The Makings of an Auror

The Makings of An Auror

Chapter One

This chapter has been dedicated to Imbri .

"Test scores...Granger...Granger," Hermione mumbled, running a finger across the posted test score list for her name. "Yes!" She punched the air happily. "Three hundred and fifty-two percent...as usual," she added as an afterthought. With a huge grin on her face, she turned and left the dungeons. Harry and Ron were waiting for her right outside the dungeon door.

"So, what was it?" Ron asked, as she emerged, gripping his arms and trying to keep his teeth from chattering. The dungeons were awfully cold...

"Three hundred and fifty-two percent," she smiled, flipping her hair back happily. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Should have seen it coming," he muttered.

"What about ours?" Harry asked quickly.

"Well, Harry, you got an eighty-nine percent," (Harry groaned and buried his face in his hands) "and Ron, you got a...well, you got a seventy-five," Hermione finished, biting her lip.

"Why that good-for-nothing,--,"

"Ron, as much as you hate Snape, I don't think it a good idea for you to...well, say anything at the moment..." Hermione warned him.

Ron scoffed and unfolded his arms. "Why not?"

"Mr. Potter...Weasley...where were you two last night? Forgot about your detention didn't you?" Snape sneered, his face erupting into a wide, disheveled grin. Ron audibly gulped.

"We...well, we sort of...umm..."

"Well, you see Professor," Harry interrupted, "we were strolling along outside, like we always do, and all of a sudden, this huge manticore appears out of nowhere! And then, we don't really know how it happened; we were in the hospital wing. We begged Madame Pomfrey to let us do our detentions, but she wouldn't let us go. We had to...erm...stay for the night because or condition was so...severe!" Harry lied, and horribly.

"And if I were to go and check Madame Pomfrey's records, would your name be under yesterday's date?" Snape smirked.

"Oh, you really don't have to do that professor--."

"Double detentions tonight, one for the mishap with the cauldron involving Mr. Malfoy's face, and another for your pathetic lying skills." Snape turned and walked away, a nasty grin on his face. Hermione sighed.

"Why weren't you at detention last night anyway?" she asked them curiously, rummaging in her book bag for her Arithmancy book.

"You see--,"

"Don't you even try it on me Harry James Potter," Hermione grinned. Harry sighed.

"Tell her Ron."

"We were in Hogsmeade," Ron muttered sheepishly, his cheeks turning pink. "Getting...erm...sweets, and, um, stuff. But we saved you some!" He reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a handful of candy...wrappers. "Oops, they're here somewhere."

"Then you deserve this detention tonight," she scolded.

"Snape already made that clear Hermione," Ron replied bitterly, shoving the candy wrappers back in his pocket. Hermione rolled her eyes and assumed her usual 'serves-you-right' look. They entered the Great Hall and sat down at their usual spot at the Gryffindor table. Students chattered happily around them, and rain drizzled from the bewitched ceiling, giving the Great Hall a misty appearance. Hermione propped her Arithmancy book open and grabbed an apple nearby.

"Hermione!" Ron groaned. "Arithmancy again? I swear, if that wasn't a book, you'd have married it by now." He spotted something on her ring finger. "Oh God...you already have..."

"Shut up Ron," she replied, rubbing her ring finger. "My mum gave this to me as an early birthday present."

"Oh great," Harry interrupted, a look of disgust on his face. "Look who's coming." Ron and Hermione turned around to see what Harry had pointed out. Draco Malfoy was approaching the table. If it wasn't for the large bandage on his nose, he'd have his usual smirk.

"Well hello Malfoy," Hermione said politely. "I see your...erm, injury hasn't affected your oversized ego one bit. Nice to see you!" she smiled. Draco began to sneer but he quickly stopped. His nose was probably hurting him, even if he didn't show it.

"Oversized ego? More like oversized nose," Harry whispered. Ron went into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.

Malfoy made a rude gesture at Ron, abruptly causing him to stop laughing. Crabbe and Goyle guffawed stupidly behind him.

"Ooh, real witty. That has to be your best comeback yet!" Hermione announced. She set her book on the table and applauded lightly before picking it up again and biting into her apple. "Oh, by the way. What did you come over here for?" Malfoy looked back at Crabbe and Goyle and sauntered off. Harry and Ron were looking at Hermione with a look of admiration and fury.

"Hermione! That was brilliant! But he's probably added you to his list of people to kill," Harry informed her, sympathetically.

"Nah, I've been on that list for years," she grinned, turning the page of her Arithmancy book.

"Did you see Malfoy's nose though?" Ron exclaimed, feeling his own nose. "When Harry and I did that...thing with the cauldron, his nose was three times its normal size and it was purple!"

"Uh-huh," she replied, bringing her book closer to her face. Suddenly, someone tapped her on her shoulder. Hermione groaned and whipped around.

"What is it Malfoy! Oh! Headmaster!" she smiled nervously. Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was standing in front of her, eyes twinkling, and Draco Malfoy was right behind him.

"Yes, Miss Granger," he smiled kindly, patting her shoulder affectionately. "Would you please accompany Mr. Malfoy and myself to the office for a meeting?"

"Why of course," she replied, wondering what could be wrong. She glanced back at Harry and Ron, and they nodded, but not before casting Malfoy a dark look. She put her Arithmancy book back in her bag and stood up. She was worried, because Dumbledore hardly looked this grave. He led them to his office, first past the gargoyle (the password was Drooble's Best Blowing Gum), and then up the magnificent winding staircase. They entered Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore indicated the chairs, and Malfoy and Hermione sat down.

"I have some startling news," he said, folding his arms, fixing his piercing stare on the two of them. "I have just received word from a reliable and anonymous source that Voldemort has plans to attack the school." Hermione gasped and Malfoy cursed loudly.

