Ten Things I Hate About You

Disclaimer – Seriously, do I have to repeat myself?

Chapter Four – Potions

Hermione walked into the Great Hall for dinner with none other than the famous Harry Potter and his equally infamous 'side kick' Ron Weasley. They sat down in their usual spots, that is, Ron next to Harry, with Hermione opposite them. They were all wondering what had happened in Dumbledore's office (yes, they were smart enough to know where she went…). While Ron was busily stuffing his mouth full of food, Hermione explained what had occurred. The boys' faces mirrored each other's expression of horror, as she recounted the events to them. Then Ron became rather red in the face as she told them that she had to spend three hours each day with the ferret, though it was unknown if him choking on the food had anything to do with it.

Hermione left the Great Hall, as it was almost time for her meeting with Dumbledore. On her way out, Malfoy bumped into her 'accidentally'. He smirked at her, all the awkwardness from before forgotten. Hermione cursed at him under her breath, this time careful to not let him hear her. Silently, they walked in the directions towards the headmaster's office, one behind the other.

Draco suddenly stopped, and Hermione bumped into him, deep in thought. He turned around, and smirked at her, speaking in a surprisingly soft voice, "Just can't resist me, can you, Granger?"

Hermione just mumbled something incoherent, and ignored him. To Draco's astonishment, the gargoyle leapt to the side and revealed the moving staircase. He followed her in a stunned silence, wondering how she had known the password, when he, the head boy didn't even know.

Dumbledore was waiting for them behind his desk as they stepped through the door. He motioned for them to take a seat next to each other before he informed them of why they were actually there.

"Mr Malfoy, Miss Granger," the Headmaster said, inclining his head to them as he said their names. "I presume you are wondering why I called you here." At this, Hermione and Draco nodded. Hermione's face was filled curiosity, whilst Draco's was a casual blank expression.

Dumbledore continued. "You recall that the both of you are supposed to spend three hours each day with each other. I just wanted to call you back for a short while to make clear the details. I understand the two of you have an added load of homework this year, so I will be a bit lenient towards the punishment." At this, the both Heads looked up hopefully without trying to seem so blatantly obvious.

The Headmaster chuckled and carried on. "What I meant by that is that instead of spending exactly three hours a day together, you may break it up into different time slots. Since the both of you have Head duties together, you may even use that time to discover more about the other. Of course, you still have to carry out your duties in a diligent manner."

The hopeful looks on the Heads' faces slipped away just a quick as it had appeared. "Pr-professor, what do you mean, we have to do Head duties together?" Hermione stammered.

A look of surprise dawned on Dumbledore's face. "Didn't you know that Heads did duties together, Miss Granger?"

A faint blush covered her features as she muttered a quick "no".

"Hm, well if there are no further questions, you are dismissed."

Hermione practically flew out of the room, still embarrassed by her apparent ignorance. She was dimly aware of Malfoy following at a more leisurely pace behind, but did not bother to stop. She gasped out the password upon arriving at the entrance to the Heads Common room, and disappeared into her bedroom, long before Draco was back.

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Hermione sighed. She could not believe it was only the second day of school. And to add on that, she was forced to be with Draco Malfoy – the one and only person who had ever made her blood boil – for three hours!

Draco was currently having a nice refreshing shower to further awaken himself. He wasn't much of a morning person, and so was always in dire need for a full on cold shower. Even in the middle of winter. He stepped out of the shower and walked back to his room to get dressed.

OoOoOoO

Draco and Hermione were one of the first ones in the Great Hall for breakfast. Both being early risers, they usually watched the hall being filled up by students yawning and half-awake.

Crabbe and Goyle lumbered up to Draco as per usual. They both plonked down on either side of him with the only exchange of 'morning Draco' before stuffing their faces full. Draco watched on disgustedly as he made an exaggerated attempt to eat in a more humanly manner.

Harry and Ron, on the other hand, were no where to be seen on this particular morning. Therefore, Hermione was forced to eat all by herself, whilst half heartedly joining in Parvati and Lavender's conversation. As soon as the bell rang, Hermione shot off towards her first class; Potions.

For some reason, Gryffindor potions was always teamed with the Slytherins. To her relief, Harry and Ron were already lined up outside, looking bedraggled and as though they had just got out of bed.

Which was why Hermione was not one bit surprised when they apologised to her for not being at breakfast, explaining that they got up late and were afraid Snape would give them detention. She graciously accepted their apologies and followed them into the dungeons.

"This year will be a little different as we have the N.E.W.T.s. You will all be paired up with another for the entire year. I do not care if the both of you don't agree on certain things; you will most definitely do so in my class." Snape then proceeded to read out the pairings.

Hermione's face fell when she found out she was paired with the one and only ferret.

A/N I know this chapter's a tad boring, but I had to get them to potions. Again, sorry for the slow update, had tests (and more to come!), ha, I made it even longer this time! and for some reason, the document wouldn't upload, so I had to wait a couple of days… by the way, dont expect another update so soon, have to study...