Chapter 9

"Wh…where am I?" Hermione groaned as she sat up, and rubbed her face. She looked around, and couldn't register where she was.

She looked to her lap, and saw a silk blood red sheet covering her. She was wearing nothing but a hospital gown and fisted the sheets on her knees. With her knees against her chest, she hugged them and looked around again. The bed was a large, four poster bed with dark mahogany wooden pillars, and black drapes that veiled her from the rest of the room. Where am I? I can't remember being here before…all I remember is…

She gasped and her eyes grew wide.

She remembered falling to the ground and seeing Malfoy and his flunkies stood over her. Then…

He came…

"I'll deal with you later."

that is what he said to her. She then thought it was best to use Malfoy as a distraction and crawl away…only to hear him chuckle and say, "Speaking of running away…" then when she heard him come towards her, she bolted on her feet and up the stairs. the only thing that slowed her down, was the enchanted staircase.

Flash back.

Her heart was pounding, her breaths were laboured and her feet screamed for her to stop and rest. But she wouldn't.

She jumped onto a staircase before it swung away from the lower floor. Trying to get her breath back, she clung to the side rail and looked down to her pursuer. And sure enough, Draco and his black shroud of robes were there. She yelped as he jumped feet into the air, and onto a stair case beneath her.

"Why do you run? Can you not see it is futile to run?" he chuckled, loving this little game of cat and mouse. Hermione didn't answer and started to run to the top of the stairs. Luckily, it connected with the next floor as she reached the top step, and she continued to run towards transfiguration. If she could only get to Professor McGonagall, she would be safe. She decided right there and then, she would tell her head of house everything and make Malfoy or someone else show him around. Surely when Dumbledore learned how terrified she was of him, he wouldn't force her accompany him.

As she skidded around another corner, she saw the long hallway to the transfiguration classroom. She felt her heart leap as the feeling of victory flooded through her.

She was almost there.

Almost safe.

Just…a…little…farther…

Until Peeves floated in front of her.

"Peeves! Quick! Move out of my way! Please!" she begged and kept looking over her shoulder. He wasn't there.

Yet.

"Why if it isn't little Potty's friend."

"Please Peeves. Please let me pass."

"By all means." He mock bowed and waited for her to get closer to him. He then gave her a hard push and she went hurtling forward. Now if this was a normal situation, and not a Peeves situation, Hermione would have dug her heels down and stopped herself. But this was a Peeves situation and no matter what she tried, she couldn't stop herself. It appeared, that the 'helpful' poltergeist had covered the entire floor with a thick layer of smooth, blue slime. So as her momentum continued to build, she screamed and closed her eyes.

Draco came around the corner, ready to pull a wise creak…until he saw her.

"HERMIONE!" he roared and jumped up, clawing at the wall.

"What the!" Peeves watched as the black clad student crawled along the wall at such a rate, it was inhuman. He soon became a blur of black as he jumped off the wall, into a sprint after Hermione as the door to the class room opened.

But she didn't see or hear him come after her. All Hermione saw was her teacher call to her, side step, and the scenery of the school before her. Upon seeing the thousands of feet drop, she felt her world go black, fainting almost immediately after falling out the window.

End Flash back.

The last thing she could remember after that, was the sight of the floor and feeling her ears ring with her scream.

Then darkness.

How did I get from falling to me death, to in a bed? Her fingertips ran over the sheet by her sides, her knees still to her chest. It is a nice bed…so soft…but that doesn't tell me how I got here, where here is, or who this bed belongs to. She shuddered as she tried to think who it could belong to. She had to be at Hogwarts, she knew that. The school crest was etched into the wood of one of the pillars. And all the students, had dorm rooms, and this was certainly no dormitory.

So it either belonged to a teacher, or the only other head student. The head boy.

Draco Malfoy.

