September 25, 1998
At lunch, Hermione leisurely sipped on her pumpkin soup while she caught up on a reading for her next class. As her eyes freely trailed along the pages, she couldn't remember the last time she felt so...at peace.
True to her word, Ginny and Luna escorted her back to Gryffindor Tower where she continued dispelling the inner turmoils that plagued her the past couple of months, all ranging from her failed relationship to her ambiguous future. With each word that passed through her lips, she felt lighter and lighter as the burdens were gradually released.
Later into the conversation, Ginny openly expressed her own deprivations for the first time since the school year began.
"I know I should be enjoying myself but I can't help but miss him." She admitted with a twinge of guilt.
"You're allowed to feel that way, Ginny." Hermione reassured. "You've been keeping touch with him, haven't you?" She prompted, recalling the few letters she received from her best friend.
"We were sending owls but since his workload picked up and with quidditch season starting, we've been getting later and later with our responses." Ginny responded, dejected. "Sorry, I'm not used to feeling like this, I suppose. I shouldn't complain. He's out in the real world now, working and helping others with cases that actually matter."
"You know...Harry has always been like an open book—"
Luna's soft voice made them both turn their heads to where she sat at the window sill, gazing at the mountains in the far distance.
"He never leaves you questioning about how he feels because he knows life is too precious to spend it second guessing or being unhappy." She paused, turning away from the window to look at their shared display of awe, smiling at them. "He never means any harm and hates feeling like a burden to those he cares about. I find that rather endearing about him."
"She's right." Hermione clarified. "And his letters, late or otherwise, should tell you you're still on his mind even when he's preoccupied. On the other hand, he may also be trying to give you space; to let you enjoy your time here like he wasn't able to."
Hermione had considered the choices her and her friends made in their respective situations. While Harry had the same opportunity to complete his seventh year of school and his N.E.W.T.s, in the end, she knew he needed a new start. Not to mention how relieved he was to have some form of normalcy after having a mad, dark wizard attempting to put an end to his prophecy for longer than he'd been alive.
Thankfully, it didn't take much to convince Ginny otherwise. Beyond being an exceptional wizard, Harry was also a compassionate and loyal friend as he's proven time and time again. For Ginny, those qualities only intensified when they restarted their relationship a few months ago. She couldn't find it in herself to be upset with him, only that she missed his presence and occasional reminders of his affections, which Hermione could understand given the lack of her usual companions causing their daily mischief.
With Ginny's spirits lifted, they saw it fit to transition to Luna, altering their attempts in disclosing a minor detail or two regarding what occurred between her and Neville despite her insisting that nothing significant occurred. Hermione made note that if she was hesitant of disclosing any details regarding Neville, she certainly wasn't shy to illustrate her fondness for potions partner's optimism and mutual passions.
His family name was no stranger to anyone at Hogwarts. Rolf, like Luna, was a bit of an odd duck but otherwise was well known for his predecessors and wished for nothing more than to live up to their legacy; to explore the world and learn all there was to know about magical creatures and how to care for them. With their lighthearted personalities, Hermione and Ginny assumed they would have sought each other in a more romantic manner almost immediately. Ginny mentioned he wasn't hurting in his looks, either. Luna did not acknowledge either accusation, simply stating they were only good friends before calling it an evening and going back to her own dorm room.
Before she left, Hermione could have sworn she saw the faintest glimpse of red on the tops of her cheeks.
Shortly after Luna's departure, Hermione headed for the astronomy tower in record timing. By the time she reached the tops of the stairs to their selected room, she had mentally prepared for the worst. It relieved her to no end to see the potion hadn't undergone any significant changes as she dropped herself on a seat with a faint heart, adrenaline subsiding fast. Thinking back, she mentally thanked Ginny for making the right call, knowing she probably would have caused the potion to combust if she showed up in hysterics.
She stayed for a few hours to finish the last of her alchemy essay before calling it a night. Right before she left, she briskly scribbled a note on their workspace for Malfoy which documented no changes had occurred in the event she wouldn't get a chance to tell him with how elusive he'd been recently.
Overall, it was an eventful night, but a productive one.
Taken out of her thoughts, Hermione looked up from her book when Ginny and another seventh year girl joined her at the table. The same girl they saw with Malfoy during their first trip to Hogsmeade this year. Elena, Hermione was told her name was.
