** A note from HazelMist. "Thanks to Archforge, Kristawen, E. C. R Potter,
Spazzy, Natalia, ssjguyver, bookworm4ever, HarryNZ, babooshka, DivStar,
Phoenix for reviewing the last chapter. That's 11 reviews! Oh and just to
clear some things up Fred, Angelina, Ginny, Lavender and Draco Malfoy all
know. Um, I think those are the only ones. Thanks again. Here is chapter
six of the dreaded sequel."
Chapter 6
The bright sun was almost at its height in the morning sky that was now preparing for afternoon. It was crisp and chilly and the sky was a bright blue. The heavy gray clouds occasionally cast a large shadow over the sunny grounds causing it to seem dark and dreary for a brief time. But other then that it was a brilliant November day.
Inside though the sunlight was having a difficult time lighting up the castle. It seemed shadowy and dark wherever you went. It seemed almost as if it was still only seven in the morning and only small rays of new sunlight were peeping through cracks and crevices.
It was eleven in the morning when a shrill cry gave life to a new echo around the dank and empty corridors.
"Get out!" Madam Pomfrey yelled at the top of her lungs.
There was a loud slam of a door being slammed shut as if in someone's face. Then all was silent for several moments.
What seemed like ages later, there came a hurrying of several footsteps down into a particularly dark corridor. Five figures could just be made out in the darkness as the footsteps came to a halt. Five students with glum tired faces came to rest and talk for a moment with each other.
There was a bushy brown haired girl, a boy with jet-black untidy hair, another boy with sandy blond hair, and a girl with dark hair. Then there was one boy who was leaning against the wall looking sadder and upset then the rest of them. He was a red headed boy and it looked like he was almost being left out. Though he was too caught up in his thoughts to notice this.
Hermione edged closer to Harry so that she was now standing shoulder to shoulder beside him. She glanced up at him, tiliting back her head slightly so she could see those green eyes of his. He was watching Ron worriedly. A line on his forehead was creasing slightly. He feels guilty about us, Hemrione thought sadly looking away. It shouldn't be this way, but Hermione felt a pang of guilt and pity toward Ron anyway.
"Parvati are you sure you're okay?" Seamus asked carefully slipping his arm around the girl's shoulder. Parvati moved closer to him placing her head on his shoulder. Seamus didn't seem to be expecting this but he quickly began stroking her hair in an act of comfort.
"I'm okay." She said dully in a voice that clearly noted that she wasn't okay.
"Come on let's go for a walk outside." Seamus said softly. He steered out of the dark corridor and with his arm still around her shoulder. They walked away form the three remaining without another word.
The five students had gone to visit Lavender before they had been kicked out by Madam Pomfrey. Ever so rudely might I add. After all these years you would think she would understand the need for people to visit their fellow students when they are hurt or sick. But no, Madam Pomfrey still doesn't understand this and perhaps will never understand this important concept.
"I'm starving." Harry said, though he clearly had not as much appetite as he emphasized he did.
"Yeah I'm hungry too." Hermione said in a loud voice catching on.
There was silence on the other end. No one spoke and Hermione and Harry waited unsuccessfully for the outcome they had been hoping for.
Ron had not spoken all morning. In fact it seemed that Ron the last thing Ron had said to them was something along the lines of "It's all my fault". That had been yesterday in the dungeons. This was not like Ron who was normally a talkative person and always had input on everything they said. Especially with Hermione and him always fighting. Ron hadn't even used his sarcasm, which we all know Ron always uses in the lowest of times.
"Let's go eat breakfast." Harry said trying to fill in the gape that Ron would usually fill. Because Ron was always the one who talked about food.
"I'm hungry aren't you Ron?" Hermione felt like she was speaking to a toddler. It was awful and she felt a pang of shame.
"Ron we're going down to eat and you're coming." Harry said. Hermione instantly grabbed one of his arms and Harry grabbed the other. Forcefully they began to drag Ron to the Great Hall.
