Chapter Two
Hermione woke to bright sunlit, filtering through the open, crimson curtains. Damn, she had forgotten to close them last night.
Hermione jumped from her bed, feeling extremely happy, which was odd, weighing the circumstances. She's had a fantastic dream about her and Harry and Sirius and Ron, all flying around Hogwarts on Buckbeak. She felt sad for a moment, relising Sirius would never fly again, but not for long, she had finished her grieving long ago.
Hermione had a shower, washed her hair and shaved her legs. She wanted to feel pretty today, she had to face the students of Hogwarts. She didn't feel nervous, as she resolved it really didn't matter what they thought of her, she knew what had happened, and so did her best friends, nothing else mattered. Hermione dithered about trying a few more beauty charms, but decided as fun as they had been once, anymore and she'd start to feel vein.
Bounding down the stairs, Hermione greeted both Ron and Harry with an ecstatic peck on the cheek. She saw Ginny watching her with Harry, slightly pink as she leaned in to kiss him. She would have to reassure Ginny later that it meant nothing, as she always did anytime she showed any affection towards him. Ginny had never outgrown her crush on Harry, as much as Ron had hoped she would. What was worse, well according to Ron's standards was that Harry was starting to act silly around Ginny also. Hermione didn't see the trouble, she thought they would be great together, and wished Ron would get over it, so nothing could stand in their way.
Still smiling the three left the common room, heading down to breakfast and another full day of classes.
" What are you so happy about Mione?" Ron asked this grudgingly as if she had no right to happiness. Hermione guessed he was still annoyed about the Malfoy thing.
" Well I had a really good dream and also I've relised I don't care what the rest of the school thinks, I know what happened and so does Malfoy, so that's all the that matters!" She grinned happily and the boys looked at her oddly.
When the trio entered the hall there was an instant hush. Every girl stood glaring at Hermione and every boy was glaring at Draco, although Hermione didn't notice this.
" Come on Mione" said Harry encouringly, taking her arm.
" I'm fine Harry, honestly!" she said, still smiling. Harry couldn't quite tell if she was or not, perhaps she was just trying to brush it all off. He wasn't sure. Just at that moment Malfoy, Pansy, Blaise, Crablle and Goyle entered the hall from the opposite side. Hermione's smile instantly turned into a hard line, which started whispers of Draco dumping Hermione and she not taking it too well.
Draco had ovbisously taken extra care to get ready that morning, probably so he looked the most believable. In a very loud, mock voice Blaise asked " Draco! What splendid new robes you have, but why on earth all the extravagance?" She opened her eyes wide, pretening to really not be sure. Draco laughed cruelly and stared Hermione straight in the eye, not even blinking.
" Oh those were worthless ovbiosly! Been contaminated you see, Mudbloods, what a useless bunch." Draco was still staring at Hermione, but she didn't seem effected by his comments, they brushed straight over her.
" Come on Harry, Ron, let's leave Malfoy to his posing" she grinned at him, and made her way to the Gryffindor table, every eye in the hall following her. The second she sat down, chatter erupted, however Malfoy still stood motionless, until Blaise came, took his hand and pulled him towards the Slytherin table.
" Well, not as bad as I expected" said Hermione lightly.
" Not as bad?" said Ron in awe, " That was great Mione, you really showed him" He passed her a piece of bacon, as if to show his pleasure with her.
" Yea, Ron's right Mione, you dealt with him perfectly." He didn't feel the need to congratulate her with food.
" Thanks guys, I'm soooo over Malfoy's insults, why should we care what he thinks of us, he's a low as ummm ... asssss" Hermione pondered for awhile searching for something that was as low as Malfoy.
" Still talking about me are you Granger? Really, enough is enough, your interest in me is becoming close to an obsession" He patted her lightly on the back, his touch less than caring.
" It's alright, I'm sure someone will take you, one day. You know, Filch seems a tad lonely, perhaps you should pay him a visit, show him what you showed me?" He winked devishly and laughed out loud staring at Rons gradually reddening face, his cold grey eyes mocking him.
" Is that the best you can come up with? Your losing your touch Malfoy" Hermione spoke in a even, slightly distant tone, seemingly uninterested in the Slytherins words. She turned back to her toast and jam.
