A/N: OKAY. I AM SORRY FOR UPDATING VERY VERY LATE. :( Not completely my fault. Blame school and endless projects. :P BLEH.

But I made this especially long! :) Thanks anyway!

Feelings

Hermione Granger was making a plan. But considering the lack of clues and with nothing to work with, it was useless. Yet still she would scour the contents of the books that she had re-reading every page twice for some kind of clue of a magical mirror. She came out none. She threw the book away and grabbed another one on horcruxes though she had read it numerous times before. She was past caring whether it was dark magic or not; her life was on the line. She was wasting time and she knew it. Actually, she wasn't too keen on finding the mirror. Not that she didn't want to. She did. She wanted to save the world. That was Hermione Granger. It was the loneliness that she felt. On her previous endeavors with death, Harry and Ron had been there making it easier. But now, there was no Harry, no Ron only an infamous ex-Death Eater on her side and that had put her in a state of depression. Who wouldn't be if you were paired with someone you swore to hate with some prophecy by a self-praising fraud?

She threw the book down and it landed with a thump with all the other books she had thrown.

How was this going to work? She was never a whiner but now, she felt like she had every right to. She was going crazy! A good example would be kissing Malfoy. It was completely uncalled for and she didn't even think it was possible. And calling her a beautiful beaver? They were getting bonkers by the minute. And apparating to urinate to have your companion, for a lack of a better word, with you isn't really helping.

She heard him approach her. She ignored him until he was sitting on the couch in front of her. She could see the pinkish tinge on his pale cheeks because of the cold. He sat there, legs and arms crossed and looking as if he was about to say something but before he could Hermione went first.

"What is it, Malfoy?" she said looking at him.

"Aren't you baffled by this?" he said nettled.

"About this…thing?" she said. They have called it thing. They thought the word connection was too friendly like.

"What else?" he said crossed. "You must know with that brain of yours."

"Are you acknowledging my smartness?" she said with a slight smile.

"I've always known you were smart. But that's beside the point."

"Well, I do have some ideas but I still need book references." She nodded.

"Can't you just know?" he said.

"No one can just know something!" she slightly outraged. "You need books and facts and time to study things!"

He sighed in frustration and for a moment, his eyes lit up. "I think I know where the books are." Said Malfoy.

"Really?" asked Hermione skeptically. She couldn't quite imagine seeing the ignorant git reading a book. "And where is it?" she asked.

"In my grandparent's house, there's this book that my grandmother used to rant about-about things unusual and stuff. And they've got a whole library full of books. We could find what you need there!" he exclaimed.

"But what use is it when it's in your grandparent's house?" she said dejectedly.

"We can go there. Grandfather's dead and Grandmother's ill-has been for years and there's no one inside that house. Well…if you count house elves…" he shrugged.

"But…well…if no one lives there…I guess we could go." She said quite bothered how easily he said his grandfather's dead and his grandmother's dancing with death.

"Fantastic. We'll go now." He said and grabbed his wand.

"What? Now?" said a shocked Hermione.

"Yeah. Now." He looked back and gave her a smirk. "Honestly, Granger, don't you want to know about what's going on?" said Malfoy.

"Of course I do. Who wants to be stuck with you?" spat Hermione yet oddly smiling. "But I think we should pack all our things." Said Hermione thoughtfully.

"Why?" asked Malfoy.

"We've been staying here for about two weeks now. To be safe I think we should camp elsewhere." She said and took her wand from her pocket.

"Fine but we need to hurry. There's not much sun left."

After they had hastily packed their things and lifted the enchantments, they apparated under the cloak side by side.

As the unpleasant feeling that came with apparition had passed, Hermione scanned the area. Trees surrounded them; golden rays of sunlight illuminate the ground. They walk for a few minutes and as the forest edge came closer, she could just see the silhouette of a manor in the sunset sky sitting atop a hill.

They crouched beside a birch tree covered by the shadows of the forest. He scanned the hill then gave Hermione the signal to move.

