A special thanks to my lovely beta WisteriaBlossom1992 !

And also thank you to SlytherinGurrl, Candell, Brooke, Frances, Beans, KissAFrogAnd WaitForYourPrince, Dontworry26 and WisteriaBlossom1992

Enjoy Chapter Six !

˜ Chapter Six ˜

She could feel their eyes watching her , following her every move. It had been like this for days now, weeks even.

She would walk past their little group in the hallway and they would just look at her; as if she had committed the greatest sin.

And every time she would move a tad faster to get a away from their gazes.

"I wonder what their problem is ?" Ginny whispered softly, glancing over her shoulder.

" You noticed it too ?"

" Well of course, I mean if they stare any longer I swear their eyes will pop out."

Hermione smiled a little, pulling her books closer to her chest " They've been acting like that for weeks."

" Even Malfoy ?"

" Especially him. When we are in the common room, it's like his eyes are glued to me until I close the door of my room, and then when I come back outside ...he is gone; like he is waiting for me to leave."

They turned around the corner , passing a few younger students before they continued their conversation.

" Strange."

" To say the least." Hermione nodded in agreement , she would never admit it out loud but she wanted to know what he was up to.
She knew that there was something that was not right , she just couldn't figure out what it was.

" Did you tell Harry and Ron ?" Ginny asked curiously as she looked at Hermione.

" No, I don't really see the point. It's not like they can do anything about it."

" Maybe not but you can't know that for sure if you don't inform them."

" I'm not going to tell them, Ginny, and neither are you. The last time they suspected Malfoy for something we ended up following him the entire year. It was nearly becoming an obsession for some of us." Hermione pointed out, clearly referring to Harry.

Ginny shrugged a little, not impressed with her arguments.

"But their suspicion was proven right." She softened her voice a little before she continued: " Look I'm not judging anyone, I'm not here to accuse someone, not even Malfoy and his groupies. I'm just given you some advice if you think something isn't right, tell someone."

" I already told you."

" That is not what I mean."

Hermione halted before the staircase and pulled Ginny back so that they were standing face to face.

" I can handle this, it's probably nothing. So I'm going to repeat myself; I'm not going to tell Harry and Ron about this and neither will you."

Ginny pulled her hand back from Hermione's grasp : " you don't have to be so aggressive about it. What's the matter with you?" She asked sternly.

" Nothing, I..I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so harsh. I just want you to know that I'm old and wise enough to take care of myself. Though I love Harry and Ron, I don't need them to hold my hand during every step I take."

Hermione looked at her red-haired friend, hoping that she would understand. She needed to be out of their shadows for a while. She needed to walk her own path, finding out who she really was.

She knew it sounded quite dramatic but it was the truth and she decided that this time she wasn't going to ignore this nagging feeling.

" Alright." Ginny nodded.

" So you will not tell them ?" Hermione knew she was sounding like a three- year- old at this point.

" No, but if things change don't hesitate to tell me. I'm your friend Hermione…I will always be here to help you."

" I know, I know and thank you; this really means a lot to me."

Ginny offered Hermione a small smile before pulling her in a hug. She knew that there was no point in pushing her friend towards something she didn't want to do. But she made an oath to herself that she would keep an eye on that bloody Malfoy and his followers.

After a few moments they let go of each other, " I'm going to change in something a little more comfortable." Ginny said as she pointed at her robes, " I will see you in the Great Hall."

She quickly waved goodbye before she turned on her heels and ran up the Grand Staircase, leaving Hermione on her own.

Before Hermione continued her way to the Great Hall, she grabbed a few notes from her brown leather bag. She made sure that they were neatly folded and carefully put them in a little envelope.

Hermione knocked on the first door on her right , and waited for a reply before she entered the room.

"Good evening Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall said formally." Close the door please."

When a click echoed through the room professor McGonagall finally looked up from the book, that was lying in front of her on the wooden desk.

"How can I help you ?"

" I have finished my report about the nightly patrols along with a few side notes, professor." Hermione smiled politely.

Professor McGonagall gave a short nod and gestured her to come further into the room.

" And what kind of side notes did you include, Miss Granger ?"

" It's more like an observation, you might say. I made a small list with names of students who kept wandering through the castle well past midnight, even after they had received several warnings before." Hermione started to explain. " And I listed a few suggestions about the duties of the Prefects."

Professor McGonagall gave another short nod before giving the notes a closer look. For a moment, the room was filled with silence.

"Well, Miss Granger once again you delivered excellent work. I will take these suggestions under consideration. "

Hermione nodded, " Thank you for your time, professor."

" Was there anything else ?"