Ginny had approached her in study hall earlier this week when she recognized her in passing, admitting that she had been in their classes but always sat in the back to avoid drawing too much attention. Come to find beyond her initial bashful exterior, she was a kind and friendly witch, true to her nature of being a Hufflepuff. Elena started out having a bit of a fangirl persona, mostly in awe of their contributions to the war before settling and forming an alliance with them.
Hermione continued to read as the duo chattered on about classes and upcoming exams until a few words of interest stole her attention;
"—Greeves failed me on my essay because it had an extra roll of parchment."
"Why did you have an extra roll?" Ginny questioned.
"My essay was a paragraph too long and I didn't think he would penalize me so harshly for it," Elena reasoned. "Besides, 'two rolls of parchment' usually means at least two, not only two."
Ginny shrugged her shoulders while she sipped on her tea. "So he's a bit strict. Still better than Snape in my honest opinion."
"Snape would have been pleased. I never thought I would be punished for doing more work."
That was something Hermione could relate to.
Since Professor Snape, she had yet to see another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who she felt had a chance of staying longer than a year until now. Professor Edmond Greeves was a former auror who while assisting with trials over the summer was approached by McGonagall regarding the position. Much to Hermione's benefit, he was exceptionally knowledgeable and was capable of maintaining an unyielding environment in the classroom. Though much to the dismay of many — including Hermione as of recent — he was notorious for being stern and oddly particular about assignments.
"I've seen him smile, at least." Ginny offered. "Does that mean you're coming tomorrow then? For extra credit?"
Elena groaned dejectedly. "I have to if I want to pass his class! But to duel with our peers when they're trying to advocate friendly interactions?" She emphasized dubiously, fighting not to laugh at the inanity of the suggestion. "It seems hypocritical if you ask me. Wouldn't you agree, Hermione?"
Hermione paused reading mid-sentence to look up as they eagerly waited for her response.
She sighed, "I don't, actually."
"Really?" Ginny's surprise in her answer was evident. "Care to share with the rest of the class?"
Hermione marked her place in the book before closing it shut as it was clear she was not going to be able to get anymore reading done.
"After everything we've seen and with what we were forced to endure as students, I know what extremes the enemy is willing to take to get what they want. We were neglected the chance to learn necessary defense mechanisms for the impeding threat — a threat we all knew was coming." She answered simply. "Voldemort may be gone but that doesn't mean there won't be another threat come up to try and take his place. If you ask me, there's no better time and place than to do it in a safe, controlled environment with our friends."
"She does have a point," Ginny agreed without question. "I'd rather be prepared this time around. I don't exactly like being played a fool, let alone a second time."
"But so soon after the war?" Elena countered. "You don't think he's a little...I dunno, mad for doing this?"
"The entire operation is optional for those who wish to participate." Hermione assured her while pulling her bowl of cold soup closer. "His motives may be his own but I am all for teaching younger students how to block unfriendly spells. Like Harry did for us" —she gestured to Ginny and herself— "when Umbridge was Headmaster."
Ginny made a sound of revulsion, wincing at the thought. "Don't remind me, that woman was more unpleasant than troll fungus."
"Does that mean you'll be participating?" Elena enthused.
She nodded, smiling lightly. "Dueling isn't exactly something that can easily be studied through books, you know." Seeing as Defense Against the Dark Arts was the only class she struggled to get an Outstanding in, she also viewed it as the perfect opportunity to take advantage of given her previous experiences.
"Well, if you get pinned against Blaise, feel free to get a solid whack in. He could use it with how he's been slacking in our potions meetings." Ginny winked at her.
She laughed lightheartedly. "He'll have to get in line."
"Fair point. Guess he'd better not put you and Malfoy together or that'd be the end of us," Ginny joked.
Hermione froze with a spoonful of soup halfway to her lips. "What did you—?" she trailed off.
Sign ups for the extra credit opportunity became available this morning and she hadn't even heard from Malfoy the last two days...
"Oh Malfoy," Elena sighed dreamily. "You're a lucky girl, Hermione."
Ginny let out a bark of laughter. "See 'Mione? She gets it. But I wouldn't let Greengrass hear you. I'm pretty sure that girl is in the process of becoming unhinged."
"Oh no, I'm not looking for trouble." She raised both of her hands in defense, horrified at the thought. "I just want a pretty face to admire, not his last name—"
"Sorry, did you just say Malfoy?" Hermione interrupted smoothly.
