A/N: Soooooo sorry for the looooong wait. I had tons of projects to finish plus hellish exams to study for. I'll make it up to you I promise… this lengthy chapter's a start. (At least, I think it's lengthy.) It's summertime now! (In my country anyway…) Hallelujah! That means I can update every two weeks. (One week if I'm lucky) So sit back, relax and enjoy! Happy Reading!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Are those brooms?" Hermione's shrill voice cried out. Lavender Brown who was standing beside her slightly cringed.

The house elf eagerly nodded. "Yes, miss. Use this to go to Hogwarts." He picked up a broom and handed it to Hermione.

Hermione paled and stepped backward. "Ride that?"

"Watch it Hermione!" Parvati Patil rubbed her shoulder as she inched away from Hermione.

Dean Thomas anxiously clutched a broom. "Well? Come on!" He hopped on the broom and looked at his classmates.

"I don't think I can…" Neville Longbottom was already green. He shook his head vigorously and added pleadingly, "Can't we use another… erm… mode of transportation?"

The elf replied squeakily, "The horseless carriages is another option. Since they are now limited, only one carriage was allotted for your year. Only six of you can ride in it so the others have to use the brooms."

"I'll go!" shrieked Hermione. "Come on, Neville." She grabbed Neville's hand and pulled him along as she hurriedly walked towards the horseless carriages.

"Your loss!" With those words Dean kicked off from the ground and flew towards Hogwarts.

"Hermione! Where are you going?" Ron called out. He ran after his girlfriend and caught her arm.

"Ouch! Ron! Let me go!"

Ron obeyed but prevented Hermione from walking further. "And why don't you want to fly?"

Hermione looked up and saw that her classmates were already airborne. She glared at Ron. "I just don't want to okay? Just go. I'll meet you in Hogwarts."

"The carriages are leaving!"

"Neville? What! Oh no! Wait! Move Ron!"

Ron crossed his arms. "Nope. You are going to ride on a broom even if I have to –"

"What? Have to what?" Hermione was beginning to get pissed off.

Ron grinned. "This." He suddenly grabbed Hermione by the waist and lifted her up in his arms.

"Aaaaah! Ron! Put me down! I said, PUT ME DOWN!" Hermione twisted about while violently kicking her legs.

Neville said worriedly, "I guess I'll ride by myself." He turned to leave.

"No! Ack! Don't leave me! Neville!!!!"

Ron laughed and said, "Nah. Go on Neville. Hermione will go with me." He groaned under Hermione's weight. "God, you're heavy woman. Ever heard of the word diet?"

Hermione punched him in reply.

"I'm going now… uh… bye." Neville ran off.

Ron turned his head towards the house elf standing near the brooms. "Hey elf! Yes, you. Can you bring one broom here?"

"Ron, please be reasonable. I have this sort of trauma with brooms. Remember our first lesson? I couldn't get the broom to float and Neville got injured by riding one. I'm scared Ron… scared." Hermione buried her face in Ron's cloak.

The house elf sauntered towards the couple and dropped the broom in front of Ron's feet. "Happy riding." It bowed and walked back.

"Up! Hermione… trust me. I won't let anything happen to you. Sometimes, you just have to face your fears." Ron gently placed Hermione on the broom and seated himself in front of her. "Ready?"

Hermione shuddered. "Not yet, Ron. No… aaaah!!!!!!!!!!!! " She screamed loudly, feeling the broom beginning to gain altitude. Her arms tightened around Ron's waist as a cold breeze stung her sweating face and whipped her now disarranged hair. "Damn you Weasley!" Hermione started to feel nauseous so she shut her eyes tightly and tried to calm down. She certainly didn't want to puke in midair.

"Relax Hermione. We'll be there in about two minutes." Ron gripped the broom tightly and leaned forward. He heard Hermione whimper as the broom went faster. "Almost there…" He wanted to reassure Hermione further but all he could do was say encouraging words.

Eventually, the towering castle loomed up ahead. Ron let out a relieved sigh. He was getting worried that Hermione would do something inhuman to him if they'd fly much longer. "Next stop, Hogwarts." He let out a final burst of speed and landed safely on the Quidditch field. "Hermione?" Ron immediately got off the broom and offered a hand to Hermione.