" Anyhow." Said Malfoy, quick to change the topic. " This isn't a social call. Snape told me to tell you we are to meet in Dungeon 5, at 8.00. And don't be late mudblood, I want this over as fast as can be, it absolutely ruining my reputation"
Hermione raised her eyebrow ever so slightly, questioning he even had a reputation to ruin. With one final smirk at the trio, Malfoy turned quickly, his long black cloak swishing with his stride.
" We can always count on Malfoy for a pleasant visit can't we?" Harry voice rose slightly, as the chatter had erupted in the hall once more, due to Malfoy's departure.
" I can't believe you let him talk to you that way mione. He was insulting you!" Ron cheeks were still pink and there were red marks where his nails had dug into his palms.
" Ron what do you expect me to do? Fight him, yell and scream get worked up? Over Malfoy? I don't think so, if I ignore him he'll soon give up, he only teases us for a reaction, if he doesn't get one, he'll soon get bored" She opened a book and started reading, as if to prove she should know, she was the smartest here.
" I don't know mione. I reckon Malfoy will always annoy us, it's in his blood see. Just like having red hair is in mine" Ron tugged his red locks glancing down the table at the other red heads.
" No Ron, people don't always follow the family. I'm not a muggle am I? I'm right about Malfoy, he'll stop soon enough" With that she opened a second book and began to read both simultaneously, announcing that the conversation was closed.
Harry glanced at Ron, and Ron back at Harry." She has too much faith" Ron muttered and Harry very slightly nodded his head.
That afteroon, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked outside to the lake. It was freezing and they were all warmly rugged up in scarves, hats and mittens. They had gone to practive some DADA practicals, and the lake was secluded at the tempreture.
" Okay Harry, how do you think we should start?" said Hermione, rubbing her mitten clad hands together.
" And Harry, tell me again why we aren't in the bloody room of requirement? It's frickin freezing out here!"
Harry glanced skyward, shooting a look towards Hermione
" Because Ron" said Harry patiently. " They know about it! The teachers, practically everyone. It's not exactly private anymore, with all those couples there all the time.."
" ahh right, okay then, continue on Harry" said Ron his ears turning pink from the wind.
" Okay well guys I thought we'd practice Incarpio today. Hermione errrrr yes?" Hermione hand was swinging around wildy, much like when she knew the answer in class.
" Incarpio. The Magic Term for protection. First devised by the ghosts of the 1700's. Incarpio, if completed successfully, creates a hazy forcefield around the conjurer, protecting he or she from jinxes and such, but Harry, I've always heard Incarpio's were really difficult to conjure, that's why they aren't taught, the teachers say it would waste weeks!" Hermione looked decidedly anxious, both about starting something challenging, and the thought of not being able to excel.
" Your right mione, although I didn't know all that stuff about where it came from and stuff" Harry coughed nervously, even thought it was only he, Hermione and Ron.
" Incarpio can be difficult, but errr, as we have each other to practice on, it should be a lot easier" Harry glanced at Hermione nervously.
" Practice on? You can't possible meaning casting jinxes on each other, could you?" Ron hurridly rushed over Hermione's worried words, excited about starting.
" Oh don't be such a worrier. Come on then Harry, let's start!" He looked absolutely delighted about jinxing his friends, and was holding his wand, ready to start.
" Erm, well, okay then guys, here's what you do..."
They spent the rest of the afternoon practing Incarpio, both Hermione and Ron managing to form a very indistinct blue mist. When the light started fading they trudged back to the castle, walking fast so as not to get lost. Hermione was not talking to Ron, she was quite put out that he had got to the same stage she was at. Particurly as she knew the complete background of Incarpio.
Hermione was still smashing along that she barely noticed she was the only one walking. She turned around, scared for a minute.
" Harry, Ron?" her voice was high and squeky, the darkness scarring her. She heard a stick thrash to her left and turned quickly." Who's there" she asked, running through usefull spells in her head.
" It's he who cannot be named, coming to get you!" A blonde head rushed at her, white face blending with the snow. The figure threw a snowball, hard, landing in Hermione's stomach making her fall backwards with an oomf.
Hermione buried herself in the snow, not recognising the voice.
" Oh get up Granger, where is that supposed Gryffinder bravery?" Malfoy's voice drawled at her, although there was a hint of amusement deep within it. He was staring down at her, grey eyes sparkling, a faint smile playing on his lips. Hermione glared up at him, but even she could see the humour, she laughed loudly, and threw a light handful of snow at him.
