A/N: Hello fellow readers! I would like to give a huge apology to every single one of you who have been patiently waiting for this chapter. I've been so busy what with summer and all, so it's been hard to find time to write. Here it is, though, and once again I'm sorry for the wait! I hope you like!
Bunk Buddies
Hermione and Malfoy headed straight for Dumbledore's office the moment they arrived in Hogsmeade, much to Malfoy's dismay. He complained the entire journey up to the castle, whining that he was tired and just wanted to get some sleep. Nonetheless, they saw Dumbledore, informed him of Everett's proposal, and were quite pleased to discover that the Headmaster was thrilled about the idea.
"Hogwarts could use more friendly faces that are eager to learn." He had said.
So, after being congratulated by Dumbledore for the splendid job that they had performed, Hermione and Malfoy parted ways for the first time in two days, Hermione heading to the Gryffindor common room and Malfoy to Slytherin.
Now that the weekend was over, Hermione had more pressing matters to worry about; namely, her studies. Monday morning was her second Potions class, and she was feeling incredible anxious. After all, Potions was her most intricate class, mainly because Professor Snape, the Potions Master, loved to make things more difficult for her, Harry and Ron. So, it was no surprise that Hermione panicked when she had awoken Monday morning to bright green numbers on the alarm clock beside her bed glowing 8:49 a.m.
"Eleven minutes!" She exclaimed as she threw her blanket off and hopped out of bed. "Eleven minutes!"
Parvati and Lavender were nowhere to be seen. Why had they not wakened her? Classes began in eleven minutes and she was going to be late! She dashed back and forth from the washroom to her bedroom, brushing her teeth and then throwing on fresh robes before scampering out of the portrait hole and down the several flights of stairs to the lowest level in the castle. However, just as she emerged into the dungeons, a tall boy was sprinting in her direction. Of course, it was Malfoy.
"Late, Malfoy?" Hermione hissed as she half-walked, half-ran towards the Potions classroom.
"Just about as late as you are." Malfoy smirked back, keeping pace with her.
Both burst into the classroom together at the same time, but only realized shortly after how badly it must have looked. The mudblood and the pureblood arriving to class late together? It was unheard of. Hermione glanced at the clock above the door; the minute hand slowly turned to ten after nine.
A small, menacing grin crept across Snape's waxy, white face. He would have loved nothing more than to have at least one more reason to loathe Hermione, and this was it.
"Late." He uttered, glaring at them both. "What time does class commence, Miss Granger?"
Hermione looked to the floor, embarrassed. "Nine o' clock."
"Look at me when I'm speaking to you." Snape barked, closing in on Hermione. "I couldn't hear through your excessive mumbling."
"Nine o' clock, sir." Hermione repeated, standing straight and determined to prove that Snape could not affect her.
The corner of Snape's lips curled into an evil smile once more. "Yes, nine o'clock. And what time is it now, Miss Granger? Why, I shall tell you. It is nine ten, which is a sixth of an hour past the time that you should've been seated in your desk, prepared and ready to learn. Do you think you deserve my leniency towards you?"
"No, sir." Hermione replied, avoiding any eye contact with the Potions Master. "I do, however, apologize for my tardiness. As I'm sure Mr Malfoy does for his."
Towards the back of the classroom, she could see Ron snort with laughter. Hermione obviously did not take kindly to the idea of her being punished for being tardy while Malfoy got off at no cost. No, Hermione would make sure that if she was getting punished, then Malfoy would as well.
"Yes, Mr Malfoy." Snape acknowledged, shaking his head disappointedly. "I expect better from you, being in Slytherin. You know that. Both of you, take a seat over there," – He indicated two isolated desks beside his own – "and I shall deal with you later."
Obediently, Hermione and Malfoy made there way to their designated area, though Malfoy moved his chair as far away from her as possible so that the Slytherins in class would know that they were not in cahoots with one another.
"Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," Snape began, shooting a filthy look at Hermione. "I am assigning you a very difficult task. It is so I can judge your level, because every potion like the one you will begin today will be just as intricate and complex as the next. This is your last year of Potions, and it is not to be taken lightly. Many have wept at the complexity and even more have dropped the class, claiming it to be too elaborate. I will not tolerate failure; if you plan to relinquish because something is too challenging, then leave my classroom, I do not want you here."
Everyone remained silent; nobody moved.
"Very well." Snape continued, tossing Harry a dirty glare; he looked as though he was hoping that Harry would get up and leave; much to his disappointment, however, Harry stayed glued to his spot. "On with the project, then. Who can tell me what Amortentia is?"
Hermione's hand shot in the air immediately. Malfoy glared at her with disgust, then inched his chair a little further away from her.
"Anyone?" Snape asked, ignoring Hermione's hand waving vigorously in the air. He sighed, then turned angrily to Hermione. "Very well. Granger, what is it?"
"Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world." Hermione explained, beaming at being acknowledged. "It causes an obsession or a compelling infatuation in the drinker with the creator of the potion, and the obsession will only cease once the drinker has consumed the proper antidote."
"While Amortentia is frowned upon by the Ministry of Magic," Snape continued, not praising Hermione for her correct definition, nor awarding her any house points. "It is not illegal. Perhaps the reason of its legitimacy is due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to brew, so many will not waste their time with it. It is prohibited at Hogwarts, though, and so has been for centuries. However, Dumbledore has granted me permission to set Amortentia as a task worth twenty five percent of your final grade."
Whispers broke out through the classroom.
"Twenty five percent!" Lavender Brown exclaimed, outraged. "Why, that's as important as exams!"
"Silence!" Snape barked. The entire room fell silent. "There is one very significant rule that you all must follow. Under no circumstances may you or another allow this potion to come in contact with your lips. I give fair warning now, if you or another consumes the potion, there will be dire consequences.
"Now, this is a partnered project, and I shall pair you up. Do not whine if you do not like who you are with, or I will fail you immediately." Snape warned. "Potter and Zabini, you are partners. Patil and Crabbe. Goyle and Weasley. Longbottom and Nott. Parkinson and Brown."
Snape continued randomly spewing the names of the partners who were to work together for the project, each pair being one Gryffindor and one Slytherin. Obviously, Snape wanted to make this task as grueling as possible for every one of his students.
Hermione had a sinking feeling as he paired each student, already knowing who she would be with. For once, Hermione could see a shred of panic on Malfoy's face. Evidently he did not want to be her partner just as badly as she did not want to be his.
"And you two." Snape grinned evilly, turning to face them. "I think you being partners is punishment enough for your lack of punctuality. I expect an E on your potion, or both of you will be dropped from this class. Do I make myself clear?"
Hermione opened her mouth to argue this injustice requirement, but realizing that Snape would only upgrade his prerequisite to an O if she argued, she closed her mouth and nodded to show her understanding instead. Malfoy glared at him with a look that purely said so much for being my favorite Professor. Snape only sneered at him.
Hermione sighed dejectedly, but decided to accept defeat gracefully as she pulled out her copy of Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage, then turned to Malfoy and said as cheerily as she could, "Well? Where shall we start?"
Malfoy scoffed at her. "We?" He asked, skeptically. "I didn't choose to be your partner, nor will I put myself through the torture of your never-ending need to be the perfect little snot that you so obviously aspire to be. You claim to be the smartest witch of our age, don't you? Prove it, Granger. Do the project yourself."
"Fuck that!" Hermione hissed, louder than she had intended to. She quieted her voice. "This is a partnered project, Malfoy. It's one of the most difficult potions to brew. I can't do this by myself, and even if I could, I wouldn't. I refuse to allow you to take credit for work that you didn't do."
"What're you going to do about it?" Malfoy smirked. "Whine to Snape? Like he'd believe you if you told him."
Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but as she processed Malfoy's comment, she realized that he was right. There was nothing she could do. I don't need him, she told herself confidently. I can do this myself. He'd just make things worse anyways.
Suddenly, little Colin Creevey scurried into the dungeons looking slightly anxious, but he approached Snape nonetheless and handed him a sealed slip of parchment before racing out of the room. Snape took one look at the front of the parchment, apparently reading the addressee, and leered at it before turning swiftly and walking towards Hermione and Malfoy.
Hermione straightened her back; she did not want to give Snape more incentive to dislike her, as though her sitting properly would suddenly make him welcome her with open arms.
He handed Malfoy the parchment, and as Malfoy took it, Hermione could make out the thin, slanted writing that said Hogwarts Head Boy and Girl across the front. Hermione glared at Snape as he walked away, then turned her attention to Malfoy to see what the letter was about. After reading it to himself (and not allowing Hermione to catch a single glimpse), he tossed the parchment to her and allowed her to read it herself.
Mr Malfoy and Miss Granger,
I would like a word with both of you tonight at 7 p.m. Kindly come to my office once you have finished eating your supper. I hope this is not inconvenient for you.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
P.S. The password is Sugar Cone.
"Is seven o' clock okay for you, your majesty?" Hermione smirked, folding the parchment and pocketing it.
"You better stop acting smart and start working on the potion, Granger." Malfoy countered. "After all, I need an E to pass, but I'd expect an O from little Miss Genius. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it."
Hermione bit her tongue and opened her textbook to page 241, Amortentiaand she did not pay Malfoy another glance for the remainder of the period.
…………………………………..
"You wanted to see us, Professor?" Hermione asked timidly as she stepped into Dumbledore's office that evening with Malfoy right behind her.
"Indeed I did." Dumbledore smiled from behind his large, oak desk. "I've got an idea to toss around with the Head Boy and Girl."
Hermione beamed and took a seat at Dumbledore's invitation. "What's your idea, sir?"