She shuck her head and closed her eyes. Don't be absurd Hermione. How could you be in Malfoy's room? Besides, the colours are all wrong. There isn't any green for Slytherin. So am I in a teacher's room? She thought for a moment, and then shuck her head again. No. if one of the professors had found me, I would be in the infirmary with madam Pomfrey tending to me. Hermione took a deep breath and looked to her right. To her right was closest to the black veil. As she reached for it, she spoke aloud. "Then there leaves the question, who's room will I see behind this veil?" she paused, before feeling the smooth silk of the veil in her hands. "Only one way to find out." And she yanked it back, as if afraid of doing it too slowly. She had her eyes shut from fear, but after nothing jumped out at her, she slowly opened her eyes. The floor was as blood red as the bed, as was the furniture (with the same dark mahogany as the bed), black walls with lots of portraits on the walls. The frames were a brilliant gold, and the portraits all held a different breed of dragon. The first one she saw, she remembered all too well. It was a raging, fire spiting Hungarian horntail. Then another, a Chinese fire ball, flying in the air. Hermione stepped off the bed, wrapping her arms around herself, and entrapped by the moving, magnificent pictures. She thought they were windows into a dragon breeding ground, but knew better. She found another one as she ventured nearer to a dark desk. There was a large Welsh Green bathing in a lagoon with her young all around her. Water sprayed everywhere as she cleaned her pups, some rolling around in the dirt. Hermione chuckled and stroked the frame lovingly. Her soft, warm smile didn't leave her as she explored the room even more. There were various other dragon portraits, but she planned to look at them later. Right now, she looked down at the desk. Everything was immaculately in place. The quills in the quill holder to the right, all the parchment in organised piles to the left, and a large black leather book in the centre of the desk. There was a golden seal on the front. It was a large fire with two dragon heads in the centre, with their tails making a ribbon effect beneath the fire. One she recognised from the tail alone, a horntail. The second, she had to look closer to distinguish as a Welsh green. "Whoever's room this is, they sure love dragons." She chuckled and curiosity made her open the book's first page. She then pulled the dark mahogany and blood red chair up to the desk, and read.

But it was plain.

Until she traced her hand over it.

Then ink writing of the neatest style she had ever seen, seeped through onto the pages. At first, alarm bells rang. This was too much like what Ginny told her of Tom Riddle's dairy. She was tempted to just close the book and leave…but she didn't. Her Gryffindor adventurous and bravery made her look at the thick black words, and read.

Welcome to whomever has found this book. I welcome you.

Ok, that sounds way too much like what Ginny said Tom said though his diary.

Do not be rude, I am talking to you. She blinked. Did it want her to reply? Oh no, she wasn't that stupid.

"No way. I'm not biting." She said defiantly. "This book isn't even mine." But she glanced down again.

It is your choice. It is just long since I have had a decent conversation, and you give off an intelligent aura.

She raised a brow. And then gave in. she wrote on the paper, and the words sank into the sheets. She knew this would come back and bite her in the ass. But…

How long has it been since someone has spoke with you?

Ah, at last. I feared you would not be answering me this century. It has been a long time. Too long. And whom may I be having the pleasure of speaking with?

Someone.

Ah, cautious are we? Fear not. For this is not a piece of dark magic tied by the memory of a fowl minded brute.

You know about the diary of Tom riddle? She couldn't believe this.

Indeed. I know of everything that has happened it his school. I have been here log enough. Albus has kept me well informed.

Albus? As in Albus Dumbledore? The headmaster.

The very one. May I ask, are you my new owner? I was told I would be changing hands soon. But I fear that my new master has yet to converse with me.

Well…don't think I am your master. No, I'm not I mean. You belong to someone though…you are on a desk in someone's room.

In someone's room?

That's right. I don't know whose room this is, I just woke up here.

Then am I safe to assume, that you are alone?

Yes…why?

Because whom ever was supposed to be responsible for me, has decided to neglect me. and so I choose you as my new master. Or is it mistress?

I'm a girl but. But before she could finish her sentence, the book snapped shut, and she was staring at the dual dragon emblem. She widened her eyes as her hand was sucked onto the book cover. She tried to pull it back and struggled for a few moments. She looked in awe at the cover, as the dragons had gone. In its place, was a large white dove in a heart. Definitely more feminine. The book them flew open, and not only were the pages now pink, but the ink was now red.

Much better. Now Miss Granger, where were we. She squealed and jumped up.

"How did you know my name!" she then waited for a response, before hitting her face with her hand. I need to write my reply, not speak it. She thought.

How did you know my name?

