Our Song
From their common room, Hermione sat, listening to the falling rain as Malfoy sat in a far corner, writing something unknown to the outside world. Sighing, Hermione started to hum, a made up tune that she found from the top of her head at the spur of the moment. Catching on, Malfoy hummed a matching tune, as though their hums were from a written song, and rehearsed many times.
"Granger, not bad for a Mudblood…" Malfoy drawled.
"You're not bad for the slimy Slytherin Pureblood you are, Draco Malfoy, But I'd rather sing alone and be lonely than spend this New Year's day sitting here, singing with you while you work on… whatever you're working on." Hermione shot back, in a slicing tone, putting Malfoy's supposedly cold heart to shame with her freezing tone.
"Well, well, well. Weren't you ever taught any manners? You're not supposed to snap at your superiors. Your attitude doesn't match your name at all. Hermione, in Greek, that means Harmony. It's not a wonder why you never have a boyfriend, no bloke with half a brain would even look at you and not taunt you. Harmony isn't exactly the word to describe you, Granger."
"Being lonely and boyfriend-less is better than being you. Draco, that's Dragon in Latin. However, you haven't the slightest big of logic in your mind, that you put Dragons all over the world to shame. Oh, I'm sorry, Malfoy. I guess I hit a nerve," Hermione smirked as Malfoy paled slightly and glared, "But then again, if you had half a heart, you'd know that Harry would slay you before your heart stops, but being the gentleman he is, he would spare you your life."
"Don't. Mention. Potter. In. Front. Of me. You. Filthy. Thing. But then again, he doesn't have the strength, or the courage to slay me, thank you for caring enough to point that out. We're both talented with words, but I bet you, that I can write a better poem than you do, you filthy thing. The only words you can write with your filthy hands will be nothing but shit compared to the magic I can work with my brilliant mind. Ten galleons to the winner, loser loses ten galleons, fair deal?"
"You arrogant prejudice prick. I accept the bet, and I know that mine will be better!" With that, both ambitious determined sixth years grabbed a quill and parchment, writing. Hermione listened to the soft howling of the winds, and the steady falling of the rain, an angel's tears. Her mind wandered for a moment, when she realized just what she wanted to write about. The rain and the New Year; the ending of pain, or perhaps the death from it, would be her theme.
Malfoy thought, his eyebrows drawn in an elegant furrow, what his theme would be. He thought back, to the past, when he was under the Crustaceous Curse, cast by his own father. He thought about the way he loathed Granger for her parents' love for her, something he would never have. The way she knew how it was to be loved by her parents. The way the rain steadily hit the building, and the fact that it was New Years; a time for new Hope, which he would never, ever have.
In ten minutes, both had finished their poems, or rather songs… whichever you prefer to call it. Hermione grabbed Malfoy's paper, scanning through his perfect handwriting. Like hers, it was about New Year's. His poem/song read:
Rain for Me
This sorrow filled rain,
is this truly the end of that?
Can one truly relieve my pain?
Life is just a cruel act,
with this, I fear I'd be insane,
heal my fractured heart,
and hear the pain's refrain.
Will this rain,
wash away my fears?
Can it truly be innocent,
without the tears?
Crashing thunder,
like the fireworks of July,
Raining tears from angels,
it's enough to make me cry.
This new year,
Can it be a new start,
A new Hope for now,
Give me a pure heart,
Please just once more,
Let the rain free,
Just rain for me.
Teach me how to live,
tell me, how can one lie?
Life is all I can give;
Love's left in a blink of an eye
I only wish to forget today,
Can it be so hard,
when I've cried night and day?
This is my true bliss,
Death within my blood,
I, no one will miss,
Though I try with all I could,
Just to be loved,
And once have loved.
This new year,
Can it be a new start,
A new Hope for now,
Give me a pure heart,
Please just once more,
Let the rain free,
Just rain for me.
On the other couch, Draco sat, reading Hermione's picture perfect penmanship and he almost fell off the sofa, thank Merlin for arm rests, when he realized how close to his poem hers was. In her neat, spidery writing, Hermione had written:
When Angels Cry
It's a terrible time,
the angels are crying tonight,
who had committed a crime?
