Chapter 2
Draco spun his wand around on the desk in front of him, waiting for Harry say something. "Would you quit that?" he said at last. Draco smirked and began to spin his wand faster. Professor Marvos looked up from the table and her gray eyes locked with his. She flashed him a faint smile and went back to reading her paper work. Little did Draco know, Hermione saw the smile.
Harry glared at Draco, but flipped open his school book. Draco groaned quietly. He had to review Defense Against the Dark Arts with Potter so they could train for their NEWTs. He didn't complain, though. He knew what was expected of him. "Mr. Potter, do you have a problem?" Professor Marvos asked, noticing Harry's gaze wander towards the open window. Draco smirked and opened his own textbook. Although he'd never admit it, he was luckier than most to get Potter; he was best in their year at Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Harry cursed under his breath and gazed at the book. Draco felt offended. He couldn't be that bad. He thought for a moment. Okay, yes he could be. "I want you two discussing Defense Against the Dark Arts." the professor said sternly. Harry closed his eyes, and turned to Draco, a pained look on his face. Draco glanced around the room quickly. Hermione and Pansy were talking feverishly, and it looked as if they were having an arguement rather than a study discussion. Danielle was explaining everything word for word to Crabbe, who looked as if he were more interested in her looks than in studying. Danielle caught Draco's stare and flipped her auburn hair over her shoulder with a blank look.
"Hello?" Harry said, waving his hand in front of Draco's face. "What?" Draco snapped back. "What effect does Expelliarmus have?" Harry asked, looking bored. Draco thought for a moment. "Disarm," Draco answered, peering down at the textbook. "What does the Cruciatus Curse do?" Draco asked. Harry still looked bored. "Inflicts torture," he replied, pretending to yawn. This kind of discussion went on until the end of the class. Ron couldn't understand how Harry actually survived.
"Drakie, can you give me a back massage?" Pansy asked at lunch. Draco ignored her and walked over to Shea, who grinned. "That was interesting, wasn't it?" She asked, setting down her green journal to take a sip of pumpkin juice. "Potter." he said the name as if it had a bitter taste in his mouth. "Lighten up, Draco. You're a Malfoy, for crying out loud!" Shea said, smirking. "You can handle a prat like him." Draco nodded and took a bite from his turkey sub. "So, find any news about quidditch?" Draco asked, wiping his mouth.
Shea nodded, a grin playing on her lips. "We play Ravencaw in nine days." She said happily. Draco smiled. "Pathetic little Ravenclaws.. that'll be no sweat." A group of Ravenclaws passing the Slytherin table at the time scowled. "We resent that!" They shouted in unison, heading to their table angrily. Draco stared at Eve Studt and excused himself from Shea. He slid down the bench and stopped when he was across from Eve.
"You know your ass is probably covered in dust now, right?" She said with out looking up. Draco thought for a moment, then stood and peered at his rear end. "Very funny," he said, sitting back down. "I didn't think it was," She said honestly. She lowered her voice. "Are you partners with Potter?" She asked, moving her rice around on her plate with her fork. "Yeah, its all working out perfectly." Draco said, a wicked smirk on his face.
"Good, get your part done. Then I've got to do my part." She whispered, her eyes glancing up to meet his.
* * *
"Our first quidditch match is next month?" Harry asked. Angelina Johnson nodded grimly. "That means practice twice more and twice as long." She said sternly. "And I'm serious about this, Harry! You miss this, you miss this whole game, and that's a promise!" Harry rolled his eyes. "When's the first practice?" He asked. She checked her watch. "Two hours. Don't even think about being late either." She turned her gaze on Ron and Danielle. "That goes for you guys, too. Do. Not. Be. Late." She said, turning on her heel so quickly that her braids smacked Harry in his face.
Ron and Harry exchanged looks. "She's probably riding the Crimson Wave," Danielle said. Harry watched her as she pinned up her red-brown curls. "Blimey, two hours! Did she say what house we're playing?" Ron asked. Ginny handed them a piece of paper from the notice board. "Hufflepuff," Harry said, handing the paper to Ron. "Not bad, not bad at all. We can easily defeat them." Danielle said, pulling on her black jacket. Ginny sighed and ran a hand through her red hair.
