The Plays The Thing

The Play's the Thing

by Shakespearechick

***

CHAPTER VIII

***

"You know what's really weird, Harry?" Ron said tightly. "I could've sworn my sister just said Hermione got a lift back on Malfoy's broom."

"The new Firebolt!" Seamus interjected before he caught the expression on Hermione's face. Ginny must have seen it too because she immediately blanched and looked guilty. Now she understood that Hermione had not told Harry or Ron how she had gotten back, and that she probably hadn't been planning on it.

"Hermione?" Harry questioned, looking at her. They had caught her in her lie and she hated how guilty she felt - guilt over something that was hardly a calamity.

"Um, want to run over that scene again?" Ginny asked Seamus loudly, who nodded vigorously.

"Uh, I'll help you read lines," Dean exclaimed.

"And we can go over our scene together, Ginny," Lavender said, and they all quickly made their way up the stairs, leaving Hermione alone with Harry and Ron.

"Is it true?" Harry asked.

"Yes."

"How did you run into him? Why would he offer you a lift? Why would you accept?"

Hermione was unable to look Ron in the eye as he rattled off all these questions, and Harry must have read the truth on her face. He sucked in his breath as he let all the pieces fall into place.

"It wasn't a Ravenclaw you met today - it was Malfoy!"

"Yes," Hermione mumbled again.

"What!? What were you thinking? Were you thinking? Were you drugged?" Ron erupted.

Hermione thought about the two pints of pumpkin ale shiftily.

"No…"

"Why did you lie?" Harry asked her. Hermione sighed and threw her arms up in frustration.

"Because I knew you would react like this, over nothing."

"It's hardly nothing," Ron declared. "Malfoy's not only a prat, you know. He's also dangerous."

"Thanks Ron, for letting me in on that secret," Hermione snapped defensively. "You both know what a complete idiot I am."

"Hermione," Harry tempered. "Ron didn't mean it like that-"

"Yes he did," she retorted as the guilt melted into anger at getting the third degree. "Ron's been hinting that I've been duped by Malfoy since the play rehearsals begun. Apparently, since I'm being civil to Malfoy it means I'm fraternizing with the enemy."

"Well, if it's not that serious, why didn't you tell us?" Ron argued.

"Oh, because you're handling it so well now?"

"I just don't know why you felt the need to lie," Harry said softly.

Hermione sighed deeply. "Because I was trying to avoid this argument. The meeting between Malfoy and me was my idea and it was between us. It has nothing to do with either of you two."

"That's ridiculous," Ron muttered.

Hermione ignored him and appealed to Harry, hoping he'd understand her. "Harry, I didn't want to lie, but I knew Malfoy was a sensitive subject for both of you. Nevertheless, I wanted to get together with him so we could work out a way to at least get along for the play. It was important to me - it still is."

"Why should we be civil to that conceited bastard?" Ron asked.

"You don't have to. That's my point," Hermione said. "I'm not asking you two to do anything. That's why this has nothing to do with you."

"I know this is important to you, but I still don't think it's a good idea to go off , meeting Malfoy by yourself," Harry said. "Even if you're trying to find common ground."

Ron snorted at that idea and Hermione glared at him.

"You know what?" she snapped again. "I'm so sick of this, especially from you, Ron. This is the second time you've been irrational and jumped to conclusions and basically freaked out over Malfoy. For no reason. And you, Harry, I thought you'd understand better."

Harry frowned at her and Ron's face turned even redder.

"Well then, if that's the way you feel, why don't you go back to Malfoy? I'm sure you just had a wonderful time with him," Ron said sarcastically.

Hermione felt a small smirk appear on her flushed face and she glared pointedly at Ron. "Actually, I did enjoy myself, and maybe I'll take you up on your advice."

With that she walked passed them stiffly and climbed the stairs to her own dorm. She slammed the door upon entering it and sat down on the bed with a tired sigh. Thirty minutes ago she had been flying high with Malfoy with a smile on her face. She had enjoyed herself, and she wasn't going to let Harry or Ron make her feel guilty, as though she had done something wrong. She hadn't. What could they possibly be thinking she was up to? Or Malfoy, for that matter?

