As Friday afternoon rolled around, Draco was headed back up to the castle after a brief stint at the Owlery, having sent a letter to his mother who was still confined within the Manor. He'd sworn to himself he wouldn't leave her completely isolated and as such had written to Narcissa every week he'd been back at Hogwarts. The weather was still brisk and he was thankful he'd brought his warm woollen coat as the wind picked up once he'd started up the hill to the entrance hall. Hagrid was visible in the distance, bustling around about his cabin as thick steam rose from the chimney. Hastily taking the few steps into the stone entranceway, the Slytherin's gaze was quickly captured by the sight of familiar bushy brown hair and a flash of unmistakeable ginger.
"Granger!"
The two Gryffindors stopped mid-stride as they spun to focus on the sound of the voice. Hermione was rather taken aback to see Draco jogging up to her. Coming to a standstill a couple of feet away, he appraised her companion and inclined his head. "Weasley."
"Ferret." She greeted smugly, crossing her arms over her chest with a grin.
Hermione's eyes widened as she elbowed her friend. "Gin!" However, the younger girl just clicked her tongue and continued staring at the Slytherin daringly. Draco, to his credit, did not retort although gave her a withering glare. "Malfoy, what can I do for you?" Hermione continued smoothly.
"I have quidditch practice this weekend, but I was hoping you'd be up for another study session on Monday?"
"Definitely. Same time and place?" At his confirming nod, she smiled politely. "Great, see you then."
"Enjoy your weekend, ladies." He took a step back as though to leave but instead leaned into Ginny's space. "We're going to crush you on Tuesday."
"Oh, you wish, Malfoy! Slytherin couldn't win even if their lives depended on it."
"Believe that we've had quite enough of losing to mediocre amateurs. We destroyed Hufflepuff last week and you're next. That cup is ours." His smirk was widening by the second and Hermione couldn't help but bite her lip as she felt the frustration radiating off of her friend.
"Please, the only mediocre amateur is the Slytherin seeker. Oh, whoops, isn't that you, Malfoy?"
"We'll see, Captain." With a deep chuckle, he strode away in the opposite direction, disappearing down an adjacent corridor as Ginny seethed, stomping back to the Gryffindor common room with Hermione amusedly in tow.
"He really grows on you, doesn't he?"
"I'm going to make sure he gets a bludger to the head, 'Mione."
The weekend as a whole passed rather quietly with Hermione taking some time to study and finish up a few assignments. As predicted, Hermione saw Ginny even less than usual as the Gryffindor captain attempted to squeeze as many practice sessions in as possible, ranting to the brunette witch furiously on occasion about the Slytherin team who were evidently doing the same. On the Sunday afternoon, the two girls came together for a trip to Hogsmeade in which they met up with Harry for the first time in several weeks. He was making great strides in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, fast on his way to becoming a full-fledged Auror and as such hadn't been able to take time to visit them. However, the trio made the most of the time that had and met up at the Three Broomsticks for butterbeers and a catch-up.
"So, how's Ron?" Hermione inquired after they'd passed the pleasantries and discussed their own usual business that had occurred since their last time together.
Harry adjusted his glasses, shrugging a little. "I think he's alright. I've seen him a couple of times but I've been ridiculously busy and typically when I'm off work, Ron's in the shop. Weasley Wizard Wheezes is doing brilliantly though and he seems to be really enjoying the work and spending time with George. They make a good team and George said he's really creative, suggesting loads of new ideas."
The two witches nodded along, Hermione smiling lightly. She was always pleased to hear Ron was succeeding. After turning down an offer of a position in the Auror department with Harry, Hermione was concerned about how Ron would be spending his time, worried he would be wallowing in the grief of losing his brother. Eventually he'd decided to take up George's suggestion of working in the brother's shop and he appeared to have no regrets about turning down the Ministry.
"What about you two, any extracurricular fun?"
Thrilled at the chance to tell Harry about how the Gryffindor quidditch team were succeeding in the standings after she'd taken over after him, Ginny quickly launched into detail with all the latest news. Hermione was happy to listen to her friend ramble on as Harry seemed incredibly enthusiastic to hear everything as well.
"Oh and Hermione's tutoring Malfoy."
Harry paused, glass halfway to his lips as he flicked his gaze from a smirking Ginny to a slightly flushed Hermione. "You don't say."
