Tease

Playing with Fire

Hermione managed to sneak into Hogwarts without having to deal with Dumbledore. He wouldn't be blind enough to ignore the fact that she left Draco in Diagon Alley. She didn't need to let him know about her latest spat, especially since she had been the one to complain about his lack of cooperation.

I'm sure Draco found his way back without my help. If not - well - good riddance.

"Hi Granger!"

She turned, slowly, afraid of whom she would see. Her stomach dropped when she saw a flash of blond hair.

Why didn't the shopkeeper just choke him with the robes!

He was grinning at her. "We have to attend Potions since we came back early"

She groaned inwardly.

He didn't say anything but the smirk spoke volumes. She turned to get her potions material from her room.

"It's that way," he called out, mockingly.

"Go to hell!"

She was infuriated even more when she heard his amused chuckle.

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Hermione had her quill tap her on her forehead several times to focus her attention.

Snape had assumed his usual disgusted, condescending look. Hermione sighed and took a hold of her quill to begin writing notes. She stopped when she found a crudely drawn, 'Mudblood Slut' on top of her notebook.

Hermione took a quiet intake of breath. She fumed, not paying any attention to Snape because she was busy glaring at the back of Draco's head.

"Ms Granger!"

She sat up straight, tearing her gaze away from Draco's pale blond hair.

"What is this potion?"

She bit her lip, having no clue what Snape had been blathering on about. But her reading reminded her of the answer.

"A Contraceptive Potion, professor"

She rolled her eyes as Malfoy and his friends immediately began snickering and throwing knowing glances at each other.

"This is the most effective means to prevent pregnancy. What other ways can you prevent it?"

Theodore Nott raised his hand while trying to diffuse his laughter.

"Yes?" Snape said, practically jumping up and down at the occurence of a Slytherin participating in class.

"Have gay sex"

All the Slytherin boys burst into laughter, a few girls as well. Snape's face twisted and Hermione was dismayed to find that some students of her own house were joining in the laughter.

"So that's why Malfoy doesn't have any children running about!" Hermione said loudly.

The laughter abruptly stopped and Malfoy turned all the way around with a magnificent scowl. He flinched as he heard the contained laughter coming from the Gryffindors. Hermione smirked proudly.

"You little-"

"I always wondered why Snape didn't have any kids at his age," Hermione whispered loudly and thankfully Snape didn't hear.

The Gryffindors burst into a rumble of laughter, unable to restrain themselves anymore.

"Quiet! QUIET!"

But they just laughed harder. Blaise turned around to wink at her and Malfoy got up and marched out of the room.

"I'll give you detention - all of you! CLASS DISMISSED" Snape bellowed.

But the class had already filtered out.

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"You know you shouldn't bite your nails. What would your mother say?" Hermione said with a bright smile. She stood above Draco's reclined form. He had been frustratingly tugging at his finger with his teeth when she interrupted him.

Draco defiantly licked his finger languidly with his tongue and Hermione shifted in place. He pulled his hand away and caught a hold of her neck. She gasped as he pulled her close to his face.

"You should know better than to taunt me Granger. I think you should watch out - especially when you're sleeping"

Her heart thudded and she wisely kept quiet. She looked into his eyes and drowned in the dark storm rumbling.

She jerked out of his grip and stared at him. His gaze dropped down to the top of her shirt, which she had unbuttoned a little due to the heat.

She uncomfortably pulled the robe closer and turned on her heel.

"A comment Draco?"

Draco pulled his eyes away to concentrate on the eager little boy infront of him.

"Creevey," he said tonelesslly. "What do you want?"

Colin ignored the unenthusiastic greeting. "Care to comment on the quality of food we receive at Hogwarts?"

Draco sneered. "Is that all you've got to write about? No one gives a damn about that"

Colin looked a little crestfallen. "So you're not going to give a comment?"

He chuckled. "No"

They boy put his notepad away and turned but Draco called him back.

"Wait!"

He turned back eagerly.

"You'll comment?"

"No," Draco rolled his eyes. "But I've got a story for you - a much better one"

"Really! What about?"

"Our precious Head Girl," Draco said.

"Oh! You mean your ex-girlfriend"

"Yes. And I'm willing to give you an interview - all about her"

"Brilliant!"

"Yes I know," he replied smugly. "So - how soon can you get this published?"

"A day"

"Good. Be sure to send a copy to Hermione."

Draco smiled complacently.

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