A/N: Love the reviews guys! I figure I would update again before the school semester begins. I am starting a new story, Mr. and Mrs. Potter with an H/HR theme and going back and forth with this one. So please check that one out if you get a chance! I must confess I ran into a bit of difficulties with this chapter, so some of if the situations like finding only ONE seat in the Slytherin table had to be exaggerated, but I hope you all like it just the same! For those of you who have either read the book or seen the movie, there is a pivotal scene where Wickham comes to play. I appreciate any ideas on how to pull it off! Thanks and Please Review!

Chapter Six: A Moment of Pride and Prejudice

A few hours later, Hermione had caught up with Susan near the Quidditch stands. Being in different houses, it was harder for the two friends to see each other as often. They spent their time catching up about the recent happenings at Hogwarts, including the little incident by the archery board. Soon, the sun was setting, and the students still left outside, quickly marched their way towards the school.

Supper was already being served in the Great Hall as Hermione and Susan entered. They bid each other farewell; promising to meet up on the train in a week, back to London.

Hermione, scanning the entire room, was unable to find any of her friends. She was able to find only one seat in Slytherin table. Having nothing to eat the entire day, she had no choice, and reluctantly sat down. Without speaking to anyone, she ate her dinner quietly.

A few of the Slytherins nearby began to point and whisper at the sole Gryffindor eating alone. Hermione, noticing the attention, sped up the process of eating as fast as possible so she could get out of there.

She lost her appetite soon enough and stood up expeditiously to leave. Ginny, spotting Hermione blocked her path.

"My, I must congratulate you," Ginny said snidely.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"The Gryffindor reputation was indeed upheld tonight," Ginny laughed menacingly, "Imagine, you, a mudblood, having the gall to sit at the Slytherin table! With no shame whatsoever!"

Some of the Slytherins nearby snickered. Hermione flushed as her eyes started to tear. She glared at her, refusing to cry or back down in front of them.

"All the while, your friends are out gallivanting around with that Potter and the likes of your class," Ginny continued, "Face it, they couldn't care less about your well being."

Hermione stood there in disbelief, speechless and unable to move. Ginny gave a derisive smirk. She then sauntered off, brushing forcefully at Hermione's shoulder before she could even respond.

Hermione took a few moments before regaining some composure and ran out of the Great Hall. She did not stop to catch her breath until she reached the third story corridors.

Draco, being on the other side of the room, was oblivious to the specifics of entire exchange. He noticed a distressed Hermione running out the door. Growing concerned, he quickly ended his supper and followed her.

"Hermione?" he called out.

Hermione's back was facing him as she leaned on the railing.

"Hermione," Draco said, now standing behind her, "I'm afraid something has happened to disturb you."

He walked around to her side to get a look at her face. Hermione stubbornly turned away, with her back towards him, "Nothing at all thank you," she replied in a high-pitched tone.

"Are you sure there's nothing I can do?" Draco asked.

"You can leave me to make a fool of myself," Hermione sniffed behind her handkerchief, "If you don't mind."

"It's hard to imagine you making a fool of yourself," he told her sincerely.

Hermione finally turned to him, "I do it quite frequently," she said, "Isn't that I was doing this afternoon?"

"I rather admire what you did this afternoon, Hermione," Draco replied, looking into her eyes, "Your resentment of what you believe to be an injustice showed courage and loyalty. I could wish I might possess a friend who would defend me as strongly as Potter was defended today."

Hermione gazed into his eyes intently, "You're very puzzling, Draco. At this moment, it's difficult to believe that you're so proud."

Draco gave her a small smile, "At this moment, its difficult to believe that you're so prejudice."

She sighed and wiped the tears away from her face.

"Shall we not call it quits and start again?" he suggested.

Hermione looked up at him again and produced an honest smile.

Draco offered his arm, "Shall we?"

She graciously accepted and they strolled along together towards Gryffindor tower.

As they reached the corner, they can hear Parvati and Alicia chattering away a few yards away from them.

"I must insist you look at Ron," Parvati pointed to the couple ahead of them; "The dear boy makes no secret of his admiration. That night Lavender became sick was the final test of her conquest. I knew it would," she bragged, "Wasn't it clever of me to plan the idea of Lavender suggesting them to fly to Hogsmeade instead?"

Draco frowned as he and Hermione overheard their conversation.

"And of course, dear Lavender will see that the rest of us has the opportunity to meet all sorts of rich young men," Pavarti added.

Draco's eyes grew wide as he turned to Hermione, who now has a crimson complexion on her face.