"Yeah? He's participating, too. Did you not know? Blaise told me this morning when I asked." Ginny clarified, giving her a questioning glance.
"This morning..." She echoed, frowning. He didn't come to class this morning.
Hermione paused for a moment to consider her words. Was he avoiding her? Had she done something to offend him? Or was he dragging her along to see how far he could get with getting her to do all the dirty work? The aggravating part was...all of those were likely possibilities.
Hermione swiftly stood from her seat. "Mione?" Ginny tried, "hold on a minute, Luna hasn't showed up yet. And your soup—"
"You can have it." She answered, eyes darting about the room until she spotted who she was searching for.
"But where are you going?" Ginny asked, watching as she hurriedly collected her belongings.
"I need to chase down a snake—" she stated as she curled her lip, feeling a rush of determination.
With that, she left her seat, leaving them and her pumpkin soup behind as she waltzed over to the table Slytherin students typically occupied. The slight heels of her platform shoes clicked across the Great Hall as she made her way over to the table where Blaise and Theo sat, visibly deep in a game of Wizard's Chess.
"Knight to B5." Blaise instructed before looking up briefly to address their company as she stepped up to them. "Ah Granger. Come to dwell in the magnificence of wizard's chess?"
"Have either of you seen Malfoy?" She implored, ignoring him.
Theo, on the other hand, hadn't taken his attention away from the chessboard. "Draco?" he asked distractedly. "Sure, he's having tea with his—"
"—his female companion." Blaise interrupted as he gestured for her to come closer. She leaned forward so he was within earshot. "But between you and me—" he mumbled quietly, "he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make it to your potion tonight."
She straightened her form as her eyes narrowed at his words. "Is that so?"
"He seemed a tad preoccupied by her if you know what I mean. I wouldn't be surprised if he blew off your potion completely..." He supplied flippantly, disregarding Theo's baffled expression.
With that statement, she came to the conclusion that all three of her assumptions were true. Somehow, he found the time to participate in a voluntary duel and a time-consuming sport but none to spare for their potion. Crazed girlfriend or not, the consequences were less dire when compared to having a poor grade as a N.E.W.T.-level student.
"Where is he?" Her tone was still which contrasted with her internal fuming.
Theo grimaced at her suppressed, yet escalating aggravation,"He's in the courtyard."
Without another word, Hermione turned her heel and stormed off to begin her search, leaving Theo and Blaise to their game.
"Did you really have to do that?" Theo asked, exasperated as he watched her retreating form while Blaise shifted back to the game, concentration returning to his features.
"Dunno what you're talking about." He replied, feigning disinterest. "Your move."
"Ohhh mate..." Theo groaned, palming his face as the reality of the situation hit him. "He's not going to like this."
Blaise simply smirked.
"Your move, Nott."
She was hidden out of sight by the archway when she eventually spotted him.
He was seated at a table in a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from any prying eyes. His alleged 'female companion' was out of view by the entryway but she could see him in his entirety. A rare smile dawned his features. Like he was enjoying himself. The sight could have been considered stunning by most. Perhaps even by her if she weren't a woman scorned.
As she left her spot and approached him, she kept her lips pursed to prevent herself from yelling before arriving at his table. Little did she know that plan would fail her as soon his eyes locked onto her. His smile faded and he became motionless, seeing her there. Her restraint shattered.
"You!" She seethed once she was within range for him to hear. "So glad to see you're enjoying yourself. In case you've forgotten, we had an agreement. Instead you're leaving me to do all the work because you're too busy making social calls with—" she went rigid when she passed the entryway to see his female companion was not who she expected.
No.
Astoria wasn't clear-cut like this woman was.
...or nearly as formidable.
...or this distinctly blonde.
Hermione was mortified. The last time she had seen this woman was at his trial. The jury and onlookers disbanded shortly after they declared his year-long probation. While she waited in the hallway for him to be dismissed, she stopped Hermione in her tracks as she attempted to take her own exit. This woman looked at her without a layer of absolute disgust for the first time and thanked her, smiling softly as she did so. It was a gesture she never expected to receive from this family in this lifetime...
A gesture of respect.
Respect she probably lost as soon as she stepped foot in the courtyard.
"My sincerest apologies, Mrs. Malfoy. I-I didn't mean to intrude." Hermione stammered, suffering from pure embarrassment, a sensation she had become too familiar with this year.