"A plan to attack the school?" Hermione repeated. "But Professor...I thought that the one thing Voldemort feared most of all was...well, you." She shifted uncomfortably in her chair as Dumbledore smiled gently.

"He seems to have conquered that fear," he stated calmly and simply. Hermione went silent again.

"Well that's, well, interesting news Professor, but what the hell, err, heck can we do about it?" Malfoy asked.

"That is why I called both of you here," Dumbledore continued. "There is something you can do for me. I would like to send both of you to an Auror Training Camp for two months." Hermione's mouth fell open in shock.

"But Professor!" she exclaimed, standing up abruptly and nearly causing her chair to fall over. "Aurors? We've hardly begun our seventh year and you're asking us to become.... Aurors?"

"Yes...sadly I am. I feel this is essential for your future though. If indeed Voldemort will attack the school, then we will need to be prepared. Besides. I clearly remember Alastor Moody saying that you, Ms. Granger, would particularly make a good Auror." He beamed at Hermione, who had sat back down again, and she grew red. Malfoy rolled his eyes.

"I hardly know anything of the job though," she mumbled, becoming interested in the hem of her robes.

"Well that is quite simple. Aurors act as...policemen, as Muggles would say. They rid the wizarding world of dark magic. Prosecuting murderers, patrolling Azkaban, that is when the Dementors get out of hand, act as detectives..."

"Detectives?" Hermione wondered aloud.

"Yes. Aurors are also used for detective work. If someone's murdered, you send an Auror to investigate the scene. They normally look for traces of dark magic. Some spells even leave clues behind, such as scorch marks, and one spell even leaves blue power on the victim. So this helps them continue with finding the enemy. And Mr. Malfoy is oddly silent. Is anything wrong?"

"Well, not really professor," Malfoy replied, taking his hands out of his pockets. "It's just...this is all so unexpected. I think I can speak both for myself and Granger," (he said her name bitterly) "that we had no idea that this was coming."

"Ahh, I see," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. Hermione glanced around the room. She spotted a pensive, sitting in the corner inside a glass case, along with many other interesting trinkets Hermione assumed warned you if there was dark magic nearby. The many portraits of previous Hogwarts headmasters and headmistresses were all watching them, discussing things quietly amongst themselves. Hermione started when Dumbledore spoke.

"Well, I see as both of you are too reluctant to go, I'll have to make a change of plans..."

"Professor Dumbledore!" Hermione exploded. "We...I mean, I would be interested in going to the Auror training camp."

"Of course, nobody never said anything about not going," interrupted Draco.

"Excellent!" he beamed. "I have complete confidence in you. You will leave tomorrow morning at five o'clock. Pack your essentials and meet me in front of the gargoyle outside of my office."

"So soon?" Malfoy asked.

"The sooner, the better Mr. Malfoy." They both nodded. "When you arrive, you will check in to the Crystal Suites, and if anyone gives you any trouble, just say Albus Dumbledore sent you."

"Yes Professor."

***

Hermione straightened up and looked around her empty Head Girl dormitory. Nearly everything was packed. Her wardrobe was completely empty expect for a few dress robes she had decided to leave behind. She had also magically expanded her trunk so that it had extra room for her favorite books. Just a few more things and...

"Hey Herm!" Ginny said, appearing at the entrance of Hermione's door. Her eyes landed on the open suitcase and she froze. "...Why are you packing?"

"Hey Gin," Hermione responded, still glancing around the room. "I'm packing because...uhh, well because...my mother's sick."

"She is?" Ginny asked, her emerald eyes full of concern. "What's she sick with?"

"I actually don't know. My dad's only sent an owl this morning, and he said that she really wanted to see me. I've gotten special permission from Dumbledore."

"Gosh, that doesn't sound good." Ginny ran her fingers over Hermione's sheets. "It's not...life threatening...is it?" she asked slowly, taking a seat.

"Well, that's just the thing. We're not sure yet." Hermione mentally slapped herself. Dumbledore had strictly advised Malfoy and Hermione to keep this a secret, but she couldn't ignore the fresh wave of guilt she felt in the pit of her stomach.

"Oh. That's too bad," Ginny replied, her face falling. "Anyway, how does it feel to be head girl?" Ginny smiled, nudging Hermione.

"It feels pretty good actually. But I wonder who Dumbledore's going to substitute fur us..." she said, more to herself than to Ginny.

"Us?" Ginny asked again, her face contorted in confusion. Hermione cursed to herself.

"I meant me. My brain's all out of whack today, I can't sort one thing out from another."

"Malfoy's head boy isn't he? That little git..." she snarled, her voice full of hate.

"Yes he is," she muttered, distracted from adding something else to her suitcase. "There. Everything is packed," Hermione said, abruptly changing the subject and stuffing a pair of socks into her suitcase. "Will you look after Crookshanks for me?" The ginger cat had just jumped onto the bed and began to curl into a fluffy ball.

"Of course. Come on Crookshanks!" Ginny said, snapping her fingers. Crookshanks opened one sleepy eye, and then closed it, turning his ugly squashed face away from her. "Argh! You stupid cat," she scowled, seizing the great big fur ball, Crookshanks hissing in protest.

"I'd better get to sleep. I need to leave early in the morning, so you probably won't be up then," Hermione finished. Ginny sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging. "Oh Gin, don't do that. You won't even know I'm gone."

"That's what I hope," she said, hugging Hermione. Hermione hugged her back.

"Don't worry, it'll go by faster than you think."

