The next week of classes had been nothing special but Slughorn had decided to pair her up with Theo for their potions work, and Harry was paired with Parkinson so that was interesting.
Malfoy was paired with Katie Bell, and Hermione didn't know what to make of that either.
He seemed quite friendly to the Gryffindor in class and they actually laughed a couple times, drawing curious stares from the rest of their classmates.
Hermione was beginning to wonder if Harry was on to something when he mentioned being caught in the Twilight Zone. This all seemed too surreal for her mind to process most days.
Saturday had come fairly quickly, and at two in the afternoon sharp...Hermione was sitting in the Quidditch stands watching the start of the Gryffindor tryouts. The rest of the stands were relatively empty expect for a few of the other teams Quidditch players and captains.
Malfoy was sitting in the Slytherin stands with Zabini, Greengrass and Therese Rowle.
The blonde witch seemed to be everywhere this past week no matter how much Hermione had tried to ignore her.
She didn't imagine many witches or wizards ignored Therese Rowle.
When her gaze moved over to the Ravenclaw seats, Hermione saw Cho Chang sitting with a few of her fellow Quidditch Team members and there were even a few from Hufflepuff spying the Gryffindor tryouts. Hermione shook her head at how ridiculous it all was.
Harry was down on the pitch trying to get everyone's attention when Hermione heard Ginny yelling 'Shut it!' loudly and she couldn't help the giggles that escaped her mouth as she leant over the railing a bit and watched the scene below.
After a bit of scrambling, Ginny and Katie mounted their brooms first followed by Alicia Spinnet and Dean Thomas. Then Ron and Cormac followed each heading to a keeping post on opposite sides of the pitch. Harry then took off on his firebolt and settled himself center pitch to give himself a good birds eyes view of everything. He then sent off red sparks from his wand and the tryouts began in earnest.
Hermione watched breathlessly as Ginny and Katie dodged several bludgers being hurled in their direction as they were being chased down by Dean and Alicia. Each side played offense and defense in succession, Ron being the Keeper for Ginny's team and Cormac for Dean's side.
The play was fast and furious, with Ron doing his very best to block, catch, kick and punch away any quaffles and bludgers that headed his way. Cormac too, was doing an excellent job of tending his keep so much so, that an hour in both wizard's hadn't allowed more than a couple goals to score.
Harry decided to set up the tryouts like a timed version of an actual game. Whomever gave up the least goals in a specific timed period, would earn the spot as the starting Gryffindor keeper.
It came right down to the last minute of play and Hermione's breath caught as Ron just barely knocked away his final goal-tend...almost losing his balance off his broom. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed Malfoy and his cronies laughing at her friend while Cormac just looked amused.
At that moment Ginny came streaking down across the pitch and headed for Cormac's keep, swerving to miss a bludger that hit Dean's broom, knocking the wizard back. As Ginny went to throw the Quaffle, Hermione's eyes narrowed again and without even moving a muscle, her mind whispered out the spell confundus...and Cormac hesitated just enough that Ginny's quaffle made it through the center ring with ease.
Hermione smirked briefly in triumph, until she caught Malfoy's gaze—that was focused directly on her. His own eyes locked with her's momentarily, before he stood up signaling to his little entourage that they were done and they followed him down the steps towards the pitch.
When Hermione looked back at Ron, he was smiling widely and everyone was clapping him on the back in congratulations.
Cormac just seemed stunned and defeated.
Git deserved it, thought Hermione happily as she went down to congratulate her best friend on his new position as Gryffindor Keeper.
Hermione looked over the edge and grinned...waving at her friend's who were smiling and waving up at her.
When she noticed Malfoy on the ground with his classmates, she smirked and then launched herself over the stands and into the air...the screams of her friend's caught the attention of everyone...including the Slytherins...who's own expressions were utterly gobsmacked.
Harry however, just shook his head and laughed at how utterly ludicrous she was.
As Hermione floated to the ground, Harry and Ron rushed over to her.
"Show off." Ron muttered, but his expression was clearly amused as he walked over and nudged her playfully.
"That's not showing off." She bantered back.
"No?"
"Nope."
"Then what is?"
Hermione winked and grabbed the quaffle before launching herself back into the air straight towards the hoop and throwing it right down the center. When she looked down, all her friends were laughing while everyone else was staring at her with awe, wonder and in a couple cases...jealousy.
Rolling her eyes she waved brightly before she made her way back down to the ground.
"That's so cool!" Dean whispered and Ginny nodded.