How long could he go on like this? Hermione shivered and silently hoped that Lavender would get better as quickly as possible. She couldn't take much more of this. Even then, even when Lavender got better, would it be over? Lavender wasn't the only one who was going to take time to heal. Hermione glanced up at Ron who was like a zombie almost. Hermione quickly looked away and concentrated on getting to the Great Hall as quickly as possible. Ron was going to need to heal too.
"Hey guys." Ginny had come to the rescue.
"Hey Ginny." Harry and Hermione said together.
"Hey Ron." Ginny said realizing the absence of her brother's voice.
There was no reply.
Harry gave Ginny a look and mouthed to her to wait for them. Hermione and him brought Ron to his seat and placed a plate of food down in front of him.
Hermione was almost sure that when they got back the plate would still be untouched. Reluctantly, she followed Harry back to the entrance where Ginny was waiting behind the door.
"Ron isn't any better." Ginny said softly her voice barely a whisper. She was watching her brother where he sat at the Griffendor table. Hermione and Harry shook their heads sadly.
"I wish there was something we could do." Hermione said sadly.
"This is all" Ginny cut Harry off shaking her head violently.
"No Harry it isn't your fault." She said looking up into his eyes. "Or Hermiones." Ginny quickly added.
"But if"
"I just wish"
"It's not your fault that you guys fell in love." Ginny cut them off once more. "Love just happens." Ginny said staring off into the distance. "It comes whether you like it or not. Whether it's a bad or a good time. Whether they like you or" She looked like she was going to continue. But she paused here as if she had already said too much.
"I'm not one to lecture, but just listen to me on this one. It's not your fault." She glanced at the two and smiled weakly.
"I'll meet you in the Griffendor common room at five. Okay?"
"We'll be there." Harry said.
"Thanks Ginny." Hermione said.
Five o'clock came sooner then anyone thought it would. It was rather surprising that time should fly at a time like this. But maybe it was because Harry and Hermione were expecting time to drag along that the hours flew by so fast.
Hermione twirled around inside the girl's dormitory. Parvati was out with Seamus and Lavender of course was gone, so Hermione had the entire room to herself. It was kind of weird getting ready without any one yelling out inputs or telling her to wear some makeup or her hair a certain way. She was so used to the familiar calls of Lavender and Parvati fighting with each other over some hair product that it was strange being alone in the silence without any reassurance from another female about how she looked. Hermione found herself actually missing the two girls opinions. That was hard to believe. Since it seemed to Hermione that they had an opinion on everything.
Hermione put on a light blue sweater and a pair of jeans. She reached across on her bed stand where her hand touched upon the familiar gold necklace. The lovely gold chain and the tiny heart never failed to shine even in the darkness. It always seemed to reflect bright rays of light from unknown sources, causing the necklace to shimmer and sparkle with simmering light.
"This necklace is no ordinary necklace." She said to herself as she clasped it around her neck. Carefully adjusting it in the center, she thought about the time when Harry had first kissed her. All those hesitations she had had, but all of them had been washed away when Harry had presented her with the lost necklace. He had carefully clasped it around her neck returning her heart to her. Right then and there she knew she had a choice. She didn't have to love him if she didn't truly love him. He had left her to make her own decisions. She had made her own decision. She had chosen Harry.
Hermione stood up and studied her reflection in the mirror. Moving away her hair by habit, her hand touched upon the spot where Ron had really done something horrible not too long ago. Ron had given her a love bite there on her neck. She had been furious with him. Especially since Harry had automatically assumed that she and Ron were together after seeing that stupid mark that let the whole world know that Ron had kissed her. That love bite was almost like a sign that Ron had tried to claim her as her and had brandished her with that mark so others would stay away.
A small smile crept its way across her face. It certainly had done the opposite. Harry had been beckoned to her, not pushed away. She had got her revenge without knowing it.
