Hermione sighed happily as she settles into the plush seat of the Hogwarts Express. She's so excited, she can't wait to start already. She's especially interested in what sort of advance potion work Professor Snape has in store for her. She had done some advance reading while she was at home and she's very interested to learn about the Draught of the Living Dead.
Her musing is cut short when the compartment door opens, she grins at the blonde that comes through.
"Daphne!" Hermione squealed as she jumps from her seated position to hug her friend.
"Hermione!" Daphne says with the same amount of enthusiasm as she envelops her friend. They hug for a minute before they release and Hermione invites Daphne to sit with her. "Oh Hermione, you wouldn't believe the summer I had."
Hermione giggles behind her hand. "Daphne we wrote all summer! I already know how you spent it!"
Daphne pouts. "Hermione, you don't understand! I was with Draco all summer. And my sister but she doesn't count. She's relatively easy to knock off." Daphne leans in close to Hermione, whispering conspiratory. "She has this massive crush on Draco. It's hilarious and Draco is all like ewwwww, girls have dragon pox. They have to stay away." Daphne rolls her eyes. "Honestly sometimes I don't even believe that that is my own flesh, Astoria I mean. I don't think I'd survive if I was actually related to Draco. But I mean, what in the world is that girl thinking having a crush on that blonde thing."
Hermione can't stop her laughing, and she's been trying. But sometimes, Daphne is just too much. "Daphne! You're such a gossip and about your little sister no less!"
Daphne waves her hand in the air as though she's dismissing that thought. "Oh posh Hermione. Besides, you never know when good gossip will come in handy." Daphne winks at her and Hermione can only shake her head but she's grinning.
The two turn their heads when the compartment door is opened again. It's Zabini and Nott.
"Ah! Ladies." Zabini says as he enters he sweeps into a bow. "A pleasure, as always." He then puts himself right next to Hermione. His arm resting on the back of the bench, he smiles at Hermione.
"Good Morning Ladies." Nott says behind his friend, he doesn't do anything dramatic like a bow but he does nod his head to the both of them. He then takes a seat next to Daphne.
Hermione watches the two boys as they come in. And she can't help but compare the year difference. Last year, they wouldn't even acknowledge her. But now she's accepted into the fold, and Zabini is even smiling at her! No one smiled last year in the beginning to her. She was optimistic before, but now she's absolutely positive that this year will be a thousand times better than last.
She really can't wait.
"Any sign of Draco yet?" Daphne asks the two newcomers, and they both shake their head.
"Ah, wait. I saw Lord and Lady Malfoy leaving the platform." Theo says, his eyes bright. "So Draco has to be here."
Daphne nods. "Well, especially since I know Mrs. Malfoy would never leave the platform without making sure she saw with her own eyes that Draco got on this train."
Theo nods in agreement and Hermione just sighs with an eye roll. She almost forgot about him, almost.
Knock down that thousand times better to merely a hundred times better.
The foursome talked briefly about how their summers where to each other when the compartment door opens and in strides Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle flanking him. Hermione huffs air through her nose as she scrunches her face for a half a second before going back to a neutral expression. Hermione notes in the back of her mind that the train whistle has just blown. They'll be leaving the station soon.
Malfoy throws himself into the seat next to Theo, while Crabbe and Goyle just stood there. Malfoy looks at the duo with disgust when his gaze met theirs. "Sit down would you." The two clumsily try to sit down in a space made for just one. It goes on for far longer than it should, to where Hermione almost said something but Malfoy ends up exploding.
"You two are just a couple of idiots!" He snaps at them. "Get out of my sight. I already feel as though my intelligence is suffering." He waves them away, and the two start to break towards the door.
Hermione, meanwhile is incensed. She's glaring right at Malfoy. "Who in the world do you think you are!" Her glare hardens and she scowls at the sour boy. "And don't you dare say I'm a Malofy. That does not excuse this behavior towards boys that you have known since you were in nappies!" She looks towards the two larger boys. "I'm leaving, one of you may take my place." She looks back over to Malfoy. "One day Malfoy you're going to look around you and realize none of the people who you hold in your heart want anything to do with you. But everything to do with your name." Hermione storms out of the compartment. She's about to slam the door shut on the shell shocked occupants when she turns around once more. "I pity you Malfoy, and I'm the lowest of the low according to your lot. What's that say about you?"
