Draco heard crying, more like choked sobs, from around the corner. It was a girl's cry, almost like a cry for help. Under the sobs, were words. Draco could barely make them out.

"No friends, no friends, I'm ugly, why even try?..."

Draco turned the corner, curiosity boiling inside of him, Who was it? He couldn't wait to tell Crabbe and Goyle.

It was Hermione.

"I hate my life. I have no friends, no friends.."

Draco almost fell to his knees as he saw her wail. He cared for her much too much; he couldn't stand to see her in pain.

"H-Hermione?" his voice shook, showing his weakness, but he didn't care. "Hermione, are you alright?" Hermione spun around to face the light haired boy. Her face was a bright color of red and covered in tears. She held a small dagger in her hand.

"Go away, Draco. You and the last thing I need." Hermione whispered dangerously. "I just want to be alone."

"I'm pretty sure that's the last thing you need." Draco said, "Hermione, give me the knife."

"Oh, like you care!" Hermione practically spat the words into his face. "All you do is tease me and torment me and call me names. You hate me, so why don't you just SHOVE OFF?"

"I DO NOT!" Draco snapped. "I do not hate you, Hermione!" He paused for a second. "It's quite the opposite actually."

"What are you playing at?" she asked, her eyes sharp and piercing.

"I'm not playing at anything. Please, just give me the knife!" Draco said, his voice shaking.

"Why should I?" She laughed hysterically, "You don't care! No one does. I should just…"

"Do not say die."

"I should just die. Why am I even listening to yo-"

"Because I love you!" Draco's cry left a crisp ring in the air. "Please, Hermione, don't do this!

"You do not."

"Oh, but I do. I've been denying it for so long, but now," tears run down his pale face, "I can't help it." Hermione stares at him for a moment.

"You should have told me sooner."

"What do you mean?"

"You could have saved me."

The silence ached on for a few seconds.

Draco choked back a sob, "Hermione, just, don't! I'll save you! We can be safe together! I couldn't bear to loose you. Put down the knife."

"Oh, but Draco," she said moving closer to him, "It's already too late." She gently pressed her lips to his. "I'm sorry, my love." She gives him one last look, and drives the knife into her abdomen. Her limp body falls into Draco's arms. Draco comes crashing down with her.

"No! Hermione! Please!" The sobs had become uncontrollable. "Help! Anyone, please, help!" Blood trickled onto Draco as he cradled her in his now shaking arms.

"Draco…" she whispered sending a shutter through Draco's body. Her eyes roll into her head, and a last breath is released.

"No…" Draco muttered. "No, no, no!" He pressed his lips to her now-cold lips. "I will save you, I promise."

As the students flooded the halls, Draco slipped away. He sprinted down the corridor to Dumbledore's office, where he knew there was a time-turner.