Hey! I was so excited about writing this chapter I started the day after I posted the first chapter! The bad thing is that when I went to write it, my computer shut down. Stupid rain. Florida is a bad place, sometimes. –Sigh- oh well. I'm still excited about this next chapter; I'm trying to be different from other fics I've read, so this chapter is crucial. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, so enjoy! :]
---
Hermione walked back to the end of the train, where her friends were awaiting her. She couldn't believe that Draco Malfoy was being so nice to her, or that she had to room with him! She just didn't understand Professor Dumbledore sometimes. She reached the end of the train and decided to go to Harry and Ron's compartment first, as talking to them would take up less time.
As she walked up to their compartment door, she looked in and took in the surroundings. Ron and Harry were talking with the other boys very animatedly, about Quidditch no doubt. She decided that they needed some time that was just them and 'the guys' like she needed some time that was just her and 'the girls'. They didn't have to be on their toes all the time, trying to make sure they wouldn't upset Hermione, they needed their space and she respected that. They really have grown up over the years, she thought with a sigh. She walked into the compartment.
"Hey guys. I just came back from the meeting with McGonagall. Turns out that the rumor about the Heads having to share dormitories is true. But it's okay Ron," She added, seeing the look on her friend's face, "they aren't joined. You needn't worry."
"Well good, because if that slimy git ever tried anything on you I don't know what I'd do!" Ron exclaimed. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, he is the type to try something on a harmless victim. I don't like the fact that you have to be in such close quarters with him, but if he ever DOES try something on you, you know who to call. We'll be there for you no matter what," Harry informed her, while Ron nodded to show his consent.
"That goes for us, too, Hermione," Seamus said, speaking for Neville and Dean. She smiled at them.
"Well, thank you all for your concern, but I'm a big girl and can take care of myself. Now I must be off, there are some girls in another compartment I need to tend to. I'll see you all later," she said and left with a wave.
As she was walking to the girl's compartment she decided to have some fun with the girls. They were easily excited at the moment, and she decided to use that to her advantage. She had a plan. When she walked through the sliding door she plastered the largest grin she could muster and a dreamy expression on her face. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it right.
"Hermione, what's with the look? How did the meeting go?" Ginny asked.
"Oh, Ginny! Malfoy – Draco – was so great! He was being so kind; I could hardly believe it! First we had McGonagall instruct us as to what we should tell the Prefects, and then we had some alone time. Now we only talked for about five minutes but he still got to me! What a charmer! He said that he was so sorry about calling me a Mudblood all these years, and that he's been childish and juvenile about it the whole time!" Hermione said, looking around. She saw that all the other girls were in awe, except Ginny. She knew her best friend too well to be tricked into believing something so absurd. She shared a look with Hermione saying 'I'll play along' and Hermione continued.
"He said that he couldn't wait to share a dorm with me this year, as it would bring us closer. And guess what?" she asked. She didn't happen to see Ginny's eyes drift to the door, nor did she see a certain blonde raise a finger to his mouth, quieting her. Here came the best part, "He asked me to have dinner with him tonight, a candle-lit dinner for two in our mini kitchen. Oh, I'm so excited!" she said and added a little clap to show excitement. It was time to break it to them.
"Want to know the best part?" she asked. They all nodded. "The entire thing is made up! Fictional. I could be a writer when I grow up!" she said, with a snort of laughter. Ginny started laughing along with her, getting disapproving looks from their friends. They didn't appreciate being tricked, it turned out. All laughing stopped, however, when they heard a voice from the doorway.
"Great story, Granger," came the voice of Draco Malfoy. "My favorite part was when I "admitted" to being childish and juvenile. Excellent touch, if I do say so myself," he said. "Though you were wrong on one account... It wasn't fictional. Not completely, at least. I'll see you later, Granger," he said and left with a smirk, Hermione staring after him.
Hermione was in shock. She didn't know that he was standing in the doorway, or else she would not have continued for as long as she did! Had he heard the whole thing? Oh boy.
"Ginny! Why didn't you tell me he was standing there? I made a complete fool out of myself in front of him, and no one decided that they could help me?" she asked, looking around the compartment. Lavender spoke first.
"You shouldn't have decided to trick us in the first place," she said, laughing. "I'm sorry Hermione, but that was funny!"
"It's fine. I guess I had what was coming to me, but do me a favor. Next time, please WARN me when I'm making a complete and total idiot of myself!" she said, laughing as well as the rest.
