Two weeks later, Hermione had managed to forget about the arrogant fuck down the hall, and had immersed herself into her studies. Ah, yes, she thought. This is nice…no drama, no more tears. Unless Ron writes.

Hermione looked up and made a thoughtful face, biting the inside of her cheek. When was the last time she had heard from Ron? Hmm…

Three weeks ago? Yup.

That's weird. He usually wrote more than that. Oh well. As if on cue, Pigwidgeon was fluttering outside her window, looking rather tired. She smiled and jumped off of her chair, letting her book fall to the floor.

"Hey, Pig!" She said as the little owl playfully nipped at her hand. She untied the letter on his foot. She smiled as she saw Ron's messy chicken scribbles.

'Mione,

I'm so sorry I have not been writing more often. I have gotten all of your letters, but Merlin, things are bloody crazy here. Charlie's on his way here as I write this. We're in desperate need of help. Now, don't get any ideas. I already asked Minnie (McGonagall) to make sure you don't leave the castle. Don't worry I'm sure we'll be fine. Harry's seen Him twice in the last month. It's bloody insane. Don't worry. Harry's FINE. I promise. Anyways. Charlie just apparated in, so we have to go talk with dad. There's been some problems with the Ministry. I'll update you, soon. I hope you get this soon. I know it takes a while for Pig to get there, so hopefully you'll have it by tomorrow (today, in your case.)

I love you so much, you beautiful little bookworm.

Write back soon,

-Ron xoxox

Hermione checked the date on the top of the letter. Yup, he had written it yesterday. It was rather unnerving to know he was that far away.

She had to admit, while she was worried about Harry, she trusted Ron, and if he said he was okay, she'd believe him. She wrinkled her nose as she re-read a sentence.

"He asked McGonagall to keep me on house arrest?" she shook her head. "You'd think the boy would have a little more trust for me."

She put the letter in a drawer with all her 'Ron Stuff'. Pictures, poetry, letters, ect. She spent the next few hours writing an essay on the uses and properties of Wolfbane for Slughorn, who had agreed to stay as the school's potions teacher in honor of Dumbledore, who he had been close friends with.

It was around ten-thirty that she felt her eye lids grow heavy and her vision go blurry. She stood up and stretched.

"I think I'll take a bath," she murmured. She stripped off her clothes. grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself, and trudged down to the Head Bathroom. It was absolutely beautiful and elegant, a whole wall covered in mirrors, a Jacuzzi tub, and two chandeliers.

She turned on the water to the tub and filled it with a whole bottle of vanilla bubbles. The water was hot, and all the mirrors steamed up. Mmm, she thought. This feels nice. She rested her head back and fell asleep.

Bang!

Hermione's eyes fluttered open.

Bang!

"Granger, it's an emergency." Malfoy said hesitantly. She frowned.

"What, is your hair gel missing?" she asked, getting out of the water and pulling on a robe. She opened the door and looked at him carefully. His normally fair complexion seemed to be paler than usual. "What is it, then?"

He was looking at her with…was it pity?

"You'd better get dressed. We need to go see McGonagall. Now." He said softly.

Why was he being so nice? Despite having come to their side, he was still an arrogant prick and had still referred to her as a 'mudblood' and such. Hermione stared at him. He smiled gently.

Smiled? No smirk?

"Hurry up then," he said. "I'll wait for you." With that, he walked down the stairs into there shared common room.

Quickly, she threw on a pair of jeans and a black jumper, her sneakers, and quickly tied her wet, long, wavy hair back into a ponytail. Why the fuck couldn't Malfoy just tell her what was going on, and why was the hell was he being so civil all of a sudden?

She padded down the stairs, and saw Malfoy leaning against the wall, looking rather stressed out. "What's going on?" she asked.

"Just come on." He murmured. He grabbed her hand, trying to pull her along. She roughly jerked it away from him.

"Don't you ever touch me," she snarled. He raised his chin and looked about to say something, but seemed to catch himself. "You disgust me. You repulse me. I'm only standing here because you claimed it to be an emergency."

"It is an emergency, Granger. So shut your bloody face and follow me."

"Fine." She grumbled. He led her down the familiar corridor that led to Dumbledore's old office. She felt her heart sink, and her stomach twist up. Oh, God, she thought…what was going on to make McGonagall have Malfoy come and retrieve her?

"Melancholy." Malfoy said to the gargoyle. The wall moved and a long staircase appeared. He stood aside to let her pass first. The headmistress opened the door before Hermione could knock. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was red. She cleared her throat.

"Come in, Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy." They walked in, and she closed the door behind them. "Ms. Granger, I think it best if you took a seat." She said.

Oh, fuck.

She sat.

"Professor, what is going on?" she asked slowly. To her surprise, McGonagall sat down right next to her, and took her hands in her own. She took her glasses off, and looked Hermione straight in the face. Hermione felt a sense of dread come over her.

"Ms Granger," she paused. "Hermione. I received a letter from Remus Lupin not an hour ago," she started. "S-something utterly terrible has happened. Actually, two completely dreadful things." Tears fell from her eyes, and Hermione felt tears in her own.

"I hate to have to be the one to tell you this. First of all, your parents," she started.

"No," Hermione whispered, as her lip trembled and the tears spilled. "No."

"I'm afraid so. Death Eater's were looking for you, and they…" she trailed off. "We just found out today. It happened a week ago." Hearing this, Hermione's body shook in violent sobs. McGonagall pulled her close and wrapped her arms around the girl, letting her cry. "Shhh, Hermione. I know it hurts, its okay," she murmured. Finally, after a long while, she pulled away and wiped her eyes.

"What else?" she asked.

"This is as painful for me as it is you. Today, Mr. Weasley…He was fighting with Remus, and he jumped in front of an attack aimed at him." She said, her own shoulders shaking now.

Hermione gaped at her, not understanding. "What?"

"Oh, Hermione, Ronald Weasley is dead. H-he was k-killed instantly." She said.

Hermione fainted.