Love found in malice

Chapter 8: Tom-Foolery

Tom pushes his way between Clare and I; entering into Professor Dumbledore's classroom. 

"Well he's quite cheery this morning" jokes Clare.

"Moody is more like it" I respond

We enter the room together, my mind wandering off to my second year at Hogwarts...

"Hurry up Hermione we don't want to be late on our first day" shouts Ron, who shoves his way past me, scurrying to his seat. Defense Against The Dark arts is one of my favorite classes and I'm even more excited to take it considering Gilderoy Lockhart is the professor. He is a celebrity in the wizarding world who writes about his journey's and accomplishments. His bravery inspires me to one day travel and solve small mysteries myself.

The classroom per usual is made of stone grey cement walls and is littered with moving portraits. A staircase is centered at the front of the room leading up to the professors office. 

"Hermione.....Hermione" Harry exclaims his voice faltering at the end.....

"Hermione. Earth to Hermione" calls Clare who lightly tugs at my arm.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about something"

I quickly look up at the chandelier smiling at the memory of Neville Longbottom dangling from it; his voice in my mind saying "Why is it always me?". 

"Lets push our way to the front" says Clare.

A squeak from an old door hinge sounds, signaling Professor Dumbledores entrance into the room. I look to find him standing on the balcony protruding from his office.

"I'm happy to see all of you again. I hope you enjoyed your summer Holiday... this years class will be harder than any Defense Against the Dark Arts class you've had thus far. I will be expecting perfection in dueling, maybe even the use of nonverbal magic if any of you are quick or clever enough to learn it" he addresses. I look over to Tom, who's standing with his followers. He wears a proud smirk as if he knows something we don't.

"Everyone please proceed to your seats for a brief lesson before we start the real fun".

I move to sit in the front row next to Clare who already is seated. But I get shoved into a seat next to Tom by his crony Melvin instead. I shoot a frustrated glare at Melvin who only bows in return. Instead of fighting, I accept my fate of sharing an entire class next to Tom. Clare gives me wide eyes as I begin to unpack my bag. I lay out a new quill and ink before grabbing some parchment to write on. A prickling sensation goes down my neck making the hairs stand up. A startling whisper sounds in my ear. 

"Did you bring me anything to write with Granger or are you not good at sharing" Tom whispers. His hot breath making its way down my neck and to other places. His stare is anything but friendly; it has a hint of deviousness in it. 

"N-No" I manage to say "You should have come to class prepared; and hasn't anyone taught you about personal space". He smiles at me and shakes his head no in response.

"Figures, I'll just have to ask a more approachable girl then. However I wouldn't even consider yourself to be one, a girl that is". He turns gaining the attention of the Gryffindor girl across the aisle. He gives her what I assume is a charming smile which is why her face has gone beet red. She hands him her quill, ink, and parchment leaving herself with nothing to write with.

"You're despicable you know that. Now that poor girl has nothing to use"

"Not my problem. She should have thought about that before giving me hers" he says.