The Golden Trio hurried into a large classroom, buzzing excitedly about a strange new course mandated by the school. They seated themselves at the front of the room.
Hermione was practically bouncing in her seat because there were rumors of it being the hardest class they would have to take. If nothing else, she prided herself on her willingness to seek out and master new challenges. To her right, Ron was just about falling asleep on his desk, having so little energy as if just to balance out his friend's enthusiasm. Harry patiently sat staring at the empty space in front of him, daydreaming of being on a broomstick, hundreds of feet high in the air.
The Slytherins, as usual, sat the very back, hoping that the professors would have a harder time noticing misbehavior in the back.
Professor McGonagall appeared through the giant looming doors. As she positioned herself at the front of the room, the entire room of sixth years fell silent.
"I'm glad to see no one is late today, as that would've been an unpleasant way to start the school year," she said, her voice stern as ever. She paced the width of the room, running her eyes over each and every single one of the students. "A recent study has shown that an alarming percentage of the wizards and witches are extremely displeased at their choice of lifelong partners. Depression among the population is at an all time high. It seems most of this is due to lack of proper communication and problem solving skills within a relationship. I'm sad to say that due to you all spending a majority of your teenage years away from your parents and here at Hogwarts, you have no direct role models or mentors to guide you."
Hermione sat up straighter. Every sentence out of her professor's mouth launched an array of questions. She bit her lip, knowing McGonagall would soon answer her unspoken thoughts.
The Transfiguration professor cleared her throat. "Therefore, Professor Dumbledore has deemed it necessary that we educate our students in this arena of the real world. Our new class, titled 'Life Lessons,' shall shape the skills you need to lead a somewhat stable life after you leave this school, so that you find a higher rate of success in your social relationships. We will do this by simulating a real relationship with a partner. Think of this as a year-long project."
The class sat, dumbstruck. Hermione couldn't contain it anymore. She burst out, "But Professor! How could this work? How would you grade us on something like this? What would homework in a class like this look like?"
Behind her, Draco rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. So typical. Of course she's worried about the bloody homework assignments already.
The professor had a slight smile on her face. Her star student's interest warmed her heart, reminding her of herself as a girl. "Grading will be based on an analysis of your relationships, Ms. Granger. In this class, it's more about the effort put in than the results. Any sort of positive progress seen in your interactions with your partner will be considered good enough. There will be a concrete assignment once in a while, where your marks are based on completion."
Hermione sat back, satisfied with the assignment for the time being.
"Alright!" McGonagall exclaimed with a flourish of her wand. A student's name appeared on each desk. "Everyone get up!" Once they followed her orders, the desks arranged themselves in pairs. "Find the desk with your name on it. It will be your assigned seat next to your partner for the rest of the year."
Ron meandered his way around the room and plopped himself at his new desk. Leaning over to read the name of his partner, his face brightened. "Lavender!" he called out, grateful it was someone he knew. "We're paired up!"
Hermione saw the two smiling at each other and felt the tiniest twinge of jealousy. She shook her head and diverted her attention to the other side of the room, where she found Harry sitting next to Pansy Parkinson. She shot her friend a piteous look, feeling truly sorry for his predicament. Then she continued to wander the room, looking for her name. Realizing she was the only one standing, she scanned the room to see who was sitting alone. She froze and her mouth opened in horror as her eyes fell on a tall, blond Slytherin.
Draco. Malfoy.
Just her luck!
Dazed at the ludicrousness of her situation, she dragged herself over to her desk and dropped to her seat. Draco's expression mirrored her own. Both of them were wondering at the universe's cruel sense of irony. Out of all the possible partners each could get, the odds of them being paired together were tiny. Yet it happened.
The entire class stared the pair, waiting on edge for a quarrel to erupt. However, it seemed the two were too deep in shock to react immediately. They didn't even notice their classmates' worried looks.
McGonagall glanced at Hermione sympathetically. Alas, what was done was done. She couldn't change anything now. "You and your partner will, in the months to follow, share housing lodges. This may consist of adjoining rooms and some shared commodities. I suggest you build a friendship with your partner," her eyes lingered on Draco and Hermione for a second, "or, at the very least, a working acquaintanceship, for you will have to discuss, and under the right circumstances, experience themes of a mature nature. Sexual topics should not, at this age, cause you any discomfort."
Draco's face reddened. That doesn't mean… It couldn't mean… he had to perform sexual activities with… with the Gryffindor. His breath quickened. No way. They wouldn't force us into anything like that as a part of school. That's pretty much illegal. Although I guess Granger isn't too bad to look at. He stopped himself at the thought. That was too far.
Hermione's heartbeat drowned out all other noises. I can't believe this. I can't believe this. The last thing I ever want to do is talk about anything remotely adult-themed with that little ferret. This is so unfair.
Seeing the flustered looks on the students' faces, McGonagall's eyes widened and she clarified, "No, you will not be engaging in any such behavior! To think!" She sighed exasperatedly. "Pick up the cards from the front desk on your way out. It describes your first challenge in detail. Be sure to record your thoughts and progress in a journal." She paused. "That's it for today. Class dismissed."