Disclaimer: I tried begging, pleading, crying, yelling, screaming and more
but these characters just aren't mine. *humph* They're J.K. Rowling's. for
now. I will get these characters! lol.okay.I'm scaring myself so happy
readings!
~Love Within Hate~
By: Ragazza Dolce
Hermione Granger sighed happily as she stepped through the barrier separating the muggle world from the magic one. It was seventh year; the year she'd been looking forward to and dreading at the same time.
But for the past couple of weeks it was leaning more toward looking forward because this year Hermione was Head Girl. She smiled at a few of the gawking male faces before she started toward the train. Her baggage was already there. Hermione had changed a lot over the summer. One ordinary July day she had gone to get a hair cut when her hair cutter pointed out that she really was a pretty girl under that bush of frizzy hair She had used a couple of different muggle de- frizzing products and shampoos on Hermione and wah-la! A natural beauty. The hair cutter gave her some pointers for some neutral colored make-up and before she knew it she was out to the nearest mall as if she were Lavender and Parvati.
She bought herself a whole new wardrobe and here she was, turning heads. Who's that? She asked herself approvingly while passing through one of the carts. He was a devilishly handsome 17- year old with brown hair and red highlights. Hermione couldn't recall ever seeing him before in all the six years (seven this year) she's went to Hogwarts. He flashed her a dazzling smile as she passed which she returned. Hermione sat down in the last car and waited for Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, and Ron's little sister, Ginny. She couldn't wait to see the expression on their faces when they saw her! Oh, and she couldn't wait to tell them about being Head Girl! When the door to the car opened she was already smiling widely and prepared to greet her friends. But to her dismay it wasn't Harry, Ron and Ginny that stepped through the door.
It was Draco Malfoy. As soon as she saw him her smiled disappeared. "What? Disappointed to see me? I'm hurt. Really," Draco said with his hand over his heart with mock sadness.
"Go away, Malfoy," Hermione told him, adverting her gaze to the window.
"No," he said, closing the door as he stepped completely in, "I think I'll stay right here." Hermione just crossed her arms and ignored him.
"I saw your Golden Boys, Granger. A couple cars up as I recall, deep in conversation with their new friends. Looks like you're replaced, Mudblood," Draco told her, trying to get a response from the Gryffindor. Surely she wouldn't ignore him the whole time, right?
But she hadn't even flinched at the word 'mudblood.' Well, she'd have to burst sometime. He just hoped he would be there to watch. I wonder how far I can push her, Draco thought.
"I see you've finally gotten that thing you tried to pass off as hair under control," he nodded toward her, trying again.
Silence.
"New wardrobe too, I see. Have you been getting pointers from Pansy? You should cover yourself up a bit you know. Don't want things to happen that you can't handle just because you're dressing like a slut." Although he wouldn't admit it out loud to anyone, he found what she was wearing quite appealing. Even if he did hate her.
Blink.
Score, Draco praised himself. Knowing that he was getting somewhere with commenting on her looks he continued, walking toward her until he was standing right in front of her. She merely pretended not to see him.
"Hey," he started as he sat down and cocked his head to the right, "You got implants, didn't you." It was more of a statement than a question. He was now nodding in approval.
Hermione couldn't help but turn and glare daggers at him. She also couldn't help notice his well built torso area, and the way his newly spiked hair looked and- Stop it, Hermione! She scolded herself, but out loud she said, "Shove it, Malfoy."
Satisfied that he's gotten a reply, mixed with amusement, he smirked the famous Malfoy smirk. "That's all you got? Honestly, Granger, you're losing your touch."
"So where're your apes?" Hermione changed the subject. Malfoy smirked again. "No, wait, that's giving them way too much credit and insulting the apes. Crabbe and Goyle are much dumber than apes. Apes have learned the basics of communication."
Draco couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked when she was angry, and how her hair sometimes fell into her face the way it did and- ARRR! Malfoy! What the hell are you saying? It's Granger for Merlin's sake!
But Malfoy couldn't help but smile a little at the thought of her, which really, really freaked him out.
"What are you smiling at?" Hermione sneered.
"Just you, Gorgeous." Did he really just say that? By the look on her face he had. But he was just as horrified as Hermione, he was just trying harder to hide it. So to cover it up he finished, "About how you have to be gorgeous to get the money to pay for school. Tell me," Draco said, leaning forward propping his elbows on his knees, "Is it hard to get money on the streets? Or do you enjoy it as much as your buyer? Assuming you're good in the sack at least." He was really getting into this. "Although you know what muggles say about assuming, 'it makes an ass out of you and me.' I guess that would be right wouldn't it? I mean, you are a little bit on the heavy side. And you don't look like much of a kisser. Or in your job do you not do the upper parts of the body?"
He winked but knew he'd gone too far when he saw the look on her face. It was bright red with fury. He didn't even see the hand coming until the impact hit, turning his head left. Draco touched his lip and looked at his fingers. Blood.
"Bitch," he muttered, but Hermione seemed semi-satisfied that she'd wiped that stupid grin (or smirk in his case) off his face.
"Aw, did a stupid Mudblood hurt you?" she asked sarcastically, "Oops, sorry. But think about what that bastard Voldemort would think if he found out. Would Papa Voldemort be disappointed in his wittle death eater?"
Draco growled. Now it was his turn to be upset. Before she knew what was happening, Draco lunged at her. He grabbed her shoulders and rammed her roughly against the wall holding her above her seat. He was too mad to even register that he was hurting her. And truthfully, he didn't give a damn anyway. Her eyes were wide and brimmed with tears that she refused to shed.
