Disclaimer: If you think this is mine after 6 disclaimers, I got some bad news for you…
A/N: Hello ma peoples :D How be yew? Okay, I really can't even talk like that for even a whole sentence.
So after a lot of threats and calling me a monster and evil –looks pointedly at some reviewers, grinning- and a 'I hate you' –looks at Beta reader- here is the new chapter. Enjoy! :D
Thanks to my Beta Reader, Jade Winchester.
Chapter 7: Extra credit.
Hermione Granger sat calmly on her desk waiting for the class to start. She was still pretty mad at her best friend, but then when was she not? She smiled softly at the bewildered expression on his face when she had stormed off. He needed a little scolding and Miss Weasley had entrusted her position to Hermione and Ginny after all.
Draco Malfoy entered the class, strutting. There was a smug smirk on his face as he did so. He passed the tables, keeping a safe distance, and got to his new seat. He looked at the bushy head that the Head Girl held. She looked ahead, sitting straight, a quill in one hand. Her light brown curls fell softly down her back. Draco paused, blinking, his eyes fixed on the curl Hermione lightly twirled around her finger.
"Take your seats." Professor Slughorn said clearly as he noted Draco's gaze and smiled softly.
Draco looked up, startled and sat down hurriedly, shaking his head slightly at the familiar perfume. Hermione's quill fell from her hand as her eyes widened, her world spun.
Her whole being concentrated on the scent drifting in the air and taking over her mind and soul. A soft inhale recognized the smoky, strong aroma of recently ground coffee. With that she could also smell the musty scent of books: the aroma of untold stories, mystery and broken secrets all encased in the old tomes. Her mind reeled to her favorite place in the Library, right at the back, where she would sit with an old book and a cup of hot coffee.
Her breathing became faster and her heart started thudding almost painfully. Her mind informed her that the Professor was saying something, but she merely blinked. Somehow the only words she heard were the low drawl that Malfoy gave, "I'll get the ingredients then."
To say Draco Malfoy was enjoying Hermione's reaction was an understatement. He smirked as she just stared ahead, her face flushed. He got up and strode towards the cupboard waiting till the others had gotten their share.
Hermione's world focused once more. She shook her head looking around for the source of the smell that had just been torturing her. Finding none she shook her head again.
It was rare that the Gryffindor Princess was confused and this was one of those unusual moments. Her mind could not find where that scent had come from and this to her was irksome. She pulled out her cauldron and looked up at the board to find they were brewing the Elixir to Induce Euphoria. She shook her head lightly. She needed her wits about her.
She looked up to see Draco Malfoy carrying a tray of vials, jars and various palates of substances. She noted how he walked, careful and almost graceful. He was nothing like her old partner who had dropped her tray far too many times.
She pointed her wand at her cauldron and began pre heating it for the Elixir. Draco put down the ingredients and sighed at the fragrance that surrounded him as he sat down. Hermione, however, did more than that. She jumped suddenly and her eyes widened as she stared at Draco.
"Just noticing how handsome I am Granger?" Draco drawled adding the thick green Randor blood to the cauldron.
"I… Don't be stupid Malfoy." Hermione said rather lamely. Her mind was not in the best of its states. Malfoy raised his eyebrow, as he added the sprig of peppermint noting the change of color to red.
"Nice comeback." Draco said sarcastically, "I really did expect better from your know-it-all self, though."
"Shut up, Malfoy." Hermione said. Draco turned to her, his stormy grey eyes bore into her soft brown ones.
"Why don't you make me Granger?" Draco said, his voice turning low and husky. He was, Hermione noticed now, rather close as he was sitting right next to her. The fragrance in the air became stronger and Hermione felt her hands go clammy.
Her eyes slightly widened as she realized the fragrance was coming from him. She felt herself breathe deeper and had her gaze not been locked with the boy next to her, her eyes would have fluttered close a long time ago.
"Tell me, Granger," Draco said continuing with the same low voice that made Hermione lean in slightly, "What do you smell?"
"Coffee and b-" Hermione blurted feeling almost obliged to answer, but then stopping at the odd question, "Wait how do you…?" Her voice turned confused. Draco raised his eyebrow, an amused expression on his face.
Then he turned away, shaking Hermione out of her daze. "The potion Granger, does it smell like peppermint yet or do I add more?"
Hermione blinked. 'Of course! The potion! What is wrong with you Hermione?! Concentrate!' She scolded herself and then took a whiff. She grimaced and let out a shuddering breath.
"I can't smell peppermint." She said slowly. Draco's lips twitched, but he nodded seriously adding more peppermint.
"That's an O if I ever saw one!" Professor Slughorn said enthusiastically, peering down at the sunshine yellow potion. His eyes turned to see the usual smile Hermione graced him with after each O, but frowned as he noted the distracted nod Hermione gave. Her eyes, he noticed, flickered between him and her partner, who also looked far away. Slughorn cracked a smile as he said, "You both make a great team!"
Hermione and Draco both looked up at him in astonishment then turned to look at each other. Their looks turned to glares and they both glanced away looking nervous now.
Slughorn merely smiled, as his mind began to churn.
"Okay class, I was thinking an assignment for extra credit." He spoke in a jolly voice. All the students turned to him with rapt attention; each knew how precious each mark was for Advanced Potions. "You all know what a lengthy and tough potion Felix Felicis is and therefore, rarely part of the potions we brew in class. So, the brewing of this potion I give to each of you to make on your own as homework. You all may use this classroom after classes are finished. Full access to the cupboard will be granted and you have a month to finish it." He smiled sincerely at the enthusiastic expressions on his students' faces.
"Oh, and this will be done with your respective partners."
A/N: I can't believe I got 42 reviews for this story. Thank you for all the love guys! Keep reading and reviewing.
Also, is anyone interested in Emma and Thatcher? Cause I could mention if they get together and how in some chapter later on.
Ciao, Alexia.
