So she talked. And talked.
Draco's face lightened considerably ass her speech got longer. He couldn't wait to put her plan into action. His father had always told him of the filthy mudbloods that Gryffindor housed, and Draco had always believed him. He still did, but the fact that he was accepting help from (and giving help to) a mudblood was still a new concept. Nonetheless, he still thought they were a disgrace to the wizarding world, but, he thought, this Granger girl was doing mudbloods the world over a huge favour, cooperating with "the enemy."
He smiled a cruel smile and interrupted Hermione with, "So, if you're giving me information about these people, I'm still doing your dirty work. Why should I do that?"
Hermione took pause and thought for a moment.
"Because, stupid. You hate the Gryffindors. It's in your blood. I could tell you were itching to get under Potter's skin before the sorting ceremony. All I thought I'd do was help you on your mission. Plus, if I were to torment them, it wouldn't really perpetuate my 'good-girl' image. I'm trying to keep my reputation up while also working with you on the side. I just want to help you do your dirty work, which also happens to benefit me," she finished, eyes flashing with irritation.
He stared at her for a moment, trying to decide whether or not he wanted to accept her argument. Finally he caved and said, "I suppose you're right."
Hermione must have shown her surprise, because Draco snapped, "That's right, I gave in to you. Don't expect it to happen too often."
Changing directions, he continued with, "So, do you have anything yet?"
"It would be against both of our better interests to talk about it so openly where we could be seen," Hermione said, a note of frustration surfacing in her voice. "Isn't that obvious? I'll owl you with information. Then it will just look like regular post, and won't be so obvious."
He nodded. "Good thinking."
Just then, they heard footsteps, followed by voices, approaching from the corridor. It sounded like Harry and Ron.
"Quick!" Hermione whispered frantically. "Say something insulting to me!"
He nodded and said loudly, "What are YOU doing, Mudblood? You are the scurf of this school. You don't even deserve to exist."
Hermione pinched herself, hard, to make her eyes water, and then started running toward the library, which, conveniently, was the same direction from which Ron and Harry were coming.
---
They were talking about their Transfiguration homework when they heard Malfoy's voice down the hall. They couldn't understand what he'd said, but they heard quick footsteps coming their direction. Momentarily, they saw Hermione.
Her eyes were full of tears, and her lower lip was quivering, as if she was about to release a fresh round of tears.
Ron stopped her. "Hermione, don't you mind him. He's a sorry excuse for a human being. You know you're better than he is, and that he's not worth crying over," he said, trying to comfort her.
She feigned hurt and said shakily, "You don't know what it's like, being teased for something you can't control!"
Without thinking, Ron shot back, "And do you think I can help being poor? You heard Malfoy the other night; I DO know what it's like!" His face matched his fiery red hair, and his eyes flashed with rage.
Hermione and Harry looked at each other, eyes shifting uncomfortably.
Hermione broke the tension first, shooting a small smile in Ron's direction.
"I guess you do," she said. "I'm sorry for accusing you otherwise."
He smiled back at her.
The atmosphere was still a bit tense between the three, but Harry felt the most of it. He, while having had a difficult time growing up, was now getting nearly everything handed to him on a silver platter. He had an amazing amount of money, he was well known and liked throughout the student body, and his teachers seemed to favor him because he was "The Boy Who Lived." He felt embarrassed by his riches and luck with everyone and everything thus far at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron were chatting.
"Before I got my letter," Hermione said, "I'd never believed in anything like this. It was only something I'd read about. But when I did get the letter, I was shocked and excited. After we found it, my parents took me to Diagon Alley, where we were at a huge disadvantage. My parents are just dentists. We had no idea about how things worked in the wizarding world. People looked at us very strangely when we went into Flourish and Blotts and tried to purchase my books with Muggle money. I felt so out of place. People pointed and laughed as we walked down the street, desperately trying to find Gringotts, and after that Ollivanders. I guess I've never felt accepted in the wizarding world. Every little thing that Malfoy says or that I haven't experienced augments this feeling. It's not my fault that I grew up outside of this world."
