"Sirius!" Hermione felt the joy surge through her as she looked at the tall, proud figure standing just behind the veil in the Department of Mysteries. "You're here! Just come to me!" She beckoned furiously. "Harry needs you, he's breaking down – just walk through the veil, come towards me!"

Unfazed, Sirius shook his head, his dark eyes staring at Hermione, unblinking. He appeared to be trying to speak, but no sound travelled across into the realm of the living. Hermione saw another figure enter her vision; Remus Lupin walked out beside Sirius and called to someone outside of the doorway-sized veil. Tonks came out to join her husband, placing her head on his shoulder, her arms frozen in a shape that would hold a small child, if the child existed in the afterlife.

"Teddy's safe," Hermione said to Tonks, her eyes pleading. "He's ok here, with us."

The previously-effervescent witch just shook her head and formed more soundless words, her mouse-brown hair hanging limp in her eyes. Mad-Eyed Moody stumped into the frame, standing behind Sirius and scowling at Hermione, his eyes flinty, arms crossed. Behind Moody came Dumbledore, whose eyes no longer twinkled, and he went to stand beside Lupin. Then came Dobby, and Snape, and Fred, and Colin, and Cedric, and hundreds of faces that Hermione did not recognize, but whose presence still haunted her from behind the veil.

As more and more figures appeared, Hermione cried out, "No! It wasn't my fault, please! Please!"

But they didn't seem to hear her. When the frame was filled beyond all possibility, a whisper of sound finally crossed over from the afterlife; "It should have been you who lost your lifffe," the dead hissed at her. "Join usssss…."

"Hermione! Hermione, wake up!"

Jerking upright, Hermione screamed as her head connected with something solid.

"Ouch! Merlin, witch! That hurt!"

"Harry?" Hermione said tentatively, her voice hoarse.

"Yes, Hermione, it's Harry." Luna's soft voice filled the room. "You were screaming and shouting, but I couldn't wake you so I went to get Harry. I figured that he'd know what to do."

"Lumos." A light from Harry's wand filled the room, and Hermione winced as she saw a red lump forming on her friend's forehead.

"Sorry," she said apologetically, tapping the bump with her wand and smiling as it receded. Embarrassed, Hermione toyed with her sheet and asked "What was I saying?"

"You were just screaming, mostly," Luna said bluntly. "There were some names thrown out there – Tonks, Sirius, and Dumbledore I think? I'm not too certain – but at the end your voice faded to a whisper. Did you hear what she said Harry."

"No," the wizard said slowly, telling Hermione with his eyes that he had heard her, but that he knew that she wouldn't want Luna to know. "I didn't."

"Really, it's ridiculously that this tower won't allow silencing charms," Luna said stubbornly, tapping the stone beside her with her wand. "I mean, all my charms to ward away Knargles seem to stick, but the silencing ones just slide off!"

"The tower is encouraging unity," Hermione rasped, her hand on her throat. "It thinks that by putting up silencing charms we divide ourselves."

Luna rolled her eyes. "That's ridiculous. I'll have to talk to Flitwick about that."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. "What the hell?" Harry shouted, checking his watch. "I'll get it 'Mione, you stay put."

When Harry opened the door, he glanced back quickly at Hermione and then stepped outside. "Hmm," Luna said dreamily. "I wonder who it could be at this hour."

"Probably just Dean or Seamus," Hermione whispered, massaging her temples. "They must be wondering what all the racket is about."

"I'll put on some tea, 'Mione – that should help your throat."

As Luna padded off into the mini-kitchen that existed just off the washroom, Harry walked back into the room, a troubled look on his face. "Who was it?" Hermione rasped, coughing.

Harry looked concerned as he met Hermione's insistent gaze. "Promise you won't freak out?" he asked, smiling when Hermione nodded curiously. "It was Draco Malfoy."

Hermione gasped, but this sent her into another pain-riddled coughing fit. "What did he want?" she asked hoarsely.

"He wanted to know if you were ok," Harry said softly. "He asked me if you were having nightmares, and then suggested that I should get you tea with lemon and then put you under a Timed Sleeping Charm."

Hermione tilted her head as if to ask, What kind of charm is that?

"It's like muggle Chloroform; it sends you into a dreamless sleep almost immediately. But, since it's magic, I can set a timer on it, like an alarm so that you wake up at seven, or whatever."

Why haven't I heard of this before?! It's bloody brilliant, I'd use it all the time!

"You can't cast it on yourself though, and you can't use it more than a dozen times; otherwise you go into a coma."

….ah. That's why I haven't heard of it before.

