Disclaimer: Not JK Rowling. No matter how much I want to be. In no way do I claim these characters, however I really enjoy calling Pansy a cow. :)

Letters, Pt II

"What was that?" asked Goyle, wide-eyed.

"That cow, Pansy, won't leave me alone. She keeps asking after a non-existent girlfriend and now, when I'm reporting to my father, she's trying to read over my shoulder!" Draco threw his hands up in annoyance.

"Non-existent girlfriend? Yeah right. You've been spending a lot of time with someone, Malfoy. Give us a hint? Is she cute?" Crabbe was itching for information.

"Seriously, Crabbe, I'm not dating anyone, I've told you before," Draco said defensively. Crabbe mumbled, "Whatever" under his breath.

"You're reporting what to your father?" asked Goyle.

Draco smiled wickedly. He found it easy to deceive his so-called friends and he'd been practicing this explanation in his head. "I'm reporting on Dumbledore. I overheard something interesting after breakfast this morning and I thought the Dark Lord should know."

Crabbe and Goyle looked impressed and nodded their approval. "Nicely done, Malfoy," commented Crabbe, who had already turned his attention back to the chessboard.

"I'm going to the owlrey to send this to my father. You guys want to come with?"

Neither Crabbe nor Goyle answered, they were both immersed in the game again.

Draco rolled his eyes and left the Slytherin common room. Navigating the halls, Draco came upon Hermione and Ron walking from the library. Eavesdropping, Draco heard a very odd conversation, but he knew exactly what they were discussing.

"Maybe we missed something," Ron was saying.

"Ron, we've been through this entire book and there's nothing about the veil," Hermione replied, dejectedly.

Draco turned his head to read the spine of the book Hermione was holding: Unspeakables and the Department of Mysteries. So, they are researching the veil Sirius fell through. He had relived the moment where Sirius fell backward through he veil many times in Harry's mind during 'detention'. The memories were so vivid, Draco felt Harry's sense of loss, and sense of guilt, every time.

"Maybe it's not plain as day. Maybe it's encoded somewhere, like clues that lead to the next book we should read," Ron was thinking out loud.

"You might have something there," Draco said.

Both Gryffindors spun around in surprise,

"Malfoy! Mind your own business. What we're talking about doesn't concern you!" Ron warned.

Hermione didn't say anything, but Draco tried to read her expression. Is that pity? No, not pity. Awe. Maybe. What is that look?

Hermione's stare unnerved Draco, but he continued, "All I'm saying is, the department of mysteries won't come out and say anything plainly. They don't operate like normal people. In their world, two plus two equals a bushel of potatoes. I'm with Ron on this one. What you're looking for may be in that book, but you might have to look at it differently."

"Uh… Thanks, Malfoy." Ron said, a bit stunned at the random showing of support.

Draco nodded, "Anytime, Ron. See you guys later." Draco held Hermione's eye for a moment, and then continued on his way.

Hermione and Ron watched him walk off. "He called me Ron, not Weasley," he whispered. "Do you think there's more to him than we know?"

"I think so. But, let's take another look at this book." Back in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione and Ron sat together at a table. Hermione tapped her wand on the cover of the book.

I, Hermione Granger,

Do solemnly swear

I will guard this book

With all my care.

The secrets inside

Will not be told.

I wish to learn

All the secrets you hold.

After an hour, they were still nowhere. No clues had jumped out at them, and Hermione was yawning. "I'm going to bed."

"You should. You've been looking a little tired lately," said Ron, concerned.

"Gee, thanks," Hermione pretended to be offended, but smiled at Ron.

"You know I'm just worried," Ron countered.

"I know. I was kidding. 'Night, Ron," Hermione answered.

"Good night. Try to get some sleep," Ron turned back to the book in front of him, determined to find some information, but it was fruitless. He sighed and instead pulled out a piece of parchment.

