Hogwarts' Hero

Chapter 9

A/N: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Slightly late on the update, but it's really long. Almost 5000 words. That's pretty big for me. My response to reviews is at the bottom.

Oh, and another thing. I've started a new fic. It's called disingenuous. It's really different than this story. You can read all about it in my profile.

And I want you all to go check out SadisticKitty's fic The Matchmaker. It's based on a concept in one of my earlier chapters. It's a Lily/James fic. Don't worry, she asked if she could use the idea beforehand.

Now, on with the story:

(8)

Just as Professor McGonagall had ordered, Hermione idly made her way to the hospital wing.

She had managed to make a fool of herself, yet again. The smiling likenesses seemed to laugh at her as she trudged down the hall.

In all honesty, Hermione was glad she wouldn't have to sit through class. She just couldn't concentrate while worrying about what she and Malfoy had gotten themselves into. Hermione rounded the final corridor on the way to the hospital wing, and took a deep breath.

Hermione wasn't sure if she could deal with another person asking what was wrong. If only she could say!

She went to open the door to the infirmary, but she stopped herself. She wasn't ready to go in there.

Hermione stared down at her hand just inches away from the doorknob. It shook slightly and brushed against the handle. Hermione froze.

'I can't do it . . . I can't, argh!"

Mad at herself for being such a wreck, Hermione leaned against the wall and sunk to the floor with her head buried in her hands.

'What is wrong with me? How can I let Malfoy, of all things, affect every aspect of my life?' Hermione questioned herself, regaining a bit of the logic that seemed to elude her these days.

Hermione was completely distraught. She had no idea how she could fix this. What was worse, she was getting used to Malfoy's antics. She'd spent more time with him in the last 3 days than she had in the past five years, and they'd been prefects together!

Part of her just wanted to accept the whole thing and go with Malfoy to the welcoming celebration. It would be so much easier, and Dumbledore wouldn't find out they'd lied . . . but she knew that could never happen. They hated each other, plain and simple. Or, at least she thought they did. Besides, even if she didn't hate him, Harry and Ron did. Hermione had no doubt they'd react badly.

'But, they hadn't reacted badly when they heard the rumours, did they? They even brought my books for me today, and they saved me a seat in class.'

Hermione smiled when she thought of what they did. She'd done nothing but ignore them lately and they'd been so sweet to her. She really didn't deserve them sometimes.

Hermione's smile vanished, however, when she realized that she'd been rationalizing going to the welcoming celebration with Malfoy.

Deciding that she definitely wasn't feeling well, Hermione stood up and entered the hospital wing.

"Madame Pomfrey?" she called uncertainly, as she stood awkwardly in the doorway.

Hermione heard the sound of a chair sliding back across the floor and shuffling coming from the direction of the mediwitch's office.

The door swung open, and Madame Pomfrey came rushing out while tying her apron and then adjusting her nurse's cap.

"Yes, dearie?" she asked urgently, not knowing what to expect from the girl.

"Umm, well, Professor McGonagall sent me here because I wasn't feeling well," Hermione answered, fiddling with her robes.

Madame Pomfrey visibly calmed down, and then smiled at the girl. "Alright, you may go have a seat," she indicated one of the beds lined up against the walls, "And I'll be right back."

When Hermione nodded her understanding, Madame Pomfrey returned to her office, and Hermione sat down on the bed. She laid her books beside her. Hermione twiddled her thumbs and kept crossing and uncrossing her legs as she waited quietly.

"Now, Hermione dear, what's wrong?" Madame Pomfrey inquired as she emerged from her office once more and looked at the girl sitting on the cot.

'Why don't you ask a certain loud-mouthed Slytherin? I'm sure he'd love to tell you exactly what has me so high-strung,' Hermione's mind supplied.

"It's nothing, really. Just a little stressed, that's all."

She tried to come off nonchalant, but the defensive tone in her voice told the nurse otherwise.

Madame Pomfrey clucked her tongue in annoyance, obviously aware that Hermione was lying, but she didn't press her any further.

Madame Pomfrey walked over to the young prefect, and took a look at her face. Her eyes were bloodshot and she seemed pale.

"Not enough sleep," the mediwitch murmured under her breath.

"What is it?" Hermione asked nervously as Madame Pomfrey wandered over to her shelf in the corner, which was full of varying draughts and potions.

"Nothing serious, dear," she replied. "Tell me, has anything been bothering you lately? Has something been keeping you from sleeping?"

