Dedicated to ALL my loyal reviewers! You guys got me back on my feet! Thank you!

Disclaimer: The song choice today is "I Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops :

Harry, Ron, Hermione
You know that I stole you
I can't help myself
I need your help with everyone else
Write myself a fic
So people can read
But I already know you're not mine
Don't sue please, don't be so unkind

Chapter Ten: Harder to Breathe

Draco stood at the door of the great hall, arms crossed, staring at all the interactive faces across the tables at dinner. Studying them. Happy, chatting with each other. Every face had a story. Had its struggles. Its defeats, and even its victories. Its hopes and dreams. Every face was a mask to shelter the soul underneath. To hide its insecurities. Its doubts and fears. Draco could read some of those masks, translate certain movements for others. The one Hufflepuff boy kept glancing down the table at an older Hufflepuff girl, chatting and laughing with her friends. He wanted to look good in her eyes. She was fighting something behind her smile. As someone who was a professional at covering up problems with parents behind steel grey eyes, it wasn't hard for Draco to spot others following the same equation.

He cast a glance up at the teacher's table. Not much engaging conversation seemed to be taking place. Mostly they were studying their food, mixing this with that to ensure a proper diet, or looking over notes to teach the next day. He quickly cast a glance at Professor Snape, who seemed surprisingly to be enjoying whatever he was eating, chewing it slowly while reading a book about the role of potions in literature. He glanced up at Draco and nodded. Draco nodded back. Snape then seemed to be looking beyond Draco, with what Draco could have sworn was a hint of pride and a slight smile. Draco turned curiously. Charlie was leaning his back against the doorjamb, arms crossed, looking at Draco, a stick belonging to a sucker out the corner of his mouth.

"I was wondering when you'd acknowledge my presence," he said, looking out at the sea of people over his left shoulder. He rubbed his eyes and looked up at Draco, who now had his back to the other doorjamb, standing in the doorway facing Charlie.

"To be honest, I didn't even notice. But Snape looked past me, and he doesn't often daydream," said Draco. Charlie nodded and pulled the sucker out of his mouth. It was a spherical chocolate-flavored sucker for now, but tended to change flavor at will. Charlie then looked at Snape and gave a quick nod of his head. Draco smirked and motioned to Charlie's hand. "What's with the sucker?"

Charlie smirked. "Felt like getting in touch with my inner child."

Draco smiled. "I didn't know your inner child was Kojak."

Charlie shrugged. "Yeah well, I was bald as a child. That might actually explain a few things. Like if I went through my childhood as an adult, that might be why I'm going through my childhood now. I've already used up all of my maturity." He popped the sucker back into his mouth.

Draco shook his head. "Charlie, you were never mature."

Charlie attempted to stick his tongue out at Draco as best he could without spitting out the sucker. Draco rolled his eyes and checked his watch. Time to get going. He looked up at Charlie.

"I'm heading out," he said definitively. Charlie stopped and looked up at him. He sighed.

"You know, you really gotta stop doing this to yourself."

Draco nodded. "I know. But not today." He picked up his bag that had been dropped forgetfully onto the floor earlier and slung it over his shoulder, the weight cutting into neck. Charlie noticed the strain that crossed Draco's face.

"You need help with that?" he asked, taking a step forward.

Draco shook his head. "Nah... nah, I got it. Thanks though," he said, turning. "Catch you later."

Charlie nodded. "Later D. Don't work too hard. On anything." Draco nodded. He tapped fists with Charlie then turned, working his way, slowly and slovenly, to the library.

Charlie shook his head, watching Draco leave. He ran a quick hand through his hair, then, glancing at the collection of people slowly beginning to disperse, he headed down the dark hallway towards his room, chomping on the last little bit of his sucker as he went. He reached the prefects room that he and Draco shared and frowned at the new painting that was his doorway. It was a young girl of about six, sitting by a pond, staring down at a Narcissus flower that was in full bloom. She looked up as Charlie approached, her red hair gleaming in the sun within the boundaries of the painting.

Charlie crossed his arms, then pointed a finger at the painting. "Excuse me, but do I know you? I mean, this looks like my room, but..."

The young girl smiled and her brown eyes crinkled. "I was juss put here today. Me name's Maisie," she said, with a touch of what Charlie guessed was a Scottish lilt in her voice. "And what might your name be?"

Charlie gave a slight bow. "Charlie Daughton, at your service, little miss."

She smiled. "Well Charles, 'tis a pleasure to meet you. I am to inform you of the new password before you can enter."

