Worst Enemies, Best Couple

“How could you do this Hermione? How could you be so stupid as to sleep with him?” Ron asked quietly after Hermione told them what happened between Malfoy and her during the war.



“I didn’t plan for it to happen Ron,” Hermione answered as she stared at Ron’s crestfallen face.



“But it did happen.” Harry spoke up, annoyance clear in his voice.



Hermione sighed and stared at the floor to avoid Ron and Harry’s accusing eyes. “Yes it did and I’m sorry that it did happen.”



Ron gave out a snort, “Are you really sorry? Or are you just sorry because it turned out that he was just playing you like all the girls he’s been with? Tell me Hermione. Did you fall for him just like Ginny and all those girls?”



Hermione started crying now.



Erika stood up and slapped Ron. “



“What was that for?!” Ron exclaimed in anger.



“For being a prat and making Hermione cry.” Erika answered him and she turned to give Harry a look of warning, “Don’t say anything Harry. I won’t have you two insulting Hermione anymore.” She sighed and sat down beside Hermione as she tried to comfort her by rubbing her back. “Look, Hermione made a mistake and she’s sorry about it. Can’t you guys just let it go? It’s hard enough as it is for her without you two hassling her about it.”



Harry gave her an uncertain look.



“She’s still the same Hermione. Her sleeping with Malfoy does not change who she is. Meaning, she is still our friend.”



“We’re not sure about that one. Look at what sleeping with Malfoy did to my sister Ginny. He turned her against her own family.”



“You know I’m not like that Ron. I would never turn against you guys.” Hermione sobbed.



Ron stood up and eyed Hermione with disgust, “I don’t know who you are anymore.” He then left the room and banged the door behind him.



Erika gave a pleading look at Harry who sighed and nodded his head in submission. He approached Hermione and kneeled down in front of her. “I’m sorry if we gave you a hard time. We’re just worried for you.”



“You’re not mad at me anymore?”



“I’m not mad at you.” He stood up, “I’ll handle Ron.” Harry looked at Erika who was still comforting the crying Hermione.



Erika nodded, “I’ll take care of Hermione.”





Harry smiled as he watched Erika sleeping inside the Room of Requirement. I had a feeling that the girls would be spending the night here, good thing I got up early to check if I’m right.



“Erika, wake up. You’re going to miss breakfast.” He shook her awake gently.



She groaned and hid her head under a pillow.



“Come on Erika, you still have to go to your dorm to change.”



“That’s alright, I won’t eat breakfast. Just let me sleep.” Erika said from under the pillow.



“You’re going to eat breakfast Erika. You didn’t eat anything last night.”



“To sleep or to eat that is the question. I would gladly choose sleep. Now get out if you want to eat.”



“Sorry Erika, but I have to do this.” Harry pointed his wand at her sleeping figure and cast the levicorpus spell.



“Ahhh!” Erika shouted as she dangled upside down in the air. “Put me down this instant Harry Potter!”



“Are you awake now?”



“What do you think?”



He thought the incantation of the counter-jinx and she was deposited safely back to the bed.



Erika gave him a dirty look, “You are so lucky that I didn’t think of accioing my wand and hexing you.”



Harry shrugged his shoulders, “I knew you were still sleepy so your mind wasn’t clear enough to handle such thing.”



She stood up, “Where’s Hermione?”



“She already went ahead. I suggest you get back to your dorm to change for today’s class.”



“Will you wait for me here or at the Great Hall?”



He smiled and lay in the bed, “I’ll wait for you here. I wouldn’t mind taking a nap before breakfast.”



She made a face and headed out of the room.





Draco smirked when Flint sat down beside him and inquired if he had any progress with Erika during the evening after they left their private common room. “What? You left at around 12 already so I just slept and didn’t wait up for her anymore. Besides, there will be other nights.”



“Don’t look now but your prospect is with Potter.” Flint informed him and he looked at the door to the Great Hall. Sure enough, Potter and Erika were laughing as they entered the hall.



Draco scowled and wondered what the hell she was doing with Potter so early in the morning.



She looked at the Slytherin table and sighed before waving goodbye to Pothead. Erika made her way to the farthest end of the table and sat down. She looked up at the Gryffindor table to where Potter was watching her and mouthed for her to eat. Draco’s eyes narrowed when she nodded and started eating.



What? Did she need the permission of Potter to eat? He had heard some gossip that the two were an item. Hmmm, if that was the case then he was going to have fun breaking them up.



Draco stood up and approached Erika. He shoved her some parchment and she looked up at him in confusion. He shook his head, “These are the schedules of the lower years. We’re supposed to distribute these to them since the 6th years will be busy waiting to clear what subjects they can take.”



Erika nodded her head and resumed eating.



He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Is this seat taken?” he asked, referring to the seat beside her.



She raised an eyebrow and studied him for a moment before replying, “Do you see anyone sitting there?”



He shook his head.



“Then I suppose it’s not taken.”



He smirked and sat beside her. Draco noticed that Harry was looking over their direction and gave him a smug look before turning his attention to the eating girl.



