Reputation
Over the next few days, the first-year students settled into their new routines at Hogwarts. Hermione Granger found herself immersed in her studies, eager to absorb all the knowledge the magical world had to offer. She spent her days attending classes, working on assignments, and exploring the castle with her new friends, Harry, Ron, and Neville.
Despite the excitement of her new life, Hermione couldn’t ignore the growing tension between Draco Malfoy and her Gryffindor friends. Draco’s behaviour was arrogance and disdain, especially towards Harry and Ron. He seemed to take every opportunity to belittle and provoke them, creating an atmosphere of hostility.
One afternoon in Potions class, Professor Snape paired the students into groups for a project. Hermione found herself working with Harry, while Draco was paired with Ron. The tension in the room was palpable as they set to work on their potions.
"Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Weasley?" Draco sneered, watching Ron fumble with the ingredients.
"Of course I do," Ron snapped back, his face turning red. "Just mind your own business, Malfoy."
Harry glared at Draco, his frustration evident. "Why do you always have to be such a git, Malfoy?"
Draco smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Just trying to help. Wouldn’t want you to mess things up and blow up the classroom."
Hermione felt a pang of conflict as she watched the exchange. She knew Draco was putting on a show for his Slytherin housemates, but it hurt to see him act this way. She wished he could see the potential for friendship instead of perpetuating the rivalry.
Later that evening, as Hermione and her friends sat in the Gryffindor common room, they discussed the day’s events.
"Malfoy is such a prat," Ron grumbled. "I don’t know how we’re going to survive a whole year of Potions with him."
"Ignore him," Harry said, trying to remain calm. "He just wants to get under our skin."
Hermione nodded, though she felt a deep sense of unease. She wanted to defend Draco, to explain that he wasn’t always like this, but she knew it would only raise questions she wasn’t ready to answer.
Draco’s POV
Draco Malfoy sat in the Slytherin common room, surrounded by his housemates. He wore a mask of indifference, hiding the turmoil within. His father had always emphasized the importance of maintaining their family’s reputation and the superiority of pure-blood wizards. Draco knew he had to uphold these values, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.
His thoughts drifted to Hermione Granger. He admired her intelligence and determination, and he had felt a genuine connection with her during their brief encounters. But his reputation demanded that he maintain a façade of hostility, especially towards Gryffindors. Draco glanced around the common room, his expression cold and aloof. He had to be careful. Any sign of weakness or deviation from his family’s expectations could lead to unwanted scrutiny.
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Back in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione tried to focus on her homework, but her mind kept wandering to Draco. She wondered if there was a way to bridge the gap between them, to find a middle ground where they could be friends without the burden of house rivalry.
As the days passed, the tension between Draco and the Gryffindors only grew. Draco continued to taunt Harry and Ron, hiding his true feelings behind a mask of arrogance. Hermione watched with a heavy heart, knowing that their friendship would have to remain a secret for now.
Despite the challenges, Hermione remained determined. She threw herself into her studies, excelling in every subject and earning the respect of her teachers. She knew that her time at Hogwarts would be filled with obstacles, but she was ready to face them head-on.