6.
I fear nothing so much as a man who is witty all day. -Marquise De Sevigne
Hermione's frustration extended to the broken beakers and bottles smashed against the labs walls. She was exhausted and felt defeated. Three days until her meeting and she had yet to produce anything useful. All she had was theories and notes. How was she to prove herself as capable if she couldn't make her own potion? She sat with her back against the wall next to a large pile of glass, liquid spilling out onto the floor.
" Three bloody days." She murmured as she pulled her wand out and cleaned up the mess at her feet.
" Well at least the Veritaserum is done." She sighed.
She didn't really have any use for the Veritaserum she just wanted to make it, and the only way to was to get Snape to procure the ingredients. She still had her doubts as to whether or not he was a true Death Eater but she knew he'd have just as much to loose if he turned her in, not that it mattered if she got caught. She knew that she could earn her keep in the Dark Lords circle she just wanted a chance to learn as much as she could. No matter the cost. She kept telling herself that the politics of the Dark Lord where that, only politics. She didn't believe in the propaganda but she liked the benefits. As long as she stayed impassive and kept Voldemort well supplied with the potions and charms she'd come up with from the knowledge she'd gain then she was content.
Only she now as she pressed her head against the stone wall she felt pathetic. Three days and all she had was the first stage of one potion that could improve witches or wizards abilities beyond belief. She stood, determination etched into her face.
" If I can complete the potion the least I can do is bring it as close to done as possible." And so she set to work.
~~~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione smoothed down her dress robe weary of creases underneath she wore a comfortable black pantsuit. Her hair was pulled back into an elegant bun. She held her chin high as she made her way out of the dorm room. Ignoring all the intense looks she received as she walked. She made her way to entrance hall without incident. One quick glance around before she pulled open the door and stepped out onto the grounds. Finding the path to Hogsmead she walked briskly she had little over a half hour to meet Draco. Calming her nerves she quickened her pace.
Hogsmead was clear except a few last minute shoppers and dinner reservations. She made her way to the far east side with five minutes to spare. She spotted Draco easily enough. His hair slicked back and his black robes stirring at his feet as he walked. He had a smirk on his face as he walked to her.
" Evening, Granger." He nodded.
" Draco." She kept her voice as steady as possible.
He took out a golden watch and flipped it open.
" It's a port key. It'll take us directly to the meeting. Are you ready?" He asked.
She nodded and they both pushed their index fingers to the watches face. Hermione felt a tug pull at her navel and the world went black.
