The Plays The Thing

The Play’s the Thing

by Shakespearechick

***

CHAPTER XI

***

At the sound of the portrait hole opening every set of eyes in the Gryffindor common room turned to see Hermione Granger step inside with Draco Malfoy right behind her. All conversation stopped.

 “Oh, this is pleasant,” Malfoy muttered under his breath.

Hermione coughed.

It was Seamus who came to the rescue, walking over to them and flashing a quick smile.

“Hey Hermione,” he nodded, “Malfoy... I’m glad you both could make it.”

Hermione had the sudden desire to run up and kiss Seamus for his initiative in breaking the silence. Instead, she only smiled and laughed nervously. “Yes, well, I figured the scene would be sorely lacking without Benedick.”

 

“Why yes, who would Claudio have to mock?” Seamus grinned again and Hermione looked to Malfoy for a reaction. He seemed more interested in taking in all the aspects of the Gryffindor common room than listening to Seamus wax on about their fictional characters’ relationship.

“Hermione...”

She turned her head at the sound of Harry’s voice; he had snuck up next to her.

“Hey, Harry.”

“Hey.” He nodded at her and gave a wary glance in Malfoy’s direction. “We’re all just hanging out for now. We’re waiting for Fred and George to get back.”

Hermione’s brow furrowed. “Get back from where?”

“The kitchens. Where else?” Harry asked. “They went to collect some... snacks.”

 

“Ah,” she replied, unsure of what else to say. Everyone else was still being very quiet and watching Malfoy with unmasked suspicion.

Especially Ron.

He hadn’t bothered to get up when they entered and he was doing a really good job of ignoring Hermione’s glances, but she decided not to worry about it. Let him be immature.

Finally Seamus turned to Harry and starting talking - presumably finishing whatever conversation they had been having before the interruption and Hermione gave another sigh of relief. She headed towards the couch and Malfoy followed her casually.

“Quite a party,” he muttered blandly.

“They’re doing their best,” Hermione whispered back. “It’s amazing they haven’t pounced on you yet.”

“Whatever for?” Malfoy grinned. “Do they desire me that much? Granted, I’m quite attractive...”

“Shut up,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes. “You know what I mean. No one here ever imagined Draco Malfoy would be sitting in the Gryffindor common room.”

“Neither did Draco Malfoy.” He paused and looked at Hermione. “But apparently I’m not the first barrier breaker in this rivalry.”

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. “You want me to divulge which Gryffindors were in your precious common room?”

“Gryffindors?” Malfoy gasped. “Plural? Honestly!”

Hermione tried not to laugh. “I can’t tell you yet.”

“Why not?” Malfoy batted his eyelashes at her. “Insurance?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes. I need to ensure that you don’t kill Ron. Or Harry, for that matter.”

Malfoy smirked at her and then cast a glance in Ron’s direction. “He doesn’t look too pleased to see me here.”

Hermione looked over as well. “Yes, well...”

“He looks really pissed off.”

“Yes, well...”

“He looks... jealous...” Malfoy said, almost in wonder.

“Yes, well,” Hermione repeated, desperately clearing her throat.

Luckily, at that moment, Fred and George dashed through the portrait hole with various platters, trays and baskets stacked in their arms. A few other plates were hovering around their heads, guided precariously by Fred’s wavering wand.

 

“The food has arrived!!” George declared boldly.

“And so has Malfoy!” Fred announced, catching sight of Malfoy sitting next to Hermione.

“Ever so observant, Fred, I’m sure that’s why they keep you around.”

Hermione jabbed Malfoy in the side with her elbow but his smirk remained.

“And for the food, I’m sure,” he added as an afterthought.

For a moment everyone watched the twins and Malfoy silently, wondering what would happen. Finally Fred gave a sneering laugh.

“Careful, Malfoy, I’m the one with food trays floating precariously under my control. It’d be a shame to ruin your robes.”

Malfoy gave a snort and started to open his mouth, but Hermione instinctively reached over and clamped her hands over his mouth, muffling something which sounded like, “I have plenty more where these came from.”

The uneasy Gryffindors suddenly broke into relaxed laughter at seeing Malfoy censored by the usually restrained Hermione. Hermione, on the other hand, felt her cheeks begin to burn the longer her hands remained on Malfoy’s lips.

