Disclaimer:
Me: I need files.
British Government: On who?
Me: JK Rowling.
British Government: Oh, her. She is so good. I think she should completely go off the edge and make Harry fall for Oliver Wood's best friend.
Me: Ok ,eww. What was the point of that?
British Government: It was a nice way of saying no.
Me: Thanks.
You know, I should've just stolen the files, but I was brought up well, which means I can't steal government files. No access to any character.
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Reviewer Shout Out: Thank you for all the reviews. In two days, when I started this fic, I would usually get like 4 reviews. Now, I have to tell you that I might not be able too write for a while. It depends if this computer can stop being threatened by viruses. If it doesn't, then I'm going to have to wait until the school year starts to get the internet back. If it does, then expect your almost weekly updates. Rina, the howler thing was just Malfoy having his fun. But it also got something...else to happen. CozzaGirl16, in answer to your question, I would have to say maybe, in a way. Or, Ron liking Hermione could not be the secret. You never know. I'm evil remember? Draco Silvan Malfoy, its ok. I wasn't mad. I tried to type it on your review page, but I can only review once every chapter. And, I will now review your story like Hermione would, HAHAHA!! Hope you enjoy a mudblood commenting on things (lol). Fionger, I wasn't really up for the Hermione/Blaise pairing myself until I read Misfit by vampire-convenant. Karana, I've never been called an inspiration before, so you make me blush and giggle and want to give you a big hug. Rae, I'm actually a terrible drawer, but thanks for the compliment. FriFri, I agree the DA scene was probably the worst I've written in the story so far. But, I had to introduce it somehow, and since this story is all from Hermione's point of view, she had to be there. And about Hermione and Draco falling for each other, they already started to. I didn't make it totally obvious though. I learned not to do that from Fluff who wrote The Bachelor. Most of you that read my story have it on your favorites list, but if you haven't you should. It's very well written and not as corny as it sounds. I'll give you the hint that they started falling for each other somewhere through chapter five and up. I've dropped clues. And, this is also from Hermione's point of view, so who knows what Draco is thinking...FriFri, you were also the last review I waited for to write this chapter, and so this chapter is dedicated to you! Satanic, no he isn't short in this story. And thanks for the criticism. I know this story is fast moving dialogue, which is the only thing I can write well. Detail isn't too easy for me, but I will try in the next chapters. This is my first fic after all.
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The Next Day, Which is Saturday
Blaise was currently talking to me about how proud he was of the howler sent to Victoria. He told his owl to come in when everyone is usually in the Great Hall. Then, when the howler was done screaming, he would laugh out loud like I did. More importantly, he would be the first one.
"I hope you weren't too mean," I said half-heartedly. I personally was indifferent about the matter. I didn't even like the girl.
"What is too mean to you anyway? I didn't use curse words, because she doesn't like them. I just screamed about how mean she was to me."
I looked at him for a moment.
"What?"
"You still care about her if you STILL consider her likes and dislikes."
"No I don't, Hermione."
There was that Slytherin stubbornness again. It almost always reminded me of Ron. Plus... "That's the first time you've said my name."
"Well, I figured, since you started calling me Blaise, why not call you by your name. We have to be believable right? And plus, I can actually carry on a conversation with you without being insulted," he replied.
I smiled before we both entered the Great Hall. This time, I could tell Blaise wasn't afraid. That patting the shoulder thing was easy enough for him, since I was the one who did the patting.
And as we entered, I felt the whole hall pretend not to look in our direction. They were, though, since the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. He looked at me, and I gulped subconsciously. He held out his hand, and I was about to do the same until he just waved.
He waved!
We planned to hug that morning! I waved back at him while brutally torturing him on the inside. Harry and Ron were the first to say something about it once I sat down.
"You sure you two aren't friends?" asked Ron.
"We're starting to be," I answered indifferently. I grabbed a biscuit and started to eat it. When I was almost through with it, Harry and Ron were still staring at me in that way they do when they want something. "What?"
"It's just weird. Yesterday, I over-heard Parvati and Lavender talking about how you two were secretly going to have your honeymoon in Hawaii with the six children you already have!" replied Harry quickly. He knew Ron was going to say something inconsiderate.
"We do have children," I said indifferently again. Harry, as usual, choked on whatever was in his mouth, and Ron's mouthful of food fell onto his plate.
Harry politely scooted away.
"I'm just kidding. We ARE becoming friends, and I think you two shouldn't take it in a horrible way. I don't have that bad of a judge of character." Just to add effect, I pouted.
"Well," started Harry. "I can't say I agree with this totally." That skeptical look was starting to bother me. But then again, it is Harry.
"I don't agree with this at all," mumbled Ron before taking the mouthful of food he just dropped back in his mouth.
