The Songbird and The Viper

Touch

It had been a few weeks since Johanna's first day and she was adjusting fairly well. Of course, she struggled with a large majority of coursework but with Draco aiding her and Harry helping her in potions, she was on the right path. She even managed to befriend a few classmates to the point that they smiled at her in the halls or invited her to sit with them at lunch. A few had even invited her to Quidditch games, which she happily agreed to go to. She never got to experience so many magical experiences other witches and wizards had.

Malfoy had been focused on other things during this time, he often disappeared quickly after their lessons and chose to keep their squabbling to a minimum. She secretly enjoyed it, unable to think about what would happen if every day was like her first. He was more likely than not to be friendly on most days but he was subject to random shifts in emotion and unexpected gloomy days where he didn't talk to her unless absolutely necessary. She was just along for the ride, trying her best to adapt to Malfoy's mood of the day.

Today, Johanna sat on a windowsill in a long corridor, enjoying the rain as it pattered against the stained glass. She was lazily thumbing through a book, an apple in her other hand. She took a bite as she turned the page.

"What's that?" Pansy Parkinson jabbed, leaning against the other side of the windowsill.

"A book, Pansy. Haven't you read one?" She replied through her chews.

Pansy rolled her eyes, "Where's Draco?"

"How should I know?" Johanna said, taking another bite.

"Well as it appears you two are joined at the hip, I thought you ought to know. We're supposed to have a study date tonight."

Johanna chuckled, "Isn't that romantic."

Pansy crossed her arms, a smile on her lips, "I know you must be incredibly jealous."

"Remarkably so. I don't know how I'll survive," Her voice was flat as her eyes scanned the page.

Pansy looked very pleased with herself, keeping her eyes on Johanna despite Johanna not giving her the time of day. After a few minutes of silence, Johanna closed the book and looked up at Pansy. Her smile had dropped but her eyes still focused on Johanna.

"Want me to read to you or something?" Johanna sighed, clearly annoyed.

"Just find you interesting."

"I don't see why. But honestly, I should start charging people for staring. I'd be better off than Malfoy."

Pansy laughed, "Don't know why I dislike you so much. You can be awfully funny."

"I'm guessing it's because you like Malfoy and I am forced to spend almost every minute of the day with him?"

"And smart too. Aren't you a peach," Pansy hummed.

Malfoy leaned against the wall directly next to Johanna, staring down at her book with a bemused grin. He leaned down to fully read the title of the book.

"Wuthering Heights?" He questioned. Johanna kept her eyes on Pansy, raising the book so Malfoy could pick it up and read the back. Pansy stiffened, pursing her lips as she let out a harsh breath through her nose.

"So... Draco. We're still on for tonight, yeah?"

He didn't look up, making a face as he read, "Probably not. Got a lot to go over with Faust."

Johanna raised her eyebrows in a mocking fashion, taking a bite of the apple as she did so. Pansy turned to look away, unable to formulate a response. Johanna could practically see her shaking with rage.