To her credit, Narcissa's initial expression of shock subsided with substantial timing given the circumstances. "That's alright, Miss Granger. Did you need Draco for something?" She asked graciously.
She inhaled deeply to calm her nerves before proceeding to answer in what she hoped was a professional tone.
"Not exactly," she tread carefully. "He and I are partners for a project and I seem to have reached an impasse..." She eyed him dangerously. He continued to sip his tea innocently, avoiding eye contact.
"You look positively knackered, Miss Granger," she recognized, as only a mother could. "I imagine you're working yourself too hard, why don't you join us?"
Draco choked on his tea mid-sip.
Hermione was speechless.
"I-I that's so...but I can't...what I mean is—" she struggled to reply.
Draco patted his mouth with a napkin and said, "I believe the answer she is trying to convey is 'no', mother. She doesn't like to be distracted from her school assignments. Besides, I don't think English Breakfast is quite" — he glared at her with narrow eyes, critiquing — "her style."
Suddenly recovered from her distress, she turned to address him. "I can answer for myself, thanks."
"Yes, and you're doing such a fantastic job." He quipped, feigning apathy.
"Don't patronize me, Malfoy," she demanded, clenching her small hands into fists. "I won't be belittled—"
"—and I won't be disrespected in the presence of my mother, Granger." He snapped, positively bristling as he stood abruptly from his seat.
"Dearest, sit down—" Narcissa quietly scolded him but he didn't seem to notice.
"None of this would be happening if you stayed true to our agreement," she said crisply as she put her hands on her hips.
"Unlikely," he huffed a sarcastic laugh, "seeing as you'll undoubtedly always find a way to be infuriating because as I already told you, I have other obligations."
"There seems to be a never-ending list of these 'obligations' of yours—"
"This may come as a surprise to you, but there are others who have a life outside of school," he taunted, glowering at her from where he stood behind the table. "Maybe you'll learn what that's like one day—"
They continued their quarrel, momentarily forgetting they had an audience. Narcissa had her teacup halfway to her lips, awestruck at Hermione's bluntness towards her child. Normally, she would deem it unacceptable to speak to her son in such a manner. Peculiarly enough, she found herself unable to intervene as the two continued to shout their belligerent oppositions.
"How interesting..." she noted softly as her eyes shifted between the two irate youths in front of her, paying particular attention to the growing fire in her son's eyes. Nonetheless, they resumed their arguments, seemingly oblivious to her commentary.
Eventually she spoke up, using a tone she knew he wouldn't mistake. "Draco, dear?"
Instantly, he stopped and switched his attention over to her. She cleared her throat, setting her teacup delicately on her saucer. "Perhaps it would be best to hear what Miss Granger came to say? In the event you want to be on time for your next class," she offered gently, looking pointedly at Draco until he took his seat before shifting over to Hermione.
Now with two sets of eyes on her — one attentive and the other scornful — she suddenly felt her heart leap to her throat. "Oh...well...I came to make sure you were fit to watch over the potion tonight. I was under the impression you weren't able to do so." She finished lamely.
She knew judging by the befuddled look he gave her that she had been led astray in more ways than one.
"What in blazes gave you that id—" recognition dawned on his face.
He had come to the same conclusion as her.
Blaise.
Malfoy sighed, glancing at her in frustration. "Yes. I'll be there."
"Wonderful." Hermione exhaled, instantly regretting being so forward. "Sorry to bother you Mrs. Malfoy, it was lovely to see you again." She smiled awkwardly at the elder while avoiding eye contact as the tension built within.
"Likewise, dear." Narcissa smiled, tipping her cup at her before taking a long sip.
Then she looked at the younger Malfoy who brooded in his seat.
"I'll see you in class, then." She tested, only turning to leave when he responded with a tense nod.
"That witch is quite the force to be reckoned with, isn't she?" Narcissa noted as she walked away.
"A constant pain in my arse is more like it..." Draco muttered under his breath.
"Language, darling..." She merely rolled her eyes at him as she sipped the last of her tea, suddenly being reminded of why she did not miss being an adolescent.
September 26, 1998
"So the pixie dust should be added before or after the peak of saturation...?"
