"So Granger, I suppose we have to work as partners. Just don't stand too close to me or my hygiene will lower a few points." Malfoy sneered.

"Cut the crap, Draco." Hermione muttered quietly. "No one's watching right now so stop being an arse."

Draco looked behind him and realized that, indeed, no one was watching their reactions. Everyone seemed to be too preoccupied with glaring at their Potions partners. Even Weasely was too busy edging away from Millicent's murderous glower to stare at the two.

"Yeah, all right. Sorry, just making sure no one got suspicious. So how are you, 'Mione?" Draco asked, genuine concern shining in his eyes. He managed to make the rest of his face neutral though.

Hermione sighed. "I'm all right, I suppose. This summer hasn't exactly been the greatest, you know."

Draco nodded his assent. "Yes, I know. But it'll be all right. Dumbledore said that he'll do anything to help us in our mission."

Hermione sighed again. "Yes. Thanks Draco." She managed to send him a small smile without anyone else noticing.

"Welcome, Mudblood." Draco joked. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him and they continued working on their potion. Of course, due to both of their patience and superior intellect, they finished the potion in record time. They brought it up to Professor Snape and he examined the contents.

"Excellent potion. No doubt, all of Mr. Malfoy's work." He coldly declared. "Ten points to Slytherin for a job well done."

Hermione made sure to paste an outraged look on her face when she sat down. The rest of the class was a bore. Neville blew up his potion again while Blaise cursed loudly. Finally, Snape dismissed the class.

"Except for you, Miss Granger. I have a bone to pick with you."

Hermione made sure to look concerned and scared as she walked towards him.

"If he does anything Hermione, just tell us." Harry whispered.

"Yeah." Agreed Ron. "Wee'll make sure that greasy-haried git gets what he deserves."

Hermione nodded and Harry and Ron left the classroom. Draco stayed however.

"I just wanna see Snape yelling at the prized Mudblood." He explained to his Slytherin friends. They cackled and walked away. Professor Snape walked towards the door, checked to see if anyone was there, and closed it soundly.

"You know, Hermione, I don't exactly appreciate it when my students PURPOSELY undermine my authority…" Professor Snape's eyes glimmered with annoyance.

"Sorry Uncle Sev…" Hermione apologized with a mischievous grin. Professor Snape sighed.

"How many times do I have to tell you, girl? I'M NOT YOUR UNCLE!"

"But I think of you as an uncle!" Hermione exclaimed. All of a sudden, a dark shadow passed across her face. "After all, my real uncle is in no position to take care of me now…"

Sympathy shone in Professor Snape's eyes. "All right. You may call me Uncle Sev if it suits you. BY the way, I didn't just call you over to scold you. I have important news. And Draco, you can come out from the corner. I can see you…"

"DAMMIT!"

Draco skulked over to the two of them and stood next to Hermione, who was chuckling softly.

"There's going to be another meeting tonight."

The laughter left Hermione's eyes.

"Again?? But he just had one last week! God, that man needs to get a hobby. Like collecting stamps." Draco complained.

"What time?" Hermione asked seriously.

"After curfew. Meet me in Dumbledore's office. Don't be late. The Dark Lord does not tolerate lateness."

"Why can't you just call the arse by his name? VOLDEMORT. It's a fairly easy name to pronounce." Hermione asked.

"Hermione, be serious about this." Snape warned.

Hermione scoffed. "Serious? I am serious. Every fucking day I'm serious. Nobody is more serious than I am. I am the embodiment of seriousness. Look up "serious" in the fucking dictionary and there's my name written in fucking permanent marker along with a fucking holographic picture of me next to it."

Snape sighed. "All right, all right. Just remember to meet me tonight."

Hermione and Draco looked at each other with grave faces. "We'll be there." They announced in unison.