"Never," Draco started ramming her into the wall again just as hard if not harder, "insult Lord Voldemort or me like that again." Once again he rammed her into the wall, this time she hit her head too. Draco was really hurting her and she was scared. "Do you understand?" She didn't answer, but he just pressed her into the wall once before dropping her down as if he just realized what he had done. He'd just noticed her tears streaming down her face and he instantly backed up seeing the bruises appearing where his hands were. He took a deep breath and shoved his hands through his hair and stalked out of the car. But bumping right into Harry.
"What are you doing here, slime ball?" Harry sneered at Draco. Then taking in Hermione's appearance, her tearstained face and frightened look, he growled.
"What is it, Harry?" Ron asked coming up behind Harry.
Then Ginny, bringing up the rear, looked at Hermione and gasped, "What happened?" and rushed to her side. Ginny and the rest of them didn't recognize this girl as their best friend Hermione. But even if they didn't know who she was, they would damn sure help her. Especially against Malfoy.
"Nothing," Hermione sniffled. She was scared that if she told on him, he'd kill her and not 'my mom's gonna kill me,' kind either. Really kill. So she shut her mouth and tried to act as if nothing had happened.
"It doesn't look like nothing, Miss," Ron said concerned.
"Why are you calling me 'miss', Ron? I've know you for seven years today!" Hermione told him, confused.
"How do you know my name? And what are you talking about 'you've known me for seven years? Who are you?"
Malfoy snickered, "You don't even recognize your own whore? God, Weasel."
Hermione could tell Ron was mad. You clenched his fists and took deep breaths so he wouldn't kill him. "It's me, Hermione," she told all of them, ignoring Malfoy's comment. There were gasps and oh's, as everyone took in what she just told them.
"What happened before, Hermione?" Ginny asked her softly.
She snuck a glance at Draco, just a small one, but Ron caught her and blew up, "What did you do to her Malfoy?" Ron shoved him hard up against the closed door, knocking the wind out of him.
"I didn't do anything," Malfoy wheezed. "Even ask her." After sending her a glare, Malfoy escaped Ron, leaving the car.
"Truthfully, did he do anything to hurt you?" Harry asked her, sitting on the other side of her.
"No already!" she yelled at him. But seeming startled herself she said, "Sorry, but can we just drop it?" She was still a little upset that they didn't know who she was. I mean, first they don't write the whole summer and then they don't even recognize her. Then again, she was also rather happy they didn't recognize her. It meant she had to have become prettier, right?
Harry nodded and Ron reminded her that they would always be there for her if she needed to talk. That's when the awkward silence set in. There had never had an awkward silence before. They had always found something to talk about, even the first day they met six years ago. So they all looked away and the awkward silence started up again.
But before it could get too far this time Ginny said, "I really like your hair this year 'Mione." When the boys didn't even glance up she added, "Don't you guys?"
Seeing that they were supposed to be saying something, Harry and Ron nodded and mumbled things like 'yeah' and 'nice' with not even half hearted smiles.
"Forget about them," Ginny apologized for her brother and his best friend, rolling her eyes, "I think its fab."
"Thanks Ginny," Hermione said quietly.
"And where did you get those awesome clothes?" Ginny asked, trying to start some sort of subject on which to talk.
Seeing how hard Gin was trying Hermione tried harder to sound interested in talking about her clothes. But truthfully she was rather distracted with earlier events. Why was Malfoy such a jerk? Why did he have to look so damn good? She hated him- there was no doubt in that. but that didn't stop her from wanting him. Wait, wanting him? Since when did Hermione Granger want anyone? Ugh, life was so confusing.
"Um.in a muggle mall in America. I was visiting my cousins there when she took me out to get a haircut and go to the mall and well, here I am," Hermione answered.
"That's so cool!" Once again there were muffled 'yeahs' and such. "I don't know," Hermione said uncertainly, "Malfoy says I look like a slut and I'm starting to think that maybe I do." The life seemed to come right back into the two boys with the mention of Malfoy. "HE DID WHAT?" Ron roared. "I'LL KILL HIM! YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! I'LL KILL HIM FOR SAYING THAT TO YOU!"
Hermione blushed when she realized that Ron had just called her beautiful and Ron turned beat red when he himself realized what he did. "I mean.um.well you see.I meant to say that you look nice and um.not like a slut," he tried correcting. Harry began laughing hysterically because he knew that Ron had a crush on Hermione for a few years now, and now she knew. Harry was soon joined by Ginny, and then before you know it they were both in a heap in the car laughing like there was no tomorrow. Hermione's face was so bright a shade of red, she could have been a Weasley, and Ron looked as though he was going to throw up. Then Neville walked in and said "What? Did Hermione finally figure out that Ron has a crush on her?"
"No, but thanks for clarifying that for us Neville." Ron shot back; his face turning another shade deeper, if that was even possible. Hermione just looked horrified, hoping that she could just turn back time and erase the last fifteen minutes.
And to make things worse, to everyone's surprise, Malfoy walked in. "So, Weasel, she's finally found out, eh? It was only a matter of time, I mean, you couldn't stop drooling. I thought she would have found out a while ago," he drawled in his normal 'I'm the great Malfoy Death-Eater' voice.
"How does anyone know all this before me?!" Hermione screamed. This was way too much to process on the first day of school. "Piss off Malfoy!" Harry retorted.
"You should stay out of things that aren't your business, Pothead!"
"Shove it and get out you bloody bastard! Bloody Hell! I can't take much more of this shit!" Ron screamed.
