or time, saying things that didn't quite sound right. Maybe it's all in my head because I'm remembering the magic? Oh I don't know… Hermione thought, trying to pay attention to the now chatterbox in front of her.
"Oh it was loads better than here! We had a huge black lake and this forest that we weren't allowed to go in and…" Ginny continued explaining about the school that sounded like something out of a storybook. She talked of towers for classrooms and huge staircases. She talked about the dormitories that everyone stayed in that felt like home. Hermione was lost in Ginny's recollection; it felt like something from a dream, like something Hermione had thought up when she was little.
Ever since Hermione had figured out about her own magic and learned to control it, she had always dreamed of a place where she belonged, where she would go to a magical place and learn wondrous things. Now as an adult, reality presented itself to her in the form of a university and a degree she liked. But as she heard Ginny talk, the more she felt that Ginny talked as if her old school were that 'magical place.' Hermione didn't feel that way about this place; she liked it yes, she had some amazing friends, but there was still a tiny place in her heart that felt hollow.
She pushed these thoughts aside however. This isn't about me, it's about mentoring this girl! So she fits in here! Hermione reminded herself. She vacated the thoughts from her mind and continued to listen about the wonders of Ginny's old school for some time.
When Ginny seemed to stop and think, Hermione got the courage to speak up. "So, if it was so grand a place, why did you leave, if you don't mind me asking? I don't want to pry since we like, don't really know each other yet but I'm also here to help if you need, kind of my job really," Hermione was rambling but she couldn't help it; she felt bad, she had always had good experiences here.
"It was cool until things began to change," the girl spoke with a voice different than that of before; it now had a slight melancholic tone. "My brothers and I, we all went to this uni together, it was a family tradition," she trailed off, lost in some sad daydream.
"And… And I left because there had been a lot of corruption within the system I guess. And there's more still going on. One or two violent protests and my mum thought it best to get on out… It was probably smart you know," Ginny explained, and while she talked her voice became steady.
"It'll pass, it should pass. I wanted to participate. I felt very strongly with the positions people were rallying for. But my mum is such a fuss, probably why I'm so stubborn. Anyway, there's a lot of us wanting to put an end to all of it so, there's that. I'm going to try to be optimistic and help out best I can from here but we'll see how that goes. And if that doesn't work there's got to be some kind of distraction here, I just know it."
Her spirits were as quick changing as stoplights, but Hermione could tell the girl was sincere and hopeful, and was looking to Hermione for help, maybe even friendship. If that's what she needed to lighten her spirits than Hermione was willing to help. But why hadn't I heard of all this protesting then, especially if it had turned violent… Hermione told herself to check the news that night, and to start being more vigilant.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear all that. I'm sure you'll find less scary stuff here, there's a nice relationship between administration and faculty and students," Hermione recalled never having a bad experience with a teacher. "And I'm sure you'll find in no time that you fit in here just the same! At least, that's my goal anyway!"
"Ha, well I would like that very much. You are doing an excellent job, in case you were wondering," Ginny said as she stood. "I have one more class just now, but I'm holding you to that, send me your address! Ugh, I can't wait!" She took off waving and disappeared inside the doors of the Roost. Hermione was left at the table alone.
She thought about the girl she had just met; it felt that she was already friends with Ginny for months now, not hours. Well, that went well, she actually was a doll. I want to know so much more about that school of hers too… Hermione thought, and she just couldn't put a finger on just why she felt so intrigued. She pushed away the teeny, tiny ray of hope that came to her mind when she remembered seeing Ginny the first day and the magic she thought she saw. She wouldn't judge this friendship on that.
In any case, it had been a marvelous start to the beginning of the school year. New friends might just make this year more bearable, she thought as she strode off shouldering her large bag to get in line for another coffee before heading to her next class.
…
Draco's boredom with Keats was really starting to weigh in. He was sitting in a particularly bendy tree outside the Roost that he had found the second day, the tattered volume clutched in one hand. Blaise was nowhere in sight and Theo had told him he was doing research today, so Draco was on his own after his lit class. He was significantly further into the book than before, but he hadn't made an effort to find the library yet. He was stuck with the annoyingly repetitive poet's love-struck words.
The more Draco thought about it, the more he understood why he disliked the man. He closed the book, suddenly irritated by the romance Keats talked about. Not that love hadn't ever sparked his interests, no. There was that time with Pansy that he thought there could be something there. That was back in fourth year… Yeah, but then she made out with both Flint and Marcus in the same night so like, really, youraspirations on love aren't exactly great… he thought, recalling that disaster.
And he'd only been freshly a teenager at that point. It hurt a lot but that was nothing compared to a real heartbreak, if he'd ever know it. He felt like if he had ever been in love, he'd have known it by now. Well, for lack of relationship keeping he sure did make up for it in the bedroom; he'd seen more Ravenclaw girls without their clothes on than with them on. And the Slytherin girls weren't far behind, although some of them were quite smart to try to win his favor first. That sometimes worked, he remembered, recalling how he did take worthy enough girls on dates to Hogsmeade and the like.
There were even a few girls that tried too hard for his attention come sixth year, where he had found two different girls wearing hardly anything on two separate occasions; one in his bed come Christmas break with nothing on but a bow, and the other, a rather sly girl, actually managed to surprise him in the shower. Sly or daft, I don't think I'll ever know…
Fuck when did I last get a shag in? It's been ages it feels… Draco thought then. He looked around the quad in front of him searching for something pretty to look at. Maybe one of the muggle girls around here would actually be worth looking at for longer than it took to shoot her an insult. He doubted but looked anyway.
As he searched around, his mind wandered back to Pansy. She had been quite the pretty little thing, if he recalled correctly, despite her nagging, high pitched voice. He remembered when he'd finally hooked up with her, after the Christmas ball in fifth year. A group of the Slytherins in his grade had stolen some fire whiskey from the kitchens and got drunk in a back dungeon. She looked much better when her voice wasn't reeling on about things he couldn't care less about.
It had been a fun night, but it was clear Pansy wanted more when Draco didn't. There were plenty of other fish in the sea better than Pansy that he went after, but when he didn't feel like trying she would gladly come to his bed, any time. She was that girl for him but now, even having her would have suited him alright.
His mind wandered back to the present, his body still remembering escapades with Miss. Parkinson. There was a half-blood girl in Ravenclaw once who had been great in bed, better than Pansy even, and he considered making her his go-to. Why have I never considered a muggle girl though? It literally has never crossed my mind, isn't that something? He thought of his childhood; he never knew anything but hate for muggles.
