Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 7/22
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I just noticed that when you type 3 dots (.) it appears as 1 dot only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 6
And They Get Caught
Hermione felt confused. Confused? On the first day? It seems unlikely. But she was. She didn't realize that she had to make a thesis. She wasn't prepared for that.
She suddenly had an urge to go to the lake. She wanted to clear up her mind. 'I could do Etheral. But what if I can't finish it? I don't want to stay in Hogwarts more than necessary.'
When she reached the lake she was glad that she was alone. She sat on a rock near the lake. She looked up in the sky to check the moon. It was supposed to be a full moon today. She saw it right on top of her. She couldn't help, but admire the beauty it had projected. She was very much consumed at looking at the heavenly bodies that she didn't realize that someone was resurfacing from the lake.
"Hermione?" Draco quickly got out of the lake and walked in front of her.
Hermione looked down to see who called her. "Draco? What are you doing here?"
Draco smiled at himself, 'what luck! At last we're all alone.' "I wanted to take my mind off something."
"Me too." She got caught at the wonderful sight that behold her. She could see the abs that she'd been dreaming of ever since they slept together last year. "Aren't you cold?" She tried to take her eyes off of him.
"After all we've been through in Krum's place, I thought that you would know by now that I'm used to cold climates."
Hermione blushed when she remembered the time that she spent in Viktor's place. She was very sick the first week. She had trouble adjusting to the climate. Draco on the other hand fit incredibly well. He was the one who took care of her during the first week. She couldn't help, but feel a little irritation at the lack of concern that Viktor has showed her. "Right."
"How about you? I remember that you're not used to this kind of climates."
"Don't worry, I'm not the one who's half-naked out here. And may I remind you that you didn't take well to cold weather too." She loved arguing with him.
"And when was that specifically?"
"When you were turning blue beside this lake as you waited for an owl."
Draco remembered the scene exactly in his mind. That was the first time he and Hermione started talking with each other and not shouting at each other. "Was I able to extend my gratitude then?"
"Yeah, you did. That was the first time, well, only time that I've heard you say those words. Actually I didn't think you meant it back then." She teased.
"I assure you that I meant it back then and even now."
"Hey I was just teasing, don't act too serious it's not good for your health." Hermione felt the cold wind pass through her.
Draco could see her shiver. He took his towel and sat beside her. He draped the towel over Hermione's and his back.
Hermione was grateful of the warmth the towel offered, but she was still cold. She decided to cuddle with Draco. They are starting to get close and he did take care of her before. She didn't feel the slightest embarrassment as she moved closer. To her, Draco was becoming a very important friend.
Draco placed his head on top of hers in return.
They were silent for a few minutes as they relished each other's warmth and company.
"Draco?"
"Yes?"
"I've been looking at the moon and I remembered what you said before in the forest-"
"This moon's just an ordinary moon. Don't worry."
"How can you tell the difference? All I can see is the same old moon."
"You're admiring it. That's why we have a different perspective of it."
"Are you saying that you fear the moon?"
"No, not really. I look at it as a sign and not as an art."
Hermione felt another breeze passing through her and she shivered.
Draco held her closer feeling her shiver. "Maybe we'd better get inside. I don't want you to get sick again."
"You don't want to take care of me again?" She teased.
"It's not that, I love taking care of you, but if you get sick now then there will be other people who'll take care of you in my place. I don't want that. Where's the fun in that when other people are fussing over you?"
She shivered again, but this time it wasn't because of the cold. She lowered her head trying to hide the blush that was creeping on her face.
They both wanted to stay that way longer. They felt safe, comfortable, and at home together.
"Found her! She's over here." A voice from the castle reverberated to the couple.
Hermione searched for the source of the voice.
Ron came out of the castle sprinting towards them.
Draco let go of her and looked her in the eye. "You're friends are here now. You better leave."
Hermione didn't stand. She waited for Ron to get to them.
Ron from the distance didn't see that she had company or that they were cuddled very close. When he got closer, "What the bloody hell-"
Hermione didn't let him finish, "Hi Ron. What brings you out here?"
