36 Questions // Draco Malfoy

Chapter 1: So I Guess We're Partners?

     "Alright class, it's time to discuss your final research project."

     There was a murmur of groans as Charity Burbage paced around her classroom of sixth year students.

     "I know, I know," she smiled knowingly. "But this is better than an exam isn't it? At least you can choose your topic. I think you will all enjoy it."

     No one in the class matched her enthusiasm, but that was nothing new. Most Hogwarts students found muggle studies to be one of the most boring and pointless subjects, second only to history of magic. However, it was an easy course, so many felt that the trade off was worth it. Amelia Alderidge cracked her knuckles and straightened her posture, doing her best to pay attention in class for the first time in weeks. There were not many graded assignments in Professor Burbage's class, which meant this final assignment could determine whether Amelia passed or failed, and Amelia couldn't afford to fail.

     "Now," Professor Burbage continued, smiling at her unenthusiastic students. "I want you to choose something from the muggle world to research and report on. I will give you bonus points if you manage to work your research into an experiment of some kind. You may visit me in my office if you have any questions, but as long as your project is well-prepared and thought out, I will not be super picky." She hopped up on her desk, legs crossed and dangling above the floor. "In muggle schools, professors will often pair students randomly into teams for group projects and I thought this would be a fun way to challenge all of you." With a gentle wave of her wand, the air filled with lacey gold letters, spelling out the names of each student. "Your partners will not be in your own house," she explained, "which means you will need to meet together outside of class to work on your project."

     Amelia scanned the names of her classmates, dreading the thought of some of her potential partners. She spotted the names of Crabbe and Goyle and decided then and there that if she was paired with either of them, she would accept failure immediately. Hannah Abbott would make a good partner. She was smart and would definitely pull her weight. Anthony Goldstein was another fine choice. He was a Ravenclaw prefect so Amelia knew he wouldn't risk a bad grade on this project. She held her breath in anticipation.

     "Once your partners are decided, please go find a seat next to them so you may spend the last five minutes making arrangements." With a flick of the wand, the shimmering letters shuffled amongst each other, clinging in pairs as they settled back into place.

     It took Amelia a moment to spot her name. She saw Padma Patil and Fay Dunbar. Susan Bones and Neville Longbottom. Amelia Alderidge and...

     No.

     It can't be.

     Amelia Alderidge and Draco Malfoy.

     She looked across the classroom and locked eyes with Draco. His expression was unreadable. Amelia didn't hate Draco like the majority of the Gryffindors did. Quite frankly, she was indifferent, and she didn't interact with him much. Besides the fact that he broke Harry's nose early in the semester, Amelia had nothing against him. In fact, she had to admit, Harry got on her nerves sometimes to the point of her wanting to break his nose. You know, in a hating but not really hating your siblings kind of way.

     Knowing that Draco would not leave his seat to join her, she sighed and slung her book bag over her shoulder, making her way towards him. She really wished she hadn't been partnered with him, mostly because of how she expected him to behave towards her. Still, she approached him with a smile on her face, hoping to start off on a good note.

     "So I guess we're partners," she said, hesitant to squeeze into the desk next to him.

     "Guess so." Draco gestured to the empty spot next to him, and Amelia took a seat.