It wasn’t long.

Malfoy reached up and removed her hand and dropped it carelessly back into her lap. All she could do was gape at him. She couldn’t read his reaction, but he looked more surprised and bemused then upset.

“Okay then...” Fred said with a laugh, setting the food down on the nearby table. “I suppose we can get started now.”

“I think that would be... a good idea,” Seamus mused, looking from Hermione to Malfoy.

“Yes, let’s get this over with,” Malfoy replied.

Ron coughed.

“Everyone have their scripts?” Harry asked.

“Yep,” George said, waving his around.

Hermione took the moment to swallow thickly and lean over to Malfoy. “I... yeah, I didn’t really... but, well, I had to shut you up.”

“Mmm hmmm...” Malfoy was flipping through his lines.

“Insurance, and all that...”

“Right.” Malfoy stopped flipping the pages and stared down at the opening of Act Three, Scene Two.

“Okay,” Seamus cleared his throat, taking control of the situation. “The scene takes place in a room in Leonato’s house. It’s between Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick and Leonato.” He looked over at the corner where Ron still sat, silent. “Don John joins them later.”

“Right,” Fred nodded. “Then, if I could get Harry, Seamus and... Malfoy to join me here, in my fake room in my fake house...” He motioned grandly to the open area where he stood.

Harry and Seamus walked over to him, but Malfoy was slower at rising from his seat. Hermione knew he had to be conscious of every set of eyes watching him as we joined the other three.

“Okay, anyone have any insight on this scene?” Fred asked. “You know, before we begin...”

Hermione cleared her throat when nobody else indicated they had any input.

“Benedick now believes Beatrice is in love with him... so he’s been acting a bit... funny lately. Well, odd for Benedick. And, of course, the others know why since they’ve set him up. Here he reveals the cause to them and they enjoy mocking him. And then, Don John appears to set-up his own scheme in regards to separating Claudio and Hero.”

Fred looked directly at Malfoy, as if he thought it highly doubtful it would be possible to act a light-hearted scene with him.

Malfoy glanced at all of them indifferently and turned his attention back to the script. “Your line, Potter.”

Harry rolled his eyes and turned towards Seamus. “ ‘I do but stay till your marriage be consummate, and then I go to Arragon.’ ”

“ ‘I’ll bring you thither, my lord, if you’ll vouchsafe me,’ ” Seamus replied.

“ ‘Nay, that would be as great a soil in the new gloss of your marriage, as to show a child his new coat and forbid him to wear it. I will only be bold with Benedick for his company; for, from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, he is all mirth; he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid’s bow-string, and the little hangman dare not shoot at him; he hath a heart as sound as a bell, and his tongue is the clapper, for what his heart thinks his tongue speaks.’ ”

There was a momentary pause during which all eyes turned to Malfoy, who was looking exceptionally bored. “ ‘Gallants, I am not as I have been.’ ”

Fred looked at him deviously. “ ‘So say I: methinks you are sadder.’ ”

Seamus smirked back at Malfoy. “ ‘I hope he be in love.’ ”

Harry gave a sharp laugh. “ ‘Hang him, truant! there’s no true drop of blood in him, to be truly touched with love; if he be sad, he wants money.’ ”

A loud snort came from Ron’s direction and Hermione turned to give him a cross look. Malfoy still seemed bored as he rattled off his line.

“ ‘I have the toothache.’ ”

“ ‘Draw it,’ ” Harry returned drolly.

“ ‘Hang it!’ ” Malfoy snapped back.

Seamus gave a mock sigh of exasperation and then eyed Malfoy ruefully. “ ‘You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.’ ”

Harry grinned to himself and continued reading his lines. “ ‘What! Sigh for the toothache?’ ”

“ ‘Where is but a humour or a worm,’ ” read Fred.

“ ‘Well, every one can master a grief but he that has it,’ ” Malfoy said tersely.

Seamus eyed him for a moment. “ ‘Yet say I, he is in love.’ ”

Harry tilted his head, keeping his eyes on the script and not Malfoy. “ ‘There is no appearance of fancy in him, unless it be a fancy that he hath to strange disguises; as, to be a Dutchman to-day, a Frenchman to-morrow; or in shape of two countries at once, as, a German from the waist downward, all slops, and a Spaniard from the hip upward, no doublet. Unless he have a fancy to this foolery, as it appears he hath, he is no fool for fancy, as you would have it appear he is.’ ”

There was a collective blink in the room, trying to sort out what Harry had just recited, before Seamus plunged on.