"Correct." Hermione confirmed, pointing to the hand-drawn graph in her old notes. "This potion is one of the few that is done this way. In your case, you won't have as much of a reaction from the dust and you'll end up with a plain erumpent potion which you don't want."
"Perfect," she said as she scribbled the feedback before glancing up at Hermione. "Thanks for the help, Granger."
"Anytime." Hermione smiled at her as the Ravenclaw stood and departed study hall. Almost immediately, Theo returned from his brief restroom break and took his place beside her as she packed her old potions notes away.
"Were you just talking to Cabbott?" He asked.
"One of them, yes." She supplied, closing an arithmancy textbook and tossing it in her bag.
"What did she want?" He prompted.
"She had a question about your potion." Hermione responded. "Why so inquisitive?"
"She's barmy, that's why. She has this weird urge to complete the potion before the first quidditch match in a few weeks when the deadline isn't for another few months."
"Maybe she's just ambitious and doesn't want to have to dwell on it when the season starts. It's an aggressive potion, disastrous if done incorrectly," she supplemented as she packed the last of her items.
"I know," Theo agreed grimly. "Slughorn warned us about that. I still think she's mad." His gaze flicking to the doorway his partner exited through.
"Honestly, I think we're all a little mad here. Wouldn't you agree?" Hermione remarked with a furtive smile while closing her bag shut.
He shrugged, glancing at her packed bag. "Is our study session over?"
"We have the extra credit session with Greeves, remember?" She recalled as she put her bag on her shoulder.
In an instant, Theo closed all of his books and threw them into his bag haphazardly.
The pair rushed toward the Great Hall where the event would be taking place. When they arrived, the room had been redone similarly to the way it was their second year except the herd of people gathering was significantly larger and older than before. They perused the crowd as they searched for familiar faces.
"How did everything go with him, yesterday?" Theo asked pointedly, gesturing to the blond entering the room with Blaise that very moment.
Hermione inhaled deeply. "Most excellent," she quipped. "I had a wonderful chat with his mother as well." She added bitterly.
Theo grimaced. "So I heard."
"Zabini had better hope he doesn't get pinned against me," she warned disdainfully, glaring at him from a distance.
"I'll be sure to tell him to keep his distance." He threw her a half smile as he left her to join them.
Minutes later, Hermione was joined by Ginny and Luna and Greeves fell in shortly after with McGonagall in tow.
"Evening, everyone." His voice rumbled throughout the room, making everyone silent.
"First, I'd like to thank you all for coming. As you all know, I have been granted permission by our lovely headmaster to restart an old idea that was passed around years ago," he gestured behind him to McGonagall who nodded for him to continue. "Now, some of you may remember this 'dueling club' that was started by your professor at the time," he paused briefly as he stepped onto the large platform. "Lockhart had the right idea, which truthfully was also probably taken from someone else, but today we will be a little different."
"Today will be a test to showcase your skills you've acquired over the years. And I don't mean transfiguring animals or daily chores, which are all important. But your skills on casting and blocking spells will be what is valued. A few rules to address. I shouldn't have to say this though after last year's events, I feel the need to make it clear." His voice had gotten dangerously low.
"No unforgivables. None."
Hermione glanced over to where Malfoy stood with Blaise and Theo, watching curiously as they both flinched and he remained static, perfectly composed.
"Any conjuring of the sort and you will be sent out of here quicker than you can say 'Azkaban'. Secondly, your goal is to disarm your opponent. This can be done in a number of ways; you can race to be the first to cast the disarming charm though feel free to get creative. Just a reminder that all spells must be nonverbal. Thirdly, remember that this is a learning environment. This isn't a battle. This isn't a competition. Perhaps, think of it as a way to challenge yourself; to enhance your skills as a wizard among your peers. Any questions?" He looked around the room.
No one raised their hands.
"Terrific. Now, who would like to go first?"
Again, no one raised their hands.
He chuckled lightly, "I had a feeling this would happen. No one usually likes to go first." He joked. "Not to worry, I'll select one of you instead." His eyes darted about the crowd around him until he found someone substantial.
"Ah, Miss Trueblood. How about you?" He gestured to Elena whose eyes nearly bulged out of her head, almost pleading from where she stood with her friends from Hufflepuff.
"Come on, don't be shy. You'll be alright," he assured her, waving for her to come up.
She visibly swallowed as she made her way onto the platform, extracting her wand from her robe pocket.
