Chapter 7: Draco's Torture
Every class. Why did it have to be every single one? He guessed he shouldn't be surprised. She was an over achiever to the fullest extent. And he did have to take almost all of the NEWTS. The only class he probably wouldn't have with her was Muggle Studies.
After seeing her on the train, Draco Malfoy's world was turned upside down. And then he helped her with the stupid Weasel. Why did life have to be cruel?
He really did like her. He'd liked her since third year when she wasn't afraid to back down to his big talk. She had hit him well. Broken his nose, actually, and he had been smitten since. Yes he was petty for continuing to harass her, but he could never let how he really felt be known. She was smart, pretty, and could beat anyone he could think to match her against. Seeing her on the floor had been torture to him as well. He wanted nothing more than to help, but he couldn't without facing the wrath of his aunt. And he knew his aunt wouldn't stop with just him if she lashed out.
He used his thoughts of Hermione to get him through the first night back. The Slytherins wanted nothing to do with him and made it known. He went into his dorm that night expecting to get at least a little sleep, but the seventh years kept him up. They taunted him. They prodded him. They even tried to beat him. He put up a fight and kept them off, but the weariness overtook him in the early hours of the morning. He awoke to find himself tied to his bed with a sign above saying this was his warning. He could leave Hogwarts and no one would bother him. But he couldn't leave. So he untangled himself and trudged through his classes admiring the Head Girl from afar. Why did he not think of casting repelling charms?
His first Muggle studies class was today and he wasn't looking forward to it. Professor Wood was a rival in Quidditch and a Lion so he wasn't sure how the professor would feel about him being in his class.
Professor Wood gave him a smirk when he started class but didn't treat him any differently. Their first lesson was on general muggle knowledge, especially the differences between the two worlds. The only problem was Professor Wood never lived in the muggle world. Despite being a half-blood, Wood had always been around magic so some areas were lacking. Draco knew the lack of knowledge was going to hurt him on his NEWTS.
The class ended with Professor Wood asking Draco to stick back after class. "Malfoy, glad to see you in this class. Takes guts I suppose. Even if it is to get out of going to Azkaban. Well let me know if I can help ya, yeah?"
Draco nodded and shook the hand Professor Wood offered him. Draco left for his next class, but Wood wondered if the boy would be able to pass the NEWTS with just the class lessons. Even he questioned his ability as a new teacher. He planned on asking the Headmistress what she thought about the situation. He'd like a tutor for the boy but he wasn't sure if he could find anyone willing to teach the ex-Death Eater.
Draco continued on with his day trying to avoid the Slytherins and pretty much everyone else for that matter. He snuck off to the library as soon as classes finished and stayed until dinner. After dinner he went back to get ahead on the homework and avoid his Common Room. He didn't think Muggle Studies would be his best subject, but he was going to try to prove he wasn't who everyone thought he was.
He returned to his room right before curfew and cast a few repelling and silencing charms. Maybe he could sleep that night without any worries.
AN: I do apologize for taking so long, but I refuse to make excuses for myself. Hopefully I can get a few more chapters written this week while I have a little time and inspiration. Thanks for all that read! And of course I own nothing.