Chapter 1: textbook
Chapter Text
Draco Malfoy was sitting in a train car with his Slytherin friends, laughing and looking absolutely pretentious as the Hogwarts Express was speeding through the Scotland Countryside. Across the aisle Hermione was sitting in a car with Harry and Ron. Hermione was very excited because she would be Head Girl this year. She was not so pleased with having to work alongside Draco, who had gotten Head Boy. She was focused on her conversation with Harry and Ron. It would be their seventh year at Hogwarts. They intended to have as much fun as they could, but the inevitability that the war could take a turn at any moment lingered.
They had spent their sixth year continuing to build Dumbledore’s Army, working alongside the Order of the Phoenix. Shacklebolt, who was the head of the Order, was convinced that Voldemort was going to make his final move sometime this school year, but as far as the teens were concerned, they just had to be prepared. They felt safe with Dumbledore still being Head Master at Hogwarts. Lupin came back to continue to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts and McGonagall remained the link between Dumbledore’s Army and the Order, communicating important messages and overseeing the safety of the students. Sixth year had been oddly quiet after the chaos that their fifth year had brought. Hermione knew the war was a big deal, but she was excited to build her rigor in school this year as well.
"I know you both are planning to focus on Quidditch this year, but you need to make time to study for your N.E.W.Ts as well" Hermione scolded them. It was typical for her to be highly focused on her studies. Even with Voldemort out there and the war still looming around them. Ron groaned and threw his head back.
"Geez ‘Mione… do you ever talk about anything other than studying. You’re always focusing on the bigger picture. We’ll do good enough to pass. We don’t need to get the highest scores."
Hermione rolled her eyes. She had gotten Outstandings in all of her courses in 5th year, other than Defense Against the Dark Arts. She would be taking advanced courses in Arithmancy, Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Alchemy and Charms. Ron and Harry would only be taking N.E.W.Ts in Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Flying and Divination, which was all that was required to become an Auror, two of which were drastically underwhelming.
Harry also chimed in, knowing that Ron was being a bit immature in his response. "We know ‘Mione, we will take it seriously, but we do want you to try to have fun too… although while being Head Girl, taking eight N.E.W.Ts, your secret project you’ve been researching since summer, that you still have not told us about by the way, the D.A. sessions and being president of the S.P.E.W club, I’m not sure when you’re gonna have time to relax."
"Or have the time to do our homework" Ron groaned, but then quickly got distracted by the Sweets Trolley.
Hermione huffed out a breath as the sweets trolley took over the boys interest. Oh well, she’d get them to focus on classes later. "I’m going to the loo" the boys didn’t even glance in her direction, as they were picking out an array of Bertie Bott’s, chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties. They were about halfway to Hogwarts and Hermione had a small bladder, so she could not wait another three and a half hours to arrive at Hogwarts.
Hermione held herself with pride. She was Head Girl, she had the badge to prove it. She was going to not only pass, but excel in all eight of her N.E.W.Ts, she would make massive developments in her ‘secret summer project’ which she would not be telling Harry and Ron about yet, mostly because she didn’t want to get their hopes up if she happened to be wrong about her initial instincts. She didn’t even tell the adult order members about her extracurricular task. She passed by the Slytherin car, ignoring the laughter and chatter coming from behind the door. Slytherins and Gryffindors had not gotten along the last six years, well probably more like the last 150, but for sure the last six, so what should be different this year? They should suddenly all jump around holding hands and singing of happiness in the midst of Hermione and Draco being Head Boy and Girl and what? Just ignore the war that would evidently rip them apart?
Draco’s eyes followed Hermione as she passed by their car. Blaise, Theo and Pansy were all wrapped up in conversation of course load for the year, Quidditch and the massive Slytherin parties that would be held this year. This was their last year at Hogwarts, war or no war, plus they all came from pureblood families, so the war didn’t feel as pressing to them. They didn’t agree with their parents' politics, but they didn’t believe that the war was going to impact them in a negative way, so they had an easy time ignoring it.
Draco, in spite of his parents wishes, also did not agree with their politics. Not anymore. Over the Summer, Draco had been approached by Dumbeldore and Snape. Snape had been someone that Draco had looked up to for years. Dumbledore and Snape entrusted Draco with a confidentiality that he would carry to his grave, and after that conversation in the Summer, Draco had had a change of heart about his parents beliefs. He also spent the Summer trying to figure out a way that he could approach Hermione and apologize and find a way to be civil with her as Head Boy and Girl.
Once he got past his biased beliefs and realized that muggleborns were not ‘mudbloods,’ he also realized just how much attention he had paid to Hermione Granger for the last six years. She was quite extraordinary really. She was the most intelligent witch he had ever met. She was bold, outgoing and she always stood by her beliefs. She had a loyalty and strength that was quite admirable, even if she was also insufferable. Her insufferability was also quite endearing. She could answer any and all questions in classes. She could back an argument with a plethora of facts. She was the only witch, or wizard, in all of Hogwarts that could match Draco in magical ability and intelligence and he thought that if his parents' beliefs had been different, that if he had been different, that they actually had quite a bit in common and could even have been friends. Maybe they still could. They would be spending a lot of time together as Head Boy and Girl this year, and if Draco was correct, they were in all of the same eight advanced courses this year.
It also did not help that Hermione had become quite nice to look at. She had grown into her curves, which Draco had not paid attention to. Her curls splayed around her in beautiful coils. She had grown out of her baby fat and into her face and she really was quite… pretty, not that Draco would ever admit that to anyone. Draco had had quite the spurt as well, shooting up to just over six feet. He had gained muscle and filled more out. His sharp facial features were more prominent and he looked like a man. His silver eyes remained just as closed off and cold as ever, but they complimented his other features nicely. Yes, Hermione Granger had become quite the young woman over the summer. She was obtaining a lot more male attention, and female attention as well. Everyone had to take second glances as she walked by, unable to believe that the book loving, wallflower, golden girl had grown up so beautifully. She had not noticed the attention at all though. She was so focused on her academics and extracurriculars. Hermione was very intelligent. She was the first to pick up on anything, but she was completely oblivious to any attention that involved her.
Hermione entered the small loo and closed the door. She looked at herself in the mirror and noticed how much she had grown into her face. She felt like she was older. The last year had been surprisingly calm after what had happened at the end of their fifth year, but as a member of the D.A and a young Order Member, she knew that the war was inevitable. She knew that things could take a turn at any moment, but she also wanted to remain hopeful. She had no other choice at the moment. She wanted to excel in her courses, she wanted to believe in the potential of her future. She used the loo and splashed some more water on her face before exiting the train car.
As Hermione opened the train car door, she scoffed, seeing no other than Draco Malfoy leaning against the wall opposite the door. "Well Hello to you too, Granger" he smirked. He wasn’t sure what he would say yet, but he also had a hard time not taunting her and pestering her as he always did. Old habits die hard, but he was willing to kill them if it meant the smallest possibility of being on good terms with her. "You appear to be in a good mood, as usual."
She narrowed her eyes at him. Maybe he had grown and changed over the summer, but she wasn’t aware of that yet and she had every reason to despise him. "Oh yes, Malfoy," she spat out his last name, "your ever so bright presence takes my mood to new heights" she was very sarcastic and annoyed. Of course he would be outside the loo, probably ready to torment her already.
"Oh Granger, you wound me. I was only looking forward to seeing your lovely face on the train today," he said it almost teasingly, but Hermione only took it as a taunt. He was peering at her with a difficult to read expression.
Something flickered in Hermione’s eyes, but it quickly passed. She had just seen Draco Malfoy in May at the end of last school year, but he looked so different. He was much taller, probably towering over her by almost a foot. He had grown into his muscles and his sharp face. His platinum blonde hair and silver eyes complimented him perfectly. Genetically, Hermione could not deny, he was stunning. But he had also made her life hell for the last 6 years. "Take a photo, it’ll last longer." She turned on her heel and walked back to her car, where Harry and Ron were stuffing their faces full of treats. Draco made his way back to his own car and was sitting with his friends, but he couldn’t help but continue to glance at Hermione’s car. He would find another time to try to talk to her.
"Enjoying your sweets?" She huffed at the boys and glanced out the window, clearly annoyed.
Harry’s face was stuffed with a chocolate frog, but he held one out to Hermione, offering it to her "you alright ‘Mione?" he mumbled through chewing his frog. Ron’s mouth also filled with sweets mumbled something even less audible than Harry.
"It’s just Malfoy. I ran into him on my way out of the loo and he’s just already taunting me. Working with him as Head Boy this year is going to be literal hell" she accepted the chocolate frog from Harry, chewing on the corner of it and glancing at the Wizard Card. It was Bathilda Bagshot. She rolled her eyes and read the fact on the back of the card. Yep. She already knew that fact. There was yet to be a single frog card that held a new fact that Hermione did not know.
