Finding Out

The next morning everything seemed fine. Hermione had finally gotten just enough sleep for her body to function and wasn't feeling very sick at all. As she opened her eyes slowly she took in a deep breath then released it. The sun was shinning through the cracks of her bed curtains making the covers just warm enough to sleep comfortably. She was so content that she decided to lie there and read one of the books she had brought up from the night before. Hermione reached under the bed and pulled one out and began to read.

When she had finished she got out of bed, dressed, then pulled her hair into a bun and placed a small barely noticeable amount of light-brown shimmer eye shadow on and left for the Great Hall. As she walked she wore a small smile on her face, someone out there did care for her. She wasn't alone, at least not yet anyways. Someone was still looking out for her. Maybe things would finally turn around. Entering the Great Hall she once again took the seat closest to the doors. Grabbing some toast and jam she began to make her breakfast. All the while wondering who could this "Dark Prince" could be.

On the other side of the room a pair of eyes were reading the note she had left for him to find. So she wanted to meet "The Dark Prince" huh? Well, he guessed that was possible. She was taking to this side quickly and she was completely ignoring her old "friends" as she once called them. Yes. This was for sure coming out better than he has planned. He reached into his bag and pulled out a piece if parchment, a quill and ink, and began to reply to her letter. Once he had finished he rolled it up and left for the owlry (sp?). When he got there he whistled for his owl, tied the note to its leg, then whispered the name of the person it was for and watched it take off. He turned and walked off with a smirk. She was going to be shocked.

Hermione had just finished eating the little bit of food on her plate when an owl began to circle the Gryffindor table. She was shocked to see that it had landed infront of her! Whispers began to grow in the hall. She never got mail. Carefully she untied the note from the bird and turned it over with interest. She ran two fingers down the birds slender back and it hooted pleasantly. Hermione reached for a piece of dry toast and began to feed it to the animal. Once it had its fill it nipped her fingers lovingly and flew off. Hermione began to unfold the note and started to read the beautiful, yet familiar, handwriting.

Hermione:

I'm glad you enjoyed my books so much. They can bring out your true powers. If you truly wish to see who I am, meet me in the room at 9:00 sharp! I will arrive at exactly that time. If you are not there I will leave! Understand this, living with these skills and knowledge will not always be easy. You will be strong and people will fear you and your powers.

Always,

The Dark Prince

Hermione folded the note into a little square and placed it into her pocket. Why couldn't she figure out who this person was? And what kind of life did he mean exactly? So many questions, so little answers. She looked up to read the clock and noticed it read 10:00. Eleven hours until she met this man who seemed to care for her. Maybe she could impress him if she read up more on the knowledge of the dark arts. Quietly she left the Great Hall with the whispers following her out

The day passed slowly, too slowly in Hermione's opinion. At 6:00 she found herself once again in the Great Hall with her stomach doing flip-flops. She would be meeting him soon. She began to scan the Slytherin table trying desperately to figure out who this person was. The only two people missing were Malfoy and Blaise Zambini. Maybe it was Blaise. He was considered the 'nice' Slytherin. Yes! That had to be it. So she gathered her things and headed for the room. No way would she be late for this!

Passing through the portrait she dropped her bag on the floor and plopped down onto the couch. She lit the fire with her wand and curled up on the couch and pillows. She snuggled down deeper in their softness. Soon with the warmth of the fire and the relaxing pillows she fell asleep.

Draco was in the hall at 8:55. Five more minuets and she would know. Pulling his dark hood over his head he entered the room, but she wasn't there! Slowly he began to walk around the room, and that's when he saw her lying on the couch curled up in a ball sleep peacefully. Her hair coming out of her bun, her robe rapped around her small body, and her hands tucked under her head. Carefully he reached out to stroke her cheek. Slowly her eyes opened, "Hello." he whispered.

"Who are you? Why do you care about me? No one else does." She sighed back trying to see his face that was hidden within the cloak.

"You're strong Hermione. Stronger than you know. My side could use you. As to who I am ……." He pulled back his hood and she gasped loudly and her hand flew to her mouth.

"Malfoy?"

A/N: Mwhahahah Horrible? I know but I had to do it. Well she finally met him and knows who he is. Once again and this goes for all chappy's. I DO NOT own any Harry Potter settings or characters. Never have never will lol. So read and review please. Don't worry I have the next 10 chappys figured out…. Hope you'll like them. Laters!