Hermione

"Now, these are Elfwood's roots. See the difference from the Brazensnap's? Here – " I pushed the said roots across the table for Malfoy to feel. He fingered them silently with his head half-bent in concentration. I sighed inconspicuously, feeling sorry for both of us. Being blind, Malfoy could only feel or taste the plants discussed in Herbology therefore leaving me in quite a fix when explaining about their physical characteristics.

I was absentmindedly shuffling through parchments filled with my frantically scribbled notes, wondering where I could begin my lecture, when Malfoy suddenly spoke up. "You're from Gryffindor right?"

I winced involuntarily; I wasn't in the mood fight with Malfoy yet again and besides, we still had four subjects to tackle before the lunch bell rings. I pretended not to hear him speak and instead started to babble about the various functions of the Elfwood's root. "The Elfwood's root can, if I remember correctly, be used in over a dozen different ways. The strong – "

Malfoy's fist suddenly pounded the table; making the scattered leaves and roots take momentary flight. "I'm not asking about the stupid roots, Cicely! You are a Gryffindor, are you not?"

"I am." So much for our agreement on good conduct. But I decided to play it safe; I didn't want to leave Malfoy's room in tears again.

"Honestly, Cicely, for once, can't you just answer me right away?" He huffed heavily then continued, "So, tell me, have you meet the famous trio?"

I had a sinking feeling that he was talking about Harry and Ron but I tried my best not to give anything away. "You mean, Harry Potter and his friends?" So this must be what double agents feel like. It was as if my life as Hermione Granger vanishes the moment I stepped into this hotel-like room.

Malfoy nodded, a menacing scowl marring his pale face. "Terrible showoffs. Most especially that Mudblood Granger."

My heart suddenly stopped in mid-beat as I instantly began fervently wishing that I were in someplace far away from here. I don't know if I trust myself enough to hold my true emotions back once Malfoy starts badmouthing me. Better start directing the conversation to something else. "Oh. Well, umm… I suppose we'd better get back to Herbology before – "

"She's nothing but a know-it-all and a lousy teacher's pet. I honestly don't know what Weasel found in her. Funny what a Gryffindor fancies, eh?"

I just silently sat there, calmly, while I resisted pummeling Malfoy with every ounce of my being. He was literally ridiculing me! The nerve! If he only knew – Oh, that's right. The main problem is, he doesn't. I can only listen in cold silence as he continues to fling every mean insult he has about me. I couldn't answer back in my defense since it might cause Malfoy to become suspicious – the very thing everyone is preventing.

I began to shake in anger but I tried to keep my voice steady. "Anyway, as I was saying, the Elfwood – "

"Now, why aren't you defending them Cicely? I thought Gryffindors always stuck together, pathetic as it is." With much difficulty, I looked into his pale face: thin lips fashioned into a smirk, an eyebrow raised in jest and silver-gray eyes staring right through me.

When I had arrived here earlier, I was surprised to see Malfoy's daunting eyes uncovered. His cold gray eyes had somehow turned a shade or two lighter, giving his eyes a luminosity I have never seen before. Throughout the entire time I sat across him, I found it unnerving to find myself being gazed at. I had to constantly remind myself that Malfoy was someone who still cannot see.

By now, I knew I simply couldn't turn a deaf ear to his mockery and excuse myself from answering through another mindless chatter about some roots. I somehow found it easier to answer by talking to my still shaking hands. "It's not that I don't want to defend them. It's just that Hermione Granger advised me not to listen to your senseless banter concerning her or Harry or Ron." I found myself smirking as well; I was quite satisfied with my answer. Let's see Malfoy create a comeback to that.

Malfoy's eyebrows shot up suddenly as wary words tumbled out of his mouth. "She knows I'm here?"

Damn. My answer wasn't that safe after all. Very bad choice of words. "Oh! No! Of course not! She… Well, uh, she told me to always be prepared, that's all. She just said, 'Never let your guard down even is he's not around.'

Malfoy didn't respond immediately and I gulped, knowing that I was already standing on dangerous ground. I desperately pleaded that he would at least believe what I had just said, however irrational it may be.

Thankfully, Malfoy's smirk returned as he replied in his famous drawl. "Well, that's so like Granger. Always valiantly looking out for her fellow comrades. Not that it would help. So, Cicely, what else did she tell you?"