He gave her a quizzical look under his smile. "How do you know this is my room? I might be a stranger just trying to break in."

She smiled at him. "If you wer just a simpleton trying to break into this room, I'd be imagining you to be in a bigger hurry and not be wastin' yer time talkin' to me. Besides, yer manners are far too proper fer someone attempting to break in."

Charlie smiled. "I could just be sweet-talking you. I'm notorious for it, I hear."

Maisie gave a hearty chuckle. "If you did have all that talent Charles, I'd doubt you'd be wastin' it on a painting." She slowly began to get up, seeming to have some difficulty in her kilt without falling head first into the pond.

Charlie smiled. "I'd help you up, but–."

Maisie waved him off. "No, no trouble Charles. I understand you've got your limitations." Finally, she stood and began dusting off her green and red kilt. "The problem with this painting," she said, brushing her hand across the plaid fabric, "is all the dust that settles next to the pond from the painting of the desert at down the hall." After a moment more, she stood up. "Ah, now Charles, are you ready to learn the password?"

Charlie nodded. "Lay it on me, lass."

Maisie smiled. "Danish to donut."

Charlie frowned. "That's the password? Danish to donut?"

Maisie nodded. "Yes sir. A Danish is a danish until you be punchin' a hole in the center. Then it's a donut."

Charlie squinted and thought for a moment. "Danish to donut... that's a good one. I never thought of donuts like that before. At least not jelly-filled ones."

"Do you think you'll be able to remember that, Charles?"

Charlie nodded and smiled. "Not a problem, Maisie my dear. I've got it all up here," he said, tapping the side of his head, "all three words of it."

Maisie smiled. "Then I shall see you later. Enjoy your evening Charles."

Charlie gave a tip of his invisible hat. "Same to you, youngin'. Same to you."

The room was barely illuminated when Charlie entered the main room, something he didn't intensely mind, and one he made no effort to change. He sighed and stretched, heading over to the couch where he had tossed some required texts earlier. Though Charlie didn't study as frequently as most of the population of Hogwarts, when he did study, he went all out. He had a fantastic memory, something Draco would attest to, as much as he envied it. Grabbing the potions manual off of the couch, he headed up the stairs to his room, flipping pages as he went.

"Charles?"

Charlie stopped, one foot on the stair in front of him. He looked at the painting at the top of the stairs. Maisie was now standing in front of a night sky. Charlie smiled, curious, and took the rest of the stairs by twos until he reached the landing. He grinned.

"Well Miss Maisie, you really get around, don't you?"

The young girl blushed. "I'm sorry to be disturbin' you again, Charles, but I forgot to tell ya somethin' and I didn't know when you'd be comin' out next." Charlie nodded and looked attentive as Maisie continued. "A young lady came lookin' for you earlier. She had a prefect badge, and she needed to be droppin' somethin' off for you, so I let her in. Don't be worryin', I watched her from the paintings. She didna take anythin'."

Charlie frowned and cast a glance at his bedroom door, which he now noticed was slightly open. He looked back at Maisie. She frowned. "I am sorry, Charles. I didn't be knowin' what to do. I hadna seen you yet to confirm the rules with ya–"

Charlie raised a hand and flashed Maisie a smile. "No problem Maise, don't worry. I think I know who it was. Besides, if she was supervised by you, I'm sure it's fine."

Maisie nodded and gave a small curtsy. "Thank ya Charles. Now to go back to guard the door and relieve Julius Caesar of his duty." She smiled and walked away into the distance, into the night, until she couldn't be seen anymore. Charlie smiled to himself and stepped away from the painting. He turned to him room and tucked his book under his arm, nudging the bedroom door open with his elbow.

He tossed his book on the bed and turned to his closet. Taking off his cloak and shirt underneath, he fingered the hangers until he opted for a grey long sleeved shirt, boasting of the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" 1994 world concert tour. He slid up the thin cotton sleeves to his elbows, glancing at the bed. He frowned.

There was an envelope lying on the bed, shifted slightly from the impact of the textbook toss. He picked it up. His name was written across in what Charlie admitted was very fine penmanship. Flipping it over, he slid his finger under the flap and broke the red wax seal. He slid the folded paper out of the envelope and flipped it open.