You are my Mistress now. It is my business to know your name. now come, what troubles you? How has your day been? Hermione knitted her eyebrows together, looking sceptically at the book. Come now dear, I am hardly going to make you go walk abouts now am I? you can take me to dear Albus and ask him to tell you I am safe if you wish.

You have certainly started to come across more, how should I say it, feminine?

I have changed to suit you, my new owner. So will you trust me now? Or would you like me to connect you to Albus?

She raised a brow at that.

I'm sorry, connect?

I am one of a pair. The other belongs to Albus himself. Would you like me to connect you? Or would you rather speak with him in person?

In person, if you don't mind.

Very Well. Now tell me, how has your day been? Or tell me a little about yourself.

I am a student here at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, and am the head girl of Gryffindor. My name is Hermione Granger, and I have no idea why I just told you all that.

Well, I am the book of concern, one of a pair, and my brother is in the care of the headmaster of this school. We used to have to be in separate draws when we were together. We used to bicker something terrible you know.

I wouldn't know. I am an only child.

Lucky you. I had to put up with him for over three hundred years. He has such annoying habits like snoring, taking up unnecessary room in my side of the draw. Petty things like that. and his language was always fowl. I don't know how Albus puts up with him really.

Well I am sorry for you.

No need Ms granger.

Call me Hermione.

Then no need Hermione. And you mal call me what ever you please. Diary is more traditional I suppose.

So diary, you are like a normal diary, except you talk back and give your opinion?

Exactly my dear.

Then tell me what you think of this…

Hermione took a while, and most of the book's pages, to describe everything that has happened with her school over the years, with Ron's funny behaviour, his recent behaviour, the new student, and the events of the day before.

And then I woke up here in this room and I have no idea where I am.

Mmmm, sounds strange to me. And this Draco, not the albino, the one with the mask, he was chasing you before you fell, correct?

Yes, he was.

So I will start from the beginning. When he first arrived, you fell backwards off your chair and he levitated you from the floor. Helping you back to your seat. Yes?

Yes.

And when you were sat alone in potions because that ill mannered boy Ronald took Harry away from you, he sat with you, yes?

……yes where exactly was she going with this?

And when he had the choice of leaving your side to be with someone you have described to have the same personality as, in a way, he refused and continued to accompany you, right?

Yes, but.

And when you then went to muggle studies, he was quiet and was not cruel to you in any way, only when he touched your hand you reacted to him and shivered uncontrollable, and yet he still didn't show you any distaste.

But.

And then at dinner, he asked your name and was still calm with you, when he had lashed out at not only your potions maser, but the boy who had been cruel to you, and then followed you to where?

Care of magical creatures.

And there he watched you as you handled potentially dangerous creatures, and still watched you when you returned to the group?

Yes.

And when Malfoy, foul boy that one, was being punished by the Draco lad, you cast a spell on him to make him stop, yes?

Yes I did. The immoblus spell. He's rooted poor Hagrid to the spot, literally and was beating the living daylights out of Malfoy! What was I supposed to do? Let him?

No my dear, I didn't day that. There was nothing for a moment, and then Diary simply started again where she left off. Then, tell me if I am wrong at all, did he harm you, when he ha thrown a half giant across the way, beaten a young wizard.

No…he just told me not to use magic on him. He broke through my spell like it was nothing. It was so creepy.

Did you find out why he attacked master Malfoy dear?

Yes…strange actually…it was because Malfoy called me a mudblood and made fun of my fear of snakes.

mmmm…yes, I thought so.

Thought what?

I am not finished yet my dear, bare with me. What happened the next day?

He followed me to Herbology. That was after scaring everyone away from me at breakfast. That was odd. All the girls are attracted to him now something rotten, and they all think I could be there way to get closer to him. Then when I said that Malfoy would be better than me at helping him around, he interrupted me at the word 'at' and said nothing. It was odd, he really doesn't like Malfoy. I would say he hates him more than Harry does. And that is saying something. Then we went to Herbology. And I thought the day before had been 'eventful'.

Tell me again dear, what happened in that lesson?

