A Future Uncertain

Chapter 9: Intentions Pt. 1

Hermione couldn't stop thinking about how lucky she was that Blaise offered to help her complete all 100 potions. And in less than two days! All of her free periods were spent with him, along with meals that they took in the kitchens to continue working. It was such a kind, selfless gesture. She was beginning to think she was making a friend. He was easy going, smart, and although not very talkative, he had a way of making her laugh. Which, right now, she needed.

They had planned on walking to class together, but Hermione wanted to check in with Harry and make sure there was no new news on the dragon thieves. She walked alongside Harry, who informed her that there was no news on from the Order, but that they would be leaving at midnight by Portkey. She knew this was coming, but she still felt tears forming. She didn't know when the next time she would see him would be. Unlike previous adventures, she wouldn't be joining them, and wouldn't be able to stand with them when they faced danger. After wiping the tears on her jacket sleeve, and giving Harry a hug, they entered the classroom.

Blaise and Draco were already seated, along with two other people. It was a change from the usual. She couldn't remember even one occasion where they arrived in a class before her.

Following Harry's light footsteps, she walked the aisle between the wooden tables. When she got close enough to where her neck began turning in order to watch them, she turned her attention to the worn-down podium directly in front of her, and refused to let her eyes shift.

She didn't want them to catch her watching them. It was an odd dilemma. On one hand, she wanted to say hello, but on the other, she didn't know if Blaise and her could be classified as friends yet. He wasn't obligated to talk to her if he didn't want to, but she also didn't want to seem rude by not acknowledging them. A voice in her head was also warning her to stay away from Draco. Not only because of the promise, but he had been complete arse last time they had seen each other.

As she walked past them, Hermione felt a tug on her rucksack pulling her backwards. The pull itself wasn't hard, but she was walking so fast she had to take two steps back to avoid falling backwards.

She turned around to see what she had caught on, but all she saw was Blaise's hand in midair moving back to the table to rest. He raised an eyebrow and attempted to cover a smile at her almost-fall. His reaction made her laugh nervously. She was glad he had made the decision to say hello for her, but sitting next to Blaise was one very disgruntled Draco. Obviously, she wasn't the only one still upset with yesterday's encounter. She looked between the two wondering if Blaise was going to say anything before Draco blew his top. Fortunately, he did.

"Would you like to sit with us?" he asked, ignoring the angry blond next to him. Hermione looked at Draco, who was now staring at Blaise with complete contempt.

Hermione looked for Harry, who was looking at the episode through narrowed eyes, waiting for Hermione's cue to jump in. He wasn't the only one staring either. There were at least a dozen people watching the interaction, speaking in hushed whispers that would surely make their way into the rumor mill. She hadn't had the time to catch Harry up on the last few days, so he didn't know about her new friendship with Blaise.

Dismissing Harry and declining Blaise, she shook her head. "I'm going to sit with Harry. I'll see you in potions."

Hermione turned to leave once more, but another tug stopped her. "Hermione?" He questioned while letting go of her bag for the second time. Looking up at her through thick, dark lashes, he asked, "Will you sit with me then?"

She smiled genuinely and nodded once before making her way to the front of the room.

As soon as the lecture ended Harry pushed his chair away from the desk sharply, making a harsh screeching noise, before turning towards Hermione. "What on earth was that about?" He asked, shifting his eyes to the back of the room to indicate what he was referring to.