Chapter 3: Repulsive Remarks

Hermione sat in Sybill Trelawney’s Divination class, trying to focus on anything but “the fine art of Divination”. Pure rubbish was more like it, she thought to herself. Personally, Hermione thought Divination was a complete waste of time – she’d rather have taken Ancient Runes, or even Advanced Charms! They were likely to be a lot more useful in the future. The dark room, eerily lit with blue candlelight, didn’t improve her mood. She glanced up to see Trelawney coming around with cups and tea leaves. Oh goodness, she muttered under her breath, tea readings. They’ll certainly help me determine my future! Nonsense.

*

Draco sat in Sybill Trelawney’s Divination class, trying to focus on anything but “the cleansing of the mind and spirit that is Divination”. This is pure garbage, he thought to himself. Divination was a complete waste of time – Advanced Potions, or even Transfiguration would’ve been more to his liking. It would’ve been a heck of a more useful way to spend time on potions then this crap. The dank, scented room was starting to get to him. He looked up wearily, to the sight of Trelawney coming around with cups and tea leaves for everyone. Bloody hell, he muttered to a Crabbe who was trying to down his tea without it coming back up, tea readings. Maybe it’ll tell me to switch to a more functional class. Rubbish.

***

Divination, the final class before the holidays, had finally ended. After Trelawney had asked Harry to stay back to talk about how she’d witnessed “great danger ahead with her crystal ball”, Hermione had not waited for him, desperate to get out of the classroom – the smell of the incense Trelawney always lit were starting to get to her. Once down the ladder leading to the Divination room though, she allowed herself to slow down and clear her head.

Up ahead, she could see Malfoy, walking with Crabbe and Goyle faithfully by his side. Suddenly, a folded piece of parchment fell from the stack of Malfoy’s books to the ground. None of the three noticed. Hermione walked faster and went to pick it up, intending to give it back. But curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to take a peek. Unfolding it, she started to read.

Draco,

I am very displeased that you only placed second in your school rankings. Must I repeat myself? – First in your house is not enough. You need to be at the top, and stay at the top. You cannot, I stress, allow some filthy mudblood to beat you – our pureblood reputations will be destroyed, should you continue. We cannot let that happen.

No words of encouragement? Nice wishes? Only harsh words of criticism, Hermione thought as she read.

I have brought you new, pristine dress robes for the Christmas Ball. Remember that all the upper-class purebloods will be attending. It shall be a grand time. Meanwhile, practice your manners; we will not allow you to behave so atrociously like last time. Your mother and I hope that in growing older, you will have matured.

Father

Finished reading, Hermione hurried to catch up to Malfoy and his gang.

“Malfoy!” Malfoy turned back, a cold stare already registering on his face. “You dropped this.”

Malfoy looked at the piece of parchment, recognition in his eyes. He glanced up at Hermione; he saw a flicker of… sorrow? Apology? Regret? But the moment passed so fast he wasn’t sure whether or not it had just been a pigment of his imagination.

“So nice of you to return it to me Granger… after reading it through thoroughly.” His voice was hard and cold.

“Gee, Malfoy. No words of gratitude or thanks? I expected just as much,” came the equally snide retort.

They glared at each other, both intent on winning the battle. Something within Draco shifted; he didn’t know what. In a calm voice, he broke the silence. “Get out of my face, mudblood.”

“You moron! I’d rather get out of your life!” screamed Hermione; “clearly the manners still need working on, don’t you think?” Then, without a second glance, she flew down the hallway and up the stairs. It wasn’t until she reached the Gryffindor common room did she break down and begin to cry.

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Hi! Wasn't that such a sad chapter, or at least the ending? I'm a sucker for unhappy endings, so I wanted to bring some angst into this. Hopefully Grace's next chapter will be a lot more happier! Nothing much happened in this chapter, because there wasn't much action in the "Prisoner of Azkaban" book; plus, they are still so young. However, I guarantee a lot more action in the future, as they get older... ;) Don't forget to leave your thoughts and comments!