Heyy! Okay, I would have updated sooner but my school had a football game and my girlies and I decided to go out and have some fun! (We lost epically by the way; 31 to 0.) Plus, there was the first dance of the year, and I was sick for a few days after that. And I've been really sad since my big brother is leaving us for three months to go to military boot camp. :( urgghh, yeah so anyways. Here's chapter three, and in this they are going back to Hogwarts, and while Hermione is dealing with her inner turmoil, Draco's using this to get closer to her. Or atleast attempting.

disclaimer: I do not own HP, blah blah blah, nothing is mine (:well obviously the plot but not the characters/other HP stuff:)

So, this chapter is dedicated to: ALL WHO REVIEWED!

Thankies, guys! So, here we go~

Chapter Three

What I Go To School For

Hermione had been rather quiet since she had arrived at The Burrow. It was abnormal for her, because usually Harry and Ron couldn't get her to shut up. Now, she just gazed off into the distance, as if she was someplace else.

This troubled her best friends, a bit. They eventually confronted her about it.

Hermione sat outside The Burrow, her wand bright in the darkness. She mumbled angrily to herself. She had been mad all day. And not in the hatter sense, but in the furious one. Though, she may be becoming a tad looney. Her hands trembled as she glared at the article in hand. "Maeve family, not dead! Wizarding world rejoices!" She sighed angrily.

The young witch had recently started researching her "family", looking at previous articles in the papers or other books she could fish up in Diagon Alley. From her father's side, Maeve, she had learned they were a family of higher ranking then even the Malfoy's. But they seemed to be considered less prejudice then most. Almost all of them had jobs in the ministry. The roots of her mother's however were darker.

Almost all of that side of the family had been sent to Azkaban for some crime or another. Her mother, Catrina, was left alone the year she started Hogwarts. She moved in with her family's close friends, the LeStrange's.

There weren't many other articles, other then arrests, since her parents weren't really that important beyond their political places. There were a few here and there about some "scandal" or a party they attended. She even found some about suspicion of her parents linked to the Dark Arts. And then, from the Daily Prophet and many others, the papers were flooded of news of their family's "deaths". Their amazing resurrection was just another to add to the list. Hermione scowled. Her father's family was supposed to be very open-minded, and here he was being dragged along by his looney wife.

Love was a horrid thing.

"Mione?" A voice asked softly. Hermione knew it was Harry. Ron wouldn't be far behind him. She doubted they knew of the article about her family. She doubted they could even read without her assistance.

Though, the other of the Weasley clan might have seen it. Then again, they didn't do too much reading either. But gossip travels.

Eh, she was fifty-fifty. "H-Harry. Hello." Hermione croaked, her throat dry from not speaking as much as normal. Harry crouched down, so their eyes were level. She avoided his innocent jade gaze, her own honey eyes falling on her pale hands clenching the newspaper. How was she supposed to tell him?

The faint sound of chewing reached her ears, and she knew Ron was towering over them, watching, not wanting to anger her by his insensitive male thoughts. He was a smart lad.

"Mione, whats wrong?" Harry's dark brows knitted together in confusion. "You've been down lately." Hermione released a breath she hand't known she been holding. Harry knew nothing. She could finally look at him. The heiress gave him her best fake smile.

"What are you talking bout, Harry?" She laughed. "Too many bludgers to the head, I suspect." Harry didn't laugh. He continued to stare. "And now you're avoiding my question."

Hermione sighed, and leaned on his shoulder, as Ron sat down on the other side of her, a plate of some of his mother's delicious home-cooked meals.

"You can tell us anything, Mione. We'll always be here." Ron said, stuffing his mouth with what seemed to be potatoes. Hermione sniffled. The article was still crunched up in her hands, holding it tightly. It was silent for a moment, before she handed Harry the article.

"Don't think any less of me." She muttered, burying her face into Harry's shirt. "I'm still me."

And now, as she left The Burrow with her best friends, she was filled with the tiniest of hope. With their support maybe she could survive life. Just maybe.

That night she'd spilled her heart out to them.

Their opinion of their childhood friend was still the same. She was a separate from her family, and they knew nothing could shake her morals. She was a smart witch and a great friend.

Ron even joked about all the money she had now. She could afford to do something with her hideous clothes. Hermione wasn't laughing, but Harry was after Hermione had punched Ron hard on the arm, bruising him.

Everything felt normal, thankfully, and the fear Hermione had building up since discovering this fact about herself was slowly deflating with each breath. She'd get through it.

