Thank you guys for reading, I really am glad most of you enjoy it. I know the chapters are a bit short at the moment, but I have a killer migraine. I hope you can understand. When it goes away, I'll be able to post longer and more. Reviews are appreciated :D

Harry's sparkled intensely, like polished emeralds. The look in them was beginning to frighten Hermione. She went back in her mind she was talking to Draco about their relationship, and he brought Harry up.

-"You honestly think that Weasel is the ONLY one that has a thing for you? Potter practically
worships the ground you walk on, Granger."

"Harry has Ginny, Draco. He doesn't like me in that way."

"Being in a relationship hasn't a thing to do with it, Granger."

"You're mad, Draco."

"We'll see." –

She felt a sick, sinking sensation in her stomach. Harry was simply looking at her, but his expression conveyed more than words could explain.

"Hermione, you know I really care about you."

"Oh, Merlin. Malfoy was right." She thought miserably.

"Yes, Harry, we're best friends." She swallowed the strange feeling in her throat.

Harry sighed.

"Yeah, we're best friends. I just needed to ask you something." He stated in a strained voice.

"Go ahead."

He took a breath.

"Hermione, I know that you and Malfoy have been stuck together on a case together, and I can see you're becoming friends. I can see how he looks at you sometimes. Hermione, I think he's going to wind up hurting you somehow. You can't trust him. You're defending him an awful lot lately, and it's concerning. I don't want you to be sucked up by an charm that snake may have." He said the last sentence with rage.

Hermione was somewhat relieved. At least it hadn't been a confession of love, even though it seemed like it was going to be. Harry looked like he hadn't said all he had wanted, though.
The relief melted away when she realized that Harry DID see how Hermione and Malfoy were acting, lately.

"Why would you think he would want ME, Harry? I'm a mudblood, remember?" She shuddered as she said the cursed word.

He looked confused, battling between the two theories.

"I'm not stupid, Hermione, I see!"

"Harry, you're being ridiculous. This is the pureblood prat FERRET that we're talking about!"

He didn't look quite convinced. Hermione groaned.

"Harry, you don't have to worry about that. Even if those WERE his intentions, then it wouldn't be your business."

That was the wrong thing to say. Harry's face grew contorted with anger and hurt.

"He was a DEATH EATER! You know how he treats girls? Do you know how many times he's called you a mudblood?"

"HE ISN'T LIKE THAT, ANYMORE! And it wouldn't MATTER, because those AREN'T his intentions! He doesn't even like me, I'm A MUDBLOOD!" Hermione shouted.

It seemed useless at this point to be outside. The whole house could probably hear their conversation. Harry realized this, then toned it down. The look on Hermione's face seemed to be honest, so he backed up.

"You're right, I'm being too rash." He whispered.

"It definitely wouldn't be the FIRST time." She said, half-teasing, half-annoyed.

"I just wanted to check up on you. Like I said… I don't like the way he looks at you." He spat in disgust.

"Harry, it's MALFOY. The only looks he gives me are of disgust and contempt. You have nothing to worry about."

She was relieved she'd managed to semi-convince Harry, but she doubted he'd let the subject drop completely.

"We should probably go back inside – they're going to miss us." Hermione smiled.

"I'm not going back. I'm going to go home. It's been a long day." Harry said plainly.

"What? You should at least tell Ginny goodbye." Hermione complained.

"Eh - I don't think so."

"Harry James Potter, march yourself in there RIGHT NOW." Hermione pointed to the burrow.

He was taken aback, but he followed her orders and walked to the burrow. She followed, grateful that their talk was over. If he'd asked a few more questions, he would have figured it all out. The room was quiet when they got back in, and Ginny was looking at Harry curiously. Hermione took her seat next to her, and began to eat the cold food on her plate.
Harry appeared behind Ginny and kissed her swiftly on the head.

"Bye. Congratulations, Ron." He said quickly, then hurried outside.

The unmistakable crack of the disapparation filled the air a moment later. Ginny looked up at Hermione.

"What was that all about? He left so quickly."

Hermione gave her a look as to say, "I'll tell you later."

Ginny nodded, concentrating on one of Hermione's cookies.

"Hermione, did Harry get a bad case of Salivicus Gnombus? It's possible since you were out in the garden. Gnomes are about at this hour." Luna said wisely, looking from across the table.

Ron was clearly trying to repress a snort, but failed, so he turned it into a cough. Hermione
glared at him, then turned to Luna.

"No, he just had a bit of a long day, I guess. Stress from work…"

Luna looked slightly crestfallen, but started up a conversation with Ron on Gnome saliva's beneficial characteristics.

"What happened?" Ginny whispered.

"He doesn't like Malfoy. He's being childish." Hermione whispered back, rolling her eyes.

Ginny raised her eyebrow.

"Why does he care? It's your life."

"I know. It's just a grudge he has against him. He still sees him as a childish Death Eater."

Ginny shook her head.

"Even Neville could see that Malfoy's different."

Hermione nodded.

"Have you heard from Neville, recently?" She asked in a regular voice.

"Yes, I have. He's still teaching at Hogwarts since Professor Sprout retired." Ginny smiled.

"That boy and his plants…" Hermione trailed off.

"Well, it's something he's good at, so why not?" Ginny grinned.

Hermione laughed.

"Anything on how Hogwarts is doing?"

"He said McGonagall is one of the best headmistresses Hogwarts had ever seen – but that isn't surprising. She's strict, that woman."

"I liked her, too." Luna called.

"She gave me a hard time." Ron commented.

"And for good reason, Mr. Weasley." McGonagall said from behind Hermione.

Ron's ears pinked up, slowly draining into his face.

"You were quite the nuisance, weren't you?"

To everyone's surprise, she grinned widely at them all.

"Congratulations, though. I always thought you were a bit of a sloppy player, myself. You got the job done, nonetheless."

She put a hand on Hermione's shoulder and remained smiling.

"Er, thanks?" Ron said.

"Miss Granger, I was wondering If I could ask you a favor? Alone."

Hermione smiled at her.

"Certainly, professor."

She stood up.

"We could go to the sitting room."

McGonagall nodded curtly, then followed Hermione.