Hey, thank you reviewers again, you guys are awesome! Sorry I didn't start the contest yet, I wanted it to OFFICIALLY start next chapter, so enjoy as always
Rolling over on green silk sheets, Draco Malfoy groaned loudly as his best friend, Blaise Zambini proceeded to wake him up.
"Get your arse up! It's the day of the competition!" Blaise grabbed a handful of sheets and ripped them off of Malfoy, revealing a pale, boxer clad male.
"Its so early," Malfoy mumbled as he rose to a sitting position, rubbing his eyes. Blaise smirked at his groggy friend.
"Now, I have no problem accompanying you to breakfast while you're prancing around in your boxers," Blaise told him, putting a hand on Draco's shoulder, "but there might be some others that …frown upon your wardrobe choice."
"We all know you like men, Blaise, no need to say it again," an agitated Draco said as he got out of bed and started rummaging for clothes. Blaise put on a fake pout and laid his hand on his heart.
"Ouch, Draco. That hurt my feelings mate," Blaise said mockingly. Draco rolled his eyes and grabbed a pair of denim jeans out of his trunk.
"Oh, get a grip will you?" the blonde scoffed. Blaise shrugged and glanced at his friend's choice of attire with a raised brow.
"Jeans? Since when do you wear jeans?" Blaise questioned, sitting himself down on Crabbe's trunk.
"I wear them when I want to be comfortable. And since I'm going to be running around Hogwarts for a couple days, I figured they'd be better than slacks," Malfoy explained while pulling on a green long sleeved shirt. Blaise stood up and walked over to Draco's trunk, yanking out a clothing item.
"Its winter outside, you git. You will become a serpent Popsicle," he said, handing Draco a black sweater vest. The Slytherin prince eyed the vest with distaste.
"I'm going to look like bloody bookworm Granger wearing that," he commented, feeling a surge of anger at the girl's surname. Blaise shoved the sweater into his friend's chest and glared.
"Wear it, or become ice cream. Your choice," he stated plainly. Draco glared back at him and then reluctantly, pulled the sweater vest over his head. Blaise nodded in approval.
"You look absolutely…intellectual," he complimented, clearly stifling a laugh.
"Go shag Pansy, "Draco shot back, pocketing his wand from his bedside and taking his cloak. Blaise pretended to vomit at the thought, earning a hearty laugh from Malfoy.
"I thought so. Now let's get some food," Draco said, heading out of the dormitory. Blaise followed, catching up with the pointed nose male. As they walked through the Common Room, they found many people sitting and chatting. Draco gawked and punched his friend pm the shoulder.
"You woke me up too early! I thought it was late or something," Draco complained, while Blaise punched him back.
"Hey, the early bird catches the worm…or the clue, in this case," he defended himself.
"We have to wait for everyone before we start the search you idiot," Draco scowled, looking back at their inviting dormitory, thinking of his warm bed.
"You're up now, no use going back to sleep," Blaise smirked, dragging his friend through the Common Room and out the portrait into the corridor.
The pair stayed silent as they traveled through the halls, leaving Draco to cringe of the recollection of yesterday's events.
The damn chit thinks she wants to help me…help me : Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Prince, Biggest Git of the Century, Spoiled Brat, Pompous Arse.
Hah, if she even knew the first thing about me, she'd run away screaming. Especially if I told her about a day in the dear old Manor with my wonderful father, oh yeah she'd love that. . She would just squeal with delight when she learns I received the Cruciatus curse twice just for saying 'Thank you' to Dobby. That would really get her going.
What am I even saying, like I would ever tell her any of these things. She won't get a word out of me, that walking hair ball. Malfoy's don't tell people their problems, they are people's problems.
Oh, and she expects that just because her mother died that means we can bond and be the best of pals? There's a better chance of Crabbe and Goyle becoming vegetarians than that.