Harry scooted over again.
"Then don't. I thought you two were going to be supportive. We are just becoming friends and-."
"He's not that bad looking. Actually, he doesn't look bad at all," commented Lavender. She was definitely not allowed to join the conversation.
'We're going to have to think again."
'No duh Ron.'
'Whatever, Hermione. Anyway, there's a prefect meeting tonight.'
'Thanks, Ron. That was totally off the subject. Anyway, please just try to accept it.'
'Well, ok. I still don't like him, trust him, approve of him, or think he's cool in anyway, but it's not like it's Malfoy. Zambini, actually, is the only Slytherin who hasn't called you that horrible name.'
'I don't agree with it.'
'Fine, Ron. As long as you can still be my Ikkle Ronneikens.'
'I'm still your Ikkle Ronek-. I mean, eww, Hermione, bad name.'
'He likes it'
'No I don't.'
'Yes you do.'
'No I don't.'
'Yes you-.'
Just then, an owl flew in. Mail wasn't supposed to be here for another five minutes. The bright red made it obvious it was a howler. Every one in the Great Hall was anticipating this one. Listening to a howler was like watching a circus to them.
I smiled to myself, as did Blaise. This was going to be a nice one. I dared to look at Blaise. He obviously dared himself to do the same thing, because once I got eye contact, he winked at me.
Victoria, on the other hand, was looking at the howler like I was looking at it the day before. The thing with her is that she had more to risk. Victoria was one of those popular girls that never get dumped. Blaise would be the first to dump her.
She nervously opened the seal.
"VICTORIA, I'M SORRY BUT WE'RE THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I expected to hear more after that. Actually everyone expected to hear more after that. But, that was it. That was the moment Blaise made me anticipate all through breakfast. And just as the howler blew up into flames, the rest of the mail came. Everyone was just too shocked about the short message to notice the mail getting dropped into their food.
He was soooooo getting screamed at for this one.
"You know, maybe I can ask her out now that-."
"That's your secret Ron?" I interrupted.
"What secret?"
"The secret you told me about."
"Oh, you are so going down on this one, Ron," Harry said with that triumphant smile of his.
Ron pouted. "I shouldn't have told you, Hermione!"
"Just like you shouldn't have snooped on my secret," hinted Harry.
Ron stuck out his tongue.
This was going to end with Ron losing his temper. "So what is on the itinerary for today?"
"Quidditch, babe," answered Ron.
Harry and I looked at each other. "Did you just call me babe?"
Ron spit out his orange juice. "No....Yes."
A loud aw was heard from Harry.
"For the whole day?" I asked Harry.
"No. I won't be torturing the team that much today. Maybe just...the whole morning."
Ron spit his orange juice out again. "Harry!"
"No whining, Ron."
Ron pouted.
Harry rolled his eyes and turned to me. "After morning practice, we'll be all yours."
"Yummy."
"It better be. Otherwise, I'd think there was something wrong with you," mumbled Ron.
I patted him on the head. "When that bad mood of yours passes, Ikkle Ronneikens, Hermione will be all yours."
I got up to leave. I spared another glance at Blaise to tell him to find me when he's done. He tends to understand me through eyebrow communication.
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Random Classroom Blaise Took Me Too
I didn't know where we were. I didn't know what the horrible smell we smelled was. Right now, the far, serene side of the castle was creeping me out. The only reason I went was because Blaise wanted to show me the WHOLE side of the castle.
"I come here sometimes to mellow out. These halls are pretty long, so I come here to walk around and blow off steam," he explained.
"It's kind of...cold," I commented.
"This is usually how our common room temperature is like. Ghosts float here all the time."
I nodded.
"So what did you motion me to come out here for?" he asked curious.
"Oh, so you noticed. About the howler."
He moved forward. "What?"
I smacked him.
"Ow. What was that for?"
"Your howler was stupid," I finished.
"I wanted to be unpredictable-."
"Unpredictable my ass! You disappointed all the hormonal teenagers in the Great Hall," I informed.
"No, I just told her what she needed to know. And that doesn't include everything," he retorted.
"Well, that was smart. And..."
Smack!
"Ow. Great, now you're treating me like Malfoy. What did I do this time?" he said rubbing his arm.
"You were supposed to hug m-."
"Oh, Hermione, baby. I didn't forget about you. It just would be stupid to hug you before the howler came in."
I paused for a moment though. "Oh. Well, when do you plan on doing it then?"
"Well, I was thinking next week after the Quidditch game. Gryffindor is playing Ravenclaw, so no immediate danger of getting harassed. And, we have a week to make ourselves believable," he said with that I-am-so-good grin of his.
