Merlin, Draco's owlpal was an excessive chatterbox. At this point, he wondered if he had gotten a Hufflepuff after all. They weren't usually known for their intellects, but with the fact that his owlpal hadn't gotten too upset with his domineering letter, it made him question his original thoughts.
And it would certainly explain all those exclamation marks.
He quickly vanished away from the thought though. He couldn't grasp the idea of being a perfect match to a Hufflepuff.
"Draco!" Gregory came running into the common room, interrupting Draco's reading of his letter. Vincent was close behind him, each of them breathing hard to catch their breath. "You'll never guess what we just heard!"
Draco folded up his letter, neatly placing it back into the envelope that it had come delivered in. He'd obviously have to read it later if his friends were this excited. "What is it then?" he ordered impatiently, waiting to hear what they had to say.
"Weasel is now on Gryffindor's Quidditch team!" Vincent informed.
"You're yanking me?!" Draco demanded with a laugh of disbelief.
"It's true!" Gregory said, full of giddiness. "He's the new Keeper!"
"He's taking over for Woods!" Vincent added.
"What in Merlin's name is Potter thinking?! Weasley can't catch a Quaffle for his life!"
But it mattered little to Draco. This just ensured Slytherin the win and that didn't upset him in the slightest.
"Alright," Draco announced later that afternoon, passing out sheets of parchment to his circle of friends. "We have a couple of weeks to perfect this." Blaise, Pansy, Vincent and Gregory eyes scanned over the words that he had written during lunch earlier.
Pansy giggled. "Weasley's face is going to be as red as his hair when he hears this!" Draco smirked, picturing Weasel's tomato-red, angered expression.
"Might I make a small suggestion?" Blaise spoke up after a thorough read of the lyrics that Draco had written.
"What is it?" Draco wondered. Blaise was brilliant when it came to words, so he was up to hearing him out.
Blaise quickly scrawled out a verse while Draco read over his shoulder as he did it. "Born in a bin?" Draco laughed. "Blaise! That's brilliant!"
"The words are a little… adolescent Draco," Pansy scrutinized.
"I wrote it for the Gryffindorks," Draco responded stiffly, mildly insulted. "It should be easy for them to understand. We all know that Weasel-bee is an absolute dunderhead."
Pansy shrugged indifferently, considering his reasoning.
"Now let's practice the music— Gregory, Vincent, you'll start off with the first verse, then Pansy for the second, and Blaise will sing the last— maybe once the chorus is sung, the rest of the house will join in while you're out in the stands. They're pretty good at following our lead."
"I don't want to do this, Draco" Gregory mumbled.
"Oh, now, your singing isn't that bad!"
But Draco soon learned that Gregory actually had a terrible voice. "Ugh!" Draco hollered out, cringing at Gregory's off-pitch note. "Gregory, the verse ends off in a C flat, what in the bloody hell key are you howling in?!"
"D sharp," Pansy supplied, giving Gregory an annoyed look. "Is there anything that you can't mess up, Goyle?"
"I dance better than you," he snarled. "At least I don't step on my partner's toes!"
Draco winced, remembering the pain from the previous year when Pansy was just learning how to ballroom dance. The young woman was horrible at being a follower and hated the fact that she couldn't lead the dance just because she was a female.
"Shut your stuffer and just do it right!" she retorted threateningly.
"Pansy," Draco chastised softly, pinching the bridge of his nose, making her huff.
"He just doesn't get it!"
"Let's give him a chance," Draco didn't change his tone with her, knowing she'd listen to him better than anyone. "Gregory, how about just singing the chorus? I don't have time to educate you on the musical scales right now."
"Neither do I," Blaise said, checking his watch. It had been the fifth time that he had done it since the meeting.
"Got somewhere else to be?" Draco asked.
"I told Clementine that I'd help her study for the OWLs. She wants to get in the NEWT Transfiguration class, and she's beginning to doubt herself."
"Ah, she'll do fine," Draco said. "She's just falling victim of the pressure."
"Speaking of which, I'll need you to look over my essay before I turn it in," Vincent told Draco. "I want it to be superb. I can't have any mistakes this year."
"Fine, fine." He waved him off. Draco had been helping his friends with their work since second year, unwilling to have them drop out because they weren't smart enough to pass their end-of-the-year exams. "Let's gather up again tomorrow after dinner then."
The group then separated off, leaving Draco and Vincent on their own. The other three had prior engagements.
"Vincent," Draco sighed after reading over his essay. "Goblins used Moonstone too, don't leave that out. Snape will definitely want you to acknowledge that."
Vincent smacked a hand to his forehead. "Oh, that's right! I knew I was forgetting something!"
"And make sure you rewrite this. Your words look messy and rushed. Take your time and make it neat. You know how he is."
