Chapter 6

She knew she was lying to Harry, but what else was there to do? Surely he wouldn't take too well knowing that Hermione and Malfoy were having midnight meetings. Lying to him was like protecting him, she thought. And he wasn't ready for news like that anyway. . . Hermione was still trying to accept it herself.

Hermione looked back at Harry. He didn't believe a word she spoke to him.

"Hermione, I've known you for five years now. You think it's necessary to lie to me?" 'Damn him,' she thought.

"I'm fine Harry, really." He gave her a piercing look.

"You're fine now, sure. But what happened on the train that spooked you?" She knew he wasn't going to drop it, and it was useless to try to change the subject. Though she seriously considered jumping in the lake . . .

"It was just a run in with Malfoy," she admitted, hanging her head.

"What did he do to you? I swear I'll-"

"No need to be protective Harry," She smiled at him. "I was just relaxing in the compartment, and in he came. I was just a little agitated because I didn't realize he'd become a prefect as well. Its a little scary knowing someone gave Malfoy just the slightest bit of power."

'You evil genius you,' Hermione thought to herself. Perfect lie . . . you just had to be proud to come up with a lie like that.

"You're right," He said, "Why didn't you tell Ron or me?"

"Slipped my mind I suppose," she answered. "Where's Ron?"

"I left him in the common room with Ginny. She needed to talk to him about something apparently. She looked upset." Harry looked glum, worry filling his eyes now.

"Have any idea what it might be?" Hermione asked. Worry was filling her too; nothing good can come from a private serious conversation.

Harry shook his head, "Not a clue."

"Well, lets go find out," Hermione said, getting up.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea Hermione," Harry said, standing up too. He brushed grass off his robes.

"And why not?" She asked, walking up the hill back toward the castle.

"Because, they wanted to be alone." Harry said, "That's one of the reasons I came down here to see you." Harry tried talking Hermione out of it all the way up to the portrait. She was being stubborn.

"Harry, if I want to know what's going on with my best friends I'll ask them." Then she gave the password, and wandered into the common room. First thing she saw was Ginny, Ron, Fred, and George looking very gloomy. Hermione approached cautiously, clutching her book to her chest. She felt Harry step behind her.

"Is everything okay?" Hermione whispered to the group. Ginny looked up, and her eyes were puffy and red. She sniffed and then ran toward Hermione. Ginny caught her off guard, and flung her arms around Hermione's neck, making her drop the book.

"Ginny," Hermione cooed, "What's the matter?" Ginny just sobbed on Hermione's shoulder, not saying a word. Hermione moved Ginny over to the couch, where Ron scooted over, and Harry came and stood in front of the fire. "Ginny," Hermione comforted. She pried the red head off her. "Gin, what's the matter?" She sniffed and wiped away her tears. Hermione glanced around at the other solemn faces around her. All were sad. Even Fred and George were quiet. Something was seriously wrong, and Hermione was starting to panic.

A/N ::: I know it's a short chapter, but I was told to leave cliff hangers. As you can see, I am not that great at them. But I'm trying! ( :) Anyhow. . .

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