**The Superior Quality**

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Chapter five:

"I swear to my heart

and soul;

I won't let you go..."

Promises from the deep; the beginning of the close friendship.

¤~¤





"Brilliant, my Lord." the words spoke admiringly, "But how did you do it, and how did you know?"

A proud smile crossed his lips, "Lucius, how I did it shouldn't have been asked. I am Lord Voldemort, I know what powers I have and I know how to use them. Snape was an easy target to use, since he is currently at Hogwarts, and a Death Eater, it was easy to take control over him. The traitor can't do anything about it as long as he still has that mark."

"But, my lord," Lucius made a note, "If you knew how to control Severus, why did you not use him to already kill off Dumbledore; better yet, that boy?"

"There's a fine line between controlling someone to kill, and controlling someone to change attitudes. Snape has his common sense; unfortunately my power can't go beyond his better judgement." Voldemort formed a scowl, but it was soon replaced with another smirk; "But, I can control what he says, especially to that Muggle, since he had a sort of spite for the girl already. It took a lot from me, but it was all worth while."

Lucius nodded to his words, his eyes furrowed in curiosity, "One other question, my lord; how do you know that Muggle can do that?"

Voldemort laughed, the harshness ringing in the room, "Her magic," he started, "is being directed to her sanity, or rather, her emotions." Standing up, his black robes cascading down in front of him, Voldemort glared at Lucius, "That girl; she holds magic that even I can't recognize. The day her parents' souls were entrapped in my wand, there was an odd feeling I got; a feeling I've felt before."

"My lord?" Lucius stuttered.

"Much like the feeling I got when that boy's mother's soul entered my wand." Voldemort's eyes slitted, "Her parents did something... they didn't just die, Lucius. What happened that day?"

Noticing the question pointing directly to him, Lucius began to perspire; he cleared his throat, "We are sure nothing happened; it was a surprise attack, they didn't know what was coming."

Voldemort looked at him and gave a dismissing scoff.

Lucius felt the wave of anger and disappointment in his scoff, "I swear, my lord. They are Muggles; how could they have done anything at all?" he stammered quickly.

"Muggles don't need magic to protect their children, all they need is a clean soul, a prudent prayer, before their deaths." Voldemort's voice boomed loudly around Lucius' ears, "Her parents did this... don't you understand, Lucius? It's almost like a sacrifice."

An unknown force caught Lucius' throat; he pulled his hands up to it and grasped his neck.

"Wasn't it odd that both her mother and father stood still at their times of death? Wasn't it odd that they didn't resist or fight back?" his voice growing louder and angrier, Voldemort raised his hand up in the air, "It's because they knew their daughter would be home soon... and so they didn't delay their own deaths for the sake of hers." high in the air, his fist clenched, "They made a strong supplication, a request, a prayer for their daughter."

From below the black, stone steps, Lucius felt the force tighten, constricting; he let out a choke and fell to his knees. As quick as it had began, it was gone. Lucius threw back a cough, and raised his head, only to find a pair of red-reptillian eyes, burning in front of him.

"What does this all mean, you may ask?" Voldemort hissed, "She's been given a chance to survive everything I may do to this world, with forbidden powers." Reaching with his hand to Lucius' collar, Voldemort raised him higher, "She doesn't know how to control them any other way than reactions from her measly bottled-up emotions. We need her to join us, Lucius."

Lucius forced the lump in his throat, and nodded.

A senile smirk tugged a corner of Voldemort's mouth, enjoying Lucius' expression, "We need her to break her sanity; emerge her darkest side as she almost did this morning." Voldemort threw Lucius aside, glaring at him with immense satisfaction for his plans, "And.." he drawled, "this is where your boy comes into the picture."

¤~¤

Outside the infirmary sat three boys with in silence, and vigilence. Draco sat against the side of the infirmary wall, while Harry and Ron sat opposite from him. All three were covered with a thick, black blanket, to dry theirselves from the cold rain from outside.

They have been out there for at least an hour now; all worried for their friend inside. More quiet time passed until suddenly, Ron stood up alert.

"That damn Snape!" he fumed out loud, "Dumbledore better kick him out of here before I do!"