“ ‘If he not be in love with some woman, there is no believing old signs; a’ brushes his hat o’ mornings; what should that bode?’ ”

Harry lifted an eyebrow. “ ‘Hath any man seen him at the barber’s?’ ”

Seamus shrugged. “ ‘No, but the barber’s man hath been seen with him; and the old ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis-balls.’ ”

Fred had to muffle his laughter as he looked at Malfoy. “ ‘Indeed, he looks younger than he did, by the loss of a beard.’ ”

“ ‘Nay, a’ rubs himself with civet: can you smell him out by that?’ ” Harry read, pausing. “What in the world is civet?”

Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but stopped when she heard Malfoy’s voice.

“It’s a cat - they use... a substance as perfume.” He shifted his weight and glanced at the floor. Hermione wondered if he was still bored, or perhaps merely uncomfortable with all the fun Harry, Seamus and Fred were having with their lines. After a moment he raised his head again, and she could see by the look on his face that he was definitely not uncomfortable. She began to wonder if Draco Malfoy ever got uncomfortable.

He must have felt her gaze on him because he turned his head just enough to find her, his glance inscrutable. She looked away quickly, fearing that her cheeks would betray her again.

“That’s just... odd...” Seamus replied. Malfoy’s attention turned back to him.

“How plebeian of you,” he said snidely. “Are you going to continue with your line?”

Seamus glared at him for a moment before speaking again. “ ‘That’s as much as to say, the sweet youth’s in love.’ ”

“ ‘The greatest note of it is his melancholy,’ ” said Harry.

“ ‘And when was he wont to wash his face?’ ” asked Seamus.

“ ‘Yea, or to paint himself? for the which, I hear what they will say of him.’ ”

“ ‘Nay, but his jesting spirit; which is now crept into a lute-string, and now governed by stops.’ ”

Harry nodded. “‘Indeed, that tells a heavy tale for him: conclude, conclude he is in love.’ ”

“ ‘Nay, but I know who loves him,’ ” Seamus said wryly.

“ ‘That would I know too: I warrant, one that knows him not.’ ”

Hermione shifted in her seat, wondering if it was her imagination or if Ron was not glaring at her, instead of Malfoy.

“ ‘Yes, and his ill conditions; and, in despite of all, dies for him,’ ” quoted Seamus.

“ ‘She shall be buried with her face upwards.’ ”

Malfoy looked from one to the other. “ ‘Yet this is no charm for the toothache.’ ” He turned to Fred. “ ‘Old signior, walk aside with me: I have studied eight or nine wise words to speak to you, which these... hobby-horses must not hear.’ ”

Malfoy and Fred stepped aside.

“ ‘For my life, to break with him about Beatrice,’ ” Harry said. Seamus grinned.

“ ‘’Tis even so. Hero and Margaret have by this played their parts with Beatrice; and then the two bears will not bite one another when they meet.’ ”

There was a pause and Hermione cleared her throat. “Don John is supposed to enter next, yes?” Seamus nodded. “Well, maybe you should run through that scene once more - for practice.”

She was sure all of them groaned, but they reassembled and began the scene again. This time it flowed more smoothly, quickly - Seamus and Harry becoming more comfortable with their quips back and forth at the expense of Malfoy’s Benedick.

However, this time, when Malfoy said his final line he walked all the way back to the couch, sitting down next to Hermione. He didn’t look at her though, but instead turned his attention to Ron. There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he spoke. “Well, Weasel, your turn.”

Ron bristled at him, but said nothing, instead walking quickly over to Harry and Seamus. Hermione knew she should chastise Malfoy, but she hesitated and she blinked and the moment was past. Ron had blustered past Harry and Seamus and snarled his first line.

“ ‘My lord and brother, God save you!’ ”

Harry took an involuntary step back. “Er, Ron, I don’t think... Don John is... angry in this scene.”

Seamus coughed nervously. “Yeah, try it more... uh... like you’re trying to gain our trust.”

“This is going to take a while, isn’t it?”

Hermione turned sharply towards Malfoy, but luckily no one else seemed to have heard his comment.