"What did he say to you?" Ron asked, his voice finally clear after finishing his chocolate frog.
"Ugh. It doesn’t matter. He’s just insufferable and I can’t believe I have to be amicable with him all year." She grumbled.
Harry chimed in "yeah yeah we know he’s an insufferable git but try not to let him bother you too much. You’re bloody brilliant. How Malfoy managed Head Boy, I’ll never understand, probably daddy’s money" and then Harry and Ron jumped into a conversation about Quidditch and girls they fancied, that Hermione drowned out.
Hermione knew how Draco Malfoy had become Head Boy though. He was incredibly intelligent, first of all. She hated to admit it, but he was probably the only other student that could match her intelligence and test scores. She was certain he was in all the same advanced courses as her this year. He was extremely ambitious and determined. He was also extremely involved in his extracurriculars, such as being Captain and Seeker for the Slytherin Quidditch team. He may be a prat, but Malfoy had become quieter and more reserved the past school year, not outright bullying as many others. Maybe he had outgrown his bullying days, even if he was still a pain in Hermione, Harry and Ron’s arses. And she trusted Dumbledore’s judgment, even if she was not thrilled about it, for Draco Malfoy to be Head Boy. She hated that she paid this much attention to him, but she realized quickly that he was her biggest academic rival, and she wanted to outshine him in every way. He thought her less of him based on her blood, so she had been determined to beat him, or at very least, match him in every class, and she had, and whilst doing so, she realized just how similar they truly were when it came to academics.
Unfortunately, Hermione found intelligence, determination and focus to be quite appealing, and so part of her found Draco Malfoy to be quite appealing, and his good looks, especially after his growth spurt this past Summer, did not help with that either. However, Hermione could not ignore the fact that he had bullied her for years, so she pushed down any admiration she may have. Hermione decided to open her potions book and read ahead. She would be taking advanced potions with Snape, and she wanted to not only do well but actually impress Snape this year. She got through almost half of the entire textbook before the train ride was coming to an end. Harry and Ron were still talking about Quidditch as they all began to gather their items and exit their car.
Harry and Ron tried to include Hermione in the conversation, but she had never really been interested in Quidditch, and she really didn’t care about the list of girls that Harry (Cho, Ginny, Padma) and Ron (Lavender & Parvati) were interested in. They all made their way off the train, getting to the path where the carriages would take them to Hogwarts, when Hermione suddenly realized that in the excitement and chaos of arriving, she had forgotten her potions book in the car. "I have to go back for my book. You guys go ahead in the carriages with the others," Neville, Luna, and Ginny were waiting for them, ‘and I’ll meet up with you guys in the Great Hall!’
"Seriously ‘Mione… you’re going back for a textbook? You probably won’t even use it for class" Ron questioned and rolled his eyes.
"Ronald!" Hermione scolded, "I most absolutely will need the textbook for class. Seriously, sometimes I wonder if you were dropped off a broom as a child."
Harry snickered a bit at the comment but then coughed as Ron shot him a glare. "Yeah, we’ll save you a seat in the Great Hall, ‘Mione," Harry pulled Ron along, as Hermione rushed back past the crowd towards the Hogwarts Express.
Draco, being one of the last students on the Hogwarts Express, his first duty as Head Boy, ensuring “all students were safely off the Hogwarts Express,” saw Hermione rushing back onto the train. He was still scanning the empty seats, as she reentered, taking little or no notice to him. She shot into the car her golden trio had been occupying and started rummaging around. Draco approached her car, leaning against the door frame.
"Looking for something, Granger?" his voice had caught her off guard and she jumped slightly. She had been so focused on her book she hadn’t even noticed.
"Malfoy! Don’t sneak up on people like that. What are you even still doing on the train?" Hermione groaned at him as she continued to flip the car compartment upside down.
"Well Granger, as you know, my first duty as Head Boy is to check the train cars to ensure all students are making their way towards the castle. You are a student, and you are still on the train," he countered her. She knew he was correct though. She knew the list and duties assigned to both of them like the back of her hand. Head girl ensured all students were on the Hogwarts Express to and from Hogwarts. Head boy ensured all students were off the Hogwarts Express to and from Hogwarts. She would preside over all Prefect girls (Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Hannah Abbott and Astoria Greengrass) and he would preside over all prefect boys (Theo Nott, Cormac McLaggen, Justin Finch-Fletchey, and Anthony Goldstein). They would each take two curfew patrols a week, hold office hours twice a week and report back to Dumbledore and their Head of Houses (McGonagall and Snape) with written reports each week. In being Head Boy and Head Girl, they each had their own dorm within their house quarters that they would share with the prefect of their house. As opposed to having three other bunkmates, they would each have only one. They would also have access to the Prefect bathrooms. This meant that Hermione would be bunkmates with Ginny this year. Draco would be bunkmates with Theo, which was fine by him. Theo had been one of his closest friends since they were in diapers.
"Well, if you must know, I forgot my textbook in a hurry to exit, and I needed to come back for it" she told him, very matter of factly, as she kept searching the car.
"Just buy a new one. You came all the way back for a textbook?" he responded.
"Not everyone is made of money, you know. I don’t want to buy a new one. I want mine" finally she found it slipped between the crack of the seat and the window, just out of reach and sight, "ah ha! There you are!" She stood up with her textbook in her arms, as if she wasn’t holding it tightly it might disappear again. "We can go now," she rolled her eyes at his persistence of ‘ensuring she got off the train’ as he followed her off.
The carriages were gone and it was getting dark out. Hermione sighed. "I guess we’re walking to the castle. I hope we aren’t missing the Sorting Ceremony… That might not be the best look as Head Boy and Girl" and she sighed as her and Draco began walking back in a very awkward and uncomfortable silence.
Draco kept glancing over at Hermione as they walked. She was completely oblivious to it, but Draco could not help but take in her slender curves as she bounced along next to him. He also couldn’t help that while she was searching around for her book on the ground in the car, he had taken a good look at her arse.Draco thought about apologizing to Hermione, but he kept overthinking what he would say, Hey Granger, remember how I called you a ‘Mudblood’ and saw you as beneath me for years, well that actually changed overnight just this past summer and as Head Boy and Head Girl, I hope we can move past this and maybe even be friends. And you also look quite lovely- no, no Draco could not say that to her. He would look like a fool, and an even bigger fool once she punched him in the face again and gave him a scar on his right cheek to match the one on his left that she had given him in their third year, which he would never admit, that he probably deserved.
Before they knew it they were at the entrance of the Great Hall. They could hear cheering inside, which indicated the Sorting Hat Ceremony had begun and they were late. They opened the door to the Great Hall and all eyes turned to them. What a sight to see - Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy entering the Great Hall, together, and late. Whispers broke out amongst the Great Hall. Snape finally stood up and hushed the crowd, as him and McGonogall were in charge of them, as Head Boy and Girl.
After Snape hushed the Great Hall, he spoke "How nice of you to join us. 10 points from Gryffindor, as I am sure whatever made you two late was caused by Granger" he spoke in his slow, deliberate tone. Hermione knew that Snape was always unfair, but this felt particularly unfair. She opened her mouth to object
"But professor I-" but she realized that she had been the reason they were late and she clamped her mouth shut.
"Ten more points from Gryffindor for arguing. Please sit down Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy, so that we may continue the Sorting Hat Ceremony you so carelessly interrupted. I would expect better from the Head Boy and Girl" he added with finality.
Draco was smirking at the fact that he had not gotten in trouble but Hermione had. Hermione turned away from him quickly and made her way to the Gryffindor table, joining Harry, Ron, Ginny and Neville in an open seat between Ron and Ginny that they had saved for her. Draco carefully took his seat as well between Blaise and Theo, who had saved him a seat, Pansy sitting across from them.
Hermione kept glaring at Draco, annoyed that she had been called out and embarrassed in front of everyone, while Draco Malfoy, had, of course, remained untouchable.
Chapter 2: let's make a bet
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Hermione sat attentively during the Sorting Ceremony, for the rest of it, not wanting to risk losing any more points. She was Head Girl, she should be leading by example. Draco kept glancing over at her during the entire ceremony. He could not deny how angelic she looked, so focused on the ceremony. He would have to approach her at his first opportunity to apologize and set, hopefully, a clean slate between them.
As the Ceremony ended Hermione threw her arms around Ginny. "Ginny! I am so excited to room with you this year!" Ginny threw her arms around Hermione too. The girls had always been close, but they would have a rare opportunity to become even closer this year.