Perhaps Malfoy was right; if Harry hadn't been so judgmental five years ago then they might all be friends with Malfoy. Obviously Lucius Malfoy had no issues with his son associating with Harry Potter, if Malfoy had made the overture of friendship at their first meeting. Unless it was a plot but…nah. And, granted, Malfoys were known for their pureblood pride, but this Malfoy seemed capable of forming his own ideas. She had learned a lot about him during the course of their meal… he had even agreed to a truce. She almost felt the burgeoning feeling of…

Trust?

Yes, trust. She trusted him enough to eat with him and discuss Harry and Ron with him, accompany him to shops and let him fly her back to Hogwarts.

Harry and Ron couldn't even trust her enough to let her make her own decisions; according to them she was suppose to divulge everything to them - every place she went and whom she went with… Just because it was Malfoy didn't mean Auror-like interrogating was necessary. After all, what did they think Malfoy was going to do to her? Even in Hogsmeade very little escaped the eyes of Hogwarts' staff - plus, there had been many people who had seen them together. Not to mention the fact that Malfoy did not seem the least interested in doing anyone harm, least of all her. Maybe they had all misjudged him after all.

Maybe.

Either way, she knew she was more furious at Harry and Ron, especially Ron, than she had ever been before. They had both overreacted and she had no desire to speak to either of them in the near future.

While going over these thoughts she peeled off her damp clothes and hung them to dry. It was then she realized what she was holding in her hand: her wand! She had completely forgotten about it, probably due to the pumpkin ale. However, that was probably a good thing as Malfoy would not be pleased that she had broken their agreement not to bring them. But she had felt weird leaving without it... and had forgotten about it early on, so no harm had been done. Of course, maybe Malfoy would have thanked her if it had kept them dry...

 She stepped into her pajamas and lay down on her bed, trying to think about other things. She was dreading rehearsal tomorrow. Closing her eyes, she tried to think about other things and found herself wondering what Malfoy was doing at that very moment…

***

Hermione ran the brush quickly through her hair and grabbed her script from off her bed. Ginny watched her timidly and finally spoke up.

"I'm really sorry, Hermione," she said. "I didn't know you hadn't told them yet… I didn't mean to interfere and cause trouble."

"It's okay," Hermione said briskly. "It's not your fault."

Ginny nodded weakly and let her pass. "See you at rehearsal," she called after her. Hermione only nodded in response as she made her way down the stairs, out of the common room and towards the hall.

Upon entering she immediately searched out where Harry and Ron were sitting. They were near Seamus who was obviously saving a seat for Ginny. On the other side of the aisle and a little closer to the stage sat Malfoy, surrounded by empty seats. Blaise and Graham sat a row behind him and a few seats over.

Making a quick decision Hermione marched past Harry and Ron, a surprised Blaise and Graham, and took a seat on the aisle, three away from Malfoy.

"You might as well sit next to me."

Hermione turned quickly in the direction of the voice - Malfoy.

"What?" she whispered back, noticing that his eyes never left their mark straight in front of him.

He whispered back, still not looking at her. "If you're going to be so bold and dramatic as to come over here, you might as well sit next to me. Come on - everyone's watching."

Mustering an air of indifference, Hermione got up and shuffled down the three seats, sitting down next to Malfoy. He finally turned and looked at her.

"Let me guess: Potty and Weasel discovered who you met in Hogsmeade. It's not like I expected you Gryffindors to be able to keep secrets from each other. So then you fought, and - I'm a bit surprised by this part - you didn't back down or concede."

"Congratulations," Hermione said moodily. She sighed and appealed to Malfoy with her tone. "They're just being so unreasonable and irrational. And Ron's the worst."

"I've been saying that for years."

"Oh, shut up," she muttered.

"In fact," he continued. "You must be really upset at them to be actively avoiding reconciliation - even going so far as provoking them."

"And how do you figure that?" she asked testily.

"Well… you sat down next to me."

"It wasn't meant as a compliment."

"Still, I'm flattered. Oh, and intrigued. And did I mention that aggravating Potter and Weasley is my specialty?"

"It might've come up one or two billion times."

"Well, it is."

"Well, I don't care," Hermione retorted. She hated the fact that the argument with Harry and Ron had put her in such a bad mood. Not that Malfoy seemed bothered by it.

"Yes you do," he replied with confidence.

"Oh really?"

"Definitely. You sat down next to me for several reasons. I presume the main reason was to upset Potter and Weasley."

"I just wanted a change of scenery."

"Did I mention the fact that I hate being used?"

Hermione looked away from him. "I'll keep that in mind."

