Made For Each Other

Chapter Six

It was almost dinnertime and Hermione had already read most of the books in the library relating to dreams. But none of them was helpful. The only thing they all said was that the person who saw or experienced another person's dreams was connected to them. This was not difficult to understand since Harry and Ginny shared a blood bond. What the connection between Ginny and Voldemort was something Hermione could not understand.

She thought about the dairy, which Ginny had in her first year. But she had not dreamt anything all this time. "Something is missing. What is it that I am not noticing?" she whispered to herself. "Ginny said she's been having these dreams for more than a month now. What has changed in this past month?"

Suddenly an idea came into her mind and she went to a row of bookshelves. Moments later, she walked to Madam Pince's desk empty-handed and asked, "I was looking for the books on charmed pendants, but there aren't any. Can you tell me who took them so I can borrow from them?"

Hermione watched as Madam Pince looked through her records and then confirmed her worst fear.

"The books have all been checked out by Draco Malfoy."

Hermione turned around and walked back to her table, prepared to head back to the Gryffindor common room. She picked up her things and turned around only to find Draco standing behind her.

"What the hell did you that for Malfoy? Did you want to give me an heart attack?" she hissed angrily.

"I wish I could, but you look fine to me," he said disappointedly.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "What do you want Malfoy?"

"Meet me outside the Charms classroom in ten minutes."

"Why? What's going on?"

" We have to talk."

"About what?" Hermione asked and then continued as Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Fine. We will meet you there in ten minutes."

"Not WE. Only YOU. And don't tell anyone else where you are going." He said tightly.

Hermione stared at him suspiciously, "What makes you think that I shall meet you there alone Malfoy?"

"It's about the little Weasley," he stated absentmindedly.

Hermione tensed. "Ginny...What about her?"

"If you want to know..." he trailed off and walked away from the library.

Hermione confused and eager at the same time walked to the Charms classroom ten minutes later and found him already there.

"I'm here. Spill the beans, Malfoy."

"What did she tell you last night?" he asked instead.

"Why would I tell you? And more importantly how do you know she told me anything?" she raised an eyebrow at him.

He pointed his wand at her, "I won't repeat it again Mudblood and don't think that I am not going to hex you. Tell me what she told you about the pendant."

"So, it was you who gave her that pendant. I was right, wasn't I?"

"Don't try to be smart with me, Granger. I saw you looking for the charmed pendant books and then you asked about them. I know she told you something despite my telling her not to say anything to anyone. The little sneak! Once I am finished with you, I'll make sure she stays in the hospital wing for good," he said menacingly.

"She didn't tell me anything, I asked her but she changed the subject. I was just curious and was looking for those books for some other connections. But now you have conformed my suspicions."

"How the hell can you know... presume that I gave her some pendant?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "You just said that you had forbidden her to talk about it."

Draco swore under his breath.

"She is having.... Umm.... having... trouble with it." Hermione almost told him about dreams but she wanted to know more about the pendant before saying anything.

"I warned her. I told her she needs to accept the pendant with all her heart or else it will weaken her"

"What's this pendant for Malfoy and why did you give it to her?" Hermione asked him angrily.

"That's not for you to know. I have told her. But she won't tell you." Draco started walking towards the door.

"Voldemort.... Does Voldemort have something to do with this?" Hermione asked urgently.

Draco froze at the spot. He turned carefully to face her. "What...what did you say? What makes you think he had to do something with this?" He narrowed his eyes at her.

But before she could answer, Peeves came into the room, and Hermione made a dash for the door. Draco swore under his breath. However, fate offered him a chance to get even when in the two days Ginny, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna were caught by Umbridge and the squad's members. Harry was trying to use the floo network. But, Umbridge caught him with Hermione. Draco didn't get the chance to talk to Hermione, but was equally satisfied with having Ginny there. Ginny, obviously did not share his feelings of satisfaction, and emptied her heart of the hatred through the Bat boggy curse. The events after that went haywire as the news that Voldemort had returned made its way across the Wizarding world throwing things into disarray.