“Malfoy, please...” She rolled her eyes. Malfoy didn’t look at her.

“Please what?”

“Just... stop it. Don’t provoke them.”

She saw the line of his lips pull into a small smirk before he turned and winked at her. “Insurance.”

Hermione took a breath and tried to focus on the scene before her.

Ron repeated his line, this time without channeling his apparent ire at the whole situation.

“ ‘Good den, brother,’ ” Harry said lightly.

Ron leaned in. “ ‘If your leisure served, I would speak with you.’ ”

Harry arched an eyebrow. “ ‘In private?’ ”

“ ‘If it please you: yet Count Claudio may hear; for what I would speak of concerns him.’ ”

“ ‘What’s the matter?’ ”

Ron glanced down at his script and then looked back up at Seamus. “ ‘Means your lordship to be married tomorrow?’ ”

Harry looked at him. “ ‘You know he does.’ ”

Ron eyed him. “ ‘I know not that, when he knows what I know.’ ”

“ ‘If there be any impediment, I pray you discover it,’ ” said Seamus.

Ron tilted his head towards Harry. “ ‘You may think I love you not: let that appear hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect your ensuing marriage, - surely suit ill spent and labour ill bestowed.’ ”

“ ‘Why, what’s the matter?’ ” asked Harry.

“ ‘I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances shortened, for she has too long a talking of, the lady is disloyal.’ ”

“ ‘Who, Hero?’ ” Seamus asked skeptically.

“ ‘Even she; Leonato’s Hero, your Hero, every man’s Hero.’ ”

“Did the Weasel just call his own sister a-”

Hermione took the opportunity to elbow Malfoy. This time he actually turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

“No need to hit me every time,” he said blandly.

Hermione rolled her eyes and lowered her voice to whisper as the scene continued; Ron explaining how Hero was currently with another man and lead the other two away to see for themselves. “Then stop insulting everyone every chance you get,” she hissed.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s what I do best. Besides, I’m bored.”

She decided to be silent for a moment as the scene ended. Seamus nudged Ron.

“Good job, Ron. Well done. And now the scene is set for angst.”

“Something like that...” Ron retorted.

Harry smiled faintly. “Come now, Ron, you’ve just been very, very evil.”

Seamus smirked. “Exactly. Borachio, one of Don John’s men, seduces Margaret - but makes everyone think it’s Hero. Claudio is now convinced his blushing bride is not so, and he’s set to shame her as their taking their vows. And then...”

Hermione felt Malfoy stand up before she saw him.

“And then the usual story plays out,” he said with a bored sigh. “A bit ‘Romeo and Juliet’, what with the priest suggesting Hero pretend to be dead while everything ‘sorts itself out.’” He rolled his eyes and then gave a smirk as he approached Seamus.

Seamus watched him for a moment before shrugging. “I suppose that’s one take on it. It’s still good though, even if it’s a mish-mash of plots.”

Malfoy shrugged and glanced down at his fingernails indifferently. “It will serve.”

There was a pause and then Seamus gave a short laugh. “You might have a point. A lot of his comedies, well,” he gave a mischievous shrug. “He could’ve just written one - it could be called ‘The Comedy of Two Well-Measured Gentlemen Lost in the Merry Wives of Venice on a Midsummer’s Twelfth Night in Winter.’”

A few of the people giggled, Hermione included. She gave Seamus a grin but stopped when Malfoy opened his mouth.

“Tut, tut, Finnigan, your wit is lost on such rabble. Besides, that’s a silly name...” Malfoy turned towards Seamus and every Gryffindor was sitting on edge... waiting for the rest of the insult so they could commence with their outrage. Hermione thought she saw Malfoy wink at her. “The more appropriate title would be ‘Cymbeline Taming Pericles the Merchant in the Tempest of Love As Much As You Like It For Nothing.’”

There was a moment of silence as they all realized Malfoy might have actually made a joke. Seamus was the first one to grin and then laugh. He looked at Malfoy, a little surprised, and ran a hand through his sandy hair. “Yes, that might be more appropriate. You fit in the play du jour.”

The twins looked almost horrified that Malfoy had chosen not to insult Seamus, Ron was glaring at Malfoy and Harry was giving a confused and then urgent look to Hermione. She took the hint, jumping off of the couch and grabbing Malfoy’s arm.

