" Quite please," McGonnagal tried a steady tone. " Please, come now."
Nobody looked like quietening, in fact the noise level rose an octave. "
SILENCE" Everybody swiftly turned towards the teacher's table, their mouths
shut, pretending this was the first time she has called quite.
" Maybe she's attempting to act sane this year" Ron questioned, trying to discreetly stuff a whole apple pie in his closed, silent mouth.
" Ron!" barked Hermione in what the boys called her " disapproving, authoritarian" voice. " That is truly disgusting! Your mother taught you better!" Hermiones eyebrows were furrowed into a frown and Ron lowered the apple pie, he secretly slipped it into a napkin in the space between he and Harry. This was one secret both boys were determined Hermione never uncover.
" Now, as I was saying" McGonnagal went on, shooting a stern look at the trio, Hermione bowed her head in embarrassment.
" This year the Ministry has requested a special order, concerning all 6th year and above". Everyone simultaneously groaned. Sixth years and above because they had experience with Ministry " Special Orders" and they could guarantee there would be some pointless, utterly stupid request coming. Everyone else, because even if the orders were pointless and stupid, they were missing out.
" Now don't feel too let down lower years. To sympathise the blow, we are granting you a Christmas Ball, and A Valentines Ball". She smiled warmly, something, which quite scared Ron and Harry.
The atmosphere in the hall was getting more excited, perhaps this order was good, why would McGonnagel have to soften the blow to the younger years if it was not?
Hermione as perched on the edge of her seat. Praying silently to herself. Please don't interrupt exams, please don't interrupt exams.
" The good news is, all exams are herby cancelled!" McGonnagel frowned, she did not seem too see this as good news.
Everyone cheered, well almost everyone, Hermione was groaning because all of her study time has been for nothing, and Harry and Ron groaned because they knew they would never hear the end of this from Hermione.
" There is reason of course. As many of you already know, Voldemort is alive and well, and recruiting new Death Eaters none the less." There were gasps around the hall, not many though, most already knew the trouble brewing outside of Hogwarts.
" The Ministry is having a right time. It's got escaped prisoners, demontors walking off the job, and many a people that need protection. This is why it's come to Hogwarts for help. Hogwarts has long been known to have excelled at Defence Against the Dark Arts and it is time we put our training to good use. Each and every Dark Arts Student who has passed previous exams, and is seen to be competent enough to take on Dark powers will be recruited by the ministry". Her stern eyes surveyed the impending silence.
" Those who have excelled at Dark Arts Defence will be grouped with others of similar ability and sent somewhere in the magical world to be put to work on an undercover, secret assignment. Those who are mediocre students will be sent to London to help out at The Ministry of Magic Headcounters. They will be doing such things as relocation, research, filing, anything that the ministry sees fit. For those working at the Ministry, you will be paid a small wage, given board, food and spending money. For those out in the field, all expenses will be paid, including an extensive training course, however no wage will be given." There was a cry of protest at this, especially from the Slthyrin.
" Why on earth would be do it then? Are they mad? No pay, what is the point?" Draco Malfoy stated loudly, various heads nodded agreement on the Slytherin table. Many shaking their heads in defiance, they would not oppose the dark lord.
" The point, Mr Malfoy, is the honour of protecting the Wizarding World, doing your bit for fellow witches and wizards. Your assignments will not be difficult, although they will hold a fair degree of danger. A lot of the time, you will be simply holidaying, all expenses paid. To me, this seems a fair exchange?"
Malfoy had no choice but to nod obligingly, although the smirk never left his face.
" What a dickhead!" whispered Ron. " God, I would KILL for the chance to be picked as a field op. A free holiday, she said that didn't she Harry?" Harry seemed to come out of his trance at the mention of his name. Hermione could tell a field op would suit his perfectly, great training for an Auror too.
" Yes Ron, your right." He drifted off again, probably into a daydream concerning him saving a certain dark haired ravenclaw from near death.
" Oh Hermione, you're so lucky! You and Harry will get to go to the greatest places, truly you will! " He looked downcast but Hermione was confused.
" What are you talking about Ron? Harry and me? You too of course! We'll all get in no doubt, I mean Ron! That chess game was magnificent, they would need you." Her obvious flattery seemed to do the trick as Ron perked up again, his eyes gleaming.
" Still though" went on Hermione," We'll need to review all our work. We have to get chosen for the assignments, can you imagine being stuck in London with Fudge? No no, we'll do extra study, make it impossible not to pick us". For once the two boys nodded encouragingly, they both so badly wanted the chance to be chosen, they needed Hermione on their side so she could teach them the book side of things, Harry would help them through the practicals.
" Now everyone, quite again please. As you've probably already guessed, there will be one small test. We need to distinguish who will be fit for field ops, and who will stay in London for the equally stimulating office jobs". She was trying to make the London job sound appealing, and it seemed to be working on some. However the only people wanting the office jobs were those too afraid of field ops, it was surprising, and sad thought Hermione, how many looked terrified at a little action. She was so grateful she's had experiences in her life which has prepared her a little for this, most of the people here would never how brilliant doing good was.