Malfoy also sat down, but only because Dumbledore motioned for him to do so. Hermione smirked internally. Not so tough with the Headmaster, is he?
"Well, I was speaking with Morris Everett this morning." Dumbledore began. "I informed him that Hogwarts would be delighted to take his children, and he was ecstatic. However, his one concern was that Christopher and Bianca would not 'fit in' – so to speak – with the rest of Hogwarts pupils. I assured him that Hogwarts is a place of harmony and unity; though, he could not be persuaded. He did, however, inform me that both of you got on quite well with the Everett children. He said that the four of you seemed to 'click' whilst you were at the café. Is this true?"
Hermione smiled, remembering Christopher …
Malfoy did not reply.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, they're lovely people. Both seem to be raised very well."
"Excellent!" Dumbledore beamed. "Then it's settled. You, Mr Malfoy, Christopher and Bianca will share a private dormitory, giving plenty of time for you all to get to know one another, as well as a chance to provide each other with the needed help that will most likely come with your seventh year work."
"Er-"
"But-"
"Dare I say either of you have an issue with it?" Dumbledore asked cautiously.
Hermione and Malfoy exchanged a glance. Malfoy looked disgusted, and Hermione looked horrified at the thought of being bunk buddies with him for the remainder of the school year. However, her mind suddenly drifted to Christopher … sharing a dormitory with him …
"I think that's an excellent idea." Hermione replied, delightedly. "It'll be so great for them to have such a nice welcome and to have friends like Draco and I who are willing to help them with the transition period."
"And you, Draco?" Dumbledore addressed, still smiling lightly.
Malfoy remained silent for a moment. He seemed at a loss for words. Hermione was dumbfounded. How could he not want to bunk with Bianca? She was beautiful! This was his chance to finally lure a girl who didn't know just how much of a foul little boy he actually was. And yet, he looked anything but eager. Probably because I'm going to be there, Hermione thought bitterly.
After a few more moments of silence, Malfoy shrugged his shoulders. "Sure."
"Brilliant." Dumbledore beamed. "Just brilliant. Hogwarts has never had the Head Boy and Girl reside together before. Perhaps this will make for a nice change. Yes, a change … change can be good.
"Christopher and Bianca will arrive at Hogwarts this upcoming weekend." Dumbledore notified. "Until then, I suggest that you two get accustomed to the new dormitory. It is on the fourth floor, the only portrait along the lengthy corridor leading to Charms classroom. It is under the Concealment Charm so none of your peers will be able to find the location unless you tell them its exact whereabouts."
Hermione nodded to show her understanding. Malfoy also nodded, though less aggressively as Hermione.
"Excellent. Off you go, then. You have some packing to do! Thank you both for your willingness to make our guests feel at home and to persuade Morris Everett to teach here. It is greatly appreciated; not only by myself, but by the rest of the Hogwarts staff."
Hermione smiled. "Good night, Professor."
"Good night Miss Granger." Dumbledore replied. "Good night Mr Malfoy."
"Good night Professor." Malfoy muttered as he swaggered out of the office with his hands tucked in his pockets.
The moment they were out of earshot, Malfoy leapt down Hermione's throat, figuratively speaking.
"I can't believe you agreed to that!" He cried, standing in her way so that she could not continue walking. "Did you not even care to think about how I felt about it?"
"You should've said something, then." Hermione retorted, folding her arms across her chest.
"Why, so I seem like the bad guy? No thank you. I'd prefer to stay in the Headmaster's good books if that's okay with you. I refuse to have to share a dormitory with you for the remainder of the year! A mudblood! Unbelievable!"
"Well, get used to it." Hermione shot back. "And you better be friendly towards Bianca and Christopher or-"
"Ooh!" Malfoy suddenly said. He began shaking his head incredulously as though he could not believe that he had not thought of it before. "Christopher! He's the reason you want to do this, isn't he?"
"Of course not!" Hermione replied, growing a fierce shade of red.
"He is too! You've got a crush on the boy, and you think that by bunking with him, you can get in his pants-"
"Believe it or not, not everyone's intentions with the opposite sex are to get them in the sac!" Hermione shrieked.
Malfoy smirked. "Sure they're not, Granger. You're so naïve. You and Potter and Weasley, you're all little saints. None of you realize what life is all about. Gold is one of them. Sex is the other. Life revolves around gold and sex, simple as that."
"That is not true!" Hermione cried resentfully.
Malfoy laughed. "Like I said. Naïve."
"No, naïve is me thinking that you'll ever amount to anything other than a cold, heartless bastard." Hermione said, furiously.
Malfoy sneered. "You're right. That is naïve."
"I'm moving into the dormitory tomorrow." Hermione managed to say through gritted teeth. "Whether you come or stay is your decision, but I am not going to waste my breath trying to convince you to come. Good night, Malfoy."
She brushed past him angrily, heading towards the Gryffindor tower.
"Good night, mudblood."
Okay, you know the drill!
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Jessica (JJLove28)