Ron looked lost. He looked over his shoulder as if afraid that they would get caught.
Draco caught the message Ron was giving. He looked at Hermione again. "I'd better leave."
"Why? Are you scared of my friends? I have it in good authority that they don't usually bite. They bark though, are you scared of that?" She teased.
"I just don't want to see you fight with your friends anymore."
Ron was surprised at his response. 'I thought that's what he wanted last year?'
Hermione clutched his hand, "You're my friend now. Aren't you?"
Draco flashed her a smile nervously. He can act civil; the question is, can they?
Ron prepared himself for a heated battle. 'Here they are.'
Harry and Dale were exchanging words at each other. Nobody from afar could distinguish whether they were arguing or not. When Dale saw Hermione, he marched towards her.
Dale didn't like what he saw. Hermione was holding Draco's hand and Draco was half-naked. How can he compete with someone like that? 'I guess I misjudged that Malfoy.' He saw that Malfoy had a great physique, his face didn't seem to have any flaws and what's worse is she was holding his hand right now, which meant that they were practically close. 'Of course they're close, why else did he come with her to our place!'
Harry wasn't that far behind. He was able to catch up with Dale in no time. He didn't even look to see who was around, he just addressed Hermione, "Hermione, what are you doing out here? It's bloody cold and way past lights out."
"I just wanted some fresh air that's all." She still didn't let Draco's hand go. She was afraid that the moment she let go he'd leave her. She wanted to make a point to her best friends that Draco was now her friend.
When Harry did look up his eyes widened in horror. "What the-"
"I'm glad that you guys are here." Hermione smiled carefully at both Harry and Ron. Dale was once again forgotten. She looked at Ron and found him calm enough. Harry on the other hand looked like he was on the verge of killing someone.
"What are you doing here Malfoy?" Harry glared at him.
Draco was about to talk when she pulled his hand. He just looked at Hermione.
"Guys, please, let's all be civil here." She pleaded to Harry.
"Mate let's hear her out." Ron put an arm on his friend's shoulder.
Harry nodded, not taking his eyes off of Draco.
Hermione mouthed a 'thanks' to Ron. "Harry, Ron," she started, "I wasn't able to tell you why my mum agreed to let me come back here."
Both Harry and Ron nodded.
"You see, I wouldn't even be here talking to you two if it wasn't for-" Hermione looked at her side, "Draco."
Harry and Ron exchanged surprised glances. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you see, Ginny sent Draco an owl telling him that I wasn't coming back. Draco actually went to see my mum and tried to convince her. And I guess he did. I'm here now am I not?" She flashed them a smile that was irresistible to the male population. She knew that she had to distract them.
Ron eyed Draco carefully before talking, "So I guess we owe you one."
Draco was about to say, 'I didn't do it for you!' But instead he looked at Hermione.
Dale was watching every movement not wanting to miss anything, 'Bloody hell, I would've come here for nothing!'
Harry was kicking himself from the fact that Draco was the one who made it possible for her to come back. He wanted to release all his anger on him, but he couldn't. Hermione was watching.
"Harry, Ron," Hermione addressed them. "I'm not asking much. Draco's my friend now."
"And us?" Harry was clearly upset.
"You two are my best friends and nothing will ever change that."
That response didn't go well to anyone, but maybe Ron and Dale. Harry wanted something more than being best friends. Draco on the other hand didn't like the fact that Hermione was giving Harry special treatment. He was very possessive and he wanted Hermione all to himself.
She continued her little speech, "If I could only ask all of you to please avoid arguing with each other. I'm not saying you go and treat each other as pals, I just want to spend time with all of you without hurting other people who mean a lot to me."
"Are you saying Malfoy here means a lot to you?" Ron wanted to clarify things.
"Yes, or I wouldn't even be doing this now would I?"
Ron sighed and nodded, as he understood her.
Hermione was glad that at least one of her best friends was hearing her. She put out her right hand, "So who's with me?"
Ron placed his hand on top of her. Draco followed suit. Harry was apprehensive before he placed his hand on top.
Hermione smiled at each of the faces around her. She completely forgot that there was someone else watching them. She only remembered when Dale placed his hand on top as well.
