Venom & Virtue

chapter 9

I glanced down at the note in my hand again.

Thursday

10:30am

I checked the clock in the common room one last time, confirming it was 10:25, before leaving for the library.

The note had arrived the same way as usual, during last night's dinner, the paper crane folded neatly.

I'd felt nervous seeing the spiky letters written upon it; they acted as a reminder of the person I would have to face again, and of our previous hostile conversation.

My brewing ability had improved a fraction, I didn't have as many explosive accidents in class time. But I still wasn't proficient enough, and I wouldn't be any time soon.

Which meant more sessions with Draco.

I took one last breath of freedom before opening the doors, walking over to our usual study table like a prisoner in shackles.

He looked up immediately as I approached, a change from our usual dance of ignorance.

"You're late."

I frowned, sitting down on the wooden chair.

"No I'm not."

"It's 10:35," he indicated the large grandfather clock next to the window.

"That clock is fast," I twisted my wrist, showing him the time on my watch, which read 10:30 exactly.

"Or perhaps, yours is slow."

"Let's just-"

"Next time, don't be late," he cut me off.

I stared at him blankly, and he stared right back, impatience clear in his expression.

I was tempted to slap the bastard for being so rude and fussy, but I decided against it.

Physical harm certainly wouldn't help the situation between us.

Instead, I said nothing in response, pulling his book from my bag and handing it to him.

"You finished it?" He seemed surprised by the fact.

"Yes, it was... helpful," I admitted begrudgingly, "especially your notes in the margin."

He smirked, "are you going to thank me?"

I twisted my frown into a sickly-sweet smile, forcing the words from my lips, "thank you."

He nodded in smug satisfaction before handing me another book, 1st edition again.

I was beginning to suspect that all of his novels were originals, although I didn't see the reason why they should be, he didn't strike me as the type to care about books.

This one was royal blue, entitled Combination Scents.

"Just when I thought it couldn't get any more complicated."