"I am excited to room with you too but I am also just relieved I won’t have to room with Lavender again. If I have to hear her talk about how badly she wants to ‘smooch Ronnykins’ one more time… I might hex myself” Ginny rolled her eyes and then Hermione was glancing over at Ron who was drooling over Lavender while Lavender was giggling with Padma.
Hermione rolled her eyes too. "At this point I’d rather just see them get together than this back and forth pining. Everyone knows… it’s getting embarrassing. But what about you Gin? Eyes on anyone special this year?" Ginny had had a fling with Dean Thomas last year and her and Harry had spent quite a bit of time together over the Summer while Harry stayed at the Burrow with the Weasley’s, but ultimately Ginny had decided that she mostly saw Harry as seventh brother. They started to make their way out of the Great Hall when they were approached by Cormac McLaggen.
"Hey Cormac, what’s up?" Ginny said casually, but Cormac was eyeing Hermione up and down as if she were a meal that had been specially prepared for him. Ginny watched the interaction and bit her lip, holding back a laugh.
"Hermione," he dragged out her name in a flirtatious manner, "I was wondering if you would want to be partners in Potions. I believe we are in the same class.. I mean… I’m not sure Snape would even let us pick partners, so if that’s the case then maybe you’d settle for butterbeer in Hogsmeade this weekend?" He was completely swooning over her but Hermione hardly noticed. She did not even slightly catch onto the flirting or the fact that Cormac had just asked her out on a date, too focused on the aspect of him asking to be partners for class.
"Oh well… Sure, I suppose if we can pick then we could be partners" although Hermione was certain that Cormac had barely passed his O.W.Ls in potions fifth year and that he was not as academically rigorous as her, "But, I highly doubt Snape will let us pick’ she only cared about school and doing well. ‘And if not, well yeah, I think a group of us are heading to Hogsmeade this weekend. We can all get butterbeer together! See you in class tomorrow Cormac!" and then Hermione was walking out of the Great Hall, Ginny trailing just behind her.
"Hermione! What the hell was that? He was trying to ask you on a date and he’s so handsome!" Ginny was whisper-screaming as she followed Hermione down the corridor towards the Gryffindor rooms.
"Oh Ginny. No he was not! He just wanted to be partners for potions" but her cheeks flushed slightly. Hermione Granger was not used to male attention, she could barely keep the attention of Harry and Ron for longer than a few minutes if it wasn’t about quidditch, food or witches they fancied.
As they arrived at their dorm and entered, Ginny continued. "You may be one of the most intelligent witches I have ever met, but you are bloody oblivious sometimes. Every guy, and girl for that matter, has been gawking at you since you set foot on the Hogwarts Express. I can tell you for a fact," Ginny snorted, ‘Cormac does not just want to be lab partners with you.’
"Oh bollocks Ginny," Hermione was blushing profusely now. "Was he really? Asking me on a date? Did I just ruin the whole thing? I’ve only ever kissed Krum at the Yule Ball… Everyone’s only looking because I’m Head Girl, aren’t they?" Hermione was a bit flustered.
"You are bloody gorgeous! I’m not sure what food they were feeding you in the muggle world, but you completely grew into yourself this past Summer. I mean seriously Hermione… guys are practically falling over themselves just for the hope that you’ll glance their direction, but you’re so focused on everything else you haven’t even noticed." Ginny laughed "But no, I don’t think you ruined the whole thing with Cormac. Boys are easy. He probably found your naivety endearing."
"Okay okay… I get it. I need to bring my head out of the books sometimes… I’ll try to be more observant in regards to myself" Hermione considered what Ginny was saying as they unpacked and settled in.
After they had finally settled in, Hermione put up her calendar with her full schedule. It was overwhelming, as she barely had blocks between classes, but she preferred to be overwhelmingly busy. It was comforting to her. "Are you coming to watch Quidditch try-outs this weekend?" Ginny finally asked. "Friday night before the Saturday trip to Hogsmeade?"
"Oh Ginny of course! I wouldn’t miss watching you, Harry and Ron at try-outs! And, as much as I don’t care for or understand Quidditch, I’ll be at every game!" Then Hermione and Ginny were both settling in for the night.
Hermione awoke at the crack of dawn in order to get her 3 mile run in, shower and grab a piece of toast and coffee, flavored with hazelnut, before heading to her first class of the day, Potions. On every Monday and Wednesday, she would have potions, followed by Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms and History of Magic. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she would have Arithmancy (her favorite), followed by Ancient Runes and then Alchemy. She would have curfew duty every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Draco had to have Tuesdays and Thursdays free for Quidditch practice, so his curfew patrols were Monday and Wednesday. Her office hours consisted of Wednesday nights and Friday mornings. Draco took his office hours Monday nights before patrol and Friday afternoons. Hermione also had S.P.E.W club meetings Friday afternoons and the D.A continued to meet, pretty secretly, at least once a week when everyone had time, changing time and location each week to keep it more secretive and more difficult to track down. Her Saturdays were free for Hogsmeade trips (and studying) and her Sundays were free for Quidditch games (and studying).
Hermione made her way into the potions classroom, forty-five minutes early. She was the first student to arrive, of course, and took a seat at one of the front tables. She whipped out her potions textbook and continued to read where she had left off on the train the day prior. She began taking notes as well.
About fifteen minutes after Hermione had entered the room, Draco Malfoy entered. He was the second person to arrive. He took a seat at the table behind Hermione. Hermione was so focused on her reading and notes she had not even heard or notice anyone else enter the room. Draco studied her carefully as she took notes, she was so engrossed in her notetaking.See AlsoAfter Hunting Dark Wizards As An Auror, I Was Suddenly Reborn As A Death Flag NPC Who'll Die With The Otome Game's Secret Villain?! - Anonymous - Harry PotterEscaping Lives - TheGoldenTrio333 (TheLostBoys) - Harry PotterThe Poisoner - Wild_Parsnip - Harry PotterChronic - Anonymous - Harry Potter
Finally, after a few minutes, Draco spoke up. "Do you ever relax, Granger?" Hermione jumped at his voice and shot her head around to look at him, and jumped again as she realized he was only one seat behind her.
"Bollocks! What did I tell you about sneaking up on people! How long have you been here?"
A smirk instantly struck Draco’s face. "I would say about five minutes" and he leaned back in his seat.
"Well, that’s five minutes you could have been taking notes, and now, I’ve lost about two having this conversation with you" and she turned back to her notes, honing in again. Draco scoffed.
"Well for some of us, school comes naturally" Draco could not help his taunting. He was supposed to be apologizing, but she was so insufferable and he could not stop the snobby words from rolling off his lips.
Hermione’s head shot back towards him again. She was a prideful student and he had just insulted her. This now took priority over her notes. "Take that back Malfoy. You know school comes easily to me. I just have a particular structure of how I like to study!"
He quirked his eyebrow. "Oh really Granger? School comes easily to you? Prove it then. Because I have fun and exceed my marks. You may exceed but you never have any fun. You study too hard" he was challenging her.
She was shooting daggers at him. "Fine… then let’s make a bet…" this was quite intriguing to Draco. A bet with Granger, maybe even his opening to apologizing at some point. They were both too stubborn and full of pride to back down.
"What kind of bet? And what do I get if I win?" Draco was raising his eyebrows now, nonchalantly leaning back in his chair.
Hermione thought for a moment and then replied, crossing her arms. "I’ll try to… take this year more lightly, have more fun. But you… you’ll study a little bit more. We can try each other’s ‘methods’ and by the end of the year, whoever has better N.E.W.T scores overall, the other person wins for their method working" she thought a moment, "as for what you’ll win… well I wouldn’t worry about that because you won’t" she added finally.
Draco let a small smile play on his lips. She was quite feisty. "Fine. Deal. We can figure out the prize later… How will we hold each other accountable?" This was maybe, no not maybe, this was actually the longest conversation they had ever had with each other.
Hermione thought again for a moment. "Well, our schedules are pretty tight, but we are in all the same classes… and we are both Head Boy and Girl… I hate to say this… but my weekends are fairly free. I had intended for my weekends to be solely for studying… but once a week we do something fun, on your terms, and the other day we study my way. Then we are holding each other accountable." She thought it was brilliant, and Draco could not deny that it was a solid plan.
Draco smirked at her again "Well Granger. You have yourself a deal, but don’t come crying to me when you exceed my N.E.W.T scores because my method is superior" Hermione shook her head, but a smile caught on her lips. This bet was only fueling her ambition. She turned back around and continued to read her textbook and take notes.