I rolled my eyes at him. Then I remembered something. "Is Malfoy suspicious?"
"Don't you expect him to be? Our conversation about you was pretty heated. I'm sure Pansy would have told everyone by now."
"What did he say?"
"Something along the lines of I will find out what's going on or something like that." He shrugged without knowing what he just said.
I stopped to stare at him.
"What."
I blinked.
"Oh. Crap."
"Exactly."
"Well, Potter and Weasley are out for the whole morning. There's our chance."
I nodded as we headed out.
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Back at the Main Parts of Hogwarts
"What are we doing this morning?" I asked. This was really weird. I haven't actually wanted to hang out with Blaise before.
"I don't know. Aren't you supposed to be the useful one?" he asked with a smirk.
I turned to him. "Oh, now you're smirking, too."
"All Slytherins smirk. It's like our trademark. Just like you Gryffindors have that annoying triumphant grin, and Hufflepuffs have that girlish giggle," he explained.
"Yeah, I've noticed that even the boys use that girlish giggle," I replied.
He stopped for a second. I did the same thing. I don't know why he stopped. He looked like he was smelling for something.
I finally new what he was smelling or looking or hearing for when I heard little footsteps. They were very faint, but they could be heard nonetheless.
"It's Malfoy," Blaise whispered. "He's the only person I can think of that can be that light-footed."
I nodded. Then, I gave Blaise a wicked grin. "Harry has excepted you as my friend, but Ron is kind of grumpy about it."
It took him a moment to figure out why I switched the subject. When he processed what I was doing, he said, "I knew Weasley would be like that. And I think you know that most of the Slytherins would be appalled. Especially Draco. You know-."
"Yeah. But, I don't like him very much either, so we're EVEN." There take that, Malfoy. Please notice how I put emphasis on the word even.
"So, anyway, HERMIONE, what are we doing for the rest of the morning. Maybe we could-."
"I am so going to tell Parvati about this," squealed a high-pitched voice.
I turned around to see a head with fake blonde hair running the other direction. It was Lavender. I rolled my eyes and turned to Blaise. "Malfoy is the only one I know who can be that light-footed," I mimicked.
Blaise glared at me. "Now, if you would answer my question. What are we going to do this morning?"
I thought about this. There was really nothing to do with Blaise. The wizard games that I play with Harry and Ron could only be played in the common rooms. Students were currently roaming the grounds. It's too early in the game to be seen in public like that. And, I had nothing to talk to him about.
"So, what's your favorite color?" asked Blaise hesitating a little.
"Guess."
"What do you mean guess?"
"You know some of my personality traits. You should be able to figure it out."
"Well, Hermione. You are sarcastic, smart, adventurous, stupid, and incredibly annoying. I would say either emerald green or firecracker red," he said scratching his chin.
"Actually, cerulean blue. It's a bright kind of blue, and it shows my smartness," I said arrogantly.
Blaise paused for a moment. "We really have nothing to talk about."
I nodded. "Hey, you could go do whatever you want for the rest of the day. I'll talk to you before dinner."
Blaise nodded, waved, and headed of towards his common room.
I went towards my common room to do my homework until after lunch.
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Work Room
So, there's this thing called homework. I was currently trying to carry my load down those stairs that I thought was such a short walk. I was wrong. I admit it. I kicked the portrait door open to reveal the workroom, my desk, and blonde hair...again. This was a time to wonder why he was always in here when I was.
He turned towards me, and then he looked back at his homework. I saw rolls and rolls of parchment of the Arithmacy homework I finished three days ago. I sat down at my desk to work on my ancient ruins. I was currently stuck, yes stuck, on one question. I wasn't being stupid either. I just didn't know where the picture on the ruin was from. It was either a carving that was Egyptian or Celtic. The ruin had features of both of those eras with so little in common.
I opened my book to start to research both of those times. That took me about an hour. I scanned through all the books I checked out from the library. I needed to finish this in order to have no more work for two whole weeks. I looked up frustrated. Malfoy was writing furiously on his parchment. I looked at what he was writing. Then I looked at all the other parchments. They were all the same problem. He was stuck on the same problem.
I picked up a piece of his parchment and tried to look at what he did wrong. Then, I took another piece of his parchment and looked at what he did wrong on that piece. He was doing the same thing only in different areas. Should I tell him? No I shouldn't. I don't think he would tell me if he knew I was stuck. But this problem was too simple, even for the likes of him. It was bothering me that he didn't get it. "Malfoy?"
"I don't have time for you, Granger."
"Yeah, you usually don't. Listen, what you're doing wrong is you're not switching the equation on every fifth step. That's how you keep getting a negative when the only thing you can get is a positive," I explained.
