I burst out laughing; there was no way that is where this was actually going. When Malfoy continued to stand there just looking at me, I started calming my laughter.
"Okay, very funny Malfoy. What is it that you actually need?" He shook his head and sighed.
"I'm not kidding Granger. I do actually need you to be my potions tutor. "
I frowned at him. "Why do you need a tutor? You are not unintelligent, from what I have seen you are quite adept at potions. It seems unlikely that you would need a tutor."
"Maybe tutor is the wrong word, but whatever. The case is that I am already falling behind in potions. Slughorn is making a big deal out of a few missed classes and half-assed homework assignments. Honestly, I couldn't care less about the stupid class. But that oaf wrote to my father." He was looking in every direction, except mine as he explained. His voice sounded very put off, like he couldn't even believe he was explaining this to me. "So, I need a 'tutor' that will actually make me keep up with my classes. Slughorn said that either it was you or Potter. I think we both know that if I got saddled with Potter it would all go down hill very, very quickly."
"While I agree that things with Harry would be a mess, there were probably a million reasons that someone could come up with as to why this would be the world's worst idea ever. Ron and Harry for starters." Draco scoffed and shuffled his feet against the snow covered stone. "But, they can't really object if Slughorn is the one that suggested this."
I bit my lip and I contemplated. I'm sure there would be a fight with Harry and Ron about this. They absolutely hate even being in the same school as Draco, I couldn't even imagine their reaction to me having to continuously be at the same table as him. But like I just said, am I really able to say no when a Professor suggested tutoring?
He broke into my thoughts and said snappily, "Honestly Granger, if Slughorn hadn't written my father I wouldn't ask for this. I would physically rather get mauled by a hippogriff again than ask of this actually." I rolled my eyes as he kicked the ground again and turned to glare at me. "I just need someone to say I've studied when Slughorn checks in. Could you just bloody do this?"
I huffed, after everything that has ever occurred between the two of us he had the gall to demand this of me. It wasn't too evil of me to want to make him beg, was it? After all, I am pretty sure that I would be totally and completely justified. But it was freezing out and I just wanted to go back inside and sit by the fire. Sod I flipped my hair over my shoulder and stood up straight.
"Okay. I will help you out in potions" I said slowly. "First things first, ground rules. There will absolutely be no missing classes, okay? This material is hard enough, without having to explain to you exactly what potions are supposed to do during their creation." He rolled his eyes, but waved his had in dismissal as I trailed off for a second in thought. I turned to face him. "Are you still doing quidditch this year?"
He looked momentarily shocked that I would remember this tidbit, but quickly schooled his features. "Yes, I am." was his curt response. I nodded trying to think how many times a week I could get him into a study session without it overloading him and myself.
"We need to meet at least 3 times a week. I would prefer more, but I know that you have other classes and other obligations. However, because I am technically responsible for your grade, I will need to go over your homework at least 2 days before it is due. That is so I can allow you time to make corrections."
"Thats ridiculous." He scoffed. "I'll meet with you once a week."
"Twice!" I countered "There is more to studying than just reading and memorizing. It will be good to test each other more often!"
"Fine, twice, but if they turn into class length lectures, I am walking out." I agreed, slightly peeved. Then he smirked at me."Also, what makes you think that my homework would need corrections?"
"The fact that you called your homework half-assed, that's what. Anyway, do you think it is possible for Harry and Ron to-"
"No." He harshly shook his head. His smirk dropped and his silver eyes blazed with fury. "Absolutely not."
"And why not?" I demanded, my hands going to my hips in a very Molly Weasley manner, that would have scared the tar out of Harry or Ron, but Malfoy just sneered.
"Because, Granger, I am not interested in watching you drool over Weasley up close. It's hard enough to watch you chase after him like a sad little puppy. I think I would actually pitch myself off the astronomy tower if I had to deal with it constantly."
I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks flared hot red. "You can be such an arse, Malfoy. I do not chase after him." I huffed. "Fine, but I am serious, Malfoy. I have to deal with a lot of my own work, plus others that aren't you. If you miss a class, I will personally go to the Slytherin common room and drag you to class."