"Uhhh…" Hermione looked terribly sick. Her ashen face was covered with tiny cold beads of sweat. She slowly took Ron's outstretched hand and wobbly stood up.

"Ron! Hermione! I've been waiting for you. Everyone's at the feast already… Hermione?" Harry briskly approached them after seeing the couple's broom land on the field.

Hermione quickly clamped a hand over her mouth and ran inside the Great Hall, leaving Ron and Harry behind.

"All right. What did you do?"

Ron grinned guiltily at Harry's accusing stare. "Nothing… we just flew."

"I know that. I'm not blind. Wait a minute… did you say… you flew?"

"Uh… yeah."

"What? Ron, you moron! Don't you know that Hermione has motion sickness? She's also terrified of heights! Didn't she tell you this?" Harry was already seething with irritation.

Ron shrugged. "She did." His eyes glistened innocently.

Harry sighed in resignation. "What am I going to do with you?" He sullenly shook his head and walked away from Ron.

"Oi! Harry! What'd I do? Will Hermione get mad? Harry!!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Oh Hermione, it's beautiful!"

"You are so damn lucky."

"My brother bought that?"

Hermione giggled. "Girls… it's just a ring." She watched in amusement at the sight that lay before her. Three envious and equally eager girls were sitting on her canopy bed, crowding around her outstretched right hand. They insisted to go straight up to their dormitory right after the start-of-term feast to further admire Hermione's ring.

Patty snorted and hugged the pillow that was on her lap. "Just a ring? Listen. If Dean would give me a ring, I swear I'd love him till the day I die."

"Don't you love him?" Ginny, who was now lying down, turned to face Patty.

"I do but… you can't resist daydreaming about gifts your boyfriend would give you. In my case, they're always dreams… never reality." Patty sighed dismally and hugged the pillow harder.

"But he's given you love."

A snicker erupted from Lavender. "Love? Now tell me little Weasley, what good did being in love for more than five years bring me?" She raised a heavily penciled eyebrow at Ginny.

Ginny gulped and said, "Er… nothing?"

"Bingo! And little Weasley gets $100,000 for that question."

Hermione joined in. "But loving someone is a magic in itself right?" She was willing to defend her feelings for Ron and even persuade Lavender to change her mind.

A muffled voice answered. "I guess so…"

"At least someone loves you back, Patty. Even though he doesn't shower you with expensive jewelry and fattening chocolates. "

Patty threw her pillow at Lavender. "Are you accusing me of being a self-conceited pig?"

Lavender threw the pillow right back. "You said it, not me."

Hermione sensing a brewing argument asked quickly, "Um… Lavender, who do you love?"

"None of your business," replied Lavender curtly. She resumed her pillow attack on Patty.

"Oof! Watch it!" cried Patty as a pillow hit her square in the face. She promptly returned the attack while whispering to Hermione. "I know… his initials are – "

"Don't tell her!"

Ginny's head was bobbing up and down due to excitement. "Tell us!"

Lavender desperately lunged at Patty, trying to cover her friend's mouth. "Don't!!!!"

Amidst the endless tussle, flying pillows and shrill screams, Hermione could distinctively hear two letters. "H.P…"

"H.P.?" Hermione slowly stood up out of harm's way. "H.P.? H.P?" She recited the initials over and over as she tried to recall the person who had those initials. "I know him but I can't… Argh! All I can think of are formulas and dates! H.P… Now who the hell is H.P.?!?"

"Harry Potter! Hermione, the guy's Harry Potter!" Ginny was practically bursting with unbelievable thrill. She was waving her hands above her head and jumping up and down like a lunatic. "I can't believe it! Lavender Brown loves Harry Potter!!!!!"

Hermione slapped her head. "You dope! Of course! Harry Potter! Can't believe how stupid I am…"

"Right… Now… you… know… Lavender… loved… him… even… though… he's … with … that… Cho… Chang." Patty remained flat on the floor. She was too exhausted to join Ginny who was prancing about in the room.

