Ron climbed the long staircase beside McGonagall, a grin on his face which he hurriedly removed. A few minutes later, they had arrived at their destination. McGonagall nodded at Ron, who slowly lifted his hand and knocked on the heavy door. Dumbledore opened it almost immediately, and stood looking at Ron in surprise. He opened the door wider and gestured for Ron into the room.

Ron waited unti Dumbledore had sat down, then he started.

"Professor Dumbledore, I'm worried about Hermione. She's changed so much in the last week."

"Oh, changed how?"

"Well," Ron sighed, "She's gone from a total school lover to someone who just doesn't care," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, "She hardly eats anything, and she doesn't seem to be getting any sleep. Her eyes have these dark rings under them. Well sir, I think..."

"What? Please, go on."

"I think it has something to do with Draco Malfoy. I don't know what, but I think it's something bad. I was wondering if you'd be able to help sir."

Dumbledore nodded silently, his eyes full of concern.

"Why don't you go and get her Ron, perhaps then we will be able to sort this out."

Ron returned five minutes later with a sad Hermione. Her face was extremely gaunt, almost like a zombie, and it was streaked with fresh tears. Dumbledore, as always, got straight to the point.

"What did Draco do to you Hermione?"

Hermione looked accusingly at Ron, then answered quietly, her head bowed down.

"Nothing...nothing's wrong."

"Then why are you like this my dear? You have us all concerned."

Hermione looked up, her eyes shiny with tears. She bit down on her bottom lip, then answered softly.

"Because I love him," She whispered, "I love him so much."