Ginny and Harry were completely wrecked up over Sirius' death. Ginny couldn't get out of the bed for a whole week and neither could the others. The day she left the hospital wing with Hermione, they saw some Slytherins, but didn't see Draco anywhere. Hermione was somewhat relieved to not see him, because she knew that if Ginny had seen him, he wouldn't have survived her wrath. Ginny had eventually told Hermione everything about the pendant, but Hermione hadn't shared her piece of information with anyone yet.

The thought of not seeing Sirius at Number Twelve, Grimmauld place robbed them of any cheer they might have felt at being free from Malfoy till the start of the new term.

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It was the first day of school. Ginny couldn't figure out which was worse for Ron - the fact that he had double potions with Snape or that he had to sit through double potions with Draco. Draco purposely sat with Ron to annoy him and Ginny for messing around with the password. Hermione, Harry, Blaise and Ginny exchanged looks as they watched Ron fall off the bench in his attempts to sit as far away from Draco as possible. Draco looked back to where they were sitting and winked.

Professor Snape was walking between the students, his eyes narrowed, waiting to pounce on the tiniest mistake. Neville was much more confident now, but he still stumbled when he saw a pair of black eyes trained on his cauldron. Snape stopped by Harry's table and watched him cut the Mandrake root. Hermione's breath caught in her throat, while he stood there and watched him, "Must all your work be so shoddy, Mr Potter? Do you expect me to demonstrate every year?" Snape said coldly.

"No.... Sir," Harry replied bitterly. Most of the time, Snape ignored Harry, which was okay with Harry. But Snape couldn't control himself from taunting him once in a while. The mere memory of Harry witnessing his worst memory made Snape cringe. Harry's jaw clenched tightly and he took a long deep breath, as Hermione did the same and let the breath go.

Ginny, Ron and Draco glared at Snape, but he ignored them and stepped forward.

"So, what's wrong with Ron?" Ginny asked to Blaise while carefully mixing the ingredients.

"You mean other than the usual? Nothing," Blaise said casually, but couldn't ignore Ginny's sharp finger on her upper arm.

"Ok, ok. I'll tell you. You can stop with the third degree. I was talking to a Hufflepuff boy on the train and your jealous and slightly insane brother came up and thought something was going on. He really pissed me off and I told him that the boy was asking me out." Blaise told her with the mischievous glint and smile in her eyes.

"No way! You did that?" Ginny asked in the same way. "Well... good for you girl."

Both girls chuckled.

"Harry, are you okay? Do you want to go and see Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione looked at Harry with a worried expression. She couldn't, for the life in her, fathom why he was fumbling so much.

Blaise sighed and turned sharply to the working couple near the table.

"Hermione, honestly, stop mothering him, and treat him like a guy who likes you. A lot."

Hermione stared at Blaise without realising what the other girl had said. "I am certainly not trying to be his mother...I was just conce..."

"Oh save it and don't look like a stuffed trout," Blaise cut her off.

Even before Hermione could recover from the shock or Professor Snape could reach them, the bell rang. Hermione gave Blaise an angry glare before gathering her things and stalked out of the room. Harry took a deep sigh and a small smile tugged at his lips that changed into a frown when he saw four people staring straight at him. He took two steps back and gulped visibly.

"What?"

A smile broke on Ginny's face and she threw her arms around his neck. "You are on it. Good."

Harry's face turned light pink and he rubbed his forehead. "It's bloody hard, specially when she's around."

Both Ginny and Blaise ignored the angry glares being shot at them by Draco and Ron, and patted Harry on the shoulder sympathetically.

"Miss Weasley, I need talk to you," Snape called her.

"Don't you have a class Gin?" Blaise asked her.

"No," Ginny replied as she prepared to follow Snape. She tugged at Ron's robe as she passed him. He turned to face her.

