Harry

~

"Harry! Harry! Come quick!"

I looked up at the sound of Ron's loud and anxious voice coming from the staircase. "I'm busy, Ron!"

"Come off it, Harry! You've got to come down!"

With a sigh, I put down my quill and closed my Transfiguration book. "This'd better be good…" I stomped out of the dormitory and went down the stairs. "Ron! Now why –"

"Nice to see you again, Harry."

"Lupin!"

~

"Morning, Harry."

I looked up wearily and tried to smile back at Ron. "Hullo."

"Where's your spirit, chum? I know Potions is our first subject but remember that Lupin's back." He sat in front of me and attempted to snatch the unbitten croissant lying innocently on my plate.

"Get your own, Ron." I moved the plate farther from him and he grudgingly obeyed.

"You're making Hermione proud with manners like that."

"Right." I gazed at the entrance of the Great Hall but I couldn't find the person I wanted to see. I decided to forget about her for the meantime and concentrate on finishing my breakfast first.

"Quidditch practice later."

"I know. Ron, that's the tenth time you told me this morning." I answered flatly and looked at him in silent mockery. Honestly, he becomes more like Oliver Wood each day. Not that I blame him… Everyone knows that being the captain of our Quidditch team is an honorable position straight from hell.

"We might lose the championship… You never know…" Ron said imploringly and stood up. "I'm going to check on the team's brooms and verify our practice schedule. See you in class." With a casual wave, he left the Great Hall.

I immediately got my croissant and as I chewed it, I reluctantly thought about her. I wanted to forget my past feelings but it still haunts me every time I gaze into her eyes. It didn't help that someone else knew about this.

A loud clank on the table made me look up. "Stupid of her, really. Imagine… I'm supposed to be her friend. And what good am I if she doesn't want to tell me anything? Oh... Hi, Harry."

"Hi, Gin. Anything bothering you?" That was practically thick of me to ask that; granted that her face was already flushed and she was venting out her anger on her plate and goblet.

"No, Harry. Nothing's wrong." She tried to smile but her face and lips just twisted in agony. "Shit, Harry! I don't know what's bloody wrong with Hermione! Something is clearly troubling her and she still keeps it inside! Friends are supposed to be open with each other right? Then why is she secretive all of a sudden? WHY?!" By now, Ginny had already stood up on the bench and was being stared at by everyone situated within shouting distance.

I gently pulled her back down and tried to reassure her. "Calm down, Gin. I'm sure she'll tell you when she's ready."

"What if she doesn't ever become ready?"

I shrugged. "Then that's her problem. It doesn't mean that you have to go ballistic over that. Come on, I'll accompany you to class after you eat."

"What about Cho?"

"I think she can find the Arithmetic classroom on her own."

Ginny started and a small blush crept into her face. She whispered thanks and started to finish her pancakes at a faster pace.

Hermione

I can't believe this. I'm hyperventilating again. Here I am, staring at Professor McGonagall's door, too anxious to open it. You can do this… It's not like you've never been here before… You have to face Malfoy again sooner or later… Great. My conscience was once again bothering me. Sigh… Better get this over with. I held my breath as I carefully opened the door.

"Good morning, Miss Granger."

"Good morning, Professor," I meekly replied and walked slowly towards her. My spirits lifted somewhat when I didn't see Mrs. Malfoy in the room. I just couldn't bear her maternal sorrow right now.

"Well then, Hermione. What is your final decision?" Professor McGonagall grimly asked and I noticed that she had purposefully stressed on the word final.

"Erm… It's a yes, Professor. And I assure you that I am already certain of this." I do hope so…

She nodded and smiled somewhat. "Judging from your different voice, I know you would. Very well, you may proceed to Mister Malfoy's room. I will inform his parents of this." With this, she took her quill and a piece of parchment and began writing.

That's it? Wasn't she supposed to accompany me or give me some words of wisdom? As I looked at the moving quill, I knew that this conversation was already over. I said a quick goodbye and opened the door once more. I was about to step outside when Professor McGonagall suddenly said, "Oh, and Hermione… Good luck."

I smiled back at her and closed the door behind me. Luck. I definitely needed this. I found myself wishing fervently for a miracle as I walked closer to where Malfoy was.

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Draco

I was already sitting on my bed when someone knocked on my door. I had just finished breakfast and I knew that I made a mess, considering that I used my hands whenever I ate. I quickly grabbed my wand and muttered a cleaning spell. I felt around to make sure that nothing was left. I wanted to remain intimidating and at the same time, clean.

The person knocked again and this time I responded. "Come in!" The door opened with a creak and footsteps filled the vast room. The person stopped at my left and began breathing heavily.

"Who are you?"

"Her – I mean, it's me, Ariel."