"Really, Malfoy, why are you so interested in what she told me? We should be getting back to your lesson. It's nearing lunchtime and I have still have to recheck my History of Magic essay." I wanted to end this particular discussion; I was getting nauseated every time I had to make up a lie about my own self.

Thankfully, Malfoy stopped barging me with questions and casually leaned back, giving me the cue to continue with my discussion on the poor roots. I wasn't much that surprised when we practically breezed through the entire lesson; I always knew that Malfoy was a smart student even if he didn't participate much in class discussions – well, except for Potions. He would only interrupt me with rational questions like: "But wouldn't the Brazensnap counteract with the Squatrish extract in the fertilizer as they have opposite acidic contents? (A/N: Don't dwell on this. I don't know what came over me…) " A short debate or two– in which I would always win – would even find its way between the definitive purposes and differences of the plants. Even though I hate to admit it, I found him more enjoyable to teach than Ron or Harry. Well, in the intellectual sense, at most.

About an hour later, I finally heard the bell ring and I immediately pushed my chair back, eager to escape from Malfoy's still arrogant and defiant composure. That and the fact that my stomach was already rumbling.

"Well, Mr. Draco Malfoy, it was – interesting to have taught you at last." It was interesting in the sense that I hadn't exactly counted on his full participation and intelligent insights but I didn't add that bit to him. I hurriedly grabbed the scattered parchments on the table and shoved them in my bag. I wanted to get to the Great Hall before Ron; he always managed to get the last pieces of my favorite dishes. "I have to go. I'll meet you again sometime this week."

Malfoy merely nodded, his blank stare masking any reactions he may have within. He was chewing his lower lip, obviously deep in thought but whatever thought it was, it certainly wasn't a happy one. His eyebrows met together in an angry line and his eyes seemed to fiercely burn.

It seemed that he wouldn't acknowledge my departure so I simply opened the door and walked out into the hallway. I took one last confused glance at his immobile figure before turning my key to lock his door with a soft click.

* * * * * * * * *

Ron

"Hermione had better be in the Great Hall or – "

Ginny turned to me, eyes betraying sheer confusion. "She didn't attend class?"

"For the entire morning! That's four different subjects with new topics covered. Hermione missing them intentionally? I don't think so." We turned at a corner and finally arrived at the Great Hall.

"Better ask her then." Ginny pointed to the lone figure sitting at our table.

My face broke into a relieved smile and I jogged towards her. I found her scribbling frantically with one hand as the other one shakily held a spoonful of pudding. I plopped down beside her but she kept on writing, head bent as her long thick hair partially hid her face. I resisted the urge to cover her angelic face with soft kisses and instead contented myself with running my hand through her silky locks.

"Hey…"

Hermione finally looked up and I was surprised to see her already looking somewhat worn out. "Oh, hello, Ron."

"Are you all right?" I took her quill and spoon, placed them on the table and gently laid my palm on her cheek.

She looked back at me in confusion as she said, "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

I held up my other hand and started counting off my fingers. "For starters, I haven't seen you since breakfast. You didn't show up for all our morning classes, which is definitely not like you. Our teachers didn't comment on your absence, giving me the impression that they know something I don't and well, it's driving me bloody mad."

Hermione blinked then nonchalantly shrugged. "It's nothing, really. I was at the library all day. Just some Prefect matter on Professor McGonagall's orders." She gave a small smile as if she was also convincing herself.

I reluctantly let myself believe her for the meantime but I felt sure that she was holding something back. "If you say so but if there's something wrong or you're in danger or – "

Hermione suddenly pressed her fingers against my lips, cutting my sentence short. "Don't worry, Ron. Nothing's going to happen to me. I promise." She leaned in and replaced her fingers with her own tender lips.

A few moments later, she broke our kiss and smiled thinly. "Now you got me all distracted. I'll never finish editing my essay in time."

I pretended to be horrified. "What? I can take Miss Granger's attention away from her very important schoolwork? Am I that beloved?"

"Well, you never did know what you're truly capable of, Ron," she laughingly replied. With a tired sigh, she picked up her quill and started writing once more. "I do hope I can finish this."