Okay so it sucks that her mum died big deal. It's not like her own father killed his wife in front of her. Or that she had to see her mother cry every night when her husband cheated on her again and again.
No, she never had to deal with those things.
It's not the same thing…it will never be the same thing
"Draco?" the voice of Blaise boomed in his ears, forcing him to focus. He didn't even notice they had reached the entrance to the Great Hall already.
"Are you alright Malfoy?" a new, higher pitched voice asked. He turned to the other side of him to see a worried Hermione Granger.
Bloody hell. Thanks for the delivery god!
"Nothing your Mudblood self could do about it," he sneered, piercing her brown eyes. She seemed so much smaller than she had before, as if she were shrinking away in front of him. To his comfort, even though he would never admit it, she wore jeans as well, meaning he would not stand out in the crowd…not that he'd care.
"Oh…well..," she said, averting her eyes in every direction but his. She cleared her throat, and tried standing a bit taller, making herself look at him.
"I thought since we were partners we could walk in together…you know.. for intimidation purposes," she prattled, looking at him expectedly.
Has she gone bonkers? Wanting to walk in with me like we were dating or something? Even though I could see this working to our advantage. The other teams would never think that the two biggest rivals would appear as if they were bonding…yeah! The bush baby's finally got a good idea.
"Never mind, that was a stupid idea," she fumbled, realizing her idiotic request. She began to turn around when the low voice of Malfoy backtracked her.
"Actually, that might be somewhat effective," he said slowly, forming the words precisely so as not to compliment her greatly. Hermione, wide eyed with shock turned around, trying to look less baffled.
"Really, you think so... I mean yes, I think it would give us an edge," she caught herself, attempting to not seem so taken aback. Blaise, who was watching the odd exchange between the two decided it was time for his exit.
"Alright, so if you two partners in crime plan on making this whole entrance, I'll be sure to garner up the focus at the doors," he told them with a wink. Before either Draco or Hermione could protest, he vanished behind the doors. Left standing with Granger, Draco shifted uncomfortably away from the girl.
"Just make sure when we walk in you're a good five feet in front of me," Draco warned, already stepping behind her. Hermione sighed exasperatedly and moved to face him.
"Are you that dim witted? The point is for us to look like we are friends," she winced at the word. Draco frowned, realizing her point, and stepped tentatively next to her.
"Better, Chewbacca?" he asked, failing to catch his mistake in letting Hermione know about his pastime of watching Muggle movies. She however, saw his slip as if it was a large truck hurtling toward her.
"You watch Star Wars?" Hermione copied Draco's smirk, quite successfully mind you. He dropped his jaw opened and thought of an excuse quickly.
Fuck! What the hell was I thinking with the Chewbacca comment! She looks more like a Ewok anyway.
"If you thought about it thoroughly with your planet sized brain, you would realize that the concept of light sabers in Star Wars is a direct reference to magic wands and the wizarding world," he lied, feeling pretty confident about his excuse. Hermione looked at him and then a wide grin broke out onto her face. All too soon, she burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.
"Are you…..a moron?" she wheezed, grabbing his arm for support as her hysterics continued. Draco felt another flutter in his stomach at the touch of her hand, and snatched his arm back quickly, feeling a lack of warmth as he did so.
"No, I am not a moron. That argument made perfect sense you ingrate!" Draco snapped, ignoring her persistent giggles. After another moment or two, she stood up, composing herself and forming a straight face.
"That made as much sense as Hagrid teacing Care of Magical Creatures," she said, fighting a grin.
"I thought the bloody Golden Trio worships the ground that oaf walks on...or should I say rolls on," Malfoy asked her, moving out of the way of the incoming students going to breakfast.
"Oh I like him, don't get me wrong, he's a wonderful man. Hagrid just isn't exactly the teacher type," she responded.