"Err, well, it's the first week. Adjusting to school and all that," Hermione explained, hoping that Madame Pomfrey would accept this answer.

"Your health, Ms. Granger, is much more important than adjusting to school. You should be getting at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. I would expect you to understand this," Madame Pomfrey scolded. "Something is bothering you Ms. Granger, something that is preventing you from sleeping. Now, you don't have to tell me what it is, but I'm going to give you a sleeping draught to help you."

Madame Pomfrey returned to Hermione's side and handed her the small bottle, which Hermione accepted sheepishly.

"You'll only need a bit each night. That bottle's only enough for the week. I don't believe you'll need more than that. You were quite right, earlier. It's just stress, but if you need to talk, I'm always available."

Hermione smiled thankfully at the witch. Madame Pomfrey smiled back and then demanded, "Now get some rest. You're exhausted and I won't have you going to class in this state. I've already informed your Ancient Runes professor that you'll be absent. I'll come and wake you when it's time for lunch. We can't have you skipping meals."

Hermione nodded mutely, and removed her shoes. Once she'd crawled into bed, she took the potion and drank a small amount. The draught worked quickly, because soon Hermione was fading into her dreams. This was the one place, thankfully, where Malfoy could not disturb her.

0000000000000000

"Should we wake her up?"

"Well, that's what Madame Pomfrey told us to do."

"Ya, but I don't want to make her mad. You do it Harry."

"Why do I have to do it? I saved you this morning, remember Ron? 'We-we-we-we-'"

Hermione opened her eyes and saw Harry and Ron bickering at the end of the cot.

She yawned loudly and stretched her arms over her head. She sat up and looked at the boys.

"Madame Pomfrey sent you in to wake me up?" Hermione asked tiredly.

Harry and Ron looked over at her, surprised, and then approached the side of the bed to comfort their friend.

"Yeah. We came to check up on you before heading off to lunch. We tried to come between classes, but you know how long it takes to get to the Astronomy Tower from McGonagall's class, so . . ." Harry trailed off.

Hermione smiled brilliantly, "That's perfectly alright. I wouldn't want you to miss class because of me."

Harry returned her smile.

'My boys!' Hermione's inner voice shouted joyously.

"How-"

"We-"

Ron turned bright red and Hermione chuckled. "You go ahead, Ron."

"Well, err, we're really worried about you. You've been forgetting things and rushing off. After what happened in McGonagall's, we just want to be sure that you're alright," Ron admitted sheepishly.

"It's absolutely nothing, I promise you, "Hermione assured. "I've just been having trouble dealing with the rumours about me and Malfoy."

"Rumours?" Harry questioned.

"About you and Malfoy?" Ron demanded.

"Well, yeah," Hermione replied, taken off guard. "I thought you heard about those."

"We heard about one, Hermione, and Ginny told us that was a complete misunderstanding."

"That's what I meant," Hermione whispered desperately.

"You said 'Rumours', Hermione. As in more than one," Ron accused.

"Well," Hermione laughed, "about that. You see, some people seem to think that Malfoy and I are, well, a couple."

Hermione smiled up at her lovely, thoughtful, caring, considerate, wonderful best friends.

Harry's face became pensive, while Ron's darkened in anger.

From Hell.

"It's nothing, really," Hermione amended quickly. "I've just been running into Malfoy more than usual, that's all."

"Fighting with Malfoy doesn't usually give the impression that you're going out, otherwise people would think him and Harry were soul mates," Ron noted scathingly.

"Ron, just leave it. We both know Hermione isn't stupid enough to get involved with Malfoy. For all we know, Malfoy started all these rumours just to bug us," Harry intervened.

"You know, Harry? I think you're right. Something this dreadful could only have come from Malfoy. I'm not even going to get worked up about it," Ron agreed, rather maturely.

Harry and Hermione looked on in amazement.

"But if he tries anything, I'll kill the slimy git."

'Welcome back, Ron,' Hermione commented wryly.

"grpharghmmmmm "

"What was that?!" Harry exclaimed.

Ron's blush returned as he glanced down at his stomach and answered, "Well, it is time for lunch."

Harry and Hermione shared a look.

"What?!" Ron exclaimed.

"Alright, let's go. Ron here must be starving," Harry laughed.

"Ok," Hermione agreed, "just let me find my shoes."

