A/N: I was so excited to get one review, that I decided I'd update again!
So, here's chapter 3, no action yet! Tee hee hee. Thanks to Annie for
reviewing!
Disclaimer: Nothing you recognize is mine! But of course, we all know it's JKR'S
The first few weeks of school passed by in a blur. Hermione was so busy with her schoolwork and her new duties that she hardly had time to think about Harry or Draco. One morning in October, as she was sitting at the Gryffindor table, talking to her friends, Dumbledore stood up to address the students.
"I'd like to announce that the first Hogsmeade visit will be this upcoming Saturday. Once again, only third years and above with permission may attend. Thank you!"
"Oh, excellent!" exclaimed Ron, "We'll be able to visit Fred and George at Zonko's. They sit around and design jokes all day! Mum's not too thrilled with them, but they're really making quite a good living. And, plus, they can give us a discount!" he said with a laugh.
"Mione, you're coming with us, right?" asked Harry.
"Well, of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh, I don't know, just checking!" he said with a smile.
Hermione felt that twitch in her stomach again. 'Why does he want to make sure that I'm going? Of course I'm going. I mean, who ELSE would I go with, Draco?'
"Hey, Mione, do you think you could help me out with this Potions homework after dinner?" Harry asked.
"Oh, sure, Harry." She glanced down at her watch, "Oh! I'm going to be late for Arithmancy, I'll see you at Herbology!" She gathered her things up and left the Great Hall. She then realized that she'd left her parchment in the study, so she doubled back and entered the room. She was just leaving her room, when she heard Draco's voice coming from his.
"Yes, mother, I'm fine. No, I really am, you don't have to worry. Yes, I KNOW I can go to Dumbledore or Snape if I need anything!... No, my arm's fine, too, and you know it could've been much worse. Yes, that's going great. her name's Hermione, mum. We're actually not fighting at all. yeah, mum, she's actually a good influence on me, I do a lot more studying! OK, mum, I have to go to Transfiguration.'
Hermione knew that was her cue to leave, so she quietly went back through the portrait and quickly walked towards Arithmancy. 'It could've been worse. what does that mean? He didn't cut it on coral at all. what happened to Draco this summer?'
Arithmancy seemed to drag on. Usually Professor Vector was very interesting, but today, Hermione couldn't concentrate. Her thoughts wandered between Harry and Draco. When class was finally over, Hermione gathered her things up, and walked towards the front hall, where she ran into Ron and Harry.
"Hey Hermione," they both said. Then Harry turned to her, and asked "Can I help you carry anything? You look pretty bogged down, there." Hermione smiled gratefully and handed him her Arithmancy book and notes.
'What's he up to?' thought Ron.
'What is he doing? Why is he helping me? (gulp) oh my.' thought Hermione.
'I bet fabulous Malfoy doesn't help her with her books,' Harry thought.
The three strode down to the greenhouses. When they stepped inside the humid room, and took off their robes, Professor Sprout appeared immediately and told then to check the list up front to see who they were partnering with that day.
"Harry, you're with Hermione!" Ron shouted back to them, "Lavender, I'm with you today!"
"All right, class, settle down!" said Professor Sprout. "Right now, I'm still waiting for your fist major project to come in, so today you'll be collecting more bubotuber pus for Madam Pomfrey. I know that this isn't the most fabulous project, but it's only until I get the Augmen serpentis plants in. So, hop to it!"
"Ooh," breathed Hermione, "Augmen serpentis are extremely valuable plants! They're a natural defense against Dark Magic. I've heard some Ministry officials have been trying to concentrate it as a weapon against You-Know- Who."
Harry looked at her and shook his head. "How did you get SO smart?" he laughed.
"Harry, you can stop kissing my arse, I'll still help you after dinner, you prat!" she laughed back.
A sly grin spread across his face, "Can't blame a guy for trying!"
After an hour of squeezing pus, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were more than ready for lunch. They all quickly crowded in to the Great Hall at sat at their places. Soon after, they were digging in to sandwiches and puddings and jelly. They were all joking about Hermione's competition with Neville for top grades in Herbology when Professor McGonagall came over.
"Miss Granger, the Headmaster would like to meet with you and Mister Malfoy after lunch briefly, same room as usual. It's regarding the EIWW Conference."
"Thank you, professor." Hermione responded.