" Now one final announcement. This is, some of you may refer to it as, the bad news. For hundreds of years the inter house relationships have never been quite satisfactory, shall I say? Especially between Slytherin and Gryffindor" At the mention of their hatred Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table to see Malfoy staring her down, his cold, ice blue eyes penetrating her own warm, honey brown ones. " Mudblood" mouthed Malfoy, a smirk taking over his stupid blonde head. Hermiones blood was boiling as she turned back to her friends. " Please don't let her say what I think she's going to say," she said angrily, through clenched teeth.
" Due to this friction, it has been decided that each group will not entirely be made up of all one house. They will be mixed, both sexes, and all houses."
" I knew it! This was sounding like the perfect deal, but no! They had to spring a disgusting filthy slytherin on us!"
" Calm down Hermione, we can all still be together. I. I. think. Harry?" Ron didn't sound too sure.
Harry always the peacemaker soothed them both." Of course, it just means we'll have a slytherin or two to deal with as well. But we're sure to be together, they can't break up us!"
Ron looked happy and tucked into another apple pie. Hermione lost in thought didn't even notice. " I don't know Harry, I have a bad feeling about this." Glancing over at Malfoy, her stomach did a nervous flip, please, she prayed again; please don't let him pass the tests.
The next morning Hermione woke early. She was feeling tired as she hasn't slept too well. Her hair was messier than usual and it needed a wash. Her eyes had bags beneath them and her skin was dull. Feeling crappy she dug under her bed until she found a small pink book. She flipped it open and pulled out her wand. The book " 101 Beauty Enchantments" was given to her by Lavender last Christmas, she hadn't touched it since thanking Lavender profoundly and then shoving it under her book, hoping it would disappear. What an obvious hint, she had thought at the time.
Now she was thankful for it. After dressing she performed 3 charms, all easy ad simple. She was amazed at the results. Her hair looked freshly washed and was super shiny and sleek. Her bags had disappeared and her eyes were clear. Her skin was supple and smooth and had a healthy rosy glow about the cheeks; impressed she downed her nicest robes and headed off to breakfast.
" Hermionnnneeee" whistled Ron " looking decent today". She smiled shyly and giggled not used to compliments.
" Your looking good Mione" said Harry quietly, understanding her embarrassment.
She smiled again and dug into some cereal and toast. After a second bowl she stopped and stared at Ron and Harry, immediately losing her appetite. They were wolfing down the food as if it were their last meal. Rons hands were greasy from bacon and Harry had some friend egg stuck to his face, grinning, completely unaware.
" What wrong Mione?" asked Ron, slurping orange juice in between words.
" Err nothing guys" she said not wanting to insult them, " I'll see you in potions,"
Hermione laughed as she walked to the dungeons, if only all those silly girls could se them now. Harry and Ron were known around Hogwarts as definite " hotties" both much sought after. Girls idolized them, along with a certain blonde haired slytherin.
Hermione could not understand the way girls went absolutely dopey for those three, especially Malfoy! They had all grown tall and strong, their voices had deepened, and Draco had lost the pot of gel from his hair. He now either left it, or spiked it slightly at the front. Still, Hermione would never let herself get dopey for a guy, she had too much pride.
Hermione pushed open the door to the Potions classroom and stopped, mid stride. Draco and Blaise were in there, talking in hurried whispered voices.
" What do you mean Draco? No? No? I thought this was what you wanted, I mean, how could you not want this?" Blaise's voice was high pitched and whiney, her robes rumpled and her fresh morning mascara already running. She had been crying and it was barely 9.00!
" Oh Blaise stop being stupid, I just said not now. It's hardly 10 minutes till Potions!" Draco's voice was cold and flat, as usual. His blond hair was emasculate, and compared to the spluttering Blaise; he looked cool and quite easily calm.
It was a pity, thought Hermione. That Blaise waste all her time on Draco. She was really very attractive with black long hair, and clear, dark green eyes. She was sort of the female version of Harry, minus the Scar of course.
Blaise straightened up and quickly did a few simple charms to fix her tear streaks and mascara. Draco looked bored already; he showed so little interest in the world, Hermione thought to herself.
" Draco, when, if not know, then when?" Blaise sounded desperate and Hermione was praying that she didn't go any further; it was so degrading for her.
Draco didn't seem to register her question. Hermione couldn't believe him. There was a beautiful girl before him, quite obviously offering herself, and he didn't even seem to care.
" I don't know Blaise. Maybe when we go on the trip?" Draco tried to sound excited, he wasn't succeeding.
" But Draco you know I wont make it. I'm only an average student, most of us are! Geese, imagine if only you and the threesome were picked? Can you imagine?"
" I'd rather not," he said, warning her not to proceed with that topic.
Hermione was getting rather uncomfortable. Especially with Blaise calling Malfoy " Draco" all the time, it was unnerving, it seemed so personal to the two of them and she suddenly felt she ought not to be there.
" What about tomorrow night? It's late night supper so Crabbe and Goyle will be gone. We can have the dormitory to ourselves" A light had come on in her eyes and she slowly walked towards Malfoy, an innocent look on her lips. She came within an inch of him and Hermione held her breath, she was in awe of Blaise's confidence, strutting up to Malfoy as she did. When she reached him she breathed lightly and kissed his neck slowly, warming him up to her touch. Hermione expected a reaction from Malfoy but he stood rigid, showing no tenderness towards the girl. Her kisses moved further up his jaw until she finally kissed his lips, still Malfoy did not respond, he just let her carry on.
