"But Professor—" Hermione pleaded, more so out of frustration than desperation this time.

Once Professor Slughorn had finished providing the details of their assignment, the majority of occupants stood to exit the classroom as she remained seated in hopes of getting a chance to convince her potions professor he made an awful mistake. Maintaining her composure was proving to be a challenge due to the fact that he hadn't bothered to acknowledge her since she approached his desk. Her eyes followed his movements as he attempted to organize the clutter on his desk. She deduced he was trying to avoid the conversation given that he was repeating his motions and placing papers in seemingly random places.

He grabbed the stack of books on his desk before acknowledging her. "I am sorry Miss Granger, but my hands are tied at the moment and my decision is final. Mind you, the sorting was actually quite a meticulous process and I would prefer to avoid having to reassign you all again." He turned around to put away the books in their proper slots on the shelf behind his chair.

Her brow furrowed. He had mentioned they were paired by their work ethic and academic history though she failed to see how. Judging from the overall looks he got when he announced the pairs, it seemed she was in the majority who felt he matched up students so that they would inevitably fail.

It was reminiscent of something Professor Snape would have done.

Hermione shook her head to rid herself of any lingering thoughts of their late potions teacher and focused on the task at hand. "If I may be frank Professor, the pairings you selected appear to be spontaneous and completely erratic. I don't see how—" She paused when he whipped around only to hold up a finger as a polite means of silencing her.

"I can assure you my dear, they aren't. Not in the slightest." He said gravely, his finger shook as he emphasized his point. He lowered his hand and turned to resume his previous task. "The pairing selections were done with the impression of what you would call 'shuffling things up a bit.'"

"By pairing those who are distinctly incompatible?" She asked.

"By pairing those who could use a reason to cooperate and look past childhood grievances." He attested.

Hermione's jaw went slack.

He half-turned to face her, a grim smile present. "I am well aware of why you desire a change in partners, Miss Granger. I don't know all the details of this rivalry between you and Mister Malfoy but blood purity is a trait most pureblood families take great pride in. The Malfoys are notorious for their credence."

"Then why on Earth would you put us together? He detests me...he has for a long time."

His eyes flickered with confusion before they settled. "Be as it may, the Headmistress wanted to promote intermingling between the houses and I fully support her idea."

He had a fair point. McGonagall had mentioned there would be changes to emphasize the unity within the school. What better way to demonstrate it than by pairing a Gryffindor and a Slytherin together? Not to mention a pair with a repugnant history as long standing and convoluted as theirs.

"I agree, it's a wonderful idea—" Actually, it was an ingenious idea...except the mere thought of working with him made something deep within her churn. "—but there has to be a more suitable arrangement for this assignment."

"Truthfully, I don't see how that would be possible. Everyone has been assigned a partner and have probably already started discussing details of the assignment."

Hermione briskly dug through her brain to conjure any other option. She only came up with one.

"What if I elect to do this on my own?" She offered.

He shook his head. "That wouldn't be appropriate. The point of the assignment is to understand how the collaboration of two people affect the outcome of a potion. Not to mention it would leave Mister Malfoy without a partner."

Hermione retracted as she considered his words. It would appear she didn't have another option.

"I understand."

"I am sorry, my dear. But I highly suggest you try look past your differences with Mister Malfoy and find a way to make this work. Now off you go." He waved her off in a dismissive manner.

She trudged out of the classroom sheepishly with her bag and list of potions in hand to where Malfoy stood outside, perched against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Given that depressing look on your face, I take it the old codger isn't budging," he drawled.

"No, unfortunately." She shook her head in exasperation. "He is out of his mind for paring us together."

He scoffed to indicate his displeasure. "Don't think I'm pleased about this either, Granger."

"I don't see you trying to talk to him."

"Begging isn't exactly my thing," he remarked, eyeing her pointedly.

Pompous git.

She sighed deeply as she reminded herself of exactly who she was trying to reason with. "Then we'll have to get along for the sake of the assignment and tolerate each other for the time being."

It was only Monday.