Ron had newfound respect for Hermione. She knew what it was like to be taunted for something she couldn't control, and now, he found, she even shared a bit of the same money woes as his family did. He could get to like this girl.
Hermione was becoming an expert liar. Her parents were dentists, but they weren't stupid and certainly weren't strapped for cash. She'd only told Ron the majority of it to gain his trust. They had had a difficult time finding things in Diagon Alley, but most people were willing to help them. They weren't laughed at. After she'd succeeded in her mission to gain his trust, she'd be able to talk to him more freely than she would be had he not had his momentary outburst. A large inward smile broke. This was exciting.
---
They chatted about their families on the way back to the common room, with Harry following behind them, feeling like a third wheel.
"So, you really have six brothers and sisters?" she asked, amazed. "How can you live with all of them?"
"We all get along pretty well most of the time, except for my older brother Percy. You know him; he's our prefect. He acts like he's so high and mighty, and honestly, he really annoys the piss out of all of us. But really, the only reason he gets all puffed up is because he's insecure. He puts up a front so people won't know, but he's always been easily frightened. When he was much younger, he'd climb into my parents' bed if he'd had a bad dream," Ron said.
"Well, that's completely normal," Hermione replied.
"Not when you're 13!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione giggled and returned with, "Well, that's a different story! I'll never look at Percy the same way again!"
Harry cut in and agreed, telling them that his cousin Dudley did that, and probably would until he left home. Since neither Ron nor Hermione knew much about Dudley, excepting the fact that he was Harry's egocentric jerk of a cousin, they didn't see the humour in the statement. They smiled fake smiles and continued talking about Ron's family.
"What about Fred and George?" Hermione inquired. "They seem like troublemakers."
"Well, yeah, they are," Ron replied slowly. "But it's mainly just for attention. Being that they're the middle children, they think they've been neglected since Bill, Charlie and Percy excelled in academics, and they've only had mediocre success. Ginny and I, being the youngest of the family, have always been doted on by both of our parents, so Fred and George must think they have to act out to get attention."
He noticed Hermione's eyes growing wider and her raised eyebrows, questioning the intelligence of his statements.
"Hey, I'm smart too, y'know," he said forcefully. "I understand more things than people give me credit for." He paused. "It's true, though, don't you think? They do that a lot."
"I agree," Harry interjects. "Only with my 'family,' all of the pressure is put on the youngest." Seeing their questioning stares, he quickly explained, "I'm a month and a half younger than Dudley." He'd told them they were the same age, which was technically true, but in this case, the fact that he was a bit younger strengthened his point. "Anyway, I'm the one who does all the work, and Dudley is the one who gets all of the fun. Usually it's the other way 'round," he finished.
Ron nodded. "Ginny's like that. She could murder someone and Mum and Dad would blame one of us older boys, saying we're bad influences and that she didn't know what she was doing. It stinks, but that's the way it is, unfortunately."
By this time, they'd reached the Fat Lady, and after Ron had said the password, they climbed through the portrait hole and into the common room, where they continued their conversation.
---
At the same time, a teachers meeting was being held in Professor Dumbledore's office.
"How do you think the first week has gone?" Dumbledore asked in his soft but authoritative voice.
"I can already tell who the difficult ones will be," commented Professor McGonagall in a somewhat irritated tone. "I'm not looking forward to Neville Longbottom and his clumsiness, or Draco Malfoy and his cronies."
Professor Snape glared at her. "Take no offence when I say this, Minerva, because I mean it in the nicest possible way." His eyes suggested otherwise.
"Proceed," she said curtly.
"The Potter and Weasley duo seem to indicate the trouble they will most likely cause in the future. As it is, Potter believes he is above the law for his unintended, unknowing work against Voldemort. As such, I advise a close watch be kept on them," he finished in a vitriolic tone.
"Severus," Dumbledore warned, shooting Snape a look, which signalled him to stop.
'Saint Potter,' Snape grumbled inwardly. This was shaping up to be a dismal year, indeed.
The conversation continued without him, as it often tended to do.
