CHAPTER 2
It was finally the day before school. Hermione and Ron were sitting on Ron's bed while Harry was sitting on his, facing them, so they could talk. Ron and Harry were relaxed while talking to each other, but both were tense when Hermione was involved in the conversation. They had been tense around her all summer, especially since she refused to join the Order of the Phoenix. The Order was allowing she, Ron, and Harry to join so that they would have some members close to both Dumbledore and the students. Harry and Ron seemed all too eager to join, but Hermione was a different story. She felt that she wasn't quite ready to be part of something so big yet, and frankly, it frightened her some.
"Come on, Hermione," Harry said. "Why don't you just join already? You still can now, before we go back. We need you Hermione. You can be such an asset."
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh and wrapped her arms around her knees. "Why, can't you just let it be, Harry? If I'm not ready, I'm not ready. There's nothing else to it."
Ron looked at Harry. They shared a knowing glance then Ron said, "Maybe you're ready, but not ready to join our side."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she asked with an air of indignation, while flipping her hair over her shoulder.
He took a deep breath then continued. "The day you went to Diagon Alley, I saw you with Malfoy. So did Fred and George. You shook hands with him right outside of their shop. Did you think that no one saw you? Are you working for You-Know-Who now? Are you in a league with them?" He spit the word out as if it were vile, not worth the effort he wasted on it.
"Malfoy and I just decided to be civil to one another because we are Head Boy and Girl this year. There is no way I would ever join forces with Voldemort. You must be out of your mind to even think something like that! The whole lot of you. Just because I won't join the Order yet does not mean that I am becoming a Death Eater. I cannot believe that you could accuse me of doing something so horrible! We've only been friends for six years, but I guess that doesn't matter to either of you!" she huffed.
Harry glared at her as if she had said something wrong. "So it's you and Malfoy now, huh? He asks you to trust him, and just like that you do? I can't believe you Hermione."
Hermione stood and glared down at the raven-haired boy. "What the heck is wrong with you Harry? Ever since fifth year, it's like you can't trust anyone. Everything is about you all of a sudden. Cedric died in front of you, so you want everyone to be sympathetic to you. Sirius died and you look for more sympathy. But here's a newsflash for you: WE HAVE OUR OWN PROBLEMS! It's not always about you, Harry. And if you can't accept the fact that Draco and I might just be friends, then I don't know how good of a friend you are."
Ron and Harry looked at each other, sharing disbelieving glances. Harry then looked up at the amber eyed girl and whispered, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I should've known that you would never betray us. You've been one of my best friends for six years, and I should really trust you. You're right, you know. I have been very selfish, and moody. I don't mean to be. It's just with everything going on. I am really sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
Ron nodded in agreement. "And since I've met Rhiannon, I've done nothing but hang out with her and talk about her when you're around. I know that even though you haven't said anything about it, I haven't been such a good friend, and I'm sorry."
One tear leaked from the corner of Hermione's large, dark eyes, and she enveloped her two best friends in a bone-crushing hug. No words were exchanged, just the strong bond between three great friends.
After a long period of silence, Harry said, "And Hermione, don't worry about the Order and everything. I know that you're under a lot of stress what with schoolwork and Head Girl duties and everything, and you don't need this added to your shoulders as well. I won't push you to join. I will leave that in your hands."
Hermione smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Harry. I'm so glad you understand. Thank you both." And with that, she retired to her room to prepare for the next day's events.
Back in the boy's room, Harry and Ron were talking in hushed voices, so that no one would hear them. Ron shook his head at Harry, who was changing into his pajamas. "I can't believe you believe her. It's ludicrous. She and Malfoy obviously have some kind of deal going, otherwise they wouldn't have shook hands on it. Enemies don't just decide to become friends. You know that. That would be like you just suddenly taking up with You-Know- Who for no reason."