Although Harry and Ron viewed her as the same person they always had, Hermione couldn't help but notice the looks she'd receive from others. Ginny looked terrified and Molly and Arthur eyed her suspiciously, as though she'd suddenly go mad and Avada Kedavra them on the spot. It stung, but she still had her boys. The only people she really needed.

At the train station, Hermione felt all eyes on her. As if she wasn't already extremely self-conscious. Any slight awkward movement would not go unseen. Those were alot of movements for Hermione. Among the crowd was a mixture of smirks and looks of disgust and hate. The adults all watched her warily.

The looks made her wonder what kind of a reputation her parents had made for themselves. She sighed. Hermione tugged her trunk behind her nervously, careful to avoid any eye contact with curious Slytherins.

She stepped carefully onto the train, almost tripping into Ron. She groaned. She got especially clumsy when people were watching her. She followed her friends down the train, getting many looks from people in compartments. When they finally found an empty one, Hermione was glad to be out of the public's eye.

Now she felt Harry's pain. He patted her shoulder sympathetically.

"I still don't see why everyone's making a big deal." Ron snorted, stretching his legs on the other side of Hermione and Harry. "Your still just Hermione Granger. Nothing that special bout her."

Hermione scowled at the red-head. He certainly knew how to woo a girl. Said girl was extremely confused to the terms of her and Ron's relationship

Sometimes it was like they were dating, and at other times she felt like his mother. Neither one of them had bothered to clearly define anything. She wasn't even sure that they had openly stated their feelings.

Everyone just assumed they were together.

But Hermione didn't know if she really liked Ron. He was an amazing friend, really, but there were no sparks. No butterflies.

She had the same feelings for Harry as she did for Ron now. But she should have expected it. Hermione had never once seriously liked a boy, let alone find one attractive. Or girls, for that matter.

There was probably one guy she found even slightly attractive and he was too much of a git for her to seriously consider it.

Just then, a flash of blond passed their compartment. Draco Malfoy. She took a deep breath. Speak of the devil! His white-blond hair fell perfectly in his pale face, matching his beautiful silver eyes the made girls' knees buckle. His body type was exactly her type. He was very skinny, but still strong and toned from Quidditch. Much like Harry, and very different from Ron's. His neck is maybe what she liked most. He was so thin.

Backs, shoulders and necks were like her fetish. She just liked seeing them. She couldn't explain why. Draco by far had the best. It was bony and fascinated her.

Harry followed close behind.

Yeah, she noticed these things. Sigh.

Following gracefully behind him was Pansy Parkinson. Her flowing black curls were tied in a green ribbon. Her hair, although curly, was much different from Hermione's when she'd first started Hogwarts. Hermione's were wild and crazy while Pansy's were quiet and confident.

But the girl had a new style each day. Pansy's skin was a beautiful olive. It matched perfectly with her dark hair and chocolatey brown eyes. Pansy was the envy of every girl.

Hermione didn't know the her personally, but they weren't that fond of each other. Pansy was too screechy in her opinion. Next to Draco was the Italian sex god. Blaise Zabini. Blaise's olive skin matched Pansy's perfectly, as did his other features. They could be twins. Except for they didn't seem to get along.

Next to Pansy was Daphne Greengrass. The blond was petite and had a dancer's figure, much different then Hermione and Pansy's full blown curves(though Hermione usually hid hers underneath baggy clothes and robes). Daphne had kind green eyes and a small smile. She didn't seem as bad as her sister Astoria.

Hermione loathed the girl. She was almost a miniature version of Daphne, except for she wore a permanent sneer. She was Draco's fanclub president. Not that Hermione had intended to join or anything. Astoria was also the president of Harry's, so she'd spoken to the girl a few times. Many a fan fiction had Astoria written about her best friend and the Slytherin prince.

Behind the group were Crabbe, Goyle, and Theodore Nott. These guys used to be Draco's main circle, until he fell into the clutches of Blaise and Pansy in the third year. It seemed as the two had seduced him into being the alpha of their little pack with them and Daphne. His three minions sort of just followed them around, the larger two providing as bodyguards and Nott providing as the "Hermione" of the group. Basically, the smart one who got the rest out of trouble.

They ruled Slytherin house. Their families all had immense influence in the political world. Rich prats, is what they are. Hermione detested them. No matter how pretty and shiny their hair was. As if they noticed her staring, the group found her, and they smirked. Except for Draco, who wore a frown. Pansy waved and Blaise blew a kiss. Daphne smiled fondly. Hermione blinked.

That was strange.