Harry and Draco eyed him pathetically, "Sit down, Ron." Harry muttered to his friend, and reached up to grab his blanket and pull him back down to his seat.

Ron sat down, his face in an angry, vengeful scowl, "What?! He needs to kicked outta' here, after what he did!" Ron studied his friend's face; Harry cocked an eye at him, looking back as if he was looking at a crazy man; "To Hermione!!" Ron yelled, his face reddening.

"Shut up, Ron!" Draco snarled from the other side; Ron snapped to him in a split second.

"And you!" Ron held a finger and pointed to Draco, "You need to get kicked out also!"

Throwing his blanket to the floor, Draco stood up in a challenge, "You're asking for it, aren't you?" he gritted his teeth.

Before Ron could snap back, Madam Pomfrey appeared at the infirmary doorway, "Boys!" she warned as soon as her door was shut, "Calm yourselves! Ms. Granger is asleep!"

At the sound of their friend's name, the three moved their attention to her.

"She's asleep? Is she okay now?" Harry asked quickly.

Madam Pomfrey nodded, a bleak smile on her lips, "Yes she's asleep, Professor McGonagall had placed her in a deep sleep curse. Unfortunately Ms. Granger was still being stubborn; there wasn't any other choice. As for her wellness, we don't know. She seems... 'far-off' from the looks of it."

Ron swallowed, "You think she'd gone insane? B-because she sort of did during summer at my home, and my mother fixed her all up. Call my mother!"

"Mr. Weasley, that's not what I meant." Madam Pomfrey frowned, "What I meant is that she certainly isn't well right now, but I think she just needs some more time."

"B-but, I'm telling you, almost the same thing happened during summer at my home!" Ron went up in front of her, "Call my mother! She knows what to do!"

Madam Pomfrey, surprised at Ron's sudden advance, turned to Harry, who nodded to her.

"It's true," Harry spoke softly, "almost the same thing happened at Ron's house, except it didn't start like it did this morning. I think it'd be a good idea to call Mrs. Weasley for this."

Sighing, Madam Pomfrey shot Ron with a warning look, "For your sake, I'll call your mother." With a sigh, she headed back in her room, muttering under her breath about 'work' and 'handling things on her own'. Before any of the three could follow behind, Professor McGonagall appeared right before them and shut the infirmary door closed.

The three boys looked at her in dismay as she eyed them back sternly, "No visitors. I say so, and Ms. Granger requests it also." she stiffly said.

"Was this before or after you put her in a sleeping curse?" Draco asked irritatingly.

McGonagall brushed off his rudeness, "Well, since you are all here, I'd like you three to follow me to my office where you will tell me whatever happened in Potions class this morning." She saw Ron's face immidietly brighten to say something, but she placed a hand up to stop him, "Professor Snape is already with Professor Dumbledore. I advise you to speak no-more of it, Mr. Weasley, before you find detention."

With a huff, Ron folded his arms, and began to follow Professor McGonagall as she began to walk. Harry, following after Ron, was suddenly stopped by a hand on his shoulder.

"Draco?" Harry asked the person walking beside him.

Draco placed his hand back beside him; he sighed, "After this, do you think you can tell me all that's happened to Hermione last summer... or is that some sort of sworn secret I'll never be trusted to know?"

Harry gave a sympathetic smile, "I'll tell you later; I'm sure Hermione wouldn't mind." he looked up at the ceiling briefly, "Although, I'm not sure what Ron'll say."

Draco shrugged and mocked a 'Ron-answer' in his best, "'Harry! Have you gone mad! Haven't you forgotten that this is a Malfoy?! Augh! 'Geroff me!'"

In front of them, Ron growled, "Shut up, Draco."

Shrugging again, Draco placed his arms behind his head as he walked, "So tell me later." he told Harry before reaching Professor McGonagall's office.

¤~¤

In another room, two men sat across from each other, only a large oval desk separating them. One sat stiffly, while the other brushed his long white beard in a habit.

The man, with a grim sage look in his face, gave a deep grumble as he cleared his throat, "I expected better from you, Severus."

"Albus, I did not do that to Ms. Granger." Snape replied quickly, "It was not me."

