You?!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the characters belong to JK Rowling. Don't sue me.
Notes to begin with: Hello everyone. Now before I get thrown with rotten tomatoes or anything of that sort, I want to really, really explain that this idea came up after I woke up and had the weirdest dream of my life. I'm a real fan of Harry Potter (the books, not much on the movie) but I'm not the one who reads fanfiction about it or anything. I don't have a favorite pairing but after that dream, I started to think of making my own fic. It was a HermioneXDraco thing (God knows where THAT came from) but I've decided to expand a little more and try my hand on the HP ficdom. This is my 2nd HP fic, so um, please be gentle.
(Draco's POV)
"Honestly, Mr. Malfoy, you have to do something about those grades of yours. Otherwise, I'm not sure you'll have enough to pass my subject. It's the end of the second semester and what you've shown me do not look promising."
"So what?" I countered nonchalantly. "You're going to put me on handcuffs and force me to read?"
"No, but I'll consider telling the headmaster to call up your father."
My eyes narrowed.
"I'm not joking, Mr. Malfoy. You might want to consider taking my subject a bit more seriously."
I was never a fan of Arithmancy. It was some stupid subject that father forced me to take, saying that it would help my mind sharpen. Crap. I hated it like hell, and if I only could, I'd throw the whole subject out. Ugh. That voice of my father's rang through my head...all that sermon on being great, famous and bringing the family name to victory, through this school. God, I nearly laughed when he said that.
This was one of the reasons why I hate Hogwarts. There was nothing but books, books and more books.. We hardly have anything exciting to do. Defense Against the Dark Arts has engraved itself on my mind as a joke. That's all. We had that 2 bums for our first and second years, and then that shabby-looking werewolf for third, a grouchy old man for fourth and now another old geezer for another two years. Dumbledore's losing his touch, in my opinion.
So everyday, I have to remind myself... only one more year and a half til I leave this place and start off on my own. I can't wait for 7th year, and more so, graduating and getting out of here. But until then, I have to comply with my father's wishes and that means sticking with the stupid Arithmancy subject and the dumb professor.
"Fine," I snapped, gathering my bag and slinging it on my shoulder. "What do you want me to do? Take a special test or something?"
"No, you should simply start studying. You barely listen to my lectures."
'Who would?' I rolled my eyes.
He seemed to have read my mind at that moment because he continued, "Well, you can try asking someone who enjoys it to help you. I'm suggesting Ms. Granger. She's a brilliant girl."
I nearly gagged. "Granger?"
That mudblood? Brilliant?! She was only good with books, but other than that, I saw her as a complete loser. Some tag-along to Weasley and Potter. Teacher's pet. What more can I say? Every professor loves her and thinks that she's the next genius to grace the wizarding world as soon as she graduates. Ha. I don't. Maybe that's why father put me into this Arithmancy thing. To prove that his son was much better than a mudblood. Well, whatever. I have my own ways of proving myself.
"Yes, Hermione Granger. I might be able to ask her to help you."
"No thanks." I replied, getting ready to go. "I think I can manage by myself, thank you very much."
"I'm warning you, Mr. Malfoy." He called out as I stomped off outside the hallway.
"Right." I muttered, sarcastically.
I needed to get out of there. It's a very, very good thing that they decided to ring the lunch bell. I'll have a whole hour to myself. Nothing but double potions and then another double lesson with Hagrid. Both with those pathetic Gryffindors. I began my walk down the stairs that led to the Great Hall.
Hey, on a regular day-to-day basis, I do fine with schoolwork. I just don't see the point of working really hard to learn anything in here since I'm not going to use it anyway. I'll probably just inherit all of the Malfoys' wealth, put it in a bank and do some part time jobs to please myself. It's much better slacking off. I guess the only subject I really like would be Potions and that's NOT because Snape favors me. Sure, it's an extra advantage, but I'm sick and tired of people whispering rumors about me being Snape's pet and how I manage to score second to Granger in Potions. I got those grades on my own.