"Now, Professor Sprout tells me you're one of the few from her bundle who managed to endure Carrow's manic class last year, is that right?" He asked, genuinely fascinated.
She nodded timidly. "Y-yes sir."
Amazed, Hermione turned to Ginny who shrugged helplessly. "She had to do what she could to survive," she whispered.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Take a crack at it." He encouraged, awaiting her move.
With that, the first spell of the evening was cast.
Much to Hermione's surprise, she held her own quite well as the challenge progressed. One would even think she had trained with Harry when they still ran under the title of 'Dumbledore's Army.'
While it was clear who had more years of experience and a greater number of spells at their disposal, her endurance gave her the advantage. He was starting to lag in his movements and that's when Hermione noticed it; an opening for her to cast a quick disarming charm and in that moment, she won a duel against a former auror.
There was a moment of silence before everyone erupted in a thunderous applause. Elena panted and studied the room in her current state of surprise, a wide grin spread as reality finally sunk in. Hermione thought she saw Blaise from the corner of her eye nod approvingly.
Greeves walked up to where she stood, holding his hand out for her to shake.
"Well done, Miss Trueblood." He panted heavily, smiling down at her when she took his hand. "I'm really getting too old for this. Now—" he paused as he recovered, bracing himself on his knees, "who's next?"
The next hour was filled with duels of all types, lengths and outcomes. Some were short and brief, as many were limited with how many spells they were able to conjure nonverbally. Most match ups were between pairs who knew each other, whether it be friends, siblings or enemies. The only 'rivalry' of sorts taking place was between Ginny and Blaise (which unfortunately came to a draw since Ginny reduced his wand to ashes.)
At one point during their duel, Hermione felt a shiver run through the back of her neck; feeling as though someone were watching her. She pivoted her attention to the head of the platform, only to find Greeves talking McGonagall discreetly while Ginny and Blaise fought. She shrugged it off, continuing to watch them and neglecting to check the other end of the platform where she would have met a pair of silver eyes.
"Excellent work, everyone. Believe me, this opportunity will be a saving grace for some of you," he remarked knowingly. "Now, I'd like to take a break from volunteers at this point." He announced, glancing over to McGonagall who nodded wordlessly as a silent conversation partook between them. Hermione watched them with interest, wondering what they could be discussing. It wasn't until he spoke his next words that she realized what it was;
"Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy," he called, flickering his gaze between them on opposite sides of the room. "Care to share the floor?"
Rampant whispers were scattered and red spread on the tops of Hermione's cheeks as the reality of his words hit her.
This was a bad idea.
A very bad idea.
What was he thinking?
Better yet, what was McGonagall thinking?
Feeling herself being physically shaken out of her stupor, Hermione looked up to be greeted by Ginny's frantic expression. "Mione, go on," she hustled, "they're waiting on you."
Cautiously, she left her place in the crowd and made her way to the head of the platform, feeling eyes watching her every move as she ascended. She took her eyes off the floor and looked up to meet his attentive gaze at the other end where he stood; calm and collected with his walls firmly in place.
Hermione exhaled shakily, already feeling her palms become clammy as she forced herself to remain steady. Suddenly, she recalled something Ginny said to her at the pitch not long ago;
It was actually helpful practicing with him because I never had to hold back...
I think you could use him to your advantage...
She could do this.
What choice did she have?
"Wands at the ready." Greeves instructed. Fluidly, they extracted their wands and took defensive stances.
"Ready? One...two...three."
Keeping all her focus on him, she could see milliseconds before he cast the first spell.
They started out with simple spells at first which may have appeared to be for aesthetics and for show to the audience. But from practicing on her own and with Harry's occasional references to his quidditch routine, Hermione knew it was only a warm up.
As she concentrated with every flick of her wrist, the spells they unleashed danced around each other in an almost playful, teasing manner before canceling out one another. She could make out his mouth twitching when their audience marveled at their display of magic interacting.
Then it all stopped when he finally tried to disarm her.
She blocked it quickly, seeing something ignite within him that she hadn't seen before. Consequently, his fluid movements became aggressive as hatred and turmoil took over his judgement.
The duel had begun.
Hermione was able to get a few spells out though she spent most of the duration on the defensive as he cast hex after hex. She blocked them all with ease, though was not able to foresee a window to disarm him successfully in the not-so-distant future. In between the hexes he threw at her, she could see glimpses into him, feeling random fragments of emotion hit her:
A wave of confusion.