"Where's 'Mione?" Ron asked suddenly. Danielle laughed. "Where else? She's at the library with Nadia. She said there's something she needs to research, and fast." Harry shook his head. "The library, of course." He said, smirking. "You smirk like a Slytherin sometimes," Ginny said suddenly. Ron raised an eyebrow. "That's a horrible thing to say, Gin!" He said hotly. Harry smiled.
"Must be the bit of Vold--- You-Know-Who inside of me," He said with a wry smile. "Listen, I'll go get 'Mione. Ron, you can stay here with Ginny, Danielle, and Morgan." Harry said, heading towards the portrait. They waved at him as he disappeared out of the hole. A few minutes later, he entered the library. It was empty except for Hermione and Nadia, who were both surrounded by a pile of huge books.
"Hey," Harry said, sitting down on the chair across from them. Nadia waved, and Hermione grinned. "What are you doing here?" She asked him, brushing her brown curly hair out of her face. "Just wanted to see where you two disappeared off to," He responded, picking up one of the books. "Theories and Predictions: A Guide to Divination?" Harry asked, puzzled. Hermione hated Divination.
"That's right," Nadia said, flipping through one of the books. "What are you looking for?" Harry asked curiously. Hermione shrugged, but Harry knew when she was lying. "Nothing," She lied, tossing one of the books into another pile. Harry stared at her blankly. "You can tell me, you know." He said slowly. Nadia glanced up, a smile playing on her lips. Her strawberry blonde hair hung in a loose ponytail.
Nadia exchanged glances with Hermione, who shrugged. After about thirty minutes of page flipping and small talk, Nadia gathered an armful of books and stood. "I'm going back to the common room." She said, her eyes boring into Hermione's. Hermione nodded and watched her leave the library. "I'm gonna leave too, 'Mione. I don't even know what you're looking for. You coming?" Harry asked, standing. Hermione stood as well.
"It's not important," She said in a reassuring voice. Then, with out another word, she leaned in and kissed Harry on the lips. Some where down the isle, Draco Malfoy forced himself to not laugh out loud. He'd just witnessed Harry Potter kiss Mudblood Granger!
* * *
Draco cleared his throat, and Hermione jerked away from Harry. "What the hell?" Draco said, smirking. Harry looked confused. "I am so sorry Harry!" Hermione said. Draco laughed, but Harry still said nothing. Hermione glared. "Malfoy! You-!" BAM! Malfoy stumbled, clutching the side of his face. "Malfoy, what do you want?" Harry asked, finally finding his voice.
"Hermione, go back to the common room." Harry said quietly. "I think Malfoy and I should have a talk." Hermione looked hurt for a second, then gathered as much books as she could, and left the room. "Well?" Draco asked, wiping at the blood trickling from his lip. Dang, he thought. Mudblood can punch! Harry glared. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Harry asked angrily.
Draco smoothed his hair down, and matched Harry's glare. "What's wrong with me, Potter?" He said, looking at Harry as if he were crazy. "Must you spit when you say my name?" Harry asked through clenched teeth. "Yes," Draco answered stubbornly. "Wait 'till Weasley hears! You kissed Mudblood Granger!" Draco smirked. Harry drew out his wand, as did Draco.
"Dont. Call. Her. That!" Harry said furiously. "Expelliarmus!" Draco shouted. He caught Harry's wand and twirled it in his fingers. "I'm getting better at this, if I do say so myself." Draco said, leaning against the book shelf. Harry reached out for his wand. "Wait, you expect me to just give you your wand so you can finish me off?" Draco asked sarcastically.
Harry shook his head, and Draco heard worry in his voice. "I really need to get out of here." Harry said quickly. He glanced at his watch. Draco glanced at him suspiciously, and when he saw something other than hatred in the emeralds behind Harry's glasses, he handed the wand back to him. He didn't know what possessed him to do so, but it was to late to get it back; Harry was already gone.