She caught his smirk but was kept from replying by the entrance of Professor Trelawney.

"My students, there's been a change of plans. I've foreseen that our time is more limited than I thought at first - so today we're going to begin our group rehearsals. I'd like for Benedick, Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato to practice Act Two, Scene Three. Don John, Borachio and Conrade need to get together and practice Act One, Scene Three as well as Act Two, Scene Two. Now, if I can have Beatrice, Hero, Margaret and Ursula up here to continue on with Act Three, Scene One that should do for now."

Hermione turned quickly to Malfoy. "This isn't good at all. You'll be rehearsing with Harry, and Ron will no doubt keep close."

"Oh, is that concern I hear?"

"Malfoy, I'm serious. The last thing that needs to happen is a big fight over nothing."

He rolled his eyes in response. "Honestly, Granger, not everything's about you. As far as I know I haven't done anything to them… recently."

"I know, but Ron's temper-"

"Is his own problem," Malfoy said drolly. "Besides, I don't even have direct lines with them in this scene. They can speak their lines with each other while I sit back and study my speech. And Weasley's rehearsing with Pritchard and Baddock, who'll hardly let him get out of hand."

Hermione's look told him she wasn't convinced.

Malfoy stood up and rolled up his script casually. "Granger, I've been dealing with Gryffindors for a long time. I know what I'm doing." He started to exit toward the aisle but paused and glanced back down at her. "Just concentrate on your scene where you get to moon over and declare your love for my Benedick persona."

Hermione felt her pulse skip at the mischievous look that flashed across his eyes.

"I don't love you," she said dryly.

Malfoy raised his eyebrows in surprise. "That was in character, I hope?"

Hermione swallowed her flush and fixed him with her stare. "What do you think?"

He shrugged and walked towards his group. Hermione took a few deep breaths before getting up herself. As she made her way towards the stage Ginny ran up next to her.

"Hermione!"

"Ginny."

"I can't believe you sat next to Malfoy."

"Why?" Hermione asked tiredly. "Because I'm property of Harry and Ron?"

Ginny frowned. "I didn't mean it like that. Look, I know you're mad at them - but you'll work it out. You all had really big fights before."

"Thanks Ginny, but I really don't want to talk about it."

Ginny laid her hand on Hermione's arm and stopped her. She gave Hermione a concerned look. "You're really upset, aren't you?"

Hermione sighed. "I'm really frustrated and insulted. I'll get over it."

"Harry and Ron are your best friends," Ginny said softly.

"Then maybe they should start acting like it," Hermione retorted and walked on ahead. As she joined Lavender and Katie on stage Ginny fell silent. Professor Trewlaney motioned for them to gather around her.

"Okay, ladies, this is your turn. Hero, Margaret and Ursula are walking and talking in the orchard and when Beatrice gets near they begin to speak loudly of how Benedick loves her. This is obviously a scene complementary to the one that set-up Benedick. Are you ready?" They all nodded. "Good. Beatrice," she motioned to Hermione, "you come in after Margaret exits to fetch you. Make sure you enter just after Hero's line, ‘That only wounds by hearsay.' "

Hermione nodded and withdrew to the side curtain.

"Positions!" Trelawney declared and Ginny, Lavender and Katie took their places.

Ginny cleared her throat, peered briefly at her lines and then spoke to Lavender. " ‘Good Margaret, run thee to the parlor; There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice proposing with the Prince and Claudio. Whisper her ear, and tell her, I and Ursula walk in the orchard, and our whole discourse is all of her. Say that thou overheard'st us and bid her steal into the pleached bower where honeysuckles, ripen'd by the sun, forbid the sun to enter; like favorites made proud by princes that advance their pride against that power that bred it. There will she hide her to listen to our purpose. This is thy office, bear thee well in it and leave us alone.' "

Lavender didn't need to look down at the script; she apparently knew her one line by heart. " ‘I'll make her come, I warrant you, presently.' " She added a curtsey and then walked quickly off the stage, coming to stop next to Hermione.

" ‘Now, Ursula,' " Ginny continued, glancing at Katie. " ‘When Beatrice doth come, as we do trace this alley up and down, our talk must only be of Benedick. When I do name him let it be thy part to praise him more than ever man did merit. My talk to thee must be how Benedick is sick in love with Beatrice. Of this matter is little Cupid's crafty arrow made that only wounds by hearsay.' "

Hermione stepped forwards, appearing to hide behind imaginary trees and vines.