A dull ache.
A longing regret.
Realizing she needed to catch him off guard somehow, she went with the first option she thought of.
Casting one final protego, Hermione closed her eyes and let herself feel the happiest moments she could think of;
Receiving her acceptance letter to Hogwarts.
Seeing her parents for the holidays.
Befriending Harry and Ron.
She waved her wand in a circular motion around and above herself, letting her pent up energy break free at the apex of the final swish. A cheerful otter sprang free from the tip of her wand, zipping through the air and darting about the room with elegance as it rapidly closed in on its target.
Once the otter was a few feet away, it dove freely, taking direct aim for him. Malfoy could do nothing but brace himself and let the spell hit him, feeling his insides churn as her patronus dispersed into a blast of white, shimmering light throughout the room.
He braced his chest and fell to his knees from the force of the impact, his wand clattering to the floor.
She won.
She took note of movements in her peripheral; arms were waiving. Hands were clapping. People were cheering. But it was all blurred in the back of her mind for all she could focus on was the boy on his knees in front of her.
Hermione could see as he was in the middle of recovering, his protective barriers had been shattered. Taking a step closer, she felt compelled to look as a chilling sensation crept around her. Unfortunately, she didn't get far. As soon as she breached the barriers, he jerked his head up and narrowed his eyes dangerously at her. She felt a sharp pain compress her mind as the frigid aura vanished.
What just happened?
"Full marks, Miss Granger. And to you as well Mister Malfoy. That was quite the display you two had." Hermione blinked, speechless at what just occurred and paid Greeves no mind as she heard him ask for the next set of volunteers.
Her eyes didn't drift from Malfoy as he shakily got on his feet and made his exit from the room without another word, one hand over where he was hit.
Without thinking, she hopped off the platform and took off after him.
"Hermione, wait—" Ginny tried to stop her.
Let her go. She heard Luna say before she darted after the retreating wizard. Passing the entryway, she darted her head from side to side in search of him, eventually catching a glimpse of blond hair disappearing around the corner.
"Malfoy!" She called, taking off after him. She had rounded the corner and within a few steps, she was in ear's reach of him. "Wait!" She tried again.
"Stay away from me," he hissed.
"Malfoy, hold on a minute."
"I said go away, Granger." He spat hauntingly at her as he continued to stride down the hallway, turning another corner.
After a few more quick steps, she finally caught up to him, darting in front of him to barricade his exit into the next corridor.
"What the hell—"
"We need to talk about this," she panted, catching her breath. "Are you alri—" She yelped as she was suddenly jerked by the arm into an empty classroom nearby. She steadied herself on a desk as she was thrown in, with him slamming the door shut.
"You want to talk? Fine. Let's talk." She refused to flinch when he vigorously waved his wand to lock the door behind them.
"I told you from the beginning to stay away, Granger. That means stay. The fuck. Away." He snapped warningly.
"We're partners, Malfoy," she reminded him, "we can't ignore each other forever."
"We have our assignment. We have an arrangement. We've proven that we don't need to be together until the next full moon. If you ask me, all signs point to us keeping our distance." He emphasized.
If she were being reasonable, she would agree and know to stop there. But for some unknown reason, she felt the urge to resume pressing. "Why do you push everyone away?"
He palmed his forehead, becoming luminous with impatience "What did I just fucking say—"
"The war is over, Malfoy," she reminded. "The threats that lingered over us are gone, yet you still refuse to let anyone help you."
"I don't need any help—" he countered stubbornly.
"And what about Astoria? You're probably worrying her sick with your secrecy and these burdens you refuse to—" She only paused when he held a hand up.
"Firstly, she's not my girlfriend," he corrected.
"Clearly. You don't even want to be in the same room as her," she acknowledged.
"Should tell you how much I don't want to be in the same room as you. Secondly," he pressed. "I don't need you evaluating my life and my choices. The last thing I need is pity. Especially from you."
"I'm not pitying you—"
"Aren't you?" She recoiled slightly when he raised his voice. "You and your little group of do-gooders. You're always trying to play the hero; always trying to do the right thing and fix everyone's problems because you think life should be fair. Well not everything can be fixed. Why? Because life is fucked like that. Not everyone wins, Granger. Why can't you understand that?"
