Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot and any other stuff you may not recognize.

Hermione walked down the hall, heading toward her Arithmancy class. The teacher had assigned some pretty tough homework that Hermione hadn't found the time to finish. She wanted to get into class before the bell to finish it up. She just hadn't been able to concentrate on anything since her encounter with Draco on Saturday.

It had been an excellent March day, and Harry and Ron had Quidditch practice, which Hermione wasn't in the mood to watch. She had loads of homework, piled on a few months before their exit exams. She didn't feel compelled to do it, however. Instead, she had gone down to the lake, in hopes of seeing the giant squid. How lucky it is, Hermione thought, having nothing to worry about except its next meal. He leads a good life, a life free from worry and emotions, quite unlike hers. Hermione sat down under a tree, enjoying the for-now rare sunshine. She decided that it was actually warm enough to take off her sweater.

Suddenly, she heard laughter that seemed to be coming her way. She turned her head toward the direction of the castle and saw three shapes she least wanted to see. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were slowly strutting toward the grassy banks of the lake. Hermione discreetly tried to move to the other side of the tree, the one facing the lake. She had originally chosen the other spot because it had more sunshine. She succeeded in moving unnoticed. Brrr, thought Hermione, and carefully pulled on her sweater. The Slytherin trio was coming ever closer. Hermione pulled out a book she had brought and immersed herself in it. A few minutes passed before Hermione could hear Malfoy's voice clearly.

"So I said to her,' Hey Mudblood! Not enough books for you yet? I don't think you've read the whole library yet!' " Malfoy was saying. All three of them broke into laughter, Crabbe and Goyle just a few seconds after Malfoy. He didn't appear to notice. "When she looked up from her pile of books, she gave this pitiful look and it looked as though she was about to cry," continued Malfoy. Malfoy broke into laughter once more, while Crabbe and Goyle just guffawed stupidly. Once again, Malfoy didn't seem to notice, and started on another story, one involving a fifth-year Ravenclaw.

Anger was starting to boil inside Hermione; I'll get him back for this, she thought. As soon as she had heard the first sentence, she looked up from her book and had known that they were talking about her. It was bad enough having to live through it once with the packed library listening, but it was even worse remembering her humiliation. Hermione cringed, thinking of the loud, annoying way he had talked, or rather yelled, at her in the library the previous day.

Malfoy and his friends were now standing on the other side of the tree, exactly where Hermione had been sitting a few minutes before. Hermione focused on what Malfoy was saying now.

"God, I hate that Mudblood! She and that perfect Potter have got it made. As soon as I have the power, I'll destroy them both!" shouted Malfoy triumphantly to the apparently deserted grounds.

Out of nowhere, Hermione charged at Malfoy and pushed him so hard that he stumbled into the lake. It being March at the moment, the water was freezing cold, far colder than it would be a few months from now. Malfoy only fell in waist-deep, but, nevertheless, his whole body was soaking wet when he ran out of the water about ten seconds later. Hermione wasn't sure what had triggered her actions just now, but she didn't care, she had been furious. She figured that it was probably his threat, and the way he said it, that made her throw her book down, spring up, and charge at Malfoy. She realized that even though she had been furious at Malfoy only moments ago, she had already gotten over her anger and was beginning to fell sorry for poor Draco. He looks so helpless, thought Hermione; he could catch pneumonia in this weather. Nevertheless, some tiny corner of her heart wished that he would get sick, it wanted him to be hurt, and she knew it. He stared at her, dumbstruck, for a few moments, evidently surprised, then seemed to regain his usual composure and smirk.

"What the hell did you think you were doing, Granger?!" he almost bellowed at her, "it's fifteen degrees [A/N: Celsius for those wondering] outside!"

Hermione, however, was so shocked with herself, that she made no reply. Draco suddenly began to vomit violently, and his face began to turn a violent shade of green.

"Quick!" shouted Hermione at Crabbe and Goyle, "Go get Madam Pomfrey!"

Crabbe and Goyle, unused to taking orders from a Gryffindor, let alone a girl, stood dumbstruck for a few seconds before realizing that Malfoy's life was in danger. They took off full speed in the direction of the castle. Hermione was still too scared to say anything but instead conjured up a blanket and performed a charm to stop the violent vomiting. Malfoy instantly relaxed and leaned against the willow. He seemed too weak to say anything, let alone further express his furry at Hermione, so he waited patiently for Madam Pomfrey.

Madam Pomfrey was not one for asking questions, though it was almost obvious to anyone who saw him that Malfoy had just fallen into the lake. Without saying anything, she conjured up a stretcher and ordered Malfoy to lie down on it. Exhausted, he obeyed without argument. Hermione walked beside Madam Pomfrey as they made their way back up to the castle, and Crabbe and Goyle trudged behind a few yards away. Malfoy remained still and quiet during the whole trip while Madam Pomfrey badgered Hermione with questions about what she had done after the fall. Hermione told her that he had accidentally fallen into the lake but got out fairly soon. She told her that he had been vomiting, but she had used a Healing Charm of him and conjured him a blanket. Madam Pomfrey said that he would need some observation for a few days, but that he would be okay. They brought Malfoy up to the hospital wing, and while Madam Pomfrey was rummaging on her shelves for the appropriate potion, Hermione looked down at Draco and whispered, barely audible to anyone but Draco, "I'm sorry," Draco closed his eyes in response.

Well what did you think of that? I appreciate all comments. It's not too interesting yet but I hope it will get better. Wait, I'm in charge of it aren't I? I decided to go ahead and put up the second chapter just to try to get people hooked. And yes I know my chapters are short, I just don't possess that ability to write lengthy chapters.