"All of your Gryffindor students witnessed it." Dumbledore wrinkled the patch of skin above his eyes, "All have said, 'Professor Snape did the most horrid thing'. And sure enough I believe them; Ms. Granger is in the infirmary as we speak."

"Okay, it was me who acted it," Snape faltered, "but it was not in my intentions. I was being controlled."

At this, Dumbledore stopped stroking his beard, his eyes showed concern, "Again, Severus?"--Snape nodded-- "What do you suppose his reason is this time?"

"I don't know, Albus." Snape shared, "But I believe it absolutely had to do something with Granger."

"Ms. Granger? Is he possibly trying to kill her?" Dumbledore stopped as he noticed the sick look in Snape's face, "Excuse me, not that you would do such a thing Severus."

Snape shook his head, "Quite alright. Now about Ms. Granger, I don't think he wants her dead; he's got some sort of mission, a plan maybe?"

Albus grumbled and stood up, "Voldemort is up to something involving a Muggle-born? Odd, don't you agree?"

Looking up at the formidable professor, Snape followed his action, "I believe our Ms. Granger has something Voldemort would love to have in his hands."

"And what's that, Severus?"

"The key to his victory."

¤~¤

Wind blew in my face, darkness choking me in every direction; it's a dream.

In this dream, I'm suddenly placed up on top of a high place; nothing beneath me, nothing around. What I had on, were beautiful black-velvet robes; the collar was neck-high and felt suffocating, the sleeves were long past the tips of my finger tips; my back exposed half of my flesh, large slits opened to the sides--parts of my stomach and abs could be seen. I didn't bother to close them up, hide them from any eyes that may be out there, instead I kept staring in front of me; to the vast nothing.

I felt different, confused, cold. The most frightening thing of all was, I felt soulless.

Everytime I drew a breath, I couldn't feel it. Everytime I suspected my heart to beat, I couldn't hear it.

Then, as if someone had flicked a light switch open, light poured in from all sides. My eyes quickly focused to a large round object, distances in front of me. It was the planet earth.

Beautiful, in it's own serene way. The colorful swirls of the misty clouds; the beautiful blue it radiated from it's oceans. But I noticed my expression wasn't that of an impressed and mesmerized look, it was more of a scornful and despised gaze.

A sudden whisper passed my ears,

"It's yours to destroy, wouldn't you like that?"

I found the words frightening, and yet my physical body seemed to respond differently as a smile crept my lips; I wasn't in control.

"All you need to do is join my side, and everything and everyone you hate could disappear. You'd like that very much, wouldn't you? No one will be able to bother you any longer, and you'l respect and power."

Slowly, my hand shot up; palm pointing the beautiful planet. I tried to cry, I tried to scream, and still nothing came out. I couldn't bring my palm down, knowing whatever I was about to do wasn't anything good.

"Two words, is all you need to say."

I breathed heavily, my smile widening to a satisfying grin. To my surprise a large red ball formed in the palm that pointed out; it wasn't a solid object either, it was airy and warm.

"Attilus Demonis." the voise whispered.

The ball in my palm grew larger, and my lips repeated his words, "Attilus.. Demonis."

The red ball quickly shot from my palm and sped through the blackness towards the blue planet. Upon touching it, the planet became a dull reddish-brown.

I could hear laughing; from me and the voice behind me.

Agonizing moans could be heard coming from the now-ugly planet.

"Thank you, Hermione, for saving me the hassle of killing the world."

My faced paled; I wanted out. As if my body finally heard me, I collapsed on my knees; my expression still loving my hand-work on Earth..

"Wake up," it was a totally different voice this time, "You've got so much work ahead of you."

I gasped.

¤~¤

Hermione woke up; her head spinning and her mouth dry. She pulled the white sheets off of her and sat up in the small bed. She noticed she was in the infirmary and scowled at the sight of it.

Determined to leave, Hermione quietly clambered out of her bed and snuck herself to the exit. She looked cautiously around for Madam Pomfrey, luckily she wasn't anywhere near. She took a minute to wonder where she could be. She shrugged her shoulders and reached for the door handle.

Prying the door open--only making small, insignificant creaks--Hermione made it out to the hall. Now where was she to go? Well, the only room she could go was hers.

