Draco felt dizzy as his mind reeled and his inner self struggled for the right decision. He stood up then looked down at the girl as if she was a monster from a nightmare.... And she was.... Sort of.

Draco suddenly found himself chuckling. Earlier, it was Pansy and Quidditch books. Now it was Granger and cigarettes.

It must be the sweets, the clear night sky, the cool weather, the giddiness from all those rides, or maybe their fears and frustrations... they never knew.

“Scared, Granger?” he asked with a sneer that no longer carried the malice it used to.

Hermione giggled then lifted her wand, poised to attack. “You wish.”

Harry cursed loudly then slapped his forehead. Ron jumped in surprise then turned to look at him.

“How could I be so bloody stupid?” he exclaimed. “It was just here all along!”

“W-what?” Ron asked a bit bewildered by his friend’s sudden outburst.

“I know what you are trying to do, Draco Malfoy,” she said boldly. “I know what you are trying to do and as long as this part of me exists you are never going to succeed.”

“Don’t worry. Your parents are safe,” he said calmly. He ran a hand through his messy black hair and sighed before looking toward Draco. “It’s actually your friends, Malfoy. Some of them were killed last night.”