Lives Untold

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In the Infirmary

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"Poison."

At Madam Pomfrey's blunt diagnosis, both Ron and Harry drained of color.

Poison? But how? By whom?" Ron sputtered. "Who would want to harm Hermione?"

"No one," Harry said glumly. "It was my cake. I'm supposed to be lying there."

"Now, now, Mr. Potter. No use blaming ourselves," Headmaster Dumbledore reasoned.

Poppy Pomfrey shook her head. "This is the first sign of Frosticine Poison I have heard of in five hundred years. I can't imagine where it came from."

"She'll be okay, right? Right?" Ron demanded when no one answered him.

"As long as she gets the antidote in time, she'll be fine," Madam Pomfrey assured a nearly hyperventilating Ron.

"It's been a long day. I do believe you and Mr. Weasley should retire," Dumbledore suggested.

"What?" Ron asked, flabbergasted. "No way! I'm not leaving Hermione."

"Mr. Weasley. I can assure you that no harm will come to Ms. Granger. I'll escort you to your room," Professor McGonagall said with conviction.

"Ok, Professor," Harry agreed. "I'm a bit-" he yawned. "-tired myself."

Ron looked murderously at Harry before 'remembering' how tired he really was. "Oh, yeah. Me too. Yawn."

"Let's go, boys," Professor McGonagall said sternly.

As they retreated, Professor Snape turned to Headmaster Dumbledore.

"Sir, I don't believe those Gryffindors are going to stay up there."

Dumbledore looked back at him with a twinkle in his eye. "You don't, do you? Whatever gave you that idea?" he asked. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must inquire about Ms. Granger's predicament. And I do believe you have to try to concoct the antidote."

Professor Snape curtly nodded and went to work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We're getting the Invisibility Cloak, right?"

Harry nodded at Ron's question. "Of course. You didn't think I'd just go to sleep did you?"

"Well, no, I hoped not," Ron said sheepishly.

"Ok, let's go question Dobby," Harry said with a 'Look' at Ron.

The two Gryffindors crept downstairs, tickled the pear to enter the kitchens and made their way over to Dobby.

"Hi, Dobby," Harry greeted.

Dobby looked shocked that Harry had come to visit.

"Harry Potter! How good to see you. Dobby will go get you some candy corn." As he started heading for the other side of the room, Harry stopped him.

"No thanks, Dobby. I need some answers. What do you know about this chunky chocolate cake supreme? A house-elf gave it to me, saying it was from you and it had poison in it. Hermione is now ill," Harry said.

Dobby's eyes widened and he gasped. "Oh, Master Potter! I can't believe that could happen! I never saw any chocolate cake, I swear it! Who told you this?"

"Umm, a house-elf, about your height," Harry said.

"Yeah, his eyes were like yours also, but more green," Ron added.

"Oh!" Harry snapped his fingers. "He had a little puff of white hear sticking from the top of his head."

Dobby absorbed this new knowledge thoughtfully. "Hmm. Sounds very familiar. Dobby will find out who this evil house-elf is for Harry Potter."

"Ok, thanks, Dobby. We'll visit you again soon," Harry promised. The boys snuck back up to their dorm room under the Invisibility Clock.

"Well, that didn't help too much," Ron said angrily, as they reached their room.

Harry shrugged. "At least we have another pair of eyes looking out for Hermione's assailant."

"What are we going to do now?" Ron asked.

"As much as I hate to say it, I think we should get some sleep," Harry said, holding his hand up to Ron's objections. "Tomorrow we can check out the library for the -what was it? Frostbiting Poison?" Harry asked, scratching his head.

"Frosticine," Ron supplied.

"Right- Frosticine Poison. We'll research it, find a cure, investigate that house-elf, and save the day. What do you say?" Harry asked with a smile.

Ron couldn't help returning the smile, despite his worry over Hermione. "You're on, mate."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ok. Are you ready?"

"Ready."

"Let's go."

With that, Harry and Ron attacked the pile of books sitting in front of them in the Library. It was almost a race, with page flipping (often page ripping) and rushing to the stacks to get yet more books to add to the already overflowing tabletop.