Pacing briskly down the halls, Hermione made her way to a large portrait of a beautiful maiden with bright-gold hair. She cradled into a small ball beside a large pillow as she slept.

"Excuse me?" Hermione whispered to the portrait.

The woman opened her eyes quickly and looked down at Hermione in shock, "Oh my, it's you!"

Hermione placed a finger to her lips, "Shhh."

"Oh.." the woman in the portrait clamped a hand on her mouth; slightly opening it to one side, "The Head Boy said you were ill; he said you weren't coming up tonight."

"Draco said that?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Yes," the woman looked down at her in worry, "Are you alright? I've heard many students pass by and talk of an incident with you this morning."

"I'm fine." Hermione tried saying in the most decent and pleasant way. After finding out that everybody was now talking about her, she suddenly felt sick and annoyed.

"Oh.." the woman rendured softly, "So would you like to come in, then?"

"Yes, please." Hermione smiled weakly.

The woman smiled, "Password?"

"Superior Quality." she answered; the portrait swung open.

¤~¤

Taking a step inside, her eyes caught a sight of a figure--with the help of the dim light from the the fireplace-- in the couch, making her want to suddenly turn her heels around and start running. But she also caught that the figure was laying down, a pillow over the head, and sleeping quietly.

Tip-toeing in, Hermine advised the woman in the portrait to close softly.

The portrait did, and Hermione was grateful that Draco's sleeping figure was undisturbed; who else would it be, with blonde-silver hair? Walking stalkingly over to the side with the room to her door, Hermione kept her eyes at him. He was laying comfortably on the couch, a small pillow covering his head.

As she reached for her door, her fingertips touching the handle; Hermione stood still from a voice.

"What are you doing?" Draco muttered from underneath the pillow.

She had been found. Sighing, Hermione stood straight and leaned against the wall, "What do you think? I'm trying to get to my room."

There was a pause before Draco removed the pillow from his head and looked up at her; his gray eyes studying her up and down, "How'd you wake up?"

Hermione looked at him, ".. from what, exactly?"

"McGonagall put a deep sleep curse on you because, quote, you were being 'stubborn'." he was sitting up now, a pair of relieved eyes danced.

Hermione tilted her head, "I didn't know she did. I don't know how I managed to break out of it."

'Maybe it was that dream?' her mind questioned but she resisted to go any further about that.

It was silent for a minute, her eyes wandering elsewhere when she could sense Draco's peering to her. She felt uncomfortable, what was he trying to do to her? She hated silence. Fortunately, it ended when Draco spoke up.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked indifferently.

"Why would I?" Hermione retorted, her eyes moving dangerously to his.

Draco's eyes halfened, "Why not?" he ventured.

Hermione stood still, and didn't answer; fidgeting from the pressure of what to say. 'Because' was the only thing she could think of.

"Hermione," Draco's voice timidly called, "come here." he patted a spot beside him.

At first, Hermione hesitated. Draco stood up then, and went around the second couch to her. He smiled briefly and gently took hold of her arm, dragging her with him back to the couch. He sat down first, then signaled Hermione to join him, "Sit." and she did.

Feeling awkward again, Hermione tried to divert her gaze on to something else in the room.

Draco, feeling his special friend's tension, reached for her right hand with his left; intertwining his fingers with hers. He felt her stiffen.

"Why would you think so bad of me?" he asked softly.

"Y-you're a Malfoy." she suddenly muttered; her right fingers tingling and aching within his grasp.

Letting out a laugh, Draco lifted his hand up, as well as hers, and kissed the back of palm lightly, "Well, thanks for pointing that out 'Ron'."

She felt his lips burn her skin, "Would you please stop it?" she pleaded, and Draco's lips immedietly left his contact with her hand. She kept her eyes away from him; her long silky hair draped over the side of her head, covering her face and shielding her from the direct stares of Draco.

"Hermione," he continued with a caring tone, "I want you to understand that-" Draco winced as he searched for the right words for the moment.

-that I love you...
-that I'd do anything for you...

"-that I care for you." he finished. Inwardly, he punched himself, he couldn't say what he really wanted to. Though, his words finally got Hermione's beguiling eyes to shine on his in outmost happiness; a look he had been praying forever to shine again.