Vincent nodded. "I planned to after I sought your advice. Thanks!"
"Mmhmm," Draco simply acknowledged. "I've got my own studying to do, so if you're finished, I'm off to exchange some books."
"Yeah, I'm good."
Draco shouldered his bag. It was full of books
but he had earlier charmed it so that no amount of books would make it heavy to carry. The charm was a useful spell especially for this year since he would have to do an exceptional amount of studying for the OWLs. He needed nine OWLs to get the classes that he wanted to attend at NEWT level. He was going to aim for all twelve though, just to broaden his options.
Madam Pince gave him a look as he approached her desk. She closely inspected each book that he had dropped off. When she found them in perfect order, she permitted him the ability to borrow a new set if he wanted.
Draco was going to need a few books on Runology and sadly, Muggles— not that he was at all interested in Muggles, but the class would give him an extra OWL for his final score, which could help him later in life.
He looked around the Muggle section closely, not wanting anyone to see that he was 'interested' in studying the inferior breed and quickly darted into the aisle. Professor Burbage wanted her class to study how Muggles harness Electricity for what they call "Electric Power". This was Draco's first year in Muggle Studies, and the textbook that was required for the year was not very informative, so he was hoping to find a book specifically on the subject.
Using a spell that he had learned from his mother, he sent off a green flame to search the books for the words "Electric Power". One by one, every book that contained the term, lit up with a green hue.
Keeping his ears in alert for anyone who may enter the Muggle section of the library, he skimmed through the books until he found one called, Schaum's Outline of Basic Electricity, and after a brief reading, he learned that a Muggle actually wrote it. Thinking it might help him understand it better if he learned about it from an actual Muggle, he stuffed it into his bag. Draco felt he needed an additional book for cross-referencing though, just in case he didn't exactly understand the proper terms that the Muggle used. A book written by a wizard would definitely help in translation.
Just as he went to grab a book off the shelf, he heard footsteps approaching, and Draco scurried up the aisle, ducking around the corner, letting out a breath of relief. He cancelled his searching spell before his eyes caught sight of a bushy-haired Gryffindor who was sitting at a table, surrounded by several stacks of books. Figures that she'd be stressing over the OWLs already.
He stealthily strolled to Granger, stopping just behind her. He took a peek at the titles that she had picked out for her reading, wondering if she had chosen anything that he may have overlooked.
The know-it-all didn't even sense his presence, too absorbed in her reading.
"Think that's going to help you much?" he taunted, causing her to jump. Draco smirked, delighted to hear her startled gasp.
"Shove off, Malfoy!" she uttered under her breath, not wanting to make a disruption in the library, likely afraid that she'd be banned from re-entering. She'd positively go insane if that happened. The thought brought a grin to his face.
"You know," he said, picking up one of the books that she had piled up and fanned through the pages. "This piece of work won't help you get an OWL in Potions."
He watched her body tense up, and Draco chuckled triumphantly. Granger was too easy to annoy. It was too much fun to pick on her.
"Why would you care at all about what I choose to read?" she asked, forcing herself to be calm.
"Aren't we supposed to be practising House Unity?" He placed the book back onto the stack. "Figured you'd appreciate the enlightenment from a superior to your kind."
She snapped her book closed. "I'm going to refuse to talk to you until you take the House Unity Program seriously, Malfoy!" she announced irritability.
Draco rolled his eyes. The House Unity Program was pointless. Slytherins had been outcasted for centuries. The other houses weren't going to suddenly accept them with welcoming arms— and Slytherins surely wasn't going to do it back.
"Well, I'm disappointed," he said sarcastically. "I'm going to miss that squeaky, little voice of yours." He then decided that it was best to move when he saw that Madam Pince was making her rounds, edging herself toward them.
Draco would have to seek the other book that he needed at a later time.
*/*
Dear Owlpal,
I am surprised to learn that you were nearly insulted by my blunt honesty. After stating that you don't like the guesswork that Divinations requires, I would think that someone such as yourself would appreciate speaking with someone as straightforward as myself. Alas, unfortunately for you, you're just going to have to put up with my abrasive personality for the next upcoming weeks. I absolutely refuse to sugarcoat things. It's just how I am, and I'm not going to apologize for it. Consider it a trade-off from having to put up with your overuse of the exclamation mark.
From your criticizing, it sounds to me that you signed up for this program for fun? I cannot say that I did the same. So yes, I'll admit I signed up for Owlpals strictly for the points. You might be the only one in the school to have not signed up for the points though. One hundred points a person is an enormous amount for only having to write a letter every week. I also don't plan on dropping out of the program. You can expect a response to every one of your letters.
It was my grandmother who had given me my most treasured item. She used to brew potions when she was alive, and I'd watch her do it. Sometimes, she taught me some of her recipes— the simpler, safer ones for a young child, of course. She would never risk putting me in harm's way.