Lavender looked extremely embarrassed. She could only sputter 'shit' before locking herself in the bathroom.

"I still can't believe that I couldn't guess who H.P. was. What kind of a friend am I? Not even knowing your best friend's initials…" Hermione punched a pillow with feathers sticking out of it. It was obviously used as either Lavender or Patty's ammunition.

"Why… the… hell… are… you… happy… Ginny? You… have… another… competitor… over… Potter's… affections… and… you're… smiling?" Patty still couldn't find the energy to sit down. She just lay still, panting heavily. "Well…?"

Ginny continued dancing madly. "That's because I've gotten over my obsession with Harry." She twirled around and jumped gracefully over Hermione, who was still mumbling in a miffed tone, and stopped beside Patty. "That's why."

Patty looked unconvinced. "I'm not buying it."

"Then don't." Ginny stood up and resumed her dance. After a few minutes, she grew tired and sat down, slightly out of breath, on her bed. "I'm going to sleep," she announced.

"I still don't believe you!"

"I don't care, Patty!"

Hermione also feeling quite exhausted, trudged towards her bed. After arranging the scattered pillows, she lay down and said, "Good night, girls..." She turned to her side and was about to close her eyes when someone whispered, " Want to know who?"

"Ginny? I thought you were… never mind…Go ahead…" Hermione leaned closer to the bed on her right side.

Ginny moved nearer and said, "Promise that this'll only be between us." Hearing Hermione's assent, she inched further to her left and murmured, "Don't laugh… Draco Malfoy."

"I thought you hated that guy."

"Well I did too, but – " Ginny suddenly stopped speaking when she saw that Patty finally stood up. Since Patty's bed was next to hers she said hurriedly, "I'll tell you soon… just DON"T tell anybody. G'night…" Ginny smiled and pulled the blanket over her head.

Hermione pouted in annoyance and stared at the hunched figure lying down at the bed beside her. She wanted to know all the details but all she could do was wait. Yawning, she closed her eyes and pulled the blanket nearer to her chin. Yawning one last time; she turned once again to her side and succumbed to a deep sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Wake up, dear."

Draco yawned and said softly, "Are we here?" His face was paler than before and his eyes were heavily bandaged.

Narcissa nodded. "Yes. Now come on, Draco. Professor McGonagall is waiting for us." She bent over and helped her son in alighting from the limousine.

Draco inhaled deeply as he shakily stood with the aid of his mother's protective arm. "Hogwarts. My beloved alma mater. Will you still accept me? Now that I'm –" He let out a sarcastic laugh. "Yes, now that I'm blind." He laughed again, only this time with more sarcasm and a tinge of hatred.

"Draco…." said Narcissa in a slightly reproachful tone. "Don't talk that way." She guided Draco along the passageway and as they neared the Great Door remarked, "There's Professor McGonagall."

"McGonagall? Why aren't we seeing Dumbledore?"

"He's still in a meeting with your father and its best not to disturb them. Quickly, dear. Professor McGonagall is waiting."

Professor McGonagall slightly gasped when she saw Draco and his mother walking towards her. She wasn't expecting to see him so weak and dependent and yet, she could still observe his defiant and powerful aura. "Mrs. Malfoy, Draco… welcome." She tried hard not to stare at the two lumps of bandages on his face. "Perhaps you'd like to rest?"

Draco didn't answer and only shrugged. 'Still snooty and impolite…' thought Professor McGonagall. Narcissa was more gracious. "The journey did tire us, Professor. Maybe you could show us Draco's room…"

"Yes… We'll use the shortcut… No need to take any risks…" Professor McGonagall walked to the metal door on her right. "365 Galleons." It opened without a sound and with Professor McGonagall in the lead; the Malfoys stepped inside. A creaky wooden staircase occupied the more than half of the tiny room. Professor McGonagall was already on the fourth step. "Draco, take my hand…"

"No." Draco pushed Professor McGonagall's hand away and started climbing on his own.

"Draco! You might fall!" Narcissa clambered up the stairs and upon reaching her son; held his waist. "Careful!!"

