The Next Best Thing

3| Troll?!

Juliet's POV

It has been a few months into the year. It was now Halloween night. People were chattering excitedly as they walked around through the courtyard. Classes for today were over, so Harry, Ron, and I were on our way to clean up before dinner.

"It's leviOsa, not LeviosA. Honestly, she's a nightmare. No wonder she hasn't got any friends." Ron groaned.

I started to say something, but someone sniffled and bumped into me as they pushed past. My eyes widen as I realize it is Hermione. I stop and glare daggers at Ron. "Was that necessary, Ronald? Think about what you say!" I storm off, running after Hermione.

"What's wrong with her?" Ron asked Harry. Harry just shrugged.

"Herms! Hey, Mione! Wait up!" I run up to her and wrap my arms around her. "Don't listen to Ron. He's a git. He doesn't understand."

She sniffled and pulled away gently. She began walking toward the girls lavatory. I followed quietly. "No, he was right. I am acting like a know-it-all. I was treating him terribly."

I shook my head as we sat down on the floor in the bathroom. "No, you were trying to help him learn, Mione. Don't beat yourself up."

Hermione just shook her head, sniffling as tears fell down her cheeks. After a few minutes, she glanced at me. "Juliet, I love you, but can I be alone? For a little while at least?"

I smiled slightly and nodded, hugging her once more. "Of course, Mione. Are you going to be at dinner?"

Hermione shook her head. "Probably not."

I sighed and stood up. "Okay. See you later, alright?"

She nodded. I walked out and back into the hallway.

"Ah, there's the girl we have been looking for."

I turned around and frowned as I saw Draco and his friends.

"Oh, hello Malfoy." I looked down at my feet awkwardly. "May I help you?"

"Well, Kennedy. Perhaps you can help me." Draco smirked.

My eyebrows furrowed together. "What do you mean?"

He walked toward me until we were close enough for me to touch him.

Not that I would!

"You see, dear Kennedy...our parents know each other...and they want us together. For the rest of our lives." I think we both shivered at that.

"Wait, our parents are friends? How come I've never met you before then?" I questioned quietly.

Malfoy shrugged. "Who knows. All I know is that we should be together. Let's just show or parents that we can take control of our own lives."

I rolled my eyes. "But wouldn't that defeat the purpose? They want us together. If we get together, won't that say, 'hey we are right! The kids can listen to us!' They will think that we are behaving."

He grinned. "I am not supposed to know. Your parents came over this summer and I overheard their conversation. So...what do you say, Kennedy?"