But... She's a Malfoy (A Hermione Granger GxG Fanfic)

Chapter 5

"Today, we will be reading some of the earliest runic inscriptions Rowena Ravenclaw once wrote-," Professor Babbling suddenly stopped, as Sam appeared in the doorway of the classroom.

Sam sucked up all the courage and stepped inside the room after Professor Babbling waved for her to get in. "Oh, everyone, please welcome Samantha Malfoy. She'll be joining Ancient Runes with us."

Everybody's heads spun around towards Sam. Including Hermione's. Although, Sam could tell she was annoyed by her presence. Or surprised.

When she saw that Hermione already has a seat mate, who was a Ravenclaw student, Sam decided to take a seat near the window instead. She didn't mind for it still gave her a perfect view of a certain beautiful Gryffindor. Sam also noticed that Hermione wasn't with her friends, Harry and Ron. And she couldn't stop wondering why. This is just a silly crush, Sam. It's plainly harmless.

Shrugging the thought away, Sam tried to give her focus towards the woman standing in front of the class.

The Slytherin girl knew Professor Babbling from her mother. She used to visit her mother's office or sometimes  their two bedroom apartment for some late night runic translations. Sam's mother worked for the Magical Congress of the USA. She used to admire her mother for it, how she was so dedicated to her job and how never in a single time she had seen her unhappy. It must have been nice to do something that she loved. Even if it did kill her.

As Professor Babbling continued her discussion, Sam took a quick glance at Hermione on her right.

How can someone look so beautiful without doing anything at all, Sam thought. She loved staring at Hermione. Not just her chocolate brown eyes or her long brown hair that reaches her back, Sam had noticed every other small detail. The way she brushes a strand of her hair over her ear when it gets in the way of her reading. How she writes with her quill without even looking as she listened intently to the teacher. How her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and how she bites her lower lips when she notices the teacher had said something wrong about the lesson that she doesn't agree.

Samantha knew she was already in too deep without even realizing that she might have stared at the brunette for quite too long now.

When Hermione's eyes darted towards her, and their gazes met, Hermione immediately looked down at her book and scribbled something that the professor might have said. It was as if it didn't happen.

I see you now.

Sam smiled at the action. She could tell she made Hermione uneasy and nervous but she couldn't help herself. After a few moments, she went back to look straight at Professor Babbling, deciding to let Hermione listen through class peacefully.

When the class ended, Sam thought that maybe she could have her free period with Hermione. She knew she had been persistent or annoying. Knowing that the brunette would decline anyway didn't make her lose the confidence to ask. So, she hurriedly packed her books and went towards Hermione.

"Can I go with you? I have free period and I don't really know where I'm supposed to go," Sam asked, holding the strap of her bag too tight.

Hermione's eyes avoided Sam as she replied, hands hurriedly shoving books into her bag, "Sorry, I have to leave. I have Defense Against the Dark Arts class next."

Sam's confidence had gone back to zero. You're just hurting yourself, Sam.

"That's okay."

And with that, Hermione walked past Sam. Other students were also scuttling to get outside.

But it was not okay. Draco had always told her that it was just the way things were. Slytherin students don't just become friends with other houses easily. It was the status quo and Samantha wasn't having any of it.

Sam tried to become friends with students in their own house but they'd always refer to her as Draco's younger sister or the li'l Malfoy even when she had grown tired explaining that she was at least three months older than him.

"Sam!" Sam turned to look at Professor Babbling. The teacher grabbed her for a quick hug.

"Professor," Sam replied. "It's been a long time."

"Oh, silly dear, call me Heda, as always," Professor Babbling replied enthusiastically. Then she turned grievous, "I'm really sorry about your mom. It must be so hard. She was such a sweetheart. A brave one."

Yes, she was.

Sam tried her best not to break down and cry. When it came to her mother or anything that had anything to do with her mother, Samantha's emotions were on edge. It was as if one more second, the strong Malfoy she had inside of her would give up holding the dam.

"It's okay, Professor," Sam said, as the woman squeezed her shoulder for comfort. She could tell the teacher knew she still wasn't okay.

Deciding to change the subject, Professor Babbling asked. "How's England so far?"

Sam released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"It's fine, I guess. My dad has been great."

Lucius was never vocal about how he loved his children. But he was there the very first moment when Sam had nothing, when Sam needed someone.  And that was enough.

Sam used to be so scared about the stories and rumours she heard about the Malfoys in England. But it was only that, just false rumours. Her stepmother didn't seem to talk to her in the first weeks she spent at the Malfoy Manor. But when they went to have one dinner alone together, and hearing that the old woman had always wanted a girl, Sam knew it was the start of something good.

"Well, I hope you'll enjoy your stay here at Hogwarts. And good luck on your game." And with that, Sam bid farewell to the teacher.

When Sam exited the room, she didn't expect to bump into someone, especially Hermione.

I thought she already left, Sam said to herself.

Then Hermione suddenly spoke, breaking her thoughts, "I apologize if I seemed rude before... Clearly, I wasn't expecting that you'd be in the same class and that... ummm, and that you really wanted to have a friend... But I really have Dark Arts class any moment now. But you can join us at lunchtime later, though."

Well, that was a turn of events, Sam thought. The girl's ramblings made the apology genuine, ignoring the fact that Sam found it cute when she rambles nervously. Maybe Hermione had overheard something and she was feeling guilty.

But Sam took what she could get from the brunette, smiling from ear to ear as she replied, "That's great."

"See you, then," Hermione said as she smiled back then walked away.

"See you."

Sam couldn't stop smiling as she headed towards the library. It was the first sight of many that she had seen Hermione's beautiful smile directed at her.