"I'll open the door for you." Professor McGonagall continued climbing up the stairs. She was irked by Draco's disrespect and since she had a short temper, she wanted to get some fresh air.

Draco smirked. He knew that Professor McGonagall wouldn't dare reprimand him in front of his mother. He was careful in climbing, though. He took one step at a time and his mother's voice guided him towards the landing. At last, they arrived before an open oak paneled door. Draco stopped momentarily then entered the room.

"Its beautiful, Professor!" Narcissa exclaimed as she saw the elaborately decorated room.

Lucius had specifically asked Dumbledore to decorate the room 'fit for a Malfoy'. The red velvet curtains hid clear windows with panes of gold. The bed was totally magnificent. The mattress had water in it (A/N: It's a waterbed…); the pillows were unbelievably soft and the thick dark colored blankets totally enveloped you in its warmth. All the tables and chairs in the room had elaborate carvings: flowers, sea creatures, trees, mythical creatures and much more. A crystal chandelier hung from a richly painted ceiling.

"Even I was amazed by its absolute splendor," agreed Professor McGonagall as she gently touched the silken pillows.

"Of course we want to make sure that Draco feels right at home…" Narcissa tenderly touched her son's cheek. "Why don't you lie down for a moment as I talk to the Professor, hmm?" She led Draco to the bed and kissed his forehead. "You just wait here… your tutor will be coming soon."

Narcissa slowly followed Professor McGonagall out of Draco's room. As they walked along the hallway, she asked her companion, "Who is the tutor, Professor?"

"Miss Hermione Granger."

"Granger? But… Lucius will never allow her…" Narcissa looked worriedly at Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall stopped and faced Narcissa. "The Headmaster is taking care of that…"

"Well, I hope he convinces my husband. You know how he is with Muggles."

Professor McGonagall made no comment and resumed walking.

Narcissa suddenly grasped Professor McGonagall's arm. "How about Miss Granger? She and my son are not exactly friends… She has the right to say no… But she's the only one who can help my son…"

Professor McGonagall smiled sorrowfully upon seeing Narcissa's pleading eyes. "That is why you're coming with me."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Now tell me Dumbledore. Is everything arranged for my son? I trust that you acted immediately upon receiving my letter."

Dumbledore gazed solemnly at Lucius and replied," Yes. Everything is ready. Everything except the tutor." He arranged some pieces of parchment scattered on his desk.

Lucius swatted the air with his hand, as if that matter didn't concern him. "The tutor? Well, it's not a big deal… for now. Classes have only started yesterday and I'm sure you'll find someone suitable by the end of the week."

Dumbledore cleared his throat. He looked momentarily at Prof. Snape who was standing behind Lucius' chair. "We have already selected a tutor for Draco. Your son will undoubtedly benefit, if not excel, from her sessions."

"She? Hmm… not exactly what I had in mind but… well then, who may I ask?"

Dumbledore took a deep breath and said, "Miss Hermione Granger." He patiently waited for Lucius' reaction.

Lucius was simply stunned. "That… that… girl?" His knuckles turned deadly white as he tightly grasped the chair. "Did you just say that the Mudblood will be Draco's tutor?" Lucius began to sweat, fighting to control his temper. "This is just preposterous!"

"Now, Lucius. There's no need to get upset. We have to discuss this sensibly."

"Sensibly? Your selection of Draco's tutor is just pure lunacy! You wish a Mudblood to teach my son, a pureblooded wizard? You imbeciles!! I cannot and will not tolerate this!" Lucius stood up and pointed a shaking finger at Dumbledore. "I will not let that Mudblood teach, let alone, go near my son!" He turned to leave and would've gotten out of the room if Professor Snape didn't stop him.

"Severus? Let go of me. I've kept my silence over the infestation of this school by filthy Mudbloods but to hear that the most foul of them will teach my son is just despicable!"

Professor Snape placed a firm grip on Lucius' shoulder, trying to calm him. "Lucius, please understand that we are trying to resolve this matter in an orderly way. Sit down and at least hear our side."

Lucius reluctantly obeyed. He grudgingly sat down and crossed his arms. "Make it quick."

