Chapter 23: And You're Paired With.

A/N: **MAJOR NOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!** If you haven't read this since I fixed everything on July 21, 2003, read the whole story again!!!!! I changed a TON of stuff, and there are major OotP spoilers so if you haven't read the 5th book (I don't know why you wouldn't have read it by mow! It's been a month!!), then don't read this fic until you do, or you'll be in for a few surprises!!!!!

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~*~*~ A Week Later ~*~*~*

"Hello, sixth-years," Dumbledore greeted pleasantly. As before, the Gryffindor and Slytherin sixth-years were sitting in the Great Hall. This time however, they were sitting in two tightly huddled groups, giving each other death glares. "Now, as I told you last week, the Gryffindors and Slytherins will be paired up with someone from the opposite house. Professors McGonagall and Snape and I have deliberated who was to be paired with whom. We have chosen and will call out the partners. When yours and your partner's name have been called, please find each other and have a seat."

He turned and nodded at Professor McGonagall, who stepped forward and unrolled a scroll of parchment.

"Neville Longbottom and Corey Mason."

Neville sighed in relief and met with the soft-spoken Slytherin between the two groups.

"Seamus Finnigan and Vincent Crabbe."

Seamus's face fell as she sat, stunned in his chair. Snickering, Dean shoved him to get him moving, only to get his comeuppance in a few seconds.

"Dean Thomas and Pansy Parkinson. Ronald Weasley and Blaise Zabini. Harry Potter and Althea McKay. Melissa Potter and Draco Malfoy." Until now, everyone had been moving relatively quietly. When Melissa heard her name called with Malfoy's, she blanched. Hermione nudged her and nodded in the direction of McGonagall. Melissa glanced pleadingly at her and shakily got to her feet. She made her way over to Malfoy and sat down wordlessly, looking determinedly at the three professors ruining her life. "Hermione Granger and Zachary King. Parvati Patil and Gregory Goyle. Lavender Brown and Millicent Bulstrode."

By this time, everyone had met up with their partner and was sitting silently beside him or her.

"Now, you will spend free time with your partner, you will do your homework with your partners, you will meet your partner's friends," Dumbledore explained. "At the end of every week, all of you, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, and I will get together and determine how this project is coming along. Also, if your partner gets a detention, you will spend your evening in detention, as well."

There was an angry outburst of mutterings at this new development, which were silenced by McGonagall. Dumbledore nodded and waved his hand.

"You have two hours now to spend with your partner," he said. "Go ahead and get to know them."

As everyone around them got up bitterly, Melissa glanced at Malfoy for the first time. She was startled to see him staring interestedly back at her.

"What?" she asked impatiently after a few minutes.

"Nothing," he replied nonchalantly. "Where do you want to go to talk?"

"I don't care," Melissa muttered, crossing her legs and looking away.

"What about the Quidditch Stadium?" Malfoy suggested. "There's never anyone there."

Melissa's eyes flicked to the bracelet she had received from her friends at Sullivan's, then to Malfoy's stormy grey eyes.

"Fine," she answered shortly, getting up and surprising the blonde. "Let's go there."

A/N: Sorry this chapter was so short. I had a bit of writer's block and on top of that, I'm flying down to my friend's house tomorrow and I won't be able to update for two weeks. But don't worry, I'll be writing a lot, so I should have a few new chapters when I get back. Hope you enjoyed the teeny chapter!!!!