" You idiot Malfoy, you know I didn't really believe it was you know who, I just wanted to make you feel better about your stupid joke" she smiled as she spoke quickly, Malfoy shook his head, what a terrible liar she was.
" Get up then, I scared him away" he said with a wink, offering his hand. Hermione glanced at it caughtiously, before she lightly grasped his hand and he pulled her up.
" So" she said walking with him towards the castle, rubbing her hands and jumping on tip toes. " Great rumours going around, aren't we lucky to be the but of them" This seemed a wary topic, but was really the only thing she and Malfoy had in commen.
" Mmmm, quite" he seemed lost in thought. " No one really believes that you seduced me you know. In fact, I've had a number of threats from your possible admirers" he grinned at her, " it was quite a surprise actually, your very sought after".
She blushed lightly, but shook her head." No Malfoy, it's me your talking to, not Blaise, I didn't relise my snowball hit so hard!" She laughed, but he stopped and turned towards her.
" Really Granger, I'm serios." He looked solemly at her, waiting for her answer.
Hermione hated being put on the spot, especially with Malfoy staring at her so intently, waiting for her to answer.
" Oh.. um well.. yea you too. Girls have been trying to hex me all day!" Hermione tried to lighten the mood, the atmosphere was tense with unsaid words.
Malfoy didn't react in the slightest just raised his eyebrow slightly." Tell me something I didn't already know"
Hermione shook her head in frustration, he was so sure of himself. " Alright!" she said her temper flaring for a fight." I bet you didn't know I enojoyed your closeness yesteday?"
Malfoy stared at her, Hermione clamped her hand over her mouth, she hadn't meant to say that, it had just popped out! She stared down at the snow, wishing she could turn time back 30 seconds.
" I mean. I didn't. it's just.." Hermione floundered for the right words.
" Oh Shutup Granger. It must have been side effects of the potion." He drew his cloak tighter and leaned in close to her ear, his lips brushing her hair " because I enjoyed it too"
With that, he stalked into the castle.
Hermione woke to bright sunlit, filtering through the open, crimson curtains. Damn, she had forgotten to close them last night.
Hermione jumped from her bed, feeling extremely happy, which was odd, weighing the circumstances. She's had a fantastic dream about her and Harry and Sirius and Ron, all flying around Hogwarts on Buckbeak. She felt sad for a moment, relising Sirius would never fly again, but not for long, she had finished her grieving long ago.
Hermione had a shower, washed her hair and shaved her legs. She wanted to feel pretty today, she had to face the students of Hogwarts. She didn't feel nervous, as she resolved it really didn't matter what they thought of her, she knew what had happened, and so did her best friends, nothing else mattered. Hermione dithered about trying a few more beauty charms, but decided as fun as they had been once, anymore and she'd start to feel vein.
Bounding down the stairs, Hermione greeted both Ron and Harry with an ecstatic peck on the cheek. She saw Ginny watching her with Harry, slightly pink as she leaned in to kiss him. She would have to reassure Ginny later that it meant nothing, as she always did anytime she showed any affection towards him. Ginny had never outgrown her crush on Harry, as much as Ron had hoped she would. What was worse, well according to Ron's standards was that Harry was starting to act silly around Ginny also. Hermione didn't see the trouble, she thought they would be great together, and wished Ron would get over it, so nothing could stand in their way.
Still smiling the three left the common room, heading down to breakfast and another full day of classes.
" What are you so happy about Mione?" Ron asked this grudgingly as if she had no right to happiness. Hermione guessed he was still annoyed about the Malfoy thing.
" Well I had a really good dream and also I've relised I don't care what the rest of the school thinks, I know what happened and so does Malfoy, so that's all the that matters!" She grinned happily and the boys looked at her oddly.
When the trio entered the hall there was an instant hush. Every girl stood glaring at Hermione and every boy was glaring at Draco, although Hermione didn't notice this.
" Come on Mione" said Harry encouringly, taking her arm.