Ariel? Why was she back here? I was sure that she wouldn't dare stand in my presence again after our confrontation yesterday. "Ariel, hmm?" I made my trademark smirk and continued, "Well, if it isn't the Gryffindor tutor. I thought teaching me was worth shit. So why are you back?"

I heard her make some sudden movement but no smart retort came out. I was somewhat startled at her lack of response since she was anything but passive at our first meeting yesterday. "Your far too silent, Cicely." I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms, waiting for her to say something.

After a few seconds, her melodious voice finally spoke. "Well… uh… I…" She broke off and I heard her making short labored breaths. It was quite obvious that she was trying to control her anger at my snide remarks. My smirk deepened as I realized that she didn't want to lose her patience with me.

I stood up and slowly turned towards her. "Speechless?" I was having fun taunting her, now that she was avoiding a fight at all costs.

"No! It's just that… Damn it, Malfoy! Can't you just try to be polite for once?"

I shrugged and said, "I don't think so. Besides, why should I listen to you? You're just a new student who happens to be my tutor."

"A tutor who saved your life!"

"When it doesn't need to be saved! You're too bloody persistent." I felt myself burning up with annoyance. Who the hell does she think she is? Answering back at the most feared student in Hogwarts like that. "I don't even know why you're back, meddling as usual. Dumbledore made you return, didn't he?"

"No. Believe me, it wasn't on my own free will either." She sighed before continuing speaking, "Listen, this is getting nowhere. You can't get rid of me and I can't escape from this so let's just cooperate with each other, all right? It's far better than having to fight every time we meet… Well?"

To tell you honestly, I was kind of surprised at her proposition. Nobody has ever spoken that frankly at me. Great, she's already taking advantage of my sightless eyes. But I wasn't about to give in that easily. "Hah. Do you honestly think I'll accept that? I don't want to be friends with someone like you."

"I'm not asking you to be my bloody friend! I'm just asking for your respect. Is it that hard, Malfoy?"

A sudden pain seared through my chest. I moaned and fell down on my knees. Cicely cried out and quickly dropped to the floor beside me. "Are you all right? Malfoy, answer me…" She was so near me that I turned away.

Thankfully the ache went immediately away and I stood up with slight difficulty. "I'm fine." I curtly said since I didn't want her to think something was dreadfully wrong because there really wasn't.

She slowly stood up but she was still unconvinced. "Really? I could get Madame Pomfrey and –"

"I said I'm fine! It was nothing!" lord, she was so insistent. Of all the people, why did she become my tutor? Well, better her than that muggle Granger.

"If you say so…" She shifted uncomfortably in her place.

I sighed, knowing that this would be a long morning. "Fine. It's a compromise."

"What?"

"I'll try not to be such an ass if you'll stop your stupid interference."

"I don't meddle!"

"And stop contradicting everything I say."

"But I – All right, then. Do you promise me this?"

"A Malfoy never breaks his word."

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Hermione

A Malfoy never breaks his word? Yeah, right. I didn't voice this out, however, since this would be a bloody contradiction. I just quietly agreed.

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me…" Malfoy suddenly stepped to his left and with outstretched arms began to walk towards the fireplace.

What? He's leaving me here? "Where are you going?"

He stopped and said irritatingly, "I'm going to the bathroom. Want to come?" With a laugh, he resumed walking and went straight towards a leather chair. He fell down with a curse and vainly tried to stand back up. "Damn chair! Always getting in my way…"

But before I could even get near him, he suddenly found the strength to quickly stand up and slowly limped towards the door near the fireplace. His wand fell out of his robes when he fell and I slowly picked it up.

With an irritated cry, I tightened my grasp on his wand. Malfoy was just too damn arrogant! Here I am, trying my best not to argue with him and all he cares about is his precious ego. He wouldn't even let me help him even though this is basically the reason why I was here. He promised to cooperate with me, didn't he? I stood there, alone, contemplating on how to solve this problem when the door suddenly opened and Malfoy came out.

"Well Cicely, I'm surprised that you – aaaahh!!!" Malfoy was too preoccupied with his sarcastic remark that he didn't realize that another piece of furniture was in his way. He tripped and this time fell flat on his face. To my surprise, I didn't laugh or even gave a small smile. How could I, with him being blind and helpless? It would be too heartless of me. Despite his earlier warning of my meddlesome actions, I knelt down beside him. I already had an idea on how to ease his pain even in the slightest manner. I was anticipating his rejection to my aid but I was determined to help him at all costs.

With some pleading, Malfoy finally rose and knelt down in front of me. I knew he was already feeling quite ashamed but the narcissist that he is, he tried to keep his shame hidden.

"Malfoy, I know a spell that can – "

"I thought I told you not to meddle! I'm all right without you. You're only my tutor and not my keeper!" He leaned dangerously close to me, as if to emphasize his point.