He glared at me and started doing the problem. I waited patiently for him too finish and tell me how right I was. When he was finished, he looked up and stared at me in the eye, not glared. "This still doesn't change anything."
I nodded and set to work on rescanning the books before going to the library to get more. He was gathering his books to head back to his common room. Before he said the password to his portrait hole he said, "The ruin is Celtic."
I'd never thought I'd be so thankful to him. I brightened a little. "How so?"
"Although the picture has some Egyptian drawing style, it doesn't show one of there Gods or even come close to looking like a hieroglyphic," he pointed out.
I paused to look at him. "Thanks."
"Don't ever mention it, ever," he said.
I nodded.
"Since when did you start helping me anyway?" he asked turning around again.
"I don't know. Maybe its because I'm nice, or maybe its because I'm trying to get you to let you guard down for the bet. But either way, you would never know," I said smiling that cheerful smile that usually made him snap at me. At least it was covering the fact that I felt sorry for him.
"Ah, just like I know your favorite color," he said sarcastically. So he was listening.
"So you over heard everything?" I asked emphasizing the word everything.
"Yes, the whole color conversation. You're really working your so-called womanly charm on him," he said sarcastically again.
"You have no idea Malfoy," I said gathering my books. "But I guess you will after I win this round."
He...smiled. Malfoy actually smiled. "That's just what you think."
Both of us quirked an eyebrow. Someday, if we can actually hold a conversation, I'm going to ask him about the eyebrow quirking thing.
I left before either of us could say anything more. Holding a conversation with him was weird...in a...nice sort of....No it wasn't. Bad Hermione.
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Kitchens
I tickled the pair. All the homework made me hungry, and it was way past lunch. As I walked in, I was greeted by Dobby.
"What can Dobby get for Miss?"
"It's ok Dobby. I can get it."
"No, Miss! Dobby's job is to serve students!"
"Let him serve you, Hermione."
I jumped back and hit whoever was there in the nose. It was Ron.
"Oooo, I'm sorry," I said. I took out my wand and healed it. "Is it ok?" I reached my hand out to see if I didn't damage any cartilage.
"Yeah. I didn't know you were so jumpy," Ron said laughing.
"Where's Harry?"
"Harry, that craft boy, brought food with him so he could eat between our break. The rest of the team had to sneak down here. And since I had to clean the locker room-."
"I understand. At least you can keep me company."
"Joy."
"Don't be sarcastic with me!"
"Here Miss," Dobby said coming back into the room. "Sandwiches for both. Dobby is pleased to serve both."
I nodded in appreciation as Ron dug in. "So what have you done all morning?"
"I've talked and done homework," I replied.
"Your pitiful," he teased.
"I'm clean," I retorted.
"Well played."
"Thank you."
"Hey, are you going to eat that?"
I rolled my eyes.
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Prefect Meeting
Everyone was in the room waiting for one of us to start.
"Malfoy."
"I talked through the last one, you go," he whispered.
"Fine." I cleared my throat. "Prefects. We are planning a Christmas Ball this year for a special occasion." Only few knew why, but Dumbledore was trying to make this the best year ever so students could stay positive before the inevitable war. "I need suggestions for a theme."
"Masquerade?"
"Done too often."
"Costume?"
"It's not Halloween."
"How about Winter Roalty?"
"Excuse me Victoria."
"Instead of everyone just dressing formal, why don't we dress up like royalty? It can be modern or ancient. That way, boys don't have to complain about tights, girls and their dates have an easier way to match, and we can all look decent in the process."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, except for Blaise. I agreed grudgingly, and Malfoy looked indifferent. "Well, there's our theme. Now, I need someone to book the band."
It went on like this. I had to decorate the hall with Malfoy. No one else wanted to spend an afternoon decorating. They took the easy things to do, like the food or the table arrangements. Malfoy had that I-want-to-growl- at-someone-face.
"Great, stuck with you," he groaned after everyone left.
"I'm not happy either. At least we didn't have to book a band. You could get rejected last minute in that department," I replied a little less nastily.
He groaned again.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll order the flowers and I'll work on the color scheme. You just get the streamers and the confetti. So, less time with me."
He nodded and left.
Great, now I get more stress.
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Chapter Explanation: Don't kill me. This isn't the longest I've made you wait for an update. I've been out with family most of the week. Excuse the errors, because this was put up in a hurry. Anyways, I don't know a thing about Arithmacy, so what I wrote is not real. This chapter is another one purely for relationship development, so it might have been more boring than usual (lol). And for those who wanted things to start happening more often with Hermione and Draco, there you are. I tried not to make it too much of a 180 degree turn to what their usual relationship is. Tell me if I'm making it too obvious. The usual review your constructive criticism and praise applies.
Me: I need files.
British Government: On who?
