Short Change Hero

Chapter 21: Problem

Chapter Twenty-One

Sick Charade

"Twist every truth till it bleeds,
Spread the dirt, plant the seeds,
Don't think, don't blink, just obey, obey,
Disappear, behind the mask you've made,
My eyes are wide open now,
I can see you through your sick charade,
Just another sick charade..."

Sick Charade by The Letter Black

Friday October 18th, 1996

Just after nine in the evening- Inside a classroom after the Patrols meeting

The moment the meeting came to a close, Hermione was up on her feet looking around the room for a particular bigoted prat whom had evaded her rather seamlessly all day. Both Harry and Ron were rightfully angry at her because of her partially forced involvement with Malfoy. Now, she knew that lecturing Malfoy wouldn't change anything, but it would help her feel loads better.

With a sigh, Hermione looked towards the back, to see him collecting his books with a certain nonchalance that irked her. Sucking in a mouthful of air, the almost bitter taste of anger returned, just from the sheer sight of him and without warning. As she was about to go over to him and give him a piece of her mind, she stopped, realizing that she could speak with him while on patrols.

'Calm down, it would be best to have a word with him when alone to avoid wondering eyes.' With that thought, she turned away from the arse and began to head towards the sign-in sheet where Professor Snape was standing.

"As a precaution," Professor Snape said to Hermione while the others started to leave as he fiddled with his cufflink upon his wrist, "Dumbledore himself has asked that there be three students at a time when patrolling in the evenings. Now, Miss Granger, I'm fully aware of your incident and I assure you, that should you feel in any way anxious with night shifts, Dumbledore has agreed to have you do only mornings."

"That is a bit unnecessary," She spoke quickly as her eyes wandered over towards the blonde Slytherin for a second and then back, "I am more than capable doing evenings, with just one other prefect. As for my accident, Madam Pomfrey stated that it was just lack in proper eating, but I do appreciate the offer professor."

"Very well Miss Granger," he drawled slowly while his face remained emotionless per usual, "But, the third student is not an option. Tonight you will be patrolling once more with Mr. Malfoy and for the last fifteen minutes the both of you will have a third prefect. A new sixth year Gryffindor prefect, which for the moment will be the replacement for Mr. Weasley and I've been informed that this transitory prefect, is on short notice, but I am sure the both of you will do fine. In which case, after tonight you will start patrols with Miss Lavender Brown until the new year..."

The second she heard the name, Hermione allowed her jaw to clench while her grip upon her books tightened considerably. With a singular nod, she allowed professor Snape to explain that she would be teaching Lavender the routes patrols and how they dealt with lingering students. The only thing she could think about was how she had to talk with the stupid bint who was one of the main problems between her and Ron.

As Hermione listened she felt a presence stop just behind her and the second she inhaled the familiar scent, she realized that it was in fact Malfoy. Begrudgingly in an attempt to ignore him while keeping her concentration on the conversation at hand, she nodded.

"Was there no other boys who wanted to be the temporary Gryffindor prefect?" Hermione asked making sure her voice was even and trying to appear oblivious to the arse standing behind her, "I mean it seems rather redundant to have two girls from one house in the same year."