Author's Note:I apologise profusely for how long it took me to update! The only thing I can say in my defence was that I wasn't sure which direction to take with the story, but after toying at different plot bunnies, I finally found something I'm satisfied with. I hope you all enjoy it too and MUCH, MUCH THANKS for all the lovely reviews I receive in my inbox. I love you all!

Chapter Eleven:: Unlucky

'Nice mole on your left hip.'

Hermione bristled at the caressing murmur as she hastily packed up her items from Transfiguration. She didn't even have to look up to know whose voice that remark belonged to. Despite how her face was quickly flaming red, Hermione pretended to be oblivious and hoped her mane of thick hair would cover the colour of her cheeks as she bowed down her head longer than necessary.

Seriously! Didn't Malfoy have anything else to do? And why, oh why, was he looking at her hip? The disgust that welled up inside of her from acknowledging that Malfoy must've drank a Polyjuice Potion paled comparatively to the anger that was quickly engulfing her. She wished she could mirror some sort of action that would affect him like how she was currently agitated. But would it be more wise to not demonstrate how riled up she was?

Cringing and refusing to dwell on silly ponders, Hermione slung her bag over her shoulder and walked towards her next class. Potions, oh joy. At least she could see the blond a few metres ahead so she knew he wouldn't hassle her for the time being.

Unfortunately, someone else was sneering at her.

'Whatever's going on between you and Draco, just drop it,' Pansy Parkinson spat in Hermione's direction as she somehow managed to match Hermione's walk stride by stride.

'Excuse me?' The revulsion present in her voice was not feigned.

'You two are constantly throwing jibes at each other, it's nauseating,' Pansy sniffed with a cold glare.

Hermione barked a laugh.

'No-one's telling you to watch, Parkinson,' Hermione simpered.

Despite how Hermione could only see Parkinson from the corner of her eye, she could feel Pansy trembling besides her. Anger? Frustration? Rage? Perhaps a combination of all three? The idea tugged at Hermione's lips.

'Listen Granger, you and Draco? It's never going to happen, get it out of your forest-bush hair!'

Normally, Hermione would fluster at any insult – especially about her hair – but she also learnt that Pansy tended to throw abuse when she was feeling insecure herself. There was no harm in provoking Pansy any further; she shouldn't even care about Pansy's feelings whatsoever. After all, Hermione was quite certain she could handle anything Pansy threw at her – especially enduring Malfoy's taunts for so long!

'Our actions dictate otherwise.'

Hermione felt Pansy stop beside her and intended to triumphantly continue walking (how many people can render Pansy speechless?) to Potions until she felt a cold hand snake around her wrist. Damn, that Parkinson had a strong grip!

'Get off me!' Hermione snapped, her eyes blazing into those dark ones.

Aside from removing her hand, Pansy remained indifferent except for the coldness that lingered in her eyes. When she spoke, her voice practically emitted frost.

'Whatever your intentions, Granger, ensure you don't lead him on.'

Hermione's eyebrows rose until she was sure she could pass off as a character of a cartoon series.

'Excuse me?'

'Malfoys' hearts aren't to be trifled with.'

Hermione allowed a moment for the words to form a coherent meaning and once it did, she burst into laughter.

'Malfoy falling for me? That's rich, how very Slytherin.'

This time, Hermione let Pansy remain rigid in the corridor as she guffawed her way to Potions. Pansy was probably on the verge of losing her mind if she honestly believed that Malfoy would have his heart crushed by her. For one thing, he didn't even exhibit any signs that he was interested in her in that way – it was all just teasing and fun. But the most important thing: Hermione wasn't even leading him on! If she ever 'did lead someone on', she would most definitely not break their heart as she would be interested in him and hoped that their relationship progressed to something along the lines of a relationship.

Hermione gave a timid smile to Slughorn as she entered class and ignored the penetrating grey orbs as she slithered into a seat at the back. Normally, she sat near the front but she would much prefer observing him from the back rather than the other way round. Another factor that affected her choice was how Harry and Ron tended to like the back so they could whisper feverishly about...whatever piped their interest that day.

Her best friends soon joined her with Harry taking the seat to her right and Ron sitting beside him. That was rather odd as most times they would sit on either side of her so she could help them with their Potions.

As Slughorn waited for the remaining students to enter, Harry decided to take that opportunity to address Hermione.

'Why are you so chummy with Malfoy and Parkinson lately?' The frown lines etched in his face conveyed how the thought had been plaguing his mind for awhile.

'I'm not,' Hermione said defensively yet she could feel her cheeks flushing. Why was her body betraying her when there was nothing to betray? 'They're just trying to get a rise out of me.'

'Are they threatening you?' Ron had leaned over Harry's back so Hermione could see his worried, blue eyes.

'No,' Hermione said, hiding a chuckle at the thought of them trying to threaten her. She could hardly imagine it.

'You don't seem to mind their additional affection,' Harry noted.

'It's harmless, that's why,' Hermione replied, her voice coming out more haughtily than she intended.

Thankfully, Slughorn decided at that moment to address the entire class.

