Well my chem lab is complete and today I don't have any homework. AT ALLL!!!! which is pretty fucking unbelievable in highschool...so I thought this was as good a time as any to continue my story. Once again all of the characters and other copyrighted hoopla belongs to Mrs. Rowling. Hope it entertains, cheers!

Chapter 2 : A Troubled Pair

The blood drained from Malfoy's naturally pale face, making him appear eerily ghost-like. 'Granger? Granger? Granger the book worm, big-brained twit. Granger the mudblood. No. Not in a million years. Draco looked around for McGonagall but she was nowhere to be seen. He glanced at his partner and realized the feeling was mutual. She reluctantly edged towards him.

"So...when should we meet this Sunday?" asked Hermione

"I think I can work 7 o'clock into my schedule, but no guarantees," replied Malfoy smartly.

"We could meet in the Great Hall, if it fits into your schedule of course," said Hermione, matching his tone.

Malfoy sat down and stretched, casually placing his hands behind his head, and smirked. "I'm afraid that's no good Granger."

"Well then WHERE?" she snapped.

He stared lazily up at her, "I'm not sure yet, Why don't you ask me on Saturday."

She narrowed her eyes, "Fine," and stormed off.

"Women," sighed Malfoy. (A/N: typical boy :S)

He wasn't very concerned about meeting Granger because if things went according to plan he wouldn't be meeting her at all. As soon as he arrived at Hogwarts he would send a letter about his partnering with a mudblood to his father and discuss the situation with Snape, they would understand.

The Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop at Hogsmeade Station. Lights flickered on inside compartments and students shifted wearily, gathering their things. Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she stifled a yawn. 'Home at last,' she thought. Ron was snoring softly beside her, she prodded him in the ribs. "Wake up sleepyhead," she cooed. Ron groaned.

Hermione grabbed Crookshank's carrier, pulled on a coat, and plodded down the steps and onto the platform. Weariness left her and was replaced with excitement, 'She was finally back at Hogwarts! Days filled with friends and laughter loomed endlessly ahead her, summer had been torture and this was her reward.' She picked out Hagrid, his head two feet above everyone else's and waved. "Hey 'ermione!" he called. She grinned and breathed in deep. 'Nothing could ruin her good mood, not Filch, Snape, the bad weather, heck not even being partnered with Malfoy could bring her down!' She scanned the station for the horseless carriages but couldn't see them, she was about to sit down when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Hermione turned around. It was Harry.

"Hey Hermione," he said, teeth chattering. Hermione was beginning to feel cold too. Harry leaned in akwardly and smacked his lips against her cheek. She smiled weakly, "Harry, it's great to see you. I've missed you." It was the truth, she had missed him. But she could've handled missing him for a couple more hours. Harry smiled goofily, "D'you know where Ron is?" he asked, "The carriages will be leaving shortly and I don't want to miss 'em" "I tried to wake him up in the train but he was grumpy, maybe we should check on him," Hermione suggested.

Harry and Hermione were making their way to the train when Ron stumbled down the steps. "Harry!" Ron exclaimed, "How've you been mate?" "My summer was lousy but I'm feeling better now," said Harry, quickly glancing at Hermione. She felt the guilt rise up in her chest again. She would break up with him, she would! Just not right now. The crowd on the platform was thinning and the three realized the carriages had arrived. Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and chatted to Ron as they joined the line to board the carriage's. They were next in line when Neville Longbottom stuck his head out of a carriage, "We need two more people to ride with us, Ron, Harry do you want to come?" Ron picked up his luggage but Harry frowned, tightening his grip on Hermione's hand, "Thanks Neville but I think I'll wait with Hermione." She raised her eyebrows. Sure he was being a gentleman, but she could handle riding in a carriage on her own. She released her hand from Harry's "No Harry, I'll be fine. Go along with Neville." "But Herm-"he began, she was getting annoyed. "Don't worry about me! Just go on!" Harry looked miffed but didn't argue and joined Ron in the carriage. It creaked into motion and Hermione watched it get swallowed up into the night. She had snapped at Harry, and he didn't do anything wrong. She was a horrible girlfriend, why did he care for her? A carriage pulled up and she banged her head against the door, "I'm a stupid, ungrateful, git," she moaned. "I'll drink to that," someone said. Hermione stiffened, she thought she was alone. "Wh-who's there?" she asked shakily. Draco Malfoy came into view, "Scared Granger?" he sneered, "You should be. I have a mind to kill you right here, filthy mudblood."

Interesting plot developments...Poor harry, doesn't hermione know a good man when she see's one?
Hermione: I feel guilty enough already thank you!
Right err…I've forgotten the characters could talk back. No offense meant! OK that's enough of me and my silliness!
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