Of the second week of school.

How fantastic.

His handsome face contorted, as if the mere thought sickened him. "On second thought, begging doesn't sound too awful—" he shifted in the direction of the classroom but was held in place by a hand latched onto his arm.

"Wait."

He looked down slowly, looking first at her hand and then directly at her, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. She quickly retracted her hand, horrified with herself.

She cleared her throat uncomfortably and trusted her voice not to waiver. "The way I see it, there is no other option. Like it or not, we are stuck with each other." She subconsciously put her hands on her hips as she spoke. As if she were reprimanding a child...or lecturing Harry and Ron. "I want high marks in this class and I will do whatever it takes to get them. Even if it means putting up with you."

A malicious grin crept its way onto his face, inadvertently sending chills down her spine. "How noble of you, Granger. Such a sacrifice you're making by putting up with me. But do you know of any qualities that make a person willing to put up with someone as intolerable as you?"

She huffed a laugh. "Oh, I'm intolerable—"

"Not to mention aggravating, swotty—" he continued with ease.

"You did not just—"

"Bossy—"

"You loathsome cad—" she half-shouted.

"On second thought, I'll answer for you," he said while grinning mercilessly. "There are none."

She rubbed her temples to impede her oncoming headache and breathed deeply to calm her rampant pulse before feigning sympathy. "Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. Unfortunately for you, I made an agreement with McGonagall and I don't plan to disappoint her. I highly suggest you do the same."

His smirk dropped as his eyes darkened. She then realized she made it known that she was aware vaguely of his own deals he made with their headmistress. Deciding it would be best to change the subject matter, she reverted back to their original topic.

"Professor Slughorn said the results of the potion will be dependent on our cooperation so it would probably be in our best interest that whatever potion we decide on doing—"

"Sana Vulnere."

"—be relatively simple...wait...what did you say?" She looked at him. He pulled back into himself. His face was devoid of any emotion.

"Sana Vulnere," he repeated slowly. "It's meant to—"

"I know what it does," she argued. "Slughorn would never approve of that potion and there's no way it is even on this list—" she flipped through the pages haphazardly.

"Except that you'll find that it is." He watched her frantic movements, eyes glinting with a tinge of amusement. "Last page."

She flopped the stack over and turned the last page. He was right. There it was, printed in ink, taunting her with its presence.

The last potion on the list.

"No way. Absolutely not."

The blond let a sharp, barking scoff escape. "There's just no satisfying you, is there? You said we needed to pick a potion. I picked." He looked down at his watch.

She continued to flip through the list as she countered his statement, "If you had heard what I was saying, I very clearly stated something simple. There has to be something reasonable on this list—"

She welcomed any alternatives and recited a few she deemed to be acceptable. He didn't pay her any mind for his attention was focused elsewhere.

"Malfoy, are you listening to me?" She asked, beginning to read the list for the second time.

"I have to go." She heard him say.

She looked up to see him rummaging through his satchel to extract a book and closed the flap.

"Wait, we have to talk about the potion," she attempted to stop him, though his noticeably frantic pace didn't change.

"We can talk later." He turned to walk away.

"Malfoy—"

"Later." He said curtly as he strode off down the hall before she could get another word in.

She shook her head disbelieving. Not only was she stuck with someone nearly impossible to work with, he had decided on one of the most challenging potions known to make. The fact that he knew of the potion came rather shocking to her. Maybe he had a point that she was used to picking up the slack of others. After all, she had never really been with someone who pushed her limits. She supposed if there was anyone to so, it would be him.

She looked down at her own watch, wincing as the headache settled in with the realization that she was late for her next class.

Ginny next saw Hermione nose deep in a book at her usual spot in the library later that evening.

"How did it go?" She asked as she approached the bookworm.

"Unsuccessful. Slughorn isn't changing his mind." Exhaustion was evident in her tone. Whether it was from the mental stress of the day or researching the potion her partner had selected, she wasn't sure. Hermione looked down at her watch, realizing it was close to curfew.

"So what now?"