"What do you mean, 'stay out of things that aren't my business?' This is my business, Malfoy! I don't see how it's yours though. So why don't you tell us, Malfoy, how is it your business?" Harry asked menacingly. Malfoy struggled to keep a cool face but he could feel the small red tinge in his cheeks. "Because I am Malfoy the powerful and you are weak! Nothing but a parentless little boy, whose ass is being carried by Mudblood Granger!" Malfoy snapped back.
"Get over yourself Malfoy, and get a life. You're the most pathetic being I've ever laid my eyes on!" Harry charged back to Malfoy's unnessassary and totally incoherent comment that by far didn't come from Malfoy's 'Happy Place' somewhere in that screwed up sac of mush he calls a brain or at least something that resembles one. "Now why don't you just get out before I kick your sorry mother fucking ass out this second," Harry threatened.
"Sorry, Potter, no room anywhere else. Gotta stay here," Malfoy answered sitting down and resting his feet next to Hermione where Harry used to be sitting. Hermione stiffed when he did so and inched away from them and into Ginny. "What, Mudblood?" he sneered.
Immediately Hermione got her normal posture back and shot back, "I was just wondering if being a pansy ass Slytherin momma's boy was contagious." Harry, Ron, and Ginny all started cracking up and Malfoy just growled, knowing that he was out numbered if he tried anything.
When the laughter finally died down and Ron and Harry looked like they were in a more talkative mood Ginny asked Hermione, "So, how does it feel to finally be Head Girl?" She held out an invisible (a/n- no there was not really a microphone there. I'm just saying it's pretend) microphone out to Hermione. Hermione blushed a little but smiled widely.
"But you've known this moment would come for 6 years, so it wouldn't really surprise you anyway, right?" Ron joined in holding out his own pretend microphone.
"Yeah, you probably started practicing how you were going to act when you got the letter the day that you found out what Head Girl was!" Harry added with another make-believe microphone.
"Hermione's Head Girl?!" Draco squeaked. Not until that moment had they noticed that he had gone extra pale, even paler than usual.
"Yeah, how is that such a surprise?" Ron asked, scooting over closer to Hermione. As casually as she could Hermione inched away from Ron, but trying to make it unnoticeable.
"What, Malfoy? You look like you just found out Voldemort was gone forever," Harry joked. A little bit of color returned to Malfoy's face and he sneered at Harry. "So, Granger," Malfoy turned to Hermione ignoring Harry, "Did you find out who the Head Boy is yet?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she answered, "No, I just hope it's not someone horribly dreadful. They usually tell you who the other person is!" Malfoy just nodded and turned back to the window.
The rest of the train ride was rather uneventful. Harry and Ron returned to their usual conversation about Quiddich while Hermione and Ginny talked excitedly about who the mystery guy was.
Before they knew it the train had stopped and they all started filing out. Malfoy couldn't resist "accidentally" bumping into Ron as he left the car.
"COME BACK HERE YOU STUPID GIT! WHAT? YOU SCARED?" Ron started yelling, Harry had to hold him back. "COME BACK AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN, MALFOY!" He continued struggling against Harry's grip.
"Sorry, Weasel, I don't hit girls," Malfoy stuck his head back in through the door. The look Hermione gave him could have killed. All he could do was pretend he didn't see it. He really didn't have anything against Hermione except for the fact that she's a Mudblood. And she DID slap me in third year, but that's beside the point, he thought to himself, wait.what was the point? He shook his head confused and left again. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione's POV
"'Arry!" a loud voice boomed as we stepped off the train. It had taken quite a while to calm Ron down even after Malfoy had left.
"Hagrid!" Harry yelled happily. We all ran over to say hello to the half giant.
"Almost thought yeh weren't comin' on the train," Hagrid joked. I knew he was implying the time when Harry and Ron flew Arthur Weasley's car to school- right into the Whomping Willow! Thinking back on this I had to suppress a smile/giggle as Harry explained to Hagrid about the Malfoy incident.
"That slimy, little git-" Hagrid mumbled but caught himself before he could say anything worse. He looked at us to see if we'd heard him. Harry raised his eyebrows, Ron was too furious still to hear, and I just smiled at him shaking my head. "Well," Hagrid said, clearing his throat, "Yeh should be off then."
With that he disappeared. Off to shepherd the first years I presume.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ron's POV
When we entered the Great Hall Harry and I went over to the Gryffindor table like we do every year.
"Hermione? Are you coming?" I asked when she didn't follow us.
"Hmm?" Looked like I snapped her out of a trace, she did. I suppose she was just happy to be back. Must have been bored stiff without all her homework and studying to do. Then again, she could already have the whole year's assignments done! "Oh! No, I'm to sit over there."
Hermione pointed over to the teachers table where I remembered Percy sitting when he was Head Boy. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed though. First day of school and the three of us can't even sit together. I frowned slightly as I watched her go over to her new table.
"What's wrong, Ron?" Harry asked me when I sat down.
"Nothing," I answered quickly. I could feel my face redden.
Harry looked over to where I had been. "Oh," he said, "Upset Hermione's not sitting with us, eh?"
Instantly I blew up. I don't know why, I mean, I usually don't blow up at my friends. I guess I was still worked up about Malfoy in the train. "WOULD YOU STOP FUCKING MAKING FUCKING FUN OF ME!?! ONE DAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT TO THE WRONG PERSON AND YOU'LL BE BEGGING ME TO HELP YOU! AND YOU KNOW WHAT?! I'M NOT GOING TO! I'LL LAUGH AT HOW STUPID YOU WERE TO THINK THAT YOU COULD JUST TEASE AND INSULT ME AND STILL EXPECT ME TO SAVE YOUR ASS, WHEN YOU SHOW ME NO RESPECT WHAT SO EVER!"
