Chapter 2

Opening the door, Hermione stepped in tentatively, and immediately caught Headmistress McGonagall's eye. 'Miss Granger,' she said with a small smile. 'How are you?'

Hermione nodded deferentially. "Good morning, Headmistress. I'm fine, thanks.'

The venerable woman smiled more broadly. 'Good. Is there something you wanted? Tea?' She pointed to a small tea trolley in one corner of the room.

'No, thank you. I actually came to speak to Professor Snape.' Only at this speech did Hermione allow herself a look around the room. Her gaze fell almost instantly to Snape who was sitting in an arm chair turned backwards in front of the fire. His face was unreadable. His return gaze steady. He did not speak.

'Well, he's here as you can see. I was just leaving. Severus?' She addressed Snape, as she began hurriedly collecting her things and headed to the door. He didn't turn to acknowledge her. 'Miss Granger would like a word with you, if you've time. Good day to you both.' And she was gone.

Well, well,' he said, his voice dripping with obvious displeasure. 'Sit down, Miss Granger,' He indicated the chair opposite him. Hermione crossed the room on wobbly legs. She hoped the fact that she was wearing a robe hid her predicament. With an obviously overconfident look she took the seat offered and let her eyes briefly scan the room surreptitiously as she pulled her notes from her school bag.

It was a comfortable looking room. Worn furniture. Long wooden tables covered in what she could only assume were the teachers' notes and books. A small reference library in one corner. Large comfortable looking chairs throughout the room. The fire… It seemed a room Hermione could revel in… but there was business at hand.

'I assume you did not come here to only take in the atmosphere of the staff room, Miss Granger,' Snape said in a low growl. 'My time is valuable. Do not make the mistake of attempting to waste it.' Hermione coloured, and her eyes widened a very little.

'No, sir. I mean, yes, sir!' She pulled herself up in her chair and tried to recover her aplomb. She inadvertently crumpled up the parchment in her hands.

She looked up at Snape and saw only a cold regard. He would not make this easy. And again, she found her curiosity rising up to sabotage her. Why was he here? Why was he, for that matter, ALIVE?

'Miss Granger!' Snape snapped, his voice full of warning…

'Sorry, sir!' she shot out with a deprecating smile. And then she set to smoothing out her notes on her lap. 'I wanted to talk to you about the Slytherins…'

iGreat. Really effective…/i

Snape's eyes narrowed and he shifted a very little in his seat. 'Do you…' he said sarcastically. It was not a question, but a taunt.

'Yes, sir. It occurs to me that their integration back into the school after the war will be somewhat difficult…'

Snape chuckled derisively, interrupting her. '"Difficult?"' Snape shot out. 'You think the Slytherins … what was it you called it? Integration? Will be difficult?' His eyes flashed angrily. 'Do you not think you might be understating the issue a little, Miss Granger?' He was sneering at her. 'Go on your way, Miss Granger. I have no time for your bleeding heart antics. Shouldn't you be re-reading all the material before the start of the N.E.W.T.s class tomorrow? Run along…' He turned his eyes back to a book he had in his lap. He was dismissing her.

'What? No…' she blurted. Her face reddening. 'I think what I have to say is important.'

'Nonsense, Miss Granger,' Snape said, not looking up from his book. 'You are a typical Gryffindor crusader looking to do a good work on behalf of the downtrodden. You want to make yourself feel better about the Slytherins's plight, but there is no real feeling in it for you.' He calmly turned a page in his book, and continued to read.

'Professor Snape,' Hermione said firmly. She felt her temper rising. 'I have come here in good faith to offer my help. I don't think the Slytherins have ever been fairly treated in this school. And I admit I have fallen prey to the general attitude myself many times. I also see that if things don't change the Slytherins will not only continue to suffer but will be forced to continue to rebel against such treatment. ANOTHER Dark Lord will rise, Professor Snape. And you know it as well as I do.' Her eyes were flashing back at him now.

'I believe that it primarily begins here at Hogwarts where house rivalry is not an undercurrent but a fully accepted part of life. And I further recognize that Gryffindor and Slytherin combat has been a large part of this. I think Gryffindors are largely responsible for the general tenor of intolerance. And I want to do something to fix this. Now. Before it is too late! I assure you I am sincere in this. I really DO want to help.' She bit her lip a little lest she move from impassioned into begging in Snape's eyes.