I threw her a sympathetic glance then turned to lunch; getting myself mostly whatever was also on Hermione's plate. I was contentedly munching on a corncob when Ginny spoke up. "Have you heard? It's a Hogsmeade weekend two weeks from now."

"That's great. I need to replenish my supply of dungbombs. I really need to pay some of our dear professors back, starting with Snape." I rubbed my hands in anticipation.

Hermione coughed disapprovingly. "Haven't you grown out of those pranks, Ron? Honestly…"

"Well, someone needs to keep Fred and George's tradition alive. Why not their very own brother?"

Hermione just rolled her eyes in response and turned back to the thick parchment.

"Anyway, Patty Drew told me that the robe shop in Hogsmeade had a new line of dress robes. Want to check it out, 'Mione?"

"I don't know, Ginny. I don't think I'll be going with you. I'll be busy during the weekend." She kept her head bent, obviously avoiding eye contact.

"Oh. I see. Well, that's too –"

"What? Why aren't you going? Another Prefect business, I suppose. " I didn't mean to sound downright rude but I thought it was going to far. What was so bloody important that Hermione had to forego Hogsmeade?

"Say whatever you want, Ron. But I still can't go. There'll be other weekends – " She suddenly stopped as if remembering something.

"It's just that I had something to show you." I didn't add that it was something special and instead, I forlornly looked at my reflection in my now empty plate; I was utterly disappointed.

Hermione smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, Ron. But it would just have to wait." She stood up, picked up her things and walked briskly out of the Great Hall.

Ginny simply looked at me, too kind to say anything. I shrugged and refilled my cup with pumpkin juice, trying to understand Hermione's plight. Being the obedient student she is, she just wouldn't let a simple trip disrupt her duties as a Prefect – if whatever was going to happen on the Hogsmeade weekend has anything to do with her being one.

"I just saw Hermione in the hallway. I think she looked upset." Harry's voice snapped me out of my reverie and I urged myself to smile.

"Oh, she's just worried about missing the morning classes." I stole a glance at Ginny. Hermione would just have to explain everything to Harry herself.

"Speaking of missing classes, did she tell you why she was absent?"

"She said it was a Prefect thing. Been in the library for the whole time, according to her."

Harry started, his emerald eyes narrowing, and he murmured, "Really, now?"

"Why? Is something the matter, Harry?"

"No." Harry shook his head. "It's nothing, Ginny."

But as I looked at his troubled face and darkening gaze, I could tell that what was bothering him was definitely something.

* * * * * * * * *

Professor McGonagall

"Well, Miss Granger, it's been two weeks. I presume you've been perfectly getting along with Mister Malfoy?"

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I wouldn't call it 'perfectly', Professor."

"But you have tackled all the lessons and did all the assignments."

"Yes, Professor."

"I heard you missed some classes. Is that correct?" I peered at her sternly, giving the impression that I was going to reprimand her.

"I did it only once, Professor. I just wanted to get a head start on my lectures. It's certainly going to be harder for me if Malfoy lagged more than a week behind us. I did thoroughly explain this to my professors afterwards." She pleadingly looked at me with her amber eyes shining resolutely. "I did do the right thing, didn't I?"

"It's just that I'm surprised that you would go at such lengths to teach Draco Malfoy. Sacrificing your classes? I had it on good authority that you would – now how can I say this – detest spending that much more time with him." I inwardly smiled, greatly anticipating Hermione's reaction.

She started in surprise; obviously not knowing what to make of what I had just said. But she quickly composed herself, simply replying, "You know how I always wish to excel, Professor. To be able to be teach Malfoy to the best of my abilities, I simply have to put our differences aside." She paused thoughtfully then added, "But sometimes, I just can't. Whenever we disagreed, the Hermione in me would instantly take over. And I'll regret it afterwards and... I just don't know, Professor."

"Does Mr. Malfoy suspect anything already?"

Hermione's eyes widened then shook her head. "I don't think so, Professor. At least I hope he doesn't. After all, it's only been two weeks."

"And Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley?"

She shifted her gaze, not meeting my eye, as her voice became slightly strained. "Nothing more than questions, Professor. I know how great is the need for secrecy."

