Thank you so much everybody for reviewing!!!!!!!!!! You guys are
stars!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, I've updated (hehe) sorry it's taken so long -
only everyone wanted something longer, so I've done something longer. Hope
you like it!
Disclaimer: It's mine! Really! Ok, maybe not.I'm such a bad liar.
*****
Hermione rubbed her eyes and yawned. The night was still young, but the first day back at school had worn her out. She had been tormented all day by the thought of meeting Draco out of lessons. He continually picked on her through charms, and she had felt like slapping him on more than one occasion.
"Hermione?" Harry asked tentatively. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine," She replied automatically.
Ron eyed her suspiciously. "You've been acting weirdly ever since Potions. Malfoy's no ideal partner, but you're getting seriously freaked out about this."
Hermione slammed the book she was reading shut. "Ron, Malfoy's been my worst enemy for as long as I can remember! You haven't a clue to how it feels! Every time I see him I feel like dirt, because I'm reminded that I'm a Muggle born! I'm not even a proper witch, just a Muggle who got lucky! And now I'm being forced to spend a term with him - most of the time alone! Do you think I like that?"
Ron looked at the floor. "Man, I'm sorry. I never meant it to sound offensive or anything. I'm just really worried about you."
"Maybe you should get some rest," Harry added, "You look tired."
"Jeez thanks," Hermione said sarcastically, "Remind me to always ask you for compliments."
Ron and Harry looked at each other. Something was definitely wrong with Hermione. Whether it was the thought of spending time with none other than Draco Malfoy, or something else entirely, they didn't know.
"I'm going to bed," Hermione muttered. "And I may not come out."
*****
Hermione was running through the forest. Tree branches whipped against her arms, leaving sore red marks. She didn't know why she was running, or what she was running from. All she knew was that she couldn't stop. Her breathing was shallow and ragged, and there was a sharp pain in her side. Hermione felt a surge of relief as she spotted the end of the forest drawing ever closer. It was unfortunate that she didn't see the large tree root protruding out of the ground. Hermione tripped over it, and landed face down with a mighty thump.
*****
Hermione gasped for air. She tried to recollect her thoughts and senses, but all she felt was fear. Pure and utter fear. It had only been a dream, a very bad dream. She shut her eyes in the vain hope that her nightmare would disappear from her thoughts, but the scene kept replaying over and over in her mind. She hadn't even known what she was running from!
"It was only a dream," Hermione repeated aloud, trying desperately to soothe herself, "It was only a dream. Fictional. Not true. False. It didn't actually happen."
Or did it? A voice in the back of her head said. There were stinging red marks on her arms - red marks that hadn't been there before she had fallen asleep. And wait.there was a twig in her hair.
"It can't have been real," She whispered, her eyes large and horrified. "It just can't have!"
*****
"You look as if you've been up all night," Harry exclaimed, eyeing the dark purple circles round Hermione's eyes.
"I had a bad dream," She said shortly.
There was a pause.
"Feel free to tell us about it," Ron commented.
Hermione gave him an exasperated look.
"I don't have to tell you everything! I have my secrets, and you have yours."
Ron raised an eyebrow. "What sort of secrets?"
Hermione bowed her head, so that her hair covered her face. Ron sighed.
"Well let's play a little game," He said, "I'll tell you one of my secrets if you spill about your nightmare. Alright.I was afraid of worms when I was younger."
Hermione slammed her glass down on the table. "Look, it was nothing, ok? I was just running away from something. No big deal!"
Ron and Harry looked at each other.
"Ok, ok, just trying to help."
"Well don't next time!" Hermione spat angrily.
*****
~ Draco's POV ~ I can't believe it. I'm actually doing a project with that mudblood Granger. Potter's only just bearable - but only because he's so easy to wind up. Granger's ten times worse. She thinks she's some sort of child prodigy! And she goes around acting like she's a Pureblood. I don't what they were thinking of, letting her into Hogwarts. If it weren't for Granger, I'd have the top place in every class. So because of a stupid Mudblood I have to settle for second best. Great.
*****
Hermione took a deep breath, and walked over to meet Harry and Ron.
"Hi," She said lamely.
They both smiled weakly in reply.
"Look, I'm really sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have snapped at you; I'm just feeling really tied and grumpy at the moment. I didn't mean to sound so detestable."
"I'm sorry too," Ron added, smiling. "I shouldn't have pressured you."
"Were you really afraid of worms?" Hermione laughed.
"He still is!" Harry interjected.
"Oi you!" Ron whacked Harry round the head.
"Oh look - it's the Muggle born and her boyfriends," An all to familiar voice drawled.