Yet here he was, sitting around near them, studying with them, partying with them, watching muggle girls ogle at him even. What did that even mean? His eyes were still scanning the gardens before him for good looking girls or anything interesting at this point, when he caught sight of a familiar face and his eyes darted back, almost too suddenly.
Fucking bitch, he thought as he scrutinized the girl from the party standing in line for coffee near the library. And there it was again, an insult. Why is that my immediate reaction? She warranted quite a lot of anger from him without doing much. Maybe that was why he was so quick to insult her, it didn't really have much to do with her blood status, did it? Whatever, she's still a cunt and Blaise is putting thoughts into my mind that AREN'T mine…
She stood with her hips cocked to the side, no doubt trying to shift the weight of her bag so it didn't break. It appeared beaten up, like it had seen the weight of many texts. As she waited, he saw her take a volume, open to a random page and start reading. She could easily maneuver the queue of the line despite her interest in the book, and a faint smile was hanging on her lips. Bet she thinks she's so smart, reading while waiting in line, pft! Anyone can do that. I can, I read.
The more he stared the less insults he could come up with in his head. His eyes followed down her slender figure and the smear of memories from the previous weekend blurred his vision. He recalled only snippets after that sixth or seventh large glass of rum, and something in the way she was standing reminded him of her dancing. Her denim shorts were ripped and tattered but they fit her snuggly in all the right places. Draco sucked in air quick when he noticed her white tank sliding down her shoulder from the weight of her bag.
He looked away suddenly, aware of his staring and pissed at himself for it. He recalled her fighting back, her crafted insults comparable to his own and that rarely ever happened for him. It took him by surprise and not a good one, bringing out the fight in him. A muggle couldn't be on his level, he thought. Could she? She clearly had to be somewhat intelligent to be able to talk the way she did to him, he'd give her that. Draco grew frustrated how everything seemed to keep bringing him back to his fucked up view on blood statuses.
On top of that, Draco remembered feeling a bizarre kind of desire at her backlash and that clearly did not settle well in his stomach. He was not ready for that kind of feeling for a muggle, not at all, especially for such a bitch of a girl. Draco glanced back and watched as she shoved her bag further up her shoulder, a spatter of freckles left behind in its wake. In that instant he wanted to know just why she made him tick.
She finally reached the front of the line and Draco looked away, lest he let his anger take him out of control. He wanted to approach her. He wanted to get off out of this tree and walk right up and say something, anything, just to see her flare at him again but he didn't know why.
He definitely wanted to prove he could manipulate her, have the upper hand because with all his upbringing, he knew it was a Malfoy trait to be able to do that. To want to do that. And he wasn't used to not getting his way. The more he thought about the way their fight ended, the angrier he became. Why should a stupid bitch like her get to have the edge over me? Was she really that clever? What was she playing at?
He jumped out of the tree on impulse, taking an angry waltz forward in his most vengeful gait towards her. He was still quite far from the coffee line and he paused as he watched her brush her hair off her shoulder; she dropped her money and, in an effort to pick it up without losing her place in her book, she bent over in a sensual sort of way and that was it. The sight was too much for Draco who, at that moment, felt the worst thing he could possibly imagine, just below his belt. He flinched at the idea that his body would respond like that without his will; she did NOT just almost get me hard. His thoughts were vicious. It's just because I've been horny lately, I was thinking of Pansy. That's the ONLY reason. Ugh.
From behind him came Blaise's voice in a sudden shout. "Aye, where are you off to in such a hurry?" Blaise had just come from the Roost when he had spotted Draco and immediately came to intervene. As he approached, Draco tensed then halted, still in shock from his sudden, embarrassing body impulse.
"Take it down a notch, it's like your pure blood instincts were activated or something you actually look murderous," Blaise said in a quieter tone, judging Draco's poised stance and the hateful look in his eye.
Draco was suddenly dizzy. What exactly had he been going to do? He shook his head, forgetting he jumped from the tree. He was now standing awkwardly on the cobblestone walkway, staring in the direction of the coffeehouse with an angry scowl on his face.
Why is this stupid bitch still on my mind, honestly?! How can I let this bother me so much, ugh! He must have gotten up to walk over and start a row with her again. He didn't know if he was motivated to approach her because it might somehow prove he was correct in all his blood purity bullshit and he would get his way over her or if it was really from that twitch that reminded him of just how much he wanted sex. He would be disgusted if it were because of the latter. It couldn't be, not at all, he protested to himself, denying his uncontrollable reaction yet again. Not for a muggle, I was thinking of Pansy that's all…
"Don't tell me, another muggle piss you off again? We really got to work on your people skills, and by people I'm including muggles alright," Blaise stated simply and looked around. When he spotted her, he knew why Draco was so on edge. "Oi, look at that it's your favorite little minx Draco, why don't you go offer to buy her coffee? She really does have quite the leg on her, no?" Blaise laughed at his own joke but quickly stifled it.
"I wouldn't be caught dead buying that bitch anything, I'd rather curse her but you know, people around, I have a little self-restraint left," Draco said firmly, not even addressing the comment Blaise made about her legs. He hoped Blaise would buy his bluff; in his mind, his thoughts were still raging against his better judgement. He looked at her legs quick anyway and hated that Blaise was right. He turned away.
"You are by far the most annoying stereotype of a pureblood I've ever seen," Blaise said.
"Yeah, but I can't help how I was brought up so you have to forgive me, naturally," Draco drawled as if it was logical, walking with Blaise away from the coffee line. Blaise took a seat on a bench outside the science building as Draco continued to pace.
"Why don't you start doing yourself a favor then and forgive yourself too. And forgive her. She's still a person, muggle or no, and you have no idea how she was brought up either," Blaise mentioned.
"Ugh, that's just it! I'm so sick of this!" Draco ran his hands through his hair looking frustrated. "I'm trying okay, I'm damn well trying to see things differently. Ever since Theo mentioned all that shit the first night my mind's been reeling," he said softly, clearly not happy to reveal some vulnerability even to Blaise.
"Good, you should be trying. As for her though, she's just a girl. A person. Just like you, just like me," Blaise said encouragingly but Draco went silent.
Getting up and actually confronting her would be a pretty bold move on his part. If she had tried to fight back he probably would curse her, his natural instinct plus he had the upper hand that way, he knew.
But if I don't curse her, would she put up another whiplash of a retort like before? She might impress him with that, he mused, but that was beside the point. Just because he was a little horny didn't mean he should pick a fight with a muggle just to get off. Had she actually tried to come onto him last weekend, Draco didn't know what he would have done.