Everyone turned around to look at us. Harry's face was sheet pale and as I looked around I saw that the whole Hall was watching me. I just took a deep breath and yelled, "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!?" That definitely did it. Everyone quickly turned around and hastily tried starting conversations, even with people they didn't know.
"I.I.didn't.uh." Harry sputtered, completely at a loss for words. I really hadn't meant to yell like that. It's the redheaded-ness in me. We redheads have some nasty tempers. (a/n- no offence intended! Sorry if you're insulted or w/e)
I took another deep breath and opened my mouth to apologize. Unfortunately all I got out was, "Look, Harry, I'm-"
Until Harry's temper flared up, "No, don't say it! I know, I know! You're sick and tired of this and blah blah blah! It was a joke Ron! Just a freaking joke! Can you say anger management classes?!?" So it was now a full-fledged screaming match.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
"DON'T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT MY MUM LIKE THAT!" Harry yelled and then lunged at me. He got in a swift right hook before the surprise wore off. I returned it with one of my own, however. All I could hear was the insults coming from mine and Harry's mouths and the sound of flesh hitting flesh. The shrieks of the girls nearby and the cheering of the Slytherin table didn't exist in my ears.
"YOU BLOODY BASTARD!"
"MORON!"
"IDIOT!"
Then I could feel someone trying desperately to pull me away from Harry. Her (I assumed since their hands felt smaller than any males in our grade) attempt was weak though and took no strength to push her off. Harry caught me right under the chin though and the girl used that moment to grab a firm hold of my arms. I was about to throw her off of me again when I heard her voice, "Ron! Please stop! He's your best friend!" It belonged to no other than Hermione Granger. I stopped struggling right away and could sense Harry doing the same thing. (My left eye was swollen shut)
As soon as I calmed down a little I could hear the sobs of some third year girls and the cheers of the Slytherin table and I was suddenly disgusted with myself. I slowly turned toward Hermione and whispered, "I'm so sorry." Her face was solemn but when my eye filled with tears I saw her face loosen up and held me tightly against her.
"It's okay, Ron. it's okay," she soothed. I don't know how it got that dramatic but the next thing I know she's crying too! Our little cry fest was interrupted though, by Mr. Harry James Potter.
"Ahem. I remember being in this little attack too," he said jealously.
Hermione smiled a bit and pulled Harry into the hug too saying, "Don't worry Harry. We didn't forget you."
Harry and I were still upset with each other though. So once Hermione went back to her table I went to sit next to Harry but stopped myself before I sat down. Where else can I sit? I asked myself. All the other seats were taken. Well, all except the ones in Slytherin. It just took one more look at Harry to decide that that was where I belonged now. With the lying, cheating, turn-on-your-best-friend, scum table.
I ignored the glares and stares the Slytherin table gave me as I sat down. Great, I thought glumly, the perfect way to start off the school year.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione's POV (before the fight)
I walked over to my table for the day and was greeted by Professor McGonagal, "Congratulations, Miss Granger."
"Thank you," I beamed. Then looked around and thought, Isn't the Head Boy supposed to be here? "Uh.professor?"
"Yes?"
"Where's the Head Boy?" I asked, a little bit unsure.
"Ah, yes! This year is a surprise! Isn't that simply wonderful?"
Inwardly I was screaming, yelling and stomping my foot but outwardly I just nodded.
"WOULD YOU STOP FUCKING MAKING FUCKING FUN OF ME!?! ONE DAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT TO THE WRONG PERSON AND YOU'LL BE BEGGING ME TO HELP YOU! AND YOU KNOW WHAT?! I'M NOT GOING TO! I'LL LAUGH AT HOW STUPID YOU WERE TO THINK THAT YOU COULD JUST TEASE AND INSULT ME AND STILL EXPECT ME TO SAVE YOUR ASS, WHEN YOU SHOW ME NO RESPECT WHAT SO EVER!" I heard a voice yell. It could only be one person. Ron. I hoped it would just ride itself out as a little argument but I was rather wrong. I didn't get there until after they both almost killed each other.
"Ron!" I yelled over all the racket as I was trying to get a hold of him. "Ronald Weasley!" He just pushed me away again. It was like the Ron I knew wasn't even there anymore. But when he was slightly dazed by a hit sent by Harry, I grabbed his arms and firmly as I could, telling him to please stop struggling. Before I could even tell what was happening I was holding both Ron and Harry. Once they finally let go of me I got back to my table just in time for Dumbledore to make his announcements.
"Excuse me, if I could please have you attention," Professor Dumbledore quieted and the Hall went suddenly silent, "Thank you. I have a few announcements to make before we begin the feast. First off- we have a new transfer student here. Scott Hardy- would you please stand up Scott?" The boy from the train stood up. Ha! I knew I hadn't seen him before! I thought to myself. "Ah, there you are! Second- I'd like to inform you that the Forbidden forest is forbidden, no matter how welcoming it may sound." A few people laughed at his attempt of a joke. Mostly only to be polite. "And last but not least I'll announce Head Girl and Boy!" The Hall erupted in applause and I suddenly forgot all about all of the earlier events. I was very proud. Dumbledore waited for it to quiet down some before he continued, "Our Head Girl they year is Hermione Granger-"
I could hear Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff all cheer loudly but Slytherin all hissed and booed. I didn't care about what the Slytherin did though! I was my day to shine! And besides, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were just as loud as the whole Slytherin table put together!
As the clapping and cheering started fading and eventually ceased all together (Harry, Ron and Ginny were the last to stop) Dumbledore continued, "And this year's Head Boy is-"
A/N- Ha ha! Cliffhanger! I know, I know- I'm the best aren't I? [Laughs evilly] Tell me what you think.is it worth continuing?
