A/N: In here, Harry and Ron are still being taught Divination by Trelawney.

Chapter 22

Hermione walked to the Divination classroom alone.

Why did I say that? Hermione, you big idiot, she berated herself. It was no secret to her that Draco led a rather lonely existence, but she hadn't needed to rub it in.

"But he had absolutely no right to judge Professor Greenleaf like that," she argued. "She would never hurt Harry…"

You must admit, his theory is not completely groundless, her inner voice said silkily. Even you've got evidence supporting it. The woman told you she was good with TRAPS.

"She's a good person," Hermione shot back.

But she had to admit, it was not so easy to believe that anymore.

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Harry drummed his fingers impatiently on the table. He couldn't wait for Divination to end. He had to see if Professor Greenleaf was OK.

"You want to skive?" Ron muttered. "I can tell."

Harry had never felt a greater urge to do so, but common sense had its say.

"I don't she'd be too pleased with me if I did," he sighed. "We should've asked Hermione to check on her." He now knew that his best friend got out of Arithmancy early.

Ron looked put out. "Drat. I would've gone with you."

The moment Professor Trelawney dismissed them, Harry and Ron burst out of their seats. Reaching the staircase first, they started to sprint downstairs, but in Harry's excitement, he slipped on a step.

Thudthudthudthudthud.

Hermione peered down at a woozy Harry.

"It's not quite as fun, I realize," she commented. "But you know, it's a lot easier to just WALK down the stairs."

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Harry hissed in pain as he rubbed his sore bottom. The three were heading (in his case hobbling) to the Defense classroom, using a shortcut Hermione knew about. Ron was still laughing his head off.

"You should've seen your face!" he hooted. "Oh, that was priceless!"

Harry made a growling noise in his throat. "How 'bout I push you down next time?"

"Boys." Hermione glared reproachfully at them.

Ron suddenly stiffened.

Because headed in their direction was Draco Malfoy.

It was the classic stand-off. Ron and Harry each one of Hermione's shoulders and shoved her behind them. Draco drew his wand.

"All right; enough already." Hermione jumped up and down, trying to see over Ron's and Harry's heads. She felt uneasy when her eye met Draco's, which was still stormy.

The boys didn't budge.

"The—last—thing—we—need—rightnow—is—afight!" Hermione squeaked as she bounced up and down.

"I don't care what you think of that woman," Draco snapped. "But I am turning her in. By the way, Granger, in case you haven't noticed, there's still a huge stretch of corridor around you."

Hermione blinked. "Oh." Stepping around her best friends, she held up her hands.

"What's going on?"

The four students jumped.

The very teacher they had just been talking about was standing before them, eyes narrowed.

"W-We were just on our way to class," Hermione stammered. "Wait a minute…"

"Why aren't you in class?" all five of them asked at the same time.

"I met the other Gryffindors earlier," Professor Greenleaf replied. "I told them class was off for today. Why weren't you three there?"

"Oh, hello!"

All five jumped.

"Professor Dumbledore!"

"Isn't this a wonderful scene," Harry muttered.

Draco had stepped forward. "Professor—not you, him!—I believe I have found the spy set on ending Potter's life." He jabbed a finger at Professor Greenleaf.

Hermione buried her face in her hands.

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They were in the Headmaster's office. Harry and Ron had clamped their hands around Draco's arms to make sure he didn't suddenly launch a hex at the Defense teacher.

"What made you come to this conclusion?" Dumbledore asked gravely.

Draco looked at Hermione. "Granger and I compiled some very suspicious evidence, sir. Haven't we?"

Harry and Ron dropped Draco's arms and stared at Hermione in pure shock.

"I didn't!" she cried. "Malfoy did!"

"Hey, you had some too!" Draco shot back.

Dumbledore looked bored. "Enough, Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy." He glanced at his employee. "Regarding that matter, however, I believe Miss Greenleaf has a story to tell. Nicole?"

"Walked right into that one," the professor grumbled.

Dumbledore looked…relieved when she cleared her throat.

"I suppose I owe you—especially you, Mr. Malfoy—a long explanation." She shot Harry a small smile. "I think this would interest you, Harry."

Harry had an inkling he knew what was up.

"All right, then." With that, a tale that had long been buried came to the surface.

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A/N: This chap is a bit thin, I admit. But the next chapter will be pretty good, because something I know everyone has been awaiting will come to be…

OF COURSE, THANKS BE TO GOD!

To my dear reviewers:

Ehlonna, Faerie Fire, and Cow as White as Milk- Her story will be related next… :) Thanks:)

Sacagawea- Unfortunately, there are really people like that…sigh. Well, we'll find out… :) Thanks:)

Rizelle- TY:)

Alianna Campell- Thanks:) Well, we'll see. :)

Goodybad- We have midterms already in two weeks! AAAAHHHH! Thanks:)

The Gryffindor Drummer- Thanks:)

40/16-Yeah, I'm a freshman. :) I still live at home though—the college I go to is pretty near my house. I'm still homesick for high school, haha. :) And OK, I would've found something like that scandalous as well. Thanks:)

maddie- Thanks:)

tru- Thanks:) Sorry you'll have to wait for the next chapter to know what's up.

Next up: The air is cleared…and FINALLY! ROMANCE!