“Didn’t you know that Slytherins and Gryffindors don’t mix?”



She gave him a cold look, “Sorry, I didn’t get the memo on that.” Erika stared at Harry who asked if she was fine. I’m fine she mouthed back.



Draco frowned, “Don’t you know that it’s rude to talk to someone else while another one is talking to you?”



She faced him and crossed her arms in front of her. “What is this, some kind of stupid rules regarding the Gryffindor-Slytherin animosity and some boring etiquette talk? Look Malfoy, I don’t know what you’re playing at but rest assured that I’m not going to fall for it.”



He gave her a look of mock surprise, “What ever gave you the idea that I’m up to something just because I’m trying to be civil here?”



“In case you’ve forgotten, I happen to be a MudBlood and I know how you hate our kind.”



“How can I forget? You’re the only MudBlood who got into Slytherin. That means you’re unique. And yes, I did hate MudBloods before but you’ve got to admit that I’ve been treating them with a little more respect after the war. You have heard about Granger right? You can’t shag someone you hate that would only mean that I don’t hate Mudbloods ergo I don’t hate you.”



Erika gave him a look of pure hate and stood up, “I don’t know what’s worse, you hating our kind and picking on us or making our kind your whore. If that’s how you treat someone with respect then I would rather that you don’t respect me. Oh, what I’m going to say will come as no surprise to you but since we’re already at the topic I might as well come out with it.” She leaned down close to his ear and whispered, “I hate you.” She then started to walk away from him.



Draco quickly stood up and followed her, “Where do you think you’re going? I’m not yet finished talking to you.”



She continued walking, “Well, I’m finished talking to you. And I’m going to give these schedules to the lower years.” Erika started calling out the names of students whose schedule was with her.



He glared at her as she gave out the schedules. She was really difficult. Who would’ve thought that she was this feisty? He felt someone patting him at the back and he turned to see Blaise giving him a sympathetic look.



“See? I told you she was difficult. I guess that hundred galleons is as good as mine.” Flint said as he neared them.



His eyes narrowed when she joined Potter, who had been waiting for her at the door of the Great Hall, after she finished distributing the schedules.



“Too bad mate. It looks like Erika hates you just as much as Pothead hates you.” Blaise pointed out and headed out of the Great Hall.



“We’ll see about that,” he muttered.





Erika sighed when Harry inquired what Malfoy wanted from her. “Nothing much, just being the prat he is. I don’t really want to talk about the ferret right now.”



Harry nodded in understanding and took her schedule to compare it with his. “Hmmm, we have potions and DADA together.”



She suddenly felt sad, he, Hermione and Ron were the only ones she could really talk to. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed that Harry was grinning at her. Erika took her satchel and hit him with it on the head.



Harry held his hands up in supplication as he laughed. “Come on Erika, I was just messing with you. Have you forgotten that only one class is held for those taking the NEWTs level?”



She stopped hitting Harry and took from him their schedules. “You really enjoy confusing me just like Fred and George.”



He nodded, “But Fred and George love to confuse everyone. I on the other hand just enjoy confusing you.”



She hit him again with her satchel and smiled when Harry shouted in pain. “Now we’re even.”



Harry rubbed the back of his head while muttering, “Damn woman.”



Erika moved near him and gave him a sweet smile, “What did you say Harry?”



He quickly shook his head, “Nothing, nothing.”



She grinned when she remembered that he was right. So that would mean that Ancient Runes and Astronomy were the only subjects where we won’t be sitting together since he didn’t have them. Good thing Hermione was also taking Ancient Runes. Speaking of Hermione, she returned her attention to Harry. “What happened with Ron?”



He gave her a grim look. “He was being obstinate.”



Erika nodded her head, “I bet he didn’t even want to listen to you.”



“You’re right about that.”



She sighed as they reached the DADA classroom. Ron and Hermione were already inside but were occupying seats that were far apart. Harry sat beside Ron while she sat in front of them. She motioned Hermione to sit next to her.



Hesitantly Hermione approached her. She felt Ron fidgeting at the back and she guessed that he was going to change seats. Erika turned her head to look at him and hissed “Don’t you dare leave Ronald Weasley.”



She noticed that Harry had taken a hold of Ron’s wrist, making him unable to change seats.



Ron scowled at them but didn’t make anymore attempt to move.



Hermione finally reached her and took the seat beside her.



She leaned in near to her friend and whispered, “How are you holding up?”



“Fine,” she whispered back and turned her attention in front of the class when Professor Lupin entered the room.





Ron turned to face Harry and Erika as soon as Hermione left them for her Arithmancy lessons. “I don’t see why you guys are mad at me. You’re acting as if I was the one who slept with Malfoy.”



Erika doubled over with laughter the moment Ron shouted this. Harry meanwhile quickly grasped her hand to keep her from falling to the ground.



Ron gave her a weird look, “Have you gone completely mental Erika?”



She tried to compose herself as she pointed at the people watching them.



“Shit!” Ron exclaimed.



Harry steered them away from the hall. “Next time don’t shout stuff like that Ron.” He advised his friend when they reached the Black Lake.



