A/N: Thanks for your patience; enjoy!
"And we are leaving some things unsaid
And we are breathing deeper instead
We're both pretty sure
Neither one can tell
We seem difficult
What we got is hard as hell
A hundred thousand words could not quite explain." – Unsaid, The Fray
Chater 10 – Trick or Treat
A few weeks had gone by and the grounds were as beautiful as ever, the last dying embers of fall remaining in the wake. The leaves were beginning to fall, painting an array of reds, oranges, and yellows over the grounds. The sixth years were given more free periods, advised for studying and working on homework; Ron seemed to believe these periods were more useful spent playing Exploding Snap or reprimanding first and second years in the halls. Hermione on the other hand, spent most of her free time in the library; the Prefect Common Room often got too loud when Prefect's were practicing dueling. It wasn't before long did she change Ron's attitude, refusing to finish his essay over the Components of Moonstone.
Hermione decided not to tell Harry or Ron the truth about her and Malfoy in the Dueling Room; it was far too embarrassing, and quite frankly, too confusing to even attempt at explanation. Ron was not easy to let it go, and had asked her another thousand questions about Malfoy. Eventually Hermione had had enough, and the interrogations lead to an intense Bat Bogey Hex, compliments to Ginny. Ron had not brought it up again sense.
To Hermione's disappointment, Harry was still outshining her in potions. She was beginning to become a little bitter and resentful. Not toward Harry, but his new Potions book. Perhaps she could accidently toss it into the fire when he was not looking.
Hermione wished Harry luck one evening after dinner, as he was meeting with Dumbledore for private lessons. Harry had forgotten to mention this until now, blaming it on all the homework and planning Quidditch tryouts. She figured Dumbledore might be speaking to him about the prophecy, which was the main reason Voldemort had tried to break into the Ministry in the first place last year. Hermione did not know what the prophecy said, nor did she want to ask Harry if he did. She didn't want to bring up anything that would remind him of Sirius. After all, he seemed to be coping well as is, far better than she expected. Sooner or later, if Harry wanted to talk about it, she would listen.
Hermione's living quarters with Malfoy were beginning to improve, at least in the ways that they could. She hardly ran into him at all; he was always gone before she woke up and came to bed hours after she had fallen asleep. Once, she had fallen asleep in their common room, and woke with a start to the sound of a slamming door. Of course, it would be Malfoy, and when she checked her watch, it was half after one in the morning. Occasionally, she would see him escorting a couple of girls out of the main common room. But this was far from suspicious behavior for Malfoy, as even the jealous Pansy remained silent. Where he was going and what he was doing, Hermione had no idea, and hardly any time to investigate; however, she was almost positive the conversation she overheard in Diagon Alley, Malfoy's changed behavior, and Harry's information was all connected somehow. She just didn't know how.
After dinner, Hermione worked on a Charm's essay for Flitwick, deciding to get a head start before she had to leave. When she finished—on accident, of course—she packed up her things, shoving rolled up parchment and quills into her bag, shaking off all thoughts of Malfoy and his whereabouts that did not concern her. It was time for the Prefect's second meeting of the year, and she did not want to be late.
She was to the door of her room when an owl swooped in through the open window. The snow owl, so much like Hedwig in looks, stuck out its leg and Hermione unfolded the letter. Her heart sank when she recognized the writing:
Dear Hermione,
I know yer too busy ter come down and see me, but I'm a little upset that you, Harry, and Ron couldn't tell me y'erselves that you won' be in me class anymore. It would be nice for sum tea sumtime, when yer not ter busy. I'm nursing a couple of Thestrals, so I've been kinda busy anyway. Woulda wrote to Harry but he's got ter much on his hands.
Hagrid
Hermione had not realized how upset Hagrid would be over the three of them not taking his class, Care for Magical Creatures, anymore. She simply had no way of adding Hagrid's class to her already full schedule, even though Harry and Ron had no excuse. She sighed, sat down at her desk with a fresh piece of parchment and quill, and wrote her reply:
Dear Hagrid,
I'm so sorry I haven't been able to visit! I have to take so many pre-requisite classes that I simply couldn't add one more class. With Prefect duties and the new living quarters, my life has been very hectic. Please let me know a good time to stop by for tea; I'll let Harry and Ron know as well.
Love,
Hermione
She rolled up her letter and walked to the window. The snow owl had left, but a tawny owl was resting on the perch, waiting. A school owl remained on duty during the day by every Prefect's window in case they needed to deliver a letter; a Prefect addition that Hermione gladly welcomed. This was quite a time saver, considering a trip to the Owlry was a long walk from her dormitory on the seventh floor.