Draco cracked his knuckles and stared down at the remaining books on the ground. His stomach lurched - they were onto to the plan!
* * *
"Harry Potter!" Angelina Johnson screamed when he arrived on the field fifteen minutes late. Danielle shot him a worried look. Ron gulped. "Angelina -" He began, but she silenced him with a finger. "Do you know how important this match is to me?" She said, he hair swinging furiously. "Yes, I know, but -"
"WHY WERE YOU LATE?!" She roared, her tan skin turning red. Harry was flabbergasted. "I was having trouble with Malfoy," He said finally. Angelina shook her head. "I should suspend you from the team, Harry! But unfortunately, with out you, we can't win." She said bitterly, glaring at him. "I'm going to give you one final chance! If you are late one more time, you're out, Harry Potter!" She shrieked, yanking the box full of balls open.
The two bludgers zoared into the night sky, as did the snitch. It flickered for a moment, then was swallowed by darkness. "Well? GO!" Angelina shouted, mouting her broom while carrying the quaffle. "Why were you late?" Ron asked, mounting his broom. Did Harry dare tell Ron that he was too busy sucking face with Hermione to make it on time? "I was about to duel Malfoy because he called Hermione a mudblood again." Harry said, zooming around on his firebolt. Ron's face reddened, but he headed to the goal posts anyway.
Harry flew higher and higher until he was in range to see the sparkle of the snitch. Aha! Harry saw a sparkle in the night below and zoomed straight down, eyes closed, grabbing the snitch. "What the hell?" Called a voice, swiping at Harry's hand. "Potter! Thats my hair!" Malfoy shouted. Harry released the handful of hair and stared at Malfoy, who was looking quite shorter while Harry was about six feet into the air.
"I'm sorry - I mean, I thought it was the snitch." Harry said finally. He felt the eyes of his fellow teamates and felt horribly humiliated. "You thought what? You thought my hair was the snitch?" Malfoy shot, smirking. Harry glared. "Why are you down here anyway? Trying to steal our plans?" Harry shot back. "Harry! Get over here!" Angelina shouted from one of the goal posts.
"No," Malfoy said, his smirk growing broader. "Just trying to seal mine..." Then he left quickly with out another word. What was that supposed to mean, Harry thought. He hurried over to Angelina, who looked furious. "Why did you just go and grab his hair? You're supposed to be looking for the snitch!" She said hotly, her face glistening with sweat. "I know what I'm supposed to be looking for! I thought his hair was the snitch!" Harry said defensivly. Angelina rolled her eyes. "I think it's time you got your eyes checked, Potter. Try to recognize the difference between a snitch and a prat, because I want to actually W-I-N the house cup this year." She shot. Katie Bell laughed a few feet below, but shut up when Harry shot her a piercing glare.
"Are you sure you're not related to Wood?" Harry asked sarcastically. Angelia glowered. "No, I'm not. And I don't appreciate you're sarcasm, Harry, while things are on the line!" She said. She flew downward, looking annoyed. "What things are on the line?" Harry asked, flying after her. "Nothing, Harry, leave her alone." Alicia Spinnet said quietly, flying after her with Katie Bell. "I'm going back inside." Harry said, feeling emotionally drained.
"Me too, mate." Ron said, stepping off his broom. Danielle nodded her agreement and they all walked back to the castle silently. "What is wrong with her?" Harry asked them finally as they walked through the portrait hole. Danielle shook her head. "I don't know. Seems as if she's been bitten by the mean bug." She said with a trickling laugh. Ron rolled his eyes as they entered the common room. Hmm, interesting. Harry thought. Hermione wasn't in there as she normally was. Nadia was sleeping in a fluffy arm chair, a strand of her hair flying up and down with her exhales.
"I'm going to bed." Harry said, hurrying up the steps. He quickly undressed, and slid into the red sheets. He stared at the ceiling for a minute, deep in thought. "No," Malfoy had said. "I'm just sealing mine..." Harry drifted off to a very uncomfortable sleep.