About five minutes before class started, the other students started filing in. Harry and Ron, begrudgingly, slumped into potions. Hermione had convinced them to take advanced potions with her. They sat at the desk adjacent to hers, yawning and glaring at her. Theo and Blaise filtered in and sat adjacent to Draco. Pansy took a seat next to Draco. Cormac came in and plopped down next to Hermione, which was quite annoying to Draco for no reason in particular, but Hermione did not even glance up, so engrossed in her textbook and notes.
Hermione only looked up from her notes when Snape took to the front of the room. Only then did she realize Cormac was sitting next to her and her cheeks flushed. Draco noticed her cheeks flush and he was annoyed for the second time that morning, for no particular reason. Snape went over what would be expected this year, which took almost half the class time, until he got to assigning partners.
"Potter and Weasley, it would be a punishment to any other student in this class to be partnered with either of you, so you will be partners" Snape continued down the list, in his slow, drawled out, bored tone. "Nott and Zabini, no fires this year" and he continued down. Hermione was eagerly awaiting her partner. "Parkinson and McLaggen" but that only left… Hermione realized it a split second before Snape said it. "Granger and Malfoy" but Hermione could not believe it.
"I-what?" She blurted out and was stunned. Malfoy was good in marks, clearly. They had just made a bet on their grades and they were both Heads of Hogwarts, and yet the idea of having to partner with him... Cormac was looking at her longingly, and Ron and Harry even were shooting her glances of sympathy. "But professor" Hermione continued to stutter. Draco did not show that he found it quite offensive that Granger believed herself to be above being his partner.
Snape cut off her stuttering. "There is no need to protest. Surely as Head Boy and Girl you should be able to get along just fine. Perhaps you may even pick up some timeliness from Mr. Malfoy after arriving late for the Sorting Ceremony last night" there were some snickers around the room. "Now, everyone gather your ingredients and get to work. We will be starting with Verituserum today." Hermione sighed and picked up her textbook, swapping spots with Pansy, who actually did shoot her a look of sympathy. Draco gathered the ingredients and sat back down next to Hermione.
"Oh don’t worry Granger. I won’t mess up your precious marks" he assured her.
She sighed again, "I suppose being partners will help with our bet…" she bit the top of her quill. And then they started working on the potion. They actually worked quite well together. They flowed easily, even with minimal talking. It was as if Draco could sense what Hermione needed before she would ask for it. They were the first ones to finish their potion.
Snape was stalking around the classroom, looking over students and making snide remarks to those who seemed lost. No one dared ask for help in potions. Snape finally approached Draco and Hermione’s table. He put some of their potion in a vial, analyzing it.
"Well done Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger" and then he moved onto the other students. Hermione let out a breath that she did not realize she was holding and looked over to Draco.
"That was the first non-insult that Snape has ever said to me" her face was bright with academic praise.
Draco chuckled. "Riveting isn’t it?" he was being sarcastic.
"Quite!" Hermione was completely serious.
Finally after a moment, Snape made his way to the front of the class again. "Those of you who have finished your Veritaserum may be dismissed. Come prepared with chapters 15-45 for next class. We will be experimenting with a very fun potion next class" but his voice did not indicate that it would be anything other than tortuous.
Hermione and Draco were the only two who got up to leave and this made Hermione beam even more. Draco caught Theo and Blaise mock-glaring at him for finishing his potion so quickly, but he only shrugged his shoulders back. Even Hermione felt slightly bad for Pansy, who was lecturing Cormac on how to simply follow the instructions of the potion. She at least had dodged a bullet there.
"Where are you headed to?" Draco asked her curiously. It was Wednesday. Their classes had started in the middle of the week. She would be heading to Transfiguration. Only two days of classes this first week for Hermione, and Draco, then Quidditch try-outs Friday Night, the Hogsmeade trip Saturday and the first scrimmage on Sunday.
"Transfiguration" she responded matter-of-factly.
"I know your class schedule, Granger. We have the exact same table. I meant… we have an extra hour before class…" He kind of trailed off.
"Oh, well I was thinking of heading to the library to do some more note taking before class," taking a sip of her coffee and he caught a whiff of the espresso with a hint of hazelnut, and she turned away from him to begin walking towards the library.
Draco watched her walk away but he decided this was the perfect opportunity to try to make amends, "Hey wait up" he caught up to her easily and matched her pace, "I was thinking since we’re in all the same courses… well maybe we could just partner in all of them. Snape is the only professor who pre-assigns partners. We are Head Boy and Girl after all and it would help with the bet" well that was not quite an apology, but it was a start.
Hermione stopped in her tracks stunned and faced him, and he stopped beside her, "You mean… you want to be my partner in every class and… study with me? Not just once per week for the bet?" She was having trouble processing this information, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.
Draco stared down at her, no betrayal of emotion on his face "I think we actually worked quite well together in potions. There is no one else in our year, or in this school, who can match either of us academically. Instead of… completely competing against each other, we could also help each other, if you want" Draco did not forget the bet, but he had his own agenda of getting Granger to… become his friend? Not hate his guts? At the very least, accept his eventual apology.
Hermione was beaming, but turned and continued walking, Draco easily matching her pace again. "I don’t think anyone has ever willingly wanted to study with me. Usually it’s just me doing mine, Harry and Ron’s homework, but now… it would be actual studying, not just me" Wow… She was really easy to please. It was actually kind of sad that her so-called best friends took advantage of her.
Draco had yet to apologize still, but this was a step in the right direction. It felt a little too casual to apologize for six years of torment and biased ideals in the hallway between classes. He would find the time soon.
Notes:
Ah finally, Draco and Hermione are speaking! Draco clearly is working on how to apologize... Hermione is easy to please, bless her little book worm heart... any ideas on what the next 'fun' potion will be in class? There are a lot of easter eggs and foreshadowing in this fic if you pay ATTENTION!
Alright, this is so fun to write... I can't wait for you to read more (:
Chapter 3: natural occulems
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
As the day went on, Hermione and Draco continued to partner up in every class: Transfiguration, followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms and History of Magic. Draco took his first curfew duty Wednesday night. The following day, Hermione showed up bright eyed to Arithmancy, which was the course she was most excited for, her espresso with hazelnut, wafting in the air. Draco and her continued their trend of partnering up.
"This is my favorite class," she leaned over and whispered to him.
"Granger… The class hasn’t even started yet" he countered.
"Oh, I know, but I have been preparing for this class all Summer. The complicated equations combined with spell work is so rejuvenating" Draco chuckled at her response.
"My favorite class is Ancient Runes, which we have next by the way, so don’t fall short on partnering up with me" Hermione shook her head and flipped through her notes.
That second day of the school year, as partners and studying between classes, she realized that the taunting had transformed into banter. Draco Malfoy had a very skillful tongue and was extremely quick witted. It was quite a change of pace compared to her conversations with Harry and Ron. Not only did Draco Malfoy listen and pay attention to everything she said, he retained that information and countered it with calculated, articulate commentary.
They made their way to Ancient Runes, where they, of course, partnered up, and finished off their day in Alchemy. As they were walking to the library to jumpstart their projects before the first big weekend of the school year, Draco made an observation that he had quickly caught onto in the short time they had spent together. "You’re a natural occulems" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"How would you know that?" she questioned, not entirely sure how he could pick up on that, not even Harry or Ron knew of her natural talent.
"I am a natural occulems. Actually… I have been training with Snape this past Summer and he has helped me to craft my occlumency and take it a step further into learning legilimency. It makes it easier to pick up on natural occulems" he answered. He had picked up on it quite early. When she had exited the loo on the train, he could sense she had walls up. He had tried to dive in and met a wall, though he had not tried very hard, and if he had… well she might have realized someone was trying to read her thoughts, and he was not about to admit that to her now. "Along with studying… I could help you train and curate your occulems walls, if you would be interested. I have gotten quite advanced in my own legilimency."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Wouldn’t that require me allowing you into my mind?"
Draco let out a dry laugh, "Well I could enter your thoughts even if you didn’t want me to" he saw her look of dismay, "But I wouldn’t because I do respect your privacy. However, you are a very intelligent witch and curating your occulems wall would be quite the skill to add to your repertoire. Scared of what I might find in that brilliant little mind of yours?" he taunted.
Hermione rolled her eyes as they kept walking, but she chewed on her lip in thought for a moment, "Alright. Along with the bet, and being partnered in every class, I will allow you to help me with my occulems skills, but only because… it would be quite valuable to have it more under control" Hermione thought of the war and the valuable information she was accruing. She would have to be very careful letting Draco Malfoy into her mind.
Draco let a small smile pull at his lips but she did not see it. That night, Hermione had her first curfew patrol. The next morning, she awoke and went to her first office hours of the term. There were no students as most did not need help this early in the term. She worked on her report that she would need to deliver to McGonagall before the end of the day. She would then head to S.P.E.W Club and Quidditch try-outs, as she had promised Ginny. As she was leaving office hours, Malfoy was arriving for his own.