After sending off Hagrid's letter, Hermione exited her room to head for the Prefect meeting. She entered the Transfiguration room seven minutes later and was pleased to see Katie, smiling genuinely and placing several rolls of parchment onto a desk. Not a minute later, Ginny walked in, smiling radiantly. Ginny had kept being a Prefect a secret until their first meeting; even Ron had no idea. Hermione was thrilled her best girlfriend was now a Prefect; though Ron seemed somewhat jealous he had to share the glory. Ginny had kept the secret even from her parents, which resulted in a nasty Howler from Mrs. Weasley that ended up in tears from happiness. It was the strangest Howler Hermione had ever heard.
Ginny walked over to Katie and handed her a note. She gave Hermione a tiny wink and headed toward the exit.
Hermione was perplexed. "Ginny, where are you going?"
"This meeting is for sixth years only, didn't you know?" Ginny shook her head with a laugh and waved. "A record, I think, that Hermione Granger doesn't know something. I'll see you later."
Hermione smiled despite herself. She supposed it was surprising to be out of the loop with Prefect information.
What was not surprising, however, was Malfoy showing up ten minutes late. Hermione flashed him an annoyed look, one he must be accustomed to receiving from her, but her expression quickly morphed into surprise. She was startled to see him looking so…gaunt. He looked paler than ever with large, dark circles under his eyes. There was a look on his face she couldn't identify. She didn't have time to place it, for it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a smug grin that seemed forced.
"Katie, why are the fifth year Prefect's not meeting with us?" asked Hermione, unable to bait her curiosity.
"We're meeting with them separately. We have something important to discuss, and it only involves us. We need to figure out a date for the first trip to Hogsmeade." Katie's voice took on a higher pitch. "And, we need to start on preparing for the Halloween Ball."
It couldn't have been more obvious Katie was busting to tell the news. A murmur broke through the room of excited chatter.
"We know this is a new idea, but Katie and I spoke to Professor Dumbledore and he agreed to pass the agreement we made," said Eddie. "Everyone seemed to enjoy the Yule Ball, and in these dark times, we thought it might you know, give everyone something happy to look forward to. There will be a seated dinner, like the Yule Ball, beginning at seven and it will end at midnight. It'll be a Masquerade Party, so everyone is required to wear masks." He caught himself up short of laughter. "I mean, we're not muggles: we don't dress up in silly costumes."
Hermione frowned; she had rather enjoyed dressing up in costumes as a child, and even though Wizard's do not share that custom, it wasn't that silly.
"We'll work in groups of two. To make it easier, we'll work with our living partner. I have a list," Katie grabbed the top piece of parchment from the desk, "of our responsibilities."
She flicked her wand; the parchment multiplied, and then began zooming into everyone's hands. Hermione read it over quickly:
Halloween Masquerade Dance
Katie and Eddie – Invitation Décor and Over sight
Padma and Ron – Enchantments on objects
Pansy and Ernie – Music and entertainment
Hermione and Draco – Guest list
Hannah and Anthony – Decorations
Hermione was a bit relieved to only be in charge of the guest list. Can't be too bad, she thought, sighing to herself. She turned to look at Katie, who, of course, was expecting some sort of question from her.
"So is everyone invited? Even the first years?"
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore didn't want anyone to feel left out," said Katie. "But everyone wishing to go must give their invitation to you and Malfoy so the staff has an idea who will be there and who will not."
"We'll need to schedule our Hogsmeade visit before the ball, so students have time to buy proper masks and attire in the shops."
"What about our patrol schedule?" said Hermione, scribbling furiously on a piece of parchment and not bothering to look up.
"Got that right here," said Eddie, flicking his wand, as another piece of parchment zoomed into Hermione's hand.
Patrol Schedule
The dungeons – Katie and Eddie
1st Floor – Hannah and Anthony
2nd floor – Olivia and Michael
3rd floor – Astoria and Collin
4th floor – Hermione and Draco
5th floor – Padma and Ron
6th floor – Lyra and Spencer
7th floor – Pansy and Ernie
Week off – Ginny and Terry
"Every week, we'll rotate down the list so every ninth week we'll get a break," said Katie. "Don't forget to check the lavatories as well on each floor."
Hermione was relieved to finally have a set schedule. Since the beginning of term all the Prefect's patrolled the halls randomly around nine; there was no set schedule and she hated for things to be unorganized.
