An update again

Anon: I understand how you feel about Emily and Harry. I liked them together too they seem so perfect for one another… but as the story thickens you'll know why it will never work out. Just be patient… (I'm sorry if I'm extending the story a bit long . )

Anyways here's the chapter.

Chapter 15

By the time December rolled around the first snowfall came, leaving the grounds covered in a thick blanket of white. Emily was particularly thrilled with the change of weather. She had explained to her friends how she rarely got to see snow from where she came from.

Most of the other student's seemed oblivious to the fact that it was snowing, as they immersed themselves in their studies. All the fifth years were found with their noses in books at all times preparing for their O.W.L.S. that would be waiting for them at the end of May. True it did seem a little early to start worrying about a test that was months away, but the students were warned about the level of difficulty and the importance of the tests.

Hermione had a strong influence over the fifth year Gryffindors, as she did on the students in her own grade. She tutored as many as she could handle without stressing herself out too much. She helped make study charts and assisted in color-coding notes according to the level of difficulty.

As determined, as Hermione seemed to help she came off with a rather nasty attitude toward her friends. She had already snapped on Lavender Brown and Parvati Patail about gossiping when they should be preparing for their Divination N.E.W.T.'s (even if she found divination completely pointless.)

It was during these times that Harry and Ron tried to stay as far away from her. Their only hope was that the holidays would calm her down and make her forget about O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s. At this point that seemed very unlikely.

Only Emily could talk to Hermione without getting her head bitten off about studying. Perhaps this was because Emily agreed to Hermione's outrageous study tactics, or the fact that they shared all the same classes. As much as Hermione used to hate having some one as good as her in class she was grateful to have a study partner.

Hermione's mood drifted over more than just the Gryffindor students. Others in her year were noticing her stressful attitude. Hannah Abbot, whom usually asked Hermione for help in Transfiguration was afraid to approach her, in case she started lecturing about good study habits. Luna Lovegood, a Ravenclaw girl in her sixth year, avoided Harry to get away from Hermione. Even Professor McGonagall noticed change in her prize student. The last time she'd seen Hermione act as so, was during her fifth year (preparing for O.W.L.'s) and her third year. (In which she used a time turner to get to her extra classes).

One evening during dinner Harry and Ron took their places at the Gryffindor table. Ron didn't seem so pleased.

"What's wrong Ron?" Harry questioned.

"Hermione… that's what's wrong."

"What did she do now?" He questioned.

"I brought her breakfast this morning, since she didn't come down herself, and she flipped on me." Ron explained. "She was raving about disrupting her studies. Since then she hasn't spoken a word to me."

Harry looked taken aback. "Hermione?"

Ron nodded. "She's horrible when she gets like this. She hasn't screamed at me that loud since fifth year and studying for O.W.L.'s.

Emily joined them at the table. Her face was rather worn and tired. Her skin was pale. "Hello"

"What's the matter with you?" Ron questioned. "You look horrible."

Harry kicked him from across the table.

"What?" he questioned Harry.

Emily looked at her hands, which were shaking violently. "Its so cold here. I think I'm getting sick."

Moments later a worn looking Hermione rushed into the Great Hall. Her hair was bushier than usual, and her eyes were bloodshot. She took a seat next to Emily and didn't even look at Harry or Ron.

"Hermione…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrupt your studying. Can I make it up to you by taking you to Hogsmede this weekend?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked at him oddly. "There's a Hogsmede Trip?"

Harry and Ron shook their heads.

"Yes. The school is hosting a Yule ball in honor to the exchanged students." Emily replied lazily.

Hermione perked up somewhat. She loved trips to Hogsmede, and in her mood this was just what she needed. Besides she'd need to pick up some dress robes for the Yule Ball. Perhaps a glass of Butterbeer in the three broomsticks and shopping for some new parchment and quills would put her in the Christmas spirit.

"So would you want to go with me?" Ron questioned eagerly.

"I suppose so Ron?" she answered. She opened her planner and scribbled down the date. "Oh my!"

Emily, Ron and Harry looked at her expectantly.

"We have a quidditch match next week! Just great! Another thing that I need to worry about!" Hermione sulked. Just as quickly as her mood changed for the better, it plummeted down once more.

Emily sighed. "You're stressing yourself out Hermione. Why are you worried about tests that are months away?"

