Tripgrl3: Thank you so much for your encouragement! I hope to receive more reviews from you in the future! (

Still need a beta-reader...review please!

// indicate Hermione's thoughts//
After leading the first years to the Gryffindor dorms, Hermione was completely wiped out. Her eyes felt heavy, and she couldn't wait to collapse on her comfortable bed and drift off to sleep.

"Licorice," she muttered to a portrait of a black knight, which instantly swung aside to reveal the largest dorm she had ever seen.

//And I only have to share this with Lavender? Just Lavender? This is fantastic! //

Red plush couches with golden trim were placed along a massive wall covered with dark scarlet wallpaper. It looked almost soft - soft enough to touch. Hermione gasped in awe as she ran her hand along the wall and found it velvety under her fingertips. A grand fireplace was built into the opposite wall with gold figures on each side. Upon closer inspection, she saw that they were lions on their hind legs, with their front paws resting on the mantle above the fireplace. Hermione marveled at the grandeur of the room, and couldn't believe her good fortune.

//Well, if I have to eavesdrop on Malfoy, at least I have this room to retreat to - just in case//

Her curiosity led her to the Gryffindor/Slytherin bathroom. She happily noted that at least a thin curtain divided the two sides. She knew, however, that she would have to sneak over to the other side in order to hear what Malfoy would be saying.

//Oh, bloody hell! How am I supposed to do that?! That's practically inviting someone to catch me! What have I gotten myself into? Maybe I should just tell Harry - //

An aggravated voice from the other side of the curtain interrupted her thoughts.

"Goyle! Where the HELL did you put my towel?! I told you I was taking a shower and that I would need something to dry myself off, and I thought you would have the bloody common sense to leave my towel in the room! But NO! I guess I was assuming too much, wasn't I? You stupid git! Can't you do anything?"

Hermione strained her ears, only to hear a mumbled reply from what sounded like an apologetic Goyle. She grinned to herself. Malfoy was still rambling -

".and I'm standing here completely UNCLOTHED and WET! You are the most moronic and unthinking ignoramus I have ever had the DISPLEASURE of meeting! If I catch a cold you're going to explain everything to my father, and you had better make sure you don't understate your stupidity while you're explaining! And why the bloody hell are you just STANDING there? I told you to get me a towel! NOW!"

Hermione had to clutch her stomach and whip a hand over her mouth to stifle a loud giggle. It was so wonderful to hear Malfoy in such a vulnerable position. She rather enjoyed hearing him worked up.

//Wouldn't it absolutely KILL him if I saw him like this? Hey.good idea! //

She reached a hand to draw back the paper-thin curtain, but a stern voice in her head reprimanded her.

//Whoa - do you really want to see Malfoy like THAT? Think, Hermione.//

"EW! Gross! No way!"

Hermione quickly covered her mouth and prayed that Malfoy hadn't heard her, but it was too late. She had said exactly what was on her mind - rather loudly. He ripped back the curtain furiously. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that he had found some boxers to wear.

"Fancy seeing YOU here, Mudblood," he stated coolly.

Thinking quickly, Hermione grabbed her pink towel shoved it into his pale, wet hands.

"I heard you needed a towel, Malfoy. I think pink is your color, don't you?" She smirked at him and noted an amused look in his eyes.

"Sure, Granger. Lend me your linens, but don't think I owe you anything." His eyes fixed her in an icy stare - the amusement was gone.

"I think I've received adequate compensation, thank you very much." She thought of his previous outburst and giggled furiously. "And a mediocre night to you, Mr. Malfoy."

With that she bowed exaggeratedly, never taking her eyes from his. His eyes - they were so typically "Malfoy"- unfeeling and stoic - so much that it made her shiver. Pulling the curtain back into place, she hurried out of the bathroom, consumed in her thoughts. It would certainly be difficult to snoop with Malfoy around, but she knew that that was precisely what she had to do.

//For Harry. Right - for Harry. //

Besides, she had seen a large hamper to hide behind on the Slytherin side, and she actually wouldn't mind "accidentally" catching some other priceless Slytherin moments.

Next time she would bring her camera - just in case.

I know you guys must be tired of hearing this, but PLEASE review! Flames are welcome! I need tips/ ideas/compliments/suggestions - ANYTHING!! Merci beaucoup! XOXO..Kate