Dumbledore slowly twirled his frightfully long beard as he spoke decisively. "Very well… Now, we all know that you despise Ms. Granger but she is the best student in Hogwarts. Being your son's tutor demands lots of time and effort and only Ms. Granger can effectively teach your son without sacrificing her grades. The sixth year is a crucial year for the students. Everyone needs to fully concentrate on their classes. So you see, you have no other option but to agree to our choice."

Lucius was obviously debating with himself whether to accept Dumbledore's proposition or to get the hell out of there. He knew that Dumbledore did have a point but he wasn't willing to give in. Hermione Granger, the Mudblood, would be teaching his son. Being the dirty-blooded witch that she is, she'd probably think that he, Lucius Malfoy, had already accepted her. Can't let her think that way. Oh, no. But this is his son's education they were talking about. The word 'best' kept popping to his mind. Sure, he wanted Draco's tutor to be the best but if the best was a Mudblood… Besides, his son, having inherited his genes, would blatantly refuse to be Granger's student. But Draco's future was at stake.

Lucius reluctantly admitted his decision. "Very well, Granger will be my son's tutor."

Dumbledore looked immensely pleased. "Good! Miss Hermione Granger will be informed at once."

"Draco will not be as willing."

"We have taken care of that matter," answered Professor Snape.

Satisfied, Lucius stood up. "I will check on his progress regularly. That Mudblood better be of use." Nodding a goodbye to Dumbledore and Professor Snape, he disapparated.

A brief tap was heard and the door opened. In stepped Professor McGonagall, excited as can be. "Did he agree, Headmaster?"

"Yes. Although, it wasn't that easy to convince him." Dumbledore pushed his half moon glasses further up the bridge of his crooked nose.

Professor McGonagall flashed a toothy smile. "I'll get Hermione Granger right away."

"The potion, Minerva?"

"Potion? Ah, yes. Dear me. All this excitement made me forget… Just place the cup on my desk, Severus. I have to catch Hermione before she gets to the Quidditch field." Professor McGonagall hurriedly opened the door and walked outside.

"I still have to deliver the potion, Headmaster. Good day."

"And what a good day it is, Severus."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"I hope Ravenclaw would win."

"Of course they'd win Harry. With you in the audience, Cho Chang would certainly pull some impressive moves. After all, she is the best female Seeker in Hogwarts."

"Second best, Hermione. Harry's the best remember?"

"I said female Seeker. Harry isn't a girl, Ron. Weren't you listening?"

"Er…Just reminding you."

Harry laughed as Ron reddened from self-consciousness while Hermione smiled slyly. The trio was headed towards the Quidditch field to watch the Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff match. If Ravenclaw would win, then its next opponent would be Gryffindor. Since everyone knew that Harry and Cho were a couple, they were all rooting for Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff didn't mind much since they knew that they were going to loose anyway.

"I sympathize with Hufflepuff. I mean, even the Slytherins are on Ravenclaw's side."

Ron slapped Harry lightly on the back. "You're such a softie, green eyes. Let Hufflepuff do the worrying."

"Don't worry Harry. Ron's like that. Mean, selfish, inconsiderate, thoughtless…"

"I'm not all that, Hermione. I thought you've forgiven me on the broom incident." Ron squeezed Hermione's hand.

"I was just kidding… You are much more than that, trust me."

"Yeah. He's a git, a nitwit and a clumsy oaf. He really is more than that."

"Harry… I'm warning you…"

"Miss Granger!"

Hermione turned around and saw Professor McGonagall running towards them. "Yes, Professor?"

Professor McGonagall was clearly panting as she caught up to them. "Ah… Miss Granger. Let me catch my breath for a moment… Phew! I was looking all over for you… I need you to come with me. We have an important matter to discuss."

"Another time-turner, Professor?" Ron tried to hold back a snicker but failed.

"What? No, Mister Weasley. I do not need your jokes right now. Miss Granger will go to my office immediately so I suggest that you and Mister Potter proceed to the Quidditch field."

"See you later, 'Mione." With that, Harry and Ron left them alone in the corridor.

