The Tension and The Terror

Hermione Granger was pissed off. She glared at a group of first years as she stormed her way to the Gryffindor tower. She was thinking of her latest project for muggle studies. It hadn't crossed her mind that she had to give a performance of muggle art. She wasn't even thinking that she couldn't draw like Dean or take photographs like Colin. All she was thinking about was how Malfoy had jumped at the chance to ridicule her in front of the entire class. How he had agreed to be in her group so he could teach her about higher levels of art. He is such a condescending prick thought Hermione. I'll teach him a few things...

"Hey, Herm" Ron said, as he glanced up from the chess board. He was strategizing some new moves to play against Seamus and Dean. Hermione had walked into the tower without even realising it. "How was muggle studies?"

Hermione sighed. "Let's just say I'm stuck in a group with Malfoy, and he actually knows more about the subject than I do." Ron looked shocked. "Oh, I probably know more facts about it, its just... I'm not very artistic, and the project revolves around some form of art."

"Any type in particular?" Ron wondered.

"There are five art groups we have to pick from. Painting, Theatre, Sculpture, Music, and Photography. We're supposed to discuss our projects and return to class Friday with an idea."

"Well, I've seen your drawings. I'd say painting is pretty much out. Photography doesn't seem that difficult. Just borrow Creevey's last roll of Harry stalkage and turn that in."

"Hey, you two. I heard my name. You aren't planning something behind my back are you?" Harry said jokingly, coming in from the portrait. Ron and Hermione shook their heads as Hermione started to explain. "Wait, Herm. Let's talk over dinner. You know how quidditch practice always makes me hungry." His two friends nodded, rose, and the three walked down to the Great Hall.

-----------

"And then Malfoy said that-"

"Yes, and just what exactly did Malfoy say to make you ever so upset?" came a drawling voice from behind Hermione. She turned around and glared. "You. I refuse to work with you. You're a horrib-"

He cut her off for a second time. "I am not the one being difficult, Granger. I've already started working on our project. In fact, I stayed after to make sure we were signed up for the right topic. We are going to form a rock band."

The three friends stared at Malfoy as if he had just admitted to having sexual relations with a dead moose. Hermione cleared her head and said, "What?! You didnt' even discuss this with the group! Do Susan and Terry know? Or was I the only one left out?"

"Don't worry so much, Granger. I've already informed them of what our project entailed. And before you ask, Boot agreed to play drums, and the hufflepuff girl just squeaked something about hearing me sing. Which, of course, I will. A Malfoy should always get lead guitar and singer. You, Granger, can play backup." And before she could open her mouth to argue, he turned and walked to the Slytherin table, sliding into a seat between Pansy and a startled looking second year.

-----------

Draco sighed and smoothed down his hair. This was getting nowhere. He had to admit that Terry Boot really knew how to rock the drums. But Susan Bones. Oh God. Even with a charmed bass guitar, she could not sound halfway decent. He decided to switch things around.

"Okay, guys. I have an idea. Bones, because you lack the ability to play an enchanted instrument, give it to Granger. Granger, you play that. We don't need two guitars. Bones, you stand next to that and look busy." With that, he pointed to a piano that was in the corner of the room. The group had been practicing for a week now in an old music classroom none of them had known existed.

Hermione put down the guitar she had been playing and looked at the one Susan had given her. "It only has four strings. How do I play with only four strings?" Draco sneered.

"Granger, in case you failed to notice when I was trying to teach Bones, that instrument is charmed. It practically plays itself. You just have to watch it and follow the moving strings. Can you do that? Or are you on the same level as the incompetent hufflepuff?" He knew this would get her to play. Hermione Granger was very predictable.

"Can we please start playing again? I want to add a cymbol crash after the chorus." Terry sounded slightly annoyed at the break his bandmates were taking. And with that, the piano started to play, causing Susan to jump. The bass joined in just as Terry smiled and Draco picked up his guitar. This is going to be another long night he thought as he started to sing.

-----------

Draco grabbed his broom and started walking outside. After that band meeting, he needed to clear his mind. The best way, he figured, was to go out to the quidditch pitch.

Apparently, this was the same idea Harry had. The two met each other in the entrance hall, brooms in hand.

"What are you doing, Malfoy?"

"What does it look like, Potter?"

"Um... going to the pitch?"

"Very good! Would you like a cookie?" Harry flushed.

"You know, you don't have to be so rude all the time, Malfoy. A little human decency never hurt anyone." Harry glared at the pale boy across from him.

"That's a shame. The people who go around acting noble, such as yourself, deserve to be hurt." Draco returned the glare, and upped it a smirk.

Harry sighed and said, "I don't need this." He started to walk to the doors. Draco caught up with him.

"I had the idea first," he said, "so I get the pitch." Harry didn't even give him consideration.

"Are you ignoring me, Potter?"

"Looks that way, Malfoy."

"Ha!"

"What?"

"I got you to stop ignoring me. You can be so daft at times. Well. At all times."

"GOD, MALFOY!" Harry yelled, turning to face said Malfoy with fury in his eyes. Draco was startled into taking a step back. "I don't need to deal with this from you. I'm tired of it, now leave me the hell alone!" Harry, furious, turned and started walking rather quickly away from his blonde rival.

Draco hurried to catch up. "Aw, did the bad Draco Malfoy get you all upset? Going to go off and cry now?"

Harry snapped. He swung his broom right at the other boy and knocked him to the grass. Malfoy was stunned. He quickly regained focus. "Look at that. The famous Harry Potter has swept me off my feet. How romantic you are."

Harry swung his broom again, but this time Draco was prepared. His sneeker reflexes allowed him to grab the broom just before it smashed into his face. He used it to hurtle Harry to the ground next to him. Now it was Harry's turn to appear stunned. This gave Draco time to get up. He threw Harry's broom down next to its owner and turned towards the pitch. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way. I thought I would go practice. Do what you like, but I'm not leaving."

Harry considered his position then slowly got up and followed Draco across the grounds to the Quidditch field.