Hermione Granger sighed happily as she stepped through the barrier separating the muggle world from the magic one. It was seventh year; the year she'd been looking forward to and dreading at the same time.
But for the past couple of weeks it was leaning more toward looking forward because this year Hermione was Head Girl. She smiled at a few of the gawking male faces before she started toward the train. Her baggage was already there. Hermione had changed a lot over the summer. One ordinary July day she had gone to get a hair cut when her hair cutter pointed out that she really was a pretty girl under that bush of frizzy hair She had used a couple of different muggle de- frizzing products and shampoos on Hermione and wah-la! A natural beauty. The hair cutter gave her some pointers for some neutral colored make-up and before she knew it she was out to the nearest mall as if she were Lavender and Parvati.
She bought herself a whole new wardrobe and here she was, turning heads. Who's that? She asked herself approvingly while passing through one of the carts. He was a devilishly handsome 17- year old with brown hair and red highlights. Hermione couldn't recall ever seeing him before in all the six years (seven this year) she's went to Hogwarts. He flashed her a dazzling smile as she passed which she returned. Hermione sat down in the last car and waited for Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, and Ron's little sister, Ginny. She couldn't wait to see the expression on their faces when they saw her! Oh, and she couldn't wait to tell them about being Head Girl! When the door to the car opened she was already smiling widely and prepared to greet her friends. But to her dismay it wasn't Harry, Ron and Ginny that stepped through the door.
It was Draco Malfoy. As soon as she saw him her smiled disappeared. "What? Disappointed to see me? I'm hurt. Really," Draco said with his hand over his heart with mock sadness.
"Go away, Malfoy," Hermione told him, adverting her gaze to the window.
"No," he said, closing the door as he stepped completely in, "I think I'll stay right here." Hermione just crossed her arms and ignored him.
"I saw your Golden Boys, Granger. A couple cars up as I recall, deep in conversation with their new friends. Looks like you're replaced, Mudblood," Draco told her, trying to get a response from the Gryffindor. Surely she wouldn't ignore him the whole time, right?
But she hadn't even flinched at the word 'mudblood.' Well, she'd have to burst sometime. He just hoped he would be there to watch. I wonder how far I can push her, Draco thought.
"I see you've finally gotten that thing you tried to pass off as hair under control," he nodded toward her, trying again.
Silence.
"New wardrobe too, I see. Have you been getting pointers from Pansy? You should cover yourself up a bit you know. Don't want things to happen that you can't handle just because you're dressing like a slut." Although he wouldn't admit it out loud to anyone, he found what she was wearing quite appealing. Even if he did hate her.
Blink.
Score, Draco praised himself. Knowing that he was getting somewhere with commenting on her looks he continued, walking toward her until he was standing right in front of her. She merely pretended not to see him.
"Hey," he started as he sat down and cocked his head to the right, "You got implants, didn't you." It was more of a statement than a question. He was now nodding in approval.
Hermione couldn't help but turn and glare daggers at him. She also couldn't help notice his well built torso area, and the way his newly spiked hair looked and- Stop it, Hermione! She scolded herself, but out loud she said, "Shove it, Malfoy."
Satisfied that he's gotten a reply, mixed with amusement, he smirked the famous Malfoy smirk. "That's all you got? Honestly, Granger, you're losing your touch."
"So where're your apes?" Hermione changed the subject. Malfoy smirked again. "No, wait, that's giving them way too much credit and insulting the apes. Crabbe and Goyle are much dumber than apes. Apes have learned the basics of communication."
Draco couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked when she was angry, and how her hair sometimes fell into her face the way it did and- ARRR! Malfoy! What the hell are you saying? It's Granger for Merlin's sake!
But Malfoy couldn't help but smile a little at the thought of her, which really, really freaked him out.
"What are you smiling at?" Hermione sneered.
"Just you, Gorgeous." Did he really just say that? By the look on her face he had. But he was just as horrified as Hermione, he was just trying harder to hide it. So to cover it up he finished, "About how you have to be gorgeous to get the money to pay for school. Tell me," Draco said, leaning forward propping his elbows on his knees, "Is it hard to get money on the streets? Or do you enjoy it as much as your buyer? Assuming you're good in the sack at least." He was really getting into this. "Although you know what muggles say about assuming, 'it makes an ass out of you and me.' I guess that would be right wouldn't it? I mean, you are a little bit on the heavy side. And you don't look like much of a kisser. Or in your job do you not do the upper parts of the body?"
He winked but knew he'd gone too far when he saw the look on her face. It was bright red with fury. He didn't even see the hand coming until the impact hit, turning his head left. Draco touched his lip and looked at his fingers. Blood.
"Bitch," he muttered, but Hermione seemed semi-satisfied that she'd wiped that stupid grin (or smirk in his case) off his face.
"Aw, did a stupid Mudblood hurt you?" she asked sarcastically, "Oops, sorry. But think about what that bastard Voldemort would think if he found out. Would Papa Voldemort be disappointed in his wittle death eater?"
Draco growled. Now it was his turn to be upset. Before she knew what was happening, Draco lunged at her. He grabbed her shoulders and rammed her roughly against the wall holding her above her seat. He was too mad to even register that he was hurting her. And truthfully, he didn't give a damn anyway. Her eyes were wide and brimmed with tears that she refused to shed.