All four of them were shocked. Hermione blushed as she saw Dale's face. "Uh, hi?"
Harry, Ron and Draco looked at him questioningly like, 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'
Dale just gave a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione had a quiet week. It was once again time for Potions class. Since she already sat with Harry, Ron or Dale in other classes she chose to sit beside Draco this time. Draco seemed pleased.
"Morning Draco."
"Morning Hermione."
She dropped her things on the table. People were still watching at how odd it looked for a Gryffindor to be sitting with a Slytherin, but the people concerned didn't let it bother them.
"What are you doing for your thesis Hermione?" He loved the sound of her name.
Hermione was asked by most of her professors to do a thesis on their subject. They seem to be expecting a lot from her and Harry as well (being 'the boy who lived'). "Actually I haven't even thought of what to do yet."
"Are you alright Hermione? I thought you already started your thesis at home. I mean I do know how fast you finish your studies."
"Well I didn't think I would be coming back to Hogwarts this summer remember?"
Snape entered the room without any greeting. He waved at the board and magically the ingredients and instructions appeared on it. "I want you to do this with your partner from last year."
"Uh, professor," Dale interrupted. "I'm new here and I don't have any partner."
"That's a pity isn't it?" Snape then proceeded with the papers that he brought with him.
Draco once again remembered why he liked their professor. 'Serves him right! If he thinks that he can get Hermione that easily, he's clearly mistaken.'
"But sir," Dale started whining.
"Five point from Gryffindor. Mr. Potter, would you please orient your housemates on proper decorum."
There were a few sniggers at the remark.
Hermione stood up to collect the ingredients needed when someone called her attention.
"Ms. Granger? A word if you would please?" Snape looked at her.
Hermione looked at Draco to tell him to go ahead with the potion. She then changed direction to meet with her professor. "What is it sir?"
"There is word that you have been conjuring up a potion during the summer."
Hermione was scared that she'd get into trouble, "Well, technically I didn't think I was going back to Hogwarts so I-"
"Enough talk Ms. Granger. I want you to listen."
Hermione nodded.
"You do know that 7th years are supposed to make a thesis before they graduate."
'Great another thesis invitation.'
"Do you have any idea on what to work on?"
"Honestly, not yet sir."
"I was thinking that the potion that you were trying to conjure during the summer is quite worthy, don't you think?"
Hermione tried to reason, "But sir, I don't know if I'll be able to finish it. It's never been done before."
"Yes, it sounds impossible isn't it? Let me ask you this. Would you rather attempt at something realistically boring than something great?"
"Well in theory it is a good idea, but I don't think-"
"Ms. Granger, what if I allow you to get members to help you out?"
Hermione looked interested. "Still, I think that it's impossible and besides how am I going to know if it works. I don't think I can do the spell correctly, and it's illegal to do it."
"I'll help you out on that part."
Hermione did want to do something great so that she wouldn't have to live under Harry Potter's shadows. She wanted to be recognized as a talented witch or something of the sort.
"What do you think now Ms. Granger?"
"How many members am I allowed?"
Snape counted in his head the possible people that she would invite. Somehow he didn't want Harry and Ron on the project. He did want someone in the Slytherin to be involved and Malfoy seemed to have a shot in being invited to join Hermione's party. "Three," he said reluctantly.
Hermione's face lightened up, 'Perfect!' "Can I invite them now?"
"Who are you going to invite, aside from Potter and Weasley that is?" Snape was fishing and making sure that Malfoy would be part of the team. "You and Mr. Malfoy seem to work together well enough."
"I will ask him sir." She gave him an innocent smile and headed back to her table.
Draco already got the ingredients and was starting to cut some roots when he saw Hermione walking towards him. "What did he want?"
"It was just something about the thesis."
"You're very in demand right now aren't you?"
"Actually, he wanted me to do a potion with the help of three people."
Draco stopped what he was doing. He looked at her and listened carefully.
"I was wondering if you'd like to be in my team?"
Draco couldn't hide his delight at the thought of working with Hermione. "You said three?"