We went over mandrakes again, to revise the last years. Prof Sprout said to get into pairs, and I thought that Harry was going to pair up with me…until Draco got in the way. I gave in in the end and made Harry stop. I wasn't about to stand by and let him get the same treatment as Malfoy did. But it was too late, Draco had gotten angry at Ro and Harry, and made the earth underneath them swallow them whole! I mean, he doesn't even possess a wand! And what made it worse is that the hole lead to the underground devil's snare pit.

Oh, devil's snare…very nasty.

That isn't the half of it. I have never been as scared in my life! Hermione trembled with just the memory. I levitated them out, and I don't know what came over me. I just turned to Draco and ordered him like a little child to close the hole now. He was so angry, I wanted to cry. I even thought he was going to smack me, but he flicked his wrist and actually closed the hole.

So once again he lets you get away with what other people got a beaten for, for lesser crimes. Interesting.

Interesting? It was flipping scary that is what it was. oh, then he had a 'chat' with me.

He did? please, tell me what he said my dear. Hermione thought for a moment, and decided to use a special memory charm to let the book see what she had seen.

Magical flash back.

"Were my actions a moment ago harsh?"

She couldn't believe her ears!

Yes! Of course they were harsh! You threw my two best friends into a possible dire situation! Because you, you, I don't even know why!

But those words never came out.

They were not needed to answer him, however, as her reddening face and agape mouth told him how she felt. He forced her hand onto the table, to avoid looks, and leaned closer to her. "I suppose you might think they were, but I have no time for fools."

"They're not fools, they're my friends."

"Oh? Then where were these friends of yours when I arrived yesterday? When you were on your own, isolated from the rest of your year? Where were these friends of yours, when you honour was insulted by the likes of Malfoy? Was it them who ran to your aid? Was it?" did he actually expect her to answer that? "Well?" Obviously he did.

"…no…"

"I didn't think so. As I would remember. It was I who sat with you in potions, who sat with you willingly in every other lesson after, and saved you from humiliation from a dick like Malfoy. And I don't even remember seeing your 'friends' at the table this morning in the great hall, as I rescued you from those harpies. Or are they your friends now to?" he snarled.

"…you're hurting me…" she whimpered as he looked to her wrist. Indeed, he had been so angry, that his grip on her had tightened greatly. He looked to her face again, and saw tears from the pain.

"I apologies. It was not my intention to do so." he released her and scowled to himself. She didn't even hear me did she? She didn't even hear me say I was her friend…

"Don't mention it." a tear ran down her cheek and she reached for the mandrake stalk again.

"Wait." He reached out again, and this time gently touched her hand, ignoring her automatic flinch. "Don't use those gloves."

"But, but I have to. They are dragon skin and will protect me from-"

"Don't use them…think of the creature it came from…"

Oh, so you can be compassionate to giant creatures who try to eat humans by the dozen, but not your own kind? Ass! "I've seen it done…skinning them…brutish…" he said very quietly, but she heard it. She actually felt pity lick at her insides. "I'll do it." he reached out, took the mandrake and quickly transferred it to the next pot, before burying it. Then she saw something that made her gasp.

"You're not wearing ear muffs!"

"I am not harmed by the cries of these measly creatures…don't worry…"

End magical flash back

The book, or it's magical spirit form, had seen everything as an outsider, not as Hermione. So she actually saw his reactions, as well as hers. She had more of an idea bout him than Hermione did now.

Is that all that happened dear?

Is that all? Is that all! He almost crushed my hand clean off and that is all!

Please dear, that is not what I meant. I simply meant is that the end of the affair, or was there more?

Oh…then I apologise.

No need dear. Please, was there more?It was odd really. Hermione was confining in this book, Diary, like the best girl friend she never had.

Well, I ran from him. right after lesson.

Oh dear.

I know it was stupid. I really do. But I was so scared and I couldn't help it. I ran. But I ran away from one Draco, and into the other.

Master Malfoy seems to turn his head where ever you don't need him, I have observed.

He certainly does. And he started to make fun of me, and tripped me up I know it. of course, he wasn't as cocky when Draco turned up.

So he saved you again?

Excuse me, saved?

Sorry dear, please continue.

Okay. Well, then I ran away from him and he chased me. I can still remember his taunting of my running away being 'futile'. Then I ran into Peeves.

