Deus Fax Machina

Bloodlines and Bludgers

Purebloods

Hermione had taken to walking Sophie to her classes, something Sophie had needed in her first week but not so much now. She was finally getting the hang of the castle. Sophie didn't enjoy the time she spent with Hermione either as Hermione used it to interrogate her about her studies and her knowledge of the school rule. Sophie kept her eyes on the ground and merely nodded as they made their way to Arithmancy.

'Taking those prefect duties a little too seriously, Granger?' A sneering voice called from behind them. It was the Slytherin prefect, Malfoy. He'd overheard Hermione telling Sophie that skipping class is the utmost defiance of school rules.

'Don't you have some first years to terrorise?' Hermione turned to face Malfoy and his goons; two enormous boys who always stood either side of him.

'Well, fresh meat, I thought even you would've had better taste than Granger here. I guess the crossbreeds are sticking together.' Malfoy sneered, his sidekicks snorted.

'Do people really care about bloodlines here?' Sophie raised her eyebrows at Hermione.

'Oh yes, and the Malfoys are the purest of all.' Hermione replied, mirroring Sophie's sarcastic tone.

'Hmm, yes, clearly pureblood, his eyes are quite close together, aren't they? Pity, I might've liked him otherwise.' Sophie said. Hermione laughed, Malfoy snarled.

'I wouldn't want you even if you were pure blood!' Malfoy spat.

'But Malfoy,' Hermione said between giggles, 'her blood lines are purer than yours!'

'What!' Malfoy's pale complexion grew pink.

'Yep, I traced her family back to Mathilde herself, and her father's line goes back just as far.' Hermione smiled at Sophie. Malfoy's face twisted horribly, his companions looked at each other, maybe a minute or more behind.

'Really? When did you do that?' Sophie and Hermione continued along the hall leaving Malfoy to call insults after them.

'I saw your Mathilde trunk on the train and I just went from there,' Hermione blushed. 'Sorry, it's a bit weird, isn't it?'

'No, it's not,' Sophie reassured Hermione. 'I'd love to see what you found!'

As they continued on to class Sophie felt a new warmth for Hermione. Hermione stood up for her, and if she was going to that Sophie could put up with Hermione's pestering about study. Mathilde knew she needed the encouragement.

Over the next few weeks Sophie found herself spending more time with Hermione. It was easier to be with her, and studying, instead of enduring mind numbing chatter with Lavender and Parvati. Hermione was interesting when she wasn't harassing Sophie about an essay, and Sophie enjoyed hearing about the school's history and the wizarding world.

'I really think you should let me draw you up a timetable, I can even add times when I can tutor you and it can give you reminders.' Hermione spoke as quickly as they walked.

'Thanks, but I think I'll be ok.'

'It might really help you catch up, and your wand use...' Hermione glanced at Sophie and caught her narrow eyes and clenched jaw. 'Well, you could!'

Sophie took out her wand and as they walked and waved in in front of them.

'Aqua eructo.'

Water spurted out of Sophie's wand like a hose, splashing on the floor in front of them.

'Sophie!' Hermione leapt back.

'That's a third year spell isn't it?' Sophie felt a familiar simmering in her chest.