A/N: This story's muse seems to be rather elusive, but after much reading, I think that I've FINALLY found where I'm going with this. This story has been up on my old account, but a fresh start (again) seems in order. So, the glorious Blaise Zabini (non-HBP compatible as this was written a while ago. Now we know Blaise to be a Muggle-hating, black boy, but that's just too bad) has made a reappearance into my imagination. So let us begin…

A/N x2: This is a revised chapter one, as I am going back and reshaping some of the chapters. The changes here are minor, just to make it flow better, but some chapters will have entirely new scenes in them, but you will be warned so you can get all the goodness out of this story!

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Division

Mnemosynesque

Summary: Blaise Zabini really doesn't like to talk. One, people are stupid, and two, people scare him. So what was Professor Vector thinking when he partnered Blaise with his co-Head, the overly chatty and Gryffindor-ish Hermione Granger for the Ancient Runes project? Why couldn't he get paired with someone who ignores him? Nooooooo… He had to get her! And once Hermione gets the idea that they're friends, she's never going to leave him alone! As Blaise says himself, "The world sucks."

Rating: PG-13, for fairly strong language.

Disclaimer: Some things in life are simply unattainable. This would be one of them, unfortunately.

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Chapter 1: O thou, my lovely boy

O thou, my lovely boy, who in thy power
Dost hold Time's fickle glass, his fickle, hour;
Who hast by waning grown, and therein show'st
Thy lovers withering as thy sweet self grow'st;
If Nature, sovereign mistress over wrack,
As thou goest onwards, still will pluck thee back,
She keeps thee to this purpose, that her skill
May time disgrace and wretched minutes kill.
Yet fear her, O thou minion of her pleasure!
She may detain, but not still keep, her treasure:
Her audit, though delay'd, answer'd must be,
And her quietus is to render thee.

-Shakespeare's Sonnet 126

Blaise Zabini lounged in his usual desk in the back of the classroom, his unusually large frame spilling from the confines of his chair. His tall frame towered above nearly everyone, and his thin build lent to the idea that he would snap in half quite easily. "The Leaning Tower of Pisa," Draco Malfoy, one of the few people he could stand, had commented, also drawing on his Italian heritage.

"Wanker," he muttered under his breath. Although he and Draco had known each other for years, he was quite sure that there was something fundamentally wrong with that boy. "Complete nut case," he continued.

No one heard him. Though they rarely did. Even Theodore Nott, a fellow Slytherin who had shared a dormitory for the past seven years, hardly noticed him. Blaise was used to eyes sliding right over him. In fact, the only two people of his age that really seemed to know he existed were Draco Malfoy and Hermione bloody Granger, both who constantly pestered for consultation on homework, though Draco with reasons that were less than honorable. Granger, of course, with her bloody righteousness…

Blaise's eyes immediately flew to the front of the classroom where his bushy haired co-Head sat in rapt attention, quill flying as she wrote down what the professor was saying. He shook his head and his eyes unconsciously rolled as they always did when she came anywhere near him. He blew his curly black hair away from his eyes as he considered her.

Bloody brilliant. But utterly wasted on her, he decided, once again falling into the habit of dissecting people. He was know as "the quiet kid" when he was known at all, but behind his eyes hid a detailed account of almost everyone he interacted with on a daily basis. He had even gone so far as to write it down in a journal; a very bad idea, of course (never leave anything written that could implicate you) but he thirsted for an analysis of everyone.

His eyes roved around the classroom. Ah, Anthony Goldstein. A Ravenclaw with about as little personality as a person could possibly have while still being human. That boy had absolutely no live in him. Looks a bit like Malfoy, with that damn hair and pasty complexion. Bet he's the most boring person on the face of the earth. There were only eight people in the class. Himself, Granger, Goldstein, Nott, Padma Patil, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, and bloody Ernie Macmillian, that bloody wanker. (It wasn't even the boy's particularly infuriating Hufflepuffle-ish nature that bothered Blaise—the boy was just an idiot and Blaise couldn't stand idiots.)

Tearing his eyes away from the pathetic excuse of a class, he refocused on Professor Vance, who was currently sitting on the edge of his desk looking quite excited. "As your N.E.W.T.s quickly approach, I would like to assign you an extended research project that will last nearly the whole year. This project is a practice for the one you will have to complete for the N.E.W.T.s test."

Blaise's attention returned fully to the squat teacher at the front of the room. He actually quite enjoyed Ancient Runes and looked forward to getting into some in-depth research. The majority of the class, however, did not seem so pleased.

