Chapter Two: The First Study Session
Draco woke again to that same dream. Feeling quite annoyed he got out of bed and got ready for school as usual pushing this whole dream business to the back of his mind. "It's just a stupid dream." He muttered as he buttoned his white school shirt. He ran a hand through his hair in annoyance, the immense snoring of Crabbe and Goyle combined was more than deafening and he had to endure it every night. He honestly didn't know how he even acquired the ability to sleep through their foghorn and whale-like imitations. That added with these ambiguous dreams equated to a very pissed off, sleep deprived Draco in the morning. He was a force never to be reckoned with. He walked into the common room.
"What are you doing up this early?" He asked a half-asleep Blaise sitting comfortably on the couch. He jerked awake.
Yawning he answered. "Thought you could use some company." Draco raised an eyebrow and waited for the correct answer. "Ok fine homework." Said Blaise quickly. Draco didn't budge. Blaise sighed. "Millicent had a bad dream, she woke me up." Draco burst out laughing and walked towards him, his dark mood evaporated.
"Are you sure that was all?" He asked him smiling. Of course there had to be something else, Draco knew it.
"Other than the occasional snog I swear that's it."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Of course. Come on let's go to breakfast I want my coffee. I need to be relocated to a new dorm, at this rate the lack of sleep will kill me." They both walked to breakfast. Draco sat down at his usual place at the Slytherin table he poured his coffee into his mug and began to drink. As he raised the mug to his lips, but who should come speeding into the hall her face buried in a book but Hermione Granger. He scowled, remnants of his foul disposition had returned. "Bookworm." He muttered as he began to drink.
"Who?" asked Blaise, buttering a slice of toast he looked up, "Oh."
Unconsciously Draco watched her supposedly glaring hatefully in her direction. He watched her solemn movements. Her head still staring at that book she grabbed a blueberry muffin and poured her coffee, still her eyes never left the page. He watched her stir her coffee gracefully then childishly lick the spoon. Her eyes were still focused on that damn book. Never had he known someone to hold the longest attention span. She sipped her coffee not adding anything to it. Now this is interesting…he thought ruefully…She likes her coffee black, like me. I always thought girls couldn't handle the strength and bitterness of black coffee. You learn something new everyday. Wait. Why am I thinking of the mudblood?
Rolling his eyes and shaking his head he thought carefully on what aspects of the required subjects he was to focus on for the decathlon. A small clearing of throat interrupted him. He looked up to see his Headmaster, Dumbledore smiling happily at them all. He noticed that the mudblood too had finally looked up from that damn book.
"Ah my lovely students." He greeted warmly. "Please forgive me for interrupting your deliciously scrumptious breakfast but I have an important event to announce." Some students started to murmur and whisper. With the amount of gossip being shared around the whole school Draco couldn't blame them. A blanket of silence fell upon them and hushed them all as Dumbledore spoke again. "This year our school is the host to an international event called the International Wizarding Schools Decathlon. This decathlon will be held two months from now. Think of it as the Tri-Wizard Tournament for academic studies. Up to ten students from each wizarding school are allowed to compete." Some hopeful students sat up straight. "Now I have asked our Professors to nominate their top students, I am sorry only seventh years are allowed to compete." Some of the younger students looked crestfallen. But some very hopeful seventh years especially Ernie McMillan leaned in closer to hear. "Our Professors have nominated our very own Head Girl Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Draco Malfoy. These students will have to study in the Library at night so if you see them please heed this warning and do not disturb." Those hopeful seventh years deflated. Draco stood up with pride but refrained from smirking at them all. Hermione stood up and smiled though she was blushing furiously. The congregation applauded. Once the clapping had died down they returned to their seat. "Thank you for your time students, please continue your breakfast."
As Draco sat down Blaise tugged at his robes. "What?"
"Well you failed to mention that." Blaise spat, perhaps a hint of jealousy was evident in his voice.
"Mention what?"
"Mention that you are competing in that decathlon that's what!"
"Yeah I was going to tell you this morning but that old coot beat me to it." Said Draco dismissively.
"Fine." Said Blaise. His anger died down he continued to eat.
"But I can't believe I have to work with the mudblood!" Draco suddenly exasperated in frustration. "I won't be able to concentrate with her around!"
Blaise started to laugh he patted Draco on the back. "Good luck, you'll need it. With a smart woman like that Granger she's hard to control and you know the man must be in control." Perhaps Blaise wasn't jealous after all. Draco grumbled darkly in reply.
