Off to a Good Start.
This was to be their last year at Hogwarts, before moving on to bigger and better things in the wide world of magic. A year not to be taken lightly by any at the school, but especially if you happen to be the sort of somebody who regards a simple quizz with the same seriousness as midturms, O.W.L.s or winning the house cup.
The subjects them selves seemed to become more interesting over the years, but this might have been due in part to the fact that by final year all but two of their materials for study were elective. Because of this Hermione found herself, alone in class more and more. Harry and Ron had no interest in cramming their heads with anything other than Quidditch and wizards chess not that she blamed them. She could very easily have chose the same courses as them but as ambitious as she was it would have been equal to purposely cutting off your thumbs. She was the only Gryffindorshe know who would even consider taking something like 'An Introduction to the International Wizarding Code' or 'Advances Magical Theory and Probability Discrepancies'. Consequently Hermione as the years progressed, in fewer and fewer of the same classes as her long time friends. Well friends might not be quite the word to best describe her relationship (or lack thereof) with on particular red head. At this thought Hermione felt a slight heat rise to her cheeks. Ron and herself had been pussyfooting around their inevitable relationship since 4th year. She knew this. He knew this. And yet neither of them ever seemed to take the initiative. She sighed.
"Oh well! A new year, A new start."
"Talking to yourself Granger." The unavoidable cynicism in the words could not be ignored.
"To my understanding that does not reflect well on a persons sanity even amongst muggles." Nearly jumping out of her skin when she heard the all too familiar and unwelcome voice right behind her, she lost her balance on the stone ledge and fell in a decidedly undignified pile to the floor.
Draco Malfoy's words as always when addressing her seemed layered with a film of contempt as thick as the dust that must cover Crabbe and Goyle's textbooks. He seemed to spontaneously materialize from within the shadows of the dungeons. His long black robes melting in with the shadows that skittered just out side the circle of light thrown by the torch by which she was reading. It being unseasonably warm Hermione had retreated to read in the cool peace of the dungeons a few hours earlier and had been since then happily engrossed in her latest book.
"Boo" totally unfazed he smirked down at her.
"Hope I didn't scare you."
He raised a hand moving his fingers in a mocking imitation of a wave as he leered down at her. She only glared back from an uncomfortably sprawled position on the stone of the floor. Even at Hogwarts the dudgeons were damp.
Flicking her hair behind her ear in a characteristic attempt to regain her lost dignity she collected her scattered books, damn it he had made her louse her page. Finally rising books in hand her turned and stalked away haughtily from the engagingly calm blond harried youth. Throwing him a withering look she shot back over her shoulder
"Of course not, now if you'll excuse me. this place has suddenly become most unsavory"
She could almost feel his eyes shooting hexes at her as she stalked down the hall. He never liked to be insulted even if it was purely in retaliation. The arrogant part, had an ego the size of Hogwarts castle it's self, and it did not react well to any sort of insult especially if it originated form anything that had ties to Harry Potter.
Now the overblown sleaze had rooted form one of her favorite (if admittedly slightly dank) study spots. The dungeons for all their faults were cool and in this uncomfortable warmth she had gladly taken refugee in their chilly depths. Still fuming with indignation she went in search of another place were she could finish her book in peace, preferably a million miles from everyone connected with Malfoy.
How dare he class her with other muggles, as if not being a pure blood were some cheep and dirty insult. She was probably in better mental health than he was. If even half the rumours about his father were true especially those that insinuated that the elder Malfoy had been if not still was the favorite dog of the most evil wizard ever born she highly doubted whether his home life could be classified as normal. His mother was by all accounts some airheaded socialite who kept slaves, and probably showed him little to no affection. Furthermore the way he obsessed over betting Harry on even the smallest things. It was a wonder that no one had shipped him off to some asylum, or that he had cracked under what she assumed to be the pressures of his every day life. She was probably twice the witch ever be.
Out of habit she had insisted on arriving early so as to be there to greet the new students, despite the fact that she was not the head girl or even a prefect. Ron had politely pointed out the fact to her several times as the three of them had stood bleary eyed at the station at 6:30 that morning waiting for the first train. To which she had reminded him and an equally sleep ridden harry that she was perfectly capable of making the short trip on her own. Deep down she was grateful they had gotten up so early on her whim, they were so loyal. She was always thankful that she had such good friends, and too tells the truth could not imagine them not being there.