“Enough of that,” she muttered, pulling him quickly towards the portrait hole. “Good job at rehearsal,” she hollered back over her shoulder as a cover, stepping out into the hallway with Malfoy at her side. She whirled on him immediately. “What was that? What are you playing at?”

He looked down at her grip on his arm and then back at her with bemusement.

“What on earth are you talking about, Granger?”

She tried to give him her best Evil Eye. “Why are you insulting them one moment and... and... joking with them the next?”

He shrugged noncommitally. “Nothing. I just like to keep people on their toes - do the unexpected.” He watched her closely. “I’ve told you that before.”

Her gaze faltered involuntarily. “Yes, I suppose...” She suddenly remembered her hand and let it drop from his arm. Malfoy was still watching her.

“Look, Granger, it’s been a long day. Let’s call it a night.”

“Fine,” she replied, not sure what else to say. He gave a quick nod and took a few steps before pausing.

“Oh, and since you decided to nap during our time allotted to work on the Arithmancy project, we should work on it tomorrow. I’ll meet you in the library, same time.”

With that he walked off, leaving Hermione standing by the portrait hole with her mouth open.

***

“Well, that wasn’t so bad...”

Hermione looked up to see Ginny standing in the doorway.

“Hey Ginny,” she said quickly, slipping the book under her pillow and scooting to the edge of her bed. “Come on in.”

Ginny stepped in and walked over to Hermione’s bed, plopping down next to her.

“Seamus seems to think it went well,” she said lightly.

“Were you sent up to investigate?” Hermione asked, slightly rueful. Ginny flashed a quick grin.

“Nothing gets by you, does it?”

Hermione shrugged. “I’m sure they all want to know what happened out in the hall.”

Ginny just nodded.

“Not much.” Hermione played with her sheets idly. “I just confronting him about the insulting one minute... joking around the next...” she trailed off.

“You can’t trust Malfoy, that’s for sure,” Ginny replied matter-of-factly. “Who knows why he does the things he does - or what his motivation is.”

Hermione bit her lip. “I think his motivation is his own whims...”

Ginny snorted. “Well, yes, he is a selfish prat.”

I don’t know, I don’t know... sometimes it seems like he’s not...

She gave a small laugh herself and then decided it was time to change the subject.

“So... you and Seamus?”

Ginny flushed. “What about us?”

“Oh - so it is ‘us’?” Hermione smirked.

“Not exactly...” Ginny looked down for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts, and then looked back up at Hermione. “Not right now, at least. We just really enjoy each other’s company now and working on the play together.”

I think I can understand that... considering...

Oh God.

She nodded, not saying anything.

Ginny cleared her throat. “So, what were you reading when I came up? Anything exciting?” She paused, laughing. “Or is it something horribly boring for school?”

“What? Oh...” Hermione hesitated, debating, and then reached under her pillow, pulling the book out. “Just a side interest.”

She kept her hand on the book as Ginny peered at it. “Oscar Wilde?” she asked curiously.

Hermione shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, I’ve just been brushing up on some reading.”

Ginny didn’t seem to give it too much thought; it was definitely not unusual for Hermione to be reading up on subjects and people.

She nodded and then stood up. “Well, I guess I should head back down,” she grinned faintly. “Make my report and then do some homework.”

Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yes, I’m sure they’re all waiting on pins and needles.”

Ginny watched her for a moment and then gave her a meaningful look. “Not all of them.”

Hermione swallowed and then looked down, her eyes resting on the book as Ginny softly shut the door behind her.

If I don’t even know what to do about Ron, how am I going to deal with Malfoy?

***

Arithmancy class seemed to come quickly. Hermione was still grappling with her thoughts when Malfoy slid into the chair next to her. She couldn’t help but glance over at him, but he was currently preoccupied with pulling his textbook out of his bag and arranging his parchment and quill. Finally he turned to her with an overly-bright smile.

“Granger,” he gave a polite nod and then picked up his quill, twirling it idly.

“Malfoy...” she replied cautiously. What was he smiling about?

He grinned at her. “I think you owe me something.”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “What are you talking about?”

Just then Professor Vector strode into the room quickly. Both Hermione and Malfoy turned to look at him.

Malfoy then caught Hermione’s eye and winked at her.

What?? What is he going on about?