They never interacted with her, unless it was them torturing her relentlessly. The young witch frowned. They had matured since when she first met them. Draco especially. He carried with him the aura of a man, not an annoying school boy. Pansy's screeching had been less frequented and Blaise and Daphne had always been on the mature side.

The other three never really thought for themselves.

"Gits." Ron muttered. Hermione sighed. Ron was right, they were still the same rotten slytherin "royalty" they had always been.

Their compartment door slid open, to reveal Luna and Neville. Hermione smiled pleasantly at her friends. Neville gives her a hard look, which is strange for his normal behavior. "Ron, Hermione. Aren't you two supposed to be doing prefect duties about now?" Hermione paled, and then stumbled to her feet, rocking back on her heels as she looked at Ron.

"We almost forgot!" She hissed. The red-head gave her an amused look. He sighed, then stood. "You know Mione. Her and her academic related subjects."

"I'm so proud, such big words you used in one sentence, Ronald." Hermione commented, her eyes narrowing. Ron glared, but then shot Harry a look before following Hermione out of the compartment.

Luna and Neville sat across from Harry. His jade eyes sparkled a bit. Did he see a flame between the two? "What did you guys get on your OWLs, Harry?" Luna asked gently. Harry frowned. He was still disappointed with his potions grade.

"Well Ron and I passed. Got alot of outstandings." He said quietly. Luna nodded. "And Hermione?"

Harry chuckled. "Oh, the same, you know. Outstandings, but she was worried about the one exceeds expectations."

"Pft. What a..." Neville murmured something under his breath. "I'm lucky if I get an acceptable..." Harry was confused.

"I'm sorry Neville, but what was it you said of Hermione?" Harry asked, slightly offended. Hermione was like his sister. If your hostile towards her, then your hostile towards him. Neville blushed and shook his head.

"Hermione's mother was believed to be good friends with one of the Death Eaters that killed Neville's parents." Luna said simply. Harry stared a few moments, and then frowned. Bellatrix LeStrange? She had killed Sirius...but it was in no way Hermione's fault. She was just as shaken as he was.

"That's no reason to be bitter towards Hermione. It's not like her mother was the one who..."He trailed off, not wanting to upset the boy.

"You don't know that. People said they have ties with You-Know-Who. Especially if they're all buddy buddy with Bella-" Harry couldn't believe Neville was being so closed-minded about this.

"Neville, you can't possibly be serious about holding a grudge against an innocent person. Hermione of all people!" He looked at Luna for support.

"I've told him this many times, Harry. He won't listen." Neville's lips were in a pout and he stared out the window. The conversation was obviously over. How childish.

For a few minutes, Harry just conversed with Luna, until Hermione and Ron returned. Hermione looked slightly irked, but said nothing.

"What'cha talking bout?" Ron asked, sliding beside Harry. Neville gave Hermione a look, before getting up and leaving.

"What's his problem?" Hermione asked, puzzled.

"Tell ya later." Harry sighed. "But anways, we were talking about how Mr. Weasley and I suspect Draco is a Death Eater." Hermione's mouthed formed an 'o'.

Her parents were Death Eaters. She'd wanted none of it. So, there was a chance that Draco had refused as well. Draco was smart, the second best. Her being at the top of course. He wouldn't do something so stupid as to become a Death Eater.

"Impossible." Hermione dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. "Draco is not an idiot." Harry and Ron gave her a look. Luna agreed with Hermione.

"I don't think he is either." She paused. "I mean Death Eater. The idiot part I'm not so sure of."

Harry frowned. "But... remember that day in Diagon Alley, Ron?" Hermione tilted her head to the side.

They had gone to Diagon Alley. The boys had gone to get supplies while Hermione had gone to research her family.

"What about it?" She asked curiously.

"Well, we saw him when we were visiting Fred and George." Ron explained. "And we followed him to Borgin and Burkes. He was very suspicious talking to Borgin and-"

"You followed and spied on him?" Hermione asked, shocked. She didn't know why this had offended her so deeply. She guessed it was because she could kinda relate to Draco in a way. Her family didn't have the best reputation ever, either. She's sure people were starting to think she played a part in the Dark Lord's plan.

She was sure people would spy on her, and watch her closely.

She almost felt bad for the poor boy. Almost. He was still a major pain in the arse.

"Yeah, Mione. You would have done the same." Ron yawned as he pulled a chocolate frog out of his pocket. Hermione gave him a disgusted look.

"Why are you taking his side, Mione?" Harry asked, eying her. Hermione's back stiffened. "Because I'm in the same position as him." She admitted quietly, folding her hands across her lap. "My parents aren't seen as the greatest wizards ever. People suspect me as well." She bit her lip, then spoke again.

