A/N: a bit of a longer one just to make up for the long wait...
6.
They were sitting down to eat when an owl flew through the window. Hermione's eyes widened and she held out a trembling hand to the beast, who completely ignored her and landed next to Malfoy's plate. Grimacing Malfoy extended one hand to retrieve the message. The bird watched him with beady black eyes before releasing it's package and hopping over to the witch that he knew well.
Hermione gently stroked the owls head while feeding it a piece of bacon, her eyes focused on Malfoy and the parchment he held in his hands. The Slytherin held the parchment but had yet to open it, his eyes raising to meet hers. "Think it's got a curse on it?" He asked, only half joking.
She shook her head. "No, if he wanted you dead you'd be that way already." He glared at her, opening his mouth to retort and she rolled her eyes. "Honestly Malfoy, how many times did he pull your ass out of danger during the battle? Why would he send you a hexed letter now?"
Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. "Oh I don't know, maybe because you're here? Think Granger, you're probably the only person left in the world Potty would kill for." He was opening the parchment then and after reading it he burst into guffaws. Hermione stared in wonder at the change laughter wrought on the ferret's features. He was actually ... almost attractive. Her eyes narrowed and a grimace crossed her face as she considered the thought. He handed her the letter and she closed her eyes for a moment before reading the words.
Malfoy,
Hurt her and I'll kill you.
Looking up she met his eyes and slowly began to giggle. The giggles became chuckles and then full blown laughter as she reread the words. "Alright," she choked out, "maybe you do know a little something about him."
He shook his head, laughter having abated, but a smirk playing on his lips. "I know more than a bit Granger. I went to school with you lot for a long time." His voice lowered and his eyes darkened as they focused on her completely. "I know for instance, that whatever it was that brought you to my island was bad. I know that it has something to do with the Weasel. And I know, that despite popular belief, there is nothing romantic going on between you and Potter and never has been."
Hermione stared at him in shock before spluttering, "You don't know anything about me Malfoy." Despite the fact that he'd spoken only the truth, she refused to believe he could understand her that well.
"Don't I Granger?" He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms behind his head. "I know that you had a crush on Zabini third year. I know that Snape was your favorite teacher despite how cruel he was to you. I know that Weasel has been hot for you since fourth year when he finally noticed that you were a girl. I know that my insulting you hurt a lot more than you let on, though I must give you kudos for concealing it so very well. I know how much it bothered you that Potter always took Weasel's side in every fight the two of you ever had and I suspect that is why you are here rather than going to Potter about whatever happened between the two of you. Do I really need to go on?"
Hermione stared at him in silence before saying nervously, "How do you know all of that Malfoy? Not that I'm saying you're right," she said quickly, "but what makes you think those things."
He snorted. "I'm right. And I know these things because I spent a lot more time than I should have watching the three of you. Since that first day, when Potter chose Weasel over me I've been trying to figure out why." He snorted again, "Still haven't come to a reasonable conclusion other than Potter's a fool... but that one's been reinforced several times over the years, so maybe it's the only one."
She snorted. "Really Malfoy? You still haven't figured it out? Let me give you a hint, you were a bullying prat?" He raised an eyebrow at her past tense, but rather than have her recant her words, he let it slide. Misinterpreting his disbelieving look, Hermione sighed. "Honestly... don't you remember what he looked like the first time you met him? Wearing torn clothes that were too big, broken glasses and too skinny to be healthy..." She looked away. "He spent all of his early childhood being bullied, he wasn't about to take up with one."
He shrugged, "I just thought that was how all muggles looked."
It took several moments for Hermione to wrap her mind about this concept, finally she just rolled her eyes. "Honestly Malfoy, you are such prat."