Snape was watching her closely. His face implacable. His mouth a grim line. 'I see,' he said simply. 'And what is it you think you can do to help in this … crisis.' He imbued the word with such venom! But she knew she had caught his attention.

'I think it would be well if we found a way to bring the Slytherins and Gryffindors together. I think that if students see that, the whole atmosphere will change and there will be a more equal standing for all.'

'Ah, I see… a worthy plan,' Snape countered sarcastically. 'But how do you intend to inact such a plan? You are dealing with people here, Miss Granger, not ideas on paper. How, in fact, do you plan to bring the most idiopathic houses in the school together?' His expression was triumphant. But Hermione only smiled.

'Well, I do have some thoughts on that…'

'Undoubtedly.' Snape said caustically. Hermione ignored him and went on.

'I think it would be well if you treated the Gryffindors better,' she said matter-of-factly. 'More fairly.' She leveled her gaze at him and kept her face straight. For a second, Snape looked as if he might choke.

'What do you mean, you insolent girl!' he barked out. 'How dare you?'

'Oh, come now, Professor,' Hermione clucked gently. 'You know exactly what I mean.' Snape obviously did not like this turn of events at all. 'You have never played it fair with Gryffindor. I know that some of that was just the role you had to play. But I think you also had a grudge against us for your own personal reasons.' Snape's face grew rigid.

'I will not sit here and listen to you, of all people, tell me how to conduct myself in this school, Miss Granger!' he snapped out.

'Me?' Hermione felt a shock through her system.

'Yes, you! The brightest witch of her age. The Gryffindor Queen. Harry Potter's best friend! You were there when I was unmercifully attacked by Nagini at the Dark Lord's command, and you did nothing! Nothing at all! You did not even try to save me! You, who now sit here and revile my teaching methods as per your house, stepped over my dying body, and did not give me a second look! Now whose crimes are the worse?' he asked in a cold and lowered tone. 'Yours or mine?' His eyes were on her. And he watched with obvious satisfaction as Hermione's face went from red to white in seconds. She looked as if she might faint.

'Dear Merlin…' she groaned. She had not expected this.

Without further protest, Hermione, tears shining in her eyes, quickly shoved her notes into her bag and stood abruptly. Snape watched with blank face as she walked to the door, her shoulders shaking slightly with her effort not to cry in front of him.

'You're right,' she choked out past the lump in her throat. 'I'm sorry…'

She didn't look back again, but slipped out the door as quickly as possible and ran for the girl's bathroom, which was half a corridor away…

As soon as Hermione reached a stall in the bathroom, her raging emotions overcame her. Thankfully, the bathroom was empty except for her, as everyone else was in classes or the library. Her sobs were wrenched from her, as she hugged herself around the waste in an attempt to not fly apart all together. Her mind was spitting out shards of sentences…

iMy God, he's right … I did nothing … I didn't even stop … I might have saved him somehow … he has every right … to hate me … what do I do now … How can I ever look him in the eye again … what about the Slytherins … how will I ever get through to them without his help … Damn … Damn … Damn…/i

The tears stopped suddenly and Hermione shook herself. 'Get a grip!' she commanded herself. With shaking hands she wiped at her face almost viciously. 'There is perhaps nothing I can do about my offense to Snape, but I can still at least attempt to help the Slytherins.' And with that, she grabbed her bag once again and stepped out of the stall. She did not stop to look in the mirror. She knew she looked like a wrung out rag.

She decided to go to the courtyard for some fresh air. She felt she needed to get away from the castle and she was still trying to avoid Ron and Harry She knew she would have to talk to them soon. She had to face them. She had to try to enlist their help. The plan had to go forward, no matter what. Then perhaps someday she could make things right with Snape.

iI can't wait for the N.E. class to start. I need to have my mind occupied./i

When Hermione stepped out into the courtyard, she looked better, but that belied the ache in her heart. Still, she smiled and headed out into the sun. She felt better just feeling its warmth on her face … until she noticed Ron and Harry seated on a stone bench not 10 feet before her. It was too late, they had already seen her. She waved half-heartedly. Ron looked like a storm cloud. He eyed Hermione angrily as he called out to her.

'Decided to acknowledge me then, did you?' he spat out. Hermione's face fell.

'Ron, I had my reasons for avoiding you until now.' she began softly. But Ron was having none of it.