"Harry and Ron." She didn't even give any thought about Dale.
"Do you think it wise?"
"You three are the only ones I know who are capable and trustworthy."
"Ok, I'm in." He flashed her an enchanting smile.
She stood up to talk to Harry and Ron.
"Are you inviting them now?" Draco wondered where she was going.
"Yeah, I can't help but feel excited." She found Harry first. He was arguing with Pansy about which ingredients to put in first.
Harry saw Hermione and let Pansy do what she wanted. "What are you doing here?"
Pansy also noticed Hermione, but didn't comment. She could still remember how Snape reacted last year.
"Harry, Professor Snape asked me to do a thesis on his subject-"
"So what's new?" He asked.
"He's letting me have teammates."
That got Harry's attention. "Teammates?"
"He told me that I can have three members, I was thinking you, Ron and Draco."
Pansy looked shocked at what she just said. 'Snape is allowing a mudblood to have a grouped thesis and the mudblood also includes my Draco on this madness! What's wrong with the world?'
"Of course I'll join you." He was thinking, 'If Malfoy is on this team, then there's no way I am staying away from it."
"Good, I'll talk to you about the project we're making later." With that she strode towards Ron and Neville.
Ron was doing all the work while Neville watched his every move.
"Hey Ron." She called his attention.
"Hermione?" He was shocked to see her. He was concentrating on the potion that he didn't notice her coming towards him.
"I just wondered if you'd like to join me on a thesis-"
Ron didn't appear to be listening and just nodded. "Yeah, sure, whatever."
Hermione shrugged and went back to Draco's side to help him.
"From the looks of it, I'm guessing you already have a team?" Draco had to ask.
"Yeah but I must warn you, this project will be very different from what other students will or have worked on and it is also a very difficult one."
"I'm up for it." Draco said without hesitation.
"Ok, but don't say that I didn't warn you."
"I'm not worried, you're in the team."
Hermione smiled at the compliment.
"And what about Dale?"
"What about him?"
Draco was glad to find out that Dale meant nothing to her. 'I guess Harry's still my greatest threat.'
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I just noticed that when you type 3 dots (.) it appears as 1 dot only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 6
And They Get Caught
Hermione felt confused. Confused? On the first day? It seems unlikely. But she was. She didn't realize that she had to make a thesis. She wasn't prepared for that.
She suddenly had an urge to go to the lake. She wanted to clear up her mind. 'I could do Etheral. But what if I can't finish it? I don't want to stay in Hogwarts more than necessary.'
When she reached the lake she was glad that she was alone. She sat on a rock near the lake. She looked up in the sky to check the moon. It was supposed to be a full moon today. She saw it right on top of her. She couldn't help, but admire the beauty it had projected. She was very much consumed at looking at the heavenly bodies that she didn't realize that someone was resurfacing from the lake.
"Hermione?" Draco quickly got out of the lake and walked in front of her.
Hermione looked down to see who called her. "Draco? What are you doing here?"
Draco smiled at himself, 'what luck! At last we're all alone.' "I wanted to take my mind off something."
"Me too." She got caught at the wonderful sight that behold her. She could see the abs that she'd been dreaming of ever since they slept together last year. "Aren't you cold?" She tried to take her eyes off of him.
"After all we've been through in Krum's place, I thought that you would know by now that I'm used to cold climates."
Hermione blushed when she remembered the time that she spent in Viktor's place. She was very sick the first week. She had trouble adjusting to the climate. Draco on the other hand fit incredibly well. He was the one who took care of her during the first week. She couldn't help, but feel a little irritation at the lack of concern that Viktor has showed her. "Right."
"How about you? I remember that you're not used to this kind of climates."
"Don't worry, I'm not the one who's half-naked out here. And may I remind you that you didn't take well to cold weather too." She loved arguing with him.
"And when was that specifically?"
"When you were turning blue beside this lake as you waited for an owl."
Draco remembered the scene exactly in his mind. That was the first time he and Hermione started talking with each other and not shouting at each other. "Was I able to extend my gratitude then?"
"Yeah, you did. That was the first time, well, only time that I've heard you say those words. Actually I didn't think you meant it back then." She teased.