She glared at him. Typical, say something like that and then make me wait...

It seemed like ages before Professor Vector paused after his lecture, giving the groups the last few minutes to discuss their projects. Hermione wasted no time turning towards Malfoy swiftly.

“What was all that at the beginning of class?”

Malfoy shuffled his notes together carefully and gave her a smug look.

“I think you know.”

Hermione scoffed. “Oh, honestly.” She crossed her arms over her chest and faced the front of the classroom in a huff. She knew she was being immature, but Malfoy was confusing enough without him adding little teases like this.

Malfoy seemed to be watching for a moment and then he leaned in toward her. He was whispering and Hermione was disturbed to notice his breath against her ear and cheek. She felt herself begin to flush and leaned her face away, turning to look at him.

“Now, now, Granger... we had a deal. Surely you recall...”

Oh. OH.

Hermione felt like an idiot. Of course that’s what he was hinting at. And here she had been driving herself crazy for the better part of an hour all over-

“So, tell me then? Who was it? Who went into the Slytherin common room?”

Well, two can play at this game.

She smiled slyly at him.

“Two people.”

She couldn’t read his expression well enough to know how he was taking her coyness.

“Mmmm, yes, you hinted at that before.” He rested a finger on his chin. “But a deal is a deal, Granger. And I went to that bloody rehearsal and your mangy friends remain unscathed.”

She tilted her head. “Mangy?”

He sighed dramatically. “Fine. Scratch that.”

She couldn’t help but give a small grin of victory. “Okay then.” She glanced around the classroom. “But I don’t think I should tell you here. I’d hate for you to cause a scene.”

Malfoy made a face. “I don’t make scenes, Granger.”

She arched an eyebrow skeptically.

He gave her a wry look. “Well, not unless they suit me.” He paused. “Very well, I can wait a few minutes.”

“A few minutes?”

“Oh yes, remember? We have a project to work on.” He tapped the desk with his index finger for emphasis.

“Right... same time... same place...” Hermione glanced at the desk and then decided to start putting away her own things.

“We really need to get some work done on it. I have an academic reputation to maintain.”

Hermione paused and glanced up at him. “What?” She asked incredulously. “You were the one that fell asleep yesterday!” 

He eyed her. “Was I?”

Did he realize how evil he was being? Probably.

Git.

She decided to ignore him and finishing putting her notes and books in her bag. As she finally glanced back at him she heard Professor Vector announce class was over. Malfoy stood up first, slinging his bag over his shoulder, watching and waiting for her.

Trying to not be overly self-conscious she stood up and began walking up the aisle. “Let’s go.”

Malfoy fell in step next to her, opened the door, and began heading toward the library.

“You can tell me now, you know.”

Hermione tried not to smirk. “You can’t stand not knowing can you?”

Malfoy stopped suddenly and looked at her. “Actually, no, it’s more we had a deal. So pay up, Granger.”

She glanced up at him, trying to figure out if he was really annoyed or just playing. Luckily the hallway was practically empty.

“Fine. But I’m sure you already guessed it.”

Malfoy shrugged and stepped out closer to the wall, leaning against it. “Probably.”

Hermione moved over with him. If Harry and Ron ever found out she told...

“Harry and Ron,” she said with a sigh.

Malfoy didn’t seem too surprised, but he leaned forward conspiratorially. “When? Why? I want details.”

Hermione pulled at a piece of her hair. “Was that part of the deal?”

Malfoy smirked at her. “So sweeten the deal.”

Well, it was several years ago... no harm now...

She couldn’t believe she was even considering it.

Malfoy seemed to sense her indecision.

“What if I promise I won’t say anything to them about it?”

Hermione chewed on her lower lip. “Should I trust you?”

Wrong question.

Malfoy flashed her his most blazing smile. “You mean you still don’t trust me? Even after the past few weeks?”

“Well...”

Malfoy shook his head. “I’m hurt, Granger, hurt.”

She rolled her eyes. “This could qualify as a scene.”

“Ha. No.”

Silence.

“Granger.”

Still silence.

“Hermione.”

Hermione looked at him furtively. The expression on Malfoy’s face showed he was pleased with her unsettled reaction.

This needs to end before I go insane.

“Okay... it was second year.” She folded her arms across her chest protectively and leaned heavily against the wall, not looking Malfoy directly in the eye.

