Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and these writings are not for any monetary gain. And so on and so forth…blah blah blah

Chapter 2

The next day the rest of the class was partnered up. Draco and Hermione were asked to give an example of the basic waltz and then Ms. Grindhall went over the steps one by one then sent everyone off to practice.

One- Two- Three. They could hear in the background. But it was now human nature for both of them as they just went through the motions.

"You really are quite good. Where do you train?" Hermione said partly trying to start a conversation and partly because she was curious.

"Madame Clark's" He answered shortly.

Her eyes widened. "Wow that would explain why you're so good. I've wanted to go there for years but… you know the…restrictions."

"Yes, well actually that's what got me there in the first place. Parents wanted me associating with others in my class."

"I see." Hermione furrowed her brow in distaste.

Changing the subject he continued. "What about you?"

"A prestigious muggle one until 3 years ago." Now it was Draco's turn to furrow his brow. "Now it's Lancer Academy."

"I've heard about it." He replied now impressed, "Jean Lancers a legend. I hear he takes his dance team to study abroad each summer. You part of that crowd?"

"Why yes. We trained in India this summer and Argentina the one before it."

"Argentina, did you go to Buenos Ares when you were there?"

"Ya, I did. It's amazing to dance the tango where it was born."

He looked at her enviously for perhaps the first time.

She continued, "Say, I've never seen you at any of the competitions."

He looked down at his shoes. "Professional dancing isn't really my thing."

"Well considering what you just showed me. I think it is."

"Ya well, it's not my thing." He said again firmly as if daring her to push the matter.

She glued her eyes to the floor knowing she had touched a nerve.

Suddenly they were allowed to practice what they had just learned and the dance floor was opened up. This freedom was as if they were just barely given wings to fly. Although they did not talk for the remainder of the class, in fact an uneasy silence lay between the two, they flowed in and out between and through the other couples on the dance floor skillfully. If they could just keep dancing and forget everything else, when they were moving things just weren't too bad.

The next day the class was to learn samba. Draco and Hermione walked in with their own friends and then at the last moment walked over to each other, bracing themselves for another class full of jibes and quarrelling. That was when Ms. Grindhall did something much unexpected. "Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy. The two of you are excused for the rest of the class's duration; however I would like to speak with both of you during the free period following." The two looked at her, then at each other, then slowly and hesitantly made their way to the locker rooms to collect their belongings and then out the door.

"That was quite odd," Hermione noted.

"Yes it was," Draco sneered at her, "Stating the obvious are we. And I always thought you were smart."

"Listen Malfoy! I don't like this either. But we were just sentenced to an entire year together and I for one would like to enjoy this dance class as I believe you would too. So what do you say, truce." She finished passionately. "Only during practice," she added hastily.

His smirk faltered as he contemplated her offer. He knew how much he could enjoy dancing this year, especially with someone of great skill, but what about his reputation.

"What kind of truce?" he finally asked. He wasn't going to commit to something without knowing exactly what it was.

"No fighting or unkind words."

He scoffed, "How are we supposed to do that. The only way we'd accomplish it is if we don't talk."

Suddenly a light bulb turned on in her head, "Then why don't we limit our talking to scheduling and commentary about the dance moves. If we keep that short and to the point then perhaps we might be able to get through the year without killing each other."

He pondered again. It wasn't such a bad idea. And since he had given her the inspiration for it he felt he could agree because he could take some of the credit.

"Deal." He held out his hand to her.

She smirked, though not even close to the one he'd perfected, and shook his hand. "Deal." She confirmed.

When he returned in an hour he was met by an empty classroom. Slowly he made his way to Ms. Grindhall's office where Hermione was already seated, early, as usual. He took the second seat in front of her desk and waited for her to start speaking.

"I'm sure both of you are wondering why on earth I called you here today."

They both nodded.

"Well after the first class, it became apparent to me that you two would not benefit at all from my instruction of the basics. So I've decided to just give you the assignments and let you work on your own time. Here is a copy of my class schedule for each of you," she said passing a packet to each of them, "and you'll be required to come to class the last week of each month for the presentations and to present your own, but otherwise you can practice whenever you like as long as I'm not teaching a class."

The both nodded again, although, this time, more out of habit than in acquiescence. They were both rather in shock at this new revelation. Not only would they have to work together, but now there wouldn't be anyone to make sure they didn't murder the other.

They walked out of her office slightly numbed until Draco broke the silence, "Well we have a free period right now. Want to get started?"

And with that she dropped her bags and allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor. As he pulled her into closed position she had mixed feelings about what this year could hold. But was content to sit back and find out.

A/N: So here is the next chapter of one of my most successful fanfictions i've written although still short. I'm sorry for the delay. I had laptop separtion syndrome. lol my mom took my laptop on a tripso i had no access to upload. I hope you like this follow up. The next one is already done and I expect a quick upload to make up for the wait. Anyway, I'm rambling now. Please R/R and thank you so much for all my supporters. Your amazing.