"Wait!"Malfoy said suddenly.

"What?" said Hermione jerking backwards.

"Let me call my house elf first." He said thoughtfully. "Nikita!" he whispered commandingly.

At first there was nothing. Hermione then heard a small pop and a small house elf appeared. Her big blue eyes were wide in shock and her ears were pointed straight up.

"Master!" she squeaked. "Oh, Master Draco! Nikita was worried! You were gone! People are looking for my dear Master!" she sobbed as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"It's alright." Said Malfoy. A hint of unusual gentleness in his voice. "I need you to tell me something." He said.

"Anything! Anything for dear Master!" Nikita squeaked again.

"Are there people inside the manor?" he asked.

"Only two, Master. Mistress Malfoy and Mistress Arwen." The little elf said. Malfoy's eyes light up but soon turned a violent blue grey. Hermione frowned.

"Alright, where are there?"

"In the Green Bedroom in the west wing."

"She's ill again, isn't she?" Nikita nodded. The little house-elf took a glance at Hermione, who was looking at her intently. Probably sensing she was muggle-born, the house-elf swiftly looked away.

"Alright, here's what I want you to do." Said Malfoy. "Unlock the front door; lift all the enchantments for the exit and entrances and do not-I repeat-do not let them get to the library. You understand?" he said harshly. The elf squeaked in fright. "Do you understand?" Malfoy said harsher than before.

"Malfoy!" whispered Hermione disapprovingly. "She's frightened!" but Malfoy ignored her. He continued to squint at the elf until it nodded. "Yes, Master Draco."

"Good." He nods at the elf. "You may go." He said and turned to Hermione. She frowned as the elf disappeared with a pop. He pointed his wand at Hermione. In return, Hermione points her wand at him.

"Don't you trust me, Granger?" he said.

"Not with my life, no." she said equally.

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Nuisance." He said annoyingly. "I'm just going to cast a Disillusionment Charm on you." Said Malfoy.

"I can do it very well by myself, thank you very much." As soon as she tapped her wand on her head, she could feel the cold sensation travelling from her head, down to her torso to her legs and then to her toes. She looked at her hands. She could see nothing but her wand seemingly floating in midair. She looks for Malfoy but he had already casted his charm.

"Malfoy!" she whispered. "Malfoy!" she was irritated. What use was this if she couldn't see him?

"I'm here." Said a voice from behind, making her jump. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going if I can't see you?" Hermione said, cheesed off.

"The cloak won't fit us." He said a-matter-of-fact. "Here," he said. "I'll hold your arm."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. The Slytherin Prince holding her arm? It was certainly not like him. "Are you sure?" said Hermione doubtfully.

"Of course." Said Malfoy flatly.

She could feel his warm hand holding her arm and warming her. She had expected it to be cold.

As they trudged to the manor, hand in arm, it was then she realized how grand it was. Five stories of white glimmering marble stood atop a hill. As they approached she could see creamy red, emerald green, gold and black veins in the marble forming intricate patterns in the wall.

They walked the steps to the door made of dark ebony wood. She could feel him push it and it opened smoothly. They crossed the threshold warily, peeking at the lobby. Moving paintings lined the purple walls; a golden staircase flowed in the middle of the humungous lobby. At a closer look, Hermione named the paintings. All of them were famous Slyhtherins like Merlin, Salazar Slytherin and of course, the whole Malfoy clan. All looked curiously at the door.

Whispering to and asking their neighboring paintings about the strange commotion. The door stood ajar letting the cold breeze flow inside the marvelous room.