You must have been really excited to attend Hogwarts to treasure your first book bought for school, that or you're just a bookworm. I read a lot of books too, but none of that fiction junk. If I'm going to read something, it best be something useful. Fiction is a waste of my bloody time.
I have enclosed my mother's Beef Wellington recipe, I wouldn't mind hearing what you think of it after you give it a try. It is truly the best I've had.
I suppose I can tell you a little bit of myself without giving away who I am. I'm also an only child. I don't have any close relatives my age, but I do have plenty of friends. They all go to Hogwarts though.
My companion (she is NOT a pet, I'm not sure if you know, but there is actually a difference between the two) is an owl. I don't think I should say her name, since she's here at Hogwarts with me, and it would likely reveal my identity. She was given to me on my fifth birthday, and she refuses to deliver anything until she gets a piece of ham. I actually have to keep a small supply in my trunk just for her. I find it humorous. She's an outright twat though.
Anyway, I'm off to go study. I borrowed a book from the library recently, and I need to read it before bed.
The second letter that Hermione had gotten from her owlpal was a bit less rude, and she was happy enough with it. She admired the recipe that was given to her and couldn't wait to try it when she went home for the holiday.
Hermione made a note to write a reply after dinner that night. She had a busy day that day and didn't have the time to do it in the morning. If it were ever possible, she was listening to her professors even more closely, due to the tests that she'd have to endure at the end of the year.
That afternoon after their classes were through, Hermione went out to watch Ron's first practice on the Quidditch team. She sucked in a breath as he missed the shot that Katie Bell threw at him. Naturally, he was losing his patience, and his body language was giving it away as he kicked a leg out in utter frustration.
"Come on, Ron!" Ginny hollered out at him. "You can do it! Focus!"
Hermione clapped encouragingly. She was only there to support him. In truth, she couldn't wait to get inside where it was warm and snuggle up with a Charms book that had been calling her name.
The girls and a handful of other Gryffindors cheered out when he finally blocked Katie's shot.
"There you go!" his sister approved. "Do that more!"
Hermione's eyes shifted down to her book bag, something that she was always lugging around this year, not allowing herself to miss any chance to study, even if it was for two minutes. She pulled out the recent letter that she had received, reading it over, thinking how to respond to it.
"Mine has yet to reply," Ginny informed.
Hermione frowned. "That's unfortunate. This is my second here."
"Really?" Ginny peered over Hermione's arm curiously. "Have they said what house they're in?"
"No, but neither have I. I'm actually afraid to say that I'm a Gryffindor. I mean, I just don't want them to take a guess and get it right, ruining my chance at 100 points."
"Well, and if you talk a lot about books, it's probably better that they think you're a Ravenclaw. Everyone knows how well-read you are."
Hermione agreed.
"Do you have any idea who it could be?"
Hermione lifted her shoulders up. "Could be anyone. I don't associate with many people, especially outside of the house— aside from helping the random younger year who asks for my advice. I spend more time with my nose in a book, as you know. Besides, we aren't supposed to know who it is, so I'm not even trying to figure it out."
Ginny nodded. She heaved out an exasperated sigh, then she changed the subject. "I dread next year. The OWLs sound stressing. I'm waiting for when it finally hits Ron. He's going to go bananas— not looking forward to that. He's already moody enough right now!"
Hermione thinned her lips. It was just like Ron to wait until the last minute before he would realize that he should have been studying months before he even started.
"I suppose if all he wants to do is play Quidditch for the entirety of his life, he may think he doesn't need top grades."
Ginny snorted in amusement. "He will not be able to play professionally unless his skills improve!"
Hermione refrained from adding anything, not wanting to insult her friend, but she knew Ginny was right. It was disappointing that he wasn't taking his schooling very seriously.
Dear Owlpal,
Now that I know your personality some, I won't mind your straightforward attitude. You had just caught me off guard, that's all.
As a matter of fact, I DO know that there is a difference between a pet and a companion. A companion is considered equal to yourself, whereas a pet is something that you specifically own. I have a companion too, but that's all I'm going to say about him, because like you, I feel if I give out any details, you would discover my true identity.
Yes, in my First year, I was extremely excited about Hogwarts. I had waited for AGES to attend, and to this day, it has been the most exciting event of my life.
Like yourself, I read a lot, but I also read fiction. Or at least I used to. Lately, I've only had time for school books. The OWLs will take up a lot of my reading time this year. Speaking of which, how are you faring with the OWLs? My friends have yet to start taking it seriously, but I'm sure they will soon enough. Then they'll expect me to help them, and I'll do it. I don't know why, but I will.
Anyway, I've got an early morning tomorrow, so I'm going to sign and seal this so it can be delivered. I look forward to your reply.