Harry rolled his emerald eyes at his citrus haired friend. "Can't you just say his name already? And no, I do not believe Hermione in the slightest. She could at least come up with a better story. I was just telling her that so she'd leave. Who the hell does she think she is, telling me how to act? It's almost as if she doesn't want to help me out anymore, which would make sense. Her and Malfoy, allied with Voldemort." (Ron visibly flinched, but said nothing). "Of course she wouldn't care about us anymore. She's got bigger fish to fry."
Ron nodded and finished dressing. "She'll get what's coming to her. We'll make sure of that."
With that, both boys hopped into bed and blew out their candles so they could get some sleep for the next day.
~
Draco waited impatiently for the arrival of the house elves that were supposed to be packing his things for Hogwarts. It had been ten seconds since he had called for them and they still had not arrived. With a sudden crack, three small elves were running around the large room, neatly packing Draco's trunk with everything he'd need for that school year. They were very efficient, and their tiny feet scuttled from one end of the room to the other, making sure they hadn't forgotten anything.
As Draco watched the elves pack, one strand of hair fell from its place and into his piercing grey eyes. He went over to his mirror and tried to fix it without gel, but it didn't work, so he decided to ruffle his blonde locks so that his hair fell across his forehead in a nonchalant manner. As he studied himself, he realized that he liked this new look better, and decided that this year would bring about many new changes.
When he turned back around, the house elves had disappeared and his trunk was placed carefully in the center of the room with his black eagle owl, perched peacefully in its cage, was placed on top. He took hold of his luggage and disapparated to Platform 9 ¾ without bothering to bid his parents farewell. It wasn't as if they cared anyway.
The normally crowded platform was entirely empty. He decided to go into the Head's compartment, since that was most likely where they would be meeting. When he arrived there, Hermione was already sitting, with a book in hand.
"Hello, Hermione," Draco said with a smile as he sat down on the bench across from her.
Hermione peered over the edge of her book, a slight smile tugging at her lips at the sight of him. "Hello, Draco. How are you?" she asked courteously.
"I'm fine, and how are you doing?" he responded, even though it sounded a bit formal. He didn't know what else to say.
"I'm good."
At that moment, Professor McGonagall walked into the compartment entered the compartment, along with Professor Snape. Neither looked to be in an overly exuberant mood, which was unusual for being back at school for the first day.
"Now," McGonagall stated, rather harshly; probably more harshly than intended, "this year you two will be sharing many responsibilities. First off, you will both monitor the halls for an hour after lights out."
"And you will also be sharing a common room," Snape added with a disgusted look on his face.
For the next forty-five minutes, the two professors talked to their top students about all their duties. Both Hermione and Draco exchanged bored looks more than once throughout their long speech. It also seemed as if they were competing for who could explain the most in the shortest amount of time, which neither would have one because they went on forever.
Finally, when the two adults departed, both Draco and Hermione began laughing. Neither said a thing, and they didn't know what was so funny, but they just laughed until they couldn't breathe.
An uncomfortable silence fell over them as the train began to roll away, leaving behind the waving parents and siblings out on the platform.
Draco stared blankly out the window, silently cursing himself for not saying anything more to her. He needed her to trust him, to hang on to his every word. If he wasn't able to communicate with her, how could his master's plans be carried out? Every time he looked at her, however, she seemed so absorbed in whatever she was reading that he didn't really want to bother her at all.
As the fields of green rushed passed, he started thinking up things he might want to say to her in his mind, but as he opened his mouth to speak, he decided that he'd probably sound like an idiot and decided against it.
After what seemed like forever, he finally said, "So what is it that you're reading?"
"Oh, this is just a silly Muggle novel," she responded with a shrug. "Nothing for school or anything like that. It's called Sabriel, by Garth Nix. It's about this girl who knows magic, but it's just this guy's view of magic, nothing like what we do, but it's still an interesting read."
Draco nodded stupidly. He had never heard about Muggle authors who wrote about magic, but he didn't want to make himself sound ignorant. "So what classes are you taking this year? Full schedule again, I presume?"
Hermione chuckled slightly. "No, not this year. Almost a full schedule, but not quite. I decided to take it a little easier this year than I have been. A few free periods might actually prove useful."