Oh, ghastly ghost that one. I remember him all too well. What happened then dear? Please continue.

Well he pushed me down a path with blue slime on it or something. I couldn't stop and skated through transfiguration, and straight out the window.

Transfiguration, as in the transfiguration tower, thousands of feet in the air from the ground transfiguration?

Yes, and straight out the window.

Oh dear! What happened then? Hermione sniffled, confusion and her own memories getting to her.

I don't know…I just woke up here…and I don't know where I am. A tear fell onto the pink page, and seeped into the book.

Oh deary please don't cry. I am sure you will find out where you are and find that you are in a friend's room. Or a teacher, is that not possible?

No, I would be in the infirmary if I was found by a teacher. I dot know where I am.

Well, I have been in every room in this castle since it was first built. Draw eyes on my pages, and I will tell you just where you are.

Oh thank you. The ink vanished and Hermione drew an eye on each page. They looked quite Egyptian, but blinked none the less.

May I have some pupils deary. I need them to see.

Oh, sorry. she drew her two big pupils, and then picked the book up. The eyes scanned the room, and then words appeared again.

Draw me lips, it is easier than us communicating like this while you show me around. Hermione drew a pair of big lips, and stood up with the book. She knew this book had to belong to Dumbledore now. Only he could enchant a book to do such wondrous things as this.

"Ah, it has been a long time. This…is not a professors quarters."

"Where am I Diary?"

"You are in a guest's quarters dear. A male from the looks of things."

"How can you tell that?" Hermione looked around, and couldn't see any proof of this room belong to a male.

"Because of the gentleman stood behind you my dear." Hermione gasped and froze. She was still deciding whether or not she wanted to turn around, when. "Well? Don't just stand there in the shadows. Come out and show yourself. It is rude to keep a lady waiting."

"Diary don't-" but she heard someone behind her. They stepped closer, every foot step in time with her chilled heartbeat. "Oh no…" she whimpered and closed her eyes, as the person walked around her.

"It's about time you woke up Ms Granger." That voice, that low, baritone voice with the smoothness of any melody. It couldn't be anyone else. Don't be him, don't be him, please don't be him. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and yelped, jumping back a step. It was as she feared. Stood before her, was the ever dressed in black, the ever spontaneous and snarky Draco. "What is the matter Ms Granger? You look like you have seen a ghost." He chuckled, and stepped towards her.

"No then sir, I would ask that you reframe from intimidating my mistress in such a manner. It is obvious to me that you do not wish her harm."

"And why would that be?" he chuckled evilly, and made Hermione back up against the wall. But he still followed her.

"Because you would not have saved her otherwise." Then he stopped. and Hermione looked down at the makeshift eyes on the pink pages.

"…what?"

"My dear, is it not obvious. Master Draco has no desire to harm you. You have told me of all your encounters with this gentleman, and I have made the connections. I was not in the possession of Albus Dumbledore, without having his deduction skills rubbing off on me you know." Draco cocked his head to one side, and folded his arms. This should be interesting.

"it has come to my attention, that on every occasion possible, Master Draco has been there, with you, and by your side. He hates everyone, but you Hermione dear. He rescues you from the likes of Master Malfoy on a regular basis, threatens anyone who dears to prevent either your happiness, or your close proximity to him. remember how he treated Malfoy when he called you a mudblood…such a fowl term…and how he reacted when the prospect of having someone other then him be your partner?" Hermione opened her eyes wide, started to make the same conclusions. And Draco didn't like this one bit.

"Give me the book." He demanded and reached for it. but Hermione held it to her chest, and the book continued.

"What is the matter Draco? Afraid of my mistress knowing the truth are we? I thought you would be glad for her to know your feelings for her."

"I have no such feelings. I care for no one."

"But Draco…I never said you care for her." there was a silence, until a deep snarling made Hermione jump and he grabbed her shoulders, and slammed her against the wall hard.

"Give.me.that.book." He growled and was squeezing her shoulders hard, without realising it.

"Ah! Your, your hurting me!" she whimpered as tears welld in her eyes, and he looked to her shoulders. He then released her, like she burned him and looked to his hands. Then, he looked to her again.

"You don't care for her ay? And yet the thought of hurting her, terrifies you. Am I underestimating the extent of your feelings for Ms Granger?"