"Never," Draco started ramming her into the wall again just as hard if not harder, "insult Lord Voldemort or me like that again." Once again he rammed her into the wall, this time she hit her head too. Draco was really hurting her and she was scared. "Do you understand?" She didn't answer, but he just pressed her into the wall once before dropping her down as if he just realized what he had done. He'd just noticed her tears streaming down her face and he instantly backed up seeing the bruises appearing where his hands were. He took a deep breath and shoved his hands through his hair and stalked out of the car. But bumping right into Harry.
"What are you doing here, slime ball?" Harry sneered at Draco. Then taking in Hermione's appearance, her tearstained face and frightened look, he growled.
"What is it, Harry?" Ron asked coming up behind Harry.
Then Ginny, bringing up the rear, looked at Hermione and gasped, "What happened?" and rushed to her side. Ginny and the rest of them didn't recognize this girl as their best friend Hermione. But even if they didn't know who she was, they would damn sure help her. Especially against Malfoy.
"Nothing," Hermione sniffled. She was scared that if she told on him, he'd kill her and not 'my mom's gonna kill me,' kind either. Really kill. So she shut her mouth and tried to act as if nothing had happened.
"It doesn't look like nothing, Miss," Ron said concerned.
"Why are you calling me 'miss', Ron? I've know you for seven years today!" Hermione told him, confused.
"How do you know my name? And what are you talking about 'you've known me for seven years? Who are you?"
Malfoy snickered, "You don't even recognize your own whore? God, Weasel."
Hermione could tell Ron was mad. You clenched his fists and took deep breaths so he wouldn't kill him. "It's me, Hermione," she told all of them, ignoring Malfoy's comment. There were gasps and oh's, as everyone took in what she just told them.
"What happened before, Hermione?" Ginny asked her softly.
She snuck a glance at Draco, just a small one, but Ron caught her and blew up, "What did you do to her Malfoy?" Ron shoved him hard up against the closed door, knocking the wind out of him.
"I didn't do anything," Malfoy wheezed. "Even ask her." After sending her a glare, Malfoy escaped Ron, leaving the car.
"Truthfully, did he do anything to hurt you?" Harry asked her, sitting on the other side of her.
"No already!" she yelled at him. But seeming startled herself she said, "Sorry, but can we just drop it?" She was still a little upset that they didn't know who she was. I mean, first they don't write the whole summer and then they don't even recognize her. Then again, she was also rather happy they didn't recognize her. It meant she had to have become prettier, right?
Harry nodded and Ron reminded her that they would always be there for her if she needed to talk. That's when the awkward silence set in. There had never had an awkward silence before. They had always found something to talk about, even the first day they met six years ago. So they all looked away and the awkward silence started up again.
But before it could get too far this time Ginny said, "I really like your hair this year 'Mione." When the boys didn't even glance up she added, "Don't you guys?"
Seeing that they were supposed to be saying something, Harry and Ron nodded and mumbled things like 'yeah' and 'nice' with not even half hearted smiles.
"Forget about them," Ginny apologized for her brother and his best friend, rolling her eyes, "I think its fab."
"Thanks Ginny," Hermione said quietly.
"And where did you get those awesome clothes?" Ginny asked, trying to start some sort of subject on which to talk.
Seeing how hard Gin was trying Hermione tried harder to sound interested in talking about her clothes. But truthfully she was rather distracted with earlier events. Why was Malfoy such a jerk? Why did he have to look so damn good? She hated him- there was no doubt in that. but that didn't stop her from wanting him. Wait, wanting him? Since when did Hermione Granger want anyone? Ugh, life was so confusing.
"Um.in a muggle mall in America. I was visiting my cousins there when she took me out to get a haircut and go to the mall and well, here I am," Hermione answered.
"That's so cool!" Once again there were muffled 'yeahs' and such. "I don't know," Hermione said uncertainly, "Malfoy says I look like a slut and I'm starting to think that maybe I do." The life seemed to come right back into the two boys with the mention of Malfoy. "HE DID WHAT?" Ron roared. "I'LL KILL HIM! YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! I'LL KILL HIM FOR SAYING THAT TO YOU!"
Hermione blushed when she realized that Ron had just called her beautiful and Ron turned beat red when he himself realized what he did. "I mean.um.well you see.I meant to say that you look nice and um.not like a slut," he tried correcting. Harry began laughing hysterically because he knew that Ron had a crush on Hermione for a few years now, and now she knew. Harry was soon joined by Ginny, and then before you know it they were both in a heap in the car laughing like there was no tomorrow. Hermione's face was so bright a shade of red, she could have been a Weasley, and Ron looked as though he was going to throw up. Then Neville walked in and said "What? Did Hermione finally figure out that Ron has a crush on her?"
"No, but thanks for clarifying that for us Neville." Ron shot back; his face turning another shade deeper, if that was even possible. Hermione just looked horrified, hoping that she could just turn back time and erase the last fifteen minutes.
And to make things worse, to everyone's surprise, Malfoy walked in. "So, Weasel, she's finally found out, eh? It was only a matter of time, I mean, you couldn't stop drooling. I thought she would have found out a while ago," he drawled in his normal 'I'm the great Malfoy Death-Eater' voice.
"How does anyone know all this before me?!" Hermione screamed. This was way too much to process on the first day of school. "Piss off Malfoy!" Harry retorted.
"You should stay out of things that aren't your business, Pothead!"
"Shove it and get out you bloody bastard! Bloody Hell! I can't take much more of this shit!" Ron screamed.
"What do you mean, 'stay out of things that aren't my business?' This is my business, Malfoy! I don't see how it's yours though. So why don't you tell us, Malfoy, how is it your business?" Harry asked menacingly. Malfoy struggled to keep a cool face but he could feel the small red tinge in his cheeks. "Because I am Malfoy the powerful and you are weak! Nothing but a parentless little boy, whose ass is being carried by Mudblood Granger!" Malfoy snapped back.
