The Woman I Love

Don't let me get me
I'm my own worst enemy
Its bad when you annoy yourself
So irritating
Don't wanna be my friend no more
I wanna be somebody else
--Pink, Don't Let me get me

. . .

Hermione fingered her necklace. If it really was...she should give it to him shouldn't she? What if he isn't? Hermione stood up and announced "I'm going to give it to him!" She marched out of the common room leaving behind some very confused Gryffindors.

"Crap!"
"Oops! Sorry!" said Harry as he knocked over someone he couldn't see due to the fact he had lost his glasses and that was the reason he tripped the first place.
Our dear Harry Potter had just returned from Hagrid's hut after tea. He had entered the entrance hall when he collided with someone and lost his glasses, then tripped someone else while looking for them. Harry looked up to the face of...
Draco Malfoy.
"Malfoy..."
"Potter..."
They both looked at each other with Venom in their eyes.
"Watch where your going scar-head!"
"Shutup, you Manticore!"
"Four eyes!"
"Vampire!"
"Tsk tsk Potter! If your mother was alive, she would be ashamed! What happened to your language?"
"Ooh Malfoy! If your mother were any good as alive she would be ashamed of your face!"
"Lethifold!"
"Beast!"
"Idiot!"
"Death-Eater!"
"Now you gonna want your mommy? Oops you don't have one!"
"My mother was worth something! I wouldn't touch yours with a flag pole!"
Harry knew he had gone too far, he had hit a sensitive spot. Draco raised his fist and punched Harry square in the eye...then he pulled back and hit him on the face. Harry unprepared for this could barely do anything to stop him. Draco kicked him in the stomach, knocking the air out of him. Harry feebly attempted to punch Draco in the nose, but since he was bleeding, his efforts would hardly count. Draco's eyes turned from a bluish-gray to black. Harry started to panic, Malfoy looked to kill. He swiped his foot at Draco's legs and he fell face first onto the cold stone floor. Draco got up, ignoring his bleeding nose and aimed a punch at Harry. Hermione stopped him.
She had just returned from Arthimancy and was not prepared for the sight that met her. She quickly took her wand out and pointed it at Malfoy, "Prefectus Totalus" she said under her breath. A jet issued from her wand at hit Malfoy. He stayed still for a moment then toppled to the floor. Hermione rushed to Harry, to find that he was unconscious. She stood up and glared at Malfoy. Quickly reciting the counter-curse, she started on him. "Draco Malfoy! I can't believe the nerve! Sixty points from Slytherin and a detention! Be assured I will be talking to Professor. Dumbledore about this!" Before Draco could get a word out she magicked a stretcher under Harry and marched of to the direction of the hospital wing leaving the stretcher to float behind her.
No way I'm going to give it to him now!

---

"Good heavens!"
Madam Pomfrey had seen Harry in bad conditions, but none of them were this bad. "What happened!" She said directing her question to Hermione. "Got into a fight," said Hermione watching Harry carefully. Poppy studied her, with her black cloak swishing around her ankles and determined look on her face she looked years beyond her age, Madam Pomfrey remembered the first time she saw Hermione, the year had turned herself into a mutant cat. Shaking her head, she set to work healing Harry's cuts and muttering about boys these days.
Hermione turned on her heels and took off without a word from the infirmary.

---

"Bastard!"
"Easy, before you set something on fire!"
"How could you do this to me?"
"I don't know what you're talking 'bout..." muttered Draco.
Hermione, after reporting the incident to Professor. McGonagall, had turned straight to Draco.
"Oh! And I suppose you don't care that I lost my source of power!" Hermione said furiously without thinking.
Draco glared at her, "Yesterday you claimed there was nothing wrong! Today you say there is such a thing as your so-called source of power! Sorry, but I don't owe you anything!" Hermione searched her mind for a smart-ass comment but none came.
"Stupid!" She stuck her tongue out.
"Very mature, Granger."
Hermione gave him a glare that would make Merlin beg for mercy. However, this had no effect on Draco. After realizing she was defeated she kicked Draco on the shins, when there was no reaction so Hermione left. Draco smiled.
He won!

---

My necklace is Draco's element. So he is water...I think. If he is an immortal then he could destroy the world! I have to find out if he is trustworthy.

For once in her life, Hermione Granger was not sure.
I don't trust him! Not one bit!

