Name: The Ugly Ducklings
Author: SelenityK
Rating
Summary: Hermione Athena Granger was not beautiful...and neither was Severus Snape.
Author's note: I profusely apologize for taking nearly a year to update. I had this entire story outlined, life got in the way, and I lost the original notebook that the story was in. Please, please forgive me, and don't forget to review. :) Once again, I do not own the characters in this story, except Thomas Fitzwilliam. Everyone else belongs to JK Rowling.
Chapter 4: I Can't Dance (with apologies to Phil Collins)
It was Tuesday morning--that meant History of Magic. As much as Hermione adored the subject of History, Professor Binns was the type of person who would make even the most adept listener fall asleep. The ghost's voice droned on in a monotonous style that dulled the ears and the brain. Paired with the heat of the History of Magic class and the subject matter, Professor Binns' voice conquered his students' determination not to fall into the arms of Morpheus. Only by constantly writing was Hermione able to defend herself against the ghost's ability to make people doze off in class.
Hermione quickly prepared herself for the day. She did not like to fuss with her appearance, what good would it do anyway? Hermione was barraged by the usual insults from Griselda.
"I can't stand you!" the mirror complained. "Oh, I wish I could belong to someone else, someone more worthy to gaze in my glass. Back in my day, women cared something about their appearances, and I loved when they looked at their reflection. Morning was always something to look forward to. I miss those days. If only I could leave"
"Then pack your things and walk away" Hermione retorted as she placed a ponytail holder in her hair.
"I would if I could magically grow two legs!" Griselda snorted.
Ignoring the continued grumblings of the ancient mirror, Hermione flung her satchel over her shoulders and went to the Great Hall for breakfast. The seventh years were subdued, perhaps because they had to look forward to yet another Binns class. Yes, Hermione mused, Binns definitely has a way of numbing everyone before they come to class. After a quick but satisfying meal, Hermione trod slowly to History of Magic, Harry and Ron quietly murmuring to themselves. Hermione caught tidbits of a conversation about a recent Chudley Cannons game that was lost to Puddlemere United.
Hermione had wondered if Professor Binns would even consider a doing some sort of project, but as Binns continued with the previous day's topic about the House Elf Rebellion of 1705 (a fairly interesting one for Binns' class), Hermione finally realized that Binns would never change. The ghost professor would continue with the same history topics forever until he discovered that he was dead and move to the next life. That also meant no special project for History of Magic. Hermione would be so busy with Transfigurations and Potions combined project that she was not truly sure if she wanted to handle a project for another course, but she would not have minded the challenge that three projects could have possibly provided her.
Meanwhile, most of the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors had been put to sleep by Binns' unique ability. Hermione could not longer resist Binns' hypnotizing voice...this had never happened to her! The hand wrote slowly, came to a stop...the eyelids sank and...the bell rang?!
"That was quicker than usual" Hermione remarked to Ron and Harry after class was finished. The next class for Hermione was Charms NEWTS, one of her favourite classes.
"That's only because you dozed off," Ron nudged Hermione in her side, causing her to laugh aloud.
"Me?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Now why would I do such a thing like that?"
"Because Binns finally bored you." Harry answered. "After all these years..."
"Hey MUDBLOOD!" A voice called from around the corner. Malfoy. He turned the corner and appeared with his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, who had grown much larger between sixth and seventh years and almost looked like giants. "Do you want to go to the Halloween Ball with me? You'd better accept my offer; you may not get another chance to go."
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. "I don't even want to be in the same room with you, let alone go to the ball!"
"
Why?" Draco smirked. "So you can take your two lovers with you. I swear, mudblood, I don't know how Potty and the Weasel can stand to be around you all the time."
"I'd watch that if I were you, ferret" Hermione stepped closer to Draco's face and stared piercingly into his eyes. "You'll have something else besides a broken nose..."
"Oooh...threatening me, huh mudblood slut" Draco sneered at Hermione and poked her in the forehead with his forefinger. "You'll regret that."
"If you touch her again...." Ron said angrily, trying to get at Malfoy, but Harry restrained him. The three Slytherins fled down the corridor.
"Don't worry, Ron" Hermione stared down the corridor, anger shining in her eyes. "Draco can't force anyone to go to the dance with him. Besides, I may not go anyway."
Her two friends wore shocked expressions on their faces. Not go to the ball...impossible! "What!?"
Hermione became more confident with her decision. "That's right." Hermione affirmed. "I might not go. What's the use of going? It's only a night of dancing; I can do that in the middle of the corridor!" Hermione snorted and folded her arms.
"Oh yeah," Ron smiled, a wicked glint in his blue eyes. "Dance in the middle of the hallway. Go on."
Hermione closed her eyes in nervousness. She had not meant it literally, but Ronald Weasley was as much a trickster as his brothers Fred and George. Hermione closed her eyes in thought. Although Hermione was good at other things, dancing was not her forte. She figured that she could perform some Muggle dances and amaze nearly everyone, except Muggle-born students. Hermione began with the Running Man*, which evolved into the Cabbage Patch*. A crowd gathered in the hallway, some of the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors cheering on Hermione while a few of the Ravenclaws and all of the Slytherins (except Blaise) jeered at the young witch. Excited by the gathering crowd, Hermione performed the disco dance that a Muggle by the name of John Travolta made famous in the 1970s. She ended her performance with a split.