"Harry, and Ron, both told me everything they knew." Draco persisted, "Ron, however was still being all 'sworn-to-life-never-to-tell-a-soul-for-the-sake-of-friendship'; he wasn't as much into detail." he smiled softly when he noticed Hermione's lips pull up slightly on the corners.

"Did you know I frightened Ron this summer?" Hermione eyes looked as if it was recovering from an enjoying laugh, "He started becoming 'motherly' and 'big-brother type' on me."

"I heard." Draco lips tightened straight, "Hermione, I'm deeply sorry. Whatever happened, you didn't deserve."

Hermione looked down at her hands, gripped by his, "You didn't do anything, you shouldn't say that."

Placing his other hand on top the one he already had, Draco tried to warm her cold hand, "Yeah, I know, but I can't help thinking that this is my fault. I have no doubt that my father wasn't part of it."

"Hmm.." Hermione sounded out, trying so much to not react with their topic, so instead she kept her thinking to the silky fingertips, laced and over hers. It was odd for her, Draco being so close and sympathetic; it made her feel somewhat special.. possibly needed. She watched the affable man, relishing on her own fingers in his; he was suddenly something else to her eyes.

Hermione felt herself blush. Can you believe it? The same arrogant boy from her first year at Hogwarts; the boy who was arcane to everyone's eyes; the boy who was a little more precocious for his age, was now docile, rueful, solemn with her. His voice and movement were so conscientious, serious, and caring.

She was startled when Draco's eyes was now in front of her, Had he caught me 'gawking'? Hermione blushed embarrisingly.

Draco grinned, "What's wrong?"

Hermione shook her head and turned it in front of her, "Nothing." she said softly. She felt Draco's hand lift from hers, and held her breath when it was suddenly placed itself on her cheek, turning her face to his once more.

"Listen," he looked at her eyes intensely, "I wouldn't dare to hurt you.. ever. I want you to know that I can protect you, and whether you like it or not, I will," Draco vehemently smiled, "with my life."

Breathing softly, Hermione gazed back at him with uneasiness, "Why would you want to do that?" she asked. She felt the aura of his warmth as he leaned closer.

"If I told you my reason," he was now looking grave, and more uneasy than Hermione's tone, "would you promise not to.. get all weird on me and run?"

A brow furrowed on Hermione's face, "Well, okay I guess.." she answered slowly.

Taking a deep breath, Draco looked away as he felt the flush creeping in, "Um.. well.. you see, I seemed to have developed somewhat of a ... crush on you since, I guess, the beginning of this year." he sputtered, "And really, it sort of..." his face twisted as he thought hard of how to say what he was trying to point out, "uh grew."

"Are you trying to say you're 'in love' with me?" Hermione asked, shocked.

Draco turned full red, something he wasn't really accustomed to, "Yeah." he muttered, still looking away.

There was a silent break before Hermione began to laugh.

Draco felt like he got suddenly pulled down from his seat and fell harshly on the floor. Sure he was glad that he had made her laugh, but not over this.

"What's so funny?" he snapped his head back to her, looking thoroughly discouraged and embarassed.

Hermione waved her hands in front of him, still laughing her head off, "Nothing.. " she calmly said, before she sputtered laughing again.

Seeing playfullness and joy in the way Hermione laughed, Draco smiled, "I take it, you're not going to make this any easier for me, huh?"

"Ha!" Hermione now looked at him devilishly, "No way! I'm going to carry this for a while and prolong it a little longer."

"Prolong it until what?" Draco shot back; he wasn't really happy hearing that she may be planning something.

Hermione smiled, and meld her fingers with his, "Until I accept." she responded eloquently. Stiffening her posture, Hermione stood up and pulled Draco with her, "Now, since you pledge to protect me, you're now officially my bodyguard."

Draco showed his smile again, "Sounds good to me." He cocked his head to the side, "So does this mean you won't be wallowing in self pity, and throwing things to people for the next few days like Harry said? Because if it does, I'm glad you're back to your witty and annoying self."

Shooting him a look, Hermione lifted her chin, "Yeah well... your news of infatuation with me just made my day... er.. night. You put me up in a good mood."