Draco spun his wand around on the desk in front of him, waiting for Harry say something. "Would you quit that?" he said at last. Draco smirked and began to spin his wand faster. Professor Marvos looked up from the table and her gray eyes locked with his. She flashed him a faint smile and went back to reading her paper work. Little did Draco know, Hermione saw the smile.
Harry glared at Draco, but flipped open his school book. Draco groaned quietly. He had to review Defense Against the Dark Arts with Potter so they could train for their NEWTs. He didn't complain, though. He knew what was expected of him. "Mr. Potter, do you have a problem?" Professor Marvos asked, noticing Harry's gaze wander towards the open window. Draco smirked and opened his own textbook. Although he'd never admit it, he was luckier than most to get Potter; he was best in their year at Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Harry cursed under his breath and gazed at the book. Draco felt offended. He couldn't be that bad. He thought for a moment. Okay, yes he could be. "I want you two discussing Defense Against the Dark Arts." the professor said sternly. Harry closed his eyes, and turned to Draco, a pained look on his face. Draco glanced around the room quickly. Hermione and Pansy were talking feverishly, and it looked as if they were having an arguement rather than a study discussion. Danielle was explaining everything word for word to Crabbe, who looked as if he were more interested in her looks than in studying. Danielle caught Draco's stare and flipped her auburn hair over her shoulder with a blank look.
"Hello?" Harry said, waving his hand in front of Draco's face. "What?" Draco snapped back. "What effect does Expelliarmus have?" Harry asked, looking bored. Draco thought for a moment. "Disarm," Draco answered, peering down at the textbook. "What does the Cruciatus Curse do?" Draco asked. Harry still looked bored. "Inflicts torture," he replied, pretending to yawn. This kind of discussion went on until the end of the class. Ron couldn't understand how Harry actually survived.
"Drakie, can you give me a back massage?" Pansy asked at lunch. Draco ignored her and walked over to Shea, who grinned. "That was interesting, wasn't it?" She asked, setting down her green journal to take a sip of pumpkin juice. "Potter." he said the name as if it had a bitter taste in his mouth. "Lighten up, Draco. You're a Malfoy, for crying out loud!" Shea said, smirking. "You can handle a prat like him." Draco nodded and took a bite from his turkey sub. "So, find any news about quidditch?" Draco asked, wiping his mouth.
Shea nodded, a grin playing on her lips. "We play Ravencaw in nine days." She said happily. Draco smiled. "Pathetic little Ravenclaws.. that'll be no sweat." A group of Ravenclaws passing the Slytherin table at the time scowled. "We resent that!" They shouted in unison, heading to their table angrily. Draco stared at Eve Studt and excused himself from Shea. He slid down the bench and stopped when he was across from Eve.
"You know your ass is probably covered in dust now, right?" She said with out looking up. Draco thought for a moment, then stood and peered at his rear end. "Very funny," he said, sitting back down. "I didn't think it was," She said honestly. She lowered her voice. "Are you partners with Potter?" She asked, moving her rice around on her plate with her fork. "Yeah, its all working out perfectly." Draco said, a wicked smirk on his face.
"Good, get your part done. Then I've got to do my part." She whispered, her eyes glancing up to meet his.
* * *
"Our first quidditch match is next month?" Harry asked. Angelina Johnson nodded grimly. "That means practice twice more and twice as long." She said sternly. "And I'm serious about this, Harry! You miss this, you miss this whole game, and that's a promise!" Harry rolled his eyes. "When's the first practice?" He asked. She checked her watch. "Two hours. Don't even think about being late either." She turned her gaze on Ron and Danielle. "That goes for you guys, too. Do. Not. Be. Late." She said, turning on her heel so quickly that her braids smacked Harry in his face.
Ron and Harry exchanged looks. "She's probably riding the Crimson Wave," Danielle said. Harry watched her as she pinned up her red-brown curls. "Blimey, two hours! Did she say what house we're playing?" Ron asked. Ginny handed them a piece of paper from the notice board. "Hufflepuff," Harry said, handing the paper to Ron. "Not bad, not bad at all. We can easily defeat them." Danielle said, pulling on her black jacket. Ginny sighed and ran a hand through her red hair.
