As I walk quickly to the Gryffindor common room I pass Hermione walking out. "Wait Hermione can you let me in before you go to class?" I ask. She nods and walk up to the fat lady and repeats their password. As the door opens I slip in joining Harry and Ron. "Hello boys," I say cheerfully. My books in hand.

"I can't believe Snape's already gave us this much," Ron groans as I sit down beside him.

"Believe it," Harry sighs. I take Harry's quill and work out the first three problems.

"No fair!" Ron says. I lean over and do the same for him.

"We can work on it together," I say to them, "if you want?"

"Of course," Ron says accepting the help knowing that he wouldn't have to do some of it.

"Please?" Harry asks. I sit my books out and we start on the problems.

"Luckily I have a double free period due to arthimacy being written out of my schedule in third year," I say.

"Yeah because you can hang out with us in that free time," Harry says. I nod.

"It's the second option Harry," I correct then turn to Ron who was asking about the course. As I work with him a notice Harry fiddling with something in his hand. "What is that?" He shows me the familiar silver ring.

"Where did you get a ring?" Ron asks.

"Where did you get Draco's ring?" I ask him now examining the ring.

"It's Draco's ring?" Harry asks.

"Yeah," I say, "I gave it to him for Christmas. He said he lost it on the way to walking to the castle. Where did you find it?"

"The train," Harry says. I place it in my pocket.

"Really?" I ask he nods. I look at Ron's paper to change the topic. "That's wrong too. It's actually the other way. See Snape tries to trick you with that single spelling difference."

"You know," Ron says, "you're pretty good at teaching, have you ever considered that?" I chuckle.

"I have," I admit to them, "I could always take over Hagrid's position, maybe even Slughorns."

"Speaking of Slughorn," Harry asks, "were you getting interrogated for going to that lunch?"

"Kinda, but I let Blaise take most of the heat," I say, "he's been my buffer between the rest of the Slytherins and me. After the whole thing at the Ministry, most of them don't like me."

"Really?" Ron asks, "you think it would make them like you more."

"Getting their parents arrested wouldn't make anyone like me more," I say slightly annoyed at Ron's ignorance.

"What about Malfoy?" Harry asks.

"See," I chuckle, "he's the odd one out who that it was cool that we did that. Everyone else thinks I'm a traitor to Slytherin. Even more so since some of these kids are so brainwashed. On the other side, most of the non-deatheater parent kids are proud a Slytherin helped since we are all seen as the ass kissers of Voldemort."

"So what about Blaise?" Ron asks I look around to make sure we were far enough away so no one could hear us, "how come he's a buffer?"

"Blaise and I have an understanding of both of us wanting to do the right thing. So we help the other, but a lot of people don't know he's helping me, while a lot know I'm helping you. He's my inside spy," I tell them, "he can tell me what goes on when I leave, seeing as obviously they wouldn't talk about Voldemort with me around."

"So the spy has a spy?" Ron asks clearly amused.

"Exactly," I say to him, "I can't hear everything, and since everything came out about the ministry, they won't let me hear what I need to. While Blaise isn't really attached to anything like I am. He bites his tongue when he needs to and drifts around as he must. Along with him always keeping up a very demanding 'I only help myself' demeanor."

"So Zabini is on our side?" Harry asks, "that's rich."

"Well he's on the side that's best for everyone," I correct "he still hates you, Harry. But he understands you're our only chance to make it out of this alive." Harry nods. I knew he hated to hear that but it was the truth. "But if we need information we can ask Blaise. I don't know if he'll answer you two though. Maybe Hermione. He always kinda thought she was attractive." I see Ron roll his eyes before I put away the first five inches of my Ancient Rune essay. "Funny story since Hermione's gotten older the Slytherin boys have started to notice her, same with Ginny."

"Well they can just stay away," Harry huffs. Ron and I look to him, Ron looking confused and me looking definitely amused. "You know since she's dating Dean?" I smirk.