" I'm fine Harry, honestly!" she said, still smiling. Harry couldn't quite tell if she was or not, perhaps she was just trying to brush it all off. He wasn't sure. Just at that moment Malfoy, Pansy, Blaise, Crablle and Goyle entered the hall from the opposite side. Hermione's smile instantly turned into a hard line, which started whispers of Draco dumping Hermione and she not taking it too well.
Draco had ovbisously taken extra care to get ready that morning, probably so he looked the most believable. In a very loud, mock voice Blaise asked " Draco! What splendid new robes you have, but why on earth all the extravagance?" She opened her eyes wide, pretening to really not be sure. Draco laughed cruelly and stared Hermione straight in the eye, not even blinking.
" Oh those were worthless ovbiosly! Been contaminated you see, Mudbloods, what a useless bunch." Draco was still staring at Hermione, but she didn't seem effected by his comments, they brushed straight over her.
" Come on Harry, Ron, let's leave Malfoy to his posing" she grinned at him, and made her way to the Gryffindor table, every eye in the hall following her. The second she sat down, chatter erupted, however Malfoy still stood motionless, until Blaise came, took his hand and pulled him towards the Slytherin table.
" Well, not as bad as I expected" said Hermione lightly.
" Not as bad?" said Ron in awe, " That was great Mione, you really showed him" He passed her a piece of bacon, as if to show his pleasure with her.
" Yea, Ron's right Mione, you dealt with him perfectly." He didn't feel the need to congratulate her with food.
" Thanks guys, I'm soooo over Malfoy's insults, why should we care what he thinks of us, he's a low as ummm ... asssss" Hermione pondered for awhile searching for something that was as low as Malfoy.
" Still talking about me are you Granger? Really, enough is enough, your interest in me is becoming close to an obsession" He patted her lightly on the back, his touch less than caring.
" It's alright, I'm sure someone will take you, one day. You know, Filch seems a tad lonely, perhaps you should pay him a visit, show him what you showed me?" He winked devishly and laughed out loud staring at Rons gradually reddening face, his cold grey eyes mocking him.
" Is that the best you can come up with? Your losing your touch Malfoy" Hermione spoke in a even, slightly distant tone, seemingly uninterested in the Slytherins words. She turned back to her toast and jam.
" Anyhow." Said Malfoy, quick to change the topic. " This isn't a social call. Snape told me to tell you we are to meet in Dungeon 5, at 8.00. And don't be late mudblood, I want this over as fast as can be, it absolutely ruining my reputation"
Hermione raised her eyebrow ever so slightly, questioning he even had a reputation to ruin. With one final smirk at the trio, Malfoy turned quickly, his long black cloak swishing with his stride.
" We can always count on Malfoy for a pleasant visit can't we?" Harry voice rose slightly, as the chatter had erupted in the hall once more, due to Malfoy's departure.
" I can't believe you let him talk to you that way mione. He was insulting you!" Ron cheeks were still pink and there were red marks where his nails had dug into his palms.
" Ron what do you expect me to do? Fight him, yell and scream get worked up? Over Malfoy? I don't think so, if I ignore him he'll soon give up, he only teases us for a reaction, if he doesn't get one, he'll soon get bored" She opened a book and started reading, as if to prove she should know, she was the smartest here.
" I don't know mione. I reckon Malfoy will always annoy us, it's in his blood see. Just like having red hair is in mine" Ron tugged his red locks glancing down the table at the other red heads.
" No Ron, people don't always follow the family. I'm not a muggle am I? I'm right about Malfoy, he'll stop soon enough" With that she opened a second book and began to read both simultaneously, announcing that the conversation was closed.
Harry glanced at Ron, and Ron back at Harry." She has too much faith" Ron muttered and Harry very slightly nodded his head.
That afteroon, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked outside to the lake. It was freezing and they were all warmly rugged up in scarves, hats and mittens. They had gone to practive some DADA practicals, and the lake was secluded at the tempreture.
" Okay Harry, how do you think we should start?" said Hermione, rubbing her mitten clad hands together.
" And Harry, tell me again why we aren't in the bloody room of requirement? It's frickin freezing out here!"
Harry glanced skyward, shooting a look towards Hermione
" Because Ron" said Harry patiently. " They know about it! The teachers, practically everyone. It's not exactly private anymore, with all those couples there all the time.."
" ahh right, okay then, continue on Harry" said Ron his ears turning pink from the wind.
