Hermione

"Password?"

I shifted the heavy flasks once again and continued mumbling quite incoherently while staring at the marble floor. "But he's just so… I don't think I can't… But then he'll…"

"Ahem! Password?"

As if talking to myself wasn't enough, I started to pace around while still struggling to carry the darn flasks. "What if I say… How the hell can I… Must it really be… This is just…"

"MISS GRANGER!"

With a shout, I dropped the flasks in utter surprise and the gray one hit my right foot. "Aaaah! Damn it!" Tears sprung into my eyes as I held my injured foot gently. I leaned against the wall for support and accused the Fat Lady quite resolutely. "What were you thinking? Scaring me like that? Argh… Damn this bloody foot!"

The Fat Lady just shrugged and said, "Well, I did call your attention for three times… " She didn't seem the least bit sympathetic but instead was looking at me at a very confused manner.

"Even so…" With a sniff I retrieved the flasks and hobbled towards her. "Dragon blood."

The painting swung forward without any comment whatsoever and I gingerly stepped inside. I immediately took out my wand and waved the flasks towards the empty table. I then pointed at my throbbing foot and murmured, "Veloce Remedius." I heaved a huge sigh of relief as the pain instantly vanished.

"Excuse me, Prefect Granger."

I looked up, startled, and saw five 3rd year students standing in front of me. "Yes?"

A brown haired boy stepped forward and replied, "It's just that we want to pass through the portrait." He nervously shifted in place when he saw my blank stare so he explained further, "You're blocking the way, Prefect Granger."

"Oh! I'm dreadfully sorry… " I blushed and moved out of their way. I waited until after they left then walked towards the fireplace. I frowned when I noticed that there were only a few students in the Common Room. I stole a glance at the clock standing near the fireplace and saw that the golden hand was pointing to Dinnertime. My stomach growled as I realized that I hadn't eaten since breakfast. I was too busy studying to eat lunch and my problem with Draco kept me occupied enough to make me forget about food tonight. I was too tired to go down to the Dining Hall and besides; I didn't want to talk to anyone at right now.

Sighing, I grabbed the flasks and sat down on a couch near the fireplace. I levitated a cup towards me and poured the potion in it. I clutched my throat as I swallowed. Almost immediately, I felt my throat warming all over and a sweet taste filling my dry mouth. Good thing Professor Snape was concerned about my taste buds. I jokingly thought as I cleaned the cup with a simple spell. I grabbed the flasks and placed them into a small compartment near the staircase to the girls' dormitory. I planned to bring them to my room sometime later.

I brushed a stubborn lock of hair out of my eyes as I walked towards an empty couch near the fireplace. I was still too preoccupied to go to bed right away. I sat down and as I stared at the blazing fire, I felt myself surrendering. I was just too tired to stop the tears flowing down my already aching face.

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Ginny

"Where's Hermione?"

Ron turned towards me then shrugged. "She left with McGonagall almost two hours ago… Right before the Quidditch match. Prefect business, I think."

I slowly nodded then seated myself beside him. After a few seconds of surveying the food, I poured some spicy crab soup into my bowl and started eating.

"You haven't seen her on your way here?"

I swallowed then answered my brother. "No… I thought she was with you at the Quidditch match."

Ron shook his head then took a bite of his drumstick. "She left before that remember?" He shot me a mocking glance as he wiped his mouth on the white napkin.

Oh, right. Stupid me. "Of course… Well, maybe she's in the common room by now."

"Without eating?"

He's trying to be funny again… Sigh… I rolled my eyes and said, "She'll survive." I drank out of my goblet then continued sipping my warm soup. Ron just grinned as he spooned more mash potato onto his plate.

"Hey, Ginny."

I looked up and slightly blushed when I saw the person who greeted me. "Hi… Harry." I know, I know… I don't fancy him anymore but I still get all tingly when he's near me.

Harry smiled (my insides suddenly lurched) then casually punched Ron's shoulder. "Stuffing ourselves, are we?" He reached over and grabbed Ron's strawberry tart.

"You don't want Hermione to have a bony boyfriend, now do you?" Ron winked as Harry bit into his stolen tart.

Boys… I drummed my fingers in annoyance as I licked my spoon clean. "Harry… Where's Cho?"