"But," the professor continued. Blaise cringed mentally; Professor Vance's infamous buts never turned out favorably. "But you will get to work with a partner. I have assigned the partners-" He waited until he could speak over the class' groaning. "According to your level of proficiency in the class. Your partners are-"

Blaise closed his eyes and repressed the urge to emit a sigh of frustration. The only person that could ever top him in any class was…

He opened his eyes and found her staring back at him with a face that clearly was not pleased either. In fact, Blaise was surprised at how angry she looked. Probably just upset that she couldn't do it for herself and get all the credit, he thought meanly. And it wasn't as if this was going to be fun for him either. They were enemies.

Well, Blaise really had to take that back. There had never really been a hate between the two, really just a strange feeling of dislike. They were just so opposite. She was very vocal about her beliefs, while Blaise would rather kill himself than speak in front of people. Plus, the whole Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry just served to exacerbate the problem.

But they had always managed to hold a certain respect (albeit grudging) for each other. Both had ridiculous work ethic, and many nights shared in the common room had not left them any worse off.

Oh, well, that came out wrong.

He once again blinked out of his thoughts as a piece of parchment was thrust at him. He looked up to the owner of the paper and saw Granger staring down at him expectantly. Gingerly he took the paper while avoiding eye contact, and began to read, his blue eyes moving quickly as he scanned the paper...

"For centuries, runes have been used as a means of obtaining answers from a "Higher Source." From Norwegian and Icelandic study, to Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norse and Germanic usage. Ancient Greeks and Romans also runic oracles. The runes have been around since the dawn of time, some research indicates as early as 250-150 BC.

"Since you are familiar with runes, you know that many of the rune meanings repeat certain tidbits of information. For instance, you have been guided throughout nearly every stone to focus on meditation, visualization and positive thought, for that is the key to a successful future. Nothing in life is ever "etched in stone." You have free will and must direct your own destiny. We are always free to embrace or resist our Highest Good. Ultimately, it is up to you to take control of your future.

"Knowing this, you are assigned the rune of Ehwaz, or movement, a horse and rider. It implicates shifts in your life and the growing strength of a personal relationship. Write a six foot essay on the implications of this rune and its importance in history. Be prepared to make a fifteen minute speech due after Christmas break. This project will count as 40 of your grade."

Blaise looked up at Hermione, and she was surprised to see a definite essence of fear in his cerulean eyes. Having spent nearly a month living in close quarters with him, she couldn't remember the last time he had shown any weak emotions.

Well, any emotions, actually. He's the perfect Slytherin stereotype. Though he is very handsome. Even proper Hermione wouldn't pretend to notice his dashing good looks. She was surprised, really, that more girls (like Parvati and Lavender) didn't notice him and throw themselves over him. Perhaps, vaguely, she remembered one of their many long girl talks involving him, but she couldn't be sure. She tried to ignore them as much as possible. Thank Merlin she didn't have to live with those two anymore.

"Bit intimidating, isn't it? And embarrassing," Hermione said, a flush rising to her cheeks. What had possessed Professor Vance to give them such a rune? The rune described the bonding of hearts and a true understanding, with a definite implication of the sexual side of these processes. Was this irony on their professor's part, or just cruel fate?

Blaise nodded, willing the fear from his visage as he swallowed. It was not the emotional implication of the rune that disturbed him. Public speaking made him want to either vomit or crawl into a hole and never come out. Hell, I can't even tell Granger that and she's only one person… I am so screwed.

When Hermione finally came to the conclusion that Blaise had nothing to say, she dragged the nearest desk next to him and sat down. "I guess we should start by fully researching the rune and all of its meanings. Is that okay?"

Blaise nodded mutely, his mind still reeling.

"Where do you think we should start?" A pause. And no response from Blaise, who was still staring dazedly at the front of the room. It was rather disconcerting. "So you have any opinion at all?" Hermione was at her wit's end.

Blaise seemed to hear her this time, but merely shook his head.

"Merlin, Zabini! Why don't you speak up for once in your life? I don't see how you could have made Head Boy! I mean, no one likes you because you never say anything, just sit there and be all snotty!" Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth as she realised what she had said. "Oh, I'm sorry Zabini. I didn't mean it like that. You know, you just-"

"Yes you did," he said shortly as he stood and left at the dismissal from Professor Vance. He was gone before anyone else, and long before Hermione unfroze enough to go chasing after him.

"Okay, maybe I did," Hermione muttered angrily to herself as she gathered her books and shoved them violently into her satchel. "But that was easily the longest sentence you've ever said to me."

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After double potions, in which Hermione felt awful whenever she saw the tall, dark boy, Hermione trudged into the Great Hall for dinner. Spotting her raven and red headed friends, she headed towards the far end of the Gryffindor table that seemed to be specially saved for seventh years. She sat down next to Harry and Ron to try to enjoy her meal, although that was hard with the combined efforts of Ron's horrendous eating habits and her guilt.

"So, how was your day today Hermione?" Harry seemed to be in exceptionally good spirits today, a cheerful grin planted firmly on his face.