To his amazement, he let a light laugh escape his lips. "I see you've learned something from taking all those classes for six years."
"Yes, Draco, that is the one thing I've learned after all these years," she replied in a slightly sarcastic tone, but still in a joking manner.
For the rest of the trip, they conversed about school and what they wanted to be once they graduated. Hermione still wasn't sure, but she was thinking either and Auror or a writer. Draco said that he was still undecided, but would probably work for the Ministry.
~
Once they arrived at the familiar castle, Draco and Hermione rode together in a horseless carriage. Hermione, though she wouldn't admit it aloud, was enjoying the company of the boy who was once her enemy. Draco kept subconsciously stealing glances at her, even though once he realized it he would scold himself and remind him that it was just for the plan. He still didn't remotely like her, and only wanted her to trust him so that he could carry on with the wishes of his Lord. This started another mental argument because he still was not overly thrilled about working for Voldemort. The assignments the Death Eaters were given were ridiculous, but he knew that now that he was in, there was no way of getting out.
The Sorting Ceremony seemed to last forever, longer than usual. Harry and Ron were seated on either side of Hermione, as usual. All three of them clapped enthusiastically as new first years were sorted into the Gryffindor House. For some reason they all seemed rather small this year. At the end, Professor McGonagall called, "Saradia, Rhiannon." Hermione noticed that Ron's head snapped to full attention as the older girl placed that Sorting Hat upon her head. It was a while, but the hat finally decided to place her in Ravenclaw. She appeared uneasy as she made her way over to the cheering table, but she glanced over at Ron and smiled nonetheless.
Finally, it was over and Dumbledore stood up and said, "Dig in!" Food magically appeared on all the tables. The first years were amazed, but the older students just did as they were told and dug into the platters set before them. They piled their plates with chicken and pork and rice and whatever else had been set before them.
Ron and Harry appeared to be deep in conversation. Hermione felt left out that she once again was not a part of their lives, but she pretended not to notice. Instead, her eyes drifted around the Great Hall and eventually landed on the Slytherin table-on a certain blonde, who sat among the others as if her were some sort of prince. He very well might be for all she knew. Draco's eyes glanced up and met hers. She felt a blush creep up to her cheeks, and she looked away. Draco smirked and turned back to talk to Blaise.
Blaise saw all that had happened and smirked at Draco. "How are things going with the Mudblood, Malfoy? Think you'll be able to get her?"
Draco rolled his eyes at his best friend. "Have I ever failed yet, Zabini?"
Blaise pretended to ponder his response for a moment, but he turned back to his friend wearing a sly smile. "I'll do you one better, Draco. Not only will you use her for your assignment, but, as a bet between friends, you have to bed her before the holiday?"
Taking in the situation, he surveyed the girl seated at the Gryffindor table. She had become interested in the food she was eating after he had caught her looking at him. Her bushy hair fell over her eyes, and her robes were slightly too big, but he thought he was up for the challenge. "What's in it for you?"
"Just the pleasure of seeing the Golden Girl tainted. And I will give you 50 galleons. Oh, and if you don't do it before the holiday, I get her once she's settled in at your place."
With one final glance at Hermione, he looked back at Blaise, and held out his hand. "You're on, and believe me, she'll be like putty in my hands way before the holiday. She's already falling for me, you know. And it's all because of my dashingly good looks and my charm."
"Are you sure it's not 'cause of your over-inflated ego?" Blaise joked. Both boys laughed heartily, much to the dismay of the other Slytherins. It was very rare to see any Slytherin wearing a smile, let alone those two. Everyone around them was very confused.
Once dinner had consummated, Draco and Hermione were led up to their common room. It was on the eighth floor, much to their dismay, and it was behind a tapestry that was in the far corner. Unless someone knew it was there, no one would ever find it. Beyond the tapestry was a simple ebony door with a silver knob. It could be unlocked with a simple unlocking spell.
