~Equilibrium ~

Bloody Marcus Flint.

He was the one who casted the-new-Unforgivable curse at Hermione Granger.

 His father's curse.

Draco seethed.

And he hated himself for that.

Why did he care? If anything, he should be happy this mudblood got what she deserved.

Not help her and give her a healing potion only he knew how to make.

Not spare her in the library because she started having a panic attack again when he was sure she had heard more than what she let on about his conversation with Snape.

Not bloody hold himself back from punching or hexing Potter just because he felt the judgmental and worrying look she was giving him.

Not tell her to relax when he saw her tense as Snape confronted her for being distracted.

Not let his fingertips wrap tightly around his wand ready to defy her's boggard in the middle of class because she was frozen.

Not observe her in class.

Not stare at the way the curly locks of her brown hair fell so softy around her shoulders.

Not glance at her as she bit her pink,plump, lips whenever she was concentrating at something.

And definitely, he shouldn't be wanting to break Marcus Flint's skull now that he knew he was responsible for her pain.

Bloody witch.

Draco thought as he stepped forward,trying to control his feelings as much as he could,he shot Hermione a quick glance before his gaze,dead serious,fell on Flint.

"Let the mudblood be,Flint. She is not worth all this attention. Potter is the one who must be humbled," Draco looked at her honey eyes while continuing in a slightly crocky voice. "She is nothing, a waste of time."

His expression was unreadable when his icy blue eyes pierced hers,Hermione's lips parted in hurt.

After a very long time,the curly haired girl caugh herself feeling a pang of pain in her chest by Draco Malfoy's words,words which she hadn't let get into her head for years now.

When Marcus Flint's eyes left Hermione's she felt a wave of relief running over her head,like cold refreshing water.

"Oh come on Draco I was just having a little fun with the butterfly over here." He snorted and looked at Draco,the other Slytherins chuckling too.

"Yes Draco let him have a litte fun with his butterfly." Theo joked as he played with his wand,swirling it between his fingertips with an amused look.

His butterfly?

"Enough. " Draco snarled making them all kind of startled at the firmness of his voice.

Harry,Hermione and Ron exchanged glances and Hermione looked at Marcus Flint again,his smirk faltering a bit as he licked the inside of his cheek in annoyment,but stepped back. "As you please,Malfoy. "

He said and walked up,next to his friends. Hermione left a breath she didn't know was holding when Harry and Ron walked to both of her sides.

Her honey eyes searched his icy blue ones but Draco's cold gaze was stuck at Marcus Flint. Blaise Zabini raised his eyebrow suspicious and looked at Draco without saying anything,he could sense his bestfriend seemed troubled and really angry,but he couldn't exactly pin point the reason.

Blaise then glanced at Hermione Granger,who was looking at his friend with an unreadable, still,intense,gaze. His brown eyes flickered back to Draco in curiosity.

Maybe he could pin point the reason after all.

When the platinum haired boy noticed his bestfriend's extensive look he cleared his throat.

"Let's go,I don't want to become poor and filthy just by standing next to those 3." He hissed and turned his back on everyone,being the first to walk away,all of his friends laughed and turned their backs at the Trio too,following Draco Malfoy almost like minions. 

Pansy Parkison turned last after smirking darkly at Hermione and looking down at her with pure digust,rushed next to Draco and grabbed his arm as they walked away.

Hermione scoffed and turned to look at the boys. Ron was the one who spoke up first. "Okay what was that about?"

Before she could reply Harry's low and curious voice interrupted her. "Yeah since when is Marcus Flint interested in you?"

Hermione Granger left a troubled sigh and decided to tell her friends half of the truth. She didn't want to worry them for nothing.

" The first day in the train when I left our compartment to get some air,I happened to bump into him and he acted strange."

Her voice trailed off and the concerned look on both of her best friend's faces made Hermione shift nervously in her place.

"Strange how?" Ron mumbled and she shook her head brushing it off." It doesn't really matter Ronald-"" Strange how Hermione." He insisted with a more serious tone in his voice,unexpected for Ronald Weasley.

Hermione caugh herself panicking a bit but she didn't show it. 

What was it with that constant lump in her throat lately? She thought that since it's been a week,the curse's symptoms would be gone by now.

"I don't know you guys,he was just acting weird, not something concerning, more like he was interested in me."

Ron snorted. "Why would Flint be interested in you?"

Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief and Harry facepalmed himself. Ron looked at them,firstly confused at their reactions but then his eyes widened in realization taking a step forward. "I didnt mean it like that,Hermione!"

"Yes." She replied trying to seem nonchalant, Hermione wasn't fond of her appearance since she was a little girl so hearing Ron put whatever he meant like that,it immediately made her think the worse. "We'll be late,bye Harry." She rolled her eyes and walked past him so they would attend their next class. 

Herbology.

Which she had with Ron.

Great,just great.

"Good job. Moron." Hermione heard Harry's whisper and she could swear she heard a smack too.

Ron scratched his neck nervously his blue eyes full of remorse as he followed Hermione quietly,running behind her.

Herbology class is typically held in a spacious greenhouse on the Hogwarts grounds, filled with an array of magical plants and herbs.

The greenhouse is often warm and humid, creating an ideal environment for the plants to thrive. Tables are set up with soil, pots, and various gardening tools, while shelves and hanging baskets hold exotic and enchanted plants.

The class is usually hands-on, with students working directly with the plants. They might be repotting, pruning, or studying the properties and uses of different magical herbs. The room is filled with the earthy smell of soil and the fresh, sometimes pungent, aroma of the plants themselves. Sunlight filters through the glass roof, casting a dappled light on the students and their work.

Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, is known for her practical and engaging teaching style, often incorporating demonstrations and lively discussions about the magical properties of the plants they study. The atmosphere in the classroom is generally one of focused activity, with students actively involved in their tasks while learning about the important role plants play in the magical world.

As they entered the class, Hermione and Ron sat together, but there was a palpable tension between them. Ron had unintentionally made Hermione question...well not question,but it stung that her bestfriend and merely a guy she has a really really small crush on,saying something like that, leading to an awkwardness that was hard to ignore.

 Hermione, trying to act nonchalant, focuses on the task at hand, though her stiff posture and tight-lipped smile betray her discomfort.

"Mione that's not what I meant-" Ron started off again,his voice faltering as Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson enter, their presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. Draco’s eyes dart over to Hermione and Ron, at first he didnt want to be near her after his...interfere when Marcus was invading her personal space,but a smirk formed on his face as he noticed the awkwardness between Weasley and her.

Pansy, ever the opportunist, leaned in to Draco and whispered something, causing him to chuckle. 

Hermione narrowed her eyes feeling a little jolt of electricity at the sound of Malfoy's chuckle, that Pansy bloody Parkison caused.

Draco, with his usual air of arrogance commented "Well, well, look at this. The Mudblood and the Weaslebee having a bit of a rough patch, I see."

He found it great that Weasley and Granger weren't all touchy and flirty as they usually are,it got on his nerves lately.

Hermione's eyes narrow slightly.

Oh now he looked at her? What an honor,because lately he avoided her gaze a lot.

Hermione kept her focus on Professor Sprout, trying not to let Draco’s taunts get under her skin. Ron, feeling the sting of Draco’s words, shoots a glare in Draco’s direction, but he stays silent, determined not to let the situation escalate.

Professor Sprout, noticing the growing tension, steps in to redirect everyone’s attention back to the lesson, ensuring that the focus remains on their work with the magical plants rather than the simmering interpersonal drama.

"Pst,Mione." Ron whispered again as the class continued and Hermione sighed, turning to look at him.

"I'm trying to focus Ronald-"

Ron, feeling the weight of his earlier mistake, interrupted Hermione with a sincere expression. "Look, Hermione," he said softly, "I'm really sorry for what I said before. I didn’t mean it like that. And, uh, I also-i didnt think youd take it like that because you are obviously,you know,"his gaze shifted around the class nervously "… you’re beautiful, you know?"

Hermione, taken aback, looked at Ron with surprise. Her cheeks burning just a little.Her expression softened, and she offerred him a small, appreciative smile.

 “Thanks, Ron,” she replies quietly, her tone indicating that the apology was accepted.

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy, seated with Pansy Parkinson at a nearby table, overheard the exchange. His face momentarily twisted into a look of distaste, though his eyes reveal a flash of something else—an unexpected pang of jealousy. 

What? No of course not. Jealousy? Jealousy why?He hated this mudblood know it all,surely.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to mask his feelings, but the sight of Hermione's pleased reaction to Ron’s words clearly bothered him.

She was accepting apologies really easy apparently. Not that he knew what exactly they fought about, but certainly Weasley was in the wrong.

