Thank you all for the reviews! I really appreciate knowing what you think of the story and giving me a bit of advice. I felt really bad for the huge wait for the last chapter, so here's the next chapter. It's a lot longer than the other chapters so I hope you guys are happy. There's quite a bit of changes in this chapter and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts =].
Review Response: Someone asked me why she isn't in the library researching who her real family is. As much as she's curious, that means that she would need to talk to Dumbledore because she really doesn't know anything about it apart from that she's either a half-blood or pureblood. That doesn't really narrow it down. She's also not ready to face that problem yet, because how do you balance your real family and the family that's raised you? What if her real parents don't like her? These are all questions that she needs to face and she's not ready for that yet. When she is ready, she'll know what she needs to do, but until then she has to get used to the idea. Finding out something like that changes her world and she needs to figure out if it's what she really wants. Right now though, she's trying to keep her world from falling apart because Emma is really messing her up lately.
Chapter Five – Rivalries and Alliances
"Read page 32 for homework and write an essay on everything we've learnt in the past week. Have a good day," Professor McGonagall said to her students as they filed out of the classroom.
Hermione slowly packed up her things tiredly. It was only the third week of school and it was already taking its toll on everyone. They already had to write 5 essays and school hadn't even completely started. It didn't help that Emma was now here. During class, along with Hermione, Emma would now wave her hand in a more casual and relaxed way. Instead of repeating the textbook version for an explanation, Emma would put it in her own words and take it a step further. Hermione noticed that teachers seemed more eager to let Emma answer than Hermione and it bothered her. She was the one that had gone to this school for 6 years already and worked hard every night and Emma would party, but be totally prepared for class the next day. Hermione kind of wished she knew how she did it but quickly erased that thought. There was no way she wished to be Emma.
In the past week or so, Emma had become one of the most popular girls in school. She was Harry Potter's friend as well as Draco Malfoy which was a feat that had yet to be achieved until she showed up. She was a quidditch player, a student that achieve Os easily, had many friends and guys were interested in her like crazy. The girls weren't jealous, because they thought that Emma was extremely nice and for some reason couldn't hate her. That didn't mean that Hermione didn't. She thought she hated her, but then Emma started flirting with Ron... in front of her. Any good feelings that Hermione had about Emma were soon erased. The worst part was that Ron flirted back with her in front of Hermione. Malfoy of course loved to laugh at her for that fact. Like he should laugh, she knew that Emma flirted with him too.
Instead of walking to the Gryffindor common room, she decided to walk to her common room to study. If she had to see Emma one more time she was sure she would scream in frustration. She was all anyone talked about lately.
"Frustrated Miss Granger?" Annabelle asked her politely.
Hermione smiled, "I told you to call me Hermione. Yes, just a little."
Annabelle seemed to notice that Hermione wasn't in a social mood, so she just let her enter the room without complaints. When Hermione entered the room, she could've groaned. There in her common room was Malfoy, Zabini, Parkinson and Emma. They were all hanging out on the couches like they were talking about something important. Hermione couldn't hear what they were talking about though, but she assumed it had something to do with quidditch or something just as stupid. Hermione noticed once more that Parkinson wasn't really participating and looked bored of the conversation once more. Deciding that she still didn't want to face Emma, she left the common room, but not without a pair of hazel eyes following her.
She walked fast down the hallway annoyed that she couldn't escape Emma! She walked down to the library to get a start on the essay for Transfiguration. Hermione jogged into the library that she knew like the back of her hand and walked to a hidden corner. She brought out her quill, but she couldn't find the words to write. Her insecurities were filling her head leaving her with an unpleasant headache.
Lately the adoption had been bothering her, but she tried not to let it show. Bitterly she thought that Harry and Ron wouldn't even notice if she wasn't okay, because they were all so wrapped up in Emma. Normally she would jump at the first chance to find out who her biological parents were, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. What if they didn't want her? They could've easily changed their minds about wanting her in their life. They could possibly be dead. She didn't even know where to start if she wanted to find them. Her mother was magical. That didn't narrow it down one bit except for the fact that she wasn't a muggleborn. What if she had siblings she didn't know about? Hermione always wished to have a brother or sister, but she wasn't sure she wanted one under these circumstances.