0000000000000000

Lunch in the Great Hall was quite normal. Hermione sat with Harry and Ron, listening to their endless talk of quidditch tactics, basking in the normalcy of it all. That thought, of course, brought on a memory of a certain confrontation in the potions' lab with an abnormally large, finely dressed ferret.

Hermione wrinkled her nose in displeasure.

As she ate, Hermione was faintly aware of various girls in the Great hall whispering and then pointing at her, followed by numerous hand gestures. Hermione was afraid of what they were implying.

Herbology was their next class, and it came fairly easy to her. Not that she was particularly good at gardening, but Hermione always paid close attention to the instructions, something that was sure to keep her mind off of annoying, arrogant, horrible, conceited, blond things.

Of course, that was nearly impossible at the moment.

'I wonder if Malfoy's as tense as I am? He must feel as anxious as I do, considering if we don't come up with a solution he's stuck going to the ball with me. He'd be completely miserable.'

For some inexplicable reason, this saddened Hermione a bit.

Shaking off some strange thoughts, curious eyes sought out Draco at the Slytherin table, but he hadn't arrived yet. Scanning the Great Hall, Hermione found Malfoy to be hitting on a fifth-year Ravenclaw by the doorway.

Hermione gasped in indignation as her eyes narrowed in a mixture of shock and fury.

Everyone thought they were going out, and he had the audacity to chat up some random Ravenclaw in front of everyone.

'Here I am, just out of the Hospital wing due to stress caused by that insufferable jerk and he's feeling out his latest conquest! Does he have no respect for me at all? That boy has some nerve, embarrassing me like this in front of the whole school. If he thinks he can just sit back while I kill myself trying to fix our situation, he's got another thing coming!'

Oh, no. Hermione wasn't jealous. Not one bit.

Argh!

"Let's go," Hermione growled at Harry and Ron.

"What? Hermione, we've still got loads of time before Herbology. I haven't had dessert yet," Ron whined.

"Fine, you two can stay here. I have to get some fresh air before class. Clear my head a bit," she informed them.

"Are you sure you're alright? I can come with you if you need some company," Harry said thoughtfully.

"No, that's fine. I'm sure you and Ron want to finish up your conversation. I'll see you both in class."

Hermione grabbed her things and left the Gryffindor table hurriedly, and glared at Malfoy as she neared the exit.

She walked up to the couple confidently, and announced snidely, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything Malfoy, but don't forget to meet me after class in the library. Don't be late."

With a withering glance at the Ravenclaw, Hermione abruptly left the two, marching straight between them, leaving both Malfoy and his companion with shocked looks on their faces.

Of course, Malfoy's soon turned into a knowing smirk as resumed his operations on the inexperienced Ravenclaw.

Hermione stomped out of the castle, and sat down on the steps, not knowing where else to go. Ron had been right when he said they had lots of time before class, but Hermione couldn't have stomached watching Malfoy and some nameless twit for much longer before completely self-destructing.

Being jealous was not an option for Hermione. If she was, that would mean on some level that she wanted the attention that Malfoy was giving to someone else, and that just made absolutely no sense. None, whatsoever.

She gazed out over the grounds. Hermione could see the quidditch pitch in off to the side of the castle. Some boys were playing a pick up game, while girls lay on the grass watching intently. Wind washed over the ground giving it the appearance of water, and billows of smoke rose from Hagrid's hut, informing Hermione that he was baking some of his treats. Hermione decided she'd warn Harry and Ron later.

Hermione's attention drifted back to the group at the pitch. One of the boys had scored on the keeper, and the girls all clapped. One particular girl was cheering the loudest, and laughed when the boy flew down to her. The boy landed and approached her shyly, and gave her a small kiss. The other boys all flew down to the group and they cheered the other boy on. The girl broke the kiss and stuck her tongue out at their audience.

Hermione looked away bitterly. They were so perfect. That would never happen to her. There was no way Malfoy would ever be so friendly and so sweet.

Wait. What?

'I did not just think that,' Hermione panicked. 'There is no way I would want that to happen, ever.'

Hermione stood up and started walking to the Greenhouse. She needed something to distract her, and maybe Professor Sprout needed some help setting up for the lesson.

"Professor Sprout? Are you there?" she called as she opened the door and knocked awkwardly on the glass.

"I'm over here!" a voice called from a corner of the greenhouse blocked by a bunch of large plants.

Hermione walked over and found professor Sprout to be crouched over, adding some type of mixture to the soil.

"To encourage growth," the professor clarified. "As soon as they're a couple feet larger, they'll start flowering and we can plant them. They'll look beautiful."