"Don't expect you'd want to try out for the team, Sister Mine?" Harry bantered good-naturedly and Hermione just laughed and shook her head, 'no.'
"Sorry Harry, not exactly my kind of game." She went over to Ron and gave him and hug in congratulations. "Well done!"
"Thanks Mione!"
She nodded and started walking with the rest of the Gryffindor's. As they passed by the Slytherins, she heard a singular voice speak up...
"Who does she think she's trying to impress?"
This didn't bother her, but the subsequent drawl of the unmistakable voice of the next person did.
"Were we supposed to be impressed?"
The throaty laugh had Hermione's hackles rising a touch.
"Obviously not. But then again, sometimes less is more...or so I've heard. But you never know with some kinds of people."
Malfoy chuckled and Harry, who had overheard the conversation, understood the slight just as Hermione had—and he glared over his shoulder at Malfoy...who was smirking at them all.
His sister instinctively reached for his arm as she murmured evenly, "Apparently a leopard really doesn't change his spots or in this case...a snake—despite what he might wish to claim to the contrary."
Harry returned Malfoy's smirk when he noticed Malfoy stiffen at the rebuke, his old sneer making an appearance on his aristocratic face.
"You don't know what you're talking about Prewett."
Hermione stopped and turned her head just enough to stare the blonde wizard down.
"Apparently I do as you're so quick to try and defend yourself, ferret. And here I assumed that perhaps you were capable of being a decent person. My mistake and one I won't be repeating."
She turned her head and pulled Harry with her, not noticing Draco's angry scowl nor the other Slytherins expressions of anger, surprise and amusement.
When Hermione reached the Gryffindor common room, she told Harry she was going to get ready for their dinner party at Slughorn's office a bit later...then groaned inwardly when she realized that Malfoy would likely be there too.
Blasted ferret!
She sat at the edge of her bed and stared out the window morosely, trying to figure out what had change the last week or so. Malfoy had been almost nice to her and he'd even apologized for his behavior at his Mother's party...only to make the same offense twice.
She had forgiven him the first time, but not anymore!
It was clear that for whatever his reasons, he wasn't capable of treating her with any sort of respect or kindness and Hermione had taken enough of Malfoy's abuse over the years...she wasn't going to take anymore of it.
Grabbing her toiletries, she went into the ensuite to take a shower and think about how she was going to get through this evening without hexing the blighter.
Even her magic seemed on edge as she dressed for the dinner.
The dress robes she chose were a simple royal blue that matched her eyes with silver stitching around the sweetheart neckline and the capped sheer sleeves. The skirt was full and flirty and the three inch silver heels accented the dress perfectly. When she got to the common room, Harry was waiting in a nice set of dark gray dress robes.
His green eyes sparkled as he took in her appearance.
"You look beautiful sister mine."
"Thank you brother mine...you look handsome as well."
"Shall we?" Harry said as he offered her his arm.
"We shall." She giggled and the two set off for Slughorn's offices, waving goodbye to their housemates.
When they got to Slughorn's quarters, both Harry and Hermione were surprised with how spacious they were. The room was large and welcoming, with a large fireplace, open seating area and a large dining table near an open balcony.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Prewett! Come in, come in!"
They both smiled and moved forward together, noticing that there were several wizard's and witches already in attendance.
"Good evening Professor." Harry said kindly, shaking the man's beefy hand. "Thank you for inviting us."
"Nonsense." Slughorn beamed happily as he bowed over the back of Hermione's hand in welcome. "Come, allow me to introduce you both to some people I think you'll be very interested in meeting."
Slughorn moved over to the far side of the room, where a young witch that Hermione didn't immediately recognize was talking with Malfoy.
"This young lady here is Gwenog Jones, Beater and Captain of the Holyhead Harpies. Gwenog, this is Harry Potter and his sister, Hermione Prewett."
The Quidditch star smiled brightly at the both of them as pleasantries were exchange while Malfoy just stood off to the side, quiet and observing.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both!" Gwenog said genuinely. "I understand you play Seeker for the Gryffindor team Harry."
"I do." Harry nodded, his expression a bit embarrassed. "But it's probably a lot different playing professionally than at school."
"Yes, but I do find myself at times missing playing for Hogwarts. I was Beater for Hufflepuff back during my years here." Her bright brown eyes fell on Hermione. "I'm sorry, but don't you know Viktor Krum?"
Hermione blushed but nodded. "I do. My former last name was Granger and Viktor was my date for the Yule Ball back during my fourth year. We are still good friends and we write to each other quite a bit. He's in Russia right now."
