Helloooooooooooooo, you lovely people! x

Thank you so, so, so much for your continued support, meaning, favs, follows and reviews! They are highly appreciated and do mean a lot to me! I'm so happy and grateful to see them coming! So, thank you! x You guys ROCK! (and roll! :D)

Oh, btw, you might want to check this out: I've reuploaded chapter 1 and added some story to it, in case you want to read it. Before I did that, the chapter started out with 'Third year'. Now there's a little more before that. But, don't worry, that doesn't really change anything. The story will lead up to it, so, you'll end up seeing it in later chapters anyway :) So, it's your choice, really. Just thought you'd like to know. :)

I hope you're liking this story so far! :)

Enjoy your reading! x

Chapter VI: You distract me.

…

"Attraction is never random."

…

There she was.

First student, waiting for Slughorn to open the door, mindfully reading and studying her notes.

Laughing Potion, a potion to induce uncontrollable laughter in the drinker. A finely-balanced potion requiring delicacy of touch. If made incorrectly, the results can vary from hysterical mania to deep, inconsolable melancholy.

Potion for Dreamless Sleep, a purple medicinal potion that is used to induce drowsiness and provide dreamless sleep for the drinker. It will help the drinker get some peace and rest.

It was one thing for Hermione to skip breakfast, but an entirely different thing to be late for class, even less be unprepared for it. No. She wasn't going to let that happen. Up until that point, her morning had been fastidious enough, and the Golden Girl would not tolerate any more unneeded difficulties happening for the rest of her day. She resumed her reading.

Veritaserum, a powerful truth serum, clear and odourless, like water. The potion forces the drinker to-

"Ah, good morning, Miss Granger. It's a fine day for brewing potions, wouldn't you agree?"

Hermione looked up and saw Professor Slughorn heading towards the door and smiling at her. She greeted him back, as he clumsily reached for his keys in his pocket; jingling rather loudly as the elder man searched for the correct key. The Muggleborn felt cheered up by the professor's heavy-handedness and merry attitude, and she couldn't help but smile. Maybe it was indeed going to be a fine day for brewing potions.

Finally, Slughorn opened the door and let her in. She wandered around the large classroom, still mesmerised by the big cauldrons and flasks all around. There were many cupboards filled with sachets containing exotic spices from all around the Wizarding World, from peppermint to sopophorous beans; from ginger root to snake fangs. That room filled her with ambitious curiosity and self-confidence, there were so many different potions she could brew, so many possibilities! It was like a fountain of knowledge she could drink from, whilst being in a playground where she could experiment around.

"What are we going to be working on today, Professor?" She asked, as she put her book and her piece of parchment on the table.

While she had been contemplating the classroom for the umpteenth time that year, Slughorn had busied himself with adding the finishing touches to some concoctions. He tossed what seemed to be Valerian Root into his cauldron and light, almost invisible vapour came out of it. It didn't smell of anything. The old man looked at her and, once again, smiled.

"Ah, Miss Granger, ever so enthusiastic! Such a great quality in a young student." The professor happily chanted, "But I'm afraid you'll have to wait until everyone else arrives. Today's potion is quite special, and I would like to keep it a surprise."

A familiar voice was heard from the entrance.

"And you wouldn't want to spoil it, right, Granger?"

Malfoy had arrived.

…

There she was.

First student, waiting for that older teacher to open the door, reading and re-reading her notes, as if to keep her mind off other thoughts – being so distracted, she hadn't even noticed him standing there, only a few metres away from her. He hadn't even been hiding, but she seemed so focussed on her reading, so caught up in her own world, she simply didn't see him.

Draco took a deep breath in, letting her fragrance soothe and infatuate him. He then frowned, while taking a good look at her from the distance, making sure there wasn't anything on her that pointed out she'd been harmed. Unfortunately, Slughorn had just arrived and stood right in front of her, blocking her view. Annoyed, the blonde huffed. First Zabini had impeded him from going to check up on her, and then Slughorn hindered his sight.

'At least he's making himself useful and is opening the door.' He thought, rolling his eyes.

Keeping his distance, Malfoy watched as both entered the potions laboratory. He waited for a minute and then entered the classroom himself, listening in to their conversation.

"What are we going to be working on today, Professor?"

"Ah, Miss Granger, ever so enthusiastic! Such a great quality in a young student." The professor happily chanted, "But I'm afraid you'll have to wait until everyone else arrives. Today's potion is quite special, and I would like to keep it a surprise."