"Is this what you do in the library? Pity yourself?" a voice asked her unkindly.
Looking up she groaned, "What do you want Parkinson?"
"I want your help," Pansy stated while pushing her raven hair out of her face.
"What do you need help with?" Hermione asked confused.
"Emma Dumont," she told her.
"Why do you want my help?" Hermione asked incredulously.
Pansy sighed and sat down across from Hermione, "I need your help, because I know you despise her like I do. You're the Gryffindor It Girl for some insane reason and I'm the Slytherin It Girl. Her presence here disrupts the order at Hogwarts. She's taking over your position as well as mine."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine with Emma," she lied.
"Yeah, right. You're okay with her flirting with your boyfriend?" Pansy asked with a smirk.
"Of course not, but I'm not the right kind of person for these type of schemes. Look, you're right. I hate her. I really do, but I can't help you. Harry, Ron and Ginny would kill me," Hermione snapped at her.
"I don't see why that matters. It's not like they're acting like your friends lately. Do they know you're upset about something? Or do they not care and are excluding you from everything? I'm not asking to be friends Granger, I just want an ally. Someone that hates Emma as much as I do," she replied.
"Is it because she's stealing Malfoy?" Hermione snorted.
Pansy rolled her eyes, "Of course not, that's disgusting. It's like insinuating something between you and Potter. I'm bothered with how she's acting with Blaise Zabini. Draco's my best friend. Nothing more."
"I'm sorry Parkinson, but I can't. It goes against my morals. I have to get to dinner," Hermione said as she packed up her untouched parchment.
"Fine, be that way," Pansy said indifferently as she got up and left the library.
Hermione took a minute before starting to walk to the Great Hall. She was relieved that someone hated Emma as much as she did, but she had learnt from others that scheming got you nowhere. Walking to the Great Hall in thought, she mentally agreed with everything Pansy Parkinson had told her. She didn't believe that she was the Gryffindor It Girl, but she did think that Emma was squeezing into her life slowly and pushing her out. Pushing all her insecurities down, she pasted a fake smile on her face and entered the Great Hall.
Emma had once again joined Harry, Ron and Ginny instead of hanging out with Malfoy, Zabini and Parkinson. Lucky Parkinson, Hermione thought bitterly. Emma was sitting beside Ron and Harry was sitting on the other side of Ron. Wasn't she supposed to sit beside her boyfriend. Her eyes drifted to the Slytherin table and Pansy merely lifted her eyebrows to say, what did I tell you? Pushing her growing frustration down, she sat between Ginny and Neville at the other side of the table.
"I can't believe that McGonagall gave us that essay today! I have to host quidditch tryouts tonight! And tomorrow we have to work on our essay for Snape!" Harry ranted.
"Don't worry, I'll help you guys again," Emma smiled at him and Ron.
Wait, what? "What are you talking about?" Hermione asked confused.
Ginny laughed, "Since you've been doing most of your work in your common room, Emma has been here to help us with our work. Neville even got an A on an essay that she helped him with. He wrote it himself."
Neville blushed, "Yeah, she makes things sound so simple."
"Thanks Neville, you're actually smart. You just need to gain a little more confidence," Emma winked at him making him turn an even deeper red.
Hermione felt an ache in her stomach, but ignored it, "So what positions do you need to get filled tonight?"
"I need a chaser and a beater, but I'm pretty sure that Emma here will be our new chaser," Harry told her while looking over at Emma.
"Thanks, but I'm not that good," Emma blushed and her green eyes looked mischievous.
"Yeah right, Emma you're amazing out there," Ron told her seriously.
"We've gone on the quidditch pitch after you've gone to your Head meetings since you don't like the game," Ginny explained to Hermione.
"Oh," Hermione uttered feeling like she was missing out.
"So I'm guessing you finished McGonagall's essay?" Ron asked.
"I wish, but no I still need to do it," Hermione replied.
Ron mock gasped, "You mean Hermione Granger hasn't finished an essay as soon as possible?"
"Shut it Ron, I got distracted," Hermione smiled, because this was the most included she had felt since school started.
"Yeah, I heard Draco was in the library," Emma told him.
"You were distracted by Malfoy?" Ron said angrily.