He rolled his eyes as he felt a soft touch at his shoulder. Draco turned to look at two curious green eyes. "Okay,speak,what is it with you today?"

"Huh?"

"Don't huh me," the brunnete rolled her emerald-green eyes." You have been off all day,you held back Flint from teasing the mudblood,clearly you are sick or something."

Draco left a quick exhale.

Was it so obvious that lately he was indeed off?

His thoughts were consumed by the curly haired witch and he didn't even realize he made his inner fight so apparent. His gaze became cooler and he shifted a bit in his seat,Pansy's hand fell to her side. 

Draco mumbled annoyed. " I'm perfectly fine Pans. Thanks for the concern,and as for Granger,I just don't like Flint at all,you and Blaise know that,if I can make his life a bit more difficult I'll do it."

"So you prefer making his life difficult and not the mudblood's?" She raised and eyebrow at him and he felt judged."Since when? Usually you'd be first at telling her off." The truth was,Pansy was one of the few people that could see right through him and he shivered at the thought of her believing he had any positive feelings towards Hermione Granger.

Because he absolutely didn't.

"Stop acting like you are responsible for me." He hissed and looked infront of him trying to focus at the task in hand." It's none of your business and why do you find it so hard to believe I don't care about either of them? Marcus Flint has been a pain in my ass lately and he needed to be reminded of his place. That's all."

Pansy stayed silent for a little processing Draco's words. There was something more behind them but she chose to ignore it. The brunnete shaked her head and sighed in defeat. "Fine Draco. If you say so."

He nodded glancing at her and his gaze fell at the plant infront of him again.

After half an hour,Draco glanced across the greenhouse, his gaze involuntarily drawn to Hermione and Ron as they appear to have settled their issue.

 Hermione's relaxed demeanor and Ron’s earnest apology have clearly smoothed over their earlier awkwardness. Despite his effort to ignore it, Draco found himself feeling an unexpected pang of annoyance—and, surprisingly, a tinge of hurt.

He rubbed his eyes in anger.

Hurt? Merlin,maybe he was indeed ill.

He tried to mask his emotions behind a facade of indifference, but his eyes betrayed him, lingering for a moment longer than intended. As he watched Hermione smile and Ron chuckle, Draco’s irritation growed every passing minute, mingling with an unspoken sense of vulnerability. He once again,shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly struggling to reconcile these unfamiliar feelings.

Pansy, noticing Draco’s distraction and the subtle changes in his demeanor, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sensing that this might be a moment of personal reckoning for him. 

Draco, trying to regain his composure, focused back on the lesson, though his thoughts remain clouded by the unexpected emotional turmoil.

                         •°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

In the Great Hall, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and Ron were enjoying their dinner as as they ate, Hermione tried listening to Ginny’s chatter about how Luna Lovegood gifted her a necklass that allowed her to speak with animals, but her mind was partially on the conversation happening between Harry and Ron.

Harry leaned in, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We've got to check out that forbidden section, Hermione. It’s probably something really important."

Hermione knew for a fact the boys would eventually talk about the forbidden section on the 5th floor that Dumbledore talked about at their first day here. 

She just hoped that it would be much later.

Ron nods vigorously. "Yeah Mione, if we don’t, we might miss out on something huge. Dumbledore wouldn’t have mentioned it if it wasn’t important."

Hermione, however, looked conflicted. 

Its not like she wasnt curious herself,but she had aimed high for this year.

She took a deep breath and set down her fork. “I know you’re both excited, but I’m planning to become Head Girl this year. I really can’t afford to get into trouble, especially not with the exams and everything.”

Harry looked a bit deflated at her response,not really seeing his little curious girl bestfriend in her honey eyes, but still tried to be persuasive. “Come on, Hermione. We’ve faced much worse than this before. Plus, we’re not talking about breaking any rules—just exploring a bit.”

Ginny chipped in with a snort." Since when do you three not break any rules?"

Harry gave her an innocent smile and Ginny found her self blushing so she looked away feigning interest in the conversation Lavender and Angelina had. Hermione smirked slightly at their little exchange before Ron spoke up.

 “Yeah, it’s just a look. We won’t do anything risky, promise.”

Hermione gives a hesitant sigh. “I understand, but you two know how important this year is for me. I can’t let curiosity jeopardize my future. Maybe we should just leave this one alone.”

