Disclaimer: See first chapter.
A/N: So I'm trying something new this chapter and attempting Hermione's POV for the first time. Second off, I know my posting is completely random. I just can't help it, seeing how many people have followed and favorited this story just makes me want to post chapter after chapter. I am now considering a set date for my updates, probably a monday or friday. Again this chapter is short, I'm sorry that just seems to be how the structure of this story is turning out. Thank you for all your support! END OF A/N
Chapter 3: Potion Class
Harry groaned, after Malfoy had turned up the couple sips Harry had planned for had turned into finishing the entire bottle. He hadn't had such an epic hangover since the end of summer party at the burrow, when the Weasley tricked him into a drinking contest. Cursing under his breath, Harry attempted to turn his head to find his wand, yelping Harry gave up and waited for his roommates to wake.
With a sudden swoosh Harry's beds hangings were yanked open by one of Harry's dorm mates. Harry was unable to identify who had opened them due to the pain he was experiencing from the sudden bright light. "Mate, you look like you've been trampled by a herd of hippogriffs." Pulling the hangings closed, Ron turned and left.
Harry groaned, if Ron had abandoned him he would sorely regret it later. Fortunately for both parties, a few minutes later Ron returned holding a small glass bottle that held Hermione's special hangover cure. Ron handed Harry the bottle, "Drink up, Breakfast is soon"
Ignoring his pounding head and turning stomach Harry sat up and grasped the bottle bringing it to his lips.
By the time Harry and Ron made it to the great hall for breakfast Harry's appetite had returned and his headache had become an unpleasant memory. Breakfast went by quickly and Harry found himself hiking down to the dungeons sooner than he'd have liked.
"Silence" Snape stood at the front of the class staring down anyone who'd dare make a noise. Harry sat down beside seamus and beside Ron and Hermione. He was beginning to unpack his bag when Snape's self satisfied voice stopped him. "Potter I thought I had partnered you with Mr Malfoy." Harry sighed and stood, grabbing his bag he moved to the desk beside Malfoy in the center of the classroom.
Hermione's POV:
As Professor Snape began to talk about forget me not potion, Hermione's mind and eyes began to wander. Beside her Ron sat slumped and drooling evidently asleep, Hermione shook her head, she loved her boyfriend, but it looked as if again she would be the one supplying the notes for their forced study sessions. The rest of the class had sunk into a stupor that only the bell or some practical work would break.
Hearing the sound of arguing behind her, Hermione turned to observe the two rivals in what looked like and argument without malice. Well then, that sure is something new, she thought. Hermione watched as they began to prepare their potion. Although they were constantly arguing quietly they managed to work together flawlessly, timing everything perfectly and almost dancing around each other to carry out the procedure. Hermione knew Malfoy was a skilled brewer, but she had never seen Harry work so hard on a potion. Their quiet competitiveness matched with the awareness the two held for each other, that had evolved from nearly a decade of rivalry displayed itself at its fullest potential that moment.
"Mrs Granger, would you kindly pay attention to the lesson, unless you would rather have detention instead of head duties." Blushing Hermione jumped to start reading the directions on the board, as she poked Ron awake.
Harry's POV
"You know, I've never enjoyed potions before." Harry glanced at his friends as they stepped off a staircase. Ron of course looked horrified, but Hermione just raised her eyebrows.
"Did you?" She asked "You and Malfoy did seem to be rather comfortable working together. You worked so well together that you finished your potion first, not only that, but you also had the best results."
"What?" Ron Looked even more horrified, If that was possible. "When was that?"
Hermione frowned, "If you hadn't been sleeping through the entire class you would have noticed."
"Why would Harry want to work with the ferret?"
Hermione looked as though she wanted to bang Ron's head against the wall, "If you had a memory you would remember that Snape had partnered Harry with Malfoy, She emphasized the use of his name and not their childhood name they used to call him. ...And if you had any ability to observe the obvious, you would notice that he has changed.
Ron frowned "The ferret change, that's not possible."
"It is, Ronald. Anyone can change." Hermione sighed, "Except for you it seems."
Harry didn't always see signs of danger, but he knew he had the steer the conversation to something less dangerous befor someone said something they didn't mean, probably Ron. "So Hermione, what are you going to put in your essay we were given?"
Startled Hermione looked at him, then she took on the new challenge forgetting the last at least for the time being.
Harry smiled, but in his head he sighed wondering how much longer this delicate balance would last.
N/A: Well, that chapter kind of just wrote itself. After this chapter it may be a bit longer till I post. Depending on how long it takes for me to get a few more chapters ahead again, but I might be convinced to update sooner with reviews =). PLEASE REVIEW!
Thank you for your support, Luna.