No words were spoken and Hermione would have been so proud of her boys actually researching something all by themselves and with a passion that rivaled her quest to find every book written on studying for the O.W.L.S. They spent their entire Saturday in the Library, taking only breaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"I've got something!" Ron shouted, jumping up, his chair tipping over and falling to the ground. He held the book over his head as if there were a dozen Great White Sharks swimming below him. The entire Library, if it was possible, got even quieter. Students rose from their seats to see what all the commotion was about and Madam Pince sent such as glare that if looks could kill, he would be six feet under.

Ron blushed bright pink and quickly picked up his fallen chair while whispering very softly to Harry, "I've got something."

"I think the whole school has realized that, Ron," Harry said with a smirk. "What does the book say?"

Ron cleared his throat. "There's not much here, but her goes: The Frosticine Poison, first sighted in 726 is an extremely rare and often lethal poison." Both boys turned white as they exchanged a look.

"When a female ingests it, if she receives the cure within forty-eight hours, she will return to regular health. However, if a male even has one drop, the result is death," Ron concluded.

The boys were silent. "Wow. If Hermione hadn't stopped us, we would be..." Ron trailed off.

"Dead," Harry finished unemotionally.

"Do you.. do you think it was You-Know-Who?" Ron whispered.

"I don't know," Harry said hopelessly. "It's certainly possible. I mean, when isn't Voldemort not looking for a way to off me?"

"Shhh!" Ron hissed. "Don't say His name!"

"Ron. You cannot fear a name. Voldemort, Voldemort, Voldemort!" Harry whispered loudly. He didn't want to cause too much of a ruckus.

Ron didn't respond and Harry didn't make him. They started putting the books back when Professor McGonagall came rushing over to them.

"Both of you. Come with me," she said, and rushed back out. The boys dropped the books unceremoniously back on the table, running to keep up with their Professor.

They were led to the Infirmary and to the back of the room. Ron, fearing the worst let out the breath he had been holding when he saw Hermione sitting up in bed, being mothered by Madam Pomfrey.

"Hermione!" they both cried, running over to hug her.

"Hi, guys," Hermione said weakly with a smile.

"Are you ok? Do you need anything?" Ron asked with wide eyes. "A pillow? Some ice cream maybe? A new S.P.E.W. member? A kiss?" Ron turned bright red when he heard the last words leave his big mouth.

Hermione mouth was in the shape of an 'O' and Harry was looking like he just won the lottery. Which, he possible might have as he made a bet with Ginny, Parvati, Lavender, Fred, and George on just how long the two lovebirds could act so naïve when it was obvious they were head of heels for one another.

"I mean, a kiss. Like those chocolate ones you're always going on and on about. What are they? Harashay?" he asked, mentally praying she wouldn't realize didn't mean chocolate.

"Hershey," Hermione corrected hoping her voice didn't crack. Her heart, which had been beating at an abnormally high rate, suddenly decreased dramatically. "And, no, thank you, I don't need anything."

"I'm really sorry, Hermione. For all of this," Harry said, his head bent down.

Hermione held up her hand. "Now stop right there, Harry Potter. None of this is your fault. We'll find out who tried to poison you. They are the one to blame. Plus, I'm glad I took that stupid cake. That stupidly delicious, mouthwatering, beautiful..." Hermione's voice trailed off and she finally shook herself out of her memories of chocolate cake. "Right. I'm glad I did because I'm fine. If either of you had any, I don't know what I'd do," Hermione finished softly.

"You know about that poison and it's effects?" Ron asked.

"Of course. We learned about it in third year. Of course, I never expected to experience it firsthand, but think of the wonderful extra credit paper I could do about it. I could describe how it tasted and what it felt like to be under it's power," Hermione said excited.

"Oh, brother. The girl barely escaped death and she's thinking of extra credit," Ron said fondly.

"What did you dream about, Hermione?" Harry asked curiously.

Hermione turned a little pink at that question. In actuality, her dream had a bit to do with Ron and her having a candlelit picnic in the Astronomy Tower, but there was no way she was going to admit that. "Oh, you know. The Triple Chocolate Chunk Supreme Moose Cake might have had a few appearances," she said lightly. It wasn't a lie, exactly. Inside the picnic basket had really been the cake! "But, you two better go up or else you won't be able to concentrate well enough tomorrow to take good notes for me," Hermione said sternly, trying to change the subject.

"When do you get out of here?" Harry asked.

"I should be released tomorrow afternoon but that still leaves my morning classes for you to contend with," Hermione reminded.

"Ok. Harry, I'll be there in a minute. Go on ahead," Ron said.

