Sorry for long update. It is a little later than usual. Enjoy.

Chapter 14

Draco POV

I woke up at the sound of that irritating alarm clock. I dragged myself up and ran to the bathroom to take a quick shower. Cleaning myself up thoroughly, and donning on my robes, I headed for the great hall. I strutted slowly in towards the Slytherin table and helped myself to some cereal. I glanced over to the other side. Granger was there, reading a book, absorbed in her reading. After chomping on some toast in an unladylike manner, she let out a giggle that made me cringe.

I got up and headed for Transfiguration, the same class the Granger girl was also going to.

Hermione POV

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Draco cringe and quickly walked out the Great Hall. Waiting for a minute or two, I tucked my book into my bag and followed him. I found him waiting outside the Transfiguration classroom, reading a book. I was about to walk into the classroom when his arm shot out, blocking my way. "Hey, Granger," Draco used a very snide voice, "I need to talk to you."

I was taken surprise. He wanted to talk to me. Why? I glanced at him curiously and then he burst into laughter.

Draco POV

That was so funny! Granger actually thought I wanted to talk her. Wow! I chortled. That hopeful look in her eyes… ah…that was so fun to crush. I looked down at Granger again and saw her glaring at me.

Hermione POV

That was not funny! I mentally hit myself in the head. This is Draco you are talking about. Why are you getting your hopes? Stupid…stupid…why do those words make me feel so good?

I glared at him as he chortled. "Wow, Granger, I didn't know you were so gullible."

"Oh, do I?" I grinned at him.

Draco POV

That spark in her eye made me nervous! She couldn't be doing that thing again, right? My eyes flicked towards my left arm, nervous. I looked up and saw her eyes on it. She smirked and turned away. I panicked. She couldn't have found about the you-know-what… Then McGonagall opened the door and in an unusually kind voice said to Granger: "How are you, Miss Granger? Why don't you come in?" Then she turned down toward me and said in a sharp voice: "Come on in, Mr. Malfoy." The Granger girl smirked at me and walked gracefully into the classroom. I followed her in.

Hermione POV

I sat in my seat, my head stuck in a book. I looked like I was reading, but in truth, I was laughing over my triumph over Draco. Then I scrunched my eyebrow. I might have been a bit Slytherin-like…I hope he didn't notice. I noticed the students pour in. I gave a last glance at Draco and turned away.

Draco POV

I was thinking about how Granger acted. It is really strange. How does she do that? The girl glanced at me and turned away. I sat there, thinking. "Hello, Drakie-poo." Pansy's annoying voice brought me back. I glared at her and looked at McGonagall. The teacher began to speak.

Hermione POV

After classes, I walked away. Harry and Ron glanced at me. I focused my eyes on the Half-blood prince book and turned my face. I ran off, hoping they got the message.

Harry POV

Hermione is still mad at me for using the book for "cheating", at least that is what she thinks. She turned away. "She is probably flouncing her way to the library. Typical." Ron managed a smug look. I glanced at Hermione's retreating figure and wondered. Where is she actually going?

Hermione POV

I found my place in the library. Glancing around, I sneaked into the sections about Hogwarts grounds. I found the book about hidden passageways. Taking the book and a few other books for homework, I headed towards the table. Looking around once again, I tucked the passageway book into my bag and started on my homework.

A few minutes later…

The homework was so easy. Too easy at the most! After returning the books to the shelves, I strutted out of the library, grinning in spite of myself. If I had stayed a second longer, I would have noticed a shadow dart into the Hogwarts sections.

Draco POV

Whew…that was close. I peered from behind the bookshelves as Granger strutted away. After I saw her fade in the distance, I carefully inched my way to the bookshelf that Granger had returned books too. I remember her getting 5-6 books. I counted. Hmm…there are only four books that are still there…which one did she take? I peered at each of the holes and it hit me. The one that was missing was the hidden passageway book. But why would she need a passageway book? She is a goody-two shoe, though. Maybe that is for Potty and Weasel. I will watch them carefully. I walked out, smirking.

Hermione POV

In the girl's dormitory, I opened the book that I snitched from the library. My hand traced all the passageways until I found the one that led to a small clearing in the Forbidden Forest. Perfect… I read the text hungrily, sucking the information in. I'll use it on Saturday…it wouldn't be a problem…

Tucking the book in my bag, I walked down to the common room, sitting in a chair, holding my potions book up to read. Calling a house elf to deliver me food, I ate quickly. Erasing the content, I resumed my reading. I looked up when the two friends came in, talking about the Half-blood prince book.

Ron, who came up to me, said: "Don't you think the book is awesome. Harry is so cool!"

I sent him a glare. Harry opened his mouth to speak; "Uh…Ron…"

"Hey, Harry, tell Hermione the book is awesome!" Ron interrupted Harry.

"It is not!" I blurted out before I could think.

"Come on, you're just jealous because Harry is better."

"Am not…"

"Yeah, you are. Admit it, 'Mione."

"So? Well, I don't care. I will do it the right way instead of the one with all those graffiti markings over it. Okay?" I all but shouted at them. I stormed out the common room, the potions book tucked under my hand.

In the dorm, I plopped on the bed. I went to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed. While I brushed my hair, I sang a song that came from the bottom of my heart.

Nanairo no

Kaze ni fukarete

Tooi misaki wo mezashitete

Yoake mae

Kikoeta

Merodi

Sore wa toteme

Natsukashi uta

Higashi no sora

E to habataku

Toritachi

Saa takarajima

Ni nukera

Chikamichi

Nanatsu no

Ami no rakuen

Arashi no yoru

No ato ni wa

Ai wo

Tsutaerutame

Inochi ga mata

Umareru

Nanastu no

Kuni no

Merodia

Daremo ha

Itsuka wa koko

Wo tabidatsu hi

Ga kitemo

Watashi wa

Wasurenai

She smiled and fell on the bed, asleep.

Draco POV

I heard the song. It was so beautiful and sad. Taura, is that you? I fell on the bed and thought no more.

Like the song? It is Legend of the Mermaid