Draco slipped into the 'Defence' room along with the crowd of babbling third years and settled into his usual seat in the middle row, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Lucius stood at the front of the room, looking imperiously over the class. The noise subsided almost immediately. He smirked, then spoke,

"Welcome to this year's Defence Against the Dark arts class. I will be your teacher this year, so before we start I would like to clear a few things up; first, you are to address me as either 'Mr.Malfoy' or 'Sir'. Is that understood?" A mumbling chorus of 'Yes, Mr.Malfoy' did a Mexican wave around the room,

"Secondly, I don't know what kind of teachers you have had in the past, but I will not, under any circumstance, tolerate sloppy work, rudeness or disobedience and anyone who wishes to test me will sorely regret it." He paused, as though challenging someone to argue. The room was silent, all eyes fixed directly on Lucius as though hypnotised. Lucius smiled to himself in satisfaction and sat behind his desk, took out a piece of parchment, off of which he started the register.

At the back of the class, the trio sat together, contemplating their new teacher.

"I can't believe Dumbledore allowed him to teach us!" Hermione whispered, "I mean, he was convicted as a Death-eater a few years ago. Even if they did let him go free." She added bitterly.

"It's Malfoy, I'm worried about." Ron said miserably, "I bet you anything he's going to be unbearable now." Hermione shot him a 'look',

"We talked about this, this morning. Remember?"

"Come on 'Mione, this is Malfoy we're talking about." Harry reminded her,

"He has got feelings too, you know." Ron looked at her like she was mad,

"Don't be ridiculous! He's a Slytherin!" Both Harry and Hermione ignored him,

"He hasn't changed 'Mione. Just because he's acting a bit odd, and yes, I do admit he was, but that doesn't mean he's going to change. Besides, what would it matter to us even if he did?"

"It's just strange. That's all." Ron looked at her seriously,

"'Mione, I think you're becoming obsessed."

"I am not obsessed!" Hermione hissed, a little too loudly. Heads turned in their direction and Mr.Malfoy's eyes narrowed dangerously. She met them squarely, refusing to blink or look away.

"Name?" Lucius ordered eventually, breaking the silence,

"Hermione Granger."

"Well, Miss Granger, it appears that what I have been told about you has been correct. Maybe a detention is in order until you can learn to control your mouth. Don't you agree?" There was a collective gasp of astonishment, Hermione never got into trouble! The brunette flushed and sunk back into her seat and if looks could kill, she'd have been in Azkaban for life. Lucius sneered, "Stay behind after class. Draco you as well. We need to discuss something." Draco flushed slightly, but nodded coolly and slouched back down into his chair.

After a few minutes of silent work, Lucius dismissed the class, who, eager to escape, filed out immediately, until Hermione and Draco were left standing in front of the teacher's desk,

"Six o'clock my office, Miss Granger," Lucius said silkily, handing Hermione a small piece of parchment, which she took grudgingly, "you are not to be late."

"Yes…Sir." Hermione looked as if saying the word was like poison. 'I can't believe this is happening! I can't believe he gave me a detention! MY REPUTATION IS RUINED!' She thought venomously, as she stormed briskly from the room, the door slamming shut in her wake.

"Can you believe him?" Hermione fumed at her friends, who had waited for her to be released, "He's worse than Snape!" Harry looked shocked,

"Whoa! That's harsh 'Mione!"

"It's true!" She replied malevolently, "evil, slimey, bastard!" Ron patted her shoulder sympathetically,

"It's just a detention, 'Mione. You'll get over it…"

"JUST A DETENTION?" Hermione shrieked, eyes wild, "HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? MY SO FAR PERFECT REPUTATION IS RUINED! BLEMISHED FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! LOOMING OVER ME FOR ALL ETERNITY!" Ron help up his hand defensively,

"Okay, okay. Don't take it out on me!" Hermione sighed and ran a hand distractedly through her hair,

"I'm sorry, I'm just freaked out. You guys go ahead to divination, I'll catch you up later." Harry looked at her suspiciously,

"Why? You're not going to spy on Malfoy are you?" But Hermione just waved them on,

"Go! Go! You'll be late! I'll catch you up." Reluctantly, the boys turned and walked down the hall. When she was certain they were out of sight, Hermione knelt by the door and listened intently.

Meanwhile, inside…

A/N: Heyall! Big thankies and Potter plushies to all my lovely reviewers fieryred, whitehound, Dracofan1, TobiasHawk13, siriusfanatica and samhaincat .

As ever, if you have any ideas for future chapters I am begging you to let me know!

Love and kisses, Lilyxxxxxx

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