Ten Questions (Harry Potter x Slytherin reader)

Chapter 19

When I step into the potions classroom for the first time in a week, the strangest feeling crosses my mind. Relief? Anxiousness? Nervousness? I can't decide which one it is and sink into one of the chairs, setting my things aside as I wait for Potter.

He comes through the door only a few minutes later, quietly slipping through the doorway with a broad grin plastered across his lips. I can't help but grin back.

"You're late again," I tell him as he takes a seat beside me. "You know, it's beginning to become rather annoying."

"It's a bad habit of mine, I'll admit," Potter mumbles as he extracts a single transfiguration essay from his school bag and sets it onto the table. He then looks up at me. "Er, how have you been?"

"It's only been a week, Potter." I smirk. "You missed me?"

"A little," he admits, grinning. "Did you?"

"Not in the slightest."

He lets out a soft laugh escape his lips as he dips his quill into some ink. I begin to do the same, almost forgetting for a moment that I'm supposed to be his tutor.

"Transfiguration homework?" I tilt my head to the side as I glance at his homework. "No potions this time?"

"It's Christmas break, remember? This is just a very overdue assignment."

"You're making me do your homework during Christmas break?" I raise an eyebrow. "You aren't trying to torture me, are you?"

Potter shakes his head.

"I guess I just like spending time with you."

"Stop, you're making me blush, Potter," I say sarcastically. A few moments of silence pass by as Potter begins to write his essay. I watch carefully, checking for any errors as I quickly change the conversation. "How's your break been?"

"It's been alright," he says slowly, not taking his eyes off of the paper. "I've been hanging out with Ron a lot."

"You two made up?" I question. Potter allows a small smile before nodding.

"Yeah," he says. "It took me nearly dying for it to happen, but I suppose it's better than not being his friend at all." Potter then looks up at me. "How about you?" He asks. "You haven't been to Hogwarts during break before, have you?"

I shake my head.

"This is my first time," I admit. I don't say anything after that, not wishing to go into further detail. Potter looks at me expectantly.

"And?" He presses. "How is it?"

I pause.

"A lot better than home."

"Why don't you just stay here every year?" He asks, tilting his head to the side.

"Because I don't really have a choice. At least I have an excuse this year with the Yule Ball."

"Oh." Potter averts his gaze from mine, his ears going slightly pink. "I almost forgot about that for a moment."

I raise an eyebrow.

"You don't have a date?" I ask slowly. His face reddens even more, pausing before shaking his head.

"I do," he says slowly. "I ended up asking Partavi Patil, but only because I had no choice, really." He looks up at me. "I assume you already have someone to go with?"

"Malfoy asked me the other day, actually," I tell him, cringing at my own words. Potter straightens at this, slightly taken aback.

"Oh." His eyebrows furrow as he shifts in his seat uncomfortably, tapping his quill alongside the desk before looking back up at me. "Well... did you say yes?" He asks slowly.