"But it's the effing mudblood! Has that old coot turned senile? Doesn't he know that we have no possibility of working together? No compatibility whatsoever! She's a filthy mudblood I can barely stand being within the same room as her." Draco complained.
"Look on the bright side -"
"Blaise there is no bright side to this."
"- Yes there is. At that Decathlon you can shame her with your knowledge of the Dark Arts and those study opportunities give you a hell of a lot of time to annoy that mudblood."
"Blaise -"
"Stop complaining."
"I'm not complaining. I'm merely stating my point of view on this insane matter."
"A little over zealous don't you think?"
"Whatever."
"Hey Hermione why didn't you tell us about that Dec- that decahthon." Said Ron looking quite upset about her secrecy.
"That's decathlon Ron, and I was going to tell you. Dumbledore just beat me to it okay?" Said Hermione as if she was speaking to a child with a terrible temper tantrum.
"What schools will you be competing against?" Harry asked as he shovelled scrambled eggs into his mouth.
"Oh I'm not quite sure," Said Hermione airily, "But I suspect Beauxbatons and Dumstrang will be one of the top contenders."
Ron scowled. "Oh isn't it wonderful? Great to see dear Vicky after so long, I wonder Hermione if he has a girlfriend." He said with a fake sweetness.
"Ron." said Hermione sharply. She took another gulp off coffee while she glared at him.
"Yes?"
"Come off it. Plus Viktor graduated three years ago." She set her coffee down and returned to her plate of muffins and toast. Harry suddenly started choking on his egg. Both Hermione and Ron snapped their heads in Harry's direction looking alarmed.
"Here Harry drink!" Cried Hermione frantically pouring what seemed like gallons of water down his throat. Harry started to cough and sputter.
"That's enough Hermione." Said Ron taking the cup away from her and patting Harry's back. He looked at Harry to survey if anything was wrong. "Blimey Harry what's going on mate?" When Harry's coughing and clearing of throat had subsided he answered not to Ron but to Hermione.
"I just realised, you have to work with Malfoy." Said Harry as he gasped for breath.
"Oh yeah…that." Hermione looked down, not in shame but in utter disappointment. She really wanted to do this project and the extra studying could help. She was full speed ahead for this decathlon that is…until she discovered she had to work with Malfoy.
"But how on earth will you manage?" Asked Ron just as he also had come to realisation. Hermione shrugged but she was determined to find out a way. She just had to.
That night she carefully packed her quills, inks and parchments tonight she would not tolerate anything from Malfoy. She would not let him ruin this opportunity for her. Any bull that came from his mouth would be strictly contraband. He will not rule her. No man ruled Hermione Granger. Never.
She quickly walked out of Gryffindor Tower and made her way to the Library. It was only seven forty-five but she was never late, punctuality was one of her special traits. Upon reaching the doors of the Library she slowed to a halt. "This is it." She sighed. Opening the doors she glanced around for any signs of Malfoy. No blonde hair, smug aura, Slytherin groupies, none. "He's making this hard for me." Hermione then searched the whole Library looking for Malfoy. Every empty corner, desk, shelf had caused her frustrations to grow and expand more and more. Finally she reached the very farthest corner of the Library: The secluded section with the oldest books, mustiest shelves and one study table sitting idly in the centre of the gathering dust. To reach that destination was almost similar to being in a giant maze of shelves. Hermione remembered she often sat here to study and escape the rowdy crowd. It was a secluded heaven. Only now turned hell by the presence of an insufferable arse. She turned the corner…
And there he sat reading a book. Before she even had the chance to fully step behind a shelf he spoke. "Eight o'clock Mudblood, sharp. Not eight o one. Eight."
She couldn't comprehend how he was able to discern her presence. She didn't know whether she was too loud or if he somehow obtained his own Marauder's Map but one thing was for sure he was already starting to piss her off.
"One minute, and not by my watch. It's still eight o'clock." She said briefly before sitting down on a chair across from him on that lone study table. Still not even sparing her a glance he began to taunt her.
"And I thought you were famous for being early. Guess I must bear the honour to tell all your fans that I was disappointed."
"Well I would have been punctual if you didn't have to choose the very back of the Library." She spat with spite as she took out her book on Advanced Potions and started reading.
"What and be seen with you? Plus with all those midgets gawking at us like we're a part of some freak show – well I can understand you of course you're a mudblood -"
"I think we need to establish some ground rules." She said talking loudly over him.
"And I don't give a damn about what you think." He shot back.
"Well there's some assertiveness for you. If we want to benefit the most from these study sessions I say we need to establish some ground rules." She repeated with such an unwavering tone that commanded discipline.
