Uncovered Secrets

Chapter 1

Hermione Granger had always believed in the virtues that Gryffindor House stood for: bravery, chivalry, and courage. It was these qualities that drew her to Hogwart's most famous house, a place where legends like Albus Dumbledore and other amazing heroes lived during their times at hogwarts. To the outside world and many within the castle's ancient walls, Gryffindor was the embodiment of all that was good and noble in the wizarding world.

However, the reality Hermione faced daily was starkly different from the beautiful picture painted by so many. As she walked through the corridors, her books clutched tightly against her chest. Most people thought the Gryffindor loved each other and supported one another but that was far from the truth. Hermione had been bullied so many times during her first few years that she kinda just go used to it. The name-calling, spells thrown at her, physical abuse and all the chores/work she was forced to do. But of course, this only happened in private. Outside she was treated as a princess, and people pretended to like her. They had to keep up their house reputation after all.

One chilly evening in late September when the undercurrents of Gryffindor's not-so-noble behavior became too glaring to ignore. Hermione sat in a secluded corner of the library, her eyes scanning the pages of "Hogwarts: A History" for what must have been the hundredth time. She was trying her best to ignore the snickers and pointed looks from a group of third-year students huddled by the fireplace. It was pretty late so all the other houses must've left she thought to herself.

"Look at her, reading again. Does she ever do anything else?" one of them jeered, loud enough for their words to cut through the crackling of the fire.

Hermione's hands tightened around her book, her knuckles turning white. She lifted her gaze, meeting theirs only for a moment before returning to her page. She had learned that reacting only made things worse.

Unknown to the Gryffindors, their jeering had caught the attention of someone unexpected. Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin Prince, was observing the scene from his corner. His usual sneer was absent, replaced by a frown as he watched Hermione try to shrink further into her seat.

Draco had his own reputation to manage, one built on a foundation of pure-blood supremacy and an unyielding loyalty to Slytherin. Yet, something about the way Hermione was being treated stirred a sense of injustice within him. It was a feeling he couldn't quite shake off, despite his best efforts.

Over the next few days, Draco found himself watching Hermione more closely. He noticed the subtle ways she was ostracized by her housemates, the small but significant barriers they put up to ensure she felt unwelcome. It was a side of Gryffindor he hadn't seen before, and it both intrigued and disturbed him.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the castle grounds, Draco made a decision. He approached Hermione just as she was about to leave the library, her arms filled with books.

"Granger," he called out, his voice softer than she had ever heard it.

Hermione turned, her eyes wide with surprise. "Malfoy? What do you want?"

"I've noticed how they treat you," he said, nodding toward the departing figures of her housemates. "It's... not right."

Hermione regarded him warily. "Why do you care?"

Draco hesitated, searching for an answer that wouldn't betray too much. "Maybe I'm tired of watching the wrong people get praised," he finally said.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Ron and Harry, who eyed Draco suspiciously. However, the seeds of an unexpected alliance had been planted. As Hermione watched Draco walk away, a small and uncertain part of her wondered if perhaps there was more to the Slytherin Prince than she had ever imagined.