Title: Heaven Forbid

Author: XiaoLang - Kaz

Rating: PG13

Summary: I hate him; I wish he was dead. He wants me dead and I couldn't care less. Let him sneer; let him glare; let him express his hatred for me. Let him ignore me, and yet keep all his attention on me. I don't care. …I think I'm in love with him.

Disclaimer: the book series of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. All work relating to the book series or the content and characters within belong to her alone.

Chapter IV

~*~*~*~*~

"Hello."

I turned to see Hermione extend her hand toward me. I smiled a bit and took it, shaking her hand.

"I'm Hermione Granger."

"Harle," I answered.

"Did you just come in today?"

I nodded.

Hermione smiled. "It must be a great change for you to come here at Hogwarts."

I laughed at the irony. "Yes, it's a pretty big change."

"I hope you enjoy your stay here."

I nodded as Ron suddenly spoke up.

"Do you like Quidditch?"

A second later, Ron groaned as Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. Turning toward her, he stared in disbelief and confusion.

"What?"

Hermione simply scowled before returning to her meal, an explanation left unsaid. I smirked inwardly at the behavior, sad I missed this new part of Hermione. If anything, I missed a lot of Hermione's change since they became a couple, myself having become withdrawn far before Ron confessed. It was fun to see her this way. It was the best for both of them.

Joan cleared her throat, drawing my attention toward her.

"You seem popular already."

I shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose."

"I guess you won't have a problem in being kept busy throughout your time here, huh?" Joan commented, though the answer was obvious.

"Yup."

"Harle?"

My eyes opened slowly, my body still tired from last night. I looked up to see Joan and Hermione standing over my bed.

"Yes?" came my croaked answer.

Hermione smiled. "Since it's your first day in classes, Joan and I offered to escort you to your classes."

"What about Ron?" I asked, yawning, before I even knew what I was talking about.

I blinked in realization of what I said, but Hermione didn't seem bothered.

"Is it that obvious?" she asked before shaking her head. "Oh, don't worry about him. He can survive without me for a morning or two. Actually, he has practice today and probably won't be around till our first class together."

"Class?" I repeated, barely able to keep the groan from escaping my voice.

Joan smiled in turn, nodding. "Yup. Gryffindor has Transfiguration first, then double Potions with Slytherin." At the last part she grimaced.

Hermione sighed. "Yes. At least Harry isn't here, or else more trouble would rise. And even without him, Ron will surely pick a fight with Draco."

"Oh?" I just had to ask. How bad would things get without the infamous Draco Malfoy, the rival and mortal enemy of Harry Potter (well, aside from Voldemort, but he's not a snippy, prick of a blonde always in my face), to pick on Harry Potter, and just settle with his best friends? As much as I hated double Potions with Slytherin, things probably were going to be interesting.

Hermione threw me a sad and exasperated look. "Yes. Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy, goes here at Hogwarts. He and Harry (Harry Potter, of course) are always seen making absolute trouble and mayhem for each other, never seeming to let up on the rude comments, the angry looks, and horribly childish actions. If they weren't both boys, you'd think they were an angry couple."

"Eh?!!" I exclaimed, shooting up in bed.

Hermione chuckled, waving her hand. "Oh, don't worry, those two could never get along if unless they were hypnotized or under a spell."

Still! For her to joke about that! To mention such an impossibility! That is just bloody scary, okay? I tried to laugh along with her but it practically came out choked. Clearing it, I changed the subject.

"Um... so, is breakfast up right now?"

Joan nodded and gestured to the clothes draped over the chair by the nightstand. "Yeah. And your clothes are already here for you."

"We'll leave you to change and get ready," Hermione added before the two left, letting me slip into the clothes.

I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder after I finished preparing myself, going down the stairwell to the common room, meeting the girls who waited patiently for me near the painting. I smile at them a bit, feeling a bit awkward. One could say my panties were in a bunch, but I hell knew they weren't (I mean, it's hard to miss when the thing's clinging to your bloody arse— how do girls wear these things?!).

