Immortal
By Cedar
A/N sorry that all my speech marks were screwed in last chapter have tried changed it so hope it worked
Disclaimer: I own nada, zero, ziltch, zip etc
Chapter 4: What just happened?
On the unusually deserted Platform 9 ¾ Hermione struggled to pick all the books of the floor. She had left the house early that morning due to the instructions in Dumbledore's letter requesting to meet the newly appointed Heads on the train prior to the rush that would often take place later on in the morning. Pushing her cart full of books she had easily passed through the barrier between platforms nine and ten at Kings Cross station. However she hadn't bargained on crashing into Harry on the other side
"Argh!" Had been her exact reaction, as her heavy cart made contact with Harry's stomach. Harry let out a muffled
"Oomph" as book after book collapsed on to him.
"Oh Shit! Harry, Harry are you okay? You really shouldn't be standing there, it's your own fault," as Hermione made to lift each of her books off her probably hurt friend. When she finally got round to lifting Potions: A lover's guide off his face she had expected to see a lot of grimacing maybe a little bit of blood, but instead she was greeted with a huge Harry grin.
"What are you smiling at? This isn't funny you know I had spent all day yesterday putting those books in order of subject and you've just gone and messed it all up." Her arms waving exasperatly over the number of books that lay on the dirty floor. The dirty floor! All those new books! Did Harry not understand how bad this was?
Harry used all his strength to unearth the rest of his body that had been submerged under the pile of knowledge. Brushing his clothes off dust Harry looked at Hermione, eyes full of amusement, " No one I know could go from concern to scolding as quickly as you. Now forget about the stupid books and give me a hug." Harry had enfolded her in his long arms before she could express her thoughts on his lack of respect for books. Hermione was given a few minutes to experience the familiar event, as her body began to relax into the embrace before Harry broke it.
Holding her at arms length, " Now lets get these books of the floor and meet Dumbledore." For the first time since meeting him Hermione caught sight of the Head boy badge that was proudly displayed on his broad chest, and she felt her heart drop.
She had almost forgotten that Harry was Head Boy, and that she was no one. "It's alrite, I'll pick up the books. Go on I'll meet you there." Hermione cringed inwardly at her attempt at a happy voice. Harry noting the change in Hermione's mood left grudgingly deciding to ask her what was wrong after the meeting.
Hermione watched Harry's retreating back, hands searching blindly for books. She was just being stupid. Harry was never in search of the limelight, in fact he would often hide from it. Changing the topic of her thoughts Hermione realized how right Ron had been in his last letter. Harry really was looking good, he wasn't angry or tense just happy. It suited him, his green eyes sparkled and his handsome features glowed with life instead of their past pale, contorted appearance. Voldemort's lack of activity following the showdown with Dumbledore in the Ministry of Magic in the 5th year was the main reason for the change, for over the past year the wizarding world had been let be. But there was no denying the undercurrent of darkness that ran under wizarding feet, and in Hermione's opinion would only too soon rise to the surface spreading pain and terror.
Ironically pain was the feeling that disturbed her train of thought as another person passed through the barrier, taking her by surprise and knocking her from her previous crouching position to the no less elegant position of lying on the floor. Hermione closed her eyes to the pain that was vibrating in her head that the contact with the other person's trunk had produced. So this was how Harry felt, poor guy. Gradually raising her eyelids, her eyes brought to focus the blur in front of her and the second she saw him she wished she could just close her eyes again. Stupid twit!
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Draco reread the letter clutched in his right hand, as his left attempted to control his trunk. Normally both hands would be responsible for dragging the cumbersome luggage but his right was still sore from the mark. Draco allowed his mind to wander back to the previous night after the ceremony, his father had actually admitted that Draco had done well, even if it had been reluctantly. A rare smile formed on his features, but to soon it disappeared when he heard the grunting behind him.
"Come on," Draco yelled at the grubby house elf which was struggling with the trunk filled with books. Its long, knobby green fingers curled round the handle, feet planted in front of the chest it took in a deep breath in preparation. Using all the might in its scraggly body it gave one final tug, but the case did not move instead the house elf found itself flying through the air. Draco laughed at the comedy of it all, stupid thing! Draco gave a sharp kick to its side, "Get up and go back to the manor. Tell Lucius I reached safely." The elf scrambled to its feet and hurried back, leaning heavily to the right as a bruise began to spread on its tummy.
Shoving the letter into his robe pocket, Draco swapped hands taking the heavier case in his left while leaving the lighter one for his right. Gritting his teeth he made his way through the barrier practically falling through it. He probably would have tumbled to the floor had it not been for the person who blocked the entrance to the platform, who collapsed onto the ground instead of him saving him from embarrassment. Leaning against the now solid wall behind him Draco surveyed the scene in front of him. Whoever it was was giving him a tantalizing view of a long creamy white leg. Draco followed his gaze upwards, eyes lingering on the curving calf before roving over black robes and finally reaching the face. Ah Granger! No surprise there reflected Draco, as soon as he obtained his letter informing him of his appointment as Head Boy he had presumed Granger would be his counterpart. This was probably why she was here early like himself. Her eyes flicked open, locked onto his and he had to stop the laugh that was threatening to escape his lips when he took in the way her features quickly shifted into a picture of dread. They simple looked at each other, until Draco grew bored gave her one final look over smirked and said, "Nice view." Stepping over her rigid body heaving the two cases around her, he made his way to the designated carriage for the meeting missing Hermione's face turn red with anger.