"Yeah, hopefully it will. I've got a certain guy on my mind anyway," Ginny grinned, a dreamy look on her face. Hermione shook her head hopelessly.

"Goodnight!"

"Night," Ginny replied, exiting the dormitory. Hermione grabbed the pajamas she had specifically set out for herself, and her toothbrush, and then trudged into the bathroom to get ready for bed. As she brushed her teeth, she couldn't help but gaze at her reflection. She hadn't changed in looks, as far as she could tell. She was just the same old Hermione; bushy hair, plain brown eyes...well maybe she'd changed in height. Though, even if she was 5'3", it was nothing compared to how tall Ron was. He had grown to a towering 6'3", and he teased her constantly about it. Yet she'd just laugh and tell him to get back to writing his potion's essay. Harry was barely 5'11", but at least he wasn't as tall as Ron. A lump formed in Hermione's throat. She hadn't really let the words sink in yet. Leaving, for two months, no Harry or Ron, stuck with Malfoy...it all seemed unreal, as if it were a dream. She blew out her bathroom candle and then went over to her bed. Snuggling into the covers, she snapped her fingers and the candles went out.

***

Hermione awoke to her loud and obnoxious alarm clock, which was screeching in her ear.

"Yes..." she muttered to the clock. "I'm up, ok?" She got dressed slowly, stumbling every now and then from her sleepiness, trying to stuff her immobile limbs into some clothes. Not paying much attention to her hair, she pulled it up into a quick bun. After fifteen minutes of strenuous work, she was dressed and ready to go. Quietly grabbing her bags, she used a levitating spell on them and walked down the stairs to the common room. Expecting to find it deserted, she walked right past the two people sitting in armchairs by the fire.

"Wait, Hermione!" said a too-familiar voice. She spun around.

"Harry? Ron?" she asked in disbelief. "What are you doing up, it's nearly five!" Ron and Harry glanced at each other.

"Thought you were going to leave without saying goodbye?" Ron asked, standing up. Harry followed suit.

"Ginny told us last night you were packing, and that you were leaving early. We've been down here for an hour waiting for you," Harry explained. "Why weren't you going to say goodbye?"

"Oh Harry, Ron...my mum goes into surgery today, and I wanted to get there before they took her down to the operating room. You understand don't you?" she asked carefully, biting her lip.

"Well of course we understand," Harry said, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. "But you had time to tell us yesterday, didn't you?"

"I was going to owl you when I got there," she explained quickly. Harry and Ron nodded slowly, but they still looked slightly hurt. Hermione sighed, set down her luggage (with a spell) and walked up to both of them.

"I'm going to miss you guys," she said truthfully. Hermione grabbed both of then by the collar and pulled them into a hug. Ron cleared his throat loudly, his face burning up.

"We'll miss you," Ron said, looking relieved to see that she had let go of him. Hermione let her gaze rest on the two of them, taking every intricate detail in.

"The two months will go by quickly, I'm sure of it," she explained. "You'll be chasing after girls, Ron, and Harry, you'll be busy practicing Quidditch." Ron turned red and Harry merely shrugged.

"Well I'd better go," she said, pointing her wand and making her luggage levitate again. But before she could leave, Harry had her by the upper arm. Ron took one look at this simple gesture and cleared his throat again.

"I'll be upstairs if you need me Harry," Ron said quickly. Harry mouthed the words "thank you" before turning back to Hermione.

"Herm... are you sure there isn't anything you want to tell me? Are you going to be ok?" Harry asked quietly.

"Of course! It's my mother I'm worried about, not me," she replied. "Why would I have any secrets to keep?" He looked at her thoughtfully for a minute before drawing her close and kissing her on the forehead.

"I love you..." he whispered into her ear.

"Harry, you're acting as if you'll never see me again," she said. But Harry had been her boyfriend now for two months, (they had decided that by owls over the summer) and she kind of expected him to act this way. She hugged him around the middle.

"Well," he muttered, growing red and becoming very interested in his shoes. "Just...take care will you? Don't do anything stupid, or--,"

"Now you're treating me like Ron," she giggled. He smiled despite himself.

"Alright, alright. In other words, I'm going to miss you."

"And I'll miss you." Her watch beeped and she looked down at it. "Oh my gosh! I've gotta run Harry, I'm late. Love you!" she said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. And with that, she fled out of the portrait hole, leaving a depressed Harry behind. Hermione bolted down the corridors, ignoring numerable prefects who all said, 'No running through the corridors!' She reached the gargoyle in front of Dumbledore's office, and she saw Dumbledore was patiently waiting for her. She thought Malfoy hadn't turned up until she spotted him behind Dumbledore. It was almost as if he was hiding. He had also removed the bandage on his nose, and she was slightly displeased to see it had fully healed.

"Ahh Miss Granger, we thought you weren't coming!" Dumbledore smiled, and he pointed to her watch. She looked at it and realized she was two minutes late.

"Umm, Professor, I'm sorry..." she began, doubled over, trying to catch her breath.

"No need to be. According to my standards, you were fashionably late. And as much as I'd like to chat, we'd better get you two moving. You have a long day ahead of you." Clutching the stitch in her side, she followed Dumbledore down a large staircase and into the entrance hall. When Dumbledore opened the front doors, the rain blew in, causing them to stagger back before moving on. Blinking against the rain, Hermione looked out across the grounds and saw the Knight Bus, it's polished doors reflecting the lightning that had just flashed above their heads. A young wizard stepped from the bus, carrying a large purple umbrella. He looked no older than twenty-two.

"Hello, my name is Stan Shunpike and I'll be your conductor today. Awful weather, isn't it Professor Dumbledore sir?" he asked, looking up towards the sky.

"Yes, hopefully it won't trouble the driver?"