The crowd was initially surprised by Hermione's display, but soon erupted in applause. Hermione was not particularly known for her dancing skills, but the students had never seen Hermione dance like that. The commotion raised by the students caused Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore and Snape to appear in the hallway. McGonagall had a worried expression on her slightly youthful face. Snape looked more displeased than usual, but Dumbledore was relatively calm.
"What, may I ask, is the meaning of this?" Professor McGonagall asked in her sternest voice. Ron and Hermione looked sheepishly at the Deputy-Headmistress. The other students knew not what to say.
"We were…practicing for the Halloween Ball, Professor," Hermione said. It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't exactly the truth. Hermione met Dumbledore's eyes and looked down in guilt. Dumbledore winked imperceptibly at Hermione.
"Next time, you can practice in your respective common rooms." McGonagall told the students. "Now off to class. All of you." The professor shooed the crowd away. Snape glared at Hermione, spun around and followed the other professors, his black robes billowing after him. Hermione frowned in thought. What was his problem anyway?
* * *
Hermione's dance had been the subject of talk at dinner. Where had she learned to dance like that was on almost everyone's mind except most of the Slytherins and the Muggle-born students.
"Whatever that was back there," said Ron between bites of chicken, referring to event. "It was amazing. You'll have to teach me those moves. I never saw you dance like that before."
"That's because I can't dance, Ron" Hermione replied, obviously exasperated. Damn, did she wish she'd never dance in the hallway! "Anyone can do those dances with enough practice."
"Yeah," Harry agreed with Hermione. "Whenever the Dursley's weren't around, I used to watch music videos on Dudley's TV and practice alone. See"
Harry emulated a Michael Jackson kick, but his legs went too high. The Gryffindor table laughed loudly as the Boy Who Lived fell on his butt. Hermione helped Harry stand.
"So, about the Ball?" Harry brought the topic forward once again. "Are you going?"
"Me? Never" Hermione shook her head quickly. "Besides, who would I go with? You and Ron have dates. Viktor and I aren't speaking right now and even Ginny has a date. I'm not showing up alone!"
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance. "I'm sure we could find someone" Ron volunteered.
"if you want to, you'd better go about it soon. We've only two weeks left before Halloween." Hermione reminded her friends.
* * *
To be continued….
AN: Don't forget to read and review. I'll give you a cookie for your efforts.
Author: SelenityK
Rating
Summary: Hermione Athena Granger was not beautiful...and neither was Severus Snape.
Author's note: I profusely apologize for taking nearly a year to update. I had this entire story outlined, life got in the way, and I lost the original notebook that the story was in. Please, please forgive me, and don't forget to review. :) Once again, I do not own the characters in this story, except Thomas Fitzwilliam. Everyone else belongs to JK Rowling.
Chapter 4: I Can't Dance (with apologies to Phil Collins)
It was Tuesday morning--that meant History of Magic. As much as Hermione adored the subject of History, Professor Binns was the type of person who would make even the most adept listener fall asleep. The ghost's voice droned on in a monotonous style that dulled the ears and the brain. Paired with the heat of the History of Magic class and the subject matter, Professor Binns' voice conquered his students' determination not to fall into the arms of Morpheus. Only by constantly writing was Hermione able to defend herself against the ghost's ability to make people doze off in class.
Hermione quickly prepared herself for the day. She did not like to fuss with her appearance, what good would it do anyway? Hermione was barraged by the usual insults from Griselda.
"I can't stand you!" the mirror complained. "Oh, I wish I could belong to someone else, someone more worthy to gaze in my glass. Back in my day, women cared something about their appearances, and I loved when they looked at their reflection. Morning was always something to look forward to. I miss those days. If only I could leave"
"Then pack your things and walk away" Hermione retorted as she placed a ponytail holder in her hair.
"I would if I could magically grow two legs!" Griselda snorted.
Ignoring the continued grumblings of the ancient mirror, Hermione flung her satchel over her shoulders and went to the Great Hall for breakfast. The seventh years were subdued, perhaps because they had to look forward to yet another Binns class. Yes, Hermione mused, Binns definitely has a way of numbing everyone before they come to class. After a quick but satisfying meal, Hermione trod slowly to History of Magic, Harry and Ron quietly murmuring to themselves. Hermione caught tidbits of a conversation about a recent Chudley Cannons game that was lost to Puddlemere United.
Hermione had wondered if Professor Binns would even consider a doing some sort of project, but as Binns continued with the previous day's topic about the House Elf Rebellion of 1705 (a fairly interesting one for Binns' class), Hermione finally realized that Binns would never change. The ghost professor would continue with the same history topics forever until he discovered that he was dead and move to the next life. That also meant no special project for History of Magic. Hermione would be so busy with Transfigurations and Potions combined project that she was not truly sure if she wanted to handle a project for another course, but she would not have minded the challenge that three projects could have possibly provided her.