"Where's 'Mione?" Ron asked suddenly. Danielle laughed. "Where else? She's at the library with Nadia. She said there's something she needs to research, and fast." Harry shook his head. "The library, of course." He said, smirking. "You smirk like a Slytherin sometimes," Ginny said suddenly. Ron raised an eyebrow. "That's a horrible thing to say, Gin!" He said hotly. Harry smiled.
"Must be the bit of Vold--- You-Know-Who inside of me," He said with a wry smile. "Listen, I'll go get 'Mione. Ron, you can stay here with Ginny, Danielle, and Morgan." Harry said, heading towards the portrait. They waved at him as he disappeared out of the hole. A few minutes later, he entered the library. It was empty except for Hermione and Nadia, who were both surrounded by a pile of huge books.
"Hey," Harry said, sitting down on the chair across from them. Nadia waved, and Hermione grinned. "What are you doing here?" She asked him, brushing her brown curly hair out of her face. "Just wanted to see where you two disappeared off to," He responded, picking up one of the books. "Theories and Predictions: A Guide to Divination?" Harry asked, puzzled. Hermione hated Divination.
"That's right," Nadia said, flipping through one of the books. "What are you looking for?" Harry asked curiously. Hermione shrugged, but Harry knew when she was lying. "Nothing," She lied, tossing one of the books into another pile. Harry stared at her blankly. "You can tell me, you know." He said slowly. Nadia glanced up, a smile playing on her lips. Her strawberry blonde hair hung in a loose ponytail.
Nadia exchanged glances with Hermione, who shrugged. After about thirty minutes of page flipping and small talk, Nadia gathered an armful of books and stood. "I'm going back to the common room." She said, her eyes boring into Hermione's. Hermione nodded and watched her leave the library. "I'm gonna leave too, 'Mione. I don't even know what you're looking for. You coming?" Harry asked, standing. Hermione stood as well.
"It's not important," She said in a reassuring voice. Then, with out another word, she leaned in and kissed Harry on the lips. Some where down the isle, Draco Malfoy forced himself to not laugh out loud. He'd just witnessed Harry Potter kiss Mudblood Granger!
* * *
Draco cleared his throat, and Hermione jerked away from Harry. "What the hell?" Draco said, smirking. Harry looked confused. "I am so sorry Harry!" Hermione said. Draco laughed, but Harry still said nothing. Hermione glared. "Malfoy! You-!" BAM! Malfoy stumbled, clutching the side of his face. "Malfoy, what do you want?" Harry asked, finally finding his voice.
"Hermione, go back to the common room." Harry said quietly. "I think Malfoy and I should have a talk." Hermione looked hurt for a second, then gathered as much books as she could, and left the room. "Well?" Draco asked, wiping at the blood trickling from his lip. Dang, he thought. Mudblood can punch! Harry glared. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Harry asked angrily.
Draco smoothed his hair down, and matched Harry's glare. "What's wrong with me, Potter?" He said, looking at Harry as if he were crazy. "Must you spit when you say my name?" Harry asked through clenched teeth. "Yes," Draco answered stubbornly. "Wait 'till Weasley hears! You kissed Mudblood Granger!" Draco smirked. Harry drew out his wand, as did Draco.
"Dont. Call. Her. That!" Harry said furiously. "Expelliarmus!" Draco shouted. He caught Harry's wand and twirled it in his fingers. "I'm getting better at this, if I do say so myself." Draco said, leaning against the book shelf. Harry reached out for his wand. "Wait, you expect me to just give you your wand so you can finish me off?" Draco asked sarcastically.
Harry shook his head, and Draco heard worry in his voice. "I really need to get out of here." Harry said quickly. He glanced at his watch. Draco glanced at him suspiciously, and when he saw something other than hatred in the emeralds behind Harry's glasses, he handed the wand back to him. He didn't know what possessed him to do so, but it was to late to get it back; Harry was already gone.
