New Beginnings

Emotions

Draco was drawn out of his room by the glorious smell of cooked breakfast. Hermione had already gone, but a plate of food was left on the counter.

'Mmph-ing hell,' he mumbled through bites of bacon and eggs. 'I could get used to this!'

*****

Draco strutted in from work that evening, a broad grin on his face.

'Guess which potioneering genius got signed off as competent on all the prep-techniques today?!' He crowed, bowing to an invisible audience

Hermione grunted, flapping her hand at him to be quiet. She was wrapped in a blanket watching a film.

'What we watching?'

'Shush.'

'But what-'

'Be quiet.'

Draco's eyes narrowed. He sauntered in front of the TV.

'Whaaaaat are we watching?' he sang, waggling his hips at Hermione

'A monkey that thinks he can dance.' Hermione snapped.

'Oooh, the lioness has claws!'

'And a wand, now slither out of the way, ferret!'

Draco frowned and flopped next to Hermione, his arm draped behind her.

'Do you need some chocolate? Is it that time-'

'Finish that sentence.' Hermione growled, her wand spitting sparks in his face. 'Go on. I dare you.'

Draco gulped and scooted to the edge of the sofa.

*****

As the credits rolled, Draco dropped the Sneakoscope onto the cushions between them.

'So. Who put dragon dung in your coffee today?'

Hermione's lips pursed.

'I mean...whatever is the matter, oh dearest, most terrifying housemate of mine...?'

'I had a meeting with my law professor today,' Hermione spat.

'Oh, that's...good? No? Not good? I'm, er, sorry to hear that.'

'You better damn well be sorry!' Hermione exploded, making Draco jump. 'Do you know what he said?! He said it has been noted that I seem "distracted" and "disorganised", that I'm "regularly late" or "ill-prepared" due to having the wrong equipment! He questioned my dedication and my commitment to my studies! Me! He suggested that being a "war hero" might have gone to my head! Ignorant twat!'

'...Would it help if I said I was sorry?'

'No, it would not!' Hermione screeched.

The Sneakoscope whistled, giving Draco enough warning to dive over the arm of the sofa. A cushion streaked overhead.

Ducking projectiles, Draco fled to his room.