He had never had to deal with such a situation and he was raised that he shouldn't. He knew how to manipulate and damage weaker people, not get affection from them. Sure, girls flattered him all the time, in droves behind him like flies, but that was different. They'd all been witches, he laughed to himself trying to see if humor would relax his mind.
Yet if he still wanted girls flocking after him in great numbers, and of course he did, sooner or later he was going to find himself having to make do with what was available. He cringed at the thought. Muggle girls. But accepting them and their flattery was different than full on sleeping with them; he had accepted muggle partying, drinking games, and coming to muggle class. Blaise's words came back to him. They were people, just girls. Why was that such a hard concept to accept? Maybe he'd have to start lightening up…
"Hello, Draco?" He hadn't heard Blaise calling. "Come on, you're starting to scare people," Blaise said then, looking around them. A few people glanced at Draco's distraught figure still pacing. He stopped then, wondering if there would be any peace for the conflicting thoughts now roaming through his mind.
"Blaise, where did you say Pansy was again?" he asked. Maybe if I get a hold of her she could pay me a little visit, get my mind off things… a wicked smile curled his lips.
"You look like you want to rail her out this second but I didn't say I knew where she was actually," Blaise cocked one eyebrow up knowingly. Blaise knew quite well Draco's relationship with Pansy and the only reason he asked about her would most likely be to satisfy his own lust.
"I doubt you can get a hold of her amidst all this just for a shag," Blaise said.
"Fine, it was just a thought," Draco stated then, antsy at being denied what he wanted.
"There's still plenty of muggle girls out there, although if you really are looking for one like Pansy you were headed in the right direction," Blaise joked to Draco, pointing over towards where the coffee line was. They could just see the end of the sitting area. "She's got the same temper but is better at using it, that's for sure." Blaise had to dodge Draco then, who lunged furiously, pulling Blaise to the ground. He tackled him and the boys fought for a little while before separating in a huff.
"Shut your mouth Blaise before I make you! Stop bragging to me about wanting to fuck her, I don't like her, just drop it before I really do a number on you," threatened Draco once he'd caught his breath. Blaise straightened his collar looking sullen. "I have enough on my mind without you trying to get me to fuck a muggle for Merlin's sake!"
"Okay, okay, fair enough. But you really might want to consider the fact that unless by some crazy means Pansy shows up, you will be out of commission if you don't want to sleep with a muggle. Just trying to show you the options mate," Blaise mentioned, as if Draco hadn't already thought of that.
"Yeah, yeah…" was all Draco replied. "Don't you have a calculus class to go fail or something?" With that he strode off, the anger still fresh on his lips. Once well inside the building nearest to him, he sat against the wall taking a deep breath. Blaise didn't follow.
He needed to get a hold of himself. He couldn't let some foolish muggle girl get to him this way; even if she was by some measure, kind of attractive. The minute the thought came to his mind he gagged; he was mad at himself for admitting she was good looking.
But Blaise was right; if he didn't sleep with a muggle, he wasn't going to be sleeping with anyone. And that fucking blew. Not only did the idea of sleeping with a muggle disgust him, but he felt like he would be shaming his family if he did. They would disown him for sure if he did, but he wasn't sure he cared about that so much. It would be a great way to get back at his father for all his bullshit through the years. The thought made him laugh.
However he still didn't know what would happen to him physically if he did sleep with one. He was forbidden from taking any muggle studies classes so he actually knew very little besides his parents' vulgar lies. Blaise had already slept with that girl Jess and he was no less able to use his wand. He wasn't harmed, diseased, or changed at all, as far as Draco knew. So really, what was the real harm? He wasn't sure there was one.
Ugh, this is all too much, he thought. He didn't want to have to be questioning sleeping with muggles. It seemed so beneath him all his life that now, without his father spitting slanders down his back, he was finally starting to see a change and it scared him. It might not have appealed to him before but he couldn't deny the subconscious twitch of his groin when he saw the curve her waist made as she bent to pick up her change.
Whatever, it's just attraction, it doesn't mean I have to act on it, not at all, he told himself then. I guess that's what it means for me to accept muggles a little more, let them flatter me with physical attractiveness, he cringed. The only good thing coming from this was how good it made him feel to have girls want him; despite being muggles, he still loved flattery and he had forgotten what it was like. His reminder had come at the parties they went to that past weekend and while on campus for class and at the gym working out. Girls saw him everywhere and they weren't hiding their second glances. He loved it.
Draco found these thoughts dueling in his mind. It gave him a headache. Taking a few more deep breaths, he straightened and cleared his throat. What am I doing, letting a little muggle get in my way and fuck up my mind? She's just a girl, a bitch to be clear and that's enough of a reason to hate her, he thought aggressively. It had to stop. I'm a Malfoy, damn it.
Draco agreed to himself that he wouldn't seek her out and thus wouldn't succumb to her insults any longer. She didn't flatter him or beg to be with him, and he'd much rather have that than anything. So she's not worth my time, he thought. If I have to put up with muggles I'll have them tied around my finger, not running the show for me.
As he walked away, his mind felt better, more settled despite a small flicker of fear that he pushed to the recesses. He decided to find the library after all, a slight smirk bouncing to his lips. It would be a good distraction, always had. He made himself a deal as well; he wouldn't bother with that girl from the party no. Not unless she started something first. Something worth his time…
…
Hermione left the classroom happily; the first two weeks had been successful and she had just gotten out of her last class early. What a great start to this school year, she thought to herself as she walked out of the classroom with the rest of the chattering students. All of them seemed thrilled to be out early, ready to start the weekend, but Hermione had other plans.
She glanced at her watch; it was only 3:25pm. That meant she still had about three hours until she was planning to be home to get take-out with Erin. She made a swift turn at the next corridor and set her mind on the library. It would be good to get ahead and make a calendar of all her due dates, office hours, and club meetings; organization being one of her strong points.
As she approached the large, stone building on the North end of campus, she checked the sign to make sure it wasn't closed yet. Good, still two hours to go, she thought as she swung open the large doors. Inside, the library opened to a large room that towered high above her head in long rows of books. The shelves went back far with a long row of full length windows to the left that only reached halfway back to how far the shelves went.
There was a second story balcony of shelves overlooking the front half of the library, with desks to study on. Some, Hermione noticed, were already occupied by students eager to get ahead. She made her way to the back, where she knew her favorite spot would not be taken; the spot she had mentioned to Ginny earlier in the week. She made her way quietly to the back of the library, climbing a small staircase to the East wing that appeared to be haphazardly added to the building some years back.
This way I'll be able to focus, my secret spot is always desert- but her thoughts were cut off as she approached the corner where her spot usually was. It was a small window that had a small desk placed on the sill itself. Hermione had been so fond of it, she had made sure to use a little magic during finals week to keep others away from it. But now, the spot was occupied for what felt like the first time ever, by none other than the vicious blonde boy whose name she had obviously forgotten.
She was angry alright, but before she could be found out she quickly ducked behind one of the shelves. Walking down the aisle quietly, she got about halfway before pulling out a rather thick book in front of her to get a closer look. Something about him drew her in, in the same way it had that first day she had seen him from her classroom.
He was lounging back in the desk, his legs draped up on it with his back leaning against the window pane. He had a small book in one hand while the other mindlessly twirled a thick strand of his white blonde hair. Hermione narrowed her eyes at his obvious disregard for the proper use of her study spot. His muddy boots were getting dirt on the surface, which would make it impossible for anyone to use unless they wanted to grow plants in their textbooks.
How inconsiderate, she thought, but the more she stared the more she realized was confused by what she saw. His fingers moved around his hair in a very tempting sort of way and he seemed genuinely interested in the book in his hands. She looked over the stacks nearby him to find an empty space, to get some idea of what he was reading. In seconds she noticed in the K's section, a small space the size of the volume he had.
You're kidding? He's reading poetry? That can't be for a class, poetry's only offered every other semester! Hermione couldn't help but be surprised. The boy she saw before her could not be the same boy from the party, the one who yelled and fought her. He looked peaceful for once in his life and his sharp features defined his deep thought in the book. Hermione was breathless. His pale skin and hair stood out strong against the purpling of the sky behind him.
He flipped a page then, and began reading a new poem. This time however, she could feel his annoyance at something he had read and the air grew stiff. She had only ever seen him two ways, confident and cocky, and then, when she had gotten in his face, anger and vindication. All she had felt for him before was dislike. She was pissed off whenever she thought about him, but now, a tiny bit of empathy came to her. He looked stressed.
She was confused. What was he doing here of all places? And reading? It sure was a curious sight to see since she had only ever managed to catch glimpses of him during class. He was always his usual self then. He tossed the book aside then, clearly annoyed, and stared out the window biting his nail.
As she leaned in further, she saw him get up then and walk slowly over to where the book had dropped. He picked it up slowly, found the page he was in, and dog-eared the page before closing it and tucking it under his arm. She moved her hand up to move another book so she could get a better view of him, when she saw the book slip through her grasp and crash to the floor.
The sound reverberated in the almost empty library and Draco's head flashed in her direction. She ducked quickly, holding her breath. He looked around, his brow furrowing as he saw the smallest flash of a white shirt behind the shelf nearest him. A peek of freckled skin was visible halfway down the shelf in front of him.
"Who's there?" he stated firmly. Hermione sat motionless behind the shelf, thankful there were no gaps in the books she had crouched behind.
Draco took a step forward, closer. He could swear he recognized that white and freckles somewhere, but he couldn't be sure. He paused for another minute before he smiled suspiciously as he remembered. "I don't want to play games with a stranger and neither do you. You don't know me, I don't play fair," he warned quietly. He sounded almost seductive and Hermione let out a small gasp; she quickly put a hand to her mouth to stay quiet, mad at herself.
The air hung onto his words for a few seconds before the sound of his boots were heard walking back down the corridor and turning to leave. Hermione waited until she heard the echo of his boots on the stairs disappear before she dared move.
…
Draco crept slowly through the double doors of the library on top of the hill and looked around. After getting out of his last class for the day and fighting a little more with Blaise over that weird jump he made after that stupid muggle, he needed to get away and relax on his new attitude toward everything. Plus, he had left Blaise to run off to his stupid calculus class, so there was nothing to distract his busy mind from himself.
Always the brainiac, that Blaise is, Draco thought, as he walked out onto the floor. And yet, some of my grades still proved better than his, so there! The entrance was grand and open, a second floor ran around one side. Back at Hogwarts Draco didn't dare let on that he cared about literature other than academics, but truthfully he found time to sneak away from friends in order to get some extra volumes here and there. He was fascinated by old stories of crazy wizards creating new spells and hexes and potions. He liked hearing direct tales of goblin uprisings and old feudal wars with real dragons and giants running wild. It was an easy escape from reality. Maybe somewhere in here he would find the same plus with muggle books he wouldn't have to happen upon old beliefs or pureblood messes that always seemed to fuck up magic's history. That really did happen frequently with magic literature… oh well.
He climbed the wide, grand staircase that was halfway across the room in front of him. Below, he could see rows upon rows of texts and volumes, some haphazardly strewn in piles in the corner on tables for studying. To his left and right, additional library wings continued, and he could just make out several more staircases, some appeared to be added to the building after the fact, making them misplaced and awkward. Draco was reminded of the changing grand staircases in Hogwarts and became a little sad that he would not get to gaze upon them this year.
Draco walked around the balcony silently, hoping not to see anyone, lest they blow his cover. Last thing I want is to be caught in a library, he thought, before remembering he really didn't fucking care what a muggle would think if they saw him there anyway. If he were at Hogwarts he would have taken much more caution but here, well who fucking cared. I'm throwing everything out the window lately, he sighed to himself. He relaxed and walked more naturally over to the railing overlooking the lower library, thinking about Hogwarts and how different this year turned out to be.
He missed having time to get lost in a new spell or charm. He missed the owls at breakfast and sneaking into the library at Hogwarts to steal a book or two and the cavernous feel of the Slytherin dungeons. He smiled as he felt like himself again, realizing he just did the same exact thing today as he would have if it had been his first week back at Hogwarts, minus the cool magic side of things.
Come in late occasionally, he had done that twice already, much to Blaise's chagrin. Don't take notes, again Blaise was mad ha! And hit on some underclassman slut who's winning the battle for most broomstick rides in the first week, it's all the same really, Draco thought to himself, laughing.
He turned back to the far corner of the room and walked towards the shelves there. Well, have some muggle girls follow you out of class hoping you'll speak to them is more the reality I have now, but I guess it does the trick. He thought as he headed for a dark looking corner, where a crooked staircase went up steeply.
Intrigued he climbed it easily, his mind still on muggles and then on death eaters. He got the chills reaching the top thinking about just how shitty it was to be away from the place you called home for so long. He was frustrated, that was for sure. With everything. He didn't want to have everything change, but it looked like that might become inevitable.
He came to a landing which appeared to be nothing more than that and a very broken looking shelf with only a few books on it in front of him. A second staircase climbed up further still. He was about to go up but spied the smallest stream of light coming from a narrow slice between the shelf and the wall. He almost missed it had he not noticed the light but once he got closer he realized it was a tight squeeze to a hidden study area beyond. Getting though he found four rows of shelves on the other side. They were quite small, the last two of which held small desks set inside the windows. It was like his own personal hideout.
