An Unexpected Twist of Fate || Dramione

CHAPTER 24 - Family Studies

"Why would they do this to us? First, they force us to get married, then they make us live together and now we have to attend bloody Family Studies. The ministry is neck deep in hatred." Ron declared sharply, scoffing at his new lesson schedule.

They all had Family Studies together first period and no one, not even the lovesick Harry and Ginny – or Hinny as Luna called it – was looking forward to it.

"Don't worry, 'Mione. We'll take a seat close by yours." Harry encircled her waist and pulled her in for a tight hug. Hermione leaned into his touch, savouring his comfort. Ginny walked ahead, not even the slightest bit worried about the gesture between Harry and Hermione. She knew Hermione needed the comfort from her friend, after all, they did defeat Voldemort together.

They walked into the class, Harry's arm still around Hermione. Before Hermione could move to her desk, Harry stop her and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders, looking her directly in her eyes.

"Hermione don't stress about this too much. I know it's difficult but drowning yourself in stress is not going to solve this problem. Take it easy, OK?" His voice was soft and full of love; a brotherly love.

Hermione nodded and gave him another hug.

"Thank you, Harry."

"I'm always here for you, 'Mione." He gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head and walked to Ginny, pulling her closer to him with complete adoration in his eyes.

They were so cute.

Hermione looked around and caught the eyes of Draco. He was already seated at a desk in the far corner. Harry and Hermione walked to the blonde Slytherin. Draco was shooting daggers at Harry. He didn't like the way he held onto Hermione even though he knew they were friends. He wasn't supposed to feel that way anyway.

"Malfoy." Hermione greeted as she sat down. As expected, no reply came from Draco. Ever since the incident at the infirmary, Draco had gone back to his cold exterior and ignored Hermione like he had for all those years. The familiarity of their relationship was oddly comforting to Hermione in a sense. It was something that hadn't changed throughout all this horrible law nonsense.

"MOVE YOUR BLOODY FAT ARSE!" Pansy Parkinson's voice sounded through the room as she shoved Ron of his seat. "Just because we are required to sit next to each other in this awful class, does NOT mean that we will. Go sit somewhere else!" She huffed out loudly.

Her face was red with anger but Ron stayed rooted in his seat.

"If you have such a big problem with this why don't YOU move?" He barked back. He was addiment on staying where he was. His seat was not going to be lost because of Pansy's stubbornness.

"I WAS HERE FIRST, WEASLEY!" she screeched in a high, pitchy voice.

Hermione couldn't help but giggle at their childish behaviour. Draco looked at her. Gosh, her laugh is adorable. He thought to himself but shook it out of his mind immediately. She had made it perfectly clear that she wanted nothing to do with him whatsoever.

His heart panged faintly at the memory.

Madame Hooch finally walked into the chaotic classroom. Her smile fell almost instantly as she noticed the disruption caused by the students. She closed her eyes for a moment, as though she was calming the monster inside, and took a few deep breaths. Suddenly her bright yellow eyes shot open again.

"Listen up, you lot! Welcome to your first lesson of Family Studies. Now, I can see that there are a few strange couples here," she paused at "strange" and looked to Ron and Pansy, Ernie and Millicent and Draco and Hermione. She silently prayed that the ministry knew what they were doing. "But I expect you to put aside your differences and pay attention. Bickering will NOT be tolerated." She announced sternly, glaring at Ron and Pansy once again.