A/N: Okay, I know I have put off writing for way too long, and I am so sorry for the wait guys. Everything just got hectic when school started and I figured I would update when I came home on certain weekends, but my computer was attacked by viruses, and is now up and running. I have plenty more excuses but I figure you guys don't care to hear them; you just want the next chapter.

For all those of you who reviewed, thank you so much, they actually motivated me to write, even if I couldn't post. I finally figured out how this story is going to go, and there will be a sequel. In all honesty, this story is gonna take me a while to complete so if you wanna hang in there, then great, and I will work on getting updates up more often.

Okay on with the story, and I am sorry if it feels weird with the start up, but I haven't written for 5 months so I am kind of rusty. Just bear with me, thanks so much guys.

On with the chapter!

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CHAPTER 16

"What is going on here!" yelled an angered Professor Snape. He and Professor McGonagall were passing through the halls when they heard an ear-pitching scream and both ran to where they heard the noise and came across a crying Hermione within Draco's arms.

Everyone just stood in silence not answering Snape. Not only were Harry, Ron, and the rest of their group present, many students who heard the scream came to see what had happened.

McGonagall finally decided the silence (except for Hermione's sobs) was enough.

"Miss Miller, Mr. Longbottom, please escort everyone out of here. Professor Snape and I will see to Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger."

Sam and Neville quickly herded all the students out of the entrance way and left Snape and McGonagall with the two six-year olds.

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While all the commotion was going on around them, Draco and Hermione were unaware of it. Draco was just trying to get Hermione to talk to him.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

When he got no answer he became worried. He wanted to think about why he was so worried at the moment. His brain was telling him that he didn't hate Hermione anymore, however, he didn't want to believe that and finally decided he was just trying to get Hermione back so he could have someone to play with. Finally Draco asked if she was okay again.

"What was it?" asked Hermione.

However, before Draco could answer, Snape and McGonagall interrupted them.

"Hermione?" asked McGonagall. "Hermione, are you ok?"

Hermione, realizing that she was in Draco's arms and crying, decided she needed to shape up before Draco could tease her even more. Putting on her bravest face she nodded yes to McGonagall. However, once she tried to move, she realized Draco's arms were still around her waist. She turned and smiled at him, hoping he would get the hint.

Draco wasn't sure what was going, Hermione was smiling at him, and it wasn't evil or sinister in any way. However, as he was trying to figure out what was going on, he felt Hermione move in his arms. Then it all clicked and he released her, however, once she left his arms he wished she would come back.

"Miss Granger," said Snape. "Could you please tell me why you screamed?"

Before Hermione could answer, Nearly Headless Nick came floating in the room. He was unaware that no one was supposed to be in there.

Snape was about to tell Nearly Headless Nick to go away when he heard Hermione whisper, "That."

He and McGonagall turned to see Hermione trembling. Draco also noticed this and was debating about hugging Hermione again, but the decision was decided for him when Hermione stepped towards Nearly Headless Nick and away from his reach.

"You don't seem as mean as the other one," mumbled Hermione, more to herself than anyone else.

"What do you mean Hermione?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"There was another one and when Draco and I came in, I got scared. He then flew up to us and scared me even more," explained Hermione

"Do you know the name of the ghost that did that to you?" asked McGonagall.

Hermione just shook her head, however, Draco decided to speak up.

"He had said that Peeves succeeds again."

"Ah, so Peeves did this," stated Nearly Headless Nick. With that, Nearly Headless Nick left the room to find the Bloody Baron and inform him of what happened.

After Nearly Headless Nick left the room, Hermione started to calm down. She turned with questioning eyes to Snape and McGonagall.

"Ghosts exist?" she asked.

Snape just cleared his throat not sure how to answer. McGonagall was thinking of the best approach when Draco answered for her. "Of course they do."

"Oh, okay," answered Hermione.

The two six year olds then stared at Snape and McGonagall. Finally Draco asked if it was time for dinner. Snape replied yes, and the four then headed to the Great hall for dinner.

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Dinner passed uneventfully for Draco and Hermione. They were quickly seated and quickly taken away before anyone could talk to them. Except of course for Neville and Sam, who had been cautious not to mention ghosts. They had been informed of what happened before they had sat down for dinner.

Now that they had both eaten dinner, Draco and Hermione were happily playing in their room with the supervision of Pokey and Poy. While they were playing though, Draco kept wondering if he still hated Hermione.

'She is nicer now' he argued with himself.

'But that doesn't mean she won't turn mean again,' fought the other side.

After arguing with himself throughout the whole game of Candyland, which he had lost, he decided he didn't hate Hermione anymore, however, he didn't like her too much either.

After during the second game of Candyland, he decided he liked Hermione as a playmate and decided his actions earlier were justified. He was only trying to help his only playmate. With that thought, Draco continued his game of Candyland, in which he won.

