Disclaimer: I do not own anything even remotely related to Harry Potter. That honor belongs solely to JK Rowling. However... I won a bet... therefore, Tom Felton is mine!!
Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my very first Fan Fic! This will be sort of a Draco and Hermione romance, but there is mystery, and an actual plot line. Forgive me if the story goes slow, but I just don't see the characters erasing years of hate in two chapters, these things take time. Please please review, and tell me and suggestions, tips, or whatever. Thank you very much. Phaedra
Chapter 1 The Beginning Of The End
The Hogwarts Express deposited the future of the wizarding world as the last weak rays of sun descended upon the land. Light could be seen blazing warmly through the many windows in the castle. Hermione clutched her small bag to her chest as she stepped from the platform. She heard Ron struggling with Pig's cage, and Harry enduring several first years' whispers. She had no desire to slow her pace, but she knew she would be interrogated if she didn't wait up for her two best friends.
"Hermione!" choked an older, larger Ron. He definitely had the look of a Weasly about him still, but there was no question about it, he was by far the largest of the family. After making the Quidditch team in year five he had slowly built up not only his frame, but also his confidence. He no longer had the annoying habit of his ears turning red at every embarrassing, or angering moment. Now he had a cool head about his shoulders, and lived in a carefree sort of world, much like his twin brother's Fred and George. His freckles had faded, and his hair was not quite the shocking tone of red it used to be. Hermione pictured him in her mind, and silently admitted to herself that he was a very handsome boy, probably the best looking Quidditch captain the Griffindor team had ever had.
Hermione stopped in mid stride without turning around. She merely waited for the two grown boys to catch up to her. She again heard a gaggle of young girls talking loudly about how handsome Harry was, and she silently agreed with that as well. Harry was no longer the awkward little boy with glasses. He now wore contacts, and appeared to have spent the summer in the sun, losing that pale look of death that constantly hung about him. Harry had also grown internally since they were young. He was no longer a rash individual, instead he took time thinking all of his plans through before executing them. This Hermione was grateful for. He was quieter, and more introspective, in this, their last years at Hogwart's together.
Hermione sighed audibly at the thought of this being the last time the train would carry her to her home. She loved Hogwarts more than anything, and she dreaded this being the end. She debated whether or not to become a teacher within its halls. Finally she felt the usual presence on either side of her, indicating that Ron and Harry had taken their accustomed places. The three ambled to the carriages that awaited them. Hermione stopped suddenly and blinked twice. The boys charged forward claiming the nearest empty transport. She never imagined she would be able to seem them, not while she was still at school. But nevertheless, there they were right in front of her as plain as day. The horse-like thestrals. She had to admit there was a bit of beauty behind them, but under the circumstances she wished she never had the privilege.
As the three clambered into the carriage she reflected on her summer. It had been a trying time, and none expected her to return to school so soon after the tragedy. Ron and Harry had been kind not to mention it. The accident was the last thing she wanted to talk about, ever. She remembered it now. It was a warm summer day, and her parents decided to take a trip to the coast. They piled into their old car and drove to the sea. It was a beautiful day spent in celebration of Hermione's return home. They stayed far into the evening watching the last glints of sun on the horizon. They were returning home, and Hermione, being exhausted had fallen asleep. When she awoke it was to the lurch of the car to a sudden stand still, and the crunch of grinding metal. She remembered waking up in the front seat and looking up to search for her parents. Her father was hunched lifeless over the steering wheel, and her mother was nowhere to be found. She immediately established that she was relatively unscathed, besides a searing pain in her leg, but she threw open the passenger door, and looked for her mother at the front of the vehicle. She was in a tangle of glass and metal, in a pool of her own blood. She remembered screaming, and the flashing lights. She remembered her mother's last words. "I love you, make us proud" and then she watched the light die from her mother's eyes.
A single tear streamed down Hermione's face, but she brushed it away before the boys noticed. She silently thanked God that her father was still alive, and that she had sustained only a broken leg. She had told Ron and Harry about the accident after she left the hospital. They were both willing to come to her, but she begged them to stay. This was going to be a difficult year. She slowly mustered up her strength, preparing to make her speech at the Welcome feast this evening, she was being made head girl tonight. She must appear happy. Her mind slowly drifted to the thoughts of who the head boy would be.
Hermione sat silently at the Griffindor table in the great hall, applauding when a first year was admitted into their house, and smiling serenely at all of the younger students. This was her role. Finally after Dumbledore finished with his routine he called the attention of the room. He proudly announced the names of the head boy and girl.
