CHAPTER TWO: Sleepless Beginnings

For a shield from the storm

For a friend

For the love to keep me safe and warm

I turn to you

For the strength to be strong

For the will to carry on

For everything you do

For everything that's true

I turn to you

Christina Aguilera - I Turn To You 'Christina Aguilera'

Half an hour after the little incident with Harry and Ron, I was greeted with shocking news that I had to go and announce to everyone, as I was head-girl. It hurts too much to write about the event but it is always better to get everything out in the open than let it be all bottled up inside you; especially, if the one in pain at the moment is one of your best friends.

*

I sat on the floor in the Gryffindor common room, sobbing, numb and unfeeling, while Ron was rubbing my back trying to soothe my cries.  I heard footsteps, Ron moved away from me and I looked up, I saw Professor Dumbledore and he lifted me up off the floor.

'Hermione,' said Dumbledore soothingly, 'I need you to compose yourself now. You need to make the announcement with Draco to the houses. Professor McGonagall or I would do it, but all of the teachers are holding an emergency meeting soon.'

I looked behind Dumbledore and I saw Malfoy leaning against the doorframe.

'Draco?' I whispered, I don't know why I called him Draco; it just popped out my mouth.

I stood up properly and I wiped my eyes; I saw Dumbledore smile out the corner of my eyes.

'That's a girl. I've got to go. Draco…you need to help her.' Dumbledore said to Draco and I.

Dumbledore walked over to Malfoy and I heard them whisper something as I walked over to them.

'Why?' I heard Malfoy choke out.

I couldn't take it anymore, I dissolved into tears again and I leaned against Ron who had come up behind me.

'Cedric. She's been depressed ever since it happened. The suicide note said 'I'll never forget you' and 'I'm sorry'.' Harry said from the floor.

Cho Chang - Harry's crush, died this morning, her mother found her body in her bedroom at home and a suicide note lying next to her. I never knew her because she was in the year above us, but all I know is that she left in her sixth year - never finishing school, she moved home…

'Get out, we don't need you here right now.' Harry said to Malfoy, as he came over and put his arm around my shoulder.

'This is no time to be saying those sorts of things. I'm only here because Dumbledore ordered me to be.' Malfoy said glaring at Harry.

'Don't fight,' I said, my tears drying up once again. 'We need to announce it…'

'You can't,' said Harry incredulously. 'Not in your state.'

'I can,' I replied firmly. 'And I will.'

I felt so confused and mixed up, all I wanted to do was go to sleep but I was head-girl and I had my duties. I stole a glance at Malfoy and he held out his hand, I took it. I don't know why I did, but it seemed to reassure me a little by holding on to him.

I squeezed his hand slightly and whispered, 'Thank you.'

Draco nods at me and then he turned to the rest of the common room and said, 'Do they know?'

'Yes,' Ron said, 'they know.'

Suddenly, Malfoy grips my hand more firmly and leads me out the Gryffindor common room, into my bedroom, and then into his. Before Malfoy pushed open the door that was to led to the Slytherin common room, he looked at me; I smiled faintly, I was trying so hard not to break down into tears again. I think Malfoy saw the tears in my eyes threatening to spill. He pushed opened the door and everyone in the common room stared at us as we entered. I realized I was holding Malfoy's hand and I quickly dropped it. I don't know why I did, like I don't know why I held his hand in the first place but it didn't seem right to be displaying an act of affection in front of the people in the Slytherin house.

'Can I have everyone's attention please?' Malfoy asked, his voice loud, strong and clear, 'Afternoon classes are canceled because there has been a death.'

He paused then he said, 'Please stay in your common rooms. The Heads of the Houses will be in to speak with you shortly. Remain calm.'

That was all he said; he pulled me back through the door and into our quarters. We went to Ravenclaw next, then the Hufflepuffs. Malfoy did all the talking; I didn't say anything, just stood by his side.

*

After that, Malfoy took me into my bedroom and I laid down on my bed; I thanked Malfoy then I closed my eyes. I felt someone cover me with my duvet, and I heard a sigh before I fell asleep…

*

REVIEWERS:

The Starkissed Writing Syndica: I have reviewed your story, explaining the Ron and Christina Aguliera situation.

Hermione18: I am glad you liked my last chapter. Where do you come from? I'm from England. Talk to you, soon.

The Charmed One: I think the 'DIRRTY' bit with Ron and Harry was the funniest bit of that chapter; there is an even more amusing part coming up in chapter three!