"And what rules shall they be?" He asked in mock interest.
"One: I will no longer tolerate you referring to me as 'Mudblood' "
"That's just stating fact Mudblood because you are indeed a M- "
"May I repeat Rule one -"
"Merlin I'm not deaf. Fine Ground Rule two stay as far from me as possible, I just bought these robes I have no intention of burning them tomorrow."
"Rule three," She continued ignoring his comment, "We need to discuss the focus areas of study."
"Why the hell are you calling all the shots Granger? I too am a part of this -" He scowled deeply, "- Partnership, so I believe I have a say."
"You are entitled to have that say so say it and quit wasting time." She said firmly in a greatly agitated tone. Her contempt and tone of voice provoked anger within him.
"My opinion is not a waste of time!" He yelled glaring at her. "In fact my opinion is more substantial and matters more than what yours does so I suggest you stop acting like the Mistress of Magic and shut your filthy mouth!"
Her cheeks flushed red with anger as her nostrils flared dangerously. "My opinion matters to the equal amount that your does in this partnership! I am not acting like the Mistress of Magic and your mouth is exceedingly filthier than what mine will ever be! What with all the garbage that exits it I'm astounded that – You know what? You don't even deserve to be here! You did not earn the honour of this opportunity so I suggest you take your leave!"
In his anger Malfoy stood up. "You're just jealous that I better you in Potions!"
She then stood up also. "You do not better me in Potions!" She said, her voice rising to a shrill cry worthy of Pansy Parkinson. "Snape is just a biased git!"
"You simply refuse to accept the truth, I better you in Potions"
"No! You refuse to accept the truth!" She yelled jabbing him in the chest forcefully with her index finger. He did not lose his balance nor did he step back. But his eyes now shone ablaze with fury.
"May I repeat the second rule! DO. NOT. TOUCH. ME!"
For once Hermione was glad that they both were situated towards the rear end of the Library or she could swear Madame Pince would have granted them tediously grave detentions for yelling so loudly. By this time Hermione was so agitated and enraged by the mere sound of his voice that she did the only thing that she could do. She whipped out her wand.
"SILENCIO!"
Malfoy was silenced immediately.
"That's much better." She sighed and picked up and closed her Advanced Potions book. Malfoy silently retrieved his wand from the inner folds of his robes and waved it.
'Sonorous'
He too had mastered non-verbal spells. Hermione was gathering her things and preparing to leave when…
"Don't dare walk out on me Granger we aren't finished yet." Said a cold voice from above. Hermione looked up in perplexity. "Oh don't think you're the only one who has mastered non-verbal spells." He added cooly.
"You have the complete inability to shut up!" She yelled slamming the remainder of her books down. "Do you simply talk because you wish to annoy me or because you just like hearing the sound of your own voice?"
"A bit of both actually." He said smirking at her. "Running away? And we were just getting started."
"I am not running away, I am just avoiding you."
"Exactly you're running away."
"No I am not. You don't own me, rule me or have any claim of authority over me. So I'm staying and I'll do what I came here to do: Study." She said firmly, sitting down. Hermione was now beginning to confuse herself.
"Which was exactly what I was doing before you," He gave a slight sneer, "graced me with your presence."
"Please do me a favour and shut up." She snapped, she walked up to a random shelf and grazed the spines of the books lightly with her finger.
"Since you put it that way, I don't seem to have much incentive to do you a favour." He said reopening his book. Hermione then stopped at a book and lifted it off the shelf. It was thick, dusty and seemed to be heavily defaced. Though the title was still clear to make out: Re-examining the Runes, the Deeper Insight to the Ancient Runes. Hermione carried the heavy book back to the table and dropped it covering everything within the close vicinity with a thick blanket of dust.
Draco remained oddly tranquil. As soon as the dust cleared he spoke with what seemed like a very forced calm. "What – the- hell – was- that – for?" He seethed though his words did not sound as placid as intended. Hermione said nothing she still was dusting herself off. "What the hell was that for you clumsy little chit!" He snapped spitefully.
"I got dust on me as well you know it's not like I intended for this to happen." She replied dusting the book off.
"I'm sure you didn't but use your bloody common sense Granger! You can't just slam an old book on the table! We are in the area of the Library with the dustiest set of books!" He spoke aggressively.
"Well that's not my fault now is it?" She retorted.
