Chapter 4

I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS OR SETTINGS ETC. MENTIONED IN THIS FAN FICTION!

Hermione

She was on her way to Transfiguration the next day, when she bumped into a lethargic Neville.

"Hi Hermione."

"Oh Neville, hello! How... How are things?"

"I'm feeling better actually. I've been spending a lot of time at the greenhouses. It helps me cope being around the plants."

"Hmm... Are you sure that's healthy?"

"Are you sure it's healthy for you to be going to class?" He countered matter of factly.

"Good point." She replied.

The walked the rest of the way to Transfiguration silently. When they got there, they took their seats and waited patiently for the rest of the classmates to get there.

Hermione truly did like Transfiguration with Professor McGonagal, and she was very good at the subject itself, but she disliked that the Gryffindors had to take the class with the Slytherins.

She looked over at the Slytherin side of the room, and met eyes with Pansy Parkinson who took the chance to harass her.

"Hey Granger. Nice blood." She shouted, but not loud enough for McGonagal to hear. Crabbe and Goyle stifled a laugh.

"Hey Puggy Parkinson. Nice face." She replied nastily.

"She's got you there Parkinson." Commented Malfoy. Before anyone could say anything, Professor McGonagal called the class to attention.

The class continued, uneventfully. Uneventfully that is, until the end.

"Could I speak to the following students after the bell please? Hermione Granger, lavender Brown, Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy."

The rest of the class filtered out and left the other four students standing clueless.

"Now, as you know, you four are the best Transfiguration students of your year. A new programme has been created by the Ministry of Magic that encourages students to learn how to become Animagi. As it is a tricky business, it is suggested that we help a few children to learn during one of their free periods. Only if you're willing of course." She smiled to all the students.

"If you are not, I suggest you leave now."

"Sorry Professor. I'm not interested." Said Lavender and she turned around and left.

"I assume the rest of you are up to the challenge? Well as you know, this process can back-fire with terrible consequences. Are you all still sure?"

"You sure are selling this idea, aren't you Professor" Replied Malfoy. "Of course I would like to learn."

The other two nodded in unison.

"Very well, but remember, it takes a lot of hard work. Spoken by as an animagus myself." She gave them all a meaningful look. "As you don't have any control over the animal you become, it helps to know what your Patronus is, because it is a common occurrence for you to have the same Animagus form. Have any of you performed a Patronus Charm?" she asked.

Hermione raised her hand.

"Me, Professor. My Patronus is an otter." She said importantly.

Blaise also raised his hand.

"I have a fox Patronus."

"I haven't tried before Professor"

"Very well. I Shall hold another meeting tomorrow at lunch. Any questions? No. You are all dismissed."

The trio walked to the door and headed for lunch.

"Hey Granger." Said Malfoy. He beckoned her over and let Zabini walk forward a bit. "You don't suppose you could... You know... Teach me how to perform the Patronus Charm?"

"You would really take advice from a mudblood, Malfoy?" A smirk playing on her lips.

Draco

He flinched away from the word, but was impressed with her courage to say the word.

"Well... Yes. Would you?" He asked hesitantly.

"Of course Malfoy. The Room of Requirement at eleven?"

"Breaking the rules twice in two days? You really should still be in the Medical Room! And yes, good plan. What do you think of the Animagus project?"

"I think it's a brilliant idea. Should be lots of fun. What about you?"

"It's going to be fun." He agreed. "Bye!" He said when they entered the great hall as they parted ways to go to their House Tables.

"See you later" she said with a warming smile.

Draco took a seat, but didn't eat anything. He hadn't been eating much as of late.

"Since when are you and Granger so chummy?" asked Blaise with wiggling eyebrows.

"What are you talking about Blaise? You dirty-minded sod. I was just asking her a question about the project. I would never be 'chums', of any-sort, with a mudblood." He added the last part after looking at Blaise's face for a second time.

"Whatever you say, man" His face though, contradicted his acceptance of Malfoy's words.

Draco took a peek over to the Gryffindor table. There she was, shouting at Weasley with an angry expression. Obviously she still hadn't forgiven him.