Well this is the start of my second Draco/Hermione fic. I'm finishing up my first fic and I said what the heck let's do another. This one I'm hoping will be somewhat darker than my first, and has a whole different story line. So I hope ya'll like, give me some reviews! If you want read my first story, Family Matters.
The First Cut is the Deepest -Chapter 1: The Past and Present
A copy of the Daily Prophet sat on the front steps of Arthur Weasley's home. The Weasley's youngest son, Ronald picked up the paper and smiled when he saw the front page headline:
THE ENGAGEMENT OF DRACO MALFOY AND HERMIONE GRANGER
HAS BEEN CALLED OFF!
Underneath the headline was a picture of the two only months after their graduation from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They had been engaged for six months by the time it had been called off, and Ronald Weasley couldn't have been happier. He walked inside his house while he started to read the article.
Draco Malfoy and his Ex-fiance Hermione Granger made their break-up public after a press conference at Malfoy Manor last night. The two claimed they were just too different for each other. What happened to opposites attract? We all clung deep to the story of this odd couple since we caught news of their engagement. I'm sure we all expected them to have their problems, but I, myself never expected this to happen. After the death of Lord Voldemort and the imprisonment of Lucius Malfoy, we all thought this was a relationship that would hold strong to the end. We all want to know what happened to this high-profile couple, but the truth is; only they know. I am sorry to have to bring my readers this sad news, but I have to say what I know. You can guarantee we will bring you updates on this broken engagement as they come.
Ronald Weasley sat back in his chair and laughed at the article. He knew it would come since the day the relationship started. A relationship which was doomed. Ron had loved Hermione for so many years, yet she never noticed. Then Draco came along in their seventh year and swept Hermione off her feet. They worked together on Head's projects and soon became friends. Ron had tried time and time again to woo Hermione but every time it failed to work, maybe she was just attracted to the rude and pompous type.
Ron knew he had a chance with Hermione now though. She would have a broken heart and Ron would be there to comfort her. It was a perfect plan. Ron walked over to his fireplace and called Hermione threw the floo network.
Hermione's head showed up and she smiled slightly, "Hello Ronald, how are you?"
"Probably a lot better than you are right now."
"Oh no, I'm fine really."
"Sure, sure. You've never been one to admit your weaknesses."
"Was there something you wanted Ronald?"
"Oh yes, would you like to come eat dinner with Harry, Ginny, and myself tomorrow evening?"
"Oh that would be nice, I'm moving out of the Manor tonight into my new apartment. I will definitely see you tomorrow then, goodnight Ron."
"Goodnight Hermione."
Draco Malfoy sat in his master bedroom that he had once shared with Hermione Granger. She was leaving though, moving out on him. They had just called off their engagement and she was already leaving. She gave him no time to try and fix anything. He loved her, he really did, but he was just stupid. He was a Malfoy, was else could he say.
They had just decided to announce their break-up publicly to avoid any heartbreaking tabloid. Now, Hermione was leaving in an hour and there was nothing he could do about it. He would never admit it to anyone, but he had cried that night. He had never expected for them to end like they did. He hadn't talked to anyone since the press conference, and no one but Hermione and himself actually knew what happened.
He knew there would be ugly rumors about it, but they had vowed to keep it between themselves. Not like he wanted to bring it up anyways, too painful. Draco walked out his door and saw Hermione walking down the stairs with her bags trailing behind. He caught up with her and the bottom of the stairs and they stood staring at each for what seemed like hours.
"You don't have to leave."
"Yes I do."
"We can work this out baby."
"You brought this on yourself. Goodbye Draco."
Hermione turned on her heel and walked out of Draco's life. He stumbled back and sat on the stairs staring at the large oak doors of the Manor.
-One Year Later-
Hermione and Ron were sitting on her couch watching a Quidditch match on the television. Ron and Hermione had been together for the past 4 months and Ron had just moved into Hermione's apartment. Hermione was happy with Ron; he had been there for her when she left Draco. Ever since then they had been really close. Hermione was finally happy again.
