WickedRent Chapter 1

Chapter 11

Hermione arrived early to platform 9 ¾ to avoid the massive crowds of students and their parents. She walked the train to the front where the Head’s compartment was and put her things there. Walking back out she decided that she should see her friends on the plate form though she would rather hide in the private room on the train. Sure the Head Boy would be there, but he would not ask her questions that she was not willing to answer just yet. “Later,” she told herself as she exited the train to wait for the three Gryffindors she called friends.2

The students started to tumble in through the wall to the platform filling it up slowly. She waited next to one of the entrances to the train when she saw him, Draco Malfoy. He looked as delicious as ever with his long, platinum blonde hair that was pulled back into a loose ponytail. Not realizing she was staring at him till his piercing gray eyes focused on hers. She gasped a little then quickly looked away as he advanced towards her. Just great, she thought, he was approaching her to start something she didn’t want to be involved in. A fight.3

Draco had just arrived for his last year and was grateful to get away from his father and the Malfoy Manner. He had some pent up anger from a fight with his father and was taking it out on everyone that crossed his path. Pushing people aside, knocking people over he finally stood on the platform. Looking around he saw some old faces and lots of new ones. The first years always seemed to be earlier then the rest of the school because they were nervous. Then his eyes fell on the one person he loathed more then Harry Potter, he saw Hermione Granger and she was breath taking. 4

She was staring at him. Wanting to work off some aggression he stalked over to her wishing he could throw her into a compartment, lock the door and have his way with her. Sure she was a mudblood but he honestly didn’t care about that. True, he had to keep up appearances and make it seem like he did. The reason he despised her was because she was labeled forbidden. She would rather see herself dead then in his bed withering and moaning underneath him. 5

So he would have his fun teasing and tormenting her till they graduated. He’d probably never see her again, so his time was precious. He stood before her at least a head taller then her but she had her shoulders square, standing as tall as she could. That defiant look rested in her eyes as he stared into them. She looked very different from last year. Auburn curls tumbled all the way to her lower back and the frizz left no trace. Her eyes were the same honey color from before but the fire in them was slowly fading. Draco wondered if anyone had noticed that Hermione was not herself. 6

Hermione stared up at Draco as his eyes traveled up and down her body sizing her up or was he checking her out. He was dressed to impress wearing black slacks and a forest green dress shirt. Then she saw it, the Head Boy badge rested on his shirt. She saw his eyes go wide then a smirk rested on his features; he must have seen her badge too. Wonderful, she mused, now I have to share living quarters with him.7

“My, Granger you have grown up,” Draco hissed in her ear then pulled away standing up straight to remind her of his power as a male. 8

Hermione scoffed at him before crossing her arms causing her chest to push up and Draco got a nice view of her cleavage. At seeing this she cleared her throat to bring his eyes back to hers then spoke, “And you, Malfoy are still a boy.”9

Draco was about to yell at her and mention something about proving himself a man but never got the chance because Hermione sidestepped and left. He turned to see her hugging Weasel and the ever-annoying Harry Potter. Then turning to the little Weasellette, Hermione hugged her then linked arms and boarded the train. Draco followed soon after not wanting to run into his so called friends or the little leach named Pansy Parkinson. 10

Draco settled down in the head’s compartment waiting for the train to take off. The whistle blew signaling the final all aboard just as the head girl graced Draco with her presence. Hermione finally broke away from her curious friends to find Draco laying down, alone. She honestly figured he would be off with some girl or abusing his power and bring a girl here. She was relieved to not have to walk in on something like that. She was no prude but would rather be walked in on then walking in on someone. Hermione was more an exhibitionist then a voyeurist. 11

Just as Hermione sat down opposite Malfoy, Professor McGonagall walked in to discuss their new positions. She sat down next to Hermione giving her a once over then doing the same for Draco. Hoping that they would come to work together was probably never going to happen but she could hope. McGonagall gave Hermione a sad smile, that didn’t get passed Draco before she straightened and began.12

“First I want to congratulate you both on receiving these positions. Now let’s get down to business. You both will be in charge of the Prefects, planning the dances, and patrolling the halls. You can both take away points and give detentions though if I hear of either of you abusing this power, you will be stripped of your position as Head Boy or Girl. After the vote tonight stay back and I will take you to your new dorms. Good day.”13

McGonagall got up to leave but turned around giving Hermione a hug that surprised both students then left without another word. Or a glance back at the two stunned students. Hermione frowned at the actions of her favorite professor for she specifically asked that they not treat her differently. She guessed that it was just too hard of a request for them to follow all the time, death was never taken lightly.14

The rest of the train ride was uneventful as the two head students changed then drifted off to sleep. Draco slept restlessly with visions of his forbidden fruit known as Hermione Granger. Hermione had tearful dreams of a future that would never come. A future in which she had a loving husband with platinum blonde hair, two amazing children, and a job as Headmistress of Hogwarts. Then the train came to an abrupt halt waking them up and the dreams were forgotten. 15

Following the incredibly boring ride to Hogwarts the gang found themselves sitting patiently for Dumbledore to serve the food. The sorting had just ended and now the headmaster was going over the rules. Sure the new students needed them, some of the students needed to be reminded but the Golden Trio could care less. This was their seventh year and each year they manage to break the rules, most of the time on purpose.16

Then he finished with, “Will all the seventh years please remain seated after dinner is over for the vote on which musical will be performed each semester.” Raising his hands in the air, the feast appeared.17

Everyone started piling food on his or her plate, that is, everyone but Hermione. Just as the questions started a house elf popped in exchanging her empty plate with a full one specified for her diet. As the elf left new questions were asked from her friends. “What’s wrong Hermione?” “Why did the house elf bring you food?” “Why can’t you eat the other food?”18

Finally throwing her hands up in the air she said, “Enough!” Unfortunately it was so loud the whole hall was quiet after her outburst. In a more hushed tone she finished, “I decided to eat a special diet over the summer because it is healthier and it keeps me fit.” With that she began to eat reasoning with herself that it wasn’t a lie, just not the whole truth. They seemed to buy into her answer though Ginny gave her a sidelong glance for she knew that Hermione loved to eat. But Ginny let it go for now sense she hadn’t seen her friend for a whole three months.19

The rest of the meal went by swiftly and without further out bursts from anyone. Hermione was used to having all eyes on her but this year she wanted to be left alone, do what she came to do, and make it to graduation. She had nothing holding her back this year. No more fear, no more grief, just the fact that she knew her name was written in the book of destiny and it would be her end. It made her think of a quote from one of her favorite graphic novels, Sandman. 20

The paths fork and divide. With each step you take through Destiny's garden, you make a choice; and every choice determines future paths. However, at the end of a lifetime of walking you might look back, and see only one path stretching out behind you; or look ahead, and see only darkness.21

As she took her last bite, placing the fork back down on an empty plate it soon disappeared with all the others who had finished before her. A few were still trying to get in a few bites before they ran out of time. Ron was one of those few, trying to shovel in as much as possible. Hermione hated to watch him eat and wondered why she ever had a crush on the boy. He was by far better looking then his earlier years but had no manners and no common sense. Hermione cherished her friendship with the boys, saw them as brothers and loved them as brothers. 22