I nodded wearily then leaned back further in my seat. Hermione should be talking about all of this with Severus, not with me. But upon this suggestion, Severus immediately launched into a tirade about the hazards of regularly discussing with Hermione that I finally agreed to take care of this specific matter. "Will you be remaining with Draco Malfoy instead of going to Hogsmeade today?"

"Yes."

"But you wish you weren't."

Hermione gave a small smile, embarrassed that I could easily divulge her true feelings. "Yes, Professor, but I know what I'm obliged to do."

I smiled back proudly at her, knowing that we could never have picked a better student to be Draco's tutor. Willing to sacrifice classes and even her leisure time just for the sake of Draco – one she considered her adversary – Hermione is someone truly dedicated.

"That's all, Hermione. I shall call for you again next week."

She stood up and stopped uncertainly behind the open door, "Thank you, Professor."

Already knowing the reason of her heartfelt gratitude, I simply looked up at her and said, "Oh, you're welcome, Miss Granger."

* * * * * * * * *

Ginny

"Want to pop inside Honeydukes next?" Harry's voice rose above the Hogwarts students' carefree chatter.

I shrugged, indifferent, while Ron shook his head. "Can't. I have to grab something at Zonko's."

Knowing that he would again spend his money on some old, useless props rather than save it, I huffed and pretended not to hear.

"I'm not buying anything, Gin. I just need to pick up a package." Ron tried to ruffle my hair but I moved away from his reach. He sighed then turned to Harry. "I'll meet you in Three Broomsticks, all right? I won't take long."

Harry and I stood silently, watching Ron's lumbering figure cross the road. He then turned to me and started to speak just as I opened my mouth.

"Well – "

"So – "

We stopped then laughed as if it was something tremendously funny. After a few jovial moments, Harry finally spoke up, "You go first."

"So, do you still want to go to Honeydukes or grab a table in Three Broomsticks instead?"

He casually flipped his bangs back and said, "You decide. Anything's all right with me."

I opted for the latter as I was beginning to get terribly thirsty and elbowing with other students in the crowded Honeydukes' counter didn't sound that much appealing. Harry led the way and we found a table right smack in the middle of the bustling pub. He immediately left me to get drinks as I contended myself gazing at three goblins huddled suspiciously in a corner.

"Isn't it rude to stare?"

I winced inwardly at the sound of her friendly voice but I allowed myself to smile in greeting. "Oh, hello, Cho. I wasn't staring."

"If you say so, Ginny. Are you here on your own?"

I desperately wanted to nod my head with all my heart but my lips somehow formed the word 'yes'. Oh, why did she have to barge in here and disrupt my "quality time" with Harry?

She smiled, revealing pearls of white, and looked around, "Harry is here, then? Do you mind if I sit down with you?"

Yes, I do mind. "Of course not! You'll keep me company. Harry's getting us butterbeer while Ron is at Zonko's." I gestured at the empty chair across me and Cho sat down.

"Cho?" Harry's surprise was all too clear. He plopped down beside her and pushed a mug of butterbeer to me.

I took it warily and tried not to appear too distraught at Cho's intrusion. We made small talk – mostly about Quidditch – while waiting and I kept glancing impatiently at the entrance when Cho would busy herself fixing Harry's tie for the nth time.

"Just leave it, Cho… It's – aaack – It's too tight!" Harry strained to loosen the tie but Cho's hands kept getting in the way.

"Cho, I think he's turning blue."

She turned to me and said, "Very funny, Ginny but he's perfectly all right."

"I'm here! Oh! Hey, Cho."

Fortunately, Ron's sudden arrival seemed to take Cho's mind off Harry's poor tie. Harry took this opportunity to quickly yank the tie off his neck and shove it in his robes.

"What's that?" I pointed to the package he was now carrying. It was square in shape and covered with brown paper.

Ron sat down beside me and took a sip out of my mug. "Well – It's meant to be a surprise but since she's not here – " He carefully tore off the wrapper and a simple yet elegant looking frame emerged. Harry and Cho immediately gasped at seeing it and I suddenly realized that I could only see the back.

Ron smiled and said, "I know. It's simply extraordinary, isn't it?" He then turned to me and showed the front side of the canvas enclosed by the frame. I was simply stunned.

