Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Skittles.

Blue Pink Crystal: Of course Fred can still propose.

sporty12gd4u: Thanks!

Author's Note: Here's the next chapter. Please R/R and don't forget you can flame me if you wish.

Chapter 23- More News

The rest of the winter holidays went by quickly and uneventfully. Hermione and Fred didn't hear anything about what was going on with Dumbledore's research, but they hoped he would find something soon.

"I can't believe Dumbledore made you change rooms," whispered Harry to Draco one morning during History of Magic.

"I can't believe it either. I didn't really want to move to a different, but Snape and Dumbledore thought it would be a bad idea for me to stay in Slytherin, so I don't get to stay in there anymore," replied Draco.

"That's weird," said Ron.

Hermione sighed and continued taking notes.

'I wish they would pay attention,' Hermione thought to herself.

Fred walked into the room, taking everyone's attention away from Percy's lecture.

"Dumbledore needs to talk to Hermione," Fred said. "You'd better bring your stuff with you 'Mione. There's no telling how long this'll take."

Hermione nodded and put her things in her book bag before following Fred out of the classroom to Dumbledore's office.

"You'd think he'd tell us at a better time," commented Hermione. "I mean, we both have class, couldn't he wait until later?"

"I guess it's too important to wait. Shrieking Skittles."

The gargoyle opened and they walked to Dumbledore's office.

"Please sit down," said Dumbledore. He waited until Fred and Hermione settled in their chairs before continuing. "I apologize for calling both of you out of your classes, but I have found out something that has some importance to both of you."

"Okay Albus. We get it," Fred said impatiently.

"Well, Severus says that death eaters are planning to attack the school at some point. I'm certain that they'll try to kidnap you Hermione, so I would be very careful. The death eaters may also want you Fred. It is most likely because of the bond you and Hermione have."

"Is there anything else Professor Dumbledore?" asked Hermione quietly.

"No there isn't. Both of you may go, if you wish."

They both left and decided to go to their next class.

"I hope Draco took notes and got the assignment."

"If he didn't, you can always ask Percy. If he doesn't give you the notes or anything, then maybe you can somehow blackmail him into doing it," Fred said hopefully.

"You're lucky McGonagall didn't hear that Fred."

"I know," he grinned. Fred left Hermione at McGonagall's classroom before going to his office to get ready for his next class.

The hours between McGonagall's class and dinner seemed to go by fast for Hermione and her friends. Draco, who had been sitting at the Gryffindor table for weeks now, told Hermione that she could borrow his notes.

"What'd Dumbledore want?" asked Ron.

"I can't exactly say here. I'll tell you guys after dinner," Hermione replied.

Hermione started talking to Ginny about a potion essay Snape assigned to the fifth years and told Ginny she would help her. Dumbledore stood up to wish everyone a good night before allowing everyone to leave.

"I'm surprised he didn't have any other announcements," said Harry.

"Me too," replied Ron.

Ginny seemed lost in thought about something, while Hermione and Malfoy were thinking about the future attack on the school.

They reached their house, said the password (Faerie Meadows) and walked into the common room, to hear Hermione tell them about what Dumbledore had said.

"Snape told me yesterday. About the death eaters attacking the school," Draco said. "Since there'll be death eaters who'll want to try to kill me. Probably on Voldemort's orders."

"Things are getting so weird," replied Ginny as she sat down next to Malfoy. "I guess Fred will have us practice defensive spells and stuff now."

"I'd say things are getting weird. Like, who ever thought Fred and I would be meant for each other?" wondered Hermione.

"At least it's not Ron," smiled Harry.

"I resent that Harry."

Hermione stood up and grabbed a quill.

"Hermione, where are you going?" asked Ron.

"I have to go help Snape grade essays," she reminded him.

Harry went with her and told her that he would see her tomorrow. The rest of the day passed with Hermione worrying about the attack with Snape and Fred trying to tell her that everything would turn out all right.