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Hermione continued walking behind Blaise up to the Headmistress's office, her mood deteriorating dismally the longer she did.

It was true that she didn't like Pansy, but she wouldn't have made her cry like that.

Merlin she hated him.

"Are you done attacking me yet?"

She looked up to see him smirking in amusement. "Excuse me?"

"Your eyes are like weapons, Granger." He informed her.

She stared at him darkly. "In that case you'd deserve it."

His smile widened. "There you go sweetheart."

"I'm sorry?" She hated getting him to repeat himself.

Blaise stopped, looking back at her. "You only get anywhere in life by being cruel. People kid themselves otherwise. In your case, though, you'd be smart enough to get away with it."

"I'm not you! I don't enjoy hurting people!" Hermione snapped.

"Why not? The feeling's intoxicating." He grinned and continued walking.

Hermione frowned.


Blaise said the password to the statue in front of the Headmistress's office, and followed the ascending spiral staircase up.

This was probably about them having to schedule more Hogsmeade trips. Or having to come up with decoration ideas for Halloween. It was always something menial like that.

They walked in and stood by the desk, waiting. When McGonagall came down, she sat in the chair behind it and looked at them both.

"Glad to see you could make it so soon."

Blaise frowned. "Is it urgent? Is there something wrong Professor?"

"Not at all Zabini, although I appreciate the concern. There are just other things I need to get to today." She clarified.

"What do you need us to do?" Hermione asked.

McGonagall turned to her. "I need you to come up with an idea to boost everyone's moral."

"From the war?" Blaise questioned.

McGonagall nodded and his spirits sank.

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