September 1992, Hogwarts Courtyard
The courtyard at Hogwarts was filled with the sounds of students chatting and laughing as they enjoyed a break between classes. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were seated at a stone bench, Harry recounting their morning encounter with Gilderoy Lockhart.
"He's so full of himself," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "I can't believe he actually thinks people want his autograph."
"Sounds like someone's jealous," Hermione said, not looking up from her book.
Ron huffed, but before he could respond, Draco Malfoy sauntered over, Crabbe and Goyle flanking him. Draco's eyes gleamed with mischief as he approached the trio.
"Potter, I hear you're handing out signed photographs," Draco said loudly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Should I line up for one, or are they just for your adoring fans?"
Harry bristled, but before he could retort, Hermione looked up from her book. "Honestly, Draco, don't you have anything better to do?" she said, her tone more exasperated than angry.
Draco's smirk grew wider as he shifted his attention to Hermione. "And here I thought you'd be first in line, Granger. You know, to add to your collection of heroic wizards."
Hermione's cheeks tinged pink, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she returned her gaze to her book, refusing to give Draco the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Face it, Malfoy, not everyone's as obsessed with fame as you are," Harry said, his voice cool.
Draco's smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, leaning in closer to Hermione. "I'm sure Granger appreciates a good autograph, though," he said, his voice lower, almost teasing.
Hermione didn't look up, but her grip on the book tightened ever so slightly. "Go away, Draco," she said softly, though there was a hint of something else in her tone—something almost... uncertain.
Draco lingered a moment longer, his eyes lingering on Hermione before he finally straightened up, his usual smug expression back in place. "Whatever you say, Granger," he said with a lazy shrug before turning and walking away, Crabbe and Goyle trailing behind him.
As he left, Hermione let out a small sigh of relief, her heart beating a little faster than usual. She kept her eyes on her book, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. There was something about Draco Malfoy that was infuriatingly... intriguing.
And for just a moment, she wondered if he felt the same.
YOU ARE READING
Pity The Living (Dramione)
Fanfic(WARNING: this is fast-paced and there are time jumps) Harry Potter is dead. Lord Voldemort has won. The wizarding world is shrouded in darkness and hopelessness in a world where Lord Voldemort rules supreme. Former head of the Order of the Phoe...