Ginny turned her head ever so slightly, indicating she had noticed her arrival. " ‘Now begin,' " she told Katie, lowering her voice. " ‘For look where Beatrice, like a lapwing, runs close by the ground to hear our conference.' "

Katie smiled conspiratorially. " ‘The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish cut with her golden oars the silver stream and greedily devour the treacherous bait. So angle we for Beatrice, who even now is couched in the woodbine coverture. Fear you not my part of the dialogue.' "

" ‘Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing of the false sweet bait that we lay for it.' " She approached the area where the bower would be and raised her voice. " ‘No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful; I know her spirits are as coy and wild as haggards of the rock.' "

" ‘But are you sure that Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?' " Katie asked loudly in Hermione's direction.

Hermione started and inched her feet forward, and cupped her hand by her ear.

" ‘So says the prince and my new-trothed lord.' "

" ‘And did they bid you tell her of it, madam?' "

" ‘They did entreat me to acquaint her of it, but I persuaded them, if they loved Benedick, to wish him wrestle with affection and never to let Beatrice know of it,' " Ginny declared earnestly.

" ‘Why did you so?' " Entreated Katie. " ‘Doth not the gentleman deserve as full as fortunate a bed as ever Beatrice shall couch upon?' "

" ‘O god of love!' " Ginny burst out dramatically. " ‘I know he doth deserve as much as may be yielded to a man - but nature never framed a woman's heart of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice!' "

Hermione gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Ginny went on.

" ‘Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes misprising what they look on and her wit values itself so highly that to her all matter else seems weak.' " Ginny raised her arms in resignation. " ‘She cannot love, nor take no shape nor project of affection, she is so self-endeared.' "

" ‘Sure, I think so, and therefore certainly it were not good she knew his love, lest she make sport at it,' " Katie conceded.

" ‘Why, you speak truth,' " agreed Ginny. " ‘I never yet saw man, how wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured. But she would spell him backward: if fair-faced she would swear the gentleman should be her sister. If black, why, Nature, drawing of an antique made a foul blot. If tall, a lance ill-headed, if low, an agate very vilely cut. If speaking, why, a vane blow with all winds, if silent, why, a block moved with none,' " she rattled off in explanation. " ‘So turns she every man the wrong side out, and never gives to truth and virtue that which simpleness and merit purchaseth.' "

" ‘Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable,' " Katie nodded.

" ‘No, not to be so odd, and from all fashions, as Beatrice is, cannot be commendable. But who dare tell her so? If I should speak she would mock me into air. O, she would laugh me out of myself, press me to death with wit! Therefore let Benedick, like cover'd fire, consume away in sighs, waste inwardly. It were a better death than to die with mocks, which is as bad as die with tickling.' "

" ‘Yet tell her of it,' " suggested Katie. " ‘Hear what she shall say.' "

Ginny shook her head. " ‘No, rather I will go to Benedick and counsel him to fight against his passion. And, truly, I'll devise some honest slanders to stain my cousin with: one doth not know how much an ill word may empoison liking.' "

" ‘O, do not do your cousin such a wrong!' " Katie exclaimed. " ‘She cannot be so much without true judgement, - having so swift and excellent a wit as she is prized to have, - as to refuse so rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.' "

As they both gave a dreamy sigh Hermione stole a glance over at the group Malfoy was practicing with. Harry, Seamus and Fred were all talking animatedly, occasionally glancing down at scripts, laughing or coordinating movement. Malfoy sat a little removed from them, slouched slightly in his seat but with his ankles elegantly crossed. He was glancing down lazily at the script in his hand. Occasionally she caught his lips moving, probably reciting his speech.

But Hermione also noticed that Ron, rehearsing from the other side of the hall, would occasionally glance over at Malfoy with a scowling face.

" ‘He is the only man of Italy,' " Ginny was reciting with an innocent laugh. " ‘Always excepted my dear Claudio.' "

At these lines Hermione glanced over at Seamus. He seemed to be currently laughing at something with Harry. Malfoy rolled his eyes. Ron took a step forward but Malcolm pulled him back roughly. No one except Hermione seemed to notice. She signed inwardly and tried to concentrate back on the scene.