Me: JK Rowling.
British Government: Oh, her. She is so good. I think she should completely go off the edge and make Harry fall for Oliver Wood's best friend.
Me: Ok ,eww. What was the point of that?
British Government: It was a nice way of saying no.
Me: Thanks.
You know, I should've just stolen the files, but I was brought up well, which means I can't steal government files. No access to any character.
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Reviewer Shout Out: Thank you for all the reviews. In two days, when I started this fic, I would usually get like 4 reviews. Now, I have to tell you that I might not be able too write for a while. It depends if this computer can stop being threatened by viruses. If it doesn't, then I'm going to have to wait until the school year starts to get the internet back. If it does, then expect your almost weekly updates. Rina, the howler thing was just Malfoy having his fun. But it also got something...else to happen. CozzaGirl16, in answer to your question, I would have to say maybe, in a way. Or, Ron liking Hermione could not be the secret. You never know. I'm evil remember? Draco Silvan Malfoy, its ok. I wasn't mad. I tried to type it on your review page, but I can only review once every chapter. And, I will now review your story like Hermione would, HAHAHA!! Hope you enjoy a mudblood commenting on things (lol). Fionger, I wasn't really up for the Hermione/Blaise pairing myself until I read Misfit by vampire-convenant. Karana, I've never been called an inspiration before, so you make me blush and giggle and want to give you a big hug. Rae, I'm actually a terrible drawer, but thanks for the compliment. FriFri, I agree the DA scene was probably the worst I've written in the story so far. But, I had to introduce it somehow, and since this story is all from Hermione's point of view, she had to be there. And about Hermione and Draco falling for each other, they already started to. I didn't make it totally obvious though. I learned not to do that from Fluff who wrote The Bachelor. Most of you that read my story have it on your favorites list, but if you haven't you should. It's very well written and not as corny as it sounds. I'll give you the hint that they started falling for each other somewhere through chapter five and up. I've dropped clues. And, this is also from Hermione's point of view, so who knows what Draco is thinking...FriFri, you were also the last review I waited for to write this chapter, and so this chapter is dedicated to you! Satanic, no he isn't short in this story. And thanks for the criticism. I know this story is fast moving dialogue, which is the only thing I can write well. Detail isn't too easy for me, but I will try in the next chapters. This is my first fic after all.
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The Next Day, Which is Saturday
Blaise was currently talking to me about how proud he was of the howler sent to Victoria. He told his owl to come in when everyone is usually in the Great Hall. Then, when the howler was done screaming, he would laugh out loud like I did. More importantly, he would be the first one.
"I hope you weren't too mean," I said half-heartedly. I personally was indifferent about the matter. I didn't even like the girl.
"What is too mean to you anyway? I didn't use curse words, because she doesn't like them. I just screamed about how mean she was to me."
I looked at him for a moment.
"What?"
"You still care about her if you STILL consider her likes and dislikes."
"No I don't, Hermione."
There was that Slytherin stubbornness again. It almost always reminded me of Ron. Plus... "That's the first time you've said my name."
"Well, I figured, since you started calling me Blaise, why not call you by your name. We have to be believable right? And plus, I can actually carry on a conversation with you without being insulted," he replied.
I smiled before we both entered the Great Hall. This time, I could tell Blaise wasn't afraid. That patting the shoulder thing was easy enough for him, since I was the one who did the patting.
And as we entered, I felt the whole hall pretend not to look in our direction. They were, though, since the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. He looked at me, and I gulped subconsciously. He held out his hand, and I was about to do the same until he just waved.
He waved!
We planned to hug that morning! I waved back at him while brutally torturing him on the inside. Harry and Ron were the first to say something about it once I sat down.
"You sure you two aren't friends?" asked Ron.
"We're starting to be," I answered indifferently. I grabbed a biscuit and started to eat it. When I was almost through with it, Harry and Ron were still staring at me in that way they do when they want something. "What?"
"It's just weird. Yesterday, I over-heard Parvati and Lavender talking about how you two were secretly going to have your honeymoon in Hawaii with the six children you already have!" replied Harry quickly. He knew Ron was going to say something inconsiderate.
"We do have children," I said indifferently again. Harry, as usual, choked on whatever was in his mouth, and Ron's mouthful of food fell onto his plate.
Harry politely scooted away.
"I'm just kidding. We ARE becoming friends, and I think you two shouldn't take it in a horrible way. I don't have that bad of a judge of character." Just to add effect, I pouted.
"Well," started Harry. "I can't say I agree with this totally." That skeptical look was starting to bother me. But then again, it is Harry.
"I don't agree with this at all," mumbled Ron before taking the mouthful of food he just dropped back in his mouth.
Harry scooted over again.