"Granger!"
It was a hot potions day and they were studying the 'animagus' potion. Hermione was not concentrating, her mind kept wandering off to Draco, this was not a good thing.
"Granger!" said Snape menacingly, "May I remind you that a Bicorn horn mixed with a Flobberworms tail can make the potion blow up? Isn't it a simple thing that Muraqua leaves and dragon heart can combine an antidote for Flobberness? Don't you think if adding it would turn the potion safe and kill off all the gime in the worm? Isn't it so easy? So how can Miss. Perfect Prefect Granger not know it? Fifty lines and thirty points off Gryffindor! Detentions at noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays till Halloween! Report to my dungeon at four for your jobs for the next two months!"
Hermione groaned.
"Make that seventy lines!"
"Hold tight, Hermione." Harry whispered as Snape walked away, "What a git!"
Hermione groaned and buried her face in her arms. That's all she needed less study time and more sweeping the dungeons! "Talk to McGonagall," said Ron, "She knows how much the NEWT's mean to you...well, so does everyone, but she's the head of your house!"
Hermione sighed. "Fine," she said at last, "whatever,"

---

"Fine, Ms. Granger." said Professor. McGonagall, "I shall see what I can do." Hermione smiled inwardly. This was going to work out. She left the Transfiguration classroom and proceeded to the dungeons. She knocked at Professor. Snape's office. No one answered. She slightly opened the door and peeked in. The sight almost made her faint. On the desk was Professor. Snape and a sixteen-year-old curvy blond, making out with such intensity that would have made Britney Spears faint. Hermione shut the door and leaned against it and took deep breaths, She felt Snape was good looking but never this!
"He's at it again?"
Hermione swished around. It was Malfoy.
"Ugh! Its just you! You scared me."
Draco didn't reply. He simply walked over to the door and did the same as Hermione did. "Its number Three again." he stated. "er...how many are there?" asked Hermione awkwardly. "Thirty-two." said Draco flatly; "Dad got him the last one. One of his -er friends."
Hermione stared.
" What a slut!"
Now Draco was uncomfortable. "What are you staring at, mudblood?" he asked furociously.
Hermione shook her head. At that moment, Snape came out. "Whats all this noise?" he said. "Professor. Snape I can't make it to detention, Professor. McGonagall needs me. If you have any questions please ask her."
"Alright then, you can see me next time."
"I'm sorry Professor. I'm to tuition some seventh years here Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays till the exams."
Snape growled, Draco smiled and Hermione sighed. This was going to be a long day.

---

"There are three charms for it..." Ancient Professor Binn's voice droned louder and louder. Hermione was doodling on her pad (A/N: I know...What is the world coming to?).
"The four elements are Fire, Water, Earth and Air."
Hermione snapped to attention,
"These elements take part in the triangle. Fire, Water and Earth are the corners and Air is the center. The center is special because it is the only thing non-mortal before the triangle. Therefore the center is a magical creature and the corners are human. There are many procedures to become an element. You need to be chosen. Every century four beings are chosen. If the beings complete their tasks, they will be an element, if they do not the century passes in suffering. If they do pass, the elements will help fight our world from evil."
Hermione was shaking with relief. Professor Binns would answer some questions without anyone suspecting anything. What luck!
"The four seekers can make this all true. Now about the founders..."
No! Hermione's mind screamed, Hermione raised her hand. Professor Binns looked up, "Miss. Grant?" he said glad he remembered her name. "Granger," said Hermione. "Eh?" asked Professor Binns. She ignored that.
"Professor, how does one find out that they are a seeker?" she asked. "Well..." started Professor Binns. "The water is the only one that can tell the earth. The water is supposed to be the one to loose the someone's source of power. If he does and the person with the source has an energetic reaction, he is water. The earth can tell the fire. The fire is simply one of the earth's friends. The earth has to have tragic loss at the beginning of his life and has to have an enemy that looks at with venom in his eyes. Then all four of them search for air, which is white. This is a supposed to be magical creature and will confirm this supposed to be hard to find, but it will be the weak one. At one point, fire and air will have a fight over a love that will too confirm it. There is no more information prior to the subject."
Hermione nodded.
So that was what happened to my necklace. Draco is the element. I'm sure, but is he the right choice? If the fates have decided wrong then I shall correct them.
This seemed to cheer Hermione up. I know more than the fates! She thought. But she didn't hear, a thousand miles away someone say,

"No, my dear. You don't."