Harry pointed at the Ravenclaw table. "She wanted to eat there with them so I left her there." He grabbed another tart from my brother's plate and popped it into his mouth.

I looked towards the Ravenclaw table and spotted Cho sitting at the far end. Her long silky black hair partially covered her fair and pretty face. She was animatedly chatting with Elizabeth Johnson, a Ravenclaw 4th year, in between bites of her chocolate cake. I sighed sadly, knowing that I couldn't be as smart, as lovely or as popular as she was. I looked away and concentrated my gaze my empty plate while tears threatened to come out. Sigh… No wonder Harry hasn't even noticed me after all these years…

"Oh, Dean! Stop it! I said –"

I suddenly jerked my head up and rolled my eyes in disgust as I saw Patty and Dean practically kissing like crazy. Normally, I didn't give a damn about their romantic actions towards each other but today they were seated across me. I immediately looked away but Patty's giggles and Dean's husky whispers kept boring into my mind. Totally disgusting if you ask me…

"Hey, guys… Not here, all right?"

Patty only stopped long enough to throw back an insult. "Sod off, Harry. We'll do whatever we want, wherever we want." Then she and Dean started snogging again, only this time more in a more intense manner.

Harry looked at me, apologetic, and said, "You're too young for this, don't you think?"

I shook my head, blushing slightly. "Er – not really… I mean, I've already seen Dean in Patty's bed and well –"

A hearty laugh escaped from Harry's throat. I suppose he wasn't expecting that kind of answer. "Really, now? So that's where Dean's been…" (A/N: It rhymes! Hehe…)

"Oh, great. They're having their lovefest again…" Ron shook his head in a mixture of disgust and amusement. "Wonder when they'll get it from McGonagall?"

"They already have… Lots of times." Harry quietly replied then shrugged. "Hell, they even want to get detention. You know… more privacy… all alone…"

"Even at the Forbidden Forest?" I asked, incredulous.

Ron joined in. "Yeah. Heard that that was their favorite makeout place. Wolves and centaurs add more suspense and thrill and thus more – er… well, you get the picture."

"Oh… Dean…"

Harry shuddered at hearing Patty's words. "I think we should head back to the common room."

"I agree…" I hurriedly stood up and walked towards the door. Ron after drinking one last gulp from his goblet followed suit.

"Harry, wait! Harry!"

Harry turned around and smiled as he saw Cho running towards him. "Cho…"

Cho stopped in front of us, breathless, and said, "Leaving already?"

Harry nodded then pointed at the still very busy Patty and Dean. "Couldn't stand them… Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to stay 'till you're done eating?"

Cho smiled and shook her head. "No… I just wanted to know why you were leaving so soon, that's all. If you're going back up, that's fine… really."

Instead of answering Harry suddenly moved closer to Cho and hugged her quite tightly. Cho was surprised at first but then she leaned her head on Harry's chest and closed her eyes.

Ron glanced at me but I just flashed him a huge smile. I'm over him. I didn't want to care anymore…

After a few more seconds Cho finally stepped away. She planted a light kiss on Harry's cheek and said,

"Tomorrow then, Harry…" Then she threw us a smile and walked back towards her table.

Harry let out a huge breath and turned towards us. "Shall we?"

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Ginny

"Harry you really are quite the romantic chap… Cho was truly surprised when you hugged her…"

"Hmmm?"

Harry obviously wasn't listening to what my brother had just said. In fact, he looked dazed, staring into nothingness while we were walking towards the Common Room. I had to yank him away from walking straight towards the wall more than twice. Ron finally saw his distraction but wisely decided not to say anything about it.

"Password?"

I looked up and answered, "Dragon blood." However the portrait remained immobile and the Fat Lady looked somewhat distressed and was clearly contemplating on whether to tell us something.

"Oi! My sister already said the password. Won't you let us in?"

The Fat Lady nodded then said, "Of course… In a moment… It's just that… Hermione Granger…"

"What's wrong? Did anything happen to her?" I was surprised to see Harry out of his stupor and was now alert and quite alarmed.

"No! Nothing like that, Mr. Potter… She was… Well, she just seemed troubled and very anxious... And her voice…"

"What about it?"

"Well, Mr. Weasley… it was… Oh, I don't know. Just listen for yourself." With that, the Fat Lady swung forward and let us inside.

I scanned the Common Room and immediately spotted Hermione sitting on the couch facing the fire. Together with Harry and Ron, I quickly approached her. "Hermione!"

She turned around in a startled manner and her eyes widened when she saw that we were standing next to her. "What are you doing here?"

"We finished dinner early so we decided to see if you're alright."

"But… but you shouldn't have…Really." She hurriedly began wiping her face.

Ron sat down next to Hermione and draped his arm over her shoulders. "What can I say? We missed you."

Hermione incredulously looked at him. "Already? I've only been gone for two hours or so…"

"Seems like eternity…"

Hearing my brother's romantic remark, I rolled my eyes and turned to Harry. He shook his head at me then seated himself at a chair across Ron and Hermione. I really must stop Ron from watching those soap operas! He's getting loonier by the minute!

"Ron!" Hermione was clearly amused and annoyed at the same time with what her boyfriend said. She playfully tried to push Ron away but he wasn't ready to be defeated that easily. He began to tickle Hermione and she erupted into giggles.

I felt awkward just standing there so I sat down on a chair beside the couch. I opened my mouth to say something but suddenly closed it after seeing Harry staring silently at the roaring fire. He's at it again… Harry's emerald eyes reflected the flames crackling merrily and yet somehow… they also showed immeasurable depth. He was wearing his glasses, as always but tonight it just couldn't hide the intense emotions he was hiding within. His head was slightly bent down; making his long bangs partially cover his slightly creased forehead. I felt myself redden as my eyes traveled from Harry's tanned face to his obviously muscled arms and chest, reminders of his incessant practices for Quidditch during the past summer. No wonder why Harry had become the most desired and adored guy in school, next to Draco Malfoy. Quit it, Ginny! I irritatingly shook my head and self-consciously looked around to see if anyone saw me staring at Harry. Luckily, Ron and Hermione were now sitting contentedly at each other's arms to bother noticing my actions.

With a smile, I glanced at Hermione who was snuggled quite comfortably next to my brother. I then noticed her dark brown curls cascading down her shoulders. Even if her hair remained somewhat unruly, she still opted for a longer hairstyle. Her peaceful face resembled a cherubic one but still emitted a mature aura. She had a wonderful figure, not too thin and not too plump either. She was of course still shorter than my tall brother but she did grow a few inches over the past summer. I was happy for her and at the same time envious of her but I knew I wasn't the only one. With the highest grades in the whole school and a fulfilling love life, Hermione was undoubtedly envied by all.

I shifted my attention towards my favorite brother. Sure, I practically see him everyday but Ron still maintained a sense of mysteriousness around him. Like Harry, he gained a more muscled body making girls notice him more. He wasn't tall and gangly anymore; he was in fact looking pretty good. Coming from a sister, that was definitely a compliment. He still had his freckles but by some miracle, people of my gender found these distinguishing marks attractive. I just don't get what turns students on these days. I mean, even Ron's red hair made him stand out in the crowd, positively speaking. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother dearly but these things just make me grateful that I'm his sister.

What about me, you ask. Well, let's just say that I still remained inconspicuous as much as I can. Sure, I was known in some way but frankly, I dislike being the center of attention. I'm not that pretty, I'm not that smart and I'm certainly not that athletic enough to be popular in Hogwarts. Short red hair (not as red as Ron's), a fair complexion (too fair, if you ask me), light brown eyes, and just the right figure were all I have. Not too attracting, I know. But I'm content with what I have and I'm not asking for more… well maybe, just a little more spice to my common features.

"Wonder where that Malfoy scum is…" Ron's deep voice broke the heavy silence enveloping us.

Hermione started but didn't say anything.

"Honestly, Ron. Would his presence mean anything?"

Ron looked darkly at me and retorted, "To you, it wouldn't."

"Hey, I'm sure Ginny was just asking…"

"Harry…" I was surprised to see him back to his usual self. He was now smiling and the troubled expression covering his face just a few minutes ago was clearly gone. "Er – yeah, Ron. Don't get too sensitive."

Ron looked at Harry then back at me. He shrugged and said, "It's just that it's unusual for students too be absent during the first days of classes."

"Must be sick," mused Harry while wiping his glasses on the hem of his robes.