"And you wouldn't want to spoil it, right, Granger?"

Instead of getting Hermione's attention, Draco got Slughorn's.

"Mr. Malfoy, good morning, please, do come in!" Slughorn cheerfully greeted him, "Right, today's potion is quite something. It certainly would be a shame not to share the surprise with all of you at once. I must say, I do enjoy seeing student's faces when I tell them about this potion; it's very precious. Some look amazed, some look taken aback, and find it difficult to believe. I'm curious how you will react."

The potion's master then gestured him to go over where Hermione was, and Draco gladly obliged. He went around Slughorn's table and finally, he saw her. Even though she frowned at him and gave him a bothered look, Granger never took her beautiful hazelnut-coloured eyes off his intense mercury stare while the blonde walked towards her. The intensity of his gaze was almost predatory, and she felt as though she was his prey. Hermione couldn't look away. He was getting nearer and nearer. He needed to go around her in order to get to his spot, and he did, walking awfully close to her, his pinky finger brushing the back of her hand ever so slightly. Such tender touch. For a moment, she fell short of breath; she was immobilised by his proximity. And it was so obvious to him.

Little did she know that he felt the same way. Little did she know that he was checking up on her, scanning her face and hands for any signs of harm. Draco felt relieved when he saw nothing. – The difference between them was, he was better at hiding his emotions. At least when he knew she wasn't in danger.

"Hello again, Granger." Draco whispered as he slowly passed by her.

That did it. She snapped out of it. The Gryffindor took a step to the side to keep her distance from him, and she crossed her arms. She took a glance over to professor Slughorn to see if he was paying attention to her and Malfoy. Luckily, he wasn't, he was still occupied with the final touches for the mysterious potion.

Hermione shot him a dirty glare.

"Sod off, ferret." She hissed at him, "It's your fault I missed breakfast!"

The Slytherin chuckled. He reached his preferred spot and dropped his things on the table. Then, he looked at her, amused.

"I didn't spill your coffee all over the table, Granger, you did. I simply grabbed a muffin."

"Oh, no, Malfoy, don't give me that. I had to go back and take a shower, all because you decided to mess with my mind and distracted me!"

"And I see I got you riled up, didn't I? Well, then, I'd say mission accomplished."

"Mission accomplished? Are you serious?" Hermione frowned, pinched the bridge of her nose, and shut her eyes tightly, trying her best to remain calm. "Malfoy, what was that back in the Great Hall? And just now?"

Before she got any answers, a group of students entered the classroom. Draco shrugged at her, giving her a little smirk. Hermione growled out in frustration and picked up her notes again, determined to ignore his presence.

…

Finally, the potion's lab was full and Professor Slughorn began his lecture. Unfortunately, Lavender was directly by Hermione's side. Brown told her that, seeing her Won-Won was going to be late, she'd best be near her, so she could 'take better notes' and lend them to Ron later. Hermione rolled her eyes, knowing full well that Ron didn't intend to take potions class and she just wanted to copy, but said nothing. She knew Lavender could get very irritating if she decided to throw a fuss, and Hermione wasn't having any of that. She'd simply concentrate on listening to her teacher's lesson.

"Attention to detail in the preparation is the prerequisite of all planning…" Slughorn explained, before he turned around, seeing Harry and Ron rush through the entrance, "Ah! Harry, my boy. I was beginning to worry. You brought someone with us, I see."

"Ron Weasley, sir." Ron took one step forward, presenting himself. "But I'm dead awful at potions. A menace, actually so. I'm just gonna-"

At that, Lavender's face lit up and started to very lightly swing around with her body, her eyes searching his. Hermione didn't know whether to roll her eyes or frown, it seemed quite ridiculous that Brown couldn't keep a second without looking like she deeply, madly in love with Ron. She was miffed, more than anything else, and shot her a peeved glare. – Draco saw it and, even though his Veela side greatly disliked the frustration in her eyes, he lightly smirked at that. Quite the feisty temper, that of his mate.

"Nonsense! We'll just sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Get your books out."

"Sorry, sir, I haven't actually got my book yet. And nor has Ron."

"Don't worry. Get what you want from the cupboard." Finally, Slughorn turned his attention back to the class, "Now, as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any idea what this one here might be?"

And there it was, Slughorn's mysterious potion, his little surprise.