Draco cracked his knuckles and stared down at the remaining books on the ground. His stomach lurched - they were onto to the plan!
* * *
"Harry Potter!" Angelina Johnson screamed when he arrived on the field fifteen minutes late. Danielle shot him a worried look. Ron gulped. "Angelina -" He began, but she silenced him with a finger. "Do you know how important this match is to me?" She said, he hair swinging furiously. "Yes, I know, but -"
"WHY WERE YOU LATE?!" She roared, her tan skin turning red. Harry was flabbergasted. "I was having trouble with Malfoy," He said finally. Angelina shook her head. "I should suspend you from the team, Harry! But unfortunately, with out you, we can't win." She said bitterly, glaring at him. "I'm going to give you one final chance! If you are late one more time, you're out, Harry Potter!" She shrieked, yanking the box full of balls open.
The two bludgers zoared into the night sky, as did the snitch. It flickered for a moment, then was swallowed by darkness. "Well? GO!" Angelina shouted, mouting her broom while carrying the quaffle. "Why were you late?" Ron asked, mounting his broom. Did Harry dare tell Ron that he was too busy sucking face with Hermione to make it on time? "I was about to duel Malfoy because he called Hermione a mudblood again." Harry said, zooming around on his firebolt. Ron's face reddened, but he headed to the goal posts anyway.
Harry flew higher and higher until he was in range to see the sparkle of the snitch. Aha! Harry saw a sparkle in the night below and zoomed straight down, eyes closed, grabbing the snitch. "What the hell?" Called a voice, swiping at Harry's hand. "Potter! Thats my hair!" Malfoy shouted. Harry released the handful of hair and stared at Malfoy, who was looking quite shorter while Harry was about six feet into the air.
"I'm sorry - I mean, I thought it was the snitch." Harry said finally. He felt the eyes of his fellow teamates and felt horribly humiliated. "You thought what? You thought my hair was the snitch?" Malfoy shot, smirking. Harry glared. "Why are you down here anyway? Trying to steal our plans?" Harry shot back. "Harry! Get over here!" Angelina shouted from one of the goal posts.
"No," Malfoy said, his smirk growing broader. "Just trying to seal mine..." Then he left quickly with out another word. What was that supposed to mean, Harry thought. He hurried over to Angelina, who looked furious. "Why did you just go and grab his hair? You're supposed to be looking for the snitch!" She said hotly, her face glistening with sweat. "I know what I'm supposed to be looking for! I thought his hair was the snitch!" Harry said defensivly. Angelina rolled her eyes. "I think it's time you got your eyes checked, Potter. Try to recognize the difference between a snitch and a prat, because I want to actually W-I-N the house cup this year." She shot. Katie Bell laughed a few feet below, but shut up when Harry shot her a piercing glare.
"Are you sure you're not related to Wood?" Harry asked sarcastically. Angelia glowered. "No, I'm not. And I don't appreciate you're sarcasm, Harry, while things are on the line!" She said. She flew downward, looking annoyed. "What things are on the line?" Harry asked, flying after her. "Nothing, Harry, leave her alone." Alicia Spinnet said quietly, flying after her with Katie Bell. "I'm going back inside." Harry said, feeling emotionally drained.
"Me too, mate." Ron said, stepping off his broom. Danielle nodded her agreement and they all walked back to the castle silently. "What is wrong with her?" Harry asked them finally as they walked through the portrait hole. Danielle shook her head. "I don't know. Seems as if she's been bitten by the mean bug." She said with a trickling laugh. Ron rolled his eyes as they entered the common room. Hmm, interesting. Harry thought. Hermione wasn't in there as she normally was. Nadia was sleeping in a fluffy arm chair, a strand of her hair flying up and down with her exhales.
"I'm going to bed." Harry said, hurrying up the steps. He quickly undressed, and slid into the red sheets. He stared at the ceiling for a minute, deep in thought. "No," Malfoy had said. "I'm just sealing mine..." Harry drifted off to a very uncomfortable sleep.