Bastard. Out loud she avoided the question. 'Why are you so happy all of the sudden?"

"Well, today on the Quiddich pitch we were flying around and when practice finally started Ginny came up with this great play and we practiced it a whole lot and--"

Hermione promptly tuned Harry out; any mention of Quiddich (or his clear infatuation with Ginny) made her want to scream. Instead, she felt her eyes being drawn across the hall to the Slytherin table where one Blaise Zabini sat alone, immersed in what looked like their seventh year Potion's book. Just as she glanced at him, he stood and, without a word, began to take long strides toward the giant wooden doors leading out of the Great Hall. Glancing over at Ron and Harry, who were still blissfully unaware of her ever waning interest, she stood up.

"I've got to go ask Zabini about our Ancient Runes project. I'll see you guys later." Hermione walked out of the hall without glancing back, knowing that it was entirely likely that neither Harry nor Ron had heard a word she had just said.

As she exited the Great Hall, she began walking towards their common room, figuring that was where he had gone. Sure enough, as she sped up her walk, she saw Blaise's back. "Hey Blaise! Wait up!"

He turned slowly, surprised that anyone would be chasing him down. His eyes clouded as he saw who it was, but he nevertheless waited while she caught up to him. As soon as she reached him, he began walking again, while she fell into step next to him.

"Look, I know we've never been… friends. I mean, I can hardly say we've been acquaintances, not that it's from lack of trying on my part… But we've got along pretty well because we both have the same goals." She took a breath, and Blaise was interested to note a trace of fear flit across her face. "But I really am sorry for what I said today in Ancient Runes. I was really out of order. I mean, I'm sure you have friends and all…" She trailed off lamely, obviously not knowing where to go from there. She looked up at him, and he remained impassive.

"Okay." As soon as he said this, he realised that it may not have been the most tactful thing to say. Ah well, I've never been known for being particularly tactful now, have I?

He could audibly hear her teeth grinding and her eyes flashed with annoyance. "Damnit Zabini! I try to be nice, and I admit I was wrong and all you can say is 'okay'? For someone so brilliant, you're really lacking in some important social skills. I mean, what's your problem? Even Ron in his most ridiculous stages isn't this inarticulate."

Blaise continued to stare at her, but she swore there was a slight twitch to his lips. "I can speak. I generally don't feel the need to, that's all. I mean, I'm not dumb or anything. And please never compare me to that redheaded idiot."

A slow smile spread across her face. His voice was deep and mellifluous, something Hermione had never garnered from the short bursts of speech she had heard before. "You have a beautiful voice. You should use it more often." He was surprised, to say the least, but skillfully kept that sentiment from his face. Hermione, judging from the horrified glow spreading across her cheeks, felt just about the same way, but just couldn't keep it off of her face.

Blaise felt a small rush of confidence through him, even if he didn't show it outwardly. No one had ever paid him that sort of compliment. It was… nice. He felt as if he should have a reply, but he stopped himself except for, "Unity."

Hermione looked up, confused, but realised that he was only saying the password to their common room. "Thanks," she muttered, still not making eye contact with the tall boy. She stepped through the portrait and immediately put her books down on the large table in the center of the room and sat. She was surprised when Blaise followed her lead, and it must have shown on her face.

He pulled out his Ancient Runes binder and showed it to her, his eyebrows raised in a silent question. Following his lead, she nodded without a word, unwilling to meet his eyes. She immediately immersed herself in the text of her book, but was startled when Blaise handed her a parchment filled with detailed notes.

She read through them, amazed at the detail and insight. "Well, I can see how you became Head Boy. But," she added, plastering on her face a smirk that surprised Blaise, "your handwriting is horrible."

He glared at her, then quirked his odd, not-quite-a-smile smile. She looked back down at her notes, but once in awhile she would peek up at him and find him looking at her, as if analyzing her. His hair fell gracefully in his eyes, and with a strange pang in her heart she realised that he reminded her of Sirius. But, no, Sirius didn't have the strong jaw line, or the olive complexion, or the azure almond shaped eyes that Blaise made work so perfectly.

She smiled slightly, feeling her face heat against her will, but somehow she felt no remorse about studying this… god. He really was a superb piece of work, she thought objectively as if viewing a perfect Greek sculpture. Sighing slightly, she looked back down at the notes and continued to read. It was strangely relaxing, and for the first time this year she felt at ease with her mysterious counterpart.

As she neared the end of his notes on the Ehwaz rune, he burst the silence. "I like Wednesdays." She looked up at him incredulously and began to giggle. Where did that come from?

"T-that was so r-r-random," she managed to choke out between giggles. "You don't speak to me, but you suddenly come up with that? I really do wonder what's flashing through your head."