An angel's child has put up a fight,
only to put us in this time,
when the angels cry tonight.
The rain water,
Wash away this filthy blood.
It's tainted my soul,
save me with a flood,
only it can erase my eternal scars.
Don't cry for me, angels,
I'm not worth crying for,
My life was one of sins,
I deserve this everlasting sore,
When angels cry,
The world cries along,
Why must you put me so superior,
When I have yet to sing this song?
Sing this to me,
Just one last time,
set my soul free,
let me pay for my crime.
You're driving me insane,
for me I know you would never deign,
Let God know that He reign,
Let the skies rain,
This is my heart's refrain,
We have nothing to lose or gain,
So just don't drive me insane.
Don't speak,
Don't freak,
This is the time when angels cry,
That you cannot deny,
It was me this time,
I committed the crime.
I used this tainted knife,
and tried to end my life.
Cry for me not,
Blame the angels not.
Know it was Fate;
Tragedy is its infamous trait.
Don't cry for me, angels,
I'm not worth crying for,
My life was one of sins,
I deserve this everlasting sore,
When angels cry,
The world cries along,
Why must you put me so superior,
When I have yet to sing this song?
Sing this to me,
Just one last time,
set my soul free,
let me pay for my crime.
Teach me to love today,
Kiss my pain away,
Let me be who I'm destined to be.
From your unhealthy wrath,
Just set me free.
Just as Draco finished reading the poem, and looked up to see Hermione's eyes glistening with tears, just reading his poem/song, the portrait hole opened. There stood Albus Dumbledore, the lunatic Headmaster of Hogwarts.
"Ah, it's so nice to see our Heads cooperating," he said grandly, taking the parchments from Hermione and Malfoy's hands. Scanning through their artwork quickly, he said, "Ms. Granger's work is truly one of angelic, yet dark and brooding. Mr. Malfoy's however, is dark and brooding, but it has intertwined within it a glint of happiness. They would sound quite well together, so tonight, for dinner, I would like for you two to sing these," with his eyes shining, he finished his sentence. "Together."
"But, He--" Hermione started, startled.
"No buts, Ms. Granger. These are wonderful works of arts, and they would sound beautiful together. I had wanted you two to do separate speeches, but it is a much better idea for you two to sing together. Unity of the Houses, I'm sure you both remember that? It is a wonderful way to start off a new year. Our rival houses, both having a representative sing together would be a wonderful start indeed. Oh yes, and remember to wear something dressy, it would be nice if you could perform in something other than your normal." With that, Dumbledore made a grand exit, leaving Hermione and Malfoy, seething at each other.
"This is your entire fault, Malfoy!" Hermione screamed once they were sure the Headmaster had left, "If you hadn't started humming along with me, and made that idiotic comment, or made this stupid bet, we wouldn't have to sing together! And… and…I can't sing." Hermione said, distressed.
Meanwhile, Malfoy stood, smirking. "You know, Granger. That loony bin of a Headmaster is right. Our songs would sound pretty well together, if we get the right tune. As for your singing, you aren't half bad… you sing quite well, not as well as I sing, of course, being that you're an inferior Mudblood."
Hermione just stood her mouth agape. Did… Malfoy, Draco Lucius Malfoy, just compliment me for my singing, and say that he would actually agree with Dumbledore, as in Headmaster Albus Dumbledore? The Mudblood part stung, but I guess I should be used to it by now… Hermione thought, as she tried to comprehend what Malfoy just said.
At the same time, Malfoy was thinking something similar. What the bloody HELL? Did I just compliment that filthy Mudblood, Hermione Jane Granger, and agree with that loony bin, who calls himself a Headmaster? To hide his shock, he said with his trademark drawl, "So, if you would kindly let me compose a tune, you can close your mouth now."
With a sigh, Hermione nodded, still unable to let reality sink in. Taking out a piece of parchment, she said, "I'll write my version of the tune and we'll pick which one we prefer.
"Wait… you can compose, Granger!" Draco said with shock evident on his pale face. Never did he know that muggles knew what music was.
