A New Kind of Enemy

Summary- The gang is seventeen now and in their seventh year at Hogwarts.  Voldemort is gone, along with the majority of the deatheaters, including Lucius Malfoy.  Hermione has been dating Victor Krum ever since the Yule Ball in their fourth year, and has fallen deeply in love with him.  But sometimes people surprise you, and arnt who you though they were.  Hermione discovers this about two people, two people she has known for the greater part of her life, and two people who will be working on two opposite extriemes, one trying to save her, and one trying to destroy her. 

Disclaimer- I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, or anything related to the Harry Potter world.  Ms. Rowling has the pleasure of that.

Spoilers- Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone,

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Pairing- Hermione Granger / Victor Krum at first, but will be a Hermione Granger / Draco Malfoy

~

Hermione sat and watched Ron and Harry gobble down food for the start-of- term feast, but she couldn't bring herself to touch any of it. "What if Victor is right? What if I really am a fat cow?" Hermione was thinking to herself when Ron asked,

 "Hermione, why aren't you eating? Starving yourself for the houselves again?"

"No Ron." Hermione said, slightly hurt, "I'm just a little nervous about who I'll be sharing living quarters with, what if I get someone horrid?"

"Ah don't worry about it Mione." Harry said grinning. "If you really hate him, you could just hex him, everyone knows your not one to be messed with."

Ron winked at her, "Yea Hermione." For some reason, Ron was making her uncomfortable, and she decided it was time enough to get going to her meeting, even though dinner wasn't done yet.

"You right guys, I'll be seeing you, you know, head people stuff." Hermione then walked briskly to the back room, and waited for Dumbledore and the mysterious head boy to arrive. She went over to a briliently blazing fire, and, although the heat was intense, she started shivering.

Being alone in a large room like this made her nervous, but she soon realized she wasn't alone. She turned around, expecting the worst, and well, she met the second worst- "Malfoy!"

"Hey, hey," He said in a hushed tone, sounding a bit hurt. "I told you to call me Draco remember?"

"Yes, but geez! You don't need to creep up on me like that!"

"I wasn't creeping up one you Hermione." He said, somewhat confused. "I was just walking, boy your really jumpy lately."

 "Yea well I have a right to be." She mumbled, and then Dumbledore walked in.

"Hello Students, I assume you are acquainted with one another?" Dumbledore said with a familiar twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes sir." Draco said, smiling.

"That's good then," Dumbledore said, "As you will be sharing living quarters. Hermione wasn't ready for that one. "what??!" She cried, much more forcefully then she would have in other situations.

"Oh dear. Dumbldors smile wavered a bit. "Is this going to be a problem? Hermione looked at Draco, who looked slightly hurt.

"N-no professor, that just wasn't what I was expecting."

 "Oh good!" You had me worried for a second Miss Granger. It is a Hogwarts tradition to have the Head Boy and Head Girl live together, and come together for common causes, such as dances." He said the word 'dances' with a wink. "Now, I shall show you to your new living quarters." He turned around and beckoned Hermione and Draco to follow him.

Hermione was still in shock. Living. With. Draco. All. Year. She couldn't comprehend it.

Soon Dumbledore stopped in front of a picture of a very old fashioned, but cute couple, sitting in front of a fireplace. The girl in the painting was wearing what looked like Gryffindor robes, but the robes where fashioned awfully similar to the muggle styles of the 1700's, a very full gown, and a tiny waist. Her dark hair fell in old fashions curls around her head like she had it up all day, and was just relaxing it. The boy was dressed in what looked like slytherin robes, and when he moved she could see a white shirt and knickers underneath. He had baby-blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He looked like he could have been an angel.

The two young people smiled at Draco and Hermione, and then at Dumbledore.

 "Ah Professor, are these the new heads?" Said the girl, her head resting on her companions shoulder.

"Yes they are Estella."

Dumbledore turned to Hermione and Draco. "Estella and Phillip here where the first Head Boy and Head girl, here at Hogwarts, Estella was from Gryffindor, and coincidently, Phillip was from Slytherin. These two where the first hand picked, I might add, by Godric Gryffindor, and Salazar Slytherin, and are the perfect epitamy of what Their respective houses represent.

"So," said Philip, what shall your password be?"

Hermione and Draco looked at each other, and Draco said firmly- "Lions and Snakes." Estella raised her eyebrows at this strange password, but Dumbledore was smiling brightly under his beard.

"Excellent idea Mr. Malfoy! Excellent!"

Hermione gave a small smile and said. "Lions and snakes." The painting then flew open to reveal the most gorgeous room Hermione had ever seen.

The Common room could easily fit 3 Gryffindor Common rooms inside, with room to spare. Walking in, they saw a beautiful Gold and silver chandelier above their heads, and a Roaring fire to their left, surrounded by crimson and silver sofas and chairs. Then to the right there where massive book shelves, and the shelves themselves where a jungle green, contrasting nicely to the otherwise clashing colors of Gryffindor.