"Oh so now you're shifting the blame on me?" He asked incredulously. "This is far from my fault I wouldn't waste my efforts casting the Imperius Curse on subhuman filth who aren't worthy -"
"Shut up. Just shut up." She whispered venomously. "Shut. Up" She glared at him murderously. That murderous look only reserved for him. She had only used it twice before. Before she slapped him in third year and in second year when he had first called her Mudblood. You could almost feel the hate emanating from her. They both glared at each other. Such tension filled the air. So impossibly thick tension so thick it would be easily sliced by a blade.
He ruined her mood, destroyed her opportunity to study, insulted her and had called her names. What's worse was that she let him. She let him get the best of her and that just renewed her passionate hatred for him all the more. No one could make you feel inferior without your consent, but in this case Hermione had unknowingly given him that consent and he was gloriously pulling all the strings and taking full advantage of that opportunity.
"I really hate you." She hissed.
"Honestly Mudblood I consider that a blessing." He said with an equal amount of hatred hidden within his words. Once again he had broken the first rule. "The feeling is mutual"
"I hate you, you pompous, condescending depraved bastard. You are the devil incarnate from the most inner depths of hell." She spat with such venomous hate is seemed almost preternatural.
"And you are subhuman filth which deserves to be annihilated, the pathetic unworthy vermin that brings pestilence to the world. The mud and grime the House Elves clean off my shoes, the bane of my existence you grotesque, pus-filled buck-toothed know-it-all." He said with a haughty disgust. "I can't stand you."
Hermione was rendered speechless. Never had she been so deeply insulted. She let out an audible gasp. The next second her features turned sour. Hastily she gathered her books and shoved them untidily into her bag. With great difficulty she quelled the urge to Avada him then and there but he would not get the best of her this time. She will not react and be the puppet tied helplessly to his invisible cruel strings. She would simply walk away without another word.
As he watched her prepare to leave he felt a fleeting feeling in his stomach. That familiar feeling when your stomach feels as if it were suspended when you are either in fear or are falling from a great height. Some sort of blackness suddenly robbed him of his senses he lost consciousness and collapsed.
It happened so suddenly that she didn't even notice until the loud thump indicating that Malfoy had collapsed to the floor. In shock she ran to his side. "Malfoy what the hell is wrong with you? Wake up!" She yelled. But he did not move nor stir. Hermione deliberated whether she should kick the bastard awake. He was completely motionless, except for the soft rise and fall of his smooth chest.
It was that dream, Draco had that dream or was it a memory, or perhaps a vision? Only it was much clearer now. He saw distinct characters.
A curse…ancient…whispered and taught…there was a young boy…no more than six…two vials…one filled with a red substance…one clear and as illustrious as crystal…a curse…ancient curse…taught by a man…the father of the boy… an heir…the three chosen ones…
He woke with a sudden jolt. "The heir, the chosen ones." He gasped as he regained consciousness. He looked to his right and found Hermione by his side.
"Malfoy are you -"
"Fine. Now leave." He said brusquely. "That's what you were about to do wasn't it?"
Hermione pursed her lips quickly stood up and stormed out of there. But before she fully was out of sight she spoke. "I'll see you the next night…or not."
Draco stared angrily after her. "Stupid bitch." He muttered. He pointed to himself and his robes and waved his wand. "Scourgify" The dust had disappeared.
"This will NOT work. It will not. Never in the entirety of my life have I ever been so insulted. Never. His usual foul mouth I can handle but this! This is a new low, even for him. Never have I been so gravely offended. How dare anyone even say that to me!" Said Hermione, angrily pacing the Gryffindor Common Room while Harry and Ron sat hunched over their homework barely listening to a word she was saying. "I'm sorry Dumbledore but this will not work. I refuse to be mistreated and demeaned. I refuse to be shouted at and be toyed with!" She glanced over to the boys. "Are you even listening?"
Muffled mumbles of 'yes' and 'yeah' came in reply.
"Well I see you're really interested!" She yelled. "So we snogged and made up." She added and watched their expressions vindictively. Harry ended up spilling a bottle of ink all over his Herbology Essay and Ron, by accident, ended up ripping his page in half with the nib of his quill. Receiving her satisfaction she stomped away leaving them in her wake.
"Did I just hear what I thought I heard her say?" Asked Harry whilst trying to mend the ink damage on his Herbology Essay.
"Nah of course not, she probably was joking. I thought I heard her say that she snogged Malfoy," Chuckled Ron who was trying piece together the remnants of his homework.
"Uh, Ron?" Asked Harry apprehensively.
"Yeah?"
"She did say that she -" Harry gave a shiver of disgust, "- snogged Malfoy"
Harry had never witnessed Ron turn such a sickly green.