The professor straightened, and smiled at Hermione. "How may I help you, Ms. Granger?"

"Well, actually. I was wondering if I could help you with anything. I had a couple of minutes before class, and I figured you might need some help," Hermione explained.

"Aw, that reminds me. I needed some students to help me collect a batch of fluxweed tonight, and Professor Dumbledore advised me to ask you. I've no doubt you're more than capable of completing the task."

"Thank you, professor. Um, but I've read that the collection is very intricate and takes a long amount of time. I won't be doing it alone, will I?" Hermione asked.

"Of course not, Hermione! I'm quite aware that you have other duties to tend to as well. I will be helping you for a bit but I'll have to leave once I see you've got the hang of it. There will be another student there to help you as well."

"Well, ok. Erm, what time should I come?" Hermione inquired timidly. She had missed Ancient Runes, and she didn't know if she'd be able to finish catching up tonight and collecting the fluxweed.

"Come to Greenhouse two after dinner. I'll be waiting for you. It shouldn't take more than two hours. I'm sure you and Mr. Malfoy won't have any problems," the professor responded absently.

Hermione's forehead wrinkled in confusion as she asked, "Excuse me, Professor. Did you say me and Mr. Malfoy?"

"Ah, yes!" Professor Sprout cried, hitting her head in realization. "Mr. Malfoy will be assisting you tonight, but I haven't been able to speak to him today. You see, he doesn't have classes with me until tomorrow. You wouldn't mind informing him, would you?"

"I'll see what I can do. It shouldn't be too much trouble," Hermione assured the professor.

Imagine! Two hours alone in the greenhouse with Malfoy. As if she didn't have enough problems.

"Perfect! Now, I do believe class will be starting any minute now. We'll be doing some hands on work today, so why don't you go set up?"

"Yes, Professor."

Hermione wandered over to the table full of potted knotgrass and put her bag down on floor beside her.

Students started trickling in, Harry and Ron among the last of them. When they arrived at the greenhouse they were gasping for air, and leaned against the table as they caught their breath. Between huffs and puffs they gasped something about "cheesecake" and "so good" and "fourth servings".

The class went by uneventfully, except when Dean Thomas accidentally dropped some fertilizer down the front of Lavender's robe. Everyone could tell they liked each other.

Harry, Ron and Hermione had Charms next, and as they walked back to the school Ron asked, "Where did you go before class, Hermione?"

"Oh, I just sat outside for a while. I needed some fresh air. Then I went and talked with Professor Sprout. She wants me to help collect fluxweed tonight, so I won't be able to go back with you to the common room after dinner."

"Bloody hell, Hermione! You're busy as it is, how are you going to manage it all?" Ron exclaimed incredulously.

"Ron, I'm fine. You don't have to worry; I'm going to the library after classes to work on my homework. Which reminds me, I'll need to get the work I missed in transfiguration. I'll get it from you after I get back from the greenhouse," Hermione informed them, as they climbed the front steps and entered the castle.

"I'm not sure you want Ron's notes," Harry told Hermione. "He was pretty occupied perfecting his impression of a freight train. He came pretty close this time. McGonagall even thought so."

Ron turned red while Harry imitated him snoring. Hermione laughed and shook her head when Ron hit Harry playfully.

Charms class was focused on the Priori Incantato. Most of the class had it down by the end of the lesson, but Neville was still having some difficulties. Halfway through the practical part of the class, when casting the spell on his partner's wand, the wand ended up shooting out sparks and set his robe on fire. It was utter chaos in the room until Professor Flitwick drenched Neville with Aquatus.

As Charms drew to an end, Hermione became increasingly uneasy. She had to come up with a way to get out of going to the welcoming celebration with Malfoy without actually getting out of going to welcoming celebration with Malfoy. Also, Hermione wasn't sure if she could talk to Malfoy civilly after what happened in the great hall. Just thinking about it made her blood boil.

"Class, class, settle down. There will be a practical test on the priori incantato next week. Practice, practice, practice. I'll see you all on Monday!"

'Huh? Don't we have Charms on Fridays,' Hermione wondered.

"Harry?" she asked as they got up and headed out into the hallway. "Why did the professor say he'd see us on Monday?"

"Oh, well, Dumbledore announced at the sorting that we'd have Friday off to prepare for the celebration. It's not really supposed to be formal, but everybody's treating it like the Yule Ball in fourth year," Harry explained. "Say, Ron, do you have a date yet?"

He asked it innocently, but Hermione detected a mischievous gleam in his eye.

She turned towards Ron curiously. He wouldn't make eye contact with her, and Hermione noted the telltale red in his cheeks.

"Well?" Harry pushed.

"Mrphmughsyesghfrumsh," Ron mumbled.

"What was that?" Harry continued.

"I said, yes!" Ron exclaimed glaring at Harry.

"What? When was this?" Hermione demanded excitedly.

"At lunch, after you left," Harry supplied when Ron didn't answer.

Ron remained silent, so Hermione ordered, "Well? Aren't you going to tell me who it is?"

"No," Ron said as they approached the stairs and headed up the steps quickly so that it could not change directions on them.

"C'mon Ron," Harry begged as they headed down the corridor in the direction of Gryffindor tower. "If you don't tell her, I will!"

Ron didn't say anything.

"Ron?"

"It was Luna," he announced grudgingly.

"Luna Lovegood?" Hermione asked in wonderment. "You said yes?"

"Well, she had me cornered. She was blocking the cheesecake, and I'd only had one slice. I can't be held responsible for what I've agreed to."

Hermione shook her head, and then informed them, "I've got to head to the library. I'll see you at dinner."

"Wait, Hermione. Why don't we go with you? Merlin knows we have loads of homework. It'll take ages," Harry suggested.

"Oh, well, I have Ancient Runes, and, well, I need to work on it and I really don't well, err . . ."

Harry smiled knowingly, "Yeah, yeah. You don't need us dolts slowing you down."

"Harry!" Hermione cried. "That's not it at all. I've just got tons to do. If I didn't, you know I'd help you in an instant."

"We know, Hermione," Ron informed her, elbowing Harry in the stomach. "Harry here just decided he'd be an arse and make you feel guilty."

"Oh, well, in that case."

Hermione smacked Harry on the arm.

Hermione glanced at her watch and saw that she was running late. "Ok, I really have to go now," Hermione announced walking backwards in the direction of the library so she could say a last goodbye. "I'll see you later!"

With a wave, she turned round and hurtled down the corridor towards the library. Malfoy was going to be so mad.

0000000000000000

Where was that damnable Granger?! She'd told him to meet her straight after classes, and she was late. He'd taken his time getting to the library, and he'd still sat there waiting for a good five minutes.

Draco crossed his arms over his chest and watched the entrance from his secluded corner of the library, which was almost completely blocked by bookcases. Moments later he saw Granger's great mound of bushy hair burst through the entrance.

She looked around hurriedly and couldn't find him. He watched her search the library becoming more and more frustrated as she went.

Malfoy smiled in pleasure. If Granger wanted to show up late, it wasn't his fault she couldn't find him.

Checking each section methodically, Hermione eventually found Draco.

"What are you doing in the Muggle Fiction section of the library?" she demanded as she shoved her bag on to the table and sat down at the table angrily.

"As you can see from the dust, no one ever comes here," Malfoy answered dismissively.

"I come here," Hermione challenged.

"Like I said, no one who matters ever comes here," Draco stated, leaning over and resting his elbows on the table. "This is the place where we are least likely to get caught. After all, we came here to come up with a way to stop the rumours, not start some new ones."

"Alright, fine. So, what should we do?" Hermione asked.

"If I bloody well knew, I wouldn't be here with you, would I?" Draco returned coldly.

"Well, I don't know what to do either! It's not like I just pull the right answers out of a bloody hat! So, why don't you try and think for once!"

They both sat in tense silence. Finally, Draco suggested, "Well, what if we just 'break up'?"

"What?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, honestly. It's very simple. We could just have a really public break up so Dumbledore can't help but hear what happened, and we're off Scott free just in time to have dates for the ball."

Draco leaned back in his chair and smirked smugly.

'Let's see her argue with that one.'

"Well," Hermione said thoughtfully, "that has the same problem, doesn't it? The whole reason we're in this mess is that we didn't want to disappoint Dumbledore and if we break up then, well . . ."

"If I remember correctly, it was you, just you, who didn't want to disappoint Dumbledore, and if we can't break up, what are we supposed to do? We can't keep this charade on forever. Soon you'll be telling me that we'll have to go to the ball together, but I will not bloody hear of it!" Draco protested vehemently.

"What is your problem?! It's not the end of the world. What's so bad about me, huh? Is it because I'm muggleborn? I'm not good enough for you? I'm not pretty enough?" Hermione shrieked.

