Asking

After the Slytherins have arrived:


"Professor Snape, why are we seated with the bloody Gryffindorks?"


"In the interest of House-unity, Ms. Parkinson, the seating arrangements have been adjusted to pair each member of this class with a member of the opposing House."{Hmmm, I wonder...Yes, there would be just enough time during lunch after I speak with Draco.}


"House-unity, sir? But, they're Gryffindors, sir! We can't have 'House-unity' with them. Salazar Slytherin would roll over in his grave! You've gone round the bloody twist, sir!"


"Ms. Parkinson! I am well aware of your classmates unfortunate House affiliation. I do not care if you approve of the decision as it is fait accompli. You will sit where the chart states you should, you will cooperate with your partner and you will never question my authority again!"


A lone quill was heard to drop at this statement. Had Snape really just criticized a Slytherin?


"You will not speak to me in that manner! My father will hear of this and he'll have your job!"


"Ms. Parkinson, your father could not have my job even should it occur to him to attempt such an act. Now, if you wish to pass this class then I would strongly suggest taking your seat."{Particularly since I know where all your family's skeletons are buried, literally.}


Pansy, while not the brightest witch, had enough sense to realize that continuing to argue with Snape would most likely result in having to inform her parents that she had failed her potions class. This was an unacceptable outcome. So, grudgingly, she took the seat next to Harry. The other Slytherins, still in shock at Snape's actions, followed suit. So began OWLS Potions.


{Well done, Uncle Sev. This should be fun.}


"Now, you will begin brewing a very complicated potion. You will be brewing Polyjuice Potion. You should all know what it is used for. The reason you will be brewing it is simple, it is one of the more difficult potions to perfect. As seventh year students, you should be able to handle it. Particularly since some of you have done it previously."


"So, Hermione, I'm assuming that we can get along as partners. Particularly since our grades depend on it. I was also thinking, since we're Heads this year, we could arrange a time to work together."


"Do you have a gun?"


"No...why?"


"So I can shoot myself now."


"Look, I know we have a bad history. Can't we find a way past all that? Don't you think we've been fighting long enough?"


"I don't know. Is an eternity long enough?"


"Ok, I get it, you hate me. There is a problem though: we're partners now. So, unless we both want to fail, we need to work together. Working together will be so much more pleasant if we're polite."


"Fine, Malfoy. We can be polite, but the first time 'mudblood' or any other insult comes out of your mouth, I'm going to shove my wand so far up..."


"I get the picture, Hermione. And my name is Draco. Say it with me, Dra-co."


"Mal-foy."


{Not bad, Hermione. But I will get you to say my name, even if I have to get you to scream it.}


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A/N: Short chapter. Had a mild case of writer's block. Brain could figure out future, couldn't see present. Next up: Snape gets in Draco's head.