Dancing With Dragons

Thank you reviewers you make me feel so good! I know my story needs to be edited by another's eyes, but until than I am sorry you'll just have to deal :-) I hope it lives up your expectations!

CHAPTER 2: BOYS, MUGGLE TALK, and LITTLE RED DRESSES

Just as Hermione had started to put Malfoy out of her mind, again, she walked in the dinning hall to find the strangest sight. Malfoy and Pansy were arguing about something, and the whole school was audience to the personal conflict.

“ You can't just dump me!” Pansy voice rising, almost in tears. It made Hermione feel bad.

“ That’s just it Pansy, we’re are not dating.” Malfoy drawled trying to look calm, but obviously his anger was rising as she was making the whole conversation public. Hermione felt bad for the girl, but really she was making it worse by yelling in front of the whole school. Hermione tried to lead her friends to their table, to get further away from the fight. However, Luna, Ginny, and Neville seemed to want nothing more than to get closer to the fight.

“How can you say that Draco. You don’t actually mean that my little dragon.” Hermione cringed as she started to pass the Slytherin table, with Ginny and Nevel grinning at each other and following behind.

“Stop it Pansy, you're embarrassing yourself. We had fun and now it’s over. Just sit down.”

“Don’t you tell me what to do! So who is it?”

“Whose what?” Malfoy was standing up now.

“Don’t be coy with me Draco. Who is the new little bird you’re fucking? Must be important to leave me.”

“ I am demanding you stop…”

“Oh you’re demanding, well you don’t have that right. Let me guess, I bet its…Granger.” Pansy screamed this just as Hermione was passing, pointing her finger at her. She turned on the scene, her eyes wide in shock. Malfoy actually looked like he wanted to laugh and throw up. Fucking git she though just as Pansy spun on her.

“So much for you being Gryiffindor’s little virgin after all.” Hermione cringed at the name. She guessed that was her unknown label. “Are you fucking my boyfriend?” Hermione was aware of that all eyes were on her and she felt like she was going to be sick.

“No no…”

“I don’t believe you!”

Thankfully Ginny stepped in because Hermione couldn’t think of a thing to say. “Why in the hell would she ever touch that thing? Why would you for that matter? He’s such a prick.”

Professor McGonagall and Slughorn ran down because both Malfoy and Pansy looked ready for murder. Slughorn took Pansy away and Magonagall calmed the rest of the room, as it became an uproar of gossip as soon as Pansy took one step out the door.

It was all the school could talk about, and Hermione was having one of the worst days she’d had since she’d started at Hogwarts and it was only day two of her seventh year! Classes were already getting harder. She had loads more homework than she thought possible. Teachers were irritated that students wanted to talk more about the supposed love triangle than class work. So was Hermione for that matter. Hermione wasn’t sure she could take one more stupid random girl asking if she was indeed banging the Slytherian Sex God, or how was he in bed. She finally resorted to saying, “Just terrible,” and walking away as the girls looked crestfallen. On top of that her and Malfoy had to get the perfects schedule done before the meeting at seven, that night. And on top of that, Hermione couldn’t shake the idea that she was the reason that Malfoy had broken up with Pansy in the first place. Why would he have done that? What did it mean about him? Should she feel guilty or rather proud she saved Pansy?

By the time classes were done Hermione felt like crying when she bumped into Thomas Everclear. He was a tall, dark, and rather handsome seventh year Ravenclaw. Her and Tom had gotten to know each other a bit during DA meetings and she rather liked him. He was intelligent, of course, but he was also popular and witty. Better yet he seemed to enjoy Hermione’s company as well. She had liked to fancy that if she hadn’t loved Ron she could have loved him.

“Hey Mione,” Tom stated as Hermione waved and walked over.

“ Hello Tom. How are you doing?”

“Pretty good now that I’ve run into you. I haven’t talked to you in awhile.” Hermione smiled awkwardly at his compliment. He always made her do that.

“ Oh well yes, yes, very busy summer. Sorry.”

“ It’s okay. Hey, how would you like to join me for dinner tonight?”

