Fan Fiction ❯ Harry Potter and the Oracle of Bedlam ❯ What's with him? ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two

What's with him?

"Stay here," Professor McGonagall said as the two held their post firmly. They were dragged to this larger compartment after the old witch noticed the complications happening around her. Abby tried to explain erratically but the Transfiguration teacher won't allow it. It seems she wanted to have a private talk with these young intruders. They watched as Prof. McGonagall approached a small fireplace and in a few seconds, a face of an old man appeared on the flames, which really surprised the two out in the blue.

"I am very sorry to disturb you headmaster, but we got a very serious matter going on around here." Prof. McGonagall said glumly.

"Hmm… tell me what's wrong Professor." The old Headmaster Dumbledore looked over to Prof. McGonagall's shoulders and saw two unfamiliar faces with visible amazement on their faces.

Prof. McGonagall looked over to them and said, "These two unknown children had trespassed the borders of the train and stole a couple of robes from a 6th year Ravenclaw and a 7th year Gryffindor. They firmly said they needed some help that's why they were forced to do all this quandaries." She gave the two a half doubtful half sympathetic look before she turned once again to the face of the old man in the fireplace.

"Is this true?" the Headmaster asked and promptly the two gave him a silent nod. "Well then, I believe I haven't introduced myself. My name is Albus Dumbledore, Prof./Headmaster of Hogwarts, school of Witchcraft and Wizardry… and you are?"

"Abigail Jones, sir. A vampire slayer." Abby started.

"Connor…" Connor followed although he did not bother telling the part about being the unwanted child of two vampires.

Upon hearing this, both Prof. McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore looked at them in astound. "This is a surprise. What brings a vampire slayer into the express train of Hogwarts, Ms. Jones?" in the Wizarding world, slayers are very well respected individuals since they also are against the existence of Vampires or the undead. Any creature that was connected to the dark side was detested, especially that it was rumored that these beast somewhat affiliated with Lord Voldemort and his loyal Death eaters. It was very unusual though to find a slayer around the Wizarding world. They were most set off to the muggle world since Vampires prefers to scare mere mortals than brawl with magical beings.

"Well professor… we came here because we need your help." Abby warily answered back.

"I'll be glad to assist you with my aid. Tell me what's wrong?" Prof. Dumbledore asked. He will be willing to help them with all his might since he had high reverences for vampire executioners such as herself.

Abby glanced over to Connor and hinted at him to resume the explanation, "We are lost sir and we don't know how to come back. We've been mistakenly transported here by a port key from a friend of ours and now we have lost it."

"A friend of yours, you say?" it was Prof. McGonagall who posed this.

"Yes. She's a witch; she used to study in Hogwarts for 2 years. Her name is Willow Rosenberg. Do you happen to know her?" inside her mind, Abby kept wishing that these people may be familiar with the redheaded witch back from Sunnydale.

"Oh yes, Ms. Rosenberg. She used to be one of the best top students in my house. Do you remember her, Albus?" Prof. McGonagall sought to the old Headmaster.

"Why yes, one of Bill and Charlie Weasley's partners in crime I believe." Prof. Dumbledore could have laughed at that moment just remembering the past memories where the three redheads would frequently step in front of his office.

"Is she the one who gave you the port key?" Prof. McGonagall asked.

"Yes, she did forgot to give the instructions though…" Connor replied.

"Don't fret young ones. We'll find that port key someday. For the mean time I suggest that you stay inside Hogwarts for safety. Danger lurks around, it is better if you stay away from it." Prof. Dumbledore said since everyone knew Voldemort's plot could pop out anytime.

"But how are we supposed to explain these to the students, Albus? They are way passed from being a 7th year and definitely they cannot pretend to be Aurors since they knew nothing about magic." Prof. McGonagall knew the students would suspect something if ever they see two people wandering around the grounds of Hogwarts without uniforms or trademarks.

Prof. Dumbledore shook his head and said, "They don't look that old, Minerva. They can pretend as 7th year transferees and we'll sort them out to their house during the feast. Now if you would excuse me, I've got tons and tons of paperwork to do. I'll leave you these two, Minerva."

"All right, I'll take good care of them until we arrive there."

"See you again, till then young lads."

"Thank you, Professor." Abby gave him a smile as Connor tried his best to look grateful and then the smoke and the Headmaster's face vanished from sight.

"Very well then, I think that'll solve your problem. But for now, you both are going to stay here. I'll get new uniforms for you two. As much as possible, stay away from sight." Prof. McGonagall started to walk towards the door leaving the two in relief.

"Thank God that was over." Abby muttered happily and sat at the comfy chairs in the compartment.

"That old guy seems to be really nice. We really should be thankful." Connor took a sit too just next to where Abby was. They both sighed contentedly and lay back on the plush couch behind them. Definitely it was a terrible tiring day!

***

"Has anyone of you seen the transferees?" Ron asked eagerly, his eyes eyeing his two best friends as they rode the empty compartment Harry found.

Hermione shrugged, not even raising her eyes from the book she held, "We've heard. Everyone seems so interested with them, I must say."

"But we haven't seen them." Harry added as he too plummeted himself next to her. Ron rolled his eyes and took his seat right in front of them. "Yeah, me too. All of them have seen the new students … except us."

This time, Hermione scoffed and blurted, "Ron, we'll just have to wait and see them in the hall. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will sort them there." She gave her shrewdly smiles and went back reading her book. She wasn't exactly in the mood to babble about new students and how they look like. Bitter emotions started to bother her when she arrived in Platform 9 ¾. Just when she was about to meet Harry and Ron, Professor McGonagall appeared and approached her to tell her shocking news. She was Head girl this year, which she mostly expecting to happen since she's the top student among all of the students in her year. Although this sudden merriment clashed into pieces when she saw Malfoy beside the old professor. From being the 2nd best student in this year, Malfoy got the position of Head boy. Her smile turned into a frown when he gave her one of his sneers and scoffs that she had been receiving for the past seven years. With a simple roll of her eyes, she strolled off and went to meet up with Harry and Ron. A fake smile was plastered immediately as she gave them each a friendly hug.

"What's up, `Mione? You're acting quite weird for my tastes." Her redheaded best friend stared at her, completely clueless with her sudden mood-swings.

"Ron's right, `Mione. Are you alright?" Harry glanced over her, his clear green eyes once again filled with worry as usual. He had always been like that, and Hermione did not like it all. Since Sirius death, Harry's eyes were filled with misery and pain. She and Ron have tried so many things to make him open-up with them, although he decided to prison himself and deal with his own sufferings. The last thing she could not do to him was lie, and so she started spilling the news. With a heavy sigh she said, "I'm head girl." Her voice was nonchalant, so as her movements since she started to read her book again.

"Wow! Congratulations Hermione!" Ron said to his surprise.

Harry on the other hand just smiled and touched her lightly on the shoulder. He knew… at least expected that Hermione would get to be the next Head girl. It only bothered him since she wasn't so thrilled as what he was expecting. Head girl was one of Hermione's dreams of becoming, why was she acting so unconcerned about it? "I'm glad for you too, `Mione. So, who's the fluky head boy?"

Hermione was about to answer that when suddenly, someone's voice came in that promptly took everyone's attention. "Granger, quit chatting with your boyfriends, McGonagall's waiting. I don't have the time to wait for a mudblood's smutty ass." Draco Malfoy was leaning against the doorjamb with arms crossed as he completely ignores the deathly glares from Potty and Weasel. Surprisingly, Crabbe and Goyle were nowhere in sight.

"What the hell are you doing in here, Malfoy??" Ron who was much of a war-freak instantly stood up, eyeing the blonde git who was just sneering at the sight of him.

"Beware Weasel, I will not tolerate that kind of attitude." Malfoy just spared him a glance and then promptly turned his head over to Hermione who was giving him the same fierce look as Harry. "Granger, tell your friend here to ease off me or I'll start taking points from your house. You wouldn't want that now, do you?" And with that he turned his heels and head off. Ron had his eyes opened so wide, it looks like he had seen a ghost as Harry on the other hand had his jaw dropped in stun. Exactly the same reactions I've been expecting to receive.

"What does he mean `bout taking house points?" Ron turned to her; still shock was evident in his features.

She just sighed more and turned back to Harry, "Guess that answers your question."

"Why does that ferret get to be head boy??"

"Because much to our dismay, he's one smart ass too." Harry answered, shrugging his shoulders.

"He's right, Ron. Malfoy's a very smart ferret, we do have to admit that." And then she just stood up and went to follow the bloody ferret.

"Wait, where're you going?" Harry suddenly snapped out and asked.

"Oh, just some Head boy Head girl business. Professor McGonagall asked us to meet her once we get inside the train."

"Be careful, alright?" Harry said, not really trusting her having Malfoy as a company.

Hermione chuckled and said, "I got my wand with me. One zap and he's dead." She was relieved to see them smile and so she walked off, hoping for the best that Malfoy wouldn't take this as an advantage to insult her whole being.

***

"You both will be staying in this compartment together as heads."

"WHAT??" both Draco and Hermione shrieked just as when they heard the words coming out from the Deputy Headmistress.

"Now, I'm expecting a lot from both of you. You're both heads now; maturity is needed from now on. No more fighting, and be responsible with your decisions." She then turned to look at Draco who has a puckered brow, completely against from the Professor's decision. So as Hermione who had her arms crossed yet trying her best to hide the scowl forming on her lips. "Mr. Malfoy, I am not surprised that you received this position. I'm sure your father will be proud. Congratulations."

Draco shuddered from the word `father', and this was not left unnoticed from Hermione's vision. "Thank you, professor." His voice was bleak, no one could deny that he felt awkward whenever someone mentions about his father. Lucius Malfoy was sent to Azkaban last year after he was indicted from being a death eater and murderer of a few Aurors. Draco did not mind much about this. In fact, he was glad that he's gone. Narcissa was relieved that her husband was in custody, although she and her son were still convicts from Voldemort and his death eaters. Lucius' mistake causes more trouble for both of them since the Dark Lord won't allow the freedom of the death eater's family who betrayed him. Voldemort still has his grip on them, making it more hopeless to escape.

Now, it was Narcissa who holds the Malfoy properties. But after Draco's graduation, everything will be passed onto his hands. Including Lucius' place as a Death eater, much to Draco's disgust. He was stressed from thinking all of these happenings and what the future may lead him into. This is why Crabbe and Goyle left his side. It was for the better since those two dumdums would make things even worst. Pansy on the other hand became cosier than ever. Just thinking about it makes him sick.

"And as for you Ms. Granger, you wouldn't mind if I give you your first Head assignment, would you?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, Professor. Not at all."

"Well then, both of you must have heard about the new students." She received nods and then went on, "Ms. Granger, it is your job to befriend and assist them since they're new here. Tour her around and help her get used to the ambience of this school."

"I will." Even though she wasn't paying much attention to the new students, she couldn't help but be intrigued. Gladly she was a girl, it would be much easier to hang out with one of them. It also depends on their attitude since it would be very hard to deal with a Pansy Parkinson or a Draco Malfoy replica. You wish that those two were bookworms just like you, huh? Hermione frowned and answered her conscience, shut up brain!

"Alright, that's all for now. And by the way, the Headmaster wishes to see you two after the feast."

"We'll be there." It was Draco who spoke.

"Good." She then smiled, "I know you're both tired. You may enter your compartment now. I'll be seeing you both on the feast. Have a good day."

"Have a good day too, Professor." Hermione returned the warm smile although when the Headmistress turned her heels and walked away, the smile disappeared and was placed by a gloomy frown. She then walked inside the compartment forlornly, thinking of the misfortunes she encountered constantly. Who would have thought that she, Hermione Granger, a muggle stays in the same room with a pureblood such as Malfoy? Ron would be very furious about this. Harry may be just subtle, but I know he's burning in anger from the inside. She was caught up with her thoughts; she didn't even noticed Draco dropping down on the seat before her.

"Of all the things may happen right now, why ever have you picked putting bucked-tooth Granger in the same compartment with me?" he sat back, arms crossed, his lips smirking evilly as if he was planning of making her life like hell until this train stops.

"Sod off, Malfoy. I'm not in the mood to listen with your stupid snide remarks."

"And who says I even care of what you feel right now?"

Hermione scoffed and looked away. He really knew when and where to push her buttons. Maybe being all mean and evil to her for the past six years really paid off.

As she stares on the window, Draco does the same too. Only his eyes were fixated on the muggle sitting in front of him. She had really grown over this summer. Her hair was still bushy yet tamed, also she was no bucked tooth anymore, breast had definitely outgrown, her body became curvaceous than last year, and her legs, they were very slim and long. He had to admit; she was really pretty for a Mudblood. Granger? Pretty? What am I thinking?? Draco mentally slapped himself out of his reverie and started to concentrate on other things, that is, if he could really concentrate on things other than Hermione Granger and blooming allures. Since when have those blouse became so tight? And that skirt! For Merlin's sakes, stop looking Malfoy! It appears that her skirt had shrunk on its own accord just to seduce him.

"What are you looking at?" he was so deep in thoughts that he has not seen Hermione turn her head towards him.

Think something cruel, smart-ass! He stuttered for a moment and then scowled back, "Just observing how horrible you have become. I can't believe you're growing awful and awful day by day." He could have given himself a high-five for that.

Was he just checking up on me and then follow it with a stupid insult?? Hermione could have exploded right then and there in anger. She was fuming, her cheeks flamed in crimson red could prove that. The desire of punching Malfoy right on his face urge her relentlessly, but that would be too ruthless and this Slytherin Head boy has all the right to take points from her house. Instead she chose to get back with words as well, "Look in the mirror and see yourself. Your looks disgust me as well."

"To you, but to some other girls don't."

"Then don't compare me to them. I'm different from those sluts."

"I'm not comparing anyone to you, Granger. And besides, I'm only sleeping with purebloods. I can't afford to be touched by mudbloods such as yourself." Draco was starting to enjoy this to whether it amuses him to annoy Potty's lil' girlfriend or how cute she looks when she's angry.

Hermione had her arms on her hips and stood up instinctively as she yells back, "And who says I would even sleep with you, neither touch you? That will never happen in a million years, trust me!" disgust filled her face as she said these.

Draco stood up as well and had his arms crossed on his chest. He towered over her as both eyes stare daggers onto each other. The scene was like a furious lion against a venomous serpent hostile for dominance. "The feeling is mutual, Granger, so don't fret!"

"Good!"

"Fine!"

Both gave their best glare, but none of them dare to falter. They only stood a few feet from each other, which was rather getting unnerving. For Draco of course took this as an advantage to have a good look at her. No matter how hard his brain tells him to stop ogling, his eyes would just betray in the process. She's a mudblood, filthy muggle born, one of potty's merry band members… so stop looking! The contours of her face were perfect, this was the first time he had noticed those little freckles on her nose, maybe because you weren't looking at her this close before. What was wrong with him? What's with the sudden interest in a muggle born Granger? This wasn't normal! He should be spitting insults right now than gawking all over her.

Hermione felt very much more unease when Draco's eyes started to wander around her. What's with him? She was getting all the Goosebumps just feeling his heavy stare upon her. "Malfoy, stop it!"

"Stop what?" Malfoy looked up to him innocently, not really wanting the idea of Granger knowing everything that goes in his mind.

"This! Quit staring at me."

Draco sneered and quickly took the mask of appal, "Me? Staring at you? Oh please!"

Hermione threw her hands in the air, completely fed up with the insults she's receiving, "Urgh! Have it your way, you disgusting ferret. I'm getting out of here."

"Finally, fresh air!" this remark wasn't left unheard and only made Hermione furiously walk out of the compartment. Draco flopped down to his seat, derisive as ever from the achievement of swaying her away. The question is, is that what he really wants?

TBC