"Yeah, but who knows how long they'll last. Maybe its time for Ginny to try a snake," I tease. I could tell Harry was biting his tongue to keep from saying anything. Him and Ginny we're about as frustrating as Ron and Hermione with the whole 'I like you but I won't tell you. And bonus I'll get pissy anytime you mention your relationship.' I never understood it, if you like someone go for it. Especially in these times, we don't know how long we have or if we even have tomorrow. Why not be honest?

"Those snakes better stay away from my sister," Ron huffs, "so can the Hufflepuffs, and the Ravenclaws, everyone." I chuckle at him.

"Ya know Ginny is smart enough to pick a boyfriend for herself," I tell him, "and she hates your input. She listens to mine tho."

"Its 'cause you're a girl," Ron scoffs.

"A girl who can kick your bloody ass," I say as I punch Ron's arm, "now I'm going to start heading to potions because I care." I collect my things and the boys reluctantly follow behind me. As we get down to the dungeon people were already filling into the classroom. I move to catch up to Draco who was with Blaise. Once I reach him his hand tangles with mine. Somehow my dragon boy had gone a little soft. Always wanting to be holding hands and showing affection. Not that I had a complaint. I loved it. But it was a little strange with the sudden change.

"Hello love," He says as we sit down. It was Me, Draco, Blaise, and Pansy at the table. Nott and another move to a table behind us in overflow. The class was very small. The 6 Slytherins, 5 Ravenclaws including Lydia, Ron, Hermione Harry for the Gryffindors, and Ernie and Savannah for Hufflepuff. 16 in total in a room that last year held thirty or forty.

"Hey Draco," I say as I look around, "I can't believe how little actually made it on."

"Not everyone is born being able to brew a polyjuice potion," Pansy huffs. I smirk at her.

"Still," I say to her, "I just thought more would get through." I look around. "I mean two Hufflepuffs? Three Gryffindors?"

"Now then, now then, now then," Slughorn says as he walks in, "Scales out, everyone, and potion kits, and don't forget your copies of Advanced Potion-Making..."

"Sir?" Harry says, raising his hand.

"Harry, m'boy?"

"I haven't got a book or scales or anything—nor's Ron—we didn't realize we'd be able to do the N.E.W.T., you see—"

"Ah, yes, Professor McGonagall did mention... not to worry, my dear boy, not to worry at all. You can use ingredients from the store cupboard today, and I'm sure we can lend you some scales, and we've got a small stock of old books here, they'll do until you can write to Flourish and Blotts..." Slughorn says as he retrieves some books for them. As he gets them set I look over to the potion by my table. It was colorless, odorless. Obviously Veritaserum, which is a truth serum per say. Makes the drinker tell the truth no matter what. "Now then," Slughorn says, returning to the front of the class, "I've prepared a few potions for you to have a look at, just out of interest, you know. These are the kind of thing you ought to be able to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. You ought to have heard of 'em, even if you haven't made 'em yet. Anyone tell me what this one is?"

"Easy," I mumble under my breath, "veritaserum."

"It's Veritaserum, a colorless, odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth," Hermione says.

"Very good, very good!" Slughorn says happily. "Now," he continues, pointing at the cauldron nearest the Ravenclaw table, the mudlike substance was Polyjuice. "this one here is pretty well known... Featured in a few Ministry leaflets lately too... Who can—?"

"Polyjuice," I mumble to Draco, "its a nasty one."

"It's Polyjuice Potion, sir," Hermione says proudly.

"Excellent, excellent! Now, this one here?" Slughorn asks referring to the one in front of the Gryffindors. The pearl-like sheen and spiral steam gave it away. Amortenia. "Yes, dear?"

"It's Amortentia!"

"It is indeed. It seems almost foolish to ask," Slughorn asks, who was looking mightily impressed, "but I assume you know what it does?"

"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!" Hermione says.

"Quite right! You recognized it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?"

"And the steam rising in characteristic spirals," Hermione says enthusiastically, "and it's supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and—" She stops blushing slightly. I take a deep breath and start to notice a couple scents mixing in the air. The smell of old books, the smell of rain, and cologne. The nice scent was the strongest of the three. I look over to Draco.

"Draco are you wearing your cologne?" I ask he shakes his head no.

