Dramione

Chapter 2

We're now a few weeks into the school year, on a cold October evening.
I was talking to Harry, since Ron had gone to quidditch practice.
"How do you think he'll do?" I ask Harry, knowing how Ron had been struggling with quidditch.

Harry shrugs, looking down at his dinner. "He's been practicing a lot lately. I know he can do it, he's just not pushing himself enough." Harry responds.

"Well, the Slytherins chanting definitely doesn't help his confidence." I say, and Harry nods.

"They never know when to keep their slimey mouths closed." Harry comments, and I can't help but chuckle.

"Yeah...  Especially Malfoy and his lot." And just as I say that, Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle walk into the great hall. I can hear Pansy's petty voice from here.

"He's useless! How hard is it to not let the bloody ball into the net? I couldn't even bring myself to watch the rest." She says smugly, and of course I know who she's talking about.

I look at Harry, he looks like he's about to explode. Even I felt tempted to just go over there and tell her off.

"Don't mind them, Harry. Ron will be okay..." I say as calm as I can, but even i don't really believe that.
He really needs some sort of confidence boost because he's been so down since he started quidditch. Well, every since people start making fun of him for it.

After dinner, I make my way to the library. It was dimly lit, and quite empty. There were only a few other people there.

I set my books down on a desk, sitting down and get right into my Potions essay.

About 20 minutes later, I look up at the sound of frustrated noises to see Draco Malfoy, flicking through multiple books in a stressed manner.

The past few weeks, I've noticed his odd behaviour. I haven't even seen his arrogant smirk once. What has he got to be so stressed about? He's got everything so easy. He's a rich pureblood, for gods sake.

I do something that I usually would avoid doing at all costs, but my curiosity was too strong in the moment.

I rise from my seat, casually walking over to him, pretending to be looking for a book on the shelf.
He looks at me, rolling his eyes before his gaze is back down on the book in his hand.
I roll my eyes back at him, trying to catch a glance at the book he's holding.
'Step-by-step guide to mending a vanishing cabinet' is what I had managed to see.

I now had even more questions. Draco followed my gaze, quickly covering the title of the book by holding it under his arm.

"Don't be nosy, Granger." He says arrogantly, giving me a judgmental look.

"Why do you want to know about vanishing cabinets?" I blurt out, not being able to stop myself.

He clenches his jaw, looking like he's holding back his anger just from me saying that.
"What? Can I not be interested in the topic, or is that against the rules?" He says sarcastically, causing me to roll my eyes.

"It's quite a specific subject, not the type of thing people would usually read into for fun."

"Now you're telling me what I can and can't like? I almost feel bad Potter and Weasley." He comments, so I scoff and walk away.

I was foolish to think that I could have a normal conversation with him.

When I'm finished my homework, I make my way back to the common room.

I hear the clock chime in the distance, realising that I've spent way too long in the library.

I arrive back at the common room, to see Harry and Ron still up, chatting in front of the blazing fire.
I sit down on couch next to them, and I feel a wave of heat from the fire against my cheeks.

"What were you doing in the library until now? You've been there a good 4 hours." Ron comments, seeming annoyed.

"Oh come on, don't be dramatic, it wasn't that long. I just lost track of time." I reply, and he scoffs.

"'Cause studying's just that enjoyable?" He says, and I scoff back.
"Yes it is, actually. It was an interesting topic." I reply, but he just rolls his eyes.

I sigh, and lean back into the couch. I could sense he was annoyed, which obviously meant that quidditch did not go well.

"Anyway... how was quidditch practice?" I say hesitantly, although I know the answer.

"What do you think?" Is all he says.
"Sorry... I shouldn't have asked." I replied shyly, looking down at my lap.
Harry sits there awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
I guessed that he had asked Ron the same question earlier, and got a similar response.
"Right, I'm off to bed." Harry finally speaks up, and I quickly stand up when he does.

"Yeah, me too... goodnight." I told them, heading up the stairs to the girls dormitories without another glance back.