"Where are you headed off to?" He questioned.
"Why are you always so concerned about where I’m heading off to?" she countered, "But if you must know. I am heading to S.P.E.W club" Draco had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes.
"Your endurance is endearing, but house elves' loyalty roots deeper than your progressive ideals" this lit an ignition in Hermione, even if it was a true statement.
"They still deserve rights and regulations, at the very least. Now, as President, I cannot be late. I am sure I will see you at Quidditch try-outs" and she hurried off. Draco shook his head as he settled in for his office hours. Her ambition was quite admirable and the thought of having quidditch try-outs to impress her sent a wave of heat through him.
Notes:
This is a shorter chapter. There is a lot of plot development happening right now. I promise it is going to start picking up soon!
Chapter 4: get on the broom
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
S.P.E.W Club actually had had quite the turnout. It surprised her when Theo Nott showed up asking if he could join. Typically, Ginny would have been there, but she was prepping for Quidditch Try-Outs. Ron and Harry claimed that they supported S.P.E.W but did not have the same time commitments that Hermione did. It was a successful first meeting. Hermione made her way to the Quidditch pitch. Gryffindor try-outs would be first, followed by Slytherin try-outs.
She found a seat next to Lavendar, Neville, Luna and Cho. Apparently, Cho was absolutely smitten with Harry. Lavender was hoping that Ron would make a move this weekend. Neville and Luna were discussing some random article in the Quibbler. They watched as Harry took to the air, as Quidditch Captain and Seeker, he would be overseeing try-outs. No one else was guaranteed a spot on the team. Ginny was going for Chaser and was basically a shoo in for one of the three chaser positions. She was probably better than Harry at Quidditch and was bound to be captain the following year. Ron and Cormac were both going for Keeper. Padma was also trying out for a Chaser position, and there was an assortment of other Gryffindors, that Hermione recognized but did not know very well, also trying out.
"Okay… so Harry is captain and seeker… Ron and Cormac both want Keeper? Ginny is basically a shoo in for a Chaser position" Hermione trailed off; she could not care to remember a thing about Quidditch.
Lavender giggled and leaned in confirming, "Ronnykins deserves Keeper. Ginny will definitely get a Chaser position" Harry blew a whistle and a scrimmage between the Gryffindors trying out began. Cormac and Ron were playing Keepers on opposing scrimmage teams and Cormac was outplaying Ron immensely until Cormac caught Hermione watching from the stands.
"Oh no… he’s going to be hit by that bludger" Hermione whispered to Lavender, and then Cormac was hit and slamming towards the ground. This gave Ron quite the advantage and confidence.
The scrimmage ended and Hermione caught Ginny’s eye and gave a thumbs up and smiled. Harry announced that the final Quidditch team list would come out the following day and that any and all that made the team would be expected to participate in the start of year scrimmage on Sunday against Slytherin. Lavender, Cho, Luna and Neville all started to get up and make their way down the stands, "’Mione you coming?" Neville questioned.
"Oh… Well, I was going to stay and watch the Slytherin try-outs" Hermione flushed slightly. Why did that feel embarrassing? But none of her friends questioned or seemed to care and made their way down to their fellow Gryffindors and then made their way to the Great Hall. The only person who noticed she was missing was Ginny, who was smirking at her from the fields, but went with the group.
"She was quite good, Ginny, she was" Hermione whipped her head around and about four rows back was none other than Theodore Nott.
"Godric! What is with you Slytherins sneaking up on people" but Theo just chuckled and made his way down the bleacher seats to sit by Hermione. "Were you here during the Gryffindor try-outs?" Theo flushed slightly at Hermione’s question.
"Well… I've always admired Ginny Weasley… She is very fiery and in many of my same classes and now we have Prefect curfew duty together so we got to chatting and she mentioned S.P.E.W" so that explained Theo showing up to the S.P.E.W today, "and I knew she was trying out right before Slytherin try-outs" it appeared Theo had some small admiration for Ginny. Hermione took note of that for later. "Why are you staying for Slytherin try-outs?" Theo questioned.
"Malfoy is Head Boy and Captain of the Slytherin Team. I thought it would be commendable for us to show solidarity in supporting each other’s endeavors…" it was a lazy excuse, but Theo did not seem to notice.
Draco was making his way to the Quidditch pitch. He was Captain and Seeker, just as Harry was. Blaise was trying out, but that was the only other Slytherin Hermione recognized. Draco caught Theo and Hermione in the stands and smirked. Hermione did not think about how Draco looked in his Quidditch uniform, nor did she think about how skilled he was at riding a broom. Her and Theo did not talk through the rest of Slytherin try-outs. Draco made an announcement similar to the one Harry made. Theo left the stands, not saying any kind of goodbye to Hermione and met with Blaise to walk to the Great Hall. Hermione was about to leave the stands when no other than Draco Malfoy popped up next to her, on his broom, at the edge of the stands. "So did you have fun watching the try-outs or just me?" Hermione may have had her eyes mostly on Draco the entire duration of try-outs and Draco may have noticed.
Hermione’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink, barely noticeable, "You’re a different person on the field. You’re so… focused. Not that you aren’t focused in class. It’s just… different" words had suddenly become difficult for her.
Something flashed in Draco’s eyes, but Hermione could not catch it. He was very good at being cold and distanced, "I take my endeavors quite seriously. I don’t half-arse anything Granger, you of all people, should be aware of that" he was still on his broom. Hermione took this moment to glaze her eyes over the edge down to the field and realized how high up they were and gulped.
"How… can you stand the flying though?" She asked as a shudder ran down her spine. She had never been a fan of heights or flying, even on muggle planes, which at least boxed you in. But a broom? Quidditch players must be mad.
Draco let out a real laugh, a genuine, real laugh, and Hermione’s eyes snapped back up to his face. She had never heard his laugh before but she quite liked the sound of it. She also quite liked that she had been the reason he laughed, even if it was because of a silly question.
"How can I stand flying? Granger… I learned to fly before I learned to walk. It is as natural as breathing is to me" and Hermione shuddered again, but a small smile flickered across her face at the thought of a baby Draco Malfoy zooming around on a broom. Draco had never seen Hermione smile like that and against his better judgment, did a small dive into her mind and caught her thinking of him as a baby on a broom.
Draco laughed again and Hermione caught a glint in his eye, but she was quick, she understood, had felt the small push at the edge of her thoughts. "What happened to not invading my privacy!" the pink had spread in her cheeks causing a full blush.
"First lesson in occluding. Walls should always be up" and Hermione rolled her eyes but focused on keeping her mental walls up. Draco tried to push back into the thought he had just seen but it came up blank. "Good Girl. Now, Granger… back to flying…" Her cheeks flushed more, if possible, "it’s a lot of fun if you give it the chance." Hermione could sense where this was going. "Get on the broom," he patted the space in front of him. Hermione, despite her best efforts, found herself walking closer to the edge of the Quidditch stands.
"Right now?" She shrieked "You could kill us!" Draco scoffed, clearly offended. He was a phenomenal flyer.
"I won’t drop you. I am better on a broom than I even am in potions. Trust me" and he held out his hand, hoping she would take it. Her heart was racing at the idea of being on a broom. Draco’s heart was racing at the idea of her being on his broom. She sized up the situation, thinking on it for a moment and then finally grabbed his hand and allowed him to help her onto the seat in front of him. She was gripping the front of the broom, eyes shut tight, as she processed that she was on Draco Malfoy’s broom, his arms encapsulating her, one arm around her waist, the other holding the front of the broom to steer.
"Relax Granger" he breathed into her ear from behind her, "I’ve got you, you’re safe. Open your eyes, I’ll take it slow" he murmured and slowly began to move the broom. Hermione was very tense but eased back into his chest a bit at his words. He had a very calming voice. If he continued to talk to her in that tone she was convinced he could get her to do almost anything he asked. She slowly opened one eye and then the other as she realized they were floating above the Quidditch pitch.
Draco felt her relax into him, "See… it isn’t so bad, is it? You’re doing so good" and if there was one thing Hermione cherished, it was praise. Her heart was still racing, and she could not tell if it was from the flying, or the proximity of Draco Malfoy at this point, but she responded quietly, hating to ever admit any form of defeat.
"I suppose… it’s not so bad, but don’t expect to see me zooming around on a broom anytime soon" she was still gripping the front of the broom for dear life. "I still much prefer apparition and floo powder to flying" and Draco just chuckled lightly.
"No" Draco whispered, "Admit that you kind of like it" his voice was like velvet in her ear. Draco would never admit it, but he was rather enjoying flying Granger around, her leaning back into his chest, his arms around her.
"Let’s settle on… I don’t hate it" Hermione responded, still not wanting to give in, but Draco’s velvet voice tickled her skin again.
"Ah ah… not quite. You’re enjoying it a bit, aren’t you?" He nearly purred in her ear. Hermione let out an exasperated, defeated, sigh, and then a small laugh as the wind was blowing through her mane, and the realization that she was trusting Draco with her life at the moment, but that he had actually made it an enjoyable experience, "Alright… I am having a little, teensy, bit of fun" she finally gave in. Draco smirked behind her but she could not see it.
"See, flying is fun when you actually let yourself enjoy it" he added in a teasing tone "and you’re so much more attractive when you aren’t so tense" he added. Hermione’s breath hitched slightly… Had Draco Malfoy just called her attractive? But he was teasing, taunting. She was quick to deter his compliment.
"And you are much more attractive when you aren’t being a pompous arse" she countered quickly.
"Oh please Granger. I’m always attractive, especially when I’m being a pompous arse."
"You definitely live up to your ego, I’ll give you that." It wasn’t quite a compliment, a bit backhanded even, but she added lightly, "But your confidence is quite… admirable. At least your cockiness and ego lives up to its word" She thought of Cormac, who often tried to act confident and cocky but could not back it and winced to herself. But she reminded herself that she had agreed to get butterbeer with Cormac in Hogsmeade tomorrow.
Draco kept flying them in circles, slowly speeding up the pace. Granger was distracted and invested in her debate with him about his ego and he used it as a distraction to ease her into a faster pace. "So you find my confidence endearing even if it comes off as cocky at times" he questioned. Hermione rolled her eyes but Draco couldn’t see from where he was sat behind her.
"Sure" she responded blandly.
"Only sure? But Granger I was quite enjoying when you were flattering me with compliments. Please continue to tell me how sexy you find me" he taunted her.
Hermione, deciding in the moment that if Draco Malfoy could taunt and tease her, she surely could do it right back. She leaned her head back and looked up him towering over her, even sitting on the broom and she faked a sexy, teasing voice
"Oh Draco," she purred out "your confidence is sooooo sexy. How are witches not falling to the floor at your feet as your grace the halls of Hogwarts with your presence? I can hardly stand to even be in the same room as you without throwing myself at you" and then faced her head back around and looked out at the scenery before them. She had not realized that they were now flying around Hogwarts, near the astronomy tower, past the black lake. She had been so enveloped in her conversation with Draco and now they were going at a very even, smooth pace. And even more so, she wasn’t anxious anymore.
But Draco actually did find Hermione’s fake, sexy taunting to be well… actually sexy and after she turned her head away, he felt his chest tighten, but he pushed it down. He noticed her take in the view and also smirked to himself at getting her out of the Quidditch fields.
Hermione cleared her throat. "Well, this was quite the ride, but I think I am ready to be back on the ground." Draco happily obliged and took them back to the Quidditch pitch, landing them on the grass. Hermione stumbled a bit as she got off the broom. She was slightly shaky, if from the after effects of truly being on a broom, or the banter toeing on the line of flirting, with Draco, she was unsure. She just ignored it. "Thank you… that was… um fun? I suppose" Hermione wasn’t really sure what to say. Whatever walls had slowly been let down up in the air, Draco was completely back to his stoic, composed self.
"Anytime. I’m sure I’ll see you in Hogsmeade tomorrow" He was looking at her with a glint in his eye, but Hermione just nodded awkwardly and turned to go to the Great Hall to meet her friends. Ginny waved her over easily and Hermione sat by her. Ginny raised her eyebrows as if to say, ‘I saw you stay for Slytherin try-outs and you were gone for a while’ but Hermione brushed it off and shrugged as if to say, ‘talk later.’ Ginny let it go.
Draco entered the Great Hall a bit after Hermione and made his way over to his inner circle of close friends: Theo, Blaise and Pansy. Pansy leaned in immediately as Draco sat by Theo, across from Blaise, "Well well well Draco… you can’t kiss and not tell. I saw you flying the golden princess around on your broom after try-outs and we’re all just dying to know why" his three friends eagerly looked at him. Draco remained nonchalant.
"She’s afraid of flying, so I was just doing her a favor and helping her overcome her fear" Draco shrugged it off, "We’re Heads together this year and in all of the same courses. We have become amicable… I think." Not quite friends. Not quite anything, but definitely not enemies.
Blaise smirked and chimed in, "Yes, quite amicable you two seem. After six years as sworn enemies, you two have become quite close over the last three days" Draco narrowed his eyes.
"Whatever you think you’re implying Blaise, drop it" Blaise threw his hands up in surrender.
"All I’m saying is everyone knows how you get around… and the Gryffindor, Golden Girl would be quite the prize" Theo and Pansy snickered a bit.
Draco rolled his eyes, "She’s not a consolation prize to my past endeavors. I am just trying to find the best way to apologize to her… so that maybe we could be… acquaintances, " Draco added dryly.
Theo now chimed in, "Well after you ‘acquaint’ yourself with Granger, do you think she could ‘acquaint’ me with Ginny?" Blaise and Pansy let out another laugh. Draco just rolled his eyes, responding in a tone that suggested that was never going to happen.
"Sure, Theo" and then they all went back to eating their meals, but Draco snuck a glance over to Hermione at the Gryffindor table. She had already been looking over at him, flushed and quickly went back to chatting with her friends. She did not look at him again for the remainder of the time she was in the Great Hall.
Notes:
This is a heavily dramione based fic, but I wanted to explore the aspect of ginny/theo. I have some other ideas for pairings. Trust me, I have a strong harry/ginny shipper, but for where this fic is going and what I am planning to do... I just wanted to try something I have not seen a lot of.
Things are just starting to get interesting... I foresee the slytherin gang wreaking havoc in hogsmeade, especially draco, who clearly cannot help being flirty and jealous... I also foresee cormac not being in the best mood if hermione turns him down. Remember to check TW in end chapter notes if needed!
Thank you lovelies <3
Chapter 5: lion in a sea of snakes
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
After dinner, Hermione started to make her way to McGonagall's office. She wanted to ensure that she turned in her first Head Girl report on time. Ginny followed alongside her casually. “So, are you going to tell me why you stayed behind for the Slytherin Quidditch try-outs? And why you took so long to get to dinner?” Ginny was prodding.
“It really isn’t anything to make a big deal of” Hermione shrugged it off. As far as she was concerned, it was a friendly moment between her and Draco. They had agreed to a bet, and by getting on that broomstick with him, she had been ‘letting loose.’ Ginny would not stop pushing for answers though.
Hermione sighed and gave in a bit. “Okay Gin! I will tell you why I was late, but it really is not a big deal.” Hermione explained about the bet she had made with Malfoy during the first potions class,, how they had become partners for all their classes, how she had decided to stay and watch the quidditch practice to be supportive and show a unified front as head boy and girl, which Ginny did not really believe but let slide for now, and how Malfoy had convinced her to get on the broom. It was simply part of the bet and a way for Hermione to have fun.
Ginny’s jaw was on the floor by the end of Hermione’s story. “You know what Hermione… It makes sense, really it does!” Hermione was now lost, “ If you think about it, Malfoy is always taunting and teasing you, trying to get under your skin, trying to get a reaction. He clearly isn’t sure how to handle his feelings so he-” but that was enough for Hermione to cut off Ginny.
“I’m sorry what? Malfoy absolutely does not have feelings for me, at least not any positive ones. We simply made a bet to prove who is more academically rigorous, which I am. It’s our final year at Hogwarts and we will part ways as soon as the N.E.W.Ts are over” Ginny did not agree, but she decided to not push it any further. Ginny was not the biggest fan of Malfoy, but if he was a factor in Hermione letting loose and having some fun this year, then she did not want to ruin that by scaring Hermione off with suggestions of feelings.
“You’re right, I’m probably just reading too much into it. I’m sure you’ll beat him and win the bet” Ginny would come back to this conversation another time.
The next morning, Hermione awoke bright and early in order to make sure her morning routine was completed before heading to Hogsmeade, spending a better part of the morning studying. She made her way back to the Gryffindor Tower a couple hours before she was supposed to head into Hogsmeade. Cormac had essentially asked her on a date for Butterbeer, but she had told him he could come along with the group. She was not particularly interested in dating Cormac, but she supposed allowing it to count as a date did feed into her having a ‘carefree, fun, less studious’ year.
