♕ thirty

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In potions, Professor Slughorn had the students continue brewing their Amortentia. 

"If infatuation is already at its capacity in a human heart, then Amortentia will only have effect on the person until said person lays eyes on their lover. This means, that someone already in love will only be affected by the Amortentia until they lay eyes on their lover, and then the spell will be broken..." 

 It would've been a rather exciting class; Hermione was getting to brew a love potion with the guy of her dreams. But the moment she walked in the door and a pair of cold, blue eyes met hers, the mood of what seemed to be the whole class dampened. Draco and Hermione claimed their table near the back of the room as Hermione stirred the potion aggressively, glaring over Draco's shoulder at McLaggen. 

"Why did he have to show up today?!" She asked for about the hundredth time. Draco, patient as ever, put a hand on his girlfriend's wrist.

"Hey, hey," he said soothingly, fixing her with a stare. "Ignore him. It's just an hour that he'll be here. And if he tries anything, you know that I'll be right there to meet him, okay?" 

Hermione smiled gratefully. "I know you will, Draco, it's just... he looks so cocky." 

Draco shrugged. "Probably still boasting around about beating Harriet out for Keeper. Let's not overthink it, okay?" 

Hermione nodded, but she still watched McLaggen out of the corner of her eye. He was reading from his book and adding the ingredients quickly and efficiently, scanning through the instructions very thoroughly and making sure he measured his mistletoe correctly. Paying attention in class? Hermione had never seen McLaggen be this vigilant about brewing a potion. Something was strange about it..."

"Hermione?" Came Draco's voice from across the table. She closed her eyes quickly to clear her thoughts. 

"Sorry, what?" Hermione asked. Draco grinned and shook his head.

"Still scheming in that brain of yours?" He joked, stirring the cauldron. Hermione sighed. 

"I'm sorry, Draco, I guess I'm just stressed."

"With what?" He asked, concerned.

"Nothing important," she reassured him, looking back down at the potion. But as McLaggen continued to drop in peppermint sprigs into his potion with a snooty smirk, she couldn't help but reconsider Ginny's suspicion of him. 

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"Alright class," Slughorn called at the end of the hour as the bell rang. Hermione began to pack up her bag while her stomach growled. 

"Ugh, is it lunch yet?" She asked, turning to Draco, who laughed. 

"Yes, darling, it is," he said with a slight roll of his eyes. Hermione smiled and took his hand as the pair walked out of the classroom. Students of all years were pouring from classes and racing down the stairs so that they could fill their empty stomachs. Hermione could've broken into a sprint with how hungry she was; but she would rather walk with Draco. 

"So," he began. Hermione turned to listen.

 "Slytherin's first Quidditch practice is during the afternoon break."

"Ooh!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "I could come watch you play!!" 

Draco smiled. "I'd love that." 

As the couple walked into the Great Hall, Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek. "See you soon," she called after him and made her way toward her usual spot across from Harry and Ginny. 

"What was that about?" Harry asked as Hermione piled her plate with mashed potatoes and gravy. She shrugged nonchalantly as she served herself some beans. 

"I'm going over to see Draco practice after lunch. 

Ginny's eyes lit up and her fork fell into her shepherds pie. "Ooh, yes!!! You're brilliant, Mione!! You could spy on the Slytherin team, ge-"

"No," Hermione said firmly. Ginny's face fell and she gave a huff, crossing her arms. 

"Hermione's right, Gin," Harry said tenderly, reaching for his girlfriends hand. Ginny rolled her eyes and turned reluctantly as Harry placed a small kiss on her forehead. 

"Well, who are you going to root for this season anyway?" Ginny asked accusingly. Hermione froze as Harry nodded. 

"It is a valid question," he admitted. Hermione smiled. 

"Don't worry, it'll always be Gryffindor for me. Draco and I can have a... Friendly little rivalry," she finished rather mischievously. Ginny shrugged. 

"Well, if we beat Ravenclaw and they beat Hufflepuff, we'll be playing them..." 

Hermione laughed. "Just try not to kill him. It'd kinda ruin my life." 

The redhead sighed. "I'll try not to damage his handsomeness."

"Hey!" Harry exclaimed indignantly. Ginny laughed.

"Don't worry, Harry, you're all the handsomeness I need." The two shared a sweet kiss.

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