A/N: Before you kill me, my exams were going on and are starting again from the 10th of December, so this is all I could think of in between my exams. I know it's short but I promise to make the next one longer. Off you go! And a million thanks ti my first two reviewers Dracoginnylover24 and Saphira00!

Disclaimer: I own nothing of HP, all of this belongs to J. K. Rowling. Bah! My bad luck!

A Long Year

Draco had been sitting on his usual desk with Goyle when the Golden Trio entered with the Weaslette. New member in the 'Save the World Club, he thought, sneering to himself. They were whispering to each other. Draco tried to listen to their conversation but couldn't catch on anything they were saying. Their whispering was brought to an end by Snape entering the class.

"This year we will be brewing very important potions which you may need as an auror, healer or herbologist," he drawled, looking pointedly at Neville, and then continued, "I want all of you to pay absolute attention to the potions we brew this year. I am going to pair all of you as these potions cannot be done single-handedly. Mr. Weasley - Mr. Crabbe, Mr. Potter – Ms. Parkinson, Ms. Greengrass – Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Nott – Ms. Brown, Mr. Goyle – Ms. Patil. This year we will also have a special project on which the four best students of our class will be working in pairs."

Everybody looked surprised at his unusual generous use of an appreciative adjective and turned to look at Hermione, Ginny, Draco and Zabini, the only ones unpaired. Hermione smiled at Ginny, thinking that they both would be paired together, being of the same house & all, but was shocked when Snape continued.

"Ms. Granger, you shall be working with Mr. Zabini, which leaves Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Weasley as partners."

Ron sputtered in indignation, his girlfriend and sister were stuck with the worst Slytherins. His face turned several shades of red, which did not go unnoticed by Snape.

"Is there any problem, Mr. Weasley?"

"No professor."

"Very well, then. Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Weasley, Ms. Granger, Mr. Zabini, I want the four of you to work on healing potions, their properties, side-effects and anti-dotes. Which ever team does better will be rewarded with two hundred points each. You also have a time limit, finish your research one month before graduation. Take the two parchments from my table and get started. Rest of you, find appropriate seats and get started."

Draco headed towards the list and quickly browsed through the items.

"What all is there?" Ginny asked.

He looked up from the parchment and placed his eyes on her, thinking it was going to be a long year and started going through the parchment.

"Aconite, bezoar, bulbadox powder, euphoria potion and effects of peppermint on it, and felix felicis."

He stole a quick glance at Ginny to find her staring at him. He wondered if there was something on his face. Frustrated, he asked her rudely, "And what do you think you're staring at? Take a picture it'll last longer."

His rudeness snapped her out oh her reverie. "Bite me," she retorted and stormed off to where Hermione was.

This is going to be an interesting, long year, he thought. He was broken out of his reverie when Blaise placed his hand on Draco's shoulder.

"What ya thinking mate?" he asked, taking in the distant look in Draco's eyes.

"This is going to be a long year, Blaise. I'll have to work with the Weaslette and you'll have to work with the Know-It-All. This means that we'll have Weasel-bee and Scarhead pestering us all the time." he replied, sighing heavily.

"Hmm. But it won't be that bad, you know."

"Zabini this is Weaslette and Granger we're talking about. It won't be that bad, it'll be worse. I don't think I can stand seeing anymore of either of the four than I already do."

"Trust me mate, it won't be that bad," Draco snorted but Blaise ignored him and continued, "Weaslette is one of the most gorgeous and sought after girl of Hogwarts. If you just ignore the Weaslette's family, you'll know what I'm saying." And with that Blaise walked off towards the two girls.

Draco pondered over what Blaise had said, and looked at Ginny, not just glanced but looked. He was a bit surprised at what he saw. Blaise was right. Ginny definitely was gorgeous. He took in her body, his gaze lingering at each and every part of her anatomy. He started from her legs. Long and slim legs which invited your gaze to a very curvy bum. She had a thin waist which lead to her full breasts, a part which could make anyone drool for hours. Her shoulders were delicate, with a slim neck leading to a heart shaped and pleasant face. Her lips were pink and full, button nose and eyes which were chocolate brown and doe-like. Her skin was clear with a dusting of freckles here and there. And her silky hair was a dark blood red reaching her waist. She isn't that bad, he thought to himself, but I can't ignore her Weasley trademark signs or her family and upbringing.

Deciding that he was just wasting his time, he shook his head as if clearing all thoughts, and went to join the other three for their project. Hermione and Blaise were discussing something and Ginny was bent over the table scribbling something furiously, her hair falling in front of her face like a curtain.

He sighed once again and let himself get lost in the project.

A/N: So, you people liking it? ANy suggestions or opinions, do tell me. I'll work on it. And please, don't forget to review.

Love you all!