AUTHOR'S NOTE (PLEASE READ): This story of mine is just a fanfic. It is not intended to completely follow the real Harry Potter story, so if things seem different it's because it's my own version. Consider my fanfic a non-canon, meaning I do not abide by every single rule and event as seen in the original story line written by J.K. Rowling. Do not get me wrong, for some things will remain the same, but others will be different. Again, this is a non-canon fanfic.
And just a heads up since I couldn't fit it into the summary, the main characters are in their 5th year. Happy reading! =)
Chapter 1
"Today we will be working on a new project, one that involves working with a partner," said Professor McGonagall as she spoke to both the Gryffindor and Slytherin students, slowly pacing the room. "This project will involve a lot of research on your part, so I expect you all to do well by visiting the library as often as you can. Should you require a book from the restricted section I advise you to see me as soon as possible so I can give you permission to do so."
A few groans could be heard around the room at the fact that a lot of research will be needed. Ron turned to Harry and muttered under his breath "Another project? Is she mad? Doesn't she realize we already have twenty-thousand other projects on top of this?"
"Mr. Weasley," interrupted McGonagall, giving him a stern look. "Should you wish to speak during class I could very easily give you a detention every day, after class, for the rest of the week on top of those twenty-thousand projects."
Ron bowed his head slowly. "Sorry professor."
She then turned back to the rest of the class again. "Now, I understand that you are all very busy as Mr. Weasley says, but with hard work it is manageable. You all will get into pairs with a partner and I want you all to write a thirty page paper together on a certain spell. Now, no two groups will share the same spell. Everyone needs to choose something different, but they can't be anything I have already taught you in class. In fact, I want them to be very rare and outdated spells that are no longer used today. This is why you will be required to spend as much time in the library as possible, including possibly the restricted section as this research will be very difficult to find. Some books may only have a sentence on your spell, while others may have a small paragraph or two. I want you to combine as much research as you can and tell me what the purpose of the spell was used for, who invented it, how was it invented, how exactly does it work, and why it is no longer in use along with any other additional information you can find to make it at least thirty pages."
At this a lot of students gaped at her. Not only did they have this project, but they had two other papers to write as well: one paper for potions and the other for Herbology. They also had a mid-term to worry about for Defense Against the Dark Arts to study for, seeing as it was coming up in only two weeks. Thinking they had it bad enough, McGonagall's next statement made it even worse.
"Now, because we have an even amount of Gryffindor and Slytherin students, I want you to gather into pairs from someone of a separate house," said McGonagall. "In other words, a Gryffindor needs to pair up with a Slytherin and vice versa."
"Hang on professor," interrupted Malfoy with great amusement. "Perhaps I heard you wrong. It sounds to me as if you want me and my fellow house to partner up with those from the Gryffindor house. If so, I find this impossible seeing as separate houses means it will be far more difficult to meet up, being located in different dormitories and all."
"No, you heard me correct Mr. Malfoy," replied McGonagall, wiping the smirk off his face. "For so long you all have partnered with your own house, but never from someone of a separate house. This is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow classmates better. I'm sure you can all manage to meet up outside of your dormitories."
"But professor," said Lavender Brown. "Meeting up outside of our dormitories is hard because we aren't allowed to roam the school at night. We have to remain in our dormitories at night and it is during this time that most of my homework and other project get done. I'm sure others will agree with me."
A majority of students nodded in response. Seeing as they were so busy throughout the daytime, they rarely had time to complete any of their projects except for late in the evening.
"Again," replied McGonagall. "If you need permission to do something you aren't normally allowed to do I will gladly give you permission to do so, so long as it is for academic purposes. Should you need to remain in the library until 2am, I will write a permission note for this."
No one else said any more. There were no more arguments that could be made. Harry and the others could only hope that they weren't partnered with anyone too dreadful. The worst he could think of right now as being partnered with Draco Malfoy. If that were the case then the project would never get done successfully with all the hate the two shared for each other. In fact, if McGonagall did choose to partner the two together Harry already had a plan in his mind to argue with her about this after class.
"Now, I have a list here already set up with whom you will be partnered with." Everyone sat up, waiting for their name to be called, praying their partner wasn't someone too horrible. McGonagall unraveled the rolled up parchment in her hands and cleared her throat to prepare to read each name."
"Dean Thomas," she read aloud. "You will be partnered with Pansy Parkinson." This caused both him and Pansy to groan in great protest.
"Neville Longbottom will be paired with Vincent Crabbe." Another groan could be heard. Neville looked petrified as if he had just received the death sentence, but McGonagall paid no attention to this and continued reading.
"Lavendar Brown will be partnered with Amanda Albat. Susan Brown will be partnered with Sandra Kenell. Andrew Simons will be partnered with …" on and on she went until she got to Harry, who discovered he was partnered with a Slytherin named Kevin whom he didn't know too well but assumed he was far better than Draco. Ron ended up with a female Slytherin named Rosetta, who again he didn't know well either but figured it too was far better than Draco or anyone in his gang. Then it came down to Hermione.
"Hermione Granger," she said. Hermione sat up with a concerned look. It was clear what was on her mind. She was hoping that if she had to be partnered with a Slytherin that it better at least be someone who was on the same page as her, academic wise. There were only a few Slytherins left that it could possibly be. It would either be Ellen, Casey, Draco, or Kendra. She hoped out of the four that it would be Kendra, seeing as Kendra always was concerned about her grades as well.
"Hermione Granger, you will be working with Draco Malfoy."
At that statement Hermione's stomach dropped. Ron and Harry gasped themselves, surprised that McGonagall would pull such a maneuver by partnering these two together, especially after Malfoy called her a Mudblood in the past. The word Mudblood was one of the foulest insults in the wizarding world.
"Professor," said Hermione, her voice panicked. "Would it be at all possible to change that? Everyone knows Draco and I do not get along and I just feel it would hinder our project together."
"For once I completely agree with Granger," said Malfoy. "I would way rather work with someone else."
"I'm sorry you two, but the list has already been made. There is no changing it. You two will just have to tolerate one another if you want to get an Outstanding on this project together."
"So there is absolutely no way of changing this?" asked Malfoy. "There isn't a thing that can be done?"
McGonagall looked between both him and Herminone, considering their plee of change for a moment. Then she finally answered them both. "I'm afraid not you two. I did not create this list myself. This list was created using magic. There is nothing at all in mine or anyone else's power that can change this. You have to work together."
"And what happens if we don't?" asked Malfoy. "What happens if we break this so called magic list you helped to create? Do we die or something?"
"Of course not," she said, sounding rather bemused. "I would never put your lives in danger over such a silly thing. However, if you two decide not to work together on this then you will fail and be held back for another year."
At this both Hermione and Malfoy had nothing more to say. Hermione continued to have a look of pure worry, while Malfoy held an expression of deep dislike toward the whole idea. Hermione didn't care so much for the fact that she had to tolerate Malfoy, but more for the fact that their hate for one another would ruin their grade. Hermione was known for her excellent grades in school. She couldn't afford to lose it over a bad partner who hated her.
Authors Note
Feedback is always welcome. I always look forward to what my readers have to say and I am always happy to respond. Until the next chapter!