"Follow me Miss Granger."

Hermione mutely obeyed. From the direction Professor McGonagall was headed, she was sure that they were going to the Professor's office. "Must be some Prefect curriculum," thought Hermione.

Professor McGonagall finally stopped in front of a painting, which depicted snow covered mountains, and declared, "Flitwick." The painting dissolved and revealed an oak door. Seeing Hermione's confusion, she said, "We teachers use each other's last names as our present password." Smiling, she opened the door and went inside. Hermione followed and timidly sat down on a red leather chair facing Professor McGonagall's desk.

Professor McGonagall remained standing. "I'll go straight to the point, Hermione. As you may have noticed, one student of ours have been absent for the past days. That student is Draco Malfoy. On his way to Platform 9 and ¾, his car flipped over, causing glass and rocks to hit him. Unfortunately, tiny pieces of glass hit his eyes and left him temporarily blind. Since he needs someone to help him with his studies, we are asking you to be his tutor."

Hermione was utterly speechless. She was certainly not prepared for this kind of news. She just couldn't believe that Draco Malfoy, her sworn enemy, was blind and even more so needed her help. "Me…? Draco's tutor? But I can't…"

"I understand, dear… This is just too much to ask of you. But you must realize that you are the only one capable and smart enough to teach Mister Malfoy."

Hermione could only gape at Professor McGonagall. A million thoughts and questions were running through her head. Malfoy's blind? He may be an ass but he doesn't deserve this. I can't teach him. He doesn't respect teachers let alone, students. And they picked me? Of all the students in Hogwarts, Dumbledore had to pick me… Malfoy's adversary in almost everything.

"But Professor… please. I just can't…" Hermione was near tears.

Narcissa went out of a hidden room and approached Hermione. "Please…I ask you this Hermione, as a mother."

Hermione looked up and saw that Narcissa was already crying. "Mrs. Malfoy…"

Narcissa walked towards Hermione and knelt in front of her. "Child, I know that my son has caused you terrible pain but… I'm begging you to overlook those faults and help him… He needs you…"

Hermione broke down as she saw Narcissa's suffering and honesty. She knew she just had to be Draco's tutor. Sniffling, she said, "Ok… I'll be his teacher…" She was surprised when Narcissa suddenly hugged her and kissed her in the cheeks. "Thank you, dear child. Thank you."

"Er… I suppose we could get on with the explanation, Mrs. Malfoy?" asked Professor McGonagall while wiping her own tears. She sat down behind her desk and waited for Narcissa to stand up beside Hermione. "Now… for the most important part." She reached for the steaming cup placed at the far right of her desk and continued, "This, Hermione, is a voice changing potion. Once drinking it, your voice will become quite different. In this particular potion I believe; your voice will become higher and more melodious. Any questions?"

"Why do I need that, Professor? Doesn't Malfoy know that I will be his tutor?"

"Er… not yet," answered Narcissa in an uncomfortable tone.

"Hermione, we all know that you and Draco are not in the best of terms. He may not like the fact that you'll be teaching him for quite a while. This is the reason why Professor Snape made this potion and why you should also adopt a new name." Professor McGonagall started stirring the potion with her wand.

Hermione did not like this at all. Drinking a potion of any kind made her feel queasy and she absolutely avoided lies. Well, she couldn't do anything about it so she just nodded.

"You will go to Mister Malfoy during Study Period, extra curricular activities like Quidditch matches, after classes and during weekends. Don't worry about your schedule since I've already excused you from any sanctions. By the way, you'll receive extra points for your effort."

Hermione thought that she was getting a raw deal. She would be spending all of her free time teaching Malfoy. What about her social life? It would probably go down from bad to worse. Now she couldn't spend as much time as before with Ron. But Malfoy needs help. And help him she shall; even if it means sacrificing her pride and even her freedom. "Will I go now?"

"Yes. His room is on the second floor, at the end of the hall. It's behind the velvet curtains and near the storeroom. But first, drink this." Professor McGonagall handed the steaming cup to Hermione.

