Chapter 5:

Understanding and Unholy Unions

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It really shouldn't have come as such a surprise that she fancied a boy. The only surprising part was just who that particular boy was. Blaise Zabini.

Really now, if one walked into a random establishment in Hogsmeade and asked the people there: 'Who is Blaise Zabini?' chances are they would reply: 'Hmmm…well. Er…you see. …um…sorry, I'm very busy. Come back next week'.

Now that is not in the least bit comforting, seeing as the boy Hermione was enamored of was virtually unknown- except to those in the Slytherin house. And seeing as Hermione was not on perfectly good terms with any of the students in that horrid-um…special house, she most likely would not be learning much about him.

Unless of course…she did a little bit of investigating, snooping, skulking, and so on.

Considering she had nearly memorized the mysterious boy's schedule for the entire week, Hermione believed now all she needed was an accomplice. Someone sneaky, someone conniving: she needed…a Hufflepuff!

And so began the friendship between one Hermione Granger and one Ernie Macmillan…

A union so despicable, so frightening that Hannah Abbot ran for cover under her bed. Of course Justin Finch-Fletchley tried to console her…but she couldn't be comforted, claiming that the Crumple-Horned Snorlacks now had the perfect chance to attack. And to think, just yesterday she had sat down beside Luna in Divination.

But that is beside the point. Ahem…Hermione cornered Ernie after their shared Herbology and pulled him toward a deserted green house looking quite determined.

Harry and Ron later could be heard saying that they were quite relieved she had gotten a boyfriend.

"Ernie, I need your help."

Eyes wide, he noted this moment for future generations of Macmillans. After all it wasn't every day a certified genius practically begged for help.

"What with?"

"Zabini."

"W-Why?"

Shaking now, Ernie noticed the crazed gleam in her eyes…would she hurt him? She was smart enough to hide the evidence, his body. He...he might be ditched in the Forbidden Forest, left for the thestrals to…to do horrible things to.

"I fancy him."

"Eh…"

Now Ernie was confused. Forgetting his depressing thoughts of thestrals he studied the figure in front of him intently. Bags under eyes, hair tangled in knots, ink stains on her robes…Yes. Ernie decided, yes, Hermione Granger was lovesick. Oh! What wonders he would accomplish…Once again it was love doctor Ernie to the rescue. Swoosh!

"Of course you do Hermione darling! Now come with Ernie and he will make everything all better!"

Smiling gallantly he led her toward the Hufflepuff common room, his head full of visions of dancing hair potions and beauty charms.

"Zabini won't be able to resist!"

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