The rest of my classes go smoothly. I have already finished half the assigned homework to give myself time to train. I say goodbye to Ron and Harry after Transfiguration and head in what they assume is the direction of the library. Once I know I'm out of their line of sight I dart to the third Transfiguration classroom. Returning to Hogwarts so many times has given me time to search its secret passage ways. At the rear of this classroom is a fireplace. The chimney doesn't lead anywhere so its never used. Everyone just assumes that it's a decorative thing, and they would be right. I hit the hidden stone button on the inside of the fireplace. The back of the fireplace slides away to reveal a skinny vertical rounding stairwell. Taking the steps two at a time I'm at the top in no time. I've just made it from the second floor to the seventh floor in an eighth of the usual time. Gently pushing out the portrait of Morgana and I check the coast is clear before quickly exiting and making my way to the Room of Requirement.

Passing in front of the vacant archway three times, I need a place to train, a doorway appears after the third pass. Upon entry a feeling of nostalgia passes over me. It's exactly like the training courtyard back on Asgard. Exactly what I need. Well almost. I need someone to train with. Suddenly, what looks like a duelling mannequin appears in the middle of the room. It's slightly different to the ones we train with when practicing spells. This one looks to be more mobile. I quickly transform my uniform into my workout gear and I grab the small wooden box from the bottom of my book bag. I open it to see my Asgardian sword. It's currently in the form of a small knife. Kind of like a letter opener. I give it a quick jolt up and down and it transforms into my sword. I repeat the motion again and it transforms into my bladed staff. I look back to the mannequin and noticed it has also now gained a staff. Perfect, a proper duelling partner. I start off with a few simple swings at the mannequin, just to get an idea of its capabilities. Its quick and seems to anticipate my movements well. This should be fun.

A couple of hours later I make my way back to my dorm. I'm still in my workout gear and I'm red, hot and sweaty. But I feel good. My muscles ache in that familiar way after a good long battle. I've missed this feeling.

"Unity."

The portrait of Fred and Angelina opens to give me passage before closing gently behind me.

"Granger, what in Merlin's good name are you wearing? And what have you been doing? You look like you've done a few laps around a Quidditch pitch, on foot."

I jump at the sound of Malfoy's voice. Bugger, I should have been paying more attention and noticed him. Plus, I thought he would be at the Great Hall for dinner by now.

"Malfoy. They are Muggle workout clothes."

"Why are you wearing them?"

"I thought that would be rather obvious Malfoy, since they are called workout clothes."

"Touché, Granger. Are you heading down for dinner?"

"After I have a shower, yes. Why are you going to wait for me Malfoy and prove to be a gentleman for once in your life and escort me down?"

"I am a gentleman Granger. Just not to you. So no, I won't be waiting to escort you down. Guess you'll just have to save that kind of vision for your dreams."

I merely raise an eyebrow in his direction as my response before turning around and heading for my room. With a quick whisper of my password, my portrait allows me entrance to my room. Quickly grabbing some clean clothes and head to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Upon exit of the bathroom I'm shocked to see Malfoy still sitting in the common room.

"Finally Granger, I thought you were trying to drown yourself in there."

"I didn't ask you to wait Malfoy. You did that on your own accord and that shower could have been a lot longer so be grateful."

"Well, you insulted my honour with your comments so I decided to be the better wizard and wait to escort you down to the Great Hall for dinner."

"Awe, poor little Malfoy's ego's been bruised has it. Very well, to allow you the chance to regain your honour, I will allow you the privilege of escorting me down to the Great Hall."

"After you then, Granger."

Malfoy motions for me to procedure through the common room entrance first. I incline my head in gratitude before moving forward. What in the world is he planing? As we move along the corridor towards the grand staircase, I am mindful of Malfoy's steps next to me. As well as the placement of my wand in my rear right jean pocket. Just in case this is some sort of ploy to jinx me. We walk in silence. Just as we reach the entrance to the Great Hall Malfoy speaks.

"By the way Granger, if you were my best friend, I'd never forget that you have boobs or a vagina."

Yep, I was right. He did hear the conversation this morning. How I don't know. I stopped almost mid step to look at him in shock but he's continued as if no comment was made. Just before he disappears into the Great Hall he turns back with his usual smirk and winks. I'm sure I'll pay for that comment later. I continue on into the Hall and find a spare seat next to Harry.

"Why does Malfoy look so smug?"

"He won our most recent battle of wits on the way down here. Don't worry. I'm sure I'll get him back for it."

"Should I be worried?"

"I have told you boys time and time again I can look after myself."

"I know, it's not you I'm worried for. It's Malfoy."

I turn to Harry to see him with a cheeky grin on his face as he goes to take a sip of his pumpkin juice. I give a short laugh and return my attention to my food.

"So how was the fascinating art that is Divination?"

"Apparently I'm going to die a slow and painful death again for the 4th year running."

"Excellent, wouldn't want you to get a quick and painless death. All my years of putting up with you would be worthless."

"Ever the comedian Mione."

"Only here to keep you entertained Harry."

"You do a lot more than keep me entertained."

I look up again to see Harry with a serious yet wistful look upon his face.

"Merlin's beard you two, its dinner no need to get all deep and meaningful over roast."

"Ron, yet again, you have proven my theory that you have the emotional range of only a teaspoon."

There is a moment of silence before the three of us simultaneously burst into tear inducing laughter. It's times like these that I'll miss when it comes time again for me to create a new alias. These boys have been my brothers for the last six and a bit years. They would never replace Thor or Loki, but they have been brothers nonetheless.

With tears in my eyes and a toothy smile on my face, I look around the Great Hall, my eyes yet again landing on the tall blonde at the Slytherin table. Brown eyes meet icy grey briefly before I break the connection to glance down at my dinner. A strange sensation of butterflies take over my body as I take a couple of deep breaths to tray and take control of my emotions. Why does this keep happening with Malfoy of all people? I've been here on Midgard for decades and no mortal has evoked this sort of emotion from me. Why is this one different? I look back to my plate and continue with my dinner.