Their ride up had been comfortably uneventful; all three had dozed Hermione's head resting on Ron's shoulder in a rare display of easy affection, his arm around her shoulders. Harry curled up like a little boy on the opposite seat, his untidy head cushioned on Hermione's satchel. The swaying motion of the train had lulled them into a state of content restfulness until the lady with the trolley selling candies and various wizarding refreshments rolled by. Harry had treated them all to a fears of chocolate frogs, botties beans and sparking soda, a drink that made tiny explosions of fireworks when pored into a glass, and fizzled in three different flavors as you sipped it. It had all felt very much like old times. Hermione her self was regretting already that this was to be their last year.
Upon arrival at the school each felt a rush of freedom. Dropping their trunks off with the porter who would have them sent up the rest, they only paused long enough for Harry and Ron to find their broom sticks, before the three scampered in a manner totally unworthy of dignified and worldly seniors, all the way up the hill to one of the castles many side doors.
Waving his wand carelessly Ron shouted for joy "Magic. It's great to be back, I wouldn't have to make my bed for a whole ten months"
"No more towel drying my hair" Hermione had added with a radiant smile.
"You tow look like you could dance a jig your that happy" Harry laughed grinning for a split second before he hexed his too best friends. Hermione found her self instantly jogging up and down arm in are with an equally surprised Ron. Harry fell to the ground in laughter at their expressions before Hermione dispelled the annoying spell and tumbling to the ground beside her former partner, the pair grinning good naturally.
"I'm sorry," Harry said regaining composure "I just couldn't resist the temptation"
Ron having already forgiven him pushed himself up. "It's all right, it's only you, if you had been Malfoy it would have been another matter."
"I'm itching for a ride," Harry said casting a longing look at his languishing broom
"Me too, 'Mione you can ride with me if you like" Ron interjected cheeks slightly flushed. Hermione being not at all fond of flying and feeling suddenly slightly unconformable looked away.
"No thank you Ron, I'd much rather go look around the school, I've been longing to finish my book, and perhaps I'll get a chance to talk to some of the teachers as to what we'll be studying this year."
Harry let out an emphatic sigh and glanced at Ron who looked slightly sheepish, Hermione having miss read the sigh rolled her eyes "some of us take our education seriously"
Apparently giving up he mounted his broom Ron following suit, "we'll see you at dinner then" he said whizzing up into the air. Ron felling the heat of the sun on the black of his wizards robes took them off throwing them down in the grass "you'll be alright then" he asked Hermione nodded before watching him zip off after Harry towards the quidditch field. With out the wind in generated by flying it was uncomfortably warm, so Hermione decided that for once the teachers could wait and headed towards the cool of the dungeons her book filled satchel slung over her shoulder Ron's robe over her arm.
Now to have been pushed out of her place by the slimy git Malfoy, she roamed angrily around the less frequented corridors in search of cool place to resume her reading. Drat it, it was too warm and especially carrying Ron's black wool robe, the dungeons had been cool and the perfect place to finish her copy of Flithern's guide to ghoul, vampire and goblin psychology. She considered going back but really didn't feel like running the risk of running into Malfoy for a second time. Still mildly annoyed at the unfavorable blonde inconvenience she made her way to the trophy room, which thought warmer than might be strictly conformably would do until dinner.
Dropping her burdens beside a window seat she plopped her self down once more taking up her book. The sun on her back making her glad of her white blouse and light gray school skirt.
Malfoy could rot in the neither region; she would show him how much blood had to do with being a good wizard. Nothing. She knew that such a mundane comment by Malfoy standards should not bug her but having her heritage brought up always rankled.
***
One of the great wizards clocks boomed it's loud rumbling noted though the halls announcing that the dinner hour fast approached. The sun had moved down the room, the glass trophy cases casting long shadows along the polished wood floor. Legs stiff Hermione roused her self from a case study of Dracula, stuffing the book into he sack along side it's fellows. She picked up Ron's robe and realized with trepidation that she didn't have her's, it was along with her wand in her trunk that would be right now sitting in the Gryffindor common room. Ron's was much too big and would make her look as if she were drowning. "Drat it all!" she muttered scurrying towards the door at the far and of the trophy lined room. The sorting assembly would start any minuet and if she didn't hurry she would be late. Hermione quailed at the thought. Certainly Ron and Harry would save her a seat but she dreaded to think what the professors would think if the former head 'Perfect Miss. Granger' appeared late, out of breath and with out her robes.