"Hey, Mione, what'sh she talking about?" asked Ron, chewing on a biscuit.
"Oh, it's just this. thing that Draco and I are doing, I'll tell you about it later," she quickly said.
"So, Neville," Ron continued, "you got a 112 on that last quiz? Well, I believe Hermione only got 111.5! Look out! It's Longbottom's revenge!" They all laughed and carried on.
After lunch, Hermione caught up with Draco, and they both entered the room off of the Great Hall together. Dumbledore was waiting for them.
"Ah! There you are, do sit down! So, how is everything?"
Neither of them spoke, each waiting for the other. "Well?" Dumbledore prompted, "Miss Granger?"
"Oh, quite well, sir, it's busy, but nothing that I can't handle. All of the students seem to be getting on with each other, so I really haven't had to do much."
"Draco?" Dumbledore said.
"Same as Hermione, sir. Classes are fine, the students are fine. I'm just busy. I haven't really had much time to harass anyone," he replied with a smirk.
Dumbledore laughed, "Yes, well, our goal is to keep you preoccupied! Well, now on to business. I've gotten information from a number of my fellow Headmasters and Headmistresses regarding the conference. We've decided that each school is to present on a topic that is of importance to the Wizarding World today. Hogwarts has been selected to do one of the most challenging, you'll be speaking on Modern Defense Against the Dark Arts, if that is adequate for the both of you?"
Hermione said yes, and glanced at Draco, who looked very resolute.
"Of course, Professor," he said.
"Well, excellent, you two should begin soon. I'd suggest interviewing Professors Snape and Lupin to start off, they'll be more than helpful to you search. That's all, thank you!"
Hermione and Draco got up to leave, but Dumbledore called after her.
"Oh, Hermione, could you stay so I can speak to you for a moment, please?" he asked.
"Yes, sir?" she asked after Draco left.
"Hermione, I know that you are apprehensive about working on this with Draco, but let me assure you that I asked for this assignment for the two of you specifically. He is not the Draco Malfoy that you once knew. Please trust me on this, Miss Granger."
"Of course, sir. Thank you." She turned and left the room. 'I KNEW there was something different with him. I have to find out what happened to him over the summer, I just have to!'
She approached their portrait with some trepidation, "Oxygen," she said with a smile. The picture swung open, and she saw Draco sitting in a chair by the fire. She went and sat down next to him.
"Hermione, I want you to know that I can handle this assignment, ok? I'm not. I'm not like that. anymore." Draco looked at Hermione right in the eyes.
"I know, Draco. I do trust you, don't worry." Even as she spoke the words, Hermione doubted herself. "So, maybe we can start by interviewing Snape and Lupin some time in the next week?"
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea. Maybe after the trip to Hogsmeade? I'm not going, so I could stay here and prepare some questions," Draco offered.
"Why aren't you going?" Hermione interrupted.
"Oh, I don't know. I guess I'm just not."
"Well, aren't Crabbe or Goyle going? Or Pansy?"
"Have you seen me with any of them in the past month and a half, Hermione?"
She frowned, thinking. "No, I guess I haven't. But I always assumed that was because we're so busy. I barely see Ron and Harry."
"Yes, well, what's that Muggle saying? When you assume. But that's unimportant, so I'll write up some questions?"
"No, Draco! First of all, I'm not letting you do all the work. Second of all, you can't stay here when you could be in Hogsmeade! You can come with me and Harry and Ron, if you'd like."
Draco began laughing, and couldn't stop.
"What are you laughing at?" Hermione asked indignantly.
"ME?? Go with YOU and POTTER and the WEASEL?? Surely you jest! I think they'd rather give a hippogriff a manicure than be seen anywhere with me. And the feeling's mutual for that matter. But, thank you for the offer, I think."
"Well, I'll just stay here with you then," Hermione said simply.
"Oh, grand idea, just give the dynamic duo another erroneous reason to dislike me! Banner idea, really Hermione."
She looked at him grumpily, sighed, and shrugged her shoulders. "Have it your way. I'm going to Defense Against Dark Arts next, so I'll talk to Lupin, and you can ask Snape at dinner tonight. But, I have to go, so I'll see you later, Draco." And she left.
'Did Granger just invite me to Hogsmeade with her? She pities me, great, just what I need. I bet Dumbledore told her what happened. No, he wouldn't've done that, she probably suspects something. I can't have her thinking that. Maybe I should do something to deter her. I don't want her damn pity, and especially not Potter's.'