"Then don't. I thought you two were going to be supportive. We are just becoming friends and-."
"He's not that bad looking. Actually, he doesn't look bad at all," commented Lavender. She was definitely not allowed to join the conversation.
'We're going to have to think again."
'No duh Ron.'
'Whatever, Hermione. Anyway, there's a prefect meeting tonight.'
'Thanks, Ron. That was totally off the subject. Anyway, please just try to accept it.'
'Well, ok. I still don't like him, trust him, approve of him, or think he's cool in anyway, but it's not like it's Malfoy. Zambini, actually, is the only Slytherin who hasn't called you that horrible name.'
'I don't agree with it.'
'Fine, Ron. As long as you can still be my Ikkle Ronneikens.'
'I'm still your Ikkle Ronek-. I mean, eww, Hermione, bad name.'
'He likes it'
'No I don't.'
'Yes you do.'
'No I don't.'
'Yes you-.'
Just then, an owl flew in. Mail wasn't supposed to be here for another five minutes. The bright red made it obvious it was a howler. Every one in the Great Hall was anticipating this one. Listening to a howler was like watching a circus to them.
I smiled to myself, as did Blaise. This was going to be a nice one. I dared to look at Blaise. He obviously dared himself to do the same thing, because once I got eye contact, he winked at me.
Victoria, on the other hand, was looking at the howler like I was looking at it the day before. The thing with her is that she had more to risk. Victoria was one of those popular girls that never get dumped. Blaise would be the first to dump her.
She nervously opened the seal.
"VICTORIA, I'M SORRY BUT WE'RE THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I expected to hear more after that. Actually everyone expected to hear more after that. But, that was it. That was the moment Blaise made me anticipate all through breakfast. And just as the howler blew up into flames, the rest of the mail came. Everyone was just too shocked about the short message to notice the mail getting dropped into their food.
He was soooooo getting screamed at for this one.
"You know, maybe I can ask her out now that-."
"That's your secret Ron?" I interrupted.
"What secret?"
"The secret you told me about."
"Oh, you are so going down on this one, Ron," Harry said with that triumphant smile of his.
Ron pouted. "I shouldn't have told you, Hermione!"
"Just like you shouldn't have snooped on my secret," hinted Harry.
Ron stuck out his tongue.
This was going to end with Ron losing his temper. "So what is on the itinerary for today?"
"Quidditch, babe," answered Ron.
Harry and I looked at each other. "Did you just call me babe?"
Ron spit out his orange juice. "No....Yes."
A loud aw was heard from Harry.
"For the whole day?" I asked Harry.
"No. I won't be torturing the team that much today. Maybe just...the whole morning."
Ron spit his orange juice out again. "Harry!"
"No whining, Ron."
Ron pouted.
Harry rolled his eyes and turned to me. "After morning practice, we'll be all yours."
"Yummy."
"It better be. Otherwise, I'd think there was something wrong with you," mumbled Ron.
I patted him on the head. "When that bad mood of yours passes, Ikkle Ronneikens, Hermione will be all yours."
I got up to leave. I spared another glance at Blaise to tell him to find me when he's done. He tends to understand me through eyebrow communication.
............................................................................................................
Random Classroom Blaise Took Me Too
I didn't know where we were. I didn't know what the horrible smell we smelled was. Right now, the far, serene side of the castle was creeping me out. The only reason I went was because Blaise wanted to show me the WHOLE side of the castle.
"I come here sometimes to mellow out. These halls are pretty long, so I come here to walk around and blow off steam," he explained.
"It's kind of...cold," I commented.
"This is usually how our common room temperature is like. Ghosts float here all the time."
I nodded.
"So what did you motion me to come out here for?" he asked curious.
"Oh, so you noticed. About the howler."
He moved forward. "What?"
I smacked him.
"Ow. What was that for?"
"Your howler was stupid," I finished.
"I wanted to be unpredictable-."
"Unpredictable my ass! You disappointed all the hormonal teenagers in the Great Hall," I informed.
"No, I just told her what she needed to know. And that doesn't include everything," he retorted.
"Well, that was smart. And..."
Smack!
"Ow. Great, now you're treating me like Malfoy. What did I do this time?" he said rubbing his arm.
"You were supposed to hug m-."
"Oh, Hermione, baby. I didn't forget about you. It just would be stupid to hug you before the howler came in."
I paused for a moment though. "Oh. Well, when do you plan on doing it then?"
"Well, I was thinking next week after the Quidditch game. Gryffindor is playing Ravenclaw, so no immediate danger of getting harassed. And, we have a week to make ourselves believable," he said with that I-am-so-good grin of his.
I rolled my eyes at him. Then I remembered something. "Is Malfoy suspicious?"