Rolling his eyes, Draco saluted, "Glad to be at your service."

Hermione tugged on his arm and waved a finger, "Speaking of services, you won't mind sleeping beside me tonight do you?" she laughed in glee at the sight of Draco's sudden red face; "You'll just be sleeping beside me, after all, you are my official bodyguard now. This is your first official task."

"W-hat?" Draco was shocked, but a smirk played across his lips, "Really?"

With a huff, Hermione began to pull him towards her room, "Come on, it's really late and I'm really tired!" Finally reaching past her door, Hermione pointed to her bed, "You go in first."

"Wow, pleasure's all mine." he drawled as he walked towards the bed, Hermione following behind him. Draco looked around her room; it was almost the same as his except for the minor details of the Gryffindor colors and sign. Reaching her bedside, he pulled off his slippers and climbed in under the sheets; Hermione followed suit.

Laying on his back, Draco thought deeply of what he was exactly doing on the bed of the woman he admitted of loving. His heart almost leapt up as Hermione's hand wrapped around his neck; her face resting on the side of her shoulder.

"Goodnight, Draco." Hermione yawned and closed her eyes, "Thanks for being my official bodyguard. I better not wake up stolen, or something." she pointed out.

Draco scoffed, but smiled pleasingly, and placed a hand over the one around his neck, "I got you, I won't let go."

"Good.." she answered back; sleep catching her soon afterwards.

Hearing the Hermione's calm breaths, Draco turned to dawn on her face. Her eyes closed in a peaceful state, her rosy lips enticingly opened a small crevice, and her pale skin shining snow-white within the dim light of the moon; Draco couldn't think of anything he'd seen, more beautiful than what he was marveling to.

Placing a light kiss on her forehead, Draco whispered huskily, "Please love me too, Hermione?" and closed his eyes to sleep.

¤~¤


*Thanks to*
[starting from chapter 3; ending with chapter 4]

