Ron was still pacing the common room when Hermione got to the bottom. She was beyond furious. Ron had yet to say thank you to her, or even explain himself to Hermione since that night. Hermione had become Ron's messenger pigeon since Lavender was still on bed rest in the girl's dormitory. Hermione had been woken up early in the morning by a concerned Pavarti. Pavarti loved gossip so Hermione gasped and looked horrified in all the right places as she told her about Ron and lavenders' secret lovecapades. She then told her about what happened and what Madam Pompfrey had to say about it. The rumor around the school was akin to when the basilisk had started attacking. Everyone was beyond worried and the teachers whispered of dark magic. Diligently though she had gone with Harry to the hospital wing to visit Ron and lavender who were just as sickly a site as they were that night in the corridor. Ron sheepishly told Harry and Hermione about lavender. Harry laughed and congratulated the two, commenting on how it all made sense now. Hermione gave a faint smile and sat on the edge of the bed. Quietly. On more than one occasion of 'helping' lavender Hermione had to listen to her bather on about how sorry she was and that she didn't mean for it to happen and that she knew Hermione always liked Ron, to which Hermione put a stop to immediately. Lavender seemed to find this the best news in the world, and from that point on decided the Hermione was the best person to tell everything too because she was Ron's best friend. On numerous occasions Hermione had to stop herself from killing the Hoe then and there as her rage engulfed her.
Harry soon came down the stairs, already feeling the tension between his two best friends. Harry had been waiting for the explosion between the two that did not seem likely to come soon enough. Hermione had become even more distant and reserved while Ron continued to be his own daft self, sputtering on about "lav lav" all too often. Harry decided to talk to Ron about it tonight. At least he could see how much it hurt Hermione to hear about it. "Hey Hermione." He said to her. Hermione looked at him and whispered back a quick hello. "So, this is all sort of crazy huh? I never would have thought Ron beat US to the punch." He tried his dry humor on her. It didn't work. "Hermione, were you planning on going to Hogsmeade today? I know Ron is going to wait for Lavender and take her out for an hour or two, but I thought maybe just me and you could go? Maybe we could talk about what happened to Lavender. Remember what Dumbledore told Ron and I?" He looked around the common room, making sure no one could hear, "I bet this is another one of those attacks!" He looked pleased with his cunning when Hermione finally looked at him. She had been wrestling with herself all week about today. Valentine 's Day. The day she was suppose to help Draco. Hermione put on her best smile, "Harry go and enjoy yourself. I think I'm going to stick around here for a while. See if Madam Pompfrey needs some help." Harry glared at her. No matter how much Ron and he grilled her about this she keep up the lie about the internship. Even more frustrating was that madam Pompfrey did as well. He and Ron knew it was a lie. Dumbledore told them! However Hermione would not tell them what was really going on. Harry only wished he could help her deal with the temporary loss of her parents. He knew how worried she must really be. "Alright Hermione," he said, defeated "But I'll be in Honeydukes if you change your mind. I want to get Lavender some sweets and Ron and I are almost out-" at this Hermione threw up her hands in exasperation and stormed out of the portrait hole. Snarling about how everything has turned into "Lavender this and that." Harry stood shock still as Ron came over, "What was that about mate?" he asked. Harry shook his head, "I don't think she likes Lavender Ron." Ron looked hurt. Before he could protest Harry told Ron about Hermione, and how he thinks she feels. Instead of Ron reacting how he thought he would, Ron fumed with rage. "How dare she! How dare she! She has no right Harry! If she had wanted me then she's had 6 years to ask! She only wants this because someone else saw how cool I really am and now she regrets not asking. Well to bad for HER! Stupid git!" With that Ron stormed out of the portrait hole as well. Harry sat down in an arm chair, completely drained. "This is just great." He sighed.
Hermione's tears blinded her has she sprinted for the room of requirement. She didn't know why it hurt so much. Ron was a stupid git anyways. He hadn't noticed her in 6 years, why would this year be any different. She quickly paced the hallway and waiting for the door to appear and hurled herself inside. She smashed into Draco Malfoy and fell to the ground. "Oye! Don't you walk with your eyes OPEN Granger!" He screamed as they disentangled. Hermione pulled her knees under her chin and continued to weep. Draco looked stunned, opening and closing his mouth, trying to find something to say. Finally he sat next to her. "What is it Granger? Are your teeth to big again? You sprouting fur everywhere?" Draco grinned at his compassion toward her. See, he DID pay attention. Hermione swallowed before answering. "It's that stupid stupid boy! How could he choose lavender! What does he see in her?" Hermione wiped the tear from her eye and slumped over her knees, looking defeated. Draco was not the best at this, but if he was going to use Hermione Granger to his benefit, now was the time to get in. He slowly, carefully reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. He looked at her then. She didn't seem to be fairing any better than the last time he saw her in his parent's dungeon. She really was pretty and her confidence and skills with a wand were downright sexy. Hermione had barely flinched at his touch so he moved a little closer. Their arms brushed and he felt a slight stir inside of him. "So what's so great about the Weasel king anyway? He's a blood traitor and so is that Lavender Brown. Are you ready to start getting what you want Granger? Aren't you sick of someone else always getting the spoils? I've got a plan already in motion, but I need your help to finish it. Are you still ready to change the world with me?" Draco turned those magnificent eyes to her and she felt that familiar feeling within her, pulling her toward him. She was ready. "Alright" she started, and then had a sudden idea, "But first you have to help me." Draco nodded his consent. "Why did you get me out of your parent's house that day. You knew what they would do to you, didn't you? Why risk it all for a Mudblood like me?" Draco had not expected this. Nor could he really explain to her the furry he had felt when he saw Worm tail dragging her through his front door; Unconscious, bloody and bruised. A pit of rage had imbedded itself in him that day and he swore he'd get her out. Here it was, the truth that was going to win him Granger and an all access pass to Potter. "The truth Granger?" He looked at her and she nodded, slowly. Her eyes were wide with anticipation. "I like you. When I saw what they had done to you—and what they were still planning to do to you…I couldn't just stand by and watch; In my own home Hermione. In my own home! I paid dearly that day, but not anything close to what they gave you." Hermione's mouth was open now. That was the last thing she had expected, but she remembered that day like it was yesterday. His touch—his tone. It was so gentle, so southing. She just couldn't believe after all these years of torture that was what was behind it all. He liked her. "How long Draco?" He gave her a sad look before answering, "Almost 3 years, Ever since you had the guts to punch me." Hermione's head spun with this news. "Okay Draco, Lets get this show on the road." Hermione stood back up, smoothing out her skirt. Draco grinned. Like taking candy from a muggle.