Harry and Ron both left a desperate sigh which made her chuckle." Come on Hermione you know we can't do this without you." 

Harry insisted and the curly haired girl rolled her eyes smiling.

 Ron nudged her shoulder with his elbow and smiled charmingly at her." Besides you are our smart one,we'd be lost without you so far. And I'm certain you'll be Head Girl without really trying,I mean,you are the Brightest Witch of our year."

Hermione smiled shyly at Ron’s compliment, her cheeks tinged with pink.

 “Thanks, Ron. I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

She glanced at Harry and Ron with a thoughtful expression. “The selection for Head Girl and Head Boy is only a week away. If you can be patient, I promise we can look into the forbidden section together after I’ve been selected.”

Harry’s eyes lit up. “So you’re saying you’re in?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, but remember, we’ll need to be extremely careful. I’m supposed to set a good example this year, and I can’t risk getting caught. But I’ll agree to explore it once the selection is over.”

Ron’s face broke into a broad grin. “Deal! We’ll keep it under wraps until then.”

Harry stretched his arms and as the conversation continued, he glanced over at Ginny, a playful smile on his face. “So, Ginny, are you planning to keep an eye on us, too?”

Ginny grinned, leaning closer to Harry. “Well, someone’s got to make sure you don’t get into too much trouble. Plus, it sounds like it could be fun.”

Harry chuckled. “I think we can handle a little trouble, especially with you around to keep us on our toes.”

Ginny nudged him gently. “Oh, I’ll definitely keep you on your toes. But don’t worry—I’ll be a very understanding accomplice.”

Ron turned to Ginny with a grin,interrupting whatever moment his sister and his bestfriend had.“You know, Ginny, I never understood why you’re always so good at sneaking around.”

Ginny raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And why’s that?”

Ron leaned in with a smirk. “Because you always seem to get away with everything. Even when you’re right in front of Mum!”

Ginny laughed. “That’s because Mum’s always too busy trying to keep up with you lot. Besides, I’m a pro at being stealthy.”

.

At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy leaned in to whisper to Pansy Parkinson, his eyes gleaming with interest. “Did you hear about the Forbidden Section being mentioned again? I bet Potter and his friends are already planning something foolish.”

Pansy smirked, her eyes narrowing. “I wouldn’t put it past them. They’re always looking for trouble. But I wouldn’t mind seeing what they come up with.”

Blaise Zabini, sitting nearby, overheard and added casually, “If they do go poking around, they might end up making things easier for us. After all, the more they distract the professors, the better for us.”

Dumbledore got up from his seat and with a loud voice reminded the students that in a week from now,the Head Girl and Head Boy would be selected. They were whispers at every table of course,most of the students silently acknowledging that Hermione Granger would surely be the Head Girl.

At the Slytherin table Pansy and Blaise exchanged knowing glances. Crabbe and Goyle, seated nearby, looked at Draco with interest.

Pansy nudged Draco who seemed lost in thought. “You know, Draco, with how things are going, you’d probably be a shoo-in for Head Boy.”

Crabbe nodded vigorously. “Yeah, it’s practically a given.”

Goyle added, “You’d be great at it. Everyone knows it.”

Draco shrugged nonchalantly. “I suppose. But honestly, I’m not too worried about it."

He really wasn't. Draco had so many things on his plate right now that being Head Boy seemed so minor in importance. There was Flint,Granger,his...quest. The burden of his responsibilities. It was all too much already.

He had to make his Father proud.

He had to keep his Mother safe.

"Oh come on Draco,the only thing that digusts me is that this mudblood will probably be Head Girl." Pansy said with a expression of pure despise as she glared over the Gryffindor table at the smiling girl.

"Not probably," Blaise took a sip of his soda."surely."

Draco's body tensed but he refused to talk about her. Or even look her way for what matters.

Marcus Flint's infuriating voice echoed in his ear since,besides the tension they had earlier,he pretended nothing happened.

Draco knew though. And every minute passing that he stole glances at Hermione Granger frowning or rubbing her temples before putting on a smile and replying to her stupid friends,made his blood boil.

"I heard the Head Boy and Head Girl would be sharing a dorm." He leaned over the table."You are lucky Malfoy." He shot him a look all meaning and Draco raised an eyebrow at him before Pansy's disgusted voice interrupted his murderous thoughts for the asshole infront of him.

