Disclaimer: Not JK, so it's not mine (only plot twists and OCs)

Chapter 12: Discovering Hidden Truths

Emma wondered why Hermione was avoiding her the next day. 'Just when we were making progress too!' Emma sighed

Emma was reading a book after Harry went to bed when she sensed Hermione and Ginny walking down the stairs. "We are having a slumber party," Ginny said. "We thought we'd keep you company." Emma looked up, surprised. She had brought down pillows and blankets deciding after last night that the dormitory was too crowded (mentally and emotionally). She saw Ginny and Hermione had also brought down their stuff. "I can't believe you do this every night!" Ginny said.

"No wonder you're exhausted," Hermione said. They camped out in front of the fireplace.

"Were. . .are you really going out with Draco?" Ginny asked.

Emma laughed at her candor. "Do you really want to know?" she asked. Ginny nodded, and Emma knew Hermione was interested even if she wasn't vocal about it. "Yes, Draco and I are dating."

"How long?" Ginny asked. She had brought down some chocolate frogs and other candies.

"We've been friends since our first year, dating since. . .well, I guess since our fifth year, but we were acting like a couple before that."

"I think things are more serious between you than just dating," Hermione said. "Ginny and Dean are dating, but the two of you . . ."she trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.

"We are more than just boyfriend/girlfriend. We are…this sounds corny and out of a muggle soap opera, but we are soul mates."

"Everyone thinks that when they first start dating," Ginny said.

"I mean it. Literally," Emma said.

"I've read about soul mates. It is the only type of magic still left in the muggle world although they don't know it's magic," Hermione said. "But it's difficult, even in the wizarding world to know, isn't it?"

Emma shrugged. "I don't know. I literally ran into mine when I was eleven years old in Diagon Alley. Either Fate enjoys messing with me, which is highly likely, or soul mates do find each other, which they do."

"Well, I highly doubt Dean is my soul mate," Ginny said. "How do you tell?"

"It is different with each couple."

"How did you and Draco know?" Ginny asked.

Emma smiled. "By touching." She saw Hermione roll her eyes. "I don't mean anything dirty. I mean like whenever we touched hands, or when we hugged. It was like a shot of electricity. There was a tingling feeling."

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"Neither of us could feel. I couldn't because I am an empath so I don't have normal emotions. Draco is a Malfoy. The only emotions they have are supposed to be bad ones. That was another thing. Whenever I was around Draco I could express emotion without affecting him. I cried my heart out after Cedric died without affecting him."

Ginny looked momentarily stunned at the mention of Cedric. "What would he say?'

Emma laughed. "Actually, he predicted we would date. The soulmate bit might have thrown him for a curve, though."

"He knew?"

Emma nodded. "That's why we didn't talk for a month. He found out, got angry and didn't approve that we were friends, that is all we were then, then he couldn't bring himself to apologize . . ."

"So he did the stupid challenge," Ginny said excitedly. "He wanted to show you off to the rest of the society and make a fool of himself."

Emma nodded. "He told me he wouldn't be surprised if we did date. He actually said we would make a cute couple," Emma said fondly.

"But there is still something more between the two of you," Hermione said. "I saw it last night."

Emma nodded. "We . . .I haven't even told Harry this, but Draco and I are bonded."

Both girls looked shocked. "What? When?" Hermione asked.

"Last year," Emma said.

"That is really rare!" Hermione said excitedly.

"What's it like?" Ginny asked.

"Well . . .it's certainly never lonely," Emma laughed. She told them about being able to talk with each other. "And, if something happens to one of us, it happens to the other."

"Like last night," Hermione said. She had already told Ginny what happened. Emma nodded. "Why would you do something like that?" Hermione asked. "I mean, if one of you just drops down dead, the other would too."

"That doesn't matter. I knew going into it there was a good chance something would happen. I mean, it isn't exactly the most peaceful times," Emma said. "But . . .I never told Draco this, and it sounds horribly cliche, but I don't know what I'd do without him. As hard as it was to lose Cedric, I don't know what I'd do if Draco died."

"You'd be alive," Hermione said.

"Yes, but he is how I live. I express emotions through him and him through me. He can save me from myself literally . . .How are things with Dean?" Emma asked not wanting to elaborate on Emily at the moment.