Ginny was flipping through her wardrobe when Hermione entered their shared dormitory. “I was thinking of heading into Hogsmeade early to go look for a book at Tomes and Scrolls. I can meet up with you all at the Three Broomsticks?” Hermione had not forgotten about her summer project. It was more important now than ever, especially if the war truly could take a turn at any moment, and she was on the brink of confirming her theory, and this book, if there truly was one copy at Tomes and Scrolls… well then, the Order might have the advantage they had been holding out for.
Ginny turned to look at Hermione. Ginny was surprised to see that Hermione had opted into a long denim skirt with a slit in the front, and a sage green blouse. “Oh thank Godric! Your style truly has improved immensely since fourth year” Ginny turned back to sifting through her own closet, as she waved a hand towards Hermione, “Yeah, we’ll be waiting for you in the Three Broomsticks” and with that, Hermione started making her way into Hogsmeade.
Upon arriving at Tomes and Scrolls, she was greeted by the elderly shop keeper, Marge, who was excited to have a customer. “Oh, hello dear, how can I assist you today?”
“I heard that you may have one copy of a difficult-to-track-down book,” Hermione was skeptical. She also did not need the shop keeper asking any questions.
“I do have a few special works in my collection. Which book dear?” The shop keeper was friendly and had not gotten many visitors this early into the semester.
There was no going back once she let the shop keeper know what book she was searching for, and there was no going back from the information in the book. Hermione slid a note over to Marge. Marge smiled and opened the note, but her face dropped slightly as she responded.
“What would such a sweet, young witch like yourself need with this particular book?” Hermione really had been wishful in thinking the shop keeper would not ask questions, but she had curated her lie perfectly for this moment, should anyone ever question her.
“Well… believe it or not, I am taking eight advanced courses for N.E.W.Ts this year (an unbelievable number, most did not take more than six or seven) and one of my projects is allowing us to deep dive into a corner of dark magic… I wanted to ensure I stood out, as I am a bit of an overachiever. No other student is researching this topic” she hoped the shop keeper would not ask questions. What was the point of making, and even selling books, if you did not want people to have access to them?
The shop keeper seemed to take the excuse and directed Hermione where to find the book within the shop. Hermione found it easily and made her way back to the front counter.
“Just the one book today then?” Marge asked routinely. Hermione nodded. “It comes out to 30 galleons.” Well, Hermione had anticipated the book being expensive, but 30 galleons was almost 150 pounds. It was not unaffordable, but it was definitely a sliver into Hermione’s wizarding funds. As she reached into her bag to pull out the money, a hand next to her slid a bag of 30 galleons onto the counter. Hermione turned to look at whoever, she presumed, was trying to steal the book she was buying.
“Hey! You can’t just purchase my bo-” but she was caught off guard when she met piercing, silver-blue eyes, like a rainstorm in the dead of winter. Somehow though, knowing it was Malfoy, made her even more agitated. “You can’t have my book Malfoy. I found it first.”
Malfoy rolled his eyes as he responded and leaned against the purchasing counter. “I do not want your book.”
“Great, then-” He cut her off.
“I’m buying it for you.” She narrowed her eyes. God, he truly was such a prat.
“I’m not a charity case,” her voice came out a bit harsher than intended. Perhaps she was looking for a fight.
“I don’t recall saying you were, but let’s not beat around the bush here Granger. 30 galleons is not even half of a dent in my family’s vault, and I guarantee that, while you may have 30 galleons, you could find a hundred ways to make them last longer than one, dusty, old book” and while she did not want to agree, Malfoy was right. She could make 30 galleons work, but to Malfoy, purchasing a book for 30 galleons was probably the equivalent to her purchasing one butterbeer for five sickles.
“I don’t want to owe you anything.” Maybe she really was just looking for an argument.
“Consider it part of my portion for the bet. If Hermione Granger is willing to spend 30 galleons on a dusty text, then I am gaining the full Granger-way-of-studying experience.” He was making it increasingly difficult to argue with him.
Hermione finally gave in, tired of trying to come up with excuses to not let him purchase the book for her. “You still have to study my way tomorrow. This doesn’t count as your studying for the bet.”
Draco took the book from the counter, thanked Marge, and handed it to Hermione. “Then flying on my broom does not count for your one ‘fun’ activity this weekend.”
Hermione sighed, she should have expected that. “Then what is my fun activity?” Draco shrugged.
“I haven’t decided yet. But you’ll be the first to know once I figure it out.” They walked out of Tomes and Scrolls.
“What are you doing at Tomes and Scrolls anyway? Did you follow me?” She accused.
“And you think I’m full of myself.” He could not help the jab before adding, “I was making my way to the Three Broomsticks to meet up with Theo, Blaise and Pansy, and I happened to catch a glimpse of you in Tomes and Scrolls as I passed by. I figured I’d see if you were purchasing some textbooks to torture me with for the bet, but upon hearing your total, I had change to spare.” He explained to her as if it was no big deal, as if he casually spared 30 galleons on witches as his pastime. She did not miss how he referred to 30 galleons as ‘change to spare’, but his story made sense, if he was even telling the truth, but she had no reason to not believe him. “What do you need a 30 galleon text for anyway?” Hermione held it closer to her. He did not appear to look too hard at the title when he purchased it, but even with their bet, with him helping her with her occlumency, she could not be too careful.
“I love learning, and I pride myself on having a wide range of knowledge on various subjects. I want to learn every corner of the wizarding world that I can. You seem to forget that not everyone comes from pure-blooded families with stories to pass along” it was a bit defensive of her, but she did not need him prying.
This was his moment. She had brought up pureblood ideals. He could apologize; it was just on the tip of his tongue; ‘I’m sorry H-’
“Hey! Hermione! Over here! We just got here” Ginny yelled at her from outside the Three Broomsticks, where she was waiting along with Harry, Ron, Lavender, Cormac, Luna and Neville. Hermione gave Draco a small smile and thanked him for the book, before she shoved it into her bag and made her way over to her friends.
“What were you doing with Malfoy?” Ron questioned immediately.
Hermione waved it off. “I was at Tomes and Scrolls and ran into him on my way here. He was just taunting me as usual” a half-truth.
“Did you find what you were looking for?” Ginny asked.
“I’m not sure yet” Hermione responded. No one found anything suspicious in Hermione’s words and the large group made their way into the Three Broomsticks. Draco made his way in as well. Theo, Blaise and Pansy had been securing a small table in the back and waiting for him.
The large group of Gryffindors (mostly), found a long table near the front of the tavern. Ron sat on the end across from Lavendar. Luna sat next to Lavendar, across from Harry, with Neville on her other side. Ginny opted into sitting next to Harry, which was across from Neville. This left space for Hermione to sit next to Ginny, and Cormac to sit next to Neville. Everyone was chatting amongst themselves at the large table, sipping on butterbeers and laughing. Hermione felt awkward and out of place at the end of the table with Cormac, but she tried to swallow it down.
“How’s working with Pansy in potions?” Gods… could she have picked a more boring topic? She might as well have asked him if he liked being made to feel dumber than a bag of rocks for the entire year, by asking about being partners with Pansy. Cormac smiled handsomely and chuckled at Hermione’s question. He was smooth and charming and, while Hermione was not even remotely trying to be funny, he found it humorous that she was a bit awkward and shy.
“I would have preferred to be partnered with you. Pansy acts like she knows what she’s doing, but she’s just bossy. At least when you’re bossy, you know what you’re doing” a back-handed compliment, and it did not make Hermione feel great, but Cormac was in Gryffindor, and her friend, sort of, and he was trying to compliment her.
Hermione feigned a smile and laugh. She had no idea how to respond. Cormac did not seem to mind her silence at all though. He even nudged her knee under the table with his own. He leaned across the table, close to her. “Do you want to go on a walk? Then we could talk more in private.” No, Hermione did not want to go on a walk and spend even more time with Cormac, especially alone.
“A walk sounds lovely” she continued to force her smile. She got up with him and they bid farewell to their friends, who just smirked and laughed, as they made their way to exit. Hermione felt eyes on her as she was leaving and turned her head which resulted in direct eye contact with Draco, who was seated with his friends. He shook his head in a ‘no’ motion at her, and she felt a pit drop in her stomach. For whatever reason, this just pushed her to look like she was interested in Cormac more than she actually was. She turned her head from Draco, wrapped her arm around Cormac’s, which he gladly accepted, and pretended to laugh at whatever Cormac was saying, which must have been funny because he seemed flattered.
As they walked, Cormac asked her questions about classes, what she hoped to achieve after she graduated, all the questions that would keep her talking. She found them behind a back alley, as she rambled on. “Uh… Cormac? What are we-” but before she could finish her question, he had her pinned to the wall, his lips pressing into hers. She absolutely did not like it and tried to push him off. He just growled against her mouth.