"No professor, I will leave you to it." She took a few steps into the direction of the door when McGonagall called her back.

" Miss Granger ?"

She turned around until she was facing the headmistress, who was now glancing over the edge of her glasses to look at her.

" When can I expect Mister Malfoy's report ? "

" I…uhm…I'm not sure, professor." Hermione admitted reluctantly. She knew they were supposed to be working together for this assignment.

"You do know that this isn't an individual assignment, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall said sternly, pointing at Hermione's report on her desk.

" I'm well aware of that."

McGonagall looked at her; clearly not pleased with the answer. She remained silent for a moment, the expression in her eyes changing from strict to concerned.

She continued the conversation, her voice reduced to a milder tone.

" Is there a problem between you and Mister Malfoy ?"

Hermione stared at the headmistress not really sure what to say. Should she confess about the way Draco had been treating her ? Should she just ignore the decision she made earlier, the decision she so fiercely defended against Ginny ? Only so she could hide in the safe haven professor McGonagall would provide ?

And besides what would she tell her ? ' Malfoy and his friends have been bullying me.' or maybe ' they have been calling me names again.' And then what …she also had to admit that the past couple of days they had left her alone.

Hermione knew exactly how this would end. Professor McGonagall would roll her eyes at the stupidity of the Slytherin students and eventually she would promise to keep an eye on them.

After a while Hermione shook her head and gave a bright smile, " Of course not professor. I do admit we had our differences in the beginning but now all is well. Our communication has been a little bit stiff, due to the may school work we received."

" Are you sure that's all ?" Professor McGonagall kept eying her suspiciously.

Hermione nodded before she responded, " yes, and I will make sure that Mister Malfoy delivers his report by the end of the week."

The headmistress wasn't entirely convinced, she had been around students long enough to know when something was going on . But she simply gave a nod indicating that she accepted her explanation.

" Good evening , Miss Granger. Enjoy your supper."

" Good evening, professor."

And within a minute Hermione was standing at the other side of the door. She noticed that the sun was almost hidden behind the Astronomy tower as a cool night breeze swept across the corridor.

She descended the marble staircase until she was standing in the Entrance Hall, she turned right as she made her way to the Great Hall, which was already filled with students.

Hermione walked directly to Harry, Ron and Ginny who were already sitting at the Gryffindor table. She didn't even notice the grey sky and raindrops that covered the high ceiling.

" What took you so long ?" Ginny asked curiously.

" I had to give something to professor McGonagall. It took a bit longer than I expected."

Ron shivered, " meeting teachers after school hours …horrible"

Harry smiled brightly as he patted his friend on the back. " Even during school hours it's a horrible thing for you."

" I shall not respond to that." Ron commented, waving his chicken wing in the air.

" Right mate. " Harry chuckled.

Hermione shook her head at the absurdity of her friends. Oh how she enjoyed these meals. This was the time to sit back , relax and just act silly….it was a wonderful time.

" But I do have a question for you Hermione." Ron said casually .

" I'm listening."

" I just can't figure out the assignment professor Flitwick gave us. It's just so …so complicated, well difficult actually. So I was wondering how you handled it ? "

Hermione thought about this before she replied, " quite simple Ron. " She grinned as she saw him, nodding eagerly.

" First I go to the library , where I search for the right book for the proper charm. Then I sit down, take my parchment and quill and take a few notes . Afterwards I go back to my room and start writing. "

" But…"

" Yes, I know Ron..it's quite simple, just like I said before."

Ginny burst out in loud laughter when she saw the look of despair in her brother's eyes as he realized that Hermione didn't offer any help.

" What Ron is trying to say, is that we could really use your help." Harry skipped in.

" And why do I have to help you?"

" Because those two can't hold a quill on their own accord." Ginny mocked.

" I can hold a quill perfectly well, thank you very much." Ron huffed.

" You would do us an enormous favour. You know we can't do it without you, Hermione" Harry said seriously.

" Fine , " she sighed , " I will help you search for the books and I will read it through when you are finished but I'm not going to make the assignment for you."

Both boys nodded in agreement before they leaned forward and gave her a kiss on each cheek.

" I promise you that this will be the last time." Harry smiled.

" Me too, but when are you going to help us ? I've got a bit of a tight schedule."

" Ron ! Can't you just be grateful for a few seconds." Ginny exclaimed as she rolled her eyes at his impatience.

Hermione opened her mouth ready to give a reply when someone interrupted them.

" Help ! " Neville shouted as he ran to the staff table at the front of the Great Hall.

A few students turned their heads; trying to figure out what was going on. Other students stood up from their table and followed Neville, who was waving frantically with his arms.

