Author's Note

This is concurrent with the previous chapter. Next time I might try to combine them…I'm not sure. I don't really like switching PoV's in the same chapter because it gets confusing for me. I hope you enjoy.

Comment, comment, comment please! It's what keeps me coming back

Hermione looked down at Draco sleeping and left the small piece of parchment on the pillow next to her head. I must have been insane, she thought to herself as she turned quickly towards the door. Everything is happening so fast, but the last thing I can do is get involved with a Malfoy…That will really have the paper going. I can see the headlines already…Gods, what was I thinking?

As soon as she left the room someone called her name.

"'Mione where have you been. Harry's worried sick." Ginny demanded loudly. Hermione turned and stared at Ginny. Ginny was dressed in designer clothes. A pretty skirt and a cashmere sweater but the very look of the outfit screamed money. And designer.

"I've been…occupied. Plus, Harry and I are done."
"Hermione, give him another chance…don't ruin things for yourself," Ginny fell into step with Hermione, headed towards the Great Hall and breakfast. "He lets his emotions get the better of him, you know that."

"Ginny I just don't think it's going to work between us…It's all. Weird. He doesn't even care about me."

"We'll see." Ginny said cryptically.

"Ginny, where are all your clothes coming from?"

"Oh…They're gifts," Ginny said quietly, not meeting Hermione's eyes.

"From who?"

"From someone who saw my modeling this summer. He's infatuated. It's not like I asked for it. But I like looking good for once. I look as good as bloody Blaise don't I?" Ginny demanded twirling for Hermione.

"With a lot better poise," Hermione managed before someone called her name loudly…In a very demanding voice.

"Hermione where in bloody hell have you been?" And suddenly Harry's arms were around her and she was pushing him away.

"Excuse me?" I was looking all over for you…Tom said Draco walked you back to the castle…Was he harassing you?"

"No, he was helping me." Hermione said defiantly.

"Helping you? Malfoy?" Ron, who had shown up at some point in Harry's speech demanded.

"Yes. Everyone's capable of good deeds sometimes Ron."

"Not Malfoy," Ron said knowingly. Hermione just shook her head and brushed past them.

"Mione…Mione can we please talk?" Harry asked persistently, laying his hand on her arm. Hermione shook her head at him continuing her walk. She was uncomfortable with his hand on her arm and did her best to shake him off. The last thing she needed was the world's Golden Boy she beg her forgiveness.

"Hermione…Please…I didn't mean to upset you yesterday."

"I'm not going to be second Harry. I don't need you I need a boyfriend."

"And I've been a horrible one. I get it…But I want to fix things. We both do." Harry said, and then gestured to Ron who was nodding slightly. Hermione met Ron's eyes, and saw Ginny nodding behind him. There was a knowing look in Ginny's eyes, one which had appeared when Harry had brought Draco into the conversation. Hermione sighed and nodded.

The four some sat at the table and Hermione concentrated on her food. She didn't know what she was doing…Trying to protect Harry I suppose, she thought sullenly. Trying not to break his heart, even though I feel like mine's been torn out of my chest and trampled on. But who can say no to Dumbledore's Knight, Dumbledore's Golden Boy…Who can say no to someone they've wanted to be with since the beginning.

Yet deep down something told her she was making a big mistake.

That night Hermione was returning from the library when she heard whispering voices. She paused and listened, straining her ears.

"Your mother misses you…" Ginny's voice said. And then she heard a male voice responding. She heard Ginny continue to speak and the voices moved slightly away. Or, they faded as Hermione's ears started ringing. The walls faded and she slumped down towards the floor.

When she came out of the trance she was gasping for air her hands covered her eyes and she resisted the urge to scream. She was tempted to scratch her eyes out for all the good they were doing her.

She wandered down the corridor, not sure where she was headed but positive she could not return to the dorms with such a terrible vision in her head. She eventually found herself in front of Dumbledore's gargoyle.

"Pixie Sticks," She said clearly and stepped onto the stairs. She knocked on Dumbledore's door and he called for her to enter.

"Ah. Hermione. I've been expecting you."
"You have?" Hermione asked, surprised. Dumbledore gestured to the map opened in front of him. Curiously, it was the Marauder's Map…Hermione was surprised Harry had given it up.

"Harry gave it to me for the security purposes," Dumbledore said, anticipating the question as always.

"Oh. Professor, Narcissa Malfoy is going to die." Hermione said, sitting down in the armchair. There, she had said it, at least now someone knew. But she didn't feel any better.

"Is there anyone who can stop it?" Dumbledore asked. Hermione stared at him. "I suppose you are not experienced enough to divine that…Very well. I will do what I can…"

"Professor, you can save her right? I don't want Draco to be hurt. He absolutely adores her…And she's so…"

"Caught. Like a bird in a cage, Miss Ravenclaw. It is hard for birds to escape even the lightest wicker cage. Even when the path out is clear. You are aware; the suspect son she carries is not of the Malfoy lineage."

"No…" Hermione stated simply.

"I am surprised Mr. Malfoy did not tell you. Well Mrs. Malfoy is treading a very thin path Miss Ravenclaw, but I will leave the tale for Mister Malfoy to relate."

"Professor, I need help with the visions. They come so unexpectedly and if I'm alone…"

"A most dangerous place to be. A very dangerous place. Very well we shall enroll you in some private lessons with…"

"Not Professor Trelawney." Hermione said quickly.

"No. Humans cannot understand your talent; it is far too…advanced, far past human magic. I will speak with the centaurs I believe I can persuade one of them to teach you…Although you might have far better luck. There should be at least one of the clan left who knew your mother."

"Everyone knew Lucia."

"Everyone loved Lucia…Except…Well; I shall allow you to find that out on your own. It's getting late Miss Ravenclaw, you should return to your rooms."

"Professor, about the Order."

"Yes Hermione."

"I'd like to give my pledge."

"We'll see," Was Dumbledore's only response as he turned to speak to one of the portraits behind him. Hermione sighed and exited, knowing that her Headmaster was lost in thought now.