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Chapter 3:
Hermione returned to the her cabin after an hour of rounds in the train. A few unruly first years aside, it had been a fairly pleasant task with more than enough time to drop by the cabins of many of her Gryffindor friends. But as she entered the compartment, she was surprised to see the somewhat endearing sight of a sleeping Malfoy.
'So the bugger is human!' she thought to herself, forcing the idea of finding Draco endearing out of her mind by sheer will power. She hesitated, not sure wether or not to wake him up. On one hand, it was his turn to scout out trouble in the train and, as much as she had enjoyed it, she bloody well didn't want to do his work. On the other hand, she was supposed to cooperate with him the entire year and perhaps this small gesture would set a positive trend that help avoid a year long hate feud, like that of every other year. There was also the fact that she couldn't, or perhaps just wouldn't wake him up. He looked so at peace, so calm, so ... not Malfoy. She stared at him for a moment longer before turning to leave the room, being ever so careful not to slam the door as she left.
She gave the train one more round before settling in into Ginny's cabin. The youngest Weasley sat with her legs curled up on the corner, red hair covering her face as she leaned to read the book on her lap. She looked up, startled, as Hermione entered, and hurried to close the book and hid it behind her.
"Lets see here..." stated Hermione, recognizing the blush on Ginny's face all too well. "Bet you twenty galleons the book you're holding is nothing even close to decent". Ginny blushed three shades redder. "For that matter, I think it's safe to say that you are probably holding there one very erotic, perverse, and degenerate romance novel".
"It is not perverse!" snapped Ginny, though she smiled as she said so, knowing fully well she couldn't deny the other claims. "And so what? It's fun. It's scandalous. And it's highly educational". Hermione nearly choked on the last word before bursting into giggles. Ginny stood up a little straighter and regained her composure before continuing: "You of all people should know what a rewarding and enriching experience books can be".
"Yea, but not those" managed Hermione in between bouts of laughter. Ginny simply ignored her and went to put the novel away at the very bottom of her trunk.
"Feign ignorance, dear Mione" said the red head. "We all know you just wish you had the time to read these novels. Worst, you wish you were in one of these novels! Instead, you're stuck taking Fred and George's exploding candies from first years and sulking with me over your non existent love life".
"You mean our non existent love life" remarked Hermione, taking a seat next to her friend. "After all, to my knowledge, yours isn't that much better".
"Ah! Or so you think!" said Ginny, which made the muggle girl open her eyes in surprise. "No no no, nothing like that! But I live vicariously through these books, thank you very much. I keep hoping you'll provide me with some juicy story or other, but considering they would probably involve my brother, I think I rather not".
"That is perhaps the most disturbing idea you have ever suggested Virginia Weasley" interrupted Ron who entered the room unannounced, followed closely by Harry Potter.
"Can't help but agree" said Hermione, though secretly felt a pang of pain at the comment. No, she had no feelings for the tall red headed boy. At least, not any more. She had become disenchanted with the boy who could never see her as more than just a friend and had learned to do the same. That did not, however, eliminate the hurt every time he disregarded her as if she were nothing more than an addendum, without feelings or personality outside that which fit the role they gave her. And, as far as they were concern, the role of 'study buddy'/group brain was as gender-less and unattractive as ... well, as unattractive as, say, Crabe or Goyle.
"Okay, so it's somewhat of a messed up thought," conceded Ginny "If only because poor 'Mione would be forced to suffer through being with you. As a loving sister who knows you all too well, I think you're best left off as far away from humanity as is feasibly possible". Ron stammered for a retort while the girls shared a good laugh. Ginny winked at her, knowing all too well the thoughts that had crossed her muggle born friend.
"Anyway, as amusing as Ginny torturing her brother is" said Hermione, standing up. "I think it's about time I get back to work".
"I thought you said it'd be ferret boy's turn by now" inquired Harry, startling the girl as she fumbled for an explanation.
"You really can't keep track of anything except for Quidditch, can you Harry?" snapped Ginny, which made the somewhat naive Potter believe that it had been his confusion. Hermione smiled to the youngest Weasley for the save, though knew all too well she'd need to come up with something to explain to her exactly why she had decided to substitute for Malfoy. For that matter, her better logical half was now demanding an explanation as well. However, it would all have to wait until later as another Weasley exploding candy bar ... well, exploded, somewhere in the hallway outside the cabin. Letting out a deep sigh, Hermione hoped beyond hope that this would not be the trend to start her entire year.