"Overall, I believe we have a fine group of first-years," Professor Flitwick said happily, an excited gleam in his eyes.
"I would have to agree with you," replied Dumbledore. "It will be a great year for them. On similar subjects, how do the returning students seem to be learning and behaving?"
Looks shot across the room that ranged from extremely amused to excruciatingly enraged. The latter of these looks generally flew from Professor Snape. They were largely ignored. He received more than his fair share of the looks from the rest of the staff as well, but again, they were largely ignored.
Everyone started talking at once, until Snape cut in with "Now, wouldn't it be more.intelligent if we used the system which we expected of our students: one person speaking at once. It's a novel concept, I'm fully aware, but with a little bit of work, I believe it will catch on."
He received looks that could kill from every person in the room, including Professor Dumbledore.
While they ignored the caustic comment, they heeded his advice regarding speaking one at a time. It was a first.
---
After Harry, Ron and Hermione had adjourned to their separate dormitories, Hermione began writing a note, ultimately to be owled to Draco.
'Draco,' it read. 'Having spoken with them for a lengthy period of time this evening, I have news.
RW is incredibly embarrassed by his family's financial state, as I'm sure you knew very well. Loves his family nonetheless, but is still very reluctant to even mention money woes, except when provoked. HP wishes he'd known his family more than anything. Never seen photos, never heard stories, you know the deal. Hates aunt, uncle and cousin. PW: Until he was 13, he'd crawl into his parents' bed when he'd had a nightmare. Perhaps even older than 13. Unsure. RW is a mummy's boy. Always doted on. 2nd youngest of the family. More susceptible to teasing.
Use caution with this information. I don't need to be found out, and you don't want for me to, either. Would ruin your mission.'
She ended the letter with a serpent as her signature, folded it, and took it off to the owlery. She hoped Draco would use all of the information to the best of his abilities, but carefully. She didn't want to be found out, or they would no longer trust her. It wasn't something she wanted.
***
Sorry about the lack of updates.I've been busy. I'll try to be more consistent, but this semester is shaping up to be insane. R&R me. -- Lauren
Draco's face lightened considerably ass her speech got longer. He couldn't wait to put her plan into action. His father had always told him of the filthy mudbloods that Gryffindor housed, and Draco had always believed him. He still did, but the fact that he was accepting help from (and giving help to) a mudblood was still a new concept. Nonetheless, he still thought they were a disgrace to the wizarding world, but, he thought, this Granger girl was doing mudbloods the world over a huge favour, cooperating with "the enemy."
He smiled a cruel smile and interrupted Hermione with, "So, if you're giving me information about these people, I'm still doing your dirty work. Why should I do that?"
Hermione took pause and thought for a moment.
"Because, stupid. You hate the Gryffindors. It's in your blood. I could tell you were itching to get under Potter's skin before the sorting ceremony. All I thought I'd do was help you on your mission. Plus, if I were to torment them, it wouldn't really perpetuate my 'good-girl' image. I'm trying to keep my reputation up while also working with you on the side. I just want to help you do your dirty work, which also happens to benefit me," she finished, eyes flashing with irritation.
He stared at her for a moment, trying to decide whether or not he wanted to accept her argument. Finally he caved and said, "I suppose you're right."
Hermione must have shown her surprise, because Draco snapped, "That's right, I gave in to you. Don't expect it to happen too often."
Changing directions, he continued with, "So, do you have anything yet?"
"It would be against both of our better interests to talk about it so openly where we could be seen," Hermione said, a note of frustration surfacing in her voice. "Isn't that obvious? I'll owl you with information. Then it will just look like regular post, and won't be so obvious."
He nodded. "Good thinking."
Just then, they heard footsteps, followed by voices, approaching from the corridor. It sounded like Harry and Ron.
"Quick!" Hermione whispered frantically. "Say something insulting to me!"
He nodded and said loudly, "What are YOU doing, Mudblood? You are the scurf of this school. You don't even deserve to exist."
Hermione pinched herself, hard, to make her eyes water, and then started running toward the library, which, conveniently, was the same direction from which Ron and Harry were coming.