"Shut your trap, Malfoy," Ron growled.
"I'm so scared!" Malfoy rolled his eyes.
Crabbe and Goyle guffawed heartily.
"You're just an insecure little boy, Malfoy," Hermione said.
"And you're just an ugly little Mudblood," Draco retorted.
Ron turned purple with anger at the insult, but Harry restrained him from doing anything to damaging.
"If I were you, I'd be worried about your future. I don't think You-Know- How accepts immature kids as Death Eaters," Hermione spat.
Draco's face had turned a light shade of pink.
"Watch your mouth Granger!" He snarled.
"I feel sorry for you - you're going to follow exactly into daddy's footsteps. Same looks, same personality - same future," Hermione smiled tightly.
Draco snapped, and pulled out his wand.
"Cassius monificus!" He yelled, just as Hermione shouted, "Ocule pentaris!"
The two spells met half way and counteracted each other. Both Draco and Hermione were thrown backwards, landing on their backsides. She grimaced, and sat up.
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, "Are you alright?" "I'm fine," She groaned.
"Disgraceful!" A voice screeched.
"Professor Flitwick!" Hermione gasped.
"Fighting in the corridors!" Flitwick tutted, "I'm absolutely appalled at the standard of behaviour you're setting! Thirty points from both houses, and a detention this evening!"
"But Professor - "Hermione protested.
"No excuses!" Flitwick yelled shrilly, "You will clean my classroom so that it's spick and span! And NO magic!"
*****
~ Draco's POV ~ How dare that Mudblood make assumptions about me! She thinks she's so damn infallible! I admit that I used to worship my father - but doesn't every little boy look up to his dad? Father may support Voldemort, but the doesn't mean I will too. I have no real problem with Muggle borns in general (they're much better than Father said), but I absolutely loathe Granger. She practically accused me of being a Death Eater! I'm not going to end up like my father - I'd rather be dead!
*****
Hermione regretfully swallowed the remains of her meal. Detention with Draco Malfoy loomed ever closer. She shuddered. An hour or two alone with him.
"I'd better go." Hermione reluctantly stood up.
"Good luck," Harry said.
"I'm gonna need it," She replied bitterly.
*****
Hermione arrived outside the charms classroom to find that Draco was already there.
"Not got your boyfriends with you, Granger?"
"They're not my boyfriends," She said coolly.
Draco laughed harshly.
"What?" Hermione asked defensively.
"You're so naive for the top student! It's obvious that Weasley would love to get his hands on you!"
Hermione blushed.
And I can see why, Draco thought. She may be more annoying than Dumbledore and McGonagall put together, but she had a great body. He frowned. Where had that suddenly come from?
"Can't see why though," Draco continued to cover up his embarrassment, "You're not good enough to call yourself a witch!"
"Oh, change the record!" Hermione spat. "You've got no idea what it's like for me!"
Draco couldn't believe the ignorance of her!
"So you think you're hard off, do you? You haven't got the slightest clue about a hard life! Imagine all your family and friends expecting you to be something you're not; something you don't want to be! You've got it easy compared to me, Granger! And you know what - the physical torture doesn't even hurt me any more! It's what's happening in my head is what I have to worry about! Who knows what I'll do if I break!"
Realising what he had revealed, Draco turned his back to Hermione.
"Malfoy.Draco.I'm sorry. About what I said. About you turning into your father - I didn't mean it. You're not going to end up like him; you're far more decent."
Draco said nothing, puzzled - was the Mudblood comforting him?
"Glad to see you're here already!" Professor Flitwick squeaked.
He handed them a mop, bucket of water, dustpan and brush.
"You'd better get started then!" Flitwick smiled cheerily.
Hermione took the dustpan while Draco equipped himself with a mop.
"This is so degrading," She heard him murmur under his breath.
"I'll leave you to it," Flitwick said, "But I expect it to be finished in less than three hours."
Draco shot an angry glare at the Professor's retreating back, then looked at Hermione.
"How do you use this thing anyway?" Draco asked, holding up the mop.
She quickly stifled a laugh.
"Here, give it to me," Hermione said, laughter still threatening to erupt. She demonstrated how to use it, and then handed it back to Draco.
"Your turn now," She giggled.
Draco looked at the mop in horror.
"You're actually supposed to clean with it," Hermione said amusedly.
Muttering curses, Draco dunked the mop into the water, and then started cleaning the floor. His face showed pure disgust.
"It's only cleaning!" Hermione said.
"Yeah, well, I'm not used to it," Draco bristled.
Hermione raised her eyebrows. Draco saw her look and shrugged.