"Shut up!" he roared and made Hermione fall down the wall, holding the book close, her shoulders sore and still stinging badly. Draco launched at her and tore the book from her hands.

"No!" she jumped up and tried to take it back, but he put his hand to her stomach, and pushed her had backwards. He then threw the book down on the table, and ripped the pages out with the eyes and lips on them. The book was now blind and silent, as he pressed his hand down on the cover.

Hermione had fallen backwards from the push, and landed on the bed. She crawled to the end, and looked in horror as the book lowed a malicious purple, before the cover returned to its previous state. Plain black with the golden double dragon seal on the front. She whimpered and held her mouth as he turned to face her.

"That book…belongs to me." He said calmly, and walked towards her. She cowered backwards and sat in the middle of the bed, her nightgown fanned over her legs and her eyes still glistening with tears. She felt like her friend was just taken from her, and yet it was only an enchanted book. But still…it hurt. "Come here." He held out a hand, but she didn't take it. She simple looked to it, as if afraid it would strike her. "Come here, please." But she didn't move. He growled and climbed onto the bed after her. She yelped and crawled away, only for him to grab her ankle and drag her underneath him. he then turned her over and saw the tears on her face. "I will not harm you…the book was right about that much…" he spoke softly, and paced one gloved finger at the nape of her neck. Hermione put her hands on his chest, trying to push him away, with no luck. She cried out softly as he pulled one of the sleeves down to show her bare shoulder. His hand mark was still imprinted there, red and angry. He sighed and placed his hand over I gently, making her yelp again. "I will not hurt you." He cooed, his hand glowing a soft purple, almost pink in huge. She felt her shoulder grow warm and then, was normal. She looked to the side, and placed one hand over it as he pulled away. He had healed her, with no wand. She looked up at him in disbelief as he pulled the sleeve over her again. he then turned to the other one, and she let him heal her this time.

"Why?" she asked softly, her voice hiccupping from her crying.

"I will not harm you. I am not my father's son." was all he said, before kneeling up and holding a hand out to her. "And these are my quarters."

"Did you save me then?" she took his hand as he pulled her up to kneel with him. They both then sat back own on their feet.

"…yes." He looked away. "It is late. I have monitored you enough for now."

"I'm sorry? Monitored?" he slid off the bed and was sure to make sure his robes were in place behind him, before offering her his hand again. She took it, still waiting for an answer.

"You should leave. I am sure you will wish to reassure Madam Pomfrey that you are unharmed." He waved his hand, and a roaring fireplace appeared by the closed portrait door, and a pot of floo powder on the mantelpiece. "You should leave immediately." He turned swiftly and walked to his desk, taking the book and pocketing it.

"The book of concern…was it a gift from Dumbledore?" she smoothed her night gown out, not even wanting to think how her hair looked now.

"Yes. The fool thought I had someone to talk to then I could work out my…" he saw her raise a brow. "…concerns. I will visit you in the medical wing tomorrow, after you have rested." He then waved a hand over the fire, and it glowed green. "It will take you straight there."

"But…" she didn't understand. She thought she did for a moment, she thought…but that is impossible. He couldn't…no. he didn't. but she oddly wasn't as afraid of him anymore. Hermione stood next to him, but he looked away from her and she looked to the floor. "Do you want to be my friend? Is…is that why you acted the way you did?" she couldn't believe she had actually said that aloud! She then slowly looked up, to see him looking right at her. What she didn't see, was the chocked look on his face. His mask prevented that.

"If I were to say yes?"

"Then we would need to talk." She said, actually able to smile softly. Thinking about it now, it was quite simple why he had helped her, if he wanted to be her friend. It was quite valiant actually. She was just so afraid, she couldn't see it before now.