"Yeah, whatever. So, when should we get started?" He suddenly looked bored and started to was watching the castle with a blank expression, so I started walking back to the school.
"Well, the paper is due on Friday. Do you want to get together tomorrow?" I would have to tell Harry and Ron-
"I can't tomorrow. I am busy." He cut my thoughts off quickly. "Wednesday would work better for me."
"That is only two days to work on the paper." I warned. Malfoy just shrugged and stared at me. "Alright, how about before potions? I have a free period."
"I have that same time off, so it will work fine." He nodded and then he started walking back to the castle. I shook my head and looked out to the lake, pulling my coat tighter around my body as clouds started to roll in.
What the hell did I just agree to?
The next day the three of us were walking towards the transfiguration room when Slughorn turned the corner and walked straight towards us. I groaned. I hadn't gotten the chance to talk to Harry and Ron about my talk with Draco yet, as I didn't want to discuss it over breakfast in front of people. This absolutely was a nightmare.
"Ah, Miss Granger, I have been looking for you everywhere!" boomed Professor Slughorn as walked up to me with his arms wide. Harry and Ron snickered a bit at the extravagance, but quieted down at the look I gave them.
"Professor, how are you today?" I asked politely, trying to control the nervous edge in my voice.
"I am doing just wonderful, of course! I wanted to thank you for agreeing to tutor Mr. Malfoy!" I saw the boys tense up, and there it is. I sighed, but Slughorn continued on oblivious to my dismay. "Of course, I would have rather Harry had. You really are my star pupil." He spoke directly to Harry at that part, just beaming like a proud father. I ground my teeth at that, ignoring Harry as he stiffly thanked Slughorn. "But of course, Draco just insisted that you would be better. Probably for the best anyway, wouldn't want Harry to fall behind!" He had a cheery smile on his face, which for some reason made me even more annoyed with this conversation.
"I look forward to helping Malfoy succeed in your class," I didn't really mean the words, I just wanted him to leave before Ron exploded. Judging by the red color of his ears, it was not going to be that long.
"Yes, yes, I am sure you will. Blimey! Look at the time! You three must be running late for classes. Just tell your professor that you were chatting with me and lost track of time, that should do the trick. Oh, and try not to ask Harry for too much help on the homework." And then that happy man just walked away with a chuckle at his little joke, completely unaware to how he just became my absolute least favorite teacher.
"Ask you for help?!" I rounded on Harry, he was surprised but looked like he was about to explode as well. "Are you kidding me!? If you hadn't found that bloody book-"
"You are just upset that I am doing better than you at something for once!" Harry shouted back indignantly.
"Oh please! Harry, it's just that dumb book cheating for you! You don't even know who this Half-blood Prince is!"
"Oh, come off it Hermione." Ron cut in before Harry and I could continue on the subject. "You're just trying to distract us from the fact that you agreed to tutor Malfoy!"
"Yeah, what the bloody hell is that about?!" Harry asked, crossing his arms over his chest. I am sure that for anyone else, the boys would be really intimidating like this. When they are both standing there with angry eyes and glaring at you, it would make others cower. But not me, these boys were my family.
"Malfoy needed a tutor and asked me to be it. I agreed and that is the end of it." I said trying to walk away, but they both jumped in front of me. I fought back a groan and bit my tongue.
"Hermione, this is the boy that tortured the three of us for years. He is the one that called you all sorts of horrible names daily. He made you cry on more occasions than I think you would admit." Harry said, trying to control his anger. He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his already super messy black hair. Then he whispered in a low flat voice. "He might be a Death Eater."
"Harry, I do not believe that. I refuse to believe that Voldemort would want a 16 year old boy as a Death Eater. It just isn't logical!" I shook my head. "And don't you think that I know all of that? I was there Harry, through it all. I know what kind of person Malfoy was, probably still is, and I feel that way deeper than you think. But he needs help and I like helping people, why do you think I am best friends with you guys?" I chuckled as I tried to make a joke and Harry cracked a little bit of a smile. Ron, however, was not going to remain silent anymore.