Beth (Thanks for the review! I hope you read more and still thought it was wonderful^_^)
Slytherins R Sexy (LOL, more snogging soon! Snape won't get sacked, I like him as a character too; he's so mysterious *_*. Thanks for the review! BTW: Slytherins are sexy! ^_^)
little girl with green uniform (Ah, that time will come soon!)
genie* (LOL, I don't like Pansy, from how they describe her in book, and so Draco shouldn't either in my story. Thanks!)
Mjade (Thank you!!! You know that Draco, he's such a cunning guy!)
Hermione Malfoy (*hugs* THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You dont' know how great your review meant to me!)
porkypop (Thanks!!!! *hugs* I'm so glad you like my fics so much *tear, tear* I'll keep writing just for you! Also, about my other fic, I'm having very bad writer's block with that one.. so I don't know if I'll continue it anytime soon.. I seriously need to hire a muse or something. Anyways, yes it is SUPER CUTE!!! lol ^_^)
V Lynne (You know what, I'm just kind enough to make more! ^_^ thank you for reviewing!)
oreo of love (Hehe, the closet one is called --i think-- "Seven minutes of heaven". I should do that in one of the later chapters! lol, well thanks oreo! *hugs* Heck yeah there's gonna be snogging.. but that's not 'til later ^_^)
Angel Meiling (You'll see soon enough how Hermione and Draco get together, but this chapter is a part of that reason ::grins madly:: Thank you!!)
Fire Goddess (I really liked your extremely long review, I appreciate it when a reader can give me every opinion they have! Thanks for loving my fic; I also love yours!!! So in the Yule ball, eh? I can't wait!! *_* ::keeps mouth closed about it:: I won't tell a soul! lol)
Juliet (Don't be sorry if you're a big Draco/Hermione fan! Express it! Breath it!! LOL, I luv that couple too.. can't you tell? *_* THANKSS!!)
DarkIllusion (Thanks for the review! I do hope you liked the last chapter, as well as this one! ^_^)
Mirielle (Spin the bottle, I had to put that game in there and make Draco.. hehe.. cheat! lol. Snape isn't evil, I really regret not explaining that in the 4th chapter... -_-; but yes, that ending was sweet! More toothache coming soon!)
Hermione (LOL 'Fantabulous'!! I love that word now!!! ^_^ Thank you so much!!!)
rokusan (LOL, 'Skinnemarinkindinkidoo'! another word I love!!! lol, thank you for the review!)
Daya (LOL, well, I tried as fast as I can ^_^; Of course I'll write more.. soon! I'm so busy. Thank you though!)
Angel Goddess (Yes, chapter four was a bit.. overly dramatic? But I'm proud of the ending of it ^_^. As for the Draco 'going evil' thing... you'll have to find this out for yourself later. Thank you!)
roxy (Thank you for loving my story! I wrote more! ^_^)
Rowan (lol, I guess it is original because I haven't really read a story quite like the plot I have in mind... but I don't know, I've only been in the Harry Potter section for 19 days o.o; Anyways, thank you!)
lil witch (Thank you for your review, and yes I updated! I hope you liked!)
Jessie (A great plot? Really? THANK YOU!! *hugs* Yup, you get one! ^_^)
Incitata (LOL, you know I'm planning to duplicate my Draco and sell 'em off the net; I'll give you a discount! ^_~ lol! Thanks!)
Stardust26 (*hugs* Yay!!! Thank you!! Someone finally noticed the hard work I try putting in my vocab!)
Mundung42 (I'm glad you widened your opinions on how I made Snape act; you get a hug for that! *hugs* lol thanks!)
Icy Stormz (LOL, Dementia rocks!!! Yes.. the darkness is enticing! ^_^ thanks for the review!)
Jivanna (Well, with good reason, Snape acted acutely 'silly' as in your opinion; this is explained in this chapter. I hope you look it over and understand that I'm not trying to turn Snape to a coniving bastard ^_^;. About the whole male version of the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland.. do you realize how funny that idea may be?!! lol, ::Snape: "Cut off her pinky!"::)
naira (Aww!!!! *hugs* Thank you so so much!!! I do kick butt! lol ^___^)
irismoon (Snape won't get sacked, he's got an important role! Hermione's not really.. telepathic.. I'll explain later ^_~! Thanks!!)
The Cat (Draco and Hermione rocks!!!!!! you said I was brilliant! *hugs* thank you!!)
Starbite (As you might have known by now, Snape didn't snap... he was merely under the influence. But thanks for the review!!)
BlueBz (LOL, not much of a cliffhanger really. More thorough explanations of the ending of chapter 4 will be talked about it in chapter 6. Thanks!)
Trew (I'm so sorry for letting you hang like that! lol, well here's the next chapter!)
Scarlet (Well thank you!!! I'll post as fast as I can!)
sweetlilgirl (Of course I'll keep writing! Thanks for your review!)
Draco's Queen (Aw thank you so much! I am the bomb!!! LOL ^_^)
saxplaya (Thank you very much!! I hope you like my next chapters!)
Angela (I'm sorry I made you cry! ;_; If you add more romance, will you promise never to cry? Deal, alright? ^_^ thanks!!)