His eyes grazed across the page. It was the prefect hall monitor schedule. Every time his name came up for the night duty, it had been circled in a red sparkly pen. He glanced at tomorrow night. Tomorrow he would be sharing duty with Hermione. The next two nights after that would be with Draco, then again with Hermione, then with the other female prefect the night after that, a name he didn't recognize, a Miss A.J. Hanland. Then he would get a few days off before having to serve again. He glanced at the other times and frowned. Neither of the girls were allowed to be paired up together. There was always a male with them.

But by some miracle, Draco wasn't paired up with Hermione. Not once.

It was always either Charlie or the other female prefect. Not once was he to carry out hall duty with Hermione.

Moving his textbook over, he lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, his right knee propped up. Obviously, it had been Hermione who had brought the schedule for him. But why bring it to him? He'd simply forgotten to pick it up, so she brought it for him. But why go to all the trouble of circling his name? And putting it in an envelope? He'd recognized the Johnny Hancock from the get-go as being Hermione's handwriting on the outside of the envelope. He frowned and tapped the envelope against his knee. He'd seen something in her eyes when he'd stopped her from lashing out at Draco, but he couldn't place it. It was definitely a look he hadn't seen in a long time.

Leaning over, he grabbed the remote for his CD player. When he first moved in, he'd made sure to soundproof the room so as not to disturb Draco with his music. He worked better to it. It created what his dad used to call 'atmosphere'. It was just background. Something to help create a zone in which he could concentrate. He pushed play on the remote. A crowd cheered as the Eagles began to play for a live audience, a piano gently being tickled, soft opening bars silencing the crowd.

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow

He shrugged and pulled himself up, stretching his legs out in front of him. Tossing the envelope and schedule on the night table, he pulled his textbook into his lap. Opening to the chapter covered a few days ago, he began to study.

Draco slid down further into the rich, carved mahogany chair, the base of his head resting on the rim of the backrest. A few strands of hair hung loose around his face, and he attempted to blow them out of his vision. Using his feet, he pulled another chair closer and plopped his feet down on it with a loud thud that echoed through the library with a flourish. He frowned again at the book in front of him, some ancient text about the Manilla Capartra curse, and tried to read. The words began to blur in front of him. He sighed.

He couldn't do this forever. He knew that, but he still came to the library, day after day, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Not that it wasn't helping him from an academic standpoint, but still. There was hopeless, and then there was impossible. He frowned. Today would be his last day doing this. He would stand by it. And a little sleep was sure to help his decision along.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Although sleep was almost as bad as being awake, what with his dreams constantly plagued with images about a certain golden-haired angel, it was better than spying.

His eyes hadn't been closed for very long as he heard someone clear their throat. He groaned. "Daughton, if you're gonna kick the chair, just get it over with."

A moment came and went. Draco frowned and curiously opened an eye. His dreams had taken over. He'd have to be dreaming.

Hermione Granger was standing in front of him.

Hermione had no idea how she ended up standing in front of Draco Malfoy. She'd been working hard on her essay about the Manilla Capartra curse, having almost completed an entire rough draft. However, there was one book on her list that hadn't been referred to yet.

As she went to the section to retrieve the book, she happened to look through the shelves, spotting a sleeping Draco. She muffled a scoff until she noticed what he had trapped beneath his arms, the cover lying face-up across his chest.

The book she needed.

Actually, she thought to herself, she didn't really need the book. After all, it was a basic research essay, mostly comprised of what exactly the curse was and the details of it. The facts were common from book to book, unchanging and basic. So why did she so desperately need another book to reiterate what she'd already read?

Slowly and silently, she walked along the bookcase, her eyes never leaving Draco, fingers tracing the worn covers of the books, her hand sliding along the bookshelf until she came to the end. She came around the corner of the bookcase. Should Draco have been awake, he would be looking directly at her, armed and prepared with a proper scoff and an unkind word. Slowly, she took a few more steps, till she was standing just a few feet shy of him. She gave a faint smile as she observed him, a few strands of hair gently straying down his face. His chiseled features had matured in the past few years and, much to the attention of the female population, had become more and more attractive.

Hermione frowned to herself. Of course, he was bearable when he was fast asleep. Then of course, when he woke up and spoke, the vision of semi-perfection was gone. Many girls only put away ideas of a great personality for the benefits of the attractive face. Hermione wanted both.

And Draco certainly wasn't a candidate in that category.

Snapped out of her reverie by her conclusions regarding the Malfoy boy, she stared at him, waiting for him to wake up. She looked down as he continued to sleep, debating whether or not the book was actually worth this much trouble in the first place. After trying to stare at him to will him awake, she gently cleared her throat.