---

"Draco dearest!"
Draco groaned. Ever since he had skipped Transfiguration to be with Pansy, she had stuck to him like leech. He regretted that. Pansy thought that a talk made her his girlfriend. Wrong answer.
"Bugger off, you ditz!" said Draco trying his best to get away. He ducked into an empty classroom. Unfortunately, Pansy took this the wrong way. She looked around making sure no one was near, then slipped through the doorway, and started towards Draco. Draco pushed her away, "I have potions!" said Draco.
"Ooh!" said Pansy, "So have I!"
Duh!
"I heard what your daddy said to you in that howwer-" Pansy started,
"Howler, Pansy" Draco said wearily.
"Whatever," Pansy said lowering her voice, "The guys said they would help you. You know- tell everyone that your daddy misunderstood. We Slytherins stick together you know"
"Pansy," said Draco sighing, "If you really believe that, you are the only one who does"
Pansy opened her mouth to retort.
"Good bye." Draco said quickly, disappearing into the shadows.
Pansy groaned and lost the air head attitude.
One day you will be mine Draco, she thought. One day.

---

My Lord,
That howler was uncalled for. You wouldn't believe how embarrassed I was! I beg you not to show this kind of distaste again.
Your son,
Draco Malfoy

Dear Mother,
Things are going well, I suppose. I got 134% on my Arithmancy test and I got 356% on my transfiguration. I barely made it to 99.1% in potions. I swear Professor. Snape is the most biased teacher in this school! He is so stubborn. If they dont get rid of him I'm going to get a B+ in potions! I hope you all are all right. Tell Anastasia I miss her and give a kiss to Elizabeth for me.
Have a smashing week!
Hermione Granger

Lucius,

Time is running out. The clock is ticking. Get the boy on Halloween. It's the perfect moment.

The Dark Lord,

Voldemort.

Deer Harree,

Com ovar too me hat et ate twoday. Breng Hurmyonee and Run two.

Hagrid.

Dear Ron
Go kiss Hermione for me! We dare you! We aren't mad...just bored. Mum shut us up in our room because we put in a Weasley Wizard form instead of Percy's work in the inbox. We are 19! However, she doesn't care. Says we don't act like it! She doesn't know her own sons! It's a pity! She thinks were not worthy of freedom!
The Weezly Wizards
Gred and Forge.

Dear Fred,
That's disgusting! If you send these letters to Ron, again I'm going to hex you!
Take care,
Hermione Granger.

P.S. Your mother is very smart.

Hermione!
You shouldn't read other peoples letters!
Gred and Forge.

Dear Fred and George,
I'm glad I did read your disgusting note to Ron, send one again and Ill break your legs. See you at Hagrid's.
Hermione.

To Hermione Granger and Gred and Forge Weasley,
No more threats children,
Albus Dumbledore

---

Hermione slowly slipped her necklace into the brown paper bag. She wiped away tear.
" We'll have none of that", she scolded herself, "Its just a necklace!"
But no matter how hard she tried she didn't want to give the necklace away. She shoved the bag into and drawer and glared at it.
After quite a while, she picked up her journal. Opening the first page, she read.

September the first (start of our sixth year),

The banks of the sea are glowing in the sun.
I sink my toes in the sand feeling the warm sensations through my body.
However, it is getting late I feel the water rise to my ankles.
I must leave for if I stay in this place of death,
I shall drown in an ocean of lies.
I walk away never looking back
and my footprint floats away to the never-ending sea.

The first day of my sixth year, she thought, When Sirius was in Prison and Harry thought dead. How much has changed? She flipped open a random page.

December the eighth (Sixth year)

I feel the wind on my face
As I gallop through the meadow.
I feel safe as my hooves pound on the ground.
The sun shines on my mane.
It feels fun to be out of that prison.
I feel open,
I feel fresh,
Free spirit

Hermione smiled, she loved that entry. Ever since she was a little girl she loved horses.
" If i could ever be any animal," she used to say, "I'd be a horse!"
Oh! All the good times.
Hermione sighed and pulled herself up from her position on the floor. No more.

---

Draco scowled at Lucius Malfoy.
"Father...I think I can do this by myself..."
Lucius gave him a big grin.
"Never mind, son. This is the most wonderful moment of my life..."
Draco searched his fathers face,
"Yes...um...Can you have that wonderful moment outside?" he asked desperate.
Lucius looked at his son oddly, "Draco...It can't be my happiest moment if I'm not here."
Draco shut his mouth.