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While Hermione and Draco were play Candyland, students in other parts of the castle, more importantly the girls' dormitory in Gryffindor Tower, were planning and plotting.

"So, do you think this will work?" asked Parvati.

"If we can talk to McGonagall and not Snape then we should be fine," answered Ginny.

"Well then let's go," replied Lavender.

Quietly, as to not notify the boys, the three Gryffindors left the common room and walked to McGonagall's office.

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"And do you care to tell me, why this possession was not with Hermione's other stuff?" asked Professor McGonagall. She didn't believe that the three Gryffindors in front of her would lie, but she had to make sure, in order to protect Hermione and Draco.

"She let me borrow it the night before for a muggle studies project," answered Ginny.

McGonagall realized that the story fit, since students were asked to do reports on certain muggle items. "Very well. And what would you like me to do with this item?"

"We were hoping you could give it to Draco to give to Hermione," answered Ginny.

"And why should I not just give it to Miss Granger myself?" questioned McGonagall.

"Well, we noticed that Hermione and Draco's relationship was kind of shaky and we were hoping that if Draco gave Hermione this, then it would strengthen their bond," replied Parvati.

Lavender then giggled thinking of what would happen if seventeen-year old Hermione new what they were doing.

McGonagall finally realized what the girls were doing and decided to humor them. "Very well. Although I do not totally approve of your means, I do understand what you are trying to do."

"Thank you, Professor," said all three girls with smiles threatening to swallow up their whole faces.

"However, if Hermione is angry at this action, I am going to tell her exactly what is happening here right now, and will let her deal with you as she pleases," replied McGonagall.

All three girls nodded their head in understanding.

"Very well," continued McGonagall. "I will make sure Mr. Malfoy gets this item and I will also hint at him to nicely give it to Hermione."

The three girls then said their thank yous and left with bright smiles on their faces.

After the three girls left, McGonagall picked up the gift and shook her head. She could just picture how Hermione would act if she were 17, but since she was 6, McGonagall was interested in the reaction. She knew that Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati were trying to pair up Hermione and Draco, and all though she didn't totally approve, she was still a romantic at heart and thought the idea cute and would therefore indulge the girls. Besides, she figured that if they got along now, when they were finally restored to their seventeen-year old selves, their relationship might improve.

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That night, McGonagall told Snape that she would see to it, that Draco and Hermione were put to sleep. When she went into the room, she found the two happily playing Candyland.

"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, it is time to get ready for bed," she said.

Hermione and Draco looked up at her, hoping to sway her idea with their puppy dog face, however McGonagall was not to be swayed. She quickly put on her, I-really-mean-it-and-there-is-no-room-for-argument face. Both children then sighed and got ready for bed. After Draco finished in the bathroom, Hermione went in and shut the door. McGonagall then quickly called Draco over.

"Yes ma'am?" replied Draco.

"I have something for Miss Granger, however I need to leave. Can you please give it to her for me?" asked McGonagall.

Draco simply nodded his head. Professor McGonagall then handed Draco the item Ginny had handed her earlier that evening.

McGonagall then whispered to Draco that he could give it to Hermione to make her feel better for the ghost incident. Draco then grinned and nodded at McGonagall. At first he didn't care too much for the lady, but since she was helping him, Draco decided he liked her a lot more. She then hinted that Draco hide it until he was ready to give it to her. Draco then quickly hid the item under his bed, hoping Hermione wouldn't see it till he was ready to give it to her.

As Draco finished under his bed, Hermione came out of the bathroom. She looked at Draco, curiosity evident in her eyes, however he just shrugged his shoulder. Hermione then went on with her getting ready for bed routine without second thoughts.

McGonagall quickly bid the two goodnight, making sure to wink at Draco, who in turn smiled back. She then walked out of the room.

The two children then said good night to each other and got ready for bed.

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"Why are you girls all giggly and smiley?" question Ron.

"Oh nothing," replied Lavender, a blush evident on her cheeks.

Harry just shook his head. "Ron, it is probably stuff you don't want to get involved in."

"Yea, Harry's right," answered Ginny, glad that Harry had thrown in that excuse. She hated lying to Ron, but knew better than to tell him of their plans for Hermione and Draco.

"So what exactly made Hermione scream?" asked Seamus.

"She apparently was scared by Peeves," answered Neville. He had somewhat informed them of what had happened, however Seamus was in detention and had missed the explanation.

"Oh ok."

Everyone just sat in the common room in silence watching Ron beat Dean, before, Parvati and Luna came in.

"Where have you been?" question Lavender.

"I was informing Luna, of the latest gossip," replied Parvati with a wink. They had decided to refer to their plan as gossip so the boys wouldn't get to suspicious.

"Oh ok," answered Ginny. Then to Luna she asked, "What did you think of it?"

"I think it was some of the best gossip ever," said Luna.

The four girls then giggled, while the boys just shrugged.

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Meanwhile, back in Draco and Hermione's dormitory, Hermione was having a hard time going to sleep.

