Disclaimer: Please see previous chapters


Keep Guessing

Chapter 8

by Metamorphis


Hermione decidedly avoided Drac- Malfoy in hopes of the rumour dispelling as people tired of the supposed star-crossed relationship. The idea of something so pathetic and outlandish as attraction between herself and Malfoy was so entirely ridiculous she could not help but to snort with annoyance at the stupidity of all her supposed friends and blush with indignation that Malfoy did nothing to discourage the rumours in the first place. Hermione nearly groaned at the looks which were sure to be on Ron and Harry's faces when then found her – seeing her walk of with Malfoy, not to mention the not to subtle rumours didn't exactly fall into her normal personality range, that's for sure, but the idea that she fell heads over heels for Malfoy BEFORE she knew about his personality doesn't exactly count as falling in love with the enemy now, does it? And what's more, Harry and Ron probably has way too much protective testosterone in their systems – Malfoy being beaten up may not be too bad, but it would mean trouble for her two best friends, and would also mean that she would be forever down in history as the pathetic little girl who needed big tough boyfriends to defend her honour. Despite the supposed romantic inclinations such protectiveness could take, Hermione was sure she would never fall in love with either of her friends, and would rather prefer it if she got to beat up Malfoy herself.

"Hermione." A voice called out to her. The person who called out, most fortunately, was Ginny and not her brother.

"Er… hi."

"Wow!" Ginny went all dreamy eyed. Hermione secretly felt sick – it was obvious what Ginny was thinking about – honestly, some girls were such suckers for a fluffy romantic story, no matter how absurd and wrong some of them are. Hermione waited Ginny to say something else, but moments passed in silence, and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Seriously.

"Look Ginny, it's just a rumour ok? Malfoy and I were never, are not, and will never be together. And honestly, how can anyone with a brain – and you of all people! – Believe such a ridiculous piece of crap from along the grapevine; spread by Lavender and Pavarti no less! Not to mention: Hello! Me and Malfoy are enemies! ENEMIES!"

Ginny just sighed something that sounded remarkably like "true love" before wandering off, still dreamy eyed.

Hermione groaned. This was going to be a long day.


"Transfiguration is a most noble art form, from which the roots of all the other magics are based upon. It was the most ancient art that wizards from before the middle ages used …" McGonagall usually didn't bother with such flamboyant speeches at the beginning of the year unless she was really trying to impress the class with the nobility of her craft. Draco rolled his eyes, not bothering with subtlety – if McGonagall was on a rant about how fine the art was and la-la-la, then it is extremely she would notice if a 10 foot troll just strolled into the classroom for a cup of tea and several screaming humans. Likewise, He didn't even bother to disguise the smug look on his face, which Blaise, sitting on his left, and Granger, who was glaring at the back of his neck, was sure to notice. Damn it felt good to be making some progress on the bet at last, even though it would seem not all the progress had been made on his own. He nearly chuckled out loud when he found out Granger's not so graceful slip about her supposed 'secret date' that she was going with to the Ball. Blaise, it would seem, finally noticed the smug expression, and scowled faintly.

"Looking forwards to losing, Zambini?"

"Looking forwards to strutting around naked?"

"Frankly, I would be more worried if I were you." Draco smirked, if Blaise didn't stop unconsciously feeding his already enlarged ego then he was sure his face would soon burst with glee. Blaise scowled even more.

"Seriously, you think a little controversy like that would win you the bet? Granger can't even look at you without scowling or wanting to slap you."

Draco winced: one slap from Granger and everyone will remember you as the pansy wimp who got slapped by a girl for the rest of your life. Damn, where were those invisible dung bombs you can pelt at people when you need them? Draco decided to demonstrate his superior flirting attributes to one very annoyed Blaise.

"Hey Granger." It was deceptively easy. Ganger was already glaring at the back of his neck as if there was no tomorrow, and it was easy just to turn around, and make eye contact.

Hermione felt herself blush, and nearly died of shame. Great, she fumed, even without saying anything I can firmly cement into everyone's mind that I'm in love with Malfoy. Just bloody brilliant.

"Cat got your tongue?" He gave a suggestive smirk. Hermione bit back a sharp retort, and instead stared unemotionally at the board. Certainly, she has never found a board to be so interesting before, the very texture! Meanwhile, Harry and Ron gave both Hermione and Draco very pointed stares, and Hermione suddenly felt very annoyed at the blonde ferret that was looking in her direction. She couldn't believe how Harry and Ron could actually believe that she, their probably oldest friend can fall in love with a blonde ferret look-alike, and that they didn't trust her enough to acknowledge the truth in her denials about the relationship. Her palms suddenly itched, and without really thinking about the consequences, Hermione casually reached over, and slapped Malfoy.

The slap rang out across the silent classroom. The whisperings suddenly hushed as the entire class focused on her.

"Miss Granger!" Professor McGonagall sounded positively scandalised, and why wouldn't she? She was probably bought up in a proper English home where good little girls sang songs, laughed and made daisy chains. Draco stared at her in shock, his grey eyes wide. Hermione glared at him before he reluctantly turned back to face the front. "10 points from Gryffindor for disrupting my class! Take a drink break, and come back only when you've composed yourself."

Hermione nodded tightly and stood up. Harry, Ron, Draco and Blaise all stood up, the quartet glared at their oppositions from the other House, sending vehement looks.

McGonagall's lips thinned. " Another 10 points from Gyffindor, and 10 points from Slytherin. It's only a drink for Miss Granger, and unless you wish to loose anymore points from your Houses, then I suggest you sit down and open your Advanced Transfiguration books to page 19." The rest of the class hurriedly obeyed her orders, their attentions having been distracted earlier by Hermione's uncharacteristic violence. Many of the girls in the class looked excited – it seems as if the relationship was on rocky grounds, and Malfoy would soon be single again. Despite the goodwill towards Hermione, the other girls were positively envious of her imaginary relationship and secretly wished for their own Slytherin prince, and it would just appear that there's going to be another one soon on the market.


A/N: Sorry about the really, really short chapter (yes, I am shocked and horrified myself), there's only a few days of school left and the pressure's really on to get everything finished on time. So, yeah, longer chapters should be coming soon!

I would like to thank:

Troubled Tazzy

HellsAngel9170

Spiritedwings

Dagworth

PinkPixie37

And last but not least:

Lyn

For reviewing and making writing this story so worthwhile.

Keep the reviews coming:o)

Evie