'I am very disappointed in the majority of you,' Slughorn started in a grim voice. 'Most of you were expected to hand in your essay, however only Miss Parkinson, Mr Danesti and Mr Zabini complied. As a consequence, those who have failed to do so must attempt to complete a 'Dragon Poison' by the end of the class. Failing this would guarantee you another essay topic. Miss Parkinson, Mr Danesti, Mr Zabini, Mr Malfoy, Miss Lovegood and Miss Granger, please come forward as I require another task from you six.'

Most of the class was groaning in defeat – they knew how difficult it was to brew Dragon Poison. The other six, Hermione noted, walked up towards Slughorn with trepidation. The Slytherins looked overconfident and arrogant, Luna appeared tranquil and Velkan seemed more apprehensive than the rest of the class. Yet, Hermione still felt a rather pleasing jolt when her eyes lingered over his features. Whatever expression graced Velkan's face never altered just how good-looking he was.

'Okay!' Slughorn gushed excitedly when the six of them huddled around him. Hermione was glad she was in the outer arc and was only pressed along Luna. Unfortunately, she was still very aware of Malfoy's presence and refused to meet those artic eyes that seemed to be taunting her. 'As you all probably know, Felix Felicis requires six months to perfect. Today, I have in stock for you a rather large portion that is one day shy of completion! Working in pairs, I want you to complete it and if done so successfully, you and your partner will obtain your work and receive Potions credit points. Sounds exciting, no? Also, I've noticed how my students always seem to work within the same group so I'll choose the pairs. Hmm...Lovegood with Zabini, Parkinson with Danesti and that leaves Granger with Malfoy! Most excellent! Now, you'll find everything you need in the next room as I know you will need the extra room and quietness! Now off you go, you young'uns!'

Hermione stayed rooted to the spot. Her. Partnered with Malfoy. To complete Felis Felicis. What. The. Eff. Sounded like whatever was the worst of Felis Felicis was occurring right that moment.

She felt a tug at her elbow and flinched when she realised it was Malfoy who had touched her. Wrenching her arm away, she scowled into his amused silver eyes.

'Let's go partner,' Malfoy smirked.

'Let's get this over with,' Hermione retorted in anger, brushing past him to follow the others who had exited the room. She heard Malfoy chuckling behind her, which only further infuriated her.

The next room was bare except for a big cauldron, which was hissing up some golden flames. Hermione's peers were circling it.

'How much do we get?' Blaise frowned.

'You've never made Liquid Luck before?' Luna mused. 'You only need a tablespoon yet that small amount is still rather difficult to manifest.'

Blaise smiled at his partner and Hermione felt a jab of envy. If she had to be paired with a Slytherin, why couldn't she get Blaise? He was much saner than the rest of his House. Or she could at least get Velkan! Someone smart and good-looking, you couldn't really go wrong there! Not that her current partner was lacking those qualities, she unfortunately had to confess, but Malfoy's arrogance would surely do her head in.

'The spell's not even in our textbook!' Pansy whined in annoyance as she flipped the pages with rage.

'Don't worry,' Velkan murmured. His voice was extremely silky and Hermione felt another jab of jealousy. If only he was addressing her in the same manner, she mused sadly. 'I know how to make it.'

Pansy Parkinson was not one of those girls who blushed easily but at that moment, Hermione swore Pansy's cheeks had coloured.

'Just great!' Hermione snapped at Malfoy. She was in an extremely bad mood (it didn't really take a genius to determine why she was suddenly so foul) so why not take it out on the person who was the main cause of it? 'I get stuck with you and you can't even differentiate between a troll and a giant!'

Malfoy raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her feeble insult.

'Relax, Granger,' he said smoothly. His voice had the same effects as Velkan's. Curse Malfoy. She swore she felt goosebumps erupting on her arms. 'I intend to have my own vial of Felix Felicis so I'm going to ensure we do it correctly.'

Hermione scoffed.

'You know how to make one of the most complex potions in this world?'

Malfoy smirked.

'I know a lot of things.'

The way his eyes raked her body from head to toe definitely made her hairs stand on end. From what he was insinuating, Hermione once again felt rage but she knew it was best not to demonstrate to him what she thought about him knowing every facet of her body.

'You're disgusting and low,' Hermione hissed as went to fill up her flask with the stock potion. She blamed her ashen cheeks on the warm heat emitted from the cauldron.

'Don't ever fall for me then,' Malfoy simpered.

Hermione's arms wavered as she scooped the content into the flask. Heck, she nearly fell face-first into the pot of steaming potion!

'Unlikely,' Hermione spat back.

'Not impossible, hey?' Malfoy teased. 'We'll see what happens when I drink some Felix Felicis.'

Malfoy's comment didn't even deserve an answer. After successfully obtaining some of the content in the flask, Hermione glared at him and chose a vacant bench. From where she sat, Velkan and Pansy were practically on the other side of the room; it was sad that Velkan was so far away but she wasn't in the mood for any outbursts Pansy might throw at her or listening to Velkan praise the banshee. Luna and Blaise weren't too far from them but the two looked so engrossed with the potion (and to a lesser extent, each other) that Hermione doubted they would spare her and Malfoy a second glance.

Hermione signed and withdrew the equipment required from her bag. It was going to be a long lesson.