Dueling With Destiny

Summary: Everyone has a destiny. But for Hermione, that destiny is something she has been fighting her whole life…
Rated: T
Disclaimer: Now really, what a silly thing to think? As if a multi-millionaire (or is it billionaire now?) would be sitting in this little office space.
Author's Note: Thanks goes out to bananas for being so kind as to review my story. I'm glad you like it! I suppose the story could be considered a bit dark. It does have some romantic pairing, mostly for Hermione being this is her story but a bit more for some other characters as well. I won't tell you what the pairings are yet or what Hermione's destiny is though. That you'll just have to wait and read for yourself! It adds, to the suspense, trust me. Anyways, I hope everyone likes this next chapter. I upped the rating to T for some mild language in this chapter and some more in the future. This chapter's a bit short only because I wanted to tie in the information from HBP and needed somewhere to explain it. The next chapter will be longer, I promise! Until then however, PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! Thanks!

WARNING! HALF-BLOOD PRINCE SPOILERS AHEAD!
(FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO STILL HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK)

Chapter 3: Encounters on the Platform

"Come on, Ron! We're going to be late!" Harry called out to his best friend who was struggling miserably with his trunk. At last, he got hold of it and tossed it into the carriage where Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville were already seated. Ron gasped for air as he climbed into the carriage as well, his face bright red from the struggle.

"Trouble, Ron?" Ginny asked with a slight smirk on her face.

"Shove off!" Ron said, scowling angrily.

"Make me!" Ginny shot back.

The carriage set off for the train station with the two siblings still bantering with each other the whole way there.

Minutes later, the carriage stopped at the station and all six passengers climbed out. Hermione paused and turned to look back on the school one last time. With a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach, she picked up her luggage and turned to head for the train. Immediately, Hermione was thrown backwards, to the ground causing a great fuss from her Crookshanks who was in his carrying case.

"Watch where you're going, Granger!" Sneered an angry voice.

"You ran into me, Parkinson!" She spat as she got to her feet and dusted off her robe. Before Hermione stood Pansy Parkinson, Slytherin Queen. Her short, dark brown, almost black, hair framed her face and her dark eyes were cold and harsh. Her lips were glossed with bright red lipstick and her eyelids were outlined thickly. She was a dangerous, dark kind of beautiful, with multiple piercings and tight, black clothing. Haughty and manipulative were only two of the words that came to mind when you saw her.

"What's the matter?" Hermione asked as she gathered her belongs together once more. "Didn't your parents have the time to teach you good manners before they were sent off to Azkaban?" Hermione may have been a good few inches shorter than Pansy and she may not be as pretty but she refused to let the Slytherin Queen intimidate her.

Pansy's face paled with anger at Hermione's words. "You're a fine one to talk!" She said with a sneer.

"There a problem here?" Harry asked coldly as he approached.

"Or do you need a demonstration of just what we learned up at out fine school?" Ron added as he joined the group.

"With you, Weasley, that wouldn't take long," Pansy leered, backing away a few steps non-the-less. "Besides, I was just saying goodbye to Granger here. No crime in that."

"No, but being a whorish, bitch is," said Harry.

Pansy looked thoughtful for a moment. "Nope, sorry Potter. I don't remember that law either. It must be right under the one that says 'All Hail the Mighty Harry Potter, Our Chosen One'."

"Watch it Parkinson!" Harry said, drawing his wand and pointing it at her.

"There a problem here?" A voice called out. Blaise Zabini appeared beside Pansy. "Potter, put that wand away. No one wants to fight." He voice was strong and forceful. "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to attack a girl?"

"Who says Parkinson here's a girl?" Asked Ron angrily.

Blaise sent a harsh look toward Ron while Pansy pouted, her arm now linked with Blaise's. The train's whistle blew suddenly, singling that all passengers should board.

"Well, I best be off! Potty, Weasel. These past seven years have been a pleasure." She smiled sinisterly at the two. "Granger," She said, turning to the now silent girl. "It's been a pleasure as always. I do hope you'll keep in touch! I just love getting little notes." Her lips smirked upward as her dark eyes searched Hermione's for a reaction.

Hermione, however, hardened her eyes. "Goodbye, Pansy. I expect I'll here of your criminal deeds in the Daily Prophet once you are arrested and sent to Azkaban with all of your friends. I'll be sure and send you a fruit basket as long as you promise to be nice and share it with the Dementors."

Harry and Ron beamed at Hermione as she lashed out at Pansy. With a triumphant look on her face, Hermione turned and headed toward the train without a backwards glance, clutching her luggage with trembling hands.

"Well, this is it. Our school years are now officially over." Said Ron as he, Harry, and Hermione settled into a compartment.

All three looked out the window at the passing scenery with a look of longing.

"Yep," continued Ron. "This is our last train ride on the Hogwarts Express ever. Our school days our now at an end."

"Will you stop it!" Hermione said with a glare. "You don't need to get all sentimental with all that 'this is the end', stuff!"

"Gee, Hermione. What crawled up your pants?" Ron asked, completely taken aback.

Hermione blushed, ashamed at her own behavior. "Nothing," She mumbled. "I'm just still a bit worked up over Pansy is all."

Ron titled his head in confusion. "Since when do you care what Pansy says?"

"I don't, it's just… Oh, I don't know."

Ron put his arm around Hermione comfortingly. "Don't let her get to you. She likes to act like she's the Queen of the World or something."

Harry snorted. "More like the Queen Whore. She attaches herself to whoever runs the Slytherins. Look at her, with Blaise. Ever since Malfoy disappeared last year she's been all over him."

Ron smiled. "Yeah, the 'heir to the throne' leaves and she up and jumps the next in line."

Hermione frowned and bit her lip, remaining silent.

"You think Pansy knows where Malfoy's hiding?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Please! As if anyone would trust Pansy with something that important!" Ron said, rolling his eyes. He glanced over at Harry, noticing the dark expression on his face. "They'll find him, Harry. Malfoy and Snape both. It's just going to take time is all."

Harry glared. "Time! It's been over a year! By now, Snape and Malfoy could be anywhere! For all we know they could have taken a Polyjuice Potion and changed into a pair of muggles living over in Iceland!"

"Malfoy, live as a muggle! Not going to happen, mate. He'd never agree to it. Plus, 'm pretty sure Iceland's too cold for his sensitive skin," Ron said with a smile. "Relax, Harry. They can't go on hiding forever."

"Yeah," said Harry determinedly. "They can't."

AN: Just to explain in case you didn't get that. Draco and Snape haven't been seen or heard from since their escape last year. Neither came back to Hogwarts at the start of term. As you can probably tell, Harry's a bit angry that they haven't been found yet. What he plans to do? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. ;)