"No, not at all. Our Ernie is the best there is Dumbledore sir, no need to worry. Anyway, please put your bags over there, and step on board," Stan said, pointing to a rack. "Your luggage will be transported to the top deck shortly. Malfoy strode past Hermione, dumped his luggage in the compartment, and then walked onto the bus. Rolling her eyes, Hermione too deposited her suitcase, and she stepped onto the bus. But before Stan could close the doors, Dumbledore stopped him and beckoned Hermione over to him.

"I've sent an owl to the Ministry pardoning your use of magic, since you are underage, but if there's any trouble, just hand whoever is in charge this parchment, and everything will be in order." Hermione took the parchment and tucked it into the front of her robes.

"Thank you Professor," she said, but Dumbledore shook his head.

"No, thank you. For doing all of this. For going," Dumbledore smiled brightly. She returned the grin and clambered back onto the bus. Stan shut the doors, and with a bang, they were off, speeding through across the grounds. Hermione was thrown off her feet as the bus took flight, but a pair of strong arms behind her caught her. She felt her cheeks glow crimson red, and she scrambled out of Malfoy's arms, scowling.

"Watch it Granger," he muttered, walking up the steps to the upper flight of the bus. Hermione followed, not wanting to be left behind. The flight contained twelve orderly arranged beds, which were sent skidding along the floor when the bus took an unexpected turn. There was a small bedside table in one of the corners, and a mirror was adorned on the wall in front of her. Tentatively sat on one of the beds. Malfoy didn't say anything else. He just sat there, looking out the window at the outside world. Although his eyes were fixed on the scenery, he didn't seem to be taking it in. Wondering if he would be up to any conversation, she opened her mouth to speak, but the bus gave another lurch and she braced herself, not wanting to be thrown into his arms again. She exhaled sharply, causing him to look up.

"What is it Granger?" he asked, slightly annoyed, taking his chin off his hand and facing her.

"Look, Draco," Hermione growled, saying his first name as if it were poisonous. "This is stupid. We're going to have to put up with each other for two months, so we might as well make a non-aggression pact now. Otherwise, we'll both be completely miserable. Ok? Set aside the differences, and get along." The main reason he looked up was because she had used his first name. Second of all...well, she had a point.

"Well, I hate to say this, but I'll have to agree with you mud-...I mean...Hermione," he said, saying her name with tremendous difficulty.

"Good. At least we're past the Malfoy Granger stuff. That drove me nuts." She didn't say anything else.

"Bugger. I was just getting used to being called Malfoy too." He gazed back out the window, a confused look on his face. She giggled.

"What?" he asked angrily.

"Nothing, it's just...I've never seen you look so confused before," Hermione giggled again.

"Well I've never seen you giggle," he pointed out sarcastically. "And now that I have I think I'm scarred for life."

Hermione ignored his last comment. "You're right. I know nothing about you at all. All I really know is that you're a conceited, stuck up git," she said. "No offense," she added.

"All I know about you is that you're a brainy bookworm who doesn't have time for anyone but herself, and has to be good at anything," he smirked. "No offense," he mocked.

"Fine. Shall we start with a little background information then?" He rolled his eyes and shrugged, looking out the window again. "I'll take that as a yes. Anyway, I'll start.

"My name is Hermione Granger," (he rolled his eyes here...again) "and I live near Sussex, in a fairly large house with my parents, whom are dentists. I have one cat named Crookshanks, and my favorite subject is Arithmancy." She nodded, a sign for him to tell his story. He rolled his eyes and sighed, looking very shifty.

"My name is Draco Malfoy, and I feel very stupid for saying that, as you already know my name, but anyway, I live somewhere different than you, my father doesn't like revealing things like that. I have a dog named Voldemort and my favorite subject is Arithmancy." She snorted when she heard his dog's name was Voldemort.

"Your dog's name is Voldemort?" she asked, a tone of disbelief in her voice. He rolled his eyes for the millionth time that day.

"Hey, don't go insulting me, my father picked it out."

"What about Arithmancy? I haven't seen you at any of my classes," she asked.

"That's because my classes are at different times you prat."

"Oh...well, I knew that," she muttered, her cheeks turning pink.

"Oh shock. Hermione Granger didn't use her head for approximately 3.75 seconds. That's a new record, I should go tell Potter," he smirked.

"Shut up," she snapped, looking at the wall and staring at an odd painting that reminded Hermione of the work of Picasso, a famous muggle artist. Draco mistook her gaze and believed her to be staring at him.

"What, have you forgotten how unbelievably handsome I am?"

"Get stuffed, I was looking at the painting," she retorted, smiling inwardly at his mistake. Draco turned around to look at the painting and scoffed.

"How attractive."

"It doesn't have to be pretty you know. Sometimes art is meant to make you think," Hermione explained.

"Yeah, it makes me think how lucky I am that I don't look like her." Hermione shook her head and went back to examining the painting.

"You know Granger, I mean mudblo-...Arhh! I mean Hermione! You may be fun to torture but at least you can keep up a good conversation," he said, straining himself to say the words. "At least when you put your books down and talk to someone other than Potty and the Weasel."

"Oh, is that a compliment?" she asked, pretending to be touched. "I never thought in a million years I'd hear something nice from you. Well, if you must know, you may be pathetic but you are very...err, amusing. That is, once you haven't got your cronies Crabbe and Goyle by you, and when you don't smirk. Plus, Crabbe and Goyle make you look puny."

"They do not!" he replied defensively. Hermione smirked.

"You need work on your smirk," he told her.

"And you're a poet and you didn't know it." He glared at her. "You need to learn how to smile Draco. Have you ever truly smiled?"