" ‘I pray you, be not angry with me, madam, speaking my fancy.' " Katie said. " ‘Signior Benedick, for shape, for bearing, argument and valor goes foremost in report through Italy.' "

" ‘Indeed, he hath an excellent good name.' "

" ‘His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.' " Katie paused, finished with the ruse. She smiled at Ginny and changed the subject. " ‘When are you married, madam?' "

Ginny smiled widely and gave a gay laugh as she spun around. " ‘Why, every day, to-morrow!' " She and Katie shared a laugh. " ‘Come, go in: I'll show thee some attires; and have thy counsel which is the best to furnish me to-morrow.' "

Katie leaned in and giggled gleefully. " ‘She's limed, I warrant you: we have caught her, madam.' "

Ginny spoke through her laughter. " ‘If it prove so, then loving goes by haps: Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps!' "

The two girls continued to laugh as they skipped merrily of the stage, allowing Hermione to step forward. She pushed aside her melancholy over what she had seen with Ron, Harry and Malfoy and concentrated on the reaction of Beatrice: surprise, bewilderment, and joy. Love? 

" ‘What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?' " She gasped. " ‘Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?' " She took a deep breath and imitated wistful optimism. " ‘Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu! No glory lives behind the back of such.' " She made her face light up with joy and love and pure ecstasy. " ‘And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee, taming my wild heart to thy loving hand: If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee to bind our loves up in a holy band. For others say thou dost deserve, and I believe it better than reportingly.' "

"Splendid," Trelawney said, "Splendid."

Hermione acknowledged her with a small nod and then found herself glancing back over at Malfoy.

And he was looking back at her, over the pages of his script.

"Now then, ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention?"

Hermione half turned towards Trelawney and so did Malfoy.

"We're done for today, but spend the next few minutes getting together with the players you have most of your scenes with. I'm talking mainly to the principals - Beatrice, Benedick, Hero, Claudio, Don Pedro and so on - and figure out times to get together on your own and work on scenes. Our next couple of rehearsals will be dealing more with exact choreography and staging as well as integrating props and the scenery. If you have any issues, you may come and see me in my office, though I am often indisposed my visions and…" she trailed off and Hermione found herself tuning Trelawney out. Ron had made his way quickly away from Malcolm and Graham and now stood by Harry whispering.

She felt a little queasy as she made her way down the steps towards them. Harry looked up and watched her approach expectantly. He opened his mouth to speak but she walked right by him and stood in front of Malfoy.

He glanced up at her noncommittally.

"Yes?"

"We have a lot of scenes together. I guess we should arrange to rehearse," she told him matter-of-factly. Out of the corner of her eye she caught Ron's head turning sharply in their direction, no doubt listening carefully.

"Fine. We can do it after classes on the days I don't have Quidditch practice. Meet me here."

"Okay. What about your other scenes?" At her words both of them turned their attention towards Harry, Ron and Seamus. "You have some key scenes with Harry and Seamus."

Malfoy nodded slowly and stroked his chin. "Yes, I guess I do," he said shortly. "It can't be helped."

"Don't bother Malfoy," Harry spoke up. "I doubt we'll need much rehearsal together. You work on your lines, we'll do ours."

Malfoy gave a mock gasp of outrage. "What? And not give these scenes our greatest attention? Don't you want this production to be good?"

"I think it'll be best served if we stay apart as much as possibly. Bickering doesn't count as rehearsal," Harry pointed out drolly.

Malfoy eyed the Gryffindors for a second and shrugged. "Whatever. It's not like I need practice."

Ron scoffed. "Oh no, you're a natural liar and therefore a natural actor," he spat.

"Oh, don't be bitter," Malfoy smirked, his voice dripping with condescension. "Just because you've been relegated to the stereotypical villain role-"

"Arg!" Ron launched himself towards Malfoy but both Harry and Seamus grabbed his arms and restrained him.

Malfoy didn't blink. With a sneer he rose from his seat and faced Ron.

"Ferret-face," Ron hissed.

"You know," Malfoy mused thoughtfully. "It's a shame this play doesn't have a true fool, so you could play him. I suppose the bumbling Dogberry would suffice, but there are so few plebeian parts and so many Gryffindors. I suppose Trelawney did the best she could, under the circumstances."

"Malfoy," Hermione said in a warning tone. He looked over at her and paused. Then he looked back.

"Fine, Granger, I'll leave you to your rabid lap dog. Adieu."

With that he turned and walked away leaving Hermione to face an agitated Ron and the rest of them. Seamus stepped back and whispered something to Ginny who nodded. As Hermione anticipated, they both made their excuses and left.