"Yes, I've heard that too. Bulgaria did quite well at the World Cup this past summer. That last game against the French team was inspired."
"I have to admit, I'm not much of a Quidditch follower." Hermione admitted sheepishly. "Harry, along with my other best friend Ron Weasley are big fans of the game."
"Oh, I'm surprised." Gwenog remarked flippantly. "I just assumed that you must've been, being friends with Viktor."
"No, it's alright, a lot of people assume that too."
Gwenog turned towards Malfoy and smiled. "Draco here, plays Seeker too. Do you know each other?"
Harry's expression turned cold while Hermione just nodded primly. "We are acquainted."
Something in their expressions must've resonated with the Harpies Captain, because her smiled faded a bit and she looked uncomfortable.
"Prewett is being modest," Draco drawled easily, "we've been academic rivals since our first year, and Potter and I have been Quidditch rivals since our second. You know how House rivalries can be?"
Gwenog grinned and huffed out a laugh and nod. "That's true. Gryffindor and Slytherin Quidditch matches were always the most brutal of the lot."
"I can just imagine." Hermione piped in evenly.
Thankfully, at that moment Slughorn decided to make his presence known again.
"Please come sit down and we will get everyone promptly introduced."
Malfoy offered Gwenog his arm, which she took with a warm smile of thanks...while Harry guided Hermione over to their assigned seats—which were thankfully across the table from Malfoy. After Slughorn made the cursory introductions, the elves served the first course.
"So Mr. Potter," Gawain Robards addressed Harry politely, "what are your plans after taking your NEWTS next year."
Harry finished chewing his salad and took a measured sip of his pumpkin juice before he spoke.
"I am hoping to join the Aurors."
Gawain nodded, impressed and pleased. "What classes are you in currently?"
"Defense, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, History of Magic and Care of Magical Creatures."
"All required courses for Auror training." Gawain hummed thoughtfully, before turning his attention to Hermione. "And you Miss Prewett, what classes are you currently taking?"
Hermione glanced at Harry and caught his quirked grin before she replied softly, "Defense, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Runes, Arthimancy, History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures and Astronomy."
Several utensils dropped as the older guests eyes the young witch disbelievingly. "You're taking 10 NEWTS?" Jezebel Brickard, Deputy Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department asked.
"Yes ma'am." Hermione bit her lip and said uneasily. "I was taking twelve but Divination isn't a subject I find the least bit interesting and Muggle Studies is rather outdated. I have been wondering why there isn't a corresponding magical studies class offered here at Hogwarts as I think it would be to the benefit of those who come into this world at eleven to have some kind of context."
Gawain nodded. "I would tend to agree, and I'm sure you'd find many like minded individuals on the Hogwarts School of Governors." The Deputy Head of the DMLE turned his attention to the Malfoy Heir.
"And what of you Mr. Malfoy? What classes are you taking this year?"
Draco just sat back and said impassively. "I'm in the same courses as Miss Prewett."
"Impressive." Gawain bowed his head. "I'm sure your Father must be proud."
"My Father tends to have high expectations that's true." Draco parlayed easily. "But it's my Mother who believes that I should make the most of my education. I'm doing an internship this year in my spare time with Professor Snape. When I graduate from Hogwarts I full intend to follow in my Godfather's footsteps and earn a dual mastery in both Charms and Potions."
"Why Charms?" Gwenog asked with interest.
"It's a natural companion to potions. Many of the potions utilize advanced charms in the brewed green process. Severus never desired to teach Charms, but being a Dual Master in both disciplines he would be able to teach me."
"How lucky." Jezebel hummed and Draco just bowed his head humbly at the comment.
Hermione however was floored—she had no idea that Malfoy had such lofty aspirations for his future. She just thought he'd wallow around like some self-entitled playboy after school until his parents found some poor unsuspecting witch for him to marry.
From the look in his eyes as he considered her, Hermione suspected he knew what she was thinking.
"And you Miss Prewett? Do you have any plans for after school?"
This question came from Robards, who's eyes were alight with interest and Hermione couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the heavily worded question.
How in Merlin's name was she supposed to answer that now?
"My interests are quite varied, Sir. I have always been interested in Magical Creatures but recently I've been thinking about maybe being a curse breaker. I'm not sure working in the Ministry is for me."
"Nonsense, Miss Prewett," Gawain began imperiously, "I'm sure someone with your talents and intellect could find a position within the Ministry quite challenging and fulfilling."