Hermione didn't really think when she raised her arm to answer Slughorn's question, and truthfully, she did feel a bit insecure when doing so. Based on the bit she had read, what she had seen and what she hadn't smelled, she only had a suspicion on what it could be, not on what it actually was. Still, she decided to take a chance.

"Ah, yes, Miss Granger. Please."

"That one is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling serum. It's transparent and odourless, like water. It's terribly tricky to make."

"Very well, 10 points to Gryffindor! Veritaserum is a remarkable potion. It makes the drinker give a truthful answer to any question. It's oftentimes used in interrogations, therefore, it's highly regulated by the Ministry of Magic."

He scanned for his student's facial expressions for a couple of seconds, and he smiled, feeling pleased at the general reaction. It was just like he had predicted: some people were dazed, some other people were in disbelief, questioning how a potion was able to do that.

"But, as Miss Granger said, it does require an advanced level in potions to master it. So, I'm going to pair you up based off your O.W.L. levels from last year."

Slughorn put his tiny glasses on, grabbed a list of names, and proceeded to team everyone up.

Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom,

Mr. Weasley and Miss Brown,

Mr. Finnigan and Mr. Thomas,

Mr. Zabini and Mr. Nott,

Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle,

Miss Greengrass and Miss Parkinson.

He then looked at Hermione.

"Miss Granger, please, go and join Mr. Malfoy."

…

Fuming, the bushy-haired witch went to grab a cauldron and the instruments they needed for cutting and mixing, while the sly wizard got a hold of the ingredients they required for the Veritaserum. They met back at their table: Hermione was irked, and while Draco seemed pleasantly entertained on the outside, he was inwardly worried about what had pained her earlier that morning. Thus, considering they were going to be working together for a couple of hours, he decided he would ask her later what or who had had the nerve to hurt her.

'No one will hurt my mate.' For a second, his eyes turned black at that thought, fortunately, she didn't seem to notice. He quickly regained his composure and deeply inhaled. 'Patience is key, Draco. You've got to time it right. You've got to-'

Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Alright, Malfoy." She addressed him, letting out a quick sigh, "I've had a rough morning so far. I'm hungry, I'm irritated and I'm not in the mood for your silly mind games. So, if we're going to do this, I suggest we're civil to each other. In other words: Focus, and don't be a prick."

"My, Granger, why don't you make yourself some tea with the Valerian Root over here? You certainly seem stressed out. In other words: Relax." Draco teased, chuckling, "Stop for a moment and think. We got to work together according to our O.W.L.s., which means that, as much as you hate my guts, and as much as I enjoy the show, you and I are the best in this class. Which consequently means, I know how to focus and brew a potion, thank you very much."

Hermione didn't like the sarcasm in his voice, but she had to admit that he made a valid point. The Slytherin was indeed second best at Hogwarts right after her, and working with him would probably be an enormous advantage, rather than a disadvantage. He probably could keep up with her pace, and she wouldn't have to stop every couple of minutes to explain to him how to chop up things. Still, she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Noted. And what about not being a prick?"

"Ow, my pride! Your words wound me, Granger." He dramatized, taking his hand up to his chest, clenching on his jumper, as if to signalise her words had cut through his heart, "But, I will make no promises on that. It's so fun and easy to grate on your nerves."

"Malfoy!" She almost yelled at him.

"See, you just proved my point." If looks could kill, Draco would have died a hundred deaths on the spot. He rolled his eyes. "For Salazar's sake, will you calm down? As I said, I won't be making any promises, but, like you, I want this serum to turn out perfectly, so I'll make you a deal."

"You. Out of all people, you want to make me a deal." She pointed at him with her index finger, as she raised a suspicious eyebrow at him. "Surely, I'll regret having asked, but… What kind of deal?"

'Now.'

"I'll be a helpful potions partner, as long as you tell me what's got your knickers in a twist."

"Excuse me? Actually, excuse you?"

"You heard me. I'm not buying this 'I'm angry at you because you made me miss my breakfast' act. It's something else. Anyway, fact is, you seem infuriated and I can't work properly if you don'tcalm down."

"Well, I don't see how that would be any of your business!"

"Ah, so there is something else bothering you."

"You know what? Screw it. Yes, there is something, rather someone, bothering me." She glared at him, "That would be you."

"Ouch, Granger!"

"I actually mean it, Malfoy. I asked you a question earlier, and you still haven't answered, Mr. 'Mission accomplished'. That is bothering me. And I hate having to repeat myself, but considering it's you I'm talking to, I'll gladly ask again, you dense, little ferret. What was that back in the Great Hall? What was that just a couple of minutes ago?"

Draco knew that she was only telling him half the truth, but for now, he let it go. She wanted to play her little game? Fine, he'd play along and let her have some fun. After all, they were brewing Veritaserum, quite the useful, little potion. If she didn't want to tell him now, he'd make sure she'd tell him at a later point in time.

"Chapeau! 'Dense, little ferret'. Not bad, I must say I'm impressed. Keep preaching about how to be civil and not being a prick, Granger, it suits you." He countered, sarcastically, "And about the Great Hall… I'd happily tell you what it was about, really, I would. But, you see, that wasn't part of our deal. You had to tell me what was bugging you, and not the other way around. Now that it's out, I'm ready to fulfil my part. Pass me the knife, will you? I'm cutting these roots."

Letting out an aggravated huff, Hermione tossed the knife over to Draco. At least, that stupid conversation was done for and they could start to work.

…

Working with his mate was refreshing: The Gryffindor was motivated, competent, her intellect unmatched. Her initial annoyance with him didn't hinder her from performing her tasks diligently and efficiently. She was so positive about her own abilities, so persistent in achieving her goals. Her aura radiated self-assurance, and even though she was aware of people thinking of her having an inflated ego, she didn't care. That fire and fearlessness of hers intoxicated him, it attracted him to her even more.

He immensely enjoyed watching her focus, subconsciously biting her lower lip, slightly frowning and humming as she did so. She had the most satisfied expression when she learnt a new concept, and she looked delighted when she could put theory into practice. Her wild curls disobeyed her as she sliced through the ingredients, and she would tuck strands of her hair behind her ear, uncovering part of her neck. Draco couldn't help but look at the delicious curve connecting her shoulder and neck, as he resisted the strong urge to mark her right there and then.

When the same sopophorous bean propelled across the table for the fifth time, he lost his train of thought, and heard her groan in frustration as she tried to chop it. The kernel wouldn't stay still under her knife, and her cheeks were turning a crimson shade with indignation. The Slytherin stirred a laugh at her helplessness, and how much she disliked not being right.

"You stupid bean! Give me your juice already!" She cursed under her breath, "And what is there to laugh about, Malfoy?"

"A lot, actually, starting with you." He mocked her, but then offered her his help, "Granger, you need to crush it, not chop it. The same you would do with a clove of garlic."

"No. The book specifically says to chop it."

Draco rolled his eyes.

"The book says this; the book says that!' Look, do you want the serum or not?"

"Of course I do!"

"Then, don't be so stubborn and crush the bean!" Malfoy went towards her, grabbed the little nut and her knife and showed her. "Here, like this. See? It's oozing out."

Hermione turned her head to see him, and she realised that, once again, they were very close to each other. She inaudibly gasped as he turned to see her and return her honeyed stare. His mercury eyes looked at her softly, contrary to the animosity she had seen so many other times when they would insult each other. They had a beautiful gleam to them, an alluring sheen that hid so many things she was puzzled about. Draco gave her the faintest of smiles and redirected his attention to the sopophorous juice. He aimed to grab a cup, subtly bowing his upper body and stretching his arm, passing over Hermione's arms in doing so. Like this, she could smell his hair shampoo, a delicate, aromatic herb mixture, with mild notes of eucalyptus and thyme, never too piquant. – For a moment, the brunette was lost in his infatuation.

Just like that, the blonde grabbed the cup and the moment was gone. Time to go back to reality, leaving her to wonder, once again, what that was, though she knew he wouldn't answer. Best to let it go. For now, at least.

"How do you know these things?" She asked him, her curiosity peeking through.

"Snape is my godfather and a master in potions. I did learn a thing or two from him." He responded, as he poured the bean's juice into the cauldron, secretly happy she showed interest in him in some way, "Alright, Granger, now stir it five times, counter-clockwise."

She did as she was told, and with that, the potion was done. All they had to do now was wait 28 days, until the magic liquid was ready to consume. Professor Slughorn went to check the serum and patted them both on the shoulders and congratulated them on their good teamwork. He told them to wait until class was over because he had something he wanted to discuss with them.

Fifteen minutes later, Slughorn dismissed the class.

…

"I'm organising this little dinner party in my office, you see. My best students are invited. I must insist you both come to the event."

