Disclaimer: Nope. I still don't own any of them… well, except for the plot.

A/N: So, here it is! A little late but nonetheless, here. All right, I'll keep this a/n short. I know you're quite eager to read this chapter since I've been away for more than a month. So I won't keep you waiting any longer…

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Hermione

As I cautiously opened the door, I noticed a hunched figure near the window – Draco Malfoy. Bandages covered his eyes but I could still see tears streaming down his shiny cheeks; a wand was pointed at his chest and a frightened yet determined look was on his face. He was muttering something too. It sounded like… OH MY –

"Malfoy! Malfoy! Stop!!!!!" I frantically ran towards him while shrieking my head off. I certainly didn't come here to see him commit suicide.

Malfoy dropped the wand in apparent surprise. Since he was so keen on killing himself, he didn't notice my presence in the room earlier. "What? Oh, shit. My wand…" He quickly went down on his knees and began to touch the cold floor with his bare hands. Fortunately, his wand had rolled a good distance away from him. He cursed again when he couldn't find it. "Damn it…" He looked extremely pissed at my unexpected intrusion. "Great. You've ruined everything."

My mouth slightly opened in disbelief. What? Ruined everything? I just saved his life! Ungrateful jerk! I shot back a sarcastic answer. "So you're blaming me for saving your life?!"

Malfoy casually stood up and smirked. I felt my blood starting to boil as his trademark grin started to taunt me. "In case you haven't noticed, I wanted to kill myself."

My mouth opened a little wider and my eyebrows contracted in response. Of course I noticed his suicidal attempt! Why else would I have acted impulsively? I would've done a huge favor to all of Hogwarts if I had just stood there and let Malfoy die… but he is, after all, a human being… however demonic he would be. But this is serious. I mean, Malfoy wanting to kill himself? I know for a fact that his life isn't exactly perfect – it's downright horrible in my opinion, but why just now? Then it hit me. As my eyes rested on the two wads of bandages on Malfoy's face the most obvious and logical explanation stared right back at me. Malfoy couldn't accept the truth that he was blind!

I suddenly felt uncomfortable gazing at Malfoy's face. I turned away and tried to concentrate on the floor instead.

"Who are you anyway?"

I reminded myself to look at the floor while hurriedly answering Malfoy. "I-I'm your tutor…" There. I said it. I'm now officially Malfoy's tutor. The fear and dread that had invaded my body before I entered this room returned once again. I guess I was too occupied with Malfoy's intention on killing himself that I had forgotten what I was really here for.

Malfoy paused as he pondered on my response. I suppose he didn't expect that his tutor would be the one to further lengthen his life. After a few seconds of awkward silence he said, "I see… Well, what took you so long?"

Let's see… What took me so long? Well, your mother and our professor had to convince me to come here. And I tell you; it wasn't that easy. "Uhh… I still had to talk to Professor McGonagall…"

"Oh. So what's your name? "

Oh no… He did not just ask that. Dammit! I nervously began biting my lip in total panic. I did not have a name… yet. I was too busy gathering enough nerve to face Malfoy as his tutor earlier that the task of finding an alias totally slipped my mind. This is just perfect. Okay… just breathe and relax. After all, how hard would finding a new name for myself be? With my immense amount of memory (er, not that I'm bragging or anything) an appropriate name would surely come up.

A thousand names and a few minutes later…

Oh no… This is definitely not good… Who would've thought that there would be countless of names that are too childish, too gregarious or just too plain stupid to hear? Being the picky and haughty student that I am, I couldn't blurt out just any ordinary name. It has to be –

"Well?!? Your name, tutor?"

Oh, shit… Malfoy's getting impatient. Well, he has every right to be… After all, saying your name to someone shouldn't take longer than 5 seconds and it's taken me more than 5 minutes to do just that. But I still can't think of a proper name!

Stalling for time, I slowly began speaking. "My… n-name is… er… my name is…"

"Damn it, tutor! Don't you have a bloody name?" I didn't need to look at Malfoy to tell that his temper was nearing the breaking point.

"I do! It's umm… er…" By this time, I was desperate enough to give Malfoy the first name that came across my mind. And it was…"Ariel. My name is Ariel."

Ariel? What was I thinking? Damn! I can't believe I just told him that name! It's too simple! Isn't it also the name of a cartoon character?!

"So it's Ariel…"

No! It's not!! Oh, what wouldn't I give just to tell Malfoy another name…

Sighing in resignation, I replied, "Yes…" Well at least I have a name and that's definitely better than nothing. Besides, who would know where my name came from? I was now quite confident that I repeated my new name with enthusiasm and vigor. "My name is Ariel." Smiling reassuringly to myself, I finally took my eyes off the floor and looked at Malfoy.