Hermione watched Blaise push Malfoy back onto a wall where they were out of her view. Hermione leaned further around the door, begging not to have missed anything.
" GRANGER!" Draco yelled loudly startling Hermione who fell ungracefully around the door, knocking a beaker full of purple liquid to the ground.
" I'll KILL you Granger!" Draco yelled, running at her. But he had started to feel very sleepy, and found the run across the room an unimaginable task. " I'll. Kill. you" Draco slumped to the floor, but not before he felt a warm, small body drop into his arms.
" Come one Harry, let's go now, I'm stuffed!" Ron was patting his swollen stomach and yawning ready to go back to bed.
" Yea alright" said Harry grabbing an apple and shoving it in his school bag.
They trudged down towards the dungeon, drawing their clocks tightly around their shoulders, feeling a persistent draft. They reached the door and saw a faint green mist twirling out. Ron glanced at Harry, nodding; they both drew out their wands.
" Probably a ploy of Snape's to try and unsuspectedly kill us" Harry whispered. Ron kicked open the door fiercely and stopped suddenly starring.
" What tha?" Harry stared at the silent forms of Draco and Hermione, curled into each other, Draco's arm resting what looked protectively over waist, where her cloak had slipped. Blaise was lying in another corner deeply asleep, an evil glare on her pretty face.
" Harry! When was Hermione going to tell us about this eh?" Aren't we supposed to be her best friends? And with Malfoy, uh!"
Harry was looking just as bewildered but snapped out of it quickly. " Ron don't be stupid, can't you see what happened? There's obviously been a sleep potion spilled, it was an accident, don't jump to conclusions, we know Hermione!"
" Well Well Well, what do we have here?" Snape's cruel voice echoed through the mist, taunting them with a few words.
" Sir, we found them like this, we think a sleep draught was knocked over"
" Think, or know Potter?" Snape laughed
" Think Professor, of course" Harry smiled sweetly, not wanting to get trapped into an argument, which would un doubted arise in a detention.
" Well, it's quite easy to fix, had you know the counter curse. CLASS! Lichen up, the most important thing is of course, not moving them, this can initiate nightmares, scarring the sleeper. Leave them be for a while at least whilst I teach you the counter curse. Remember if you're starting to feel drowsy, step outside quickly, jump 5 times and then sit for 2, this only works if a little is inhaled however."
The class set to work, gossip flying and rumours starting. Lavender and Parvarti were staring at Draco's arm draped loosely over Hermiones waist, and all the girls were seething with jealousy
Ron and Harry kept glaring at Draco's sleeping form, wishing they could just slightly move their friend away from him. Nearing the end of the lesson, the curse was nearly taught to everyone, Snape mumbling about this not being a " real" potions lesson. 2/3's of the class stood in a circle around Draco and Hermione, and the rest stood around Blaise, annoyed they would be missing the rucas that Hermione and Draco were sure to put up.
" Now everyone, take out your wands and concentrate deeply on blackness. AS you know, blackness is where these two are, sleeping blackness. Center your thoughts on the two in the blackness and slowly pull them out with your minds. When you reach the edge of the blackness, say Kelkalo like I instructed and gently come back to the class bringing these 3 with you With practice, you will not recquire so many people, but as they have enhaled a lot, and as it's your first go"
The whole class looked nervous, it wasn't every day Snape taught them real magic, as opposed to potions and they hoped he knew his stuff,"
" Alright, here we go, close your eyes, and lets start"
Harry and Ron did as they wee instructed and slowly entered the blackness. There was a warm fuzzy feeling about the air suddenly and up ahead, the two boys could picture Draco and Hermione. Harry scowled at Draco's picture and concentrated more on Hermione They pulled them towards the edge, slowly because jerky movements would cause nightmares. When Harry reached the edge he muttered " kelkalo" and his eyes snapped open. The whole class looked dreamy and warm, as if waking from sleep themselves.
Draco could feel himself being dragged but didn't want to go. He could feel something being pulled from him, and more than ever, he wouldn't let that go. He held on tight to the warm un distinguishable bundle, feeling the need to protect it and not let it slide away from him. Draco heard voices and a hard pain in his side. It was his wand sticking in. But still Draco could feel warmth in his arms and pulled whatever it was tighter, enhaling the smell of a lightly scented shampoo. He heard gasps all around him, how many people were in his bloody dorm! He opened his eyes and stared at the bundle, thick chesnut hair covering her face, her hand resting against his chest. GRANGER????
Hermione woke suddenly, her head hurting, a feeling of claustraphobia building. There were people everywhere, staring at her, and a hard body beside her, she nestled more into the storng form, wanting to hide from the prying eyes,
" Hermione, get away from him!" Ron yelled, dramatic as ever, rushing in to pull her roughly to her feet.
" ronnykins?" she muttered groggily, feeling extremely stupid and emmbaressed.
Ron started roughly brushing her down, as if to clean her. " I cannot believe you let him touch you! His filthy hands were all over you Mione!!"
" What are you talking about Ronny?" Hermione looked at Harry, who was still looking slightly shaken. The whole class had gasped when they saw Hermione snuggle even closer to Draco and Draco respond, his grip on her soft waist tightening.