"Or he could've transferred to another school…"

"I don't think so. It's hard to get accepted when you're already in your sixth year."

"He has an influential and worthless father, hasn't he?"

"Good one, Ron. Or he could've joined the Death Eaters already. Voldemort's still out there, after all."

"I don't think so… He must've realized that he's gay during the summer and he knew he couldn't go to school without falling in love with you, Ha –"

"Stop it Ron!"

Startled at the sudden interruption, we looked up at Hermione. Her face was now considerably flushed and she looked deeply troubled. "I mean, I'm dead tired… I'm going up to my room. Goodnight." She then walked quickly towards our dormitory.

"Hermione! Wait!" Ron jumped up and was about to go after Hermione but I held him back. "Ginny! Let go!"

I shook my head defiantly. "No. She obviously wants to spend some time alone."

"But what if I said something wrong and she…"

"Oh, Ron. She's not that sensitive. If it'll make you stop whining, I'll go up and talk to her."

"I'm not whining!"

I rolled my eyes and released my hold on Ron's arm. "I'm supposed to be the baby of the family here…"

"And what do you mean by that?!"

"If you're going to start fighting, be kind enough to warn me. I don't want to be standing within a 10 mile radius from here."

"Very funny, green eyes." Ron stared questioningly at us. "Seriously though, why did Hermione suddenly get upset? Is it her day of the month again?"

"Ron!"

"What? You always turn into a blubbering psychopath during those days…"

Seeing my incensed reaction, Harry quickly stood between us. "Er… Ron, you know better than to talk about things like that. We're actually quite off the topic here besides, Hermione should've sorted out her feelings by now."

Ron rubbed his hands and looked expectantly at me. "Well, then. Ginny?"

I raised my eyebrows in reply and smirked at him. "I still need an apology."

Ron playfully tousled my locks. "So sorry, dear sister. Now could you kindly go up to your dormitory and see what Hermione's problem is. Oh, and tell her that I'm sorry for whatever horrid things I've done and that I love her very –"

"I need to get paid for this, you know…"

"What?"

"Well, this means that I have to give Hermione my heartfelt advice and of course put you in good light… And it won't be that easy…" I straightened my hair and smiled wickedly at him.

Ron glared at me but seemed to give in. "How much?"

"Oh, I don't know… 10 galleons?"

"10 galleons? I'm not that daft!"

"Either that or do my chores for a month."

Ron grumbled while annoyingly running his hand through his wavy hair. "I hate you, Ginny."

I put on my sweetest smile and replied, "I know, dear brother and I love you too."

"Hurry up, Ron. Hermione's waiting…" Harry jokingly added as he winked at me.

"Two weeks and 5 galleons." Ron crossed his arms and glowered at me.

"Three weeks and 7 galleons. Take it or leave it."

"Fine. Now would you please go? I'll pay you later."

I smiled triumphantly. "All right, then. I'll just tell you everything tomorrow, Ron. Goodnight."

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Hermione

Oh, why did Ron have to bring him up? I began punching a pillow as I fought to hold back my tears. Inconsiderate prat! If he only knew – My fist stopped in midair as I realized what I had just said. He doesn't know… Nobody could ever know. I'm on my own right now… A huge sense of loneliness and regret slowly overpowered me. I sniffed as tears I couldn't control slid down my face.

"I hate you, Draco Malfoy. Even if you're already helpless, you still found a way to make my life miserable. Damn you…" I hung my head, letting my hair fall in front of my already damp face.

I had already cried for quite some time before hearing the door in our dormitory suddenly open. I quickly pulled the curtains around my bed and lay still. Don't stay… Just go… I certainly didn't want to see anyone right now. Please… please let it not be Ginny… I desperately pleaded with all my might to whoever was listening up above. I listened to the light footsteps, somewhat worried that it would stop at the foot of my bed.

Without warning, the hangings suddenly parted and the blood drained from my face when I saw the person standing behind them. "Ginny."

Ginny was obviously startled at my appearance and she just stood there, confusion taking over her fair face. "I… We were wondering why… You cried, didn't you? But – "

I sat up and smiled warily at her. "Didn't feel all right, that's all. Ron sent you up here, didn't he?"

"No! Well, I wanted to see if you were feeling fine, which you certainly aren't. What's wrong?" Ginny sat beside me and worriedly looked at my red-brimmed eyes.

