A lot of twists to come my dear readers... Muahahaha! Lol. At least this chapter's a bit longer, to make up for the previous one. Sincerest apologies that I didn't upload! In the process of changing laptops and now I can't upload on time! :( Thanks for your wonderful reviews! They truly inspire me! Enjoy. xxx

Chapter 4: The "Teamwork"-Part

Hermione was out of hospital by the next day, but was in a state because she missed some of her classes. She spent the entire weekend in the library, and yet couldn't find a translation for a specific ancient rune. Irony? There were four of them in the class. An unknown Ravenclaw, who was struggling, Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, and Theodore Nott. So Hermione had three options; leave the rune (Out. She always did her homework!), try and figure it out (she could do it, right?), Or ask a fellow student. She opted for option two.

Hours later, it was getting dark, and her first Ancient Runes class was first thing the next morning. Hermione... Was fast asleep. Book next to her, pen in hand.

'My my Granger, I never thought your love of books stretched as far as sleeping with your nose in them.' Malfoy drawled behind her, startling her awake.

'I can't believe I fell asleep! Go away Malfoy. I need to study. I can't get the stupid translation right!'

'Mudblood, it's the start of term. Stop worrying about schoolwork, bookworm.'

She could feel her scar start to bleed, and really did not want questions from Bellatrix's nephew about THAT. So, she simply ran to fix her bandaging as fast as possible, leaving a confused ferret behind. Yet, when she returned, she found a Slytherin green note besides her book;

The answer is; 'The essence of Dragon Claw, mixed with powered Bicorn horn, and a sprinkle of Murtlap essence, will result in disastrous consequences.'

No need to thank me, see it as an apology.

DM

Shocked yet pleased, she wrote the answer down, and fell in to bed, exhausted, only to get but 3 hours of sleep, thanks to post-war nightmares.

The next few days passed without memorable incidents, and the two heads learned that they have to work together, but they don't always have to get along. Hermione had found a place that works for her - she and Malfoy weren't talking, but they weren't murdering each other either, and that was good enough for her. Draco, decided that if he absolutely HAD to work with her, he could at least try to get along with her. They both could learn a lot from each other. Even more than they thought.

On the next Saturday, they both found themselves in the Headmistress' study, wondering if they'd done anything wrong.

'Is it my grades, professor?' Hermione stressed.

'Is this about me not being friends with the Slytherins?' Draco wondered.

And then, a duet of; 'Is this about us not being friends?'

'No, no, not at all my dears. In fact, the contrary. Mr. Malfoy, I would like for you to give Ms. Granger flying lessons. I know what your response will be, and I will not tolerate it! As you know, Mr. Malfoy, your father is still in Azkaban. If you wish not to follow in his footsteps, you have to do one good deed for the "light side", chosen by me. And I chose, to help you both. Ms. Granger, you're well aware that you need to go and locate your parents soon, and apparation is impossible, at that distance. So, you shall fly there. No ifs, buts, or maybes. You shall have 2 hours, every Saturday afternoon, until December, starting today. No questions? Good. That will be all.' Minerva dismissed them, praying that they would find a way to get along, for both of them.

Walking outside in mutual silence, they were both concerned about too many things to voice.

'Grab a broom mudblood, one of those pathetic twigs the school use. You'll never get near my Comet360 light.'

Huffing, ignoring her throbbing arm, she grabbed the least intimidating broom, and stood next to it, eyeing it in apprehension.

'Okay. You heard McGonagall, no comments. I don't think it'll be good for my reputation if you die on your way to wherever, so please try and pay attention. Unlike schoolwork, you can't learn about flying from a book. First, firmly say up.'

'Up.' Nothing.

'UP.' Still nothing.

'Up!' A feeble twitch, earning her a laugh from Malfoy.

'UP!' Finally, it jerked up so violently it almost broke her hand.

Laughing, Draco decided to actually attempt to teach her something - she was comical, to say the least.

'Okay. We'll practice that, mounting - not flying, mounting, and broom care today. That's all, no flying. I prefer to keep the forbidden forest WITH its trees.'

'Hmph. Fine. You're helping yourself as well ferret, stop complaining... Oh, and Malfoy?'

'Yes?'

'Thanks.'