"Lucky? Why would he be lucky sharing a dorm with that mudblood?"

Flint was bluffing right? There was no was they woud be sharing a dorm. It was like black and white,he couldnt have Hermione bloody Granger as his roomate,there would be war.

Theo chuckled mischievously and chipped in after taking a sip from the secret flisk of whiskey he always had with him."I for once would love to share a dorm with Granger,preferably a bed too. You know,check is she is a good head girl"

There were some snorts and Draco Malfoy hadn't even realized he was glaring at Theo Nott so hard that if looks could kill, he'd be in his grave. Blaise noticing his friends anger cleared his throat and elegantly drunk from his soda again. "Don't be so disgusting Theo,please. It's unsettling how sexualy deprived you seem."

Theo smirked at Blaise and he rolled his eyes. "I said seem,not are."

Nott snorted and the brunnete girl rolled her eyes once again. "Theo that's indeed disgusting,she is a mudblood and a Gryffindor."

Theo seemed almost in disbelief as he shaked his head."Have you seen Hermione Granger,Pansy? House and blood rivalries don't matter at all to me when it's Hermione Granger."

Marcus Flint snorted and nodded. "I completely agree."

Draco Malfoy rolled his eyes,like hell he wouldnt.

"Say what you want about blood status," Theo drawled, casually flicking a piece of chicken with his fork, "but Granger’s got an ass that could make even a pure-blood like me reconsider a few things." He chuckled, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he leaned back in his chair, his voice low enough to be missed by the rest of the table but clear to those sitting close.

Draco Malfoy, seated directly across from Theo, stiffened slightly, his grip on his goblet tightening ever so slightly. He forced himself to take a sip of his wine, hoping the gesture would calm the sudden flare of irritation bubbling inside him. He could feel Theo's eyes on him, gauging his reaction, but Draco kept his expression carefully neutral.

But Theo wasn’t finished. He leaned in closer, his tone laced with a casual arrogance that grated on Draco’s nerves.

 "And really, does house rivalry even matter when it comes to a girl like that? I’d take her to bed in a heartbeat, blood status be damned."

Draco’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but he kept his eyes focused on his plate, cutting into his food with an almost mechanical precision. He could feel his patience wearing thin with every word that slipped from Theo’s mouth. The truth was, he had noticed Granger too—her intelligence, her stubbornness, the way she walked into a room like she owned it. 

But unlike Theo who came here just last year, Draco had spent years convincing himself that she was off-limits, not only because of the blood status,the house and his family, but because...well, because he was Draco Malfoy, and she was Hermione Granger.

The lines had been drawn long ago.

Theo smirked, seemingly oblivious to the growing storm across the table. "I bet she'd be a wild one too," he mused, half to himself. "A girl like that, all that fire and passion-"

"Control yourself,Nott." Draco hissed cutting in, his voice sharp but controlled, his eyes finally snapping up to meet Theo’s.

 It wasn’t an outburst, but it was enough to make Blaise Zabini glance over, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise.

His icy blue eyes boring into Theo's hazel ones as an amused expression eched on his face. 

"Come on, Draco," Theo continued oblivious as to why Draco cut in,thinking that he did it because she was a mudblood and a Gryffindor and thats why he disagred, leaning back with a smirk. "You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed. House rivalry, blood purity—none of that matters. I’d love to have a go with her, just for the fun of it. Bet she'd be a firecracker in bed."

Draco’s jaw clenched. He could feel the familiar rush of anger curling in his chest, but he pushed it down, refusing to give Theo the satisfaction of a reaction. His mind, however, was racing. The idea of Theo—of anyone—thinking about Granger like that made his blood boil, though he couldn't quite pinpoint why.

Theo wasn’t done, though. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, though his words were loud enough for Draco to hear every syllable. "You know, Malfoy, I’m starting to think it wouldn’t be so bad to dip into Gryffindor for once. And Granger... she'd be the perfect first."

Draco snapped.

It wasn’t obvious—he had always been skilled at controlling his expressions—but his next words came out colder than the winter winds over the Forbidden Forest.

"Watch your mouth, Nott."

Theo blinked, momentarily surprised by the venom in Draco’s voice. "What? I’m just saying—"

"I don’t care what you’re saying," Draco interrupted, his voice steady, but with an edge sharp enough to cut. He finally looked up, meeting Theo’s gaze with icy steel in his own.