Hermione looked confused, "No, what are you talking about? Malfoy was in the common room with Emma, Zabini and Parkinson."
"No, I wasn't. I was outside after class," Emma told her.
"No... I saw you with Malfoy," Hermione retorted.
"Whatever, I'm telling you the truth. If you don't believe it, it's up to you," Emma said with finality.
"Ugh, fine. I'm late for a Heads meeting anyways," Hermione said as she rose up with her unfinished essay and walked away angrily.
What really hurt her was that no one had stood up to defend her. They believed Emma over her. Hermione had no idea why she was even friends with them anymore anyways. They had been the best friends she could have ever asked for this summer, but it's like it faded over night without her control. What was she supposed to do. Deciding to sit at a table in the library, she walked off to the library. When she arrived, she noticed that it was pretty much empty, so she was relieved. She would be able to work in peace.
Hermione took out all her stuff to write the essay, but once again the words weren't coming. She knew what to write, but for some reason it was like something was blocking her from writing it. She put her head in her hands frustratedly and grabbed her hair.
"I wouldn't do that to your hair if I were you, its already unmanageable. Why make it worse?" a voice asked her as they joined her.
"Thanks for the advice Parkinson," Hermione said sarcastically.
"It's Pansy, Hermione," Pansy told her, "Here I think you need this."
Hermione looked up to see Pansy holding a copy of her Transfiguration essay.
"I'm afraid I don't understand," Hermione looked at her confused, "Why are you talking to me in the first place, you hate me."
Pansy waved her hand in indifference, "An enemy of an enemy is my friend. Besides we're girls and we help each other out. I'm not apologizing for how I've treated you in the past, because the past is just that, the past. Just accept my help already, you look miserable enough as it is."
"Thanks, I guess," Hermione said, "I've never copied before in my life though."
"Has anyone offered? Even the best need a break sometimes," she replied.
Hermione felt torn. She really didn't want to write that essay for some reason. Looking up at the essay once more, Hermione shook her head. It completely went against her morals and she refused to break them even if she kind of wanted to. Pansy just shrugged and sat silently as Hermione started her essay. After about a half hour, Hermione was finished her Transfiguration and she smiled for the first time that day.
"Happy now? Look, we both know that Emma is up to no good. It's up to us to figure out why she hates you so much. There has to be a reason. Have you ever met her before?" Pansy asked her seriously.
Hermione thought for a few minutes, "No, I don't think so. It's possible I guess, she does remind me of someone I used to know, but I just can't place her. I think she reminds me of my muggle neighbour, but that's quite impossible."
"Okay, so I guess that gets us nowhere," Pansy sighed.
"Why are you trying to help me?" Hermione asked.
"I know what it's like to be in your situation and I'm tired of hearing Blaise and Draco talk about her all the time. She's not only taking over your life, but she's also taking over mine," Pansy told her.
Knowing that she wasn't going to get a better answer from Pansy, she just nodded. They both sat there uncomfortably, because they had no idea what to say to each other. They were definitely not friends, so where did they go from here?
"Okay, I think I've dealt with enough weird things for one day, I'm gonna go," Hermione told Pansy before she left.
Pansy agreed and they walked together until they had to go to their separate dorms. She entered the common room and was surprised that it was already quite late meaning that she missed the quidditch tryouts. Pity, she had really wanted to go... not.
"Where have you been?" Ron asked her when she approached him.
"I've been at the library," Hermione replied.
"Yeah, I saw that after I came to find you after the tryouts. You were with Parkinson," he stated.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, I was with Pansy. What's your problem?"
"My problem? My problem is that you've been ditching us and I find out it's because of Parkinson!" he said incredulously.
"What? You think that I haven't been around because of her? You're so thick Ron, I can't even believe you sometimes! I haven't been around because I've been busy with Head duties and also because whenever I'm around everyone acts like I'm not here and excludes me. Sorry if I don't want to be around when that happens anymore," Hermione told him frustrated.
Ron laughed, "Yeah right. You're always included Hermione, what are you talking about? You just haven't been around because you're too selfish with your studies to help us anymore."
"Why? Because I haven't let you copy my homework? It's called do your own Ronald Weasley! I feel like I barely know my own boyfriend now. You never notice anything anymore. Why should I expect you to?" Hermione asked rhetorically.