"Ron!" she jumped in, chastising him before he had a chance to throw out more insults about Malfoy. "Do you just spend all your time brooding over your hatred of Malfoy? Try a little maturity for once."

"Be fair," Harry tempered. "Malfoy's hardly been complimentary towards us since we met him."

Hermione turned to him and paused. "Perhaps. But, from what I hear, he was polite to you the very first time you met him. You just didn't like the look of him."

Harry's brow furrowed at this. "What?"

"Madam Malkin's," Hermione stated. "You met him there. He was polite with you."

Harry's surprise turned to slight agitation. "Yes, and he insulted Hagrid just like he insulted Ron on the train. I don't know why you'd want to defend him, Hermione."

"I'm not defending him," Hermione snapped. "I'm simply pointing out your hypocrisy. You didn't like how he judged Hagrid and Ron at first glance, but you dismissed him from the start as well."

Ron clenched and unclenched his jaw while Harry looked at her in surprise.

"Hermione, look at his family. His family is full of Dark Wizards. His father is a Death Eater."

"And my father is a dentist," Hermione declared irritability. "But I'm not."

Giving them all a last look she stalked off. She wasn't sure if she had made a point at all, but she could tell when an argument was doomed to go in circles. She was still upset with Ron and Harry, and even more annoyed because they were blaming Malfoy for this whole mess.

But it had nothing to do with Malfoy.

It had everything to do with herself, Harry and Ron; their friendship, their trust of each other, their jealousy, and their pride…

If they were her best friends and they trusted her implicitly, then why didn't they allow her to make her own decisions? She had had as many bad experiences with Malfoy as they had, but she was willing to put that behind her if it meant an end to the petty bickering - even just for the short time of the play rehearsals.

With a sigh she made her way up the stairs to the Gryffindor Tower. Entering her dorm she set down her script and picked up her Arithmancy book. She flipped through it, looking for a suitable project topic, but couldn't really concentrate on the text. Besides, it was going to be a partner project, according to Professor Vector. No point in making any solid decisions.

Hermione gave up and shut the book, laying her head down on the sheets. After a few minutes of doing absolutely nothing she raised her head and scooted across the bed to place her Arithmancy book on her nightstand. As she sat it down her fingers touched the Oscar Wilde book. She stared at it for a few seconds before picking it up in her hands. She sat up slowly and touched the cover almost reverently as she thought about how it had come to her.

She stopped for a moment, feeling foolish for giving it such attention, and set it down on the bed in front of her. She laid her head back on the bed with an exasperated sigh and drifted into a restless, dreamless sleep.

***

For the third day in a row, breakfast was awkward and silent. Hermione sat as close to the end as she could, buffered by Lavender, Katie and even the Weasley twins. She ate her food quickly and almost silently, except for a few words exchanged with Lavender and occasionally Fred. He made her crack a smile once and laugh and she noticed that Ron immediately glanced over and regarded them both bitterly.

Honestly, thought Hermione. The level of immaturity…

Of course, Hermione had made a point of sitting with her back to the Slytherin table. Though she had gone out of her way in the beginning to annoy Ron, she was wary of the whole thing now. She missed her best friends, but…

…But, she wanted them to come around on their own. Sooner or later they had to realize how ridiculous and irrational they were being, and then they would come and apologize and life would be somewhat normal again.

However, she was still going to be civil with Malfoy. Truth be told, she was somewhat looking forward to her rehearsal with him today after class.

People at the table began to get up and leave and Hermione noticed that while Harry was still sitting down, Ron had disappeared. She turned her head around, instinctively searching for him, and was surprised to find him on his way to the Slytherin table - apparently going to talk to Malcolm and Graham. She watched them for a moment before realizing they were simply setting up rehearsals. She quickly turned back around, trying to mask her curiousness with disinterest. At least Ron hadn't charged over to the Slytherin table and picked a fight with Malfoy.

That was progress, right?

Maybe. She shrugged and then reached down to grab her book bag. When she stood up she realized Harry was at her elbow. She glanced at him and then turned back towards the Slytherins; Ron was still talking to Malcolm and Graham.

"Yes, Harry?" she asked warily.

"Hermione," he said softly. "I don't want us to keep fighting or ignoring each other."

"I don't either, but this is up to you. And Ron - especially Ron."

