Disclaimer: No one in here truly belongs to me - except maybe Naomi Whittington. The rest belong to Ms J.K.Rowling.
Author's Note: The action hasn't started - things must build up first, eh? Hermione and Draco have always been enemies, let them be for a while, things may change a little over the course of time. By the way, the "Tab" doesn't seem to work on this chapter, so apologies if it looks odd. (paragraphing)
Hermione Granger made her way to the library and stepped inside, only to realise that there seemed to be no soul there anymore. Not even the librarian. Yet the library was still open – and usually at this time, there would be people here looking through books to get ready for upcoming lessons. It was a stark contrast to the earlier buzzing that she was experiencing a few hours ago. The silence was so deafening she assumed Draco Malfoy must have long left. But when she turned to leave, she heard a soft voice that was filled with slyness call out, "Granger."
Hermione rubbed her ears absentmindedly. "Who's there?"
"The High-and-Mighty Mudblood cannot even recognise my voice. What a pity."
"Draco Malfoy, where are you and what have you done?" Hermione gritted her teeth as she walked into the library further, advancing towards the voice she had heard somewhere behind the bookshelves.
"Nothing. I just reserved the entire library for myself. It's getting too noisy in here."
Hermione looked extremely disgusted. "You're flaunting your authority again," and she found him at the seats behind the bookshelves, looking like he owned the entire place.
"Why do you care?" Draco asked nonchalantly as he leant back against the chair, eyes still on his book. Hermione ignored his question and focused on the book he was holding. Quidditch Through The Ages, Volume 2. "There is a new version? How come I never heard Ron mention about it?"
"Dumb people don't talk. Pun intended."
"Draco Malfoy! Don't you insult my friends!" Hermione was becoming very incensed. "What exactly did you do to the Gryffindor Quidditch team? Naomi was so..."
"So what?" Draco Malfoy's tone was dangerous, but his eyes were still fixated on his book.
In a fit of anger towards his complete nonchalance, Hermione strided forward and snatched away his book. Malfoy looked up, his eyes flaming with hatred, but he said nothing, merely holding out his hand with a smirk plastered on his face. Then Hermione leant forward, glaring at him angrily. "Now tell me what you did to the Gryffindor Quidditch team or I swear I won't let you off," and as she said that, her right hand reached into her cloak pocket for her wand.
"I merely did them a favour by noting a little error committed by the Gryffindor captain," said Draco, airily, as he withdrew his hand. "She was breaking a little Quidditch practice rule that you mustn't eat anything on the pitch while practising."
"Naomi has been given permission to chew gum on the pitch because her jaw is stiff! Medical conditions are exceptions!" Hermione cried furiously. Draco Malfoy merely chuckled as he savoured his next few words."She can always use that excuse as and when she likes; nobody knows what else she can do."
Hermione's eyes suddenly flared up. "Which teacher did you bring this up to?"
"Who would believe me completely?" Draco Malfoy smirked, as he snatched back his book from a dumbfounded Hermione. "And he kindly offered them a month's break from practice till their captain could learn how to follow rules accordingly and not them twist them to her favour – oh!" He gave an evil laugh. "And also to rest her jaw a bit so by the time she gets back on the pitch, there wouldn't be a reason for her to be chewing gum there."
"You're the biggest git on earth!" Hermione couldn't believe her ears. "One month! I'm going to complain to Professor McGonagall! The Gryffindor team can't survive one month's ban of the pitch!"
"No use, Mudblood. Professor Snape has been placed in charge of all Quidditch practice considering your dearest Professor McGonagall has been appointed to take charge of internal matters more securely." Draco sneered, as he got out of his chair, leaving the book on the table. Then he whipped out his wand and pointed it at Hermione's face. Hermione didn't flinch. "And so," laughed Draco. "No one can do anything about it, especially," and he put the wand under Hermione's chin such that the girl had no choice but to tilt her head up to avoid it poking her throat. "Potter."
The last word was spat out with such contempt that Hermione felt the usual rage boiling in her even more fiercely. "Mark my words, Malfoy, you'll get your payback soon enough."
"What can you do when you're a mere Mudblood?" Draco smirked. And then he withdrew his wand, grabbed the book on the table, swung his cloak, and strided out of the library, leaving Hermione Granger inside feeling rather empty.