Disclaimer: Characters: Rowling's. Plot: mine. Lyrics: "Someone Special" by Poets of the Fall.

A/N: So...I uploaded both Chapters 8 and 9 in the same day. I tried to make this chapter as good and up-to-the-mark as possible. Lot of effort applied. So please, review and tell if I succeeded.

This is the longest chapter in the whole story! Appreciate!!

Chapter 9: Under Suspicion

"But I didn't!" Draco protested.

"I saw you!" Michael McMahon, the sixth-grader Gryffindor, retorted.

The Professors came running, woken by the shouting.

"What's happening?" Professor Sprout asked.

"Professor, Malfoy; Malfoy's the killer!"

Everyone gasped. Draco looked aghast.

"You see Professor, he's trying to eradicate Mudbloods! He's always hated them!"

Since everyone knew this, they thought that this was most likely the killer.

"We have to send him to Azkaban," Professor McGonagall sternly commented.

"But I didn't do it! I was walking in the corridors—"

"At this time of the night, Mr Malfoy?"

"I have insomnia!"

"What a made-up excuse!" Michael snorted. "I saw you point the wand at her and shout Avada Kedavra!"

Draco was flabbergasted. Why was the kid making up stuff against him? He winced a little, and before he could protest any more, he was dragged off to Dumbledore's office.

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Hermione Granger was woken up from her sleep. Slightly annoyed, she realized that she was being called to Dumbledore's office. She couldn't understand what could be so urgent and important that she would be called for at this time of the night. With escalating curiosity, she hurried dpwn to Dumbledore's office.

"Ah, Miss Granger. Sorry to disturb you at such hour."

"It's okay Professor, it must be something urgent."

"It is."

"What happened, Professor?"

"Miss Granger, I hope you remember how you had requested that the Harry Potter incident stay a secret."

"Yes Professor. In no way should I forget that."

"Well now, Miss Granger, I think I have figured out who this Dark Lord who has been killing Hogwarts student is. It's Harry Potter, I'm sorry to inform."

Hermione looked like she had just dropped from the sky. Although she did not trust Harry anymore, it would still take a hundred blows on the head to believe that Harry was the new Terror after Voldemort.

"But Professor—"

"I know, Miss Granger, you are not ready to believe this. But last night we found Keyshia Glengabier dead. Does the name remind you of anything?"

Hermione squinted her eyes and tried to put two and two together. Keyshia...evidence against Harry...Mona...evidence against Harry...both dead in two consecutive days...

Suddenly, everything made sense to Hermione.

"Oh my God," Hermione gasped, and covered her mouth. She felt a little shaken, and collapsed into a chair.

Dumbledore handed a bar of chocolate to her. "Here, have this. I know that right now your mind might not be in a perfect state to hear more, but I must say; there's more for you to be informed."

Hermione looked up at him, hoping with all heart that this was not as bad as what she just heard.

"A sixth-grader Gryffindor called Michael McMahon accuses Draco Malfoy of being the murderer. Now since the news has spread like fire, everybody thinks it's him due to his publicized hatred for Muggleborns and both the victims coincidentally being Muggleborns too. Do you think it could be him?" Dumbledore asked with eagerness and anticipation. Somehow, Hermione sensed that Dumbledore did not want Harry to be the killer, considering how he was a favourite and how Dumbledore had always harboured a paternal emotion for the particular boy. Although now he had stooped low in Dumbledore's eyes, Hermione knew how hard it was to eradicate strong feelings completely.

But then again, Hermione could not help but disappoint Dumbledore. "I'm afraid it cannot be, Professor. And I say this based on some things I have collected lately."

Only Hermione knew that Draco malfoy had gone through a paradigm shift and he no longer hated Muggleborns. Thus it became completely impossible for such thing to be done by him.

Dumbledore sighed in disappointment. "Fine then, Miss Granger. Are you sure you are not saying this just for your own personal causes?"

At first Hermione did not catch that. Then she knew what he was hinting at—vengeance. "No, Professor. I wouldn't stoop so low," she confirmed and assured.

"But then, Miss Granger, all the teachers are standing for sending Mr Malfoy to Azkaban. And I cannot prevent that since I cannot disclose the true story as you have bound me to secrecy."

Hermione stood horrorstruck. She was clueless what to do. On one spectrum stood the reputation of her and her former best friend, and one another stood the life of an innocent in stake. But as per usual, Hermione let her voice of reason dominate her voice of heart.

"Then, I should dare say, Professor, the truth must be revealed."

"Are you sure, Miss Granger?"

"Absolutely, Professor," Hermione replied with a broken smile, and walked out of the office.

Hermione decided to visit Malfoy. After all, she was the reason why he was stuck in all this.

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Michael McMahon smiled slightly away from everyone. Although his conscience stung a little, he just decided to use some Butterbeer for that. Until then, he rejoiced in his victory. He was very disappointed when Voldemort died. He thought there was no way he could be a Death eater now. Now...there was. He was a part of the Rising Force...The Army of Chaos and Anarchy. And nothing was more beautiful and tranquil and serene than chaos, bloodshed and anarchy. He smirked a little, and then shut his eyes to put full concentration into performing a Telecommunication Charm. He had to inform his Lord—the Dark Lord.

