Shadowed Past - Maybe the idea is overused, I suppose, but that doesn't mean my story will end as the others do. Oh, and of course Hermione would come around, she was just shocked. This chapter was supposed to clear things up. Although Ron is still upset.

anyways... here is the next chapter! Hope you like.

The young Malfoy clasped his hands behind his back as he strode through the dungeons to visit Professor Snape. His black and green robes fluttered behind him as he quickened his step, feeling eyes on him, watching every move. It seemed that ever since the Slytherins found out, they either stared in awe, or hissed in disgust. Draco still didn't have a clue as to why it mattered so much, yet he kept his mouth shut. With a swift knock upon an almost hidden door in the shadows, he raised his gaze from the floor and waited. After a beat the door creaked open, and Severus Snape looked through the crack. After realizing it was his most beloved student, he opened it fully and beckoned Draco in.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"Yes, yes. Come in, and take a sit, please." Snape gestured towards a velvet, soft looking emerald couch. Draco nodded and did as he was told, never taking his eyes off of the Professor.

"Well?"

"I was wondering about your well-being, Draco. You know how close I've been to the Malfoy family, and I wish to do anything and everything to keep you safe if you feel you need it. Lucius would kill me anyways if anything were to happen to you." Snape smirked, and Draco smiled to himself slightly. It was always odd to be with Severus alone without other students around, because his behavior changed so drastically. Then again, it could just be because Draco was like a son to him.

"Do you think I need, eh… extra precautions for safety and comfort?" The blonde said with an expression of question on his face.

"You would know better than I. But I have noticed a few changes ever since your 'news' was spread throughout the Slytherin House. I was just wondering if it was getting hard to stay in the same dormitory, spending time in the common room, sitting with the Slytherins for meals in the Great Hall…" Draco shrugged slightly.

"Mmm, well, I suppose certain things like a personal room would be nice, but I am not sure if it is necessary just yet. But I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry… Plus, it is getting hard to tolerate those incredibly dense want-to-be death eaters," Draco snarled quietly, and looked down. It was hard to lose the friends he once treasured dearly. He never acted like it, and he sure as hell didn't want anyone to know, but he took comfort in having so many friends – it made him feel accepted. Ever since he was a little child he had just wanted to be the best, always wanted to impress his father, but it was rare Lucius ever showed interest or gave praise to Draco, so he sought it out at Hogwarts. Now with everyone seeming to abandon him, he felt unsure of what to do or how to feel. He also felt quite dependent on that damn famous Gryffindor… 'If only he knew he could break me completely at this point,' Draco thought.

"I will make sure a room is set up promptly. As for your meals, feel free to still eat in the Great Hall during those specific times, if you like. Though, also keep in mind, the house elves in the kitchen would not hesitate to feed you earlier or later." Snape studied the boy, then looked away and stood up. Draco felt slightly shocked at his Professors concern and helpfulness, but he had always known if the time came Severus would do anything for him.

"You may leave if you like." Draco nodded, and without another word he exited the dimly lit room.

Hermione Granger peered around a corner down a corridor where Harry Potter walked. She watched him, and felt slightly odd at the fact she had been following him, yet she felt guilty and needed to speak to him. His black hair looked even more unruly – if that was possible, and he ran a hand through it. He was headed toward the kitchens, Hermione figured, since she did not see him at dinner, and it was late. She tiptoed around the corner, moving swiftly but quietly as he disappeared behind a door.

Harry's eyelids felt heavy and his stomach was full as he left the kitchen. Dobby had been kind enough to make him a sandwich and dessert, but he had forced the Gryffindor to eat so much, he felt he was ready to explode. Harry pushed opened the door, and yelped in surprise when he heard a voice.

"Hello, Harry." Hermione stood maybe a foot away from him, fidgeting with her feminine hands. Harry could tell she felt awkward, but he was too tired to try and act nice.

"Yes?" He sounded exasperated and Hermione cringed slightly.

"I wanted to talk to you, if you don't mind, that is." She tried to smile sweetly, but it went unnoticed as Harry leaned against a cold stone wall.

"Talk."

"Er… okay then," Hermione bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "When you told me, I was completely shocked. It was so unexpected to have my best friend admit to me that he was gay, I never would have imagined. You… with all those girls… it was hard enough to have a crush on you in past years here, watching you with all the different girls, being promiscuous and such." Hermione's cheeks flushed at her confession, but she continued as Harry's eyes grew wider. "So, when you told me you were seeing another male, I naturally felt angered and irrational. I said certain things I wish I hadn't, really. I am quite sorry. In fact, I have been doing some reading on the homosexual culture, trying to find out more -," Harry cut her off from rambling, knowing she'd just end up embarrassing herself even more if she continued.

