Simply fate.

Chapter nine

A couple of days had passed since the announcement and all the seventh year were now sharing the new room. It has been a surprise when they discovered the room. It was quite large with a huge fire roaring in a fireplace located in the center of the room. It was full of couches, armchairs and comfy pillows which were really welcoming. The walls were decorated with portrait of Hogwarts' founders and a bunch of wooden tables took place in the room. There were a library full of every book the students might need and on the right corner, a place where you could find pastries, sweets and every drinks you'd like (except for alcohol, of course).
Hermione was searching through the huge library, excited to discover books she hadn't already read. After finding a book about the different sicknesses that a dragon could suffer from, another about cauldrons and their relationships with brooms, Hermione pulled out of the shelf one about mermaids, since she had a essay to handout after the holidays. The moment she pulled the book out, she heard a slight «click» and saw that a door just appeared behind a heavy curtain.
Hermione couldn't resist. She opened the door and it led to a small staircase made in stone. She looked around her, in case anyone was here but there wasn't anyone of course, it was almost curfew. Hermione took her Griffondor bravery with her and decided to take the stairs.
The staircase led to a cold corridor where the only light came from a globe on the ceiling which seemed to contain fire, the warm light contrasting with the coldness of the stone. Hermione walked further and eventually arrived to a wooden door. She reached out to open it but it was close.
« Alohomora ! » and the door opened with the noise of the cracking wood.
The room behind it was in a circle shape. The walls were made of stone and the only natural light came from what looked like a blue window. But looking more intensely at it, she realised that it was no window, in fact it was a view from underwater. Hermione realised that she must have been under the Black Lake.
Except for the window, the room was quite normal. In fact, Hermione could have believed that it was made just for her. Indeed, most of the walls was covered with tempting books, the ground with a fluffy carpet and cushions, armchairs and a settee took place there, inviting her to seat down and enjoy a good novel. The room was small but comfy and it didn't take long before Hermione sat down with her Mermaids' book in an armchair. She was glad she had found this room. It was her own place, quiet and free from the other students. For a brief moment, she thought about telling Harry about this room but the soothing sound of the water from the lake made her change her mind. Harry wouldn't like this room, it was too calm and there was too many books and not enough space to move. It might remind him of his old closet.
The only thing that was bad about the room was that it was quite cold. Indeed, there wasn't any fireplace and the water from the Lake could not help with the lack of warmth. She made sure to think about bringing a blanket the next time on. If there was a next time... She hoped that « her » room wasn't going to be gone tomorrow.
Hermione gave a quick look at her watch and realised that it was almost time for her daily round. While taking the stairs and heading back towards the seventh year common room, she thought that it was her first time doing the round alone since the beginning of the year. She knew it will go fine, of course, she was a Prefect after all ! She knew how to handle things better than Ron. But it was nicer when he was around.
Soon, she came back to the library and she put back her Mermaids' book.
« Hermione ! Where have you been ? » Harry said, looking a bit worried.
« Just here » she lied. « Didn't you see me ? »
« No I didn't or else I wouldn't be looking for you all around the bloody castle ! »
« Watch you mouth Harry ! You are starting to sound like a certain redhead ! » Hermione joked.
« Yeah you're right ! I think I miss him after all... »
« Careful ! You're getting emotional ! »
« Alright, alright ! Anyway, you coming ? »
« You do know that I have my night round to do, don't you ? »
« Oh ! Right ! I completely forgot about it ! So I guess I'm heading first upstairs ? »
« Yes, sorry Harry ! »
« No problem Head Girl ! »
« Hey ! Don't call me that ! » she cried out.
« Look who's getting emotional now ! » he teased.
« Funny. »
That said, she turned around, smiling, heading towards her round.
The corridors were calm that evening. Hermione didn't have to do anything because as soon as someone saw her, he or she would run towards their common room. So, Hermione spend her hour walking slowly around the castle, lost in her thoughts.
But then came the time to meet the Slytherin. As usual, they crossed each other in front of the Great Hall's door. However, it was different this time. Instead of ignoring them, Hermione smiled at Zabini and he returned it.
« Well, well Granger ! Looking in a good mood ! » Malfoy said.
« The smile was not for you Malfoy. » she respond coldly.
« Ouch ! That hurts ! I was being naive to think that now that Zabini and Weasel are going out, we could, you know, become close... » he said getting closer to Hermione.
« Come on man ! Stop that... » said Zabini.
« Why ? I want to get some fun too ! How about it Granger ? » Malfoy said, reaching out for a strand of Hermione's hair, « You. Me. A secret passage. What do you think ? »
« Oh ! Malfoy ! You know what I think ? « she started to say with a shy voice, threading her fingers through his hair. «  You're such a conceded jerk ! » she said grasping his hair in her hand and pulling him down so that he was facing the floor. « How in the world could you ever consider that I would agree to let you touching me ! Are you sure you're alright or is your hair gel getting into your head ? NEVER. N-E-V-E-R. Am I clear ? »
« Cristal. »He said trying to regain some composure as he was getting to his feet. « Is it a déjà-vu ? Seems like I already saw this moment ? » he thought.
Hermione turned round on the point and head back towards her common room, feeling as mad as she was when she used to do the owl-thing between Harry and Ron in 4th year.
Zabini looked at his friend, a smile playing on his lips.
« Men ! That was hardcore ! Tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think your seducing tricks are going to work with Granger ! »
« Yeah, you're right but what can I do ? I like that girl and chasing her is just making the game more appealing. I know what I want and I always get it. Malfoy's word ! »