The painting showed a young girl in white sitting in an armchair; her legs, hugged by her slender arms, were drawn up to her chin. Her glowing face was looking pensively at the roaring fire, the only light in the painting. Her wavy hair was drawn elegantly back but a few stray strands partially covered her blushing cheeks. The glowing embers were reflected in her honey colored eyes as her lips smiled thoughtfully in contemplation. The painting, though simple, clearly showed the immense beauty of the girl not only from the outside but also from within.

I gazed at the painting for a few more moments before realizing the girl's identity. "Why, it's Hermione!"

After looking at the painting for a second time, Cho wholeheartedly agreed. "It's remarkable, Ron. Who did this?" she asked, her eyes still on Hermione.

"Jude, one of the guys in Zonko's. He was this struggling artist who needed a model to start his career."

"He's struggling?" I asked in disbelief. "A guy who can paint so lifelike couldn't get any praise for this kind of work?"

"That's because he's still unknown. Hermione and I bumped into him in Diagon Alley last summer and he was quite taken with her. She was too shy to model for him, though, so he settled for a few sketches of her face."

This Jude was definitely talented. Imagine creating a whole image from imagination and remarkably painting Hermione's face in such a way that it appeared that he had drawn it from life. I fingered the delicate frame as I murmured, "Hermione would be so happy."

"Jude didn't want to accept any payment but I just had to pay him for this." Ron gently tapped the painting. "Right, Harry? Harry?"

Harry was now looking so pale that Cho had to ask him if he was all right. He stammered that he wasn't and added distractedly, "I just need to lie back down in the dormitory, that's all. I just have to leave right now. Get away…" He clumsily got out of his seat and laid a hand on Cho's cheek. "See you later." He excused himself between two patrons and walked slowly out of the pub.

Ron glanced at Cho, who just shrugged, then at me. I stared blankly then looked at another direction, afraid that my troubled emotions might give me away.

* * * * * * * * *

Hermione

"All right. Now that we've completed the charts for Transfiguration, we can now go down to Hagrid."

Malfoy jerked his head back up and warily asked, "Go down? You mean, leave this room?" His quill stood still in mid-air, hovering above the freshly written words.

"Yes. You don't expect me to bring a creature that can raise instant havoc inside the castle, do you?" I started clearing the table away and all of a sudden, Malfoy squeezed his hand around mine.

His eyes were staring frantically into space and his grip was slowly cutting off the circulation in my right hand. "But the other students. They'll see me…"

I found myself pitying him as I realized how important he valued his appearance to the other students. It seemed as though nothing else mattered to him. I replied softly, kindly, "It's a Hogsmeade weekend. No one's here."

His hand didn't let go immediately; instead, it lingered for some time holding my fingers. I realized in horror that he could feel the ring in my finger and was probably wondering about it. "So you also have some pathetic someone in that heart of yours."

I yanked my hand away as he smirked and pretended to swoon. "Who's the lucky or should I say, doomed chap, Cicely?"

I fingered the band and out of habit murmured slowly, "Ron." I clamped my mouth as soon as I unconsciously said his name. Oh, no.

Malfoy's eyebrows went straight up. "Weasley? Ron Weasley?" He was as incredulous as anyone could be.

"Ron? I didn't say 'Ron'. He's Hermione's boyfriend, not mine." I threw a high-pitched laughter. "I said – erm – Raoul." Dear god, how can I be so careless?

"French, eh? You do have class. Even though no one can't possibly amount to my charm." Malfoy stood up and crossed his arms at me, daring me to contradict him.

I didn't reply anymore, out of relief that he had believed another one of my insane lies. I simply walked towards the door leading to the hidden staircase and opened it. "Come on, Hagrid's waiting."

Malfoy drew his wand and uttered, "Aurero Cavo." I felt myself swelling with pride as he used a spell I taught him. He inched himself towards me while repeatedly muttering, "But I don't want to go out."

I glanced at the spiral staircase behind me in despair. How will Malfoy be able to get safely down? He may have used this to climb up but using it the other way around was questionable. The main staircase is simply out of the question as someone was more liable to see us there.

"Well, Cicely? What are you waiting for?" Malfoy started going down the staircase like it was nothing at all.

"Wait for me, damn it…" I quickly followed behind him and attempted to hold his wrist; I couldn't let him go blindly down on his own. But he obviously didn't want any of my help and as a result, he started to run down the steps.