Ron appeared at the doorway, trying to see what was going on. "What is all this noise in here? What's so funny?" he asked, a confused look on his face. Hermione was the first to recover.
"Oh, nothing for you to worry about Ronald, just having a good old chat about... current events," she answered, sending them all into fits of laughter yet again.
"Bloody girls," Ron said as he left, shaking his head.
---
The girls were getting a bit tired of being on the train for so long. Ginny decided to start some friendly conversation, and learn some facts at the same time.
"So, if I were to ask everyone in here who they fancied, what would you say?" she asked, grin on her face.
"Well, I would say that I'm tired of keeping it a secret, and I'm just dying to tell someone!" Padma said, leaning forward as if to tell some big story.
"I think that if everyone else told me who they fancied, I might tell you who I fancy," Lavender said, almost blushing. "What about you, Hermione?" she asked, putting the spotlight on Hermione.
"Well, I suppose I could go last, as long as we all hear who Ginny fancies," she said, looking at Ginny with an angelic smile.
"Sure, but I'm second to last," she said, looking at the others. "Who wants to go first?"
"I will. I fancy Neville Longbottom," Luna stated simply.
"Neville?" Ginny asked, unable to believe that anyone would ever go after Neville Longbottom. He was a great guy, yes, but she never would have thought that someone would actually have a crush on him.
"Yes, of course Neville. He's so brave..." she stated and went back to reading her magazine, The Quibbler.
"Well, that's... shocking to say the least. Who's next?" Hermione asked.
"I'll go," Padma said. Boy, she really wanted to get this out, didn't she? "Well, there's not really any good choices from my House are there? Sadly, the answer is no. So, I've been looking at your House, guys. Well, you know that boy, Dean?" everyone looked up at that. "I saw him last year and we got to talking and all that. But it was the end of the year, so nothing happened then. We exchanged addresses and have been writing all summer. Well, two weeks ago, he wrote me an interesting letter. In it, he wrote that he liked me a lot and wanted to know if I liked him as well. He said he hoped I did, because he didn't want me to reject him when he asked me to be his girlfriend!" she said, excitedly.
"Oh my gosh, Padma! So that's who you've been writing all summer! I was beginning to think it was Neville Longbottom, the way you were hiding the letters from me! No offense Luna," Parvati added. "Why didn't you tell me when he asked? What did you say?" she asked, squealing with surprise and excitement.
"Well, he told me not to tell anyone, but I've been dying to tell you all so badly. Do you know how hard it is for me to keep something from all of you? Wow. Well, I answered him that I did in fact like him, and that I would accept if he were to ask me. And a pink rose, my favorite, accompanied the next post I got from him. He asked me to be his girlfriend! We're going out for about two weeks now!" she said, happily. "But enough about me, what about you guys? Parvati, I haven't heard about your mysterious little partner yet."
"Well, it's not quite as romantic as yours, but you know Dean's best friend, Seamus? I've liked him for quite some time, and about a week ago he sent me a letter confessing the fact that he's liked me since fourth year, but didn't have the courage to say anything about it. He didn't know why he sent the letter so close to school, and quite frankly neither do I, but all I care about is the fact that we're meeting in the common room tonight to... discuss some things," Parvati said, with a content sigh. "Lavender?
"I think we all know who I fancy. Ginny, would you hate me terribly if I told you that I liked your brother?" Lavender asked, a little fear in her eyes when she turned to Ginny.
"Of course not, Lavender. I think he fancies you, too. This summer I asked him, and he wouldn't answer. But when Fred and George asked him about you, he blushed more than he did for any other girl. Now all you have to do is convince the git that you like him and he will get off his lazy arse and ask you out!" Ginny said to laughs of the girls around her.
"Okay, Gin. Your turn. And don't try to get out of it, either. We will get it out of you even if it takes the truth potion to do it!" Hermione said with a mock- straight face.
"Right. Well, I used to have a huge crush on Harry; we all know that. And remember how in third year I said I had gotten over him? Well, I did, but I think I like him again, after fourth year. He included me, and I won't be forgetting that any time soon..." Ginny started out strong, ended up blushing. The other girls did not look shocked.
"Ginny, I did believe that you stopped liking him back in my fourth year. And in my fifth year you further proved that you didn't by going out with Michael. But I did see that you liked him last year, I think we all did," Hermione said and looked around to see the nods of her friends. "Yes. Well, just know that I don't think the feeling isn't returned. That's all I'll say there," she said, with a wink.