Malfoy was now leaning against the richly painted wall. His head was bent slightly sideways and his arms were folded against his broad chest. Even as a handicapped, he still had the look of superiority and the ever so present snobbishness. "Ariel… what?"

"I'm sorry…?"

"Your last name…"

My smile widened as I quickly replied, "Cicely."

I came across that name in the library before. I'm not sure what it means though, since it's a Latin word and I'm not that familiar with Latin. But, it sounded pretty good for a last name.

"I'm Ariel Cicely." I would've normally extended my hand but since I wouldn't dream of ever touching Malfoy (and vice-versa), I just clasped my hands tightly together.

Malfoy frowned deeply and said, "Ariel Cicely? I don't know anyone named Ariel Cicely in my year… or in any year at that…"

"That's because… I-I'm new! I just transeferred…" Hey, I'm beginning to get the hang of this. I seem to have a knack for inventing an imaginary biography at a moment's notice.

Malfoy thoughtfully tapped his chin. "From where?"

My proud smile slowly faltered. From where? I could easily tell him that I come from Durmstrang or Beaubaxtons but what if he starts asking questions that only their students would know? He might get suspicious… No, best to play it safe. I'll just tell him that I come from a small school located in the far north. "Er… I'm from – "

Then suddenly Malfoy spoke up, rudely cutting me off. "Never mind. It's not like I care anyway… So… what's your house?"

"I thought you didn't care." I answered back bluntly. Malfoy's lack of manners was once again showing and it was slowly getting on my nerves. To think that this is only our very first meeting as teacher and student… not a very a good sign.

Malfoy shrugged, looking extremely unconcerned. "I said I didn't care where you're from… god… are you deaf? If you're so slow then let me repeat myself. What. Is. Your. House?"

Malfoy was definitely on my nerves now. Me? Slow? Sigh… The people I have to put up with… But I was not in the mood to berate Malfoy at that moment so I just calmly replied, "Gryffindor." Since I was slightly pissed off I didn't give a damn if I told Malfoy my real House. Besides, I didn't want to be in any other House, even though it was only just pretend. The Ravenclaws were too intimidating, the Hufflepuffs were too discriminated and the Slytherins were too… never mind. Anyway, Malfoy wouldn't know… After all, who would tell him?

To my surprise, Malfoy reacted quite violently. "What? You're a damn Gryffindor? Oh, god… Why didn't Dumbledore just make Granger my tutor?" He turned away from me and with arms outstretched started walking towards his bed. "If you want to… you can leave. I don't need someone like you here."

Needless to say, I completely lost it. This was just too much. First, Malfoy blames me for saving his life and now he's insulting me yet again just because I'm a bloody Gryffindor. I just couldn't stand there and let Malfoy have the last laugh. I'm not some thing he can get rid of right then and there. It's time to show him what his tutor is really made off.

"Do you think I liked the idea of teaching a Slytherin? Hell, no! And you know what's worse?! The student had to be the most infamous person of all Hogwarts! You, Malfoy! So if you say it's bloody shit to have a Gryffindor teacher than its ten times worse to have you as my student!"

My face was now beet red and my chest was heavily heaving up and down. Malfoy on the other hand, stopped walking as soon as I started ranting like mad.

"You know what? Just… just go to hell, Malfoy." With that, I angrily marched towards the door, opened it and marched outside.

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Narcissa

After persuading Hermione to teach my son, I stayed at Professor McGonagall's office for a couple of minutes before proceeding to Draco's room to check on things. As I climbed up the marble staircase, I quickened my pace since I was quite excited to know how their first meeting went. I was a little out of breath by the time I reached the end of the second floor hall so I paused for a moment before parting the velvet curtains aside. You could imagine my surprise when I saw a very enraged Hermione standing from behind them.

"Hermione…?"

Hermione looked up and I clearly saw how angry she was. Her eyes were bloodshot, her face took on a red color and she was extremely shaking.

I cautiously laid a hand on her shoulder and asked softly, "What happened?"

Hermione didn't answer and instead turned her gaze away from me.

I bit my lip as I realized the cause of Hermione's behavior. Good lord… Draco's done it again… When will he ever learn?

"Er – Mrs. Malfoy? I'd like to go now…"

Hermione still wasn't looking at me but I decided not to further comment on her actions so I just nodded and removed my hand from her shoulder.

With eyes glued to the floor, Hermione pushed the curtains aside and was about to leave when I suddenly remembered something.

"Hermione, wait. Professor McGonagall wants you in her office right now…"

Stopping for the briefest moment, she replied, "All right…" Then she was gone; her pounding footsteps gradually fading as she neared the marble staircase.