Disclaimer: Nothing you recognize is mine! But of course, we all know it's JKR'S
The first few weeks of school passed by in a blur. Hermione was so busy with her schoolwork and her new duties that she hardly had time to think about Harry or Draco. One morning in October, as she was sitting at the Gryffindor table, talking to her friends, Dumbledore stood up to address the students.
"I'd like to announce that the first Hogsmeade visit will be this upcoming Saturday. Once again, only third years and above with permission may attend. Thank you!"
"Oh, excellent!" exclaimed Ron, "We'll be able to visit Fred and George at Zonko's. They sit around and design jokes all day! Mum's not too thrilled with them, but they're really making quite a good living. And, plus, they can give us a discount!" he said with a laugh.
"Mione, you're coming with us, right?" asked Harry.
"Well, of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh, I don't know, just checking!" he said with a smile.
Hermione felt that twitch in her stomach again. 'Why does he want to make sure that I'm going? Of course I'm going. I mean, who ELSE would I go with, Draco?'
"Hey, Mione, do you think you could help me out with this Potions homework after dinner?" Harry asked.
"Oh, sure, Harry." She glanced down at her watch, "Oh! I'm going to be late for Arithmancy, I'll see you at Herbology!" She gathered her things up and left the Great Hall. She then realized that she'd left her parchment in the study, so she doubled back and entered the room. She was just leaving her room, when she heard Draco's voice coming from his.
"Yes, mother, I'm fine. No, I really am, you don't have to worry. Yes, I KNOW I can go to Dumbledore or Snape if I need anything!... No, my arm's fine, too, and you know it could've been much worse. Yes, that's going great. her name's Hermione, mum. We're actually not fighting at all. yeah, mum, she's actually a good influence on me, I do a lot more studying! OK, mum, I have to go to Transfiguration.'
Hermione knew that was her cue to leave, so she quietly went back through the portrait and quickly walked towards Arithmancy. 'It could've been worse. what does that mean? He didn't cut it on coral at all. what happened to Draco this summer?'
Arithmancy seemed to drag on. Usually Professor Vector was very interesting, but today, Hermione couldn't concentrate. Her thoughts wandered between Harry and Draco. When class was finally over, Hermione gathered her things up, and walked towards the front hall, where she ran into Ron and Harry.
"Hey Hermione," they both said. Then Harry turned to her, and asked "Can I help you carry anything? You look pretty bogged down, there." Hermione smiled gratefully and handed him her Arithmancy book and notes.
'What's he up to?' thought Ron.
'What is he doing? Why is he helping me? (gulp) oh my.' thought Hermione.
'I bet fabulous Malfoy doesn't help her with her books,' Harry thought.
The three strode down to the greenhouses. When they stepped inside the humid room, and took off their robes, Professor Sprout appeared immediately and told then to check the list up front to see who they were partnering with that day.
"Harry, you're with Hermione!" Ron shouted back to them, "Lavender, I'm with you today!"
"All right, class, settle down!" said Professor Sprout. "Right now, I'm still waiting for your fist major project to come in, so today you'll be collecting more bubotuber pus for Madam Pomfrey. I know that this isn't the most fabulous project, but it's only until I get the Augmen serpentis plants in. So, hop to it!"
"Ooh," breathed Hermione, "Augmen serpentis are extremely valuable plants! They're a natural defense against Dark Magic. I've heard some Ministry officials have been trying to concentrate it as a weapon against You-Know- Who."
Harry looked at her and shook his head. "How did you get SO smart?" he laughed.
"Harry, you can stop kissing my arse, I'll still help you after dinner, you prat!" she laughed back.
A sly grin spread across his face, "Can't blame a guy for trying!"
After an hour of squeezing pus, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were more than ready for lunch. They all quickly crowded in to the Great Hall at sat at their places. Soon after, they were digging in to sandwiches and puddings and jelly. They were all joking about Hermione's competition with Neville for top grades in Herbology when Professor McGonagall came over.
"Miss Granger, the Headmaster would like to meet with you and Mister Malfoy after lunch briefly, same room as usual. It's regarding the EIWW Conference."
"Thank you, professor." Hermione responded.
"Hey, Mione, what'sh she talking about?" asked Ron, chewing on a biscuit.