"What can we do to convince you?"

"Convince me of what? There's nothing to convince." Hermione sighed. "Harry, you of all people should know about giving people second chances, and not trusting first impressions or appearances."

"How about thousands of impressions."

Hermione gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "It's a nonissue. It's irrelevant. This isn't about Malfoy so much as it's about us: you, Ron and me."

"What do you mean?"

"Trust, Harry. Respect. Can't I make my own decisions? Can I make up my own mind?"

"Of course. But, with Malfoy you can never -"

"Be sure - I know," Hermione said, feeling the irritation come back. "I know what a prick he has been and can be. After all, I'm the one he continually insulted in terms of breeding and racism. But I've finally decided to take the higher ground, and lo and behold - he's responded to it! He's not being a git anymore, so let's leave it at that."

"I can't believe he's changed."

She shrugged. "Maybe he hasn't. Maybe it's temporary."

"Maybe it's a conspiracy."

 "Look, I appreciate your concern and your opinion - but in the end, can you just let me reject it? I'm no idiot. We've all faced death and worse, so I think I can handle Malfoy. I'm not trusting blindly. Actually, there's nothing to trust. We've only had contact through this play. School stuff. Nothing life-altering. Since when did you all become so intent on controlling that?"

Harry was silent for a moment.

"Well… I just… I wish you hadn't lied to us."

"It was hardly a matter of dire import," she muttered dryly. "But I'm sorry, if that makes you feel any better."

Harry paused. "It does, a little. But… there's such a history of animosity…"

"I realize that Malfoy is your enemy and Ron's nemesis and all that, but that's why I was trying to keep this between Malfoy and me."

"Fine. I'll leave it at that for now."

"And Ron?"

Harry shrugged. "It's Ron, he's hurt and angry and irrational."

"I've noticed. And us?" She looked at him hopefully. He gave her a small smile.

"I think I might be able to agree to disagree. But I don't want to be caught between you and Ron."

"Yeah…" Hermione said thoughtfully. "I don't want to be either."

***

Her classes passed by rather uneventfully, except for occasional glares from Ron. When they passed each other in the hall after leaving History of Magic he ignored her. Harry looked back as they walked away and gave her a helpless smile.

Hermione groaned and began to head towards the hall where she was supposed to meet Malfoy. Suddenly she caught a flash of red and turned around, dreading the sight of Ron.

But it was Ginny.

"Oh - hey, Ginny," she said.

"Oh, good! I caught up with you."

Hermione stopped in the hallway and moved towards the wall so they could talk without blocking the traffic.

"Yeah… what's wrong?"

"Actually, I just wanted to say I was sorry again. And also…" Ginny peered over her shoulder nervously. "I wanted to let you know I think Ron is being a complete and total idiot."

"Er - uh, thanks," Hermione said with genuine surprise. She smiled at Ginny wryly. "I don't suppose you have any sisterly insights on how to snap him out of it?"

Ginny gave a thoughtful sigh and lifted her shoulders. "You know Ron, he can be so… weird about people. Jealous, overprotective - remember that incident with Harry and the TriWizard Tournament? And, then there's you, I mean - Viktor Krum and the Yule Ball and everything…"

As Ginny trailed off Hermione felt a twinge in her stomach at the mention of the Yule Ball episode.

 "I guess you're right…" she said faintly. "But, the thing is, there's nothing to be jealous or overprotective of. He's still one of my best friends. Nothing had changed until he made this big fuss about the play and me working with Malfoy."

Ginny conceded a shrug. "I guess in his mind something did change when you chose to, you know…"

"Be mature?" Hermione supplied. "Be civil to Malfoy? Be an adult? Rehearse my role?"

"Uh… invite him to meet you at Hogsmeade."

"Oh, for crying out loud!" Hermione exploded with exasperation. She looked at Ginny, pleading for common sense. "Why is this such a big deal? Am I only allowed to meet up for school projects with Gryffindors? Or Ravenclaws? No Slytherins permitted, even if we've been assigned to work together." She took a breath and stepped in closer to Ginny. "Look, it wasn't like whatever Ron is imagining. We bickered at each other, found a bit of common ground and made a truce. Would everyone be freaking out if I asked Seamus to meet up with me?"

Ginny's eyes widened as Hermione mentioned inviting Seamus. Hermione watched her with confusion until she realized Ginny's reaction came from… jealousy? Possessiveness?