Hermione thought. "If I don't get a move on it now… then it will just be harder later in the end."

"You're going in strides you can't handle. Honestly didn't Harry or Ron ever tell you that?" Emily asked.

"No"

Ron snorted. "That's because she'd bite our heads off if we did." He added under his breath.

Hermione's eyes turned to slits. "What was that Ronald?"

"Nothing!" Ron replied quickly.

Emily ignored Ron and continued. "My mom once taught me a song. It helped me relieve some of my stress. Perhaps it will work on you." She cleared her throat and let out a few pure notes.

Hermione gasped. "You're voice is amazing!"

"So I've been told." Emily replied. "I like singing. It makes me feel better." She continued to let her voice carry over the table.

Hermione couldn't help but smile. There was something in her voice that just made her smile. Like all her worries were melting away. It was clear that Harry and Ron felt the same way, as did everyone else at the table.

"I've read about this somewhere before!" Hermione exclaimed. "About how music can influence magic. It was really interesting, but I can't remember it for the life of me. I know it was in a book in the restricted section though."

Emily smiled. "Like I've said, I like to sing."

It truly was clear that the mood was uplifted at the Gryffindor Table that night. Hermione forgot all about her N.E.W.T.'s and thought more about her trip to Hogsmede. Harry who had been dreading doing his potions homework ended up writing the whole thing without any help from Hermione. Ron ended up doing studying without being nagged by Hermione or Emily at all.

Yet little did anyone know that Professor Dumbledore was watching Emily with caution. Ever since he heard her voice he knew something was wrong. Something so wrong, he didn't want to think about.

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By the time the weekend came the school was buzzing with excitement over the Hogsmede trip. As usual Filtch stood by the doors and checked off the names of students that were permitted to go. Students however were not required to go. Ginny and Holly ended up staying behind due to a sickness that was spreading throughout the school.

Waving goodbye to her two friends Hermione climbed out of the portrait hole and found Harry and Ron waiting there.

She smiled. "Where's Emily?"

Harry frowned. "Where do you think?"

"Malfoy?" she questioned.

Harry nodded. "Who else. He promised to help pick out her dress robes."

"Harry?" Hermione questioned. "Are you jealous?"

Harry looked at her astonished that such a thing would come out of her mouth.

"What?" she asked innocently.

Harry turned and walked down the hall. "I'm not jealous."

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By the time the trio made their way to Hogsmede students were already swarming through the streets. Many fled to the three broomsticks to get a glass of Butterbeer. Others went to the dress robes shops or Zonko's joke shop.

"Come on Hermione… lets buy you some dress robes." Ron exclaimed as he dragged her into a shop leaving Harry alone.

From the corner of his eye he saw Emily and Draco laughing as they walked into Honeydukes sweetshop.

A sharp pain filled his heart. It disgusted him to see Emily with Draco. The two of them laughing so happily together. Why was he feeling like this? He should be worried about graduation and his N.E.W.T.'s and Voldemort. Yet here he was letting rage fill him seeing that blonde haired prick with his friend. A friend he happed to care for a lot.

Angered with himself he forced himself to follow Ron and Hermione in to the dress robes shop.

A line of students was strewn throughout the racks of clothing as it snaked its way into the fitting area. At the front Pansy Parkinson wore a puffy pink and magenta layered dress. Standing next to her was Millicent Bullstrode in a ghastly deep skintight red gown in which she seemed to be bulging out of.

As the line slowly died down Draco and Emily walked in and stood behind Harry.

"Hi Harry!" Emily cried.

He nodded; trying to hide is feelings to rip Malfoy apart. It made him crazy to see his hand on her shoulder.

"Umm… Hello Emily."

"Buying you're dress robes?" Emily questioned.

Harry nodded again.

"Me too. Draco said he put one on hold so I could try it on." Emily explained.

Harry felt his anger rise even more. He was sure Emily was quite capable of picking out her own robes.

"Are you alright Harry?" Emily questioned. "You're face is getting red."

Harry looked at her and calmed down. "I'm fine… I'm just hot in here."

There was a loud yell in the front of the shop. Harry, Emily and Draco turned to see where the commotion was sprouting.

Hermione was standing on a stool with a midnight purple gown on, which seemed far too short and far too small for her.