Sighing, I opened Draco's door and stepped inside. I immediately looked around for Draco and saw that he was already lying down on his bed. I slowly walked nearer and sat down beside him without uttering a single word. I knew that he was still awake since he was carefully inching away from me. Smiling to myself, I leaned closer to him and began to stroke his hair.

"What happened?"

Draco moved further away from me and didn't answer.

My smile abruptly became a frown. "Fine, then. I'm going to our car to get your clothes and some extra sheets. Try and get some rest." I quickly stood up and walked towards the door. Before opening it I said quietly, "My son, when will you learn to accept people… who's not like you?"

I couldn't tell if Draco heard me or not since he still didn't move after I spoke. I sadly shook my head and left the room.

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Professor McGonagall

"Two done, three more piles to go…" As I put down my quill, I sadly glanced at the huge amount of paperwork lying neatly on one side of my desk. There were reports to be submitted, lectures to be made, assignments to be checked and documents to sign. Sigh… being a professor and a Deputy Headmistress at the same time could certainly make a woman look much older than she really is.

Shaking my head sullenly, I resumed checking the students' homework. Suddenly, a sharp knock jolted me out of my thoughts and without looking up I called out, "Yes…?"

"You wanted to see me, Professor?"

I smiled when I saw that the caller was Hermione Granger. "Do sit down, dear…" I pointed at the red leather chair she sat on earlier.

She approached the chair but didn't sit down. Now that I could see her more clearly, I was puzzled at her disturbing appearance. She looked drained and upset at the same time. I had a certain feeling that Draco Malfoy had something to do with this.

"Please sit down, Hermione…" I gestured towards the chair once more.

"I'd rather not, Professor." Hermione was staring fixedly at her hands – it was as if she couldn't bear to look directly at me.

"Very well… Tell me, how was your meeting with Mr. Malfoy?"

Hermione started but kept quiet. She continued looking at her hands while her face took on a look of immense dislike.

Oh dear, this certainly won't be easy… Clearing my throat, I put down my quill and put aside the scattered pieces of parchment to one corner. Then smiling gently at Hermione, I asked her yet again. "How did it go, dear?"

After a moment's hesitation, Hermione finally met my gaze. She seemed calmer now but her eyes still glinted darkly. "Professor, I – "

Wanting to know what really happened between her and Draco Malfoy, I encouraged her to tell me everything. "Go on…"

"Professor, I quit."

Now, this certainly wasn't the answer I was expecting. Quitting after her very first day? Surely Malfoy wasn't that dreadful but seeing Hermione in such a state made me think again. To think that Narcissa and I had begged her to accept this job… "Quit? But, my dear…"

Now misty eyed, Hermione hoarsely replied, "I just can't handle him, Professor. I'm sorry…"

Wordlessly, I pushed back my chair and slowly stood up. Patting my robes, I said softly, "Sorry? For what, my dear?"

Hermione looked back at me, bewildered. "Er – sorry for not doing what you asked of me…?"

"Well, you shouldn't."

"Shouldn't? Professor… I don't understand –"

I shook my head knowingly as I slowly walked towards her. "You didn't volunteer for this… Am I right?" Given Hermione's nod, I continued talking. "Well then, it's not your fault if you can't get along with Draco Malfoy."

As I saw Hermione exhaling deeply, I could tell that her confusion was now replaced by immense relief. Now standing before her, I suddenly looked at her sternly and said, "But… it is his future, we're talking about…"

Hermione's rich brown eyes widened in surprise at the sudden change of topic. She obviously thought that I wasn't going to reprimand her anymore. I leaned towards her, a grim smile playing on my lips. "Of course, I can't push you – if you really don't want to be his tutor… however –"

"Oh, Professor… I just can't – "

This scene's familiar… I just can't place – Oh, yes! I'm convincing Hermione to be Draco's tutor all over again. Same lines, same words… only this time, Mrs. Malfoy isn't here to help me. Sigh…

Clasping my hands together I quietly said, "I understand, Hermione. It's undoubtedly unfair of us to expect you to take on such an important job on a moment's notice." I paused and patiently waited for Hermione's reaction.

"You mean Professor, is that – I can reject – this job…right now?"

My stern gaze returned and Hermione looked away, probably wishing to take back what she had just said. "Yes… and… no, Miss Granger. I wish that you think this over before finally giving us your decision. As I've said, Mr. Malfoy's future is at stake here. "

Hermione paled all of a sudden and replied quite weakly, "Yes, Professor…"

Nodding, I encouragingly smiled at her and said, "Good. Be here first thing in the morning. Oh, and be prompt. I wouldn't want to be late for my class."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall."