" The Entrance hall...people are stuck."

" Speak clearly my dear boy. What is the matter? " Professor Sprout asked calmly.

Her words seemed to have an effect on Neville as he abruptly came to a halt and looked at her. He took a few breaths before he continued. " The Entrance hall is turned into a swamp professor. Students are stuck, they need help."

In a matter of seconds every single student rose from their seat and ran outside, of course they wanted to see what Neville had announced with their own eyes.

All but one ...

Harry, Ron and Hermione were looking at the scene before them in awe. Students were trying to climb out of the puddle of mud only to slip back in.

" Look there is Seamus." Harry said, pointing at a boy who was covered in ivy. " Seems like he was one of the unfortunate ones."

" Indeed he…what the bloody hell is he doing know?" Ron gasped.

They all watched how their Irish friend pinched his nose and took a deep breath before he leapt forward to dive back into the swamp.

" Stop !" Hermione yelled and Harry rushed over to the spot where Seamus was standing, just in time to pull him back to the edge.

The boy looked around with a bewildered gaze , not sure what happened exactly. And then he saw Harry, Ron and Hermione watching him.

" Why did you do that ?" Seamus asked in confusion, rubbing the arm Harry had released not so long ago.

" You were going to jump back into the swamp." Hermione whispered

" I was well aware of that."

" Why would you something like that ?"

" I wanted to save my books, they are down there." Seamus explained as he scrambled back up. " Now if you'll excuse me I have a mission to complete." And he resumed his previous position.

" Oh for heaven's sake." Hermione rolled her eyes at him. " I will help you."

She pushed him back aside and grabbed her wand " Accio Seamus' books." And with one wave of her wand , the books came floating towards them. " Here you go."

" Ah , thank you Hermione." Seamus smiled brightly.

" What happened here ?" Harry asked, running his fingers through his raven-black hair .

" Not sure actually, I was on my way to the Great Hall when all of a sudden the ground beneath me started to transform and before I knew it I was swimming around in a swamp."

" You didn't see who did this ?"

Seamus shook his head " I'm sorry mate, I wish I could help you but I didn't see a thing."

" The person who did this clearly has no sense of humour." Hermione stated before she started moving again. She decided that it was her responsibility as Head Girl to go help the unfortunate students. Harry and Ron quickly followed her example.

She spent most of her time dragging students back to the edge of the swamp. When they were calmed down a little and provided with a warm blanket, Hermione started asking them questions.

" Did you see who did this ?"

And the answers were always different.

" No...we were just walking and then poof ... we were floating."

" I'm wet."

" I swear I saw a boy running away but I didn't get a good look."

Hermione gave a heavy sigh, she was at the point of giving up when she heard a familiar voice.

" Seems like Longbottom didn't exaggerate for once."

She slowly turned around until she was facing the blond- haired boy, who was leaning against one of the pillars with his arms folded against his chest and his legs crossed.

" Go stand somewhere else, Malfoy."

" Touchy." He smirked.

" Instead of mocking me you could help me."

Draco rose his eyebrow as he took a few steps closer to her, " and why would I do that ?"

" Because it is your duty as Head Boy, ignorant fool." Hermione fumed.

" Not a very good reason I must say...but I love the name calling ." At this point, he was only standing a few inches away from her.

" What are you playing at Malfoy ?"

He only smirked, taking another step in her direction. She could feel his cool breath on her skin

When he didn't respond Hermione continued. " You have something to do with this, don't you ? Wait until McGonagall hears about this."

She turned around ready to leave when his hand reached out. He wrapped his slender fingers around her arm, pulling her back to him.

" Stop accusing me, little miss perfect." Draco spat, " or else…"

" Let go of me." Hermione wriggled a little in his grasp, trying to free herself but he was much stronger than she was. " I will hex your arse into oblivion if you don't let go."

" Miss Granger, Mister Malfoy, what are you two doing there ?"

Hermione and Draco turned their heads simultaneously only to see professor McGonagall walking towards them. Without hesitating Draco let go of Hermione's arm so that they could stand next to each other.

" Well ?" McGonagall demanded as she reached them.

" We were just discussing a few possible suspects professor." Draco lied smoothly.

" And who do you have in mind ?"

" I …uhm…we…" Hermione frowned, she wasn't good in this. But it seemed that professor McGonagall was too distracted to even notice her distress .

" Headmistress." Filch called from across the swamp.

" Yes, Filch?"

" You asked me to come directly to you , headmistress, if I saw anything suspicious."

" Just tell me what you saw." Professor McGonagall was noticeably getting irritated with the caretaker of Hogwarts.

