Sorry it took so long you guys... but I'm back now. On with the story. Thank you for the reviews!

The evening air was cool against Harry's face as he walked towards the castle with Siren at his side. He glanced at her repeatedly, hoping that she would bring up the subject of Malfoy. The shadows of the castle were creeping slowly across the sloping lawns, and Siren didn't seem to want to talk at the moment. Finally, Harry stopped his long strides and turned to his sister. She walked a few more steps then halted also. She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

"So... How are you going to handle this situation?" he asked her quietly.

"Situation? There's no situation," she replied. "Yes, he knows my secret, but I know he'll keep it."

"No he won't! He'll use it as blackmail to get what he wants out of you! He's a Slyth-"

"ENOUGH!" Siren interrupted her ranting brother. "Blackmail only works if you're the only person with dirt on the other. I know one of Draco's secrets, and he won't say anything out of fear that I will as well. We're safe for a little while longer."

Harry stared at her, amazed. What secret could she possibly know of Malfoy's? This was an odd turn of events indeed. His sister, who hadn't been at Hogwarts that long, had managed to do in two weeks what he couldn't do in six years. She not only had a civil discussion with his enemy, but had managed to get dirt on him. He couldn't help but feel jealous, but for what reasons he wasn't sure. Siren just smiled softly at him.

"You know, he's not that bad. Maybe you should talk to him now. No, don't give me that look Harry James Potter. At least try... for my sake. Please?"

Harry snorted, but turned back towards the forest anyways. Retracing his steps, Harry entered the shade under the trees a few moments later. His feet seemed to have memorized the way to the small glen, so he didn't need to look where he was going. A few minutes later, he looked up to see Draco still sitting on that rock staring at the pool. Harry hesitated, watching him, the fading sunlight illuminating his hair into a golden halo. The look of puzzlement and fear in his eyes sharpened their color from silver-blue to almost white. Harry took a deep breath and stepped into the clearing. "Malfoy?"

Draco's head shot up in an instant. "You came back? Why Potter?"

"To talk," Harry moved to sit next to him. "Feel like a chat?"

'Well that's different.'

Siren practically flew up the stairs to the entrance hall. Profesor McGonagall nodded at her as she hurried towards the library. The halls were practically empty, almost all of the students were in the Great Hall eating dinner. The scent of roasted chicken and so many other delicious foods were tempting, but she had gotten a hint of Harry's transformation and needed to get more information. Madam Pince merely glanced at her as she entered. Siren was a well known visitor in the library, having dodged the other students there her first time through the school.

The section on those creatures that muggles deemed mythical was huge. It took up a whole portion of the upper level by itself. Siren searched the titles with her cold eyes, her fingers running reverently over the spines of the old books. She pulled a heavy-set book from the shelves and put it gently on the table. She plopped down in one of the cushioned chairs and leaned down to retrieve her parchment, quill, and ink from her satchel.

"'The Encyclopedia of All Reptilian Beasts'... couldn't you have picked a more interesting book to read?" a thick Irish voice spoke from in front of her.

Siren got a full view of Seamus' pants when she looked up. Her cheeks flamed briefly, and then she looked into his grinning eyes. She snatched her book from his hand, and turned away from him. He sat down across from her and pulled out his Advanced Charms book. She felt his eyes scanning her face and looked up. She smiled when their eyes met. Seamus' grinned back at her.

"Mind if I sit here and keep you company?" he asked

"Go right ahead," she replied. "I'm going to be here for awhile."

"That's ok by me," he laughed.

"What do you want to talk about Potter?" Draco asked the boy sitting next to him.

"No idea," the dark haired boy replied. "Siren said it would be a good idea for me to talk to you."

"SIREN SAID!" Draco leapt to his feet, anger writhing in his stomach. "You couldn't just talk to me on your own! You had to do it because you're sister said so! Damn it Harry! COULDN'T YOU TALK TO ME WITHOUT BEING ORDERED TOO!"

He turned to see the other boy looking as surprised as if Draco had grown another head. Harry's beautiful green eyes were wide behind his glasses, and he seemed speechless. Draco sighed, all anger leaving in a flash. He sat down on the rock again, and looked at Harry. The darker boy looked hurt, and Draco buried his head in his hands. The rage had been replaced with sadness, and there was a lot of it. 'Why does this always happen to me?'

"For six years, SIX YEARS Harry, all I've wanted was to be your friend. After first year, my pride wouldn't let you get away with rejecting me. The funny thing is, our fights have become an important part of my life. For one reason, and one reason only. It's the only way I could get you to notice me."

"Draco... why didn't you just tell me this?" Harry asked quietly.

"Probably because you wouldn't have listened. That, and Slytherins aren't exactly known for their great friendships with the other Houses."

"I'm sorry Draco. I didn't know you felt like that," Harry whispered. "Would you like to start over?"

Draco stared at the boy next to him. A smile forced its way onto his lips, and he offered Harry his hand.

"Friends then."