"Hi." I said, sitting down beside Crabbe, who was wolfing down his lunch.
He grunted in reply.
My eyes met the ceiling. "Fine. Go eat. Where's your partner?" I asked, referring to Goyle.
"Dunno."
The Hall was filling up with more and more students. I was hoping to talk to a few more people but they seemed preoccupied with the upcoming match this Saturday. Slytherin vs Ravenclaw. I snorted. Our team wasn't as half as good as we used to be before. Flint left, leaving me and a few other loyal Quidditch members left. Half of the team was made up of really snotty 4th years, who barely knew anything about guts and glory. Hmm. Well, if they needed me, I'm still their seeker. Just don't count on me to go to practices anymore.
Why has life suddenly lost meaning?
I shook my head in mild irritation. I should go to that damn library and get some homework done. Much as I'd hate to admit it, Professor what's-his-name was right. My father would not exactly be pleased if he found out I was fooling around for the past few years. I'd rather be there anyway, I added as an after thought, glancing at Crabbe once more.
Sighing, I got up and made my way out of the crowded table, my food untouched.
"Hey Draco, would you mind if I took your leftovers?" Crabbe asked.
I ignored the idiot and went off.
(Hermione's POV)
I don't think I'll ever understand men and how their minds work. It's far too complicated for me to decipher. My 2 best friends are out there in the field, trying to chase each other with broomsticks, going faster than I would ever dare in my whole life. It's not that I mind Quidditch or anything, I enjoy _watching_ it. I just don't get the thrill of the game. Harry does, and that explains everything within the nutshell.
They haven't changed over the years. Still the same boys I grew up with ever since I started attending Hogwarts. Ron, with his freckles and red hair and Harry with his trademark scar and green eyes. There was this slight problem though, and that would be the inches that set off our height differences. While I managed to sprout just a little over 5'5, Harry and Ron hovered around as 6 footers. That made me feel quite small. Then again, I have other things to make up for that. No one has managed to gather as many OWLS as I have and I'm pretty proud of that accomplishment. Those 2 got more than enough but it made me feel good, knowing that I'm still at the top of my year.
I just wish that they would hang out with me more often. Often times, I'd have to resort to my favorite place and hideout, the library.
So I'm here, browsing for books and some extra problems for my Arithmancy subject.
A flash of silver caught my eye while I was tiptoeing to reach a particularly naughty book, which decided to fly around, playing hard to get. I stopped and looked around, only to find a patch of silver and gold on the other side. I squinted through the small spaces between the books and saw someone muttering softly and trying to figure out the writings on the books.
I stepped round the bookshelf and lo and behold, a most interesting sight met me.
Draco Malfoy was there, holding a book and trying to read.
Malfoy? What was HE doing in here? As far as my knowledge goes, Draco Malfoy has no interest in books whatsoever. I haven't had the slightest idea on how he even manages to pass the subjects, seeing how he takes life so casually. Maybe he has the wit and smarts to make up for it but even so, I wouldn't be caught dead, trying to slack off at Hogwarts. I love it here.
He spotted me and nearly dropped the book he was holding.
"What are you doing here, Granger?" he asked, a bit nervously, as if he was trying to hide the fact that he was in the library.
I raised an eyebrow. "Funny, Malfoy. I should be asking YOU that. Getting a bit of research?"
"None of your business." He replied, regaining his cool and bending over to pick up a few sheets of paper he dropped. I faintly recognized them, seeing some numbers and shapes.
"I didn't know you were taking Arithmancy classes." I spoke up.
"Father made me during the start of 5th grade. I had to beg him though, not to put me in the same class with you." He explained, shuffling the papers and arranging them neatly in his folder. "It's a pain but I have to go through with it."
"That's strange. How come you're only going to the library now? I've never seen you here before..."
"I need to work on this project Professor gave us."
"Oh, you mean the one that has to do with a bit of trigonometry?"
