Light & Dark

September 1st, 1991

When it was time for Draco to attend Hogwarts for his first year, his mother took him to Platform 9 3/4 to catch the train. His Father didn't accompany him but had made his message clear before they left: "Don't disappoint me, