Work Text:
The new school year was supposed to be filled with excitement. New opportunities. New school. New everything.
Given the amazing opportunity bestowed upon them, taking an 8th year of school to make up for the lack of an education their 7th year provided due to the war, they should be ready to take the world by storm.
Hermione was not.
It seemed everyone was ready to just get up and move on from the traumatic events that unfolded just months before. All summer, Hermione fought panic attacks and night terrors. Now, seated in the setting of most of her nightmares, all she can see are people who seem well-adjusted and put-together. Some even had suntans. What pricks!
Most of the returning 8th years were either in Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Hermione groaned and rubbed her hands over her eyes. It was going to be a long year. Professor McGonagall made her way to the podium and began her announcements for the new school year.
She introduced new staff members, Head Girl and Boy (Hermione and Blaise Zabini, naturally), and continued with a curious piece of information.
“This year, we will have a foreign exchange student joining the 8th year class from Durmstrang Institute. He is adept in defense magic and potions. Welcome back, Draco Malfoy.”
All heads turned to the Great Hall's double doors as they opened to reveal Draco Malfoy dressed head to toe in Durmstrang red. He walked - no - practically marched down the hall with an authoritative cadence. Several Slytherin mouths dropped open at the sight.
What the hell is going on?
He approached the Professor. As he shook her hand, he whispered something into her ear. Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded as he left to sit at the Slytherin table.
She approached the podium again, “While we would normally sort an exchange student when they join us, this situation calls for a bit of flexibility seeing as this particular student has already been sorted during his first year. I expect all to be welcoming to Mr Malfoy. This year is about reunification. No house rivalry, nor prejudice from the war will be tolerated. Keep that in mind moving forward.”
Hermione stopped listening to McGonagall and focused on the new student. What was Malfoy playing at? He transferred to Durmstrang to just get sent back? It didn't make sense.
The feast came and went. Soon, house prefects were escorting the first years to their common rooms. Despite having Head Girl duties, she beelined it to Malfoy as soon as they were dismissed.
“So, they couldn't handle the great Draco Malfoy. Sent you back so soon?”
He turned around at her voice and quirked an eyebrow. “Why, hello there.”
She frowned. “That's all you have to say?”
He smirked, “I apologize, beautiful. It's not everyday that I'm accosted by a creature as stunning as you.”
Her mouth fell open in shock. She could see his fellow comrades did as well. Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson were frozen in place at the admission.
“Was that too forward? It seems my courting abilities diminished a bit during the war.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it as he bowed, “Give me another chance tomorrow, darling. I'll ensure it will be worth it.”
She pulled her hand away and tried to rub his essence off. “Are you ill?”
He cocked an eyebrow, “I feel perfectly well.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “I don't like this game you're playing, Malfoy. You're up to something. Mark my words. I will get to the bottom of this.”
She left at the final word and started towards the Head Girl and Boy dormitory for the first night debriefing.
As she walked away, she overheard Theodore Nott. “What, in Salazar's name, are you doing? You've riled up Granger.”
“We've got Blaise as Head Boy this year. We'll be fine.” Pansy quipped.
Theodore groaned, “If you really think I'm worried about House Points, you need to sort out your priorities. Granger is scary. She is capable of crazy things. We all saw it!”
“So her name's Granger, eh? You have a first name for that one, I wager?” Malfoy drawled.
Hermione turned and hid behind a bust in the entrance as Theodore replied, “Hermione? Hermione Granger? Okay, I know Granger was out of line when she asked but now I have to. Are you ill?”
Malfoy chuckled and asked, “Why do you all keep asking that?”
Pansy rolled her eyes, “Oh, I don't know. Maybe because of the whole foreign exchange student play, and now you're pretending not to know Granger.”
Malfoy frowned and turned to Pansy, “I don't know Hermione. I think I would remember a woman as radiant as her.”
“You hate her! What are you talking about?” Theodore yelled.
“I certainly do not hate her. How could I? She's breathtaking and forceful.”
“Draco. You're being incredibly irritable. Stop pretending.” Pansy sighed, “Why the act? Is it a prank? Are you messing with Granger? Tell us! We could help.”
“I do not intend to be cruel to Miss Granger. I think I'd like to court her.” Malfoy said as he sat back down and smiled.
“GRANGER?” Theodore yelled.
“Draco, you jest. Your parents would never approve. You know that.” Pansy said as she sat down next to him.
“And why not?”
“Mate, she's muggleborn. You know this.” Theodore said as he joined his two friends at the table.
“Oh.” Malfoy said as he sat up. “I was not aware.”
Pansy and Theodore shared a look.
Suddenly, Malfoy slapped his hands on the table as he got up. “No matter. She shall be my bride. When a Malfoy sees something he wants, he gets it.”
He started to make his way out of the hall until Theodore piped up, “And how do you plan to get past the years of bullying and torment you put your future bride through?”
Malfoy turned and scowled. “I don't know how many times I had to tell you but ensure that this is the last. I have never met Hermione Granger before in my life. I would certainly remember if I had as I have already started to fall for the witch. She will be my bride as no other witch would be an adequate option now that I've met her. That is all you need to know about the situation at present.”
Pansy furrowed her eyebrows and stood, “So, to be clear, you remember me, Theo, Blaise, Potter - practically everyone and everything. But you don't recall ever meeting a Hermione Granger?”
“That is correct.” Malfoy responded, causing Pansy to fall back into her seat. “And be forewarned, this witch will be mine. So if you plan to continue to be in my life, be prepared to put aside whatever childish prejudice you have against my witch.”
With that he turned on his heel and stalked out of the hall, leaving a stricken Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson.