AN: I own nothing but the plot. REVIEW groundlings REVIEW. (evil laugh) I'll post your name with all my sincere blessings to all those who review.
Hermione, Cole, and Albus eventually made it down into the same dungeon that held potions. Hermione was amazed at how alike it looked to the potions class one-hundred and thirty-five years in the future. Slytherins and Gryffindors were still divided each side shooting heated glares at the other.
She followed behind the Gryffindor captain and prefect to the first row of empty seats. Both boys turned around and soon Hermione had been introduced to most of the Gryffindor sixth years. Cole gave a high five to one of his team mates and Albus started talking animatedly about the latest broom model. They were all chatting and laughing merrily when Draco walked in, a Slytherin on each arm.
It seemed that for the first time in Hogwarts history Slytherns and Gryffindors came together to give disapproving looks on the same issue. The girls let go of his arm making their way to their designated seats. If Draco had waited a few moments longer he would have seen them slip into the seats nearest Lucid but as is he had reluctantly started toward the Gryffindor side. He sat beside Hermione grinning to himself.
"What are you so happy about?" Hermione asked a little concerned with the gleeful Malfoy.
"Oh nothing just glad to know 19th century girls aren't immune to my animal magnetism."
Hermione snorted, "I have yet to feel any need to drool or fawn over such an arrogant git as yourself."
"Of course you don't the signals go right over you as your head is permanently buried in a book."
"Hey! I'm not a Bookworm I'm just.."
"Besides..." he loudly interjected leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. "I'm not arrogant it's the truth. Look around you I bet half the girls are glimpsing if not openly staring at yours truly."
Hermione looked around sure enough most of the girls were gawking at him. She turned back to Draco ignoring the envious glares.
"They wouldn't be if they knew what a self-centered, egotistical prat you can be."
"Yes, but I am a handsome, self-centered, egotistical prat and that makes all the difference."
"Don't you ever get bored of girls going after you just for your looks or money?"
He was about to answer but the dungeon door slammed shut as the professor entered. Hermione was shocked at her looks.
The professor was quite young with straight raven hair and crystal blue eyes. She was tall and slender rather beautiful.
But she quickly reminded Hermione of Snape as she commanded the classes attention.
"Today we will begin on your term final the memoria-scura potion. Now I am sure all of you are familiar with this" she looked around at the uneasy students, "but just to refresh you who would like to enlighten the class?"
Hermione and Albus immediately shot up their hands.
"Ah yes, class may I introduce our two new student transfers Hermione Austin and Draco Marselione. I am Professor Zambini Head of Slytherin House. Miss Austin."
Hermione nodded, "Memoria-scura was developed in the mid 1500's as a form of torture to prisoners in the Goblin Wars. When consumed the victims suffer by reliving some of their worst memories. The torture can last from seconds to days depending on the strength of the potion and how much was consumed by the victim. "
"Very good Miss Austin five points to Gryffindor."
Hermione grinned and Draco muttered something that sounded distinctly like Bookworm but she ignored him.
"All right class as it will take several weeks to brew and the ingredients are rare you will be with your appointed partners." with a flick of her wand the instructions appeared on the board.
"Miss Austin and Mr. Marselione you are partners."
"Woo, my dream come true." Draco said sarcastically.
"Don't try contain your feelings Draco we all know you worship the ground I walk on" Hermione teased.
"Draco slyly grinned, "Damn, how did you figure it out?"
"Didn't you know? I'm a seer." Hermione smirked.
Draco feigned aw, "Oh great and powerful seer I bow to your superior magical abilities let me worship you so I may die happy."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Whatever you dork." She got up to retrieve the potion ingredients. Draco set the cauldron.
The class went by fairly quickly as they talked quietly but if asked they would never admit they enjoyed each others presence. Maryl and Brittany occasionally tried to get Draco's attention but he just didn't hear them or tried to ignore them.
Draco was laughing as Hermione told the story about Ron and Harry dressing up and singing karaoke to "I'm a Genie in a Bottle" when Maryl walked by. She get right up beside Draco when she "accidentally" dropped her wand and had to slowly and suggestively picked it up. She had definitely succeeded in getting Draco's attention as he turned toward her.
An anger boiled up inside Hermione at the whor... girls shallow antics. They had been rude to her and they kept stealing Draco away. She didn't realize her own hot anger until she crushed the glass vile in her hand. She tried to suppress a scream of pain as the glass embedded itself into her tender skin. Draco jolted around.
"What the..." he saw her bleeding hand, " Hermione are you all right?"
Hermione was ashamed of her stupidity, " Yeah, it's just wulfsbane it's harmless to the skin." She cringed trying to pull the glass out but only managed to make it worse.
"Here give me your hand." he took her hand in his, nimbly sliding the glass bits out. She relaxed under his warm touch, surprised by his gentleness.
Maryl glared daggers at Hermione and stomped back to her seat.
As the tiny bits were taken from Hermione hand the deep crimson blood began to flow freely. Draco paused watching it lustfully. His eyes began to glaze over and he licked his lips. He tried to suppress the instincts edging into his mind but was almost to strong to control. Hermione's voice brought him back to reality.
"Draco are you all right?"
"Huh, Yeah I was just...there done." He let go of her hand.
"Thank you. You really didn't have to." she smiled at him and wrapped a cloth around her hand.
"No problem. What were you saying about Potter in a dress?" he smirked evily.
They were soon laughing as before and the class was soon over. They cleaned up and gathered their books sill chatting animatedly as they joined Albus and Cole. All four Gryfindors walked out laughing together even Draco and Cole were civil to each other. Hermione didn't even notice the group of Slytherins plotting quietly in the back of the dungeon.
"It seems you are failing me my dears." Lucid hissed to the two girls.
"It is only a minor complication you shall have your revenge." Brittany assured the Slytherin Prince.
"Do not make me regret bringing you two into this." Lucid stood up superior look on his features.
"We shall not disappoint you. All will go as planned." Brittany masked her uneasiness.
"Good." he nodded and walked out of the dungeon the Malfoy grace in every step.
"Come on Maryl we have work to do." Brittany said an evil grin sliding onto her lips.
AN: Dropped a few hints as to the future of this fic. It is your decision if there is to be a future. In other words REVIEW!