"You know bloody well that I don't like you, and I'm not attracted to you in the least. I'm not going to spend my night with you."

"Of course, because there are so many girls at Hogwarts that are much better than me, is that it? Like that Ravenclaw in the Great Hall? What was that, Draco? Hmmm? People think we're dating and you're making bloody moves on toddlers, for god's sake! What was she? A third year?"

"She was a fifth, and I don't have to explain my actions to you. I won't be tied down to a filthy little mud- Did you just call me Draco?"

"What?" Hermione was startled by Malfoy's sudden change of mood.

"Never mind," he breathed, running his hand through his hair nervously. "Well, it doesn't look like there's much we can do, is there?"

"This is all your fault, you know," Hermione groaned, taking her head in her hands.

"My fault? How is this my fault?" Draco demanded.

"We've gone over this, haven't we? You kissed me and that started everything."

"Yes," Draco agreed, "but then we established that if you'd kept your mouth shut with Dumbledore, this wouldn't be happening."

Hermione looked up and studied Draco's face closely.

'What the hell is she looking at?'

She rested her head on her hand pensively and furrowed her brow. This had to be Hermione Granger's thinking pose.

"Why did you kiss me?" Hermione asked suddenly.

Draco groaned. "I told you that already, and I'm not going to repeat myself."

Hermione nodded, "So you didn't want people to know what happened in Diagon Alley. Let's think about this logically. It couldn't have been anything too heroic; otherwise it would have been in the Daily Prophet, and I've read it cover to cover since fourth year. Now, most of the rumours have something to do with Flourish and Blotts, so I bet it took place there?"

The surprise on Malfoy's face was all she needed to continue.

"The old lady seems to be a common theme as well, and since you're a 'hero', I'd you saved an old lady in Flou¯"

"Will you stop!" Draco interrupted. "What we need to worry about now is a way to go to the ball together without looking like we're going to the ball together."

Hermione was surprised at his choice of words.

"We could both just come alone, and then make it seem like we're there together. We could probably get away with only dancing once, but I don't know how we could do that without someone noticing," Hermione proposed.

"Yes," Draco conceded, "but there are too many what ifs and loose ends in that scenario. I'm starting to think the only real solution is to actually go together."

"But only as a last resort," Hermione stated rather quickly.

"Yes," Malfoy stated, slightly put out, "only as a last resort."

They looked at each other nervously.

"Oh!" Hermione cried. "Before I forget, Professor Sprout told me that I have to collect some fluxweed tonight."

Draco looked at her curiously.

"And I care because?"

"You're helping me."

"What?!"

(8)

A/N: Pretty long, huh? If you liked it, review please. You have no idea how hard I slaved over this chapter.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I decided that I loved you all so much I'd give you personal responses:

Loving: Thanks so much! It's really nice that you think I'm not an amateur, b/c I kinda am. Pretty cool. And thanks for the heads up about Harry and Ron. I had some of that in this chapter.

Dunebird: Are you really curious? Then you should definitely check out the fic I recced earlier. She's a close friend and we kinds collaborate on it.

That-silent-scream24: Thankies! You're awesome yourself.

Cassiopeia2008: I touched a little on the secret in this chapter, but you're not going to find out what happened until the very, very end. I'm so evil ;P

Horseluver13: Of course he knows! He's just making them think he doesn't know as a ploy to bring them together. g He's so devious.

Twilyte Shadow: Ummm, what wood burn thing? I'm not sure I know what you're talking about, but thanks for the review!

Emma: Thank you! I will!

Karana Belle: Sure you can use the idea! Of course my friend Jess did a story on the same concept about Lily/James. You should probably check it out so that your stories aren't that similar.

Pink Watermelon: Thanks so much! And I really love your name.

Bk: I love it when you review, you always make me feel so good! Thanks for the feedback!

Nephyr: Dumbledore knows. He just knows that they don't know that he knows. Confusing, huh? Glad you liked it. Thanks for the review.

Tacky Socks: I know Dumbledore could probably be crowned Miss Universe if he wanted to. Anyway, thanks for the review!

NotYourAverageSchoolGirl: Thanks! You have no idea how scared I was that I wasn't being funny AT ALL.

SadisticKitty: Girl! You rock. There's no words . . .

Solain Rhyo: Well, it wasn't that big a thing, but it was pretty big considering I've told you guys absolutely nothing about it . . . Thanks for the review! Makes me feel all special inside ;)