"Don't you expect him to be? Our conversation about you was pretty heated. I'm sure Pansy would have told everyone by now."
"What did he say?"
"Something along the lines of I will find out what's going on or something like that." He shrugged without knowing what he just said.
I stopped to stare at him.
"What."
I blinked.
"Oh. Crap."
"Exactly."
"Well, Potter and Weasley are out for the whole morning. There's our chance."
I nodded as we headed out.
.....................................................................................................
Back at the Main Parts of Hogwarts
"What are we doing this morning?" I asked. This was really weird. I haven't actually wanted to hang out with Blaise before.
"I don't know. Aren't you supposed to be the useful one?" he asked with a smirk.
I turned to him. "Oh, now you're smirking, too."
"All Slytherins smirk. It's like our trademark. Just like you Gryffindors have that annoying triumphant grin, and Hufflepuffs have that girlish giggle," he explained.
"Yeah, I've noticed that even the boys use that girlish giggle," I replied.
He stopped for a second. I did the same thing. I don't know why he stopped. He looked like he was smelling for something.
I finally new what he was smelling or looking or hearing for when I heard little footsteps. They were very faint, but they could be heard nonetheless.
"It's Malfoy," Blaise whispered. "He's the only person I can think of that can be that light-footed."
I nodded. Then, I gave Blaise a wicked grin. "Harry has excepted you as my friend, but Ron is kind of grumpy about it."
It took him a moment to figure out why I switched the subject. When he processed what I was doing, he said, "I knew Weasley would be like that. And I think you know that most of the Slytherins would be appalled. Especially Draco. You know-."
"Yeah. But, I don't like him very much either, so we're EVEN." There take that, Malfoy. Please notice how I put emphasis on the word even.
"So, anyway, HERMIONE, what are we doing for the rest of the morning. Maybe we could-."
"I am so going to tell Parvati about this," squealed a high-pitched voice.
I turned around to see a head with fake blonde hair running the other direction. It was Lavender. I rolled my eyes and turned to Blaise. "Malfoy is the only one I know who can be that light-footed," I mimicked.
Blaise glared at me. "Now, if you would answer my question. What are we going to do this morning?"
I thought about this. There was really nothing to do with Blaise. The wizard games that I play with Harry and Ron could only be played in the common rooms. Students were currently roaming the grounds. It's too early in the game to be seen in public like that. And, I had nothing to talk to him about.
"So, what's your favorite color?" asked Blaise hesitating a little.
"Guess."
"What do you mean guess?"
"You know some of my personality traits. You should be able to figure it out."
"Well, Hermione. You are sarcastic, smart, adventurous, stupid, and incredibly annoying. I would say either emerald green or firecracker red," he said scratching his chin.
"Actually, cerulean blue. It's a bright kind of blue, and it shows my smartness," I said arrogantly.
Blaise paused for a moment. "We really have nothing to talk about."
I nodded. "Hey, you could go do whatever you want for the rest of the day. I'll talk to you before dinner."
Blaise nodded, waved, and headed of towards his common room.
I went towards my common room to do my homework until after lunch.
............................................................................................................
Work Room
So, there's this thing called homework. I was currently trying to carry my load down those stairs that I thought was such a short walk. I was wrong. I admit it. I kicked the portrait door open to reveal the workroom, my desk, and blonde hair...again. This was a time to wonder why he was always in here when I was.
He turned towards me, and then he looked back at his homework. I saw rolls and rolls of parchment of the Arithmacy homework I finished three days ago. I sat down at my desk to work on my ancient ruins. I was currently stuck, yes stuck, on one question. I wasn't being stupid either. I just didn't know where the picture on the ruin was from. It was either a carving that was Egyptian or Celtic. The ruin had features of both of those eras with so little in common.
I opened my book to start to research both of those times. That took me about an hour. I scanned through all the books I checked out from the library. I needed to finish this in order to have no more work for two whole weeks. I looked up frustrated. Malfoy was writing furiously on his parchment. I looked at what he was writing. Then I looked at all the other parchments. They were all the same problem. He was stuck on the same problem.
I picked up a piece of his parchment and tried to look at what he did wrong. Then, I took another piece of his parchment and looked at what he did wrong on that piece. He was doing the same thing only in different areas. Should I tell him? No I shouldn't. I don't think he would tell me if he knew I was stuck. But this problem was too simple, even for the likes of him. It was bothering me that he didn't get it. "Malfoy?"
"I don't have time for you, Granger."
"Yeah, you usually don't. Listen, what you're doing wrong is you're not switching the equation on every fifth step. That's how you keep getting a negative when the only thing you can get is a positive," I explained.
