A/N: Before I start this chapter, I just want to say that I'm probably going to continue this story (Yay! Celebration! Party poppers!) but it might take a while to get back on track. So thank you for sticking with this story and I love you all!

A few days had passed since Madame Pomfrey let me out of the infirmary. Draco was out of sight, again and I couldn't help but get an uncomfortable feeling at the pit of my stomach. I sighed and took a deep breath. It was no use getting worked up. He'd come back soon, right?

Classes were almost over and it was nearly time for Christmas. Students were already hanging decorations around the school here and there and snow began to fall, creating a thin layer of white ice on all the buildings and trees. Despite everything that was happening, it was already starting to look like a beautiful Christmas.

Feeling immensely happier, I made my way over to Harry, Ginny and Ron. They, of course, visited me while I was in the infirmary and demanded to know what happened. I told them everything and they swore that they'd take care of Pansy but lately, she wasn't around. I felt weird, knowing that she wasn't around while Draco wasn't either. I also manage to patch things up with Ron, as did Harry and Ginny. Our friendship's been a bit rough but we're getting there.

Speaking of visits, I also received a rather odd one while I was in there… from Blaise Zabini. I didn't even bother to close my mouth when he walked in and walked straight to my bed. It was strange. I knew that he was Draco's best friend but never would I have thought that we'd have an actual civilised conversation.

Flashback~

"B-Blaise Zabini?"

Blaise laughed. "You can close your mouth now Granger. And don't worry, I'm not here to torture you or anything. Just want to talk about Draco."

I shut my eyes when he said the word torture. Obviously he didn't know why I was in here but I didn't question it.

"Okay," I managed to croak out.

He took a seat on the chair next to me and sighed. "I don't know what's gotten into him these days. Maybe it's just Pansy coming back or something.. I'm not sure. I was wondering if you knew?"

It took time for me to answer as I was still buzzed about the fact that Blaise was being civil to me. "I'm not sure either," I lied. I didn't know why Draco didn't tell Blaise about the real reason of Pansy's return but I suppose I had to play along. "I could talk to him, if you want."

Blaise smiled. "That'd be good, thanks. I know I should probably ask him myself, but I'm not sure that he'd tell me."

I nodded and he got out of his seat, ready to leave the infirmary. Before he walked out of the door, he turned back to me.

"I suppose I could try being friends with you," he said. "If Draco can do it, then I guess I can."

With that, he walked out without saying another word.

His visit was short, but it got me wondering. Why didn't Draco tell Blaise anything? Isn't what bet friends are there for? And why has he mysteriously disappeared again? I shook my head and continued walking towards the big oak tree, making light footprints in the snow as I went along. Once I reached the trio, Ginny rushed up to me with a frantic look on her face.

"Ginny? What's wrong?"

"Hermione, I know you just got out of the infirmary and everything hasn't been all that great but Harry said I shouldn't keep this from you and I know I shouldn't but I just wanted you to have a happy day but I guess that there really is no time for –"

"Ginny!" I stopped her rambling and she looked at me with her wide frantic eyes, slightly panting from her babbling. "Just tell me what's wrong."

Ginny looked away. Harry came up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. In his other hand, he held a small letter. I looked at him curiously and he handed me the piece of paper. I scanned the letter quickly and put my hand over my mouth. I couldn't stand to read another word. I dropped the letter and I ran.

Normal POV:

Harry watched Hermione run away and couldn't help but feel guilty at what he did. But she had the right to know. He picked up the letter off the ground and re-read it once more, letting the words fully sink in.

Mudblood

With the help of my acquaintances, I have managed to take away the one thing you love most. It was all quite simple really; I didn't think he'd actually go with us willingly. To keep this blunt, I'll say this as clear as I possibly can. We've taken Draco, well actually, he's joined our side now. Say bye to your one and truly love, oh wait – you can't.

Pansy

Harry could imagine Pansy cackling as she wrote the letter. And he couldn't believe Malfoy. He willingly went with them? And who's them? He folded the piece of parchment and put it in his pocket. Ron stood up and looked at Harry with a concerned look on his face.

"It's okay Ron," Harry said as comfortingly as he could. "Let's just go find Hermione."

A/N: So… good enough chapter? Yes? No?