"Draco," she whispered. When she got no answer she said it a little louder.

"Yea?" replied Draco.

"I can't sleep."

"Well I can." Draco then rolled back over as to prove his point, even though Hermione couldn't see him.

"Draco, don't go to sleep while I am still up!" begged Hermione.

"And why not?"

Hermione was silent trying to think of something, anything to make Draco stay up with her.

"Um, because it is rude too."

"No, it's not."

Silence then raked the room, until Hermione spoke again.

"Draco, I'm scared."

"Scared of what?" asked Draco, rolling over to face Hermione.

"Of ghosts."

"Huh? What are you talking about, ghosts are nice," answered Draco. He wasn't too sure about his statement, but he was trying to look brave and hopefully make Hermione be quiet so he could go back to bed.

"What about that one earlier," questioned Hermione.

"He was probably just in a bad mood."

"But what if he comes back?"

"I dunno."

There was then silence, before Hermione started speaking again.

"Do you think my grandma is a ghost?"

"How should I know?"

"You knew ghosts existed," retorted Hermione.

"Well I dunno how they become ghosts, I just know they can."

"Oh, okay."

After that answer, Draco rolled over to go to sleep, however, Hermione quickly got his attention again by calling his name. Draco then groaned and decided he had enough of Hermione's questions, and started to ignore her. However, Hermione quickly called his name again.

Hermione, realizing, she wasn't going to get an answer, rolled over with a sigh and tried to go to sleep.

Draco, feeling somewhat bad for ignoring Hermione, rolled back over to see if she was up. He couldn't tell, but then he remembered what McGonagall gave him. He silently got out of bed, got his "gift" out, and walked to Hermione's bed. He then tapped her on the shoulder and Hermione screamed.

"Why'd you scare me?" questioned an angry, yet scared Hermione.

"I didn't mean too," answered Draco defensively.

"What do you want then? I thought you were gonna just sleep while I was up."

"I got you something."

"You did?!" squealed Hermione. She absolutely loved gifts.

Draco then turned on the light and handed Hermione her gift.

"Draco! Where did you get this!" cried an ecstatic Hermione.

Draco decided lying was better than telling Hermione it was really from McGonagall. After all he was born a Slytherin.

"I found it under my bed and figured you would want it more than me."

"It's perfect! It's the bestest gift anyone has ever given me!" (A/N: I know bestest is not a word, but I hear kids use it all the time, so I added it.)

Draco's grin grew into a smile at that comment and he felt proud of himself that he could make Hermione so happy. Hermione then got out of bed and gave Draco a hug. And once again Draco was confused as to what to do, but decided hugging her back was best.

Hermione then got back into bed with her gift from Draco. But as Draco was walking towards his bed, Hermione called his name.

"Yea?" answered Draco, turning around to look at Hermione.

"Will you sleep with me in my bed tonight? Just so the ghosts and monsters stay away?" pleaded Hermione.

Draco thought about it a moment, and decided there was no harm in doing that. So he quickly grabbed his pillow and favorite blanket and went to Hermione's bed. Hermione scooted over and the two laid together quickly falling asleep. Draco could never remember ever feeling so happy before going to bed, which made him relax and feel at peace with himself. A feeling which he was coming to really like.

Hermione, on the other hand, was feeling safe from the monsters and ghosts. After all, she had Draco protecting her on one side, and her precious teddy bear on the other.

Before she fell asleep though, she called Draco's name.

"Yea?" replied a groggy Draco. He was almost asleep.

"Thank you for getting me my teddy bear."

"You're welcome."

After another moment of silence, Hermione spoke again.

"Draco."

Draco was now considering the whole sleeping with Hermione idea as bad.

"Yea?"

"You're the bestest friend I've ever had."

With that Hermione snuggled into her bear and Draco and was instantly asleep. Draco on the other hand stayed awake. He never had a best friend before, but he decided having Hermione as a best friend, was the best idea he had ever had. He then scotted closer to Hermione and fell asleep withasmilenoticable on his six-year old face.

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END OF CHAPTER 16

Okay a nice long chapter to make up for my slacking off earlier, which I am really sorry about. Anyways, I am gonna try to update some more before I go back to school, but I do have another story I am working on (A Pirate's Story- please read that too if you are bored). However, once I am back at school, updates will be rare.

Anyways, thank you all for sticking through this and reviewing my story. I still plan to finish it and so far plan on this story maybe being around 25-30 chapters, with the sequel being about 15-I'm not too sure on that one though, I haven't totally planned it out.

Well, as always, thank you all for reading and reviewing, and if you have any comments please review and tell me. I'm not sure what you will think of this chapter, I just tried to get back into the groove of writing. I was gonna try and add some Blaise and Pansy, but I couldn't find a good spot, with a good conversation to add, and I rather have it come naturally then force it, but I was a little disappointed because I luv writing those two characters and their interactions.

Anyways, read and review please.