After the Parkinson party, Draco actively sought Hermione out. He knew she spent a lot of time in the library, so he moved his studying from their Common Room to there. But despite this, and the fact they shared nearly all of their classes, it was outside their Potions exam when he next had the chance to speak with her.
"Thank Merlin, I thought I was going to be late for sure." Hermione leant against the wall, her usually perfect hair shoved into a messy bun. She noticed a half-smirk on Draco's lips and her hand shot to her head. "I must look a fright. Some jumpstart halfblood from sixth year cornered me in the Common Room."
Draco bit his tongue on the words he wanted to say. "You don't look frightful, Granger. And you should have just hexed the kid's mouth shut."
"As if I had time to find my wand." She paused. "Goyle's this weeked?"
Draco nodded, his half-smirk widening to a smile. "Of course, he's one of dad's oldest friends." He rolled his eyes, and Hermione smiled. "I already know where they keep the alcohol, though, and it's good stuff." He continued, and Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Well, my parents are forcing me to arrive with them this time, so I'll probably see you on the dance floor rather than in an old wing." She wrinkled her nose.
Draco shrugged, trying not to show his disappointment. "Well, send me one of those bird things if you can escape."
"I shall." Was all she said in reply, straightening her skirt and moving to where she should have been standing in line, a feeling of disappointment settling in her stomach that Draco hadn't caught her hint.