---
They were talking about their Transfiguration homework when they heard Malfoy's voice down the hall. They couldn't understand what he'd said, but they heard quick footsteps coming their direction. Momentarily, they saw Hermione.
Her eyes were full of tears, and her lower lip was quivering, as if she was about to release a fresh round of tears.
Ron stopped her. "Hermione, don't you mind him. He's a sorry excuse for a human being. You know you're better than he is, and that he's not worth crying over," he said, trying to comfort her.
She feigned hurt and said shakily, "You don't know what it's like, being teased for something you can't control!"
Without thinking, Ron shot back, "And do you think I can help being poor? You heard Malfoy the other night; I DO know what it's like!" His face matched his fiery red hair, and his eyes flashed with rage.
Hermione and Harry looked at each other, eyes shifting uncomfortably.
Hermione broke the tension first, shooting a small smile in Ron's direction.
"I guess you do," she said. "I'm sorry for accusing you otherwise."
He smiled back at her.
The atmosphere was still a bit tense between the three, but Harry felt the most of it. He, while having had a difficult time growing up, was now getting nearly everything handed to him on a silver platter. He had an amazing amount of money, he was well known and liked throughout the student body, and his teachers seemed to favor him because he was "The Boy Who Lived." He felt embarrassed by his riches and luck with everyone and everything thus far at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron were chatting.
"Before I got my letter," Hermione said, "I'd never believed in anything like this. It was only something I'd read about. But when I did get the letter, I was shocked and excited. After we found it, my parents took me to Diagon Alley, where we were at a huge disadvantage. My parents are just dentists. We had no idea about how things worked in the wizarding world. People looked at us very strangely when we went into Flourish and Blotts and tried to purchase my books with Muggle money. I felt so out of place. People pointed and laughed as we walked down the street, desperately trying to find Gringotts, and after that Ollivanders. I guess I've never felt accepted in the wizarding world. Every little thing that Malfoy says or that I haven't experienced augments this feeling. It's not my fault that I grew up outside of this world."
Ron had newfound respect for Hermione. She knew what it was like to be taunted for something she couldn't control, and now, he found, she even shared a bit of the same money woes as his family did. He could get to like this girl.
Hermione was becoming an expert liar. Her parents were dentists, but they weren't stupid and certainly weren't strapped for cash. She'd only told Ron the majority of it to gain his trust. They had had a difficult time finding things in Diagon Alley, but most people were willing to help them. They weren't laughed at. After she'd succeeded in her mission to gain his trust, she'd be able to talk to him more freely than she would be had he not had his momentary outburst. A large inward smile broke. This was exciting.
---
They chatted about their families on the way back to the common room, with Harry following behind them, feeling like a third wheel.
"So, you really have six brothers and sisters?" she asked, amazed. "How can you live with all of them?"
"We all get along pretty well most of the time, except for my older brother Percy. You know him; he's our prefect. He acts like he's so high and mighty, and honestly, he really annoys the piss out of all of us. But really, the only reason he gets all puffed up is because he's insecure. He puts up a front so people won't know, but he's always been easily frightened. When he was much younger, he'd climb into my parents' bed if he'd had a bad dream," Ron said.
"Well, that's completely normal," Hermione replied.
"Not when you're 13!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione giggled and returned with, "Well, that's a different story! I'll never look at Percy the same way again!"
Harry cut in and agreed, telling them that his cousin Dudley did that, and probably would until he left home. Since neither Ron nor Hermione knew much about Dudley, excepting the fact that he was Harry's egocentric jerk of a cousin, they didn't see the humour in the statement. They smiled fake smiles and continued talking about Ron's family.
"What about Fred and George?" Hermione inquired. "They seem like troublemakers."
"Well, yeah, they are," Ron replied slowly. "But it's mainly just for attention. Being that they're the middle children, they think they've been neglected since Bill, Charlie and Percy excelled in academics, and they've only had mediocre success. Ginny and I, being the youngest of the family, have always been doted on by both of our parents, so Fred and George must think they have to act out to get attention."
