Disclaimer: No, my name is not J.K Rowling I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 6

Although Hermione had told Ginny she was going to the library, the minute she left the Great Hall she turned the opposite way and went out the front gates. The wind was picking up and it was icy cold but she needed some time to clear her head. She had stayed in the Room of Requirement all day after talking to Malfoy, trying to process what he had told her.

His story of pain and loss had touched her in a strange way, but she couldn't reconcile it with the image of Malfoy that she had from her seven years of knowing him. He was the bully, the hurtful child who would go out of his way to make her feel bad.

So why had it bothered her when Ginny had called him a ferret? Why was she feeling as if all the preconceptions she had about good and evil were disintegrating?

Her wandering had led her to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She ducked under a branch into the forest, and was immediately enveloped by the heavy quiet of the place. It was warmer in here, out of the wind and she walked a few paces before sitting down with her back to a tree. She was not frightened; there was no longer anything in the forest that could frighten her.

She stayed there for several hours, contemplating the drastic changes she had a feeling were soon going to come in her life. Being Hermione Granger, she didn't want to be unprepared.

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The next day Hermione had Transfiguration after lunch. For the first part of the day she was nervous, finding it impossible to focus in classes. Unfortunately for her the class before break was Potions and this resulted in work far below her usual standards. Luckily Slughorn seemed willing to overlook this, given her perfect Potions record.

When the bell rang she was anxious to get out the door as fast as possible and in her haste she bumped into her potion and sent it flying. She cursed her clumsiness and began to mop up the spill.

By the time she had finished cleaning up lunch was almost over and she only had time to hurriedly scoff a sandwich before rushing to Transfiguration, arriving just in time but out of breath and red in the face. McGonagall shot her a disapproving look as she entered but let her take her seat without comment.

She hesitantly made her way to the back of the classroom, where Malfoy was seated and lowered herself into the chair beside him. He gave her a nod, which she returned, but they didn't speak. Neither of them wanted to argue and they both understood that the best way to avoid it was to remain silent until they figured out where their boundaries lay.

McGonagall was explaining their assignment now so they both looked up, paying close attention. Hermione's earlier lack of concentration was replaced by a sharp focus that seemed to have her aware of everything in the room. Any little sound made her flinch but she tried to ignore it and focus on Professor McGonagall.

She was talking about human Transfiguration, the most difficult of all. They would have to do it in pairs for many reasons. Apparently it was easier to work with someone you were used to working with and, seeing as this project would last the year, they were going to be well used to their partners. It was also to do with trust. Here Hermione felt a twinge of doubt. Despite his revelations she could not imagine herself really trusting Malfoy, especially not with something as delicate as human Transfiguration. Perhaps by the end of the year she would be able to let him do it but she doubted it.

Thankfully they would not be starting to perform the spell straight away. For the first few months they would be researching, practising the wand movements and incantations and writing essays.

McGonagall ordered them to meet up with their partner at least twice a week to research and practise. Hermione blanched at this. Yes, she had agreed to work with Malfoy in class but how could she be expected to meet up with him outside of those times. They would rip each others heads off.

One look, however, told her that McGonagall would take no arguing on this point. Her mouth was a thin line as she shot a warning look at Hermione. She considered herself lucky to have escaped severe punishment for her blow-out yesterday.

When McGonagall stopped talking Hermione turned to Malfoy and set her expression into one of determination.

"We'll have to figure out which days suit both of us Malfoy" she said in an emotionless, business-like voice. "Personally I don't mind but I'd rather leave Wednesdays and Fridays for myself, if that suits". He looked a little surprised by her blunt start but quickly recovered.

"I have quidditch practise on Mondays so that leaves us Tuesdays and Thursdays" he had followed her lead and kept it blunt and to the point.

"That's fine" she replied just before Professor McGonagall called for the classes attention.

"I want you all to be of aware how important this project is" she said in a serious voice. "If you do not put in the necessary work it is unlikely that you will be able to get enough points to pass your NEWT exam. You cannot do this work on your own so full co-operation with your partner is vital for your final grade". Her eyes swept around the room, lingering on several pairs before finally resting on Hermione and Malfoy. For a second it looked as if she was going to speak to them but she didn't. Instead she addressed the room again. "I hope you will bear what I have said in mind and try your hardest for this project. Class dismissed"

The students surged out of the classroom but as Hermione went to leave McGonagall held her back. When the last student had left she turned to her. Hermione was expecting to be reprimanded for yesterday's incident but McGonagall's expression was soft.

"Listen Granger, I know this is not going to be easy for you. The war has left many bad memories. But I need you to try and make this partnership with Malfoy work. The only way we are going to be able to move on is if we all stand united, even if it means forgiving the crimes that have been committed against us. I don't expect you to like, or forgive him straight away but do make an attempt at least not to hate him"

Hermione couldn't think of anything to say to this so she merely nodded. McGonagall gestured for her to leave and she ran from the room, her head in a whirl.

Authors Note: I hope this chapter was better than the last one:) I'd love to know what you think of it and also if there's anything in particular you'd like me to add to the story? I absolutely adore feedback!

ShHpBookworm xxx