"And what would we talk about?" he turned away from the fire, more hopeful than he had been in his entire life. This strange warm feeling in his chest was almost scary. And it intensified when she smiled at him again. he would need to talk to Dumbledore about this…

"About your methods. If you wanted to be my friend…" she stepped closer to him and very bravely in her view, placed a hand on his shoulder. This made her look quite silly from their height difference, but she managed it on her tip toes. "Then there are better ways to let me know about it. Like talking, hanging out as they say, having fun and not…well…trying to decapitate people for any reason." She chuckled weakly, but when he laughed, she beamed. His laugh was so soft, so merry. She had never heard him laugh before, and she would be lying if she said she didn't like it. It was like a song to her ears, and she subconsciously leaned closer to him. But he noticed this and let on of his hands rest on her shoulder. For a moment they just stood like this, until Draco practically pulled her into an embrace. Things wouldn't be easy, they never would be. But they were slowly getting better. He thought, as he smelled her hair and rubbed her back in small circles.

"You are giving me a chance…" he held her tighter. "…I must warn you. I have a fowl temper, no mercy and no tolerance. I am bitter, twisted and vengeful. I have never had a friend and do not now the proper way of conduct." He lifted his head, and saw her look up at him. "But I am more loyal and trustworthy than any other. I will stand up for you and beat down those who would try to make you feel insignificant, simply because you are different." He held her close again, and now she understood. He had said that she was alone, that she had no friends, and heard how people talked about her, called her filthy and a mudblood. He said very strongly that he resented the ones who were her 'friends' as they didn't act like it. in truth…he saw her loneliness and recognised it. So he is like this…because he is like this. He is lonely too, and saw me lonely and reached out to me in the only way he could. He has never had a friend, so he doesn't know how to act. He is lonely…that's all… she frowned. And I ran away from him, didn't try at all and how did that make him feel? Oh Merlin I don't want to think how that made him feel

Draco felt her hold him back just as tightly, and heard a sob escape her lips. "Ms Granger?" he saw her look up, her big chocolate brown eyes twinkle at him.

"Call me Hermione. Friends call each other by their first name…"

"So…we are friends?" he asked and held her tight.

"Yes, we are." She sniffed and held him back. This poor guy, he had never had a friend. Not even one. She had at least Harry. She laughed in her had. Gosh, what will Harry say when I tell him Draco is my friend? Oh well. I will deal with that when I come to it. She felt Draco lift her up in his arms, and step into the fire.

After the disorienting feeling of flooing anywhere, she soon saw Madam Pomfrey run up to her and hold a wand out.

"You put her down!"

"Be quiet you foolish woman. I will do as I please!" he snarled before turning to a vacant bed.

"It's ok Madam Pomfrey." Hermione threw over his shoulder, and looked to him. she was still nervous, but she spoke. "Erm, you didn't have to shout at her." he grunted, and put her down.

"I will come back for you tomorrow." He nodded, and left. Well that was odd. She thought, but soon had to contend with Madam Pomfrey fussing over her in a sate of worry.

"I am fine, really, no I don't need, no, no he didn't, No! I did not!" she blushed madly as the suggestion of being molested in any way propped up. "And I will not need a contraceptive charm!" she squeaked, glad when Albus walked in.

"Hermione dear, how are you. Lemon drop?" he offered her, but she declined. "How are you?...and how was Draco?" he said, albeit a little agitated.

"Draco? He is fine. We are friends now." She smiled, even if weakly. She looked to see that Dumbledore was delighted, and Poppy was in shock.

"But he picked you up, took you to his room and didn't return you until 24 hours later! how can you be friends when he simply said 'I will come back for you tomorrow' and left with nothing more?"

"Because love is deeper than that Poppy." Both Hermione and Poppy sweat dropped.

"Excuse me Headmaster, love?" she squeaked again. It was becoming a habit now…

"Oh, did I say something dear?" Hermione blinked, and decided to pretend she didn't hear anything. This was confusing as it was.

"Nothing Professor."

"Good. Then I want you to get some rest as tomorrow, your friends will be visiting you."

"Can't I go back to lessons?"

"No dear, you had quite a shock and a bump to the head. I want to observe you for at least a week." Poppy butted in, getting a sleeping potion ready for her.

"And shall I make sure that a mister Potter and a mister Weasley do not visit in the same hours as mister Draco Draig Damnatio Draconian?"

"Yes please…wait…Draig…that means something…" she closed her eyes tight and tried to think hard. "But Poppy forced a sleeping drought down her very quickly. She fell to the bed, and slipped into a sleep. Just one thing passed her lips as she slept. "Dragon…it means…dragon…"