Harry nodded and smiled to himself. Well, it was more like jumping up and down and yelling 'Go, Ron!' to himself, but he simply walked out the door.

Ron sat down on Hermione's bed. "I was really scared tonight. Don't do that again," he said, looking into her eyes.

Hermione could only nod. Mentally, she was hysterical. Wow. Ok. He is really close. But, this is just Ron. Ron with his adorable red hair and beautiful blue eyes and cute little nose and Ok! Stop it Hermione, you sound like you're describing a dog!

"Ummm, listen. I just want to say that well, we're best friends, right?" Ron asked nervously.

"Always and forever," Hermione agreed.

"Well, I," Ron began and then stopped. He leaned forward a little bit and Hermione did the same. Their faces were a mere seven inches away when-

"Out, out, out! Miss Granger needs her beauty sleep!" Ron and Hermione sprung apart so fast you would have thought one just sneezed on the other, as Madam Pomfrey came to shoo Ron out.

"Umm, ok. Goodnight, Hermione. I'm really glad you're ok. And we will find out who hurt you. And he will pay," Ron promised with a glint in his eye.

"Thanks, Ron. Goodnight," Hermione said, putting her head on the comfy white pillow. She had been this close. This close. Why me? And with that, Hermione fell into a deep sleep full of dreams of Ron, Astronomy Towers and chocolate cake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday

"Hermione, are you sure you're okay to go to Hogsmeade?"

Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron, who had been inquiring about her health ever since she was released from the Infirmary on Wednesday.

"Ron, for the thousandth time, I am perfectly fine. It's not like I was paralyzed or anything. Honestly, you'd think I was on my deathbed," Hermione said impatiently, but a small smile played on her lips.

"Well, you could have died," Ron pointed out loudly.

Hermione and Ron's relationship had been strange to say the least since their almost kiss in the Infirmary. At times they were extremely shy and awkward around one another, occasionally even better friends than before, and now and then there would be the infamous Granger-Weasley all-out yelling match that was even louder and more hurtful than before.

They had not discussed the moment at all with one another and Hermione hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Well, the only one she would even consider mentioning it to would be Harry, and if she was ever in an extremely giddy mood, Parvati, Lavender, and Ginny.

But, as she didn't know herself what this all meant, she kept mum about the entire encounter. Of course, that didn't stop her intelligent little mind to dream up other scenarios where Madam Pomfrey had suddenly fallen and hit her head, knocking her out, before she had interrupted the couple. Or, where Ron had told Madam Pomfrey to go away, scooped her up in his arms, and kissed her senselessly, and they had ridden off into the sunset on Harry's Firebolt.

Unfortunately, none of those things had happened so it seemed they were back to Square One. Hermione honestly didn't even know if Harry had been informed, as his outer impression didn't give anything away.

"Hermione? Are you ready to go?"

Harry's voice cut into Hermione's thoughts and she nodded in the affirmative.

"So, are you getting some muggle clothes, Hermione, or just using some of your own?" Harry asked as the Trio left the Great Hall to board the carriages that would escort them to Hogsmeade.

"I think I'll get some new ones. I really didn't think to bring any exercise clothes with me. Plus, I wear sweats and soffes an awful lot at home so I could always use an extra pair," Hermione responded.

"What store did Professor Starr say to go to?" Ron questioned.

"It was 'The Magical World of Muggle Clothing.' She said it just opened a couple weeks ago," Hermione answered.

"I still can't believe she's actually making us buy special clothes for her class. Our robes are comfortable enough," Ron complained. "Now are Hogsmeade trip is going to be wasted on shopping. For clothes of all things. Who does she think we all are? Girls?."

Hermione looked up sharply at this statement. "Oh really? Is that all you think girls do? Shop?"

Ron immediately wished her could retract his statement. He had made a promise to himself to not say anything at all that could result in a row with Hermione. He was really hoping for another opportunity like in the Infirmary where he could just kiss her and all his feelings would be out in the open.

"No! No, of course not. I just meant that girls, who are so much more..umm... fashionable, might like it better. But, of course, not all girls like to shop for clothes. Like you, for instance, you like to shop, but for books and things. So...ummm...yeah," Ron finished rambling, expecting Hermione to begin shouting at him. When he dared to look up, he was astonished to see Hermione smiling at him. Oh, wow. Hermione is smiling at me when she should be taking my head off. Wow. I wonder if Hogsmeade has a church to get married in? Or at least a jeweler to but an engagement ring.

