Without you. (Dramione.)

Chapter 3.

After everyone was finished eating, Hermione said goodbye to their friends and went to the front of the hall to greet the new first years. Hermione glared at Draco as they walked up there, the insult from earlier replaying in her head again and again. Why was she so bothered? Merlin, let's just get this over and done with. She smiled and looked at the 1st years.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! I am Hermione Granger, and I am thrilled to see so many new faces here. As you embark on this exciting journey, I want to share with you some of the things I have learned during my time at Hogwarts. First and foremost, I want you to know that you are all capable of great things. Whether you are a Gryffindor, a Hufflepuff, a Ravenclaw, or a Slytherin, you have the potential to achieve greatness. It may not always be easy, but with hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything. Secondly, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities that Hogwarts has to offer. Join a club, try out for a sports team, or volunteer for a cause that you care about. Not only will you meet new people and learn new skills, but you will also discover more about yourself and what you are capable of. Finally, I want to remind you that Hogwarts is not just a place to learn spells and potions. It is also a place where you can make lasting friendships and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Who knows what adventures await you? This is my, friend, Draco Malfoy. Introduce yourself."

"Greetings everyone, I am Draco Malfoy, the Head Boy. As a responsible leader, I would like to request everyone's cooperation in following the rules and regulations. Thank you for your attention." He said in a monotone voice.

"Thank you, Malfoy, now we are just going to go over some Hogwarts rules!" everyone, even Malfoy, groaned "I know it's not that exciting but we need rules to keep us extra safe! The rules are: Stay out of the forbidden forest, be back in dorms by 10 pm, do not leave the premises without permission from either a teacher, myself or Draco, be kind to everyone, staff and students, and complete all assignments and homework. I think that's it! Any questions?"

Amid the 1st year Hogwarts students, a sly-looking individual from Slytherin house carefully slid his hand upwards, as if attempting to be discreet.

"Yes?" Hermione pointed at him.

"What happens if we don't follow the rules?" he smirked.

"Detentions, removal of house points and possible exclusion." Malfoy replied quickly, seemingly having experienced these.

The young boy nodded and nudged a Gryffindor girl in front of him, Hermione spotted him call her a 'mudblood' and called him out on it. "Excuse me, don't call people that. That is a 30-minute detention, that goes for anyone who repeats that word."

Everyone, even Malfoy, is shocked at how quick she is to react. She had experienced this one too many times...

"Now everyone, time to go to your dorms. Me and Mr Malfoy will be doing rounds for a while, so stay in there. Breakfast is at 7 AM, with that, goodnight everyone!" she waved goodbye to everyone as they left and then turned to Draco.

"What's your problem!?" she asked with a scowl.

"What?" he replied, giving her the same expression.

"Calling me that earlier! What did I do to you?"

"Look, I'm sorry, I was stressed." he said with a smile.

"Fine, I'll let you off this time, but never again, got it?"

"Yes! Merlin, you're quite strict aren't you..."

"Shut it Malfoy."

"Sorryyyyyy! We should probably start rounds now, right?"

"Yeah, let's go."

They began walking through the beautiful hallways, a lot clearly on both of their minds. Hermione looked at Draco, who seemed to be deep in thought. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. What's with all the questions?"

"Just- I don't know actually..."

"Hm. Why did you say that?"

"Say what?"

"Earlier, you said that you're sure not everyone hates me. Why wouldn't they?"

"Malfoy, you had to make a choice, anyone in your situation would've done the same. You can't blame yourself."

"You don't know anything about it, Granger. Just stop it."

"Malfoy-"

"I said stop!" He lashed out.

"Oh, Draco..."

Draco stormed away, clearly unable to deal with his emotions. Hermione followed after and turned him around with as much strength as she had.

"What are you doing, mudblood?" Suddenly, Hermione hugged him tightly, holding him as close as possible. "Get off of me." She didn't let go. He hesitantly hugged back and then pushed her off. He walked away, hand in hair and eyes forward. She looked after him, Merlin, why couldn't she just leave him? If only she didn't have a constant need to make people feel better. If anyone saw what just happened, they're both dead. Too late now I suppose....

Author : Hi everyone! Sorry for the short chapter! I think you guys are going to really like how this story develops as I've got a whole plan for it! Love you, stay happy!