He only shot me a look with his pale gray eyes. "I'm not here to chit-chat, Granger. If I recall correctly, no one's allowed to talk in this sacred place." He said sarcastically, before passing by me.
Touchy. What was his problem anyway? I shrugged and went back to the other side. Fortunately, the book I wanted gave up on flying and lay quietly on the floor. I picked it up and walked over to the tables where my bag, parchment and quill lay. Maybe I could finish the said project and visit Ron and Harry later. I could do with some amusement.
[2 hours later]
I gave a quick run through over my paper, satisfied that I was able to finish 75 percent of it. That leaves the rest of my week Arithmancy free. I pushed my chair back and stood up, gathering the rest of my books and slinging my bag on.
I was on my way out when Malfoy caught the corner of my eye again as he was sitting on a table, scribbling furiously and flipping the pages of same book I got. I got curious on why he was working so hard to finish it when it's due next week...then the thought dawned on me that maybe he hasn't even started at all. Or he hasn't been listening in class and has no idea where to start.
But that wasn't my lookout anymore, right?
Still, I approached him and leaned over, peering at the graphs he was trying to figure out. "Need help?"
"No," he answered automatically, without facing me.
"Well, just wanted to let you know that you're doing it wrong." I pointed out.
That somehow caught his attention. "What?!"
"Your plane looks really weird. I think you forgot to plot a few points here and there." I said, running my finger over to the diagram, showing him where he had gone wrong. "Your coordinates should look like this," I continued, showing him my own work.
I was expecting him to tell me to shut up, yet I was shocked to find him slapping his forehead with the palm of his hands. He looked really irritated, and who wouldn't be? After spending two hours here only to find out you did something wrong? I've gone through that already. Tons of times.
He pushed back his chair, making a loud scraping sound. "That's it. I'm out of here." He muttered, slamming the book shut and dumping it in his backpack. He gave me this look, which I thought was made out of pure loathing, then stormed off.
"Ooookay." I shook my head and made my way out too.
(Draco's POV)
Screw Arithmancy!
I've been sitting in that forsaken place for so long and then that Granger walks up to me, saying that everything that I've been doing was wrong! And God, she was right. I messed up my plots and points, making my work look like a total mess. For once, I wished that I had her brains. Maybe it would make my life much easier.
I slumped onto one of the chairs in the common room and closed my eyes. I wasn't even spared from a splitting headache. Damn this day.
"Malfoy."
'What is it now?' I opened my eyes, upset that some stranger had to bug in.
"You weren't at practice this afternoon. That's 3 practices in a row! What are you doing?!"
Oh great. Just what I need. Conrad was here, the new Quidditch captain. What a big time paranoid freak.
"I wasn't feeling well. Bad headache." I replied, dully.
He was nothing but some pretty boy who was pulled out from the 7th year just to lead the team. He's a terrible Keeper and a very slow flyer. I have half the mind to believe that he's barely hanging on to the team because a lot of bimbos adore and love him. Ugh. What stereotyping.
He cocked an eyebrow. "Don't give me that tone, Malfoy. You've skipped so many practices already. I wonder if you're still THAT good. Geez, you're starting to look like some jock, hiding behind Daddy's waistcoat pocket. We'll be having a match this Saturday and if you fail to prove anything, I'll..."
That's it. I've had it with pretty boys and know-it-alls.
"You'll what?" I stood up, challenging him. I was way taller than he was and I made it a point to shoot daggers with my eyes. "You can't do anything, you loser. If you lay your hand on my shoulder, you can be sure that I'll see to it that you're position on this team is gone. And believe me, I have my own ways, with or without my father's help. Get that through your thick skull." I said with my teeth gritted.
He backed off, glaring at me, after which he turned his back and proceeded to go upstairs. Another idea came into my mind and I decided that it was payback time for pissing me off.
"Oh, one more thing Conrad..." I called out.
"What?" He spat.
"After the match with Gryffindor, which is bound to be a few weeks after the first, I'm quitting."
