OK, so I'm a really bad, bad person. I went to a friends' house last night and took the laptop, but got sidetracked playing The Sims. It's really amusing to burn the house down. Anyway, I never got to type or post, and I'm really sorry. Either way, I'm positing tonight, so enjoy!

Chapter 7

Gathering

Draco's POV

After the meal I headed for the Prefect quarters. I sat on the couch, waiting for Granger. I must have dosed off, because I woke to the sound of the portrait opening. When she came in, I looked up at her.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Liar. Anyway, I need you to get a few supplies from Snapes supply cupboard. Everyone knows he favors you."

"Malfoys are not liars, we're a little like Muggle politicians. What do you need?" she handed me a piece of paper. I glanced at it, a little surprised.

"Those, can you get them or do I need to get them myself?"

"I can get them, but I'll need a damn good excuse for a few of them."

"You'll think of something. Malfoys are politicians, remember? Born story makers." She turned around and started up the stairs, then turned to look at me. "I need the lacewings now, they have to brew for 21 days, and I have homework to do." She ran up the stairs and her door clicked shut. I wandered out the door, thinking of possible 'stories' to tell Snape.

*~*~*

Hermione's POV

I ran up to my room and flicked on my stereo.  A positive thought, I wouldn't have to suck up to Snape to get what I needed. I grabbed my things for a shower and headed back down the stairs. Malfoy was already gone. I was surprised he had done what I asked so willingly. I knew I would have to pick the fluxweed tomorrow night, under the full moon. I showered quickly and braided my hair. Wandering back through the common room, I was surprised to find it empty. I ran upstairs and grabbed my book, I could finally read in peace. I settled into the big armchair in front of the fire, facing the window where I could see the almost full moon.

*~*~*

Draco's POV"Excuse me, Professor Snape?" I had walked down to the dungeons and was standing just inside the door of Snape's classroom. He was sitting up front, at his desk, grading papers. He looked up, angry for a second, then his look of tolerance took its place.

"Can I help you, Mister Malfoy?" he leveled his gaze on me, but I didn't flinch.

"Yes, I'm doing a potion to sharpen my skills and I need a few things." The lie fell easily from my lips, and I hoped he was in a good mood and not grading Gryffindor papers. I knew Snape liked me, and that he wasn't likely to refuse. I could make his life hell if I wished to. Not that I wanted to. Snape was the only teacher here that I actually liked. And he hated the Wonder Twins.

"Certainly, Mister Malfoy. What is it that you need?" I didn't want to get Granger in trouble so I left the list in my pocket.

"Powdered horn of a bicorn and shredded skin of a boomslang." Snape looked surprised for a second, then nodded.

"I trust you know what you're doing?" I nodded. "Alright. Get what you need." He waved his hand to the door in the corner.

"Thank you, Professor."

"You're welcome, Mister Malfoy. Now hurry up, I have papers to grade." Nodding once, I walked over and stepped inside his private lab.

I had been in here a few times before, but it still creeped me out a little. Reminded me of the Manor. Shaking my head I walked towards the back of the room where the shelves of supplies stood.

They were alphabetical by creature, and I carefully picked up three smaller jars to put my ingredients into. The third jar was for the leeches. Vile things. Muggles used them for medicine. Like bad blood and good blood actually existed. I stopped short. No, now wasn't a good time to think about that. Maybe I could 'discuss' it with Granger later. I dropped a few more leeches into the jar and picked up the other two. When I walked out, Snape was gone. I headed up the stairs towards the Prefect rooms. I was up for a hot debate.

When I entered the common room, it was empty. Light music floated down from Terry and Hannah's staircase. I knew Adrian Pucey and Cho Chang were in a meeting with Dumbledore. I ran up the stairs and knocked on Granger's door, but no one answered. Knocking again, I opened the door and stuck my head in. Empty. I set the jars on her dresser and headed back down the stairs. I wondered where she had gone. She said she had homework to do. Stopping in front of the fire for a second, I looked over at the big chair. Granger was curled up in it, asleep. Her book lay on the floor under her hand. The fire made her hair shine auburn. She looked innocent. She looked beautiful. If she was a pureblood- no, that wouldn't work. She shivered and I pulled my cloak off and tucked it gently around her. She smiled a little and snuggled deep into its warm folds. I stood there, watching her sleep. A long while later, Cho and Adrian walked in, talking. I motioned to them to be quiet, and they headed up the staircase, but not before Adrian shook his head and Cho gave me a warm smile. I tucked the cloak in a little tighter around her and walked up the stairs to my own room to attempt to sleep. Oddly enough, I was feeling a little content.

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There! Another chapter! Go me! Now I'm going to go watch SNL, then post when it's over. Leave me some reviews!

~K~