"Hermione!" He laughed, and she smiled shyly at him.

"It's all right, 'Mione. I'm glad you came around.." Harry looked up at her, hope and something unknown clearly evident in his eyes, and Hermione fought the urge to hug him.

"Of course I did, you know I love you. Ron does, too… He does, Harry. He's just still being… irrational. I've tried talking to him about it, today in fact, but he just gets infuriated. I'm not sure if anything I do will change his mind," Hermione frowned sympathetically, but Harry shook his head.

"It's all right, I know how stubborn he can be. I'm just glad I have you." He gave a quick smile, but returned to being somber.

"It seems as if Draco isn't as lucky as I am, though. I've noticed none of his old friends have started talking to him again. I haven't even talked to him… I feel guilty."

"Oh," Hermione chuckled, "no need to worry! I had a discussion with him earlier. He was wary of me at first, but it seems he is so desperate for friendship that he gave in." She gave a crooked smile as Harry gasped.

"What!"

earlier

As Draco stepped out of Professor Snape's room, he felt another's presence and his head shot up. When he saw it was the filthy mudblood, his eyes narrowed.

"What do you want?" He spat, yet she was undeterred.

"To speak with you, of course."

"Wait, how did you know I was here, anyways?" Draco straightened up, standing at his full height, yet he relaxed a slight bit.

"I watched you from over there," Hermione pointed, "as you stood around after Potions. It took you twenty minutes to actually go to Snape's room, you took forever. I was tired of waiting, but I did anyways." Hermione simply smiled while Draco seemed confused.

"Why did you want to talk to me?"

"I need you." Noticing his shocked look, Hermione quickly added (while blushing furiously),

"As a friend! I would like if we could put our past behind us. I've noticed you've been alone a lot, lately, and -,"

"No I haven't." Draco scowled and lied; being the full Malfoy that he was and tried to keep up appearances.

"Oh don't be foolish, Malfoy. Anyways, I do not think it is healthy for one to be alone, without friends. So I wanted to see if we could start out again." Hermione inwardly cringed at her own words, and took a deep breath. Truth was, she did not want to be doing this, but she also later was going to visit Harry, and she needed to befriend both. 'I hate to see Harry unhappy, and I know what would cheer him up,' she thought while she studied Draco's face. He really was quite the attractive boy; sharp features and piercing gray eyes, light skin and hair almost as pale. He stood at maybe 5'11", and had filled out quite nicely over the summer vacation.

Draco said nothing, but smirked at Hermione. He put out his hand, and she gladly shook it. The last thing he wanted to do was become friends with a mudblood, but maybe he could benefit from it… 'Harry.' The name repeated itself inside Draco's head, and he knew he couldn't ignore Harry much longer.

Present

Draco pondered the day's earlier events; particularly his interesting conversation with the know-it-all, Hermione Granger. It had shocked him to have her randomly do that, but he needed someone to talk to. He felt as if a pressure was lifted just a bit off his shoulders – not much, but enough to give him relief for a few days maybe. Although he knew what would make all his depression fade away…

Draco shook his head as he took two steps at a time up stairs. He was headed towards a spot he used to visit often in his first two years to think, and escape the crowds that always surrounded him. He slowly forgot about it, but recently he remembered the peace he got from it before. It was always nice to go somewhere secluded when you needed to think, especially if you were worried or troubled.

He took out his wand and muttered 'Lumos' under his breath, illuminating the narrow corridor, which led to a single window. He pushed open the window and the cool breeze stung his cheeks, but he embraced the feeling. With a sigh he looked down, and was pleased to see the old ladder was still there. Draco brushed blonde strands of hair from his eyes as he lowered himself down and onto the ladder.

"Do you think he's going somewhere in particular?" One voice whispered.

"Why does it matter? We're only here to complete a task." Another whispered back, irritated.

"Fine, fine."

Draco was oblivious to the prying eyes and whispering voices as he let his fingertips brush against blades of grass. This moment would be perfect if… 'If Harry was with me,' Draco thought to himself as bright green eyes flashed in his mind. The boy was truly, truly beautiful. Draco could honestly start to care for –

"Now!" The male whispered fiercely.

Draco felt a sharp pain start in his lower back, and rapidly spread through his arms, and down his legs. At first it was a tingling sensation, which quickly turned into a deep burning as if he had fallen into a great blaze. The Slytherin choked as he dropped to his knees, and he squeezed his eyes shut as he felt poison running through his veins. Coursing through every inch, every part of his body… his breathing stopped as he fell to the cold ground, eyes open and filled with anguish.

"Perfect aim, sir," The girl leaned and kissed the older man. He smirked and whispered a simple 'thank you.'