"I couldn't find it this morning," He says, "why?" I smile at him.

"No reason," I say.

"May I ask your name, my dear?" Slughorn asks ignoring Hermione's embarrassment.

"Hermione Granger, sir."

"Granger? Granger? Can you possibly be related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, who founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers?"

"No, I don't think so, sir. I'm Muggle-born, you see."

"Oho! 'One of my best friends is Muggle-born, and she's the best in our year!' I'm assuming this is the very friend of whom you spoke, Harry?" Slughorn asks.

"Yes, sir," Harry says.

"Well, well, take twenty well-earned points for Gryffindor, Miss Granger," Slughorn says genially.

"Amortentia doesn't really create love, of course. It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love. No, this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in this room—oh yes," he says, nodding gravely at Malfoy and Nott, both of whom were smirking skeptically. "When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love... And now, it is time for us to start work."

"Sir, you haven't told us what's in this one," Ernie Macmillan asks, pointing at a small black cauldron standing on Slughorn's desk. It was bright gold. I look over to the Gryffindor table.

"Oho," Slughorn says again, "Yes. That."

"It's Felix Felicis," I blurt out causing the room to look over at me. While people knew that I knew these things. I hardly ever participate in this part of a class. Actually we normally all let Hermione take it. "It's liquid luck. You drink it and it makes you lucky. But it's highly dangerous."

"Correct Miss Cultven," Slughorn says looking particularly interested, "care to explain why?"

"Its hard to brew, and fatal if done wrong. On top of the fact that in large doses its toxic," I say, "besides the fact that the more you take it the more side effects that come with it." Slughorn nods.

"Yes, quite nasty ones. Giddiness, recklessness, and dangerous overconfidence. Too much of a good thing you know," Slughorn says.

"Have you ever taken it, sir?" asks Michael Corner with great interest.

"Twice in my life," Slughorn says. "Once when I was twenty-four, once when I was fifty-seven. Two tablespoonfuls taken with breakfast. Two perfect days." He gazes dreamily into the distance. A complete nutter. "And that is what I shall be offering as a prize in this lesson." I see Draco lean forward with interest. "One tiny bottle of Felix Felicis," Slughorn says moving it to a smaller bottle, "Enough for twelve hours' luck. From dawn till dusk, you will be lucky in everything you attempt. Now, I must give you warning that Felix Felicis is a banned substance in organized competitions... sporting events, for instance, examinations, or elections. So the winner is to use it on an ordinary day only... and watch how that ordinary day becomes extraordinary! So how are you to win my fabulous prize? Well, by turning to page ten of Advanced Potion-Making. We have a little over an hour left to us, which should be time for you to make a decent attempt at the Draught of Living Death. I know it is more complex than anything you have attempted before, and I do not expect a perfect potion from anybody. The person who does best, however, will win little Felix here. Off you go!" I flip to the page and smirk at Draco.

"Now, this is a challenge," I say cheerfully. I collect my supplies. As I start I see Draco look around, as if he this was the one potion he had to get right. After a minute the color turns a smooth black currant colored liquid. Thankfully it was going right. But the sopophourus bean was proving to be quite difficult.

"Sir, I think you knew my grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy?" Draco asks stopping Slughorn.

"Yes," Slughorn says without looking at Malfoy, "I was sorry to hear he had died, although of course, it wasn't unexpected, dragon pox at his age..."

"Professor?" I ask stopping him. He looks to me cheerfully.

"Yes, Miss Cultven?" He asks. I motion down to the bean.

"I don't suppose you can aid us. But is there a better way of cutting these?" I ask. He raises his hands.

"As much as I'd love to help this is a competition," He says.

"Thanks anyway," I say. He starts to walk away. From a table over Harry looks to me. He looks down as he mimes crushing it. And I nod. Mouthing a thank you. I start to crush it but look skeptically at the bean than to Harry. He wasn't the best at potions and got easily distracted, but his potion looked the best right now. I crush the bean with the knife and squeeze the juice into the potion and it turns into its lilac coloring. "Harry," I call out he looks back to me. Luckily I was the closest to the Gryffindor table.