In her haste she almost collided with Goyle who gave her a glare that could only be compared with that of a mute and menacing bowl of custard. It made her pity any cupcakes that happened to have the misfortune to get in the behemoth's way. Not bothering to apologize she rushed on down the hall to portrait, mumbling the password as the fat lady gave her a concerned look, warning her 'not to be late' as she hurriedly crawled past.
Dumping her books in one of the comfortable armchairs she madly rummaged through her trunk finding her rode wrapped around her wand. Scrambling back thought the portrait hole; she took off for the great hall shrugging in to the long black garment as she ran. Raising more than one curious look from the pictures on the wall as she passed.
To Hermione's great relief students were still taking their seated under the enchanted ceiling of the great hall, and Harry was waving her over to their table point to the empty seat beside Ron.
"Where were you?" Ron hissed at her the moment she had taken her seat.
"We were worried." Harry said giving her a concerned look. While Ron continued to look slightly aggravated.
"I lost track of time" Hermione countered looking defiantly at both her friends. She had arrived on time after all. "I was studying, after all I wan to do something-"
"Big surprise." Ron huffed rolling his eyes. Harry merely gave the two a longsuffering look and turned his attention to Dumbledore who had risen to give the traditional welcoming speech.
"It brings me great joy to see again so many eager face." Dumbledore started and everyone knew now that the year had irrevocably begun. His speech finished the old wizard smiled his trademark smile of bemused indulgence, raising his hand to indicate the cluster of new first years that stood nervously waiting to be sorted. Hermione felt a wave of memories. She had been just like them once, no idea what to expect and not knowing whom to turn too. They had all come such a long way and yet some times she wished she could live it all again.
A loud cheer broke out form the Slytherins as the first, trembling boy was consigned to their house. She couldn't help the sneer, wondering if the boy would end up a terror, a socialite or an idiot as seemed to be the only three fates associated with the house. She deemed the three of them had at the very least earned the right to be at least a little scathing towards their archenemies.
Ron was cheering loudly next to her as Harry welcomed two new and blushing Gryffindor. Trying to put her hunger aside she smiled at the two and those that followed, throwing them random words of encouragement as the number of unsorted students dwindled. The taunts from the Slytherin table were becoming audible through the din and she looked up to see Harry glaring across the room. Malfoy's comments were among the most audible.
"That rotter doesn't know how to be civil if he tried" he stated loud enough to carry to the other table, Hermione saw that his obnoxious rival merely smirked
"Best you could come up with Potter." he mouthed his mouth showing more teeth than was strictly necessary. For once she wished they could all come to dinner with out this constant childish fighting, thought Malfoy's comments were inappropriate, they only made him look silly, and it would be highly imprudent to start trouble on their first day back.
"Harry please." She hissed tugging at Harry's robe as he glowered across the room at his archenemy.
"That's right potter, be a good little boy and listen to her after all the mudblood practically has you on a leash" Malfoy yelled, laughing as Ron turned and all three blushed a bright red each for different reasons. Hermione recovering first shot his her best piercing glare.
"Never mind him" she said loud enough for her voice to carry. "We all know that the only reason he has any friends, at all, and was even allowed in, in the first place is cause his daddy has the ministry's ear" Malfoy's froze mid-laugh, and shot a glare of daggers at their table. Hermione was convinced that if Dumbledore hadn't been sitting only 20 or so feet from them he would have hexed her six ways from Sunday. A slight trickle of fear worked its unpleasant way down her back, and she wondered what the boy was truly capable of. But it was Ron who broke the tension
"I think he herd you" the totally obvious statement of fact struck her as so ridiculous that she had to role her eyes and she could see Harry trying to suppress a chuckle. Ron looked pleases seeing that he had successfully relived the tension.
"I thought he was going to curse you for sure." Harry whispered conspiratorially glancing up at the now slightly more subdued Slytherins table.
"He better not" Ron growled with indignation. "Not if he knows what's good for him."
