Chapter 3: Playing Mr. Nice Guy
When Hermione woke up, she thought she had been dreaming. Thought that last night never happened, but rolling over to check the time and seeing blond hair, she realized that the nightmare was true. How could they have fought to the point of losing there own rooms, their privacy? She got up and went into the bathroom to get ready for the day. She wanted to shower again because being near Draco made her skin crawl. Things had not gone well at all last night.
Draco woke to an empty bed and thought he was dreaming but when he looked up, he realized he was not and smirked. Thing had not gone too badly last night. Part of this plan had worked out, now he only had to implement the rest of it. He needed to shower and get dressed so that he would not be late for breakfast or class. When he walked into the bathroom he realized that Hermione was already in there, she had beaten him to the punch. Rather than just wait he joined her, much to his pleasure. She had her back to him and he did not care. He grabbed his sponge and lathered up. She would just have to see him naked. When Hermione turned around, she decided to make the best of it.
"Top o' the morning' to you Granger. Nice tramp stamp"
"Morning Malfoy. Thank you, I like it myself. Excuse me I need to rinse my hair."
"No problem."
Rather than move out of her way, he moved into her way.
"Malfoy, please, no games. I am not in the mood. I just want to finish and get dressed."
"Okay fine. Have it your way."
"Thank you."
When Hermione finished rinsing her hair she left the bathroom and got dressed. Then she raced down stairs and grabbed her books. She was out of their room before he had even finished dressing. She was almost to the Gryffindor house when Draco left their room.
Man she is quick, thought Draco
"Hello Hermione." Greeted Ron
"Hello Ron. How was your summer?"
"Good since Harry decided to stay with us again."
"Hello, Herms."
"Hello, Harry." Stated Hermione as she threw her arms around Harry
"Hey Herms. How are you?" Greeted Ginny
"Hey Ginny. Good and you."
"Tired but good."
"Yeah I would be tired too if I was out until eleven o'clock at night." Stated Ron
"Oh hush up Ron. Always the worry wart."
"One of us has to be. What if you had gotten caught?"
"I would have pretended I was sleep walking."
"Okay you two, no inner house fighting. Are you ready Ginny?" Asked Hermione
"Yeah, just let me grab my books."
"You look good Hermione." Stated Ron
"Thank you, you too."
"Okay all set Hermione, let's go."
As the girls walked away Harry and Ron just stared. Could the world get any better?
"You sure told her Ron."
"Shut up Harry, I will someday."
"Someday could be too late. You know Draco likes her, always has always will. She is something he wants and cannot have."
"I know Harry, I know."
As they walked out of their common room, they saw Draco with Hermione. Both looked much too happy to be together.
"Our first dance, really." Stated Hermione
"Yes, Dumbledore just told me."
"Told you what Draco."
"Head business Weasley, butt out."
"Draco, be nice. We are having a dance soon and Draco and I have to plan it."
"Sounds wicked boring Ron lets go." Said Harry
"Yeah, my stomach is growling."
"Draco, we had better get going too. Don't want to be late."
"Of course, darling. We set examples not become them."
The Great Hall looked great as it always did but something was different. None of the houses were sitting together. It looked like Dumbledore had done it by classes this time. They took their seats with their class.
"Good morning everyone", started Dumbledore, "this year or rather this meal I have decided to try something new to brig house unity more into light. We cannot cancel quidditch, nor would I. Though I can change how things are done, rather than just have you sit in your house you are now going to sit with your class. If the idea of mine works, then it will remain the same, if it does not work things will go back to normal. Now, please enjoy the meal."
"Albus, do you think this will work?" Asked McGonagall
"We have to try something new, Minerva."
Everything seemed to be working out well. They seemed happy being together and they seemed to be getting along. However, looks can be deceiving. After breakfast, the years went to their respective classes.
"Nothing like the first day of class to set the mood for the rest of the year." Stated Hermione
"Yeah tell me about it." Replied Harry
"School has never been my strong suit." Added Ron
"Ron, you do just fine with a little guidance. And you would do better with a tutor." Hermione said
"Not today Herms, I just found out something horrible" Ron replied
"That Ginny and Blaise are together." Hermione joked
"What?" Asked Harry and Ron
"I was joking. Like that would ever happen. Blaise is so not her type."
"Yeah right, but no my mum is sick and my dad is having trouble."
"Could be your mums pregnant and your dad is scared." Harry stated
"Not you too."
"We had better get to class. I have to set an example, not be one."
"Oh right." said Harry and Ron
They ran across the courtyard. When they reached the door to class, they all saw Draco standing by the door. That could only mean one thing they were late.
"Well hello there. Little close to late do not you think?" Asked Draco
"We still have two minutes Malfoy." Replied Harry
"Potter, no one asked you."
"Yes you did Mal…"
"Shut up and get inside."
When Hermione started to walk inside Draco grabbed her arm and gently kissed her. No one saw of course but that was good for Draco. It might have hurt his bad boy reputation.
"Please do try to get here on time tomorrow. I would hate to have to take away points."
"No problem."
She had been right; nothing about this year was going to be easy. Everything had been set in place to go wrong. Classes went breezing by and tons of lessons had been given. After all they were seven years and this was to be expected but on the first day, that seemed a bit too much. When Hermione walked into the Head common room, she saw Draco at the desk working. She was on her way out the door to go to the library when Draco turned around and saw her.
"Leaving so soon?"
"I was going to the library to study."
"I just finished so you can use the desk. I was going up to take a nap, so you will be alone down here."
"Oh, okay. Thank you Draco."
"Okay, see you later."
"Okay."
Things had gotten so awkward between them and Hermione had no idea why.