Everything went silent. At the sound of Hermione's hand hitting Draco's face, everyone stopped what they were doing. All anyone could do was stare at the pair. No one could believe that goody-two-shoes Granger, actually laid a hand on someone. Of course, no one knew that this wasn't the first time Hermione had gotten physical with Malfoy. However, the pair knew, and they were both reliving third year when Hermione had punched him. After a minute's silence, which had felt like a lifetime, Snape finally spoke up.
"Well the know-it-all finally snapped. A week's detention and 50 points from Gryffindor. Report to your Head of House," he said with venom.
He hastily wrote a note and handed it to her. Herrmione, still in shock of what she had done, mutely took the note, nodded, gathered her things, and left the classroom with all eyes still on her. Harry and Ron were more shocked than anyone, for they had only ever seen Hermione's temper get the best of her once before.
"Well? What are you doing? Get back to work!" Snape ordered.
While everyone else reluctantly got back to their potions, Draco was quietly excused from his work by the Potions master, since he no longer had a partner. He decided to go back to his dormitory and take advantage of his newly found free time. However, all he could focus on was the frizzy haired girl who slapped him. He couldn't understand why she had taken the slur so personally this time, when in the past, she had simply let it roll off her back. Why was this time different?
-MEANWHILE-
Hermione walked to Professor Mcgonagall's classroom deep in thought.
"How could I let him get to me? I never act rashly. Logic. I act logically, but I just snap all of a sudden? What is wrong with me."
"She timidly knocked on Professor Mcgonagall's classroom door before entering. She nervously handed her Professor Snape's note.
"Miss Granger! I'm appalled at your actions! Laying your hand on another student. This is not at all like you. Is something going on with you?"
"Hermione was confused and, frankly, surprised. She expected to be yelled at. Scolded. Berated. She did not expect Professor McGonagall to start acting like a counselor.
"No, Professor. Nothing's wrong. My temper got the best of me, but I swear it will not be happening again.
"Well, that's good to hear. You see to it that you keep your word. I assume you have already been punished?"
Hermione nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. Professor Snape assigned me a week's detention and took off 50 points."
"I see. Well then, that will be all. I will speak with Professor Snape and arrange the detentions. I will get word to you when we have figured out the details."
"Yes ma'am."
Hermione quickly left before the, usually, strict teacher could change her mind. She hurriedly made her way to Gryffindor tower for her free block. As expected, Ron and Harry bombarded her with questions the moment she entered the common room. She told the boys what Malfoy had called her, and they were angry, as they always were when she was called mudblood, but they didn't understand why she suddenly lost her temper. However, she couldn't explain why, and was getting tired of them asking the same question, so they quickly left it alone.
She later left the common room alone to go to Arithmancy, which she didn't share with any other Gryffindors in her year. She just hoped she could find someone nice to sit with. However, luck was not on her side when she found that there was a seating chart for this class. One that promoted inter house friendliness by having four students, one from each house, sitting at a table together. Her table consisted of Susan Bones, Terry Boot, and… Draco Malfoy. Susan and Terry were already sitting next to each other, having a conversation, so she reluctantly dropped into the chair across from Susan. Malfoy strutted in the door right as the bell rung. Hermione felt extremely awkward sitting next to the boy she had slapped just hours ago, but thankfully Malfoy didn't comment on her presence, and just sat down. Rather than saying anything to her at all, he pretended as if she wasn't there at all. Hermione gratefully returned the silent treatment.
Just when she had thought she had made it out safely, Professor Vector announced, "We will be beginning partner projects next class period." All of the students automatically started looking for a friend to work with.
"Your partners have already been chosen," Professor Vector continued.
A collective groan answered her statement. The bell rang suddenly and Hermione was taken by surprise. She slowly gathered her things, and by the time she was walking to the door, the rest of the class was already gone. Deep in thought, she didn't notice the presences outside the door until they were almost on top of her. She had just managed to run into two people she did not want to be caught alone with.
Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini.
Who already had their wands pointed at her.
A/n
For those of you who followed my story, I'm eternally sorry for the long awaited update. I promise I will have another update again ASAP. Anyway, reviews are always welcome, appreciated, and wanted. If anyone has any ideas of how they want the story to go, plot ideas are also welcome because I'm unfortunately suffering from writer's block. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed!