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Alone

The weeks passed and November came to a close.

Everyone noticed, that something was different. The Gryffindors all wondered why the "Golden Trio" had parted. They walked one their own to each of the lessons. And during the lessons all three would remain silent. When it was lunchtime in the Great Hall, they took seats as far away from each other as possible.

Lavender tried desperately to get Ron to talk to Harry and Hermione. But every time she spoke to him, a wave of guilt rushed over him. Because his words, that he had spoken to Hermione, would always repeat in his mind over, and over. 'I love you, that's why! I would do anything for you!' Yes, that had ruined it all. Surely she hated him now.

Hermione sat next to Ginny, who talked animatedly about her schedule. And Hermione would just stare absently at her plate and would mumble, "Yeah, your right," from time to time. Ginny had of course noticed what was going on, but she did not want to force her friend to talk about it. If Hermione felt the need to talk, then she would come to her on her own.

Draco stared at Hermione across the Hall, but she held her head down, so she didn't noticed him. Calmly he got up and left the Great Hall. He had finally come to a conclusion that would solve all their problems.

On the other end of the Gryffindor table, Harry sat with a grim expression on his face. A few of the first years got nervous as they saw this and shifted nervously in their seats, as if they expected Harry to attack them in the next instant.

But Harry wasn't contemplating an attack on them. His thoughts were about Ron and Hermione. This time it was worse than in fourth year when he hadn't spoke a word with Ron. Then he'd had Hermione, to talk to, but now… 'I lost them.' He thought 'I've lost the two best friends anyone could wish for. Now I'm completely alone. No parents, and no friends.' But while he thought about it, his eyes scanned the Hall and rested on the staff table, to be exact, on a big beetle eyed man. 'But wait… what about Hagrid?'

***flashback***

Thursday evening in the library, two weeks ago

"I've had feelings for you for a long time, Hermione." Draco said.

Hermione remained still, the kiss had left her totally speechless.

"I never meant to hurt you, or be so cruel to you, but I had to keep up my image, you understand? And you can't imagine the reaction of the other Slytherins or my father, if they heard that I… fell in love with a Muggle-born."

Draco smiled shyly at her and trailed off. The way he looked… so innocent. Hermione finally found her voice.

You… love me?" She asked quietly, a bit unsure of what she'd just heard. "But I always thought, you hated me?"

"I did, but was a long ago, Hermione. … Can I call you Mia? It's just that, Hermione is such a long name."

That was absolutely to much to take! Draco Malfoy, who had called her "Mudblood" for the last four years, sat in front of her professing his love for her. And the same boy who just asked if he could give her a nickname!

"You can't be serious? I mean…" She stopped, unable to find the right words.

Draco's smile faded away. He was confusing Hermione's quietness as rejection.

"Fine! Just forget everything I said," Draco said with a pained voice. He quickly got up and rushed out of the library.

Hermione sat, motionless in her seat and stared at the point where Draco had disappeared.

***end of flashback***

Right now Hermione sat on her bed , looking more than just a little sad. Lavender and Parvati had left a while ago. So she could at least sit here in peace and wouldn't have to listen to their endless babble.

Yesterday, Draco had tried to comfort her in vain, but she just couldn't get the thing with Ron and Harry out of her head. She had asked him for time, just until she knew clearly, what she really wanted. That's why she was so confused as suddenly Draco's eagle owl picked against her window. Hastily she opened it.

With slightly trembling fingers she loosened the letter, which was tied to the leg of the giant bird. As soon as she managed it, the owl flew away. With a worried expression she opened the letter and began to read.

'Dear Hermione,

Perhaps it would be better if we end things between us. I don't want you to loose your friends because of me. I'm sorry for the way things happened. I hope, when they realize that things between us are over, they'll to talk to you again. My feelings for you won't change, nevertheless. I just wanted to let you know that.

With love

Draco'

When she finished reading, salty tears streamed down her cheeks. 'No,' She pleaded silently, 'please don't do this to me. I can't loose you, too!' Sobbing she lay back on her bed and curled herself into a fetal position, her tears staining her pillow.

Harry walked slowly over the lawn to Hagrid's hut, while clouds scudded across the moon. It was pretty late, past curfew, actually. That's why Harry was covered under his Invisibility cloak. Finally he stood in front of the little hut and knocked on the door. Immediately The sound of Fang's barking would be heard inside.

"Quite, Fang!" Hagrids loud voice echoed through the hut. Then the door was opened vigorously and Hagrid stood in front of him, staring into nothingness.

"Can I talk to you, Hagrid?" Harry asked. Hagrid jumped back, utterly startled. Harry quickly realized, that he was still wearing the cloak.

"Sorry, it's just me," Harry said and pulled the cloak off him

"Merlin, Harry! Never do that 'gain, a'right?" He spoke, while stepping aside to let him in.

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