Pavarti and Alicia entered through the portrait hole. Hermione tried nervously to catch Draco's eyes as they reached the portrait hole. He avoided her gaze by looking down.

"May I take your leave now? I'm sure there must be many other gentlemen in there that would be delighted to have your company," he said tersly letting go of her hand.

As if on cue, Neville popped out of the entrance, Ah, Hermione! Would you like join me in a game of exploding snaps?" After noticing Draco, he said, "Ah, sir, will you please accept the humble apology of one who only just learned that you are the son of my esteemed patroness, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy?

"Indeed," Draco acknowledged, looking at Hermione, unresponsive, standing still, and staring into empty space.

"I have seen you around only from a far distance and we have never been properly introduced." he extended his hand, "Neville Longbottom at your service."

Draco obliged with a quick hand shake.

"You may be happy to learn, when I wrote to her two weeks ago, your gracious mother was enjoying the best of health," he added.

Hermione meekly looked up at Draco, who was still staring at her. Without a word, he turned round and left.

Neville observed him until he had disappeared from view, "What graciousness," he admired," What condescension."

"What snobbery!" Hermione exclaimed.

Neville flashed her a disapproving look, "Hermione, please remember that Draco is the son of Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy!"

"I do, Neville. I also remember that Draco is the sort of person who offers his friendship and at the first test of loyalty, redraws it!" Hermione told him bitterly, "Shall we go in now?"

"Of course," he replied as they both went through the portrait hole.

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A few days later, Hermione was sitting by the window one early morning in the common room watching the sunrise, deep in thought about that day on the railing.

"Mione! Mione!" Parvati called her over to where Lavender and a few other girls were sitting around.

"Come and see how pretty this is!" Parvati showed off the sweater that Lavender began to knit for Ron.

Hermione examined it, "Oh, that's charming Lavender. What a pity you didn't make it bigger. We can wrap it around Neville when he grows too much of a bore!"

The girls were still laughing when Neville came down the stairs.

"I thought you were still at breakfast with the Hufflepuffs Neville," said Parvati.

"No, no, I left them fifteen minute ago," he told them.

"Hmm, I think I'll go join them," Hermione announced. She started heading towards the portrait exit.

"Just a minute, Hermione!" Neville said, "May I solicit a private interview with you for a few minutes outside?"

"Well, I umm," she laughed nervously, desperately trying to find an excuse, "Really…I must--"

"Great!" he replied before she could finish and dragged her of the room. Lavender shot her a pity look before she left.

As soon as the door closed, Neville began, "Believe me, my dear Hermione. Your modesty does you no disservice in my eyes. Wait, you can hardly doubt the purpose of my discourse, my attention being too marked to be mistaken."

Hermione rolled her eyes while Neville explained; "I have singled you out, as my companion and girlfriend." Before she could insert a word, he continued, "Please, before my feelings run away with me, let me state my reasons." He elaborated further, "First, I believe that at our age, it is quite healthy to be in companionship with the opposite sex, especially on holiday, and secondly, it is the particular wish of that very noble lady, whom I have the honor of calling my patroness, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy to bring someone worthy enough as a guest to the Malfoy manor for one of her intimate summer gatherings. These, Hermione are my motives. And now, may I assure you that the balance of my affection---"

"You are too hasty sir," Hermione forcefully interjected, "You forget that I had made no answer. Let me do so at once. I appreciate the honor of your proposal---"

"Oh Mione!" Neville kissed her hand. Hermione with a look of disdain quickly removed it away from him, "But I must decline with thanks!" She started backing away from him.

"I understand my dear Hermione," he stated, walking up to her, "that it is a delicate and charming custom of young ladies to say no when they mean yes, even after three or four refusals, I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have said."

"Upon my word sir! You are very hard to discourage!" she protested.

"Ah, my dear-"

"Neville!" Hermione exclaimed, "You have made your offer, and I have refused it. So let's regard this incident as closed!"

"But my dear, I think you ought to take into consideration that in spite of your loveliness and very amiable qualifications that you are indeed muggle- born, it is by no means certain that another offer would ever be made you." Neville mentioned seriously.

"Well, by all---"Hermione retorted furiously.

"So I must therefore, attribute to your refusal to me, as your increasing the love for me in suspense!" Neville interrupted, "Which is I'm told, is the common practice of elegant females."

Hermione tried backing away once more, "Believe me sir, I am not one of those elegant females who takes pleasure in tormenting a respectable man," she explained, "I am a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart."

"Ah thank you," Neville replied, kissing her hand, "I know the timing will soon be right, you will plainly say yes."

"Ohhhhh!" Hermione screamed, throwing her hands up in the air. She stormed away from him as fast as she could.