But I was already so determined not to let Malfoy have his way that I didn't listen to him. Instead, I suddenly grabbed his hand and shoved his wand into it.

"Aurero Cavo!" A thick golden thread suddenly shot out from Malfoy's wand and stopped in mid-air, a few inches from the quivering wand. His mouth was slightly open from shock but he recovered immediately. "What the hell is this? What kind of spell have you so generously shouted out without my consent?!" Malfoy was clearly panicking but he still held on to his wand.

"It's a simple spell, Malfoy. Nothing to be worried about, I'm certain. It's a –"

"What is it then?! Tell me!"

By this time, I was somewhat tempted to prolong my explanation but I didn't want to turn into someone like Malfoy. I sighed and continued speaking, "It's a traveler's spell, Malfoy. The words themselves mean 'golden rope'. It helps lost people find their way back… All you have to do is shout the spell then the place where you want to be. Like so…" I took Malfoy's wand and said, "Bed." The golden cord lengthened until it entwined itself on the foot of Malfoy's enormous waterbed.

"Now, grab it and you can use it as your guide in going to your bed." I was impatiently waiting for his reaction but he just ran his hand on the taut rope. After a few minutes, I finally asked him, "Well? It's very useful, isn't it?"

He only replied with a question of his own, "How'd you know a spell like this?"

Without thinking, I quickly answered, "From a book."

"A book? You sound like Granger."

Oh, damn. "Uh… I… actually learned it from… my old school."

With a nod, he let out his hand and I returned his wand back to him while explaining how to remove the spell. He kept twirling it, deep in thought. It was as if he wanted to say something.

Meanwhile, I let my eyes travel around the room, taking in the rich decorations and the lavish furniture. My gaze settled on a grand clock sitting on the mantle above the fireplace. With a start, I realized how late I was for my first class, which happens to be Potions. "Oh, shit! I'm terribly sorry but I have to go! I'm late… Oh, Snape will not like this at all…" I quickly stood up and practically ran towards the door.

Malfoy snapped out of his deep thinking and called out, "Wait! Where are you –"

"To Potions! I didn't realize how long I've stayed here and so… I've really got to go!"

"But… Will you be back?"

Now, this normally would've been a strange question coming from Malfoy but I was too preoccupied that I didn't think much of it. "Of course! Now, I must –"

"When?" Malfoy's tone was still calm but it also had a sense of urgency to it.

By now, I had already opened the door and was raring to run out of the room. "Oh! I don't know… I'll just come! Bye!" I hurriedly stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me but not before hearing Malfoy's soft 'thank you'.

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Ron

"And remember that the Asphodel root should be pounded into fine powder. Points shall be taken for lumpy potions like Longbottom's."

Snickers erupted from the Slytherin's side of the dungeon and I could feel myself burning with anger. Damn Snape! Always picking on the helpless students… I didn't have a hard time producing what the professor wanted. All I had to do was imagine that Snape and all the other Slytherins were –

"Well, well, Mr. Weasley. I'm afraid that's a bit too much pounding. 10 points from Gryffindor." Then the fiend clothed in his usual black cloak continued on and walked past my table.

Now, 5 years of being Snape's student taught me a lot of things like patience, patience, patience and oh, did I mention utmost patience? I had learned to control my temper and not to screw matters further by defending myself. Today, I could only content myself by throwing silent curses at Snape's departing back.

Harry threw me a sympathetic glance but his eyes lingered on Hermione's empty seat. He then looked at me and my brow furrowed in confusion. Where was she? 30 minutes had already gone by but still no sign of her. Did she fall asleep again in exhaustion or is she off somewhere in another prefect business? Whatever the reason, Snape will have her badge for this.

"Now class, you have to brew the Wimigin potion for another 10 minutes before you add the drops of –"

The dungeon door suddenly opened and hit the stone wall with a bang. Hermione stood in the doorway, panting and with disheveled hair. If I knew any better, I'd say she ran to our class (who wouldn't?). All gazes immediately shifted from Hermione to Snape. Everyone was anxiously waiting for Snape's reaction or Hermione's punishment, whichever came first. Hermione wasn't looking that reassured either; her pale face clearly showed her utmost dread.

"Miss Granger, take your seat."

Hermione meekly obeyed while the class exchanged excited whispers. This was it? No detention? No taken house points? We obviously spoke too soon for Snape turned towards us again and said, "And oh, 80 points from Gryffindor and 2 nights detention, Miss Granger."

80 points? Was Snape insane? This was Hermione, for heaven's sake, not some ordinary student! I irritatingly looked at Hermione but she was just sitting calmly, taking out the Wimigin potion's ingredients out of her bag.

"Oi… Hermione…"

"No talking, Mr. Weasley! That'll be 10 points!"

I grumbled and continued stirring the now bubbling potion. Harry looked intensely concentrated, never taking his eyes off his cauldron. He must be probably thinking that Snape will hit at him next so better do a good job rather than a sloppy one.