"I assure you that I meant it back then and even now."
"Hey I was just teasing, don't act too serious it's not good for your health." Hermione felt the cold wind pass through her.
Draco could see her shiver. He took his towel and sat beside her. He draped the towel over Hermione's and his back.
Hermione was grateful of the warmth the towel offered, but she was still cold. She decided to cuddle with Draco. They are starting to get close and he did take care of her before. She didn't feel the slightest embarrassment as she moved closer. To her, Draco was becoming a very important friend.
Draco placed his head on top of hers in return.
They were silent for a few minutes as they relished each other's warmth and company.
"Draco?"
"Yes?"
"I've been looking at the moon and I remembered what you said before in the forest-"
"This moon's just an ordinary moon. Don't worry."
"How can you tell the difference? All I can see is the same old moon."
"You're admiring it. That's why we have a different perspective of it."
"Are you saying that you fear the moon?"
"No, not really. I look at it as a sign and not as an art."
Hermione felt another breeze passing through her and she shivered.
Draco held her closer feeling her shiver. "Maybe we'd better get inside. I don't want you to get sick again."
"You don't want to take care of me again?" She teased.
"It's not that, I love taking care of you, but if you get sick now then there will be other people who'll take care of you in my place. I don't want that. Where's the fun in that when other people are fussing over you?"
She shivered again, but this time it wasn't because of the cold. She lowered her head trying to hide the blush that was creeping on her face.
They both wanted to stay that way longer. They felt safe, comfortable, and at home together.
"Found her! She's over here." A voice from the castle reverberated to the couple.
Hermione searched for the source of the voice.
Ron came out of the castle sprinting towards them.
Draco let go of her and looked her in the eye. "You're friends are here now. You better leave."
Hermione didn't stand. She waited for Ron to get to them.
Ron from the distance didn't see that she had company or that they were cuddled very close. When he got closer, "What the bloody hell-"
Hermione didn't let him finish, "Hi Ron. What brings you out here?"
Ron looked lost. He looked over his shoulder as if afraid that they would get caught.
Draco caught the message Ron was giving. He looked at Hermione again. "I'd better leave."
"Why? Are you scared of my friends? I have it in good authority that they don't usually bite. They bark though, are you scared of that?" She teased.
"I just don't want to see you fight with your friends anymore."
Ron was surprised at his response. 'I thought that's what he wanted last year?'
Hermione clutched his hand, "You're my friend now. Aren't you?"
Draco flashed her a smile nervously. He can act civil; the question is, can they?
Ron prepared himself for a heated battle. 'Here they are.'
Harry and Dale were exchanging words at each other. Nobody from afar could distinguish whether they were arguing or not. When Dale saw Hermione, he marched towards her.
Dale didn't like what he saw. Hermione was holding Draco's hand and Draco was half-naked. How can he compete with someone like that? 'I guess I misjudged that Malfoy.' He saw that Malfoy had a great physique, his face didn't seem to have any flaws and what's worse is she was holding his hand right now, which meant that they were practically close. 'Of course they're close, why else did he come with her to our place!'
Harry wasn't that far behind. He was able to catch up with Dale in no time. He didn't even look to see who was around, he just addressed Hermione, "Hermione, what are you doing out here? It's bloody cold and way past lights out."
"I just wanted some fresh air that's all." She still didn't let Draco's hand go. She was afraid that the moment she let go he'd leave her. She wanted to make a point to her best friends that Draco was now her friend.
When Harry did look up his eyes widened in horror. "What the-"
"I'm glad that you guys are here." Hermione smiled carefully at both Harry and Ron. Dale was once again forgotten. She looked at Ron and found him calm enough. Harry on the other hand looked like he was on the verge of killing someone.
"What are you doing here Malfoy?" Harry glared at him.
Draco was about to talk when she pulled his hand. He just looked at Hermione.
"Guys, please, let's all be civil here." She pleaded to Harry.
"Mate let's hear her out." Ron put an arm on his friend's shoulder.
Harry nodded, not taking his eyes off of Draco.
