Paper Moon

by Black-Diamonds and Beck
 
 

Chapter 1
Confusion, Delusion
 

"A muggle text. Charming." Draco sneered. Hermione gritted her teeth and held the battered book
close to her.

"Can't see what's so fascinating about it. Looks boring."

"What would you know Malfoy? You haven't read it." All Hermione had wanted ten minutes ago
was to find somewhere quiet to read her book of Shakespeare. She'd just settled beneath a shady
tree near the back of the school when Mr. Higher-Than-Thou had shown up. And now he stood
there with that stupid ignorant smirk.

"Hermione Granger...my, my, smart little mudblood, with her nose stuck in a muggle book. You
know it's against the rules of Hogwarts. I wonder what Dumbledore would have to say about this."

Hermione paled. "Are you threatening me Malfoy?"

Draco stepped closer.

"Maybe I am. But maybe there's something you can do to stop me from going to Dumbledore."

Hermione narrowed her eyes.

"And what might that be."

"You lend that book to me."

"What!" Hermione exclaimed, "But..."

"Things aren't always what they seem Granger. Now hand over the book."

Confused and annoyed, Hermione thrust the book at him.

"There, take it." She turned and walked briskly back towards the school. A light rain had begun
to fall, and tiny beads of water collected on her black robes. Oblivious to the increasing rainfall,
Hermione kept walking. Her mind was clouded with thoughts of Draco. Stupid Draco Malfoy.
Dra.Co.Mal.Foy.

Damn him! She had enough homework on her plate without having to sort out her feelings for
the little Slytherin git. Wait a minute, was there anything else apart from hate for him? Yes! Wait...
no, no! Of course not. She hated him as he hated her! But...but...had there been an unseen yet
undeniable attraction between them since first year? Well...no! Impossible! She was too smart
and non-evil for him; he was too dark, too cruel, too arrogant, too cold, too pretentious, too
good-looking. What!? Damn it!

Taking refuge away from everyone else until the next double study period was the only option.
Hermione went down beside the lake. Sitting on a log in the pouring rain, Hermione ignored the
tears that cascaded down her cheeks.
 
 
 

Chapter 2