Academic Affairs | Draco Malfoy Love Story

Lesson 1: Cursing Your Coworkers is Illegal

Lesson 1: Cursing Your Coworkers is Illegal

Hermione Granger glared down at the Arithmancy textbook with a scowl tugging down at her lips. She clearly recalled there being fluffy pancakes at breakfast this morning which meant that Malfoy would be eating at the faculty table in the Great Hall. She'd noticed that he had an affinity for sweet treats. As a result, when she knew the kitchen would be producing something sugary for breakfast, she took her tea in the faculty tower. It had been a foolproof plan. Be somewhere where he would not be.

So why was Draco Malfoy entering the faculty tower with a plate of pancakes, coffee, and a newspaper tucked under his arm? If he was surprised to see her, he didn't show it.

The textbook she had was the New Theory of Numerology by Lukas Karuzos. The same book that Harry gave her for Christmas over a decade ago. Hermione bit the inside of her cheek, wondering how she was turning 27 in a couple weeks. Time didn't fly by-it apparated. It wasn't even eight years ago that she was Undesirable No. 2 and being hunted by a Death Eater backed Ministry.

Perhaps the same sort of Ministry that Malfoy would have thrived in. The prat was ignoring her existence too, drinking his coffee while skimming over the Quidditch results from last night's game. If she was correct, and she normally was, he had season tickets to the game. He was probably out late partying with a witch on each of his arms.

"You look like rubbish." The words left Hermione without her permission, but it was too late to take them back. "Your skin looks paler than normal."

It was true too. His hair was artfully disheveled, but more so than normal. Purple bruises showing slightly under his eyes and his tie was undone. He looked like he just woke up from a night of drinking.

Malfoy didn't lift his gaze from the paper, "If you're trying to insult me, try harder. I think my insults as a First Year had more bite."

She frowned, "If by bite, you mean prejudiced and uncalled for, then yes. Your insults have more bite then mine."

He snorted inwardly, amused by something, but he didn't comment. Instead, he nodded his head towards his breakfast. Syrup conjured and she watched as an unholy amount of thick, sugary maple syrup coated his pancakes.

The idea of how sweet his breakfast was hurt her teeth just looking it. "I don't understand how you can have that much sugar, first thing in the morning."

Once again, he didn't bother turning his attention to her as he took a bite of his pancakes. For whatever reason, his refusal to even look at her annoyed her. He chewed thoughtfully, a pensive expression on his face.

"Perhaps I should have applied to become the divination professor."

Instead of potions? Her brow furrowed, "Why?"

Now he did look at her and his gaze was cutting. She could almost feel his stare like a weight over her; threatening to swallow her. Mind, body, soul, and all.

"Because if I had, then I would have practiced harder, and would have foreseen you choosing today of all days to have tea in the faculty tower." He reflected with a cold edge to his voice, "Instead of pointing out the flaws in my complexion-which I can assure you, are none-drink the rest of that bland tea of yours, and let me enjoy my morning in peace."