I'd do anything

Just to fall asleep with you

Simple Plan

Chapter 14

Can you believe that it's CHAPTER 14??! It feels like just yesterday (or the day before) that I logged onto Fanfiction, so feebly, for the very first time. And here I am now, writing this, and thinking about Pringles. Sorry….I guess the whole Pringles comment ruined the effect a little, but truly, I love you all and this website makes me so happy and HAHAHA this sounds really mushy and gay so I'm going to start writing the fic now!! Enjoy, thanks for the reviews, and see you at the end of two Microsoft Word pages!

Hermione's POV

I stood up and walked away from Draco as though in a dream. Once I turned the corner, however, and was out of his sight, I almost collapsed. I felt so terrible. I couldn't forget the look on his face…so shocked and hopeless….

I fell against the wall, crying silently, wondering over and over how I could have done this to him and to myself. I would have stayed there forever, I think, had there not been a hesitant knock on the door.

I quickly magicked away my tears and went to answer the door, prying it open and peering through the small gap I had made. It was Ron. I sighed with relief, glad that it had not been Professor McGonagall asking Draco and I to patrol some forbidden corridor together. "Ron, come in," I said, with as much warmth as I could muster. He obeyed cheerfully, carrying a basket obviously filled with food from the kitchens.

"Hey, 'Mione," he said, grinning. "I scored some sweets from Dobby and – hey, what's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," I said, trying to sound light-hearted. "I was just…worried about something, that's all."

"Oh, OK," said Ron, apparently relieved. "Well, I meant to ask you…" My body suddenly became slightly rigid as I wondered what he was going to say.

"…If you could help me with that Charms homework." Ron looked at me guiltily, expecting an outburst, but I sighed with relief.

"Of course. I haven't done mine yet, so we can finish it together." Ron grinned, despite his obvious surprise.

Although I tried my best for at least two hours, I managed only to answer one of the ten questions Professor Flitwick had set us for homework. Ron left, looking extremely miffed, and I went back to my room to think. What great fun that will be, I though dryly.

I was still unsure why I had left Draco like that. It wasn't at all like me. I always gave a second chance – if the person was deserving. And I was quite sure Draco was deserving. So why had I been so cold? The question was recurring and I couldn't answer it. I couldn't sleep either, so I decided to owl Harry and see if he wanted to see me. I couldn't bear the thought of losing two people in such a short time. But you didn't lose Draco, said a tiny voice inside my head. He lost you

I had bought my own owl in sixth year. After a while it got annoying using the school owls, who were usually grumpy and extremely old. It wasn't often that I came back from the Owlery without very nearly losing my fingers.

My owl was perched on the foot of my bed, pulling the limbs off what looked to be a small rat. She looked up as I closed the door quietly, her yellow eyes both piercing and kind at the same time. It was these stunning eyes that I had named her for – Amber.

It was a very normal name, compared to some of the others that could be heard around Hogwarts. But I liked it and so did she – or at least, she seemed to.

I sat down at my desk as Amber preened herself, tugging out a loose cream – coloured feather occasionally. Dipping my quill in ink, I thought for a moment and began.

Dear Harry, I wrote,

We need to talk. I know it's late but owl me back and I'll come and pick you up from the Gryffindor common room so you won't get in trouble.

Love, Hermione.

It wasn't really late – only 7 o'clock P.M – but security had become stricter at Hogwarts since Voldemort's return.

I tied the parchment to Amber's leg as she pulled at my hair impatiently. When I was finished, she soared off through the open window, a ghostly white shape in the ebony night. I was surprised I could still see her at all as I surveyed the evening sky. There were few stars out and the moon was but a sliver of glowing grey amongst the wisps of cloud.

I sat on my bed awkwardly as I awaited Amber's return with a reply. It had been about ten minutes when I realised how lazy I was and that it would have taken less time to walk to the Common Room. Oh well, I thought dully. It's too late now.

Amber arrived then with Harry's letter back.

Dear Hermione, it said,

I would be glad to come and talk with you. Come and pick me up now. I'll wait outside the Portrait Hole.

Harry.

P.S: Why didn't you just walk here?

I smiled wryly as I read the last comment. Then, throwing my cloak over my shoulder, I left for Gryffindor Common Room.

A/N: Well, I hope you liked it! I know nothing interesting happened. But I have some EXCITING events for you in the next few chapters so you needn't worry!! More is in store! Hehehee…that rhymed. Anyway, thanks for even bothering to read. Please, Please, Please!!! Please REVIEW!!!