"Oh, it's just this. thing that Draco and I are doing, I'll tell you about it later," she quickly said.
"So, Neville," Ron continued, "you got a 112 on that last quiz? Well, I believe Hermione only got 111.5! Look out! It's Longbottom's revenge!" They all laughed and carried on.
After lunch, Hermione caught up with Draco, and they both entered the room off of the Great Hall together. Dumbledore was waiting for them.
"Ah! There you are, do sit down! So, how is everything?"
Neither of them spoke, each waiting for the other. "Well?" Dumbledore prompted, "Miss Granger?"
"Oh, quite well, sir, it's busy, but nothing that I can't handle. All of the students seem to be getting on with each other, so I really haven't had to do much."
"Draco?" Dumbledore said.
"Same as Hermione, sir. Classes are fine, the students are fine. I'm just busy. I haven't really had much time to harass anyone," he replied with a smirk.
Dumbledore laughed, "Yes, well, our goal is to keep you preoccupied! Well, now on to business. I've gotten information from a number of my fellow Headmasters and Headmistresses regarding the conference. We've decided that each school is to present on a topic that is of importance to the Wizarding World today. Hogwarts has been selected to do one of the most challenging, you'll be speaking on Modern Defense Against the Dark Arts, if that is adequate for the both of you?"
Hermione said yes, and glanced at Draco, who looked very resolute.
"Of course, Professor," he said.
"Well, excellent, you two should begin soon. I'd suggest interviewing Professors Snape and Lupin to start off, they'll be more than helpful to you search. That's all, thank you!"
Hermione and Draco got up to leave, but Dumbledore called after her.
"Oh, Hermione, could you stay so I can speak to you for a moment, please?" he asked.
"Yes, sir?" she asked after Draco left.
"Hermione, I know that you are apprehensive about working on this with Draco, but let me assure you that I asked for this assignment for the two of you specifically. He is not the Draco Malfoy that you once knew. Please trust me on this, Miss Granger."
"Of course, sir. Thank you." She turned and left the room. 'I KNEW there was something different with him. I have to find out what happened to him over the summer, I just have to!'
She approached their portrait with some trepidation, "Oxygen," she said with a smile. The picture swung open, and she saw Draco sitting in a chair by the fire. She went and sat down next to him.
"Hermione, I want you to know that I can handle this assignment, ok? I'm not. I'm not like that. anymore." Draco looked at Hermione right in the eyes.
"I know, Draco. I do trust you, don't worry." Even as she spoke the words, Hermione doubted herself. "So, maybe we can start by interviewing Snape and Lupin some time in the next week?"
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea. Maybe after the trip to Hogsmeade? I'm not going, so I could stay here and prepare some questions," Draco offered.
"Why aren't you going?" Hermione interrupted.
"Oh, I don't know. I guess I'm just not."
"Well, aren't Crabbe or Goyle going? Or Pansy?"
"Have you seen me with any of them in the past month and a half, Hermione?"
She frowned, thinking. "No, I guess I haven't. But I always assumed that was because we're so busy. I barely see Ron and Harry."
"Yes, well, what's that Muggle saying? When you assume. But that's unimportant, so I'll write up some questions?"
"No, Draco! First of all, I'm not letting you do all the work. Second of all, you can't stay here when you could be in Hogsmeade! You can come with me and Harry and Ron, if you'd like."
Draco began laughing, and couldn't stop.
"What are you laughing at?" Hermione asked indignantly.
"ME?? Go with YOU and POTTER and the WEASEL?? Surely you jest! I think they'd rather give a hippogriff a manicure than be seen anywhere with me. And the feeling's mutual for that matter. But, thank you for the offer, I think."
"Well, I'll just stay here with you then," Hermione said simply.
"Oh, grand idea, just give the dynamic duo another erroneous reason to dislike me! Banner idea, really Hermione."
She looked at him grumpily, sighed, and shrugged her shoulders. "Have it your way. I'm going to Defense Against Dark Arts next, so I'll talk to Lupin, and you can ask Snape at dinner tonight. But, I have to go, so I'll see you later, Draco." And she left.
'Did Granger just invite me to Hogsmeade with her? She pities me, great, just what I need. I bet Dumbledore told her what happened. No, he wouldn't've done that, she probably suspects something. I can't have her thinking that. Maybe I should do something to deter her. I don't want her damn pity, and especially not Potter's.'