"Yes, Malfoy, muggles have music. In fact, I've been playing the piano since I was three, and didn't stop until I enrolled to Hogwarts. What instrument do YOU play?"
"I play guitar, Granger, been playing before I learned to write," Draco said with mock boredom, as if it were obvious. But he froze, and locked eyes with Hermione. Both grinned, and within seconds, they both had out their wands. With a swish of their wands, their respective instrument appeared in front of them, Malfoy's guitar on a stand. "Granger, you play the piano, I'll try to follow along with the guitar, and we sing along to the music, and see how it works out."
Hermione was stunned… Did Malfoy just grin for Merlin's sake, and allow me to take lead in this… composing? After the shock had worn off, she could only nod in agreement. She made a copy of both songs, handing one set to Malfoy. Afterwards, she charmed a quill to write down the music as they played, and preformed a silencing charm in the room, so that nobody could hear the ruckus. She sat down on the piano bench, studying the two works of writing and began.
Hermione really can play the piano… wait… what! Did I just think of her, that filthy thing, as Hermione! Suddenly snapping out of his thoughts, he began to play.
The sweet sound of the piano intertwined with melodramatic sound of the guitar, and suddenly all that mattered was the song they sang. The sweet angelic voice of Hermione and the devilishly low sweet voice of Draco, as they intertwined made a beautiful harmony of magic. As for the music, they each played their own little thing, but as if their minds were bound, what they played matched perfectly.
When they were done, all Hermione could mutter was, "Wow… well, um I guess that's all the practice we need…I'll get ready for tonight…" A blush coloring her cheeks, Hermione ran to her room, and looked desperately for some dress robes. Seeing that she didn't really have any, she sighed and decided to design her own. Summoning a light, dark green flow-y material, she started. She drew out what she wanted it the dress look like, and enchanted the cloth to sew itself into its perfect form. Hermione was a good artist, and she knew that her dress wouldn't come out of proportion. She grabbed her copy of Hogwarts: a History and started to read as she waited for her dress to finish making itself.
When she put on her dress, she was awed. The green made her pale skin shine, and allowed her brown hair to seem earthier, with a beautiful brown. It hugged her every feminine curve, giving her a majestic look she never thought she could withhold. The dress reached her ankles, and with the uneven cut at the bottom, making it seem as if the wind was blowing at it, although there wasn't even a slightest bit of a breeze in her room.
Now for the makeup and hair...I'll start with my hair… Hermione thought, looking disgusted at her bushy, brown, unruly hair. With a few charms, she managed to get her hair wavy and silky, and she piled it to an elegant bun with a few wisps of hair hanging out. She used the green chopstick-bun-holder things that Ginny had given her last Christmas. It was beautiful, although it had a silver snake wrapping itself around each of the emerald green transparent-like chopsticks. Admiring her own work, she started to apply on foundation.
She used silver eyeliner, and light green eye shadow. It made her huge brown eyes look dramatic as ever, the brown seemed as if it were changing from honey brown to dark brown in the light. Grinning, she applied pink lip gloss, allowing her full lips to seem poutier than ever. The soft tapping from the raindrops against the building made her grin, and she put on her green high heels. Green was definitely going to be her new favorite color, although it was a Slytherin color.
Walking out into their common room, Hermione saw that Malfoy too, was dressed. He was in a muggle tuxedo of black satin, and the shirt inside was something like satin, but more elegant looking. "You… you look nice in muggle clothing, Malfoy." Hermione stammered.
Draco just stood there, frozen by the beauty of the girl in front of her. Surely that isn't Granger? And… green. It's my favorite color… she looks beautiful in it… Uncertainly, he croaked out, "Granger…?"
"Yes… It's me… Granger…" Hermione said slowly, as if speaking to a young little child that was trying to learn her name. It irritated Malfoy, yet it was rather endearing. Snapping out of his daze, he forced a glare to come from his silver blue eyes, and walked out, heading for the Great Hall as Hermione followed him.
A hushed silence fell as the unlikely pair, both dressed equally elegantly, walked into the room. Hermione smiled as she sat down at the Gryffindor table, and Ron's soup spoon fell with a clatter, and Neville's pumpkin juice spilled, almost ruining Lavender's school robes. It was then, when Dumbledore stood up. "As you all know, today is a special day; New Year's to be exact. Our Heads have something special for you." With a flick of his hand, a platform appeared.