The smile faded as she realized what she was thinking. Ron is in trouble right now. I shouldn't be doing this to him. From now on I will pretend it had never happened. It never happened, it never happened, it never happened.
Repeating this over and over in her head she adjusted her sweater. Then she grabbed her cloak and rushed out the door.
"Harry!" Hermione opened the door to see Harry standing there right in front of her as if he had been waiting for her to open the door all this time.
"Hey." He said stepping aside as she walked out closing the door behind her.
"How long have you been waiting there?"
"Oh, not too long." He grinned slyly at her. Hermione laughed.
"You took a long time." He said.
"Sorry but I didn't know some love sick puppy was going to be out here waiting for me." Hermione added jokingly. They both laughed.
"Okay before you guys get too caught up with each other. I'd like to say something here." Ginny stood up from where she had been sitting, waiting for them by the fire. She walked over to them.
"Here's the deal. You guys have to be back here by nine thirty. Understood?" She said in a motherly fashion. She looked them straight in the eye making sure they understood the importance of nine thirty.
"Twelve, okay we've got it." Harry said jokingly. The three laughed.
"Guys I'm serious. I can't keep Ron busy for that long." Ginny shot a glance around the room as if he might hear.
"Especially since he's in that zombie state." Ginny added. Hermione shivered, glad she wasn't the one that had to keep Ron entertained while he was in that state.
"Don't worry we'll be back." Hermione took Ginny's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.
"We really appreciate this." She added.
"It's nothing." Ginny smiled.
Hermione and Ginny dropped hands and Harry reached over and took Hermione's hand. They both waved to Ginny as they exited through the portrait. But of course Harry always had to have the last word.
"See you at twelve." Harry called over his shoulder as the portrait closed behind him. Ginny yelled something back like "I heard that Harry!" Hermione giggled and together they began to walk down the corridor toward the entrance.
"Hey I want to show you something." Harry turned to her when they were a good ways from the common room. He had a mischievous twinkle in his emerald green eyes.
"Harry Potter if this has anything to do with your idea of romance I swear I'll" Hermione said sternly though she couldn't hide a small smile.
"Relax. It's nothing like that." He intervened smiling.
"Then what is it?" Hermione wasn't exactly one for surprises. She usually figured out what they were before they happened.
"I'm not going to tell you, it's a surprise."
"Harry come on tell me." Hermione implored.
"My lips are sealed." He said shaking his head despite her pleading.
"Fine then don't tell me." She said a little angrily.
"Just follow me." Harry said rolling his eyes. He grabbed her wrist and proceeded to drag her down the corridor away from the entrance.
"Harry where are we going?" Hermione cried still not willing to give up.
"It's a surprise for the last time." She heard Harry say once more. He glanced around the corridor and took her down yet another corridor.
Hermione sighed and gave up asking. He was just going to say the same thing over and over again it seemed. Still Hermione couldn't help wondering where he was taking her. She guessed that it wasn't Hogsmeade. But what is here in the school? Where could he be taking me?
Draco Malfoy was strolling down the hall on his way down to the entrance. He was going to Hogsmeade. For a very important reason, Draco thought snickering. He knew exactly where the mudblood and Potter were going tonight, Hogsmeade. It's a shame that they yell it out so loudly like they did with their romance, it would have been funnier if they hadn't made it so obvious.
Draco smirked, thinking about his plans for the night. He certainly wasn't planning on shopping or going out to the Three Broom Sticks that was for sure. No, his itinerary for the night seemed to be centered on the little dim witted couple. Though it wasn't anything good. Draco Malfoy had plans of his owns. Plans to make this night for the two not exactly a pleasant one were on his mind. In fact he planned to make it a disaster. He didn't need to hope that they would have a horrible time and perhaps break up. He knew they were going to have a horrible time and probably break up.
Draco snickered wringing his hands. He couldn't wait for the fun to begin. He started to walk faster just at the thought of it.