Perfect, he thought, scanning a nearby shelf, coming to a slow stop in the middle of the K section. To his luck, there was another of Keats' books there and he grabbed it before sitting down at the desk. He figured his best option was to buy some time for himself, forget about all the bullshit floating around with blood status and death eaters and muggles and classes and sex. He would get into this book if it were the death of him, just to escape his own thoughts.
As he flipped through the book, he realized it was a useless effort. Sticking with Keats might have been the wrong choice after all. He was continuously reminded of romance and love with every poem, it didn't seem to stop. And as he thought of love he thought of sex, and with sex came muggles and he was mad all over again. It was a vicious cycle.
He threw the book then, lightly onto the table where it slid to the end. Glaring out the window, mad again at the muggle girl and Blaise's constant nagging to accept them, he heard a sudden sound. Turning to look he stood, glancing around. It had sounded like someone dropping a book and he didn't feel like being confronted at the moment. He was too in his own mind to deal with someone.
"Who's there?" he said aloud, hoping to scare whoever it was away. Maybe it was just a draft in the library, it was getting old. He ducked down to try and see between the shelves when he saw what he was looking for. A smirk came to his lips; looks like someone decided to start something…
…
Calm down, he's gone, it's okay, she told herself, still breathing heavy. She was almost scared at the threat he made. Sure she had seen what he was like when he was bragging about his own, superior life to her. But he seemed to have hidden meaning in his words and Hermione didn't like that. Was there a reason behind that front he put on so harshly? When he was alone he was practically docile! She was just so curious to figure him out.
The thoughts rolled around her mind as she got up. She wondered if he had stayed in the library or not. She fought the temptation to go look downstairs by perusing the volumes behind her but she soon couldn't resist. She hurried back through the same passage under the stairs towards the center of the library.
As she rounded the corner, she almost collided with a freshman carrying six large encyclopedias. Luckily, she bolted around them and made her way down the central staircase without much notice. Not that there was any worry; there was only one other student left up on the balcony and their nose was hidden in a book. She slid right towards a large shelf to her right and pretended to search for something.
All the while, she scanned the rest of the rows, searching for any sight of the boy anywhere still in the library. She didn't understand why she was so drawn to him; maybe it was the fact she found him hiding out in a library of all places. She couldn't resist a bookworm. But you know what a dick he can be! Don't forget that! Ugh! She also couldn't deny the small portion of her heart that told her there had to be a little bit of good in everyone, but on him she wasn't sold.
If libraries were his safe haven and he actually liked reading, maybe he was more intelligent than she had originally thought. He's still a douchebag, it shouldn't matter that he's smart, she told herself sternly, trying to push her admiration for intelligence away. It was why she admired Blaise so much more in class than the blonde anyway, because he actually looked like he cared about learning.
Thinking of Blaise and the boy in class finally brought him back in sight. He hadn't left the library, not just yet, and his image came into view taking Hermione by surprise. His slender frame was leaning against the front desk and he was actually having a charming conversation with the librarian! Hermione's jaw went slack with disbelief. She crept closer, wanting to see if she could sneak up to eavesdrop. She rounded the far end of the desk quickly, grabbing a novel from the nearest display and taking a seat at a table opposite where the librarian stood. She made a fumbling sort of sound to which the librarian looked over, but Malfoy didn't notice. She was safe.
Propping up the book to hide her face, she peeked over the side to look. He looked much more relaxed at the moment, speaking with his hands as the librarian smiled at him. She looked beyond excited that a student was so interested in something in her collection and she pointed to an extra set of books on a cart. He waved thanks to her and turned to look at the cart. What am I actually seeing? She thought. Is he actually having a normal, human conversation? About books nonetheless? I don't believe it!
As he looked through the volumes on the cart, he had a direct view of Hermione at her table, and she noticed. She made sure to barely show her eyes above her book. To her surprise, he took no notice of her yet again. The only peculiar thing was the faint smile on his lips that made her think he was up to no good. And she wanted to know why.
Whoa Hermione, no. You are NOT interested in that snake! No! Stop it! She had to remind herself not to instantly be fooled by smarts. That's how she got herself into that mess with the student association president that she had told Ginny about earlier. I'm not trying to have that happen again, but I doubt he's anything but prude like Lucas. Remember the way those girls followed him at the party and after class? Typical player. Ugh, he always provides evidence of his own folly, she huffed to herself, realizing once again she was tricked into thinking he was a great catch.
This can't happen again, I won't let it, I'm not interested I swear, she practically was shaking her own head to make herself believe she was being truthful. At that moment, she hid herself under the book, hating her racing thoughts. She let out a large sigh and she instantly regretted it.
A light snicker came softly to her ear under the book cover and she was mortified. She knew then she had been found out and she hated him getting an upper hand. She snatched the book away from her face then and shot up, her eyes coming straight into contact with his. They were barely raised up from the cart of books he was looking at, but they were there; a twinge of grey with a curve of his mouth to match. She marched out in quite the strut, making the smallest of scenes for the person she was furious over.
…
Draco noticed her the minute she had come down the stairs. He had known it was her by seeing the freckles on her shoulder through the shelves; they weren't that well stocked to be able to fully hide the pattern he had remembered seeing earlier in the coffee line. I wish I didn't remember however, he thought suddenly.
Speaking with the librarian had only been to see if she would come down. He wanted to prove it was her. He hadn't expected to shock her so much by actually showing interest in what a library had to offer. She must not have seen many guys here or at least, not the right ones anyway. It was such a rush to make her angry, especially when she thought he was doing so by pure accident.
From that second on, when she snatched a book up in front of her face to spy on him, he played up the librarian. She was more than happy to see such a lovely, young gentlemen interested in poetry. He could have sworn he almost heard the girl behind the book click her tongue upon his mention to the librarian of just how much girls appreciated his love of poetry. He had to admit, he kind of hoped she had clicked her tongue, if only to prove he was the one making her angry.
Finally, when he had heard her sigh rather loudly, he glanced up to look her right in the eyes for only a second. She was giving him a dangerous glare, her dark brown eyes reflected in his light ones. His lips curled up the slightest bit and she lost it. He cast his eyes up quickly to catch her leaving; she dragged her bag behind her in a whirlwind of fury and she paraded right through the large doors. A student practically jumped out of her way on the sidewalk and she turned the corner, gone.