"Well, I'll keep that in mind. Now. Stop stalling, and tell us who YOU fancy. I think we're all interested here," Ginny said, smile on her face.
"Well, umm... lovely weather we're having, eh?" she said, trying to get the attention off of her.
"Hermione, stop trying to change the subject. I know a powerful truth spell and if you don't stop being so childish, I'll use it on you!" Parvati said.
"Guys, I don't like anyone. That's the truth. Do any of you believe me?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione, I want to but I'm afraid I'm going to have to see if you're telling the truth. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt one bit and you won't even remember I used this on you. Reveale!" Parvati yelled.
"Now, Hermione. Tell us the truth. Who do you like?" Lavender asked with a smirk on her face. The girls were really enjoying themselves.
"Well, I don't really like anyone. But I can't say I'm not in a way looking forward to rooming with Draco Malfoy. And I don't like Ron, like everyone thinks. He's too much of an older brother to ever like," Hermione replied, a glazed look in her eyes. Lavender looked relieved.
"Finite!" Parvati yelled.
"So, you all believe me right? You won't use a silly spell on me, will you?" Hermione asked.
"Of course not, Hermione," Parvati answered.
Little did they know, a certain blonde Slytherin was lurking behind the door, listening to every word they said. Kind of scary how he always showed up when he wasn't supposed to, eh?
"Granger's not afraid of me anymore? Hmm... I could definitely take advantage of this... Yes, I think I will..." Malfoy said thoughtfully and walked away, just as the train pulled up at the Hogsmeade station.
---
Ooh, what is Draco thinking? Will he use his newfound information for good or evil? You'll have to wait and find out! ;] I tried to make this chapter a bit longer than the last one, because well... I wasn't too happy about the size of it. I will try to make the chapters grow and grow as the story progresses. I didn't expect to have this chapter be about the train ride... I'm sure none of you did. But Next chapter we get to see Hermione's dorms with Draco. Yay. I'm especially excited about describing their bathroom ;] Don't even ask why... I don't know. :[ hehe. Oh by the way, I'm a firm believer that Ron and Hermione will be together in the books... I just like writing about other stuff! Please dont hate me. ;] Well, I would like to say thanks to my reviewers, I'll list you all in my next chapter. Hopefully I'll get more... ah well. Thanks for the reviews, keep them coming! :]
Sara – Skytheuplight -
---
Hermione walked back to the end of the train, where her friends were awaiting her. She couldn't believe that Draco Malfoy was being so nice to her, or that she had to room with him! She just didn't understand Professor Dumbledore sometimes. She reached the end of the train and decided to go to Harry and Ron's compartment first, as talking to them would take up less time.
As she walked up to their compartment door, she looked in and took in the surroundings. Ron and Harry were talking with the other boys very animatedly, about Quidditch no doubt. She decided that they needed some time that was just them and 'the guys' like she needed some time that was just her and 'the girls'. They didn't have to be on their toes all the time, trying to make sure they wouldn't upset Hermione, they needed their space and she respected that. They really have grown up over the years, she thought with a sigh. She walked into the compartment.
"Hey guys. I just came back from the meeting with McGonagall. Turns out that the rumor about the Heads having to share dormitories is true. But it's okay Ron," She added, seeing the look on her friend's face, "they aren't joined. You needn't worry."
"Well good, because if that slimy git ever tried anything on you I don't know what I'd do!" Ron exclaimed. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, he is the type to try something on a harmless victim. I don't like the fact that you have to be in such close quarters with him, but if he ever DOES try something on you, you know who to call. We'll be there for you no matter what," Harry informed her, while Ron nodded to show his consent.
"That goes for us, too, Hermione," Seamus said, speaking for Neville and Dean. She smiled at them.
"Well, thank you all for your concern, but I'm a big girl and can take care of myself. Now I must be off, there are some girls in another compartment I need to tend to. I'll see you all later," she said and left with a wave.
As she was walking to the girl's compartment she decided to have some fun with the girls. They were easily excited at the moment, and she decided to use that to her advantage. She had a plan. When she walked through the sliding door she plastered the largest grin she could muster and a dreamy expression on her face. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it right.
"Hermione, what's with the look? How did the meeting go?" Ginny asked.