Hermione took a look at the potion. It was dark blue, with green and red spots. The smell was nice; it reminded Hermione of an open field. Pinching her nose, she drank the potion in one big gulp and returned the cup to Professor McGonagall. Grimly smiling at the two women, she went out of the office. Butterflies were already invading her stomach as she walked up the marble staircase.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Draco

"What time is it?" I asked myself. Overcome by fatigue, I fell asleep as soon as my mother left the room. I guess I've slept for about 45 minutes. I touched my brow and felt sweat covering my entire forehead. I immediately threw back the hot blankets that covered every inch of my body. I was greatly perspiring and the fire roaring at the fireplace didn't help the situation at all. By touch, I could tell that the material covering the mattress was silk. I now greatly rely on my four other senses to know my surroundings. You can say that they've become more acute.

Sighing, I gingerly stood up with my arms extended. I'm sure that I look like a dumb ass but hey, you can't risk bumping into anything. Not that I haven't, though. I think I have more than 20 bruises and scars on my body.

I took one baby step forward while my arms waved about frantically. I wanted to open the window to let some fresh air circulate in my room. Guided by the sunlight coming through the window, I cautiously came closer. My hands groped about on the bottom of the window, looking for the lock. I smiled triumphantly as I found it. I slowly pulled and with a snap the windows opened. Slightly grunting as I pushed them further, I could already feel myself getting considerably drier. I was about to go back to my bed when I suddenly heard something.

"Ravenclaw! Ravenclaw! Get the snitch Cho! Ravenclaw! Ravenclaw! Get the snitch Cho!"

I gasped as I heard the pathetic chant again and again. It reminded me of one sport that meant everything to me: Quidditch. There must be a match going on!

I fell weakly to my knees as the faint cheer reminded me of yesterdays. Days filled with such vivid memories, days when I could still see. I started to cry as I realized yet again that being blind has left me a person trapped within the walls of darkness… abyss. It was as if I was steadily falling into nothingness while screaming silently and holding on to thin air.

My mother can only shield me, love me and yet it's still not enough. I am confined in this room, this prison because I cannot afford to let someone see me. Why? My fellow students will ridicule me, laugh at my injury and be sorry for me all at once. No… My parents and I certainly cannot risk that. I have become a person too shameful to look at.

The tears flowed continuously as I began to understand the fact that I can never be a normal person again. Even though I would only remain blind for a few months, the trauma and loneliness will stay in me forever. I can't bear to live this way. What good is life you can't see?

I angrily wiped away my tears as I stood up. I plunged my hand into my robes and pulled out my wand. "I'm so sorry Mother. I will always love you and Father although he may never will. Bye…" How was that for a farewell speech? Short yes, but it would have to do. I was afraid of what I was going to do but my mind was made up. I slightly choked as I whispered once again, "I love you Mother…" Finally, with shaking hands I pointed the wand at my chest. "Avada…"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hermione was already behind the velvet curtains that were hanging at the far end of the second floor. She was greatly intimidated by the huge mahogany colored door standing before her. She was having second thoughts but Mrs. Malfoy's tear streaked face kept popping in her head.

"You can do this, Hermione… just breathe…" Not very reassuring but at least she tried. With one final puff of air, she placed her hand on the golden doorknob and turned it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A/N: So? Did you like it? Did ya? If you did, well good for me! If not, I'll try better ok? Review people!!!! Review! Review! And did I mention review?

Notice that one part of this chapter was done using Draco's point of view. It seemed appropriate since Draco was kind of emotional there. So, do you like the rest of the story to be done using first person? Or you don't want my style to change? It's up to you dear reader. Just decide in your review.

Oh yeah. I almost forgot… Let's have a little contest shall we? I'm kinda stumped on what Hermione's fake name should be. I already have one on my mind but if you give me a better one, than that's the one I'll use. So keep those names coming! I need the FIRST and LAST name ok?

See how important your reviews are to little old me?

I'll be waiting… =)

Special thanks to my dear beta reader, Slytherinsrsexy! This chapter's dedicated to you. =)

P.S. Kindly read my other fanfic: Hermione's Advice Column. I'm just itching to continue that one.