"You filthy-" She slams the door on his face and marches off. In hindsight she probably should have tried to stay in the compartment since Daphne is technically her only friend in the school. So it'll probably be hard to find a compartment with people that will sit with her, but she refuses to be in that… that… things company.
Pursing her lips though, she figures it's time to start looking for a compartment to sit in for the rest of her time. She's still trying to blow off steam when a hand appears at her side and loops around her elbow. She turns to see Daphne.
"Daphne!"
The blonde is grinning, her eyes sparkling. "Oh Merlin, Hermione. You just missed the biggest tantrum ever!" She starts giggling. "Draco is so angry."
Hermione shrugs. "Yes well. Someone needs to stand up to him apparently. He's too used to running all over people."
It was Daphne's turn to shrug. "Yeah, but it's also what he's used to Hermione."
Hermione shakes her head. "My parents spoiled me rotten when I was a child. I literally had everything a little girl could ask for. But they also made sure I realized the value of what they were giving me." Hermione pauses for a second. "For a while though I was a terror. It took me a little while to understand but I had that voice. Now it's Malfoy's turn."
Daphne looks to her and shakes her head. "You really do surprise me sometimes."
Hermione laughs lightly. "This again?"
Daphne grins at her.
The two look for a compartment that they could agree on when they stumble upon Neville and a bright blonde girl with cornflower blue eyes.
"Oh! Granger! Greengrass!" Neville is clearly shocked to see the two.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I've already told you Neville, it's Hermione and Daphne." She pauses and Neville flushes. "Good Morning Neville, and…?"
"I'm.." He starts to stutter and his face turns beet red.
"Oh my Neville, it seems as though the wrackspurts have gotten a hold of you." The blonde says over Neville's stammering. She then pats his knee. "It's ok." She then turns her startling blue eyes towards the two girls. "I'm Luna Lovegood, it's a pleasure to meet you both."
Hermione inclines her head, as does Daphne. "It's lovely to meet you as well, would you two mind if we shared this compartment with you?" Hermione asks.
"Of course, please." Lovegood's dreamy voice floated, and she motioned to the empty bench in front of her.
"Thank you." Daphne speaks up, and the two sit down.
"Are you a first year, Lovegood?" Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Luna smiles, and Hermione wonders briefly if everything the fairy blonde does has a dreamy quality to her. "Please call me Luna, and yes Hermione, it's my first year."
Hermione nods. "We're in the same year as Neville."
"That's nice."
Before long the four students end up doing their own things. Luna pulls out a strange magazine entitled The Quibbler, it's a glossy brightly colored thing that Hermione decided she needed to stay far away from. Neville was reading an herbology book that Hermione can't make out, she's also only assuming it's on herbology because of the plant on the cover and it's green. Daphne had decided to curl up and take a nap and Hermione decides to give her eyes a break from reading and goes to gazing out the window.
She lets her eyes lazily take in the quickly moving scenery. Not really taking anything in, she lets her mind wander to when she was getting supplies with Daphne at Diagon Alley.
Hermione hums to herself as she taps the brick wall in front of her. Three up and two across and suddenly an entrance way appears in front of her. Not one to lollygag she quickly walked through.
Flourish and Blotts, Flourish and Blotts have to make my way to Flourish and Blotts. Hermione thinks to herself. She's weaving in between people, trying to look for a familiar blonde head. She smiles a little when she sees the sign for Flourish and Blotts. She forces herself to put a neutral face on when she sees the massive amount of people in front of the bookstore. I wonder what's going on?
Hermione bites her lip as she scans the crowd, the door to the bookstore on the opposite side of the street from where she stood. She can't see- oh!
"Daphne!" She raises her voice slightly when she sees her friend coming out of Madam Malkin's. She starts making her way over to her friend.
Daphne's blonde head perks up and looks in the area that she hears her name from. She smiles. "Hermione!" They come together in a hug. "It's been too long!"
Hermione giggles. "You're so dramatic."
Daphne pouts as she loops her arm through Hermione's. "You would be too if you had to spend all summer with Malfoy." She agasts.
