"Harry!" Nikole gasped as she and Hermione entered the library. Harry was sitting at a table on the farthest corner, deeply interested in a certain red book.

"There he is," Hermione pointed out.

"I see him," Nikole replied. "Come on." Nikole tugged at Hermione's arm and dragged her toward the table.

Harry looked up and saw the girls. He waved innocently then continued his reading.

"Hi, Harry," Nikole said, sitting down across from him. Hermione still stood. "Hermione," Nikole started, "sit."

"Oh, right," Hermione replied, a bit exasperated, sitting down.

"May I help you?" Harry asked sarcastically.

"Did you take a book from that dungeon that you followed me into?" asked Nikole. She looked over at Hermione, who was busy reading the back cover of Harry's book.

"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "Why?"

"Because I'm missing one." Nikole leaned back into her chair and sighed.

"So?" Harry asked.

"It's the book that will help me kill that psychopathic godfather of mine, remember?" Nikole buried her face in her hands. "This cannot be happening," she mumbled into her hands.

Hermione studied Harry's book. "Nikole?" she asked curiously.

"What?" Nikole asked, her voice muffled from her hands.

"What was the title of that book?"

"It didn't have one, Herms. It used to, but the words used to be bright and golden, then it sort of faded. Now its just this red book with golden marks on the cover," she mumbled.

"Were there words on the back?"

"Yeah. It was a summary I guess."

Hermione wondered if the book that Harry held in his hands was the exact book Nikole was searching for. It had golden markings on the front, a summary on the back, and it was red and huge. Could it? Most likely, yes; but then, how did Harry get it? Did he steal it? Was he framed? Harry wouldn't steal...or would he? "No!" Hermione yelled inside as she mentally slapped herself. Harry wouldn't steal. He wouldn't! Hermione decided to ask.

"Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Yes?" Harry said, looking up from the book.

"Where did you get that book from?"

"It was on my bed stand this morning with a letter that said, 'Read me.'"

Nikole looked up. "What? Let me see that book, Harry."

"No!" Harry yelled. "It's mine!"

"Harry," Nikole gasped. "Did you steal that book from the dungeon?"

"Yes-I mean, no!" Harry answered, standing up, holding the book close to him.

"You stole it, Harry? How could you?" Nikole spat, standing up as well.

"I stole it because I wanted to!" Harry answered.

"You bloody bastard!"

"What did you call me?" Harry's once soft, green eyes turned a catlike green. They had such a blinding glow. The corners of his pupils turned an evil shade of red. His voice fell into an octave lower. "What did you call me?"

"Harry," Hermione started. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Shut up! I wasn't asking you now was I?"

Hermione took a few steps back.

"Answer me, Slayer!" he spat out at Nikole.

"No," Nikole gasped. Fear clutched her heart. Her mind was telling her to run, but her soul was telling her to stay to help the boy she...she loved. "Harry? What's wrong with you?"

Harry seemed agitated. He roared like a lion and slapped Hermione with the back of his hand and she flew out of the library. Immediately, the library doors closed and were locked. It was just Harry and Nikole left to fight the battle of the hour, not their lives.