"Stop, Malfoy! Damn it, you might fall!" But he didn't. And he waited safely for me at the bottom, smirking at my paranoia.

"Don't do that again."

"I can take care of myself, Cicely. I told you once and I'm telling you again, you're just my tutor."

I opened the metal door with gritted teeth and cautiously stepped into the hallway. No one seemed to be in sight and I tugged at Malfoy's sleeve. "Let's go. We're already late for Hagrid."

We had only taken a few steps when a voice rang throughout the empty hallway. "Just wait for me in Honeydukes, Lavender! I left my damn purse."

My blood ran cold at Parvati's voice as Malfoy suddenly clutched my sleeve and frantically hissed, "Damn you, Cicely. I thought nobody's here." He looked ready to bolt but I quickly held unto his wrist to prevent him from dangerously running away.

I was fervently wishing that Parvati wouldn't walk in this direction but from the sounds of her steps, which were becoming louder every second, it seemed that wishing just wasn't enough. I quickly turned around and pulling Malfoy with me, ran back to the metal door.

"If that bloody Gryffindor sees me, Cicely –"

"365 galleons!" I pushed the metal door open and Malfoy practically shoved me aside as he scrambled into the room. We both heaved a sigh of relief and I sank to the floor, adrenaline still flowing in my veins.

"I'll never leave my room again. I don't care if I can't go to my outdoor classes." Malfoy was kneeling in front of me, his eyebrows meeting in disgust and annoyance. "Do you know what would happen if that chatterbox saw me?"

I kept silent, my eyes trying to avoid his cold gaze.

"Of course you wouldn't know. You don't have a reputation to defend after all. No father to constantly remind you how to live your own life… No one to humiliate you once they've seen just how pathetic and dependent you've become…" His tone suddenly sharpened as he ordered, "Look at me."

As much as I hated to, I finally met his gaze and after assuring him that I did what he had asked, he continued, "My reputation is all I have in this sad, twisted life of mine, Ariel. I live for it and live by it. Don't take it away…"

I was utterly at a loss of words after he had spoken so sincerely and yet, so harshly. He had just bared a part of his soul to someone he had known for only a month, someone who belonged to the House he completely despised. Was Malfoy's cold and apathetic demeanor only a façade of his tortured and struggling self?

"Draco… I – "

He cut me off as he started to speak in a more thoughtful tone. "Isn't it ironic, Cicely? I hate being cooped up in my room with absolutely no one to talk to but I dread going out in the chances of being seen." He slightly bent his head, deep in thought and leaned closer to me. "As much as you greatly annoy me, I still prefer your company than no one's at all. Pity you're not my full companion. Father can't get anyone else and – " Malfoy sighed and shrugged. "I suppose I'm lucky to only be temporarily blind… even though it'll take two years…"

"Hagrid's still waiting, Malfoy. He didn't go to Hogsmeade just because of you."

"Like you?" He smiled alluringly and I found myself openly staring at his more softened features, an effect of his charming smile. I blushed as soon as I realized what I was doing – this is Malfoy, for heaven's sake – and focused my gaze on his dusty robes instead.

I stammered in reply, "Well – yes – Teaching you is my duty and – I want to do it in the best way possible."

"god, you sound just like Granger. Kindly stop talking like that…" Malfoy stood up then groped around for the staircase. Locating it, he grabbed the banister and climbed on the first step. "Don't go after me again, Cicely. I can manage without you – ." He suddenly stopped as if thinking twice about what he was about to say. "Never mind. Just apologize to Hagrid. Tell him I'm sick or something."

"I won't lie for you!"

"So you'll tell Hagrid that I'm just afraid to get out of my room? I don't think so."

He's right. I knew I couldn't just tell Hagrid that but I couldn't lie to him either. "But – What about your next lessons? You can't miss them all!" I was terribly restraining myself to go after him and hopefully whack some sense back into him.

"That's your problem, Cicely!" A door banged shut and I was left all alone, feeling defeated and exuberant at the same time.

* * * * * * * * *

Harry

My head was still reeling even though I had already arrived in Hogwarts. The damn painting triggered another flood of memories I've safely kept locked in the far corners of my mind. I ran my shaking hand through my hair in sheer frustration; I'd give anything to erase the pent up emotions threatening to burst through. I stumbled my way through torch-lit corridors; stairs and a few students who threw me annoyed glances after a mumbled apology.