He glared at me and started doing the problem. I waited patiently for him too finish and tell me how right I was. When he was finished, he looked up and stared at me in the eye, not glared. "This still doesn't change anything."
I nodded and set to work on rescanning the books before going to the library to get more. He was gathering his books to head back to his common room. Before he said the password to his portrait hole he said, "The ruin is Celtic."
I'd never thought I'd be so thankful to him. I brightened a little. "How so?"
"Although the picture has some Egyptian drawing style, it doesn't show one of there Gods or even come close to looking like a hieroglyphic," he pointed out.
I paused to look at him. "Thanks."
"Don't ever mention it, ever," he said.
I nodded.
"Since when did you start helping me anyway?" he asked turning around again.
"I don't know. Maybe its because I'm nice, or maybe its because I'm trying to get you to let you guard down for the bet. But either way, you would never know," I said smiling that cheerful smile that usually made him snap at me. At least it was covering the fact that I felt sorry for him.
"Ah, just like I know your favorite color," he said sarcastically. So he was listening.
"So you over heard everything?" I asked emphasizing the word everything.
"Yes, the whole color conversation. You're really working your so-called womanly charm on him," he said sarcastically again.
"You have no idea Malfoy," I said gathering my books. "But I guess you will after I win this round."
He...smiled. Malfoy actually smiled. "That's just what you think."
Both of us quirked an eyebrow. Someday, if we can actually hold a conversation, I'm going to ask him about the eyebrow quirking thing.
I left before either of us could say anything more. Holding a conversation with him was weird...in a...nice sort of....No it wasn't. Bad Hermione.
............................................................................................................
Kitchens
I tickled the pair. All the homework made me hungry, and it was way past lunch. As I walked in, I was greeted by Dobby.
"What can Dobby get for Miss?"
"It's ok Dobby. I can get it."
"No, Miss! Dobby's job is to serve students!"
"Let him serve you, Hermione."
I jumped back and hit whoever was there in the nose. It was Ron.
"Oooo, I'm sorry," I said. I took out my wand and healed it. "Is it ok?" I reached my hand out to see if I didn't damage any cartilage.
"Yeah. I didn't know you were so jumpy," Ron said laughing.
"Where's Harry?"
"Harry, that craft boy, brought food with him so he could eat between our break. The rest of the team had to sneak down here. And since I had to clean the locker room-."
"I understand. At least you can keep me company."
"Joy."
"Don't be sarcastic with me!"
"Here Miss," Dobby said coming back into the room. "Sandwiches for both. Dobby is pleased to serve both."
I nodded in appreciation as Ron dug in. "So what have you done all morning?"
"I've talked and done homework," I replied.
"Your pitiful," he teased.
"I'm clean," I retorted.
"Well played."
"Thank you."
"Hey, are you going to eat that?"
I rolled my eyes.
............................................................................................................
Prefect Meeting
Everyone was in the room waiting for one of us to start.
"Malfoy."
"I talked through the last one, you go," he whispered.
"Fine." I cleared my throat. "Prefects. We are planning a Christmas Ball this year for a special occasion." Only few knew why, but Dumbledore was trying to make this the best year ever so students could stay positive before the inevitable war. "I need suggestions for a theme."
"Masquerade?"
"Done too often."
"Costume?"
"It's not Halloween."
"How about Winter Roalty?"
"Excuse me Victoria."
"Instead of everyone just dressing formal, why don't we dress up like royalty? It can be modern or ancient. That way, boys don't have to complain about tights, girls and their dates have an easier way to match, and we can all look decent in the process."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, except for Blaise. I agreed grudgingly, and Malfoy looked indifferent. "Well, there's our theme. Now, I need someone to book the band."
It went on like this. I had to decorate the hall with Malfoy. No one else wanted to spend an afternoon decorating. They took the easy things to do, like the food or the table arrangements. Malfoy had that I-want-to-growl- at-someone-face.
"Great, stuck with you," he groaned after everyone left.
"I'm not happy either. At least we didn't have to book a band. You could get rejected last minute in that department," I replied a little less nastily.
He groaned again.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll order the flowers and I'll work on the color scheme. You just get the streamers and the confetti. So, less time with me."
He nodded and left.
Great, now I get more stress.
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Chapter Explanation: Don't kill me. This isn't the longest I've made you wait for an update. I've been out with family most of the week. Excuse the errors, because this was put up in a hurry. Anyways, I don't know a thing about Arithmacy, so what I wrote is not real. This chapter is another one purely for relationship development, so it might have been more boring than usual (lol). And for those who wanted things to start happening more often with Hermione and Draco, there you are. I tried not to make it too much of a 180 degree turn to what their usual relationship is. Tell me if I'm making it too obvious. The usual review your constructive criticism and praise applies.