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"You've worked well, McMahon."

"My pleasure, Master."

"You will get your reward. Once the war is won you will get the highest seating in Wizarding society."

Michael's eyes twinkled at the words. Power...yes...finally...

"Now I shall go. If I need you again I shall summon you."

"Very well, Master."

Harry Potter chuckled in delight. Now Draco Malfoy could be pestered for what he did. He remembered the first time he contacted Michael. At first the boy wouldn't agree thinking it was a hoax, but then he assured him with the first murder. He liked the boy...clever wolf.

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Hermione tiptoed to Filch's office, where Draco was being questioned by Ministry Officers flooding in to Hogwarts every few minutes. She realized that talking to a person guilty as charged would not be legal, so she crept in with a temporary Invisibility Charm. The guard sensed an entrance and hauled his wand out, but then Mrs Norris meowed, making it look like it was just a cat.

What Hermione saw before her was absolutely shocking. Draco Malfoy had been beaten to pulp. Guilt rose to surface in her. He isn't even that bad a person!

"Hey, Malfoy," Hermione said softly.

Draco jumped. "Who's talking?" he asked in a pretty audible voice.

Hermione quickly covered his mouth tightly. "Sshhh...It's me. Hermione."

Gosh, his lips feel good and warm and soft...WHAT AM I SAYING?! You suck Hermione!

"Oh. It's you. Granger," Draco said, trying to fake a look of disappointment but somehow he was failed drastically to pull off the farce. Hermione stifled a giggle.

"How are you feeling? "she asked in a concerned voice.

"How do you think I am feeling?" Draco said in an agitated voice, while the same pointing at his bruises. "Honestly Granger, you need a meal of scrambled mutton brain everyday. Maybe that will help fill up some of the empty space behind the 'I'm-the-best-student-look-at-me face'!"

Hermione decided Draco was in a pretty bad mood. Of course, the boy was just beaten up!

"I'm sorry...I should have known better."

The apology softened Draco's expression and relaxed his jaw muscle. "No...I guess I am sorry. I shouldn't have screamed off at you like that."

"Yeah, that you shouldn't have done!" Hermione said, trying to lighten up the atmosphere.

Draco sighed. "Sooo...what do you want?"

"Erm...nothing."

"You came just like that?" Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah...just like that."

"Starting to care about me, are you, Granger?" Draco said playfully with dancing eyebrows.

Behind her airy demeanour which Draco couldn't see, but maybe could feel the radiating warmth of her cheeks, Hermione blushed furiously. "Flatter yourself," was all she managed to say.

"Oh you don't have to tell...I am waaaay better than Potter. Can't blame if you actually fall for me." Draco said.

"I guess," Hermione's smile faded a little. Draco felt like smacking himself on the head for saying that.

Stupid Draco! If I could see her I'm definite I would witness a sad forlorn face.

"Umm...Granger?"

"Yeah?"

"I know what happened between you and Potter. And why he is actually not in Hogwarts.

Hermione lost composure for a moment. How does he know?

"That day I kinda saw and heard everything in Dumbledore's office. I also figured out that he's the Dark Lord," Draco bit his lower lip and awaited Hermione's answer.

"Then why didn't you protest using that fact when they accused you of being the Dark Lord? Why didn't you just reveal everything?" Hermione asked with a keen look.

Now it was Draco's turn to lose composure. True...why didn't I?

Draco had never been this confused. What had stopped him from saying everything?

"I dunno...you had requested Dumbledore not to tell anyone...because you still cared about Harry...and you thought this was going to ruin your rep...but honestly Granger, everyone would understand this was not your fault!

She still cares about Potty. Wait...am I jealous? No I'm not, I don't care! But I do...why?? No. I don't.

Hermione thought a bit. Then she decided upon whether or not to say it but finally did.

"Starting to care about me, are you, Malfoy?" Hermione said playfully, trying to imitate Draco's dancing eyebrows.

Hermione never thought she would live to see the day...but she saw Malfoy blush furiously through his smooth, not-so-pale-anymore skin.

"You look so silly with that eyebrow thing!" Draco snorted and tried to change the topic.

Hermione had expected something like "Don't flatter yourself you're an ugly short bushy-haired nerd" sort of retort, but she was surprised when she didn't.

"How come you didn't call me ugly and short and nerdy and all those things you'd love to say?"

"That's stupid. And demeaning. And not true." Draco bit his tongue. Shit. I just called her beautiful. She is...but...oh my God I'm out of my mind. What the hell was I thinking?!

"Ohk..." Hermione said. She felt Draco's discomfort and changed the topic.

"So...why did you hand yourself over Malfoy? You're gonna die!"

"Look, I weighed both sides. My life is pretty pointless. No one to care about, no one to be cared by. It's just Mom. But I'm just going to be a burden to her too. No one would give a shit if I died."

"I would you Squid!" Hermione covered her mouth, horrified. Bloody.hell. What did I just say??

