It was in their Arithmancy class that everything went to hell. At least, that's what Draco thought. Given his family name, it was only natural for him to have represent it well via placement into Arithmancy with top scores. Or almost top scores as the mudblood would say.
Draco had been sitting, minding his own business, quill in hand and ready to go when Septima Vector, a witch Draco actually greatly respected, decided to rip that very respect to shreds, because the witch in question had decided it would be a good idea to pair Draco Malfoy with the mudblood.
His quill had snapped. His patience had thinned, and he was currently staring at the mudblood with his fingers laced over his nose. The chit had annoyingly acted superior, as if the pairing didn't upset her, and simply waddled over to him and sat down with her supplies. On the board behind her, there were instructions being written out as Vector began to get into what the project was.
"Alright class. Everyone is paired, yes? These matches were made for everyone to get the most optimal results within partnerships according to my calculations. As we have been working throughout recent weeks to get everyone able to do similar calculations on their own, I am assigning this project to build upon it."
Hermione was seething. You couldn't see it, because she'd forced her rigid shoulders to relax, and loosened her grip on her quill, but she was seething at the realization that she'd been paired with Draco Malfoy as the best partner to optimize her grade on this project. She was Hermione bloody Granger, and she could very well do the project herself!
"Now, the project can be either simple or complicated, that's really up to you all. You must develop a prediction calculation for either an event such as a quidditch match, or compatibility such as between a couple, or of alternative futures such as choosing careers and likelihood of success within those careers. This leaves a lot of room for you to decide what you would prefer as partners. The more complicated the calculations then the more bonus points awarded and added on to your final mark in the class. This must be divided evenly among partners, and I have a nifty charm to check and ensure that, though I'm sure our NEWT level students have an honor system. You may all discuss amongst yourselves before bringing the idea to me for approval."
Draco's stare had not lessened during the professor's speech, and Hermione decided to stare right back. The silence stretched over them, tension tight. She tried to replicate his sneer, resulting in him grimacing.
"You look ridiculous mudblood. Do stop trying to be like me."
"Look, ferret, I just want to get this project done. So let's pick one." Draco scoffed before muttering a quick reparo at his wand.
"Fine, we will do the career alternatives with a profile on yourself, a mudblood, in comparison to a profile on me, a pureblood." Hermione wanted to punch his nose so it could stop being turned upright.
"I'm sorry, were you asking a question in there, such as, 'Hermione, I think this is a good idea what do you think?'" She glowered at him.
"Nope."
"You're insufferable."
"You're a mudblood."
"Very original, Malfoy, why don't I show you how much power I have by turning you into a bouncing ferret again?"
"You couldn't react quick enough to do so, mudblood. You're probably weighed down by all the mud running through your veins." Draco sneered.
"You bloody git!"
"Bitch!"
"Arse wipe!"
"Co—"
"That is enough! Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy! My desk now!" The students in question trudged past the stares of the other students to the professor sitting behind her desk, eyes widened in disbelief. "What is going on?!"
Her question was met with arguing sentences that didn't finish as both vied to be louder than the next. Her two best students bickering like five year olds.
"Enough!" Her silencio wrapped around both of them uncomfortably. "What project are you doing?" She released Hermione's silencing.
"The career alternatives, professor. But, please can I switch—" Her question was silenced, her mouth continuing to move.
"I don't want complaints, just an answer to the question. Now, how many careers are you going to calculate and for how many people?" Malfoy was unsilenced this time.
"We will calculate for ourselves and do 3 careers each. Though mudbl—" Draco's pale face was reddening as he realized the witch once again silenced him.
"Make it five careers each. I want a comparison from each of the houses, with transcripts on the interviews you conducted with individuals. You may decide the factors in your calculations but at the minimum, must include full name, age, house and gender. I want a variety of careers, not all within the Ministry, mind you. Have a control such as a career that is impossible, like being a dementor guarding Azkaban or something along those lines. Everyone's timeline is different, given your project is a bit more complicated, I'll give you two months. Your in class time and out of class time will be dedicated to this. Now, both of you are dismissed. The spell will wear off in a few minutes. Best not have me find you arguing in the corridor."
Professor Vector waved them away, calling for the next pair of students to present their project idea. Hermione and Draco both collected their things and stalked out of the classroom, hate obvious on their faces. Though both were heading to the dining hall, Hermione chose to walk just fast enough that her small steps passed him and left him slowly disappearing behind her.
That night, Hermione lay in bed wondering how she'd be able to put up with being Malfoy's partner. The boys had been outraged, rightfully so, and it had Hermione doubting how much patience she had. She just knew she'd end up punching Malfoy in the face again. She was hoping for permanent damage.
A/N
Review! Let me know how its going, if you think they'll ever stop hating each other! I love this Hermione and Draco but trust me, things will change! Some hard lessons coming up!