Chapter Chapter 24: He's Back Or Is He?

Ron sat in his usual seat next to Harry in Charms class, while Hermione sat a seat behind them next to Neville. Whatever Dumbledore had said or did to Harry had changed him slightly, he was beginning to be friendly and normal towards them. As for Ron, he pretended he never had an argument with Hermione at all. Professor Flit-wick was busy trying to teach Seamus how to lift a chair without throwing it across the room that Ron began to talk to Harry vividly.

"First game against Slytherins, can't wait to beat them. They'll definitely be singing Weasley is our king." Ron said with a smile across his face. Harry nodded his head turning to face him completely. Hermione rested her hand on her chin, boring herself away in her charms book while the professor walked around the room helping the each student.

"That was pathetic, he can't even hold his wand right. Stupid Gryfindors." Draco sneered from the back with Goyle and Crabbe laughing off. Hermione gave a deep sigh, Draco was back and he seemed to be back to his Slytherin ways as well. Another painful week had passed and she slowly transition to forget about his good qualities but she couldn't have the courage to look at him let alone reply to his rude remarks.

"Look at him? Full of himself, I'd expect a suspension would have done good for him. I guess not." Ron said looking back at Draco who was now secretly talking to Blaise. He didn't once turn to face her direction and it seemed to be a good thing for her. It helped her, not seeing his face. In the Great Halls she would always sit her back facing the Slytherins. In the Prefects common room she would ignore his presence.

Draco also seemed to be doing the same thing as her, he never tried to talk to her or send her a note or even tease her. It was like she never existed in his prefect death eater life.

Finally when Charms class ended, Hermione walked quietly next to Ron and Harry who had been devising plans for Quidditch. She just listened to them go on and on, sometimes wondering what had fixed Harry and why he never mentioned anything. It was so odd, the way he just came to breakfast smiling and talking to them as though nothing in the world was wrong.

"Hermione?" Harry said shaking her lightly on the shoulder, she snapped back from her world to them. The three of them were sitting in the courtyard but Hermione didn't feel like being there at all. She stood up automatically and picked up her bag.

"I got to head back in and do some light reading." Hermione said too quickly. Harry arched his eye brow at her and nodded his head.

"Light reading? More like a thousand pages of books." Ron said jokingly or sarcastically. Which ever one it was she had no time to put much thought into it. As she walked down the stone path, Hagrid came over to her and waved.

"Hello 'Mione. Hows it going there?" He said pleasantly.

"Great. Just heading back in."

"Don't miss the game, hope to be seeing you there." Hagrid replied and waved good bye. Hermione continued to walk up the path and entered the school. She knew she wasn't going to go to the library, her feet were carrying her else where. The nearly empty corridor made her aware of her hard breathing and loud footsteps. As she turned from one corner to another, she ended up being the only student walking about. She felt as though a pair of eyes were on her but thinking about where she was going kept her imagination from running wild.

Finally she had come across the spiral staircase that lead to the Head Masters office. She thought about all the possible passwords he had but felt stupid in not asking a professor earlier. In frustration and anxiety, Hermione began to walk back and find a professor. Just as she was ten feet away from the staircase, Professor Dumbledore came walking towards her from the other end of the corridor.

"Professor." She stated walking closer to him. He gave his usual cheerful smile and gestured her up his staircase.

"Cherry sprinkled snot." Professor Dumbledore said. Hermione would probably have never guessed that as the password but followed him into his office nonetheless. "You needed to speak to me?"

"Ah, yes professor. I just need to know what's been going on with Harry." Hermione said firmly. The Head Master nodded his head and walked over to a shelf near his desk. It was just then that she noticed all the gadgets and books he had lying around his office. He seemed to be extremely interested in astronomy because Hermione never seen such a strange and large telescope. If that was even a telescope.

Dumbledore took out a small black box from a cabinet underneath his bookshelf. He placed it down on his desk and looked at her.

"Remember that mark?" He asked. Hermione nodded and he continued. "As I had predicted, Voldemort planned to go into Harry's mind and literally drive him crazy. Harry had shown before that he can fight off an Imperus Curse, so this was just something close to it. Harry is strong, and he fought back hard. But it wasn't good enough, Voldemort was exposed to his mind. I asked Professor Snape to give him lessons on how to control his mind again but it didn't improve anything."

"He's been normal today, sir." Hermione said awed.

"Yes, yes, I know. I gave him a dreamless sleep potion to help fight off the horrible dreams he has but that didn't do much either. That's when I thought of this..." Professor Dumbledore pointed to the black box. Hermione stared at the box, interested and worried of what measures the Head Master went through. "This, Ms.Granger, withholds an old and powerful object. Harry has been using it for the past three nights to get a good nights sleep. It seems to have worked because he returned it to me this very morning."

"What..." Hermione took a deep breath. "What is inside that box?" Professor Dumbledore smiled at her as he opened the box and unfolded a fabric. What Hermione saw next made her gasp, it was the most beautiful pendant she had ever seen. It had a lions paw entwined with a red ruby heart. It made her want to reach out and touch it but she remained composed.

"Beautiful, is it not? The owner of this pendant was none other than Godric Gryfindor. This pendant has the power to heal the mind, body and soul from any thing that enters it. Have you ever seen people being possessed Ms.Granger?"

"Yes, in the muggle world." Hermione replied barely catching her breath.

"It happens here too."

"Are you saying Harry's possessed?" Hermione asked frightened. She had heard from a lot of people losing their minds, going crazy and even killing when they became possessed.

"Not entirely. There is something very peculiar about Harry's new mark. What Voldemort plans for Harry to do is a complete mystery."

"Hagrid said something about a demon."

"I said that to Hagrid to calm him down a bit. As you already know Hagrid is very fond of Harry and if I had said that it has to do with Voldemort, well...you would know the reaction." The Head Master said calmly as he brushed his white long beard down. Hermione nodded her head and was about to turn to leave when she remembered something important.

"Sir, Harry's been normal but does he remember anything that happened in the past two weeks? Like Ron's attack?"

"I'm afraid not but for now please don't mention it to him. I would like him to function normally."

"Have you ever wondered who could have attacked Ron?"

"No, Ms.Granger. I have my suspicions no doubt but I have no proof. Thus, I have put the necessary precautions to make sure none of the other students get attacked." Professor Dumbledore answered as he closed the black box and returned it to his cabinet. "I believe we have a game this evening?"

"Yes, we do."

"See you there, Ms.Granger." The Head Master replied. It was her cue to leave the office and as she walked out, the professor said one last thing to her. "Be careful who you choose to be friends with." Hermione didn't turn around to ask what he meant by that. She didn't have time to think about that as she ran off to find Ron.

Hermione reached the courtyard and found Ron not with Harry but speaking to Pansy. Hermione stayed hidden behind the corner watching them for a few minutes. From where she was standing, Ron looked extremely angry and Pansy looked hurt. She couldn't make out what they were saying but when Pansy walked away, Hermione came from her hide out. Ron's back was to her and she waited until he was completely calm.

"Hey." Hermione said finally. Ron turned around to see her.

"Oh, hey." He said unenthusiastically.

"I just wanted to let you know something."

"Is it about Pansy? Here to rub it in my face that you were right?" Ron said irritated as he crossed his arms.

"No! I wanted to tell you- I'm right?"

"Pansy is dating someone, she said that I must have gotten a mixed message."

"Oh." Hermione said. Ron brought his hands down and shrugged. Hermione couldn't stand seeing him this way, he deserved to be told the truth but not from her. Definitely not from her, he'd probably jump down her throat.

"So what did you want to tell me?" He asked.

"Oh, that. I spoke to Dumbledore about Harry. Don't mention what happened to you, okay?"

"Why? Doesn't he need to know?"

"Dumbledore said to keep it to ourselves for now, until Harry is feeling better."

"He looks fine to me."

"And that might not last. Just don't tell him okay?" Hermione insisted.

"Fine." Ron said reluctantly. Hermione relaxed a little, now she could enjoy the game.

"Good luck in the game." Hermione said as she dashed off back into the school.

-------------------------

Hermione sat next to Ginny and Luna at the game. Every stand was packed with students and it seemed like even the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws wanted to watch this match too. The Gryfindor team was the first to come out to the pitch. Ron and Harry stood next to each other waving up at the Gryfindor stand. Next came out the Slytherin team with Draco leading his group. He seemed to be in a good mood if you considered sneering at the Gryfindors a happy mood.

Madame Hooch took out the balls from the chest and blowed the whistle. Everyone mounted their brooms and kicked off into the sky. Hermione's eyes were on Draco for the first time in a long while. He soared over the stands on the look out for the golden snitch. Ron had a beater stick and was near the three goals hitting in every witch way a bludger came by. As for Harry, he stayed low to the pitch watching the other players.

"And the Gryfindors make their first shot! Ten points to none." The announcer screamed. Hermione snapped her attention on Draco who was relatively close by, to see his reaction to the first goal. His eyes set on Hermione's for a split second before he flew off to the opposite side of the pitch.

"Oh! Look at Ron, he got hit!" Ginny yelled. Ron's broom was attacked by a bludger as he dangled on the broom with his hands.

"He's going to fall!" Hermione yelled. It seemed like Harry heard her because he sped off towards Ron and helping him mount his broom. Ron gave a thankful smile and the Gryfindors cheered. A player from the Slytherin team had the Quaffle, right at the moment Harry was helping Ron and made a score through one of the hoops.

"And it looks like Slytherins are catching up! Ten points to Ten!" The announcer broke out. A large crowd of Slytherins cheered fiercely. Ron didn't like the sound of that, took his beater stick and hit a bludger right at the Slytherin stand. Draco out of anger grabbed one his team mates beater stick and hit the bludger back. Hermione instantly knew a fight was going to happen.

Harry on the other hand came right over to Draco and shoved him. Oblivious to the fact, Draco fell back, his hands dangling in the air as his feet entwined with his broom. Hermione wanted to help him out so badly that she didn't realize Ginny was holding her arm.

"You look like you were going to fall off the stand." Ginny said.

"Sorry, I didn't-"

"Looks like the game is getting dirty!" The announcer yelled making her forget what she was going to say. Ron who was near Harry and Draco, watched Draco as he climbed back on his broom. Hermione let out a sigh of relief but just as quickly held her breath when Harry grabbed Ron's beater stick and started whacking Draco on the side with it.

"What does he think he's playing at?" Someone yelled out angrily. Hermione could see from the crowd that people were beginning to realize what was going on. Some even started yelling negative comments at Harry. Draco who had a look of pure anger took the beater stick he had a moment ago and began to hit Harry back.

"What the hell is going on?" Ginny said surprisingly angry.

"It looks to me like their having a fight!" Luna stated.

"Somebody better stop them. Where's Madame Hooch?" Neville piped in. Hermione glanced around the pitch searching for the professor but there was no sign of her.

"If Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy do not stop fighting this game will be canceled!" The announcer yelled. Hermione glanced over at the boy who spoke into the mike and noticed Professor Snape speaking to him furiously. Hermione glanced back at Harry and Draco who were still having a go at it.

"Maybe if they see the snitch they'll stop." Luna said quickly. Hermione gave her a skeptical look but stared quickly back at the boys. Why won't they stop hitting each other? It seemed to get worse as other team members began shoving and hitting as well. Finally a bit of hope came when the snitch started gliding around Ron's head. Draco was the first to notice and automatically let go of his beater stick and dove off towards Ron. Ron who had no idea, was taken back and he moved downwards. Harry then noticed the snitch that was beginning to zoom passed the goal hoops. Once again, the two of them were head to head shoving one another as they tried to reach out for the snitch.

"This game is turning out creepy." Ginny whispered. Hermione hadn't spoken a word, she was too caught up in the moment. One of them was going to get that snitch.

"Another goal for the Slytherins! Twenty to ten!" The announcer screamed. It seemed like the other players went back to their positions while Harry and Draco were reaching out for the snitch. They went all over the place, making Hermione's head spin. Finally it looked like Harry was in the lead. His hand was stretched out only inches away.

"Harry's going to get that snitch!" Luna cheered. Ginny began cheering loudly as well clapping her hands together.

It seemed like the whole school was watching the two in slow motion. Everyone was waiting for Harry to get the snitch but suddenly Draco pushed him causing Harry's concentration to break and bringing Draco into the lead. Just as they soared right over the Ravenclaws stand, Draco caught the snitch. It seemed odd and at the same time a good change.

"And Draco Malfoy caught the snitch! The Slytherins win the game!" The announcer yelled. All the Gryfindors looked extremely pissed off. Hermione had to hide the little happiness she had for Draco as they descended from the stand.