" Hermione, I think there was an accident, you fell asleep and well..." Harry finished off, looking around the room. The whole class was staring at her, disbelief in their eyes.
:" Hermione" said Parvarti giggling stupidly. " I thought you hated each other, how long has this been going on?"
" What been going on?" said Hermione, her cheeks flaming, she was getting really irritated.
" You and Malfoy of course" Parvati laughed out loud, and a few other girls snickered rudely. " How'd you trap him Granger?" asked Pansy the slytherin." Blind him first?"
Everyone laughed at this, besides Harry and Ron, they stood fiercely beside Hermione, glaring at the class.
Draco looked around at everyone, laughing at the blushing girl. He felt dirty, and badly wanted a shower. A disgusting mudblood, what would his father think? Wait, what was the reason he had even tried to tackle Hermione? He couldn't remember, his brain felt foggy and clouded, it was something important though, I think she overheard something..
" Alright class now that's quite enough. Mr Malfoy, Ms Granger, would you so kindly explain to me what happened? A sleep draught takes weeks to prepare and that one has now been entirely wasted!" He glared at the two of them, on opposite sides of the room, his hard mouth was not even softening for Malfoy.
" Now Blaise, your not to blame here. You stumbled in on the two of them did you? Find them together? I bet you ran away didn't you? But they chased you, knocking that over on the way?" Snape was staring at Hermione, daring her to disagree.
Draco couldn't understand, why was Snape trying to help Blaise? Why not him? This wasn't fair, this was all Grangers fault!
" Yes sir, that's exactly what happened. They hardly had time to er disentangle themselves as you could quite ovbiosly see" She smiled at Draco, payback she thought to herself.
The whole class was in shock, this was big news around Hogwarts, Draco and Hermione, Hermione and Draco, Slytherin and Gryffindor....
Hermione knew it was useless to protest, Snape would only serve up more detentions. She bowled her head, trying hard to ignore Harry and Ron's accusing stares. Surely, they wouldn't believe Snape would they?
" Now, you two. The stories out and there isn't anything you can do about it. Both of you will report her every Friday and Saturday night till you go away. You will re make the sleep potion, and let me see, another two viles?" He was getting his revenge, all those years of Hermione knowing every answer, it was a pity Draco had to go down with her, but it was the only way.
" But sir! That isn't fair" Hermione had to protest, sleep potions were complex and 3 viles, it would take them weeks!
" AND, Ms Granger 70 points from Gryffindor. None from Slytherin as it's clear to me and everyone here that you had must have seduced dear Draco, there is no way he would have succumbed any other way. What did you brew? A silly, girly little love potion? Tsk tsk, not at all classy Granger!"
Harry glanced at Hermione, tears were leaking slowly out of her eyes, and she was doing little to stop them. Snape was going to far, this story was ludicrous, but Harry knew that wouldn't matter to Hogwarts gossip. Poor Hermione, she was in for a rough couple of days.
" Now, all business has been attended too, class dismissed" Snape looked incredibly pleased. It was sickening.
Hermione hurriedly packed away her books, bowing her head to ensure her tear strained face was not seen. " Hermione?" tried Ron tentivly.
" I'm fine guys, honestly, don't worry!" Hermione forced out some laughter, but not enough to reassure Harry and Ron.
" Anyway see you guys later, okay?" she ran off, leaving the boys alone in the cold dark potions room.
That evening Ron, Harry and Hermione took their dinner in the common room. Hermione couldn't face the whispers just yet, couldn't face the accusing eyes, the girls whispering what a slut she was.
Harry and Ron played chest, whilst Hermione studied away, researching the sleeping draught that she and Malfoy would be making the next night. It was even more complex than Hermione originally thought and she dreaded trying to make Malfoy do any work. Harry and Ron had been very sweet to her, offering her tea and not prodding about what had actually happened before they walked in. Since all the drama of her and Malfoy, Hermione had barely given a second thought to what she had overheard. She did know though, pondering on whether Blaise and Malfoy would go the whole way. Blaise said tomorrow didn't she? But tomorrow was now out of the question, as she and Malfoy had detention. When then, Hermione was curios as to why Malfoy was resisting Blaise, it was something about him that surprised her. She has heard rumours that he didn't treat girls well, a wham bam thankyou mam sort of guy. Hermione herself was very inexperienced. Beside a few kissed briefly shared with Krum, she was lacking in any real knowledge. It didn't bother her however; books, friends, the Order and marks were her only concerns.
Draco climbed into bed that night, his hip still aching from lying on his wand. He felt chilly in his own bed, the silk sheets lacking warmth. He wished for a brief moment that he had that warmth of the afternoon, Grangers warmth. Her softness. Then he laughed at himself, Snape obviously hadn't warned him about stupid side effects like wanting useless girls. Ugly girls, smart nerdy, completely un-sexy girls.
Draco felt the covers lift and Blaise slide in beside him. " Blaise, fucking warn me before you do that, okay?"
" Sorry" she whispered sliding closer trying to make it up to him.
Blaise wasn't very warm, she was bony and gaunt. As she modelled par time her body was imaculaty perfect, smooth and stream lined. Draco didn't like it; he always thought she looked like she needed a good hefty meal. Guys were supposed to like the look of her though, so he didn't complain.