Theo blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in Draco’s demeanor. “What’s your problem, Draco? Can’t handle a bit of banter?”

Draco finally turned to face him, his eyes cold and steely. “If you want to ruin your reputation by chasing after Mudbloods, go ahead,” he said, his voice laced with disdain, but underneath it was something else—a warning. “But don’t involve me in your fantasies.”

Blaise, sensing the tension, interjected smoothly, "Careful, Theo. Some boundaries aren't meant to be crossed, even in jest." He cast a sidelong glance at Draco, noting the storm brewing beneath his calm façade.

Pansy, eager to steer the conversation deeper into drama, laughed lightly. "Oh, come on, Theo. We all know you're all talk. Granger would never give you the time of day."

"Really, Theo?" Draco drawled again after a moment, his voice colder than usual. "Since when did you start lowering your standards?"

Theo chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Draco’s remark. "Lowering? I’d say I’m expanding my horizons. Besides, who wouldn’t want a taste of something… forbidden?" He emphasized the last word with a suggestive smirk, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of curiosity and desire.

Pansy snorted, rolling her eyes. "Please, Theo. She's insufferable."

"Sure, she’s annoying," Theo conceded, "but imagine putting that mouth of hers to better use." He chuckled darkly, and Marcus smirked, though there was an edge to his amusement.

Blaise with a neutral expression kept an eye at Draco while Pansy shot Theo a disgusted look, but he ignored her, his gaze now fixed on Draco, who was still silent.

Draco's jaw clenched, his mind racing. He had always taken pride in maintaining his composure, but Theo’s words were testing his limits.

Testing how long it'd take to punch the motherfucker on the face,actually.

The idea of anyone , especially someone like Theo, laying hands on bloody Granger was enough to make him see red.

Why though, he didn't know, but he was to raged to even think about why.

Marcus Flint smirked at all of them enjoying the chaos. With them all focusing on Theo's silly comments because that's all they were, silly, he would have Hermione all to himself. 

But hide in plain sight, don't they say?

So he spoke up.

"I agree with my mate," Marcus shurrged his shoulders and stared directly at Draco while speaking in a steady voice. He had noticed that he was acting weird about Granger,and he wasnt about to let him have his butterfy before him.

"House rivalries, blood, it’s all nonsense when it comes down to it. What matters is desire. And me and my buddy seem to desire her. What is it to you Mal-"

Draco couldn’t take it anymore. His cool mask slipped, and though he still didn’t explode, his voice was laced with barely restrained fury. "Maybe you both should keep your desires in check, Flint. Some things are off-limits, and you might want to remember where you stand. She is a Mudblood and a Gryffindor so control yourselves because im not having dirty Slytherins in my inner circle, got it?"

Marcus Flint's smirk faltered a bit and he nodded looking away and pretending he took a bite from his chicken, Theo however who wasn't actually serious this whole time,shaked his head his smirk not faltering one bit as he took a sip from his own flask of whiskey.

After a while when things quieted down,In the dimly lit Great Hall, Blaise’s gaze flickered towards Draco, who was staring intently at the Gryffindor table. The subtle tension in Draco's posture and the way his eyes followed Hermione Granger, despite his attempts to mask his interest, did not escape Blaise's notice. Over the rim of his goblet, Blaise observed Draco's involuntary reactions—the way his jaw tightened when Granger laughed, or how his eyes lingered just a moment too long on her.

Blaise’s own expression remained neutral, but his mind was active, piecing together the silent clues. It was clear to him that Draco was wrestling with his own feelings, though he had yet to acknowledge them.

 The realization settled in Blaise’s thoughts like a quiet certainty, understanding that Draco’s denial was a veil for something deeper that he had yet to confront.

As Hermione sat among her friends at the Gryffindor table, her attention drifted occasionally to the Slytherin side. Every time she did, she caught a fleeting glimpse of Draco, though he never seemed to notice her gaze. Despite the cheerful chatter and laughter surrounding her, a tight knot of unease twisted in her stomach. She struggled to push aside the unsettling feeling that had taken root, forcing herself to focus on the conversation and laughter around her. Yet, her eyes betrayed her; they wandered back to Draco, revealing a flicker of distraction beneath her composed exterior.

Why did she feel this way? Why was she drawn to him, even when she didn’t want to be?

Hermione tried to ignore the confusing swirl of emotions and focus on her friends, but her mind kept returning to Draco, the unresolved feelings catching her off guard.

