Chapter 9
Chapter 9:
What kept annoying Hermione was that she kept hearing whispers of what a great teacher Draco was, how cool he was, how funny he was, and most surprisingly, how kind. Everything she heard in hushed or giggled whispers were the antithesis of the Draco Malfoy she had to suffer her entire school career. Most irritating, was that she knew her reputation was different, one as strict and menacing as Snape’s was, she didn’t tolerate fooling around and expected excellence of her students, she was their instructor, not their peer, and no matter how Draco managed to charm their young brains, she knew better.
They finally made eye contact last week during a mandatory conference for the professors and again at the monthly school-wide dinner at which all staff were expected to show face, he looked at her merely nodded, and looked away in perfect professionalism.
But Hermione kept catching him stealing glances her way, of course, she only noticed this because she too was stealing glances toward him. Adulthood suited Malfoy, his once scrawny figure filled out, his features still sharp, he was taller than she remembered and certainly more handsome than she cared to admit. Time indeed suited Malfoy, what a pity for such looks to be wasted on one so vile.