He sighed. "Daughton, if you're gonna kick the chair, just get it over with."

She opened her mouth, frustrated and prepared to retort, but closed it again gently, replacing it with a proper smirk. Best to let him figure it out for himself.

Wait... what was she doing? She could live without the book. She wasn't actually entertaining ideas of flirting with... Malfoy, was she? She was sure the book could wait. There was nothing so essential that she needed to read it. Why was she still standing here? A wave of panic hit her, but an unseen force kept her where she was.

Frowning and seeming puzzled at the lack of movement regarding his chair location, Draco opened one eye. Then both in what Hermione swore was pleasant surprise. What surprised her more was his lack of attempts to try and hide his pleasure, absent of malice or smugness.

Too late to leave now. Or was it?

"I'm sorry Malfoy... I didn't..." she stumbled over her words. Wait, why am I apologizing? She mentally smacked herself and waited for him to make a biting remark.

It never came. He simply rubbed his eyes. "No, no... it's– it's okay... I was just, you know, resting my eyes."

"Uh huh," she responded skeptically,smiling. "Your secret's safe with me." Whoa Granger-- What are you doing? You're... flirting with Draco Malfoy "

He smiled a genuine smile, and for a moment, Hermione felt a warmth grow inside of her. "Well, you know..." he said, picking up the book from his chest, "this Manilla Capartra curse is just too fascinating for me to handle. Honestly, it's just too damn exciting."

She smiled at him, eyeing the book. "Speaking of which..."

His smile faded for a moment, but was soon covered up, however not without Hermione noticing. Disappointed Malfoy? He broke into a grin. "I knew there was a reason that our banter was unusually pleasant today." Pulling his legs off of the chair, he leaned forward and looked up at her, the book in hand. "I assume you need this."

"You assume correctly." She nodded and went to reach for it, but Draco quickly pulled it just outside her reach. Hermione wasn't amused. "Malfoy, I'm not in the mood."

He nodded. "Neither am I, in point of fact."

She smirked. "Really? I imagined you never got tired of making my life a living hell."

She felt guilty as soon as the words left her mouth, and instantly wished that she could eat them back again as disappointment registered on Draco's face. No amount of hiding could cover all of the hurt in his eyes. Nodding silently, he held out the book to her, the crimson cover with gold insignia now bright and hurting her eyes. Slowly, she reached out, knowing this time that she'd grasp it without much difficulty.

Putting his feet back on the chair, he gave her a quick salute, folding his hands across his chest and tilting his head back. That was it then.

Hermione turned to leave, but found her feet refused to move. She stopped, her back to him. Slowly, she glanced over her shoulder. Turning fully to face him, she took a silent breath.

"I put the other ones back about the curse... you know, if you wanted to have a look at them."

Draco opened his eyes and looked at her. Pulling his feet off the chair, he stood.

"Show me."

Draco had experienced a lot of dreams in his time, but this one was strange and unusually life-like. As soon as he'd seen Hermione, he knew he'd must have lost it. No way would Hermione be talking to him in the middle of the library. Of course, in his dreams, she'd be cruel and foreboding, sweet to tempt and sour to torture. Here she was nothing but kindness, compassion... she was Hermione. Even when she asked for the book, her true motive for speaking to him, he couldn't help but grin. Sure he was disappointed, but that was Hermione. School first. He'd grinned and given her the book, but not without teasing her first. Every moment, he expected the cruel Hermione to suddenly dominate the dream, but she never came. Draco reveled in the moment.

It was then that the dream started to change. The hard words he'd expected came, a reminder of his past crimes , but remained limited. Almost as an apology, he handed her the book and she took it. Assuming the dream was nearing an end, he lay back, gave a salute as if to say "See you on the other side" and closed his eyes. That was when she spoke again, offering to lead him to the other books. Draco smirked. Being led to Hell by an angel of Heaven? How could he refuse?

He smiled and followed her round the corner and in between the two bookcases. He smiled as she pointed to where the books were, located in a position easy enough for her to peek at him. He smiled and lifted a hand to stroke one of the books.

"Is this it?"

She admitted it was and muttered something about having to get back to work. Draco looked over his shoulder at her, her back leaning against another shelf of books. Slowly, a memory seeped into his brain. He turned and stood in front of her. What the hell. It was a dream after all. What would be the harm?