Draco fell asleep, next to the bony, cold, beautiful girl.
" Maybe she's attempting to act sane this year" Ron questioned, trying to discreetly stuff a whole apple pie in his closed, silent mouth.
" Ron!" barked Hermione in what the boys called her " disapproving, authoritarian" voice. " That is truly disgusting! Your mother taught you better!" Hermiones eyebrows were furrowed into a frown and Ron lowered the apple pie, he secretly slipped it into a napkin in the space between he and Harry. This was one secret both boys were determined Hermione never uncover.
" Now, as I was saying" McGonnagal went on, shooting a stern look at the trio, Hermione bowed her head in embarrassment.
" This year the Ministry has requested a special order, concerning all 6th year and above". Everyone simultaneously groaned. Sixth years and above because they had experience with Ministry " Special Orders" and they could guarantee there would be some pointless, utterly stupid request coming. Everyone else, because even if the orders were pointless and stupid, they were missing out.
" Now don't feel too let down lower years. To sympathise the blow, we are granting you a Christmas Ball, and A Valentines Ball". She smiled warmly, something, which quite scared Ron and Harry.
The atmosphere in the hall was getting more excited, perhaps this order was good, why would McGonnagel have to soften the blow to the younger years if it was not?
Hermione as perched on the edge of her seat. Praying silently to herself. Please don't interrupt exams, please don't interrupt exams.
" The good news is, all exams are herby cancelled!" McGonnagel frowned, she did not seem too see this as good news.
Everyone cheered, well almost everyone, Hermione was groaning because all of her study time has been for nothing, and Harry and Ron groaned because they knew they would never hear the end of this from Hermione.
" There is reason of course. As many of you already know, Voldemort is alive and well, and recruiting new Death Eaters none the less." There were gasps around the hall, not many though, most already knew the trouble brewing outside of Hogwarts.
" The Ministry is having a right time. It's got escaped prisoners, demontors walking off the job, and many a people that need protection. This is why it's come to Hogwarts for help. Hogwarts has long been known to have excelled at Defence Against the Dark Arts and it is time we put our training to good use. Each and every Dark Arts Student who has passed previous exams, and is seen to be competent enough to take on Dark powers will be recruited by the ministry". Her stern eyes surveyed the impending silence.
" Those who have excelled at Dark Arts Defence will be grouped with others of similar ability and sent somewhere in the magical world to be put to work on an undercover, secret assignment. Those who are mediocre students will be sent to London to help out at The Ministry of Magic Headcounters. They will be doing such things as relocation, research, filing, anything that the ministry sees fit. For those working at the Ministry, you will be paid a small wage, given board, food and spending money. For those out in the field, all expenses will be paid, including an extensive training course, however no wage will be given." There was a cry of protest at this, especially from the Slthyrin.
" Why on earth would be do it then? Are they mad? No pay, what is the point?" Draco Malfoy stated loudly, various heads nodded agreement on the Slytherin table. Many shaking their heads in defiance, they would not oppose the dark lord.
" The point, Mr Malfoy, is the honour of protecting the Wizarding World, doing your bit for fellow witches and wizards. Your assignments will not be difficult, although they will hold a fair degree of danger. A lot of the time, you will be simply holidaying, all expenses paid. To me, this seems a fair exchange?"
Malfoy had no choice but to nod obligingly, although the smirk never left his face.
" What a dickhead!" whispered Ron. " God, I would KILL for the chance to be picked as a field op. A free holiday, she said that didn't she Harry?" Harry seemed to come out of his trance at the mention of his name. Hermione could tell a field op would suit his perfectly, great training for an Auror too.
" Yes Ron, your right." He drifted off again, probably into a daydream concerning him saving a certain dark haired ravenclaw from near death.
" Oh Hermione, you're so lucky! You and Harry will get to go to the greatest places, truly you will! " He looked downcast but Hermione was confused.
" What are you talking about Ron? Harry and me? You too of course! We'll all get in no doubt, I mean Ron! That chess game was magnificent, they would need you." Her obvious flattery seemed to do the trick as Ron perked up again, his eyes gleaming.
" Still though" went on Hermione," We'll need to review all our work. We have to get chosen for the assignments, can you imagine being stuck in London with Fudge? No no, we'll do extra study, make it impossible not to pick us". For once the two boys nodded encouragingly, they both so badly wanted the chance to be chosen, they needed Hermione on their side so she could teach them the book side of things, Harry would help them through the practicals.
" Now everyone, quite again please. As you've probably already guessed, there will be one small test. We need to distinguish who will be fit for field ops, and who will stay in London for the equally stimulating office jobs". She was trying to make the London job sound appealing, and it seemed to be working on some. However the only people wanting the office jobs were those too afraid of field ops, it was surprising, and sad thought Hermione, how many looked terrified at a little action. She was so grateful she's had experiences in her life which has prepared her a little for this, most of the people here would never how brilliant doing good was.
" Now one final announcement. This is, some of you may refer to it as, the bad news. For hundreds of years the inter house relationships have never been quite satisfactory, shall I say? Especially between Slytherin and Gryffindor" At the mention of their hatred Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table to see Malfoy staring her down, his cold, ice blue eyes penetrating her own warm, honey brown ones. " Mudblood" mouthed Malfoy, a smirk taking over his stupid blonde head. Hermiones blood was boiling as she turned back to her friends. " Please don't let her say what I think she's going to say," she said angrily, through clenched teeth.