"It's ok, Ron. It's a known fact that girls do enjoy spending money on clothes more than boys. But this is important. It's for school. Plus you wouldn't want to get your robes dirty while you're stretching on the floor, now would you?" Hermione asked with a smile.

"No. Of course n- Stretching?! What's that?" Ron asked frantically, vivid images of Crabbe taking one arm, Goyle the other, pulling as hard as they can while he lay helpless on the floor.

"It's just warm-up exercises so you don't get too sore," Hermione explained. She looked like she was about to say more when the carriage stopped and the Trio got out to enter Hogsmeade.

Harry had been intently watching Hermione and Ron throughout their conversation with one another. He doubted they had even known he was there the last half of the trip. He was just waiting to see how long they could continue to do absolutely nothing about the obvious chemistry between them.

The night when Hermione was cured, Ron had come upstairs, a bit dazed, and Harry had been sure something had happened. A kiss, a declaration of love, a marriage proposal! Anything! But no, Ron had said they had talked and that was it. Harry knew Ron had to be holding something back as when he came into the room he had seem dazed and headed towards Neville's bed before Harry stopped him and an embarrassing encounter occurred. Harry wasn't going to push it too much though, as he knew Ron's mind was already on overdrive about all these feelings towards his best girl friend whom he wished was his girlfriend.

"Look! There it is!" Hermione shouted, arm outstretched pointing at the large establishment with a sign saying The Magical World of Muggles across the front.

"Can you believe this store just opened two weeks ago? I read that they had been trying to open for the past four years and finally got approval last month," Hermione informed her companions.

"Why is that?" Harry asked distractedly as he pulled open the heavy oak door and ushered Hermione inside. A little bell on the door signaled their arrival.

Hermione shrugged. "It's all pretty secretive if you ask me. I think it has something to do with the owner and -"

"Well, hello Hogwarts students! Welcome to The Magical World of Muggles. I am Jessica and I'll be happy to answer questions you might have." The blonde shop owner that had interrupted Hermione's reply stood before them in regular Muggle jeans and a T-Shirt saying I Love NY with a big cheesy smile playing on her lips.

"Umm, thank you, but I think we can manage on our own," Hermione answered. Jessica nodded and went to the back of the store. Hermione turned to look for Ron, who was currently playing in the wig section.

"Ron! What are you doing?" Hermione demanded.

Ron turned around, a bright purple wig going down to his mid-back sitting atop his head. "Trying out some new hair colors. What do you think? Purple or green?" Ron asked holding up a short lime green wig.

Hermione and Harry looked at each other before bursting out laughing. "You - look so stupid!" Harry said in between laughs.

"Gee, thanks," Ron said sarcastically. "Here, Hermione, try this on." Before Hermione could hex Ron into the next decade, he came up and put a magenta wig over her chestnut locks.

Ron grinned that lopsided grin of his and Hermione couldn't help grinning back. Harry was still laughing in his own little corner while Ron, with purple hair, Hermione, magenta gazed into each other's eyes. They must have made quite a sight. Suddenly, Hermione licked her lips slightly to moisten them and Ron felt his heart jump. She looked so beautiful, magenta hair and all.

Both their smiles suddenly dropped and they each moved an inch closer to each other, the rest of the world fading from their thoughts. Harry finally stopped laughing and watched his two best friends with wide eyes. They looked so comfortable with each other that Harry felt the first pang of jealously pierce his heart although it only lasted for a moment.

Suddenly, Jessica, the previously cheery sales associate rounded the corner and took one look at the scene before her.

"Excuse me! Just what do you think you are doing?" she demanded. Hermione and Ron sprang apart and looked guiltily at her.

"These wigs are not toys. They are very expensive and you are not to try them on unless you want to buy them." Gone was Jessica's big smile and musical voice. Instead, her voice was like ice and her eyes were so dark and filled with hatred.

"Umm, I'm sorry. It was my fault," Ron said quickly.

Jessica marched over and plucked the wigs from their heads, and slammed them back on the mannequin head they had previously occupied.

"Can I help you find something you are going to buy?" she asked icily.

Hermione was ready to tell this Jessica to jump off a cliff before logic settled in her brain. They actually needed these Muggle clothes and unless Headmaster Dumbledore was going to approve a trip into Muggle London within the next forty-eight hours, this was it.