"I notice you Hermione! Guess what, it doesn't feel like your my girlfriend because I barely see you!" Ron yelled.
"Or maybe it's because you're too busy flirting with Emma Dumont to even notice I'm around!" Hermione yelled back.
"I knew you would turn this around on Emma. She's nice, talented and smart and I don't understand why you don't like her!" Ron shouted.
"Wow, you say all that about her and you don't even deny that you flirt with her! That's so pathetic Ron. This is like Lavender all over again! Just because someone is practically throwing themselves at you doesn't mean you have to flirt back. You flirt in front of me with her and you don't even notice how mean she is to me! And don't say that it's because I'm jealous, because I'm not," she retorted.
Ron snorted, "It sure sounds like you're jealous to me. Wow, someone flirts with me, so what. I'm good looking and I can't help that girls flirt with me."
"I can't believe you just said that. Did you just hear yourself? You sounded just like Malfoy. You know that you would kill anyone who would flirt with me," Hermione yelled.
"Yeah speaking of Malfoy, why were you checking him out in the library earlier? Emma told us all about it when you left. It's disgusting Hermione, at least I have class!" he replied.
Hermione shook her head, "So you believe her over me? I can't believe you would pick her over me, your girlfriend and your best friend. Malfoy was too busy flirting with Emma in the Head common room and you know I would never do that to you. Didn't Emma say she was outside anyways? Thanks a lot Ron, for believing me."
Hermione glared at Ron as she stormed off to her dorms. She couldn't believe Ron! Accusing her everything and not believing a word she was saying. At that moment, she felt like he was using her and he was mad that she wasn't letting him do it anymore. Hermione knew that relationships weren't perfect and that you were dumb if you thought they were, but lately it had been a lot of work. It seemed like there was something separating her and Ron and she swore that her name was Emma Dumont.
There was a little voice in the back of her head that told her that Emma wasn't the only problem. It took two to make a relationship and that meant that two people were at fault when there was a problem. Something like that anyhow. Maybe Ron was right and she wasn't spending enough time with her friends and him. If she spent more time with them, she wouldn't be so forgotten or so easily replaced. Ron wouldn't flirt with Emma, because she would be around for him to flirt with instead. Deciding that she better head down to talk to Ron with a clear head, she headed down the stairs.
She was just about to get to the common room, when she heard voices. A female voice and a male voice were talking. Hermione was about to walk into the common room to announce her presence, when she recognized them. It was Ron and Emma and they were talking about her.
"I can't believe that Hermione is blaming me for the problems in your relationship. I would never deliberately do that to someone, you guys are my friends," Emma was telling Ron.
"I know it's stupid right? She told me she feels excluded. Maybe she was and I was too stupid to notice it? I feel like an bad boyfriend," Ron told her.
Hermione felt like stepping out to hug him, but Emma quickly stopped the urge, "Don't think like that Ron. It's not your fault. You've been here the whole time and she's been the one that hasn't been around. How can she expect everything to stay the same when she's hardly here. You're not a bad boyfriend."
"Thanks Emma, I just feel like everything is different from this summer. I think it's over between us," he said and Hermione felt her chest explode in pain.
"Then it's time to let go. Move on and live your life. I'm sure she'll understand if you don't feel the same way about her that you used to feel," Emma said.
Hermione rounded the corner to reply to what Emma had just said and to convince Ron that they were right for each other, but when she did, she was speechless. It was like it was happening in slow motion and Hermione couldn't move or talk. She wanted to stop it or even close her eyes, but to no avail. Emma caressed Ron's cheek and he moved a blonde strand that was in her face behind her ear. Emma smiled up at him and he grinned. Leaning down, he connected his lips to Emma's and pushed her down on the couch. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss passionately.
Hermione tried once again to do something, but was still unable to. When she thought that nothing could get worse, Ron put his hand up her shirt and caressed Emma's breast. Emma moaned and proceeded to take off Ron's shirt. Shocked and disgusted at seeing the sight before her, Hermione finally unfroze and she was pissed off.
"How could you do this to me?" Hermione exclaimed furiously.