"Maybe she'll be the Minister for Magic, someday? Hey sis."
Hermione smiled at Harry's joke, and everyone chuckled along. "I don't think that's the job for me. I do understand we have a new Minister though. Rufus Scrimgeor, yes?"
"Hmmm, yes." Jezebel piped in. "He's quite a traditionalist but fair-minded and a good politician."
"Is there such thing as a good politician?" Draco deadpanned, earning several laughs from the older set whom were grinning and nodding in agreement.
"Touché." Gawain mused. "But he is preferable to his predecessor."
"That's not saying much." Harry mumbled darkly and Hermione nodded in agreement.
"Ah, I forgot that you weren't a fan of Minister Fudge."
"No Sir, he allowed Umbridge to run amok last year and reek havoc on this school and the students here."
Jezebel's face pinched in disgust. "That woman was a menace."
"From what I understand she got her comeuppance in the end." Draco smirked at Hermione, who's eyes narrowed at the pompous git, even though there were a few uneasy chuckles around the table.
"Well," Slughorn coughed to get the groups attention, "these three are some of my finest students and it's always a good idea to search out new ideas and options for the future. You never know what might spark your interest or catch you eye."
"Very true." Gawain offered with a nod of agreement as the elves took away their dinner and dessert was served. "I've heard a few interesting rumors at the Ministry and while I'm always thrilled to have dinner with Horace here, my primary reason for coming tonight was to meet you, Miss Prewett. It's not everyday that we have the honor of having someone of your abilities within our social circles."
Hermione swallowed and dropped her head in embarrassment, not expecting this segue...although she probably should've.
"There's been a lot of changes for me in the past few months." Was all she felt compelled to say.
"I believe that's an understatement." Gawain replied with amusement coloring his tone. "I've met your Great-Grandmother on a few occasions Miss Prewett, and I must say...Lady Prewett is a force of nature."
"That's one way of putting it." Draco drawled, earning another round of chuckles and a dark look from Hermione.
"My Grandmother has been very supportive of both myself and Harry." Hermione's voice was even, as she stared Malfoy down. "In fact, I've been rather fortunate to have made several new connections within my circle these past few months. Theodore Nott and his father Thoros have been most welcoming as have the Pucey's. I've always been close with the Weasley family, but now we are actually family so that has been another positive."
"I did hear from Armand recently that you and Adrian were seeing each other." Jezebel winked and Hermione couldn't help the blush that stole over her cheeks—but she nodded nonetheless.
"He's been a bright spot and is a fine gentleman too." Hermione offered softly and Jezebel smiled knowingly at her.
"Adrian is very much like his Father. Kind, intelligent and personable."
Hermione noticed Malfoy slightly sneering out of the corner of her eye, and she couldn't help but smile widely at the other witch and nod enthusiastically.
"He's also very handsome and clever too." She side-whispered with a wink.
The witches nodded together while the wizard's, minus Malfoy, all chuckled.
Malfoy just subtly averted his gaze in disgust.
The rest of the dessert talk focused on Quidditch, which Hermione bit her lip to keep from complaining about.
When the time came for everyone to thank their host and make their exits...Gwenog came over and offered Harry a couple of tickets to a future match (she made the same offer to Malfoy) while Gawain told Harry he expected to hear from him next summer if he was interested in doing a summer internship in the DMLE. Harry just shook the man's hand excitedly, promising to do just that.
As they walked out of Slughorn's offices, Harry and Hermione kept themselves distanced from Malfoy—who seemed disinclined to engage with them both.
"What's his problem?" Harry whispered as he nudged his chin in Draco's direction.
"I don't know." Hermione replied uneasily.
"He was being almost decent a week ago, but this past week he seems like his usual git self."
Hermione bit her lip as she nodded once, her eyes locked onto the back of Malfoy's lithe frame as he sauntered down the hallway of the sixth floor heading towards the staircases. She didn't want to admit to herself or Harry that she'd noticed the changes in Malfoy's behavior too, nor did she want to speculate too hard about why he was acting the way he was.
When they finally got to the stairs, Harry and Hermione watched as Malfoy moved downward and then the stairs moved to the right, dropping him off on the fifth level. As she and Harry made their way up to the seventh floor landing, Hermione peered over the edge and nearly flinched back when she caught Malfoy's grey eyes staring up at her with an expression she couldn't quite fathom.
If she had to guess, she'd say he looked rather upset.
Moving to the top step and out into the seventh floor corridor, Hermione sighed inwardly. Something wasn't right, but she just didn't know yet what that something was.