Harry grinned as he pulled Hermione around another sharp corner. Her hand slipped from his grasp and she nearly walked into the wall. But of course Hermione was much too clever for these games. He turned and walked over to her offered her his hand. But Hermione didn't take it. Her anger washed away and she grinned an identical grin to his. She would play his game and she would win.
"So it's fun you want." She said playfully.
Hermione took out her wand and Harry did the same. Before Harry could make a move she shouted "Expillarmus" and instantly Harry's wand went flying into her hand. She was happy that was over because she was afraid that Harry would have beaten her. Harry had gotten good at dueling and defense against the dark arts lately.
Hermione smiled and pointed her wand at him still playing. Harry started backing away knowing he would have to take another route if he wanted to beat her at this game. So he did.
"Catch me if you can." He yelled over his shoulder before he started running.
"That's not fair." Hermione protested as she started running after him down the empty hallway. She had learned in her first year that Harry was very fast when it came to running. When they had narrowly escaped Filch, Harry had been running like the wind. While all she could do was huff and puff and just barely keep up with them and in front of Neville.
Hermione raced after him hoping Harry would tire of this game. She entered an empty corridor as she turned around the corner. She had a strange feeling that Harry was hiding around here.
"Harry come out now." Hermione glanced around at the row of suits of armor that lined both sides of the corridor. She was almost sure that he was around here somewhere. There was a chuckle not too far away. Her suspicions were confirmed. Hermione narrowed her eyes and screwed her face into mock anger.
"Harry come on." She moaned.
There were footsteps down the hall. Was that him? Hermione started walking hurriedly toward the footsteps that were coming closer and closer to the corridor. She broke into a light run.
"Harry I" Hermione's grin instantly faded at the sight of the person who she had nearly run straight into. It certainly wasn't Harry. A real look of anger fell upon her face. She felt Harry at her side having sneaked up behind her, but he too had forgotten about the game when he saw who had come in. She folded her arms across her chest and glared up at the person her eyes narrowed in anger.
"Malfoy." Harry and Hermione both spat at the same time.
(All right so I lied. There is going to be another cliffhanger after all. Sorry I'll write more soon. Please Read and Review, thanks. HazelMist)
Chapter 6
The bright sun was almost at its height in the morning sky that was now preparing for afternoon. It was crisp and chilly and the sky was a bright blue. The heavy gray clouds occasionally cast a large shadow over the sunny grounds causing it to seem dark and dreary for a brief time. But other then that it was a brilliant November day.
Inside though the sunlight was having a difficult time lighting up the castle. It seemed shadowy and dark wherever you went. It seemed almost as if it was still only seven in the morning and only small rays of new sunlight were peeping through cracks and crevices.
It was eleven in the morning when a shrill cry gave life to a new echo around the dank and empty corridors.
"Get out!" Madam Pomfrey yelled at the top of her lungs.
There was a loud slam of a door being slammed shut as if in someone's face. Then all was silent for several moments.
What seemed like ages later, there came a hurrying of several footsteps down into a particularly dark corridor. Five figures could just be made out in the darkness as the footsteps came to a halt. Five students with glum tired faces came to rest and talk for a moment with each other.
There was a bushy brown haired girl, a boy with jet-black untidy hair, another boy with sandy blond hair, and a girl with dark hair. Then there was one boy who was leaning against the wall looking sadder and upset then the rest of them. He was a red headed boy and it looked like he was almost being left out. Though he was too caught up in his thoughts to notice this.
Hermione edged closer to Harry so that she was now standing shoulder to shoulder beside him. She glanced up at him, tiliting back her head slightly so she could see those green eyes of his. He was watching Ron worriedly. A line on his forehead was creasing slightly. He feels guilty about us, Hemrione thought sadly looking away. It shouldn't be this way, but Hermione felt a pang of guilt and pity toward Ron anyway.