This was to be their last year at Hogwarts, before moving on to bigger and better things in the wide world of magic. A year not to be taken lightly by any at the school, but especially if you happen to be the sort of somebody who regards a simple quizz with the same seriousness as midturms, O.W.L.s or winning the house cup.
The subjects them selves seemed to become more interesting over the years, but this might have been due in part to the fact that by final year all but two of their materials for study were elective. Because of this Hermione found herself, alone in class more and more. Harry and Ron had no interest in cramming their heads with anything other than Quidditch and wizards chess not that she blamed them. She could very easily have chose the same courses as them but as ambitious as she was it would have been equal to purposely cutting off your thumbs. She was the only Gryffindorshe know who would even consider taking something like 'An Introduction to the International Wizarding Code' or 'Advances Magical Theory and Probability Discrepancies'. Consequently Hermione as the years progressed, in fewer and fewer of the same classes as her long time friends. Well friends might not be quite the word to best describe her relationship (or lack thereof) with on particular red head. At this thought Hermione felt a slight heat rise to her cheeks. Ron and herself had been pussyfooting around their inevitable relationship since 4th year. She knew this. He knew this. And yet neither of them ever seemed to take the initiative. She sighed.
"Oh well! A new year, A new start."
"Talking to yourself Granger." The unavoidable cynicism in the words could not be ignored.
"To my understanding that does not reflect well on a persons sanity even amongst muggles." Nearly jumping out of her skin when she heard the all too familiar and unwelcome voice right behind her, she lost her balance on the stone ledge and fell in a decidedly undignified pile to the floor.
Draco Malfoy's words as always when addressing her seemed layered with a film of contempt as thick as the dust that must cover Crabbe and Goyle's textbooks. He seemed to spontaneously materialize from within the shadows of the dungeons. His long black robes melting in with the shadows that skittered just out side the circle of light thrown by the torch by which she was reading. It being unseasonably warm Hermione had retreated to read in the cool peace of the dungeons a few hours earlier and had been since then happily engrossed in her latest book.
"Boo" totally unfazed he smirked down at her.
"Hope I didn't scare you."
He raised a hand moving his fingers in a mocking imitation of a wave as he leered down at her. She only glared back from an uncomfortably sprawled position on the stone of the floor. Even at Hogwarts the dudgeons were damp.
Flicking her hair behind her ear in a characteristic attempt to regain her lost dignity she collected her scattered books, damn it he had made her louse her page. Finally rising books in hand her turned and stalked away haughtily from the engagingly calm blond harried youth. Throwing him a withering look she shot back over her shoulder
"Of course not, now if you'll excuse me. this place has suddenly become most unsavory"
She could almost feel his eyes shooting hexes at her as she stalked down the hall. He never liked to be insulted even if it was purely in retaliation. The arrogant part, had an ego the size of Hogwarts castle it's self, and it did not react well to any sort of insult especially if it originated form anything that had ties to Harry Potter.
Now the overblown sleaze had rooted form one of her favorite (if admittedly slightly dank) study spots. The dungeons for all their faults were cool and in this uncomfortable warmth she had gladly taken refugee in their chilly depths. Still fuming with indignation she went in search of another place were she could finish her book in peace, preferably a million miles from everyone connected with Malfoy.
How dare he class her with other muggles, as if not being a pure blood were some cheep and dirty insult. She was probably in better mental health than he was. If even half the rumours about his father were true especially those that insinuated that the elder Malfoy had been if not still was the favorite dog of the most evil wizard ever born she highly doubted whether his home life could be classified as normal. His mother was by all accounts some airheaded socialite who kept slaves, and probably showed him little to no affection. Furthermore the way he obsessed over betting Harry on even the smallest things. It was a wonder that no one had shipped him off to some asylum, or that he had cracked under what she assumed to be the pressures of his every day life. She was probably twice the witch ever be.
Out of habit she had insisted on arriving early so as to be there to greet the new students, despite the fact that she was not the head girl or even a prefect. Ron had politely pointed out the fact to her several times as the three of them had stood bleary eyed at the station at 6:30 that morning waiting for the first train. To which she had reminded him and an equally sleep ridden harry that she was perfectly capable of making the short trip on her own. Deep down she was grateful they had gotten up so early on her whim, they were so loyal. She was always thankful that she had such good friends, and too tells the truth could not imagine them not being there.
