It was after dinner and Hermione forced Harry to start doing their potions homework immediately in the library. Potions homework was a bit of a mess. Without Professor Snape, the entire subject seemed like a blur to Harry. On the other hand, Hermione had not trouble with her potions homework. She had already written three pages of essay while Harry barely started.
'' So how is it like, living with Malfoy?'' Harry finally broke the silence between them. He wasn't really into potions homework.
''It's been stupendous. It feels good to have my own private room and stuff.'' Hermione answered looking pleased.
''Tremendous change don't you think so Hermione? From the obnoxious Malfoy to a good Headboy?'' Harry looking amused as he said that.
'' Yeah, I know right. First u thought he was possessed or something,'' Hermione chuckled.
''Tell me if he tries to start a fight or so, I'll be more than delighted to-'' Harry got cut off by a gentle soothing female's voice.
''Harry Potter?'' A female Burnett was standing on his left, holding a couple of books in her arm.
''Casey! My, what a pleasant surprise! I thought you were transferring to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic?'' Harry stood up and helped her with the pile of books and gesturing her to take a seat with them.
''I was supposed to but I choose to stay here. After all, this is home. Oh, why hello there, I'm Casey Ryves, nice to meet you.'' Casey stretched her hand out with a wide smile on her face.
''Hey, I'm Hermione Granger,'' Granger replied while shaking her hands. She seemed to like Casey. Who wouldn't?
'' Am I interrupting something?'' Casey suddenly asked with a worried look.
''No, we're just doing out potions homework. Harry-'' Granger got cut off by a third year who rushed to her table to pass her a note from Professor McGonagall stating that she and Malfoy have to meet her by her office in 5 minutes.
''Harry see tomorrow during charms, I've got to meet Professor McGonagall now,'' Hermione stood up while she packed her homework.'' And Casey, it's nice meeting you, bye guys.''
Both Harry and Casey were left in library. Well, instead of doing his homework, Harry decided to catch up on Casey's life. She was quite an interesting person.
Hermione walked fast to Professor McGonagall's office.
''Take your seat Miss Granger.'' Professor McGonagall spoke while turning her chair to face both Malfoy and Granger. Malfoy was already there before Granger.
'' The reason why I wanted to see you two is to tell both of you that you've been assigned to plan the Halloween ball. This year, instead of having a feast, the professors have decided to have a ball instead. I assume you two are up for it and will work together without bickering with each other.''
''Yes, of cause we can do it, right Granger?'' with a sly look on his face.
''That's brilliant! I'm up for '' with much enthusiasm for the first time ever since school started.
''Alright, here is a list of student who will be assisting you two. They were chosen by the other Professors,'' Professor McGonagall passed them a piece of folded paper.
Malfoy took the paper went for the door as Granger followed him behind, ''Hold on there, I forgot to inform you that you have to also decide on the theme. We've decided to let you youngsters to choose it instead of us.'' McGonagall said with a smile on her face. Returning the smile both of them left the room and made their way back to the dorm.
Hermione went to have a quick shower before discussing the ball with Draco. Strawberry scented fragrance filled the room as Hermione sat opposite of Draco. Draco quickly glanced down the list before handing it to Hermione.
''Ginny, Luna, Neville, Casey-'' Hermione got cut off.
'' Who's Casey?'' Draco enquired with an arched eyebrow.
'' Casey is a Hufflepuff. A year younger than us and I just met her in the library. She seems to be a pleasant girl. Moving on, Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Hailey.''
'' I bet you're gonna have fun working with her won't you?'' he said with his signature smirk plastered on his face. That caused Hermione to frown.
''Much to your disappointment Malfoy, I won't be. Well, there are ten people, including us, who're planning this ball. So let's see'' Hermione quickly wrote down her plans on a piece of paper.'' So, the main three things are music, food and decorations. Here,'' passing Draco the paper,'' I've figured out who is doing what. Give me your opinions.''
Looking through her plan, Draco was quite impressed with her. '' You're going to be involved in decorations and perhaps music I assume?'' Hermione liked the fact the Draco could easily understand her plan. She nodded her head while grinning.'' Can I be involved with the decorations too? It seems to be the most fun among these three'' Draco asked with an anxious look.
''I suppose so. Hey, what do you think about attending a Masquerade ball?'' Hermione asked with much excitement.
''Cool, we could have jack-o-lantern hung up. After all there should at least be a bit of a touch of Halloween yeah?'
'' That's brilliant!'' Hermione beamed. '' It's getting late I think we should go to bed now, we'll have a meeting tomorrow with the rest?''
'' Yes, that's about it. Goodnight Hermione.''
'' Goodnight Draco.''
Draco fell back onto his comfortable bed. He couldn't help but to grin foolishly to himself about the fact that he just called her Hermione. He couldn't help but to think back to the time where everything was heavenly back in sixth year before he became a deatheater. Unconsciously, he touched the death mark on his left arm. Never have he ever regretted going to the dark side. It was worth.
If only you knew.