A/N: hello lovelies! Firstly, I think it's pretty clear to see that I write my AN's before writing the actual chapter. Second, school's starting again which I absolutely detest so I apologize in advance for late updates. Enjoy.

Chapter 18

Ever since Harry's 'confession' about hearing voices, Hermione decided to look into it. She searched the library for any helpful books on hearing voices, even thinking about looking through the Restricted Section. As Ron had said, hearing voices was never a good sign. Hermione would sometimes get distracted by another book but always remembered that Harry could be in danger. About three hours had passed but Hermione still could not find anything, not even a sentence about hearing voices. She had many books stacked in front her, beside her, almost acting as a barricade. She yawned and continued flipping through pages, quickly scanning the words and her eyelids heavy. I'll just rest for a little bit, the witch thought. She buried her head in her arms and shut her sleepy eyes.

"Mione? Hermione Granger?" Someone was asking, tapping Hermione's shoulder lightly. Hermione slowly opened her eyes and saw a tall redhead crouching down to be at eye level with her.

"George?" She asked groggily. The redhead chuckled and shook his head.

"It's Fred actually," the twin replied, grinning at her. Hermione sat up straight and rubbed the remaining sleep away from her eyes and squinting them to get a better look.

"Oh, sorry. If I weren't so tired I would've been able to recognize you as Fred," Hermione apologized with a small smile, running a hand through the side of her hair.

"No worries," Fred waved it off. He looked around her and took in the piles of books surrounding her. "These books must've worn you out," he said and Hermione nodded. Then Fred gasped. "Did you read these all? You didn't. Did you?"

"Mmm, sort of," Hermione shrugged. She inwardly giggled at Fred's shocked expression.

"Merlin Hermione, your poor brain! Oh no, it's been invaded by all those words!" Fred joked, cupping Hermione's cheeks. Hermione giggled and blushed. The tips of Fred's ears went red as he removed his hands. "Are you sure you weren't able to recognize me as Fred because you're sleepy, or is it because all that information shoved your twin-telling knowledge away?" He joked again.

Hermione laughed but quickly covered her mouth before Madame Pince could hear. Fred grinned and helped Hermione up. "We should get to dinner," he suggested.

"What about the books?" Hermione asked, pushing her chair in.

"Don't worry about them. You should probably eat now so you could sleep sooner," Fred said kindly.

"I suppose you're right," Hermione answered. The two headed out together, both talking about various topics. Arriving at the Great Hall, Hermione easily spotted Ginny and George who were waggling their brows at them. Hermione blushed as Fred chuckled, both of them taking their seats.

"I found the sleeping bookworm," Fred joked. Ginny raised her brows at Hermione and caused her to blush again. Ginny giggled and they all conversed. Hermione's mind was temporarily taken off her best friend's problem thanks to her other friends' company.

After dinner, Hermione was about to head back up to the Common Room, but remembered Harry and Ron. Ignoring her sleepiness, Hermione went in search for the two boys. She easily found them in the corridor leading to the Gryffindor Tower.

"Hey Hermione," they both mumbled.

"Hello boys," Hermione greeted back. "How are you?"

"Tired of course," Ron answered with Harry nodding in silent agreement.

"Are you still hearing voices?" Hermione asked Harry, who nodded again. "I've been doing research and I just couldn't find anything, I'm so sorry," she explained sincerely.

"Not even a word?" Harry and Ron asked simultaneously. Hermione shook her head, 'No,' in response. "Don't be sorry Hermione, at least you tried," Harry said. "Thank you."

The three finally returned to the Common Room and to their respective dorms. Hermione fell asleep with the sleep she needed. Ron fell asleep with a stomach not as full as he liked. Harry fell asleep with his worries like a weight on his chest.

A/N: I am so sorry for the very late update! I had messed up this chapter and I didn't know how to fix it, along with school and homework. I might mix up events in CoS because I don't remember this one by heart. This chapter is random, I apologize. I will try to update as much as I can! Again, I'm so sorry for updating late. Be safe!

xx