The couple jumped apart and Emma quickly pulled her shirt down, but not without a smirk.
"It's not what it looks like," Ron tried to explain clumsily.
Hermione laughed, "So you guys weren't about to have sex on the couch? I'm imagining it? I'm so stupid. I was here to say that I was wrong and that I was sorry. That I was going to be around more often and I was going to even start being nicer to Emma. Then I come down here and see this. I'm done. Have a good life Ronald Weasley, because you're no longer in my life. I hate you."
Hermione walked away confidently as Ron tried to apologize, but she ignored him as she left the common room. As soon as the portrait closed behind her, she broke into a run and ran to her common room. By the time she got there she was breathless. Annabelle quickly let her in and as soon as she entered, she collapsed on the wall in sobs. Tears were now pouring down her face and there wasn't anything she could do to stop them. In that moment, she felt weak. Weak for falling in love with her best friend and for being so blind.
"Did Weasel finally realize how pathetic you are and leave you?" Malfoy taunted her.
When he didn't get a response, he smirked, "So it's true. Weasel did leave you for I'm guessing Emma? She has bad taste in men, but the Weasel sure lucked out. I'm sure he's glad not to see your ugly face again."
"SHUT UP! Shut up, shut up, shut up! You're wrong. I'm not ugly and I'm so sick and tired of your insults Malfoy! They're the same ones over and over again and they don't hurt me anymore. I don't understand why you even waste your time anymore! Just leave me the hell alone! I can't stand you, you disgust me," Hermione yelled at him.
"Awe... are you feeling insecure? It's about time. You finally realized that you're worthless," he smirked as he stepped towards her.
"The only one that's worthless here is you Malfoy. You hide behind your mask constantly and it's pathetic," Hermione retorted angrily.
"You filthy little mudblood," he responded livid.
By now they were face to face, barely inches away. Neither of them knew who started it, but suddenly his lips were on her and she was pulling his pale face closer, needing him closer to her. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her towards him as she moaned at the contact. He kissed along her jawline pushing her bushy, short hair out of the way and Hermione couldn't help but shiver at his touch. She hated him with a passion just like he hated her, but she didn't want to think or hurt anymore.
He then took off her uniform and she helped him. Then, she slowly took his off while looking into his eyes the whole time. His gray eyes were filled with hate, lust and passion which she was sure reflected her eyes. Malfoy quickly captured his mouth with hers and pushed her towards the couch that was facing the lit fire. The room was completely dark only lit by the fire and he looked even more gorgeous in the firelight especially with his white blonde hair that stood out. She wrapped her legs around him and he carried her the rest of the way to the couch and set her down gently so they wouldn't break their contact. Soon it was skin on skin, neither knowing where one began and the other one ending. The rest of the night was a blur to both of them.
When it was finished and early morning, Hermione felt nothing. They hadn't cuddled or even talked. She was glad that she wasn't a virgin so that her first time wasn't spent with Draco Malfoy on a couch. Having sex with him didn't mean a thing, she still loathed him completely. She needed comfort and somewhere to vent her anger and he was the only convenient person around. They quickly dressed and she was about to leave, when Malfoy grabbed her arm.
"This doesn't mean anything, got that mudblood?" he smirked at her.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I know how these things work Malfoy, I'm not stupid. Don't worry, it won't happen again," she spat at him.
"Good, because that was disgusting," he retorted.
"I couldn't agree more," Hermione told him before she left the common room.
It was still extremely early in the morning, so no one was up yet. Hermione entered her room quietly and entered the bathroom. She quickly stripped out of her uniform and felt dirty. How did she just do that with Draco Malfoy, the guy she hated more than anything in the world? Hermione cast a silencing charm on the door and stepped into the shower. Once the hot water was pounding on her back, she started crying once more.
She couldn't believe she just had sex with Malfoy (she had to admit that it was pretty mind blowing), let alone finding Ron with Emma. Didn't this make her just as bad as Ron or worse? At least they were broken up, but he was making out with her while they were together. Everything that had happened was giving her this huge headache and she couldn't help but groan. Her life was so complicated as of late and she would give anything to get her ordinary life back.