Even thought she didn't know it,Draco had noticed everysingleone of her glances.

Why did her presence affected him so deeply and why her every glance seemed to unsettle him so infuriating much?

Draco wrestled with his own conflicting emotions, masking his unease with casual indifference, while internally, he struggled to come to terms with feelings he had barely begun to understand.

                            •°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

"Hermione please just this once." The red haired boy begged and sighed as he sat next to his childhood friend along with his other best friend,Harry,Harry Potter,who also seemed anxious about Hermione's response. 

The brown eyed girl sighed and shot both of them a disappointed look,she shut her book frustrated and she repeated her previous words,words she had been saying over and over again for almost half an hour now.

"For Merlin's sake Ronald! No! I won't help you cheat,we have done this plenty of times and this year is the year the Head Girl will be announced and I'm not letting you both ruin that for me!" She exclaimed and Harry smiled slightly awkwardly. Rom looked dumbfounded " And also,we have been here for what? One week? And you already want to start copying the easiest homework?"

"Mione don't you think you are being a bit...over dramatic?" Harry mumbled and Hermione looked at him in disbelief.

That was so unfair. Over dramatic?No! She wasn't bloodyoverdramatic. All these years she has been working her ass off,studying and being the brighter witch of her year WHILE helping Harry Potter and Ron Weasley every time they got in trouble. She deserved to have some peace for once,in a week the Head Girl would be announced and she dreamt of being one since she was a little girl. It was the most normal thing in their lives and the smallest she could ask for. But it seemed great in her eyes. It was just...normal.

And their lives weren't normal at all.

She just wanted peace.

Was that so bad?

Yes,many may think that,Hermione Jean Granger is so smart and intelligent and it wouldn't hurt helping her friends out.

But that was not the point. Even the slightest mistake could take away this place from her. Getting caugh helping another student cheat,was not gonna end well for her.

She couldn't lose it. She wouldn't lose it.

However she said none of that to her friends,she just rolled her eyes and got up from the red and comfy velvet couch she was sitting on. She cleaned her robe while speaking. "I'm heading to the library, just study guys,okay?" The girl sighed once again and turned to her heels to leave.

"She irritates me so much sometimes mate,it's not that deep." Ron's voice was the last thing she heard before she slammed the common room's wooden door as hard as she could and started walking down the huge and long corridor making her way to one of the few places she found peace in,the library.

The library was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of parchment and the faint hum of magical lamps.

 Hermione was seated at a secluded table, deeply engrossed in a large, leather-bound volume titled "Histories of Forbidden Love in the Magical World." Her heart fluttered at the tales of star-crossed lovers and the dramatic, defiant romances that challenged societal norms. The book was a comfort after her argument with Ron and Harry, offering her a glimpse into the passionate struggles of others.

The soft creak of the door opening startled her. She looked up to see Draco Malfoy slipping inside, his platinum blonde hair slightly tousled and his expression a mix of annoyance and resignation.

"Granger," he said, his voice surprisingly soft for someone who usually seemed so aloof. His mind run a million miles,thinking if it was the right time to tell her about Flint and how he was the one that cursed her. 

She seemed troubled.

He sighed as her eyes met his.

Not that he should bloody care.

Hermione raised an eyebrow, but her tone was cautious. "Malfoy. What are you doing here?"

"Same as you, I suppose," he replied, glancing around before settling into a chair across from her. "Trying to avoid people."

Hermione's gaze flickered from her book,to him in pure curiosity,studying him. "You had a fight with your friends too?"

Draco sighed, his usual mask of indifference slipping slightly. "Something like that. Not that it’s any of your business."

He was defensive. Of course he was,it was Malfoy.

He shifted in his seat remembering what his little argument with his 'friends' was about.

Her.

Hermione shrugged, her irritation with her own friends momentarily overshadowing her curiosity. "Whatever, Malfoy."

For a few moments, they sat in silence, the quiet of the library wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. The shared solitude seemed to bridge the gap between their worlds.

Finally, Draco broke the silence. "So, what’s the book about?"

Hermione looked up, her eyes reflecting the flicker of the lamp light. She found it strange Draco Malfoy was asking her about the book she was reading,but then again,she loved books and no one had really asked her about them before,so she spoke up.“It’s a history of forbidden love in the magical world. It’s surprisingly interesting, though not exactly light reading.”