"Get over yourself Malfoy, and get a life. You're the most pathetic being I've ever laid my eyes on!" Harry charged back to Malfoy's unnessassary and totally incoherent comment that by far didn't come from Malfoy's 'Happy Place' somewhere in that screwed up sac of mush he calls a brain or at least something that resembles one. "Now why don't you just get out before I kick your sorry mother fucking ass out this second," Harry threatened.
"Sorry, Potter, no room anywhere else. Gotta stay here," Malfoy answered sitting down and resting his feet next to Hermione where Harry used to be sitting. Hermione stiffed when he did so and inched away from them and into Ginny. "What, Mudblood?" he sneered.
Immediately Hermione got her normal posture back and shot back, "I was just wondering if being a pansy ass Slytherin momma's boy was contagious." Harry, Ron, and Ginny all started cracking up and Malfoy just growled, knowing that he was out numbered if he tried anything.
When the laughter finally died down and Ron and Harry looked like they were in a more talkative mood Ginny asked Hermione, "So, how does it feel to finally be Head Girl?" She held out an invisible (a/n- no there was not really a microphone there. I'm just saying it's pretend) microphone out to Hermione. Hermione blushed a little but smiled widely.
"But you've known this moment would come for 6 years, so it wouldn't really surprise you anyway, right?" Ron joined in holding out his own pretend microphone.
"Yeah, you probably started practicing how you were going to act when you got the letter the day that you found out what Head Girl was!" Harry added with another make-believe microphone.
"Hermione's Head Girl?!" Draco squeaked. Not until that moment had they noticed that he had gone extra pale, even paler than usual.
"Yeah, how is that such a surprise?" Ron asked, scooting over closer to Hermione. As casually as she could Hermione inched away from Ron, but trying to make it unnoticeable.
"What, Malfoy? You look like you just found out Voldemort was gone forever," Harry joked. A little bit of color returned to Malfoy's face and he sneered at Harry. "So, Granger," Malfoy turned to Hermione ignoring Harry, "Did you find out who the Head Boy is yet?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she answered, "No, I just hope it's not someone horribly dreadful. They usually tell you who the other person is!" Malfoy just nodded and turned back to the window.
The rest of the train ride was rather uneventful. Harry and Ron returned to their usual conversation about Quiddich while Hermione and Ginny talked excitedly about who the mystery guy was.
Before they knew it the train had stopped and they all started filing out. Malfoy couldn't resist "accidentally" bumping into Ron as he left the car.
"COME BACK HERE YOU STUPID GIT! WHAT? YOU SCARED?" Ron started yelling, Harry had to hold him back. "COME BACK AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN, MALFOY!" He continued struggling against Harry's grip.
"Sorry, Weasel, I don't hit girls," Malfoy stuck his head back in through the door. The look Hermione gave him could have killed. All he could do was pretend he didn't see it. He really didn't have anything against Hermione except for the fact that she's a Mudblood. And she DID slap me in third year, but that's beside the point, he thought to himself, wait.what was the point? He shook his head confused and left again. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione's POV
"'Arry!" a loud voice boomed as we stepped off the train. It had taken quite a while to calm Ron down even after Malfoy had left.
"Hagrid!" Harry yelled happily. We all ran over to say hello to the half giant.
"Almost thought yeh weren't comin' on the train," Hagrid joked. I knew he was implying the time when Harry and Ron flew Arthur Weasley's car to school- right into the Whomping Willow! Thinking back on this I had to suppress a smile/giggle as Harry explained to Hagrid about the Malfoy incident.
"That slimy, little git-" Hagrid mumbled but caught himself before he could say anything worse. He looked at us to see if we'd heard him. Harry raised his eyebrows, Ron was too furious still to hear, and I just smiled at him shaking my head. "Well," Hagrid said, clearing his throat, "Yeh should be off then."
With that he disappeared. Off to shepherd the first years I presume.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ron's POV
When we entered the Great Hall Harry and I went over to the Gryffindor table like we do every year.
"Hermione? Are you coming?" I asked when she didn't follow us.
"Hmm?" Looked like I snapped her out of a trace, she did. I suppose she was just happy to be back. Must have been bored stiff without all her homework and studying to do. Then again, she could already have the whole year's assignments done! "Oh! No, I'm to sit over there."
Hermione pointed over to the teachers table where I remembered Percy sitting when he was Head Boy. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed though. First day of school and the three of us can't even sit together. I frowned slightly as I watched her go over to her new table.
"What's wrong, Ron?" Harry asked me when I sat down.
"Nothing," I answered quickly. I could feel my face redden.
Harry looked over to where I had been. "Oh," he said, "Upset Hermione's not sitting with us, eh?"
Instantly I blew up. I don't know why, I mean, I usually don't blow up at my friends. I guess I was still worked up about Malfoy in the train. "WOULD YOU STOP FUCKING MAKING FUCKING FUN OF ME!?! ONE DAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT TO THE WRONG PERSON AND YOU'LL BE BEGGING ME TO HELP YOU! AND YOU KNOW WHAT?! I'M NOT GOING TO! I'LL LAUGH AT HOW STUPID YOU WERE TO THINK THAT YOU COULD JUST TEASE AND INSULT ME AND STILL EXPECT ME TO SAVE YOUR ASS, WHEN YOU SHOW ME NO RESPECT WHAT SO EVER!"