“ Oh I can’t. I mean I’d really lov, like too but I have some much work and than a perfects meeting at seven. Ugg Malfoy and I still have to make the schedules.”

“ Yes, well Malfoy is a rather right git. Say, Hermione, it’s none of my business but are you okay?”

Hermione pretended to not understand that question hoping he didn’t believe she would ever 'do' Malfoy. “Oh yes. Just very busy already.”

Tom laughed. It was such a good laugh, deep and smooth. “You know that’s not what I meant. Listen, I don’t believe a word I’ve heard. You are much to smart to have anything to do with Malfoy. Don’t worry something else will happen and this will all blow over.”

She smiled staring up into Tom’s eyes. It was sweet that he even cared, and was trying to comfort her. “Thanks. I am sure your right, but thanks for believing me.” There was a bit of awkward silence. “ Umm hey Tom would you like to try to do something some other time. Maybe you could sit with the Gryiffindor’s for breakfast tomorrow?”

Tom brightened “Yes. That’d be great.”

“Okay, well I should be going but see you at breakfast tomorrow.” Hermione tried not to skip as she walked away from Tom to her common room. She could have sworn Tom had been flirting with her. Was this eating together sort of a date? Surely not. She felt as if she should feel guilt because of Ron, but she knew deep down that she had made up her mind about Ron. She would always love him and maybe they’d still end up together, but he’d left her. She wouldn’t stop her happiness for him when he didn’t even believe in her.

The idea of Tom’s appearance at breakfast tomorrow left her so happy that she finished most of her homework in record time, and wasn’t even bothered to see Malfoy walk in at six-thirty. It didn’t even bother her that he was in horrible mood and called her mudblood countless times as they finished the schedules at the last minute. Nothing he said even seemed to penetrate until, as they were about to leave for the meeting, while she thought longingly of Tom’s smile, Malfoy asked about Ron and Harry.

“So Granger, I’ve been meaning to point out that Ron and Harry seem to have left their mudblood behind.”

“ Very observant of you Malfoy.”

“ So where are those idiots that they didn’t take their trusted little brain with them, or was it just too much for you to handle.”

“ I don’t know, but even if I didn’t I would tell the likes of you. I don’t want to talk anymore Malfoy.”

“ Yes, well you don’t really have a choose do you? Lets see, did Ron fuck you and than dump you. Were you too heart broken to go? Maybe he came to his senses and realized that even he was to good for you.”

Hermione laughed pushing aside the tears that threaten to spill. “ Not to night Malfoy. Not that you deserve it, but lets clear something up between us. I’ve never given Ron more than a kiss and if anyone were too good for the other it would be me. Now that we’ve cleared that little misunderstanding up lets talk about you. Why did you dump Pansy all of a sudden? And what in blood hell were you thinking when you did it at breakfast?”

Malfoy looked dark. “ I don’t want to talk anymore.” They headed to meeting in silence.

The meeting went surprisingly well, even considering Malfoy’s foul mood. There were relatively few complaints about the rounds. The only thing was that Lavender insisted there be Halloween Ball. The group seemed to like the idea so Hermione caved in. Malfoy couldn’t stop talking about the 'empty space between Lavender ears,' and 'how in hell did she become a perfect' all the way back to their rooms. For once, Hermione agreed. Also, she was too surprised that Malfoy would even talk to her; even it was to bash another Gryffindor.

Time started to follow into an easy rhythm. Hermione was almost always busy with keeping up her grades and having Head Girl duties, but she found enjoyment in them. She’d even received a message from the boys in the fake dairy she set up. It sort of worked like the Riddle dairy. The boys wrote into one spelled book and it appeared into hers. It would disappear as soon as she closed the book. Better yet there was no wards against this sort of communication at Hogwarts.

The boys had found the locket! But needed her to help them find a way to destroy the vile thing. It made her feel like she was contributing to the fight. She was ever busy sneaking into the restricted part of the library to read up on Hurcurxs. She hadn’t found too much yet, but she felt she was close. On her off time she hung out with Neville, Luna, Ginny and TOM! Her had Tom had even become a couple. The only thing that worried her were the rumors that spread around about the ministry and Voldemort, but being at Hogwarts seemed to push most of that into another reality. They only time she felt close to that reality was when she was researching hurcuxs and going to weekly DA meeting. Ginny had mostly taken over with small help from Hermione. Of course Malfoy was still cruel, but she only saw him when she needed so it was easier to handle. It was more like old times.