The bell presently rang and the hurried steps of the departing students filled the dungeon. I cleared my table and was about to follow the line out when someone tugged my sleeve.

"Would you wait outside for me, Ron?"

"Er – Sure, 'Mione." With a smile at her, which made her blush, I stepped outside into the hallway and closed the dungeon door behind me.

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Hermione

"Apology not accepted. Responsibility is not a dispensable trait, Miss Granger. You must remember that. Now if you'll excuse me…"

Professor Snape's words kept ringing in my ear even though it was already past 8 in the evening. I tried to talk to him, explain my side when I stayed after my Potions class. He was all too willing to rebuff me, make me feel worse than I already did. He stuck on his 80-point deduction, even threatening to raise it when I didn't want to leave the dungeons without making him understand my side. I went to my next class, which was Herbology, feeling so dejected that Ron even asked me if I was sick or if I had failed an exam. I took out the empty vial I kept inside my robes and reminded myself to fill it up with the Voice Potion's antidote again or else I'd be in trouble.

"Is this seat taken?"

I was surprised to see Ginny looking quite abashed, standing in front of me. I shook my head and moved farther down the couch to make room for her while inconspicuously hiding the vial in my robes again.

"I'm sorry."

I looked at Ginny in silence and waited for her to continue. I had no idea what she was talking about but I wisely restrained myself from asking.

"I've been such a git, Hermione! I should've known that you would never keep a secret from me, if it wasn't for the best…"

Oh. So that was the matter bothering her. I tired to reassure her that it was actually my fault and not hers but she just wouldn't listen.

"No… Er… Did Harry tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

At this, Ginny immensely blushed and stammered, "O – Oh! No – Nothing, actually."

To tell you the truth, I really wanted Ginny to be together with Harry but things were clearly not meant to be. No matter what she'll say, I know that Harry will always remain in her heart. I opted to tease her for a bit before 'forgiving' her.

"Ginny… has Harry told you something? Like his undying devotion?"

"Oh, Hermione! It's not that. Stop teasing me when you perfectly know that he loves another."
"Oh, yes. And she goes by the name Ginny Weasley."

Ginny gave me an odd look but didn't say anything more. I smiled and turned to forgive her when Ron came bursting in the common room, looking anything but pleased. Harry was at his heels, with a smile and eyes full of glee.

"You've ruined our practice, Harry! I told you not to get the Snitch in less than a minute into the game! Let the other players practice for heaven's sake." Ron was practically fuming; he was red all over.

"Well Captain Ron, if your Seeker wasn't as skilled as I am –" After Harry said that, he stole a mischievous wink at us.

"You call yourself skilled?! god, Harry, the next match is scheduled for next week and if the others aren't ready…"

"Believe me, Ron. They're ready as hell. You just have to believe in them. Besides, today's practice wasn't a total waste. Everyone who saw it says so… I only caught the Snitch once. You sent me to the stands after that, remember?"

Ron let out a long sigh and rubbed his eyes. "I just don't know what to do with you…" He finally spotted Ginny and me sitting innocently at the couch and approached us. "I'm calling it a night. See you tomorrow, Hermione." He bent and kissed me lightly on the cheek.

"Oh, don't go yet, Ron. How was Quidditch practice?"

"Very funny, Ginny. Good night." Ron straightened up and slowly walked towards the boys' dormitory.

I looked fondly at his back and eventually said, "I need to rest too. I'll see you in the morning, Gin." I stood up and smiled at Harry. He smiled back in a startled way and took my place beside Ginny. As I climbed up the staircase, I looked back and smiled knowingly to myself when I saw them talking earnestly… very earnestly.

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A/n: Well that's it, I suppose. I posted earlier than I usually do, if you've noticed. Think of this as a belated Christmas present. =)

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Due to popular demand, I gave more Draco/Hermione action. I hope you're quite satisfied. =) Don't worry, there's certainly more to come.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Another NAMING CONTEST is at hand! Yep! Now I'm going to spoil the next chapter by giving this vital information: Hermione has hatched up a plan and is planning to give Draco a pet. Yes, a pet. What the hell is it for, you ask. Listen, I don't want to get any comments like that, okay? Is this your story or mine? =) So just patiently wait for the next chapter for the explanation. So give me your suggestions in your email or review. Oh and by the way, the persons who get to guess what the animal will be, then he/she will get a prize! Hehehe… Well, the next chapter will be dedicated to him/her. =) So keep those names coming!

To Lisa Turpin, my sincerest apologies and to DJ, my most grateful thanks… =) And of course, to everyone who read and continually support this fic, THANK YOU!

Oh, and REVIEW! Please, oh please, REVIEW! You have no idea how simple yet sincere reviews make my day! =)