Hermione, still shaking a little from cold, wondered over to the massive fireplace and realized something- this fireplace was the same on from the painting of Estella and Phillip!

 "Professor." She said, turning to the man, "Did Estella and Phillip pose right here for that painting?"

"Yes they did, Miss Granger." Dumbledore said, smiling wistfully. "They where the first head boy and girl, as you know and the first to room in these accommodations. You, Miss Granger, will be sleeping in Estella's room, and you Mr. Malfoy, will be sleeping in Phillips old room. I encourage you two to talk to them once and awhile, they can tell you more about this old school then I can. Estella and Phillip have a most marvelous story as well."

Hermione stood there, thinking about what their story could possibly be, when Dumbledore, yet again, interrupted her thoughts. "Well I suppose I shall leave you two. Miss Granger your room is at the right and Mr. Malfoy at the left. Goodbye." And Dumbledore made his exit.

"Well then." Draco said, almost business like. "Should we just go to sleep, or talk for awhile?"

"I think I should be getting to sleep." Hermione said, faking a yawn. "Classes tomorrow, you know."

"How could I forget, goodnight Hermione." "Goodnight Draco." And the two parted, going in their separate directions.

Hermione woke up the next morning feeling rather dirty, so she sleepily got out of bed and trudged over to the Head Boy and Girl bathroom. She peeled off her sweaty sleeping clothes and went to turn on the faucet, but it was not like a faucet she had ever seen. There where dials on it like 'Peachy Keen', 'Summer soft', 'Baby powder', 'Pumpkin juice', 'lilies and lilac', 'Strawberry Surprise' and 'blueberry beautiful'. Hermione, still feeling rather tired, turned on the 'Strawberry Surprise' and understood the'supprise', as she got into the shower, she didn't have to adjust the dial at all, as the water temperature was perfect, and she was immediately feeling much more awake from the scent, which was making her hungry at the very smell of it. After washing her hair with Shampoo and conditioner that matched the scent of the water, and using body wash of the same, she climbed out and wrapped a starch-white towel around her, and proceeded to comb out her hair.

Just then something horrible happened, Draco walked into the bathroom, from the side his Bedroom was in. "Uaaghhhhh!" Yelled Hermione, trying to cover up with another towel. "Uuuuaaaaghhhh..heyyyyyy" Was the response from Draco, then a horrified

"Oh my lord, Hermione!!" It was easy to see why Draco was so horrified, there where long cuts up and down Hermione's legs, and deep purple bruises that had not healed on her shoulders and back.

"Hermione! What happened?" He demanded. "What have you done to yourself?" In that simple sentence Hermione threw down the extra towel she was using to cover herself with and started to half cry, half yell at Draco.

"Do you think I did this to MYSELF Draco Malfoy? Do you actually think I would put myself through this? NO! No! This is not the fate anyone should go through, if only he-" and she stopped short, before she gave away everything, gave away her entire secret. No, she would remain calm, she had to. Everything was at stake. She did not want Draco Malfoy knowing she was some stupid mudblood slut, no, here at Hogwarts she still had her identity, her dignity, and no one was taking that from her, especially not Draco.

"Hermione-" He said, quietly, as to not set her off again. "Who is doing this to you? Was it the same person who was there at Knockturn Ally?"

 "Draco," Hermione said firmly "It's nothing, I'm clumsy and fell off a broom a few times, its nothing." And with that, she left him in the bathroom, with a worried look on his face.

Hermione went back into her loom and locked the door. There was no way she was going to be able to make the rest of the year with an 'I'm-ok-no-need- to-worry-about-me' attitude.

"Ok now." Hermione said softly. "Deep breaths come one Granger! You HAVE to do this! Get dressed right now and go downstairs to breakfast! Ron and Harry are probably waiting for you, and wondering where you are!" Feeling a little better after her pep talk to herself, Hermione got dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a white quarter- sleeve shirt, and put her robes on onto. She then finished brushing her nearly-dry hair and put on a little makeup. "There, now I look presentable." She said to herself, and she walked out into the common room, Draco still in the shower, and down to breakfast.

"Hi Hermione!" Ron Weasly said brightly as Hermione walked over to the Gryfindor table. Harry simply waved, due to the fact that he had sausage stuffed into him mouth.

"Hi Ron, Hiya Harry." Hermione said, in what she hoped was a happy voice. "Classes start today!" The thought of being able to get back into her study sleep eat study sleep eat cycle was comforting to Hermione, and she enjoyed her classes, things where bound to look up.

"Yea, classes, and of course, double potions with the Slytherins" Harry had managed to say, after chewing his sausage. Ron looked ready to dash back up to bed.