Harry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't like this idea much, but after you have your tea I'll cast the spell, just for tonight, ok? I know that you'll run yourself into the ground if you don't get some sleep tonight."

Grateful, Hermione placed her hand over Harry's. "Thank you," she mouthed, reminding herself of the silent figures in her nightmare. She shuddered, happy when Luna returned with the tea.

Hermione listened as Harry and Luna had a quiet conversation about the Hogsmead trip in two days' time, and whether or not as eighteen-year-olds they'd still need permission forms. After she finished her tea, Hermione snuggled down under the covers and winked at Harry, who began the complex incantation to send her to sleep. Just before she drifted off, she felt Harry place a light kiss on her forehead. "G'night 'Mione. Sleep well."

Hah. Not likely.

Several hours later, Hermione awoke very suddenly. It felt as if no time at all had passed, yet light was streaming in through her window and Luna's bed was empty. That charm is really wicked, she thought, springing out of bed. It works even better than firewhisky!

When she emerged from her room, dressed and ready to face the day, Hermione noticed that the owl she'd sent off a few days ago was hovering outside the window. "Oh my gosh, Léon!" she cried, rushing towards the section of the window where owls and Draco's raven slipped through the glass. "How long have you been waiting?"

The owl gave a dignified hoot before landing on Hermione's arm and presenting her with a letter sealed with purple wax, stamped with a large sparkling gold "W". "I see that George has replied," Hermione said, scratching Léon under his chin. Cooing appreciatively, the owl nuzzled under Hermione's neck as she unrolled the letter.

Dearest Hermione,

Angelina and I are fine! We've got big news though, be sure to come to dinner sometime in the next month. (Being the clever witch you are, though, I'm sure that you'll guess our surprise news long before then.) Thanks for the birthday present, by the way – I've used the season tickets for every single Chudley game, and they're actually second-last in the season right now! GO CANNONS! Angelina even comes too, even though she thinks that her team is far more talented and much more likely to win. She can be quite the grump when it comes to her Harpies – although I guess when you're team captain you're allowed to be a bit touchy.

I looked into the letters you asked about, and they actually are a Wheezes product! It never really made it past testing, due to the possibility for graffiti and vandalism, but we had intended for it to be used on blackboards and such. It's called "Friendly Paint" – if any pesky kid tries to erase your lesson, they won't be able to. However, if the teacher just nicely asks the paint to come off, it should collect into a nice little bucket underneath the board.

So, just ask nicely for the paint to come off, and it should listen to you. If not, feel free to firecall, send me a letter, or – Merlin forbid –actually come and visit me some time.

Enjoy your term and Hogwarts, and please tell the first-years to be subtle with the Skiving Snackboxes?

Much Love,

George

Hermione grinned. Angelina and George are engaged! she thought happily, tucking the letter into her book bag and letting Léon go out the window. That is so sweet! I wonder when the wedding is…

As Hermione was watching Léon fly away, she heard a click behind her, followed by heavy footfalls. Turning slightly, she caught a glimpse of blonde hair and pale skin disappearing from the common room. Ever since her confrontation with Draco, the Slytherin had attended all of his classes, scurrying off and disappearing the moment the bell rang. He hadn't come down for any meals, but he had been civil to his year-mates when they attempted to talk to him. Hermione hadn't approached him yet, too afraid that she would destroy whatever fragile arrangement he'd created with himself.

Breakfast and Hermione's first classes passed by in a blur, tensions still running high between the students all these days later. The TA announcement had been made on Monday; it was now Friday, and everyone had submitted their applications. Everything was in the professors' hands now, and all the students could do was wait anxiously. McGonagall had promised that the assignments would be handed out on Monday, however, so it wasn't too long of a wait….plus the eighth-years all got Friday afternoon off, so everyone would get a chance to cool their heads.

During lunch, Harry actually sat with his year-mates for a change. "Pried yourself away from Ginny then, mate?" Seamus said, elbowing a blushing Harry. "Decided you need some time with your friends?"

"She has class," Harry mumbled, stuffing part of an orange into his mouth to avoid further conversation.

"Mind if I sit here?" a deep, smooth voice said, and the entire table went silent as Draco Malfoy walked up beside Hannah.

"Oh, um, sure Draco!" she said, blushing and lifting her book bag off the empty seat.

Nodding gratefully, Draco sat down and helped himself to a sandwich. The entire table seemed to just stare at the blonde, as if they were waiting for him to go up in flames or start screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Hey, since we all have the afternoon off, why don't we head down to the lake?" Lavender suggested, breaking the silence. "We could all use the time together, and it'd be fun to get out of the castle."

Neville looked to either side and shrugged before saying "I'm game! Just let me get out of these bloody school robes."