"Yes," Hermione said, trying to keep the venom from her voice. "We're looking for Muggle exercise clothing."

Jessica nodded curtly. "Follow me."

They were led to a large section of the store filled with racks that contained sweat pants, tank tops, soffes, sweat bands, sneakers, socks, and every other article of Muggle clothing suitable for going to the gym.

Hermione saw Ron look around in amazement.

"Look at all this stuff. Is this all just for exercising?" he asked.

"You don't have to jog or anything with them on. These kind of clothes are great to just relax in," Hermione said while looking through the racks with girl clothes.

About fifteen minutes passed with all three students carefully examining all possible choices for what to wear in Professor Starr's dance class. Every now and then you would hear Ron mutter, "Wow!" or "Muggles are great" under his breath as he picked up more clothes to try on.

By the time they were ready to try on their choices, Hermione couldn't even see Ron's face behind the huge pile of clothes he had picked out for himself. She almost burst out laughing as she saw a pile of clothes with legs underneath and reminded herself this was a boy that was going overboard. Traditionally, it was usually females who found every piece of cloth exciting and yet Hermione came out with four items and Ron, thirty-five.

"Ron. You have five pairs of the same pants," Hermione pointed out as she rummaged through his pile.

"Yes, but I didn't know which size to get," he explained. Hermione examined all five pairs and saw that one could fit Ron, Harry, and herself in the waistband and another she doubted he would be able to get one leg through. When Hermione finally took out the clothes she knew wouldn't fit, Ron was down to fourteen pieces of clothes.

"You thought this would fit you?" Hermione asked dubiously, holding up shirt that looked like it would be Crookshank's size.

Ron shrugged helplessly. "I don't know anything about Muggle clothes. That could stretch when you put it on."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "For future reference, if it looks too small, it's because it is."

"Ok, can I go into the dressing room now?" Ron asked hopefully. Hermione couldn't suppress a smile. He was like a little boy at Christmas time.

"Sure." With that, Ron ran to the row of dressing rooms and shut the curtain that divided the dressing room from the rest of the store. Hermione and Harry shared a smile at Ron's eagerness to do something as mundane as trying on Muggle clothing. They each parted to enter their own dressing room and all was quiet for a few minutes.

"Ok! I'm ready!" Ron called out. All three pulled back the curtain and stepped out into the open.

Hermione took a look at the two young men standing before her. It was like a bucket of cold water was being thrown into her face. When did they grow up? Hermione still remembered Harry as being the skinny kid drowning in Dudley's hand-me-downs with that young face of his. Now he was at least a foot taller and with actual food being available to him as well as being the Gryffindor Seeker for the past five years, he had filled out quite a bit. His hair was still the mess it had always been but Hermione had always thought it was endearing. He was wearing simply black sweats and a white T-Shirt but Hermione was at a loss for words.

The first time Hermione saw Ron, she saw a tall, lanky boy, whom she didn't particularly care for. With his bright red hair, he was never hard to miss. Now, he had shot up even taller and his hair had darkened slightly. And looking at him with those navy sweats and white shirt, she couldn't believe her eyes. It as in that moment she realized they were growing up. Things wouldn't stay this way forever and who knew what would happen when Voldemort decided to show himself. But for now, she took a mental picture of her boys and put on a huge smile and filed this moment away in the 'Best Memories' section of her mind.

"You guys look great," Hermione said truthfully. With all her contemplating, she never realized Ron had been staring at her, his eyes like saucers. Hermione had opted for a simple yellow tank top and red soffes to show her Gryffindor pride. She did not roll them up a hundred times to see how short they could get before her knickers showed nor were they so long her legs swam in them.

"You look beautiful, Hermione," Harry said, all the while jabbing Ron not too softly with his elbow.

"Yes. Um. You look... you look.... Amazing," Ron said, his ears slightly pink.

Hermione blushed. "Thank you." The fact that she was wearing shorts never really occurred to her as she slipped them on all the time on hot summer days at home. Now the realization that she would have to go in front of the entire class and dance practically half-naked hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Umm. But maybe I'll just try on the sweatpants instead. I'll probably be too chilly with these shorts on anyways." Hermione fled back into her dressing room and breathed heavily with her back against the wall. She grabbed the red sweats that were flood pants as they came up to her slender ankles instead of the floor for easier dancing. She quickly took off the offending soffes and practically threw them against the wall in her attempt to put on her sweatpants.