He pulled her to the massive staircase and they climbed it as quietly as they could, tiptoeing onto the carpeted steps. Gleaming honey-amber wood panel the second floor lift. Malfoy steers her to the right, then left at a bend. The house was eerily quiet. They climb to another staircase and end up in a hall similar before only its walls were green and tall vases of flowers can be seen through the hall. They walk passing several doors and turn left and right again and stops. They enter another hall with blue walls. Windows thirty feet high grace the hall with golden sunlight, illuminating it beautifully. At the end of this piece of floor is a massive wooden door. Hurriedly, they walk towards it. It opens suddenly, creaking on its hinges. Blinding light shined through the door making her incapable for a split second. As her eyes got used to the light, her jaw dropped. Hundreds of thousands of books were shelved on the wall in the cathedral like library. A staircase slanted from the far middle of the room to the second deck. On the north wall, a window the size of the wall filled the room with sunlight. On the eastern wall was a huge painting of, none other than, Abraxias Malfoy. His eyes were stern and his mouth formed that famous smirk. You could almost feel the arrogance emanating from it. Under it was a grand fire place of blue and white marble between to vases of white roses. Couches and throw pillows were there for luxury.

Simply speaking, it was her perfect paradise. She made to move to the couches to warm her cold shoulders. It was then she realized that someone was beside her and that they came here with a purpose. Not to warm off or relax, but to search for a single book among the hundreds, perhaps thousands in the library. She sighed. It was going to be a long day and they don't have much time.

"How in the world are we going to do this?" she whispered aghast.

"You search the lower deck." He murmured after awhile. "I'll search the top." He let go of her arm leaving her free from restraint. She went to the nearest wall feeling tired already. She scanned the shelves. All of these were for potions and fungi. She moved on towards the next. She saw a plaque reading curses. This looks promising. She thought as she pulled down several volumes.

They searched the library for hours without a break. Her back was sore from getting and returning books. Even if she couldn't see it, she knew her eyes were red from scanning useless information; trying in vain to find the damned book. The sky was pink from the dust; it was twilight.

She sighed for what seemed to be the hundredth time as she placed a reference book on Medieval Jinxes and Curses. As she reached for another book, she felt a small jab on her shoulder. She looked behind her but she couldn't see anything.

"Malfoy?" she whispered. "Are you there?" she whispered again.

"Your Disillusionment Charm is wearing off." Said a voice so close to her ear she could feel its breath on her neck, making her shiver slightly.

"Oh!" she squeaked in surprise. She tapped her head and felt the cold sensation again. Whispering once more, she said, "Are you sure it's here?"

"Yes," he answered. "It must be here somewhere." He said in a tight voice. "Just keep looking." He breathed.

Hermione frowned again. Her stomach was howling in hunger. They hadn't eaten since breakfast. Hermione made a move to grab another book when the door suddenly closed. Hermione swiftly turned around. A person in a dark blue cloak was standing near the door. The hood was up covering the face black.

"I know you are here." The person said in a soft willowy voice. It was a she. "SHOW YOURSELF!" she screamed. She dropped her hood. Long ebony black hair trailed down her shoulders. Her eyes, electric blue, were vicious and wide. She was pale like porcelain.

Hermione stood her ground, frozen to the spot. She stared at her face: So beautiful yet frightening at the same time.

The woman's eyes searched the cavernous library. She clutched her wand. For a moment, doubt clouded her eyes then—disbelief.

"Draco!" she whispered clearly outraged. "Is that you? Show yourself!" commanded the woman.

Hermione heard soft footsteps on the carpeted floor then Malfoy appeared beside her the trademark Malfoy smirk plastered on his face. "Missed me?" he chuckled. The woman's eye grew larger and more worried. "What are you doing here?" she whispered furiously. "You fool! You could have been caught!" she said.

"Don't worry Arwen. It's all taken care of." He smiled tensely. Arwen's eyes narrowed and widened again. "You aren't the only one here, are you?" she said suspiciously. "Show yourself!" She yelled once more. Hermione looked at Malfoy and saw him nod once. Hermione took out her wand, brandished it over her and felt warm.

"You?" she whispered, completely dumbfounded. If it was even possible, her eyes bulged out like bugs, shining in the moonlight. The hair on the back of Hermione's neck stood as the girl named Arwen laughed a dangerous, deranged-like laugh.

"You," she pointed a white finger at Malfoy, "are a complete fool." She spat, jabbing her finger at his chest. Hermione half expected Malfoy to shout at her, screaming profanities and slapping her. But instead, he smiled. A smile unlike she had ever seen. The smile made him look different. It made him look innocent. She slapped herself internally.

"Of all people, her?" she hissed at him. "Don't you understand what you're doing? You're putting me in danger. You're putting yourself in danger!" she hissed yet again. Hermione found her somehow frightening.

"For a second I'd think you'd care for me." He teased with a smirk. "I'm alright. See?" He took hold of her shoulders and hugged her, enveloping her with his arms. It was a sight that would leave a myriad of people with jaws on the floor.

"You have gone mad." She replied back. "Completely under the sea," She hugged him back and Hermione felt a curious pang in her chest.

Arwen turned around and stared at her. Eyes narrowed, she sized Hermione up and down which made her irritated. Suddenly, her memories flashed in her mind. Random memories playing in fast forward, from when she was a child to last month's adventure. She knew that girl was playing with her mind, searching and it made her head hurt. Gathering all the strength that she had, she pushed Arwen out and tried to barricade her thoughts, leaving her a little faint. She felt her mind clear and her surroundings came into focus. The girl was staring at her, shocked, probably not expecting her to be that strong.

He stared into her eyes; his face an indifferent mask yet his posture failed to convey the same calm, expressionless on his face. Even in the presence of his family, he hides his emotions.

Arwen's eyes locked into hers, her gaze so intent it could have burned holes on her head.

"We need your help," said Hermione speaking for the first time.

Arwen glanced at Malfoy, confused.

"And what is it that you need helping with?" she said hesitantly as if regretting that she ever said it.

"We need to find that ancient book Nana used to carry around." Malfoy said. For some unbeknownst reason, Hermione felt a smile creep through her mouth at the word 'Nana'.

"Why?" replied Arwen.

"Merlin woman, should you ask so many questions?" he said with a slight trace of a grin.

"I should if I must help you." She replied equally.

"There are…things…happening." Stuttered Hermione. She felt stupid.

"And what are these things?" said Arwen with an air of superiority.

"There seems to be a connection between me and him." she said roughly and saw Malfoy's eyes widen and his pale face flushed pink in embarrassment. As Hermione said, she was not one to beat around the bush.

"A connection?" she said delicately. "How?" she said.

"We do not know. That's why we're here." Malfoy said glancing at Hermione with narrowed eyes.

"What are the symptoms?" asked Arwen.

"Whenever I would apparate somewhere else, even if she does not have knowledge about it, she would appear a second late after me and it is same with her." He said.

"Oh," came Arwen's reply. "Oh," she said yet again.

"What do you mean Oh?" Malfoy said anxiously.

"I have seen this before." Said Arwen as she came front-to-front with the big glass window, her reflection eerily staring back at her.

"This is old magic. In fact, it is very old, no one uses it now." She said as she crouched down and touched the floor.

"So you know about this?" said Malfoy, excited.

"Yes, I do. I have seen it." She took a short knife inside her cloak and made a small cut o her middle finger. The red blood so vivid from the paleness of her skin, dropped on the carpet with an unusually loud thud. A small part of the floor sprang open and a small pulpit emerged from the hole. On it was a very, very old looking volume. Its body was a faded black and it's pages a dirty cream.

Malfoy looked troubled and unsurprised.

"Here," she said lifting the volume with lightness and tossed it to Malfoy. "I do not have time to tell you about that brand of magic." She ushered them to the high arched doors.

"You must go," she said suddenly, her voice urgent and panicky. Even Malfoy looked confused.

"I will show you an easier way out." She said.

As they passed several corridors and descended a pair of stairs, one thing was on Hermione's mind. That this curse was not the first time it happened; that there was knowledge about this connection. Hermione looked up and saw the sky was dark and dotted with myriad of stars.

