A/N : OkAY, a BIG SORRY for not updating sooner. But then again, it is still VERY depressing to not have a SINGLE review. Please light up my day and leave me a review! That would be very nice of you.

HERE GOES NOTHING…

CHAPTER 5

The morning began with cold winds blowing her hair in every direction. She took in a deep breath and admired the beautiful castle that was now decked in snow. She chanced a glance at her watch and noticed it was already 12:00. She sighed as she gathered her belongings and slung her satchel across one shoulder and briskly walked towards the southern end of the castle. She placed the familiar pub in her mind, the pub that was abandoned, unused, the pub that not many students were aware of. Yes, she was one of the few people who knew about 'skywhiskey'. Then again, there are very few things that Hermione Granger doesn't know.

She pushed the door open and heard the faint ring of rusty bells. The tables, as usual, were covered with dust and the chairs creaked when you sat on them. Behind the bar counter, an elfish man grinned at her, "Nice to see ya again ! but miss, he is not her yet.". "thank-you for the information Skieter but I'm not expecting him until 12:15. I just like to be early you see." She caught sight of his crooked teeth before she busied herself in finding a nice table for the two of them to sit at. She finally settled down at a table when she heard the rusty bells ring again. She didn't have to turn around to know who the hasty footsteps belonged to. "Morning", said a gloomy voice just a few feet away from her. "More like afternoon!", she kidded as the blonde took a seat across her, "Why are you so sad today? AGAIN?".

"What do I start with? It's like my life has taken a 360* turn into the gutter. So much to be frustrated about yet NO SOLUTIONS!", the blonde literally screamed. Immediately, Hermione knew it was about Dumbledore's death and his mom. "Oh", was all she said. "I got a letter from Aunt Bella this morning. She ranted and raved about how she would enjoy killing my mum if I didn't kill Dumbledore by day-after. Also received a couple of howlers from the death eaters, barking at me for not confirming an entry plan on time and for not being 'up to the mark'". Draco Malfoy looked up. Yes, DRACO MALFOY looked Hermione in the eye, "Blaise aint any help either. WHAT DO I DO?!". He was wailing right in front of her and Hermione felt stupid just stroking his hand.

She suddenly had an idea, "Hey, maybe we can take this matter to Snape and Dumbledore himself. Perhaps McGonagal too.". Draco looked up, "You want me to tell Dumbledore that I'll be killing him the day-after? Are you nuts Hermione?". Hermione shrugged, "Perhaps he could help in his… er…own death?". Draco looked unconvinced so Hermione added, "Trust me, this'll work". Draco still looked unconvinced but the poor blonde had to agree as he saw no other solution to the dilemma he was stuck in. "fine. I guess we can tttttry". Just after he said that, he cursed himself. However unconfident he was, he was NEVER trained to put it out in the open. Then again, who cares about his father's teachings when the man himself is not present?

Hermione nodded gratefully, knowing that the decision was very vital. She squeezed his hand gently then gathered her things and stood up when Draco pulled her back and looked her in the eye, "If you are free, can we go now? The sooner the better you know.". Hermione hated it when she was looking at him in the eye. He always seemed to have the upper hand in such situations. Even though she had a transfiguration and potions essay to finish by tomorrow, she couldn't deny the offer. She felt too much pity for the blonde. Besides, given a choice, she would willingly frolick in his arms and spend the day with HIM rather than do some stupid assignment.

And so the duo set out to Snape's office, with Hermione having an internal battle of how wrong it would be to ever think of Draco in that way. They had always been enemies. She hated his guts. Yet, the day he had kissed her came back to her. The soft heart inside him that cried with agony reflected in the changed blonde that she now saw. She even thought about how he hadn't called her a 'mudblood' in the past few weeks. She finally concluded that it was OK to spend time with Draco, especially when dealing with personal issues when Draco swiftly opened Snape's office door.

"Afternoon Proff", Draco greeted as he took a seat on the bare chair. Snape simply nodded at him and flashed Hermione a puzzled look before asking, "What is it that you need me for now?". Draco explained his situation. He rambled on about how Bellatrix threatened him and how he was worried he might never see his mother again. Snape patiently listened and absorbed all his words as Hermione weighed the seriousness of the situation in her mind. Finally Sanpe nodded, "I understand the danger of your situation . I think it fair for Albus to know about these intentions. After all, he has to make this sacrifice. But, I will still discuss this with him and take his advice on this as well. I'm sure a certain angel could help you out", he said winking at Draco. "Thank-you", Draco said. Hermione saw that beautiful smirk creep back in the place of his frown and thought about how well it suited his aristocratic features. She sighed inwardly when Draco startled her, "I HEARD THAT!". Hermione blushed scarlet, redder than her house colour, "You know?". Draco grinned at her, "Please love, I am an expert at occlumency and legilimency. How can I NOT read your mind? A piece of advice: don't unblock your mind for such a long time". Hermione gasped, "So you know about my little batlle?". Draco nodded and gave her a cocky grin, "I sure do love, I sure do".

They both were walking along the corridor when an announced lightning flashed and an old man, perhaps in his sixties appeared in front of them. His face was hidden by a green scarf that had yellow, red and blue gems embedded on it. His blue eyes were the only facial feature visible to the naked eye. Hermione realized that those eyes looked extremely familiar, yet she couldn't place where she had seen them. "Greetings", the man whispered huskily, sending chills down her spine. "Umm.. hello?", Draco said, extending his hand. The man's bony hands shook his pale ones, "I have knowledge about your plan, Malfoy". Draco paled, "How do you know? I've only ever told three people. Surely none of them are traitors.." "It's okay. Consider me a know-it all. Now, I must advise you to go ahead and kill that Dumbledore.".

"WHAT?!"

"I'm just joking. Don't be too hard on yourself. Yes, I have a plan to avoid all that killing and use of dark spells so calm down", the man mused. "so, what IS your plan?", Draco asked, bracing himself for the worst. "Well, I have an err.. plan but I will have to confirm with my cohorts to check if it is okay with them. Until then, keep this plan and send it to your father. It is a trap. They want to get into the castle don't they?", he winked at Draco. Draco gratefully accepted the piece of parchment, "You are indeed helpful". Suddenly Hermione spoke up, "BUT WHO ARE YOU? I mean, what can we call you?". The man's blue eyes twinkled with glee and he winked yet again, "Call me your angel". And with that said, he vanished with a 'pop' just as quickly as he had appeared.

…..

A/N Well how was that? Too long? Too short? Too bad? Send me a review and make my day! Please?