A/N Alright, I know this chapter is short, but I wanted to get it out. I know I've taken too long! Please review---if you review, the chapter comes out faster
I WILL NOT POST MY NEXT CHAPTER UNTIL I GET TEN MORE REVIEWS. Yes, I am desperate. There's a little motivation for you.
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Shades of Gray
Chapter Six---Amber Emotion
Draco was shocked. What was Granger doing in Hogwarts? Another thing that took him by surprise was her appearance. At first, he had thought that she was someone else, her looks had changed so drastically. Soft, glossy chestnut waves fell past her shoulders and framed her face. He mentally shook his head to clear his mind and focused on the present situation. Granger's pink mouth was forming a round 'o' of surprise. Recovering a bit quicker, he relaxed his stunned look into a usual smirk.
"Look who's here. Granger, I know you must be stunned by my good looks but please keep your unappealing mouth shut. I really don't want to gaze at your horrid teeth," insulted Draco smoothly. Hermione's mouth snapped shut, and her look of surprise quickly transitioned into one of furious anger. But before her enraged words, which were inevitably coming, were hurled from her mouth, Professor McGonagall swooped into the Great Hall and walked between the two, facing Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy, kindly refrain from causing fights in this castle. I did not catch what you said, but I am sure it was not kind. You are both to be living in this castle, and cooperation is to be expected. I believe if you both try, you can get along." Behind her back, Hermione's mouth almost twinged into a smile at the impossible words. But at the professor's next sentence, her small grin fell from her face.
"I will expect better behavior from the Head Girl and Head Boy in the coming school year."
Hermione and Draco froze. It's true what they say, no matter how bad thing are, they can always get worse.
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Draco sighed internally. He should have seen this blow coming. Obviously Granger would be Head Girl, no one, not even him, doubted for a second that she would achieve the position. But having him named as Head Boy was a shock all its own. He had simply assumed that Potter would be chosen. He stopped still with a thought-he could lord this over the Golden Boy all year! He, the Prince of Slytherin, had been chosen to have a place of high standing in Potter's beloved home. Oh, and to think of all the points he could deduct them! He silently congratulated himself on buckling down in fifth year and reaching his full potential. Sure, his grades were not first, Granger's always were, but he had always gotten second. Once he had beaten her on a test in Ancient Runes! He continued his internal self-congratulations, complimenting himself on all of his winning qualities, until he glanced up and caught Granger staring at him. As he looked closer at her, he let his mask of ice slip over his features as he examined her as well. Now that he looked closer, he realized that she had not changed much. Her hair was smoother, yes, but the same glowing skin still shone, and the same amber eyes sparkling with emotion. Her eyes would always betray her every feeling, never masking how she truly felt. And right now…she felt angry.
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Hermione narrowed her eyes. After recovering from the initial shock of hearing Malfoy named as Head Boy, she glanced up to see his reaction. Apparently, he was taking this little piece of news well. Quite well, in fact. So well that a smug smile stretched across his flawless face, and his stormy gray eyes glittered with anticipation. She could practically see the schemes and plots he was construing in that tiny ferret mind of his! Alright, so his mind wasn't as tiny has she had suspected when she was younger. Hell, he had even beaten her at a test—and in Ancient Runes, no less! Thank Merlin it wasn't in Arithmancy-she simply would have died from the shame, and Malfoy gloated enough over the Ancient Runes test to last her a lifetime. Suddenly, Malfoy's eyes snapped forward and locked onto hers, catching Hermione in the act of looking at him. She had not even realized she had been staring until now, and his gray eyes seemed to challenge her amber ones. They simply looked at one another. Hermione's look seemed to scream anger and frustration, while Malfoy's didn't have much of an expression at all.
Just as Hermione began to puzzle at what really lay behind the stony wall, Professor McGonagoll finally spoke, her strict voice getting their attention at once.
"Come along quickly. I will show you to your quarters." Of course. They would be sharing a common room.
This day got better and better.
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Minerva sighed as she settled further back into the scarlet plush cushion of the seat. It had not been easy, forcing those two to accept the fact they were sharing quarters. She had resigned herself to the fact that Draco had been appointed as Head Boy, but that did not mean the she agreed with it.
"Thank you, Albus." She said graciously as she accepted the cup of tea offered by Hogwarts' Headmaster.
"I must, once again, be confused as to why you picked Draco as Head Boy. I am not questioning your judgment, Albus. But I absolutely must have a reason. Those two are simply never going to get along!"
His twinkling blue eyes shined amusedly at her, and the old man smiled wryly as he answered.
"How do you know that they have nothing in common, Minerva?" He always seemed to answer her questions with another question.
"They are enemies, Albus! How much can they have in common? Besides the fact that one is a Slytherin and another is a Gryffindor!" Albus sighed sadly.
"Students are sorted into houses where their peers have the same strengths and weaknesses as one another, so that way they can improve their faults together. This does not mean that they have nothing in common with others of a different house. Perhaps those two have much in common, but their mutual hatred is blinding them from seeing it all."
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A/N---NO CHAPTER UNTIL TEN MORE REVIEWS!
Thanks to…Darkening Sky, DanceChic0869, love2045, DrakGurly819
Incognito B—Wow. I always feel amazing whenever you review. My life is now complete… Just…wow.
Meg—Happy belated New Years to you as well!
Crazy Poet—As always, I love your reviews. If you read carefully above, Hermione didn't change drastically, just her hair did. Everything is the same but Draco never really noticed it. I made Draco Head Boy because it gives a lot more time for interaction between the two, even if it has been overused. I'm not sure about Draco writing the poem, it just seems a little OOC. I'll send you the poem if you want and you can help me decide!! If you want…. Once again, thanks for the review!
I address reviews personally when I get advice!! I love reviews but advice and constructive criticism are the best!
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