 "Oh come now guys," Hermione, being the peacekeeper, "It's our last year, we NEED to make the best of it, potions-slytherins-homework.. Enjoy it while you can.." She said the last part somewhat quietly, and Harry and Ron took this opportunity to agree.

"Your right, Mione." Ron said in a comforting voice, "We need to enjoy it before we get thrown into the real world."

Hermione smiled, then looked at her watch, "Come on guys, potions time!"

The three friends walked into potions, for once in their school career, they where early. They decided to take their seats by the door, so they could book out of there when it was over, but Hermione was going to enjoy her last year at Hogwarts, it could very well be her last year in a safe and loving place.

She looked up as Draco walked in, and he looked at her. His two bodyguards where in their respectable places, but Draco didn't even seem to realize they where there. He mouthed "Are you ok?" And she nodded her head, up and down, almost as if some force was making her.

"What Hermione?" Ron asked and snapped Hermione back to reality. "Oh, nothing, just daydreaming Ron."

"Ah, I see," Harry said, grinning. "She misses Vicky." Ron and Harry laughed, but Hermione suddenly felt as though she was going to be sick. She got up and ran out of the room, leaving her books and quill, and nearly knocking Professor Snape over, who barley got to say "20 points from Gryffindor!" Before she was out of earshot.

Hermione ran and ran, and unconsciously, she ran to the entrance of her dorm room. She stopped for a moment. No one had followed her, why would they? As she gained her breath, she looked up at the painting of the couple, and they where looking down on her, their faces etched with worry.

"What's wrong dear?" Estella said, lifting her head up from her partners' comfy shoulder.

"Estella," Hermione started. When you went to Hogwarts, did you date Phillip the whole time? You two seem so happy, even as a painting!"

 "Why no Hermione." Estella said kindly. "Phillip and I." She glanced over at the good looking man beside her. "Well, we didn't see eye to eye, I suppose you would say."

"Yes, that's very true." Phillip was now talking. "We where the biggest of rivals. We both competed for top marks, and deserved everything we worked for. You know, already, I was from Professor Salazar's house, Slytherin. Estella was from Professor Godricks house, Gryffindor. Now, contrary to what the common knowledge is, Professor Gryffindor and Professor Slytherin were not ememies they just did not agree on a thing. In fact, the reason they made Estella and I Head Boy and Head Girl where to see if we could sort out our differences, because to them, if two seventeen year olds could, surly they can!"

"Yes, that's quite the truth." Estella picked up the story again. "You see dear, Phillip and I where not very found of each other, to say the least, much like yourself and young Draco, though I don't know why, Hermione dear, he's awfully hansom."

Hermione blushed, and Estella smiled and continued.

"Being in the same living quarters with Phillip was a nightmare. He was a messy, self absorbed pig." Phillip gave Estella a fake hurt look; she kissed him on the cheek and continued. "And Hermione, you realize, I was not one to be able to live with someone, I had a secret, and it ate me up inside, and all Phillip did was press and press, and well, quite frankly, he was the one that saved my life. All I am trying to tell you, Hermione, from one girl to another, is I do know what you are going through. Do not underestimate this castle; we pictures say much more than a thousand words." Hermione smiled weakly at them, and Estella again rested her head on Phillips shoulder. Then Hermione had a thought.

"Estella, what was your secret?" "Oh Hermione," Estella mumbled, nearly asleep. "I was betrothed to an abusive slave to the bottle.." And with that, Estella fell asleep.

"Lions and Snakes." Hermione whispered to Phillip and he gently swung the painting open.


After saying goodbye to Estella and Phillip, Hermione crept into her common room. She went to sit on the crimson couch, and there she sat, staring into the crackling fire, alone with her thoughts.

[Back in Potions class]

"Where could she have gone?" Ron asked Harry, bewildered. "And what did I say? She took off faster then you on your firebolt!"

 "I don't know, Ron." Harry said unhappily. "Think we should go after her?"

"I don't think that would be a wise idea, Mr. Potter." Harry jumped at the voice, it was Snape. "As I am sure you do not want to lose any more points from Gryffindor."

"Yes sir." Ron and Harry said, keeping their eyes down.

Draco Malfoy looked over at Potter and Weasly, and was wondering if he could get away with running after her, "I mean, I am Snapes favorite." He told himself smugly. Then he stopped, "Im thinking about running after a mudblood? No!" But even saying the word 'mudblood' in his head seemed vulgar, he couldn't do it. But all the same, he didn't understand why he was going soft for Hermione Granger.



