Draco and Hermione ran through the chilly dungeons until they reached the classroom. They made it inside just as the bell was ringing to initiate the start of class. Breathlessly, the two of them walked over to Draco's usual table, where Ron and Harry sat. Draco figured that Hermione didn't want to make a scene by going to the front of the room and sitting in her normal seat, since she followed him to his table.

Professor Snape looked at Draco and had an expression that seemed like Snape had eaten something that had gone bad; well, even more so than he usually did. Then, the professor promptly started class. Draco quickly sat down next to Ron. Hermione sat on Draco's other side. She did not waste anytime getting her parchment, quill and book out to take notes.

Throughout the rest of Snape's boring lecture, Hermione hardly took her eyes off of her notes, except to look at the blackboard to copy what was up there and to look at her textbook. Ron was practically falling asleep during Snape's lesson. Harry was meticulously working on something that didn't seem like Potions, but Draco couldn't see what it was. So, Draco just focused on his own notes; at least, getting all his references correct to make his own later.

Well, isn't this fun?

Snape's monotonous voice droned on until the bell chimed again, signaling the end of classes for the day. Snape assigned another essay that was due later on the week. With a collaborative groan, the students headed for the door, eager to escape the dungeons to get to their free time.

"Whad I miss?" Ron asked with a yawn. He blinked a few times and stretched to wake himself up. Draco could have sworn that he heard Hermione let out a small giggle at Ron, but it could have just been the other female students that were passing them to leave. Draco wasn't sure which it was.

"Just a lot of notes." Harry said, pointing out his own collection.

"And another essay," Draco added, "Which I won't be doing for you."

"Bloody hell, I hate work." Ron said, still sounding sleepy and rubbing his eyes.

Harry got to his feet and was packing his supplies away. Ron was attempting to do the same, but was clumsier than usual, thanks to just waking up from a nap. He dropped his book, quills and parchment onto the table and floor. Harry and Draco bent down to the ground to retrieve the items that had fallen down there.

After they quickly gathered up and handed back Ron's belongings to him, Draco noticed something. Hermione, looking rather cute, was smiling and biting her lip, like she did when she was nervous or trying to hold back from laughing. Draco wasn't sure if the expression was a good thing or a bad one. The only thing that Draco was certain of was that he didn't like it at all. He couldn't explain this strange emotion that was coursing through him.

"We should get going." Draco said. He stuffed his book and pieces of parchment in his bag in a much hasted manor. Hermione nodded. She had already packed her things away.

Ron and Harry were waiting by the door for them. Draco saw Snape leering at the group as they left. As the four of them made their way through the dungeons, no one said a single word. Also, Ron and Harry kept themselves a few paces ahead of Draco and Hermione.

"Draco?" Hermione said meekly as they were crossing the ground floor corridor, she came to a stop. Draco stopped as well, ignoring that Ron and Harry were continuing to walk away, and turned to face Hermione.

"Yes, Hermione?" he replied.

"Well, I'm going to go find Luna and talk with her before dinner, ok?"

Draco let out a chuckle.

"Yeah, just be good and don't hit anyone else. I'd hate miss it if you did." Draco said. Then, he reached up and playfully tasseled with her hair.

"Hey!" Hermione exclaimed. She laughed and put her arms up to defend herself and her hair.

Draco took his hand back. Hermione, with her hands still protecting her hair from further damage, spit her tongue out at Draco.

"That's very immature of you, Miss Granger." Draco said sarcastically. "What are you? A First Year?"

"Oh, that is not your lecture to teach, Draco." Hermione put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at him.

Draco smiled. He thought she looked cute when she was being sassy with him.

Hell, when don't I think she looks cute?

Hermione couldn't hold on to the serious look for more than a couple seconds before she started laughing and relaxed herself.

"Don't you have a friend to find?" Draco asked.

"Yeah, I'm going." She flashed him a quick smile. "See you later!" she said with a wave. Then, she took off for the stairs, going up to the First Floor. As usual, Draco watched her until she was out of sight.

Draco let out a sigh. Then, he headed back outside to the courtyard. He started walking over to his favorite tree to hide in. Draco decided that he needed to have some quiet, alone time.

As he crossed the courtyard, Draco noticed that ominous dark clouds that were starting to spread over the horizon, which meant he would have limited time outside. He couldn't help but think that it was inevitable that it couldn't be bright and sunshine all the time. After all, they did live in England.

He, also, couldn't help but relate the weather to how he was feeling. Draco thought about this as he was climbing and getting nestled into the tree. Usually, his life was nice, like a sunny day. Yes, there were some clouds, but overall, it was decent. Lately though, like the oncoming storm now, it seemed like the typically small clouds had expanded into large, dark clouds and started to overcome the sun.

Draco shook his head. He wasn't going to think about such things. As he lay back against the tree, one thing did continue to bother him. Why did he react the way he did when Hermione smiled at Ron. And what was that rush of emotion in the classroom?

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