A/N Immediately after uploading chapter 9, I began to think about how this story was panning out, and where I'd like it to go next. I noticed, that the previous chapters had been either following Ginny's character, or the conversations through text, chatrooms, IMs and phonecalls. This wasn't intentional, but I think its worked well so far. However, I decided that if I kept it up for too long, then its going to focus too much on one character. And so, ladies and gents, I give you this chapter. It's a new twist, with more characters getting involved in the central storyline, and I hope you'll enjoy.
P.s I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 9 – From A Different Perspective
Something wasn't right. And she was going to find out what it was. There was just something about his tone of voice, the way he'd said it. Ron hadn't noticed, but then he'd never been the most observant person to begin with, and at the time he'd been more concerned about Malfoy thinking Ginny and Harry were a couple. She'd thought that was what he'd wanted. Harry was practically another member of the Weasley clan, she'd presumed that Ron would be overjoyed if it was one day made official. Perhaps he wasn't quite ready for his little sister to become someone's 'girlfriend' quite yet though.
What could have possibly meant? He knew something. She was certain of it. It was frustrating, not knowing. She was supposed to know everything, right? Nothing got by her. The whole conversation had seemed a façade. It wasn't just Malfoy trying to get at them this time, to try and piss them off. It was as if everything the two of them had said was a code, a secret. But why? She tried her hardest to remember everything that had been said, which wasn't too difficult to be honest. She always was good at remembering things.
Well, well, well. Potter. Mudblood. And Weasley? I'm surprised you can even afford to come shopping. - That wasn't so important, it was his typical way of greeting them. Well, not so much greeting, but acknowledging their existence before beginning his insulting rants. Ginny had said something then, and his attention had turned to her.
Your girlfriend sure is feisty, Potter, but are you sure she's up to your high standards?- She didn't think that was said for the purpose of insulting her, but more to upset Harry. It had worked too. But he didn't mean Harry was too good for Ginny, she was sure of it. In fact, she was sure it was meant the other way round.
She began pacing in her room. Why would he even think that? Why would he know that would upset Harry. More to the point, why would it upset Harry to begin with? He had definitely been upset by his remark though. And Malfoy knew it, that was why he laughed.
Don't get me wrong – I'm sure she scrubs up quite nicely and everything. She might even look presentable with some new clothes – but she's blatantly only with you for your money. - He'd stepped over the line there. That was when the infamous Weasley temper had come out, but Hermione hadn't paid too much attention to what Ginny had said, more to the boys reaction.
How dare you?! Firstly, Harry is not my boyfriend. We are, and always will be, just friends. – She'd seen Harry's face when she said that. He was definitely not too happy. Malfoy, on the otherhand, had looked… what was the word? Triumphant? Of course… but why?
Secondly, my family are financially secure, not that its any of your business, and even if we weren't, I'm not the sort of girl to go after someone for their money. Maybe that's the sort of girl you're used to – but it doesn't mean I'm like that! – He'd been insulted by that, he dropped his guard after that, obviously too surprised by her comments.
The sort of girl I'm used to? What the hell is that supposed to mean? – Yep. Defiantely insulted.
Oh come on, Malfoy, what could anyone ever see in you? Other than Daddy's trust fund and a good name?I pity you, Malfoy. – That was when Ginny had left. And he actually looked… upset. She couldn't be certain whether he was, it wasn't like a Malfoy to show emotions, but she was sure that was how he'd felt. But it was the next comment that was the cause of Hermione's confusion.
Well, Malfoy, you sure were getting along quite nicely. – What did it mean? Why did he say it? It was purposeful. It meant something. Word for word maybe. Had they had a conversation prior to this, something related to what he'd said then? They seemed to understand exactly what the other had meant. But why? When had they ever even spoken to eachother, other than to insult one another? Perhaps it was something unspoken which had happened between the two of them, she couldn't be sure, but she didn't think so. He'd left after that, obviously not wanting to carry on the conversation.
What was going on? She threw herself onto the bed in frustration and sighed. How was it that she, Hermione Granger, could decode ancient runes, brew a potion to perfection, even quote Professor Binns word for word, but couldn't understand what was going on between the two boys? And suddenly, as if a giant lightbulb had gone off inside her head, everything became clear. But in her moment of clarity, she only became more confused by the answer she'd come up with. If she was right, which she usually was, it meant she was going to have to keep a much closer eye on them. She couldn't confide in Ron, he'd go mental, and it'd be far more interesting to see how things pan out without anyone's involvement. This was going to be very interesting indeed.
They always had been competitive, but she'd never imagined that they would end up competing for the same girl.
Especially if the girl in question was Ginny Weasley.
