I FINALLY got the chance to update again, I'm so excited! Again, thanks to all who reviewed. Here is chapter three!
Hermione found herself feeling strangely tranquil as she and her two friends, along with Neville Longbottom, an acquaintance of theirs, climbed into a rowboat. They rowed along the peaceful waters that separated Hogwarts from the rest of the world. Hermione would have been content to remain on these waters forever, gazing at the beautiful and picturesque castle that was Hogwarts. But eventually, she felt the boat bump gently into the land, and she was forced to abandon it and press on to the school.
Firs' years! Firs' years, over here! called out the gruff voice of Rubeus Hagrid. Hermione shifted her gaze from the castle to the first year students. She watched them, their young, innocent faces glowing with the light emitted from the planetary castle. She remembered her own days as a first year and wished she could return to them. She had been carefree and unknowing then, eager to enter the school, eager to learn. Now, she dreaded every step she took that brought her nearer to the immense castle.
said Harry suddenly.
Hermione replied, awakening from her light reverie.
Are you all right?
Yes, Harry, I'm fine, just tired.
Well, let's go in now, then. Harry smiled slightly. Surrounded by her friends, Hermione sighed, climbed the marble steps, and ventured into the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was beautiful as usual; the illusion of the night sky covered the ceiling, and the walls shimmered with the torch light. Hermione gazed up at the High table, where the professors sat. She looked at Dumbledore, who was seated in the middle. His eyes had not lost their usual gleam, but they had a look of apprehension in them as well. Side of him sat Professor Mcgonnagal, who wore a blank expression on her face. On her other side was Snape, who was looking miserable as usual. Hermione took her seat at the Gryffindor table, for the Sorting Ceremony was about to begin.
The Sorting Hat, looking tattered as usual, was placed on a short stool. It twitched and then broke into song. To the surprise of the students and teachers, it did not have new lyrics. It was singing the same song it had the previous year. Hermione did not mind this, as it was her personal favorite. She calmly and silently listened, and all of a sudden, a particular verse captured her.
Though condemned I am to split you,
Still I worry that it's wrong,
Though I must fulfill my duty,
And must quarter every year,
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her,
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you,
Let the Sorting now begin
The Hall burst into applause, and the first years were sorted. Harry seemed to be particularly ecstatic when Evans, Mark was declared a Gryffindor. He jumped from his seat and clapped wildly, a brilliant smile over his face. The small red haired boy called Mark ran over to the Gryffindor table and threw his angular arms around Harry's waist.
I knew it! Harry shouted gleefully. Mark just grinned. I'm sorry, Mark, I haven't introduced you to my friends. This is Ron, and this is Hermione. Hermione and Ron smiled and waved.
Ron, Hermione, this is my cousin. I just found out this past summer. My mum and my Aunt Petunia had a brother. Mark is his son.
Welcome to Gryffindor! said Ron cheerfully to Mark, who smiled and sat down side of Harry.
The feast went quite well at the Gryffindor table, everyone seemed lighthearted enough, despite the tragic events of the previous school year. But, as Hermione eyed the Slytherin table, she could see that things were not going quite as well over there. No one was eating anything and no one was talking, not even Pansy Parkinson. This seemed quite understandable to Hermione, as she knew that the parents of several Slytherin students had been entombed in the dire prison of Azkaban. Hermione studied Draco. His pale gray blue eyes appeared to have a glaze over them; it was as though he were not in the room at all. He seemed to be lost in thought, far away. Hermione almost wished to be wherever he was, as she had always wondered how his mind worked. He blinked, and, for the first time, Hermione noticed how dismal and sorrowful he looked. Why was he so despondent? His parents were no longer imprisoned. The thought struck Hermione that she had never seen Draco this way before. She had seen him angry many times, but never so lugubrious and forlorn.
How very strange, Hermione said, without realizing it.
said Ron, through a mouthful of cake.
Look at Malfoy, Hermione whispered. Ron looked.
What about him? he asked, looking confused.
He doesn't seem any.....different to you?
said Ron halfheartedly before turning to Harry and Mark, who were talking excitedly. Hermione continued to view Draco. The words of the Sorting Hat echoed in her mind. Was she really justified in hating the Slytherins? After all, she knew nothing about any of them, other than the qualities that situated them in Slytherin house. Maybe, underneath it all, they were good people, every one of them.
Hermione, along with her two close friends, and Mark, made her way toward the Gryffindor tower. Harry, Ron, and Mark were still talking enthusiastically, but Hermione wasn't listening. As they passed by the tall, foreboding tower of Slytherin house, she noticed a dark figure in the shadows. She stopped and slowly moved forward, causing a faint rustle of leaves beneath her feet. She looked harder, and realized that it was none other than Draco Malfoy leaning against the wall of Slytherin tower.
Hermione? Where are you going? Ron asked, louder than Hermione wished he had.
I - er - I forgot something. You go ahead, I'll catch up with you later.
Hermione didn't know why she felt this desire to see what Draco was up to. Why was she so interested in his affairs? She knew very well that he cared nothing about her and would not be willing to tell her anything. And she did not care for him.....did she? She moved slowly and quietly toward his obscure figure until she was right beside him. After a brief silence he turned and looked at her. She was nothing short of thunderstruck at the look of his face. His eyes held an expression of pure anguish, and was it just a trick of the darkness, or were they slightly moist?
What do you want, Mudblood? he demanded, his voice shaking slightly.
Then go away!
Hermione turned and walked away. And don't call me a mudblood!
Hermione lay in her warm, soft bed in the girls' dormitory. She tried her best to sleep, but she could not release Draco from her mind. What was he hiding? What were the real motives behind his cruel actions? And why was she so intrigued by him? The thought of becoming involved with him was disgusting. Or was it? Hermione closed her eyes, trying with all her might to push Draco's aggrieved face from her disturbed thoughts. After what seemed like an eternity, deep, dreamless sleep eventually overtook her.
So what do you think? This chapter was a bit longer than the previous, and I have been working on it for awhile. I'm sorry I haven't updated sooner, but I am in school now, and have work to do. Please continue to review, it means so much. Thanks!