Disclaimer: I in no way own these characters so do not sue me!

Gradually the sun made its was pass the horizon waking various students with its blinding light. It was now time for breakfast and morning classes. Slowly but steadily Gryffindors made their way down from the dormitories and into the common room. Leisurely, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to the Great Hall.

*Telling Harry about this might be beneficial to him, but Ron, he'll get the wrong idea. I guess I should gather more facts before I spread the word*

The three found their usual seats at their house table as the food magically appeared.

"So how was your venture to the library?" Ron asked as he poured himself another glass of pumpkin juice, "Was your all-nighter beneficial? Have you contemplated the vastness of the infinite universe?"

"For your unneeded information, my 'venture' as you put it, was valuable," Hermione said coolly, "I suppose your night was beneficial too?" She finished without taking her eyes off of her plate.

"Actually it was," Harry cut in, "We finished the evening playing exploding snap."

"Oh really? Have they chosen to put that on the O.W.L.S. this year?" Hermione shot back.

"As if you don't know. I'm surprised such a pristine girl doesn't know. I'm appalled." Ron commented giving here an astounded look.

"I'm surprised such a ruddy little boy does." And with that Hermione finished her food, grabbed her things and exited the Great Hall..

*Maybe if he put more effort into studying he wouldn't have so much trouble with his homework*

"Urgh!" She practically shrieked.

"Something bothering our little Muggle-born book-worm?" Came an unperturbedly startling voice from behind her.

"Back off Malfoy, it's none of your business." Hermione spoke without turning around.

"Of course it's my business, wherever there's a Mudblood in need I'm there to make it worse."

His icy voice frightened her ever so slightly. Turning on her heel she came into tone with him. His face lightly shadowed by the dim castle lighting. His white-blond hair silver, like his polar eyes in the faint light. What did he want from me?

"Back off! I don't need your criticism." Hermione, screaming by now.

"Why? Your little friends will come and save you, won't they?" He took one step closer to her. She took one step further away.

By now the students were about finished eating and began to emerge from the Great Hall. Lost in the mass she fled to her Common Room.

*I don't know why he scares me but it makes me hate him more. If only he was gone. Why must my downfall be him?*

Tiny beads of sweat collected upon her face. *I'll find out what he needed that spell for, he'll never speak to me again*

It was settled; she turned swiftly through the crown to run full speed to the library. Having only about thirty minutes she began her search for the book Malfoy had been holding that night.

Five minutes before class was set to begin she found it.

*It wasn't the Dreaminous Exfixioto potion he was looking for, it was the.......

SORRY, this chapter is short but the next one will be much longer! Please Comment THANX! Aim me @ MizRugby58