I've figured out the ending... IT'S AMAZING! So I'm really eager to get there. Reviews!

Enjoy x

Harry's POV

I huffed. Why did I have to know who Groven the Malevolent was? It's not like I would use it in later life. Hermione was the only one who did well in Professor Binns' class, but that was because Hermione did well in every class.

"Done."

Ron pushed away his essay away harshly and ended up knocking over an inkwell. He cursed heartily as the black liquid spread over his newly finished essay. Then he turned to Hermione with pleading eyes. She sighed and held out her hand.

"You're the best 'Mione" he said, leaning back and closing his eyes.

"You're lucky I am, or you'd have to start this all over again" she replied, smiling slightly. "I might as well check it now" she added just as I finished mine.

I peered up hopefully and grinned when she held out her other hand for mine, without even looking up.

"Don't know what we'd do without you, Hermione" I told her.

She smirked.

"Fail, clearly."

I shook my head.

"Mal-Draco has been rubbing off on you. You smirk just like him now" I said quietly, looking around to check if anyone was listening, but the common room was empty.

The relationship had stayed a secret because of the damage it might do. If word got out that Hermione and Draco were an item, Lucius would find out, one way or another. Then, Draco would be punished and we would never get the chance to fix everything. The next meeting was tonight and all the same precautions were being taken.

"Do you think he means it?"

Ron's question stole my train of thought.

"I think so." Hermione appeared thoughtful. "You know, when he left, I could have sworn he was crying."

"Crying?" I asked, shocked.

I couldn't imagine that snake-like face with salty droplets making tracks down it.

"Are you sure?" Ron was just as astonished as I was. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open. "It wasn't just the lighting?"

Hermione nodded her head, hard. "I'm almost positive. I think he might actually be beginning to repent."

"Is that possible?" I still couldn't imagine him in tears.

"Remember what Ginny said?" Ron put in. "When you live with Fred and George, you start to believe anything's possible. Why shouldn't this be?"

I stared at Ron. He was the last person I would expect to forgive and forget, especially with the person who killed thousands.

"I don't think I will ever be able to forgive him." I looked at them. "He killed my parents, guys."

"We know, Harry." Hermione turned her big brown eyes on me. "But this could save lives, more than have been taken in the long run. It doesn't mean we'll forget everything he did."

"Yeah, mate. He get what's coming to him, just after he's turned in all the Death Eaters and got that piece of him out of you." Ron jumped in, trying to fix things.

I grunted and hunched my shoulders, gazing into the fire. Ron and Hermione bickered quietly over something behind me. I don't know how long I sat there watching the flames dance, but at midnight, Ron tapped me on the back. We all got under the invisibility cloak and set off for McGonagall's office.

It was going to be another long night.