"Very well… You may go." I turned my back to her and I began arranging the scattered pieces of parchment laid on one corner of my desk.

Hermione stayed rooted in her spot however, and seemed to want to ask me something of dire importance.

"Yes, Hermione?"

"Umm… Professor, about my voice…"

I turned around and looked at Hermione in slight confusion. "What about it, my dear?"

"How could I turn it back to… normal?"

With a small gasp, I finally remembered Hermione's Voice Changing Potion. "I'm so sorry, Hermione. Of course, the antidote – wait – I know I have the parchment Professor Snape gave me somewhere…" I frantically began searching my desk and a few minutes later, I found what I was looking for. "Here it is! It says… to just drink a cupful of…" I pointed my wand towards the mahogany colored cabinet near the door and out popped two large flasks which floated towards my outstretched hands.

With a grunt, I handed them over to Hermione who grunted as well. "They are quite heavy."

Hermione nodded and shifted the flasks to a more comfortable position.

"Just remember that the antidote's in the brown flask and the potion's in the gray one."

Hermione nodded again and said, "I'll remember, Professor." She then turned to leave. "Good day, Professor."

"Good day, Hermione. I'll be here waiting here tomorrow morning for your decision."

Hermione slightly paled once more then walked quickly out of my office.

Sighing, I took of my glasses and massaged my nose. What a frightfully long day. First, Draco Malfoy's injury now Hermione Granger's torn morale. Sigh… I then proceeded to massage my forehead and to my dismay, I realized how many my wrinkles were. I do really look older than I look… Sigh… I put on my glasses and walked towards my chair. Settling down, I reached for my quill and began to write on a fresh piece of parchment.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Who is it?"

The door swung open and in stepped a very worried and somewhat breathless Narcissa Malfoy. "Is she still here?"

"Who, Mrs. Malfoy?"

Narcissa practically ran towards my desk while hurriedly saying, "Hermione Granger. Where is she?"

"She just left." I glanced momentarily at her then continued writing.

"Left? She couldn't have left! I practically ran coming here!" Narcissa ran her hand through her hair, clearly panicking.

I raised my eyebrows and pointed at the door. "Well, she just did."

With a deep sigh, Narcissa collapsed on a chair and buried her face with her hands.

Now this is a bit too much… My eyebrows rose a great deal higher. "Mrs. Malfoy? Are you all right? Mrs. Mal – "

Narcissa abruptly looked up and asked, "What did she tell you?"

"That she didn't want to teach Draco anymore."

"She quit, Professor McGonagall?"

"Well, yes."

Narcissa began biting her lip, obviously lost in thought. After a few seconds she said, "What did you do?"

I cocked my head to one side and began drumming my fingers on the desk. "Well, I told her to carefully think first… before giving us her final decision."

"That's all right, then…" Narcissa gave me a faint hint of a smile.

I wanted to smile right back but something was bothering me. "Mrs. Malfoy, if you don't mind… may I ask you a question?"

Narcissa half-heartedly shrugged and said, "Yes… ask, Professor…"

"Why are you so intent… to make Miss Granger your son's tutor?"

All of a sudden, Narcissa became quite uncomfortable and somewhat fidgety while answering. "Well… It's be-because… she's – best of the… the best of the… students here. And you know what Lucius always demands…"

I nodded but I didn't truly believe what she had just said. I then resorted to my stern and authoritative tone of voice. "Mrs. Malfoy, there is something you're not telling me…"

Narcissa slightly flinched but recovered quickly. She instantly became defensive and defiant at the same time. "There is nothing to tell, Professor."

I decided not to push the matter any further. I dipped my quill into the amber colored bottle of ink and continued writing. "By the way Mrs. Malfoy, kindly be here early tomorrow morning. Hermione will tell us her decision by then."

Narcissa's face suddenly became creased with lines of worry. "What if she says – "

"Then let us hope she says yes."

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A/N: Thus ends chapter four. And thus begins my desperate plea for reviews. (well, maybe not that desperate…) Was this chapter good enough? Or did it make you decide not to continue reading this fanfic? (I hope not…) Just tell me in your reviews!

Thank you so much for all the names you've given me. But I only had to choose the name that I liked the most. And the winners are guess and michee. Even though michee's contribution was quite late, it was so good that I just had to put it in my story. The name Ariel sounds simple but it struck me the most. (I don't know why, though…)

Some of you may be wondering as to why Narcissa was that desperate to have Hermione as Draco's tutor. She has her reasons, all right? It will all be explained in the following chapters.

Be sure to review since I'll be answering them individually in the next chapter. I'll be very happy if my reviews get to 105 or more. =)