Hermione shut the book. "Now? I have to prepare myself to meet with Malfoy."

"Seriously? You're caving? You? Of all people?" Ginny asked as Hermione stood and pushed her chair under the table. She grabbed her items as they prepared to head back to the dormitories.

"I don't have another option. I'm stuck with him so now I'm in here reading up on the potion he picked."

"You've already picked a potion? You're already further along than Zabini and I. He suggested we conjure a draught of liquid luck, take it, and let the rest happen on its own."

Hermione halted in her step as she stared at Ginny. "I...I don't even know what to say to that."

Ginny sighed. "Yes. I, too, had the same reaction. So be grateful."

The two continued their trek and turned the corner.

"Maybe I would be if he hadn't insisted on doing one of the most complicated potions known to create."

"Don't you normally love that sort of thing?"

"Normally, yes. Not when the result of the potion is dependent on how well we work together."

"Fair point. Maybe it won't be so bad. Which potion is it?"

"Sana Vulnere," she said.

Ginny frowned. "What is that?"

"It's a healing potion. One of the only potions known to eradicate even the deepest and oldest of wounds." Hermione opened the book to the page she was on, the only page providing vague details of the potion.

"Then why haven't I heard of it?"

"While it is proven to be a very useful potion, it has only been made correctly a number of times. As a result, there are only a few works written about it."

"How many?"

"Eight that have been documented. This book has the most recent one."

When Ginny didn't respond, Hermione turned her head to catch the full expression of shock she displayed.

"Like I said, he picked a very complicated potion." she sighed, riddled with exhaustion as she opened the book as they walked and reviewed the ingredient list.

"Sounds like you have your work cut out for you." Ginny smirked at her.

"Well, well—" Blaise exclaimed while stepping between the girls and wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "If it isn't my two favorite Gryffindors."

"Zabini." Hermione acknowledged, closing the book shut. "I heard of your genius plot for the assignment."

"Brilliant, isn't it? Potions was never my best subject but I can conjure liquid luck all day. I gather it would give us wondrous results."

Ginny rolled her eyes at him, unamused. "That will be our back up plan."

"If you say so, Weasley. What about you, Granger? The two smartest minds of our year paired together? I'm sure you have come up with something good." He asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Honestly Zabini, I don't know how you do it." Hermione admitted.

He cocked his head at her. "Do what?"

"How you're willing be friends with someone like—"

"Fraternizing with the enemy, Blaise?" A sneer came from behind them. Hermione could already feel the agitation beginning to creep up as they turned to see Malfoy striding towards them with Theo.

"On the contrary, I'm fraternizing with my lovely potions partner, Draco." He grinned smugly.

"How comforting to see your standards are as mediocre as ever," he remarked lazily. Ginny only rolled her eyes at him.

Blaise snorted, "No need to be a twat, mate. I'll still have time for you." He patted Malfoy on the cheek, grinning widely at his displeasure while Theo laughed.

Hermione darted her eyes between them, bewildered. The dynamic between the trio was odd, no doubt. She often wondered if people thought the same of her, Harry and Ron when they snuck around and constantly broke the rules for Harry's benefit. Though that was not at the forefront of her mind. He had insulted her friend and she was not going to stand for that.

Hermione's mouth took action before her brain could stop it. "Are you going to apologize?"

She was surprised when all of the attention shifted to her instantly. She didn't pay them any mind, only concentrated on the silver eyes that became narrow slits under his furrowed brow as he examined her.

"I don't believe anyone asked for your opinion, Granger." His face contorted to his signature smirk and insult at the edge of his tongue. For some reason, it was almost reassuring to see him make that expression again.

Almost.

The brunette's nostrils flared as she stared the blond down. "What you just said about Ginny was uncalled for and unnecessary—"

"Oh? You mean like half of the things you feel the need to bring up during class." His shoulders stiffened when she prompted an enraged step towards him.

"Whoa, whoa," Theo held his hands up as an attempt to calm down the irate couple. "Let's not get carried away here."

