Hermione and Harry stay out of trouble after that. They don't want a repeat of the troll incident. Well, they attempt to stay out of trouble. It just seems to find them.
This time, it's heading over in the form of a certain blonde-haired Malfoy. He approaches a nonchalant Hermione and states.
"Granger, I challenge you to a Wizard's duel."
When she returns his gaze blankly, he sneers.
"What's the matter, never heard of a Wizard's duel? I should have expected it from you, you filthy-"
"No actually, but we should make this official." Hermione cuts in smoothly, calm tone a complete contrast to the scornful one of Malfoy.
Hermione stands up in front of the loud hall and outstretches her hand. Malfoy tentatively bends down as if to kiss it and she sighs in exasperation.
"Let's just shake, Malfoy."
Visibly pleased (or at least more than before) the boy shakes her hand. Hermione takes the opportunity to lay out the conditions in front of a hall full of witnesses.
"7pm, here. How are we deciding who is the victor? The first one to become unconscious?"
Malfoy smirks arrogantly, "It will be a wonderful sight."
Hermione grins back: "Indeed."
Slightly troubled by her clear concession to a Pure blood such as himself, Malfoy walks off. His original plan of humiliating the swot by getting her caught by Filch is bust but he is obviously going to thrash her anyway. The only difference is that he is going to have to get his hands a little dirty this way.
Some of the less blind students - ones who have their heads screwed on right - can't wait to see Malfoy put in his place. They haven't been able to touch him because of his family's influence but if the boy himself is stupid enough to challenge one of the top students of their year to a magically binding duel, they are certainly not going to complain. In fact they rather look forward to it.
Even Daphne Greengrass, nicknamed the Ice Queen is unable to surpress an amused smile. Her friend, Tracey Davis has no such qualms. Malfoy appears to be completely oblivious.
Hermione soon leaves the hall, Harry in tow. They decide to visit Hagrid once again - the man is rather sweet. You wouldn't expect it, he appears as a rather intimidating figure at first.
The man invited Harry and by extension Hermione over and the rest was history.
They leave the warmth of the castle and are soon confronted by the cold air. Finally, they reach Hagrid's cabin and knock loudly on the wide door.
It's only once they are seated and that Fang decides that he's drooled enough on them that they realise something's wrong. It is very, very hot inside and Hagrid point blank refuses to open any windows.
An egg lies hidden from prying eyes. Except, this isn't any egg, it is a big one. The distinct patterns on the shell means there's only one thing it can be: a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon. Harry whispers this excitedly in Hermione's ear and she in turn beams happily.
Her rational mind is currently resting.