Draco raised an eyebrow snorting. “Forbidden love? Sounds like something out of a melodramatic play.”

 “I mean,it can be dramatic, but that’s part of its charm i guess. There’s something so compelling about people riskingeverything for their love.” she mumbled looking at the pages of her book.

Draco's smirk faltered. Was she messing with his head just now?

 "That's nonsense Granger."

Hermione’s frustration bubbled over. “It’s not nonsense! It’s about people who risk everything for their love. It’s intense, but there’s something incredibly compelling about that kind of defiance. Its powerful.”

Draco leaned in, his expression challenging. “Powerful or reckless? Why would anyone put themselves through that kind of trouble?”

Hermione’s cheeks flushed with passion. “Because it’s not just about the trouble! It’s about finding something real and meaningful, even if it means going against the grain. Sometimes the most important things in life require that kind of courage.”

Draco’s skepticism remained, though his eyes softened slightly. “Courage or foolishness? It’s easy to romanticize it from a distance.”

Hermione’s gaze was fierce, her voice steady despite her irritation. “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Sometimes the pain is part of what makes the experience meaningful. It’s not always about the outcome, but the journey and what you learn along the way.”

Draco was speechless for a bit before clearing his throat and looking away. "I still believe it's nonsense. And foolish."

She shurgged her shoulders. "If you think so."

"I mean,love? Come on." Draco scoffed and she looked up at him again.

"Why do you find it so strange that someone would actually go to far lengths for love? " Her tone was a bit irritated,but not visibly so.

Draco looked up, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity he hadn’t intended. “You know, Granger, hearing about this... forbidden love stuff makes me think about people who have to hide their true feelings. It’s odd.”

Hermione’s eyes widened slightly. “Odd?”

Draco’s face reddened a bit, but he continued. “Yeah, I mean, it makes me think about how people might feel when their feelings are... well, not accepted.”

There was a brief silence as Hermione processed his words. The unspoken tension between them grew palpable, as if the idea of forbidden love was mirroring something deeper between them.

Draco glanced at the book and then back at Hermione, a touch of skepticism in his eyes. “You seem pretty engrossed. Do you really believe in all this... romance and rebellion stuff?”

Hermione’s smile widened, her gaze becoming wistful. “I suppose I do. There’s something magical about the idea of two people defying the odds for each other. It’s like they’re writing their own story, no matter what anyone else thinks.”

Draco was taken aback by her earnestness. “And you think that kind of love is worth the trouble?”

Hermione’s eyes sparkled with conviction. “Absolutely. It’s not just about breaking rules. It’s about finding something that makes life feel extraordinary, even if it’s difficult or unconventional."

Draco watched her with an expression that was a mixture of interest and frustration. “And what if the fight is just a waste? What if it only leads to more pain?”

Hermione catching the way his gaze softened briefly, suddenly felt a wave of self-consciousness. She leaned back, her frustration turning inward. “Why am I even telling you this? It’s not like you care about my perspective on forbidden love. Besides,”she cleared her throat." You wouldnt understand." her eyes traveled back to her book,but she felt her blood burning.

He licked his lips in though. He wanted to tell her that,he didn't mind. That he actually kind of liked the way she talked about something that she was interested in.He had been oddly captivated by her passionate response, something he hadn't anticipated. He wanted to tell her that he liked hearing her talk, that her intensity was striking a chord with him. But as he wrestled with these thoughts, he shook his head slightly, reminding himself of the absurdity of it all.

And then,he felt like a complete idiot,so he didn't tell her all that. 

Instead he nodded to himself and got up from his chair,reminding himself that he was being ridiculous, that he wasn’t supposed to care about what Hermione Granger thought or felt.

His expression hardened again, the moment of vulnerability slipping away. “Doesn’t matter,” he said, his voice cool and detached. He turned away quickly, standing up with a suddenness that startled even himself.

“I’ve got better things to do,” Draco muttered, more to convince himself than her. 

His usual guarded expression slipping back into place. “And you’re right. I don't care and I wouldn’t understand. ” he said flatly, though the words tasted bitter in his mouth.

 He turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the quiet library as he left Hermione alone with her thoughts. 

As he exited the library, Draco couldn’t shake the feeling that something important had just slipped through his fingers, but he shoved the thought aside.

He had no business feeling this way about Hermione Granger. It was better to leave it alone.

Or so he told himself.

                           ~~~~~~~~~