He noticed Hermione's eyes growing wider and her raised eyebrows, questioning the intelligence of his statements.
"Hey, I'm smart too, y'know," he said forcefully. "I understand more things than people give me credit for." He paused. "It's true, though, don't you think? They do that a lot."
"I agree," Harry interjects. "Only with my 'family,' all of the pressure is put on the youngest." Seeing their questioning stares, he quickly explained, "I'm a month and a half younger than Dudley." He'd told them they were the same age, which was technically true, but in this case, the fact that he was a bit younger strengthened his point. "Anyway, I'm the one who does all the work, and Dudley is the one who gets all of the fun. Usually it's the other way 'round," he finished.
Ron nodded. "Ginny's like that. She could murder someone and Mum and Dad would blame one of us older boys, saying we're bad influences and that she didn't know what she was doing. It stinks, but that's the way it is, unfortunately."
By this time, they'd reached the Fat Lady, and after Ron had said the password, they climbed through the portrait hole and into the common room, where they continued their conversation.
---
At the same time, a teachers meeting was being held in Professor Dumbledore's office.
"How do you think the first week has gone?" Dumbledore asked in his soft but authoritative voice.
"I can already tell who the difficult ones will be," commented Professor McGonagall in a somewhat irritated tone. "I'm not looking forward to Neville Longbottom and his clumsiness, or Draco Malfoy and his cronies."
Professor Snape glared at her. "Take no offence when I say this, Minerva, because I mean it in the nicest possible way." His eyes suggested otherwise.
"Proceed," she said curtly.
"The Potter and Weasley duo seem to indicate the trouble they will most likely cause in the future. As it is, Potter believes he is above the law for his unintended, unknowing work against Voldemort. As such, I advise a close watch be kept on them," he finished in a vitriolic tone.
"Severus," Dumbledore warned, shooting Snape a look, which signalled him to stop.
'Saint Potter,' Snape grumbled inwardly. This was shaping up to be a dismal year, indeed.
The conversation continued without him, as it often tended to do.
"Overall, I believe we have a fine group of first-years," Professor Flitwick said happily, an excited gleam in his eyes.
"I would have to agree with you," replied Dumbledore. "It will be a great year for them. On similar subjects, how do the returning students seem to be learning and behaving?"
Looks shot across the room that ranged from extremely amused to excruciatingly enraged. The latter of these looks generally flew from Professor Snape. They were largely ignored. He received more than his fair share of the looks from the rest of the staff as well, but again, they were largely ignored.
Everyone started talking at once, until Snape cut in with "Now, wouldn't it be more.intelligent if we used the system which we expected of our students: one person speaking at once. It's a novel concept, I'm fully aware, but with a little bit of work, I believe it will catch on."
He received looks that could kill from every person in the room, including Professor Dumbledore.
While they ignored the caustic comment, they heeded his advice regarding speaking one at a time. It was a first.
---
After Harry, Ron and Hermione had adjourned to their separate dormitories, Hermione began writing a note, ultimately to be owled to Draco.
'Draco,' it read. 'Having spoken with them for a lengthy period of time this evening, I have news.
RW is incredibly embarrassed by his family's financial state, as I'm sure you knew very well. Loves his family nonetheless, but is still very reluctant to even mention money woes, except when provoked. HP wishes he'd known his family more than anything. Never seen photos, never heard stories, you know the deal. Hates aunt, uncle and cousin. PW: Until he was 13, he'd crawl into his parents' bed when he'd had a nightmare. Perhaps even older than 13. Unsure. RW is a mummy's boy. Always doted on. 2nd youngest of the family. More susceptible to teasing.
Use caution with this information. I don't need to be found out, and you don't want for me to, either. Would ruin your mission.'
She ended the letter with a serpent as her signature, folded it, and took it off to the owlery. She hoped Draco would use all of the information to the best of his abilities, but carefully. She didn't want to be found out, or they would no longer trust her. It wasn't something she wanted.
***
Sorry about the lack of updates.I've been busy. I'll try to be more consistent, but this semester is shaping up to be insane. R&R me. -- Lauren