" I found this boy wandering around the halls." He clarified and with one pull Blaise Zabini appeared in plain sight. " He was trying to hide this." Filch was holding up a little green bag. " What should we do with him ?"

" Bring him here Filch, I will take care of him."

Filch did what he was told but it was obvious that he didn't like it. In his mind he was already coming up with several cruel ways to punish the Slytherin boy.

He handed professor McGonagall the little bag and strolled back to where he came from, followed closely by Mrs. Norris. " Come along my sweet, many other rebels to take care of."

When he was out of sight professor McGonagall turned around to face Blaise.
" Did you do this Mister Zabini ?" She asked, pointing at the swamp.

" Yes, professor." There was no point in lying any more.

Draco let out a disapproving whisper, earning a glance from his fellow housemate.

" And where did you get this ?"

" I bought it at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, professor."

" How is that possible ? I examine every student thoroughly when they come back from Hogsmeade . There is no possible way he could bring this product with him without me noticing it." Filch breathed heavily as he appeared from behind the corner.

" Filch, I thought I told you I would take care of it ? Were you eavesdropping ?" McGonagall asked dangerously calm.

" No headmistress, I would never do that... I...uhm..well..."

" Enough." She mumbled and turned her attention back to Blaise. " Do you know how to solve this mess ?"

The boy shook his head.

" Right. Filch send a letter to Fred and George Weasley and tell them to come to the castle at once. And let them know I give them permission to apparate into school grounds." The caretaker nodded and once again he disappeared behind the corner.

" Mister Malfoy escort Mister Zabini back to the Great Hall. Once this swamp is gone I will discuss his punishment."

Once both Slytherin boys had left, Harry and Ron walked over to where Hermione was standing.

" Did we miss something? " Ron asked curiously.

Hermione slightly nodded " Zabini was the one who created the swamp. But apparently he didn't know how he could fix it, Professor McGonagall had to call for help to solve this chaos."

When she spoke the last words, two thuds could be heard and two identical red- haired boys appeared.

" What are you two doing here ?" Ron asked, dumbfounded .

" We were in the neighbourhood..." Fred announced.

" And we decided to visit or favourite brother." George skipped in.

Fred and George looked at each other in shock.

" Oh no George..."

" I know Fred."

" We are at the wrong place. I told you we had to make a left turn."

" Well, we will visit Charlie another time."

Harry and Hermione burst out into laughter when they realised what they were saying.

" Funny, really funny." Ron grumbled, not amused with his brothers.

" Mister and Mister Weasley. I'm glad you could make it." Professor McGonagall skipped in.

" Always the pleasure." They said simultaneously.

Professor McGonagall smiled a little before she gestured to the swamp in the middle of the Entrance Hall, " I heard that this is one of your products."

From the moment that they noticed their creation, Fred and George grinned wildly. " The Swamplicious." They nodded.

" Swamplicious." Ron said sceptically. " A stupid and ordinary name if you ask me."

George looked at his younger brother as he placed his hand on his heart " I can't believe that you just said that."

" Don't worry George, you will survive this." Fred soothed as he gave his twin brother a pat on the back.

" Boys this is not the time nor the place to make fun of each other." Professor McGonagall said strictly. " I asked you to come because we have a problem getting rid of this thing called swamplicious."

" No problem professor, we are happy to help." George smiled, " Fred you have the honour."

Fred waved his wand a few times, mumbling words no one could properly hear and then it was all gone. The Entrance Hall was restored to his old form.

" How did you to that ?" Hermione asked with interest.

" With a touch of magic."

Hermione didn't have the chance to ask further as professor McGonagall spoke again. " Thank you boys, but now I have to ask you to leave so that the students can start their normal routine again."

Fred and George nodded still grinning from ear to ear and waving goodbye before they apparated back to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

Not long after the twins were gone, Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way back to the Great Hall where they joined Neville and Ginny at the table.

" Another crazy adventure at Hogwarts." Ginny laughed.

" How could we ever live without." Hermione added before she took a sip of her pumpkin juice.

" Did you give it to her ?" Draco asked.

" I hope so..." Blaise groaned " I have bloody detention because of it."

Pansy rolled her eyes at him. " Of course I gave it...I poured it into her pumpkin juice."

The three of them glanced over to the Gryffindor table until they found Hermione Granger.
Draco smirked as he saw how Hermione took a sip from her drink.

" Sweet dreams, Miss Granger. " He whispered.

Voila , another chapter finished ! I hope you enjoyed it and as always let me know what you think :)

Oh I would like to point out that I'm well aware you normally can't apparate on Hogwarts that's why I made sure that professor McGonagall aka Headmistress gave permission to apparate

Now hit that review box ...