Dear Dad,

I know I probably shouldn't be asking for help, but seeing as you're the only one who could possibly answer this question without raising a large amount of suspicion, I am relying on the truth from you. Tell me if you can, but do not put yourself in jeopardy if you cannot answer what I am about to ask. Also, I think it would be best if we didn't discuss this with Mum. She'd go mental. So here goes. Dad, Hermione and I are researching the veil in the Department of Mysteries. The veil Sirius fell through. Hermione is convinced that there is a way back from "the other side", wherever that is. We have a copy of Unspeakables and the Department of Mysteries but cannot determine anything from it. It's like reading Greek. Nothing in it makes any sense. We were told to try to look at it from a different perspective, as if the information was hidden. This suggestion came from Malfoy, no less. But, I still am at square one. Is there any information you are able to give that would help? Please reply. If you are unable to mention anything, just let me know how you are doing. Don't tell Fred and George as they'd make fun, but I miss you and Mum. Take care of yourself.

Your loving son,

Ron

On her way up to the girls' dormitory, Hermione waved at Ginny who was curled up on the couch studying Advanced Potions. Ginny was on the Auror-track like Ron. Molly was so proud. She was constantly talking about her two 'Aurors-in-training'.

Before bed, Hermione put a silencing charm on herself, just in case. It had been a few weeks since the last nightmare, but she still didn't want to wake up the entire house.

When Ginny came upstairs later, Hermione was tossing and turning in her bed. She sat up quickly, her mouth open in a silent scream with pain in her face.

Ginny jumped in surprise. She looked at Hermione who was trying to catch her breath. Hermione mouthed, "I'm okay," but Ginny simply walked to her trunk and pulled out a small vial of smokey liquid. She handed it to Hermione. "It's a sleeping draught. Not more nightmares tonight."

"Thanks," mouthed Hermione. She downed it in one gulp. Within minutes, she was in a peaceful sleep, and there was no pain in her features. Ginny looked at the clock – one-thirty AM. She decided that she couldn't wait any longer.

Instead of changing into her nightgown, Ginny pulled on her robes, and left the tower. "Lumos!" She kept her wand low, so she wouldn't disturb the portraits in the hall. She moved slowly, in the hopes that she wouldn't make any noise and wouldn't draw any unwanted attention. Once she reached the entry hall, she found the small doorway to the right of the closed great doors. The small door creaked open and Ginny turned quickly to look behind her, but no one was there to see her escape to the grounds.

Once outside, she ran full speed toward the lake, and Hagrid's hut. He had to be there. He had to. She needed to tell him.

Passing Hagrid's hut, she climbed the large rocks that lined the lake. "Harry!" Ginny whispered loudly. "Harry? Are you here?"

"Ginny? What are you doing here?" Harry emerged from the shadows. "Put your wand out before anyone in the castle sees us. You should know better than to have your wand lit when out on the grounds at night!"

"Nox!" Ginny commanded.

She looked at Harry. Even in the darkness, he could see she was worried.

"Harry? I need your help."

A/N: I love you guys and your reviews! Thanks so much!

Karone-sakura: Of course you should email me! My email is available on my profile. (What's it like to actually finish a story? This one seems to be taking me forever, and there's still so much more I want to say!)

Philly Cheese Steak: I know! I found that post-publish and I decided I didn't need to re-post.Did you find the other mistake? (chapter 8 Reactions - Ginny says there were 5 people gallivanting across England when actually there were 6). Frustrates me to no end. I don't like making mistakes.:)

Miss Extraordinary: Hug back! I wouldn't say 'far-fetched', we all have certain things we want to happen:) Is it wrong to enjoy beating up on Pansy this much?

IcebreakersKiss: Thanks! I know Draco's threat was a bit... um, harsh? but it's there to set up another scene later in which Draco reacts a little differently. Besides, I love beating up on Pansy. (the cow) ha!

Then Kat Said: thanks! Hope you like this chappie!

Festis! More? why sure... and Thanks!

Elemental Dragon: Thanks! I'm not sure what you mean by 'action', I'm not so good at the rated R stuff, but there is some interaction coming up. In fact I just started a chappie that they have a darn good row ...