'So I hear!' he said, glaring at her. 'Seamus and Dean told me all about your little confrontation with then!' He leaned over in his seat so that his face was not 6 inches from hers. 'What do you mean DEFENDING a Slytherin against two of your own house, and friends at that!'

'Ron…' Harry began. He had a hand on Ron's arm.

'No, Harry!' Ron growled without looking at him. 'She needs to hear this.'

Hermione felt her anger rising, however, and could not refrain. 'How could you?' she said through clenched teeth. 'I was right, Ron, you must know that! They were setting about to really hurt that boy! Someone had to stop them!'

'She's right, Ron. Come on…' Harry tried again. 'No matter what went on before we can't just be judge, jury, and executioners.' But Ron only ignored him.

'My problem is with you, Hermione. What have you been doing? What are you planning? I know you're up to something. You better not be thinking of trying to defend ALL Slytherins! I am telling you, they are not saveable. They don't DESERVE to be saved. Look at all they've done!'

'Ron, the Slytherins have never been given a fair chance! Their treachery was more than helped along by the fact that the Wizarding World has always hated them! There's been no reprieve for them. And Gryffindor house, right here at Hogwarts is the most guilty of this unfair and biased treatment! Open your eyes! You know I'm right!' But Ron was obdurate. His face grew red with rage.

'You keep forgetting that some of our friends and my brother are dead by Slytherin hands! Today, you defended the son of the man who killed my brother! And Lord Voldemort was a Slytherin!' His voice was half pleading, half demanding.

'Yes, he was!' Hermione agreed fervently. 'That is just my point. What would have happened had anyone … anyone … done something to try to befriend Voldmort. Maybe he would have still turned out to be an evil wizard, but maybe not! And what about all his followers? What of them? Could we have lessened the effect of this war? Or even prevented it? We don't know. But what I think we do know is that there were Slytherins who went bad in part because they were not given any kind of acceptance. There will always be rebellion where there is oppression, Ron. Look at our history! The history of the world itself. Please…' But Ron was not listening. He would NOT listen.

'All I know is what has happened. All I know is a lot of good, innocent people died at he hands of those bastards, and I for one will not stand by while you pamper and reward them for their treachery!' Ron was out of his seat and gathering his books.

'Ron!' Hermione pleaded.

'No, Hermione! You have a choice to make! Either you are for us … for me … or against us! You either drop this ridiculous and wrong-headed crusade, or we are over!'

'Ron!' Harry was out of his seat now, too. And every student in the courtyard had an eye on the scene now playing out. 'Think what you're saying!'

'I know what I'm saying, Harry! The blood of my brother and of all our heroic friends is speaking now.' He turned from Harry and stared daggers at Hermione. 'Well?'

Hermione's face was pale but determined. 'I am going on with my plan to help the Slytherins integrate, Ron, no matter what.' Her voice was barely over a whisper, but somehow it carried. The whole room gasped. Ron's face twisted in anger.

'Fine!' he shouted. 'You've made your bed, and now you'll have to lie in it!' He threw his bag over his shoulder and stomped from the room.

Hermione was shaking again. Harry came up behind her and taking her arm, tried to lead her to the bench he and Ron had been using. 'No, Harry. I can't stay here now,' she said almost matter-of-factly. He nodded.

'Ok, we'll go together.' He grabbed both their bags and taking her arm again, headed inside. Hermione was mute with sorrow. She didn't even care that so many of her classmates were openly staring at her. All she wanted was her room and bed. So much had happened and she needed time to wrap her mind around it all.

All the way to Gryffindor tower, Harry and Hermione said nothing. He continued to hold her arm and she let him lead her. Her mind was in turmoil, her heart was in shreds. When Harry had seen her to the bottom of the steps leading to the girl's dorm, he patted her hand gently.

'I'll see you soon, Hermione,' he said softly. 'I'm going to try to talk sense to Ron. You and I will talk later.' Hermione nodded and turned to the steps. Then she turned back.

'Harry, I have to know…' She wiped her eyes and then leveled Harry with her gaze. 'Do you think I am wrong-headed?' Harry stared at her, his face unreadable, for a full 15 seconds.

'No, Hermione, I don't,' he said firmly. 'I don't know how involved I'll get in your work, but I see why you're doing it, and I'll support you any way I can.'

Hermione let a sigh escape her. That made her feel a very little better. She nodded at Harry and gave him a very small smile. Then she turned to make her way up the stairs and to her bed to cry out all her frustration, pain, and anger. This would definitely be harder than she had counted on.