"Stay out of this, Nott," she demanded.

"For once, I agree with the swot." Malfoy retorted airily.

"Wow. That's big of you." She whipped her head around when Blaise stifled a laugh.

"Okay, gross. Grow up, the lot of you." She said pointedly at the grinning males of the group.

"Coming from the immature one," Malfoy quipped.

"How am I the immature one?" Hermione demanded.

"You're having an actual tamper tantrum because things aren't going your way—" he started.

"You broke your quill—" she gritted angrily.

"And you never listen when you need to—"

"You're the one who isn't listening, Malfoy. We cannot do this potion." She stated with finality.

Silence passed within the group as Malfoy shot a glare instead of another comeback.

"Would you all mind giving us a moment alone?" He asked calmly, his eyes never leaving hers when he raised the question. Blaise and Theo glanced at each other and walked on without another word. Ginny, however, did not budge.

"That includes you as well, Weasley." He shifted his eyes to the redhead, the threat never leaving his gaze.

"You're insane if you think I'm leaving her alone with you." Ginny glared at him. The blond opened his mouth to retort though Hermione quickly intervened.

"Ginny, it's alright. I won't be long. I'll meet you in the common room."

Ginny walked away reluctantly. He waited a few beats before speaking again.

"I take it you looked up the details of the potion." His eyes flickered to the book in her arms.

"Of course I did. And my answer is still no."

"I didn't realize I had phrased it as a question."

"You didn't. This is me declining your proposition."

He chuckled darkly. Hermione's eyes flashed with suspicion. "Why must you always be so fucking difficult?" he asked, exasperated.

Ignoring his commentary, she continued. "I'm not even sure why Slughorn approved for this potion to be put on the list! It would take longer than one term to brew so we wouldn't even be able to turn it in on time. Not to mention the scrupulous precautions, the timing, the demanding ingredient list—did you even see half of the things it required?"

He rolled his eyes, impatient. "Hardly sounds like a challenge for someone who successfully brewed polyjuice potion their second year."

"Malfoy, polyjuice potion has been in textbooks for centuries. This potion has only been made successfully a number of times with limited information on the results." She couldn't believe the nonchalance he was giving her. It seemed no matter what she said, he wasn't taking no for an answer.

His smile didn't reach his eyes. "I can't believe this. You're choosing now to doubt yourself and your abilities?" He huffed a sarcastic laugh. "I could have used that doubt all the times in class when you wouldn't shut up about—"

"Quite the contrary, Malfoy," she interrupted him sharply. "It's not my abilities that I have doubts about."

Malfoy merely looked at her, pursing his lips. "We've been through this, I'm decent at potions. We have nothing to—"

"I don't mean you, either. I know you've earned your marks—" she clarified, ignoring his dumbfounded expression as he processed the fact that she just complimented him. "I'm referring to us. As a couple." She stated firmly. His eyes flashed. Realizing the suggestion in her wording, she quickly made to change it. "I-I mean as partners. As Two. Individual. People assigned to work together," she blurted, clearly uncomfortable which he seemed to find amusing. "This potion requires a team who can work together and trust each other. Not sure if you've noticed, we don't exactly fall in that category."

He continued to watch her curiously.

"What?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm surprised. I've always figured you assumed everyone around you to be an idiot." She opened her mouth to protest, but caught the twinkle of amusement in his eye. "Granger, you're not the only one who has to maintain high marks. I chose to come back for a reason—ah, ah—" he held up his hand when she opened her mouth to speak. "I can already see the accumulation of questions you're just dying to let loose. I am not going to explain myself to you. But I, too, will do what it takes to succeed in this class."

She had to admit his ambition was comparable to hers, willing to do anything no matter the difficulty to see the desired results. The drive to succeed was an addiction. An addiction she was all too familiar with. Who was she to disagree?

She nodded absentmindedly.

His eyes faltered, almost as if he were disappointed that she agreed so easily without much of a fight. "We will meet tomorrow night. I'm afraid any other time will require further notice."