Terra (LOL, I wrote as fast as I can for the sake of you, and all the others of course! Thanks for the review, and the slight boost to get me working on this chapter!)
muchacha (Thank you!! I'll post chapters up as soon as I can ^_^. I love your name!)
LilyAyl (AW!!! you said it was amazing! *hugs* thank you lots!)
Opal Lynn (I love Ron's character; a little hazy-headed but hilarious! I'm glad you think Draco/Hermione are perfect for each other.. sigh.. if only it was true in the book... But then again, you never know! Thanks!)
Quimberly (LOL, I won't keep all of you waiting long! I love you guys too much!! *hugs* You like my plot! Thanks!!)
ElizaduGray (I luv suspense.. it keeps the readers on the edge! Thank you for your review!! ^_^)
Lady Moldywarts (Hehe.. Snape was very OOC with good reason, and I hope you caught that in this chapter. Thanks for reviewing though! ^_^)
Hazel (?? It's a little great? Really? .. aw... well, I hope you read more and like it more... but if you don't that's fine because it's not like I'm forcing you. Still, thanks for the review! ^_^)
SilverFirexz (Hi!! You get a hug for thinking it was awesome! *hugs* Thanks so much!)
Chrissy (Ah! *hugs* you said it was awesome too!! Yes, Hermione became witty because she's trying to hide her depression... As for Draco not knowing.. that will be on the next chapter! Thank you!)
fireblaze (I'm glad you liked my Draco/Hermione fic! *hugs* I'm also glad you liked my summary--usually I suck at those--^_^!!! Thanks alot!!)
Mae Noelle (LOL, I can't ignore, ignorance because I'm 100% ingoramous! ^o^ LOL, you're review is hilarious! Thank you!)
lux (Snape's OOC-ness, is explained, so sorry I didn't explain it in the fourth chapter ^_^;; I'm glad you liked it though, thank you!)
Natasha (o.o; but the parts where Hermione and Snape talk about her parents deaths were very necessary to the story... Hermione thinks Snape was part of it... but he's not... ack! too much info! Well anyways, you'll understand more as we get deeper in details! Thanks a lot!! *hugs* I'll try not making it too dark.. but I can't swear on it..)
Trewyn McHael (O.O;; I know plagiarism is illegal, I'm so stupid not to include that!! Well, I might was well do it now: *Disclaimer for a line in chapter 4* One of Snape's lines is borrowed fromt the movie Gladiator.. which is a GREAT movie!! You all should watch it if you haven't!! Erm.. anyways I don't own it.. so don't sue me! I'm so sorry! It won't happen again! ::cowers::)
tickle the dragon (LOL, great school oxymoron motto! ^_^ Anyways, hope you understand Snape's actions in the last chapter had good reasons. Thanks for the reviews!! *hugs*)
RonLover (LOL, ::in monotone:: Deep.. yes... xD!!! Funny!! Thanks for the review!!)
IcePrincess (.. I have never read that story... why isn't the author here anymore? Well, anyways, thanks so much!)
SaPpHire^iCe (I'm glad you liked the beginning chapters! Thank you! Well, I hope you understand why Snape was OOC now? ^_^)
michee (Aw!! You get double hugs for such a heartwarming review! *hugs x2* lol! About Ron and Harry, there is a slight.. attraction, especially for Ron, but that won't happen here @.@... Well, I hope you understand why Snape acted all evil on chapter 4! Thanks so much!)
Sassy (Thank you!!)
jezebel (Ah!! Brilliance!! *hugs* Thanks so much!!)
Unholy Deity (You have no-idea how I'm going to portray her powers later... o.o iz gonna be freak-ness in da house! lol, thanks!!)
Camille (Double hug!! *hugs x2* Love the review!! I'm very glad you think that way! ^_^ Lots of thanks!!)
Micaela (AH!!! Another double hug! *hugs x2* I was really happy to read your review... but when you mention Grammar.. I panicked!! o.o.. I'm gonna look over my chapters more.. lol thanks!!)
Funky Funky Chiken (LOL, first of all, great name! And thanks for summarizing it as Powerful!! I think that also! ^_^)
Viverz (Thoughts from the those characters will be explained more in the next chapter! ^_^ thanks a lots!!!!)
EMMA MONTGUNARY (Who said I was a muggle? o.O.. I might be a Death Eater.. bwhahhaa!!! LOL, funny review by the way! Thanks bunches!)
Rikku (LOL, Snape's got reasons.. don't blame him, blame me and maybe Voldemort ^_~! lol thanks for the review though!)
Etoshi (You-- you said awesome too!! *hugs*!! Thanks you!!!)

---Just for the not letting other people feel left out, I'll give everyone 3 extra hugs! *hugs x3* Ahh, there, feel better?--

A/N: I hope the whole Snape thing is fixed... I wanted to save the explanationg in the next chapter although I should've given a warning at least... Anyways, Thank you reviewers for brightening my day/week/life! ^_________________^ -huge smile for all!-
Also, next chapter will explain more of what Draco, Harry, and Ron were talking about when Draco asked them to explain everything about Hermione's summer; and more about Snape and his conflict between the control over his actions and Voldemort. Oh yeah.. more fluff, the darkness is sifting.. but it'll come back *_*.

Bwhahahaha!!!.......... ¬_¬; .. ahem.. anyways...

Thanks again, and have a nice day!