" Due to this friction, it has been decided that each group will not entirely be made up of all one house. They will be mixed, both sexes, and all houses."
" I knew it! This was sounding like the perfect deal, but no! They had to spring a disgusting filthy slytherin on us!"
" Calm down Hermione, we can all still be together. I. I. think. Harry?" Ron didn't sound too sure.
Harry always the peacemaker soothed them both." Of course, it just means we'll have a slytherin or two to deal with as well. But we're sure to be together, they can't break up us!"
Ron looked happy and tucked into another apple pie. Hermione lost in thought didn't even notice. " I don't know Harry, I have a bad feeling about this." Glancing over at Malfoy, her stomach did a nervous flip, please, she prayed again; please don't let him pass the tests.
The next morning Hermione woke early. She was feeling tired as she hasn't slept too well. Her hair was messier than usual and it needed a wash. Her eyes had bags beneath them and her skin was dull. Feeling crappy she dug under her bed until she found a small pink book. She flipped it open and pulled out her wand. The book " 101 Beauty Enchantments" was given to her by Lavender last Christmas, she hadn't touched it since thanking Lavender profoundly and then shoving it under her book, hoping it would disappear. What an obvious hint, she had thought at the time.
Now she was thankful for it. After dressing she performed 3 charms, all easy ad simple. She was amazed at the results. Her hair looked freshly washed and was super shiny and sleek. Her bags had disappeared and her eyes were clear. Her skin was supple and smooth and had a healthy rosy glow about the cheeks; impressed she downed her nicest robes and headed off to breakfast.
" Hermionnnneeee" whistled Ron " looking decent today". She smiled shyly and giggled not used to compliments.
" Your looking good Mione" said Harry quietly, understanding her embarrassment.
She smiled again and dug into some cereal and toast. After a second bowl she stopped and stared at Ron and Harry, immediately losing her appetite. They were wolfing down the food as if it were their last meal. Rons hands were greasy from bacon and Harry had some friend egg stuck to his face, grinning, completely unaware.
" What wrong Mione?" asked Ron, slurping orange juice in between words.
" Err nothing guys" she said not wanting to insult them, " I'll see you in potions,"
Hermione laughed as she walked to the dungeons, if only all those silly girls could se them now. Harry and Ron were known around Hogwarts as definite " hotties" both much sought after. Girls idolized them, along with a certain blonde haired slytherin.
Hermione could not understand the way girls went absolutely dopey for those three, especially Malfoy! They had all grown tall and strong, their voices had deepened, and Draco had lost the pot of gel from his hair. He now either left it, or spiked it slightly at the front. Still, Hermione would never let herself get dopey for a guy, she had too much pride.
Hermione pushed open the door to the Potions classroom and stopped, mid stride. Draco and Blaise were in there, talking in hurried whispered voices.
" What do you mean Draco? No? No? I thought this was what you wanted, I mean, how could you not want this?" Blaise's voice was high pitched and whiney, her robes rumpled and her fresh morning mascara already running. She had been crying and it was barely 9.00!
" Oh Blaise stop being stupid, I just said not now. It's hardly 10 minutes till Potions!" Draco's voice was cold and flat, as usual. His blond hair was emasculate, and compared to the spluttering Blaise; he looked cool and quite easily calm.
It was a pity, thought Hermione. That Blaise waste all her time on Draco. She was really very attractive with black long hair, and clear, dark green eyes. She was sort of the female version of Harry, minus the Scar of course.
Blaise straightened up and quickly did a few simple charms to fix her tear streaks and mascara. Draco looked bored already; he showed so little interest in the world, Hermione thought to herself.
" Draco, when, if not know, then when?" Blaise sounded desperate and Hermione was praying that she didn't go any further; it was so degrading for her.
Draco didn't seem to register her question. Hermione couldn't believe him. There was a beautiful girl before him, quite obviously offering herself, and he didn't even seem to care.
" I don't know Blaise. Maybe when we go on the trip?" Draco tried to sound excited, he wasn't succeeding.
" But Draco you know I wont make it. I'm only an average student, most of us are! Geese, imagine if only you and the threesome were picked? Can you imagine?"
" I'd rather not," he said, warning her not to proceed with that topic.
Hermione was getting rather uncomfortable. Especially with Blaise calling Malfoy " Draco" all the time, it was unnerving, it seemed so personal to the two of them and she suddenly felt she ought not to be there.
" What about tomorrow night? It's late night supper so Crabbe and Goyle will be gone. We can have the dormitory to ourselves" A light had come on in her eyes and she slowly walked towards Malfoy, an innocent look on her lips. She came within an inch of him and Hermione held her breath, she was in awe of Blaise's confidence, strutting up to Malfoy as she did. When she reached him she breathed lightly and kissed his neck slowly, warming him up to her touch. Hermione expected a reaction from Malfoy but he stood rigid, showing no tenderness towards the girl. Her kisses moved further up his jaw until she finally kissed his lips, still Malfoy did not respond, he just let her carry on.
