Keep Your Enemies Closer (A Draco/Hermione Fanfiction)

2. Apologies

I walked hesitantly into the Great Hall, scanning the Gryffindor table for Harry and Ron. I snuck a quick glance at Nott, who had already made his way to the rest of Slytherins, before joining my friends. 

"What was it about?" Harry inquiered after noticing my arrival.

"Just about this year's Heads." I responded casually, trying to hide my excitement.

"Hermione! That's great!" Ron said enthusiatically. I nodded in agreement before telling them the one setback.

"Heads have their own dorms this year." I went with the vague aproach, knowing that when they found out I'd be living with Nott, it would not be pretty.

"So who's the Head Boy?" No way avoiding it now.

I found a new interest in my fingernails; picking off some polish from a week ago that had begun to chip.

"Hermione?" Harry asked sternly. "It's not Malfoy is it?"

I stayed silent.

"Bloody hell! It's Malfoy!" Ron said, outraged. They were staring at me incredulously.

"No, no. It's not Malfoy. You really think he's smart enough to be Head Boy?" I laughed uncomfortably and paused, "It's Theodore Nott."

"Nott's almost as bad as Malfoy himself!" Harry exclaimed.

"But he's not. And I'm a big girl, I can handle myself," I stated firmly, not quite positive if I was reassuring them or myself.

"Okay, but if he tries anything-"

"I know, I'll tell you." I confirmed as McGonagall made her way to the podium at the front of the Great Hall.

McGonagall gave a very inspirational speech that left everyone -even some of the Slytherins- applauding on their feet. It consisted of triumph over Voldemort and new bright beginnings.

The Sorting went smoothly, I noticed a few more were sorted into Slytherin then usual. That most likely had to do with Voldemort's death. Once, the feast was on the tables, the volume in the room increased to a roar; everyone excited for the new school year and how easy it would be without the threat of the Dark Lord. If only it would be that easy for me, sharing a room with an enemy would be anything but pinwheels and butterflies. I guess it could be worse, though. Like Harry and Ron said, it could have been Malfoy, the thought alone sends a shiver down my spine.. like nails on a chalkboard.

I couldn't eat much, although the food looked delicious, my sleeping arrangements had made me lost my appetite. I knew right after the feast, Harry and Ron would be joking around and catching up with all of their school friends whilst I would be having a glare-off with none other then Theodore Nott.

Our common room was located near the Great Hall, which was convenient for patrolling. The portrait that hung in front of the entry way was of a pleasant looking centaur. I had no idea his signifigance, but then again, explain the Fat Lady. 

"Wattlebird." The portrait swung open revealing a beautiful room with Green and Silver decoration covering the left side, and Red and Gold covering the right. I took in the hunter green, leather armchairs, the stone fireplace, the bronze sofa. As I stepped fully in I noticed a full sized muggle kitchen. I stepped into the bedroom with the Gold and Red decorations and found my bags along with the door to huge shared bathroom. This place was exquisite. 

I heard some noises coming from outside my bedroom, and found Nott sprawled across the sofa. I approached him and roughly pulled his feet off the couch.

"No shoes on the furniture," I stated flatly. He sent me a death glare and rolled his eyes. "So I never knew you were smart." Maybe if I just try to make conversation, things will get easier.

"Well, not exactly smart. I just try really hard. That's why you don't see me with Malfoy too much. I try to prioritize." Good answer. Humble for a Slytherin, and at least he's playing along. "I guess I'm not like you."

"Why do you say that?" 

"You're smart and you rub it in everyone's face." Ouch. I'll admit that hurt a little bit. It must have shown because then he said, "I didn't mean it-"

"It's fine. I've been insulted by you Slytherins as long as I've been here. I'm used to it," that was half true. I have been inulted by Slytherins as long as I've been at Hogwarts. And I was used to it, but that didn't mean it didn't still hurt.

His eyes softened, "That's why I've never associated myself with all of those guys. You have to be mean to be one of them. Truth is, I don't care about blood status or House rivalry. I'm only in Slytherin because I begged the Sorting Hat back in first year. My dad would've killed me if I went anywhere else." That was some confession, but I didn't know whether or not to believe him. "I'm sorry." It was so soft I almost didn't here it, and didn't know if I should believe my ears or not. 

I sat down on the couch next to him, still leaving a reasonable amount of distance. I just sat there, with forgiveness and understanding implied in the small notion. He looked up at me and held eye contact before giving me a faint, but genuine smile and walking away to his room, shutting the door behind him.

I couldn't bring myself to get up. Too confused and shocked about what had just occurred. Maybe Nott and I really could represent House unity.

Beep! Beep! Beep! I slapped my alarm clock and pulled my pillow over my head, hoping to get a little more time to sleep. What was meant to be a quick glance at the time became a frantic chase to find my robes and pull a brush through my bushy hair. I was already late to Potions on the first day of school. I couldn't believe my luck. 

I rushed into the classroom as quickly as I could and greeted Professor Slughorn with an apologetic smile, scanning the room for an available seat. I hurried to the only seat left and settled in to listen to the professor. 

"So living with me isn't enough for you, Granger?" I looked beside me to see Nott sitting with a playful smirk on his mouth. At least we weren't at each other's throats anymore. Then again, we never really were.

After Potions, I caught up with Harry and Ron who wouldn't stop apologizing for the seating arrangements.

"I'm sure I could get Slughorn to switch some seats around," Harry said hopefully. I was happy I had such good friends.

"Guys, it's really okay. Nott and I have actually been getting along," I told them, hoping to move on from the subject. Instead, I heard an all too familiar snicker.

"You and Nott getting along?" Malfoy's white blonde hair came into view and it took all of my power not to cringe in disgust. "Maybe when pigs fly."

"I don't see how any of this concerns you, Ferret," I said, not stopping for the Slytherin Prince. He picked up his pace just to mock me some more.

"Doesn't concern me? Nott represents Slytherin now, if he's lowering himself to be associated with trash like you, I think it's my right to know." I couldn't contain the cringe any longer. Malfoy had a way of angering me that no one else was capable of.

"Leave her alone, Malfoy," Harry said, now face-to-face with him.

"What will you do when Potty and Weasel aren't around to defend you, Granger?  What then?" Malfoy  and his minions then turned and walked away. 

Trash like me... like I said before, sure, I'm used to all the insults. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't still hurt. And when it comes from Draco, it always seems to sting a little bit more.

So there's Chapter 2. Hope you liked it. Next chapter will start to have some Theodore/Hermione. I know it seems early, but remember they aren't the main ship. Feel free to leave feedback, I'd love to hear some of your ideas! Thanks for reading! xx