"Parvati are you sure you're okay?" Seamus asked carefully slipping his arm around the girl's shoulder. Parvati moved closer to him placing her head on his shoulder. Seamus didn't seem to be expecting this but he quickly began stroking her hair in an act of comfort.
"I'm okay." She said dully in a voice that clearly noted that she wasn't okay.
"Come on let's go for a walk outside." Seamus said softly. He steered out of the dark corridor and with his arm still around her shoulder. They walked away form the three remaining without another word.
The five students had gone to visit Lavender before they had been kicked out by Madam Pomfrey. Ever so rudely might I add. After all these years you would think she would understand the need for people to visit their fellow students when they are hurt or sick. But no, Madam Pomfrey still doesn't understand this and perhaps will never understand this important concept.
"I'm starving." Harry said, though he clearly had not as much appetite as he emphasized he did.
"Yeah I'm hungry too." Hermione said in a loud voice catching on.
There was silence on the other end. No one spoke and Hermione and Harry waited unsuccessfully for the outcome they had been hoping for.
Ron had not spoken all morning. In fact it seemed that Ron the last thing Ron had said to them was something along the lines of "It's all my fault". That had been yesterday in the dungeons. This was not like Ron who was normally a talkative person and always had input on everything they said. Especially with Hermione and him always fighting. Ron hadn't even used his sarcasm, which we all know Ron always uses in the lowest of times.
"Let's go eat breakfast." Harry said trying to fill in the gape that Ron would usually fill. Because Ron was always the one who talked about food.
"I'm hungry aren't you Ron?" Hermione felt like she was speaking to a toddler. It was awful and she felt a pang of shame.
"Ron we're going down to eat and you're coming." Harry said. Hermione instantly grabbed one of his arms and Harry grabbed the other. Forcefully they began to drag Ron to the Great Hall.
How long could he go on like this? Hermione shivered and silently hoped that Lavender would get better as quickly as possible. She couldn't take much more of this. Even then, even when Lavender got better, would it be over? Lavender wasn't the only one who was going to take time to heal. Hermione glanced up at Ron who was like a zombie almost. Hermione quickly looked away and concentrated on getting to the Great Hall as quickly as possible. Ron was going to need to heal too.
"Hey guys." Ginny had come to the rescue.
"Hey Ginny." Harry and Hermione said together.
"Hey Ron." Ginny said realizing the absence of her brother's voice.
There was no reply.
Harry gave Ginny a look and mouthed to her to wait for them. Hermione and him brought Ron to his seat and placed a plate of food down in front of him.
Hermione was almost sure that when they got back the plate would still be untouched. Reluctantly, she followed Harry back to the entrance where Ginny was waiting behind the door.
"Ron isn't any better." Ginny said softly her voice barely a whisper. She was watching her brother where he sat at the Griffendor table. Hermione and Harry shook their heads sadly.
"I wish there was something we could do." Hermione said sadly.
"This is all" Ginny cut Harry off shaking her head violently.
"No Harry it isn't your fault." She said looking up into his eyes. "Or Hermiones." Ginny quickly added.
"But if"
"I just wish"
"It's not your fault that you guys fell in love." Ginny cut them off once more. "Love just happens." Ginny said staring off into the distance. "It comes whether you like it or not. Whether it's a bad or a good time. Whether they like you or" She looked like she was going to continue. But she paused here as if she had already said too much.
"I'm not one to lecture, but just listen to me on this one. It's not your fault." She glanced at the two and smiled weakly.
"I'll meet you in the Griffendor common room at five. Okay?"
"We'll be there." Harry said.
"Thanks Ginny." Hermione said.
Five o'clock came sooner then anyone thought it would. It was rather surprising that time should fly at a time like this. But maybe it was because Harry and Hermione were expecting time to drag along that the hours flew by so fast.
