A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

The first day came and went without incident. Draco's lesson plans for the first years was quickly approved and Allie seemed to be happy with him. Draco had forgotten about the whole oddness of things by the time the first week ended.

"You've survived your first week, Draco," Neville stated, as he ran into Draco in the hallway.

"I did, Hermione seems to be doing well at home. She's made a few new strides in her causes. I'm glad I'm able to help her by being here, but I wish I could be at her side too."

"That part gets easier. Hannah used to work at the Cauldron and I only saw her on Holidays," Neville replied as the pair entered the Great Hall. The students were watching them, but Draco didn't care. This year's crop seemed intelligent enough, although there were no stand outs, not like there had been his first year. He smiled thinking about the first time he met Hermione, how she'd nearly told Snape off. Those had been good times.

"Thinking about when you were a student?" Neville asked.

"Hermione actually," Draco admitted, taking in his seat. He noticed Allie wasn't at lunch. He tried to remember if he had been supposed to meet her somewhere, but his mind came up blank.

"Hi, Neville, Draco," Hannah called from the end of the row of seats. She often ate lunch here with rest of the staff, even if Madame Pomfrey did not.

"Hi, Hannah. How are things going in the infirmary? It should be quiet, being the first week, right?" Draco asked. Hannah laughed.

"No, the opposite actually. Three students tried to fly without waiting for lessons. Two got hurt on the moving stairs. One girl, so surprised she can do magic, tried to fix her pimples."

Draco laughed. He remembered there had been a girl at school with them that had done the same.

"Still got her nose then?" he asked.

"Yes, and the funny part is, she's Eloise's cousin... these kids are going to keep me and Madame Pomfrey busy for the whole term."

"Just wait until Quidditch starts," Draco commented. Hannah wrinkled her nose and shook her head. Neville laughed.

"At least we don't have a giant snake and you know who," he said, putting his hand on Hannah's.

"True," Draco said, watching as Allie walked in the Great Hall and took her seat next to Draco. There was something off about her, a scent maybe? Draco started trying to rack his brain to figure it out when lunch was served and he lost whatever he'd been trying to figure out. He made a note to write Hermione that evening. He was sure she'd tell him he was just being paranoid, but something felt off and that feeling was getting stronger the longer he was working with Allie Chase.

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Dear Hermione,

I know this is going to sound odd, but something doesn't feel right here. I'm sure it's nothing but my own imagination. I know you said you've never met anyone with that name, but could you do me a favor of looking into her. I know I'm not making sense, and I don't want to worry you if this turns out to be nothing.

I love you so much Hermione and I miss you every minute of every day. I hope that you're doing alright. You mentioned in your last letter about a bloke named Euros working to undermine your attempts on the werewolf reform. Remind him that he used to owe my father several favors. That certainly will make him back off a bit.

I'll hopefully see you come the holidays,

as always, I love you, Hermione

love your husband,

Draco.

Draco smiled signing his name to the parchment. He was still smiling as he crossed the ground to the owlery, not noticing the dark shadow following him.