"We're just studying together. He's helping me with a Potions project. Which you so eloquently pointed out in sixth-year is my worst subject." She narrowed her eyes at her friend but he merely grinned back at her. "I, in turn, agreed to help him with Arithmancy."
"Excellent choice in study partner, I'd say."
"Harry!" Ginny blurted in surprise, eyes wide at her boyfriend's admission. "We're talking about Malfoy."
"Don't get me wrong, he's a creepy bloke with the sense of humour of a bookshelf and an ego the size of his overpriced house. Regardless, Snape was always impressed with his natural ability in Potions. Academically, I'd say he's a wise decision."
Hermione let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Certainly not what I expected to hear from you, Golden Boy, but I appreciate your support." He tipped his head and raised his glass to her as Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Should've told Ron instead, at least then we could've moaned about him together. Sometimes, I think you're too much of a people person, Potter." With an amused smirk, Harry nudged his girlfriend playfully but she simply stuck her tongue out at him in return.
Although thoroughly lifted by her friends' antics, Hermione departed soon after, leaving the couple to have some time alone as she took the quiet stroll back up to the castle.
Monday flew by in a flurry of classes until Hermione was finally stepping through the library doors for her study session. She had felt permanently flushed and flustered, having had a busy day and then a hasty dinner before making her way to meet the Slytherin. Approaching the same desk they had used in the previous session, Hermione found her study partner already at the table, parchment and books strewn across one half.
"Malfoy?" The boy immediately glanced up at the sound of his name with a frown but relaxed somewhat when he noticed it was her. "I'm not late, am I?"
"Not at all, I've just been here most of the afternoon. Herbology was cancelled, Professor Sprout was sick."
She muttered a quiet acknowledgment and took up the seat beside him as he made an attempt at organising his assortment of study materials. Deciding that since last time they had avoided pleasantries, she would follow suit and simply dive right into why they were there. "How's the Arithmancy going?"
A swift nod greeted her while he returned some of his things to his bag to make space for her own. "Not bad. That new equation system is ridiculous though."
Hermione smiled, placing her textbook in front of her. "Without a doubt. I think I've got my head around it though, I spent most of the weekend checking it out."
The Slytherin wore his signature smirk as he shook his head fractionally, "Of course you did."
"You'll be mighty glad I'm like this when you pass, Malfoy."
"High hopes, huh?"
"You're not hopeless; let's go with that for now." She teased as the corners of his lips twitched into a genuine, if not tiny, smile.
As had already been established, the two students worked harmoniously and divided their time evenly between the two desired subjects. Hermione was once again pleasantly surprised at his relaxed demeanour and thoughtful teaching methods. He was patient and genuinely interested in making the most of the session and knowing he was as committed as her, Hermione too felt more at ease. During a break in their hard work, in which Draco once again began devouring an apple, Hermione decided to start up a casual conversation.
"Can I ask you something?"
Draco immediately barked a laugh, "I daresay I'm experiencing déjà vu, Granger. Is this the setup now? We have a break and you ask me another question." Hermione immediately flushed, running a hand through her hair nervously.
"I didn't mean to pry or anything…"
"No, go on. I'm fascinated now." He bit into his snack once again and she chanced a glance at him to see him waiting expectantly for her query.
"Well, I just wondered…you're clearly talented at Potions, everyone always thought you received special treatment from Snape though because you were in Slytherin but you actually seem to have a real enthusiasm for it."
Draco pondered for a moment before he began, "The majority of people had very little idea about how Snape regarded students and his subject. He only ever favoured those who had a genuine interest, passion and talent for potion making. It didn't matter the slightest amount to him that I was a member of his house or even his godson, he appreciated my respect for the art and desire to learn."
Hermione regarded him carefully, she could tell from his tone he thought highly of their old potions professor but all she could recall was the memory of his passing. "I'm sorry." She uttered quietly.
"For what?"
"Misjudging you and…his death."
Malfoy picked at a thread on is robe, avoiding her gaze for several moments. "Thank you." A small sigh left him and he turned his grey eyes back on to hers. "He knew the risks. He thought it was worth it." She nodded silently in understanding. Seconds and then a minute and then two ticked by before he cleared his throat and pulled open his book. "Let's get back to it, shall we?" Following his lead, Hermione too focused on her work and they resumed their previous actions, seeing out the evening in professional harmony.
A/N: I'm ill and exam results come out this week but hey, I'll ignore all that and keep working on this. See you next time!
