Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 5/30

A/N: Thanks again for the reviews. By the way, I need to know if there's someone still interested. If there were anything you'd like me to change or add, do it in the reviews. I'm open for suggestions. Ok, there maybe a few side romance between the 2 best friends but I still like Draco and Hermione better. One likes her to be independent as that is her strong point and the other likes to control her. Sorry about the grammar, I'm typing as I think and sometimes my mind moves faster than my hands and the grammar checker sometimes doesn't make sense either. Sometimes, we have slangs too in our country and I may have not noticed using it. It made sense to me but might not make any sense to others. Sorry! Besides, I'm not an American so I'm entitled to make mistakes. Sorry if I sounded harsh. BTW I have classes again so it may affect the story and updates.

Title: Models

Chapter29: Pre-Hogsmeade

It was the day that both Harry and Hermione had been looking forward to. They were going to spend one whole day alone together the next day. None of the two were able to focus on their subjects and they were having Potions. Harry got loads of warning from Snape already and had lost 10 points already.

Hermione on the other hand wasn't paying any attention. Usually, she'd be the one to actually conjure the potion but now, Draco was responsible. She figured that since he was having advance potions he could handle simple ones taught in class. She was thinking of what could happen in the trip the next day.

Nobody gave any thought about Draco doing all the work but Snape noticed. "Ms. Granger, just tell me if you're getting bored with the potion. You may leave if the lesson does not interest you."

Hermione blushed at the words of her professor. She stared at Harry and held his gaze for a moment. They both snickered as if they heard a joke. Ron found it funny too. His 2 best friends got caught daydreaming at what's going to happen tomorrow.

Draco however didn't find it amusing instead irritating. 'What happened?' He was getting jealous at her friends. It's like they have hidden meanings even as they stared. He wanted to know what happened between her and Potter. "Hey Granger, should I put the powder before the root or vice versa?" He wanted to break any connection she had with him.

Hermione looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Are you kidding?"

"Snape already called you, I wouldn't want to get a low grade here because you couldn't stop staring at Potter."

Hermione rolled her eyes and started stirring the mixture as Draco added the roots. Her mind however was doing overtime work. She was still picturing her day tomorrow. A smile slightly crept through her mouth.

"Something funny?"

Hermione eyed her partner, 'Malfoy's talking a lot lately, what's he up to?'

"Well?"

"Nothing."

"Something's occupying your mind and that's not good when you're mixing potions."

"It's none of your business."

"Does it have anything to do with Hogsmeade and Potter?"

"Told you it's none of your business."

"So did he ask you for a date or something?" Please say no, please say no.

Hermione's cheek began to turn red.

Draco was good at hiding his emotions so he wore a smirk to hide the pain in his chest. "What a pity, I thought he and Weasley were a good couple."

"What do you care, Harry doesn't see Ginny in that way."

"Who said anything about Ginny?"

Instead of getting angry she found the remark kind of funny. She was not blest with Malfoy's talent however. She let her smile became apparent.

'Hell, she finally smiled at me.' He liked it. He began thinking of other things to tell her to make her smile.

"Stop it. Harry and Ron are just friends just like with me."

"That's what I've been talking about."

Hermione flushed.

"You finished your potion last night, are you excited at your next project?"

"Actually, I doubt that he'll give me one more."

"Why'd you say that?"

"I'm done with potions now, I'll move on to Charms and Transfiguration."

"I didn't think that you'd give up potions."

"We only have limited time for every subject. Harry will be taking Potions next."

'Fuck! I'll be stuck with Potter!'

She didn't know why she told him that. It was just so nice to finally have a decent conversation with him partner instead of insults.

'Is this the reason why Snape didn't show up last night as well. He does seem a little grumpy today. If I didn't know better, I'd say he's grown fond of Granger. Maybe he just realized that he'd have one on one with Potter. Yeah that must be it.'

"Malfoy, are you alright?"

"Huh?" Draco was caught unaware. "What did you say?"

"I just asked if you'd continue your advance potions."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Let me guess, you'd like to rub it in his face that you know more than he does."

"My, my, my Granger, I didn't think you have such nasty thoughts. I didn't consider the idea but since you've suggested it, it does sound interesting. Thanks." He smiled at her.

She rolled her eyes on him starting to feel the usual annoyance. "I didn't think Malfoys know how to show any gratitude." 'He'll never change. Why does it make me feel upset?'

Draco let it slide. "Um about the other night."

"What about it?"

"The kiss."

"That was a mistake and I've forgotten about it already."

"Really? I would've thought you'd contemplate about it considering it was your first real one."

"I don't want to talk about it. Not now, not ever."

"Whatever, I'm not into talking either. Hands-on is so much better."

She just shook her head in disgust. Actually he was right. She had been thinking about it, about the feelings it stirred up and most especially him. She did want to forget about it/him whatever, but she couldn't. The reason she came up for it was she felt lust for Malfoy and that was it. He's not his friend and he hates her. There was nothing more but pure lust. She found out that the only thing to get her mind off him is if she thought about Harry. It was working great until he faced her and talked to her. Those were the moments where nothing else can occupy her mind. It always starts at how irritated she is with him and ended up with longing to kiss him and be kissed. She knows its not a healthy habit but she couldn't do without it.

