Disclaimer: I still own nothing but my plot! That's that way it will always be I'm afraid. Ah well.

Ch. 14

I was dazed. I was confused. But most of all I was restless.

Ever since two days ago, since that horrid dream, I was unable to do anything but worry. What had it meant? Why had I had it, was a better question. I knew it was silly of me to think so much of a dream, just a dream, but I could help it. Maybe it was because of all the things Harry thought of Malfoy. In my dream he had gotten the dark mark. Harry was convinced Draco was a death eater. Sure, there were suspicions, but if he really was, he had no power. Albus Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard of all time besides Merlin himself, and if he suspected a death eater amongst our midst, he would certainly take care of it. For some reason, I knew, deep in my gut that Draco was in no way a death eater. He was no assassin.

Harry and Ron were worried. During our classes together, the both of them would send furtive, worried looks in my direction, unaware that I could see them out of the corner of my eye. I wasn't as busy as they thought I was during class, that's for sure. When in the Great Hall, they would whisper and converse with Ginny about how they thought I was 'going mental.' Ginny only shushed them, telling them to eat their food and mind their own business. I would often send her small smiles across the table for this. She knew about the dreams, just not this one. The important part was that she at least knew what was happening, and that she trusted me to take care of it. I owed her for that.

I was on the way to the library. After not being able to do anything without thinking about that stupid dream, replaying Draco's tear-streaked, screaming face in my head multiple times, I decided that the only thing left to do was go to the library and try to find some research on it. It wasn't like I could talk to anyone about it. I entered the library, and unsurprisingly, it was empty. Madam Pince sat at her large oak desk, filling in files with an overly large, dusty feathered quill. As I approached her, the smell of mothballs was overwhelming. I cleared my throat, and her beady eyes shot up, glaring at me for interrupting her work.

"Yes Hermione?" She asked pointedly, clicking her long red nails on the table.

I had never really asked her for anything, since I basically knew the library by heart. I also knew that what I would need would be in the restricted section, and as I gazed, I found the keys to it hanging on a small little hook to the side of her desk. Whether Madam Pince would give them to me or not was the problem. Although I was Head Girl, and the fact that I had the complete trust of the Hogwarts staff to enter the restricted section, Madam Pince was often very protective of her books, and was not easily convinced.

"I was just wondering if I could take a look in the restricted section. A few professors who didn't have the time to come down here and check for a few books sent me instead, since I'm Head Girl", I replied.

She looked at me distastefully and grunted. She would have to give them to me whether she liked it or not. I needed to figure this out, and although I regretted telling a lie, finding something to help me get over this would make up for it. She tightened her lip grimly as she turned around to grab the keys. She held them out to me, on the curve of a long red nail.

"I'll be needing them back in 45 minutes", was all she said bitterly, before dropping them into my open palm. I smiled.

"Thank you."

Without another word, I wandered into the depths of the nearly deserted library, hoping that I would find something to stop…stop this. As soon as I reached the barred door that said 'Restricted Section', I sighed, and turned the key, hearing the door clicking. It was rather large, and also slightly unfamiliar. I hadn't been in here since fifth year or so. Tentatively, I walked in, and looked around. There were a lot more bookshelves that before, large and looming in the large area. Although it looked like any other part of the library, it was darker when you thought of all the dark and potentially threatening books lurking in here. I was just being silly, I concluded. There was nothing to be scared about. Madam Pince was just a holler away, and I had my wand with me. There was no reason to be afraid of some silly books. I walked farther, trying to figure out where to look first. There were many options that sounded like they would help. I scanned them.

'The Fascinations of Slumber by Anna-Maria Codwell', 'The Whisper of the Night by Gredaculus Scrunch', 'Many Tis a Night in The Soul' –

I paused for a moment as I heard a shuffling sound at the door. It was quick, and by the time I had looked there was nothing there. The door remained half open, just as I had left it. Collecting these books, I shook my head and continued my search. Nearing the end, I had managed to collect nearly twenty extremely heavy volumes. I stared down at my pile. This was too much. I only would need about three, and it would look suspicious in front of Madam Pince if I took all of these. I leant down to sort through them. I narrowed it down to seven and began to find the places of which I had found the others. Too bad for me they were all in completely different sections. I sighed, and began to put them back. On the second one, which was having a hard time placing itself back into the bookshelf, I was suddenly grabbed roughly by the elbow, and in between two bookshelves. In shock, I went to protest. What was happening?

"What the hell! – "

Before I could finish, a cold pale hand clamped against my mouth, muffling my noise. I tried to fight against it, taking out my wand, but as I did, a familiar male voice exclaimed, "Be quiet, Granger!"

In shock, I slumped against the bookshelf. Of all the people of all the people I had to see right now.

Draco face peered into mine curiously, his hand still on my mouth.

"Are you okay? Because you're going to need to calm down for me to let go of your mouth", he stated, while I stared dazedly at him, not being able to comprehend. Was this another one of my dreams? Why did this keep on happening? Couldn't he just leave me alone, for once? I nodded quietly, and his hand slid away from my mouth, letting me talk again.

"Good."

I wanted to know what he thought he was doing. Was he going to hurt me? I knew he wouldn't, but one could wonder when they were being held hostage in between to bookshelves. Instinctively, I gripped my wand tighter. I stared at him confusedly, but I waited for him so speak. After a few moments of silence, he looked into my eyes again, with an unfathomable expression on his face.

"We need to talk."

VVVVV

Hey guys! So I know this chapter is a bit shorter than all the others, but I am having computer issues that I am currently working on resolving, and I wanted to be able to give you guys a little something despite that. Also, how do you guys like the pace of the story? Too slow, too fast? Anything you'd think would be nice to add in? Let me know! I want to know how you guys feel, because remember, you are the ones who read this! I hope you liked it! Reviews and constructive criticism as most welcome! Love to all! Also! if you havent read my Dramione oneshot, Brownie Points, feel free to go to my profile, and click on it! I hope you enjoy it!