Malfoy tilted his head down. “How did they get in?”

She fidgeted. “With you.” She glanced up in time to see his eyes widen.

“What?”

She took a deep breath. “Look, can we finish this discussion in the library? In that room with a door and walls... I don’t really want to talk about this here.”

She expected him to argue, but he didn’t. He simply shrugged and started walking again. Hermione had to take a few quick steps to catch up with him. He led them into the library and then back into the room they had visited yesterday.

He opened the door for her and she stepped tentatively in. Malfoy followed, shutting the door behind him. He walked casually over to the couch and sat down, looking at her expectantly. “Well? You have my full attention.”

Hermione stood by the door for a moment before sitting down on the other end of the couch, looking at him.

Where to begin...

“Like I said, it was second year. Everyone was trying to figure out who the Heir of Slytherin was and, well, you were our first suspect...”

“You, Potter and Weasel?” Malfoy asked, but she could tell he was pleased to hear they all considered he might be the heir.

She nodded and went on. “We wanted to make sure, but obviously we couldn’t just ask. So...”

“So...”

“So, we figured you would tell Crabbe and Goyle.” Hermione gave a small cough. “And I read about this potion... the Polyjuice Potion.”

Malfoy scooted forward. “Wait... I’m not sure I like where this is going.”

“Heh, you probably won’t.” Hermione leaned forward as well, lowering her voice even though they were obviously alone. “Let’s just say we brewed it, used it and, um, one of the times you took Crabbe and Goyle back to the Slytherin common room with you, you were really with... Ron and Harry.”

Malfoy stared. Then he sputtered. And then he turned an odd shade of purple.

“What??!”

Hermione just watched him nervously, not sure what else to say. He took a deep breath, and then gave her a pointed look.

“Are you lying to me?”

She shook her head, remaining mute. Finally he leaned back against the end of the couch and ran a hand through his hair. “Well... that was a bit unexpected.”

Hermione pulled her book bag toward her just to have something to do. “Do you remember any of it?”

Malfoy paused, as if he was thinking back. He shrugged. “Perhaps.”

She nodded at this and began pulling out her books and notebooks - until she noticed Malfoy was simply watching her. She glanced up and gave him a perplexed look. “What?”

He tapped his index finger against his chin. “Why didn’t you come along? I thought you three did everything together.”

“Er... my part in that was just the brewing.”

“Try again, Granger.”

Hermione scoffed. “That’s the truth, Malfoy.”

He smirked at her. “Tut, tut, Granger. Has anyone ever told you that you’re a terrible liar?”

Okay, so this wasn’t going well. She had learned that Malfoy could be obnoxiously persistent when it came to harping on points.

Which is why she was going to ignore him.

“Where do you think we should start for discussing the beginnings of Arithmancy?”

“My guess is you picked one of the Slytherin girls to be. Who was it? Pansy? Millicent? Tracey?”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and opened up one of the books randomly. “I think we have a solid case with John Dee.”

“Hmmm... not Pansy. She’s a piece of work all her own - you never would’ve been able to pull it off.” He lifted an eyebrow. “I know her too well to be fooled by an imposter.”

Hermione gritted her teeth. “Perhaps you have some special insights to the use of Arithmancy in the Wizarding world shortly after 1692...”

Malfoy narrowed his eyes in thought. “Millicent? But she’s not very social. You’d have a hard time using her to get information.”

Hermione looked up from the book in annoyance. “I thought you said you had an ‘academic reputation to maintain’.”

“I do. It’s you who is stalling us.”

“I’ve already answered you,” she said testily.

Malfoy’s smirk widened. “Ooooh, did something go wrong?”

Hermione shut the book shut rather loudly. “Millicent, Millicent, Millicent. There.”

“Did it work?”

“No, obviously not,” she snapped without thinking.

He paused, and then leaned in again. “What happened.”

Hermione fidgeted. “If I tell you will you drop the subject and get the back to the matter at hand?”

He contemplated this for a moment and then shrugged. “If you insist.”

Damn. Now she had to tell him.

She gave a small sigh. “The hair... the hair I got from her wasn’t from... her.”

Malfoy lifted his eyebrow curiously. “Who was it from?”

Hermione felt her face begin to redden. “Her cat.”