The inside was beautifully decorated with big poufy armchairs, couches, and loveseats. They were all either black or a soft grey. The walls were painted an ice white color, but they could be changed to whatever colors the Head Boy and Girl agreed on, and the same went for their bedrooms. On either side of the room was a desk-one for each of them. There were two sets of stairs that led up to a single balcony. On the right side was Hermione's bedroom and Draco's was on the left. Between the rooms was a large bathroom, similar to the one the prefects shared. The tub was the size of a pool and had a diving board. Hundreds of taps lined the edges, and each spat out a different scent or bubbles or water. There was also a large sink and a stall with a toilet. The bedrooms were identical. Both held a king-sized bed, a chest-of-drawers, and a walk-in closet. There was also a balcony just outside the large windows that connected the two rooms. Each also had another desk inside their room, where they could leave their personal things.
The beauty of the common room amazed Hermione. Never had she had the opportunity to live in such an extravagant place. She had seen pictures of rooms such as this one, but only ever dreamt about living in one.
Draco, on the other hand, was indifferent. The Malfoy Manor was much more lavishing than this common room could ever be. Centuries were spent on beautifying that house that nothing could ever top it in elegance. He lazily sprawled on one of the couches with his weight supported on one elbow and one leg planted on the floor while the other was dangling over the arm. His hair fell over his stormy eyes as he looked up at Hermione. "So," he said in a bored tone, "what color do you want the room to be? I'll leave that choice up to you, even if that choice does happen to be," he waved his wand once, "pink, or," he waved it again, "purple. Or perhaps you'd even like it to be," with another flick of his wand, "black?"
Hermione grinned and waved her wand. The walls turned a deep, blood red. "What about this, Draco? Does this meet with you approval?"
Draco shook his head, with a slight smile. "You Gryffindors and your damn pride. But, if you really want such a bold color, I guess we can leave it this way for the time being."
"Don't worry, Draco. We can change its color every two months if you wish. Next time it will be your turn to choose," she suggested with a raised eyebrow.
"Sounds good."
"Well, Draco, I am feeling quite fatigued and I want to be up in time for classes tomorrow, so I think I shall head up to bed."
"Very well then. Good night."
"'Night."
It was finally the day before school. Hermione and Ron were sitting on Ron's bed while Harry was sitting on his, facing them, so they could talk. Ron and Harry were relaxed while talking to each other, but both were tense when Hermione was involved in the conversation. They had been tense around her all summer, especially since she refused to join the Order of the Phoenix. The Order was allowing she, Ron, and Harry to join so that they would have some members close to both Dumbledore and the students. Harry and Ron seemed all too eager to join, but Hermione was a different story. She felt that she wasn't quite ready to be part of something so big yet, and frankly, it frightened her some.
"Come on, Hermione," Harry said. "Why don't you just join already? You still can now, before we go back. We need you Hermione. You can be such an asset."
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh and wrapped her arms around her knees. "Why, can't you just let it be, Harry? If I'm not ready, I'm not ready. There's nothing else to it."
Ron looked at Harry. They shared a knowing glance then Ron said, "Maybe you're ready, but not ready to join our side."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she asked with an air of indignation, while flipping her hair over her shoulder.
He took a deep breath then continued. "The day you went to Diagon Alley, I saw you with Malfoy. So did Fred and George. You shook hands with him right outside of their shop. Did you think that no one saw you? Are you working for You-Know-Who now? Are you in a league with them?" He spit the word out as if it were vile, not worth the effort he wasted on it.
"Malfoy and I just decided to be civil to one another because we are Head Boy and Girl this year. There is no way I would ever join forces with Voldemort. You must be out of your mind to even think something like that! The whole lot of you. Just because I won't join the Order yet does not mean that I am becoming a Death Eater. I cannot believe that you could accuse me of doing something so horrible! We've only been friends for six years, but I guess that doesn't matter to either of you!" she huffed.
Harry glared at her as if she had said something wrong. "So it's you and Malfoy now, huh? He asks you to trust him, and just like that you do? I can't believe you Hermione."