Ron gave Erika a dirty look as she was still laughing, “It’s not funny Erika.”



Erika tried to get serious and bit her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing again. “Come on Ron, you’ve got to admit that was pretty hilarious. I’m sure the ferret’s going to hear of this.”



Ron laughed, “I wonder what he’ll do.” He sat down on one of the rocks.



“He’s probably going to murder you.” She answered as she too sat down on one of the rocks beside Harry. Erika suddenly became serious, “But I wouldn’t care about that seeing how much a git you are with the way you’re treating Hermione.”



“Look, I’m the injured party here.” He stated as he looked at her in disbelief.



“Hermione’s been hurt too Ron. Please try to understand her. I thought you loved her?”



“I did.”



Harry stared at Ron, “What do you mean did? You don’t love her anymore just because she slept with Malfoy?”



“I’m saying I don’t know anymore. I’m confused.”



Erika crossed her arms in front of her, “Then I guess you never really loved her at all.”



“Erika, I think that’s too much.” Harry interjected but he became silent when she gave him a sharp look.



“Yeah Harry’s right. That’s a bit too much to say. You know how I feel for Hermione ever since we were in the 4th year,” Ron complained.



“I know, but I’m starting to have second thoughts about it now with the way you’re acting.”



Ron didn’t reply, instead he gazed down at his feet. A few minutes later he sighed, “You don’t understand me guys. I love her but I feel as if she betrayed me.”



Harry nodded his head, “I get what you mean Ron.”



“I don’t.” She stood up and glared down at Ron, “It’s not as if you two were dating so I don’t see where the betrayal is.”



“Haven’t you been listening? I told you that I love her and she knew that!”



Erika raised an eyebrow, “Yes, yes, she knew that you love her and she also told you that she loved you. Seriously, you were not together anymore during that time. She felt lonely and Malfoy was there being nice to her and all that.”



“She should’ve seen right through him.”



“I told you, she was lonely.”



Ron stood up and looked down at Erika, “That’s not an excuse Erika.”



Harry stepped in between them, “Ok, that’s enough guys. We have our own views regarding this but that does not mean that we have to fight over it.”



Ron looked away, “I won’t expect her to understand though. She has never loved anyone in this context yet.” He muttered as he walked away.



Erika slumped her head on Harry’s chest.



Harry embraced her, “He didn’t mean that Erika.”



She finally stood up straight after a few minutes, moved away from Harry and gave him a weak smile. “No, it’s alright Harry. What Ron said was true.”



“Don’t worry about those two Erika. They’ll make up in due time.” Harry assured her as they headed back to the castle.





Draco looked over at where Erika was sitting at Transfiguration. So she preferred sitting at the back when she wasn’t with the Golden Trio, no wonder he didn’t notice her before. Speaking of which, where was the Golden Trio? Why was she alone? Yes, he had heard what had ensued earlier and he really couldn’t care less but making that Weasley squirm would be good for a few laughs. His eyes suddenly came in to contact with hers. She made a face and continued observing the other people in the room.

“Draco, what are you looking over there?” Parkinson whined beside him as she turned to see what had gotten his attention. She scowled when she discovered that it was Erika he was looking at. “Draco dear, I’m the one you should be looking at not that MudBlood.”



“What makes you so sure that I’m looking at the MudBlood?”



Parkinson stood up and approached Erika. “MudBlood, stop looking at my Draco.”



Erika looked up at Parkinson and shook her head. “Might I remind you that using that derogatory term is banned here in Hogwarts. Now I suggest you return to your seat before you do something stupid and I’d have to dock points.”



Oh brother, this is going to be trouble, I can just feel it. He followed Parkinson.



“You wouldn’t dare dock points from your own house.”



“You want to try me?” She looked at Pansy challengingly.



Suddenly Potter showed up from behind Erika. “What do you want with Erika?” he asked Draco and Pansy with venom in his voice.



She turned around and smiled when she saw Harry.



Draco smirked when he noticed that Weasley went straight to an empty seat in the middle of the room without as much as a glance on their direction. “What’s this? Is Weasleby mad at you Night?”



“Nah, he must’ve realized that hanging with MudBloods is a disgrace even for someone like him.” Pansy nastily said.



Erika sighed, “I warned you. Five points from Slytherin.”



Parkinson took out her wand and pointed it at Erika’s face. “You filthy MudBlood!”



She seemed nonplussed by the wand right in front of her face. “Ten points from Slytherin for using a derogatory term again and threatening to hex a Prefect.”



This incensed Parkinson and was about to deliver a hex when she was suddenly flung a few feet away. His eyes rested on Granger who was now standing beside Harry.



“Ten points from Slytherin for attempting to hurt a Prefect who was unarmed.” Granger announced as she returned her wand to the pocket of her robe and took the seat beside Erika.



Erika looked up at Harry and motioned him to join Ron.



Harry nodded and left them.



“What do you still want Malfoy?” Hermione asked in irritation.



“Nothing,” he glanced at Erika and returned to his seat without helping Parkinson.