Chapter 3

After all the classes ended, Hermione went to the usual pub near her college where she, Ron and Harry would normally have friendly chats. They were sitting at a table near a big wide window; affording a spectacular view of the city London.

Hermione raised her chin high; walking straight to the table carrying her bag over her shoulder. They waved at her when they saw her approaching their table.

She put her bag onto the table after sitting in a chair wedged between Ron and Harry. All of them ordered Red Bull. After being friends with Harry and Ron, Hermione's choices had started aligning with theirs. Even though both of them were older than her by six years, they became basically in-separable.

"It is so good to see you, Hermione, " Harry said; smiling at her after got herself settled between them with a comfort that their company offered them.

"Same here, " she concurred; nodding.

"Ron, your mind seems to be elsewhere, " Hermione joked giving him a half smile; leaning a bit towards him after noticing the lost look in his eyes.

"There has been a recent case where tightly secured storage rooms have been cut through with thermite, " he replied; stroking his chin in deep thought.

"It looked to be the work of a person who has special expertise in chemistry, " he continued; looking at Hermione with a pensive expression.

"A lot of strong sedatives have been stolen," he went on in a way as if the world had been struck by a terrible apocalypse.

"Ron, take it easy, " Hermione advised; patting him on his back.

"We are not here to discuss work. "

After a minute, they found themselves drinking and clinking their glasses in firm resolutions of always coming here to meet no matter how busy their lives got. They took pride in being the golden trio.

The next day after all her classes, Hermione found herself reading a notice on the big brown board attached on the wall near their classroom; announcing that a Shakespearean play would take place. All the students of the final year would have to be present in the big theatre hall of college. There would be random selection of people who would play the roles.

"What a load of bullshit!, Draco exclaimed looking at the big brown board , standing a considerable distance away from Hermione.

"Watch your tongue, Malfoy, " Hermione warned him; her brown eyes emanating a fiery rage.

"I am allowed to express my feelings, Granger, " he retorted; giving her one of the dirtiest looks he could manage.

"A teacher could have overheard you passing us by, " she clarified with a steely glint in her chocolate eyes.

"No-one asked for your advice, Granger, " Draco snapped back with venomous poison dripping from his voice.

He started advancing towards her until her back slammed into the corner of the big brown board with a resounding thud. Their breaths were separated by a few inches. She could basically smell the wooden cologne radiating from Draco if she leaned a bit towards him. It felt distinctive in a weird way.

He put his hands on either side of her; effectively caging her between his arms. The whole thing was meant to intimidate her. But Hermione would not get threatened or scared by any of it. On the contrary; she met his gray orbs with an equally fiery glare.

"Get out of my way, Malfoy, " she snarled; shooting daggers at him

"What if I don't, Granger?" he challenged; raising his eyebrows at her.

Her heart drummed so hard at the moment that it felt like it would burst forth. She was so excited at this proximity that even her traitorous heart betrayed herself. Draco's hatred filled gaze seemed to be drilling holes into her petite frame.

What happened was something she did not expect she would do. Her right fist collided with Draco's gut until he collapsed to the floor holding his stomach right before her very eyes.

"Ouch, " he cried out out of the unexpected pain that Hermione's punch caused him; cradling his belly.

He was about to raise her right hand when Hermione whooshed past him; deliberately bumping into him in the process and knocking the air out of his lungs. Draco could not believe how he was possessed with such blind fury that he was seconds away from striking a woman

He was simply appalled at his behavior. He had serious anger issues. Never had he stooped so low that he would hit a lady. He was taken aback that Hermione Granger brought out the monster in him. She affected him in unimaginable ways and degrees

"Granger, don't ever interfere in my matters, " Draco shouted after Hermione's retreating form.

Hermione simply strode out of the college without responding or looking back. She did not care about Malfoy's petty threats. They were simply words carrying the weight of a bird's feathers in her eyes. Even she could not deny the sparks of 100 Mega Watts she felt when Draco's sculpted face hovered a couple of inches above her soft feminine frame.