Hermione returned to her Head dorm in a very sour mood. She flung her bag onto her bed and took out the dusty book on Ancient Runes. She began to read away her sorrows. After what seemed like hours she put the heavy book down. She was glad that it was not a wasted night; she at least accomplished some amount of studying. She rubbed her tired eyes and massaged her temples, trying to rub her the pain away.
"Tomorrow I approach Dumbledore, we'll get this whole mess sorted out." With that she removed her uniform and dressed herself into her pyjamas. She climbed into the warm covers of her bed and succumbed to the paralysis of oblivion: a deep sleep.
Breakfast hadn't even begun. The first thing Hermione did in the morning before heading off to classes was to march straight up to the Headmaster's office. She said the password and knocked on the door.
"Enter." Said a soft voice from inside. Hermione opened the door. "Ah Miss Granger," Dumbledore greeted warmly, "To what do I owe this great pleasure?" Hermione gave a small smile, walked up to his desk and sat in a conjured chair.
"Sir, I'm afraid I must speak with you about certain matters regarding…"
"Regarding what Miss Granger?"
"Regarding the Decathlon, I fear this will not work."
"Are you saying that you're withdrawing from representing our school?" He asked looking quite concerned.
"No! No anything but that, actually I came here to discuss my arrangements with Malfoy."
"Ah…" Said Dumbledore with a sense of understanding, "Say no more Miss Granger, say no more. Please excuse me for a minute." He got up from his seat behind his desk and walked over to the fireplace. He grabbed some shimmering green sand from a pot beside it and threw it into the flames. "Severus Snape!" In no time Professor Snape's face appeared into the fire.
"You summoned me Headmaster?" He droned lazily.
"Yes would kindly please send Mr. Malfoy up here for a moment."
Hermione's mouth hung open. "Sir please I don't think that would be very necessary!" She said quickly. Dumbeldore, rising from the fireplace faced her.
"Oh but Miss Granger I think it is, I think it is very necessary." Said Dumbledore. Hermione looked away. In a few short minutes a knock was heard on the door.
"Come in Mr. Malfoy."
He entered with that same look of indifference on his face, but as soon as he saw Hermione his features immediately darkened. He felt the sudden urge to turn right around and slam the door behind him. "You wanted to see me Headmaster?"
"Yes Draco if you please take a seat."
Obediently Draco strode up to another conjured chair and sat in it. Dumbledore surveyed the two students sitting in front of him.
"It seems I sense some tension." He said to the two. They remained silent in reply. "I think it's safe to assume that last night did not turn out very well."
Hermione nodded shamefully while Draco still kept his silence.
"Well it was only the first night. I hope you can overcome this little hindrance. Perhaps we shall try again tomorrow night?" He asked hopefully. Draco nodded.
"Please, sir." Said Hermione, "I don't think I can do that again." Draco shot her a glare.
"You may not think you are capable Miss Granger but I know you are able." Said Dumbledore firmly. "I had hoped that the both of you would act with some sense of maturity during this time. I don't see how mindless bickering can aid you otherwise."
Hermione looked down and studied the floor, not able to meet the Headmaster's gaze. She should have listened to herself and should have been more mature.
"Would you like me to send Irma to check on the both of you every now and then while you study?" Asked Dumbledore.
Draco's head shot up. "Forgive me Headmaster but I don't think we need to be accompanied by the Librarian to simply study." He did not like to be treated like a naïve little schoolboy, who would be incapable of doing his homework without an adult's watchful gaze over his shoulder.
"Yes, but what happens between you two isn't simply studying now is it? It's something much more."
The two students shared a glance, as if to say: "What the hell is he going on about?"
"Now, on a much happier note," Dumbledore continued cheerfully, "I am pleased to announce that our Library has acquired some new books and the majority of them I am quite sure will aid you in your studies. Just simply ask Madame Pince to reserve them for you when they arrive which will be in a couple of short weeks."
Well needless to say Hermione's mood had brightened at the news of more books for her leisure and reading.
"Is that all you wish to say Miss Granger?" Asked Dumbeldore.
"Yes, sir."
"Very well, you both are dismissed. I wish to hear good news til next we meet."
Draco nodded curtly and walked off towards the door. He opened it, and it remained opened until Hermione walked through it. He made sure that his Headmaster was watching every single one of his moves. As soon as the door closed Hermione shot him a suspicious glare.
"At least I'm making an effort." He snapped. Hermione rolled her eyes and walked off into a different direction.