He squirmed. Hermione giggled. He looks absolutely cute when he does that, she thought. But then she inwardly slapped herself. Get a grip...this is Malfoy, Herm. "Well...maybe once...or twice...why?"

"Well I don't know, it's just I've never seen you smile."

"I smile," he said grumpily.

"Alright then. Let's see it!" she said, drawing her knees to her chest. Malfoy averted his gaze.

"Uhh...I'd rather not..."

"Oh Draco!" she burst, clearly aggravated. He cleared his throat.

"Uhh, I don't exactly, uh...smile much because...erm..." He stopped here and quickly changed the subject. "Are Potty and the Weasel like you? I mean...once you get to...talk to them without starting World War Three, are they...well, bearable?" he asked, trying to regain his smirk.

"Well, are Crabbe and Goyle really brainless gits or do they just appear that way?" she asked.

"Oh no, they're pathetically stupid all right. If I told them to jump off a cliff they'd probably do it too. But they are useful for scaring people away...and beating them up," Draco added as an afterthought. "Anyway, about Potty and the..."

"All right, all right. Enough with the Potty and Weasel stuff. Yes, they're great friends. Ron's got a temper at times, you've probably noticed that...but Harry...he's always so lively and energetic. They're my closest friends, and I'm sure they could be yours if you tried!" Hermione said. "Hint, hint."

"Oh, and what color is the sky in your world?" Hermione glared at him. "Oh, alright, alright. If THEY try, then I'll try," he muttered, folding his arms.

"Draco, if you wouldn't act so childish, you'd see that this stupid war that you and Harry are battling is...well, stupid! Just don't be so conceited and give them a chance. It'll do you good!" she promised. He didn't say anything. Stan appeared at the base of the stairs.

"Your stop is five minutes away!" he yelled up to them. "Just in case you wanted to collect your things!" Hermione looked down the staircase.

"Thank you!" she called to his retreating back.

"Come on," she said, standing up. "Let's get our things like he suggested."

"No problem," Draco said simply. He brought out his wand and said 'Accio'. This was a mistake, as his luggage came flying out of the compartment and knocked him over.

"Oh gosh...are you--," she started, leaning over him.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine," he muttered, his cheeks pink, and she noticed he was actually smiling.

"Draco...you're smiling!" she said, now smiling too. He quickly stopped, looking sheepish and extremely embarrassed.

"Come on," he muttered, making his bags levitate as well. They walked down the stairs after Hermione had gathered her things (the normal way) and the bus skidded to a halt, sending them flying again. Stan opened the doors.

"Thank you for choosing the Knight Bus as your transportation device," Stan grinned. Hermione began to take out some sickles, but he stopped her.

"Dumbledore paid for this in advance," he said, with a wink and a smile.

"Thank you!" she called after him, as Stan shut the doors. Before Hermione had even noticed, the Knight Bus was gone. The storm seemed much fiercer here, and Hermione drew her cloak tighter around herself.

"Where do we go?" she shouted over the thunder.

"I suppose the hotel Dumbledore was talking about...but where is it?" Draco said. He too was shouting.

"Wait! Over there!" she said, pointing in the direction of a large building. The lightning had just flashed, giving them a millisecond glance at their surroundings.

"Come on!" Draco responded. They shielded their eyes from the rain and began walking towards the building. Hermione could make out a few trees here and there, but she couldn't exactly tell exactly what the town looked like, due to the driving rain. People bustled past them, carrying large black umbrellas. Five minutes later, they stood in front of the large, building. Draco quickly opened the doors, and stepped inside, (with Hermione following) glad to be out of the rain. Dripping wet and muddy, they looked odd compared to the elegance of the hotel. The words 'Crystal Suites' were engraved in gold over the entrance. The floor and staircase were done in marble, and two stone pillars guarded the entrance of where they stood. Although there weren't many people there, they were dressed in tuxedos and fine evening gowns. They all examined Draco and Hermione with disgusted looks on their faces. One lady turned to her husband and muttered something about 'muddy kids'.

"It looks like he could give us a room," Hermione said, pointing to a short, bald man behind the counter. They approached the service desk and he glanced up from his paperwork, disgusted with their appearance.

"If you please, sir," Hermione started. Could you give us a room?"

"Well, zat depends...'ow long will you be staying?" he asked, in a strong French accent.

"Two months," Draco responded. That accent was very annoying.

"Are you 'ze two kids Dumbledore waz' talking about?" he asked, his face lighting up. Draco felt a stab of annoyance under his awe at the hotel. They weren't exactly what you would call kids...

"Yes, we are," Hermione responded. If she was annoyed with this man, Draco thought, she didn't show it.

"Excellent. Albus Dumbledore owled us a few days ago with your rezervations, and ze card key is right 'ere," he said, handing it to them. "Ze room number 'iz on ze card, and if assistance 'iz required, just press one of 'ze buttons by 'ze side of 'ze bed or sink." (A/N: Gosh this guy's annoying, isn't he?) "Dinner iz served at six o'clock sharp, and you must be dreesed in...oh let's say more...proper clothes. 'Iz everything understood?"

"Perfectly," Draco responded, seizing Hermione by the upper arm and pulling her away from the desk. Careful to wipe their feet before walking any further, they found the lift.

"Don't know why they have a staircase if they can use the lift," Draco muttered. He pressed the button for the thirtieth floor.

"So what do you make of it?" he drawled.

"It's very large, to have thirty floors," she commented.

"I think I've heard of this hotel. It's an international one, very popular in the wizarding world. Of course I've stayed at finer ones than this lot."