"What?"

"If you don't ask her out, someone else will. Talk to her."

@@@

They all stepped out of the class except Ginny. She sat down on the chair and waited for Snape to start talking. He noticed her ignoring him and sighed. He put some papers in front of her, which she picked slowly and looked through them, shaking her head.

"Professor... It's impossible. A research report. And an experiment report. How on earth can I do that. I just started the research; you know I am not even sure what the ingredients should be. How am I supposed to write a report if I haven't even made a potion or even a trial potion." Ginny finished talking while staring his calm and collected face.

"Are you done worrying about it? Can I talk now?"

"Well, forgive me if I feel so stressed. I only have to present a cure report in a matter of days to the top healers and in the biggest Wizarding lab. And did I mention that no one ever has able to find a cure for werewolf bites? Besides don't forget the school and homework and all."

Professor Snape sat down on the corner of the table in front of her. "What is bothering you the most?" he asked smiling at her.

"How can you be so relaxed? And who the blaze is going to take a teenager's research seriously?"

"You won't be alone. There will be more students from other schools. Not that all of them will be presenting the same kind of research but the Healer's Society is interested in your work. It's not a contest. It's just to encourage students to take an interest in research and potions. You have a whole year in which to do the research. We will find something. First you have to send a profile detailing what inspired you to start this report and your knowledge about werewolves in two months. In the following four months you have to make a trial potion, according to your first report. You have to show them what kind of ingredients you think would be good and why and...."

"Wait a minute... What do you mean show them? You don't mean I have to go there and talk in front of them."

"Exactly. But let's not worry about it right now."

"So that means that Robins can come here."

"Yes," he answered shortly before continuing. "In the remaining six months you have to finalise your potion and then show them at least three different reactions of your experiment on your patient or case. If they find all your work useful or seem to going somewhere they will offer you their labs and their resources to continue your work.

"That's amazing!" Ginny said excitedly, her worries forgotten. Snape smiled as he saw Ginny's eyes light up with excitement. It was her passion for learning that had made Snape thinks about her differently.

"This is a big decision, Ginny. You're a student and it won't be easy. You have to put your all energy in this. Are you sure you want to do this?" Snape asked with a serious face.

"I don't believe this. First you fire me all up and then you suggest that I might not be able to do it. What is it with you? I can do it. And it's not like I am going to get another chance at this," Ginny said heatedly.

Professor Snape merely smiled. Ginny's passion for her work would make her an excellent potion maker someday.

"Besides you'll help me," Ginny stated with finality.

Snape raised his eyebrows. "Oh, if you think I am going to say goodbye to my sleep then you have another thought coming." Snape stood up from in front of her and held up his hands.

"Oh, right, and your beauty sleep is more important than my work," she mocked him. Snape smiled and shook his head as Ginny gathered her things and started to leave. "Thanks Professor. I'll show you the draft report in a few days." He nodded.

"So... Draco seemed angry with you? What happened?" he asked casually, shuffling the papers on the table.

"Why? Was your godson acting stranger than usual? I didn't notice." Ginny shrugged her shoulder, hoping he wouldn't start with the same lecture she was being given all around.

"It's none of my business, but I would say that you should give him a chance."

"What?" she turned sharply to him. Her temper shot up. "On what basis? That he is your godson or that he fought the good fight like you did. Then why don't you give Harry a chance? He didn't do any thing to you. It was his father, Sirius and his friends. And even though James and Sirius are dead, you still treat him like dirt." Her sudden out burst took him off guard. He was not expecting such reaction. Ginny realised that she had said too much. "I am... sorry... I didn't mean to.... It's just..."

"No, you're right... I always see him as his father. Then Sirius and Remus... I've treated him very badly all these years..."

Ginny's eyes widened in shock when she heard those words. This was big. She didn't want to embarrass him by pointing out that what he had said so she just encouraged him.

"He is a very simple person. Just be polite with him."