Hermione stood and glared down at the raven-haired boy. "What the heck is wrong with you Harry? Ever since fifth year, it's like you can't trust anyone. Everything is about you all of a sudden. Cedric died in front of you, so you want everyone to be sympathetic to you. Sirius died and you look for more sympathy. But here's a newsflash for you: WE HAVE OUR OWN PROBLEMS! It's not always about you, Harry. And if you can't accept the fact that Draco and I might just be friends, then I don't know how good of a friend you are."
Ron and Harry looked at each other, sharing disbelieving glances. Harry then looked up at the amber eyed girl and whispered, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I should've known that you would never betray us. You've been one of my best friends for six years, and I should really trust you. You're right, you know. I have been very selfish, and moody. I don't mean to be. It's just with everything going on. I am really sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
Ron nodded in agreement. "And since I've met Rhiannon, I've done nothing but hang out with her and talk about her when you're around. I know that even though you haven't said anything about it, I haven't been such a good friend, and I'm sorry."
One tear leaked from the corner of Hermione's large, dark eyes, and she enveloped her two best friends in a bone-crushing hug. No words were exchanged, just the strong bond between three great friends.
After a long period of silence, Harry said, "And Hermione, don't worry about the Order and everything. I know that you're under a lot of stress what with schoolwork and Head Girl duties and everything, and you don't need this added to your shoulders as well. I won't push you to join. I will leave that in your hands."
Hermione smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Harry. I'm so glad you understand. Thank you both." And with that, she retired to her room to prepare for the next day's events.
Back in the boy's room, Harry and Ron were talking in hushed voices, so that no one would hear them. Ron shook his head at Harry, who was changing into his pajamas. "I can't believe you believe her. It's ludicrous. She and Malfoy obviously have some kind of deal going, otherwise they wouldn't have shook hands on it. Enemies don't just decide to become friends. You know that. That would be like you just suddenly taking up with You-Know- Who for no reason."
Harry rolled his emerald eyes at his citrus haired friend. "Can't you just say his name already? And no, I do not believe Hermione in the slightest. She could at least come up with a better story. I was just telling her that so she'd leave. Who the hell does she think she is, telling me how to act? It's almost as if she doesn't want to help me out anymore, which would make sense. Her and Malfoy, allied with Voldemort." (Ron visibly flinched, but said nothing). "Of course she wouldn't care about us anymore. She's got bigger fish to fry."
Ron nodded and finished dressing. "She'll get what's coming to her. We'll make sure of that."
With that, both boys hopped into bed and blew out their candles so they could get some sleep for the next day.
~
Draco waited impatiently for the arrival of the house elves that were supposed to be packing his things for Hogwarts. It had been ten seconds since he had called for them and they still had not arrived. With a sudden crack, three small elves were running around the large room, neatly packing Draco's trunk with everything he'd need for that school year. They were very efficient, and their tiny feet scuttled from one end of the room to the other, making sure they hadn't forgotten anything.
As Draco watched the elves pack, one strand of hair fell from its place and into his piercing grey eyes. He went over to his mirror and tried to fix it without gel, but it didn't work, so he decided to ruffle his blonde locks so that his hair fell across his forehead in a nonchalant manner. As he studied himself, he realized that he liked this new look better, and decided that this year would bring about many new changes.
When he turned back around, the house elves had disappeared and his trunk was placed carefully in the center of the room with his black eagle owl, perched peacefully in its cage, was placed on top. He took hold of his luggage and disapparated to Platform 9 ¾ without bothering to bid his parents farewell. It wasn't as if they cared anyway.
The normally crowded platform was entirely empty. He decided to go into the Head's compartment, since that was most likely where they would be meeting. When he arrived there, Hermione was already sitting, with a book in hand.
"Hello, Hermione," Draco said with a smile as he sat down on the bench across from her.
Hermione peered over the edge of her book, a slight smile tugging at her lips at the sight of him. "Hello, Draco. How are you?" she asked courteously.
"I'm fine, and how are you doing?" he responded, even though it sounded a bit formal. He didn't know what else to say.
"I'm good."