She emerged and expected Ron's eyes to not even give her a second look, as she was showing nowhere near as much skin. But, much to her surprise, Ron was still looking at her as if she was a goddess.

"You still look beautiful," Ron said. "You look beautiful no matter what you wear or how your hair looks."

Hermione, for once, was at a loss for words. She was so taken aback, she didn't know what to do. She had a half a mind to grab Ron and passionately kiss him and the other half wanted to softly kiss him.

"Have you found everything okay?" An annoying voice asked, shaking all three Gryffindors from their thoughts.

"Yes, Jessica. We'll take these," Harry responded.

Jessica gave a curt nod and went to the register to ring them up.

Two Weeks Later

Hermione sighed as she entered The Ballroom with Ron and Harry. For the past two weeks since getting their sweats at The Magical World of Muggle Clothing, Hermione had been fortunate enough to have Harry as her dance partner. She had not been worried about making a fool of herself since it was just Harry. Now, however, the tables would be turned. Today was the day they got new partners and frankly, Hermione would rather be in Divination.

"Well, Hermione, it's been a pleasure working with you," Harry said glumly as they lined up along the huge mirrors lining the walls.

"Same here," Hermione responded with a small smile. She honestly didn't believe her luck was that good to be paired with a fellow Gryffindor. No, Hermione had the sinking feeling she would be plagued by someone whose mascot was the snake.

"Ok, you know what today is!" Professor Starr announced in a sing-song voice. "I must say, these last two weeks have gone smashingly." A few seconds past and a couple students coughed. "Ok, well, these past weeks have gone adequately," Professor Starr corrected.

Hermione thought 'adequate' was a bit strong of a word. Oh sure, all the students certainly looked the part of the dedicated dancer with their warm up clothes. In reality, most of the class had two left feet. Parvati had shown Hermione and Lavender her feet after five days of class and they had been so horrified they personally escorted her to the Infirmary. All her toes were black and blue from Goyle's constant mistake of thinking Parvati's feet was the hardwood floor. Parvarti had been exempted for the remaining week and Professor Starr was forced to personally give Goyle his dance lessons and even she seemed wary of getting to close.

Hermione honestly didn't know how anyone had survived the Yule Ball with the dancing skill portrayed in the Ballroom. Perhaps everyone had been too nervous actually being with a date so no one had said anything when their feet were stomped on. Hermione felt especially sorry for Neville, whose partner Blaise felt it necessary to scream out in agony every time his feet even got three inches from hers. As a result, poor Neville danced looking downward the entire time and wincing whenever Blaise said a snide comment as a fellow Slytherin waltzed past.

In the past two weeks they had mainly concentrated on the waltz. Hermione had a feeling Professor Starr had hoped to move on after three days but changed all her lesson plans to include some leeway for the dance handicapped fifth years.

"Here we go!" Professor Starr began. The entire class collectively took a breath and held it as their fate was called out. "Group One is Parvati and Harry, Group Two is Ron and Lavender."

Hermione gave an encouraging smile to her two best friends as they went off to meet their dance partners. Well, at least two of them would be happy.

"Group Three is Seamus and Millicent, Group Four is Hermione and Draco."

Hermione's ears stopped working after that. Hermione and Draco? She would be forced to work with that.. that... that ferret? Had she really been that bad? What did she do to deserve this? She knew she should have returned that library book on time.

Hermione took a deep breath and walked to the center of the room and as she went past her friends they all passed her sympathetic looks. She stood as far away from him as possible and Harry and Ron looked at her with horror and pity. She saw Ron hold up a fist to Malfoy and couldn't help smile at how protective they were of her. Honestly, you'd think she was six the way they looked out for her.

Professor Starr finished grouping the class up and several people came over to her and Malfoy. First, Ron and Harry came charging over with death glares shooting out at Malfoy.

"Malfoy, you touch her at all and you're dead," Ron threatened.

Malfoy smirked. "And just how are we supposed to dance if I can't touch her, Weasel?"

Ron looked so taken aback Harry felt it necessary to jump in. "Just don't try anything. We'll be watching your every move."

Hermione felt her heart swell, as she knew she had to have the two best friends in the world. But, as noble as their intentions were, she didn't need them watching her all the time. She was just about to voice her opinion when a shriek was heard.

