Before they knew it, Halloween had rolled around. The Great Hall was decorated with pumpkins and so were the corridors. All the students were relieved to finally have a break from school work, to finally have a weekend where they would not have to worry about completing some assignment or preparing for a test due on Monday.

Hermione too had been frustrated. These past couple of weeks, the never ending amount of school work, piles of assignments and five foot long essays had kept her busy. She had not been able to concentrate on searching up the Cerebrus, and the few books she did read had not produced fruitful results. She now planned on holing herself up in the library and doing some serious research.

Theo and Blaise sat down at the breakfast table, moping and complaining about how hectic school was, yet again. Draco sat there smirking at the two. Hermione rolled her eyes at their childish behaviour.

"Shut up you two! I swear you're worse than Pansy on the days when she is unable to do those beauty charms in the morning because she woke up late and had to rush to class," Daphne said, grabbing a toast and a knife to butter it.

Hermione laughed at Theo's expression. "Well, either those charms are bogus or her attempts have been in vain," Blaise commented, eyebrow raised. The boys all started snickering.

"Cut her some slack will you?" Daphne remarked offhandedly.

Theo dropped his fork, Draco shook his head and Blaise gave Daphne the "You did not just say that" look.

"What?!" Daphne said in faux ignorance, trying hard to suppress the grin that was threatening to spread on her face.

After breakfast. Hermione stood up to head to the library, but was stopped by Draco. "We're all going out to fly on the pitch. Daphne too. You're coming." Draco stated.

"No! Don't even ask me again. I refuse to look like a fool attempting to fly," she replied firmly.

"We'll teach you?" Theo suggested.

"I'm terrible. We all know it. Teaching me to fly is like Longbottom not being stupid. Basically it's impossible," she answered. She was usually nice but her patience with the boy had soon wavered. She blamed Professor Flitwick for partnering her with him for Charms class.

"It's not your fault the school brooms belong in a museum and aren't suitable for flying. Plus you've never flown at home because your mum is scared of heights," Daphne said sympathetically.

"Are you afraid of heights?" Blaise asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Just of falling."

"Well I'll let you leave for your precious second home only if you agree to learn to fly when you all come to my place during Christmas break. Father's bought me a new Nimbus 2000," Draco stated, adapting a smug tone towards the end of his speech.

Blaise and Theo rolled their eyes, used to Draco and his bragging. They were all arrogant but Draco had made boasting his full time job. Hermione thought for a moment.

"Otherwise, we'd all be happy to see the oh so smart Hermione Granger scream k frustration at a peace of wood. It's quite entertaining," Draco continued, smirking devilishly, knowing this would make Hermione agree to his proposal.

Hermione sighed in defeat and nodded. Draco smiled at gestured to the door. Grabbing her book bag, Hermione walked out of the Hall and towards the library, hoping to spend the rest of the day reading peacefully.