"Students, teachers, it is my honor to present to you two students who have worked their hardest, and who have become the best. The honor I am about to bestow on one boy and one girl is that of head students. Miss Hermione Granger," a loud cheer broke from the Griffindor table, "and Mr. Draco Malfoy." another loud cheer rose up from the opposite end of the room.
Hermione sat in her seat paralyzed. She thought it could have been anyone but him. She silently prayed that Dumbledore had made a mistake, and that it was not her fate to share her coveted role with that weasel. She faintly heard Ron mumble something, and Harry choke on his pumpkin juice. After she watched Malfoy rise and begin his journey to the front dais she snapped back to reality. All eyes were now on her. She gracefully stood up and followed suit to the front.
The cheers gradually faded away, and gave the two foes enough time to glare at each other, and sneer in that timeless fashion. Malfoy began his speech. It was something about the houses forming a unique bond, and about how important they are to the world. There was some snide advice about being all you can be, and quite a few remarks about Slytherin being the best house. After that Hermione delivered her speech about unity and hard work flawlessly. The two returned to their seats, and listened to the final chorus of clapping. Hermione glanced toward the Slytherin table and caught Malfoy's eye. The two stared at each other for several long moments. The only thing that brought them back around was the large frame of Professor Sprout blocking their view. All the tables slowly cleared of students.
"Hermione, you coming?" Asked Ron while rising.
"No, I have to stay around and find out where my new dormitory is, and listen to a lecture from Mcgonagall and Snape." Hermione answered while also standing.
"Alright, well come up to the common room when you are done, we want to celebrate!" cried Harry.
Hermione smiled back and nodded slightly, but she knew she had no intention of celebrating this empty victory. She knew she should be proud of her hard work, and she knew this would be exactly what her mother had wanted, but somehow she could not bring herself to share the glory with the person she despised the most. She didn't just hate Malfoy for the horrible way he had treated her and her friends all throughout their years as students, but she hated him for a deeper reason, a reason she wouldn't even admit to herself. She walked carefully to the front dais, and waited for the teachers to finish with their conversations. She turned in time to notice Malfoy a mere arms length away. She involuntarily stiffened, and returned her gaze towards her beloved teachers.
Dumbledore gently inclined his head at the two of them, and she couldn't help but genuinely smile back. Dumbledore had sent her father a long letter telling him how sorry he was, and how he would personally see to every comfort Hermione would need. Her heart swelled, she loved Dumbledore as much as her own grandfather. She stole one quick glance to her right and studied Malfoy. Indeed he had grown too. He was taller, and had filled out more. His skin was not nearly as pale, and his eyes were a dazzling silver with gray flecks. Thankfully his white hair had also deepened to a pale shade of gold, and hung loosely in locks about his face. She had to admit that he too was handsome in a detestable sort of way. She would rather marry a blast ended skrewt than spend time with this ferret.
Finally Mcgonagall and Snape approached the two students, who were nearly adults and gave them a curt nod. Mcgonagall instructed them to follow their lead. The four walked through many corridors, mostly without speaking. They were of course congratulated, Snape in a most unpleasant way to Hermione. After about ten minutes the group stopped in front of a beautiful marble statue carved in the likeness of two great Celtic warriors, one male and one female. Mcgonagall asked the two for a password.
"Mudblood," muttered Malfoy under his breath. Hermione glared.
"How about ferret?" she asked pleasantly, putting her most innocent face on. She could hear Malfoy catch his breath.
"I see," sighed Mcgonagall, " shall we try... unity?" both nodded their heads in sullen agreement, and the statue grinded to the side. Mcgonagall led the way followed by Snape. The narrow hallway opened up into a glorious common room blazing with soft lights. There were three maroon overstuffed couches, two great fireplaces, two desks, and plenty of book shelves. The stone floor was covered by a rich velvety green rug. The crests of both their houses hung on opposite walls, along with two portraits of the house founders staring appraisingly down on the set. Mcgonagall broke off from Snape and beckoned Hermione to follow, Snape did the same. They walked to opposite sides of the common room, and each met another statue, the likeness of the outer one, only now the lovers were separated. Hermione stared into the beautiful warrior woman's face and sighed. Mcgonagall softly asked for a password. Hermione let out a deep breath and said, "I shall like my password to be Adele"
"Very well dear, this is your room, mind you, the rules still apply for boys and girls. You should find a fully stocked restroom, and there should be absolutely no reason for either of you to stray into the other's room for longer then ten minutes."