By the time Hermione stopped crying and left the shower, her skin had become all wrinkled and disgusting. Shrugging, she left the bathroom and entered the room to find another uniform for the day. After she changed, she looked in a mirror that was in the room and frowned at her appearance. She had bags under her eyes and her hair was incredibly knotted. Hermione took a brush out of her trunk and brushed out the painful knots out of her hair. She then looked at Lavender and noticed that they had about the same colour face. Hermione walked back in the bathroom and found Lavender's foundation. Her mother had taught her how to use makeup, but she had never cared for it. She didn't want anyone to see the toll the breakup had had on her, so she applied the foundation and cover up on her face. It worked like a charm, her bags had disappeared, but her freckles were still there. It actually seemed like she wasn't wearing makeup except for the fact that she looked like she was glowing and happy. That of course was a lie, but why couldn't she pretend she was indifferent to it all?
Performing a time spell, she noticed that she had spent a half hour putting on makeup and thinking in the bathroom. Everyone would already be down for breakfast which meant that they would probably know about the breakup. Her eyes watered at the thought, but she blinked the tears away. She walked out of the empty common room and into the corridor. As she walked down the hallway, she noticed that everyone was either glaring at her, looking at her funny or talking about her in such an obvious way they were pointing at her. Pushing down her self consciousness, she walked into the Great Hall. Almost everyone looked at her when she entered and her self consciousness rose even higher. What happened now? Did she sit with Harry and Ron like nothing had happened?
Deciding to take her chances, she walked towards Harry, Ron, Neville, Ginny and Emma. As she approached them, they all were glaring at her and Emma was wearing a triumphant smirk. Confused, Hermione walked up to them.
"What's going on guys?" she asked cautiously.
Ginny glared at her, "What's going on? You have nerve coming over to see us after what you did."
Hermione felt panic at the thought that they knew about what happened between her and Malfoy yesterday, but she thought that was impossible. He wouldn't want that getting out either no matter how mind blowing and wrong it was.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Hermione told her.
"You cheated on Ron yesterday," Harry almost yelled at her, "I can't believe I ever thought you were our friend Hermione. How could you do that to him?"
"What are you talking about? I never cheated on Ron, he cheated on me!" she exclaimed as she looked at Ron who just appeared angry.
"Yeah, likely story. You were right about that Emma. I can't believe you would lie to us. I thought you were our friend," Ginny said sadly.
"I am your friend! I didn't cheat on Ron, he cheated on me with Emma! Why don't you believe me?" Hermione asked exasperatedly.
"Because you haven't been a good friend since school started! You've barely hung out with us or talked to us, so why should we believe you?" Harry asked her furiously.
"It's our NEWTs year, I've had to finish homework and do Head duties. It's not my fault it's time consuming! You should believe me because I'm your best friend Harry. I've always believed you when everyone else doubted you. I've stood by you while you thought Voldemort was trying to possess you, while you had those bad dreams and I've protected you and Ron when we get into those situations. Why wouldn't you believe me?" she almost yelled at Harry.
"Get out of my face Hermione, because I can't stand to look at you right now. You disgust me," Harry said with finality.
Everyone at the table agreed with him as they overheard their conversation. Hermione couldn't help the tears that flooded her eyes as she looked at Ron with betrayal. How could he lie to everyone and ruin her reputation? Looking over at Emma's smirk, she knew who had the idea and who convinced Ron to do it. Pissed off and sad, she left the Great Hall and left to find that hidden place in the library she used so often lately.
She was so mad she couldn't even think straight when she finally got to the place. Hermione was so frustrated with the world. After Ron had done this, no matter who's help he had, she was definitely not going to forgive him. There was always that possibility of forgiveness, because he had only made out with Emma. She never would have kept going out with him, but it could've saved their friendship. She was disgusted with herself for sleeping with Malfoy, but decided to act like it never happened. Who knew how much more of a mess she would be if that hadn't happened? The warning bell rang and she realized that she needed to head to class in ten minutes. She went to her dorm to get her bag, when she overhead Emma talking to Parvati and Lavender.
"Yeah, she was absolutely heartbroken when she got caught. She was so upset that she couldn't sneak around anymore that she didn't return to the dorm at all last night until everyone was at breakfast," Emma told them.
"That's so pathetic to think that Ron had to go out with her," Lavender spat.