Hermione twirled around inside the girl's dormitory. Parvati was out with Seamus and Lavender of course was gone, so Hermione had the entire room to herself. It was kind of weird getting ready without any one yelling out inputs or telling her to wear some makeup or her hair a certain way. She was so used to the familiar calls of Lavender and Parvati fighting with each other over some hair product that it was strange being alone in the silence without any reassurance from another female about how she looked. Hermione found herself actually missing the two girls opinions. That was hard to believe. Since it seemed to Hermione that they had an opinion on everything.
Hermione put on a light blue sweater and a pair of jeans. She reached across on her bed stand where her hand touched upon the familiar gold necklace. The lovely gold chain and the tiny heart never failed to shine even in the darkness. It always seemed to reflect bright rays of light from unknown sources, causing the necklace to shimmer and sparkle with simmering light.
"This necklace is no ordinary necklace." She said to herself as she clasped it around her neck. Carefully adjusting it in the center, she thought about the time when Harry had first kissed her. All those hesitations she had had, but all of them had been washed away when Harry had presented her with the lost necklace. He had carefully clasped it around her neck returning her heart to her. Right then and there she knew she had a choice. She didn't have to love him if she didn't truly love him. He had left her to make her own decisions. She had made her own decision. She had chosen Harry.
Hermione stood up and studied her reflection in the mirror. Moving away her hair by habit, her hand touched upon the spot where Ron had really done something horrible not too long ago. Ron had given her a love bite there on her neck. She had been furious with him. Especially since Harry had automatically assumed that she and Ron were together after seeing that stupid mark that let the whole world know that Ron had kissed her. That love bite was almost like a sign that Ron had tried to claim her as her and had brandished her with that mark so others would stay away.
A small smile crept its way across her face. It certainly had done the opposite. Harry had been beckoned to her, not pushed away. She had got her revenge without knowing it.
The smile faded as she realized what she was thinking. Ron is in trouble right now. I shouldn't be doing this to him. From now on I will pretend it had never happened. It never happened, it never happened, it never happened.
Repeating this over and over in her head she adjusted her sweater. Then she grabbed her cloak and rushed out the door.
"Harry!" Hermione opened the door to see Harry standing there right in front of her as if he had been waiting for her to open the door all this time.
"Hey." He said stepping aside as she walked out closing the door behind her.
"How long have you been waiting there?"
"Oh, not too long." He grinned slyly at her. Hermione laughed.
"You took a long time." He said.
"Sorry but I didn't know some love sick puppy was going to be out here waiting for me." Hermione added jokingly. They both laughed.
"Okay before you guys get too caught up with each other. I'd like to say something here." Ginny stood up from where she had been sitting, waiting for them by the fire. She walked over to them.
"Here's the deal. You guys have to be back here by nine thirty. Understood?" She said in a motherly fashion. She looked them straight in the eye making sure they understood the importance of nine thirty.
"Twelve, okay we've got it." Harry said jokingly. The three laughed.
"Guys I'm serious. I can't keep Ron busy for that long." Ginny shot a glance around the room as if he might hear.
"Especially since he's in that zombie state." Ginny added. Hermione shivered, glad she wasn't the one that had to keep Ron entertained while he was in that state.
"Don't worry we'll be back." Hermione took Ginny's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.
"We really appreciate this." She added.
"It's nothing." Ginny smiled.
Hermione and Ginny dropped hands and Harry reached over and took Hermione's hand. They both waved to Ginny as they exited through the portrait. But of course Harry always had to have the last word.
"See you at twelve." Harry called over his shoulder as the portrait closed behind him. Ginny yelled something back like "I heard that Harry!" Hermione giggled and together they began to walk down the corridor toward the entrance.
"Hey I want to show you something." Harry turned to her when they were a good ways from the common room. He had a mischievous twinkle in his emerald green eyes.
"Harry Potter if this has anything to do with your idea of romance I swear I'll" Hermione said sternly though she couldn't hide a small smile.
"Relax. It's nothing like that." He intervened smiling.