She spent ever meal time with Tom, and for the most part he made her exceedingly happy. The only complaint was that he seemed a bit over zealous and jealous. He just pushed the line of her comfort zone with intimacy. He always seemed to want to go faster than her. She still blushed at the time she had actually allowed Tom to touch her breast, but he seemed to want more. She pushed this aside because he was handsome, he liked her friends and her his, he was a great listener, and he didn’t run away from her intelligence. He rather enjoyed debating her. That weekend they had even made plans to spent time with Ginny and Luna to buy Halloween dresses. What man would actually did that! That’s why she really liked Tom.

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The cool air was refreshing on Hermione face as her and Tom held hands on the walk to Hogsmade. The group gossiped and chit chatted about nothing in particular when Ginny found the perfect store. It was called Rosen’s Dresses, Robes, and Costumes.

There were rows upon rows of beautiful costumes. Ginny decided on rather too sexy, in Hermione’s opinion, vampire custom. Though Hermione had to admit she looked scarily beautiful in it. Luna had chosen a cute light blue cat custom and mask. It went perfectly with Luna’s skin tone and peculiar character. Tom had gone off to the men's side to pick something out.

An hour an half in, Hermione was convinced she wouldn’t find a thing when suddenly Ginny pulled out a simply stunning red phoenix dress with a lavish fathered mask.

“Oh no, I could simply not ware that. To risky. I'll never be able to pull it off Gin.”

“ She is right, you know, for once,” A familiar voice drawled at Hermione’s back. She cringed trying to put the dress back but Ginny fought her.

“No one ask you Malfoy.” Ginny spat his name with such venom it almost scared Hermione. “You’re just jealous that none of your little slutty birds would look half as good as Hermione in this.” Malfoy laughed loudly and Hermione felt hurt and embarrassment well up inside her. She finally pulled the dress from Ginny’s grasp and turned to place it back.

However, when she turned around Malfoy had stepped right into her space so that the only reason their bodies weren’t pressed against each other was because the dress hung in between them. She suddenly became aware of how tall and impressive Malfoy was. She had to look up to stare angrily in his smirking eyes. She was over come by the smell of his crisp aftershave and the lingering cool air from just having walked in from out side. She wanted to rub her face into the warmth and smell of his body.

She tried to take a step back, but Malfoy followed keeping them almost pressed together. Hermione realized if she kept backing up he would take her desire for weakness. She started back into his eyes, letting all the years of hatred, humiliation, and hurt fill her own eyes. For a second she could have sworn Malfoy flinched, pulled away from the intensity of her eyes as if he were hurt by it. But it was gone as soon as it had come and she wasn’t sure she’d seen anything at all.

“Well Granger, I think we should find you something a little more appropriate for you status. Hmm, how about a cow or better yet how about an Ale Wench? Maybe you could serve everyone food and drinks at the ball, as that should be your rightful place.” She heard howling from Malfoy’s groupies, which included Zabini, Crabe and Goyel.

Hermione fought the urge to strike Malfoy, remembering his strength and speed. “Oh, and what are you going as Malfoy. Let me guess a ferret. Oh no wait,” Hermione eyes grew wide and her voice held mock surprise, “you don’t need a custom the Dark Lord already supplied you with one. How, very, generous.”

Malfoy grabbed Hermione’s tie on her uniform. She gasped with excitement and terror. She could feel Luna and Ginny coming from behind her, but she waved them back. She could either deal with Malfoy alone or she wasn’t powerful enough.

“ You think you’re sooo clever. For you information mudblood,” Luna and Ginny hissed, “ I am going as a dragon.” Then Malfoy did something unexpected. He leaned into Hermione’s ear and whispered, “ The dress is magnificent but much more so coming off than going on.”