"What did you say?!" His eyes widened a good deal, to my pleasure. I decided to continue.
"Go find yourselves another seeker. I've lost interest in this team. You're all a bunch of whimps."
"You can't quit Malfoy. You know the rules."
"Who said I couldn't quit?"
"We can't afford to...I mean, Snape would not be pleased with that."
Aha. "Slip of the tongue? Face it." I smirked, walking up to him and grabbing his collar. "You can't bear to go on without me. I provide you with the equipment, and you have to admit that I'm also a good seeker, whether I practice with you people or not. So leave me alone or you'll find yourselves with Comets again for brooms."
I let him go and walked off, out of the common room.
"Where are you going?"
"Wherever it is, it's definitely none of your concern." I answered him, climbing out of the entrance of the Slytherin house.
I definitely despise my dad and all those who think I'm just another future Lucius Malfoy. 'Just another jock hiding behind daddy's waistcoat pocket'...ah, that guy had the guts to actually say that. Whatever. If they think that I'm another spoiled Malfoy, they're wrong. The only thing I've asked for was a chance to get into the Slytherin team just so that I could prove myself better than Potter. That's all. Everything else are tidbits and cuddlewopples of that mother of mine who can't stand the thought of her 'baby' out all alone without the warmth of his family.
What warmth? I was never allowed to experience it. My dad's a madman, a big supporter of Voldemort. I never liked the fact that he used to be a death-eater of sorts. It would only bring all sorts of trouble to the mansion and I hated having to wake up at night due to house raids done by the ministry. It was a waste of time! I've expressed those sentiments before but all I got was a threat to get booted out of the house.
I'd welcome that threat, but only when I'm much older.
So there. I have to pretend that I'm a big follower of Voldemort just because my dad is, having to act all nonchalant and prissy, just to uphold the family name. I'm sick of that trash! Truth is, I'd rather have no one take charge of the wizarding world. I'd very much prefer anarchy, thank you. None of that dark lord or ministry of magic silliness.
Good thing that Voldemort hasn't shown up these past 2 years. Potter's incident with probably sent him flying to the mental hospital. What is it that people see with Harry Potter? He's just an ordinary guy, like me and everyone else, save for that horrible scar on his forehead. Teachers also favor him along with Granger. See how stereotyped this school is? Just because you're famous and heroic guarantees you Dumbledore's favor.
My chain of thoughts was broken as I heard muffled voices. I didn't notice that I had walked into a dark corridor all this time.
"Hey! Over here!" someone whispered.
I turned around, my wand out. I checked my watch, and saw that it was near 11 pm.
"I know, I know!" another voice popped in.
What was going on? I leaned against the wall quietly, trying to listen. At least I knew that the whispers weren't for me. But who could be out this late at night?
"Are you sure we're doing this correctly?"
"Positive. Now give me the..."
"Ow!" Something solid walked right up to me and gave me this huge jab on the ribs. My hands went to them automatically, and I clenched my teeth together to prevent myself from yelling. So now there were three of them? Those two voices I heard were guys and the one that just exclaimed in pain was faintly familiar.
"Fred! Someone's here!"
"Yeah, yeah. I know...move faster you idiot!"
"Alright! I am! Quit pushing me!"
Those Weasley twins. Why should I be surprised?
"Lumos." I mumbled, and light came out of my wand. They seemed to have scrambled out of this place after hearing my small collision. Now, who was that person who bumped against me? I'll make sure that whoever that was would pay...
"Granger!" I exclaimed, seeing her thick brown hair and face in a slight wince. "What on earth's name are you doing here?!"
A/N: K...that was weird. Then again, it is my first time at the DracoxHermione pairing. I have no idea if anyone has tried this kind of plot before wherein Draco seeks refuge in the Library and stumbles in Hermione every so often, etc. Anyway, I'm still experimenting and would like to see how this goes out. Please take time to read and review. I'd really appreciate any kind of constructive criticism.