"You won't have to worry about that." growled Hermione, still disappointed about their choice of head boy.
"Very well then Hermione, this is where I leave you, I hope you find everything suitable. I have included something special in this room for you" she paused for dramatic effect, and walked over to a tall dark mahogany book case. She pulled on an empty book binding and said "Hogwarts, a History" clearly to nothing. Seconds later the book appeared on the desk in the corner. Hermione gasped and then ran over to see that it was real. She smiled up wistfully at Mcgonagall.
"The shelf is inter-connected with the library. Anytime you need a book and you don't feel like the walk, this is all you must use. Also, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask me." with this Mcgonagall walked swiftly to Hermione and gave her a tight but brief hug. "I am very proud of you". With that she exited the room, and departed with Snape. After the shock of being hugged wore off, Hermione's eyes filled with tears, and she collapsed on her maroon rug hugging her knees. The last words hit her deeply. Everything came cascading like a waterfall. Her mother was dead, and she was to make her proud, her roommate was her greatest foe, she would soon be leaving the sanctity of this school, and she had not yet even planned for her future. Her friends could not understand her right now, and she had never felt more miserable in her entire life. She rocked back and forth holding herself, and silently sobbing. Her entire body was racked with her silent misery. She hadn't the time to notice that her statue had not closed after Mcgonagall's departure.
Draco walked silently back into the common room, hoping to do a little exploring before the "know it all" came out ordering him around. He threw himself onto one of the couches and glared up at Godrik Griffindor's portrait. Griffindor just glared right back, and walked out of his frame. Draco took the time to recall the events of his summer, and of his first night back at Hogwarts.
He smiled slightly at the fact that he was home. He loved Hogwarts more than any place on earth. The smile faded as he remembered that this was his last year. He silently reflected on his memories of school. Granger was in almost all of them, he winced. He hated her, she was always so indignant for a mudblood, always so persistent. She was about the only one in that group who could make him look like a fool. His thoughts meandered back to his summer. The worst of his life. His mother had departed for the south of France to visit family, and he was left alone with his maniac of a father. All he had talked about was what Draco would mean to the family when he finally graduated. He talked constantly of his responsibility to see the dark arts survive, and flourish. This was a responsibility Draco had no desire to shoulder. He dreaded the thought of ever being like his father, but as his fear surpassed his dread, he knew he had no choice. He had been directly told that if he disobeyed his life would pay the forfeit of submission. He trailed off in his thinking, and found himself appraising Granger. She had grown slightly taller, and indeed filled out her robes more definitely. Her hair hung halfway down her back, a deep shade of chestnut, no longer frizzy, but in loose curls. Her skin was creamy and lightly colored. He rebelled against the thought of Granger as attractive. In fact he made a slight choking sound, and shook his head as if to dismiss the thought. He had known all along she would be head girl, but it didn't ease his annoyance of it. The thought of sharing his dormitory with a whiny book worm made his insides squirm. He sat in silence for a moment, and then heard a muffled sound from Granger's still opened room. Against his better judgment he rose and walked near the entrance. He peered into the dimly lit space and noted the rooms were exactly the same. His eyes trailed toward the floor, and he saw her in a crumbled mass upon the rug. He hesitated, confused. Then his old spite returned and he snickered loudly enough for her to hear.
"What's wrong Granger, can't believe you are still only second best? Or is it that you're afraid you won't live up to everyone's expectations once you are in the spotlight?"
The crumpled mass suddenly stilled and she turned over slowly. After glimpsing that menacing smirk she screamed as loud as she could "Get out!" it was bellowed with such force that the look on Malfoy's face immediately turned into something like shock. He took one step back and the statue slammed into place. He walked quickly back to his own room, and once there contemplated what he just saw. Something was terribly wrong with Granger, not that he cared, he reminded himself. Something more horrible than passing her N.E.W.T.S and sharing a dorm with him. He thought about this all night before he finally fell asleep.
Hermione doubled over with twice the fury of her last tears. She wept audibly into the soft warm rug, and laid there for what seemed like eternity. After all her frustration had flooded from her eyes, and she was no longer able to cry or rage, she laid upon the bed, and the last image that flickered in her exhausted mind was the shocked face of Malfoy, which almost mingled with sympathy. How she loathed him.