Author's Note: Yes, I figured out who R.A.B. was and I'm sure some of you did too. Also, I know Harry gets a little crazy at the end of the chapter, but when you read it I'm sure you'll see why. Anyway, please review.

Disclaimer: If Harry Potter was mine, the seventh book would have started out like the story you are currently reading. So obviously, I don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 5: Research and Theory

Hermione sat on a scarlet pouf next to the fire with papers spread out in front of her. She was looking through Dumbledore's notes for perhaps the twentieth time, trying to find some clue as to where the Horcruxes were hidden, particularly the locket.

She had a theory of who R.A.B. was, but currently had no way of finding out if she was right. McGonagall didn't know, Dumbledore and Sirius were dead, and Lupin was out among the werewolves so she thought it best not to send him an owl. She couldn't think of anyone else that would know and that would help her. She had looked through records at the school and at number 12 Grimmauld Place, but her theory had been neither confirmed nor denied. She furrowed her brow in concentration just as Malfoy climbed through the portrait hole behind the painting.

"What're you doing Granger?" Malfoy asked, through he sounded as if he couldn't care less.

"Research Malfoy, not that it's any of your business." She shot back.

"Is it about the Horcruxes?"

So McGonagall had told him. Now what? Well, he might be of some help. In fact, he could probably confirm or deny her theory.

"Actually it is."

"Can I help?"

Hermione was taken aback by this. Draco Malfoy had offered to help her. "As a matter of fact, you might be the only person who can tell me if I'm right about something."

"Potter and Weasley can't help?" he sounded amused.

"You know what, just forget it."

"Granger, McGonagall made me Head Boy so I could help you."

"I'm starting to think otherwise."

"Oh really? Well why else would she force us together?"

"Well, let's think. She's the Transfiguration teacher and the new Headmistress. She had to get Slughorn to come back, which must have been difficult because Dumbledore barely got him to teach last year. Plus she had to get Flitwick to be Deputy Headmaster, Vector to be the Head of Gryffindor, and Shacklebott to come and teach the supposedly cursed position in this school. You know, after your and Snape's actions at the end of last year the school might not have reopened at all.

"She's also had to settle Dumbledore's affairs and sort things out at the Ministry. And finally, most importantly, she's the new head of the Order of the Phoenix. With all of that she's probably exhausted and she doesn't have enough time left to keep an eye on you so she dumped you with me," she concluded, out of breath.

"Harsh words Granger, you should put as much thought into that research as you did into your little conspiracy theory. If that's the one you said I was the one to tell you if you're right about I'm afraid I can't help you." He replied.

"No, no" she said calming down, "I was just annoyed that I've been landed with you. I wanted to ask you…"

He cut her off. "Oh believe me Granger. I don't like it any more than you do."

"I believe you. I'd have to be as thick as your cronies Crabbe and Goyle to think you were actually enjoying this."

"Well put Granger." He admitted.

"Anyway, I wanted to ask you what your cousin, Regulus Black's, middle name was. It's because we found a," she paused, wondering how to word this without telling him too much, "well we found something that leads us to a person with the initials R.A.B."

"I don't know," he said, pursing his lips, "but I can find out for you. I'll owl Mother tomorrow." He walked towards his staircase. He paused halfway up and turned to Hermione. "While we're on the subject of names, since we're working together, you could call me by my first name."

"Only if you call me by mine," she answered.

"I should have seen that coming," he sighed, "fine, Hermione." It felt odd having him call her that, and yet she liked it. She smiled. "Goodnight Draco," she said.

Apparently satisfied, he turned and entered his bedroom. The word stuck to her lips. It was strange, how powerful a word as simple as a name could be. It was so wrong that they were now on a first name basis. Harry and Ron would certainly blow a fuse when they found out. And yet, the word seemed right at home in her mouth. She uttered it again.

"Draco," she whispered to the night.

Hermione sat in Charms the next day with Ron, Harry and Ginny. For once, Hermione was not paying attention. She was thinking about the events of the previous night. Draco had asked her to call him by his first name, and he had called her by hers. Why did this seem so right? What would Harry and Ron think? What was Draco thinking about all of this? Why was this so complicated?

"Miss Granger," she blinked as she heard Professor Flitwick call her name. "Perhaps you'd like to tell us all, what, in your opinion, is the best charm for fighting off trolls and giants?"

"Wingardium Leviosa," she replied quickly. The entire class sniggered. Hermione glared at her friends.

"Interesting choice Miss Granger, would you care to explain?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"Yes I would Professor." She said. "You see, in first year, when Quirrell let the troll into the school it came after me. Harry and Ron came to stop it. It grabbed Harry and swung its club. But before it could hit Harry, probably killing him, Ron used the Wingardium Leviosa charm. He levitated the troll's club and brought it down on the troll's head, rendering it unconscious."

Everyone looked at Ron, who nodded. Professor Flitwick seemed impressed.

"Even I wouldn't have thought of that," he mused.

"And," Hermione continued, "it's a simple spell, so pretty much anyone could perform it."

"Well it has to be simple," Draco began, "if Weasley could do it as a first year. Not that he's improved much."

Ron leapt to his feet and turned to Draco, wand drawn. Hermione stood and grabbed his arm. "Stop, he's not worth it." She said. Ron gaped at her. This was not like Hermione.

"Yeah Weasley," Draco sneered "Listen to your little girlfriend."

"How many times do I have to tell you Draco?" Hermione snapped back at him. "I'm not his girlfriend."

Every mouth in the room fell open, even those of Draco and the professor. They gaped at Hermione. Had she just called Malfoy by his first name? Hermione was saved from the disbelieving stares as the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.

Hermione walked out across the lawn. She needed to get away. She needed to think. As she approached the lake, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. She spun around and found herself looking at Harry.

"Oh, hi" she greeted, "Where's Ginny?"

"She's got Transfiguration." Harry stated. "But that's beside the point. Why the hell did you call Malfoy by his first name?"

"He asked me to," she replied honestly.

"Why would he do that?"

"Well maybe because we're being forced to work together and he thought we should act civilized towards each other."

Harry snorted. "Malfoy?" he asked disbelieving, "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure"

"Bu...but…Malfoy?"

"He called me by my first name too."

"What?"

"He called me Hermione."

"What? When?"

"Last night."

"Anything else you'd like to tell me?" Harry's eyes widened as he spoke. "Like maybe your parents are really wizards? Or you can play Quidditch better than me? Or maybe, that you're pregnant?"

"Harry Potter!" Hermione breathed in shock. "My parents are Muggles, like I've told you all along. I couldn't fly a broom if my life depended on it. And for Merlin's sake Harry I'm a virgin. You are," she paused, trying to think of a proper word, her hands flying in frustration, "an insane git." She turned and stormed off fuming.

"Oh I'm insane?" he called after her, "Why don't you tell that to the Prophet. I'm sure they'd love to print that theory. Again." He stormed off in the opposite direction.