Their ride up had been comfortably uneventful; all three had dozed Hermione's head resting on Ron's shoulder in a rare display of easy affection, his arm around her shoulders. Harry curled up like a little boy on the opposite seat, his untidy head cushioned on Hermione's satchel. The swaying motion of the train had lulled them into a state of content restfulness until the lady with the trolley selling candies and various wizarding refreshments rolled by. Harry had treated them all to a fears of chocolate frogs, botties beans and sparking soda, a drink that made tiny explosions of fireworks when pored into a glass, and fizzled in three different flavors as you sipped it. It had all felt very much like old times. Hermione her self was regretting already that this was to be their last year.
Upon arrival at the school each felt a rush of freedom. Dropping their trunks off with the porter who would have them sent up the rest, they only paused long enough for Harry and Ron to find their broom sticks, before the three scampered in a manner totally unworthy of dignified and worldly seniors, all the way up the hill to one of the castles many side doors.
Waving his wand carelessly Ron shouted for joy "Magic. It's great to be back, I wouldn't have to make my bed for a whole ten months"
"No more towel drying my hair" Hermione had added with a radiant smile.
"You tow look like you could dance a jig your that happy" Harry laughed grinning for a split second before he hexed his too best friends. Hermione found her self instantly jogging up and down arm in are with an equally surprised Ron. Harry fell to the ground in laughter at their expressions before Hermione dispelled the annoying spell and tumbling to the ground beside her former partner, the pair grinning good naturally.
"I'm sorry," Harry said regaining composure "I just couldn't resist the temptation"
Ron having already forgiven him pushed himself up. "It's all right, it's only you, if you had been Malfoy it would have been another matter."
"I'm itching for a ride," Harry said casting a longing look at his languishing broom
"Me too, 'Mione you can ride with me if you like" Ron interjected cheeks slightly flushed. Hermione being not at all fond of flying and feeling suddenly slightly unconformable looked away.
"No thank you Ron, I'd much rather go look around the school, I've been longing to finish my book, and perhaps I'll get a chance to talk to some of the teachers as to what we'll be studying this year."
Harry let out an emphatic sigh and glanced at Ron who looked slightly sheepish, Hermione having miss read the sigh rolled her eyes "some of us take our education seriously"
Apparently giving up he mounted his broom Ron following suit, "we'll see you at dinner then" he said whizzing up into the air. Ron felling the heat of the sun on the black of his wizards robes took them off throwing them down in the grass "you'll be alright then" he asked Hermione nodded before watching him zip off after Harry towards the quidditch field. With out the wind in generated by flying it was uncomfortably warm, so Hermione decided that for once the teachers could wait and headed towards the cool of the dungeons her book filled satchel slung over her shoulder Ron's robe over her arm.
Now to have been pushed out of her place by the slimy git Malfoy, she roamed angrily around the less frequented corridors in search of cool place to resume her reading. Drat it, it was too warm and especially carrying Ron's black wool robe, the dungeons had been cool and the perfect place to finish her copy of Flithern's guide to ghoul, vampire and goblin psychology. She considered going back but really didn't feel like running the risk of running into Malfoy for a second time. Still mildly annoyed at the unfavorable blonde inconvenience she made her way to the trophy room, which thought warmer than might be strictly conformably would do until dinner.
Dropping her burdens beside a window seat she plopped her self down once more taking up her book. The sun on her back making her glad of her white blouse and light gray school skirt.
Malfoy could rot in the neither region; she would show him how much blood had to do with being a good wizard. Nothing. She knew that such a mundane comment by Malfoy standards should not bug her but having her heritage brought up always rankled.
***
One of the great wizards clocks boomed it's loud rumbling noted though the halls announcing that the dinner hour fast approached. The sun had moved down the room, the glass trophy cases casting long shadows along the polished wood floor. Legs stiff Hermione roused her self from a case study of Dracula, stuffing the book into he sack along side it's fellows. She picked up Ron's robe and realized with trepidation that she didn't have her's, it was along with her wand in her trunk that would be right now sitting in the Gryffindor common room. Ron's was much too big and would make her look as if she were drowning. "Drat it all!" she muttered scurrying towards the door at the far and of the trophy lined room. The sorting assembly would start any minuet and if she didn't hurry she would be late. Hermione quailed at the thought. Certainly Ron and Harry would save her a seat but she dreaded to think what the professors would think if the former head 'Perfect Miss. Granger' appeared late, out of breath and with out her robes.