He smiled to himself, satisfied. With one last pass of the books with his hand, he selected a small volume to his liking. He exited the library in a slow, bouncing sort of gait. Wait until I tell Blaise…
…
She entered the apartment a rush, color on her cheeks and her jaw set. She threw her bag down on a stool by the counter and it slid off into a heap on the floor. Kicking it, Hermione huffed in irritation at her most recent encounter at the library. She felt like she'd been kicked in the head; too many crazy things were going on. One minute he was blowing up in her face over a spilled drink, next he is chatting up a librarian, treating her like his own grandmother! He's incorrigible!
He had known the whole time that she was watching him, that much was clear from the look on his face alone! He had outsmarted her and it pissed her off completely. How could she have been so stupid as to follow him in there?! Well, you didn't follow, he just happened to be in YOUR spot of all places and- It was true but that didn't stop her from watching him and his own discovery of her from her own carelessness.
"Whoa chica, what happened to you and who can I beat up for ya?" Erin called from the couch where a few maps were balanced around her. She was mapping out the local streets with statistics gathered for a research class. Four boxes of take-out were piled in the corner, one open and half eaten. She put her pen down when Hermione had busted in.
"Oh nothing, just it's been two weeks since that dreadful night and I can't seem to catch a break! He was in my spot Erin, my spot in the library! THE spot!" Hermione whined, grabbing a box. She immediately became frustrated with everything and flopped down on the arm chair opposite Erin, grabbed a fork and pushed around food aimlessly.
"You're kidding! By 'him' you mean that dick blonde from that first night? Holy hell, he leaves no room for romance does he?" Erin raised her eyebrows at Hermione.
"Stop! He is absolutely not interested in me he simply enjoys putting me in misery and being the biggest irritating little shit I've ever encountered!" huffed Hermione in protest. "There's nothing romantic about lashing out at someone any chance you get!"
"Tell me all about it then," Erin sighed, hoping the story wasn't long. When she had finished actually explaining what had happened between them Erin laughed in amusement.
"And what part of that story gave you such a comical ease, huh?" Hermione glared.
"Hermione relax, okay. I know you don't like him but you have to admit, it is quite funny. I can't believe you thought you were so well hidden, he could probably see between the shelves!" Erin giggled again. "He's probably just mad you aren't impressed by him you know. He's used to girls flocking him, the rich boy stereotype and all, and with the looks to go with it he's top of the list," Erin reminded her. Hermione closed her mouth, unable to counter Erin's logical explanation.
"He's upsetting your orderly, logical world it's hilarious, you must be going crazy! You really can only ignore him or shag him at this point. Either way you will have to stop talking about him. I hope that your mouth will be too full of his giant cock to talk actually, but you didn't hear me say it," Erin tossed a pillow at Hermione, who looked horrorstruck.
"You are the worst ever. I fucking hate him, I don't want to suck his cock, I want to bite it off that jerk! He's doing it to be a prick and get under my skin, not because I don't show him any regards!" She couldn't believe Erin; he didn't care if she noticed him, he said so himself.
"I'm just saying Hermione, you should open your eyes. You said it yourself he walks out of class like he owns the whole university," mentioned Erin.
"Alright fine. Nevermind then, I'll just take my sulking to my room thank you very much," Hermione said angrily, leaving her words to bite the air. She stalked to her room and shut the door, sliding to the floor. Her heartbeat was heavy in her chest with anger and she could feel the twinge of magic beginning to move through her veins. She had no idea why he made her just this angry, but something really got to her today and she hated it.
He's targeting me as a play thing, it's barbaric really! She thought, taking a few long breathes. Hermione was conflicted. Despite all the shit he had run her through, he had shown the slightest bit of tastefulness to her in the library today. With his calm grey eyes and small smile barely hanging on his mouth, she couldn't help but be frustrated! He didn't deserve to have that kind of power over me, definitely not! I know his true colors, at least I thought I did.
It was actually logical the more she thought about Erin's comment. He had probably been taught to walk all over people since he could crawl. It was disgusting. She got up from her floor then, quickly yanked a towel from the hook on the wall before hopping in the shower. As she washed her hair the foam swirled down her body in a soothing way. She had to relax; her emotions were once again getting the better of her because of a stupid stint with a boy. Ugh!
But as she thought back to the events that occurred today she was still bitter. He was just so aggravating and it was becoming more evident that maybe he wasn't just looking for her to ogle at him. Maybe, she thought, he liked seeing me angry…
She almost smacked herself on the face for thinking it. What are you suggesting Hermione? That he's some kind of sadist, that's just wrong, she practically yelled at herself shutting off the water. She threw the curtain open letting the cold air smack against her skin. Relaxing sure would be easier if she just had some answers to her questions.
Grabbing her towel and roughly drying her body she hated how he made her feel. All that soap and he was still under her skin, lying there waiting for the perfect time to finally make her snap. Well, if that was the game that he wanted to play she sure would be ready for him, she decided then. I'm won't give him the time of day next time and he'll throw a tantrum like a child and then we'll see who's laughing! She wrapped the towel around her still damp body and headed out into her room, hoping she'd be able to fight back when the time came.
…
Walking in the front door with a swing in his step, Draco made a show of his entrance. "Oh hello there Blaise, didn't see you there, must have dropped my keys," he said, tossing them on the ground to make more noise.
Blaise sat in the sitting room at the dark wooden desk in the corner. He narrowed his eyes, unhappy to be so unnecessarily disturbed.
"Well that's no face to give your best of friends when he tried so hard to be good little pureblood for you today!" Draco hopped over the couch and laid down, flipping the book in his hands. The sarcasm leaking from his mouth was enough for Blaise to know he wasn't going to like what he heard.
"Well you're in too good of a mood to not be lying, so what did you do?" Blaise set his quill down.
"Well, well, well, you are in for a treat Blaise, I was in the library today and you'll NEVER guess what happened…" Draco's smile was curled evilly on his cheeks and Blaise immediately regretted asking.
…
Hermione busied herself with cleaning her room after her shower. Her room didn't actually need much tidying but it was a good distraction before Ginny and Luna showed up. She had almost forgotten they were coming over with all the chaos of the last few hours still not leaving her at peace. She had met Ginny two more times already, once for coffee again and another for a first look study session that Hermione organized of course.
Hermione had invited both girls over tonight so they could all unwind from the first two week's woes the best way college kids know how: underage drinking at a house party. Ginny had brought Luna to coffee last time, so Hermione could meet her as well. Luna was quite the unique young woman. Her long blonde hair glistened even when the sun went down and she sat up straight, lolling her head from side to side every so often like she were in a daydream for a little while.