Slowly, Hermione and Draco ascended the stairs to the magical platform. Both reached for their wands, and their instruments appeared. Hermione sat down on the piano bench, and Draco sat down on a stool set by the piano. It was then, when they began.
Their sweet voices created harmony far more beautiful than what they shared in their common room about an hour ago. Their voices rang out clearly; the sounds of the piano and guitar were soon forgotten by all students of Hogwarts, even though they realized their perfect harmony was as well as the voices of the artists.
When they were done with their little performance, the entire school rang out with cheers, whistles, and students asking for encore. But everyone was surprised, including Draco himself, when he summoned a bouquet of light green roses, wrapped in green tissue paper and tied in a gaudy metallic silver ribbon, and gave them to Hermione. He didn't know what had possessed him to do so, but it just felt like the right thing to do. Hermione, however, hugged Malfoy and kissed him on the cheek. For the first time in his lifetime, Draco felt his face turn bright red, and hid it by walking side by side with Hermione down the platform.
When Hermione resumed her seat in the Great Hall, Harry and Ron were both glaring at her. "WHAT!" she said, slightly amused at their reactions, yet annoyed.
"You kissed Malfoy, DRACO MALFOY, on the cheek, and hugged him! You've never even kissed US on the cheek before!" Ron said, turning bright red with anger.
"Actually, she has, Ron. She kissed me on the cheek at the end of Fourth Year…" Harry said, cutting in cautiously.
"That's not the point, Harry. WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, MIONE!"
"I…it just felt like the right thing to do at the moment," Hermione said, tears stinging her eyes, "I hadn't meant to hurt your feelings. I remember when I was with Viktor Krum; you said I was fraternizing with the enemy. If you're going to say the same thing today, I won't blame you. I hadn't meant it that way, I hope you understand that." With that, Hermione ran out of the Great Hall, the roses forgotten.
Draco saw her leave, tears falling from her eyes. Without a second thought, he pushed Pansy away from him, as she was trying to seduce him again, and followed Hermione. What the Hell is wrong with me? Why am I so concerned? We're nothing but partners as Heads, right? He thought as he frantically tried to catch up to Hermione. He was quick, but she had agility that he never dreamt of coming from such a petite girl of 5'1" in uncomfortable high heels.
"GRANGER!" He cried, but she didn't' stop. She was already at the portrait hole of her room when he finally almost caught up to her. For desperate measures, he shouted her name. Her real name. "HERMIONE JANE GRANGER!" he boomed, hoping that his worry for her wasn't evident in his voice.
Hermione froze, mid-step and turned around. Draco could see tears staining her cheeks, she had already magically taken off her makeup, so no running mascara or anything was tinting her tears a different color. Malfoy walked up to her, and with his elegant long fingers, he wiped away her tears, "Don't cry, it doesn't become you, Hermione. You're amazing, you're independent. Don't cry for something Weasel said…Merlin, if I had a friend as great as you, I wouldn't ever yell at you. Now, we all know that it's a terrible time when angels cry…and you are fair enough to be an angel." Malfoy said, not understanding why he was saying those words, or even why he realized it was true, Hermione was as beautiful as a winged angel with a halo. He realized that her hair was adorned with chopsticks that were of Slytherin colors, and even had a silver snake. It was beautiful, but it could never be as beautiful as the person wearing it at the moment. Inter-house unity was the last thing on his mind as he wiped away a few more stray tears that had fallen from Hermione's eyes, and kissed her on the forehead. Bloody hell, it was love.
Hermione looked into the deep silver eyes of Draco Malfoy. His eyes held something that she'd never seen from him before. Concern, sadness, and Merlin…can that be Love that tinted his eyes? Sadness overwhelmed her senses and she threw her arms around Draco's neck and cried. They stood there, for Heavens know how long, with Hermione crying, and Malfoy stroking her now messy hair, trying to make her sobs subside. This is most certainly going to be some year… Hermione thought as she cried into her savior's shoulder.