Too much to comprehend. I doubt anyone else could ever understand, he thought wryly to himself. He rolled his eyes at the still giggling Hermione. Why do girls giggle? It's so pointless. "Well, I do like them," he said in his defense, feeling slightly ridiculous, but also in the back of his mind, as if he could laugh at himself.

What a novel concept. Not taking myself seriously?

Finally managing to restrain herself, Hermione took a deep, calming breath and asked, still with a grin on her face, "How did you come about this startling revelation? And why?"

"Well, I forgot what day it was. Then I realised we had Potions today so it's a Wednesday, and then I thought 'hey, that comes from the Norse god Odin, who is also known as Wodan to some.' I mean, I was just thinking that because runes were used in the Scandinavian countries and that reminded me of Odin, and then, well, yeah."

Hermione looked at him with a mixture of shock and amusement. "That's more than you've ever said to me in the six years that we've 'known' each other. Who knew that I would ever get to see Blaise Zabini babble about a certain day of the week?"

He looked down at his hands, his usually impassive face slightly flushed when he realised what he had done. Oh Merlin, I can't believe I just said that. I'm an idiot. Well, it's not my fault I hate talking.

Hermione knew she had said the wrong thing when he wouldn't meet her eye or speak, but if the poor boy could take a joke then what could she do about it? But she did feel bad as she looked at the embarrassed boy."Sorry," she apologized to him for the second time that day.

He looked up in surprise. He had not been expecting or looking for an apology. He tilted his head and looked at her in his strange, penetrating, analytical way again, as if trying to determine the veracity of her statement. Finally he nodded, a if deciding something. "I was born on a Wednesday," he said quietly, almost in a whisper, as if he were imparting a great secret to the bushy haired girl sitting across the table from him.

"'Wednesday's child is full of woe'," she recited, thinking back on the nursery rhyme she had been taught as a child. "It's an old Muggle nursery rhyme," she clarified for the obviously confused Blaise.

"When were you born?" His voice was low, but again reminded Hermione of music. He leaned forward, showing his obvious interest and Hermione had never felt so… wanted. With Harry and Ron it had been a given that she would always be there to talk to if they needed her, but Blaise's body language seemed to say 'I really am interested in what you're saying'.

"I was born on a Friday. 'Friday's child is loving and giving'"

Blaise somehow found that funny and chuckled softly. Hermione feigned a look of shock. "What? A Slytherin with a sense of humour? That's outrageous!"

Blaise caught her eye, once again serious. "It's just that Friday is associated with Venus, and Freya- the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Perhaps," he said with a glint of humour in his eyes, "you can see where I would find that very ironic."

"Well, thank you Mr. Know-it-All. I hope you know that I am loving and giving! And," she lowered her voice, forcing Blaise to lean closer, "and I know all about love."

He blinked slowly, and a smirk formed on his perfect lips. A full on smirk. A smirk that could make even Draco Malfoy proud, and could definitely scare the living daylights out of Hermione Granger, who had spent her life at Hogwarts avoiding smirks like that, which only led to teasing and torment.

She smiled weakly, the feeling of comfort between them pulled away as quickly as it had been imparted on her. She fumbled for an adequate excuse, finally settling on just, "I-I'm going to go to bed. We'll work on this tomorrow?"

Blaise nodded, confused, but did nothing to stop her as she headed up the stairs to her room. He wondered about that girl, nearly as strange as himself.

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Hermione woke the next morning very early as she usually did. She showered quickly and took little time getting ready. After shuffling down the stairs, she saw that the clock read 7:30. It was over an hour until the first classes of the day began. She sighed, not wanting to spend most of her breakfast sitting in the Great Hall alone (there was no way Harry or Ron would get there anytime before 8, and she didn't think she could deal with anyone else today).

Letting out another little painful sounding sigh, she decided to wait in the common room for a while before heading downstairs. Just as she was about to settle down with her potions textbook (a little pre class cramming, as usual), she heard the stairs creak and saw a tousled Zabini padding down the stairs, shoeless.

She almost smiled at the sight, but once again remembered the fear of last night. Her irrational side told her that anything that reminded her of Malfoy in any way could not be a good thing. Therefore, the "brave" Gryffindor chose to flee, rather than fight, so she gathered her things up once again and fled to breakfast, dooming herself to a long, lonely breakfast that morning.

Oh well. It was not as if Hermione Granger was not used to spending quality time with books rather than human beings.

Through all this, Blaise remained in the middle of the staircase looking very sleepy and very confused. Finally he seemed to shake himself awake and muttered a very belated, "Good morning to you too."

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A/N: The Ancient Runes information was all looked up, so it is actually true. (It's quite an interesting subject, if you're interested in strange things like that.) So, I'd love a review (not-so-subtle hint) to get feedback. So leave one. And we'll be cool.