"Yeah, we'll start tonight," said Eddie. "As you already know, the students are to be in their common rooms by nine, so we'll start patrolling around fifteen till. Remember, you need to patrol until 10 o'clock. And one more thing." He looked extremely anxious about whatever he was going to say next, cheeks flushed dark red. "Professor Dumbledore thinks it will be best…if we…if we show unity at the ball."
Everyone stared at him in confusion. Hermione saw Ron's left eye twitch, a sure sign he had no idea what was going on; she was just as lost as him.
"He wants us to go to the ball with the person we live with," said Katie bluntly.
"WHAT?"
"Absolutely not!"
"I refuse!"
The Prefect's were in an uproar. Hermione was silent and shot a look to Malfoy, gazing at him in horror. He didn't look angry; simply annoyed with the whole ordeal, like it was some great inconvenience for him.
"ENOUGH!" yelled Katie, silencing everyone at once. "That was the only way he agreed to do this. It's not the end of the world! You all can tough it out for one night. Besides, we have to open up the ball with a dance, as it's customary."
The Prefects once again shouted complaints and insults. Hermione saw Ron slam his hand down on the desk, nearly causing it to crack. Ernie nearly fell backward out of his chair and Pansy screeched in horror. You would think, Hermione thought, that Katie suggested we run naked through the school with tea cozy's on our heads.
"Professor Dumbledore will strip your badge if you refuse!" Katie shouted, silencing the Prefects once more. "Now suck it up—we are Prefects! The champions opened the Yule Ball two years ago, and we can do this. McGonagall will send you a note for our first dance practice. Have a good night," she dismissed, sounding irritated and harsh all at once.
Hermione gathered her things hastily and headed back to her room, not even stopping to talk to Ron, who was still red in the face and angry or annoyed, she didn't know. Once she was safely in her common room, she placed her bag on the couch and flopped into a warm, soft chair. A long, punctuated sigh left her lips, and she placed her fingers on her temple.
It was bad enough she had to live with Malfoy; now she had to go to the ball with him. She had to dance with Malfoy—Draco Malfoy—in front of the entire school. She had been nervous enough with Krum, and now this. She wondered if the school year could get any worse, or if perhaps she should expect the Death Eaters to drop by for a visit sometime soon. If she didn't know any better, she would have sworn Dumbledore was doing this on purpose; forcing oil and water to mix.
Hermione heard the door open but she didn't bother to look up.
"We need to patrol the corridors Malfoy," she announced tiredly, ignoring the inevitable truth of the ball. She didn't want to bring it up, and hoped he didn't.
"Fine, let's go," he replied hastily.
Hermione's eyes snapped open in surprise, but she said nothing and followed him out the common room. They walked silently next to each other on the sixth floor; the only sound was a light rain, tapping against the windows.
"So, I guess we should talk about the guest list…" Hermione tried.
"Granger, do you have anything to talk about that doesn't revolve around school or books? Honestly, it's no wonder Weasley doesn't want you."
Hermione felt like suddenly, viciously she had been punched in the stomach. The feeling quickly faded to anger, however, and she whirled around to face him.
"Well Malfoy, I suppose I should ask how you plan on smuggling your Death Eater mask into the school for the Halloween Ball."
The words had escaped her before she knew it. She froze on the spot, knowing she had said too much. Malfoy was already several steps in front of her, and he stopped too, going rigid all over. His fists clenched at either side, and he was as still as marbled stone. A terrible chill seemed to linger in the corridor.
"You don't know anything," he said, his back still to her.
"Malfoy," she said, and the words hurt to say, "I shouldn't have said that. I…I didn't mean it."
She was telling the truth; she really didn't mean it.
He glanced over his shoulder, but still not looking at her.
"Yes," he said, "you did."
And with that Malfoy strode away, his dark robes swooshing across the stone floor.
A little over a half hour later, Hermione returned to her room, having patrolled the fourth floor several times by herself. She ignored Padma and Hannah, as they both asked her what was the matter. She didn't think admitting, "Oh I'm just upset because I hurt Malfoy's feelings" sounded acceptable. In fact, it was somewhat laughable. Deep down, she felt sick with herself. As much as she hated Malfoy, she did not truly expect him to be a Death Eater like Harry had.
Hermione fell, once again, onto the couch in her common room and stared at the starry ceiling. But why would he react that way? She thought. His father was obviously a Death Eater but there's no way Malfoy is. He's too young…and he's…he's Malfoy! Her brain was going to explode, she was sure of it. She just needed to close her eyes; close her eyes from the world, just for a little bit.
