Just Evans

Chapter 5

The week came and went, and Harry was extremely glad to see Friday. That is, until it was time for the lab. Neville was extremely kind, but Harry was worried he was going to bring down his lab grade.

"Neville stop!"

"What?"

"That's not the right chemical!"

"Oh God."

There was loud snickering from behind, and Snape slammed his hand on his desk.

"Zabini if you think personal safety is funny, you're working with Longbottom now. Malfoy, up front with Potter."

"But Sir-"

"Another word and I make it a permanent seating change Zabini."

"Potter, we're restarting this. I need to be sure of exactly what is in this beaker."

"That's fine by me."

The two worked well together, and even though they were one of the last groups to get started due to the mishap, they still finished first.

"Interesting," Snape mused. "Start on your lab report once your bench is cleaned."

"Yes sir."

"You're much more pleasant to work with than Blaise," Draco muttered once Snape had left.

"I don't like taking advantage of my friends."

The smile wouldn't leave Draco's face if he tried.

"I'll see you in study hall and we can finish the lab report then?," Draco asked once class was over.

"See you then."

"Malfoy, Zabini. after class," Snape demanded.

With a sigh, Draco waved goodbye to Harry and waited to talk to Snape until all of the other students had left.

"You prefer Potter to Zabini," Snape said lowly while Blaise was packing up.

"I do."

"So be it. Zabini now!"

"Sorry Professor."

"I've decided that you'll remain Longbottom's partner until I see fit to change them."

"But Sir-"

"You are wasting your time Zabini. Don't even start Malfoy," he warned.

Draco appreciated that the professor was covering for him. He only had to look irritated, which wasn't hard when he knew he'd be dealing with Blaise later.
 
"Get to your next class, the both of you."

Draco couldn't wait for study hall. When he found Harry next, he was working on maths problems.

"Give me five minutes to finish this problem," Harry muttered.

"No rush, but I do have news."

"Make it three."

Draco took out his chemistry stuff and began typing his notes that would be useful for their lab report.

"Okay done. News?"

"You're looking at your new lab partner."

"Really?!"

"Really. Snape was irritated with Blaise, but I hope he doesn't take it out on you."

"I can hold my own, don't worry about me. Ready for the report?"

Draco didn't think he would ever get tired of working with Harry. He knew exactly when to make a joke, and when to focus on the task at hand.

"When's this due again?," Harry asked at the end of the period.