Chapter 5- Together

I spent two days straight in the library just searching and searching for something, anything that could explain why this was happening to me. It seemed that everyday I had more power than before. I was desperately hungry last night, after not eating the whole day and suddenly I had a buffet of my favorite food along the desk in front of me. I ruled out house elves because I had extensive wards up that kept even them out. I knew how elf magic worked to an extent and I could block them as well. I didn't like to, but I knew Dumbledore could have one of them pop in and pop out with me in tow.

I had a better understanding of my life debt with Malfoy too. He didn't owe me his life exactly because I didn't save him. I just didn't kill him when I had the opportunity. So basically I could ask him for one thing, while invoking the debt, and he would have to obey no matter what it was. That made me smile happily. I wouldn't have a repeat of what happened last time. That was good for both of us.

I put away the useless books and kept three that I hadn't finished. I had to shower and leave this library before I went insane. I stepped out side the doors of the library, peering both ways before cautiously stepping out. The moment my bare feet touched the cold stone floor, Dumbledore and Severus stood in front of me. I rolled my eyes and moved past them. If I kept taking the wards down to apparate I could confuse the castle's magic and that could render the anti apparation wards useless. Maybe I should have chanced it. Severus gripped my arm gently and turned me towards him.

"Come with us to talk, Hermione." He said calmly. I found myself wanting to follow him, to do everything he wanted.

"Of course." I heard myself say. What was I doing?

They did something to me. The instant I realized this I froze in my steps and glared at them wordlessly.

"A compulsion spell on the hallway floor?" I asked skeptically. Dumbledore's merry laugh filled the halls for a few moments, but I wasn't amused. Not one bit. I was surprised I fell for it all, really. It was weak compared to one I could cast.

"This is wonderful, Miss Granger. It's everything we've been hoping for. How powerful would you say you are?" Dumbledore asked happily. I narrowed my eyes.

"Probably just as powerful you are." I didn't bother with the 'sir' or 'professor' pretense.

Dumbledore's smile fell from his face and he looked at me sharply.

" I think you might be even more powerful than that. Care to explain how that happened?"

"I don't know how it happened. It shouldn't have happened. When I figure it out I'll let you know." I side stepped them and walked quickly down the hall. I just needed a-

"Granger?"

Distraction.

I turned to face Malfoy, who looked like this was that last place he wanted to be. Well the feeling was mutual. He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it.

"Well? What do you want?" I asked sharply when it didn't look like he would speak again. His eyes flashed to mine and I couldn't decided if he was angry or…..apologetic?

That's what it looked like.

"I wanted to talk about our…situation." He said slowly, as if I were three years old. I continued to be silent. What was he- oh duh. Our life debt.

"oh, yes, I did some research, and we don't really have al life debt. Basically, you just owe me a favor. I'll let you know alright?"

He looked surprised and then troubled.

"So it can be anything you ask and I would have to do it?"

"Yea that's about it." I replied dryly. It wasn't a very original idea in my opinion.

"Will it be to humiliating?" he asked hopefully. I frowned. Did he really think so little of my character?

"I have no intention of doing anything like that, Malfoy." I said stiffly. This just showed how little I knew about him and how little he knew about me.

An idea sprung into my mind and I grinned evilly.

"Actually, now that you mention it, I want you to compliment me every day for the rest of this year."

His jaw dropped in astonishment and really I was proud of my creativity. This would be wonderful. I'd better make clarifications, though.

"You cant hide an insult in the compliment and you cant owl it to me. You have to tell me in person no matter if I'm alone or not. Are we clear?"

He nodded numbly and blinked multiple times.

"It takes effect tomorrow I think." I said happily. I walked up the stairs to my dorm when he called to me.

"Don't think you've won, Granger!"

I turned back to him with a small smile. "I wouldn't dream of it."

A/N:Sorry this was a little late, but I'll be updating again in about two days. Reviews please!