Hermione did not come down for supper that night. In fact, she cried for a good long while and had to fend off questions from her room mates for doing so. After she had had her storm she fell into a twilight sleep, haunted by nightmares of Professor Snape accusing her, Ron belittling her, and Harry eventually abandoning her. She woke up hungry and more tired than she had been before her supposed rest.

She found out next day that her and Ron's confrontation was being discussed at length all over the school. The witnesses had wasted no time in spreading the story to the far corners of the castle. People from Hufflefpuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor had all but accosted her at every stop she made, from the Great Hall to the library. All that had not witnessed the scene wanted to know if she and Ron had really broken up over her supposed decision to help the Slytherins re-emerge in society.

Because she wished to enlist as much help and cooperation as possible from her fellow students, she felt she had to answer their questions, at least to some degree. And at the end of the day, it seemed that she had inadvertently stumbled upon an advertising campaign that was drawing her fellows to her cause quite nicely. Several Hufflepuffs decided to join Hermione because they saw her point about the unfairness of it all. A few Ravenclaws saw the wisdom of befriending the Slytherins, because of the logic that the oppressed only rise to fight again another day. The Gryffindors were no less silent in voicing their opinions. Many of them came from the standpoint that Ron was being totally unreasonable in breaking things off with Hermione and felt they had to stand with one of their own who they saw being ill-used.

Harry had also been talking, not just to Ron, who remained stubbornly insistent as to his stand against Hermione, but to others as well. As a result, Ron had turned his back on Harry, too. And had, in fact, joined Seamus, Dean, and some other vengeful Gryffindors to form their own group for keeping the Slytherins down and 'in their place', as Ron called it. Hermione was more convinced than ever that Ron was wrong and headed down a bad road. She just had no idea how ugly it would all get before it was over.

The only house that remained largely silent was Slytherin. They sat mutely in their classes and at meals attempting to NOT draw attention to themselves. They knew their position, and it was precarious to say the least. Hermione did catch one or two of them staring at her sometimes. It seemed as though she could feel their questioning minds projecting out to her. She just smiled in answer to their inquisitive looks. She knew better than to go to one of them and push the issue. She knew she must wait until one of them came to her.

But she was utterly surprised at who the person was to be…

Hermione was studying before that day's N.E. class in the library a few days after her last confrontation with Ron when a note, charmed into a delicate bird, came fluttering to rest on the page of the book she was reading. She grabbed up the bird and looked surreptitiously around her, but there was no one to be seen. Feeling very curious, Hermione carefully unfolded the bird…

bGranger,

I would like to talk to you about your new found work. Meet me in the Astronomy tower at 8 PM tonight. No need to reply.

DM/b

DM? Hermione did not have to puzzle over that one. Draco Malfoy… Really? He wanted to talk to her about her 'work'? Hmmmm. Draco Malfoy was the last person she had ever thought would ask to talk to a 'Mudblood'!

'This should be interesting,' she murmured under her breath.

Then she read the note again. 'Arrogant little git!' she hissed. 'He is all but ORDERING me to meet with him! Some things never change.' She knew she would go. It would not do to be obstinate at the first sign of the Slytherin's interest in her idea. 'I'll be there, Malfoy. You better be respectful at the very least!' She crumpled the note in her hand and then reduced it ash with a well-placed Incendio.

When 8 PM arrived, Hermione was huddled on the Astronomy tower waiting for Draco Malfoy to show. She was cold and exhausted from not only the school day, but the strain of having to keep away from Ron. Harry had been like a quiet shadow by her side for days now. She felt his angst at losing his friend, but also his stalwart support of her. She did not tell him about the meeting Draco had 'requested'. Because he knew he would offer to come with her, and she had felt it better to go alone. She was sure Draco would not appreciate seeing Harry at all. And, much as she did not relish being anywhere alone with Malfoy, she believed the meeting would be more fruitful if she met him alone.

And, of course he was late… Leave it to Malfoy to make a show of having things on his own terms. Good god…

At 8:20, Hermione had cast a Warming charm over herself, so was more comfortable. But she felt her anger could have warmed her anyway. Where the hell was Malfoy? She was just about ready to give up altogether when she heard boots clicking on the flagstone behind her. She spun around to face him.

