A/N: Hey guys! Just a quick note to say that I don't own these characters. J.K. Rowling does. I won't make up any characters in my stories either. ^_^

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"He said WHAT?!" Harry and Ron bellowed in unison. They were both sitting on the edge of her bed offering her comfort as she told them, between sobs, just what had happened that day among her and Malfoy.

Hermione's eyes were red and puffy and her throat was sore from crying all day. She was hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. It didn't matter right now. This pillow was her security blanket.

" 'Mione, don't cry." Harry said moving closer to Hermione and wiping a tear from her eye. "Don't worry. Malfoy will pay one way or another." Before Hermione could say anything, Harry pulled the pillow away and pulled her towards him on the bed, hugging her.

Hermione placed her head on Harry's shoulder, wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. Harry cared about her; he'd never even think about calling her mudblood. Hermione silently scolded herself for comparing Harry to Malfoy. How COULD you?! She thought to herself. There's NO comparison! She closed her eyes and started to drift off to sleep. None at all.

Still embracing Hermione, Harry turned his head and nonchalantly smelled her hair. It smelled like cinnamon and was soft against his face. It felt so right to have her in his arms. Harry hugged Hermione tighter as if she might disappear if he didn't keep a hold onto her. He couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same way about him. Harry all of a sudden felt a tug on the back of his robes and he turned to see a very exasperated Ron staring forcefully at him.

"I'm starting to wonder who's comforting whom." Ron whispered. He nodded towards the door indicating the necessity of an exit.

Harry rolled his eyes and reluctantly pulled away from her. As he looked down at her face, he noticed she had cried herself to sleep. "Ron, help me tuck her in. "Changicus Clothiosa." Harry whispered while pointing his wand at Hermione. Suddenly, she went from wearing the mandatory school robes to a nightgown. Meanwhile, Ron was pulling back the covers and fluffing the pillows. They then laid her down gently on the bed and covered her up. Ron kissed her on the forehead and stepped back. Harry stepped forward and went to kiss her on the lips, but when Ron saw his intentions, he smacked him upside the back of the head and whispered, "What are you doing, you git? Let's go!" Harry pushed Ron back, kissed her forehead and they left.

Hermione awoke several hours later to find herself in her slip, in bed and alone. She went to the mirror and looked at herself. The swelling of her eyes had gone down, but now her hair was all disheveled. Harry and Ron must be asleep by now. She thought. I'll just go to the library and read. I would change, but it's late and nobody will be there but me. Hermione picked up her wand, held her hand over the tip, and lightly blew, causing an illuminating light to shine from it. She moved stealthily through the hallways as to not get caught by Filch. The walk from her room to the library usually didn't take that long, but tonight it seemed to take an eternity. Hermione closed the library door immediately upon reaching the library. What she heard next made her blood run cold and chills run up and down her spine. "Well, if it isn't Granger. Out for a midnight stroll, are we?"