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From her position on the floor Hermione attempted to shoot daggers through her eyes at Malfoy. To her annoyance his face remained neutral as he lazily leaned against the brick wall, keeping his gaze locked on hers. They remained like that, eyes fixed on each other. Hermione's head was beginning to become numb with pain and all she wanted to do was close her eyes but no way would she be the first to look away. She wouldn't give the annoying git that satisfaction. At last his face showed emotion, even if it was one of complete and utter boredom. He rolled his eyes said some stupid comment about a nice view with that stupid smirk on his face before stepping over her. He had actually stepped over her, like she was a piece of dirt! Her whole body became rigid with anger. Hissing under her breath she got up, throwing her precious hardbacks into her cart all assemblage of order forgotten. Collecting the last of her possessions she stalked to the train, already late for the meeting and wondering why Malfoy was here so early anyway.
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Draco made his way along the train, having dumped his cases earlier on his right arm lay limp by his side hampered by a dull pain. Having reached the teachers carriage Draco straightened his robes, passing his hand through his hair before he moved to open the door. He had been surprised Dumbledore had even allowed him to become Head boy he thought that right had always belonged to the wonderful Potter, so if he was going to meet him now there was no point giving the old fool a reason to rebuke his decision. Midway through sprucing himself up the door was flung open.
"Ah Mr Malfoy, we have decided to arrive. So that leaves Miss Granger holding up the proceedings," said a thoroughly pleased Snape, " Glad to see that she hasn't let the position get to her head."
His usual smirk forming on his face, with Draco following suit. "Professor, Hope you had an enjoyable summer." Draco inquired, trying to peer round Snape's shoulder he could swear he saw someone skulking in the shadows of the carriage. Probably Dumbledore. Snape noticing the boy's curiosity, stepped to the side allowing Draco to pass him, anticipating the scene that would be played out.
Draco noted the strange look of excitement that passed on Snape's face before striding into the carriage, and prepared himself. Oh bloody hell! Draco's body went stiff with fury, eyes narrowing as soon as he caught sight of the messy dark hair and ever-present scar. "Potter, what are.."Then he saw it, what the fuck was going on? Potter with a Head Boy badge.
He should have known Dumbledore would do this. Draco turned round, anger flashing in his eyes, "Professor Snape, has there been a mistake?" his voice treading precariously on the edge of civility.
"No mistake Draco, Professor Dumbledore decided that since you both have the essential qualities for the post we have decided this year to have two head boys. Of course I personally would only have one. But." his voice tailing off, pointedly glaring at Harry who had remained silent throughout. Harry's present mute state had been caused by pure shock, no way could this be happening. Dumbledore expected him to work with the blonde prick, no he'd go and see Dumbledore about this. At this point Hermione suddenly burst through the door flushed and hyperventilating. "Surprisingly enough Miss Granger here will be Head Girl," Snape said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
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Pure confusion was the only feeling that was splayed on her features, her eyes flicking back and forth between Harry and Malfoy.
"Meet the two head boys, Miss Granger," answered Snape his hand pointing at the two young men in front of her. Hermione could feel her air passages constrict as the muscles tightened, her lungs were beginning to burn. Breathe Hermione she chanted to herself. Slowly she began to get her breath back, as her eyes stopped watering and her face appeared less like a fresh ripe tomato.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Harry's concerned eyes looking into hers, he motioned for her to sit down which she did so readily. Well not so much sit as collapse. Harry crouched in front of her, his hands on her knees repeated his question, "Hermione. Hermione are you okay."
However Hermione felt herself unable to respond, as she felt herself caught up in swirls of cold silver. Currents of electricity began to flow under her skin, bringing her to life as she felt her body responding to the beautiful man who stood in front of her. When he had knocked her over, she hadn't really looked at him but now she felt her chest walls were going to cave in with the force of the butterflies that were trashing about, trapped within them. Brushing Harry's hands away, she stood up fingers stretched out in front of her. She had to touch him, she had no control; her brain was screaming at her to stop but some unknown force that was pulling her towards him blocked the advice out. So close, warm fingers about to stroke beauty. But then it was taken away from her as cold fingers gripped her wrist, jerking her away bringing her crashing back to reality.
" What the fuck were you doing mudblood?," fingernails digging in to her, drawing blood. Harry, on cue, came to the rescue grabbing Hermione's ensnared wrist. Draco unwillingly relieved her hand, leaving behind a collection of bruises on her creamy skin.
"I'm sorry," mumbled Hermione, eyes fixed on the floor not trusting herself to look at him. Draco allowed himself once last stare of contempt directed at the clearly embarrassed girl in front of him, before striding out of the carriage. The door slammed back in the bemused faces of Harry and Snape, simultaneously they both returned their gazes to the trembling girl in the center of the coach. Hermione examined her shaking hands, marked with the bruises only he could have given her. What had she done?
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A/N And in the tradition of one famous bunny: "That's all folks." Well think it was the bunny Oh well. Ok I've got really mixed feelings about this chapter, I go from liking it to thinking it is a load of ol' poo. So send those reviews in and tell me if you like it or hate it. If I get any scary threatening reviews I will change it. Once again its shout out time:
Mesmer: Hey thanx for bein so nice! Personally have no idea why Hermione's got the dagger but seemed like a good idea at the time, so if u have any ideas tell me. Going of the topic a bit I better just say that I am kinda makin this up as I go along, so bear with me and I think its gonna end up bein pretty long. Serpent Du Feu: Sorry for dragging the train journey but promise Hogwarts will make its grand apperance in the nxt chappie! And keep those brill reviews cumin!