"Well I haven't, and you should have compassion that I'm not used to the elegance you've been exposed to ever since you were born," she exclaimed. He was surprised to hear anger in her voice. The lift buzzed, and the doors opened. They walked until they found room 701. Hermione slipped the card key into the slot, and the door opened. Hermione dropped her bags on Draco's foot when it did. The walls were made of transparent glass, and a door led to a balcony that overlooked the ocean in the distance, but of course, it wasn't visible at the moment because of the storm. The carpet was pure white, and the sheets and curtains were made of silk. A huge four-poster bed stood in the middle of the room, with two other smaller beds on either side.

"This is amazing," Hermione muttered, running a hand over the bed sheets. "I really hope Dumbledore didn't have to pay too much for this. What do you think?" she turned around. Draco had already started unpacking.

"We'd better get everything unpacked. We still have no clue where to go, so we need to be prepared. We're also going to be here for two months," he pointed out.

"Well, yeah I know. But everything is so exciting. The freedom, and the general prospect of being an Auror." Just then, a large barn owl swooped up to the glass and began pecking furiously on the glass. Hermione approached the wall and opened the glass door. Stepping out onto the balcony and trying to stay dry, she grabbed the soaking wet owl and plopped him onto a bed, closing the door firmly behind her. The barn owl began drying his feathers, hopping around the bed and looking at Draco. Hermione spotted a damp piece of parchment on the floor. Picking it up, she used a quick drying spell and began to read.

Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger,

I hope your room is satisfactory, and that your trip there was a good one. I must ask you to do me another favor. At noon, light the fire in the grate, because I will speak to you by means of this. I have enclosed a map and a list of certain places you will need to be at, and at what time. Other than that, enjoy yourselves!

Albus Dumbledore

"Hey look," Hermione said, showing him the letter. "Dumbledore's just sent it." Draco stopped unpacking.

"Here's the list," he said, looking inside the envelope and pulling out a thin piece of parchment. "We don't have to really be anywhere until eight o'clock tonight. It's over here," he said, consulting the map and pointing to a certain spot on it. As he did, the spot became magnified, and they saw a very large building. "It's for some meeting, or so it says."

"At least we're not going to be rushed," she said, unzipping her own suitcase. Draco wandered into the bathroom.

"Hermione!" he called. She walked over to where he stood. The bathroom was separated into two parts. There were two bathtubs, large enough to wade in, two sinks, and two mirrors.

"We'll be sharing a bathroom then," Hermione said, more to herself than to Draco. Then there were the closets. Each had a dresser of drawers, and space to hang up clothes.

"I could get used to this," she said.

"Let's finish unpacking," Draco said.

"Alright, alright. I'll unpack." Hermione opened her suitcase and smiled. Just before she left, Hermione had been experimenting with an anti-wrinkle charm, and now, looking at her clothes, it had worked perfectly, leaving her clothes wrinkle free. She unpacked her socks and scarf, hung up her shirts, jeans, and shorts, and put away her shoes.

"Good thing I brought a dress," Hermione began. He watched as she pulled out an elegant black dress, and he couldn't help but stare.

"You brought...that?" he asked in disbelief, trying to imagine it on Hermione.

"I didn't know if I'd need anything like it," she replied, hanging this up too.

"Never thought you'd be willing to show that much flesh Granger," he smirked.

"I thought we were past the 'Malfoy Granger' stuff," Hermione said, slightly disappointed.

"Ok, no more last names. I'm doomed to a life of firsts." She returned to one of the smaller beds and sat down.

"So now what do we do?" she asked, slightly bored. Draco looked thoughtful for a minute, and then he checked his watch.

"It's 6:30 in the morning, and we don't have anything to do until eight. Dinner's at six, so basically whatever we want." A grin spread across his face. "Now you can think about the freedom!" Hermione rested her eyes and curled up onto the bed. "We could check out the city, or...go to the beach once the storm stops. I'm sure there's plenty of good looking women who'd be dying to get their hands...Hermione?" he asked. "Hermione," he asked again, when she didn't respond. He leaned over and peered over her shoulder. Draco then figured she must be asleep and he didn't disturb her.

***

Hermione awoke with a start, looking around at her surroundings. But she remembered where she was and closed her eyes again. When she heard a door open, however, she opened them. Draco had emerged from the bathroom, dripping wet, and wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. She quickly pretended to be asleep. But pretty soon, she found herself watching him. His hair hung in wet strands around his face, and he brushed them out of the way as he looked for a shirt. Her eyes wandered down to his chest, where she noticed it was chiseled and muscular. Probably from all of the Quidditch...she thought. He lifted his arms over his head and pulled on his shirt. Then he began to remove his towel, and Hermione snapped her eyes shut, her heart pounding. After giving him five minutes, she opened one eye slowly. He was slipping his shoes on, and she lifted her head off of her arms.

"Where are you going?" she asked sleepily.

"Good. You're finally awake. It's ten o'clock Hermione, and I got tired of waiting for you to realize it was morning. Now then, I'm going down for breakfast. Will you join me?"

"Good morning to you too," she replied sleepily, and she slipped her own shoes on. After they had gotten into the lift, Hermione was fully awake.

"I wonder what they serve here for breakfast," she wondered aloud.

"Bacon, eggs, toast, things like that," he replied, making her scowl.

"I figured that." The lift buzzed (A/N: they tend to do that a lot), and Hermione and Draco stepped out into the lobby. People were swarming around the breakfast tables, and a waiting line went all the way up the stairs.

"Good grief, we'll be lucky if any food is left!" Hermione said, standing on her tiptoes to get a better look.

"What do you say to getting out of here and finding a decent restaurant?" Draco asked, as a particularly large woman squeezed past him.