Hermione mouthed a 'thanks' to Ron. "Harry, Ron," she started, "I wasn't able to tell you why my mum agreed to let me come back here."
Both Harry and Ron nodded.
"You see, I wouldn't even be here talking to you two if it wasn't for-" Hermione looked at her side, "Draco."
Harry and Ron exchanged surprised glances. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you see, Ginny sent Draco an owl telling him that I wasn't coming back. Draco actually went to see my mum and tried to convince her. And I guess he did. I'm here now am I not?" She flashed them a smile that was irresistible to the male population. She knew that she had to distract them.
Ron eyed Draco carefully before talking, "So I guess we owe you one."
Draco was about to say, 'I didn't do it for you!' But instead he looked at Hermione.
Dale was watching every movement not wanting to miss anything, 'Bloody hell, I would've come here for nothing!'
Harry was kicking himself from the fact that Draco was the one who made it possible for her to come back. He wanted to release all his anger on him, but he couldn't. Hermione was watching.
"Harry, Ron," Hermione addressed them. "I'm not asking much. Draco's my friend now."
"And us?" Harry was clearly upset.
"You two are my best friends and nothing will ever change that."
That response didn't go well to anyone, but maybe Ron and Dale. Harry wanted something more than being best friends. Draco on the other hand didn't like the fact that Hermione was giving Harry special treatment. He was very possessive and he wanted Hermione all to himself.
She continued her little speech, "If I could only ask all of you to please avoid arguing with each other. I'm not saying you go and treat each other as pals, I just want to spend time with all of you without hurting other people who mean a lot to me."
"Are you saying Malfoy here means a lot to you?" Ron wanted to clarify things.
"Yes, or I wouldn't even be doing this now would I?"
Ron sighed and nodded, as he understood her.
Hermione was glad that at least one of her best friends was hearing her. She put out her right hand, "So who's with me?"
Ron placed his hand on top of her. Draco followed suit. Harry was apprehensive before he placed his hand on top.
Hermione smiled at each of the faces around her. She completely forgot that there was someone else watching them. She only remembered when Dale placed his hand on top as well.
All four of them were shocked. Hermione blushed as she saw Dale's face. "Uh, hi?"
Harry, Ron and Draco looked at him questioningly like, 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'
Dale just gave a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione had a quiet week. It was once again time for Potions class. Since she already sat with Harry, Ron or Dale in other classes she chose to sit beside Draco this time. Draco seemed pleased.
"Morning Draco."
"Morning Hermione."
She dropped her things on the table. People were still watching at how odd it looked for a Gryffindor to be sitting with a Slytherin, but the people concerned didn't let it bother them.
"What are you doing for your thesis Hermione?" He loved the sound of her name.
Hermione was asked by most of her professors to do a thesis on their subject. They seem to be expecting a lot from her and Harry as well (being 'the boy who lived'). "Actually I haven't even thought of what to do yet."
"Are you alright Hermione? I thought you already started your thesis at home. I mean I do know how fast you finish your studies."
"Well I didn't think I would be coming back to Hogwarts this summer remember?"
Snape entered the room without any greeting. He waved at the board and magically the ingredients and instructions appeared on it. "I want you to do this with your partner from last year."
"Uh, professor," Dale interrupted. "I'm new here and I don't have any partner."
"That's a pity isn't it?" Snape then proceeded with the papers that he brought with him.
Draco once again remembered why he liked their professor. 'Serves him right! If he thinks that he can get Hermione that easily, he's clearly mistaken.'
"But sir," Dale started whining.
"Five point from Gryffindor. Mr. Potter, would you please orient your housemates on proper decorum."
There were a few sniggers at the remark.
Hermione stood up to collect the ingredients needed when someone called her attention.
"Ms. Granger? A word if you would please?" Snape looked at her.
Hermione looked at Draco to tell him to go ahead with the potion. She then changed direction to meet with her professor. "What is it sir?"
"There is word that you have been conjuring up a potion during the summer."
Hermione was scared that she'd get into trouble, "Well, technically I didn't think I was going back to Hogwarts so I-"
"Enough talk Ms. Granger. I want you to listen."
