Incident in the Room of Requirement

She knew she wasn't supposed to be wandering the castle at night, but she was behind in her studies, and had to try and catch up. After all, it was her O.W.L.S. year. With lit wand in hand, she was making her way down the hall, when further down the corridor, she saw another glowing wand turn the corner and head towards her. She immediately put hers out, and scurried into a small alcove that held a Suit of Armor. She was practically holding her breath, when she saw the light getting closer. And she heard voices. The light was getting closer by the second.

"Just hurry up, Goyle. And be quiet! The last thing we need is Snape catching us.", She heard Draco Malfoy whisper aggressively.

"Sorry bout that. What do you think Potty's up to?", Goyle replied.

Suddenly the light stopped a few feet from her, as did the sound of footsteps. Before she could try and get further behind the statue, Draco's wand was a foot from her face.

He smiled wickedly and said, "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Looks like we've got a marauder of sorts. What are you doing down here, anyways? Why aren't you in your dorm?"

The panic was rising in her throat and she found she couldn't speak, instead just staring at him w/ a blank look on her face. His eyes narrowed, and he leaned even closer, speaking quietly, but with suspicion.

"Answer me, NOW"

After a short silence, she spoke nervously, "I..I..was on my way to the library. I have a potions exam tomorrow, and there's a book I needed. I'm sorry. Give me a break, ok?"

She wasn't even sure why she was apologizing, after all, THEY were out after hours as well. But something about the steely look in Draco's blue/grey eyes, told her not to question him. He pulled away from her a bit and turned to Crabbe & Goyle.

"You two go back upstairs. I'll be there later. I'm gonna deal w/ this little vixen."

They were walking away when he turned back to her w/ a slight grin on his face,

"You're a Slytherin, right? 5th year, I'm guessing?"

"Yes.", she answered, with a bit more confidence than before. At least she'd been busted by one of her own.

"Well, if you want to pass that exam, sneaking around and possibly getting caught by Snape isn't going to help. Being as I'm a 6th year, I might could help you out."

He leaned even closer to her again, and whispered in her ear, "If you agree to help me." She could feel his breath on her neck, his hair brushing against her face, and smell the scent of his skin. She had always had a crush on him, but never could quite muster the courage to speak to him properly. Now here he was, in this darkened hallway, offering her help. He pulled back a bit, but still staying close to her, with his head slightly tilted downward, and one eyebrow cocked, he whispered,

"Well? Make it quick, we need to get out of here."

She took in a deep breath and replied,

"Yes."

Illuminating his wand, he took her hand and began leading her further down the corridor, until they came to a sort of tapestry. He stood looking at it transfixed, then spoke,

"We need a place to lie down."

She was surprised to hear him say that, but before she could react, a door appeared. He grinned back at her, taking her hand again, and pulling her through the doorway.