He smiled and nodded, "Will you reconsider what I said about... Draco?"

"Huh...Ok, I'll try, but if he acts like a prat I won't be responsible for my actions," she warned him. He nodded again and she came out of the class.

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After Potions, Gryffindor and Slytherin had Herbology. Ron walked fast and stopped. He balled his hands into a fist and marched towards Blaise and stopped right in front of her. Both stopped and Blaise stared at his angry face. But before she could say something, Draco stepped in front of Ron.

"Hey... what the hell do you think you are doing?" Draco asked him.

"Tell him to shut up or I will do it for him. We need to talk." Blaise gave Ron her 'I'm-not-scared-of-your-tantrums' look before turning to Draco.

"It's alright. What do you want to talk about Ronald?" Blaise asked patiently.

Ron glared at her, "Who asked you out?"

"What...?"

"You know what I am talking about Zabini," he yelled.

"Don't you dare yell at me. I am going out...so? Get to the point, Ronald."

"A... date?" Ron said shrilly. "A date? You are going to date? And don't call me Ronald."

"Yes," she hissed. "Yes I do, because he asked me out. At least he wasn't too much of a chicken to ask me out, Ronald," she said with emphasis.

"Who're you calling a chicken?" demanded Ron, furiously. "And only my mother calls me Ronald...when she is angry with me. My friends call me Ron, do I have to remind you that."

"You! I'm calling you a chicken! And I am not particularly pleased with you at the moment either and yes...that's why we are just friends... right." She glared at him. What is so difficult about saying that he likes me? I am just wasting my time with a brick wall.

Stubborn Gryffindor.

"And who - just who - is the...?" Ron asked, fighting the urge to shake her senseless. If he knew who the little shit was he would...Is it so hard to admit that she likes me?

Stubborn Slytherin.

"None of your business, Ronald." Blaise all but spat the words out before marching off to class.

He balled his palms to fists, glaring at her retreating back. "You know what I think? I think you're only inventing this--this--whoever this bastard is! No one has asked you out. Admit it!"

Blaise whirled on him, a brilliant flash of anger in her eyes. "How dare you!" she snarled, stomping her foot. "You - little - how dare you! Invent a boy! And why, would I do that?"

"You want to make me jealous, that's why!"

She breathed deeply, trying very hard not to claw his eyes out. "Don't flatter yourself, Ronald," she whispered. Blaise inhaled sharply. "If you must know, it is the guy who was talking to me on the train."

At that, Ron's eyes widened in shock. "That moron...that bastard."

"Yes..."

"You make me sick...well good for you... that suits you best," he hissed, his voice hoarse as he walked away from her.

"Ronald... Ron..."

But he'd already left.

Harry and Draco watched, from between some plants, with a mildly interested expression and Hermione with concern as Ron left Blaise in haste. She knew her best friend very well. She knew how difficult it was for him to express his feelings. She looked at Blaise, who looked stupefied and stricken, and for a moment acted as though she meant to follow him but then decided against it at the last minute.

"I don't get it," Harry mumbled, watching as the Slytherin dejectedly headed towards the Herbology classroom by herself. "I mean, why doesn't Ron tell her that he likes her, or why not she admit that she likes him?"

Ron joined them gloomily at their table and Blaise joined Draco right across the table. Blaise looked at Ron and caught Hermione's eye and Hermione gave her a smile, which Blaise returned with a sad one of her own.

"Not that I am very fond of the Weasel, but don't you think that was a bit harsh."

Blaise gave him a look of surprise. "I didn't know you cared for him."

Draco heaved a sigh, while following Madam Sprout's instructions. "Any other situation, maybe I don't, but just look at him. He looks like his favourite pet turned around and bit him."

"I didn't mean to," she said sadly.

"At least you are not as late as me..." he mumbled to himself. "He will come around, give him some time... he cares about you very much." Draco was talking while working with the plant and didn't notice the surprised look and smile on Blaise's face. "What?" he asked, a startled look on his face.