They greeted me warmly and the three of us set out to the Grand Hall, sitting at the Gryffindor table to enjoy our breakfast. As usual, breakfast at Hogwarts is as grand and delicious as the other meals it serves. And also, as usual, the Hall was crowded. A few students were probably absent and haven't come yet or left already, but it was still full of witches and wizards, loud and eventful. Some students had books before them; some were trying to finish the previous night's work while others were studying and preparing for upcoming classes. Obviously, as soon as the three of us sat at the table, Hermione pulled out book (probably for Arithmacy or something of the sort) and began reading it as she ate.

Joan continued as the day before on explaining a bit more on the school, proving to be a true Hermione double. How? All she said was stuff from Hogwarts: A History. ...And how do I know this? Hermione actually got me the humongous thing last year for my birthday. I swear, I don't know what brought her to get me it, but I guess I should thank her. I had something to read in my time at my Uncle's over the summer break. And... it was good that I had something to distract me— and not from just my sadistic relatives.

I smiled and nodded every once in a while as breakfast continued, listing even as she continued to talk on our way to our first class. Hermione left just a few minutes before us to do a bit of work in the library before she came to class.

"Well, well, well."

The unique, irreplaceable voice that came from behind us stopped Joan's long speech and my ongoing thoughts. I turned around sharply to meet the face of my rival. Or rather, Harry's.

"Yes?" I said in masked kindness.

He smirked and looked us over, his goons flanking him with dumb, half-formed expressions on their faces.

"Aren't you Miss New Girl?"

I tilted me head to the side slightly, a smile formed on my face, almost mockingly.

"Yes, I am. And you are?"

"Draco Malfoy, mind you. It'd be best if you remember it," he answered.

I don't know why, but a thought crossed my mind, my smile widening a bit. Perhaps just a little play...

"Oh? Why so?"

Malfoy snorted. "If you can't figure it out, I'll help you."

I laughed inwardly. But I was unable to answer with yet another question when Joan spoke up, her voice tight and almost pleading.

"Malfoy, please leave her alone. She doesn't need your hospitality."

Hospitality? I suppose that's a too-kind way of putting it. I watched as Malfoy regarded her with a snort.

"And how are you?" he snapped. "Was I talking to you?"

"No, but—"

Joan was cut off as Malfoy spoke again.

"Then but out of this little conversation, Gryffindor."

I frowned and stepped between them.

"Hey! That's no way to talk to my friend!"

He laughed. "And what are you going to do about it?"

"Excuse me, is there something wrong here?"

Five heads turned to the new voice, surprised in our own ways.

"Professor Dumbledore?" I said.

The grey haired man smiled, eyes twinkling with their usual smile. "Hello, Harle, Joan." He turned to the other three and addressed them as well. "Mr. Malfoy...? Are you escorting these girls to their class or chatting with them because all of you should be moving along."

Malfoy shot Joan and me and glare before commanding his goons, leaving, knowing that he was in dangerous territory when Dumbledore was around to interrupt his mischievous ways. I smiled gratefully at Dumbledore as the three disappeared around a corner.

"Hello, Professor," Joan said in a sigh, gratitude evident in her voice.

The Headmaster smiled at us and first turned his attention to Joan. "Joan, could you continue on to your first class? I'd like to speak with Miss Harle for a moment."

Joan nodded and immediately obliged, leaving me to stand in the hall with the elderly man.

"Yes, Professor?" I asked once she was out of earshot.

"I noticed you've managed to become friends with Joan. Are you adjusting well?"

Strange... Dumbledore was never vague.

I nodded, knowing the undercurrent meaning. "Yeah. She helped greatly yesterday, and Hermione was doing just the same this morning. If anything, it's the same as before. Professor, how long will this go on?" I asked after a moment's pause.

Dumbledore smiled apologetically. "I'm not sure. It would be best if you first found out what you ate or drank or saw or even touched for this to happen. If you can get that, then it should be a bit easier for you to figure out a counter spell or potion. But until then, you must endure this. I hope the student body does not treat you harshly."

I nodded, shifting the bag on my shoulder. "Same here. And... Professor?"