Pavarti sighed, "It just doesn't seem like something Hermione would do."
Hermione decided she no longer wanted to hear this conversation, so she entered the room and headed for her corner. Grabbing her bag, she left the room while glaring daggers at Emma who just smirked in response. Emma wasn't going to walk all over her. Walking to class while ignoring the whispers, she walked into Arithmancy which had lately become her favourite class despite sharing it with Emma. It was one thing that she was way better at than Emma and that thought made her smile.
The morning seemed to pass by excruciatingly slow after Arithmancy was over and she was once again faced with the million whispers that started when she walked past. Now she knew why it irritated Harry so much and how it was hard to ignore it. Harry and Ron refused to sit near her and she was forced to sit with people that she didn't know well and that glared at her. Hermione felt like screaming in frustration by the time lunch time rolled around.
She quickly walked into the Great Hall to grab a sandwich and leave to the library. Once she got there and grabbed the sandwich, someone bumped into her purposely and made her fall to the ground. That wasn't the worst part though. That person also poured their drink on her leaving her drenched in pumpkin juice.
"Watch it Granger," Seamus Finnigan shouted at her.
Everyone around her laughed and she hated how much she hated herself in that moment. Was this payback for sleeping with Malfoy? It must be, but she felt like she didn't deserve this. Sure, maybe Harry, Ron and Ginny not talking to her, but not this humiliation. Suddenly, she felt arms pull her up and someone casting a drying spell.
"I believe you were the one that ran into her Finnigan. You should apologize, it's not polite to push ladies down. I'm guessing it's your muggle father that never taught you that," Pansy Parkinson spat at him.
"Chill out, fine. I'm sorry Granger, but don't mess with me. Next time Parkinson won't be here," Seamus told her as he walked away.
"What are all of you worthless people doing? Mind your own business, I don't care if your life is boring and this is all the entertainment you get. Go back to your lunches!" Pansy yelled at everyone and they all obeyed her, because they knew the consequences if you didn't.
Pansy grabbed Hermione another sandwich as well as one for herself and dragged Hermione out of the Great Hall. She led a confused and hurt Hermione to the Heads common room and after Hermione told Edward and Annabelle the password, Pansy dragged her inside. Throwing her on the couch, she tossed her her sandwich.
"I can't believe you've been letting people walk all over you. I thought you were better than that Hermione," Pansy scolded her after taking a bite out of her own sandwich.
Hermione glared at her, "It's hard if you haven't noticed when the whole school hates you for something you didn't do."
Pansy raised her hands much like Seamus had, "Sorry. So I'm guessing you didn't cheat on Weasley like everyone thinks?"
"Obviously not," Hermione replied dryly.
"But you guys aren't together, right?" Pansy asked confused.
"No. He cheated on me, okay!" Hermione exclaimed angrily and wanting at least someone to know the truth.
"With Emma I'm assuming since Weasley isn't smart enough to come up with a plan like this," Pansy assumed correctly, "We have to find out why she hates you so much. She literally is ruining your life and we have to stop it."
"We?" Hermione asked warily.
Pansy smiled, "Yes, we. Like I said earlier, girls look out for each other. I know we've had our differences, but we would make good allies. Look, you need anyone you can get right now."
"You're right. I appreciate you standing up for me. Won't it ruin your reputation though?" Hermione asked after she sighed.
"Don't worry, that reputation was getting old anyways. It was only because I wanted to impress Draco when I was younger that I acted anti muggle and anti muggleborn. You know just like me that once people have an image of you, it stays with you for like literally ever. I also makes people a bit afraid of you, so you can tell them what to do like I did with Finnegan," Pansy explained.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Why do you think everyone thinks I'm a bookworm?" Hermione asked.
"Maybe because you are?" Pansy laughed.
Hermione laughed with her, "Good point. I understand trying to impress the guy you like and I know that I'm stupid for trusting you, but you've treated me better than my friends have. It's unlike me, but everything can just stay in the past. Truce?"
"Truce," Pansy agreed.
"Thank you for helping me again. I guess I did need someone to help me," Hermione said sadly.
Pansy sighed, "No problem, I'm just surprised that no one believes you. There's a reason that I hate Gryffindors. They think they're all high and mighty, but when it comes down to it they're all cowards just like the rest of us. No offence."