"Oh, Ginny! Malfoy – Draco – was so great! He was being so kind; I could hardly believe it! First we had McGonagall instruct us as to what we should tell the Prefects, and then we had some alone time. Now we only talked for about five minutes but he still got to me! What a charmer! He said that he was so sorry about calling me a Mudblood all these years, and that he's been childish and juvenile about it the whole time!" Hermione said, looking around. She saw that all the other girls were in awe, except Ginny. She knew her best friend too well to be tricked into believing something so absurd. She shared a look with Hermione saying 'I'll play along' and Hermione continued.
"He said that he couldn't wait to share a dorm with me this year, as it would bring us closer. And guess what?" she asked. She didn't happen to see Ginny's eyes drift to the door, nor did she see a certain blonde raise a finger to his mouth, quieting her. Here came the best part, "He asked me to have dinner with him tonight, a candle-lit dinner for two in our mini kitchen. Oh, I'm so excited!" she said and added a little clap to show excitement. It was time to break it to them.
"Want to know the best part?" she asked. They all nodded. "The entire thing is made up! Fictional. I could be a writer when I grow up!" she said, with a snort of laughter. Ginny started laughing along with her, getting disapproving looks from their friends. They didn't appreciate being tricked, it turned out. All laughing stopped, however, when they heard a voice from the doorway.
"Great story, Granger," came the voice of Draco Malfoy. "My favorite part was when I "admitted" to being childish and juvenile. Excellent touch, if I do say so myself," he said. "Though you were wrong on one account... It wasn't fictional. Not completely, at least. I'll see you later, Granger," he said and left with a smirk, Hermione staring after him.
Hermione was in shock. She didn't know that he was standing in the doorway, or else she would not have continued for as long as she did! Had he heard the whole thing? Oh boy.
"Ginny! Why didn't you tell me he was standing there? I made a complete fool out of myself in front of him, and no one decided that they could help me?" she asked, looking around the compartment. Lavender spoke first.
"You shouldn't have decided to trick us in the first place," she said, laughing. "I'm sorry Hermione, but that was funny!"
"It's fine. I guess I had what was coming to me, but do me a favor. Next time, please WARN me when I'm making a complete and total idiot of myself!" she said, laughing as well as the rest.
Ron appeared at the doorway, trying to see what was going on. "What is all this noise in here? What's so funny?" he asked, a confused look on his face. Hermione was the first to recover.
"Oh, nothing for you to worry about Ronald, just having a good old chat about... current events," she answered, sending them all into fits of laughter yet again.
"Bloody girls," Ron said as he left, shaking his head.
---
The girls were getting a bit tired of being on the train for so long. Ginny decided to start some friendly conversation, and learn some facts at the same time.
"So, if I were to ask everyone in here who they fancied, what would you say?" she asked, grin on her face.
"Well, I would say that I'm tired of keeping it a secret, and I'm just dying to tell someone!" Padma said, leaning forward as if to tell some big story.
"I think that if everyone else told me who they fancied, I might tell you who I fancy," Lavender said, almost blushing. "What about you, Hermione?" she asked, putting the spotlight on Hermione.
"Well, I suppose I could go last, as long as we all hear who Ginny fancies," she said, looking at Ginny with an angelic smile.
"Sure, but I'm second to last," she said, looking at the others. "Who wants to go first?"
"I will. I fancy Neville Longbottom," Luna stated simply.
"Neville?" Ginny asked, unable to believe that anyone would ever go after Neville Longbottom. He was a great guy, yes, but she never would have thought that someone would actually have a crush on him.
"Yes, of course Neville. He's so brave..." she stated and went back to reading her magazine, The Quibbler.
"Well, that's... shocking to say the least. Who's next?" Hermione asked.
"I'll go," Padma said. Boy, she really wanted to get this out, didn't she? "Well, there's not really any good choices from my House are there? Sadly, the answer is no. So, I've been looking at your House, guys. Well, you know that boy, Dean?" everyone looked up at that. "I saw him last year and we got to talking and all that. But it was the end of the year, so nothing happened then. We exchanged addresses and have been writing all summer. Well, two weeks ago, he wrote me an interesting letter. In it, he wrote that he liked me a lot and wanted to know if I liked him as well. He said he hoped I did, because he didn't want me to reject him when he asked me to be his girlfriend!" she said, excitedly.
"Oh my gosh, Padma! So that's who you've been writing all summer! I was beginning to think it was Neville Longbottom, the way you were hiding the letters from me! No offense Luna," Parvati added. "Why didn't you tell me when he asked? What did you say?" she asked, squealing with surprise and excitement.
