A Slytherin in the Library

Hermione Granger and Susan Bones decide to meet in the library. They're partnered up for their Herbology project, one week was all they had. Hermione was already stressed, and it was assigned today. She knows that most Hufflepuffs are good at Herbology, but she doesn't really know Susan. She might have to carry the weight of the whole project; or worse, what if she's being prejudice against Hufflepuffs? It's like assuming all Gryffindors are good at Defense Against the Dark Arts or all Slytherins are good at Potions. She really hopes that Susan is good at Herbology. This way she's not just leaning on stereotypes, and they'll do well on their project.

"Hello Hermione." Susan walks in with Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott.

"Hi Susan." She looks at the trio, "Are we all working together then?"

"No." Ernie smiles, "We've other work to do." He leaves with Hannah to the back of the library.

Susan unpacks her bag, pulling out her notes and book, "Have you got a date to the Yule Ball yet? It's part of the Tri-Wizard tournament you know?"

"I've heard." Hermione has a stack of Herbology texts next to her. "Not yet, I suppose I'll go with Harry or Ron, but it's a month away. Who has time to worry about such nonsense?"

"Everyone, Hermione." Susan laughs, "People already have dates."

"Honestly?" She quiets as she watches her least favorite group of Slytherins take the table next to them. For once it looks like Crabbe and Goyle were leading them to the table instead of Malfoy, he scoffs at them when they sit.

"The stench of mudblood is already wafting over." Malfoy sneers at them. Crabbe and Goyle look at the two before getting their own work out.

"Ignore him." Susan whispers to Hermione who already had, thank you very much. Without Harry and Ron around, it's easy to ignore Malfoy and his cronies.

Susan is good at herbology, within the next hour they've got their topic picked and their outline created. They've started to break down their outline giving bullet points to each of the topics they want to address.

"I can't take it anymore. The foul smell of her dirty blood is giving me a headache." Malfoy slams his book shut, "This is the last time you get to pick our table. Disgusting, be aware of your environment Goyle. Let's go."

Malfoy and Crabbe put their stuff away, but Goyle pulls out a different book.

"What are you doing?" Malfoy stares down at his friend; Crabbe glares at the girls who are watching them from the next table.

"I have to finish Charms." Goyle mumbles.

"We've completed that yesterday."

"I haven't."

"We're not staying." Malfoy pulls Crabbe along with him, shooting Hermione a dirty look as he leaves.

Hermione and Susan watch Malfoy and Crabbe before turning to watch Goyle, he quickly looks down at his paper.

"I've never seen him work alone before." Susan whispers.

"Do you think he's up to something?" Hermione whispers back, glancing over only to have Goyle drop his eyes, "I think he's watching us."

"Maybe Malfoy has him watching you?" Susan looks over. Goyle is pulling out a new piece of parchment.

"But why?"

"Maybe he needs to keep you here while he does something to Harry?"

Hermione looks back at Goyle who was watching them. He drops his eyes back to his paper. "Maybe, but Ron would be with him."