But she was kind and smart, and Hermione enjoyed the new girl's interesting, light attitude towards life. She was odd, but that suited Hermione just fine. When you accepted others weird qualities it made being friends that much easier.
As she roughly folded laundry she wondered whether the girls had anything interesting to share. Although they felt like they had known each other for weeks already, Hermione actually found herself quite lost sometimes. Ginny and Luna made some rather peculiar comments occasionally, about their past school or home life, and Hermione was ever curious to know more. She knew only snippets of Ginny's brothers, there were 6 of them, right? Maybe 5… and Luna only had her dad, a journalist. She was hopeful that he could get Hermione an internship before Ginny mentioned it was in another country. Weird. And then there was Ginny's mysteriously amazing boyfriend, she loved to talk about him it was the cutest thing; for such a young girl she sure was wholeheartedly in love.
The faint noise of the intercom buzzed from the living room and Hermione heard Erin get up, open the front door, and holler at the girls as they came up the stairs. In a matter a minutes Ginny walked in like she owned the place.
"This is pretty sick, the dorms are nothing compared to this," Ginny raved, flopping down on the couch and making herself comfortable. Erin had moved her papers to the coffee table and, after locking the front door behind them, she sprawled out on the floor to continue organizing. Luna wandered in a little behind Ginny, said hi to Erin, and sat on the floor as well.
"Glad you like place, it's so unique really and I couldn't ask for better company," she winked at Hermione. Hermione was still a little ticked at Erin from before, so she stuck out her tongue.
"I love how far you can see from up here, it's like I'm watching these people as if they were bugs," Luna mentioned, not peeling her eyes away from the busy sidewalk below.
"Yeah, my dad got a pretty good deal on it too. A sister branch of his dentist's office is located on the ground floor as you came up," Hermione said. Half the reason she went to this college actually, she thought. The apartment had come unfurnished but it was about $100 cheaper than what she expected to pay, so she didn't complain.
"Anyway, how's classes guys, are you getting a lot of reading? I forgot what you said you're both taking," Hermione asked, still a little foggy from her shower. She figured if she put all her effort into really getting to know these girls, maybe she could forget the ill fortune she had earlier.
"Well I'm fascinated by my biology course. It's about all these wonderful creatures. Just by glancing through the textbook I've learned a lot," Luna told Hermione. It seemed odd that she was so fascinated; Hermione had heard the intro bio course was fairly difficult, but Luna seemed bright and her interest in the course would help her do well in it.
"That sounds nice. I never did take my science course yet. Even though I'm an English major you still need to take at least one, so I think I'm going to hold out for an astronomy course. The seats fill up fast for it, so hopefully next year when I'm a senior I can get into it more easily," Hermione explained to the girls.
"No, definitely not. You don't want to do Astronomy. I took it at Hog- our old school, and it was torture. Star charts and planet alignments, it gets so confusing. I think I made up some constellations on the last one!"
"You took it where?" Erin asked then, catching Ginny stumbling on her words.
"Oh, um I said 'Hog,' it's a nickname we had for the building with uh, the astronomy rooms. Don't know where it came from really," Ginny said smiling in a very convincing matter. Erin shrugged and 'okay' and went back to measuring lines.
"Oh! I had no idea! But I've always loved stars…" Disappointment was evident in Hermione's voice, but now she felt obligated to try it. She always liked a challenge and if it really was as difficult as Ginny said, she'd be thrilled. When she turned back to the girls they were laughing over something Hermione hadn't heard. "What's so funny?"
Between laughs Ginny was able to speak, "I remember once, for the exam, I didn't study at all. I had too many rolls- I mean pages to write on another paper. I had to write what the constellations meant, their origins and such. I just remember there was one called 'Draconis' and there was a kid that we all knew that was such a little prick, right? So I just described him as some animal that got the shit kicked out of him and thrown into the sky and I got full points!" she laughed at her own brilliance and Luna couldn't stifle a chuckle either.
"It was quite brilliant on your part, Gin," Luna said between giggles.
"I don't know what's worst, the fact you didn't study or that this kid's parents named him after a fucked up constellation," Hermione stated, and it only led to more laughter.
"Well, if you knew him you wouldn't feel bad for him, it's fine," Ginny said, looking at Luna knowingly. She nodded in agreement. The girls talked some more about catching a break in other schoolwork by sheer luck. Hermione listened along and laughed when her new friends caught a fast break, but she couldn't help but think back on the constellation. It almost seemed familiar…
Coming back to the conversation in front of her, Luna was just finishing telling how she had stayed up all night to finish a paper only to discover it was for the wrong topic. She was sad but she showed the teacher anyway and he ended up commending her for her hard work outside the box.
"Well it was Flitwick, it's not like he could dislike you Luna, you were the best in your- major," Ginny said.
"There you go again, slipping on your words. You haven't had anything to drink yet, you sure?" Erin laughed at Ginny and Ginny made a pass at her with a light fist.
"Maybe, we need to get everybody something, instead!" Hermione hopped up then and walked into the kitchen, grabbing a large pitcher of what looked like lemonade from the fridge.
"So, what else, what's your favorite so far?" Hermione asked, pouring four glasses full.
"Well, we're both in a creative writing course and this exercise class where you learn about all these different sports; it's really neat actually," Luna said, turning to Hermione.
"Yeah, and the professor is this burly lady, real muscular sort. She asked me why I wasn't on the softball team. I tossed a ball and the boy that was supposed to catch it fell backwards. It was so funny, she asked if I always throw balls like that," Ginny said. Hermione knew she must have been an athlete at one point recently, and she wondered why she hadn't decided to join any team or at least club sport.
"Did you reply to her?" Hermione asked.
"I told her I have balls hard as rocks," stated Ginny simply, like it was an obviously normal reaction. "And that I don't usually throw them." Both Luna and Hermione couldn't hold back laughter at the might of their friend. Hermione was beginning to really like her. What spunk! She's a little unorthodox but in such a charming way.
"Ha! Are you talking about Ms. Crendal? Oh man, Hermione remember when I tried to get away without taking any tests with her? She hated me," Erin said.
"Oh my God, yes! She's always been so pushy if you show even the slightest bit of athletic talent!" responded Hermione, walking back into the room carrying cups for everyone.
"I'm glad you gave her hell though," Erin said to Ginny, "Man, Hermione I think I'm going to really like this one." She pointed to the redhead who once again made to smack Erin on the shoulder. She laughed as she dodged it and went back to her work.
"Ginny did you play any sports before coming here then? You must have for Crendal to notice you," Hermione asked.
"Um yeah, but it was just with some friends nothing serious," stated Ginny.
