Again, thanks for your lovely reviews! I truly read and love them all! I think I'll be able to update every Sunday evening and Thursday evening... (In my country, that is =P)

Chapter 3: Finding Granger

He found her, alright... But she didn't look good... She was lying by the stairs, and, even unconsciously, she was clutching her arm... He knew she had a scar there, but couldn't think of anything else that could be wrong? Unless she fell and broke it?

Deciding he's wasting time, he walked to the nearest portrait.
'Sir, excuse me, have you perhaps seen what happened to that girl?' He asked, indicating.

'Why yes young lad, a group of elder students, dressed in Slytherin colours started calling her terrible names! When she tried to defend herself, they stunned her, and left her here! I have sent for help, Madam Pomfrey is on her way lad. You just sit tight.' the Wise Old Man, as the students called him, replied.

Half an hour later, Granger was on a hospital bed, with a bandaged arm, eating some of Honeydukes finest chocolate. Surprisingly enough, Draco Malfoy was sitting next to her, desperately anxious for news.

'What happened?' It was more a statement than a question.

'Parkinson, Nott, and their gang sneaked up on me in the library... Called me the word purebloods use for people like me. I tried to run, and I got as far as the staircase. Then they started threatening me. I defended myself, but naturally, they ganged up and hexed me. And I ended up here! Now how exactly did that happen? And why are YOU here, Malfoy? I thought you'd stay away after... Yesterday? Today? What day is it? Why am I asking you this?' Thoroughly confused, she decided to simply take a bite of chocolate.

'Granger, chill. It's Thursday. Term started Monday. We had a... disagreement on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, I found you. You've been sleeping the whole time, you woke up at 11pm, and it's now...' Checking his watch, he announced; '1:05am.'

'Okay. Thanks. But... Why? Why did you find me? Why not leave the mudblood there? In fact, why not kick me while I'm down?'

Not knowing the muggle expression, he looked outraged.
'You think I'd kick you?! Jeez Granger I've hated you all my life but I'm not that bad.'

Laughing, she explained.
'It's not meant literally! I mean... I was already insulted and belittled, why not have a go yourself?'

'Oh, sorry, I simply changed sides during the war for fun. Honestly? Can't a guy be nice for once?' Malfoy answered.

'Not to the Golden Trio, no. What's up? What do you want? Is this about your reputation?' Hermione countered.

Their light-hearted moment had vanished, and for the first time Hermione Granger saw Draco Malfoy as a person. And a very confused one at that. His next answer genuinely surprised her, and she was shocked to find herself believing him.

'I want, to fit in. I want, to not have to worry about my so-called reputation, the whole time. I want to have friends. And people who actually care. Not people who need contacts. I want a life, and one on the good side, too. I know I'm no Scarhead - but I'm no Voldemort either. I guess, I don't like you, not at all. But I wouldn't want to see you, or anyone at that, murdered or injured. I've had enough of that. I want to turn a new page. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Worth a try, right? Now get some rest. And don't magically, pardon the pun, expect us to be friends. You're someone I barely know. I don't want your mudblood germs all over me, but I wouldn't want your blood spilled across the room, either. Get it?' And with that, he walked out, leaving a hurt, yet amazed Hermione behind.

I know it's a bit short, sorry guys! This chapter did NOT go as planned, but, when do things ever? Review and tell me if you like it, please? Carri. xx