Chapter 8: Hermione's Good Deed

Hermione made it through her second day easily. She got along with her roommate, despite his Snake status. Ron was in a better mood, but he was still clutching the flask like it was his prized possession. But he didn't fight with Hermione so things went well. Ron didn't make snide comments about Draco Malfoy either, despite him still being in every class.

Dinner was nice too, but McGonagall stopped her on her way out and asked to see her in her office. Hermione followed her wonder why the Headmistress would need her.

McGonagall looked at her seriously when she sat behind her desk and took a moment to begin. "I'm going to start off with this. You do not have to agree to perform this task. I'm only asking if you are interested. I believe a student could need tutoring in Muggle Studies. Oliver is unsure of his ability to cover every NEWT topic the whole year, and this student needs to pass his NEWTS. It is also his first year taking Muggle Studies. As I said to begin with, do not feel like you have to take on this task."

McGonagall paused. How could she be asking this of Hermione? But the girl was her only option. No one else had the heart of gold that her brightest student held. If anyone would agree to tutor Draco, it would be her. McGonagall held a soft spot for the boy. He really had been dealt a difficult hand. She had also made a promise to Severus's portrait that she would take care of the boy.

"The student is Draco Malfoy."

Hermione immediately said yes. McGonagall stopped and looked at her curiously. "Are you sure, Ms. Granger?"

"Absolutely."

"Okay then. I suppose I leave him in your capable hands. Thank you very much Ms. Granger."

Hermione left the Headmistress' office and went to her dorm. Blaise was already in his room so she quickly showered and went to bed, not looking forward to telling Draco she would be his tutor.

Breakfast the next morning would have been quiet if Hermione would not have let it slip to Harry, Ron, and Ginny that she was going to be Draco Malfoy's tutor. Ron was the most irrational of the three. Ginny and Harry quickly understood why Hermione had agreed after they thought about his sentencing. Hermione hadn't thought of that when she said yes, but after Harry and Ginny mentioned it Hermione wanted to tutor him all the more. That pissed Ron off even more.

"'Mione! He's Death Eater scum! Make him do it himself! Quit! This is ridiculous! He got himself in his mess so he should have to get himself out!"

"Ronald!"

"Don't 'Ronald' me! I won't have you helping that fuck wad! No girlfriend of mine pities a fucking Snake Nose follower that should be locked up on Azkaban never to see the light of day again!"

Hermione didn't back down. She refused to quit. Ron kept yelling until Harry pulled him from the Great Hall. Ginny followed looking back at Hermione. Hermione waited until she noticed Draco getting up to go to his first class.

"Malfoy! Wait up!"

"What do you want Granger?"

"Well... Um... Would you be okay with having a tutor for Muggle Studies? I know I probably wouldn't be your first choice but I'd like to try and help."

"Of course you would. Bloody Gryffindor. I suppose so. Salazar knows I am at a disadvantage with Wood as my teacher. Nothing against him but it is his first time teaching, and isn't he a half-blood? Not the most qualified to teach Muggle Studies."

Hermione was taken aback. He accepted willingly. Maybe that was a good thing. They had reached their class by that point so Hermione left him to go to her seat.

Although Draco seemed calm on the outside, his brain would not stop. Tutoring with Granger? How was he going to handle that? How did she really feel about helping him? He guessed she was at least okay with being around him but what was she getting out of this?

He stopped his train of thought right there. His Hermione wouldn't do it for profit.

Wait.

His Hermione?

Was he daft? He was acting like a bloody prick. She belonged to the Weasel, apparently. But he wasn't completely convinced on their relationship. But he wasn't going to ever have the chance to date her so why was he thinking like that? Ugh!

He looked forward to their first session, though. Honestly, if anyone could help him pass his NEWTS, it was Granger.

Hermione couldn't help but look back at him. He wasn't bad looking. And he seemed to have genuinely cared about passing Muggle Studies. And he didn't blanch at the suggestion. She expected him to still treat her like filth, even after he helped her on the train. Especially after having to help her on the train. Well. Only their first lesson would be able to determine if she had made the right choice or not.

AN: I decided to post the other chapter I already had written since I felt guilty for being away so long. Hope you enjoy! Same disclaimers as Chapter 1. If you have any critiques, please feel free to message me or leave a review!