I patted Ginny's hand comfortingly and said, "Don't mind me… I'll be back to normal in no time at all."

Ginny was unconvinced. "Why did you suddenly leave us downstairs? Ron was just joking around, that's all."

Good job, Hermione Granger. You just made them suspicious. I shrugged and tired to talk about something else besides my peculiar behavior. "It was nothing, I tell you. By the way, who won in the Quidditch match?"

"Ravenclaw. Harry was ecstatic afterwards. Hey… You aren't trying to change the topic now are you?" Ginny pursed her lips and looked at me in a disapproving matter.

"Me? Of course not! It's just that I didn't get to see the match so I'm curious." I smiled happily, trying not to let Ginny see that my smile didn't reach my still troubled eyes.

"Do you care to tell me what's bothering you?"

I stood up and paced back and forth in front of Ginny. "I'd rather keep that to myself… Er… I mean, nothing's bothering me. Wait… Why are you persistent in getting an answer?" This time Ginny was the one who looked uncomfortable.

"Why, you ask? Well… uh… you see… I'm just… uh… concerned. Is that wrong?"

I tried to hold back a smile as I leaned my face towards Ginny's. "You're getting paid for this aren't you?"

With a dismal sigh, Ginny slowly nodded. "But I do want to help you…"

"I know that but I need to sort this on my own."

Ginny nodded again but her face still showed skepticism. "Well, if you need me…"

"You'll be the first one I'll turn to, I promise you that."

"Fine. Have it your way. I'll be staying in the Common Room if you need me." She looked at me one last time then left the room.

Damn it. Now I've hurt Ginny's feelings. Aaaah! I can't take any more of this. I need a bath. I Summoned my towel and nightgown and quickly went out of the dormitory. Going down the staircase, I listened for the trio's voices but thankfully, I could only hear the chatter of the younger students. I inconspicuously walked towards the portrait hole and stepped outside.

"Hermione, dear!"

"Hullo. Listen, I'm going to take bath, get my mind off things. Mind staying there 'till I get back?"

The Fat Lady took offense and retorted, "It's my job isn't it?"

I was too tired to point out her past excursions so I didn't say anything and just continued walking. Please, don't let someone use the prefect bathroom. I really need to relax… I was too busy wishing for an empty bathroom that I didn't see the person walking directly towards me. Needless to say, I bumped into him and fell down.

"Miss Granger!"

"Oof! My back…" I let out a small moan as pain crept along my bad back. "Why didn't you watch where you were going you daft pri –" I felt my face redden as I suddenly saw Remus Lupin's concerned face staring at me.

"Yes. So sorry, Hermione. Here… Could you stand up?" He held his hand towards me and pulled out his wand. "Need a healing spell?"

I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion clouding my mind. "No… Er… Professor Lupin?"

Professor Lupin laughed and helped me stand up. "You're not hallucinating, Hermione. I can assure you that. Oh, wait. Your things…" He picked up my fallen towel and nightgown and handed them to me. "Going for a bath, eh?"

Remus Lupin was standing before me and he was acting like a teacher I saw everyday. It's been two years since we last saw him and his letters to Harry were the only proof of his existence. "Uh… Forgive me for asking, Professor but why are you here?"

"Dumbledore offered me a job and I accepted. It's that simple."

"But… but…" I wasn't sure how I would tactfully ask about his being a werewolf. Mind you, I do have manners unlike some rich, snooty pureblood I know. "I thought you didn't want to… since…"

Professor Lupin's face suddenly brightened and he said, "Well, I didn't want to tell you, Harry most especially, that I'm… well, I'm cured."

My towel and nightgown fell to the floor once more. "What? That's wonderful, Professor! Why didn't you tell us right away?"

He shrugged and bent down to pick my belongings again. "I didn't want to raise any false hope. The cure, made by a nomadic but reputable wizard who goes by the name Elifias, didn't have a quick effect so I had to wait for a while before I could go out into the open again." He gave me the towel and nightgown and this time I held unto them more tightly.

"Thank you. I see… Does Harry know?"

"Not yet. This is the first time I went out of my room since arriving back here. I'm still uneasy about this, to tell you frankly."

