Summary: In 6th year when Hermione discovers that Harry's baseless acusations about Malfoy are more true than she had anticipated, she goes to Dumbledore who stages Draco's death and sends him into hiding. But thats not where her part ends. Dumbledore expects her to tutor him on the 6th year material. Left with more time together alone then ever before, they begin to see things differently, in this, the prelude to their end.

Chapter 2: Rise Above This Doubt

If Malfoy's crying broke her heart, then her heart tore completely in two at the sight before her: Ron eating the face off of that tramp, Lavender Brown. She let out a small sound and turned to Harry.

"I have to go." she said forcefully.

Turning from the excitement of the promtu common room party, Harry questioned her.

"Are you alright?"

Hermione laughed darkly, "No."

And that was all she said before darting out of the common room and making her way to the first secluded spot she could find. The only thing she could do was cry.

She barely registered Harry calling her name. She sorely hoped he wouldn't find her. She wouldn't be able to stand it if he were here. This was just plain embarassing, crying over that cad. She stopped her sniffling and waited until his footsteps faded away and she could resume trying to hold on to pieces of her broken heart.

She looked out of the window, and noted to her delight that it was now snowing. It was open to the world, but magically charmed to hold in the heat of the castle. Why, then, did she still feel so cold?

She didn't know how long she had been crying when a voice startled her.

"Crying over the Weasel cannot possibly be good for your health."

Standing across from her was Draco Malfoy. He leaned casually on the window frame across from her. He was the epitome of relaxed. Only his eyes gave him away to being anything but.

She was stunned "How did you...?"

"You're not the only clever person in existence, Granger."

She glared, "What would a ferret like you know about me?"

He shrugged, "That you're a know-it-all who believes herself to be much cleverer than perhaps even Dumbledore himself."

She scoffed.

"I also happen to know," he continued "That mudblood Granger has quite a bit of an attraction to the Weasel."

She scoffed again, "Oh, yes, continue to antagonize the crying girl. Way to be the gentleman, Malfoy."

"Just doing my best to serve the world." He said innocently.

"At least I don't cry to Moaning Myrtle." She said harshly. "What? You-Know-Who's gonna kill your mommy and daddy?"

She realized it was a mistake to say it the moment it left her mouth. His eyes darkened and he stood up straight, and for the first time she realized just how tall he was. While he usually used his words to try to get to her, had had never attempted violence on her. She hoped he didn't start now.

His face was a mask of pure fury. He clenched and unclenched his hands while trying to hold himself back.

"You know nothing, you bitch."

He stormed off in a rage, and Hermione grabbed her chest in order to stop her heart from jumping right out of her chest. Hermione being a Gryffindor or not, Malfoy was just plain scary when pissed off.

For the first time since running into Malfoy in the second floor bathroom, she thought about what it was that he had been saying. Harry suspected Malfoy of being involved in something nefarious, and she scoffed every time he even alluded to it. But, if what she overheard was true, and if Malfoy's reaction was any indication, Harry was right. More right than even he knew.

Malfoy was up to something, something that if he failed, could cost his life and the lives of his parents. Malfoy was just a kid, like her, and no matter how much he annoyed her, he didn't deserve that. Nobody did, no matter their loyalties.

Talking to Harry wasn't an option, she knew, because he wouldn't stop to think before throwing accusations around or doing something foolish. But she knew of one person, trusting, kind, and ultimately the farthest thing from impulsive and foolish a person could be.

Dumbledore.

When she decided that she would speak to Dumbledore, she didn't exactly think of how to go about doing it. He proved a hard man to find when she got right down to it. He was busy and she was busy so a week passed before she finally thought to go to Professor McGonagall.

When her transfiguration lesson drew to a close, she held back and waited for the classroom to empty. Busy with grading papers at her desk, McGonagall didn't notice Hermione standing near her desk. Hermione let out a small cough.

"Oh! Miss Granger, is there something you need." She sounded startled.

"Yes, actually." hermione smiled sweetly, "I was wondering if I could ask, when is a good time to speak to the headmaster?"

"Miss Granger, the headmaster is a busy man, what do you need to speak to him about that you cannot speak to myself or any other staff member about?"

Hermione looked down, "Its complicated, Professor."

"I daresay, I think I can understand complicated. I have taught students for many years."

Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. "Its about Draco Malfoy."

McGonagall pursed her lips and gave her a stern expression. "Don't tell me Mr. Potter put you up to this? Unless you have proof Miss Granger, there is nothing I can do for you."

"Professor," she said hastily, "You misunderstand me. Harry knows nothing of my concerns and I assure you, mine are based in reality."

McGonagall didn't let up her stern look. "I'm listening, Miss Granger."

"A week ago I overheard Malfoy in a...a discussion with the ghost, Myrtle. He spoke about how he had a task to complete and that if he didn't, both he and his parents would be killed." Hermione paused to let this sink in before continuing, "Professor, that sounds an awful lot like a tatic you-know-who would employ to ensure his will be done."

McGonagall pondered this a moment. "I thank you, for thinking to come to me about this. I will inform the headmaster about what you heard. I'm sure he will want to hear it from you as well."

"Thank you for believing me, Professor." She smiled. While McGonagall did not smile, her expression softened.

"You are a clever girl, Miss Granger, you do not allow your prejudices to form into baseless accusations. You did the right thing. You may go now."

Hermione nodded and turned to leave.

"And Miss Granger?"

Hermione was already halfway across the classroom before turning around.

"While you have a great loyalty for your friends, I must impress upon you the need for discretion with this information. Especially with Mr. Potter."

Hermione nodded, "I understand, professor."

"Forty eight ways to say that I'm feeling helpless
Fallen down and I'll rise above this, rise above this
Rise above this, rise above this doubt"

Rise Above This, Seether