"But that's not—"
"—I'm not finished." He cut her off sharply. "The three of you have been pulling this shit for years: meddling in everyone else's business and sticking your nose where you shouldn't. I've suffered repercussions from the lot of you trying to do the right thing. Potter and Weasley aren't even here so why do you bother? I figure with those two out of the way, you would learn to not muck about."
"Don't talk about them like that—" he ignored her and kept on.
"I didn't expect to be in this situation but since I'm apparently the substitute to compensate for those slacking, pathetic excuse for wizards—"
"Malfoy, stop. I'm warning you—"
"I mean, can you imagine how gutted those fools would be if they found out you were spending all your free time worrying about me?" He laughed deliriously. "How someone like me, a narrow-minded git who used to tease you—torment you—every chance he got gets more attention than they could ever hope fo—" His head jerked violently to the side and his jaw clenched when his brain caught up to what just happened.
She slapped him.
With a renewed flame in her eyes, she didn't back away and continued to look up at him defiantly.
"I told you not to insult my friends." She stated, unwavering.
Her words only added fuel to the fire when his eyes flashed dangerously. "Admit it, Granger. You're upset because you tried to fix what you think is broken and you failed because you don't know a damn thing about me."
"I don't think that to be true. Everyone tried to tell me otherwise but I knew I was right about you." Hermione bit out despite her gut screaming at her. "You haven't changed at all."
"Really?" He grinned mercilessly. "If you feel so strongly, then why are you here?"
She sighed, irritated. "Because everyone else tried to convince otherwise; that I should be viewing you and your friends differently. I knew you were going to be the impossible one."
He laughed exasperatedly. "I'm the impossible one? Clearly, you haven't taken a good look at yourself."
"I've accepted what's happened, Malfoy. I, for one, don't run from all of my problems."
"That so? Last I remember, you could barely stand on your own feet." He drawled, recalling when she showed up to class looking like death all of last week.
"I will admit I had my own issues and I've already addressed with my friends because unlike you, I have nothing to hide," she affirmed.
At that, his gaze on her altered slightly. As if he were considering her more closely.
"You know what? Fine." She shook her head as flicked her wand, unlocking the door with ease. "You've made it clear you have it all handled. I won't waste my time anymore." She turned to exit, halting in her step when he heard him speak softly.
"Why did you follow me that day?"
She stiffened momentarily before turning back to face him as he stared intently at the floor.
"I—" She paused when he looked up at her and began to walk towards her. He was pleased when she took a step back for every one he made.
Hermione swallowed as she backed into a wall, watching him advance and prepared to defend herself if she needed to, but somehow knowing that he had no intentions of harming her. For the moment.
"Why did you speak up for me at my trial?" he continued.
She wanted to answer but was unable to as this was something she had yet to address, herself. Was it because it was the right thing to do after he saved Harry? Or because he was a mere child thrown into the middle of a war like they were?
"Why do you keep trying to help me after everything I've done to you?"
In the midst of her panic, she neglected to notice when he'd reached her. With quick, sudden movements, he grabbed her by the arms and pushed her firmly against the wall.
She gasped lightly in shock and pain at his stern grip, her hands instinctively came up to press against his chest to keep their distance but there was no point. She struggled to conjure up any words with him being in such close proximity. The last time she was this close to a man...she tried to force those thoughts away in efforts to suppress the overwhelming perturbation. Much to her dismay and rising perplexity, she found it had almost nothing whatsoever to do with fear.
"Malfoy—" she shuddered as he leaned in closer, his lips suddenly too close to her ear.
"So it seems you do have your secrets," he whispered, tone eerily calm. "I don't know what you're playing at, Granger. But I will have you know, I don't take kindly to those who try to force their way into my mind to uncover mine."
Her eyes widened and she shook her head frantically. "I-I didn't realize—I wasn't trying to—" Her voice cracked slightly as he applied more pressure, effectively cutting her off.
"I won't say it again." He said in a low voice. "But I highly suggest you keep your distance before you get caught up in something you will regret."
His icy gaze faded as his eyes darted around furtively once he realized how close they had become in the duration of his aggression.
He released her, taking a few rapid steps back and the pressure on her chest receded almost instantly. She let him retreat from the room, hearing the click of his shoes followed by the loud slam of the door behind him just as her legs gave out from underneath. Her lithe body slumped to the ground as her eyes stayed glued to where he stood, riddled with disbelief.
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