The next chapter! Whee! Sorry for the long wait ... I'm not quite sure where I want this story to go... which means a possible rewrite of the next five chapters! Grrr! I am putting too much thought into this! Sorry! Alright...the chapter!

Slytherin Problems

Draco sat in the common room with his Muggle Studies book sitting in front of him. The book sat there with its fancy golden letters, mocking him. Everyone had to take the class, and they usually had no trouble with it at all. It seemed like such an easy class. All you had to do was sit there and listen to some mindless babble about muggles. Then you had to pass the tests and turn in the homework on time. He shook his head. It was hopeless. Not only did he have no interest in the subject, it talked about the stupider half of the world, but that bugger of an ex-convict was teaching it.

He wished his father was not in so much trouble. His father could push the right people around and easily get that twit out of a job. Reaching in his pocket he found the rough piece of parchment. The familiar feeling of dread filled him as he opened the letter for the umpteenth time that day.

When he had given his letter to his mother with his OWL exam results she had flipped. If he had handed it to his father it would have been borderline suicide. He had gotten the lowest failing grade in Muggle Studies. A "D" for Dreadful. He had almost excelled with flying colors in all his other class. But that could have been because he chose to sit next to all the smart people who were too dumb to cover their answers.

Inhaling, he read through the letter again.

Draco Lucius Malfoy,

I am ashamed that you scored so poorly on your Muggle Studies exam. Not only did you score with a bad grade but you did not pass the class! Everyone has to take that class whether they enjoy it or not. I suggest you get your priorities in line or I will do it for you. If there is not an improvement by your next grade release I will pull you from the Quidditch team.

On a lighter note, I will hopefully see you soon. My trial will be in a few weeks and I have the best lawyer in Europe. I will see you for your birthday, don't worry. Keep an eye on your mother for me. She claims that she is doing well but knowing her she is up to her hips with worry. Please do try to improve in all your classes. This year really counts.

With Love,

Dad

Alright, so he had not totally exploded. That could also be because he was in Azkaban and not at home when the letter came. If his mother made that much of a fuss he hated to see his father's reaction.

So, he had to improve... greatly. Well, with his luck it would not happen. It was true that his father would pull him from the team without a second thought. He caught his breath. Would he take away his broom? He hoped that it would not have to come to that.

The options. There were some but few. He could study his butt off like no other and hope for a better grade. Of course, that would take work, loads of it. There was also the possibility that he could some how bribe the good-for-nothing teacher into giving him a good grade, but that was unreasonable. He could always ask for help. He shuddered at the thought. Him walking up to a mudblood in the library and asking for assistance. That was not going to happen, either.

He paused. There was someone he could ask for help. Though he doubted she would help. Courtney Snape was a muggle herself until she came to Hogwarts. There was a difference though. They were in the same house, which meant they did not have to meet somewhere in public view. This could work. Father said he had always had his looks and charm. It was time to put this to the test.

A bell sounded through the entire castle. Draco pulled out his schedule. "Divination must be over." Lifting himself from the velvet, green coach he picked up his History of Magic book. He walked through the portrait hole heading towards the fifth floor.

He had just rounded the corner from the third floor to the fourth. He paused when he saw her walking with a blond-haired Ravenclaw girl. They both had unsure looks on their faces. Taking his place a few strides behind her he waited. Soon the Ravenclaw girl left to be with some other Ravenclaw girls who glared at Courtney as she passed.

Draco's grey eyes took in the corridor occupants. It was not the first time he had saw many of the guys staring at her, or gawking like idiots. He smiled to himself as he realized that he was the closest guy to her. This was his chance. He leaned closer to her, "looks like you are quite the conversation piece." He took pleasure in seeing her jump in surprise. Her coal-black eyes stared lividly at him as he moved to her side.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" She was obviously not expecting him. He got the impression that he was the last person she wanted to see sneaking up behind her.

"Now, is that any way to talk to a fellow Slytherin?" He raised a hand to his chest, to add to the hurt sound in his voice. Her eyes ever so slightly lightened. If he made the right moves he would win her over. "You are drawing a lot of attention, you know," he stated nonchalantly as he looked forward.

He had the sudden urge to burst with laughter. She was blushing furiously. Her posture tensed as she looked at the people who took a moment to look in her direction. Her pink colored cheeks seemed to gather her even more attention from the viewers. And he thought Weasley could turn red. "You are blushing." This seemed to tip the scales a little bit.

"Shove off, Malfoy! I am not!" Alright, it was a step backwards but it was fixable. "What do you want? I'm a mudblood lover remember? Or have you forgotten so quickly?" Her tone was mocking and it stung at his nerves. He had to exercise every patience he had to remain calm and not snap at her. Gritting his teeth, he collected himself. Running a hand through his long platinum-blonde hair he sighed.

"Actually, I was-" The classroom door opened. The old teacher beckoned them in. Draco reached for her arm but missed as she quickly shoved her way through the students. It did not seem like the brightest idea to confront her about his problem in the middle of class. With a defeated look he took a seat in the back. Drat! This is going to take more energy than I had originally hoped.

Yes, yes I know! It is short! I am sorry... I have been busy with school and other things. The next update will be soon! I have put chapter... 3 on An American Witch At Hogwarts up. So, if you are bored you are always welcome to look at that... and leave a review! I loves you all!