Ginny frowned. "Well, things were great, but now . . .I don't know." They spent the next few hours talking about Dean and Ron till they fell asleep.

"How do you know when it is alright to leave?" Hermione asked curiously through a yawn.

"I only guard over him when he is dreaming. That is when he is most vulnerable," Emma explained before they all drifted off.

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Harry and Emma spent a lot more time together. Harry, who was getting tired of Ron and Hermione's bickering and always being in the middle of it, decided to spend his time with Emma. He told her things she didn't already know about the Dursley's and his life before Hogwarts; Emma told him more about herself and her abilities.

One of his favorite topics (unsurprisingly) was that of their parents. "What did your mother think about Snape?" He asked. "I've seen a memory where my dad bullied Snape, but your mother wasn't in that memory."

"Was that during their fifth year? Mum was with Da at the time. Had to listen to Lily rant about it for hours. Anyways, my mother was a little more tolerant of Snape and the Slytherins than James, I guess. She didn't have anything against Snape. She didn't encourage him to taunt Snape, and she disapproved of it, like your mother, but she didn't approve of Snape's conduct either," Emma said one afternoon as they sat in the common room. "She was more neutral."

"She and my mum were friends?" Harry asked.

Emma smiled. "They were roommates together all through school since they were in the same year. The two of them became fast friends too; although the fact my mum was friends, let alone related to James, did vex Lily," Emma laughed, "She looked past it. They were also good friends with Alice Fairchild. You know her as Alice Longbottom."

'It's odd how he doesn't talk about you,' Emma told Draco. 'I wonder why that is?'

'Well, at least this way you won't have to lie.'

"Are you going to the apparition lessons?" Harry asked her during lunch.

"No. I already know how to apparate," Emma said. Harry looked mildly surprised. "My father has been a bit overprotective of me. He taught me a long time ago in case of emergencies," Emma explained.

"Is it like side-along apparition?" He asked.

"Well, . . . it's similar, but I don't think it is as uncomfortable. I think it has something to do with the fact you are in control of yourself."

'Well, I am going to keep up appearances. It wouldn't do to have both of us not go' Draco said.

'True. How is it coming?' Emma asked.

'I don't know how much longer I can do this Emma. I am half hoping . . .I don't even know what I am hoping anymore.'

'I have no idea what to say.' Emma said. They had both stopped being optimistic a long time ago, even with Dumbledore having a plan. 'But I have a plan, a backup plan that we need to work out some of the details. Maybe we can meet. . .' They both thought of Myrtle's bathroom at the same time. 'First chance we get,' Emma decided.

Harry pounced on Emma after the first apparition meeting. "What is Draco up to?" He asked.

"What?" Emma asked.

'He overheard me chiding Crabbe,' Draco explained.

"I know you know, Emma. You are, after all, dating, are you not?" Harry said. "Tell me."

"Harry, just let this go, please," Emma pleaded. "I can't tell anyone."

Harry eyed her. "I will find out."

"Please," Emma said, "just let it be."

'I almost wish he would find out,' Emma said.

'That makes two of us,' Draco said.

Harry didn't outright ask Emma anymore, but did try to persuade the truth out of her.

year1989 Thank you! (Chocolate is always good : ) Native Kitten Thank you! Voldie isn't happy with Draco's progress (he wanted Dumbledore killed by now or Draco-- he isn't picky). BornBlue yeah, things will shift between Emma and Hermione now (although I did enjoy writing the tension too). The orange liquid was something to help with the pain (like a magical advil/tylenol). Amarthiel As an author, I'm glad I can influence how you feel about Hermione : ) But things will turn out alright. And next year they are pretty much unable to get rid of Draco : ) Potter Fan Bo Harry will find out about the bond . . . eventually (he doesn't know to ask, and hasn't asked her about Draco really at all). The guards will be explained eventually, and Hermione is suspicious as seen in this chapter : ) Hopefully there are still some things to spokesperson about! AnimeCrazy Yes, Hermione is working through her jealousy. And it is a downside to the bond . . . one we shall see again. IceBall I always assumed Snape helped as well (to get Draco out of the Castle) Professor Epona Thank you!!! Hopefully I haven't kept you waiting too long : ) Hermonine Thank you!