Gently, he brushed a stubborn strand of hair out of her face. Letting his fingertips gently graze her chin, he smiled. Looking into her eyes, drinking every inch of her face with his eyes, he sighed. "Never have I been so close to heaven as I am in this moment," he whispered. Gently, he brought his mouth down to hers.

Hermione frowned as Draco grazed his hands along the book, smooth and soft. His eyes seemed to contain the faraway look that Hermione had noticed when she'd first woken him up, having mistaken it for sleepiness.

"Is this it?" he asked simply, not a hint of sarcasm present in his voice.

She nodded. "Yes, it is. Now Malfoy, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to work," she said, shifting the book under her arm, leaning back against the bookcase.

She was surprised when he turned to look over his shoulder. Slowly, the look in his eyes began to evolve as he turned fully towards her. Hermione felt her heart speed up as he took a step towards her, his fingers cool against her forehead as he brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. Hermione was about to object and tell him off until his fingers joined under her chin, tilting her head up so he could look at her directly.

Suddenly, a feeling crept over her of warmth and remembrance, almost as though there was a wonderful memory that never was. His eyes traced every corner of her face as she felt herself forgetting to breathe.

"Never have I been so close to heaven as I am in this moment," he whispered. She opened her mouth to respond, but was met only with his. An overbearing feeling and urge came over Hermione. Pushing every sensible thought out of her head, the book sliding from her hands, she gently grabbed the front of his cloak, pulling him closer. His lips were warm against hers as she felt him respond, reaching his arms around her back. She lifted a hand, intended to slide around the back of his neck, when her fingertips grazed the insignia embroidered into the front of his cloak.

The Slytherin snake.

On the robe.

Of Draco Malfoy.

All at once, Hermione felt the fragment of a fictional memory disappear. Suddenly, she felt him pull away, her sudden pushing a second later helping him along. The moment was gone. Hermione quickly darted out of the aisle, sped over to her table, snatched her research and headed out of the library. Not even the roadrunner could have caught her.

Draco stood at the floor for a moment, attempting to register what had happened. That had been one hell of a dream. The artificial taste of her had been too much, and as Draco had attempted to pull away and end the dream for good, Hermione had helped. He looked up and down the aisle, laughing quietly to himself. Sleepwalking is never a good thing. He smiled, but as he tucked in his lips to moisten them, he tasted something.

Strawberry.

Draco stopped for a minute, and quickly glanced down to find the book lying there, the one he'd fallen asleep with on his chest. If he was sleepwalking, how did it get all the way over here?

Suddenly, Draco brought a hand to his lips, leaning back against the bookcase as his legs threatened to give out.

It hadn't been a dream. He'd kissed Hermione.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He cast a quick glance upwards.

"Bollocks," he cursed, quietly. Only the books heard him.

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

"Dealer takes four," Charlie said, frowning and dropping himself four cards on the table. He looked up at Harry.

"Two," Harry responded. Charlie slid two cards gently across the tabletop. He looked at Ron, who didn't answer, but held up three fingers. He tossed three cards Ron's way. Placing the remaining deck in the middle of the table, he slid his cards toward himself and lifted them to his gaze. Two pair. Very nice. Not that it mattered– they weren't bidding on anything in particular. Just their honor and a few suckers (courtesy of Charlie's secret sucker hoard).

Ron folded. Charlie beat Harry with two pairs over one. Collecting up all the cards, he began to pile them up.

"Charlie?"

"Hmm?"

"You okay?"

Charlie looked up at Harry, slightly surprised. "Yeah. Why'd you think I wasn't?"

Harry shrugged. "You just seem.. not Charlie-ish."

"You mean, actually acting normal for a change."

"Well... no, just more like–"

Charlie waved him off with a smile. "Nah, I'm fine. I've just been feeling weird lately. Probably a bug goin' around or something." He finished piling the deck and slid it over to Ron next to him on the left. "Your turn to shuffle."

"Can I play?"

Charlie looked up as Harry glanced over his shoulder. Neville Longbottom was standing in the doorway, one hand against the doorjamb. He wasn't wearing his cloak, something Charlie wasn't used to seeing. He had a t-shirt on that sarcastically declared "Chicks Dig Me", vibrant blue against the black fabric. Charlie smiled.

"I don't know Nev. We're playing for suckers. Think you can roll with those stakes?"

Neville smiled. "I can try."

Charlie nodded. "S'all I needed to hear. Have a seat, my good man."

Neville nodded and took a seat next to Harry, across the table from Charlie. "Never thought I'd see the day when a couple of suckers are playing for suckers."