Funny how a girl entirely oblivious to my true feelings could do this to someone like me. Someone who, according to everyone, has a fulfilled love life with Cho Chang, a girl any fellow would kill to just to be with. I ran my hand along the cold stone walls as I finally began to walk in a slower pace. It's been already been a year and yet, I still can't get my hopeless self over her. Why must one suffer this way? Voldemort I can handle, but her, I just can't.

I can't let myself act this way again; I can't bear to let her and most especially – I shook my head, clearing myself of that particular thought. No. No one will ever know and as of Ginny… I'll just have to let her be.

"Password?"

"Dragon fang." It was Dean's idea to have all the parts of the mystical creature be the Gryffindor passwords for the time being. Hermione claimed that this was a stupid idea as it would heighten the other students' advantage – they would just have to find out which creature we were using – but no one else objected and so Dean's idea was implemented. Next week's password is dragon scales if I remember correctly.

"Harry! What are you back so early? You look ill…" Hermione appeared from behind a chair and approached me. She laid a hand on my clammy forehead, feeling my temperature.

I smiled reassuring at her and gently removed her hand. "Just a headache, that's all. Why are you here? Ron had something for you."

Her face contracted and she took her eyes off mine. "Well, I had something to do. Didn't Ron tell you?"

"Just that you had some Prefect business to attend to. But I'm not buying that as easily as he did." I crossed my arms and calmly waited for her reaction.

"I have nothing to hide, Harry."

"I know you do. Two weeks ago, you said to Ron that you missed classes because you were busy in the library but I know for a fact that you weren't."

Hermione looked back alarmingly at me then quickly changed her gaze into indifference. "I know where I was, Harry. And I was in the library, just as I said. Would you know my whereabouts better than my own self?"

I shrugged and said, "I went to the library on that particular morning on an errand and no one was there. No Prefects, no teachers, just Madame Pince. Better own up, Hermione."

"I – I can't –" She turned pleadingly at me and whispered, "You won't tell Ron or Ginny, will you?"

Just what is she hiding, exactly? She always looked dead tired and distraught these past few days but she would only shake her head once asked about her condition. She looked as if she couldn't bear her burden alone but she couldn't tell anyone about it, either. "Hermione – " I raised my hands to take hers in mine but stopped myself in the nick of time. "Well, I won't if you don't want to and I'll stop asking you about whatever it is you're hiding. But Hermione, don't hesitate to ask if you need my help."

She nodded sullenly then smiled before leaning in to give me a grateful hug. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't always have you by my side."

I hugged her back in surprise, breathing in the still fresh scent of her hair and feeling the softness of her face as I willingly bent my head closer to her. She stepped back after a few moments and said, "Thanks, Harry. Rest that head of yours, all right? I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled and walked towards her dormitory.

I found myself silently staring after her and wishing with all my wounded heart to be able to turn back time.

* * * * * * * * *

A/N: Soooo after 4 months of not updating, I resurrect once again with another long chapter. Whohooo! I'm dreadfully sorry for leaving this story in the dark. I was so preoccupied with my other stories – I'm planning to upload an original one soon – that I left this one to be buried in the caverns of fanficiton.net. It will hopefully not happen again.

I will try to update again before book 5 gets out because I know a lot of opinions will be changed come June 21. So, keep on praying for another early update.

I noticed that a lot of you observed that something's going on between Harry and Ginny. Good. I'd like to keep it that way. =) Anyone who could guess just what the hell's wrong with Harry? =) But, no more revelations as of yet. Maybe after 2 chapters… I am so cruel. =)

Oh, yeah, and I've revised chapters 1 and 2 on the grammatical side – not so much on the plot. I have changed Draco's blind timeline to two years due to the forever-expanding plot. My apologies. =)

No animal, yet. It'll make its first appearance in the next chappie. I'm still considering the name.

I guess that's it. My head's already hurting from the damn computer radiation so I have to say goodbye. Just remember to pop me a REVIEW! =) Thanks for reading!

I really don't know why I'm even writing this stuff. I know nobody cares enough to read this… =)