Chapter Two
A Declaration of War
Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table. Blaise Zabini was suspiciously absent, but after what Ginny told her, she wasn't really surprised. She pointed this out to said red head. Ginny looked over. An emotion passed over her face for the barest of seonds. Too quick for Hermione to register it.
"Little git probably complained to the nurse and got sent to the Hospital wing."
Hermione knew the look on Ginny's face. She wasn't going to let this oppurtunity pass.
"Want me to go with you?"
Ginny didn't ask what Hermione meant. She simply grinned. "Nah, I can handle this."
"Be back for classes. Don't get in trouble. I'd hate to see you in detention on your birthday."
Ginny's grin widened. "I have a knack for staying out of trouble."
Hermione laughed. "Yeah, because you find someone else to take the fall."
Ginny shruged. "If the shoe fits..."
Hermione laughed again as Ginny sauntered off.
Once again she found her gaze wandering to the Slytherin table and the blonde sitting there. Malfoy looked like he hadn't gotten a very good night's sleep and Hermione didn't balme him.
She felt a smirk curling her lips. Draco finally looked up, narrowing his grey eyes. Hermione raised her goblet to him before departing for the library.
She noticed Draco pick up an apple and follow suit.
A few moments later Hermione spun in time to catch the red apple thrown at her head.
"Why what's wrong, ferret? One might think you're upset."
Draco sneered at her. "Oh, don't misjudge me, Granger. I like good prank as much as the next guy..."
"When you're not the one spending the night in a silent hall?" Hermione finished. She tapped the apple to her cheek. "How long did you spend out there?"
"Awfully cheeky tody Granger." Draco replied, evading the topic.
Hermione grinned and gave a tiny bow. "Just taking a page from your book. Incidently, you didn't answer my question."
Draco smirked. "Do you really want the answer?" He drawled, moving close to her. Hermione resisted the urge to step back. Instead she muttered a spell and released the apple. It hovered for a moment before darting over head and dropping on his head. Hermione spoke another spell as the apple dropped onto him. The apple split open on his head, spreading mushy apple guts on him. Hermione grinned and stepped back.
"Urgh!" Draco growled. He looked at her. She buffed her fingernails against her shirt.
"That's it Granger. This is war."
Hermione continued to smirk. "As far as I can see, I'm up by two. Looks like I'm winning."
Draco muttered darkly and stalked off.