Charlie smirked. "You stick with us, you'll see a lot of things you never thought you'd see in your lifetime."

Harry looked at Neville as he smiled. He'd changed quite a bit in the last year or so, though the majority of the population wouldn't have noticed. They'd still see him in public as a tripping, self-conscious, nervous klutz. But sitting at the table with the three of them, Neville seemed completely at ease. Comfortable with his surroundings. With Charlie. Harry smiled and glanced at Charlie. Anyone within a mile of Charlie would feel comfortable. He had this positive aura about him that just made everyone relax.

Harry studied Charlie for a moment as he watched Ron shuffle aimlessly, soon attempting to help. Charlie was great at helping other people. But who helped him? Harry knew that there was something more serious than what Charlie said was bothering him. It had taken all this time for Harry to realize that he really did know nothing about Charlie. Nothing about his history anyway. What kind of person he was, sure. But what had happened before Hogwarts? What of his parents? Harry had been told once that those who had been hurt the worst tend to do everything in their power to prevent that from happening to others. They turn out being the most delightful people to be around. Had someone hurt Charlie? Harry frowned.

"Potter? Haroldཀ"

Harry gave a slight jump, noticing that Charlie was staring at him. "What?"

Charlie smirked. "You're staring at me, and although flattering at first, is starting to freak me out."

Harry smiled. "Sorry. Zoned out for a second."

Charlie shrugged and grabbed a sucker from the table, unwrapping it with very little effort. He waved it at Harry. "Not that I can blame you. I mean, I am damn sexy."

Neville looked up. "Speaking of which..."

Charlie looked across the table at him and frowned, the sucker paused in its trip to Charlie's mouth. "Speaking of my sexiness?"

Neville smirked, something Charlie never thought he'd see. "Speaking of things I'll never see in my lifetime, some girl seeing you as sexy being one..."

"Says the boy who's a walking ad for pick-up line t-shirts..."

"... I have something to tell you guys," he said.

Ron dropped his hands holding the cards. "Should I wait until after this before I deal?"

Neville nodded and Ron pulled the deck back towards himself. The hall went quiet for a moment as Neville took a deep breath. "I wasn't sure of the right time to tell you guys this... And whether or not I should tell you guys first or Draco first, or all of you at once. Bottom line is that I didn't know the proper way of handling this. Of how to tell you guys."

Charlie frowned. "Tell us what?"

Neville sighed. "I don't know exactly how it happened, but I didn't really notice it until the other day when Ron and Draco got into a fight during class. Everyone else was kind of expecting it, you know, 'cause you guys are always at each other," he said, casting a glance to Ron. "But then it hit me... why it didn't seem right. It's because..."

He took a deep breath, casting a glance at everyone at the table. "... it's because I remember when you guys were friends... when Hermione and Draco were going out. I remember it all. I remember everything."

Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get

Finally, Charlie was the first one to speak. "What... what do you mean you remember? You can't– the spell wouldn't allow anyone to remember anything."

Neville shrugged. "That's what I couldn't understand. Everyone was giving Draco weird looks for talking to Harry... and nobody knew who you were. It wasn't until class the other day that I thought that I must be going crazy. Or imagining things. And then I saw you guys, the four of you, playing cards here the other night, and I knew that I wasn't going nuts."

"Not yet anyway," Ron threw in. Harry cast him a quick look as Charlie sat deep in thought. There was no way. Relina never made mistakes. How could the spell not have fully worked? Did that mean that Hermione was still in danger? But Neville remembered everything. Then... maybe even Hermione...

"Do you think she remembers anything?" asked Harry suddenly, as though reading Charlie's mind.

Charlie shrugged. "I don't know. But I really think we should talk to D about this. See what he thinks. But it'll wait 'til morning. He needs as much sleep as he can get, and springing this on him before he gets a good dose from Mr. Sandman would jeopardize the safety of everyone at Hogwarts." He finally popped the sucker into his mouth and looked at Neville.

Neville nodded. "I won't say anything without your say-so."

"I appreciate that Nev. Thanks." He clapped his hands and motioned to Ron. "Well, we gonna play cards or what? Let's go."

Recovering his book from his bed where it had been tossed before his quick departure to the poker game, Charlie kicked off his shoes and changed into some comfortable sleep wear and placed the textbook on his desk. Crawling under the covers, he kicked the light off and rolled over onto his side. He frowned at the letter and schedule on his night table and looked for something else in his room to study. Glancing up at the poster on his wall, he smiled. It was a large shot of Times Square in New York at night. He'd taken the picture himself last year or so when he and Draco had gone on a road trip, stopping at a couple choice places here and there. He hadn't wanted to leave New York. There was a magic about it that he wouldn't attempt to simulate for anything. The buzz. The excitement. Something that could never be cast by even one hundred wands.