"Here, here!" Justin said, rolling up his too-long sleeves. "How about we all get changed and then meet down by the pier?"

Everyone nodded and slowly drifted upstairs to change. Looking outside at the unnaturally warm September day, Hermione decided that she was going to use this opportunity as one last chance to sunbathe. She dashed into her room and quickly threw on her red bikini, followed by a too-big button-up shirt and a pair of jean shorts. Lastly, she grabbed her aviators. "You look stunning, Hermione!" Luna said, sauntering into the common room wearing a yellow sundress and a ridiculously large hat.

"Thanks Luna! I love your outfit, the hat is very…unique."

"Oh, I just love it!" she gushed, twirling flamboyantly. "Rolf sent it to me from Spain."

The two girls linked arms and walked all the way through the castle and towards the dark Scottish lake. Most of their year-mates were already there, and Dean and Seamus were busy trying to lure the giant squid to the surface using bits of bacon. "Here, squiddy-squiddy!" Seamus called, smacking the water. "Come and get your lovely bacon!"

"Do squids even eat bacon?" Susan said disdainfully, lying atop a rock wearing sunglasses and a dark bathing suit that showed off her impressive muscles. She'd finally taken off her boots, Hermione noticed.

Seamus put his hands on his hips. "I don't know! We'll find out, won't we?"

"I think the squid would rather have seafood, don't you?" Lavender said, looking up from her magazine temporarily to glare at the two idiots. "I mean, don't giant squid eat fish?"

"Actually, I think they're vegetarians," Neville supplied, sitting in the top of a small-ish tree above Susan. "There's this type of seaweed called 'Squid-weed', and I believe it's their main diet."

Dean sighed. "So, the bacon won't work?"

"I doubt it," Neville answered honestly, jumping out of the tree.

"Well then, more for me!" Seamus cried, shoving a piece of bacon into his mouth.

"Really?!" Hermione said, disgusted as she sat down in the sand close to the water. "We just had lunch!"

"I'm a growing boy!" Seamus mumbled through his mouthful of food. "I need protein!"

Shaking her head, Hermione lay down in the sun, opened her latest book, and lost herself inside the world of wizard history for quite some time. She only looked up occasionally to glare at Dean and Seamus when they splashed her.

After a solid hour-or-so of time in the sun, several students decided to go inside to do homework. When Hermione looked up again, it was just her, Harry, Susan, Neville, and Hannah left outside. Neville had managed to get Hannah up into the tree with him, and was pointing out features on the horizon. However, Hermione doubted that Hannah was listening; she was staring at Neville with a dreamy expression on her face, nodding and smiling at every word the young man said.

She's got it bad, Hermione thought, smiling, watching as Harry swam yet another lap around the Black Lake. Susan was still lying on her rock, sun tanning, but her sunglasses were so dark that Hermione couldn't tell whether or not she was actually asleep.

"Mind if I join you?" a voice said from behind Hermione.

"Jesus Malfoy!" Hermione shrieked, nearly jumping out of her skin. "You've really got to stop scaring me like that!"

Meeting the blonde's eyes, Hermione was suddenly reminded of their confrontation. She hastily looked back at the ground. "So, may I join you?" he asked again, quieter.

"Of course," Hermione said, almost whispering. "You don't need to ask."

Draco lowered himself down beside Hermione, stretching his legs out with a contended sigh. He threw his head back, allowing the sunlight to hit his entire face, the light making his skin seem to glow. Hermione shook her head. Stop staring at him, he'll think that you're some sort of freak!

Hastily picking up her book again, Hermione flipped to her page. "Ah, Potions History – I've read that one," Draco said, leaning in over Hermione's shoulder.

"Mmhmm?" she said, frowning slightly. "And did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, quite," he said, reaching for the edge of the book. "There was something particularly interesting on page three-hundred-and-ninety-five, if I remember correctly…."

As Draco flipped through the massive tome, Hermione allowed herself to look at the young man beside her. He's wearing a bloody turtleneck and black jeans? In this weather?! He apparently doesn't own any other type of clothing….not that I'm complaining. He looks bloody brilliant.

Draco's yellow-gold hair was left to float around his face in the light breeze, and his lightly calloused fingers gently turned the pages with a care Hermione had rarely witnessed in someone other than herself. Grey eyes flickering back and forth across the page, Draco bit lightly on his lower lip as he searched for whatever passage he wished to find. Hermione found herself entranced by the movement of Draco's eyes; it was like they were dancing, forming a pattern that was entirely unique and un-repeatable. Do all eyes work like that? she wondered, absentmindedly reaching up to her own face.

With a triumphant cry, Draco jabbed his finger at a section about midway down the page. "Here it is!" he crowed, smiling at Hermione. "An entire paragraph on Wolfsbane and its effect on testing subjects in Romania."

"Really?" Hermione said, intrigued, snatching the book away and looking for the passage. "I've never read any documented research done by the subjects before."

"I know, right? That's what makes it so exciting!"

The vibrant light in Draco's eyes caused Hermione to lower the book for a moment. "When did you become such an avid reader?" she asked curiously, tilting her head slightly.

"Um, I've always been a reader," he said, awkwardly ruffling his hair. "I used to read all of Uncle – Professor Snape's books over the summer. It's why I read this one – he had loads of stuff about potions."

"I see," Hermione said politely, dog-earing the page and setting the book to the side. "I only learned a short time ago that Snape was your godfather – did you visit him often?"

"As often as I could," Draco said honestly, smiling, his eyes distant as he travelled into his memories. "I used to write him letters asking him to come rescue me."

Rescue? Rescue you from what? Hermione thought, worried, unable to voice her concerns in fear of scaring Draco away. "I'm sure he was a very different man out of the classroom," she said instead, pretending to pick at a hangnail.

"Oh, absolutely!" Draco affirmed, shaking his head. "He was kind, attentive – still sarcastic and snarky as hell, but at least he was a bit less greasy."

Hermione laughed loudly before covering her mouth, embarrassed. "Sorry," she apologized, lowering her hand and blushing. "I have an awful laugh."

"No!" Draco said quickly and loudly, reaching out to grab Hermione's hand. "I – well, it's not my place to say, but I think you have a lovely laugh."

Hermione was very aware of Draco's heat as he held her hand between his, their knuckles fitting perfectly together. "Thank you," Hermione said breathlessly, not moving. "No one's ever told me that before."

"Really?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'd have thought that Weasle – Ron would have told you that a lot."

Hermione looked down at the ground. "No, not really," she admitted. "We didn't really get to talk much."

An uncomfortable silence stretched between the pair as neither one knew what to say next, yet they both knew that something needed to be said. "Look, Hermione," Draco finally blurted, not letting go of her hand. "About the other night -"

"HERMIONE!" a voice called out from across the lake. "IT'S THE GIANT SQUID! IT'S SWIMMING WITH ME! COME LOOK!"

"Oh my goodness!" Hermione cried, beaming at Draco. "Want to come see the squid?"

Draco looked slightly deflated. "Um, I didn't bring my bathing suit."

"That doesn't matter," Hermione scolded, pulling Draco to his feet. "Come on!"

Pulling off her shirt and quickly shucking off her jean shorts, Hermione jumped up onto a rock by the water's edge. "Come on!' she called out again to Draco who was watching her with wide eyes. "It'll be fun!"

When Draco shook his head again, Hermione shrugged and jumped into the black, deep waters, loving the feeling of being completely and totally submerged in a silent, safe dream world. After she came up to take a breath, her heart sank seeing that Draco was no longer standing on the beach.

Hours later, after dinner, Hermione was sitting in the common room with her book open on her lap. Her mind was wandering, however. I totally interrupted Draco this afternoon…what an idiot I am…

Haunted by her actions earlier that day, she began to pace. Damndamndamn, I'm so stupid!

Suddenly, a loud noise made Hermione turn around. Draco's raven, Étoile, was perched on the edge of the chair that Hermione had just been sitting in. The raven cawed again and extended her leg. "For me?" Hermione asked the bird, puzzled.

Tentatively reaching forward, she grabbed the rolled-up parchment and opened it.

Dear Hermione,

I wish that I could've joined you this afternoon in your pursuit of the giant squid – it looked liked fun! Unfortunately, I had homework to attend to, and had to leave you to your hunting.

However, I by no means consider our conversation finished! I was wondering if you'd care to come out with me tomorrow evening? I know it's short notice, and you've probably got plans, but I figured that it might be nice to see each other outside of Hogwarts. Please let me know whether or not you could make it.

I'd love to continue our discussion together.

~Draco

Pausing to think for just a moment, Hermione quickly fetched a quill and parchment to scribble her reply;

Yes.

A/N: OK, I'm sorry that this got posted so late! Hopefully y'all like it though, 'cause I put off /a lot/ of homework to write it. XD Hopefully the next chapter will be coming your way on Sunday (September 30th) or Monday (October 1st). Please please PLEASE R&R, it really makes my day reading all of your thoughtful comments. :)
Also, there's a male, twelve-year-old Hogwarts student that's going to be introduced in a couple of chapters...does anyone have any cool ideas for a name? PM me or comment if you doooo! :) :)

~sneakyslytherin