"Worked didn't it?" He asks. I chuckle.

"How did you know that?" I ask. He points to his book. Scribbles of writing inside. "Bloody hell." As I start stirring my potion Harry turns to me. His now clear.

"Want help?" He asks, "its only fair since you're always helping me." I look at him and nod.

"Yes," I say simply. He smirks.

"Well Hermione won't take my advice," He says.

"It's not in the book!" She exclaims. Then he looks back to me.

"Add a clockwise stir after every seven counterclockwise stirs," He says I switch direction on my eighth stir and see that it is actually working better than it was. I keep going as he smirks happily.

"Oh shut it, Harry," I say, "but good job."

"Good job indeed," Slughorn says as he looks into Harry's cauldron, "Times up stop stirring!' I back away from my potion to see it looking as clear as Harry's. "The clear winner!" he cries to the dungeon. "Excellent, excellent, Harry! Good lord, it's clear you've inherited your mother's talent. She was a dab hand at Potions, Lily was! Here you are, then, here you are—one bottle of Felix Felicis, as promised, and use it well!" He grabs the bottle and flashes it to me.

"How did you do that?" Ron asks.

"Got lucky I suppose," Harry smirks winking at me as Draco lays his arm around me. As the Gryffindors leave Draco and I reach the Amortentia potion, he smiles.

"What do you smell?" He asks. I look to him.

"Old books, rain, and your cologne," I smile, "you?"

"The smell of a fire burning, the air while flying, and-" He stops.

"And?" I ask.

"You? I don't know specifically but like a fruity- pink jasmine and strawberry," He tries to explain and I chuckle.

"My perfume," I tell him, "does this mean you looove me."

"Very much," He says then leans down pushing his lips against mine. I pull back remembering we were still in the classroom.

"Maybe we can resume this later?" I offer to him, "I have magical creatures."

"Alright I'll see you later Cultven," Draco says. I smile.

"Bye Draco," I say. We split and I set out for Hagrid's hut. Once there I see the very small group around the hut. Me, Luna (who had to take the class to be a magizoologist) three other Ravenclaws, and three Hufflepuffs. A whole 8 kids! Apparently, the Gryffindors and other Slytherins decided to skip it. "Good morning Hagrid," I say as I approach him with Luna.

"This class is rather small," Luna says. He nods.

"'pparenty not many decided to return," Hagrid says sounding disappointed. "Not even 'arry, Ron, or 'ermione." I pat his arm reassuringly. I felt bad. I knew not many wanted to continue with the course but I was shocked none of the others kept going. I mean, Hagrid is their friend, why not just continue for him. The class isn't hard, easy A for anyone. The lesson starts and his first creature brought forward was actually a phoenix. Dumbledores apparently. It was actually a nice lesson and was quite enjoyable. On the way back to the castle Luna and I spent a great deal of time talking about the Quibbler. Which actually had become my favourite thing. I mean it was interesting and less stuck up than the Daily Prophet. Who cares if its little weird. We're wizards and witches we are the definition of weird.

As the hours tick by and finally we get back to the common room at the end of the day I seize Draco's arm and pull him to the couch. "Shall we continue?" I ask him. He smirks.

"Of course," He says pulling me onto his lap. He crashes his lips into mine passionately before he pulls back and yawns.

"Tired?" I ask him. He nods. "We can just go to sleep. I'm a little tired too."

"You sure?" He asks. I nod.

"Yeah of course," I say to him as I climb off his lap and stand up. He takes my hand and we walk back to his room. Once again sleeping together. I take advantage of the empty room to pull off my robes and replace them with a shirt of Draco's. I look up to Draco who's back was turned to me. "Since when are you so shy?" I chuckle as he pulls on another longsleeved shirt on quickly.

"Just being respectful," he says.

"Draco we've been dating since the end of third year," I laugh, "its fine." He places his hands on my waist and smiles.

"I'm just trying to be polite," He says, "now come on." We climb into his bed and he pulls me towards him. Holding me as if it was his last chance. I could tell his nerves were getting to him. But why? I place Draco's ring on his bedside table. My desire to confront him disappering for the growing concern.