Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter franchise, nor anything affiliated with it.

Draco's POV

While I promised my father that I would try to be civil, asking for help doesn't come naturally. So when Granger agreed to help me, it took me by surprise, especially after how rude I was the last time.

I take another glance at the special bag containing the new laptop that I had, obviously, bought. When Professor Carrington had given it to me earlier, I was surprised to see that it was smaller than Granger's, but I wasn't able to figure out why. Perhaps I'll ask her later.

Blaise brings me back to reality with a light jab to my shoulder. "Mate, are you alright? You've been spacing out a lot lately and it's not like you to ignore your friends." He laughs nervously and continues, "I mean, it's not like Granger put a spell on you right?"

I feel bad since I know that he's right. I've been a lot more reclusive lately, spending most of my time in my room, studying. On top of that, patrols have been keeping me busy, but I shouldn't be ignoring my friends either. We need to stick together.

"No, of course not. To be honest, I'm not sure what's going on. I've just gotten bored in my classes since I know most of the curriculum. I just want to formally pass the NEWTs, but it's not half as fun if I don't see my friends is it?"

He stares at me for a moment longer, clearly unsatisfied with my answer. "I know you aren't telling me everything, but I understand if it's not my business. Just remember I'm here for you if you need someone to listen."

"Thanks, Blaise," I reply with a smile.

"No problem, it's what mates do. Anyway, Slughorn just assigned the potion. We're supposed to work in pairs and it seems like everyone else has already started. Partners?"

"Of course, what potion are we brewing?" By that point, however, Blaise had already left to let Slughorn know that we'd be working together. He arrives back with our ingredients, but I don't get a chance to ask him again before he starts cutting the rose thorns and reading off the instructions.

"Alright, start heating the cauldron and then drop in one Ashwinder egg." I carefully place the egg in and wait for the next instruction.

"Take this," he says, handing me a neat pile of thorns, "and add it to the cauldron with half a bottle of peppermint oil." I sprinkle in the thorns are carefully pour the oil on top of them, to prevent it from spraying me.

"Next, add the moonstone and stir the mix until steam starts to rise in swirls," he says. It takes a few minutes for the mix to heat properly, but once it does, the steam rises in quick succession.

"Now we just have to put it into a vial, and submit it to Slughorn. Just make sure it has a 'mother of pearl' sheen to it," he finishes, as I scoop out some of the potion and bottle it up.

"Blaise," he looks up from the cutting board at Draco, "did the smell of the room change? Kind of like the library, you know, the parchment smell? At the same time, it's similar to some of the flowers in my mother's garden and... perfume?"

Blaise gives me an odd look. "Well, that's certainly interesting. I wasn't expecting that."

"Hmm, it seems to have dissipated; it just smells like Granger. You know when you walk past her and her bushy hair just ends up in your face?"

"Now that, is hilarious; I should tell Pansy," he chuckles, putting the knife back down on the bench.

"What's so funny Zabini?" Suddenly Draco remembered that Blaise never told him what the potion was. "What's the potion called?"

"You weren't paying attention in class, and I didn't think you told me everything earlier. I withheld the name of the potion so I could see what, or who is really on your mind these days."

"What is it, just spit it out already!" I whisper harshly. A couple of students glance in our direction, but my expression makes them turn back to their work rather quickly.

"It's Amortentia; you'd think that the smartest potions student since Snape would be able to identify such a well-known recipe! I can't figure out what's funnier: that you like flowers or that you like Granger." He begins to laugh again, a little quieter, and my cheeks flush in embarrassment.

I'm shocked by how much of myself I've just given away to Blaise. He may be my best friend, but I don't trust him that well. I'd rather not have any of this leaked to the whole school.

"Not a word to anyone else, especially Granger, or I swear I will hex you into oblivion!" I growl as I press my wand into his side.

"Draco, don't worry, I wouldn't do that to you, but this is an incredible discovery!" He's serious enough that I know he's telling the truth, even if there's still a stupid grin on his face.

Blaise submits the potion to Slughorn, which leaves me to wait until class is over. I spend the whole time thinking about whether or not I truly like Granger. On the one hand, she's a stubborn know-it-all. She's punched me in the face and mocks me. Somehow, everyone likes her. On the other hand, she loves books and she's smart. She's fearless, kind, and she stands up for her beliefs. She taught me about muggle culture without expecting anything back. She's fair, and everyone likes her.

I'm pulled from my thoughts when Slughorn dismisses us for lunch. I rub my head and begin to gather my notes and textbook into my bag. As I'm leaving the class, I notice Granger staring at her potion; her eyes glazed and looking befuddled.

"What's the matter, Granger? The potion not turn out as you expected? Don't worry, not even you can be perfect all of the time," I say as I walk by her bench

"Pardon?" her head snaps to look at me, "Nothing's wrong and I'm certainly not thinking about you!" her cheeks suddenly flush pink, "I mean, that is to say. Oh, just leave me alone."

She grabs her books and runs out of the class, leaving behind the pearly white potion. I'm not quite sure why, but I feel compelled to make sure her work is still submitted. I place my bag on the table and summon a vial from a nearby desk. I scoop a portion of her potion and cork it, before labelling it and placing it on Slughorn's submission basket.

Granger seemed unusually skittish, almost embarrassed about something. I sling my bag over my shoulder and make my way to the Head's common room. I'd like to swap my morning books with my afternoon books before heading to the Great Hall for lunch.

Just outside the portrait hole, I bump into Granger as she steps out, and right into me.

"Sorry!" she squeaks, and for the first time in my life, I take a good look at her. Her curly hair is frizzier than normal, presumably from the potions. Her eyes are a fluid, mesmerizing, shade of brown. Her flustered expression almost makes her look cute. Merlin. As much as I hope it's merely the power of suggestion, an illusion, something tells me that Blaise may be on to something.

"Malfoy, why are you staring at me like that?"

I snap out of my daze and look away.

"Sorry, I meant to say you have a strand of hair in your face." I chance glancing back at her, but she's staring back with a very confused expression. I cough into my hand to avoid her gaze once more. "Excuse me, I've got to go!"

Then I run away, blushing furiously, leaving her standing at the portrait hole.

Author's Note: Please read and review, feedback and comments are most welcome. Have a great week!