She woke to the sound of a door cracking open. Hermione blinked a few times and sat up slowly. Malfoy stopped abruptly, halfway toward his door, and narrowed his eyes, surveying her tired expression. His shadows were more prominent than ever, and his face looked grave with sorrow. He ran his hands through his blonde hair as he spoke,
"What do you want, Granger?"
"I wanted to apologize," said Hermione, trying to sound sincere. "You might not deserve my apologies—we know you've called me a fair share of nasty names in the past—but I really didn't mean what I said. And I'm sorry, and thought you should know."
Malfoy stared at her. Her vision was still blurry with sleep, and she couldn't read his expression.
"Don't be," he said, very clearly, and without another glance, he swept through his door.
Hermione awoke the next morning with a stiff neck and wrinkled clothes. She had gone back to sleep on the couch, in a rather uncomfortable position to boot. She sat up, and saw a letter on the table, addressed to her. Puzzled, she opened it:
Dear Hermione,
Got yer letter. Thanks for replyin' so fast. How would yer like to come by me hut for tea this week? Bring Harry an Ron. S'been so long since I've seen you lot. I'll show yeh the Thestrals if yeh like. Keep forgettin' you can see em' now. Come by whenever yeh can.
Hagrid
Hermione smiled. She took the letter to the desk in her room and grabbed a new piece of parchment, ink, and her quill and wrote back quickly:
Dear Hagrid,
Thanks for the invitation. I will tell Harry and Ron and we'll try to make it down this week. I hope you are enjoying the wonderful weather and I'd love to see the Thestrals.
Love,
Hermione
She read the letter over twice before sending it off with the owl on duty.
After Hermione got dressed and ready, she exited her bedroom to find Ron waiting in the main common room with a slightly nervous face.
"What's wrong, Ron?" she asked after they left the portrait hole.
"What?" Ron blinked at her. "Oh nothing, just nervous for Quidditch tryouts."
Quidditch. Hermione shouldn't have been surprised. This was one topic she never fully understood its importance to the degree of her friends. Sure, she enjoyed watching the wizard game played on broomsticks, but it wasn't something to obsess over.
After a quick breakfast, Hermione went to the Quidditch pitch with Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Ron was still nervous but Ginny looked rather confident. Hermione had seen Ginny practicing back at the Burrow before they left for Hogwarts and to her surprise: she was a pretty fair flyer. As they were approaching the front gate to the Quidditch pitch, Ginny pulled Hermione's arm.
"Can I talk to you really fast?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course," said Hermione. "We'll catch up in a minute," she added to Harry and Ron, waving them away.
"What's this about?" barked Ron.
"If it concerned you, Ronald, I'm sure Ginny would have asked you."
Harry pulled Ron's arm before he could say anything else, and they continued toward the pitch, whispering and looking back every few steps.
"Nosy prats," Hermione muttered. "What is it, Ginny?"
"It's Dean," Ginny said with a sigh. "He's trying out today for the Gryffindor team."
"That's great! Or…is it not so great?" Hermione added, catching the look on Ginny's face.
"No, I know I should be excited but…I don't know. Quidditch was something I could have without Dean. He always follows me around and I feel like I have no time for myself. And I don't know how good he is to be honest…"
"Well, I don't know." Hermione bit her lip. "I mean if he's good, I'm sure Harry will want to keep him. But if you said something to him he might keep that in mind."
"No, I don't want to say anything to Harry. I'll just suck it up." Ginny forced a smile. "Wish me luck!"
Hermione laughed. "Like you need luck, you're related to Fred and George!"
Ginny gave a cheeky grin, and took off to catch up to Harry and Ron. By the time Hermione reached the Quidditch pitch, it was covered with a huge group of students crowding around Harry. Half of them were girls, and some did not even belong to Gryffindor. Hermione laughed to herself at the look on Harry's face and made her way toward the bleachers at the far end of the pitch.
"Hello Hermione," said a voice. "May I sit?"
She looked up in surprise to find Cormac McLaggen, the handsome golden-haired boy from Ancient Runes. He was red in the face, looking slightly angry about something, but otherwise polite in his request.
"Sure. What position are you trying out for?" she asked, more out of consideration than curiosity.
"Trying out?" He gave a very proud laugh. "Surely you're kidding. I will be the Keeper, no doubt about that."
"Oh, well, why didn't you play last year?"
"I was in the hospital wing. I did a stupid bet…don't ask. I didn't regret it then but when I had to endure the suffering of watching that atrocious Weasley." Cormac's sneer was worth of Malfoy's. "I knew I had made a huge mistake. Did you see how terrible he was?"
