It was the first Potions class of second term, the forboding day where Professor Snape inevitably switched the class seating arrangements.
"GRANGER," he barked, startling the young woman as he never failed to do. "You will be working with Master Malfoy, for the term." Hermione took a very deep breath, closed her eyes, and prepared her things, waiting to move until Blaise Zabini had shifted out of the way. SHe set her jaw tightly, determined to be civil, but not warm. She actually half expected him to dart out some scathing remark about her "Mudblood" heritage before their assignment even began. To her surprise, he kept his pale mouth shut, waiting for the professor's instructions. Hermione was by no means warming to the boy, but she respected his self control.
There was no way Hermione could guess what truly posessed Draco to bite his tongue. After the one time in third year she punched him in they eye, he had begun to have a measure of respect for the girl, respect he carefully hid. But each year, Draco's respect turned more and more to affection. Was he crazy? He didn't know. How could a pure blood Slytherin be attracted to a Muggle-born intellectual Gryffindor? He didn't even recognize his shift from the derrogatory term of Mudblood to "Muggle-born;" all he knew was that the close proximity he was now experiencing working alongside her was going to drive him crazy.
Once the two were well under way with their potion, Draco made his move. The recipe called for two things to be added at once, while also being stirred. Hermione already had one ingredient in her hand, stirring patiently with the other. Draco grabbed the other vial, then putting a finger on the potions book. Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - these two actions were not on the same side of the cauldron, effectively placing him both very close to Hermione and in a very sexually frustrating position. The pair took deep breaths and poured in their ingredients, disconnecting as quickly as possible. They finished the potion quickly and silently, finishing long before time was up. Malfoy placed the vial on Snape's desk. Snape caught him by the arm.
"Malfoy?"
"Professor?"
"Are you and Granger...through?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Very well. Ten points to each house; you may leave," Snape said reluctantly. Draco bowed and relayed the information to his Potions partner, who packed her things quickly, trying to pre-empt Draco's attentions. She was not quick enough, however, as he caught her arm as soon as they moved out of sight of the dungeon door. He pushed her bodily into a side corridor and crushed her up against the wall.
"What do you want from me?" Wrong question to ask him. He slammed his mouth onto hers, taking her completely by surprise. Who would believe Draco Malfoy would be kissing her? "Why?" she gasped, as soon as her mouth was free. Again, the wrong question to ask him. The kiss was less forceful, but no less desperate. The fear in her eyes was blatant, finally causing him to step back.
Potions would never be the same again.