Draco looked extremely surprised and raised both eyebrows. He almost looked like he could fall off the chair.

"What?!"

"Umm...nothing. Never mind that. Continue."

Draco looked sceptical. After some time, he continued. "You see, as I was saying, no one cares and it's better if I die."

"Die rather than sinking my wish?" Hermione felt...flattered.

"Not really," Draco lied. No more slips of tongue. No way. "I rather wanted to die. Who cares?" Draco shrugged.

"Stop mimicking me, okay? You've got good reasons to live. You have friends and all."

"Uh-huh. If you say so."

"Whatever. You can find one."

"Uh-huh."

'What's with monosyllabic replies?" Hermione seemed annoyed.

"Nothing!" Draco looked amused.

Suddenly, the bruises on Draco's arms and face seemed to sting Hermione. Why??

She quickly spotted a glass of water. "You gonna drink that?"

"No. It's stinky. Seems like coming from the Ministry's sewer."

Hermione looked at the perfectly clear water and twitched her mouth. "The mighty Malfoy. Won't drink common water. Has to be rinsed with detergent from Persia before drinking." She rolled her eyes.

"Well put, Know-It-All," Draco said sarcastically.

She decided not to pay heed and put a Freezing Charm on the water. Draco mused why. Then she took the ice out, which landed with a plop on her palm. Hermione shuddered and made a retreating movement at the sudden biting cold. To Draco's surprise, she gently pressed it on Draco's facial bruises. Draco gasped and shuddered at the contact. Maybe it's just the ice. Maybe.

"Why do you care so much, Granger?" Draco asked in an intoxicated, unearthly voice.

"You got into all this because of me. I owe you. But don't worry. I'm going to tell everything to the Ministry."

"You sure?" Draco asked, still in a trance.

"Yeah. Now I gotta go. Keep applying the ice. It's helpful."

Draco was a little disappointed, not knowing why. But he still said, "Bye, Granger."

Hermione crept out of the room carefully. Draco felt her footsteps fade away. Then both dived into a reverie, accompanied with a blissful smile on the face of both.

Draco simply sank into the hard wooden chair as if it were a cushiony couch, too numbed by the tornado of emotions whirling through him.

I love Pansy.

High time I stop believing that.

I love Pansy.

But I like Hermione's company.

I love Pansy.

That was infatuation.

I love Pansy.

I love Hermione caring about me and the way she talks. She's perfect. And she's natural. And real.

I love Pansy.

I don't even know what love is. But it's most likely what I feel for Hermione.

I love Pansy! UGHH!

No I don't. I forget about her. And honestly, I actually blush at the thought of liking Hermione! And I got jealous when I thought she cared about Potter.

I.LOVE.PANSY. I don't get over true love. And see, Hermione likes Harry. Don't stand a chance. Wait. I just agreed to the fact I like Hermione!

That ain't true love. True love is what Hermione has caused you to feel. And she doesn't. Don't worry. And you turned yourself in for her. I have to face it; I care.

I've fallen for Hermione. Oh my Gosh.

Draco squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't want to confuse himself anymore.

On the other end of Hogwarts, Hermione was on her way to the room where the Ministry officers were sitting. Dumbledore's office again, to be exact. She felt like being carried off in a whirlwind of thoughts.

I like Draco!

But I love Harry!

No I don't! I just still maybe care about him as a friend!

Maybe...

See? I loved it when Draco indirectly said I was beautiful!

Maybe...

And he pretty much turned himself in for me! That was so sweet!

Maybe...

And he's deep. He's real.

But he's "Malfoy"! I used to hate him.

Exactly. Red circle around the past tense. Used to, not anymore. And I know very well that he's changed.

Maybe...

And I cared that he was hurt!

Maybe...I like Draco. Oh my God.

Hermione jerked back to reality. Shutting up the voices inside her head, she proceeded on her journey to Dumbledore's office. Things needed to be arranged the way they should be...truths needed to be revealed...ignorance needed to be eliminated...innocents needed to be saved...love needed to be nurtured.

And they both lay limped by their thoughts, not realizing they felt for each other what legends murmured about...rose petals smelled of...

Their heartbeats in a same rhythm...singing the same song...feeling the same emotion...beating for each other.

I wake up to the sound of rain upon my sill
Pick up the pieces of my yesterday old thrill
Can I deliver this used up shiver
To how I pronounce my life
And I leave it up to faith to go by its own will

Back row to the left, a little to the side
Slightly out of the place
Look beyond the light, where you'd least expect
There's someone special

A foggy morning greets me quietly today
I smell a fragrance in the wind blowing my way
And ever further I run to find her
I yearn to define my life
Placing my faith in chance to meet me in half way

Back row to the left, a little to the side
Slightly out of the place
Look beyond the light, where you'd least expect
There's someone special

And she's here to write her name
On my skin with kisses
In the rain, hold my head and ease my pain
In a world that's gone insane

Back row to the left, a little to the side
Slightly out of the place
Look beyond the light, where you'd least expect
There's someone special...

A/N: Like it? Hate it? Review!