There are many things that people don't know about Draco Malfoy. Like how he brushes his teeth five times a day, because he's anal about oral hygiene, and how he hates it when people leave the water running while they're brushing their teeth.
Such little tidbits don't mean much to every other person, but to one, it's the world. And lucky for him, he'll get the chance.
Harry Potter walked into Potions one and a half minutes late, but it was late enough.
"Late as usual, Potter," Snape sneered.
"Sorry, Professor," Harry mumbled.
"You should really take Mr. Malfoy as an example, he is always early," Snape said pointedly.
"Seven minutes," Harry whispered.
"What did you say?" Snape questioned.
"Nothing, sir."
"No, please, indulge us. What were you saying about Mr. Malfoy?"
Harry sighed. "I said, 'seven minutes.'"
"And what, pray tell, does seven minutes have to do with anything?"
"Malfoy, is always seven minutes early," Harry grumbled, not wanting to let the information out.
Draco Malfoy shot a confused look at Harry, but never one to pass up the opportunity to argue, he commented, "Well, at least I'm not always late."
"Which is surprising, since you're in the bathroom all the time," Harry said, taking Draco's bait.
"What?" Draco was shocked, but quickly regained his footing. "Are you insinuating I have a weak bladder?"
"No, I'm insinuating you're a freak about oral hygeine." Draco looked abashed. "I don't think brushing your teeth five times a day is 'normal' behaviour."
"Well at least then, I don't have to pick my teeth with my thumbnail when I'm day dreaming."
"Oh yeah? Well, at least I don't swing my feet like a three year old when I get excited."
"Huh. Well at least I don't try to bite my lip off when I'm trying to pass an exam."
"Well..." Harry paused, trying to find something to say. "At least I don't tap my teaspoon three times before I drink my tea."
"Well, at least I drink tea, you lousy excuse for a Brit!"
"WELL I DON'T LIKE TEA!"
"Oh! Just like you don't like spinach, tomatoes, or Shepard's Pie!" They were both shouting by now. The rest of the class looked on with dumbfounded, yet amused, and thoroughly entertained faces.
"I'M ALLERGIC TO SPINACH! And Shepard's Pie looks like vomit!"
Draco paused. He didn't know Harry was allergic to spinach, interesting. Fighting for a comeback, with a grimace on his face, he blurted out,
"Well, at least I don't have unruly hair that has never been brushed!"
Harry was seething.
"Well, at least I'm not so pale I glow in the dark! Who needs a lantern? They could just swing you on a stick!"
"Oh yeah? Well at least I'M NOT SHORT!"
"I'M NOT SHORT!" Harry's face was now a deep purple, much like his uncle Vernon's used to get. Draco was still just a slight pink.
"Oh, I'm sorry, vertically challenged."
"Well, I- wait, did you just apologize?"
Not missing a beat, even though his brain was reeling, he replied,
"It was a figure of speech, Potter. I never apologize."
"So I've noticed," Harry said glumly.
Snape felt it was his duty at this time for his intervention. He had been thoroughly enjoying the lovely display of secret obsession on both parts, but since it was wasting precious class time, he let his presence known.
"Gentlemen, as much as I love observing this lover's quarrel (looks of shock and utter disbelief from all around the room), you are wasting mine and the rest of your classmates' time. Please continue this argument on your own time."
It took Harry Potter two minutes and twenty-eight seconds to figure out what had just happened.
It took him another four minutes to realize someone was staring at him.
And it took him a nanosecond to realise that perhaps he might get to know a little more about Draco Malfoy.
Perhaps... and very much likely.