Disclaimer: The owner of these characters happen to belong to J.K. Rowling.

NOTE: No relation to Deathly Hallows.

Chapter Three

It was like he was everywhere.

At every corner, in every store, outside everywhere she went, running down the street, running up the block and disappearing whenever she turned. She thought she was going crazy and imagining things but a part of her wasn't so convinced. Part of her really believed that he was everywhere, following her.

She was wearing her long brown wool sweater, hood over her head as she tried to make herself less recognizable. Even though she was in a muggle town she didn't want to risk being attacked by Death Eaters, if it be any chance that they were around. It was amazing she had even made it here alone seeing as Ron barely left her side, but here she was, drowned in paranoia.

Thinking she saw his platinum hair in the corner of her eye she turned her head to the right. Nothing. It was the seventh time that day that had happened and every time she turned, he wasn't there. She shook her head and turned the corner to head home.

Taking the shortcut, meaning going through an alley, she tried to test if anyone was actually watching, and following her. Half way into the alley all was clear until she actually heard the sound of faint footsteps, trying to make themselves as quiet as a mouse.

Clutching her wand Hermione turned around, "Stupefy!" but it was shielded and her suspicions turned out to be correct.

"Following me all day, eh Malfoy?" Hermione bit, wand ready to throw a spell.

"On the contrary, ever think that maybe you're the one following me?"

"Heh. Not likely. Seeing as I'm not the one following the other into dark alleys and disappearing every time the other turns."

"That proves nothing, Granger." he glared.

"So you admit it?"

"I admit nothing." he said confidently.

"Then please, enlighten me and explain why you're following me into an alley?"

"I'm not." he said as he walked past her and almost out of the alley.

"Malfoy!" she called out before he disappeared.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder, "What Granger?"

"Why-"

"I'm not answering that." he quickly cut in.

"But why n-"

"I'm not!"

"You crashed Ha-"

"Prove it!" he glared.

"Everyone saw you!" Hermione cried out in defense.

"Maybe it wasn't me." he defended himself, raising his hands in the air as he walked backwards.

"I'm not done yet!" Hermione yelled in anger.

"Yeah? Well I am." he said before disapparating.

"... Wuss." Hermione muttered as she made her way out of the alley.

l•l•l•l

"Where in bloody hell have you bloody been?" Ron yelled as Hermione entered her front door. She jumped back in surprise.

"Merlin Ron, scare me half to death why don't you!"

"Where have you been and why were you there?" he questioned.

"What am I, on trial? Ron, would you relax, honestly," she shook her head as he followed her into the kitchen. "I needed some air." Hermione said as she poured herself a glass of orange juice.

"Air? AIR! Open a bloody window!" he said pointing to the object he so spoke of.

Hermione frowned and leaned against the kitchen counter. "Orange juice?" she offered.

"No I would not like some freakin' orange juice!" he scoffed. "I want to know where you are at all times, who you're with and where you're going, and don't bloody go anywhere unless I'm there!"

"Ronald, you're over reacting. I'm not a child!" she said, placing a hand on her hip.

"I'm trying to keep my only other best friend alive, I don't think I'm over reacting!" Hermione sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Can you honestly blame me for that?" he spoke softly.

Hermione stared at him, "No. I can't. I know you only want me to be safe but I can take care of myself." she spoke, exasperated.

"Yes 'Mione, I know, you can take care of yourself. You're more than capable but I can't help it. I want to make sure you're okay."

"I will be."

"You don't know that." he said, scoffing once more.

Hermione saw no way around it, Ron would continue to pest her until she finally gave in. "Fine," she sighed. "Whatever you want Ron."

Ron stared at Hermione like she had grown a second head. "Wha- what?"

Hermione glared, "I-said-fine."

Ron blinked. "Woahhhh. Wait, I won that argument?" he asked, in awe. Never before had he been able to win an argument against Hermione.

"Yeah, whatever." she shrugged as she left into the living room. She may have let Ron win just this once, but that didn't mean she had to actually comply with anything. She let a playful grin rest upon her face before she hid it with the cup and took a sip.

A/N: Let me know what you think and review my loves!