"What?" He questioned, "A house elf cleans the manor."
*****
Hermione wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't actually been there - having an actual conversation with Draco Malfoy, Slytherin King! They worked fast, without talking - but Hermione hadn't expected them to.
"Done!" Draco exclaimed triumphantly.
Hermione laughed. "You've swept yourself into a corner!"
Draco frowned. "No I haven't - the door's behind me."
Hermione face fell. "I can't believe you swept *me* into a corner!"
Draco smirked, but it wasn't the one usually stuck upon his face - this one was kinder, softer.
"I guess I'll just have to walk across this nice, clean floor," Hermione said, with a tone of mock disappointment.
"No way!" Draco protested, "I spent ages cleaning that floor!"
"I'll stand on my tip toes," She promised.
Draco sighed half-heartedly.
"Fine."
Hermione slowly made her way across the room. She'd reached the half way mark, but her toes were beginning to hurt.
"My toes are aching," Hermione whined.
"Tough!"
On the last length she buckled and slipped, crashing into Draco. They collapsed onto the floor, Hermione atop of Draco in a very embarrassing and awkward position. Neither moved for a second. Then: -
"Geroff me, Granger, your elbow's in my stomach!"
Hermione quickly scrambled off of him.
"Looks like your clean floor's ruined," She said.
"Oh crap!"
"Language, Mr. Malfoy, language!" Professor Flitwick lectured as he entered the room.
Draco looked at the floor.
"It looks clean enough to me," Flitwick concluded, "But I think you should have cleaned the footprints by the door!"
This time it was Hermione's turn to lower her eyes.
"Well done, both of you," Flitwick congratulated, "But I don't expect to see any more fighting."
"Yes Professor," They chorused.
He nodded, and waved a hand at them, signalling that they could leave.
"'Night Malfoy," Hermione called after Draco as he made his way to the dungeons.
"'Night Granger," He called back.
*****
~Draco's POV~ I can't believe it. I was actually courteous and polite to Granger. She's not so bad any more.in fact she's kinda hot. But the doesn't mean I fancy her or anything! At least I hope not - my reputation would be ruined! A Slytherin Pureblood going out with a Gryffindor Muggle born! Father would have a fit! But it's weird - because when she was in my arms it just felt.well, right. It was probably just a spur of the moment thing. Yet.what if it wasn't? What if I'm in LOVE with Granger?!!
*****
Thanks for reading! Please please review!
Disclaimer: It's mine! Really! Ok, maybe not.I'm such a bad liar.
*****
Hermione rubbed her eyes and yawned. The night was still young, but the first day back at school had worn her out. She had been tormented all day by the thought of meeting Draco out of lessons. He continually picked on her through charms, and she had felt like slapping him on more than one occasion.
"Hermione?" Harry asked tentatively. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine," She replied automatically.
Ron eyed her suspiciously. "You've been acting weirdly ever since Potions. Malfoy's no ideal partner, but you're getting seriously freaked out about this."
Hermione slammed the book she was reading shut. "Ron, Malfoy's been my worst enemy for as long as I can remember! You haven't a clue to how it feels! Every time I see him I feel like dirt, because I'm reminded that I'm a Muggle born! I'm not even a proper witch, just a Muggle who got lucky! And now I'm being forced to spend a term with him - most of the time alone! Do you think I like that?"
Ron looked at the floor. "Man, I'm sorry. I never meant it to sound offensive or anything. I'm just really worried about you."
"Maybe you should get some rest," Harry added, "You look tired."
"Jeez thanks," Hermione said sarcastically, "Remind me to always ask you for compliments."
Ron and Harry looked at each other. Something was definitely wrong with Hermione. Whether it was the thought of spending time with none other than Draco Malfoy, or something else entirely, they didn't know.
"I'm going to bed," Hermione muttered. "And I may not come out."
*****
Hermione was running through the forest. Tree branches whipped against her arms, leaving sore red marks. She didn't know why she was running, or what she was running from. All she knew was that she couldn't stop. Her breathing was shallow and ragged, and there was a sharp pain in her side. Hermione felt a surge of relief as she spotted the end of the forest drawing ever closer. It was unfortunate that she didn't see the large tree root protruding out of the ground. Hermione tripped over it, and landed face down with a mighty thump.
*****
Hermione gasped for air. She tried to recollect her thoughts and senses, but all she felt was fear. Pure and utter fear. It had only been a dream, a very bad dream. She shut her eyes in the vain hope that her nightmare would disappear from her thoughts, but the scene kept replaying over and over in her mind. She hadn't even known what she was running from!