"Then what is it?" Hermione wasn't exactly one for surprises. She usually figured out what they were before they happened.
"I'm not going to tell you, it's a surprise."
"Harry come on tell me." Hermione implored.
"My lips are sealed." He said shaking his head despite her pleading.
"Fine then don't tell me." She said a little angrily.
"Just follow me." Harry said rolling his eyes. He grabbed her wrist and proceeded to drag her down the corridor away from the entrance.
"Harry where are we going?" Hermione cried still not willing to give up.
"It's a surprise for the last time." She heard Harry say once more. He glanced around the corridor and took her down yet another corridor.
Hermione sighed and gave up asking. He was just going to say the same thing over and over again it seemed. Still Hermione couldn't help wondering where he was taking her. She guessed that it wasn't Hogsmeade. But what is here in the school? Where could he be taking me?
Draco Malfoy was strolling down the hall on his way down to the entrance. He was going to Hogsmeade. For a very important reason, Draco thought snickering. He knew exactly where the mudblood and Potter were going tonight, Hogsmeade. It's a shame that they yell it out so loudly like they did with their romance, it would have been funnier if they hadn't made it so obvious.
Draco smirked, thinking about his plans for the night. He certainly wasn't planning on shopping or going out to the Three Broom Sticks that was for sure. No, his itinerary for the night seemed to be centered on the little dim witted couple. Though it wasn't anything good. Draco Malfoy had plans of his owns. Plans to make this night for the two not exactly a pleasant one were on his mind. In fact he planned to make it a disaster. He didn't need to hope that they would have a horrible time and perhaps break up. He knew they were going to have a horrible time and probably break up.
Draco snickered wringing his hands. He couldn't wait for the fun to begin. He started to walk faster just at the thought of it.
Harry grinned as he pulled Hermione around another sharp corner. Her hand slipped from his grasp and she nearly walked into the wall. But of course Hermione was much too clever for these games. He turned and walked over to her offered her his hand. But Hermione didn't take it. Her anger washed away and she grinned an identical grin to his. She would play his game and she would win.
"So it's fun you want." She said playfully.
Hermione took out her wand and Harry did the same. Before Harry could make a move she shouted "Expillarmus" and instantly Harry's wand went flying into her hand. She was happy that was over because she was afraid that Harry would have beaten her. Harry had gotten good at dueling and defense against the dark arts lately.
Hermione smiled and pointed her wand at him still playing. Harry started backing away knowing he would have to take another route if he wanted to beat her at this game. So he did.
"Catch me if you can." He yelled over his shoulder before he started running.
"That's not fair." Hermione protested as she started running after him down the empty hallway. She had learned in her first year that Harry was very fast when it came to running. When they had narrowly escaped Filch, Harry had been running like the wind. While all she could do was huff and puff and just barely keep up with them and in front of Neville.
Hermione raced after him hoping Harry would tire of this game. She entered an empty corridor as she turned around the corner. She had a strange feeling that Harry was hiding around here.
"Harry come out now." Hermione glanced around at the row of suits of armor that lined both sides of the corridor. She was almost sure that he was around here somewhere. There was a chuckle not too far away. Her suspicions were confirmed. Hermione narrowed her eyes and screwed her face into mock anger.
"Harry come on." She moaned.
There were footsteps down the hall. Was that him? Hermione started walking hurriedly toward the footsteps that were coming closer and closer to the corridor. She broke into a light run.
"Harry I" Hermione's grin instantly faded at the sight of the person who she had nearly run straight into. It certainly wasn't Harry. A real look of anger fell upon her face. She felt Harry at her side having sneaked up behind her, but he too had forgotten about the game when he saw who had come in. She folded her arms across her chest and glared up at the person her eyes narrowed in anger.
"Malfoy." Harry and Hermione both spat at the same time.
(All right so I lied. There is going to be another cliffhanger after all. Sorry I'll write more soon. Please Read and Review, thanks. HazelMist)