Hermione watched Blaise push Malfoy back onto a wall where they were out of her view. Hermione leaned further around the door, begging not to have missed anything.
" GRANGER!" Draco yelled loudly startling Hermione who fell ungracefully around the door, knocking a beaker full of purple liquid to the ground.
" I'll KILL you Granger!" Draco yelled, running at her. But he had started to feel very sleepy, and found the run across the room an unimaginable task. " I'll. Kill. you" Draco slumped to the floor, but not before he felt a warm, small body drop into his arms.
" Come one Harry, let's go now, I'm stuffed!" Ron was patting his swollen stomach and yawning ready to go back to bed.
" Yea alright" said Harry grabbing an apple and shoving it in his school bag.
They trudged down towards the dungeon, drawing their clocks tightly around their shoulders, feeling a persistent draft. They reached the door and saw a faint green mist twirling out. Ron glanced at Harry, nodding; they both drew out their wands.
" Probably a ploy of Snape's to try and unsuspectedly kill us" Harry whispered. Ron kicked open the door fiercely and stopped suddenly starring.
" What tha?" Harry stared at the silent forms of Draco and Hermione, curled into each other, Draco's arm resting what looked protectively over waist, where her cloak had slipped. Blaise was lying in another corner deeply asleep, an evil glare on her pretty face.
" Harry! When was Hermione going to tell us about this eh?" Aren't we supposed to be her best friends? And with Malfoy, uh!"
Harry was looking just as bewildered but snapped out of it quickly. " Ron don't be stupid, can't you see what happened? There's obviously been a sleep potion spilled, it was an accident, don't jump to conclusions, we know Hermione!"
" Well Well Well, what do we have here?" Snape's cruel voice echoed through the mist, taunting them with a few words.
" Sir, we found them like this, we think a sleep draught was knocked over"
" Think, or know Potter?" Snape laughed
" Think Professor, of course" Harry smiled sweetly, not wanting to get trapped into an argument, which would un doubted arise in a detention.
" Well, it's quite easy to fix, had you know the counter curse. CLASS! Lichen up, the most important thing is of course, not moving them, this can initiate nightmares, scarring the sleeper. Leave them be for a while at least whilst I teach you the counter curse. Remember if you're starting to feel drowsy, step outside quickly, jump 5 times and then sit for 2, this only works if a little is inhaled however."
The class set to work, gossip flying and rumours starting. Lavender and Parvarti were staring at Draco's arm draped loosely over Hermiones waist, and all the girls were seething with jealousy
Ron and Harry kept glaring at Draco's sleeping form, wishing they could just slightly move their friend away from him. Nearing the end of the lesson, the curse was nearly taught to everyone, Snape mumbling about this not being a " real" potions lesson. 2/3's of the class stood in a circle around Draco and Hermione, and the rest stood around Blaise, annoyed they would be missing the rucas that Hermione and Draco were sure to put up.
" Now everyone, take out your wands and concentrate deeply on blackness. AS you know, blackness is where these two are, sleeping blackness. Center your thoughts on the two in the blackness and slowly pull them out with your minds. When you reach the edge of the blackness, say Kelkalo like I instructed and gently come back to the class bringing these 3 with you With practice, you will not recquire so many people, but as they have enhaled a lot, and as it's your first go"
The whole class looked nervous, it wasn't every day Snape taught them real magic, as opposed to potions and they hoped he knew his stuff,"
" Alright, here we go, close your eyes, and lets start"
Harry and Ron did as they wee instructed and slowly entered the blackness. There was a warm fuzzy feeling about the air suddenly and up ahead, the two boys could picture Draco and Hermione. Harry scowled at Draco's picture and concentrated more on Hermione They pulled them towards the edge, slowly because jerky movements would cause nightmares. When Harry reached the edge he muttered " kelkalo" and his eyes snapped open. The whole class looked dreamy and warm, as if waking from sleep themselves.
Draco could feel himself being dragged but didn't want to go. He could feel something being pulled from him, and more than ever, he wouldn't let that go. He held on tight to the warm un distinguishable bundle, feeling the need to protect it and not let it slide away from him. Draco heard voices and a hard pain in his side. It was his wand sticking in. But still Draco could feel warmth in his arms and pulled whatever it was tighter, enhaling the smell of a lightly scented shampoo. He heard gasps all around him, how many people were in his bloody dorm! He opened his eyes and stared at the bundle, thick chesnut hair covering her face, her hand resting against his chest. GRANGER????
Hermione woke suddenly, her head hurting, a feeling of claustraphobia building. There were people everywhere, staring at her, and a hard body beside her, she nestled more into the storng form, wanting to hide from the prying eyes,
" Hermione, get away from him!" Ron yelled, dramatic as ever, rushing in to pull her roughly to her feet.
" ronnykins?" she muttered groggily, feeling extremely stupid and emmbaressed.
Ron started roughly brushing her down, as if to clean her. " I cannot believe you let him touch you! His filthy hands were all over you Mione!!"
" What are you talking about Ronny?" Hermione looked at Harry, who was still looking slightly shaken. The whole class had gasped when they saw Hermione snuggle even closer to Draco and Draco respond, his grip on her soft waist tightening.
" Hermione, I think there was an accident, you fell asleep and well..." Harry finished off, looking around the room. The whole class was staring at her, disbelief in their eyes.
