Chapter 2
We walk together towards the common room, the silence between us heavy with unspoken questions. I can't help but wonder what Harry is hiding, what dangerous situation he's gotten himself into this time. As we finally reach the common room, the silence that has enveloped us begins to dissipate. The familiar sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts. But deep down, I know that the calm is only temporary. The storm that looms over Harry's life is far from over, and I can't help but fear what lies ahead for him, for us all.
“So? What happened?” I asked Harry as we sat next to the fireplace. “Malfoy, Malfoy is what happened he's one of them, Hermione. He’s a death eater. I just know it.” As his words hung in the air, a wave of shock washed over me. The name Malfoy had always been synonymous with arrogance and prejudice, but the idea of him being involved with the dark and dangerous Death Eaters was beyond comprehension.
“I highly doubt that they would let a boy our age become a death eater Harry. Maybe you're just seeing things that aren't there.’’I look over at harry from the fireplace. “Maybe you’re right but there's more to this Hermione.” I have rounds to do Harry get some sleep. I exit the common room and proceed through the corridors, coincidentally encountering Malfoy along the way.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I crossed paths with Malfoy. His sneering expression and haughty demeanor only added to my suspicions about the possibility of someone our age being involved with the dark forces of the Death Eaters."Granger, what are you doing out here all alone?" Malfoy sneered, his silver eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and malice. I squared my shoulders, refusing to let his presence intimidate me. "I could ask you the same question, Malfoy," I retorted, my voice laced with a hint of defiance. "But I doubt I would get an honest answer."
“The mudblood speaks, Who knew?” Malfoy's words dripped with disdain, his sneer deepening as he reveled in his derogatory remark. The term "mudblood" was a weapon he wielded with cruel precision, a reminder of his pureblood superiority. But I refused to let his words wound me. I was used to him insulting me like this anyway.
I met his silver eyes head-on, my gaze unwavering. "You may have been raised to believe in blood purity, Malfoy, but I was raised to believe in equality and justice," I shot back, my voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "I won't stoop to your level of ignorance and hatred."
Malfoy's lips curled into a malicious smirk, his amusement at my defiance evident. "Oh, Granger, always the righteous one," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He leaned in closer, his silver eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and malice. "But tell me, mudblood, how does it feel to be so naive? To believe in a world where everyone is equal, where bloodlines don't matter? It's a fantasy, Granger, a delusion that you cling to like a drowning rat."
I felt a surge of anger rises within me, but I refused to let it consume me. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before responding. “You can call me naive Malfoy. But just know Harry has his suspicions about you and he won't stop until he proves it right.”
The words hung in the air, a subtle warning wrapped in a calm demeanor. I could see a flicker of uncertainty in Malfoy's eyes, a crack in his confident facade. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. I had gained the upper hand, asserting my position without stooping to his level. As I turned away, leaving Malfoy to ponder my words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
I finish my rounds and head back into the common room. Ron comes in no more than ten minutes after me. I head up to the women's dorms and get a good night's rest. I wake up and put my uniform on. With my appearance in order, I step out of the dormitory and make my way through the bustling corridors towards the great hall. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafts through the air, enticing my senses. The grand doors of the great hall swing open, revealing a sea of students and teachers, all engaged in lively conversations and laughter.
I find my place at the Gryffindor table. I become aware of a set of gray eyes, piercing and intense, observing my every action. No other than belonging to Draco Malfoy. He looks different than in past years. He looks as if he's ill. The Gryffindor table, usually filled with laughter and camaraderie, suddenly felt suffocating under the weight of his gaze.
He looks different to me. His jaw now fits his face. His hair swooped to the side allowing his eyes to show through. I tear myself away from those thoughts. Not even a day ago he was calling me a mublood.
Ron and Harry come in and sit with me. Malfoy's eyes still not tearing away from mine. “Mione? Are you even listening?” Startled, I quickly snapped out of it and turned my attention to Ron."I'm sorry, Ron. I got a bit distracted." I break my stare with Malfoy and turn to look at Ron. “ What had your focus?” Ron asked trying to look and guess who had it. Though he wouldn't guess right and if he did I wouldn't admit it.
I stand up to leave to head to my first class potions of course. But now having a new professor Im not worried. When it was snape any wrong thing I did cost us points. I go take a seat at the table closest to the front when the same eyes watching me earlier walk in. Malfoy walks past placing a note in front of me. I place it in my pocket to read after class. More kids come filing in. Including Harry and Ron. “Can anyone tell me what potion is in front of you today?”
“Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them.” I tell Professor Slughorn. “Right, you are Hermione, Ten points to Gryffindor. Miss Granger care to tell us what you smell?” I take a step up to the cauldron. I bend my head down to smell. “I smell vanilla, Apple, and quidditch.” The word left my mouth quicker than I would have liked. I look over to Malfoy looking at me. I just put my head down and focus on the potion that Slughorn wants us to make.
I try everything and yet the potion is still not right. I followed the directions to a tee and yet Harry had finished before me and got the stupid liquid luck potion. I leave the class and read the note i was handed earlier.
Astronomy Tower 8 pm don't be late
-D.M