Meanwhile, inside the Great Hall, Blaise was on top of getting everyone there to see Granger and Draco walk in together. The room by now, was pretty packed; not many more students would be showing up. His plan was about to go into action. Blaise rose from the Slytherin table and walked briskly to the front podium, where the only teacher at the time present was Severus Snape. Knowing it wouldn't lose him House Points, he pressed his wand to his throat and muttered a voice amplifying charm.
"Excuse me, everyone may I have your attention," his voice echoed throughout the hall. Slowly, groups of students from all the houses turned toward the front to find Blaise Zambini as the addressor. Professor Snape raised his eyebrow and stared curiously at the Slytherin, but made no motion to stop him.
"I would like to announce that shortly, yours truly, Albus Dumbledore, will be walking into the hall through those doors," he pointed to the large main entrance, " and will be accompanied by a special surprise guest." Blaise took the wand away from his throat and hopped off the elevated platform grinning mischievously as he saw almost every student turning their focus to the large doorway. He knew any minute Hermione and Draco would walk through, guarantying everyone including their competition would see them.
"Shall we get this over with already?" Draco inquired, leaned against the wall with Hermione beside him. She looked around, checking to see if there were still students entering. It appeared the majority of them were inside the hall, perfect for their entrance.
"I guess so. It's now or never," she answered, standing straight and stepping directly in front of the doors. She felt a wave of comfort flood her as Draco stepped next to her, his arm lightly grazing her shoulder.
"Don't look so depressed, they might think I forced you to do this," the Malfoy smirked, seeing Hermione's sullen face. She forced a smile and shook her head.
"Trust me, walking next to you isn't the icing on my cake," she laughed nervously.
"Most girls would be fainting from being in my mere presence right about now," he sneered. Hermione flipped her hair back and her features wielded a genuine smile.
"I'm not most girls Malfoy. You should know that." She smirked and reached forward to grab the brassy door handle. A split second later, Draco's hand lay on top of hers, sending chills down her spine.
"I'll be doing that Granger," he said flatly, and she let her hand fall limply, feeling a faint blush. Draco saw the tinge of pink and his ego expanded instantaneously.
Aha! So I can get Granger all hot and bothered by barely touching her hand. What do you know, she must think I'm handsome or something….well duh, that's a no brainer.
"Here we go," Draco sighed, wrenching open the door. The second the wood cleared the way, he was greeted with hundreds of pairs of eyes staring right back at him. Hermione must have noticed this too as she let out a muffled squeak. Draco looked down at the girl next to him, seeing the faint blush turn ruby red. Without thinking, he put his hand on the small of her back and coaxed her forward.
"C'mon Granger, we've got to do this," he said softly. She nodded her head and started walking forward, Draco close beside. The students' eyes fell upon the two, staring intently at them while whispering in hushed voices. A buzz of talking broke out suddenly and bits and pieces of conversations rang in Draco's ears.
"A Malfoy with a Mudblood? Has he gone mad?"
"I thought Hermione knew better than to associate with his lot!"
"Do you think they're dating? Ohh wouldn't that be a scandal!"
"He is way to good looking for that dog. She looks like she's been dragged ass backward through the forest"
"What a slut! First Harry and Ron and now this!"
The words cut through Draco like a sharp knife, causing unwanted anger within him.
How dare they insult me? Do they know who they are dealing with? I'm Draco Malfoy for Merlin's sake. And what makes them think they can say those awful thinks about Granger! That's my job!
He heard heavy, uneasy breathing next to him and glanced down to see Hermione, struggling with the urge to cry. The nasty comments were even louder now as they reached the center of the room. Granger looked like a complete wreck, but she held up strongly, much to Draco's surprise.
However, half of him wanted to take advantage of her vulnerability and shoot a terrible insult at her dispense, but another half of him wanted to hex the people that were saying bad things about her. He opted for an adapted version of the latter.
"Don't listen to them, Granger. They are all a lot of stupid good for nothing prats," he said in a quiet, but in his opinion, somewhat comforting voice. Hermione's misty brown eyes seemed to unfog before his eyes and she gulped loudly.