Hermione had become the new Transfiguration teacher and Gryffindor Head of House at Hogwarts when Professor McGonagall became Headmistress. She had taught the last two months of the past year and was about to begin her first full year as a Hogwarts teacher. She knew being away from Ron would be hard, but they could always visit each other.
Hermione hadn't spoken to or about Draco since the day she left him. No one dared speak of him while around her. Recently she was packing her trunk for Hogwarts and she came across her photo album from her last year at Hogwarts. She opened it up to a picture of Draco and her playing in the snow. She turned the page quickly only to see a picture of Draco and her kissing. She absentmindedly threw the book into her trunk and walked to the bathroom with tears in her eyes.
Hermione walked into Diagon Alley the day before school was to start. She had bought new dress robes and was going to search for books to read. Hermione was sitting at a table in the back corner when she saw a tall blond walked through the isle. She held her breath as she peeked over the book to get a better look. There he was, in all his Malfoy Glory. The very man who just a year ago she was engaged too. He was still as handsome as ever with his blond hair falling in front of his blue/gray eyes.
He seemed more tired looking than she remembered though, maybe even skinner. She was sure that she was a lot skinner too. Hermione had put herself through so much the first months after the break up. She finally caught herself staring at him and spoke to herself, "Shit."
Draco turned and looked at the figure that just said 'shit.' A book covered the face but the voice seemed so familiar. He took the book he had been looking at, paid for it, and left the store. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and laid her head on the table. Hermione finally picked up her book and left the store in a hurry to get the Hogwarts.
She hopped into the nearest carriage and admired the scenery that she once saw everyday since she was eleven. Oh, how she had missed this view between the time when she graduated and when she began working again. She saw the large rock by the Lake where Draco and her used to spend time together after hours to watch the stars.
Her mind drifted off to Draco again. He had inherited all of Lucius' money after graduation; he had so many inside connections with the ministry it was unreal. He had treated Hermione so well, with him she could have everything she ever wanted, but we all know how that ended. Now Hermione Granger, was a just Hermione Granger again, the smartest witch of her age. Hermione Granger, the brand new Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor house, and Ronald Weasley girlfriend.
Hermione finally reached Hogwarts and walked to her new classroom to set up. Classes for all the students started the next day so why not go ahead and get ready, by hand.
-Meanwhile-
"It's nice to see you again Draco."
"You too, it's a been a while since I've been here last."
"Yes, I am delighted to be working with you. Shall we go and talk to McGonagall now?"
"Yeah, let's get this over with."
Draco and his new colleague walked to the gargoyle outside McGonagall's office and waited to be let in.
"Hello Draco, Severus."
"Hello Headmistress."
"I am delighted to have one of our best potions students here willing to teacher for us. When I informed Severus that he would be getting the Defense Against the Dark Arts position he immediately requested you take his place as potions master. I knew you would be a great teacher so I notified you as soon as I could."
"I was very happy to get your letter Headmistress, something that certainly brightened up my year."
"I'm sure it did, Severus why don't you take him to his classroom and show him around the staff quarters."
"Yes, ma'am."
Draco and Severus walked out the Headmistress's office and down to dungeons where Draco's new potions classroom was. It looked exactly like he had left it in his seventh year, of course he would have to add a few Malfoy touches here and there. Severus then took him to the staff quarters and left him alone inside. Each of the Heads of Houses had a room connecting to their house and the other room just filled in between. There was one small kitchen, two couches and a large desk in the study.
Draco walked into the room marked potions and immediately noticed two shelves full of books. The room was painted green, silver, and black, in Slytherin traditions naturally, with a large oak bed in the center of the room. He walked out of the room and walked into the room marked staff bathroom. He took and quick shower and then stood in front of the mirror staring at himself. Was this how it was supposed to be? His eyes had bags under his now even darker eyes, and his skin was even paler than usual.
Hermione walked around her new quarters at Hogwarts admiring her new head of house room. She walked into the staff bathroom and dropped all her things on the ground at the sight in front of her.
:Hola: Well what did yall think? Leave me some reviews good bad or ugly. And don't forget to read my first Harry Potter Fanfic, Family Matters.
Missez Malfoy