-------------------------

"In all the years I've been here, never have I seen such a display of behavior!" Madame Hooch screamed angrily, it so happened that she went back into the school to return some things while the whole school was watching two enemies fight. "Fifty points off the three of you!"

Hermione stood outside the tents, waiting for her friends to come out. All the other Gryfindors were too angry to wait around for them. When she saw the tents flap open, Hermione stepped back. Draco came out with a bit of resentment in his face. He noticed Hermione standing there but didn't say anything as he passed by her.

"Great game." Hermione stuttered. "Congrats." Draco spun around to face her. He looked astonished at her.

"Speaking to me?" Draco asked slightly confused.

"Erh...yeah."

"I don't need any 'congrats' from you." Draco sneered and walked off with his broom swung over his shoulder. Hermione felt stupid for even saying a word to him after she walked out on him. It was only fair he returned it to her but she didn't deserve a cold shoulder.

"Hey Herms." Ron said breaking her thoughts. She looked around and found Harry and Ron walking towards her.

"You two have a lot of explaining to do!" Hermione hissed. "What were you two doing out there? Fighting like that! You could have gotten hurt!"

"Sorry MOM!" Ron said sarcastically. "They were getting me pissed off."

"That doesn't make it any better!" Hermione scowled then turned over to Harry. "And you! What were you doing with that beater stick?"

"He got me angry." Harry shrugged.

"Angry? Angry! He's done worse in the past but I've never seen you behave the way you did today! It was awful." Hermione said hotly.

"Calm down! It's over. We lost." Ron said angrily. The three of them headed into the Great Hall quietly, each of them letting steam off. She kept replaying the scene with Harry and Draco. Never had she seen him fight with so much hate.

-------------------------

Hermione spent the next few days finishing up assignments and homework that she had lying around. She spent most of her time in the library or the courtyard, straying from her friends. It was pitiful the way she mopped around but she needed all the distraction she can get. Christmas break was coming soon and Hermione couldn't wait. She wanted to go home, it was better then staying in Hogwarts seeing Draco's face.

One night, Hermione stepped out of the Library heading back towards the Prefect House with a stack of heavy books in her arms. She didn't know what made her lose her balance but she tripped and all the books fell on the floor at the same time twisting her ankle.

"Owe!" Hermione screamed in pain. She rubbed her ankle only causing the pain to grow. She sat on the cold stone floor, trying to think of a way to get up. A thought crossed her mind and she took out her wand. She transformed one of the books into a large wooden stick. She used the weight of her other foot to help her up but only ended up falling back on her butt.

Just like when she felt all hope was gone, Draco came around the corner. He stared down at her, surprised to see her on the floor and then glanced at her books.

"Took a fall?" Draco asked. Hermione nodded her head, since there was nothing else to do. How very fortunate it was for her to be found by Draco.

"I twisted my ankle." Hermione said. Draco bent down to where she sat and stared at her foot. He couldn't see anything because of the long socks she wore but the pain was unbearable. Draco didn't reply to her as he came around to her side, lifted her legs with one arm and his other arm held her back. Hermione was shocked by his actions so she did the only thing she could do. She wrapped her arms around his neck to support her weight.

He left her books scattered on the floor as he headed in the direction of the Hospital wing. Hermione kept quiet the whole time, enjoying the feel of his body heat and the smell of his cologne. He in return didn't say anything to her as well, he kept his eyes straight ahead although she hoped she would get a glimpse of his grey eyes piercing down at her.

Finally they reached the hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey met them at the door looking weary.

"What happened to you, dear?" She asked as Draco laid her down on the bed closest to the door.

"Twisted my ankle." Hermione said. Madame Pomfrey nodded her head and walked off to get her supplies. Once she was out of sight, Hermione turned to face Draco.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Draco replied. "Seriously, don't mention it." He began to walk off but Hermione didn't want him to leave just yet.

"Draco?" He turned around at the sound of his name and waited for her to say something. Hermione forgot what she wanted to say and just stared back at him.

"What?" He asked. Hermione gave a shrug and looked away from him. She could feel his presence linger as he walked back towards her bed. Just when she looked up at him, did he smile for the first time at her.

"You really are something, you know that?" Draco said shaking his head.

"What do you mean?" She asked. Draco shrugged and walked quickly out of the Hospital Wing. If her ankle wasn't throbbing she would have ran and demanded an answer. But she kept quiet as Madame Pomfrey came back and worked on her foot.