Disclaimer: I do not claim to own, nor did I create, Harry Potter or any related material. All of my credit goes to J.K. Rowling and her publishers.

"About what?" asked Hermione testily. Hermione winced a little, realizing how icy her tone was. She did not understand why she had been acting so hostile to all of her friends.

Harry replied, ignoring Hermione's rudeness, "Let's go over by the fire where we will not be overheard

"If we must," Hermione replied, feeling her patience wane once more. A rumbling from her empty stomach bothered her.

"Hermione, I just don't understand what has gotten into you"…Hermione opened her mouth to interject, but Harry started again, "Don't interrupt! Let me finish! You have missed classes, you don't spend time with your friends, you get a detention from Professor McGonagall for being up after hours WITHOUT ME AND RON! I mean, come on, I think that we are friends." After this tirade, Harry just glared at Hermione expectantly.

"You are such a meddling git! My business is MY business. I think you are jealous that I am actually doing things without your approval. How DARE you!"

However, this protestation did not bother Harry. He could not help but notice how Hermione's eyes sparkled when she was upset. His expression softened as he replied, "Listen Hermione. I need to tell you something…I should have last spring before the end of term, but I didn't…I guess I was too scared…"

Hermione held her breath, was Harry going to admit his feelings toward her? What were her own feelings? Hermione bit her lip thoughtfully in anticipation.

"Do you remember the prophecy that I smashed?"

"How could I not," Hermione answered more calmly. Get to the point, Harry, she thought to herself.

"Well, after Sirius' death (a tear crept into the corner of Harry's eye), Dumbledore told me about the prophecy…there is no easy way to say this…" Harry coughed.

"Out with it, Harry."

"Well, the prophecy was the reason Voldemort tried to murder me as a baby. You see, either I murder him, or he murders me," Harry shuddered as he uttered this last phrase.

"Oh Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, forgetting about her "feelings", "that's awful! But, you can do it! I believe in you, Harry!"

"Shh, Hermione, I don't want anyone to overhear. You mustn't tell a soul, not even Ron!"

"Alright, Harry, but I think you should tell him. He would be hurt not to know something this important…we are your best friends."

Harry changed the subject with, "Which brings me to my purpose. Now you have to tell me, what is going on with you?"

Biting her lip again, Hermione hesitantly lied, "Nothing."

"No Hermione, I told you my secret. Come on. Why did you really pass out in the Common Room? Why do you skip meals? You are getting much too thin. "

Tears streamed down Hermione's face suddenly, she had been lying to her friends for too long. But, how could she tell Harry? He would go to Professor McGonagall! She would be sent to the Hospital Wing or St. Mungo's! Or worse, she could be sent home!

"I wish I could tell you, Harry. I really do, but I can't, I just can't! Please, we cannot be friends. I can't have friends!"

Harry was shocked. Hermione's words stung deep, and Harry now saw those once sparkling eyes as black stone on Hermione's face. "Very well, then," He stonily got up and walked slowly out of the Common Room. He walked past a whispering group of girls, who no doubt thought that he and Hermione had a tough break-up, but kept his head looking straight ahead.

"Oh Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, but Harry did not turn around or acknowledge her. The group of girls smirked at Hermione, and she resumed crying.

"What have I done? Oh, what have I done?!" she wailed, and ran out of the portrait of the Fat Lady, out of the castle, to Hagrid's hut.

Authors Note: I am so sorry that this has taken forever! Though I want to ask again, PLEASE DO NOT THREATEN ME! I am not joking, if I continue to get malicious reviews, I will stop writing. I have (and still have) several midterm exams before holiday break. Tomorrow is the last one, thank goodness. I promise that you will have an update before January 3 (so long as I get no threats).

Thanks to all of my faithful reviewers (even those who threaten...I appreciate you all :) ). Have a wonderful holiday season and please REVIEW!!!! I would love your imput on how the plot is progressing! Leave all of your suggestions!!!