Chapter 22

Harry found himself holding his breath as Professor Greenleaf revealed how yes, she had been in his parents' year at Hogwarts. She had been an old study buddy of Lily Potter's who had been roped into the Marauders' little gang due to a hilariously painful accident that had occurred while James was courting Lily ("So that explains the pranking," Ron muttered). It was through that that she and Sirius had met, and eventually gotten together. Her expression grew bittersweet, though, when she got to the part where Sirius had had her sent away after Voldemort rose to protect her, which explained why she'd been out of the country up until now.

In other words, she was perfectly innocent.

"Feels absolutely wonderful to get it off your chest, doesn't it, Professor?" Dumbledore remarked cheerfully.

It appeared to have. The clouds in her green eyes had dissipated somewhat, and the closed expression she wore a lot was gone.

Harry had slumped in his seat. He did not cry, but his eyes were dark with conflicting emotions.

What an exciting life he led—right after losing a link to his parents, he found another—in the form the woman his godfather had last loved.

He felt a slight blush coming as he remembered the crush he had had only recently on Professor Greenleaf.

Hmmm, he and Sirius had a lot more in common than he thought.

Hermione peeked at Draco to see what he thought of the revelation. His face was its old stoic mask.

Ron looked like he had no idea what he should actually do.

"Well, what say you, Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.

The Slytherin rose, looked the professor in the eye, and apologized for his apparent error. Professor Greenleaf coolly accepted his apology.

"Now that the air is clear," Dumbledore quipped cheerfully, "Nicole, would you mind perhaps staying behind a bit? I believe Mr. Lupin would be most happy to see you back."

"Remus is here?" A bright smile lit up Professor Greenleaf's pretty face.

Harry was surprised. So they hadn't been the only ones in the dark…

He wanted to stick around, but Dumbledore gently pushed him out the door.

In the hallway, Ginny was waiting. Her bright red hair swished back and forth as she paced.

"'Oi!" Ron exclaimed.

"Gin!" Harry called out.

She beamed. "Hi."

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked his sister.

"Classes just ended, and someone said you'd been taken to Dumbledore's office. I thought I'd pop by. What happened anyway?" Her brown eyes lingered on the three boys. "Merlin's beard, you haven't been fighting, have you?"

"No...there was just something that needed to be cleared up." Hermione replied. She shot a glance at Draco.

"Ah." Ginny decided not to pry.

Harry felt the need for some mindless normalcy. Things had been too freaky lately…

In an unprecedented move, he grabbed Ginny's hand. "Want to come with me to the kitchens, Gin? I'm feeling a bit peckish…"

With a shrug and a smile, Ginny followed.

Ron stared, dumbfounded, as his best mate and his sister ran off together.

Draco started to back up. Ron Weasley's extreme protectiveness towards his younger sister was infamous.

"Finally!" Ron crowed.

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Hermione entered the library with a bit of trepidation.

She had been half-hoping that Draco was inside. She felt the need to apologize for their argument. But he appeared to be avoiding her.

Funny, Hermione mused. Before the two had been forced to work together on this mission, she couldn't care less about Draco Malfoy's feelings. She'd've felt victory instead of guilt at having stricken him so.

Why are you concerned anyway? A sly voice in the back of her mind spoke up. He insulted you, your friends, and your belief in them. Why waste a tear on him?

Why, indeed?

With a sigh, she plunked her books down and opened her Transfiguration text.

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Draco peered around the shelf. Yep, she was there, alright. Starting Transfiguration homework that was due next week.

Pure Hermione.

Draco was feeling quite uneasy about what had happened during their argument, especially after realizing that his accusation against Professor Greenleaf was completely wrong. He had been wrong in insulting her friendships…

Why are you so concerned? A sly voice in the back of her mind spoke up. She insulted you, terribly. Why apologize for anything?

Why, indeed?

With a sigh, he shifted the bag on his shoulder—and promptly dropped it with a loud bang.

He suddenly found himself staring into a pair of beady eyes.

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Hermione struggled to hold in her laughter as Madam Pince, forefinger and thumb wrapped very securely around a yelping Draco's ear, marched past her table. Gathering her things, she quickly followed after them.

Draco was rubbing a very red earlobe and shooting dirty looks at the library doors when she caught up with him. Pulling out her wand, Hermione performed a basic healing charm she'd learned a few summers ago.

He looked very surprised, and very uncomfortable.

"Does it feel better?" she asked quietly.

He nodded.

They both trailed off, each never feeling more like bolting.

"I'msorry," Draco muttered under his breath, his face red from the effort.

"Excuse me?"

Draco regained his proud composure. "Perhaps I have been slightly off on certain matters."

Hermione shook her head. Leave it to Draco to never admit he was wrong.

"I suppose I may have been slightly off as well," she replied. "Dwelling on your personal life was impertinent of me."

He was silent. "Perhaps it was not thought of as much, but your comment…affected me quite a bit."

"And yours didn't?" Hermione's voice started to rise in indignation.

"Considering I've been doing it for years, I thought you'd be used to it."

"Oh—you—" Hermione spluttered. Then she caught sight of the mirth in Draco's gray eyes and started to grin.

Grinning with Draco. Now that was a scene.

But not quite as much of a scene as what happened next…Draco Malfoy taking her hand and brushing his lips against her cheek.

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A/N: Sorry for the delay! I was having some trouble writing this—at first, it looked like I was going to have to cut the (ahem, slight) romance out of the chapter because there seemed to be no place to put it. I'm also aboutto wrapthis story up already—I'm hoping to finish it before the release of HBP. The next chap might be the last…

THANKS BE TO GOD, FOR FIXING MY WRITER'S BLOCK…AND GETTING ME THROUGH A MONTH OF COLLEGE! YAY!

To my dear reviewers:

American Deer Hunter 73, Sacagawea, Ehlonna, HarryPotterLover242, curlygntx, The Gryffindor Drummer, trapped-in-a-dream-Thanks:)

Sissified- The scene with the professor attempting to teach came from Peach Girl. :) And I think the one that starred Stella was Marmalade Boy. It's a great series too:) Thanks:)

Swtndreamypnay- Certainly, I shall update :) Thanks:)

QuietWorld- Wow, thanks:)

Rose- It's OK… :) And I fully sympathize with you. :)

Steelo- Thanks a lot… :) I'm guessing this chap will have answered your question, but we still have to wait for Hermione's response… :)

FaeRie Fire- Well, Greenleaf's part in the Dramione romance is that she threw a slight wrench in the pair's blossoming friendship, a wrench that when resolved brings them even closer together. :) And she becomes a link to Harry's past.

Goodybad- Thanks:) I don't really know the results of my exams yet, but I'm hoping for good ones… :) And yes, here's the scoop on the professor… :)

Tru- I'm truly sorry…:D

Next: A good, long talk…