Once again, I'm updating late! And I have another excuse! Battle of the Bay is tomorrow night, and it is the BIGGEST football game of the year at my school. Every year groups make shirts to wear, and this year, I'm in charge of making them for my friends that are going, that's 10 shirts, in two days, with homework, getting my hair cut, and still having a social life. I haven't been on the computer at all since Sunday! So darn, It might take longer than I hoped to get back on track! I'm sorry if this is a short chapter, I hope none of you are disappointed!

Chapter 6

Common Room

Hermione is immensely relieved when McGonagall excuses the students. She quickly rounds up the Gryffindors and hands them off to one of the Prefects, then helps the stranglers by pointing them in the right direction. It is easy work, but it helps keep her mind off everything. Ron had asked her if she wanted him to stay and keep her company, but she had told him to go have fun with Harry. She sighs, flashing back to the conversation she had had with Ron.

"Are you sure you don't want me to keep you company?" Ron asks, grinning down at her, one arm wrapped around her waist.

"I'm sure, I'll be busy talking with the first years anyways." She tells him, shrugging her shoulders.

"What about.. him?" His face twists in disgust at even mentioning him. She resists the urge to roll her eyes, instead she jst smiles in a comforting way.

"I can take care of myself. After all, I did punch him in our third year." She points out.

That doesn't seem to comfort him, from the look on his face. "I know, but the thought of you sharing a common room with that Death eater..." He trails off, not finishing the thought, but not needing too.

"Is that jealousy I detect?" She teases, gasping mockingly at him, from the glare he gives her, her attempt at lightening his mood doesn't work. "Oh, Ron, you honestly think that I would even considering doing cheating on you with Malfoy?"

"I'm not stupid, I've heard the rumors about him. Girls talk."

This time, the gasp isn't fake. "Ronald Weasely! How dare you think that I'd be so low as to cheat on my finance, with Malfoy of all people!"

"Babe, that's not-"

"Go find Harry, I'm not in the mood, Ronald." Is her curt reply. Knowing better than to try and talk to her when she gets like this, he does the sensible thing and goes to find Harry.

Now though, she has cooled off, for the most part. She is still mad at Ron, for ever thinking for a second she would stoop so low to cheat on him... The anger is back, but she pastes on a smile as she guides to first years to their dorms. Glancing around, she find the she can't see Malfoy anywhere. Figures Malfoy would blow off his duties and leave them all to me.

After what seems like forever, she finally sends the last first year to their dorm and then starts up to her dorm. She is eager for a bath and ready to curl up in her own bed. That is definitely going to be one of her favorite perks, having her own room with no gossiping girls. Yes, she is ready for a nice, long, undisturbed sleep. Mind made up, she makes her way through the halls of Hogwarts, taking her sweet time for two reasons.

One, she thought she was never going to see the beautiful castle again, so actually being here, she loves it. The fact the castle looks almost identical to how it was before the battle is amazing. Pat of her never wants to leave these halls, to walk among the memories forever. The other part wants to run screaming. This is the place where so many of her friends, people who she considered family, died.

Second, she is hoping if she stays away from the Heads' dorm long enough, Malfoy might be asleep when she gets there. She doesn't want to deal with him tonight, and will propose the idea of a truce in the morning.

So, those are the reasons why she shows up at the portrait to the dorm an hour passed curfew.

The portrait is a painting of a beautiful mermaid, who sits on a rock out in sea, brushing her hair. Her eyes are closed as she hums a melody, running her fingers through her long red hair. All in all, she reminds Hermione a bit of Ginny.

"Songbird." She tells the portrait, who glares at her with green eyes at being disturbed. "Song-"

"I heard you the first time!" The mermaid snaps, irritated as it swings open, revealing the common room. as soon as Hermione steps inside, it swings shut with a slam behind her.

The common room is amazing, decorated in gold and silver, its beautiful. There is a small kitchenette pushed to the side, while the rest of the space is occupied by the furniture. A plush burgundy couch sits in front of a roaring fire, with several armchairs litter the room, along with a polished coffee table. On the other side of the room is a stair case, leading up to the rooms.

"Looks like you annoyed her too." Comes a voice from the couch. So much for avoiding Malfoy.

Really short, barely any Draco, I'm sorry! I wanted to post this just so you will have something to read! As you can guess, there will be Draco in the next chapter! Anyways, read and review! I will TRY an update by Saturday, but no promises!