Haley Potter and The Goblet Of Fire

POTION PARTNERS!!??

The first class of the day was Potions. Which means.. you've guessed it more Malfoy.

Professor Snape is in a particularly foul mood because: 

1. He really wants the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, and 

2. He seemed strangely wary of displaying overt animosity to Mad-Eye Moody. In other words, Snape is scared of Moody.

"To foster inter-house skills, our headmaster has decided to pair students from different houses for the remainder of the year," Snape announced, his voice dripping with disdain. 

The news was met with disapproval from both Gryffindors and Slytherins alike, particularly from Ron, who couldn't help but silently protest while Snape stood in front of their table.

"Because nothing says 'bonding experience' like being forced to work with people you'd rather feed to a Hungarian Horntail," Ron muttered under his breath, earning him a stern look from Snape and a muffled snort from Navillera.

"And let's not forget, Mr. Weasley, that your potion skills could use a touch of improvement as well, that'll be five points from Gryffindor," Snape added, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

This particular ability of Snape to never failed to astonish everyone. 

Snape continued, "Dean Thomas and Blaise Zabini, take your things and sit in the first row." The students complied, albeit with evident reluctance. 

As Navillera was paired with Millicent Bulstrode, the Gryffindors exchanged sympathetic looks. Navillera's potion-making skills were about as reliable as Floo Powder's ability to take you to the right destination.

"Good luck, Navillera! Just remember, the cauldron is not your mortal enemy," Hermione whispered, trying to offer some encouragement.

"Yeah, unless it decides to explode on me again," Navillera mumbled, her nerves on edge.

"And now, Ron Weasley and Pansy Parkinson," Snape declared, causing Ron's face to blanch in horror. A stifled snicker from Haley, unable to contain her amusement, didn't escape Snape's notice.

"And what, pray tell, do you find so amusing, Potter? Perhaps you'd like to join Malfoy for the rest of the year," Snape sneered, his attention now directed at Haley. 

Dread filled her as she walked up to the table, feeling defeated. The presence of Malfoy beside her only amplified her misery. If there was one thing Malfoy relished, it was her suffering.

"Next...."

The pairings continued, with Hermione finding herself partnered with Theodore Nott.

Hermione's face contorted with distaste upon hearing her partner's name. Nott, an arrogant pureblood, had always displayed a certain level of disdain towards those he deemed beneath him. 

"You'd better keep your distance," Nott sneered, attempting to establish his superiority.

Ron and Haley seethed with anger, with Haley even drawing her wand, on the verge of hexing Nott. However, before she could unleash her fury, Hermione stepped in.

"You know, Nott, I've always admired your remarkable ability to make everyone around you grateful for their own humility." Hermione retorted, unfazed by Nott's attempt to insult.

Ron snickered at the sarcasm, and Haley had to stifle a laugh. Nott, however, didn't seem to catch the insult and instead looked puzzled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nott demanded.

Hermione shrugged casually, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Oh, nothing much. Just that you're doing everyone a favor by showing them how not to behave. I've seen more humility in a Blast-Ended Skrewt than in you, and that's saying something."