“You fucking tease. You think you can act all naive and flirty or play dumb, but you’re much too bright for that Hermione” and she was actually scared. This was not at all like the Cormac she knew, or thought she knew. She pushed away again, feeling her chest constricting.
“Cormac! Stop! I don’t like this. You’re scaring me” but he pawed his hand down the side of her blouse, down her waist and hip, caressing the denim skirt over her curves.
“I know you want it. You act like you’re such a naive, perfect, pure witch, but everyone knows the ones who act the most prudish, are always the most twisted on the inside” she continued to try to push him away from her, tears starting to sting her eyes.
“Cormac please… you don’t have to do this. I won’t tell anyone." She was not certain what had him acting this way. He began to shush her and move his lips along her jaw holding her in place.
“The potion will settle in soon and then you’ll be much more agreeable.” Potion? But she felt dizzy. She felt wrong. She continued to try to push him off her, but she also started to accept her fate. Cormac had drugged her butterbeer. He was about to rape her, and she would not be able to stop it.
In a swift motion, she felt Cormac’s body ripped off of hers as she felt herself fading, sliding to the ground, eyes fluttering closed. She heard cracks of knuckles against skin, grunts and groans, yet she could not see or move. She heard a mixture of pleas and threats: ‘please stop! Stop my FACE!’ ‘If you ever so much as breathe in her direction ever again, your face being beaten in will be the least of your worries’ ‘Please!!! Stop!’ ‘You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today McLaggen, it’s the only thing keeping me from removing your hands from your body. Now go. You won’t tell a soul what happened here today, or you will never tell another soul anything ever again.’ scrambling and then foots on pavement running far away. Arms hoisting her up.
‘For such a tiny witch you think she’d be easier to haul around’ a complaint and then a scoff and then the feeling of being scooped into arms, ‘Where are you taking her?’ ‘Pomfrey, where else?’ ‘Draco, you can’t. What if she doens’t want to explain what almost happened to her. That is not your decision to make for her!’ Everything after that was complete darkness.
Hermione awoke feeling groggy, as if she had slammed face first into a brick wall. She’d had the strangest and most awful dream. Cormac had tried to… but someone, Draco? And Draco’s friends… had rescued her? She blinked her eyes open and immediately realized she was not in her Gryffindor dormitory. The accents of the room were greens, silvers and blacks. She sat up and her head was pounding. She was on a green velvet couch, and she could see the Great Lake through a glass wall.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you” a voice responded to the groan as she sat up too quickly. She glanced over to Blaise Zabini sitting on a couch opposite her. So it hadn’t been a dream, but a nightmarish reality.
She eased back down onto the velvet couch with her head against the armrest. She looked around the room, why was Blaise watching her. “What happened?” It almost came out as a whisper.
“Cormac put an excessive amount of Draught of Living Death in your Butterbeer” so that was why she had felt excessively tired. “Draco- Well I’ll let him explain his side, but essentially we came to your rescue.” We. So it had been Draco and his friends.
“Who is we?” Hermione did not even feel like she was asking the right questions.
Blaise responded politely, but still seeming bored. “Draco, myself, Theodore and Pansy.” What about her own friends? Blaise seemed to sense her concern. “Pansy went and told Ginny and Harry what happened immediately. Your friends felt awful that they didn’t seem to catch on, but I’m sure you’ll hear their apologies later. Theo and I helped drag you out of the alley, and Draco carried you the rest of the way” so that had been that feeling of being lifted, “He wanted to take you straight to Pomfrey, but Theo insisted that that was not his choice to make.” Hermione could only nod and close her eyes again.
“How long was I out?” She must have been out for longer than an hour.
“Since 15:00” Blaise responded casually.
“And it is?” Hermione was nervous.
“6:00 in the morning. You slept 15 hours” Hermione could not remember the last time she had slept more than six hours.
“So what? Are you on chaperone duty?” She was not trying to be vicious, but her tone continued to betray her. She was only trying to process all the information that she was receiving.
“Since you did not wake up within one hour, Draco decided to go to Snape, instead of Pomfrey. He figured if you did not want to file a claim against Cormac, that Snape would be the safest professor to go to. Snape was able to inform us on what was in your system, and that we need not worry unless you did not wake up before Monday. Draco even lied and told Snape that you had mis-measured the dosage. It’s up to you if you want to turn Cormac in or not.” Hermione felt some relief at that.
While she felt sick at the idea of being around Cormac, the idea of trying to report him for sexual assault was daunting. He had a very powerful father in the ministry and she knew how small her word would be against his, especially as a muggleborn witch. Hermione felt herself drift back to sleep, awaking a few hours later, feeling much more rested and less ill. The potion must be wearing off.
She sat up on the couch again, this time to Pansy Parkinson sitting at the end of the couch. Theo was sat on the couch across from her and Draco was leaning against the wall across the room. His expression was impossible to read. “You’re finally awake. Blaise told us you woke up earlier, but when we came out, you were dead asleep again! We decided we would stay here until you woke up again, so that way we could not miss you,” Pansy fired off to a barely awake Hermione.
“What time is it now?” She questioned, concerned she had wasted her entire Sunday.
“9:00. You slept about three more hours,” that was good. she was not about to lose her entire day. She could still make it to the first scrimmage between Gryffindor and Slytherin tonight.
“Thank you... All of you” she looked around at all three of the Slytherins staring at her, “and thank Blaise for me too” she hated being in the debt of others, especially Slytherins, and ones that probably hated her just for existing. She especially hated being even more indebted to Draco. “I’m just going to head to the library now.” That snapped something in Draco, and he was immediately next to the couch, kneeling in front of her.
“Granger” his tone was serious, edging on concern, his eyes scanning her face. “Surely you can take one day off from the library, especially after-” but she cut off his soft tone.
“I am fine. I do not need to talk about it. I do not want to talk about it. I would like to move on as if nothing happened. I want to go to the library and study, and I am going to be going to the scrimmage today.” Draco searched her eyes, but he did not want to be the one to cage her. With a reluctant sigh, he stood up and held a hand out to her to help her off the couch.
“If you insist on going to the library, then I insist on joining you. I owe you a Granger-esqe study session after all” she felt a small smile tug at her lip.
“Did you decide on the fun activity for me this weekend?” Draco smirked; glad she had asked. While she had been passed out cold from Cormac’s vile plan, he had had time to think. He glanced down at her sage blouse and denim skirt that she was still wearing from the day prior in Hogsmeade.
“I’m glad you asked. Seeing you in green inspired me.” Oh no. What could it possibly be? “I think I’d rather like to see you sporting a darker shade of green.” Hermione raised an eyebrow. Where was he going with this. Theo and Pansy were smirking as well, clearly in on whatever plan Draco had festered.
“Today, for the scrimmage, instead of wearing red and gold, you’re going to be wearing green and silver” Draco smirked and raised his eyebrows at her.
“But I don’t own-” she began to argue. Theo tossed her a green and silver scarf.
“Courtesy of Draco” Theo laughed. Hermione just shook her head.
“I can’t be the only green in a sea of red!” She tried to argue. This is where Pansy chimed in.
“You won’t be the only green in a sea of red” Hermione did not let herself feel relief at that statement, “You’ll be the only lion in a sea of snakes.” Not only were they expecting Hermione to sport green and silver but actually sit and cheer in the Slytherin stands!
“But who will I sit with? I don’t have any Slytherin friends!” Theo and Pansy both scoffed, offended at her statement.
“If saving your life doesn’t deem us qualifiable to be your friends, then what does? Should we simply ignore you until we need our essays written for us?” Pansy shot at Hermione, a dig at how Hermione frequently helped with Ron and Harry’s homework. “You clearly are sitting with Theo and I, and if you’re sitting with Theo and I, then you won’t be bothered.” Pansy tried to sound more genuine. Hermione truly had no good reason to say no. She had agreed to let Draco pick something ‘fun’ for her to do each week. They had saved her life and her Gryffindor friends were aware of this. And what could be more fun than shocking the entire school by seeing the Golden Girl wearing green and silver, cheering on Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini, sitting in the Slytherin stands. Her next phrase was meant to be a joke.
“I suppose you expect me to cart around an ‘I Heart Malfoy’ sign as well?” Draco’s eyes only twinkled devilishly at the suggestion.
Notes:
TW/CW: mention of word rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, not graphic depictions, but still good to have a warning of it.
Things got a bit worse, but they also get a bit better. This chapter ends on an upbeat note. There is going to be a lot of sharing of trauma coming into play later.
Also! I will continue to update tags/tw as I add chapters! I am hoping to post Chapter 6 and 7 on Tuesday!