The Golden Girl cringed. On the one hand, this was a good opportunity for her, she was sure she could learn a lot, being surrounded by such intelligent people. It'd surely be a night to remember. On the other hand, there was an issue: Malfoy was invited, as well, and considering he was evidently playing games with her, she feared he would manage to ruin her evening. Of course, she could choose not to let him, just like she had chosen to not let him ruin her breakfast. – Her empty, rumbling stomach being the definite proof of her miserable failure.

What to do, what to do…

"We'll be there." Draco informed Slughorn, ripping her out of her thoughts, "Right, Hermione?"

Before she could say anything, the elder man rubbed his hands with satisfaction.

"Marvellous! I'll see you on Saturday evening, then. It's quite formal, so please be sure to dress adequately." Slughorn cheerfully told them, "Oh, and Miss Granger? Please tell Harry to come along, as well. He was gone before I could get ahold of him. Now, off you go to your next class. Brilliant work on the Veritaserum, you two!"

…

Storming off the potions laboratory, the Muggleborn yelled at the Pureblood. She was beyond enraged.

"What in the ever-burning hell, Malfoy!"

"Hm?"

"Don't you 'hm' me, you insufferable jerk, you know what I'm talking about! You oh-so-casually told Slughorn we would be there, as if that decision had been yours to make. Tell you what, it wasn't! You could've chosen to go on your behalf, but why did you have to include me? Maybe I didn't want to go!"

"Oh, come on, Granger, don't make me laugh. You can't be seriously telling me you would pass on a posh, exclusive dinner with one of Hogwarts' finest professors." He nonchalantly shrugged, "I was going anyway, and I simply made it easy for you, since you were so deep in your thoughts. You're welcome."

"Even if your intention was to make it easy for me, and I highly doubt that's the case, it wasn't your choice. It was mine, and you took it." She crossed her arms and looked away, "You could at least apologise, you know."

"Look, what is done is done. And if really bothers you this much, all you have to do is turn around and tell Slughorn you won't come."

Of course, Draco hoped she wouldn't do that. He hoped for her to come to Slughorn's dinner party, so he'd have the perfect excuse to be near her in the foreseeable future, trying to further woo her. He'd done a fairly good job that morning, he'd noticed how, whenever she had asked about his flirtatious attempts, demanding he told her 'what that was', the faintest of blushes had been on her cheeks. He'd felt a rush of satisfaction go through him, seeing that pale rouge shade across her exquisite features.

"And let me get this straight, you want me to apologise?" He continued, "You're the one who's been insulting me all morning, Granger, while I've been nothing but civil to you, just like you wanted. But you? You've called me a prick, a dense, little ferret, and an insufferable jerk. I think, if anything, you owe me an apology."

Hermione stood there and said nothing. She stared at him, blankly, as she very well acknowledged he was right.

"I knew it. You want to go to that dinner, don't you?" Draco chuckled triumphantly, taking a step towards her. She took a step backwards, her back touching the wall. Their faces were almost touching. "Your problem is with me, isn't it, Granger?"

"Are you kidding me? You've been bullying me for years, insulting me and ridiculing me in public. Do you think a helpful hand in potions would change that? Of course my problem's with you, Malfoy!"

"Yes, of course your problem is with me. And you want me to apologise to you, not because I told Slughorn we'd go to his party, because I'm willing to bet you wouldn't have yelled at Potter, had he told Slughorn that you'd both go. I bet you would've even thanked him. You're simply not capable of seeing that 'your bully' is doing you a favour, much less appreciate it. You're being petty, and precisely that is your problem."

Again, Hermione said nothing.

"Do you want to know what I think? I think you want me to apologise to you because you've had a bad morning and you feel like blaming it on me. Because I've been… How'd you put it? Ah, yes, playing my 'silly mind games' with you, and you've felt distracted." Draco delicately gripped her chin, his thumb lightly pulling down on it, so that her lips would be ajar. His pupils widened with desire, making his eyes turn black. "Does this distract you, Hermione?"

No, she wasn't distracted. She was very present in that moment; her entire attention was directed at Draco's onyx eyes. Those obsidian orbs filled with secrets; that eerie shade, dark as midnight – That was everything she saw.

"You distract me."

…

Wooooooooooho! Alright, alright, alright! Whew, that was a lot to write. But it was so worth it! :D

I really, really hope you liked it! x

As always, your support, meaning favs, follows and reviews are very much appreciated and they make me want to keep writing! x

Thank you so much for reading, you guys, you're amazing! YOU ROOOOOOOCK!

Byeee ~~

Skyselisse