"Are you sure there are any 'decent' ones here?" she asked, still trying to get a look at the food.

"Uh, yeah, remember Dumbledore's map?" he asked, taking the parchment out of his pocket. "It's on here, so it should be close." They stepped outside. Now they had the perfect opportunity to get a look at the town. The rain had left everything wet and muddy, but the sun was shining, and the dew on the leaves was glistening. Hermione sighed happily, and automatically reached out for Draco's hand. But as soon as she had touched his, she jumped. He looked at her strangely.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly, turning beat red. "It's just that...after it rained, my mum would take me outside, and we would go for a walk, holding hands, taking in the scent of the rain. I...just got carried away." He was quiet for a bit, and he didn't say anything for a good while. Hermione figured him to be thinking her stupid, but she was surprised when he started to speak.

"I...wish my mother did that," he said slowly and quietly. "She loves me a great deal, but she just...well, my father doesn't want her to baby me too much. So he normally keeps our visits limited." She looked up at him, her face full of concern. He looked away from her. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Hermione felt Draco's hand graze against hers. She hid a smile and quickly looked away. After walking for about five minutes, they reached a restaurant. The doors were made of marble and glass, and neatly tended flower beds were beside the doors. Hermione wondered how people could afford to dine like this so often, in such a nice restaurant, and she felt strange walking inside the restaurant with Draco, who had been living like this ever since he could remember. Nevertheless, she was still glad to have him there with her.

The restaurant was nearly empty and there wasn't a waiting line, so a waiter was able to help them right away. An elderly man emerged from the kitchens.

"Two?" he asked, drying his hands on a towel. Hermione and Draco both nodded. He picked out two menus and led them past great water fountains, large and elegant rooms, and then to a booth.

"I'll have someone come over here in just a minute," he smiled, taking out straws and napkins and setting them in front of Draco and Hermione. A bell sounded in the distance and he hurried off. Draco sat down, but Hermione remained standing.

"I think I'll just run to the bathroom really quick," Hermione told him. Draco nodded.

"What do you want to drink though?" he called after her. She turned around, pondering the question.

"What do they have?"

Draco picked up a menu and flipped to a long list of drinks. "There's soda, tea, juices, wines, shakes--."

"Tea would be nice," Hermione said.

"What kind? They have peppermint, cinnamon, apple, cranberry, strawberry, jasmine--."

"Woah. Umm, a jasmine tea will do." She disappeared behind the door. Draco drummed his fingers on the table and let himself sink into his thoughts. Just a couple of hours ago, he had been dreading spending two months with Hermione...yet now...he couldn't quite understand why, but...he was enjoying her company. A tap on his shoulder brought him back to reality. He turned around and saw a waitress ready to take his order.

"Would you like to start with drinks?" she asked, a pen and notepad in her hand.

"I'll have a jasmine tea for my friend," he paused there. Friend? Somehow the word sounded...good. "And a water, thanks," he finished. Hermione had just finished in the bathroom as the waitress walked away.

"I look horrible," she said, as she sat down, trying to flatten her bushy hair. She brought out a small mirror. Draco opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it.

"Go on, say it," she replied distractedly.

"All right, you look horrible." She snapped the mirror shut and glared.

"Isn't this place lovely?" she asked, admiring the wallpaper. Draco looked around and shrugged, with an 'I've-seen-better-so-haha' look on his face. The waitress returned with the drinks.

"Here's a water for you sir," she said, flashing Draco a smile. "And a jasmine tea for your girlfriend.

"I'm not his girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend." Draco and Hermione looked at each other quickly and then they looked away.

"Oh! I'm sorry, my mistake! It's just that you two looked so cute together," the waitress said happily, not really looking sorry and casting Draco a flirty look. He looked at her in disgust.

"I'll let you decide on your order and I'll be back in a few," she hurried away, turning red.

"God that was embarrassing," Hermione muttered, hiding her face in her hands.

"Yeah, I know," said Draco, because a few people were starting to stare. He cleared his throat loudly and they all looked away. Hermione took one of her spoons and stirred her tea.

"Perhaps we should order now?"

"Oh yes." She opened her menu, took one look at the prices, and slammed it shut again.

"What's wrong?" he asked, lowering his own menu.

"Well...these are...expensive," she muttered, her ears pink.

"That's no problem," Draco replied, lazily waving his hand. "This is nothing compared to the meals I had when I was on holiday in France. You should see their prices."

"I've been to France before," she explained. "But you were probably in the upper class division or something." She smiled, almost as if she was embarrassed.

"The what? You know what, I really don't want to know anyway. Just get what you want and we'll worry about it later."

"If you say so," Hermione said, taking up her menu again. The waitress returned.

"Have you had plenty of time?" she asked. Hermione bit her lip and flipped through the menu before speaking.

"A number three please," she asked politely.

"And for you...sir," she said, her face breaking into a huge grin. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Number four," he said, returning the smile sarcastically. The waitress blushed and she quickly took their menus away and walked back to the kitchens.

"She seems quite taken with you," Hermione said in a sly voice.

"I don't blame her. I have natural charms that automatically attract women, even when I'm not trying. I'm surprised you haven't fallen head-over-heels yet," he smirked. Hermione seized his glass of water furiously and dumped it over his head. Draco sputtered in surprise, cursing.

"What did you do that for?" he cried, taking his wand out and drying his clothes instantly with a spell.

"You deserved it. I hate it when you tease me like that!" she scowled.

"But that was uncalled for!" he said, trying to dry his hair, but he gave up and slammed his wand on the table. But she didn't have time to argue because the waitress had returned with their plates. She set hers down in front of Draco, but she leaned over a bit farther than necessary, brushing against Draco. He shot Hermione an exasperated look when she had turned away to collect Hermione's plate.