"Can we please sit?" she pleaded, looking in awe at the empty bench by her.
"There's that blasted Gryffindor courage of yours!" Draco joked, hoping it would at least bring a smile to her face. Their whole plot for intimidation was dwindling away as each second passed.
Just as Hermione was about to hop into the nearest seat, two figures rose from her table blocking her way.
My day keeps getting better and better, Potty and Weasley always seem to brighten the room with their presence!
Both boys stood a few feet apart from Hermione, looking down at their feet awkwardly. She instantly snapped out of her embarrassed state and put on an icy glare that would have even scared Draco.
"What do you want?" she hissed, malice coating her voice. Draco watched her with interest, feeling a small swell of pride for his partner for her being able to sound oh so feisty.
"Hermione…we just wanted to—" Ron mumbled, not bothering to look the girl in the eyes.
"Wanted to what, Ron? Make my life a little more miserable? Ruin another friendship of mine?" Hermione spat. Harry tried touching her arm but she was too quick, keeping it well out of his proximity.
"I don't know how this happened, 'Mione. We were…are still… the best of friends. I want us to be like we were before," he begged while Ron nodded beside him in agreement. Hermione looked down right furious, her hair frazzled thoroughly.
"You don't know how this happened? Try the fact that you used me for my brains, and ignored me when I needed you there the most!" she yelled angrily, faltering on her last statement. Harry and Ron were shaking in their shoes, both looking scared and confused at what she had said.
"Why did you need us so bad?" Ron asked her in a soft tone. Hermione inhaled heavily, obviously fighting another round of tears.
"It doesn't matter now. It's over."
"What is it Hermione? Your still our best friend whether you like it or not, and best friends tell each other things!" Harry blurted out, pleading with his hazel eyes. Draco knew Hermione wouldn't want to mention anything about her mother to them right now, especially in a room full of onlookers. He decided to act, pushing aside his arrogance for a second.
"Well if you'd excuse us, we have to go find seats away from the likes of you two," Draco sneered, grabbing Hermione's sleeve and pulling her away. The shock of his action left her brain clouded and she allowed him to drag her to whatever destination he chose.
Damn it there isn't anywhere for us to sit except for the Slytherin table. They will outright kill me if I bring the Mudblood there. Wait, who am I kidding? I rule them; they wouldn't dare say a word to me.
To the Slytherin's surprise, they saw Draco lead Hermione to their table, all of them flustered with shock.
"Sit, Granger," he told her, practically pushing her into the seat beside him. Draco watched the table give him curious and angered looks.
"She's with me. And if any of you even so much as think of saying something to me or her about it, you will personally answer to me," the powerful Malfoy snarled. He snatched a roll from the plate in front of him and shoved it into Hermione's hands. She appeared to have just noticed where she was sitting and looked petrified.
"Eat."
"Are you mad? I can't sit here!" Hermione argued with an uneasy glance at the annoyed Slytherins around her, putting the roll down. He picked it back up and placed it back into her hands.
"No I am not mad, and yes you can sit here. I told them you were with me so it's fine," he explained.
"Oh...Thank you… for that back there," she whispered, staring at the plate in front of her. He shrugged and waved it off.
"No problem. Just don't expect favors like that again," he said with a small grin that actually came tp him naturally. He pointed at the food in her hand.
"Eat that or I'll boot you back to the Gryffindor table," he scolded. Reluctantly, she took a bite out of the roll.
The rest of breakfast was silent between the partners at the Slytherin table, but around them there was a heavy buzz of chatter. Mostly due to Hermione and Draco's display as well as the competition that would be starting any minute.
Abruptly of nowhere, a sudden hush developed over the room and Hermione looked up to the front of the room to see Dumbledore standing and smiling at the podium. She felt a sudden jolt as she realized what his announcement would mean…
The competition was about to begin