Draco stood outside a room and sighed. Today was his first meeting with Granger for the project, and he wasn't even allowed in the room yet. Professor Flitwick explained that  the two partners could only enter the room together, with no one else with them. The meetings were to be very secret and no one was allowed to know what song a pair was performing. 

But, of course, they couldn't rehearse if Hermione never showed up. 

Finally, the sound of bickering reached Draco's ears and Hermione appeared- Ron at her side. Hermione's face was red with anger, but at least she wasn't fuming like Weasley. 

"Good morning Malfoy," She greeted him, trying to ignore Ron. 

"Morning Granger." he replied, nodding at her. His attention shifted to Ron. "What are you doing here?"

"This pairing is absolute bull. I'm not standing for it, and Hermione will not be rehearsing with you ever." He declared. Hermione sighed.

"Ron just give it a break already! The pairing have been decided and they are final. I am paired with Malfoy and that is how it is going to be; now leave it and go so we can rehearse!" She snapped.

"Not happening. I'm working on getting McGonagall to let us switch partners." 

"Well now, that won't work." Draco commented. "This is supposed to be a House Unity project, isn't it? There's not much House Unity in two Gryffindors working together. Unless of course you were considering the chance that we'd be partners. I get that I'm a handsome man Weasley, but I'm afraid I don't play on that side of the field." 

Ron's face went redder than his hair and he snarled at Draco before sulking away. As soon as he was out of sight, Hermione burst out laughing. 

"What?" He asked, confused at what could possibly be amusing.

"That was perfect!" she exclaimed. He smirked.

"I daresay it was." he agreed. He gestured at the door to their practice room. "Shall we?" She nodded and they stepped inside.

The practice room was rather large, and painted a dark green. A grand piano was near the center of the room, and bookshelves stuffed with sheet music covered on of the walls. The other side of the room had tall windows and deep red leather couches, perfect for sitting on. A large stereo was over by the couches, for listening to possible songs, Herione thought. The back of the room was open, presumably for dancing practice, and the whole floor was smooth to the touch. 

"Wow." Hermione breathed.

"You can say that again." Draco murmured. Their voices echoed around the room, as if it had perfect acoustics for singing. 

"And how long do we have to practice?" she asked.

"Three hours a day. Two and a half today though, due to Weasley delaying you." he explained. She winced at the mention of him.

"Malfoy, can you do me a favor?" She asked quietly.

"Depends on the favor."

"As long as we're in this room," she began. "Never mention his name. He doesn't exist in the world as long as we're here. Okay?"

"I can do that." 

"Thank you."

"While we're doing favors for each other," He began. "Do you think we could start over?"

"Start over?" Hermione repeated.

"Like, we meet again for the first time. Everything that happened in the past, we leave in the past. You forget all the awful things I've done, and I'll forget the nae calling, the hexes, and that time you punched me in the face." Hermione snorted.

"I don't know. That was a great moment for me. I'm not sure I want it to be forgotten." She teased. He grimaced.

"Don't remind me. My nose still hurts when I think about it. You've got a mighty right hook for a small girl." She laughed again and then nodded.

"Alright." she agreed. "Let's started over." She stuck out a hand. "My name is Hermione." He shook her hand.

"I'm Draco."

"Nice to meet you," she paused. "Draco."

"Nice to meet you too." he replied. "Hermione."