Everyone turned around to look at us. Harry's face was sheet pale and as I looked around I saw that the whole Hall was watching me. I just took a deep breath and yelled, "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!?" That definitely did it. Everyone quickly turned around and hastily tried starting conversations, even with people they didn't know.
"I.I.didn't.uh." Harry sputtered, completely at a loss for words. I really hadn't meant to yell like that. It's the redheaded-ness in me. We redheads have some nasty tempers. (a/n- no offence intended! Sorry if you're insulted or w/e)
I took another deep breath and opened my mouth to apologize. Unfortunately all I got out was, "Look, Harry, I'm-"
Until Harry's temper flared up, "No, don't say it! I know, I know! You're sick and tired of this and blah blah blah! It was a joke Ron! Just a freaking joke! Can you say anger management classes?!?" So it was now a full-fledged screaming match.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
"DON'T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT MY MUM LIKE THAT!" Harry yelled and then lunged at me. He got in a swift right hook before the surprise wore off. I returned it with one of my own, however. All I could hear was the insults coming from mine and Harry's mouths and the sound of flesh hitting flesh. The shrieks of the girls nearby and the cheering of the Slytherin table didn't exist in my ears.
"YOU BLOODY BASTARD!"
"MORON!"
"IDIOT!"
Then I could feel someone trying desperately to pull me away from Harry. Her (I assumed since their hands felt smaller than any males in our grade) attempt was weak though and took no strength to push her off. Harry caught me right under the chin though and the girl used that moment to grab a firm hold of my arms. I was about to throw her off of me again when I heard her voice, "Ron! Please stop! He's your best friend!" It belonged to no other than Hermione Granger. I stopped struggling right away and could sense Harry doing the same thing. (My left eye was swollen shut)
As soon as I calmed down a little I could hear the sobs of some third year girls and the cheers of the Slytherin table and I was suddenly disgusted with myself. I slowly turned toward Hermione and whispered, "I'm so sorry." Her face was solemn but when my eye filled with tears I saw her face loosen up and held me tightly against her.
"It's okay, Ron. it's okay," she soothed. I don't know how it got that dramatic but the next thing I know she's crying too! Our little cry fest was interrupted though, by Mr. Harry James Potter.
"Ahem. I remember being in this little attack too," he said jealously.
Hermione smiled a bit and pulled Harry into the hug too saying, "Don't worry Harry. We didn't forget you."
Harry and I were still upset with each other though. So once Hermione went back to her table I went to sit next to Harry but stopped myself before I sat down. Where else can I sit? I asked myself. All the other seats were taken. Well, all except the ones in Slytherin. It just took one more look at Harry to decide that that was where I belonged now. With the lying, cheating, turn-on-your-best-friend, scum table.
I ignored the glares and stares the Slytherin table gave me as I sat down. Great, I thought glumly, the perfect way to start off the school year.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hermione's POV (before the fight)
I walked over to my table for the day and was greeted by Professor McGonagal, "Congratulations, Miss Granger."
"Thank you," I beamed. Then looked around and thought, Isn't the Head Boy supposed to be here? "Uh.professor?"
"Yes?"
"Where's the Head Boy?" I asked, a little bit unsure.
"Ah, yes! This year is a surprise! Isn't that simply wonderful?"
Inwardly I was screaming, yelling and stomping my foot but outwardly I just nodded.
"WOULD YOU STOP FUCKING MAKING FUCKING FUN OF ME!?! ONE DAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT TO THE WRONG PERSON AND YOU'LL BE BEGGING ME TO HELP YOU! AND YOU KNOW WHAT?! I'M NOT GOING TO! I'LL LAUGH AT HOW STUPID YOU WERE TO THINK THAT YOU COULD JUST TEASE AND INSULT ME AND STILL EXPECT ME TO SAVE YOUR ASS, WHEN YOU SHOW ME NO RESPECT WHAT SO EVER!" I heard a voice yell. It could only be one person. Ron. I hoped it would just ride itself out as a little argument but I was rather wrong. I didn't get there until after they both almost killed each other.
"Ron!" I yelled over all the racket as I was trying to get a hold of him. "Ronald Weasley!" He just pushed me away again. It was like the Ron I knew wasn't even there anymore. But when he was slightly dazed by a hit sent by Harry, I grabbed his arms and firmly as I could, telling him to please stop struggling. Before I could even tell what was happening I was holding both Ron and Harry. Once they finally let go of me I got back to my table just in time for Dumbledore to make his announcements.
"Excuse me, if I could please have you attention," Professor Dumbledore quieted and the Hall went suddenly silent, "Thank you. I have a few announcements to make before we begin the feast. First off- we have a new transfer student here. Scott Hardy- would you please stand up Scott?" The boy from the train stood up. Ha! I knew I hadn't seen him before! I thought to myself. "Ah, there you are! Second- I'd like to inform you that the Forbidden forest is forbidden, no matter how welcoming it may sound." A few people laughed at his attempt of a joke. Mostly only to be polite. "And last but not least I'll announce Head Girl and Boy!" The Hall erupted in applause and I suddenly forgot all about all of the earlier events. I was very proud. Dumbledore waited for it to quiet down some before he continued, "Our Head Girl they year is Hermione Granger-"
I could hear Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff all cheer loudly but Slytherin all hissed and booed. I didn't care about what the Slytherin did though! I was my day to shine! And besides, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were just as loud as the whole Slytherin table put together!
As the clapping and cheering started fading and eventually ceased all together (Harry, Ron and Ginny were the last to stop) Dumbledore continued, "And this year's Head Boy is-"
A/N- Ha ha! Cliffhanger! I know, I know- I'm the best aren't I? [Laughs evilly] Tell me what you think.is it worth continuing?