Harry shouldered his way through the crowd and caught Ron gingerly helping Lavender sit in a booth. He waived to them and Ron motioned him over. "Hiya Lavender!" he said cheerfully, setting down his butterbeer and packages from Honeydukes. "How are you feeling?" Lavender looked up at being addressed, "Oh, hey Harry. I'm doing good, still very weak but madam Pompfrey said fresh air would do me some good." She smiled as she watched Ron returning with a few drinks. He gave her a kiss on the head and sat down next to her. Harry took the seat opposite them. "Thank you my little Won-Won" She smiled, grabbing a cup. Ron turned red as he watched Harry try not to laugh. They joked a bit back and forth, enjoying the Saturday. "Hey Harry look!" Ron pointed to the door where a very ragged looking Hermione was shoving her way to the bar. "Oye! Hermione! Over here!" Ron bellowed. Hermione looked over and motioned she'd be right there. Lavender made a face as she sipped her drink that was not lost by Harry. Hermione bustled over and sat next to Harry. She made all the niceties of conversation with Ron and lavender, then with Harry. They started to talk about their DADA groups and the ridiculous assignment when Hermione excused herself to go to the bathroom.
She carefully closed the door and went into a stall. Her breathing quickened as she carefully undid a package. It weighed heavy in her hands. She stood still and waited, luckily it was busy and within moments someone else came into the bathroom. Katie Bell and her friend Marina came crashing inn, gabbing loudly about Fred Weasley. Hermione took a deep breath and pointed her wand at Katie. "Imperio" she said softly. She felt the familiar tingle that ran up her arm as she took control of Katie Bell. While her friend was busy Hermione directed her into the stall next to her and slid her the package to give to Dumbledore. She impressed into Katie to get it to Dumbledore, say it was a box of candy from Rosemary. She listened closely as Katie left the stall. "Katie what is that?" she heard Marina ask. "It's nothing Marina," Replied Katie. "Let's get going, I want to give this to Dumbledore before he goes to bed." Marina hesitated and asked Katie about the package again as they exited.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and left the bathroom, heading back for her table. "Alright guys, I need to go get some sleep before doing all the homework tomorrow. You guys staying or going?" Hermione grabbed her jacket and drained the last of her butterbeer. Harry, Ron and Lavender also agreed to get going. They bundled up and headed out as a group. In front of them they saw Katie and Marina arguing. Hermione's heart sank. "Guys look," Harry started but before he could finish Katie screamed. At once the four of them dashed up the road to the girls. Katie rose in the air on her own accord and continued to scream. It was the worst noise they had ever heard. Finally she stopped and fell to the ground in a heap. Marina sobbed next to the package Hermione had slipped Katie. "Marina, what happened?" Hermione asked, seemingly concerned. "She—She has been acting strange since we left the three broomsticks," She sobbed, shaking hysterically. "She—she got that package somewhere and I told her to leave it—but-but she said—she said she had to give it to someone! I tried to take it from her-and-and-and" Marina couldn't continue after that. Harry went to grab the package to inspect it. "Harry NO!" Hermione shouted without thinking, "You don't know what it is!" Harry nodded and took off his scarf, carefully wrapping the entire package in it before picking it up. A few more students had gathered around and Hagrid came bounding up the path. "Ok now—let me see her!" He pushed past Ron and Lavender. "Hagrid, I think she touched this." Harry said, showing Hagrid the parcel. Hagrid nodded deftly, scooped up Katie and looked at the students. "Get back to yer dorms right away. Marina, Harry, Ron, Hermione, lavender, meet me in Professor Dumbledore's' office." With that Hagrid sprinted back to the castle with Katie bell between his massive arms. Hermione and the others looked and each other fearfully and had no choice but to follow silently after Hagrid's massive shape. Hermione felt good inside. She swelled with pride as her voice praised her once more. "That's it my pet. Now it begins. We will have our victory!"