Many things happened at once, Malfoy’s words made her flush and slightly aroused, but also, another tall, warm body came to press against the other side of her. She instantly relaxed into the other man’s body, because it was familiar and a second later she realized it was Tom. One of Tom’s hands was holding a wand to Malfoy’s chest the other was pulling Hermione into his body, but Malfoy still had a hold of her tie. Suddenly she was aware that she was literally sandwiched between two tall, strong, lean, warm men. The idea that she was out numbered and over powered brought a wave of panic and arousal so strong that she literally could feel the boy’s body warmth and hear their heart beats so intensely that they were like living things. Beyond Hermione’s control, she moaned still looking into Malfoy's eyes.

“ I suggested you take your hands off my girl, before I make you.”

Malfoy released Hermione and she fell further into Tom. He was laughing, as he said, “No problem Everclear. That’s your buisness if you want to sully your pure blood name with that thing.” Malfoy continued to look Hermione in the eyes and she was sure his laughter was more for her than Tom.

“ For all your status and wealth you are pathetic Malfoy, now get out of my sight before I hex you.”

“ Oh, your knight in shining armor Granger.” Malfoy and his gang laughed all the way out to the street and Hermione didn’t relax until she couldn’t see him any more. Finally Tom let her go.

“Thanks Tom.”

“Forget it Mione, it’s what I am here for. Just forget him. Plus, I think I’ve found the perfect costume for you anyway, Mion,” Tom said as he took the Phoenix dress away from her and hung it back up. She had rather like that dress she thought as Tom pulled her arm to show her a wonderful, shimmery, blue and white unicorn costume. It was rather beautiful, Ginny and Luna told her so hundred times, but she couldn’t get the Phoenix dress from her mind. Finally, feeling pressured she bought the unicorn dress though her heart wasn’t in it.

After an uneventful lunch the foursome headed back up to the castle. As soon as they reached the inside Hermione excused herself from the group stating she had a lot of work to get done, but they could try to hangout tomorrow. It was an utter lie, she had finished all her homework Saturday just for this reason, but she was terribly upset and Tom was annoying her with such remarkes as, “Why would you let Malfoy touch you?”, “Why did you shiver?” ,“What did he say to you?, and “I bet he liked it.”

She couldn’t take Tom’s jealousy and Ginny didn’t seem to think anything wrong with all his questions. She was more than delighted to find the dormitory empty and she settled into the largest armchair facing the fireplace. She pulled her dress from the bag and made a face. She knew she should like it, but the more she looked at it more she hated it. Why? So many questions ran through her head. Why did she suddenly dislike this dress? Why did Tom have to be such a gentlemen and rescue her, and then turn around and become a little boy, getting all jealous? She was with him, no? But worse, why had Malfoy whispered that in her ear? Just to see her reaction? Probably. Why had she liked the feeling of being bound between two men? She immediately pushed that thought away. For another day she tried to tell herself.

Hermione fell asleep like this when she was suddenly awaken to a light pushing on her shoulder. Forgetting where she was she mumbled, “ Whhhat what. Can’t you see I am sleeping?”

“How rude Granger, next time I won't wake you up to tell you we have a prefects meeting in fifteen minutes.”

Hermione opened her eyes at the sound of Malfoy’s voice and leaped up when she heard she only had fifteen minutes. The dress, which she had fallen asleep with on her lap, fell to the floor and she tripped right over it. Trying to keep herself from face planting she hit the balls of her hands and knees hard. Malfoy howled with laughter, but to her surprise he absently mindedly helped her up. Draco Malfoy actually leaned over and puller her, Hermione Granger, up from under her arm in one strong, graceful movement. Unfortunately, he still hadn’t stopped laughing.

“ All right, all ready it wasn’t that funny.” She actually was trying not to smile herself. “Stop it,” she demanded.

Then Malfoy, still laughing, pointed at the dress she’d pick up from the ground. “What in the bloody hell is that?”

“ A unicorn, there nothing funny about this dress. It actually quite nice.”

“ Oh yeah sure, but I am imagining you falling like that at the Halloween Ball wearing that!” Malfoy doubled over in laughter again. Hermione frowned down at him. She folded the dress and placed it on the chair. “ Oh come off it. Lets just go.”