Hermione giggles again and starts to walk towards the overly crowded bookstore. When she stops suddenly and gasps. "Daphne!"
Daphne scrunches her face at the sudden stop, gasp and her name. "What?"
"Gilderoy Lockhart is doing a book signing today!"
Daphne nods. "Yeah, and?" She doesn't understand the importance.
"Why are you not more excited! He's the author of half the books on our list! His tales are so inspiring!"
Daphne raises a brow at her suddenly gushing friend. "Well someone is a fan."
Hermione flushed slightly. "He's done such amazing things. How can you not admire a man like that?"
"Ah, I see. You like him for his brain and his accomplishments. It has nothing to do with his ever so charming smile. Nor his amazing wavy hair." Daphne's brow seems to arch higher.
Hermione's blush darkens. "Whatever Daphne, let's go get these books. I want to try to have him sign one." Daphne throws her head back and laughs.
They finally get into the bookstore and it takes far longer than it should for them to gather all of their books and pay for them. Hermione's shocked at the cost since it is a school books list, but she hands over the money easily anyway. Let's be honest here Hermione. You've spent three times as much in the past. With the books in a bag and Daphne at her side, the girls left the bookshop and Hermione took that as her sign to happily drag Daphne to the end of the line.
"Honestly Hermione, why do we have to stay in line? We could always owl him our books and get his signature that way."
Hermione shakes her out of control curls. "Absolutely not Daphne. It's not the same!"
Daphne shakes her head. "Anyway, after this we so need to go to Sugar Plums sweets shop. I'm so craving a chocolate frog."
Hermione can't help but wrinkle her nose. "Daphne. Please tell me that you don't plan on eating something that sugary this early. Also, gross." She sticks her tongue out.
Daphne looks at Hermione as if she had grown two heads. "Well obviously Hermione. It is after lunch!"
"But that's.." Hermione pauses, but ultimately shrugs. "Well. It's not my teeth."
Daphne gives Hermione a side eye not too sure what exactly Hermione was saying. But it doesn't really matter.
The two girls idly chat about nothing really. Stepping forward as the line moved and then stopping when the line stopped. They've been standing in line for a good few minutes now when suddenly a man's voice sounds around.
"My word. If it isn't Harry Potter! It's an absolute honor to meet you, just as much as I'm sure it is for you to meet me!" He must be using the Sonorus charm. Hermione finally sees that it is Mr. Lockhart talking. Oh my, it's him! It's actually him! "While I'm sure there is no need for me to introduce myself, I will for the sake of our lovely audience. I am of course the Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defence League and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award Gilderoy Lockhart." The crowd around him erupts into applause and suddenly everyone is pushing forward. Knocking Hermione and Daphne out of the way.
Hermione glares and huffs. "Come on Daphne. Let's go get you that chocolate frog."
"Wait but Hermione, your signature-"
Before Hermione could say anything Lockhart's booming voice appeared again. "Please, please. No pushing, the press do need to get their pictures of this historic moment. Especially with this announcement I will be making." His voice pauses. Definitely the Sonorus charm. "It is my pleasure to announce that I will be teaching at Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor!"
Hermione can't help but grin at that. She had a feeling since half of the book reading list was written by him, it would therefore make sense if he was teaching. But she's glad her instinct was right.
"Clearly, it's not necessary. I'll get his signature at Hogwarts." Stupid Potter. Has to ruin everything.
Daphne decides not to push it since it means she'll get her chocolate frog quicker. They enter the garishly pink store, only to see an elegantly robed woman with white blonde hair. Hermione figures it must be Lady Malfoy since the youngest Malfoy was standing right beside her. The mother and son turn around, Malfoy holding a candy bag stuffed with sugary confections.
Hermione has to remind herself multiple times to not let the disgust show on her face. "Lady Malfoy! I found my friend, and we got our books already!" Daphne says as Hermione and her walk farther into the store. "Lady Malfoy, please allow me to introduce my best friend Hermione Granger."
Hermione dips into a curtsy as Daphne says her name. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Malfoy."
Lady Malfoy tilts her head in acknowledgement. "It's nice to finally place a face to the name. If you girls would like you are more than welcome to accompany Draco and I. Draco still needs to get his books."