"None taken," Hermione replied.
"Ready to face the world again and go to class?" Pansy asked.
Hermione groaned, "Never. I guess I have no choice though, so lead the way."
Luckily Hermione and Pansy both had Charms and they both had their Charms things, so they headed to class and sat at the same table. Everyone seemed shocked to see them together, especially with the news that Hermione Granger had cheated on Ron Weasley. Pansy glared at everyone who stared at them a little too long and no one dared to bother Hermione. Malfoy and Zabini were both in that class and looked at Pansy questionably. Pansy just stared defiantly at them pretty much telling them, what are you going to do about it? Malfoy and Zabini talked amongst themselves for the rest of the class and didn't look at Pansy once.
"Are you sure you're not part of some plan with Emma to take me down?" Hermione whispered to Pansy as they practised the charm they were working on today.
Pansy glared at her, "I'm positive Hermione. Trust me, I hate her just as much as you do. Draco and Blaise are the only ones that actually talk to her out of the Slytherins. I've made sure the other Slytherins know what will happen to them if they do."
"Do you threaten everyone you know?" Hermione asked her curiously.
"Not everyone, only the people that don't listen," Pansy laughed.
"So pretty much everyone," she replied as she laughed at the raven haired witch.
"You got that right," Pansy smiled.
That class went by fast and soon it was time for Herbology and Pansy sadly had Care for Magical Creatures. Hermione took a deep breath before entering the green house. Now that she was alone, she felt vulnerable all over again. Pansy helped distract her from the breakup and she felt that Pansy really was her friend. When she looked back at every time that Emma was talking with Malfoy, Zabini and Pansy, Pansy always looked bored out of her mind and she felt that Pansy wasn't faking her friendship with Hermione.
"Look who just walked in," Harry angrily announced, "The traitor."
Hermione walked confidently to her spot even though inside she was scared, "Look who just made an unnecessary announcement, the Boy Who Lived."
"At least I'm not talking with the enemy," Harry sneered at her.
"Pansy is definitely not my enemy. Harry, why can't you just talk to me?" Hermione pleaded.
Harry laughed and others joined in, "Why did you cheat on Ron and decide to hang out with Slytherins?"
"I didn't cheat on Ron, Harry! I'm going to hang out with them seeing how being friends with Gryffindors turned out. Who knew how untrustworthy they are? I thought you out of everyone would believe me, but you don't. Don't talk to me until you realize how stupid you're being and how you made a mistake trusting that slut over there," Hermione spat at him and sat down to give him the cold shoulder.
The professor entered the classroom and everyone sat down. Hermione looked over to see Harry positively fuming and she thought that he deserved it. She hated how he constantly took Ron's word over hers when she stood by him since she met him and never once let him down. She would not try to win back his friendship if he thought so little of her. Determined, she listened to the rest of the class and took very detailed notes to take her mind off the eyes that were glaring holes into her head.
Thankfully, class was dismissed and Hermione slipped out of class. She was surprised to see Pansy waiting for her. Hermione walked over to her and she noticed that Pansy looked a little put out.
"What's wrong Pansy?" Hermione asked worried.
Pansy shook her head, "Just follow me to the common room okay?"
Hermione agreed even though she desperately wanted to know what was going on. They walked through the endless crowds that flowed through the hallways. It seemed like hours to Hermione, but finally they reached her corridor. Hermione looked up when she heard Pansy's voice.
"I just found out something and you have to promise you won't get mad. It's bad news," Pansy told her gently.
"What do you have to tell me?" Hermione asked.
Pansy was about to open her mouth when they were interrupted by some giggles and laughing. Hermione looked further down the corridor to figure out who was interrupting when she was once again frozen in shock. Ron and Emma were laughing and Ron pushed her gently into the wall and started kissing Emma, oblivious to their audience.
"That," Pansy finished quietly, marvelling at the bad luck that seemed to follow Hermione.
Please Review =]. Next up is Blaise and Draco's reaction to Pansy's new friend, Hermione's reaction to finding out that Ron and Emma are now dating and some Hermione and Draco stuff. The more reviews I get, the sooner the next chapter will be out =).