"She played baseball. We had a little tournament every year between the dorms. Ginny was good!" Luna said, as if it was obvious that Ginny were covering up her accomplishments. But Luna wasn't telling the truth completely; while Ginny had been on a sports team at Hogwarts but it was far from baseball, but it was the only one she knew well enough.
Luna had gone to muggle schooling up until she was sixteen, taking summer schooling on vacation time away from Hogwarts. Her mother had wanted their child to grow up with a good sense of the two worlds that existed so her dad made sure to send her every summer. Now, it had actually come in handy as they had to transition quick to muggle life here.
"What's this baseba-" Ginny started to say, a look of confusion on her face. But Luna looked at her sharply, hoping it would keep Ginny quiet. Being in hiding here was certainly much harder for the traditional wizarding upbringing that Ginny had. She didn't fit in quite as well and kept forgetting that there were things she couldn't say or talk about.
"What did you say Ginny, I'm sorry I didn't catch that last bit besides baseball," Hermione said, having just come into the living room with the rest of the cups she couldn't carry the first time. She sat down opposite Ginny on the arm chair and stirred the ice in her glass with her finger. She curled her legs up next to her like a cat, comfortably taking a large sip of her drink.
"Whoa-a-a," Ginny stated upon taking a gulp of hers. "I was not expecting that but that is much better than-" She paused for a second, Luna looking at her again. "Than the beer we used to drink at school?" It came out as kind of a question and Hermione looked confused, but figured it was nothing to think too hard on. It was time for them to loosen up and let go, to hell with word slips, libraries, and disturbed boys.
"You sure you've had nothing before this?" Hermione laughed. "I'm glad you like it. There's plenty to get us through the night so drink up," Hermione smiled encouragingly.
Forty five minutes later, Erin gathered up her schoolwork and headed to her room. She came back in in a whirlwind of denim and feathers. She dramatically threw off her jean jacket like she was having heat exhaustion and in the process removed a few feathers from the tribal headband she was sporting on her short black hair.
"Okay bitches one and all, it's fucking hot out for fall, like what the hell. So we better get everyone dressed appropriately," Erin said loudly. "You two being fresh meat and all, we have to make sure you fit in, so you'll be wearing something slutty. Whoops I mean, freshmen! I'm only kidding, please don't look at me like that."
The girls looked slightly taken back; Erin had only made a few comments during their first hour here, so this new version of her was a lot to take in. Realizing she never really introduced the girls to Erin, she figured now was as good a time as any.
"Oh how terribly rude of me, I never introduced you guys to this gem of a roommate I have. Ginny, Luna: meet the charming Miss. Erin Carthridge all the way from the sunny part of the states. Clad in her evening's best, denim and dead animals," Hermione said formally trying to not to laugh.
Erin hated it when Hermione pointed out she wasn't from the same continent as them. It didn't matter but it did rile her up. The next second when Erin spoke, she was sporting a very husky fake British accent. "Well my dearies, I must really be off! I need to find a suitable outfit to wear to the ball tonight!" She ran off to her room then, closing the door.
They all laughed in her wake and Ginny looked at Hermione smiling. "She's hilarious!"
"Oh, she definitely is. Now come on, you must help me pick out something to wear!" Hermione said, leading them to her room.
…
"Well this is simply darling," Luna's lofty voice said when they entered. It was a decent size and Hermione took the time to put up a large sticker on the wall of a giant arching tree that took up half the room in the corner where her bed was.
"Thank you, I picked everything out myself," Hermione said fondly, looking around.
"At our old school, we shared a dormitory with 8 other girls. You keep your room for your whole stay there, it was pretty neat," mentioned Luna.
"Please, tell me more," Hermione asked nicely. She loved hearing how different their school was in Scotland. She didn't know much about it yet, but it seemed so interesting because if it's vast differences from other universities she'd heard about, not to mention their own.
"We had these huge beds, ugh I miss them!" Ginny stated, laying down on Hermione's. "They were giant four posters, with maroon and gold sheets. At least the colors here are about the same, silver instead of gold, but that's okay. And we were the lions too, so we can still wear some of our old stuff," Ginny explained, pointing to Luna's maroon jumper that had a brilliant lion embroidered on the front.
"Oh! I thought you got that at the bookstore, I was going to ask you!" Hermione said shocked. She had really liked it too and hoped to get her own. The girls were already on their second glass of the spiked lemonade Hermione had made, and it felt good to be able to relax with her new friends.
"Yeah, we had similar colors and mascot. But there were four divisions within our school too and we were just one of the four," Luna said. "I guess you could say they were for different types of learning. You got placed based on a test at the beginning of the year." She mentioned this last bit to convince Hermione. Ginny and Luna exchanged glances when Hermione was looking in her closet, no doubt about the random explanation about the housing system that Luna was making up on the spot.
"Yeah, it's neat. I feel like you would have loved it, seeing as how you're so smart. I've seen you do work faster than anyone I've ever known and I've only had two study sessions with you!" Ginny confessed, looking at Hermione with respect.
"Well thanks, I kind of pride myself on my schoolwork. I got really into it back when I was younger because, to be honest, I didn't have many friends," said Hermione quietly. She wasn't sure they were ready to hear her story and didn't want to bore them with how she didn't fit in anywhere. What am I, a little kid who got picked last and now I'm going to whine about it? Nah.
"Oh, that's not okay. Come on, tell us," Ginny chided, getting up to help her search for something to wear.
"Oh, alright…" Hermione went on to detail her childhood, leaving out the weird magic stuff. That was private for obvious reasons. But they seemed sympathetic and told stories of their own annoying childhoods. Maybe it was the addition of a third glass of alcohol, but the girls found it easy to talk to one another, even about stuff that seemed too personal for how fresh their friendship was. But it made Hermione happy.
She found out Ginny was the only girl in a family too crowded, which was why she was so rough and tough. She had to be in order to prove herself in this world. Luna had struggled making friends all her life, what with her sometimes peculiar interest in certain hobbies with her father willing to run stories no one else wrote about. But he wrote to be just and unbiased; Hermione respected that greatly. They got a lot of backlash from the public and various groups that made having a normal life difficult.
In two hours' time the girls were almost drunk, not sure if they really wanted to go out or not. But soon Erin came in and wouldn't let them stay there reveling in past stories. Hermione was happy they were closer from sharing so many stories, good and bad, but now it was time to make some memories together.
They climbed down the stairs in a giggling stumble and Hermione was the last one to leave. As she closed the door she smiled at her new friends, laughing along with Erin. This is going to be great, Hermione thought to herself and she waved her hand to lock the door before she descended the steps to join her friends for the night.
