Dimentichisi

Summary: It is saddest when something is almost said, because almost doesn't count.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Part III : Almost

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He was so bloody frustrating, she thought, sitting herself beside Harry.

"Hope Snape isn't too bad today," Hermione muttered.

"When isn't he?" Harry replied distastefully.

They shared a smile, as the doors opened, revealing the Potions Master, his dark robes billowing behind him. "Ten points from Gryffindor," he barked, glaring at Parvati and Lavender as they rushed quickly to their seats.

"You will be making truth serums," he announced, "not quite as strong as Veritaserum, but still a very complicated potion. Some of you," he paused, glancing towards Malfoy, "should have no problem with it. I will be picking your partners."

The Gryffindors groaned.

"Thomas and Crabbe," Snape started.

'Please don't let it be Malfoy, Please don't let it be Malfoy,' Hermione wished.

"Parkinson and Longbottom, Goyle and Brown," he stated.

Ron gave Harry a look of relief, at least he wasn't paired with Pansy. Hermione shut her eyes.

"Zabini and Potter, Weasley and Bulstrode, Malfoy and Granger…"

Hermione's eyes shot open, and widened. Harry gave her hand a squeeze of reassurance, seeing her expression. "At least Malfoy knows what he's doing. It could be worse," he said, "You could have gotten Crabbe or Goyle."

Hermione nodded, and released his hand. At that moment, she would have chosen to work with both Crabbe and Goyle instead of Malfoy. Picking up her stuff, she moved towards the back of the classroom, setting her stuff on the table, as far away from Malfoy's as possible.

She didn't even look at him.

xxx

Draco watched as Hermione walked silently over to him, and put her stuff down. 'She must still be angry,' he thought. Sighing, he lit the cauldron, and then turned his gaze towards her hands.

"You cut those too large," he commented dryly.

"No I didn't," Hermione stated, looking towards the roots, "they're the right size."

"No they aren't. Professor Snape said they needed to be smaller," he argued, "and look at me when I'm talking to you Mudblood."

In one motion, Draco put his hand under her chin, and turned her head towards him. Hermione glared defiantly at him. She knocked his hand away from her, and twirled back towards the potion. "You don't get to do that anymore," she whispered.

Draco eyed her. "What did you say?" he inquired, unable to keep his tone flat.

"I said nothing," she replied, her face blank.

Hermione added the roots into the potion, and turned it until the color was transparent. Draco nodded in approval.

"One of you will drink the potion," Snape stated, then looking at Neville, "and you ask one question. Be very cautious to what you ask. Any foolishness will not be permitted."

"I'll assume you won't be drinking it," Draco muttered. Hermione just stared at him.

"No," she agreed quietly.

"Then I suppose since one of us has to do it, so we don't fail," Draco stated, "I'll do it. Just be very mindful of what you ask Granger."

Hermione nodded, as he took the serum, and swallowed it in just one gulp. "When is this potion supposed to tale effect?" he asked, "And if it doesn't, it's your fault."

She folded her arms, and replied, "I'll ask you a test question first then."

"Fine," he said.

Debating with herself, Hermione inhaled sharply. 'It's now or never,' she thought.

"How do you feel about me?" she asked quietly, not looking at him.

"I don't hate you," Draco answered honestly.

Hermione turned so her back was facing him; her breath grew shakier. "Do you, do you love me?" Hermione questioned.

"I, um," Draco started.

"Never mind," Hermione stated, noticing Professor Snape.

"The effects of the potion should have worn off, if they haven't come see me," he announced, as the class ended.

Draco watched Hermione walked out of the room with Harry and Ron.

xxx

Hermione looked back once, and caught Draco's eye. "Almost doesn't count," she whispered to herself, "it doesn't matter."

xxx

Author's Note - Sorry this part took a little bit longer. Some recent events in life came up. Hope you all enjoyed this. Next chapter will be up as soon as possible. Please review and let me know what you think.

Thanks to my reviewers:

bitterosemary - I'm glad I did too

Monkeystarz - lol

anafics - thank you

Nikki

Applola Snipp

liz - aww, thanks

Also, thank you to everyone else who has reviewed so far!