Academic Affairs | Draco Malfoy Love Story

Lesson 8: Never Underestimate Your Opponent

"Right..." She mimicked him, standing up, "Well then. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back to the school now that my plan has gone up in floo flames."

"Ah-ah." Malfoy tsked, grabbing her wrist as she went to pass him. She spun around when he tugged her towards him and found herself looking up at the wicked devil. "I don't think so."

Hermione's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. She had to focus on her wits and not the fact that her body was pressed against the front of his suit and his eyes were far more blue than grey in this lighting. When he wasn't occluding or being distant, his eyes were warmer. Right now, he looked almost... Playful and devious.

Malfoy was looking at her the same way Hades did after Persephone at the Pomegranate seeds. Thankfully, she didn't have to spend part of the year with... Wait... Yes she did. They were both professors. She spent the school year with him.

Maybe this devil really was the King of the Underworld and she was the goddess who was currently falling for the trap he was setting.

"What are you doing?"

"You're coming with me." Malfoy stated matter of factly, "And you're going to take a bite of every candy you brought over. It's time for a taste of your own medicine."

She froze. Sure, the candy was jinxed as George stated in the letter.

....But...

She didn't remember how! Or which ones!

Hermione almost wished for pomegranate seeds.

She hated too many sweets.

And now she had to eat a basket full?

Lesson 8: Never Underestimate Your Opponent

Draco resisted the urge to smirk as he stared down at Granger. She looked like she wanted the Earth to swallow her up. He had to admit that she had some courage in showing up to his Manor unannounced like the place wasn't littered with wards. When a stranger had entered Malfoy Manor, his ring had flared briefly, surprising a few students when the 'M' lit up in warning. He'd given them an exercise to go out to the gardens and identify five different herbs that were useful for every day potions. Most of them looked relieved since he'd planned a knowledge quiz even if it wasn't graded. It was to see what they retained over the summer. Still, they'd all ran out of the classroom like there were Chinese Chomping Cabbages at their feet.

He'd rushed home only to find out that it was Granger who'd entered his Manor. She didn't have good intentions as the ring had warned him, but he was almost let down to realize it was over a basket of sweets.

Brightest witch of her generation and she got caught trying to jinx him with candy.

"I-" She began, but then the floo roared briefly in the other room.

He heard his mother's voice call out. "Draco, dear."

Granger stepped away from him as his mother strolled into the dining hall holding a large tote bag that was full of... Vegetables?

"Mother." Draco turned and greeted her, before taking the tote, "Why didn't you send it off with an elf? You shouldn't be-"

"Don't nag," Narcissa tutted, "It's unbecoming. You're never going to get a-" she stopped suddenly, spying Granger behind him. "Is that you, Miss Granger?" Draco could almost see the cogs in her head turning as she noticed the tea and sweets. "If I've interrupted-"