"It's good seeing you again, Professor." And I meant it. Professor Lupin definitely looked better now than when he was teaching us in the 3rd year. His now dark brown hair, though still having gray strands, was obviously healthier and shinier. He now looked his age, if not younger with that energetic aura coming from him.

"You too, Hermione. Have you and Ron…"

I blushed and stammered out a soft reply. "Yes. Since… last year."

Professor Lupin smiled and patted my shoulder. "Good for you. And Harry? With Ginny, I presume?"

"No, Professor. He's with Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw seeker. Remember her?" I was a little bit surprised that he thought of Harry and Ginny being together.

Tapping his chin, he nodded. "Yes. She's the pretty and smart student, right?"

"Right. Ginny's still single but she's contented."

Professor Lupin's gaze traveled downwards and settled on what I was holding. "Ah. Forgive me, Hermione if I kept you from your bath. I too, have to get going. Actually, I'm planning to see Harry."

I smiled up at him and said, "That's wonderful! Harry will be pleased."

"Goodnight." With that, Professor Lupin left me alone in the brightly-lit corridor. Seeing him somehow lifted my spirits and I was still smiling by the time I reached the prefect bathroom.

"Apple scent." The door swung open at the password and I stepped inside, locking the door behind me. I quickly turned on a few taps of the gigantic pool and proceeded to remove my clothes.

"Hello, Hermione!"

"What the –? Oh, shit!" I hastily grabbed my towel and covered my already naked self with it. "What the hell were you thinking Myrtle?"

"Nothing! I was just greeting you…" Moaning Myrtle floated past me and sat on the swimming pool's edge. "How's Ron?"

"Ron's perfectly fine," I shortly replied, still pissed at her sudden appearance. I tightened the towel around me and started folding my discarded school robes. "You should stop doing that, you know."

"Doing what?"

"Don't act so innocent, Myrtle. Admit it. You've permanently moved yourself here since you can…" I hesitated for a moment. "Never mind."

Myrtle stared at me through those huge glasses of hers. "Getting a bit perverted are we? Harry had already noticed when he was still in his fourth year." She threw back her head and started laughing. Funny how shrill giggles can make a person's blood boil.

"I'm warning you, Myrtle. If you don't get out of this bathroom then I will personally hex you." I grabbed my wand to show to her that I was dead serious. "You know how good I am with magic…"

"All right… lord, Hermione. I was just teasing you." She floated towards the door and looked at me tearfully.

"Well, I'm not."

With a dramatic sniff, she passed through the door. I impatiently waited; still hearing her sighs and sniffs in the corridor. They gradually faded though, so I eagerly took the towel off and jumped into the nearly overflowing pool. I turned the taps off then swam for some time. As I was doing laps, I could feel that my weary muscles were relaxing and that my mind was slowly clearing. I laughed to myself as I thought about Ron. Harry had taken secret lessons when the Dursleys went to Jamaica for the summer so Ron was the only one among us three that didn't know how to swim. Harry tried teaching him but all poor Ron could do was flail his arms and shout his arse off in the shallowest part of the lake.

"Do… re… mi… fa… so… la… ti… do!!!!!"

I stopped in mid-stroke as the dissonant words suddenly filled the vast bathroom. Sputtering, I glared annoyingly at the mermaid who was singing. Couldn't I find peace and quiet anywhere? I mischievously reached for a fluffy white towel and with utmost precision, hit the painting with it. The mermaid was knocked out of her perch and was sent flying into the sea. Grinning, I swam away from the dripping wet and cursing mermaid and leaned against the side of the pool.

Mermaid… Ariel… I cringed as I remembered my encounter with Malfoy earlier. I was once again filled with a huge sense of pressure and doubt. Oh, why have I even agreed to teach Malfoy? It was a stupid mistake. I should've known that Malfoy and I wouldn't get along. He already knew me as a totally different person but did that make any difference? Hell no! If his mother hadn't tearfully begged me and if I wasn't a compassionate human being then I would've left him there, swallowing in his grief and shame. But… I could leave him. I'll just say no to Professor McGonagall and my life would happily turn back to normal. I could just forget what happened and let him be. Blind, helpless, in dire need of guidance… But I'm not some sacrificing friend. I'm not even his friend, for heaven's sake! Everyone knows that, even Mrs. Malfoy and Professor McGonagall. Why me? Why did I have to be the smart and helpful one? Why can't I turn away from Draco Malfoy? Oh, damn it all!