Dumbledore paused just as he was about to turn around. "Yes?"

I sighed, smiling at him. "Thanks. You know, for last year. I'm glad you're there for me."

The glint in the man's eyes seemed to dance in merriment at the compliment. "Of course. There will not be a time where I will not support my students in their time of need. I only wish for the best."

I nodded a second time and watched the man leave before rushing to class.

~

The door to the dungeon room slammed open, nearly causing rattling bottles and vials to fall off the shelves. None of the students jumped at the sound, far too used to the abuse of inanimate objects whenever setting foot near the classroom. Some glanced over their shoulders as they continued to set up their equipment, making their own exasperated signs and expressions at the haughty teacher before continuing to prepare.

I sat next to Hermione, Ron and Joan, Seamus and Neville in front of us. I played a face of surprise and innocence, a practiced mask in place. Ron caught my expression and waved it off with a snort, whispering to me.

"Don't worry about it. The nutter's always like that."

I smiled and nodded, watching the man begin his routine of insults and interrogations. And, not surprisingly enough, assaulted me mostly to see what I learned. I swear, if that man knew who I was, he'd drill twice as hard.

"All right then," he drawled, his voice deeper yet rival to Malfoy's. "We'll start making this potion in pairs." And before anyone could even get their hopes up, he added, "From opposite Houses."

A chorus of groans met that statement. I simply sighed, having a feeling of dread form in the pit of my stomach.

Hermione huffed, nearly snapping her textbook close. "Oh, not again," she complained, though it was by far not loud enough to be heard by Snape. She turned to me and smiled apologetically. "I hope you don't get someone too brutal."

"I'm sure it won't be bad," I said with a shake of my head, figuring that only Malfoy could make my day simply hellish.

And much to my luck, I just had to think his name to start the chain.

"Harle. You will pair with Mr. Malfoy."

I groaned inwardly and nodded mechanically, picking up my things and moving over to sit next to the megalomaniac. I shot him a glare before setting my things up again, choosing to pointedly ignoring him.

After all the students were put into pairs, we set to work, the sounds of glass hitting against each other and metal being heard throughout the room. There was scarce chatter, only because of whom everyone was paired up with. Even the Slytherins seemed in the least bit disappointed in having to pair with a Gryffindor.

Malfoy and I were no different. Almost in fear of getting in contact with each other, we didn't speak unless necessary and reached for our own equipment. Strange, really, since we usually gritted teeth and barked at each other like a pair of dogs from different packs. But I'm not saying I didn't mind the rare silence either. He didn't sneer at me, nor make any excessively rude comments. (But then again, he doesn't know it's me, huh?)

But no sooner had I enjoyed the silence did it break. As I was cutting up one of the ingredients to the potion, my hand slipped with the knife, slicing open two of my fingers. With a clatter that rang in the classroom, I hissed and dropped the knife, quickly withdrawing my hand to lick away the blood on instinct. Unfortunately, my arm crashed into Malfoy's, causing a vial he was holding to slip out of his hands and conveniently spill over my front. I yelped as I felt the chemical burn at the front of my shirt. I would've attempted to try and wipe it off, but it was already too late. The chemical burned down to my skin, thankfully not touching it.

I stared in shock at what happened and looked up sharply to see that moronic blonde staring at me as well. Well, his gaze was more centered at my chest, but still—!

My hand formed into a fist and I let instinct that I didn't even know about take over me, bringing my hand up and swinging at his face.

~*~*~*~*~*~

AN: Oh, poor, poor Harry... But it's just so fun to mess with him! grins evilly Don't you think so? Just so manipulative, he is... Well, I bet you didn't expect much from Malfie, huh? ^^ Rather new man, ain't he? Well, then again, so is Harry. (But then he's not exactly a 'boy'.) snickers

Okay, I forgot to add this, but on note about Harry's scar, we'll just say that it's gone as well. Stupid as it may sound, Harry's lightning scar is gone while he's in this female form. Is that okay? I'll try to tie the info into the story a bit later or something... Well, have fun! And please review for me! I love comments, you know.