I'm amazed. Not only was I acknowledged but she even spoke to me. Hermione thinks, she fully walked into the introduction expecting that Lady Malfoy to completely act as though she wasn't there.
"We would love that Lady Malfoy but I couldn't ask for you to wait for us while I get a chocolate frog." Daphne says.
"Oh nonsense, no point in purchasing something Draco has three of. Draco, give the girls both a chocolate frog." Lady Malfoy says over her shoulder as they walk out of the shop. Malfoy turns red.
"What!? Mother! I'm not going to give that-"
Lady Malfoy turns around, her eyes burning ice. "Now."
Malfoy glares at his mother but pulls out the chocolate frogs. He hands one to Daphne and tosses Hermione's on the floor.
"You were raised better than that Draco." A deep voice sounded behind Malfoy, causing him to flinch. "Pick it up and hand it to the lady."
"But Father! She's a-"
"Now Draco." Lord Malfoy's voice didn't boom like Mr Lockhart's did. But his voice cut deep. Malfoy didn't dare glare at his father, he knew better. So instead he let his displeasure be known be stomping over to the tossed chocolate frog and thrusting it towards her.
"Thank you." Hermione says, taking the offered treat. Oh drat.
"You need books. Let's go Draco." Lord Malfoy said. His black robes billowing behind him. He really does look like a Lord. Hermione idly thinks as his imposing figure sweeps past her. He looks at her from the corner of his eye as he does so. Hermione's surprised again. Hmmm. How strange is this. Words from the Lady and a look from the Lord. Daphne starts squeezing Hermione's hand as soon as the two adults turn.
"Oh Merlin, I felt like I was about to faint! I can't believe this. They both acknowledged you!" Daphne frantically whispers to Hermione.
"I know. I'm as shocked as you are!" Hermione whispers back.
"What did you do to my parents you stupid mudblood." Malfoy's face is red as he angrily talks at Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I did absolutely nothing towards your very powerful parents. I don't have a death wish."
"Then why would they-" He's seething and she's about to say something when Lord Malfoy appears by Draco once more. How does he get around so quickly and quietly. Hermione wonders.
"Do not make me look bad Draco. Malfoy's don't start fights. Now let's go. You're making me late."
The three quickly walk, and stay quiet behind the two adults. Watching from that same distance as a tall and much older Weasley. Redhead and tall, most certainly a Weasley bumps into Lord Malfoy.
Hermione watches the interaction closely. Lord Malfoy is clearly insulting the man, but he's doing it in such a way that some of it goes above Mr Weasley's head. Until Lord Malfoy is reaching into his daughter's cauldron and picks up a book. Then he's leaping at Lord Malfoy, trying to punch the man in his face. The scuffle is quickly put to a stop and Lord Malfoy is putting the books that he took out of the cauldron back in. Then the older Weasley turns around and he walks away, as well as his party.
Lord Malfoy fixes his robes and opens the door for his wife. Draco is immediately at his father's side and holds the door open for both Hermione and Daphne. With everyone in the store Lord Malfoy turns to Draco.
"We don't start fights, but we finish them." With that he goes further into the bookshop.
"Draco, don't you dare get into any fights young man. Now come let's get your books." Lady Malfoy quickly says and she too starts to walk into the bookstore.
Hermione comes out of her thoughts when she sees a bright blue blur streak past the train.
"Daphne, did you see that?" Hermione looks from the window down to her friend only to remember she's sleeping.
"She's still sleeping Hermione. If you're asking if someone saw a blue streak I did." Luna says, her blue eyes looking outside as well.
"Yes Luna. Thank you. I wonder what it is."
"Did you know that flying cars exist Hermione?" Luna instead dreamily replies.
Hermione looks at Luna for a second. "No, actually I didn't."
Luna simply nods her head. "They do, quite fickle things." Suddenly she pauses and locks eyes with Hermione. "Lots of strings are being cut Hermione." Her voice losing that dreamy quality, it sounds as though she was giving a warning. She then looks out the window again. "They especially don't like being handled improperly." Luna's voice is back to the dreamy quality.
Hermione furrows her brows. Confused, but she decides to ignore it. It's probably nothing.