Tears wanted to flow down my face again but I was already too tired to cry. Be strong. Ron always said that to me. But how could I be strong in a time like this? I slowly sank underneath the bubbly surface and the now cold water stung my face. I suddenly floated back up, refreshed and awake. What the hell am I ranting for? Malfoy's just a person. A malevolent one perhaps, but a person like me, nonetheless. Fine. I'll be his tutor. I won't be defeated that easily. Yes… I'll show him. I'll be the one to bring him out of his hidden misery and perhaps… I'll be the one who can help him change into a better person.

With a newfound resolution, I finally climbed out of the pool and dried myself. Putting my nightgown on, I took one last look at the vain mermaid. She was furiously shouting at me while shaking a threatening fist. I just shrugged my shoulders in apology, opened the bathroom door and stepped out unto the corridor.

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Draco

"Here's your wand, dear. What's it doing on the floor? Anyway, are you sure you'll be fine for tonight?"

Silence.

My mother sighed dismally then repeated her question. "I said, are you sure you'll –"

I suddenly cut her off. "I heard you. Even if I'm blind, it doesn't mean I'm deaf."

"Oh, Draco… I'm really sorry that I couldn't keep you company for the night. You know how it pains me to see you in this state…But your father insisted that I return to the Manor tonight and…"

I placed a pillow on top of my head and tried to block out my mother's pathetic excuses. It certainly didn't help one bit.

"Draco… please…" A hand tenderly touched my shaking one.

I tried to hold back the tears threatening to divulge my true feelings at that particular moment. I didn't want my mother to feel more sorrow for her pathetic son. "Just leave me alone."

I heard my mother backing away in silent surrender. Well not too silent since she was starting to cry and her sniffs filled the entire room. I pressed the pillow harder towards my ear; I hated knowing that she was in anguish but ironically, I was the very same one who caused it. Remorse suddenly filled my aching heart but I remained still, facing away from her. The door opened then closed a few moments later and I was left all alone. I shuddered involuntarily when a cold daft entered through an open window. Wincing, I pulled the thick blankets around me and shut my eyes. I wanted to sleep, to escape from the harsh realities of my damned life. But I couldn't. No matter how hard I try; my still distressed mind just won't let me be at peace.

"Damn it." I threw back the blankets in irritation and sat up. I ran a shaking hand through my disheveled hair. Even though the room was quite cold, I was slowly burning inside. The heat of anger, fear and indescribable loneliness kept me immune to the bitter chill surrounding me. I hugged myself as I tried to control my strong emotions.

Ariel Cicely. I started as her name suddenly entered my mind. Why am I thinking about her at a time like this? She was just a thorn in my side; meddling in matters which didn't concern her. What the hell was she thinking? Stopping me from committing suicide and then saying it's bloody shit to be my tutor… A little confused isn't she? She's just new here at Hogwarts and she's already stood up against me. Why, she's even bolder than one egotistic Mudblood I know.

Another cold gust of air entered the room and this time, I stood up to close the damn window. I felt for my wand then pointed it towards the direction where the wind was coming from. I whispered a spell and with a bang, the window closed. I stood up, held my wand up high and uttered, "Incendio." I could immediately hear the fire crackling merrily in the fireplace. I walked slowly towards it and miraculously I didn't trip over anything. I sat crossed legged in front of the hearth and savored its warmth. I laughed sarcastically to myself as I noticed that I could only feel the scorching fire and not see it. Better get used to it, Malfoy. I suddenly yawned and stretched my arms. Good. I lay down on the rich, lush carpet and closed my eyes once more. This time, my mind relented and peaceful sleep welcomed my exhausted body.

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"What took you so long?"

Narcissa fidgeted but held her head up high. "I said farewell to our son…"

"And it took you more almost half an hour?"

"Lucius… I didn't want to – "

"How would he learn to stand up for himself if you're always there protecting him?"

Narcissa finally understood what Lucius was insisting and she stared out the window, speechless.

Lucius tapped the chauffeur and said, "Take us back to the Manor and make it quick." He settled back in the luxurious leather seat and glanced at his wife. Good. She finally realized what I wanted her to understand.