At that moment, Professor McGonagall walked into the compartment entered the compartment, along with Professor Snape. Neither looked to be in an overly exuberant mood, which was unusual for being back at school for the first day.
"Now," McGonagall stated, rather harshly; probably more harshly than intended, "this year you two will be sharing many responsibilities. First off, you will both monitor the halls for an hour after lights out."
"And you will also be sharing a common room," Snape added with a disgusted look on his face.
For the next forty-five minutes, the two professors talked to their top students about all their duties. Both Hermione and Draco exchanged bored looks more than once throughout their long speech. It also seemed as if they were competing for who could explain the most in the shortest amount of time, which neither would have one because they went on forever.
Finally, when the two adults departed, both Draco and Hermione began laughing. Neither said a thing, and they didn't know what was so funny, but they just laughed until they couldn't breathe.
An uncomfortable silence fell over them as the train began to roll away, leaving behind the waving parents and siblings out on the platform.
Draco stared blankly out the window, silently cursing himself for not saying anything more to her. He needed her to trust him, to hang on to his every word. If he wasn't able to communicate with her, how could his master's plans be carried out? Every time he looked at her, however, she seemed so absorbed in whatever she was reading that he didn't really want to bother her at all.
As the fields of green rushed passed, he started thinking up things he might want to say to her in his mind, but as he opened his mouth to speak, he decided that he'd probably sound like an idiot and decided against it.
After what seemed like forever, he finally said, "So what is it that you're reading?"
"Oh, this is just a silly Muggle novel," she responded with a shrug. "Nothing for school or anything like that. It's called Sabriel, by Garth Nix. It's about this girl who knows magic, but it's just this guy's view of magic, nothing like what we do, but it's still an interesting read."
Draco nodded stupidly. He had never heard about Muggle authors who wrote about magic, but he didn't want to make himself sound ignorant. "So what classes are you taking this year? Full schedule again, I presume?"
Hermione chuckled slightly. "No, not this year. Almost a full schedule, but not quite. I decided to take it a little easier this year than I have been. A few free periods might actually prove useful."
To his amazement, he let a light laugh escape his lips. "I see you've learned something from taking all those classes for six years."
"Yes, Draco, that is the one thing I've learned after all these years," she replied in a slightly sarcastic tone, but still in a joking manner.
For the rest of the trip, they conversed about school and what they wanted to be once they graduated. Hermione still wasn't sure, but she was thinking either and Auror or a writer. Draco said that he was still undecided, but would probably work for the Ministry.
~
Once they arrived at the familiar castle, Draco and Hermione rode together in a horseless carriage. Hermione, though she wouldn't admit it aloud, was enjoying the company of the boy who was once her enemy. Draco kept subconsciously stealing glances at her, even though once he realized it he would scold himself and remind him that it was just for the plan. He still didn't remotely like her, and only wanted her to trust him so that he could carry on with the wishes of his Lord. This started another mental argument because he still was not overly thrilled about working for Voldemort. The assignments the Death Eaters were given were ridiculous, but he knew that now that he was in, there was no way of getting out.
The Sorting Ceremony seemed to last forever, longer than usual. Harry and Ron were seated on either side of Hermione, as usual. All three of them clapped enthusiastically as new first years were sorted into the Gryffindor House. For some reason they all seemed rather small this year. At the end, Professor McGonagall called, "Saradia, Rhiannon." Hermione noticed that Ron's head snapped to full attention as the older girl placed that Sorting Hat upon her head. It was a while, but the hat finally decided to place her in Ravenclaw. She appeared uneasy as she made her way over to the cheering table, but she glanced over at Ron and smiled nonetheless.
Finally, it was over and Dumbledore stood up and said, "Dig in!" Food magically appeared on all the tables. The first years were amazed, but the older students just did as they were told and dug into the platters set before them. They piled their plates with chicken and pork and rice and whatever else had been set before them.
Ron and Harry appeared to be deep in conversation. Hermione felt left out that she once again was not a part of their lives, but she pretended not to notice. Instead, her eyes drifted around the Great Hall and eventually landed on the Slytherin table-on a certain blonde, who sat among the others as if her were some sort of prince. He very well might be for all she knew. Draco's eyes glanced up and met hers. She felt a blush creep up to her cheeks, and she looked away. Draco smirked and turned back to talk to Blaise.