Oh. Ginny. Seamus. Ginny and Seamus. Right.

"Uh, never mind, Ginny," she said, trying to alleviate whatever fears Ginny had suddenly manifested. "Bad example."

Ginny gave a small sigh of relief and then smiled faintly at Hermione. "I think I realize what you mean. Ron's always been one to jump to conclusions - and usually the wrong ones."

Hermione didn't feel compelled to answer.

"And what about Harry?" Ginny asked softly. "You two seem… better."

Hermione nodded. "We sort of came up with a truce. He was upset I lied, and he'll never trust Malfoy… but he's willing to let me off my leash."

"Your leash?" Ginny gave a half laugh and shook her head. "Maybe you've been hanging around Malfoy too long. You're picking up his biting sarcasm."

Hermione didn't have an answer for this. Except how could she be spending too much time with Malfoy? They'd barely gotten together. Only once alone - and that was in Hogsmeade.

Picking up his biting sarcasm indeed.

"Anyway," Ginny said freshly. "I'm on my way to go watch the Gryffindor Quidditch practice. Do you want to tag along?"

Hermione gave a rueful shake of her head and considered how to tell Ginny her very topical excuse without feeling… guilty? Foolish? Embarrassed?

"Uh, actually… I'm heading to the Hall to meet Malfoy." She paused as Ginny's face lit up with curiosity. "We're practicing some scenes together," she stated firmly.

"Oh…" Ginny said, half-nodding in comprehension, though looking like she was still considering the whole situation. "Oh, I see. Well, then."

"Yeah…" Hermione trailed off uncomfortably.

"Okay," Ginny smiled. "See you later on."

"Bye," Hermione said as she waved and began making a hasty departure.

How awkward.

Hmmm.

Anyway…

Hermione wondered how late she was now. Five minutes? She hurried down the hallway and entered the hall quite breathless. A quick survey of the room found no sign of Malfoy.

Hermione shrugged off her irrational anxiety and sat down at one of the tables, pulling out her script and opening it to their first main scene together. She sat there staring at it for what seemed like eternity, but was in reality closer to about five or six minutes. Was Malfoy not coming? Hermione bit her lip and took a few deep breaths in an attempt to soothe her fluttering stomach.

What's wrong with you? She scolded herself.

"Oh good, you're still here."

Hermione's head snapped in the direction of the voice and found Malfoy striding towards her quickly. He smoothed his hair back with his free hand and set down his books on the table. His face looked a little flushed and his chest was rising and falling quickly, as if he were out of breath.

"Sorry I'm late," he panted. "I encountered Professor Vector in the hallway and he started discussing some things with me."

"Oh, that's fine," Hermione said quickly. Too quickly. With too much relief.

Darn.

She took a deep, calming breath and hoped Malfoy didn't notice her reaction as he slid into the seat opposite her.

When she felt composed enough to look back up at him she found him flipping through his script carelessly. Then he paused and looked at her. "So, anymore fun run-ins with your friend the Weasel?"

Hermione gave him a skeptical look. "And why would I tell you? Just so you could gloat?"

Malfoy's grin widened as he shrugged. "Just curious."

"You just like seeing Ron upset," Hermione said knowingly.

"I do," he nodded vigorously with a sardonic smile. "Especially if it be anything in which I have a part."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "That's just…great, Malfoy."

"I know." His smirk widened.

"I was being facetious."

"I know."

Hermione shook her head and started to flip through the script pages again until Malfoy suddenly gasped and snapped his fingers.

"Oh! I almost forgot to tell you…"

She glanced up at him curiously. "Tell me what?"

He suddenly seemed very interested in his cuticles.

"Malfoy…" she groaned. "Ah! Never mind then."

"Well…" he began slowly. "You're on the outs with your two best friends because of me, right?"

"Don't flatter yourself. It's… an internal quarrel," she finished lamely. Malfoy's look told her he didn't believe her.

"Whatever. The point is they hate seeing you rehearsing with me and talking to me, correct?"

Hermione nodded slowly, not sure where this was going.

"Well, as I told you, I was late because I was talking into Professor Vector."

"Yes…"

"And I think I may have some bad news for you."

"What?" Hermione squeaked.

"Yep," Malfoy said matter-of-factly. "I mean, it's bad news if you're hoping to avoid me." He flashed her a grin and she felt her stomach begin to flutter again. "It's about Arithmancy partner projects."