" Okay well guys I thought we'd practice Incarpio today. Hermione errrrr yes?" Hermione hand was swinging around wildy, much like when she knew the answer in class.
" Incarpio. The Magic Term for protection. First devised by the ghosts of the 1700's. Incarpio, if completed successfully, creates a hazy forcefield around the conjurer, protecting he or she from jinxes and such, but Harry, I've always heard Incarpio's were really difficult to conjure, that's why they aren't taught, the teachers say it would waste weeks!" Hermione looked decidedly anxious, both about starting something challenging, and the thought of not being able to excel.
" Your right mione, although I didn't know all that stuff about where it came from and stuff" Harry coughed nervously, even thought it was only he, Hermione and Ron.
" Incarpio can be difficult, but errr, as we have each other to practice on, it should be a lot easier" Harry glanced at Hermione nervously.
" Practice on? You can't possible meaning casting jinxes on each other, could you?" Ron hurridly rushed over Hermione's worried words, excited about starting.
" Oh don't be such a worrier. Come on then Harry, let's start!" He looked absolutely delighted about jinxing his friends, and was holding his wand, ready to start.
" Erm, well, okay then guys, here's what you do..."
They spent the rest of the afternoon practing Incarpio, both Hermione and Ron managing to form a very indistinct blue mist. When the light started fading they trudged back to the castle, walking fast so as not to get lost. Hermione was not talking to Ron, she was quite put out that he had got to the same stage she was at. Particurly as she knew the complete background of Incarpio.
Hermione was still smashing along that she barely noticed she was the only one walking. She turned around, scared for a minute.
" Harry, Ron?" her voice was high and squeky, the darkness scarring her. She heard a stick thrash to her left and turned quickly." Who's there" she asked, running through usefull spells in her head.
" It's he who cannot be named, coming to get you!" A blonde head rushed at her, white face blending with the snow. The figure threw a snowball, hard, landing in Hermione's stomach making her fall backwards with an oomf.
Hermione buried herself in the snow, not recognising the voice.
" Oh get up Granger, where is that supposed Gryffinder bravery?" Malfoy's voice drawled at her, although there was a hint of amusement deep within it. He was staring down at her, grey eyes sparkling, a faint smile playing on his lips. Hermione glared up at him, but even she could see the humour, she laughed loudly, and threw a light handful of snow at him.
" You idiot Malfoy, you know I didn't really believe it was you know who, I just wanted to make you feel better about your stupid joke" she smiled as she spoke quickly, Malfoy shook his head, what a terrible liar she was.
" Get up then, I scared him away" he said with a wink, offering his hand. Hermione glanced at it caughtiously, before she lightly grasped his hand and he pulled her up.
" So" she said walking with him towards the castle, rubbing her hands and jumping on tip toes. " Great rumours going around, aren't we lucky to be the but of them" This seemed a wary topic, but was really the only thing she and Malfoy had in commen.
" Mmmm, quite" he seemed lost in thought. " No one really believes that you seduced me you know. In fact, I've had a number of threats from your possible admirers" he grinned at her, " it was quite a surprise actually, your very sought after".
She blushed lightly, but shook her head." No Malfoy, it's me your talking to, not Blaise, I didn't relise my snowball hit so hard!" She laughed, but he stopped and turned towards her.
" Really Granger, I'm serios." He looked solemly at her, waiting for her answer.
Hermione hated being put on the spot, especially with Malfoy staring at her so intently, waiting for her to answer.
" Oh.. um well.. yea you too. Girls have been trying to hex me all day!" Hermione tried to lighten the mood, the atmosphere was tense with unsaid words.
Malfoy didn't react in the slightest just raised his eyebrow slightly." Tell me something I didn't already know"
Hermione shook her head in frustration, he was so sure of himself. " Alright!" she said her temper flaring for a fight." I bet you didn't know I enojoyed your closeness yesteday?"
Malfoy stared at her, Hermione clamped her hand over her mouth, she hadn't meant to say that, it had just popped out! She stared down at the snow, wishing she could turn time back 30 seconds.
" I mean. I didn't. it's just.." Hermione floundered for the right words.
" Oh Shutup Granger. It must have been side effects of the potion." He drew his cloak tighter and leaned in close to her ear, his lips brushing her hair " because I enjoyed it too"
With that, he stalked into the castle.