Disclaimer: I do not owe any character in this story.

I have got time now. Just thought I would write more. Please remember to review!

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When the Sorting Ceremony was being carried out, Malfoy didn't show much gladness for the new Slytherins nor did he attempt to welcome them with a fake grin plastered on his face. He had always thought of them as irritating, though they are mostly purebloods. He had never shown any concern for anyone, perhaps his mother. He was brought up by his father with not much love and trust. His father often beat him and thus Draco grew to be like his father, never showing any kindness to anyone. His only source of comfort disappeared too as his mother left the house soon after Lucius was send to Azkaban.

Dumbledore welcomed the school with a simple speech, which all the students appreciated, but Malfoy rolled his eyes. His father had tried loads of times to discredit Albus but always failed to do so.

"How could he be the Headmaster, when he says such utter rubbish like Nitwit, Blubber and Plop?" He muttered to Crabbe.

Crabbe nodded stupidly and continued with his dinner, occasionally stuffing some things into his pocket. Crabbe and Goyle existed to do Draco's bidding, but they were not satisfactory as they are always stuffing themselves and were more of a hindrance than a help.

Malfoy shook his head and turned back. He looked up and saw Hermione laughing at someone's joke. She had looked so pretty when she was upset, and she look even better when she is laughing. He sighed and wondered if Pansy had been this nice-looking, he wouldn't have cheated on her feelings. He turned and Pansy embraced him almost at once. He rolled his eyes which only Zabini can see.

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(Over at the Gryffindor's table)

"Hermione, is it just me or is that brat looking at you too many a times? Is he in love with you or what?"

"It is just you, Ron. He will never fall for a Muggle-born like me! And quit interrupting me! I am trying to listen to Neville." Hermione turned and glared at him.

Harry upon seeing the fuse to another argument, decided to intervene.

"Erm, have you both tasted the honey coated chicken wings? I think it is brilliant!"

A muffled sound told Harry that Ron had already tucked in to his recommendation. Hermione gave a look of thanks before turning back to Neville, who was talking about his OWLs, and wondering aloud whether or not he will be able to continue taking Potions with an Acceptable grade.

When Dumbledore had done the necessary, and let the students off to bed, Hermione had jumped to her feet and took the lead of bringing the first years back to the dormitories. Ron brought up the rear and Harry followed behind. As they walked past the Slytherins, Harry saw Malfoy giving Hermione a look too many. Could Ron be right?

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(Back at the Slytherin's common room)

"I saw you looking at Mudblood Granger, Malfoy." Zabini sneered.

"No, I didn't. You wanna bet?" Malfoy retorted.

"Sure. Let's bet on whether you like that Granger or not." Zabini challenged. "All you have to do, is prove that you hate that Mudblood. And I think the Mudblood must also show that she hates you. I bet you twenty Galleons."

"The last part was so easy! As long as I give off my charm, she just swooned over me! On the whole, the bet is so easy! I thought you would be able to come up with greater challenges."

"Oh, we will see about that." Zabini answered back, confidently.

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(The next day, during Potions)

Snape entered the room; it was obvious he was in a bad mood. He then glared at Harry, who returned it defiantly. Harry did not forget that Snape was the root to all his problems.

"We will be starting on the Pretence Potion. Turn to page 158 and you can start, now!"

When Malfoy got to the store cupboard, he took two dragon's liver instead of one. He went back to his seat and got started on his potion. When he noticed that Snape had gone off, he called Hermione.

"Hey, Granger! When's our patrol?"

Hermione turned to glare at him, only to get bombarded by a bloody dragon's liver. Ron stood up in protest and threw whatever stuff he has in his hand. Soon, a fight took place. It was first started by the Gryffindors and Slytherins, but the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws join in. Ernie tried to break the fight, but was knocked down by a flying Goyle. No one was spared and all of them seem not to realise that they are in a class. When Snape stepped in, he was knocked over by a flying cauldron, thrown by Draco.

He shouted and everyone grew quiet, dropping whatever 'weapons' they have in their hands. Hermione was already trembling. Her first day in school turned out disastrous.

"Who threw this cauldron and had such a bad aim?"

Malfoy stood out, boldly. He knew that Snape will try to get him out of trouble. And he was right.

"And who were you aiming at, Mr Malfoy?"

He pointed at his victim, Hermione.

"Very well, Mr Malfoy. I shall deduct 20 points from Gryffindor because Ms Granger dodged the cauldron, and it hit me instead. Another 20 points from Gryffindor because I assumed that you were the ones who started the fight. And, I want everyone to stay back after class to clean up, except the Slytherins." Snape sneered.

Hermione burst out, "But we weren't the ones who started it, it was him."

"Tsk, tsk. And for telling lies, you are in for detention tonight. I really must inform Minerva about the prefects in Gryffindor. It looks like they are not at all up to their standard. And to trust that Minerva ensured us that you will make it and become the Head Girl next year. Well, I guess she is wrong, as always." He looked at Harry's direction, as though daring him to say something.

Hermione's eyes swelled. Looking at Hermione, Harry felt a sudden urge to stand up and start yelling at Snape, but he was stopped by a tearing Hermione who shook her head dejectedly.

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(At dinner that day)

"I couldn't believe it! That foul old Snape actually criticized Hermione, in front of the whole class. I mean, I thought he has gone too far, sparing the Slytherins from any detention. What's it with him, eh?" Ron fumed.

"Ron, would you think about it? Since when has Snape been nice to us? He just loathes the Gryffindors, especially me! I am just worried about Hermione. She didn't come down from her dormitory, right?" Harry answered.

"Yeah. I will get Ginny to check up on her." Ron glanced towards the Slytherin's table. "And look at that dumb Malfoy. I bet you anything that he is relating the whole matter to his cronies."

And indeed, Malfoy was retelling the episode to whoever is around him. The Slytherins burst into laughter as Malfoy mimicked Hermione defending herself.

"That asshole! Wait till I get him for this!"

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A/N: Well, thanks for that review, animeluver911. You really motivate me to continue on this story. To the others, please review! I need all the encouragements!