Hermione nodded.
"You do know that 7th years are supposed to make a thesis before they graduate."
'Great another thesis invitation.'
"Do you have any idea on what to work on?"
"Honestly, not yet sir."
"I was thinking that the potion that you were trying to conjure during the summer is quite worthy, don't you think?"
Hermione tried to reason, "But sir, I don't know if I'll be able to finish it. It's never been done before."
"Yes, it sounds impossible isn't it? Let me ask you this. Would you rather attempt at something realistically boring than something great?"
"Well in theory it is a good idea, but I don't think-"
"Ms. Granger, what if I allow you to get members to help you out?"
Hermione looked interested. "Still, I think that it's impossible and besides how am I going to know if it works. I don't think I can do the spell correctly, and it's illegal to do it."
"I'll help you out on that part."
Hermione did want to do something great so that she wouldn't have to live under Harry Potter's shadows. She wanted to be recognized as a talented witch or something of the sort.
"What do you think now Ms. Granger?"
"How many members am I allowed?"
Snape counted in his head the possible people that she would invite. Somehow he didn't want Harry and Ron on the project. He did want someone in the Slytherin to be involved and Malfoy seemed to have a shot in being invited to join Hermione's party. "Three," he said reluctantly.
Hermione's face lightened up, 'Perfect!' "Can I invite them now?"
"Who are you going to invite, aside from Potter and Weasley that is?" Snape was fishing and making sure that Malfoy would be part of the team. "You and Mr. Malfoy seem to work together well enough."
"I will ask him sir." She gave him an innocent smile and headed back to her table.
Draco already got the ingredients and was starting to cut some roots when he saw Hermione walking towards him. "What did he want?"
"It was just something about the thesis."
"You're very in demand right now aren't you?"
"Actually, he wanted me to do a potion with the help of three people."
Draco stopped what he was doing. He looked at her and listened carefully.
"I was wondering if you'd like to be in my team?"
Draco couldn't hide his delight at the thought of working with Hermione. "You said three?"
"Harry and Ron." She didn't even give any thought about Dale.
"Do you think it wise?"
"You three are the only ones I know who are capable and trustworthy."
"Ok, I'm in." He flashed her an enchanting smile.
She stood up to talk to Harry and Ron.
"Are you inviting them now?" Draco wondered where she was going.
"Yeah, I can't help but feel excited." She found Harry first. He was arguing with Pansy about which ingredients to put in first.
Harry saw Hermione and let Pansy do what she wanted. "What are you doing here?"
Pansy also noticed Hermione, but didn't comment. She could still remember how Snape reacted last year.
"Harry, Professor Snape asked me to do a thesis on his subject-"
"So what's new?" He asked.
"He's letting me have teammates."
That got Harry's attention. "Teammates?"
"He told me that I can have three members, I was thinking you, Ron and Draco."
Pansy looked shocked at what she just said. 'Snape is allowing a mudblood to have a grouped thesis and the mudblood also includes my Draco on this madness! What's wrong with the world?'
"Of course I'll join you." He was thinking, 'If Malfoy is on this team, then there's no way I am staying away from it."
"Good, I'll talk to you about the project we're making later." With that she strode towards Ron and Neville.
Ron was doing all the work while Neville watched his every move.
"Hey Ron." She called his attention.
"Hermione?" He was shocked to see her. He was concentrating on the potion that he didn't notice her coming towards him.
"I just wondered if you'd like to join me on a thesis-"
Ron didn't appear to be listening and just nodded. "Yeah, sure, whatever."
Hermione shrugged and went back to Draco's side to help him.
"From the looks of it, I'm guessing you already have a team?" Draco had to ask.
"Yeah but I must warn you, this project will be very different from what other students will or have worked on and it is also a very difficult one."
"I'm up for it." Draco said without hesitation.
"Ok, but don't say that I didn't warn you."
"I'm not worried, you're in the team."
Hermione smiled at the compliment.
"And what about Dale?"
"What about him?"
Draco was glad to find out that Dale meant nothing to her. 'I guess Harry's still my greatest threat.'
~~~~~~~~~~