Meanwhile, most of the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors had been put to sleep by Binns' unique ability. Hermione could not longer resist Binns' hypnotizing voice...this had never happened to her! The hand wrote slowly, came to a stop...the eyelids sank and...the bell rang?!
"That was quicker than usual" Hermione remarked to Ron and Harry after class was finished. The next class for Hermione was Charms NEWTS, one of her favourite classes.
"That's only because you dozed off," Ron nudged Hermione in her side, causing her to laugh aloud.
"Me?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Now why would I do such a thing like that?"
"Because Binns finally bored you." Harry answered. "After all these years..."
"Hey MUDBLOOD!" A voice called from around the corner. Malfoy. He turned the corner and appeared with his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, who had grown much larger between sixth and seventh years and almost looked like giants. "Do you want to go to the Halloween Ball with me? You'd better accept my offer; you may not get another chance to go."
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. "I don't even want to be in the same room with you, let alone go to the ball!"
"
Why?" Draco smirked. "So you can take your two lovers with you. I swear, mudblood, I don't know how Potty and the Weasel can stand to be around you all the time."
"I'd watch that if I were you, ferret" Hermione stepped closer to Draco's face and stared piercingly into his eyes. "You'll have something else besides a broken nose..."
"Oooh...threatening me, huh mudblood slut" Draco sneered at Hermione and poked her in the forehead with his forefinger. "You'll regret that."
"If you touch her again...." Ron said angrily, trying to get at Malfoy, but Harry restrained him. The three Slytherins fled down the corridor.
"Don't worry, Ron" Hermione stared down the corridor, anger shining in her eyes. "Draco can't force anyone to go to the dance with him. Besides, I may not go anyway."
Her two friends wore shocked expressions on their faces. Not go to the ball...impossible! "What!?"
Hermione became more confident with her decision. "That's right." Hermione affirmed. "I might not go. What's the use of going? It's only a night of dancing; I can do that in the middle of the corridor!" Hermione snorted and folded her arms.
"Oh yeah," Ron smiled, a wicked glint in his blue eyes. "Dance in the middle of the hallway. Go on."
Hermione closed her eyes in nervousness. She had not meant it literally, but Ronald Weasley was as much a trickster as his brothers Fred and George. Hermione closed her eyes in thought. Although Hermione was good at other things, dancing was not her forte. She figured that she could perform some Muggle dances and amaze nearly everyone, except Muggle-born students. Hermione began with the Running Man*, which evolved into the Cabbage Patch*. A crowd gathered in the hallway, some of the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors cheering on Hermione while a few of the Ravenclaws and all of the Slytherins (except Blaise) jeered at the young witch. Excited by the gathering crowd, Hermione performed the disco dance that a Muggle by the name of John Travolta made famous in the 1970s. She ended her performance with a split.
The crowd was initially surprised by Hermione's display, but soon erupted in applause. Hermione was not particularly known for her dancing skills, but the students had never seen Hermione dance like that. The commotion raised by the students caused Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore and Snape to appear in the hallway. McGonagall had a worried expression on her slightly youthful face. Snape looked more displeased than usual, but Dumbledore was relatively calm.
"What, may I ask, is the meaning of this?" Professor McGonagall asked in her sternest voice. Ron and Hermione looked sheepishly at the Deputy-Headmistress. The other students knew not what to say.
"We were…practicing for the Halloween Ball, Professor," Hermione said. It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't exactly the truth. Hermione met Dumbledore's eyes and looked down in guilt. Dumbledore winked imperceptibly at Hermione.
"Next time, you can practice in your respective common rooms." McGonagall told the students. "Now off to class. All of you." The professor shooed the crowd away. Snape glared at Hermione, spun around and followed the other professors, his black robes billowing after him. Hermione frowned in thought. What was his problem anyway?
* * *
Hermione's dance had been the subject of talk at dinner. Where had she learned to dance like that was on almost everyone's mind except most of the Slytherins and the Muggle-born students.
"Whatever that was back there," said Ron between bites of chicken, referring to event. "It was amazing. You'll have to teach me those moves. I never saw you dance like that before."
"That's because I can't dance, Ron" Hermione replied, obviously exasperated. Damn, did she wish she'd never dance in the hallway! "Anyone can do those dances with enough practice."
"Yeah," Harry agreed with Hermione. "Whenever the Dursley's weren't around, I used to watch music videos on Dudley's TV and practice alone. See"
Harry emulated a Michael Jackson kick, but his legs went too high. The Gryffindor table laughed loudly as the Boy Who Lived fell on his butt. Hermione helped Harry stand.
"So, about the Ball?" Harry brought the topic forward once again. "Are you going?"
"Me? Never" Hermione shook her head quickly. "Besides, who would I go with? You and Ron have dates. Viktor and I aren't speaking right now and even Ginny has a date. I'm not showing up alone!"
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance. "I'm sure we could find someone" Ron volunteered.
"if you want to, you'd better go about it soon. We've only two weeks left before Halloween." Hermione reminded her friends.
* * *
To be continued….
AN: Don't forget to read and review. I'll give you a cookie for your efforts.