A confrontation in an abandoned corridor turns into something much more for Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy.
Potions. At the moment it was one of Hermione's favorite subjects, along with Transfiguration and Charms of course. Even she had surprised herself by taking such a liking to the class, but since Professor Slughorn had taken over for Professor Snape, she no longer dreaded it. Of course Harry was at the top of the class with his borrowed Potions book, but that wouldn't discourage her from enjoying herself.
She took a seat at Harry and Ron's table and opened her textbook quietly. Draco Malfoy was sitting across the aisle from her, currently torturing a fat, brown spider to death. She scrunched her nose disapprovingly at him before letting her hair fall along her face like a curtain between them. Hopefully he would kill it soon and put the poor thing out of its misery.
"Catch, Granger!" Malfoy said suddenly, throwing the spider at her. It landed on her shoulder and she instinctively screamed, causing dozens of curious faces to look her way.
After thrashing about in her seat and swatting at her robes, she saw the creature fall to the floor and immediately brought her foot down on it.
"What is all this commotion?" Professor Slughorn inquired as he entered the classroom.
Everyone else was wondering the same thing as they settled back into their desks.
"I saw a spider," Hermione said, shooting a deathly glare across the aisle at Malfoy.
"Very well," Slughorn said, shrugging off the excuse. "Everyone turn in their books to page 113. Now, who can name a potion that causes its drinker to feel giddy, light-hearted, and excited?"
Hermione's hand was the first one in the air.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?" Slughorn said, a pleased smile crossing his face.
"There are several potions that might have this effect, including but not limited to Love Potions and the Elixir of Euphoria."
"You are absolutely correct," he said with a nod of his head and a smile. "Now, who can tell me what common ingredient can be found in both in a Love Potion and the Elixir of Euphoria? How about you, Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco's face fell and he glanced around nervously. It was obvious that he did not have the slightest clue as to the answer. Professor Snape would have never called on him without his hand raised.
"Erm..." he said, glancing eagerly at his books.
A smug smile crossed Hermione's face and she raised her hand once more.
"Very well, Ms. Granger?" Slughorn said, shifting his attention from Draco.
"Anyone who did the homework assignment knows that the answer is Shrivelfig," she answered confidently.
"Right you are," the professor smiled. "Take ten points to Gryffindor!"
Hermione cut her eyes over at Malfoy and smiled. He may have managed to frighten her with the spider, but she had had the last laugh after all.
"Today you will each be making a potion of your choosing," Professor Slughorn announced to the class, "and it must include Shrivelfig."
The look on Draco's face was murderous as he watched Hermione flip her hair confidently and make her way to the shelves at the back of the room to get started on her potion.
By the end of the class, Hermione had managed an acceptable Love Potion that bubbled light blue in her cauldron. Harry, as usual, had created a perfect concoction: He had chosen the Elixir of Euphoria. Ron, on Harry's other side, was grumbling miserably over his cauldron of brown goop, fearful of what Professor Slughorn would have to say about it.
As he did every class, Professor Slughorn made his way around the room, scrutinizing everyone's products.
"Very nice, Ms. Brown. It could have used one more Ashwinder Egg.
Exceptional as usual Mr. Potter - a perfect Elixir.
Mr. Weasley... erm... perhaps you should have asked Mr. Potter for help," he said as he made his way around the desks.
"Nice, Ms. Granger," he said as he peered into her cauldron. Her chest swelled with pride as he made his way to Malfoy's desk next.
"Mr. Malfoy, it looks like you added too many rose thorns and not enough porcupine quills. Not your best work," he said, shaking his head.
Again Hermione smiled. It was so nice to see Malfoy put in his place every now and again. He had a powerful family and a sinister father, but he was not as intelligent as everyone thought him to be. She could feel the dangerous glare he was giving her, as though it were tangible, but she kept her head high.
When no one was looking, Hermione retrieved a fat vial from her bag and filled it with the blue potion; As inconspicuously as she could, she stuffed the tube back into her bag and cleaned up the rest of her things. It was a bad habit she had formed as a result of her friendship with Harry and Ron; They bottled their potions from class and stored them in a trunk in Gryffindor tower, just in case they should ever need one of them. They were now up to eight or nine different potions, all distinctly labeled, and Hermione would add this Love Potion to the collection. She looked up just in time to see Harry slipping a similar vial into her bag and she hid a smile. Apparently she would be adding two potions to the trunk.
"I'll catch up with you two in a bit," Hermione said to her friends before sliding out of the classroom.
Hermione first stopped in the Gryffindor common room to drop off her things and to store their new potions before heading to the Great Hall for dinner. She brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail before heading back downstairs. She was almost surprised that she did not run into Harry or Ron along the way.
She made her way alone down a long corridor, her footsteps clicking softly against the stone floor, all the while a confident smirk plastered on her face. She was still thrilled about Draco Malfoy's embarrassment in Potions and she held her chin up victoriously.
We'll see if he ever thinks about throwing another spider at me, she thought.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she did not hear the quickening footsteps behind her until it was too late. She felt someone grab her and push her violently toward the wall; Her head cracked against the stone and she found herself face to face with the blonde villain she had been thinking about only moments ago.
"Who the bloody hell do you think you are?" Draco spat in her face.
Hermione was terrified. The rage in Draco's eyes was unmistakable; He looked like he was ready to kill someone. When she did not answer, he slammed her arms above her head, pinning her to the wall.
"How dare you mock me like that," he snarled in her face. "You filthy mudblood."
Hermione's cheeks were red as though Draco had slapped her. She was angry. She was embarrassed. How had he managed to catch her off guard like this?
No one ever used this corridor, which was the main reason Hermione chose it. True, it was a bit longer than any other route to get to the Great Hall, but she enjoyed the peacefulness of the abandoned corridor. But how was it that Draco knew where she would be? And alone? Perhaps he had simply seen her passing and decided to follow her... but then, why was he so far away from the dungeons?
She contemplated spitting in his face, as it was only a few inches from her own, but changed her mind. It was too cliché. Besides, Draco might enjoy it. What would he hate more than being spat on? Kneeing him in the groin was a promising idea, but their forms were too closely pressed together for her to gain access.
'Damn,' she thought.
Whatever she was going to do, she needed to do quickly. Her wrists were beginning to ache from the hold Draco had on her, and there was no way for her to reach her wand in her back pocket. She couldn't push him away because he was too strong. But perhaps...
What Hermione did next was a surprise even to her. It was a split second decision, and she hoped it would be enough of a distraction that she could break free of his hold. As quickly and as hard as she could, Hermione pushed herself forward and slammed her lips against Draco's.
His mouth was hard and unyielding, but the kiss provided the diversion Hermione had been hoping for. She felt Draco's grip slacken on her wrists and she shoved him away, hard. Turning on her heel, she broke into a sprint.
Behind her she could hear Draco cursing and gagging in revulsion and she couldn't help but smile proudly to herself as she rounded the corner. That would show him.