Her expression grew incredulous. "You're actually telling me I have to schedule appointments with you in order to work on the largest project of our academic career."

"How else would I get anything done?" He countered simply.

His tone was nothing short of condescending. She clenched her fists to refrain from punching him in the face. Again.

Do it for the grade, Hermione. Be the better person.

She huffed and smiled brightly.

Too brightly.

"Yes, I'm available. So long as you don't bail when you realize who it is you're working with."

She saw it again. That flash of uncertainty.

She was truly losing it.

"Tomorrow night, then?"

He nodded, avoiding eye contact. "The library. After dinner." He emphasized.

"The library." It sounded like a question.

"Yes, the library. You know? Your place of worship—?"

"I've never...neither Ron nor Harry would ever suggest the library on their own free will," she admitted.

"I think you'll come to find that I'm quite different from your friends," he said with a final sneer and turned to leave.

She stood in place, realizing she never confronted him about the brew specifically. "Why Sana Vulnere?" she asked.

He halted in his step.

When he didn't immediately answer, she continued. "Why would you want to do such a complicated potion with me when you don't even trust me?"

"I've told you before, your brilliance is the bane of my existence." He answered though he stayed turned away from her. She knew what that meant. The same as it did the first time he said it. If she wanted answers, she was going to have to figure it out for herself.

"I—" She stopped when he finally saw it fit to turn and walked back towards her. She became acutely aware of every inch of distance lost as he approached her, stopping no more than a few feet away. He towered over her with his tall, lean build.

"If you're trying to fight me on this again, I will remind you I selected a potion that is used to counteract dark magic. I didn't ask you to help me create a curse or poison." That mischievous grin grew on his face again. Though instead of being insulted, she couldn't help but feel like he was testing her. "Unless you don't think you can handle it," he asked lowly.

Hermione blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "You said earlier you didn't have doubts in your abilities. Surely some of your hesitance has something to do with it, doesn't it? The lack of books written about it means you can't solely depend on reciting directly from them. Has the Golden girl met her match? Has she finally reached her limits?" He edged closer as he watched her, eyes flitting between hers in search for something.

"Maybe they were wrong about you after all." He concluded with a condescending smirk.

Moments passed as Hermione thought over his words, her gaze directed at the floor. The war and her failed relationship with Ron had affected her in a way she wasn't aware of until now. She had become more precautious. More defensive. Now, Malfoy was openly taunting her and she'd had enough.

He turned to leave just as she spoke, her voice laced with a confident edge.

"I don't care how bloody hard it is, Malfoy." She didn't need to look up to know he was watching her.

Empty, grey eyes coldly calculating her.

"I will do this potion with you. Under these conditions," she emphasized. "One, you will not insult my friends in front of me." Her eyes snapped up to meet his. "Two, I will refrain from snapping at you every second so long as you agree to not be a massive prick." His pale eyebrows shot up. "—and three, you won't dare to underestimate me again. I am capable of damn near anything and I don't need to prove myself to you. I will agree to uphold my part in making this potion as long as you are willing to do the same. Any questions?"

She exhaled as she stared him down, her chest heaving. She was surprised to see his eyes drifting over her face curiously as a smirk formed across his lips.

He almost looked...impressed.

"And Blaise thought you were losing your backbone."

Hermione blinked as a blush spread on her cheeks, warming her face. She didn't know whether to feel proud or worried to have received such a compliment from him.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Granger." he confirmed as he adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder. He turned to walk off, making it only three steps before he paused and inclined his head slightly in her direction. "I accept your conditions." She nodded firmly and he resumed his stride.

Her eyes continued to follow his retreating figure until he turned the corner, out of her sight.

A/n: Just a heads up for the next coming weeks. I will be leaving to go out of town around when the next update is due. The chapter may or may not be posted before I leave that Friday. I will have my laptop with me though I can't promise I will be actively writing but I will do my best. I'm also beginning the process of buying a home which is exciting but also is a huge life change. Please bear with me if I'm inconsistent the next couple of weeks.

Hope you guys liked the chapter!