"Well, he told me not to tell anyone, but I've been dying to tell you all so badly. Do you know how hard it is for me to keep something from all of you? Wow. Well, I answered him that I did in fact like him, and that I would accept if he were to ask me. And a pink rose, my favorite, accompanied the next post I got from him. He asked me to be his girlfriend! We're going out for about two weeks now!" she said, happily. "But enough about me, what about you guys? Parvati, I haven't heard about your mysterious little partner yet."
"Well, it's not quite as romantic as yours, but you know Dean's best friend, Seamus? I've liked him for quite some time, and about a week ago he sent me a letter confessing the fact that he's liked me since fourth year, but didn't have the courage to say anything about it. He didn't know why he sent the letter so close to school, and quite frankly neither do I, but all I care about is the fact that we're meeting in the common room tonight to... discuss some things," Parvati said, with a content sigh. "Lavender?
"I think we all know who I fancy. Ginny, would you hate me terribly if I told you that I liked your brother?" Lavender asked, a little fear in her eyes when she turned to Ginny.
"Of course not, Lavender. I think he fancies you, too. This summer I asked him, and he wouldn't answer. But when Fred and George asked him about you, he blushed more than he did for any other girl. Now all you have to do is convince the git that you like him and he will get off his lazy arse and ask you out!" Ginny said to laughs of the girls around her.
"Okay, Gin. Your turn. And don't try to get out of it, either. We will get it out of you even if it takes the truth potion to do it!" Hermione said with a mock- straight face.
"Right. Well, I used to have a huge crush on Harry; we all know that. And remember how in third year I said I had gotten over him? Well, I did, but I think I like him again, after fourth year. He included me, and I won't be forgetting that any time soon..." Ginny started out strong, ended up blushing. The other girls did not look shocked.
"Ginny, I did believe that you stopped liking him back in my fourth year. And in my fifth year you further proved that you didn't by going out with Michael. But I did see that you liked him last year, I think we all did," Hermione said and looked around to see the nods of her friends. "Yes. Well, just know that I don't think the feeling isn't returned. That's all I'll say there," she said, with a wink.
"Well, I'll keep that in mind. Now. Stop stalling, and tell us who YOU fancy. I think we're all interested here," Ginny said, smile on her face.
"Well, umm... lovely weather we're having, eh?" she said, trying to get the attention off of her.
"Hermione, stop trying to change the subject. I know a powerful truth spell and if you don't stop being so childish, I'll use it on you!" Parvati said.
"Guys, I don't like anyone. That's the truth. Do any of you believe me?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione, I want to but I'm afraid I'm going to have to see if you're telling the truth. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt one bit and you won't even remember I used this on you. Reveale!" Parvati yelled.
"Now, Hermione. Tell us the truth. Who do you like?" Lavender asked with a smirk on her face. The girls were really enjoying themselves.
"Well, I don't really like anyone. But I can't say I'm not in a way looking forward to rooming with Draco Malfoy. And I don't like Ron, like everyone thinks. He's too much of an older brother to ever like," Hermione replied, a glazed look in her eyes. Lavender looked relieved.
"Finite!" Parvati yelled.
"So, you all believe me right? You won't use a silly spell on me, will you?" Hermione asked.
"Of course not, Hermione," Parvati answered.
Little did they know, a certain blonde Slytherin was lurking behind the door, listening to every word they said. Kind of scary how he always showed up when he wasn't supposed to, eh?
"Granger's not afraid of me anymore? Hmm... I could definitely take advantage of this... Yes, I think I will..." Malfoy said thoughtfully and walked away, just as the train pulled up at the Hogsmeade station.
---
Ooh, what is Draco thinking? Will he use his newfound information for good or evil? You'll have to wait and find out! ;] I tried to make this chapter a bit longer than the last one, because well... I wasn't too happy about the size of it. I will try to make the chapters grow and grow as the story progresses. I didn't expect to have this chapter be about the train ride... I'm sure none of you did. But Next chapter we get to see Hermione's dorms with Draco. Yay. I'm especially excited about describing their bathroom ;] Don't even ask why... I don't know. :[ hehe. Oh by the way, I'm a firm believer that Ron and Hermione will be together in the books... I just like writing about other stuff! Please dont hate me. ;] Well, I would like to say thanks to my reviewers, I'll list you all in my next chapter. Hopefully I'll get more... ah well. Thanks for the reviews, keep them coming! :]
Sara – Skytheuplight -