"You want to help Malfoy? Draco Malfoy?! The spawn of a man that tried to kill you last year?!" I tried to cut in, but he just raised his voice higher, "Hermione there is not way you could actually be this stupid!"
I reeled back like I had been slapped, and looked toward Harry- who for his credit looked shocked at Rons statement. Immediately I flew into a rage.
"Ronald Weasley, I know you did not just call me stupid!" I shoved him hard in the chest. I could feel my heart beating wildly, I could hear it pounding in my ears, and I could feel my magic hum around me. "How dare you treat me that way!"
"Well what do you expect when you make stupid choices!?" He yelled back at me, doubling down on his insult. I hit him with my book bag. Harry finally stepped in and pushed Ron away from me.
"Draco Malfoy isn't the one that killed Sirius, Ronald! Draco Malfoy wasn't the one that sent curses flying towards us. I refuse to let him pay for the crimes of his father!"
"Yeah right, Hermione! You just want to do this because I don't want you to!" Ron shouted back.
"It's not always about you Ron! Maybe I just want a chance to study with someone that will actually talk to me about the material, INSTEAD OF JUST HAVING ME DO IT" I had tears in my eyes at this point. Why did he always have to get so angry?
"Great!" Ron exclaimed, he started shaking his head back and forth hard, "Fantastic! Go make friends with the enemy, Hermione, all because they can talk about Runes with you!" He started stomping off the opposite way that we were walking.
"Oi! Where do you think you are going?" Harry bellowed after him.
"I'm going back to bed. I suddenly feel sick to my stomach."
I wiped at my eyes and turned away from his retreating figure to try and get control of my breathing again. Harry came up and pulled me into a hug. I rested my head against his shoulder and took comfort in my best friends embrace.
"He will calm down after a while. He always does." He said soothingly. I huffed a laugh and pulled away from him.
"You are always so quick to defend him, Harry." I sniffled and he just shrugged. "I think this is the best choice for everyone, you know? Malfoy needs help and it was you or me."
Harry shuddered at the suggestion. "Well, thanks for taking one for the team I suppose. We just want you to be safe, Hermione. That's really all Ron wants, he's just pretty dumb about how he shows it." I nodded, but mentioned that I am more than capable of taking care of myself.
"I know." Harry said. " But that doesn't mean that we don't worry about you. Can we just join you for the first couple sessions?"
"No," I said shaking my head. "Draco adamantly refused when I had mentioned tutoring you all at the same time." We walked lazily to Transfiguration, knowing that we were completely late and really just not caring at all. Harry mentioned something about not caring what Draco thinks about it, and that he would probably be attending anyway. I sighed, knowing there was no reason to argue with him about it right now.
"Welcome to class, you two." McGonagall drawled when we walked into the class room. "I am sure that you all have an excellent excuse as to why you are late and where Mr. Weasley is. I would love to hear about it after class."
We nodded and took our seats. The class went by quickly, even though I had a stack of note almost 2 inches thick. We explained to McGonagall that we were talking to Slughorn before class, casually avoiding the part where he left and we had a fight. We noted that Ronald felt sick and had returned to the common room.
"Well, Mr. Weasley needs to see Madam Pomfrey if he is sick enough to be missing these classes." She scolded. "And as for you two, I understand that you were distracted by a professor. But you are more than capable of telling Professor Slughorn that you need to go to class. 5 points each will be taken from Gryffindor." I felt relieved, this was the lower end of the scale of what McGonagall would do to students who were tardy. Harry and I both nodded at her words and left the room.
Besides my fight with Ron, I felt like the conversation had gone alright. At least Harry had taken it much better than I had expected him to. Now Ron just needed to get over it, which is easier said then done.
Hello! So here we go, chapter 2! I hope that you are truly enjoying this story so far.
Just so you know the next chapter will be in Draco's POV. The POVs wont go back and forth every chapter, but on occasion we will switch between Hermione and Draco. Hopefully it all works out without too much confusion, you can always post a review or message me if you have any questions or theories as well. I would love to hear from you guys! Thank you to the 3 of you who have reviewed so far and to the people who have followed the story. Im so excited!
Please review *hearts*
Also, still looking for a beta reader! Thank you.
Ali