"Alright then, please enjoy!" She trudged off, looking back to see if Draco was watching her.

"I told you," he said, as he picked up his fork. "It's not my fault."

"You didn't exactly protest when she leaned in front of you," Hermione commented.

"What was I supposed to do, shove her and say 'Get away you wench'?"

"Well, no," Hermione stuttered. "Listen, just forget about it."

"Whatever you say," he said, digging in to his eggs. Hermione took a bite of her own.

"What do you think we're supposed to do tonight?" she wondered, picking up the map and looking at the location of the building. Draco shrugged.

"I have no clue. A test? Maybe we have to give a speech of some sort. Who knows? We'll just have to wait and see." She watched him lower his gaze and poke his eggs with his fork, not really paying attention to what he was doing. Hermione was about to say something, when she noticed multiple scars on his wrist. She tried to get a better look but he had put his hand in his lap, eating with his other hand. He seemed to be thinking, so she didn't comment on this.

"Soooo?" he asked slowly. "How does it taste?"

"Excellent," she smiled. And to her surprise, he actually smiled back, a smile that lit up his entire face, making his normally cold, dull gray eyes come alive to a sparkling soft summer rain color. His face was no longer pale, but warm and glowing. She stared at him and he noticed this.

"What?" he asked. I told you I smiled." Hermione hid a smile to herself.

"Now," she said, through a mouthful of bacon. "Tell me more about yourself. Hobbies and pet names are fine, but a little more in depth this time. Tell me about your family!" she suggested.

"How about no?" he replied. But seeing the look on her face, he sighed.

"Do I have to?" Draco pleaded. She nodded. "Fine, fine. Well, let me see. My family lives in this huge estate, off somewhere in the moors. I really don't know the exact location, but anyway. It has thirty-two bedrooms," (Hermione choked) "and plenty of running space."

"Thirty-two bedrooms?" she asked in disbelief.

"Don't look so shocked. My father grew up in a fifty-five bedroom house." Hermione nearly dropped her fork. "As for my parents..." he paused here. "My father hates me, but my mother loves me. No, she adores me. At home, she calls me..." he stopped again.

"What?" she asked.

"Never mind." He grew very red and Hermione had to bite her cheeks to keep from laughing.

"It's ok. At home, I'm...well let's just say I've got a few nicknames," she grinned.

"Tell me about your home," he said, leaning back. She grew red.

"I don't really know..."

"Come on," he said. "I told you mine."

"Alright fine. Both of my parents are dentists..."

"What?" Malfoy asked, his face screwing up. "Dentists?"

"They care for your teeth," she explained. Draco still looked skeptical.

"Anyway. They're both dentists, and umm, they're both Muggles..." she said, saying Muggles very quietly. Draco waved his hand, a sign for her to continue.

"But they're really nice. When my dad's not at the office, we're always working on his old car. He's always saying that if he weren't a dentist, he'd love to be a mechanic. My mum is always baking. She loves baking. There's always fresh bread, bagels for breakfast, rolls for dinner, and she even makes cakes, which surprises me as she's a dentist." She stopped talking. Draco had a strange expression on his face. After a moment, he spoke.

"You should feel very lucky," he said slowly and quietly, keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the window. Hermione bit her lip.

"I do feel very lucky. I've got great parents." Hermione thought she saw tears in Draco's eyes, but she was distracted from this when the waitress came back.

"Alright then, have a nice day!" she said.

"But what about the check?" Draco asked.

"Lunch was on me for you cutie," she said slyly. Draco cleared his throat quickly.

"Well, erm, thanks for the free lunch," he said quickly, standing up and grabbing Hermione's arm. They exited the restaurant quickly, and Hermione burst out laughing when they had gotten outside.

"She REALLY fancies you Draco!" she said, in-between giggles. "You'd better see her sometime otherwise she'll sue you for not paying and for ignoring her obvious attempts to catch you."

"We'll see about that," Draco replied. "I'm going to go for a look around town. Would you rather go back up to the hotel?"

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment as she gazed at the flowers outside the restaurant.

"No, I think I'll come with you," Hermione replied.

"Alright then."

***

A/N: Aww, Draco smiled! ^^ You all knew he'd be lightening up. Or maybe he's not. Anyway, (clears throat quickly) In chapter 2, look for the special meeting that Dumbledore was talking about, Draco falls asleep, and a bunch of other things that make chapter 2 special. Oh, and I also need to thank my FABULOUS beta!!! Imbrium Iridum!!!! She helped me greatly! I swear, this first chapter used to be three pages long. Hehehe... Speaking of, this is my first schnoogle fic, so my apologies if it moves too slow/fast. ^^ Thanks!

And a big thanks to people who reviewed this chapter before I edited it:

Lillian I'm touched you think so :D Draco'sGurl yeah, it is a Draco/Hermione and a Harry/Hermione. I'm playing with the ships *grin* albusdumbledoreIII yeah I like H/H but I'm a converted D/Hr Tamz: Draco doesn't like smiling because he needs to keep up the rough, gruff image of himself. Yeah I should have made elevator 'lift', which I did in this chapter, by the way (the newly revised one) ClairvoyantSnake Ooh, taking it slow is my biggest problem. I gotta spice it up and make it huge. The unedited version of this was five or six pages, and just by adding descriptions and more dialogue, it turned out to be thirteen. It's a start! Oh, and I might let Hermione take a peek...who knows. Unregistered I'm working as fast as I can Teaspoon of Mel Aww, thank you! Eowynangel Yeah, we'll have to see about ships. Hermione loves Harry already, but there's always Draco....