"I see the way people look at me Harry."

All was silent, as Hermione wallowed in her misery. Harry coughed. "Well, Draco's father is for sure a Death Eater. But yours obviously aren't, they're just suspected because of their social status." He gave her an unsure smile. "Most pure blood families are suspected, Mione."

Yes, she'd kept that from her friends. Her parents were Death Eaters. Fiercely loyal Death Eaters, at that. She couldn't betray her family like that. Not after the past seventeen years. Plus, she couldn't bare it if she lost Harry and Ron. So, she'd give "Catrina and Bryson" their last request.

"Yes, but we don't know all the facts." Hermione said weakly. "Innocent until proven guilty." Harry looked at his friend incredulously. She was actually defending the ferret! "Harry, let it go." Ron said lazily. "Let the woman have her opinions." Hermione gave Ron an amused look, which he returned with a grin.

Yet, no real spark. She grumbled internally to herself. She wanted there to be sparks, fireworks, butterflies, but nothing happened.

She sighed.

"Mione, we've met your parents before, haven't we?" Ron asked in a puzzled tone. Hermione nodded. She'd thought of that often herself. How had her parents gone parading in the wizarding world without being spotted?

Oh, now she knew. That explained it.

"They wore colored contacts. And mum straightened her hair." She shrugged. "Plus they could have put a charm on themselves, so they looked different to those who knew what they looked like. I've read about that particular one in a few books, if I recall correctly.

"I don't understand why they wanted to hide, though." Harry added after a moment of silence.

"To protect me from a dangerous purebloods?" Hermione laughed. "I don't know. I wouldn't ask the loons directions to looneyville!"

Harry and Ron chuckled along with them. Luna smiled, bemusedly.

"Cat, Cat, Cat." A dark figured laughed, almost bitterly. Said witch frowned prettily into the darkness of her new gothic home. Bryson was away, probably on a mission of make up for Voldemort. Catrina sighed.

"Hello, Bellatrix." The dark witch stepped into the light of a small fire, just barely filling the study. Catrina was cured of by the fireplace, a thick red book in her hands. She wore loose green pajamas with her unruly brown hair tied into a messy bun.

Hardly looked like a force to be reckoned with.

"How longs it been, then?" Bellatrix asked. She twirled a piece of black hair, her red nail polish glistening in the fire's light. Catrina put a finger to her lip, as if thinking, but then raised it into the air, her eyes sparkling.

"Ah, about fifteen years, dear Belly." She pursed her lips together. "Sorry to have kept you waiting." It was at that statement Bellatrix fell to the floor, tears leaking out of her eyes, heavily covered with purple eye shadow.

"Curse you, Catrina! I thought you had perished!" Bellatrix croaked. Catrina's eyes were wide. Bella never openly sobbed like this. Not since...

Her eyes softened. "Oh, Belly. I'm sorry. I had to do it, for my Mione...If you had a child you'd understand..." She wrapped her arms around the weeping woman.

Bellatrix was like her sister. They'd been raised together since age eleven, best friends since birth. They were inseparable. It had pained her to see her like this.

"Oh, but I do understand, Cat." Bella sniffled. "The bond to Mione I have now is almost as strong as a mothers." She sighed, and pulled away from Catrina. "My heart aches for the girl, Cat. She's as big a part of me as you are now. And the shock of who she is nearly kills me. She hates me, Cat. She truly despises me for what I have done."

Catrina nodded simply. "You have done alot since I left, but I think she'll warm up to you after the wedding." Bellatrix gasped in suprise. Catrina gave her a look.

"I'm not an idiot, Bella. I can tell when a simple arranged marriage spell is done." She sighed, then stood straightening her pajama pants. "Though, if the boy is anything like Lucius I'm sure my daughter will be well matched."

"What do you mean?" Bellatrix asked carefully, tugging her hair back into place. Catrina looked Bellatrix in the eye. "Mione needs someone who can match her fire, not extinguish it."

"Dragons breath fire, dont they Cat?" Bellatrix said dreamily. Catrina chuckled. "I don't know Belly, you tell me."

END

I hope you all liked it! It was a tad bit longer than my usual chapters. Mm, I'm not sure when I'll be updating but probably within the next week. (: Don't fret! Oh, I recommend to everyone the movie Letters To Juliet. The young couple reminds me of a Dramione story. hehe. Oh this entire chapter I was humming Granger Danger from A Very Potter Musical. Delightful! All the acts/scenes are on youtube, so check it out!

Well, review please.

Gotta run now, ciao! :P

Review, pwease!