CHAPTER TWO: BACK AT HOGWARTS
The summer went by quickly and after the trio's trip to Diagon Alley, Hermione did not spend any time thinking about Malfoy. She had gotten another letter from Hogwarts declaring she had been chosen as Head Girl. Harry and Ron beamed at the (what they thought, rather obvious) news, and Hermione shined with secret pride. She began to walk with a certain grace, deciding to carry less than half a dozen books with her at all times, and invested in a Muggle product called "mousse," which although was no miracle worker, allowed Hermione to manage her monstrosity of a mane a little more. Soon it was September 1st, and they had arrived to Hogwarts.
Upon entering the Great Hall, Hermione was relieved that their headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, was ready to begin the feast before his usual speech, and at once mounts of mashed potatoes, roast beef and chicken legs appeared on the four house tables. Hermione began to spoon peas onto her plate.
When she finally looked up, Hermione was horrified. From across the Great Hall, Blaise Zabini was licking his butter knife and soon making other obscene gestures with it, all while staring directly at Hermione.
Hermione blushed furiously and looked down at her plate. Was Zabini actually looking at her? Hermione's mind reeled until she came to the conclusion that Zabini had been forced to make these odd movements by a certain group of Slytherins. Hermione tried to subtly look up again, moving her head only slightly, only to see a cheeky Zabini wink at her. Mortified, Hermione kept her eyes on her plate for the rest of the evening.
After the dishes had been cleared (much to the irritable Ron), Dumbledore began his usual speech of forbidden areas.
"Prefects," the headmaster said, "Must be extra careful with anyone trying to cause any trouble this year," he warned, and his eyes flickered to the Slytherin table.
"And finally," Dumbledore continued, "It is my great pleasure to introduce you to your new Head Boy and Girl, Hermione Granger of Gryffindor," (the hall burst into applause), "and Draco Malfoy of Slytherin." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
The Great Hall swarmed with surprised chattering, and Ernie Macmillan flushed a deep purple. He evidently, was furious at not being named Head Boy. Hermione tried to avoid looking at the Slytherin table, but after a few moments of their cheers towards Malfoy, Hermione forgot herself and looked straight at the Slytherin Prince himself. Malfoy was looking very proud of himself indeed, and began blowing kisses at random, much to the disgust of the Gryffindor males.
"I think that'll do for tonight," Dumbledore said with a smile, "Now off to bed! Prefects, if you please…" he trailed, as the Prefects began to herd the first years out of the Great Hall.
"And Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy up here to Professor McGonagall."
Hermione made her way up to the staff table, fuming silently, while Malfoy took his time, bowing to anyone who grimaced at him. Harry and Ron had made no comment, expecting to be filled in by Hermione the next day.
"Chop chop, Mr Malfoy, I'd like to be done here before midnight," McGonagall said. Malfoy reached the front and stood beside Hermione.
"As you know, the Head Boy and Girl share a common room leading to two separate dormitories, and although I know you both well enough not to have to say so, I must still warn you that it should be kept that way," McGonagall said sternly. Neither Hermione nor Malfoy made any indication of hearing her.
"Your duties will revolve around nightly patrols of the castle as usual, as well as over-seeing the Prefects," McGonagall continued, "and may I remind you that being a Head is a great honor, and it would do you both well to recognize this and therefore not to do anything that might jeopardize your position." Hermione nodded fervently, Malfoy smirked.
"Well then, good night," McGonagall said curtly, "Your common room is on the fourth floor, behind the portrait of the King and Queen. The password is 'House Elf'." And without giving Hermione a moment to ponder at the password, McGonagall hurried out of the Great Hall.
"Well, this will be interesting," Hermione said meekly, turning to Malfoy. Malfoy raised his eyebrows, and they both left the Great Hall.
Out in the Entrance Hall were Ron and Harry. It seemed they decided against waiting until tomorrow to talk to Hermione.
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, "Merlin, I am so sorry you have to-"
"Draco, Draco, Draco," came a silky voice. They all turned to see Blaise Zabini walking towards Malfoy, his tanned skin illuminated by the soft light.
"Now remember this doesn't change anything," he said, looking quite indiscreetly at Hermione. Malfoy rubbed his hand against his chin, and Zabini left, making his way to the dungeons.
"What-"
"Hm, Potter and Weasley. Don't you two realize you should be in bed?" Malfoy asked lazily. "Yes well, let me see; that'll be ten points from Gryffindor for Potter, and another ten for Weasley," he said smugly, and immediately the rubies from the Gryffindor hourglass nearby disappeared accordingly.
Ron and Harry began to loudly protest, but Malfoy interrupted again, "Oh yes, and add five for Granger, just because she's easy on the eyes," he said carelessly. Five rubies returned.
Hermione closed her eyes, trying to process everything that had just happened.
"No, sorry, I can't deal with this right now," she decided finally, and walked away from all three of them, leaving Harry and Ron with their mouths open while Malfoy grinned insolently.
IIIII
Hermione reached the portrait of the King and Queen. They were sitting on two thrones, both with empty expressions. With distaste she noticed the king to be fair haired and the queen to be a brunette.
"House Elf," she sighed. The portrait swung open and Hermione found herself in a large square room, snug with a fire lit in the fireplace, a large, wooden table with matching chairs, a couch and two armchairs: one gold and one silver. Hermione turned ecstatic when she saw the corner of the room occupied by a large shelf of books and a small portrait of Harry's friend, Dobby. Deciding she'd rather avoid Malfoy at the moment (if not forever), Hermione walked up the steps and turned to the door on her left. Her bedroom had a four poster bed, just like those in the dormitories, though there was also a vanity and another door which presumably led to a washroom. Not wanting to think about sharing a bathroom with Malfoy, Hermione collapsed on her bed and fell asleep instantly after closing her eyes.