'Draco Malfoy, where have you been? I have been waiting for ages!' she spat out, her face red and eyes snapping.

Malfoy smiled nastily, and Hermione knew she had given him just the reaction he'd been looking for. 'Relax, Granger,' he drawled unconcernedly. 'It's only been fifteen minutes.'

'Twenty!' Hermione corrected automatically. 'And my time is valuable. I would appreciate…' But Draco only interrupted her tirade with a casual wave of his hand.

'Let's skip the histrionics, shall we, Granger? We both know why we're here.'

'Do we?' Hermione asked primly. She had to bite her tongue a bit to not continue her lecture.

'Of course,' he answered glibly. 'You have been creating quite a stir here at dear old Hogwarts. Word has it you are seeking to *gasp* HELP the Slytherins … what was it? Integrate?' He chuckled a little derisively. 'I am here to see what it is you actually wish to do for my noble house.'

'Malfoy,' Hermione began, but he interrupted her again.

'Let's cut to the chase, shall we?' His face was serious now. 'You and I both know that these are uncertain times. The war is over, yes, but the tension is at breaking point in our world. Slytherins are being persecuted, even those who committed no crimes. There is anger and rebellion brewing, even here in the school. From what I hear you are aware of what this could mean and are trying to stop it. Am I right?'

'Yes,' Hermione said breathlessly. This conversation was the most Malfoy had ever said to her. She felt his seriousness and was very hopeful that they might actually get somewhere. 'I know that Slytherins have been persecuted throughout the history of our world and this school. I can see, as any thinking person would, that this is more than half responsible for the tragic history, up to and including the war. Any group of people who is oppressed constantly is bound to find ways to rebel.' Her face was tense, her voice a little bit raised.

'Exactly,' Malfoy said emphatically. 'As I see it, getting the attitude changed here at Hogwarts would go a long way in changing the general attitude of Wizarding kind. But more immediately we have to put a stop to the little group running around the castle reeking havoc with any Slytherin they come across.' Malfoy's face darkened.

'What group, Malfoy?' Hermione felt shocked.

'What group?' Malfoy burst out. 'Why, only the group of MOSTLY Gryffindors that seems to think they have the right to dispense what they see as justice to the Slytherins. They are using magic and their fists. And a lot of my house are getting 'taught a lesson' every day, even the younger ones.' Malfoy paused to take in Hermione's shocked expression. 'I thought you knew about this! For god's sake, Granger! Your ginger headed lout of a boyfriend is spearheading it!'

Hermione felt her breath momentarily leave her. 'What?' she gasped.

Malfoy's eyes narrowed. 'That's right, Ron Weasley, along with several others, have decided to turn vigilante on us. They cruise the castle and dispense their brand of justice. McGonnagal's been on it, and of course Snape. But no one has been able to prove anything. They wear masks and either keep silent or distort their voices. They leave no evidence, but everyone knows who they are.'

'My god, Malfoy… I can't believe this. Ron has gone off his rocker! I mean, I knew he and Seamus and Dean were prowling around, but I had no idea they were actually organized!' Her eyes were wide with disbelief.

'So it would seem,' Malfoy said dryly. 'The group is quite large. And I hear Potter has been to visit a few of the members he suspects. I thought surely you knew.'

'Well, I don't know why Harry hasn't said anything to me about all this, but Ron and I have broken up over my choice to help your house, so he has definitely said nothing to me … well, except for the occasional insult at top voice,' she said grimly.

'Yes, I heard about your break-up. How very … noble of you.' He was glib again, and Hermione felt her ire rising once more.

'For god's sake, Malfoy. I don't expect sympathy from you, but perhaps you could manage not be an ass to me for one minute!' Her eyes were snapping.

'Oh, yes…' Malfoy said derisively. 'And, after all, you ARE trying to help us, aren't you? We should show ourselves grateful!' He made an exaggerated bow to Hermione.

'Oh, shut it, Malfoy! I don't want or need your gratitude. I just think we would work better together if you could keep a civil tongue in your head!'

'Fine!' Malfoy snapped. 'As you wish! I will be civil and we will do this together. For my part, I'll see to it that the others in my house accept what you are trying to do. Maybe I'll even talk to Snape. I hear he is not too high on your crusade.' Hermione glared. 'Sorry … your work.' Hermione stood down.

'No, he doesn't believe that I'm really doing this to help. He is wary of my motives.'