She was basically both glad and infuriated for the extra potion class to end. Glad since she wouldn't be working alone with him and exasperated since all those challenges that Snape gave her was about to end.

~~~~~~~~~~

'This is the last day for the extra potion.' Hermione sighed deeply as she entered the lab. Usually, she was always first to arrive but during this last week, Malfoy always beat her in getting to the room. She placed her bag in her usual chair and took of her robe. Ever since Snape cast a spell to keep the room warm, she felt too hot and wore cotton material blouse. Today she wore a baby blue sleeveless blouse and a comfortable skirt. She was wondering what she'd do today. She already finished the potion for the week and there is simply no time for another.

Draco started to set up his things but he didn't seem to be working on something.

"Are you done with your potion?" She realized that Snape gave different potions to them. Malfoy's were child's play compared to her work.

"Snape didn't give me the key. I can't start without it." He said matter- of-factly.

"I see."

"Trying to make a conversation?" He smiled at her. He walked towards her table.

"I just." She was blushing. "I was just wondering why you weren't doing anything."

"Whatever. So long as we're speaking, what do you do for fun, except of course from studying?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Aside from the fact that I'm muggle-born, I am just like any other witch."

"What I meant was, you were a kid before and didn't have any friends that came from the wizarding family. What did you consider fun then?"

"Since muggles do not possess any magic,"

"Naturally."

"They made up with technology. Science is sometimes as exciting as magic."

"But it's not as good as magic."

"Both magic and technology has its advantages."

"Really!" He said sarcastically, he couldn't see himself living without magic. He believed that there's no replacement for magic.

"For example, in the library, you have to look for things manually. The muggles have simplified this by creating the Internet. You can just type a word in the computer and you'll get the information you need."

"I should've known that the only advantage you'll see is in relation to studying."

She just rolled her eyes. "There are other things but I doubt that you'd understand them."

"HA! You just can't think of anything else." He said arrogantly.

"I won't defend my world to someone who's closed his mind already. Muggles can do just fine without magic."

Just then, Snape entered the lab. "Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy, having a conversation. I wouldn't have guessed." Both students turned and acknowledged his presence. Draco started back to his table.

"Ms. Granger, since there is no time for you to take on a new potion, I must say there is no reason for you to stay here. Mr. Malfoy, continue with your work." Draco looked disappointed that Hermione was going to leave. She wouldn't be here working with him anymore.

Hermione nodded and started to leave. Before she could reach the door, she took a double turn and faced her professor.

"What is it Ms. Granger?"

Hermione walked towards her professor. Snape eyed her as she reached the table. "I just wanted to say thank you sir."

Both men were shocked at what she said. They both knew that Snape was trying to give her a hard time. It didn't make sense for her to thank him.

'She's a mudblood. She's different. She doesn't make sense.' Draco thought.

"I want to thank you for the challenges you've put up for me." She continued as Snape recovered from his shock. "I did learn a lot. You've motivated me to do well in this class. Frankly sir, I have taken potions for granted, I didn't know the wonderful possibilities it offered." Snape nodded, speechless at what she was saying. "What I really wanted to say is that I would miss this class. Since the day I have tasted the potential, I have generated a craving to learn more. I wanted to know if there would be a chance to do this again."

Snape knows no compassion. He did see her passion and have gone weak from it. Even if she is a Gryffindor and best friend to Harry Potter he cannot ignore the growing fondness for her. Of course he wouldn't show this to anyone. "You're time with me is up Ms. Granger so I suggest that you move on."

Hermione felt disappointed. She was so sure that that little speech she just said would open him up and let her continue to work with him. She bowed her head and turned to leave.

Draco was impressed. 'She has shown so much passion. I didn't think that she actually liked this subject.'

"Ms. Granger." She turned her eyes hopeful. "Out of curiosity, who'd be next?"

"Harry Potter sir." She said disappointedly.

Snape's brow began forming angry brows. He saw the disappointed look on her face. He didn't want to kill her passion for the subject. There are only a few people who like it and she was the only one who had such a passion. 'It wouldn't hurt of she could come in once in a while. Compared to Potter, she's ok.' "Ms. Granger?"

"Yes sir?" She turned around but this time she didn't put her hopes up.

"There are potions that you weren't able to finish because you were too slow on the first project. I wonder if you'd like to try them out?"

Hermione smiled and nodded eagerly.

"Very well, tell me beforehand when you would like to make the potions."

Hermione nodded again and smiled some more before she headed for the door. 'I have to fix my schedule. I'd be having extra Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions. I'd have to make sacrifices. What am I saying? If Ron did fine I would too. That's right think positive.'

Draco was surprised at Hermione for thanking Snape but what shocked him the most was Snape showing compassion especially to a Gryffindor mudblood. 'I have to admit; there is something more to her than being a mudblood. What's the harm in trying to figure it out?'