Heavy silence filled the limousine afterwards but Narcissa couldn't control her fast-beating heart. After a moment's contemplation, she turned to Lucius, whispering, "If we just tell him…"

"No!! goddamn it, Narcissa! I've explained over and over again that he does not need to know!" Lucius shouted so ferociously in reply that Narcissa shrank bank in fear.

Lucius' hand suddenly came flying and a red mark appeared on Narcissa's pale face. Wincing, she tried not to look into her husband's cold and emotionless eyes and with utmost composure she softly apologized. Lucius merely nodded and when the great Malfoy Manor slowly loomed before them, Narcissa inconspicuously heaved a sigh of great relief.

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A/N: To those who asked me about Narcissa's intriguing behavior, I can't tell you the answer… yet. It'll all be explained in the last part of the story… Yup! I know you'll be so miffed at me for keeping you in suspense but you really can't do anything about it, now can you? Hehehehe… I am so bad. So you'll have to wait for quite some time (actually, a very loooooooooooong time) before I divulge anything. Bwahahahahahaha! *lightning flashes outside* Ahem. Now on to my thank-you's…

Sunflower-chan: Hmm… maybe… maybe not. *wink* Thanks for putting this on your list! Tabi: I'm glad you did. =) I'll try! Mione G: Thanks! Don't worry I will… DrAcO*AcErbuS: Thank you so much! I hope I won't… lil' dudette: Yes and yes. *wink* jelly baby rulz: I'm doing great! How are you? I just love cliff hangers… *evil grin* hehehe… Thanks for your kind words! =) IlUvDrAcOmAlFoY: You have the distinct honor of being the first reviewer of chapter 4! =) No… you didn't win anything though… hehehe. I'm glad to hear that… Lady Alanna Salmalin of Conte: *smiles* I'm quite flattered. Thanks so much! By the way, nice nick! TFG, Nilaldaeiel Greenleaf, Strife21, Millithe1sgdsh@aol.com, "the dragoness", sammy-mackie, milli, Rosa, Sucker For Romance, MarianneLinley and SarahQuinn: Thank You very much! Katalina O'Riley: Don't worry… She'll notice it. Elizabeth: Hi! You really think so? Well, thanks so much! Midget: Thanks but I know I'm not that good…=) ^^ Wateva: Schoolwork kept me very busy… sorry. =) Thank you! sakura li: Hi amil! Ganda kaya ng story mo… =) Good luck! Thanks ha for your nice review! Muffy: I'm hurrying! I'm hurrying! KAOS: I'm glad to hear that! +SpiLLeD InK+: I'm glad you noticed… I do try hard to keep them in character. =) A special thank you for being a regular reviewer! Decorated Genius @aol.com: Very flattering review… =) Thank you sooooo much! Um… I'm only writing Abyss right now but if I start another story, I'll send a copy to you right away… =) Millithe1sgdsh@aol.com: Same fave pairing! Thanks! LittleDragon21208: Draco forever blind? Hmmm… MeriyA: Thanks so much for the great review! If it means anything, mya14 and I are schoolmates and friends… =) Don't worry about the name contest coz there'll be more to come.

da-drama-queen: I really am horrible to all of you… so sorry… hope you sill understand *sheepish grin* mya14: very nice and interesting stories! Thanks for the support and advertisement! Miss ya na! Gud luck sa schoolwork… Ccami462: Yes… I also feel sorry for Draco… being blind is not that easy. I did like my idea on Hermione's voice changing thing… =) Nice forecast on the love story… lo: Thanks for waiting! =) deep.fried.chicken.wings: A big thank you for understanding my plight! DJ: Really? My story's that different and interesting? Thanks for thinking so!

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A/N: That's it, I guess… So expect another loooooooooong delay before the update of the next chapter. I am not exaggerating! I'm terribly sorry but you have to bear with this author. =) I do make it up to you by writing long chapters. I'm really sorry for the very late updates. =) I know that some of you read the whole story all over again because of me… =) I do hope I'm still forgiven even if I "sinned" for like the tenth time… Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed reading this particular chapter… Tell me so in your reviews, okay? You guys are sooooooooooooo good to me… lots of reviews for chapter 4! I'm just speechless… =)

I'm itching to start another story but I just don't have any good ideas yet. So if you have one just tell me in your review or email. =)