'Well, I'm sure you can understand that…' Malfoy began.

'Better than you could ever know,' Hermione said softly, her eyes averted. Malfoy gave her a strange look but did not press.

'Um… well, what is your plan, then, Granger? I mean, you have to have some idea how you're going to pull off this grand experiment, eh?' His eyes held a spark of sarcasm, though he kept his tone light. Hermione was not fooled. She rolled her eyes.

'Good god, Malfoy. There is no great plan. Changing the general attitude towards the Slytherins is just about people treating them better. The Accelerated N.E. class begins tomorrow, right?' Malfoy nodded. 'The Slytherins and Gryffindors will be rubbing elbows heavily there. I believe we will be the greatest example. We are the oldest students, and most of us participated in the war. If the younger students see us all getting along … becoming friends … well, they will sooner or later follow suit.'

'Perhaps,' Malfoy drawled. 'But I don't think it will be as easy as you think, Granger. There is deep-seated hatred and prejudice on all sides. A lot of Slytherins still think no one but purebloods should be allowed to use magic. These are old family beliefs … generations of conditioning, we're talking … and on the other side the conditioning is that 'there was no bad wizard that did not come out of Slyterin.' These are pretty hard mindsets to fight…'

'Yes, they are,' Hermione admitted reluctantly. But don't you think peer pressure can work both ways?' Malfoy looked dubious. 'Come on, I know it will take time. We do have our work cut out for us, but we have to start somewhere. And just think of the new students coming in. They won't know a Hogwarts where the Slytherins are universally hated, or the Gryffindors and Slytherins are in constant conflict. That will take its positive toll, I'm sure.'

'Maybe,' Malfoy reluctantly agreed. But his eyes held a little more light in them.

'Remember, Malfoy, there are others working on changing things here now, too. I have quite a base of students already aware and agreeable to a change of attitude. The work is going on now, as we speak…'

'True. But what about your ex boyfriend and his group of persecutors for justice?' Malfoy put in. 'They are really banging up my people, Granger … and spreading lies and half truths and prejudice. They are, unfortunately a force to be reckoned with, I think. They're playing on the prevailing sentiment after the war … that Slytherins are entirely to blame. Every society has to have its scapegoats…' His voice trailed off, and he looked away.

'I know, Malfoy,' Hermione countered softly. 'But there is a way to assuage that, too. You might not like it, but I think it is important.' Malfoy didn't look at her. It was as if he already knew what she was going to say. 'If any of the Slytherins in this school DID do wrong things during the war, it would be good for them to own up to those things and show themselves sorry for their errors.' Malfoy winced and continued to look away. 'Not the easiest thing in the world to do, I know,' Hermione said quickly. 'But I really think that if the Slytherins are willing to eat a little humble pie, it might go a long way in showing that they have really changed and are willing to work toward a better world for all of us.' Hermione's eyes were riveted to Draco's face, watching every nuance as he processed the information. 'I am not asking you to grovel or scrape at the feet of anyone…'

'Certainly not!' Malfoy exploded. 'Never!'

'Of course not,' Hermione said in her most conciliatory tone. 'It is ok to just be matter-of-fact about it. Just owning up and making it clear that those days are now over. Right?' Malfoy's colour returned to normal slowly.

'Alright,' he said grudgingly. 'I see the value in that.'

'And you will have to lead out in that, Malfoy. The others still look up to you.' Hermione cringed at her own words. But she knew they were true.

'Yes, I suppose…' But Malfoy wore a small smile. 'Well, I suspect I had better get back and have a meeting with my housemates, eh? We want to get on this right away.' He turned in the direction of the stairs. Then he turned back. 'I think your plan has … merit …' he said in low tones. I assure you that me and my house will put in the effort. But do something about Weasley and his henchman, will you? I have a feeling I can keep the uproar against their thuggery down for a time, but it would be best if it was put to a stop all together … or I can't guarantee that my mates won't rise up out of sheer frustration and humiliation.' His face was all warning.

'I know,' Hermione sighed. 'I will do my best. I'll enlist Harry's help. Maybe they will listen to him.' Malfoy's eyes darkened. He bit his lip a little. She could tell he was biting back a sharp retort.

'Indeed.' It was all he said. And then he was off down the stairs.

Hermione turned to look at the stars and let out a deep cleansing breath. 'That went surprisingly well,' she murmured. 'Now to deal with Ron…'