Hermione was still curled up on the couch, lost in a daze of past memories, happy ones- When she first found out she was a witch, her parents telling her how proud they where, her first trip to Diagon Ally and Her first spell book, The excitement she felt when her and her wand where united in Olivanders Wand Shop, When Ron and Harry saved he from the troll and they had become the best of friends, when she and her friends figured out the Sorcerers stone, and when she found out Harry was alright. She went on like this, up until she got to remembering her fourth year....and when we found out that Harry was the fourth champion, oh I was so proud of him! And when she looked like a real princess for the Yule ball. and she stopped, and started shaking. The Yule ball. her first real intimate interaction with Victor. She felt so in love that night, so perfect.

Her first love, oh Victor had betrayed her. Hermione sighed, and looked at the enchanted clock.

"I suppose I should go to transfiguration." She said quietly, and she gathered her books and walked out through the picture. She was no sooner around the corner when a certain Slytherin came around the other way, knocking her clean onto her back. When she dared open her eyes, Draco was standing over her.

 "You know Hermione," he said with a mischievous grin "You lying on your back and all that." Draco looked at her, and was surprised yet again by Hermione Granger. She had closed her eyes again, and was tensed up, as though Draco was in fact, serious about the joke he had just made.

"Oh Hermione," He said, slightly exasperated, "I was only kidding!" He bent down to help her with her fallen books. "Dumbledore said we may have the entire day off, to start preparations for The Halloween Ball. Remember last years? All the bats everywhere and the candy apple punch that was spiked halfway through-" He stopped talking and noticed Hermione's eyes, which where looking into his. They where very lovely, a warm honey, but there was no glitter like there had been. "This is not Hermione Granger." Draco realized. "Something has died in her; the light in her eyes has gone out. If I had made that comment last year she would have hexed me back to the stone age."

"Hermione?" He asked in a concerned voice, and Hermione answered quietly.

"Yes?"

"Well, shall we go and start planning?"

She gave him a small smile, and nodded, and he helped carry her books back into the painting. When the painting was back in place, you could see smiles on Estella and Phillips' faces.

"So, where should we start?" Hermione asked absently, thinking about Dracos gorgeous eyes.

"Hmm, er, I don't really have any experience in planning parties; I just go to them, but what about the main things? Like music and entertainment, and food? Oh, and costumes, It's a Halloween ball, so I suppose we should have costumes." Hermione smiled, as Draco looked at her hopefully.

 "That's great, but uh, I'm not really familiar with what's going on in the wizarding world. Who should we get for music?"

"Well, I have an idea about music-Celestina Warbeck?" Draco asked, and looked for Hermione's approval.

"Well Draco, I guess I'll have to trust you on that one, I think I heard her playing at Ron's house, the radio, I think anyway." Hermione had a little checklist in her lap, organized as always, and beside music she wrote 'Celestina Warbeck'. Draco smirked and continued.

"Do you think we should have a feast or just have a lot of snacks that people can eat whenever?" Hermione answered

"I know from experience girls get cranky when they eat a lot in a nice dress, or robes, or costumes, whatever, and it's more convenient to have food whenever you want it."

"Ok," Draco said, watching her write again in her notebook.

"God she's beautiful." Draco thought to himself, and not understanding what was coming over him. Ever since his father was killed, he felt better. He father was a horrible man who deserved what he got. Draco was to inherit a fortune, and he was simply happy his father wasn't there, at the manor, hurting his mother.

"Draco?" Said Hermione, "What should we have to eat?"

"Er," he said, thinking, "How about caldrons cakes, and of course punch, and we can get assorted candy as well?" Hermione grinned and jotted that down, the dance preparations where coming along nicely.

Suddenly Draco had a thought, or at least a glimmer of a thought, and before he even knew what he was doing, he said quickly- "Hermionewillyougototheballwithme?"

Hermione looked at him, shocked, and he looked down at his hands, and then bravely looked back at her, and she smiled, and said,

 "Care to repeat that, Draco?"

 He signed, and said, slowly, "Hermione, will you please be my date to the Halloween dance? You know, like the head boy and head girl thing?"

Hermione looked at him and her heart melted. He had on such a sad face! His eyes where still the liquid pewter color, but with hope and compassion mixed in, and his lower lip (his sexy lower lip, she might add) was out just a little, giving him the pouty puppy look.

"No wonder you're so spoiled Draco Malfoy!"

She said in exasperation. He looked at her with hurt and disappointment etched into his features. Hermione continued, "You could get anyone to say 'yes' with a pouty look like that." She took his pale hand and smiled at him. "I would love to be your date."

Draco looked at her, and for a second confusion crossed over his face, but as soon as he comprehended what she said, his face lit up with a big smile. "thanks for giving me a chance Hermione."

"It's ok, Draco." But in the back of Hermione's mind, a small voice was screaming at her, "You're going to get him in trouble with Victor too!" But Hermione was happy in this moment, and there was no way Victor would find out about a Halloween Ball at Hogwarts, let alone that she was going with Draco Malfoy. Right?