Before Hermione could reply, Cormac went on.
"I bet it's because his family can't afford a proper broomstick, that's got to be it. Too many Weasley's wanting to play Quidditch. I mean, look at his Comet 260, it's practically ancient," he said, with another smug laugh. "Being Potter's friend will only get him so far."
Hermione was appalled to hear a fellow Gryffindor sound so nasty. Her mouth dropped out of anger but at that moment Cormac got up and walked back to the pitch before she could say anything. She wondered, suddenly, how he managed to get into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin.
As the tryouts trudged on, she was soon surrounded by more students that decided to watch. She was annoyed to find Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil giggling a few feet away, pointing at Ron like he was the most desirable object in the world. The tryouts seemed to last forever, and Harry had to constantly shoo away non-Gryffindors, but just when Hermione was about to give up and go inside, Harry called for those trying out to be Keeper.
A fifth year boy named Adrian Russell saved two out of five penalties. A seventh year boy Hermione thought was named Riley saved three. When it was Cormac's turn, Hermione watched closely. He saved the first four penalties with perfect ease.
Shoot, he can't be Keeper! Hermione frowned to herself terribly and before she could stop herself, she raised her wand at him and thought, Confundo!
Ginny launched the Quaffle towards the left goal—and Cormac shot off in the direction of the right goal. Hermione smiled smugly; she was really getting good at non-verbal spells.
Cormac looked very confused and sat idly on his broom a moment, before gathering his wits and landing on the ground. He strutted up to Harry, looking livid.
Ron was the last to go for the Keeper's and to Hermione's delight, saved every shot. Five out of five. Immediately after, Cormac and Harry exchanged a few words, resulting in Cormac storming away. Lavender started clapping and gave Parvati a hug when Harry announced that Ron would be Keeper. Lavender turned to face Hermione.
"Did you see Ron? Wasn't he the most brilliant thing you've ever seen?"
Hardly, Hermione thought, staring at Lavender with mixed annoyance and bewilderment. She bounded from the bleachers and went to catch up with her friends. Ginny and Harry were congratulating each other, but when Ginny ran off to catch a sulky Dean—who didn't make the team—Harry stared after her in reproach.
"Did you see Ron, Hermione?" Harry asked, at the look on her face, and gave Ron a rough pat on the back. "Caught every penalty; isn't that something?"
"You were brilliant, Ron," Hermione agreed. "Really well done."
"Yeah, I was, wasn't I? Did you see Russell and McLaggen? I was loads better. I swear McLaggen seemed Confunded or something…." Ron trailed off.
Hermione blushed and averted Harry's eyes before they gave her away, though she had a sinking feeling he might suspect it.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Would love to hear your thoughts. :D Also, I don't think I've mentioned this, but I do read EVERY review. It would be super lazy and disrespectful if I didn't. Even though I may not respond to yours personally, that's typically because I respond to questions at the end of my chapter or comments that I should explain. :P But I do appreciate them all equally, so thank you!
Review Responses:
: "I'm soooo happy that you are here now! Looking forward to Forces of Destiny! By the way, have you finished writing "Forces of Destiny" yet? Or is it still in progress?" - Glad you found me! Long story short, I decided to move my HP stories here. I was already an author over here anyway and it's much quicker posting here. :D I have not finished FoD, as I've been very busy with my Avatar fics. If you haven't read Avatar The Last Airbender, you need to! Check out my The Black Games someday..it's my most popular one and has a very Dramione pairing.
maudesuzelle: "Now I have to wait for the whole CF to finish first before I can read FoD? Wooohooo... don't take it the wrong way. I'm not complaining here." - No, I understand! lol I wish I didn't have to leave so abruptly and for that I apologize. But as I have many new readers here, it would make little sense for me to post FoD before CF, you know? :D Gotta get everyone up to speed!
SophieElle: "First of all, is this that story that has a sequel called "Forces of Destiny?" - Yes it is! Just to clarify. :D
DestinyCrusader: "One thing though... "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley said their quick goodbyes, each of them promising to behave and write frequently." That kinda sounded... wrong. Like, the Mr. And Mrs. Weasley promised to behave." - Baha, bad wording on my part. "Everyone" was supposed to be Hermione, Harry, Ron and Ginny. :P
twoyellowpaths: "Also, I like the fact that it takes some time for Hermione and Draco to realize that there's more to their relationship than just hatred. I hate those fanfictions where they fall in love after one." - Thank you! I hate that too. Especially since most of my favorite pairings are ones that aren't love at first sight, so rushing the romance seems way out of character. :D