"Ron I told you it doesn't fit! I don't fit into a size two. I said three!" she yelled.

Ron was pulling a zipper from behind. "Don't worry… I'll fix it."

"Ron! My hair! It's caught in the zipper." She screamed.

"Sorry I'll get it just turn around… I cant see back here." He forced Hermione to face the wall as he fiddled with the zipper, which held a chunk of knotted hair.

"You're hurting me Ron!" Hermione gasped almost in tears.

"It'll be fixed in just a minute." Ron replied as he pulled out his wand. "Irremendo!"

A sickening ripping sound filled the shop.

Hermione blushed deep red. The unthinkable happened.

Snickers filled the room as the midnight purple gown ripped down the center leaving Hermione's clean pressed white underwear completely exposed.

She turned immediately and ran behind the dressing room door. "I hate you Ron!" She screamed.

A while later Hermione had emerged from the dressing room in her regular clothing. Her face still bore the same expression. As it turned out Madam Minkin had to cut Hermione's hair loose from the grasp of the zipper. It left her with a part of her hair significantly shorter than the rest.

Ron opened his mouth to speak.

"Shut up! I don't want anything to do with you." She snapped. And with that she stormed out of the shop and back up to the Hogwarts castle.

As Hermione left Ron standing there alone Madam Minkin pulled Emily up on the stool.

"Ahhh… yes the one master Malfoy told me to hold." She whispered. "It is grand!"

She walked to the back rooms of the shop and returned carrying a silver gown delicately in her hands.

"Its beautiful" Emily exclaimed.

She picked up the gown and examined it. It was a full ballroom gown in a sparkling shade of silver. Embroidered along the sides were stands of green ivy.

"Try it on" Draco suggested.

Harry again felt the same anger fill him.

She emerged from the dressing rooms moments later wearing the beautiful gown.

"Its perfect!" she screamed. "I love it!"

"You're a Slytherin Princess" Draco murmured

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As Harry, Draco and Emily left the dressing shop Harry immediately went to find Hermione and Ron. As he waved Goodbye to Emily he pushed all thoughts of her out of his head. What he needed to worry about now was the relationship between Ron and Hermione.

Back at Hogsmede Emily was walking with Draco happily until she felt an uncontrollable itch on her wrist. She looked at the scars Tom Riddle had left. Something was wrong she could feel it.

By this time Hogsmede was emptying as the students returned back to the castle with their treats, robes and prizes from Zonko's.

"Um Draco… I'll catch up with you later. I forgot something" Emily began.

"I'll go with you…" He offered.

She shook her head. "No it's alright. I'll meet up with you at dinner."

"You sure?"

She nodded. "Yes"

He agreed, but offered to take her packages back anyway.

Relieved to pass the heavy bags of merchandise off to Draco she watched him trail off up the winding road to the castle.

The last few students were leaving the shops with their last minute purchases. The sun was setting and the air getting colder. The shops around Emily were all starting to close.

She walked down the street until her wrist began to burn. She let out a gasp of pain as the burning filled her entire arm. And then as soon as the pain came it vanished.

She looked at the building she stood in front of in wonder.

"The Hogshead" she whispered.

Curiosity got the better of her as she pushed her way into the pub.

The smell hit her first. It was gruesome, like a mixture between rotting flesh and strong firewisky. And then she noticed the room dark and damp… and not very well kept. A nagging feeling in the back of her head kept telling her she shouldn't be here. Pushing the thought out of her head she walked further into the room.

SLAM!

She turned in shock and surprise. The door had closed. And standing in front of it was a dark figure wearing a mask.

It advanced on her.

She took a few steps back until she felt someone grab her wrists. It was another figure wearing a mask.

What was going on here?

As her panic raised more dark figures with the same creepy masks filled the rooms. They seemed to appear from the shadows.

The first figure, the one from the door extended a gloved hand and grabbed her chin. It made her look into the dark eyes behind the mask. Using its free hand it took of the mask revealing a pale, bony face with long flowing golden blonde hair. A face that Emily knew to well. The face of a Malfoy!

"Well, Well it's so good of you to join us Slytherin Princess." He said silkily with an evil grin.

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A/N

That's it for this chapter. Again started good and ended creepy.

But alas I enjoyed it… and I hope you do too

Be sure to tell me what you think and Review. It keeps me writing and encourages me