"It was only a dream," Hermione repeated aloud, trying desperately to soothe herself, "It was only a dream. Fictional. Not true. False. It didn't actually happen."
Or did it? A voice in the back of her head said. There were stinging red marks on her arms - red marks that hadn't been there before she had fallen asleep. And wait.there was a twig in her hair.
"It can't have been real," She whispered, her eyes large and horrified. "It just can't have!"
*****
"You look as if you've been up all night," Harry exclaimed, eyeing the dark purple circles round Hermione's eyes.
"I had a bad dream," She said shortly.
There was a pause.
"Feel free to tell us about it," Ron commented.
Hermione gave him an exasperated look.
"I don't have to tell you everything! I have my secrets, and you have yours."
Ron raised an eyebrow. "What sort of secrets?"
Hermione bowed her head, so that her hair covered her face. Ron sighed.
"Well let's play a little game," He said, "I'll tell you one of my secrets if you spill about your nightmare. Alright.I was afraid of worms when I was younger."
Hermione slammed her glass down on the table. "Look, it was nothing, ok? I was just running away from something. No big deal!"
Ron and Harry looked at each other.
"Ok, ok, just trying to help."
"Well don't next time!" Hermione spat angrily.
*****
~ Draco's POV ~ I can't believe it. I'm actually doing a project with that mudblood Granger. Potter's only just bearable - but only because he's so easy to wind up. Granger's ten times worse. She thinks she's some sort of child prodigy! And she goes around acting like she's a Pureblood. I don't what they were thinking of, letting her into Hogwarts. If it weren't for Granger, I'd have the top place in every class. So because of a stupid Mudblood I have to settle for second best. Great.
*****
Hermione took a deep breath, and walked over to meet Harry and Ron.
"Hi," She said lamely.
They both smiled weakly in reply.
"Look, I'm really sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have snapped at you; I'm just feeling really tied and grumpy at the moment. I didn't mean to sound so detestable."
"I'm sorry too," Ron added, smiling. "I shouldn't have pressured you."
"Were you really afraid of worms?" Hermione laughed.
"He still is!" Harry interjected.
"Oi you!" Ron whacked Harry round the head.
"Oh look - it's the Muggle born and her boyfriends," An all to familiar voice drawled.
"Shut your trap, Malfoy," Ron growled.
"I'm so scared!" Malfoy rolled his eyes.
Crabbe and Goyle guffawed heartily.
"You're just an insecure little boy, Malfoy," Hermione said.
"And you're just an ugly little Mudblood," Draco retorted.
Ron turned purple with anger at the insult, but Harry restrained him from doing anything to damaging.
"If I were you, I'd be worried about your future. I don't think You-Know- How accepts immature kids as Death Eaters," Hermione spat.
Draco's face had turned a light shade of pink.
"Watch your mouth Granger!" He snarled.
"I feel sorry for you - you're going to follow exactly into daddy's footsteps. Same looks, same personality - same future," Hermione smiled tightly.
Draco snapped, and pulled out his wand.
"Cassius monificus!" He yelled, just as Hermione shouted, "Ocule pentaris!"
The two spells met half way and counteracted each other. Both Draco and Hermione were thrown backwards, landing on their backsides. She grimaced, and sat up.
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, "Are you alright?" "I'm fine," She groaned.
"Disgraceful!" A voice screeched.
"Professor Flitwick!" Hermione gasped.
"Fighting in the corridors!" Flitwick tutted, "I'm absolutely appalled at the standard of behaviour you're setting! Thirty points from both houses, and a detention this evening!"
"But Professor - "Hermione protested.
"No excuses!" Flitwick yelled shrilly, "You will clean my classroom so that it's spick and span! And NO magic!"
*****
~ Draco's POV ~ How dare that Mudblood make assumptions about me! She thinks she's so damn infallible! I admit that I used to worship my father - but doesn't every little boy look up to his dad? Father may support Voldemort, but the doesn't mean I will too. I have no real problem with Muggle borns in general (they're much better than Father said), but I absolutely loathe Granger. She practically accused me of being a Death Eater! I'm not going to end up like my father - I'd rather be dead!
*****
Hermione regretfully swallowed the remains of her meal. Detention with Draco Malfoy loomed ever closer. She shuddered. An hour or two alone with him.
"I'd better go." Hermione reluctantly stood up.
"Good luck," Harry said.
"I'm gonna need it," She replied bitterly.
*****
Hermione arrived outside the charms classroom to find that Draco was already there.
"Not got your boyfriends with you, Granger?"
"They're not my boyfriends," She said coolly.
Draco laughed harshly.
"What?" Hermione asked defensively.