He smiled and gently pushed the play button again on the CD player. Somehow, the player had managed to play the whole CD and return to the beginning, to the same song Charlie had been listening to when he'd started studying earlier that afternoon. He rolled onto his back, tucking his hands under his head. Taking in a long breath, he sighed, deep and true. He smiled at the ceiling. "Night Old Man," he said, barely above a whisper, "thanks for helping me through another day." Closing his eyes and swallowing the day, he allowed sleep to overtake him without a fight.

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you
Let somebody love you
You better let somebody love you
before it's too late

Author's Note: Words cannot express how sorry I am that it took so long to write this. I was suddenly presented with five different ways of handling the story, and the last thing I want to do is screw this up. So, I worked a little longer on this chapter than I normally would have. Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter from a more Charlie-oriented perspective this time around. And if you haven't heard the song "Desperado" by the Eagles, I would recommend it. It seems to really represent a side of Charlie that we haven't seen before.

And as for the New York poster bit. It's actually kind of funny- I was talking to my younger sister (me minus 4 yrs), and telling her the plots of some other fan fics that I was considering doing. She asked about the Harry Potter fics, and I said "But I don't think I would do another sequel. Maybe an in-between piece or a prequel– like what Charlie and Draco had done the first summer they met. Look a little more at that relationship. They probably went on a road trip and everything." My sister got all excited and she said "Do it!" So whether or not I do, I don't know. But that was why Charlie had that huge poster on his wall. Because they did road trip at one time.

Anyway, my thanks so much on those people who have stuck with me this long! You have NO idea just how much it means to me.

Now, for the traditional Review Song!

Review song "Ready to Fall" by Joey Fatone

And I'm ready to read reviews tonight
Ready to hear if others just might
Might have liked what I've written, and tell me just why
in reviews that I'm ready to read tonight

To My Reviewers: I really really missed doing this, so I'm going to start doing it again– personal thanks for everyone who reviewed the last chapter. For those who reviewed but I didn't get it or it was for one of the earlier chapters, I don't appreciate you any less. Thank you so much to all you wonderful people!

Katatonia- Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I didn't want to make it too sugary, because it would counter with this one. But both Charlie and I appreciate the encouragement, to be sure. Thanks so much for the sweet review! You keep me writing:)

undesidedcaoz- First, love the screen name. That's just beyond cool. Second, thank you so much for the review. I know it took me so long to update last time, and even longer this time around, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that pattern does not continue (at least not for too much longer). Again, thank you for the review! I appreciate itཀ

Sunflower18- ASAP? Well, it's here now! Lol. And although I admit is really wasn't as ASAP as it could have been, the next one will be for sure. I hope, provided that my muse doesn't decide to go anywhere any time soon. Thanks so much for the review!

Draco's Wife Lover- Lol. I'm sorry that the suspense is killing you. My delaying this chapter, I'm sure, didn't help things. I apologize for the delay. And I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter with the four of them. I tried to make it friendly and male-bonding without making it seem... too excessively chummy. I thought cards would be the best way to do that. But thanks so much for the review! They help me learn what works and what doesn'tཀ

firefly50- It's the cookie pixie! Lol. At least, that's what Charlie calls you. He was waiting for more cookies, and when I told him that he couldn't have any until I wrote the chapter. And then you would come and give cookies for the chapter having been written, he got all mad and made me write the rest of the chapter. But I am sorry that it took so long to finish. Hopefully the wait was well worth it. I hope you enjoy it. All the support you've given me through the story has really helped me, and I hope I won't be without it for too long! Thanks so much!

mrs. felton- 27- Thanks so much for the support! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter! I hope you enjoy this one even more! Thanks for the review!

Lyannie- I'm glad you thought that the last chapter was a little sweeter, because I think it's about to go back over into the dark side. One of the challenges that I've placed for myself is to try and make it a little darker. I always write very happy, comedic stuff. I wanted to go more in depth with this fic and a little more dark and morbid. Hopefully not too morbid, or I don't think anyone will stay for the ending. But thank you so much for reviewing. Your constant encouragement is always helping me. :)

Spankee- I promise you that the ending to this fic will be a happy one. Whether or not it's for Hermione and Draco, I refuse to say (but seriously, I didn't work to get them together in the last fic for nothing, huh? So I wouldn't worry.) But thank you so much for the wonderful review! I hope you're enjoying the fic so far, and that you'll like this chapter even more!

AZgirl215- I'm sorry for having you wait for more for such a long duration of time! Obviously, I didn't get this chapter out as fast as I would have liked to have gotten it out, but better late than never, right? Thanks so much for all your encouragement! I hope you like this chapter even more than the last one!

spitfirecracker- I'm so happy you're still around and still finding time to review! Charlie likes having you around, probably on account of your super-cool screen name. He actually tried making a candy by that name with the Weasley brothers... who then decided to try and test it on me. Definitely not the best of results. I'm sorry you're lost in the plot. To be honest, I tend to get a little lost myself. Hopefully I'll get back on track with this chapter and coast clear till the ending. Somewhat coast. At least some of it should be easy... I hope. Anyway, thanks so much for the review! Come back soon!

poztcardz205pean- Thanks so much for sticking around for such an extended length of time! I'm glad you enjoyed both fics (especially this one so far)! I hope also that you enjoy this chapter (I'm always willing to hear from those people who have been around from the beginning as to whether or not my writing seems to be improving from fic to fic.) Thanks so much for the review! Charlie sends his regards and says 'hello!' back. :)

couch-potato01- I'm glad you like the story and the last chapter! Hopefully you'll like this one even more, and then you'll feel the urge to come back and review for me again! Thanks so much for the review! I appreciate the encouragement!

NotreDamegirlie- I'm always overjoyed when I see that you're still here reviewing my stuff. It gives me some hope that my writing just may not be that bad after all! I know what you mean about people who never update. I think that after six months, if the piece hasn't been update, it should be labeled as incomplete. I have a habit of going into the search engine and typing in 'complete', if I'm in the mood for a satisfying read. I like being able to read old stuff from beginning to end. Hopefully, I'll be able to do that with this one too. Anyway, I get long winded. Thank you so much for continuing to review! Your reviews and opinions mean a lot to me.

kelly-the-crazy-girl- Thanks so much for the review girl! I hope you had fun at your grandparent's house (yes, it really has been that long since I've updated. Shame on me!). And I'm glad you picked up on the suggestion that Hermione might be falling for Charlie. Not too many other people noticed, so as you can tell, I suggested it again in this chapter. But I'm sure everything will turn out in the end. Thanks so much for the review! Loyal readers like you keep me writing:)

Nat the Phoenix- No no no, the story's not close to being done yet. It's just that I take such a long time between my chapters that most people give up on me and don't realize that I am still writing it, though it takes me longer than most to update. But I'm glad you like the story so far, and I'm hoping to throw a happy ending in here somewhere before the fic is done. Thanks so much for the review! I appreciate it!

girldevil- Yes, it has been a while, hasn't it. I had no idea that I'd spanned that much time between the chapter before, never mind between this one and the last. But I've updated and I hope I can do it a little more frequently now. Thanks so much for the review! I appreciate it so much!

Black Pearl- Lol. I promise. Eventually, they will be back together... I think. And I'm sorry to disappoint that it wasn't Hermione in the doorway. But don't worry. With your kind of encouragement, I'm sure I can whip up a happy ending for the two of them if I try hard enough. Thank you for the wonderful review!

lyra tavington- I don't mind you addressing me as Al in the slightest. Thank you so much for the kind words. Charlie appreciates the encouragement too. And I know you're depressed about poor Draco, but don't worry. Even though I admit that I made it a little worse here, and unfortunately, it's going to get a LOT worse, it will eventually get better. Kind of in a fanastic fireworks explosion kind of way. No worries. I'll take care of him. Thank you very much for the review! I appreciate itཀ

rani singala- Lol. The shadow knows! And I did update, but I'm sorry it took so long! At least you know who the shadow is now, right? I could have kept that card for a while. But I decided to spill. Thanks so much for the reviewཀ

FoxyFire- First of all, thank you SO much for all your kind words. I really got back down to my writing after your stellar reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed it so far- it means so much to me, and reviews like yours are what keep me writing. And I wouldn't mind becoming a penpal in the slightest. It sounds like a lot of fun, actually. And I hope you mean actual letters too, because I absolutely adore getting mail. Drop me a line and let me know. And thanks so much for getting me back on my feet. You're a fantastic reviewer! Glad I could make you smile.