Malfoy was quiet for a moment and then suddenly burst out laughing. The sound of Malfoy laughing still took her by surprise and she covered half her face with a hand.

The floor can open up and suck me in any moment now, thanks.

“Louhi?? You had a hair from Louhi??”

Hermione rubbed her face irritably. “Her cat is named Louhi?”

Malfoy stopped laughing long enough to nod. “Yeah. I guess she was the Finnish goddess of evil and black magic or something.” He shrugged. “Makes sense. That cat is evil. Always scratching at the leather couch and chairs in the common room. I banned her from coming near the boys’ dorm.”

“What? Are there leather couches in there?” Hermione snorted.

Malfoy looked at her as if she was crazy. “I’m more concerned about my clothes.”

“Saviour of Haberdashery, are you?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Were you expecting the Saviour of the Wizarding World?”

She glanced away at that, still conscious that Malfoy’s eyes were on her.

“Or maybe the runner-up? The Saviour’s faithful knight and comrade in arms?”

There was something in his tone that made Hermione glance back at him quickly. To her irritation she found it impossible to read his face.

“Your silence betrays you.”

“Shut up, Malfoy. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Ron and I aren’t even talking right now.”

She could’ve sworn she saw a smirk in his eyes.

“Yes, because of me. Do you expect me to apologize?”

“Of course not!” She exclaimed huffily. “I made my own choices and Ron’s just being a foolish prat about everything, thinking that-”

Shut up, Hermione! Shut up, shut up, shut up!

“Thinking what?”

“Nothing Malfoy, nothing.” She sighed. “We need to work on our project.”

“Arithmancy?”

“Yes, of course. What else would I be talking about?”

“You know we have a group rehearsal again in three days.”

Hermione gave him an odd look. “Yes... what are you getting at?”

Malfoy seemed to be debating something and then he finally answered. “Did you not notice what scenes will be next?”

“Well, I would assume scene three of Act III, as it would logically follow scene two,” Hermione said sarcastically.

“Perhaps I should clarify,” Malfoy replied. “Did you notice what the next scene is between Beatrice and Benedick?” He almost seemed to be smiling. “Besides, the rest of Act III is supposed to be rehearsed in the small groups. The rehearsal will start with Act IV.”

“The wedding...” Hermione’s mind was racing.

“The stalled wedding,” Malfoy corrected.

Hermione looked at him. “So... what is your point?”

Malfoy shrugged noncommitally. “If you want the first time you pretend to break-down to be in front of everyone, then that’s fine.” He picked up one of the books Hermione had in front of her and began flipping through it. “Salazar Slytherin didn’t give much weight to teaching Arithmancy at Hogwarts. He thought there were more important things.”

Hermione barely heard him. This was it - the scene she had been dreading sense she first realized Malfoy would be playing Benedick to her Beatrice. Well, this scene and the kiss scene at the end. But... right now the thought of acting out Beatrice’s tearful rage and... all the rest... with Malfoy...

She swallowed thickly. It certainly would not be helpful to have to attempt that for the first time with him in front of everybody. And so... what was he proposing? For them to meet up again to rehearse the scene...? Just them...?

Of course he is, don’t be an idiot. You have arranged meetings to rehearse other scenes before. And meetings to do this project. It’s nothing new at this point. Why are you being so weird about it?

Hermione frowned.

I’m not. He is.

“No need to frown about it. He just was more of a, how should I put it? Practical man. Potions. Dark Arts. Charms - that sort of thing.”

Hermione reached over and shut the book in his lap. “Tomorrow? Do you want to meet up to practice... that scene.”

Malfoy regarded her. “Yes, I suppose. If you want to.” He smirked.

“You brought it up,” Hermione muttered.

“Mmm-hmmm,” he said, snapping his fingers at her. She lifted an eyebrow.

“Excuse me?!”

He grinned. “Come on Granger, hand me that other book you were reading. If we’re going to be spending so much time on this play thing then we should really get some Arithmancy done.”

She rolled her eyes and tossed the book to him.

“You could’ve asked.”

Malfoy’s smirk widened.

“Maybe I will. But not today.”

Hermione stared at him as he continued to flip through the books, occasionally taking notes. She couldn’t understand the butterflies in her stomach or the fact that... she had the distinct impression that Malfoy wasn’t talking about asking about handing over books.