Hermione walked off with out waiting for Malfoy. A few moments later he caught up with her.

“ So why did you buy that one?” Laughter still lingering on the edge of his voice.

“ Why? What’s wrong with it?”

“ Well it’s childish and mediocre.” The statement made Hermione burst out with laughter. It had been exactly what she’d been thinking when Tom had shown it to her. Why had she gotten it? She laughed so hard tears started to appear at the corner of her eyes.

“Have you lost your bloody mind Granger?”

“No, oh No, its just, well, my thought exactly.”

“ That’s your problem.”

“ And what would that me?” She asked as they got to the door of the meeting room.

“ You settle. Let people tell you how you should feel and think.”

The truth resonated in her very soul. She sighed, “ What would you know anyway Malfoy. You just think I am some mudblood.”

Malfoy just shrugged and walked into the room. Hermione followed suddenly feeling empty.
-------

Hermione tossed and turned most of the night thinking about what Malfoy had said, until she came to a decision. She wasn’t go to wear that dress.


That night Malfoy stalked the common room, talking to Blasie Zabini. Blasie was the only person in the whole world, besides his mother, he trusted. Thankfully they both had similar ideas about the Dark Lord and had talked about it at length. Though for Blasie it was less of problem because his family has little to no ties to the Dark Lord so he wouldn’t be forced to join, just pressured.

“ So, how has it been living with the poster girl for the light side,” Blaise asked changing the conversation for the samey, unanswerable questions of Draco’s future.

“ She a bloody little nit, but luckily for the most part she’s with Everdumb so I don’t have to worry about seeing her around to much.”

“ Gezz Malfoy, you actually sound a little jealous of Ever. You never had a problem with the bloke before he started to date Granger. Always easy to beat in Quiddtich.”

“ My problem with him is that he’s stupid enough to date Granger. Anyway, he’s always been a right stupid git.”

“ Merlin you want her. Just admit.”

“ Don’t be dense Zabini. Besides I could have her if I wanted.”

“ I highly doubt that, she’s Gryffindor’s little virgin. Rumor has it Everclear has been sweating her and she hasn’t even given him oral.”

Malfoy gave a noncommittal noise trying not to imagine Hermione on her knees.

“She stuck in you head Malfoy. Why don’t you do something about it? It'd be pretty amazing to take the virginity of the most innocent girl in school. Plus, Potter and Weasel aren’t around to stop you.”

“ As if they could. Z, if I wanted her I could already of had her.”

“ You persuasion with girls can only get you so much Malfoy. I don’t think the usual tricks will work with Granger. I don’t think she takes mudblood as a cute pet name between you two.”

“ I don’t know. I watched her during the Pansy incident,” that’s how him and Blaise had been referring to it since it had happened, “ she liked it. I could have her. I could make her mine.”

“ How about we make a bet of it. I bet you thousand galleons, Draco Malfoy, that you can’t take Hermione Granger to bed. Oral doesn’t count, I bet you can’t turn Gryffindor’s sweet heart into a sex kitten.”

Malfoy thought about it for a few moments, pacing. It would be difficult, but in his mind he knew it was a perfect excuse to be close to her. A part of him felt awful, another side excited at the thought of dominating Granger completely.

“ Deal, but how long do I have?”

“ Lets see, cause you’re a close mate I’ll give you one month till the end of the school year, but I want proof.”

“ What kind of proof? Granger’s panties?”

“ Please a thousand galleons riding on panties. They could be anyone’s. No, I either want a truthful confession from Granger herself, or I want a picture.”

“ A picture. Gods you're sick.”