Your Owlpal.
Hermione exhaled an exasperated sigh. As usual, the talk of the morning was none other than Quidditch. The Slytherin/Gryffindor match was fast approaching, and her friends were both nervous and excited about it.
She tried to ignore the breakfast chatter, but she was beginning to stress out. The OWLs were only seven months away, and Hermione still had a lot to try and cram into her head. At the moment, she was trying to absorb the text in her Ancient Runes book, but the conversation surrounding her was making it impossible.
Why in Merlin's beard was she struggling all of a sudden?! Hermione never had trouble tuning out the noise around her.
She shouldered her bag and got up. "I'll see you later," she told her friends, needing to escape the ruckus, but they were too engrossed in their conversation to have noticed her departure.
Hermione found an abandoned classroom nearby. Her first class that day would be the Potions class, so she didn't want to venture too far away from the dungeons. Snape would crucify her if she were late.
At ten minutes to nine, she looked up from her book when she heard a group of students walking by the classroom on their way to class. She took that as her cue to do the same and made way to the Potions Dungeon.
She chose a seat, noticing that Ron and Harry weren't yet there. Hermione got the book out that she would need for this class and neatly flattened out a parchment of paper so that she could take notes of the lecture.
A chair next to her scraped across the floor as it was pulled away from the table.
"We can share my book—" She stopped short when she looked up, seeing that it wasn't her red-headed friend who would normally sit on that side of her.
"Granger," Draco drawled out, stressing her surname as if it pained him to say it. He made himself comfortable next to her.
Hermione narrowed her eyes, wondering why he would choose to sit next to her. There were plenty of seats open elsewhere. "What have you got planned now?"
"Thought you were giving me the silent treatment?"
She growled out lowly and made to stand up. She really didn't care to deal with him today.
"Potter, Weasley, you've barely made it in on time. Take your seats now."
Hermione dropped back down into her chair as her friends came hurrying over before Snape could give them a detention. They sent looks of daggers at Malfoy who was 'innocently" brushing away an 'invisible' particle from his robes.
"What are you doing here?" Harry seethed, knowing Malfoy wouldn't willingly sit with them without first a purpose.
"Did he do anything to you?" Ron whispered to Hermione.
"Excuse me over there." Snape was giving them a cold stare down. "Five points from Gryffindor."
The three Gryffindors glared at Malfoy who had smugly raised his eyebrows, taunting them further. Malfoy took a fiendish delight in annoying them, and all he had to do was be present.
"Heard you're the new Gryffindor Keeper, Weasley." Halfway into the class Malfoy finally revealed his reasoning of why he was sitting with them. Up until that point, he had been quiet, listening to his favourite professor talk about the Strengthening Solution that they would be expected to brew that morning. "Tryouts were that much of a bust this year, Potter?"
Harry stiffened, but he remained silent, trying to keep himself from latching onto Malfoy's bait.
"Or has Weasley's brown-nosing all these years finally paid off?"
"Cut it out, Malfoy," Hermione muttered, irritated that he was trying to cause a disruption.
"What, are you jealous, Mudblood? I'm sure Potter will do his best to reward you too."
"Don't listen to him," Hermione told Harry who was now chopping up leeches with extra effort, showing his growing anger.
Ron then accidentally tipped over his jar of leeches and the liquid from it travelled across the table. Hermione quickly cleaned it up before it could run off the table and soak her clothes, but the scene had not gone unnoticed: Snape gave Ron detention for wasting 'precious' Potion ingredients.
"You're such a toad, Malfoy," Hermione grumbled when the professor was out of hearing range.
"How is it my fault that the Weasel has issues with handling what's in his grip?"
Hermione was incredibly thankful when the class was finished through. She had been able to brew a perfect Strengthening Solution. Unfortunately, Harry and Ron had failed miserably. No doubt caused by their Slytherin distraction.
"See you on the Pitch," Malfoy bid the boys farewell. "I'd wish you good luck, but it wouldn't do you any good."
AN: I am writing another Dramione! This time Lucius time-travels to help Draco change his life :o I can't wait until it's finished! I will be fair and not upload it until I complete it, I think I have enough WIPs that people have been waiting on (to which I have been making updates to slowly because of this damn Quarantine)
Review Responses:
Wynterlace: Hey, thanks!
Shawnjoell: Yeah, Ron is a hard one for sure. I think it's only right to match him up with a Quidditch fan. Yes, Harry did sign up for Owlpals. Happy to hear you're liking this. My favourite chapter is the last. It'll be a lengthy one, but it has some awesome moments hehe!
Bernaheartsyou: I don't understand why no one really does any comparisons, I would think Hermione would totally do that since she was born in the Muggle world... I know I would, and I am not even smart :P