"Draco! How terrible!"

Hermione saw Malfoy wince as none other than Millicent can running towards them, her arms out stretched.

"How are you going to survive working with that pathetic know-it-all? We were such a great team! I know we were the best!" Millicent raved. Now, Hermione knew just from being a simply onlooker that Malfoy and Millicent still had quite a few kinks to work out before the word 'great' would be included in a sentence with 'dance,' 'Malfoy,' and 'Millicent.'

"I'm sure I'll survive just fine," Draco said, inching slightly away from Millicent and her rather short soffes. Hermione almost felt sorry for the Slytherin boy as it was obvious to the entire school Millicent would do anything for him. Hermione had to give the girl credit though; she sure tried hard. She doused herself in the most expensive perfume money could buy. She wore all the designer clothing and Hermione had yet to see an outfit, besides the Hogwarts robes, worn twice. Her hair always looked like she spent either a great deal of time, Galleons, or both on it and yet Malfoy barely gave her a second glance.

Luckily before any more insults flew, Professor Starr called the class to attention. "Let's review the waltz just so you can get comfortable with your new partner. Okay, ready? And go!"

Hermione stared at Malfoy who stared back just as defiantly. His eyes were so void of anything it was downright scary. They awkwardly got in the correct dancing position but the only difference between dancing with Malfoy and Harry was the four feet gap between their bodies. Hermione's arms were practically straight as they both tried to dance as partners with having the least amount of skin touch each other.

"Stop the music!" Professor Starr's shrill voice halted everyone in mid-step. "Now, what exactly do you two think you are doing?" she demanded, coming over to Hermione and Malfoy.

"Sorry, Professor Starr," Hermione mumbled. "We just don't particularly care for one another."

"I see. Well, in the class, you must learn to put House rivalries behind you. In here you are all equal so DANCE CORRECTLY!" she shouted the last part and Hermione and Malfoy jumped closer together. Professor Starr nodded approvingly before cueing the music again.

Hermione could feel Malfoy's breath on her as she took each step. She could feel Ron's eyes on her as she danced so it wasn't exactly the most comfortable situation as she counted the minutes until freedom.

* * * * *

"I am so glad that is over," Hermione said as they left Professor Starr's class.

"I can't believe she paired you with him," Ron said with a shudder.

"How's Malfoy as a dancer? Better than me?" Harry questioned with a smile, yet his eyes held a very curious look.

Hermione laughed. "Of course not," she answered. In reality, yes, Malfoy was an excellent dancer but there was no one she would ever tell that to anyone. He danced with a certain grace about him and never once had a misstep. In all honesty, however, she liked Harry's dancing much better as it was more real. Malfoy acted like he was just performing an everyday chore while Harry fought hard for every correct step.

"Oh! I almost forgot! Tonight I'm going to be researching late so can I borrow your Cloak, Harry? I just need to pick up a couple books from the Library," Hermione explained.

"Sure, you know you can have it whenever you want, but what are you researching? We just finished turning in a bunch of papers so nothing is due for a while," Harry said.

"I want to look a little more into the Frosticine Poison," Hermione stated simply.

"We'll help," Ron said immediately.

Hermione smiled. "It's okay, Ron. You have a big Quidditch game tomorrow and need all the sleep you can get. I won't stay up too long anyways."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

* * * * *

Hermione all of a sudden wasn't feeling to happy with her decision to go to the Library alone. She had quickly collected three books from the Restricted Section, which had gone easily enough. Now, however, she was backed up against the wall as Filch patrolled the hallway she was currently in. If that stupid cat hadn't meowed, everything would have been fine.

Hermione was soon able to release the breath she had been holding as Filch and Mrs. Norris moved on and she quickly scurried away.

"Snowflakes," Hermione whispered to the Fat Lady as she walked up to her.

"A bit late isn't it, dear?" the Fat Lady questioned while opening up the portrait hole.

Hermione made it to her room in a record time, her heart beating ten times its normal pace. She didn't know why she was feeling so jumpy all of a sudden. Nonetheless, Hermione decided to just go to sleep and get up extra early to research instead of staying up late.

She turned to get her pajamas and she saw a figure standing right in front of her, cast in shadows. Hermione gasped and opened her mouth to scream as something heavy was aimed directly at her head, but nothing came out. Everything went hazy and then nothing.