“ That’s why you like me.” He wiggled his eyebrows. The two burst into laughter. They spent the rest of the evening play wizard chess and thinking of ways for Malfoy to get into Granger’s panties. They decided on showcasing Malfoy’s 'gentler' side and intellectual side, but first Everclear had to go. Little did Malfoy know that would be taken care all on it’s own.
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The next morning Hermione woke up and actually found the bathroom empty and ready for the first time in weeks. She took a long warm shower letting the whole bathroom steam up. She brushed her hair and spelled it into a lush, curly 18th century up-do. She applied light make up and put on a clean uniform. She even hiked the skirt up an inch shorter and twirled around in her full-length mirror giggling; a girlish giggles that no soul would ever be allowed to hear from Hermione’s mouth. Just as she was about to throw on her school robe and head down to breakfast she changed her mind and carried the robe instead. For once she wanted people to see the Hermione Granger under the brainy mask. She was so much more.

As she headed down the stairs she saw Malfoy and faltered, because she knew he had something to do with this newfound confidence. One he’d been right about her settling, letting others happiness come before her own. This wasn’t a terrible trait until people started taking advantage of you. Also, he was right about the dress and she was taking it back, today!

Well she wouldn’t let Malfoy deter her from her new confidence, especially because it was only a few hours into the first day. She marched down the stair pretending she didn’t care what he thought. When had she started caring what Malfoy thought anyway?

“You look hot Granger?” Hermione literally almost dropped her bag full of books.

“ What did you say Malfoy? Wait, no insult right at the end?”

“ No Granger,” Malfoy looked smug and cool, “ you actually, though I loath to say it, look rather ravishing today.”

Hermione was sure he wanted something or was about to say something cruel so she just stood there staring at Malfoy, but the insult never came.

“Oh yes Granger thanks I think I look rather nice myself. But then of course I always do.”

“ Oh yes, sorry. You look nice as well Malfoy.” She tried to smile. She figured she should take any civility form Malfoy while she could.

“ I knew you thought I was attractive Granger. Must be hard to suppress your desire for me.”

“ You're impossible, that’s not…”

“ You're so easy Granger.”

“ I am not.” She was so tired of defending her purity, but suddenly Malfoy laughed.

“ That is not what I meant, but really it sounds like ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks’.”

Hermione pinched herself, afraid she gone into shock. “ Shakespeare, you fucking bloody hell know Hamlet.”

“ Language Granger, and you must think me so uncouth.” Malfoy started towards the porthole “You going to breakfast?”

“ You’ve bloody lost you mind. You want to walk to breakfast with me?”

“ It’s not like we don’t walk to prefects meeting together. This doesn’t mean I like you. I just hate walking a few paces head or behind someone you know while heading to the same place and not talking. Bloody awkward, that is, and I simply don’t have time for that.”

The two walked along the almost empty halls together, as most of the students were already at the dinning hall. Hermione quizzed him on Shakespeare.

“ Lets see ‘What's in a name? That which we call a rose;By any other name would smell as sweet.’”

“ Easy, Romeo and Juliet. Try a harder one.”

“ Okay, ‘The course of true love never did run smooth; But either it was different in blood—‘”

“O cross! too high to be enthrall'd to low,” Draco pronounced loudly

“Or else misgraffèd in respect of years—“

“O spite! too old to be engag'd to young.”

“Or else it stood upon the choice of friends—“

“O hell! to choose love by another's eyes. A Midsummer Night Dream.”

“ My favorite,” Hermione sighed, Tom didn’t know any classic muggle literature.

They came to the large double door. “ Well, now you have to get away from me Granger. Pansy still thinks I am fucking you and won't talk me.”

“ Yes, well what a shame.” Draco laughed and it was throaty and masculine and Hermione felt it shoot to her core. “I don’t know what wrong with you to day. You’re strange Draco Malfoy.”

“ An enigma.” And then he left her with “And thus I clothe my naked villany; With odd old ends stol'n out of holy writ; And seem a saint, when most I play the devil."
-------

It was most unfortunate that Ginny and Tom had seen Hermione talking to Malfoy. While Ginny was genuinely curious, Tom was being a right ass.

“ Why were you talking to Malfoy? I mean after what her did to you yesterday Mione.”

“ He was actually being civil. Maybe he felt bad but can’t say it.” Tom gave her accusing eyes. “ I don’t know Tom. It’s really no big deal. For heaven's sake we are Head Girl and Boy so I’ll take his kindness, plus it’s a good show for the younger students during this rough time.”