Blaise saw all that had happened and smirked at Draco. "How are things going with the Mudblood, Malfoy? Think you'll be able to get her?"
Draco rolled his eyes at his best friend. "Have I ever failed yet, Zabini?"
Blaise pretended to ponder his response for a moment, but he turned back to his friend wearing a sly smile. "I'll do you one better, Draco. Not only will you use her for your assignment, but, as a bet between friends, you have to bed her before the holiday?"
Taking in the situation, he surveyed the girl seated at the Gryffindor table. She had become interested in the food she was eating after he had caught her looking at him. Her bushy hair fell over her eyes, and her robes were slightly too big, but he thought he was up for the challenge. "What's in it for you?"
"Just the pleasure of seeing the Golden Girl tainted. And I will give you 50 galleons. Oh, and if you don't do it before the holiday, I get her once she's settled in at your place."
With one final glance at Hermione, he looked back at Blaise, and held out his hand. "You're on, and believe me, she'll be like putty in my hands way before the holiday. She's already falling for me, you know. And it's all because of my dashingly good looks and my charm."
"Are you sure it's not 'cause of your over-inflated ego?" Blaise joked. Both boys laughed heartily, much to the dismay of the other Slytherins. It was very rare to see any Slytherin wearing a smile, let alone those two. Everyone around them was very confused.
Once dinner had consummated, Draco and Hermione were led up to their common room. It was on the eighth floor, much to their dismay, and it was behind a tapestry that was in the far corner. Unless someone knew it was there, no one would ever find it. Beyond the tapestry was a simple ebony door with a silver knob. It could be unlocked with a simple unlocking spell.
The inside was beautifully decorated with big poufy armchairs, couches, and loveseats. They were all either black or a soft grey. The walls were painted an ice white color, but they could be changed to whatever colors the Head Boy and Girl agreed on, and the same went for their bedrooms. On either side of the room was a desk-one for each of them. There were two sets of stairs that led up to a single balcony. On the right side was Hermione's bedroom and Draco's was on the left. Between the rooms was a large bathroom, similar to the one the prefects shared. The tub was the size of a pool and had a diving board. Hundreds of taps lined the edges, and each spat out a different scent or bubbles or water. There was also a large sink and a stall with a toilet. The bedrooms were identical. Both held a king-sized bed, a chest-of-drawers, and a walk-in closet. There was also a balcony just outside the large windows that connected the two rooms. Each also had another desk inside their room, where they could leave their personal things.
The beauty of the common room amazed Hermione. Never had she had the opportunity to live in such an extravagant place. She had seen pictures of rooms such as this one, but only ever dreamt about living in one.
Draco, on the other hand, was indifferent. The Malfoy Manor was much more lavishing than this common room could ever be. Centuries were spent on beautifying that house that nothing could ever top it in elegance. He lazily sprawled on one of the couches with his weight supported on one elbow and one leg planted on the floor while the other was dangling over the arm. His hair fell over his stormy eyes as he looked up at Hermione. "So," he said in a bored tone, "what color do you want the room to be? I'll leave that choice up to you, even if that choice does happen to be," he waved his wand once, "pink, or," he waved it again, "purple. Or perhaps you'd even like it to be," with another flick of his wand, "black?"
Hermione grinned and waved her wand. The walls turned a deep, blood red. "What about this, Draco? Does this meet with you approval?"
Draco shook his head, with a slight smile. "You Gryffindors and your damn pride. But, if you really want such a bold color, I guess we can leave it this way for the time being."
"Don't worry, Draco. We can change its color every two months if you wish. Next time it will be your turn to choose," she suggested with a raised eyebrow.
"Sounds good."
"Well, Draco, I am feeling quite fatigued and I want to be up in time for classes tomorrow, so I think I shall head up to bed."
"Very well then. Good night."
"'Night."