Note: Well, sorry this chapter took so long. I had so much homework to do. You would not believe. So, now it's out. I would also like to thank everybody who reviewed. I got at least fifteen more than I asked for. And that was a lot. THANK YOU ALL!

                              Chapter eleven:

                              Moonlight Dance

You may forget the one with whom you have laughed, but never the one with whom you have wept. ~ Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam

Hermione sat in Potions idly listening to him lecture the class on Healing potions. Even though in the back of her mind, Hermione felt they had gone over these already.

She began to stare out the window, watching the rain as it fell from the sky. She had always loved the rain.

Her eyes were caught by yet another wonderful sight, Draco. He seemed to be motioning towards Snape…

"Hermione Granger, are you there at all?"

"Oh, yes sir, sorry."

"I had asked you what you would what you would put in a potion to calm terror and panic?" Snape eyed her from beside his desk. His arms crossed over his chest.

"Um, you would put Red chestnut," she stated confidently, and then added in an undertone, "I think."

Snape watched her for some time and Hermione began to think she had gotten it wrong. Her eyes trailed to Draco in hopes that he might help her, and make the smallest motion that her answer was in fact correct.

"Do you see something of interest over there Miss Granger?" Snape glanced at Draco. 

"No sir."

"Now, back to your answer. That was quite correct. I would like you to pay attention though! Because this will be on the exam. If you had listened I said that I was reviewing it so you would have it fresh in your mind because the test is tomorrow."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when Professor McGonagall came in whispering something into Snape's ear.

"Miss Granger, Professor McGonagall needs to speak with you."

Hermione stood and made her way to the door that McGonagall held open.

"Miss Granger, follow me," she said softly, leading her away. "I have no easy way of telling you this. So, I fear I will just cut short and tell you straight of what happened." McGonagall turned around to face Hermione. "Your parents, dear, they have been in a bad incident."

Tears threatened to fall as Hermione determined the outcome of this incident, "What kind of incident?"

"They were attacked by Voldemort's minions. They died a quick death, My child. You do not have to worry."

Hermione broke into tears as McGonagall brought her into a warm embrace. "You are excused from the rest of your classes on family matters, please do as you wish."

Hermione pulled away, "Thank you for telling me." Hermione's face was tear-streaked and puffy. She turned from the teacher and ran to the entrance hall. Hermione pushed open the front doors, and stormed out into the pouring rain.

~

Hermione never returned to class, Draco noted as he made his way silently to the library after dinner. Nor had she been at dinner.

Pushing open the library doors, which had quickly become their meeting spot, he scanned the room. Hermione was not there.

He checked behind every book shelf, in every nook, any possible place. Just as he was about to give up and go back to his common room, he caught the sight of a one solitary figure crouched out by the elm tree in the school yards.

His curiosity got the best of him and he set of to find out who it was.

~

The rain was coming down in a sprinkle, which could hardly be considered rain. The moon now showed in patches across the school grounds. The wind, a cold breeze in the wet atmosphere. Draco's hair was slightly damp when he entered the trees shadow. He was finally able to make out who the figure was.

Hermione Granger sat huddled in a fetal position. Her legs drawn to her chest. She looked so small, so fragile. Her form was racked with shivers from the cold wind hitting her soaked body and from the sobs.

Draco knelt beside her, "You okay?"

Hermione raised her head, shock forming on her features. Draco Malfoy had just asked her if she was okay. It was absurd even in the saddened situation she was in. "No," she mumbled.

"What happened? You never came back to class. Snape told Potter to take your stuff."

Hermione stared into Draco's dove grey eyes, "My parents were killed."

"How?" He sounded genuinely concerned.

A sob erupted from her, "Voldemort killed them or at least ordered them to be killed."

Draco looked forward, out at the lake. His hands clenched, "I told him to leave you out of this."

"What?" Hermione sniffed.

"My father came to me last night. He was mad I had you help me. I told him to leave you out of it."

"Draco, don't worry about it. I would rather not get into your family business. Christmas is almost here. I don't want you to be made at your father when you go home for the holidays."

"I'm not going home."

"Why?" Hermione questioned.     

"I don't want to," he stood. He offered his hand to help her up. She took the offered hand, but instead of letting her go when she was up, he pulled her too him.

"What are you doing?" she laughed, even though the grief of her parents death was still there.

"Dancing, mon Ange."

Surrounded by moonlight and the soft mist that rose from the lake, the two danced. Each caught up in the moment of just being together. Hermione knowing that this was a side of Draco not many had seen and that it was most likely he would be back to his old self in the morning.

Draco knew that tomorrow he would have to result back to his old façade, in order to protect Hermione. What had happened to her parents had been and example of what happened when too much slipped. He also knew that of Hermione hung around him in daylight hours, Ron would be furious.

But come night, Hermione would be his again.

Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight? ~ The Joker, Batman

Those who danced were thought quite insane by those who could not hear the music ~ don't remember. If you know please tell me.

Note: I have two quotes this time. Thank you all who told me when the Yule ball is. Yes, Hermione's parents are dead.

My goal this time is 225.

I think that might be a bit daring, but with your help I can reach any goal. Lol.

So, if you would be please be kind enough to drop a review. I would be so happy.

Ma Ange ~ I think it means My angel. I translated it on the web. If it's wrong tell me. I would gladly change it.

Red Chestnut~ For excessive fear and anxiety; awakens calm detachment