---

Harry gasped at the sign in front of him. He read it out loud to himself. He turned to Ginny and asked in a grim voice, "When did you find this?" Ginny gulped.
"Um...when I was...uh...coming out of History of magic-" she took a breath, "Madeline spotted it..."
"Was there anyone else?"
"Just me an' Madeline." said Ginny looking up at him with wide frightened eyes.
"Madeline and I," Harry corrected, "What time?"
"5:30"
"Why did you come here?"
"Maddy had detention with Filch..."
"How did you find it?"
"I told you, Madeline spotted it!"
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
"Are you sure there wasn't anyone there?"
"Positive" said Ginny searching her mind for a joke or anything to lighten the mood.
"When did you come for me?"
"After assuring Madeline, it was nothing. Harry shouldn't we just-"
"What time was that?"
"5:35," said Ginny experimentally, "Harry! I think-"
"Where was Malfoy?" he asked out of the blue.
Ginny stared at him, mouth wide open.
Harry shook his head, "sorry, I'm just..." his voice faded then he turned on his heel and ran towards Dumbledore's office.
Ginny sighed and read the writing on the wall,
'Enemies of Voldemort beware, Riddle is here...'

---

Hermione wiped the sweat of her face.
Just yesterday, Voldemort's message had been discovered in front of the Great hall. Dumbledore had all the prefects working for him, asking all of the population of Hogwarts where they were the time when Ginny discovered the message.
Right now Hermione was sitting in McGonagall's office questioning a rather cranky Blaise Zabini.
"Where were you at the night of October the third, 1997?" she asked patiently.
"What is this? Sorry to break it to you Granger but this is no stupid muggle movie and if it was I doubt you would get the role of Sherlock Holmes."
Hermione sighed and asked the next question.
"Do you know anyone who could have written the message?"
Blaise tipped her chair back and rolled her eyes.
"Pick a number between one and a hundred," she said snapping her gum.
Hermione stared, "Blaise this isn't a time for-"
"Just pick a number!" said Blaise scowling.
"Okay," said Hermione giving up, "seventy-seven"
Pansy took out a book that had 'Death-eater Floo directory' labeled in large letters.
"It could have been Marcos Antonio," she said. Hermione who was watching stood up and grabbed the book.
"Where did you get this?" she asked leafing through all the addresses of the wanted people. Blaise shrugged. Hermione looked up; "tsk tsk tsk, Zabini. You should know better. You just put your entire death-eater population in Azkaban, locked and threw away the key!"
"Oh pooh..."

---

Draco glanced over his book and to his surprise saw Weasley looking at him.
Draco Malfoy was sitting in the library reading, 'I'm a little teapot by 'the man''. He stared back at Ginny. Coming to her senses she blushed and quickly looked away sending occasional glances his way. Draco shook his head disgustedly, those Weasley's! He watched as Virginia Weasley slowly stood up and headed to his table. He calmly put the book he was reading down and waited for her to sit down which she did.
He waited...
and waited...
and waited...
Ginny was nervously wringing her hands in her lap. Draco glanced at his watch, he was getting late for charms. This was fun but it would have to wait.
"See you later, Weasley." he drawled as he stood up. Ginny watched him in astonishment as he headed towards the library exit. Surely, this boy didn't just leave! She had brought up the courage to speak to him about it and he left without a- but he didn't! He said 'See you later'! Ginny stood up and walked out of the library like in a dream. His voice kept replaying in her head.
"See you later, Weasley."
"See you later, Weasley."
Wow! Ginny waltzed into her dormitory ignoring the questions of her friends and sunk into her bed.
'Maybe there is a chance,' she thought to herself, 'Even if he is heartless Malfoy...maybe, he does like me...'

---

Hermione silently crept into the forest. She turned around and let out a small shrill whistle. She listened intently, no answer? Hermione sighed and tried again but to no avail.
"Lumos" she whispered watching her wand light up. She directed it to the book she was holding in her hand and turned to the page she had read so many times.

The Unicorns

I come from afar,
but beware,
Once I arrive,
Once I'm here.

You will need to leave,
Go far away,
For once, we are here,
It is hard to stay.

So seek us,
where we like the most,
come and ask me,
I can be a wonderful host.

The triangle,
Is what you come to find.
We will tell you the secret,
This tale we unwind.

However, you will have to be one of it,
The start, the immortal, or even the healer.
We will tell you the story,
sign the contract with our sealer.

We will help you once,
This spell is known,
Our hint will help you much,
then you are sent of to your own.

A whistle will call us,
A yell, we descend.
Nevertheless, we will always be in your heart,
Until your journey will end.

--Song of the unicorn, Adrian 156 B.C.E. Northern Wolves, Scotland

.

Hermione read the verse and sucked in a breath to whistle once more before she left. However, before she could she heard hooves and something in her head pulled her back...

The unicorns whisper...