In her haste she almost collided with Goyle who gave her a glare that could only be compared with that of a mute and menacing bowl of custard. It made her pity any cupcakes that happened to have the misfortune to get in the behemoth's way. Not bothering to apologize she rushed on down the hall to portrait, mumbling the password as the fat lady gave her a concerned look, warning her 'not to be late' as she hurriedly crawled past.
Dumping her books in one of the comfortable armchairs she madly rummaged through her trunk finding her rode wrapped around her wand. Scrambling back thought the portrait hole; she took off for the great hall shrugging in to the long black garment as she ran. Raising more than one curious look from the pictures on the wall as she passed.
To Hermione's great relief students were still taking their seated under the enchanted ceiling of the great hall, and Harry was waving her over to their table point to the empty seat beside Ron.
"Where were you?" Ron hissed at her the moment she had taken her seat.
"We were worried." Harry said giving her a concerned look. While Ron continued to look slightly aggravated.
"I lost track of time" Hermione countered looking defiantly at both her friends. She had arrived on time after all. "I was studying, after all I wan to do something-"
"Big surprise." Ron huffed rolling his eyes. Harry merely gave the two a longsuffering look and turned his attention to Dumbledore who had risen to give the traditional welcoming speech.
"It brings me great joy to see again so many eager face." Dumbledore started and everyone knew now that the year had irrevocably begun. His speech finished the old wizard smiled his trademark smile of bemused indulgence, raising his hand to indicate the cluster of new first years that stood nervously waiting to be sorted. Hermione felt a wave of memories. She had been just like them once, no idea what to expect and not knowing whom to turn too. They had all come such a long way and yet some times she wished she could live it all again.
A loud cheer broke out form the Slytherins as the first, trembling boy was consigned to their house. She couldn't help the sneer, wondering if the boy would end up a terror, a socialite or an idiot as seemed to be the only three fates associated with the house. She deemed the three of them had at the very least earned the right to be at least a little scathing towards their archenemies.
Ron was cheering loudly next to her as Harry welcomed two new and blushing Gryffindor. Trying to put her hunger aside she smiled at the two and those that followed, throwing them random words of encouragement as the number of unsorted students dwindled. The taunts from the Slytherin table were becoming audible through the din and she looked up to see Harry glaring across the room. Malfoy's comments were among the most audible.
"That rotter doesn't know how to be civil if he tried" he stated loud enough to carry to the other table, Hermione saw that his obnoxious rival merely smirked
"Best you could come up with Potter." he mouthed his mouth showing more teeth than was strictly necessary. For once she wished they could all come to dinner with out this constant childish fighting, thought Malfoy's comments were inappropriate, they only made him look silly, and it would be highly imprudent to start trouble on their first day back.
"Harry please." She hissed tugging at Harry's robe as he glowered across the room at his archenemy.
"That's right potter, be a good little boy and listen to her after all the mudblood practically has you on a leash" Malfoy yelled, laughing as Ron turned and all three blushed a bright red each for different reasons. Hermione recovering first shot his her best piercing glare.
"Never mind him" she said loud enough for her voice to carry. "We all know that the only reason he has any friends, at all, and was even allowed in, in the first place is cause his daddy has the ministry's ear" Malfoy's froze mid-laugh, and shot a glare of daggers at their table. Hermione was convinced that if Dumbledore hadn't been sitting only 20 or so feet from them he would have hexed her six ways from Sunday. A slight trickle of fear worked its unpleasant way down her back, and she wondered what the boy was truly capable of. But it was Ron who broke the tension
"I think he herd you" the totally obvious statement of fact struck her as so ridiculous that she had to role her eyes and she could see Harry trying to suppress a chuckle. Ron looked pleases seeing that he had successfully relived the tension.
"I thought he was going to curse you for sure." Harry whispered conspiratorially glancing up at the now slightly more subdued Slytherins table.
"He better not" Ron growled with indignation. "Not if he knows what's good for him."