:" Hermione" said Parvarti giggling stupidly. " I thought you hated each other, how long has this been going on?"
" What been going on?" said Hermione, her cheeks flaming, she was getting really irritated.
" You and Malfoy of course" Parvati laughed out loud, and a few other girls snickered rudely. " How'd you trap him Granger?" asked Pansy the slytherin." Blind him first?"
Everyone laughed at this, besides Harry and Ron, they stood fiercely beside Hermione, glaring at the class.
Draco looked around at everyone, laughing at the blushing girl. He felt dirty, and badly wanted a shower. A disgusting mudblood, what would his father think? Wait, what was the reason he had even tried to tackle Hermione? He couldn't remember, his brain felt foggy and clouded, it was something important though, I think she overheard something..
" Alright class now that's quite enough. Mr Malfoy, Ms Granger, would you so kindly explain to me what happened? A sleep draught takes weeks to prepare and that one has now been entirely wasted!" He glared at the two of them, on opposite sides of the room, his hard mouth was not even softening for Malfoy.
" Now Blaise, your not to blame here. You stumbled in on the two of them did you? Find them together? I bet you ran away didn't you? But they chased you, knocking that over on the way?" Snape was staring at Hermione, daring her to disagree.
Draco couldn't understand, why was Snape trying to help Blaise? Why not him? This wasn't fair, this was all Grangers fault!
" Yes sir, that's exactly what happened. They hardly had time to er disentangle themselves as you could quite ovbiosly see" She smiled at Draco, payback she thought to herself.
The whole class was in shock, this was big news around Hogwarts, Draco and Hermione, Hermione and Draco, Slytherin and Gryffindor....
Hermione knew it was useless to protest, Snape would only serve up more detentions. She bowled her head, trying hard to ignore Harry and Ron's accusing stares. Surely, they wouldn't believe Snape would they?
" Now, you two. The stories out and there isn't anything you can do about it. Both of you will report her every Friday and Saturday night till you go away. You will re make the sleep potion, and let me see, another two viles?" He was getting his revenge, all those years of Hermione knowing every answer, it was a pity Draco had to go down with her, but it was the only way.
" But sir! That isn't fair" Hermione had to protest, sleep potions were complex and 3 viles, it would take them weeks!
" AND, Ms Granger 70 points from Gryffindor. None from Slytherin as it's clear to me and everyone here that you had must have seduced dear Draco, there is no way he would have succumbed any other way. What did you brew? A silly, girly little love potion? Tsk tsk, not at all classy Granger!"
Harry glanced at Hermione, tears were leaking slowly out of her eyes, and she was doing little to stop them. Snape was going to far, this story was ludicrous, but Harry knew that wouldn't matter to Hogwarts gossip. Poor Hermione, she was in for a rough couple of days.
" Now, all business has been attended too, class dismissed" Snape looked incredibly pleased. It was sickening.
Hermione hurriedly packed away her books, bowing her head to ensure her tear strained face was not seen. " Hermione?" tried Ron tentivly.
" I'm fine guys, honestly, don't worry!" Hermione forced out some laughter, but not enough to reassure Harry and Ron.
" Anyway see you guys later, okay?" she ran off, leaving the boys alone in the cold dark potions room.
That evening Ron, Harry and Hermione took their dinner in the common room. Hermione couldn't face the whispers just yet, couldn't face the accusing eyes, the girls whispering what a slut she was.
Harry and Ron played chest, whilst Hermione studied away, researching the sleeping draught that she and Malfoy would be making the next night. It was even more complex than Hermione originally thought and she dreaded trying to make Malfoy do any work. Harry and Ron had been very sweet to her, offering her tea and not prodding about what had actually happened before they walked in. Since all the drama of her and Malfoy, Hermione had barely given a second thought to what she had overheard. She did know though, pondering on whether Blaise and Malfoy would go the whole way. Blaise said tomorrow didn't she? But tomorrow was now out of the question, as she and Malfoy had detention. When then, Hermione was curios as to why Malfoy was resisting Blaise, it was something about him that surprised her. She has heard rumours that he didn't treat girls well, a wham bam thankyou mam sort of guy. Hermione herself was very inexperienced. Beside a few kissed briefly shared with Krum, she was lacking in any real knowledge. It didn't bother her however; books, friends, the Order and marks were her only concerns.
Draco climbed into bed that night, his hip still aching from lying on his wand. He felt chilly in his own bed, the silk sheets lacking warmth. He wished for a brief moment that he had that warmth of the afternoon, Grangers warmth. Her softness. Then he laughed at himself, Snape obviously hadn't warned him about stupid side effects like wanting useless girls. Ugly girls, smart nerdy, completely un-sexy girls.
Draco felt the covers lift and Blaise slide in beside him. " Blaise, fucking warn me before you do that, okay?"
" Sorry" she whispered sliding closer trying to make it up to him.
Blaise wasn't very warm, she was bony and gaunt. As she modelled par time her body was imaculaty perfect, smooth and stream lined. Draco didn't like it; he always thought she looked like she needed a good hefty meal. Guys were supposed to like the look of her though, so he didn't complain.
Draco fell asleep, next to the bony, cold, beautiful girl.