"You talked to Ginny... didn't you Draco?" His lopsided sad smile was all she need as an answer. "What happened?" she sighed sadly. "Don't worry... she will come around, give her some time...she cares about you." Draco laughed as Blaise repeated his words from moments before.

At that point a first year boy came in with a note in his hand for the Herbology teacher. Madam Sprout gave them all homework and left the class. Ron gave Blaise a hard look and dashed out of the class. The look on his face wiped the smile off her face. Harry went after him. Hermione squeezed her hand for assurance, "He will be fine."

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Ginny came out of the class and realising she still had some time for her next class walked towards Hagrid's hut. But it was empty. Suddenly a roar caught her attention and she walked towards the forbidden forest.

She could see students gathered around a red headed tall man. She smiled. She hadn't had time to meet Charlie yet. The smile spread over her face when she saw Buckbeak standing stubbornly in the middle of the ground and Hagrid grinning toothily as though Christmas had come early as he was fed Buckbeak the dead rats.

She knew that it was Buckbeak's first time outside Sirius' house, after three years. She stood there and just watched her brother, Hagrid and the creature. Being close to the hippogriff, she knew that it would be dangerous for Buckbeak if he saw her and recognised her. He was still a 'fugitive'.

Charlie turned to the class and saw her and waved at her direction. She waved back and turned to leave planning to come back some time later. In the distance she saw a very angry Ron coming out of the Herbology class, with Harry on his heels. She frowned with confusion and stepped forward. And found the answer when she saw Hermione, Draco and a grumpy Blaise come out of the class.

She started to walk towards the castle before someone spotted her and made her late for her class.

"And where do you think you are going, red chilli?" Draco asked, stepping in front of her.

"I will miss my class," she said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She stepped around him, but found him in front of her again.

She sighed and looked at him impatiently. "What is it?"

"You still have ten minutes, walk with me."

"Ginny, Draco."

"Oh damn! For Merlin's sake, why did Dumbledore have to hire another Weasley? We just got rid of two," he said grumpily. "OW! That hurt!" he said, turning to face Ginny who just punched him on his upper arm. She knew he was just trying to annoy her again.

"That's the point," she said before launching herself into Charlie and hugging him hard. Draco followed her lazily, giving the siblings time to meet each other. He liked the older Weasleys. Charlie and Bill were the ones who were always patient with him. They were at Grimmauld place, and controlled the others when they had arrived and found him there.

"Hey, Draco, how are you?" Charlie greeted him and he returned the greeting.

"So, how was the first class?" Draco asked mildly interested.

"Oh great...umm...you want to know... what I brought?" Charlie asked, smiling at him. Ginny tensed, but before she could say anything Charlie told him about Buckbeak. A shadow crossed Draco's face and Charlie stopped on the look on the younger boy's face. But before he could say something, the bell rang and Ginny hurried to her class, saying goodbye.

Charlie watched her hurry away before he turned to apologise to Draco, but found himself standing alone.

Charlie sighed, "Teenagers."

"What's that all about?"

"I have no idea," Charlie sighed and turned to Hagrid.

"I thought they are all set and Ginny was okay with him?"

"I don't know how they are going to end up but I have a feeling that Draco is not going to give up on her anytime soon," Charlie spoke absently, lost in his own thoughts, while helping Hagrid.

"Its amazing what they were and what they are now. How is his father?"

"Hum... he is ok, but Draco hasn't visited his room yet. I don't know what boy has in his mind."

Draco's head was pounding and he could feel the pulse throbbing in his left temple. He wearily stepped into the History of Magic class and put his head into his hands. Memories flashed in his mind, accompanied by pain, which he was trying to forget, the terrible things he had done to her....

Its all your fault father, you didn't trust me. And I will get the answers from you. I swear. He promised himself. I will make her forget everything and love her, the way she deserves to be loved, the way she would never have imagined.