Chapter 4

***

The next morning rolled around much too fast for many of the students' liking. Despite her midnight escapade the night before, Hermione still arrived in the Great Hall long before the boys.

She was reading the Daily Prophet when Harry and Ron finally arrived. "Morning," she greeted them, trying to seem cheerful, but only received two grunts in reply. Hermione placed the paper down, sighing in irritation at the boys.

Ron glanced up, having mistaking the reason for her sigh. His eyes were wary "Anything we should know about?" he nodded towards the discarded paper.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," she replied rather curtly. "Ok, well I'm going to drop by the library before class. See you later." Hermione stood before any questions could be asked.

"But, Hermione! Classes haven't even started yet! We don't have any homework!" Ron protested, his mouth full of sausage.

Hermione's grip on her bag tightened almost imperceptibly with irritation, as she continued to make her way out of the Hall, ignoring Ron. Did he really think homework was all she was good for?

"McGonagall hasn't even handed out timetables yet!" Ron continued his protesting to Harry.

Hermione silently scoffed at Ron. Honestly, how did he expect McGonagall to give him his timetable when he wasn't there?

Unnoticed by either of the boys, silver eyes had been watching the entire scene from across the Hall. Arielle also stood as Hermione disappeared through the double doors.

"Off to class already?" Theo raised his eyebrows at the intriguing new girl. "You haven't even eaten anything."

"You need not worry about getting lost." Draco smiled, attempting to charm her. "We're perfectly capable of showing you the way."

Arielle glared at him, finding herself far from charmed. "I'm perfectly capable of finding my own way to class Malfoy." She replied icily. With that she swept out of the Hall, leaving the rather stunned Slytherins behind. Little did they suspect where she was headed.

***

Towards the back of the library, in a secluded alcove, Hermione was waiting for her.

"You have your timetable?" she questioned

"Picked it up from The... Professor Snape this morning" Arielle replied grinning at her slip-up.

Hermione smirked in a distinctly Un-Gryfindorish way. "Takes some getting used to, doesn't it?"

"It's uncomfortable. Professor Snape just seems so... personal." Arielle cringed

"And you'd rather remain as impersonal to Snape as possible."

"Who wouldn't? The prospect of getting personal with that old bat is just..." Arielle shuddered.

Hermione attempted to stifle her laughter rather unsuccessfully. "Right. Well let's see your timetable then."

The girls barely had to glance at the timetables to assess that they were identical.

8:00 – 9:00 Transfiguration

9:00 – 10:00 Charms

10:00 – 10:30 Morning Tea

10:30 – 11:30 Ancient Runes

11:30 – 12:30 Potions

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 2:30 Defence Against the Dark Arts

2:30 – 3:30 Herbology

* 11:00pm – 12:00pm Astronomy (Wednesday & Saturday)

Arielle frowned, "I didn't think we'd have quite so many classes together."

Hermione laughed, "Ha, that's only because not enough students get the required OWL to continue in most subjects."

"Are normal wizards really that hopeless?" Arielle looked slightly shocked

Hermione looked at her sadly, "Their lives don't depend on being able to perform magic"

Arielle was silent, avoiding Hermione's gaze.

"You know, it's only because of you that I finally get to take astronomy this year." Hermione commented, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Arielle frowned "They didn't let you take it before?"

"No, I was the only student who wanted to." She admitted

"Idiots," Arielle muttered. "Don't they have any idea how useful it is?"

Hermione laughed "At times this place seems magically backwards compared to what we're used to."

Arielle smiled grimly. "I still can't believe how much free time we have. What do the students do with it all?"

"Not much that could be considered constructive."

Arielle snorted, but quickly quietened as the girls sensed another presence approaching. Edouard poked his head around the corner. "You ready?" His amber eyes flashed as he glanced sharply at Hermione, "Class starts soon."

"Don't worry about me Edouard" Arielle snapped, "I won't raise any suspicions by being late." She brushed roughly past him, "I'll be at class before you!"

Hermione sighed, "Can't you give her a break? She's doing her best," Edouard frowned at her as she continued, "Listen, things are going to change around here. You merely being here has already assured that. We won't be able to hide forever."

"That's no reason for you two to be careless. Anyone could have seen you!" With that Edouard too, stormed out of the library.

Hermione ran her fingers through her tangled hair. She was sick of keeping secrets, but what other choice did she have? Any form of friendship between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin was unheard of, regardless of the reason. If their friendship was discovered, what would stop her entire undercover life from being revealed?

***