Chapter 3
Hermione was waiting by the entrance to the library when Draco arrived.
“Have you had dinner?” She asked him as soon as he was within hearing range.
Draco’s stomach was still a bit empty, so he shrugged, shaking his head. Hermione beamed.
“Excellent.” She turned, her hair swiftly following. They came to the bookcase, and Hermione pulled the books out in their intricate order. Draco made sure to pay close attention to the books she pulling. If he knew the order, Hermione wouldn’t have to wait around for him whenever he felt like coming around. Hermione pushed the final book in, and it pushed itself back into its original position. The solid case wavered, and the two brushed the curtain aside.
As soon as they stepped inside, Hermione flung her arm up to reform the bookcase, dashed behind Draco, practically throwing him into a chair at the small table. She snatched up one of the four bowls on the table, shoving it into Draco’s hands.
“What is it?” Draco muttered, staring at the contents of the bowl with confusion and disgust. The orange dish strongly resembled worms.
“It’s called Macaroni and Cheese. It’s muggle,” Hermione spoke through a mouthful of the food. She swallowed. Draco cringed. “Try it!” She urged, pushing Draco’s bowl closer to him.
Draco pushed it away. Hermione looked at him sternly, and Draco held his hands up in surrender. He picked up the spoon, nervously bringing it to his mouth.
He glanced at Hermione, who had not wavered. Draco sighed, putting the spoon into his mouth, preparing himself for the worst tasting thing in the entire universe. Hermione was practically bouncing with excitement.
He chewed, and screamed.
Hermione jumped. “This is so good!” He said excitedly, whispering this time. Without wasting a second, he had two more spoonfuls in his mouth. He laughed at how dumb he probably looked, accidentally inhaling some of the ‘macaroni and cheese.’ Draco was taken over by a fit of coughing. Hermione passed him a glass of water, which he took gratefully.
He wiped his running eyes and chugged it. Once he could breath, he ate some more. Hermione giggled.
“Told you!” She spoke joyfully, taking her own spoon and digging in.The contents refilled, and it was like they had never even taken a bite. After she had a few spoonfuls, she called out, “Ron! Food’s out!” In less time that it would take to blink, a pale red headed boy appeared in the doorway. Hermione stood, holding out two bowls.
He wore a bright smile, but it instantly fell as he saw Draco.
“What’s he doing ‘ere?” He glared at Draco. Draco swallowed his mouthful of the food, not meeting Ron’s eyes. Hermione stared at Draco who stared back. She was obviously urging him to speak up.
He would do nothing of the sort. The weasel was obviously not speaking directly to him, so Draco wasn’t going to respond. Draco tried to communicate this to Hermione through his eyes.
She seemed to get the idea, because she spoke. “Honestly, Ron. Relax, will you?” She gave him a stern look. The weasel didn’t seem to notice, because he just continued to glare at Draco.
“Just give me my food and Harry’s.” He hissed, now turning his glare to Hermione. Draco almost yelled at him. Who did he think he was? Hermione was just trying to diffuse the tension. There was no need to be rude to her. Draco opened his mouth to tell him off, but Hermione beat him to it.
“No,” Hermione said firmly.
“What?” Ron barked, his glare towards Hermione intensifying.
“No. I think Draco should be the one to bring Harry his food.” Both Ron and Draco’s jaws dropped. “And Ron, I think you should go.” Hermione had her own glare for the weasel now.
The weasel snapped his jaw closed, and glared at both of them. He huffed, and spun around. He faced the door and knocked a bit harder than he should have. He threw the curtain aside and left.
The entrance solidified behind him, and Hermione collapsed in her chair.
Draco was still in shock.
“Th-thanks, Hermione.” Draco stumbled.
Hermione gave him a smile. “Of course. Now, I’m sure someone is wondering where their food is.” Draco nodded, and he grabbed Harry’s bowl. He gave Hermione a last smile, turning to enter the room.
He pushed the door open, and stepped inside.
“Malfoy?” Harry said, clearly confused.
“Indeed. Seems the weasel was having some anger issues. Had to step away.” Draco said, rolling his eyes. Harry seemed to scowl for a moment, before dropping it.
“Yea-yeah. He can be quite rude sometimes.” Harry said, suddenly thoughtful.
“What is it, Potter?” Draco blurted, instantly seeing that he knew something.
“Nothing!” Harry exclaimed in a very suspicious manner. Draco gave him a threatening look, which seemed to convince him. “Fine! It’s just… are you only mean to Ron because he’s mean to you?”
Draco snorted. “Obviously. Isn’t that kind of how mutual meanness works?” Harry gave Draco a knowing look. Draco was outraged. “What!?”
“So you’d be nice to him, only if he was nice to you?” Harry asked, grinning.
“What are you scheming, Potter? I swear to Merlin-”
Harry interrupted him by snatching his bowl, and instantaneously stuffing his face. He let out a gargle of gibberish, and Draco huffed.
“Completely undignified,” Draco mumbled, moodily plopping into the chair next to the bed. Harry smiled through the food. Draco sulkily ate his Macaroni and Cheese. He was becoming quite full, but Harry seemed to have no problem with eating more and more. As Draco set his bowl aside, he saw Harry shift slightly. He winced, slowly returning to his original position.
“I saw you, you know. Looking for me at the library the other day.” He forced out, pointing to small window that looked into the library. Draco had passed it a few days before. Draco blushed. Harry ate a few more spoonfuls, raising his eyebrows.
“I was just-” Draco started, but Harry cut him off with a laugh, wincing instantly after. This time, Draco helped him reposition himself. Once he was comfortable, he quietly spoke.
“Was it terribly boring? Not having anyone to insult?” Harry said with a pained smile.
“Ha ha.” Draco huffed. No, you git. I was worried sick. Harry’s eyes widened.
“What?” Harry gawked. Draco realized he said it out loud. His hand flew to his mouth. Harry got over his shock and grinned at him. Draco opened his mouth to cover up what he said, but Madame Pomfrey entered briskly through the door before he could say anything.
“Out, please, Draco!” She ordered, stopping at Harry’s side. Harry gave Draco a small parting smile, which he returned. At that, Draco stood up and spun around, exiting the small area.
As soon as he shut the door behind him, he was face to face with Hermione.
She grinned at him. Draco eyed her warily. “Someone tells me you enjoy reading.” He gave a small nod.
With a short noise of glee, Hermione pulled him to the table.