"This is as far as I can go," she said leading them into the edge of the meadow and the forest.

"Arwen—" began Malfoy but was cut off.

"Just go, okay?" said Arwen as she hugged him. Hermione felt that foreign pang in her chest again. She saw Malfoy frown.

Malfoy walked to Hermione's side, the black book in his arms. She could smell the perfume on his clothes as he draw closer.

Hermione nodded politely as Arwen said, "Page 394." and with that, they apparated.

As they set up camp in another forest, Hermione opened the book and turned to page 394. She came upon a Soul Spell.

This spell binds two souls together. Only old traditional magical villages before used this spell but was banned in 1878 by the Minister Decree No. 8484. There are no known counter curses for this spell. Although used for soul mates for marriage, it was used for punishment for people who has committed dangerous crimes. When a half of the pair is killed, the other dies. Thus it was used for quick deaths. There are some powers the pair holds for example is the power to be able to read minds and apparate separately and appear in the same place. Although it was said that there are more powers than these…

She dropped the book on the couch though she knew how delicate it was. She was going to die if he died and that they will be inseparable and that they had some crazy powers. She picked up the book again and handed it to Malfoy who was sitting quietly on the couch, waiting for her to explain.

Malfoy took the book and started reading. His brows creased as he threw the book on the floor, hard.

"That is absolutely not possible." He said as started paced. "That book is lying." He said as he paced faster and faster and faster…

"Sit down Malfoy. I think I might have a headache from watching you walk all day." said Hermione.

"How come you're calm?" He hissed as he whirled around to face Hermione.

"Because I can control my anger. Unlike others…" Hermione said sarcastically.

"Really, calm down Malfoy!" started Hermione. "We might think this through!" she said.

Malfoy glared at her as he sat beside the upturned volume and picked it up and read it again.

"It said we would have powers." Malfoy said who seemed genuinely interested. "It said we could communicate without speaking." He babbled. "Could we try this?" he asked.

Hermione, who was shocked by Malfoy who asked for her permission, stared.

"Granger?" he said. "I know my beauty is beyond your comprehension but there is no need to look at me like that." He said with a smirk. That clicked Hermione up.

"Whatever Malfoy," said Hermione.

Hermione got up when suddenly, a word formed in her mind, completely not her doing. How to Fall In Love with Goblins.

Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"Did you…?" she started.

"How to Fall In Love with Goblins?" asked Malfoy. Hermione's eyes went wide.

"You heard that?" said Malfoy.

"Yes, I…" whispered Hermione. She thought, like Malfoy, that this just was something like a lie. That was why she didn't go ballistic when she read about it. The thought of her soul being tied with her enemy was disgusting for Hermione though a small part of her, however small, was happy. She stomped on the idea viciously.

"How did you do that?" asked Hermione.

"Quite easy if you're a trained Occlumens." said Malfoy.

"Could you teach me?" blurted Hermione.

"What?" said Malfoy, mild disbelief on his face.

"Teach me Occlumency and Legilimency."

"Why?"

"Well, back at your grandparent's house, Arwen, she used Legilimens on me and I'd love it if I could defend myself." She said flatly.

"It's quite hard." He teased. "Are you up for it?" he said.

"Of course." said Hermione.

"We'll start tomorrow then." He said and he got up, facing her.

"I'll be making supper." He walked away slowly as Hermione only had a second left before he would disappear behind the stove.

"Malfoy," she called.

He turned around the slightest smile gracing his lips.

"Thank you." said Hermione.

"For?" replied a startled Malfoy.

"Cooking." said Hermione in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Wouldn't trust you with a knife, would I?" he teased again.

"Whatever but thanks anyway." with that he turned around and started to walk away.

"Er…Malfoy!" she called again.

"Yes?"

"May I call you Draco?" Hermione asked blushing.

"Suit yourself." He said and departed completely from her sight.

A/N: That's about it for chapter 8. Don't forget to leave a review! :)