1(BOC)

Meanwhile at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"Ron you're so lucky. I can't believe you get to house out foreign exchange student during the winter break. Have you met her yet?" Hermonine leaned across the table, her hands holding up her chin while she smiled in pure anticipation.

Across from her. Ron continued his unrelenting attack on his salisbury steak "surprise."

"Not yet," he stated without any emotion as he stabbed his meal, glaring at it as it jiggled in response. "Her train is coming in tomorrow according to Pops. Charlie's supposed to pick her up after he gets off from work," Ron sighed as he pushed his tray of uneaten food away from him in hopes of clearly the dreadful meal from his mind. "That's the last time I ask you to conjure what Americans eat at school. Besides she's not technically an 'exchange student' per say," Ron lowered his voice to a whisper and continued, "She's going through some problems at home and Mum thinks family should stick together in times of need."

Hermonine gasped, "you mean she's –"

"A very distant relative. That's what Mum says, yeah. She won't explain the connection, something about 'it's blood and that's all that matters'." Ron glanced at either side of him, reassuring himself no one was listening as he lowered his voice a bit more, "but the odd part, even she's an American, she's not a Muggle."

"What? What is she, if she's not a Muggle? She can't be a witch can she? I've never heard of an American witch or wizard before. Absolutely fascinating." Hermonine pondered this thought briefing before changing the subject. "Do you at least know what she looks like?"

"Yeah, she sent what Muggles call a 'snapshot'. She says it's her school photo, but why would a school take pictures of their students?"

Ron reached into his back pocket and pulled out a single Polaroid, handing it to Hermonine as she tried to explain the concepts of "yearbooks" to him.

"They keep a large book to share memories, events and what not," she stated as she examined the photo. "Rather skinny, isn't she?"

Ron shook his head, "Percy says all bulimic girls are like that."

Hermonine raised her eyebrows at this, "bulimic?"

Before Ron could respond however, a hand snatched the photo from Hermonine's grasp.

"Whose the hot chick? Some model Weasley dreams of marrying?" The grubby voice of Goyle reached Hermonine's ears and caused her to grimace.

Draco snatched it from Goyle and eyed Ron suspiciously, "That's no model, that's our exchange student, isn't that right Weasley? I can't help but wonder how a couple of Gryffindors obtained a private photo of our new Slytherin student. Care to enlighten me Weasley?"

"That's none of your business Malfoy," Hermonine stood defiantly, "besides there's no way you could possibly know what house she's going into."

"I didn't ask you Granger," Draco pushed her back on to the bench, leaving Hermonine speechless. Ron leapt to his feet in defense.

"Harry's not here Draco, as you can plainly see, so why don't you find someone else to bother?"

Ron had learned his first year of Hogwarts Draco only bothered him when he was with Harry. Any other time Draco didn't cast a glance in his general direction and Ron didn't mind that one bit.

"Actually you're the one I want a word with Ron," Draco lowered his voice and took a long glance at the photograph in his hand.

Ron was stunned, not only did Draco Malfoy know his first name and call him by it, Ron obviously had something he desperately needed. Hermonine was equally speechless and pinched herself to assure she wasn't dreaming.

"It's about our exchange student," he continued, "word around the school she'll be staying with your family during the winter break."

"Yea, that's right. So?"

Draco locked eyes on Ron and replied, "there's something of a delicate matter I want to talk to you about but," he looked around the crowded lunchroom, "in a less occupied area. The Quidditch Field will be suffice." Glancing down at Hermonine who looked ready to speak, "you're welcomed to bring Granger to ensure your well bring if you'd like. I however will be there alone. I'll there after Potions," he handed Ron the picture back and spun on his heel making his way to the Slytherin table with Crabbe and Golye close behind.

Hermonine turned to face Ron, "Draco's up to something. We should Harry, you know, so he can be on alert."

"We're not telling Harry."

"What? Why not Ron? He could be in danger!"

"That's the thing Hermonine, Harry's NOT in danger. He's never been in danger, not with Draco in the mix at least. They're just normal rivals. You and Harry always assume the worst from Draco."

"You can't be serious Ron. What about what Harry saw last year, with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? He said Draco was there. Mr Malfoy too."

In a puff of heightened emotion, Ron rose and gathered his books, "just because his dad was a Death-Eater, doesn't make him evil. I'm heading to Potions."

And with that he left Hermonine at the lunchroom table to brood over her thoughts.