"You're so naive for the top student! It's obvious that Weasley would love to get his hands on you!"
Hermione blushed.
And I can see why, Draco thought. She may be more annoying than Dumbledore and McGonagall put together, but she had a great body. He frowned. Where had that suddenly come from?
"Can't see why though," Draco continued to cover up his embarrassment, "You're not good enough to call yourself a witch!"
"Oh, change the record!" Hermione spat. "You've got no idea what it's like for me!"
Draco couldn't believe the ignorance of her!
"So you think you're hard off, do you? You haven't got the slightest clue about a hard life! Imagine all your family and friends expecting you to be something you're not; something you don't want to be! You've got it easy compared to me, Granger! And you know what - the physical torture doesn't even hurt me any more! It's what's happening in my head is what I have to worry about! Who knows what I'll do if I break!"
Realising what he had revealed, Draco turned his back to Hermione.
"Malfoy.Draco.I'm sorry. About what I said. About you turning into your father - I didn't mean it. You're not going to end up like him; you're far more decent."
Draco said nothing, puzzled - was the Mudblood comforting him?
"Glad to see you're here already!" Professor Flitwick squeaked.
He handed them a mop, bucket of water, dustpan and brush.
"You'd better get started then!" Flitwick smiled cheerily.
Hermione took the dustpan while Draco equipped himself with a mop.
"This is so degrading," She heard him murmur under his breath.
"I'll leave you to it," Flitwick said, "But I expect it to be finished in less than three hours."
Draco shot an angry glare at the Professor's retreating back, then looked at Hermione.
"How do you use this thing anyway?" Draco asked, holding up the mop.
She quickly stifled a laugh.
"Here, give it to me," Hermione said, laughter still threatening to erupt. She demonstrated how to use it, and then handed it back to Draco.
"Your turn now," She giggled.
Draco looked at the mop in horror.
"You're actually supposed to clean with it," Hermione said amusedly.
Muttering curses, Draco dunked the mop into the water, and then started cleaning the floor. His face showed pure disgust.
"It's only cleaning!" Hermione said.
"Yeah, well, I'm not used to it," Draco bristled.
Hermione raised her eyebrows. Draco saw her look and shrugged.
"What?" He questioned, "A house elf cleans the manor."
*****
Hermione wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't actually been there - having an actual conversation with Draco Malfoy, Slytherin King! They worked fast, without talking - but Hermione hadn't expected them to.
"Done!" Draco exclaimed triumphantly.
Hermione laughed. "You've swept yourself into a corner!"
Draco frowned. "No I haven't - the door's behind me."
Hermione face fell. "I can't believe you swept *me* into a corner!"
Draco smirked, but it wasn't the one usually stuck upon his face - this one was kinder, softer.
"I guess I'll just have to walk across this nice, clean floor," Hermione said, with a tone of mock disappointment.
"No way!" Draco protested, "I spent ages cleaning that floor!"
"I'll stand on my tip toes," She promised.
Draco sighed half-heartedly.
"Fine."
Hermione slowly made her way across the room. She'd reached the half way mark, but her toes were beginning to hurt.
"My toes are aching," Hermione whined.
"Tough!"
On the last length she buckled and slipped, crashing into Draco. They collapsed onto the floor, Hermione atop of Draco in a very embarrassing and awkward position. Neither moved for a second. Then: -
"Geroff me, Granger, your elbow's in my stomach!"
Hermione quickly scrambled off of him.
"Looks like your clean floor's ruined," She said.
"Oh crap!"
"Language, Mr. Malfoy, language!" Professor Flitwick lectured as he entered the room.
Draco looked at the floor.
"It looks clean enough to me," Flitwick concluded, "But I think you should have cleaned the footprints by the door!"
This time it was Hermione's turn to lower her eyes.
"Well done, both of you," Flitwick congratulated, "But I don't expect to see any more fighting."
"Yes Professor," They chorused.
He nodded, and waved a hand at them, signalling that they could leave.
"'Night Malfoy," Hermione called after Draco as he made his way to the dungeons.
"'Night Granger," He called back.
*****
~Draco's POV~ I can't believe it. I was actually courteous and polite to Granger. She's not so bad any more.in fact she's kinda hot. But the doesn't mean I fancy her or anything! At least I hope not - my reputation would be ruined! A Slytherin Pureblood going out with a Gryffindor Muggle born! Father would have a fit! But it's weird - because when she was in my arms it just felt.well, right. It was probably just a spur of the moment thing. Yet.what if it wasn't? What if I'm in LOVE with Granger?!!
*****
Thanks for reading! Please please review!