“Well, I don’t like, I don’t think. I don’t want you to talk to Malfoy anymore.” Tom was starting to get flustered and excited.

“Excuse me?”

“ Plus, what are you wearing Mione. You look a little too sexy. I think you should put your robes on.”
Hermione had become so over come with anger, but Ginny spoke first.

“That’s not fair Tom, I think Hermione looks lovely today.” She smiled sweetly at Mione. Hermione wanted to hug her, she’d always been so supportive.

“Thank yo…” Herione started, but Tom cut her off.

“Don’t believe anyone asked you Ginny.”

“That is enough Tom. I think you should sit at the Ravenclaw table for today. You’re being rather rude….No I don’t want to hear it. Go.”

Tom left obviously pissed, but Hermione didn’t care he was acting if he owned her. Just to spite him she didn’t wear her robes all day. She only put it on when she left for Hogsmade after classes. Being Head Girl she could go any time she pleased as long as she told a professor and didn’t go alone. She lied about not going alone, because she didn’t want anyone to know she was going to buy the other dress.

Hermione grabbed the Phoenix dress feeling a mix of emotions. She felt like a ball of raw energy finally doing something selfish, but she also felt guilty because it wasn’t entirely true. She was also buying the dress because and for Malfoy. She’d show him that she looked hot in this dress, even better with it on.

When she got back to the common room she found Malfoy and Zabini playing chess. Zabini had never been as bad as Malfoy over the years, and last year she hadn’t heard one single insult from his mouth, though it wasn’t like he stuck up for her either. Their feelings for each other were mutual nothingness, but she figured she’d be kind. Plus, at least it wasn’t another girl. There had been plenty even in the first month and half, but there been no more Pansy incidents as she and Ginny had started calling it.

“ Hello Malfoy. Hello Zabini.” She settled into a large chair and started homework after she got non interested but not hateful answers. Finally when the game was over they seemed to realize she was there.

“ What you got there Granger?”

“ A dress. Why so interested Zabini? I can show you where to get a nice for the ball.” Malfoy laughed.

“ Hey, thought you already got a dress,” Malfoy asked accusingly.

“ Ya. I did but it was the wrong size.” She lied coolly, looking back at her homework.

“ Gods pathedic. Do you believe she going as a unicorn?”

“Ya,” Zabini answered. “It’s perfect for her Gryffindor prude persona.”

“ Ha. It's that better than being known as the Slytherin Slut and his trusty side kick who gets all his left overs.”

They boys actually laughed and she realized that having been with Malfoy this little time had allowed her to become better at this game of insults. It must be an elite thing she thought.

“ When did you become so cheeky?” Zabini asked

“ When I become so hopelessly surrounded by Slytherin.”

“ It’s not so bad on the other side Granger,” Malfoy restored with his usual smirk.

“ Oh no, this is one time when the grass isn’t greener on the other side.” Malfoy got it, Zabini didn’t. It made her think more of Malfoy than before. How did the poster child for pure blood know about anything muggles? The Slytherian boys went back to playing another game of chess and Hermione finished her homework long before they ended and went to bed leaving them in their silence.

She didn’t know what was going on the with the Slytherians as of late, and she didn’t completely trust it, but as she stared at the red dress hanging on the wall she figured two could play at this game. She fell into a weird sleep, where she was sorted into the wrong house, Slytherin, and ended up kissing Malfoy.
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The rest of the week went by like normal, though she noticed Malfoy hadn’t called her Mudblood once. Though really, they hadn’t talked at any great length at all except about the Halloween Ball they had to set up for. They were both cursing Lavender’s name. She wrote to the boys about what she found and thought she might be on to a potion that might work, but she needed more time. They filled her in about recent deaths and instability at the Ministry (which wasn’t new news), though she refused to talk to Ron, and would only write to Harry.

Her and Tom had made up and he hadn’t been overly zealous with her, as of late. They made plans for Tom to pick her up at her dormitory and even to go to the Gryffindor party after the ball. She figured she should go incase things got out of hand. All and all things were as good as they could be, but she couldn’t stop missing Ron and Harry nor stop thinking about Malfoy.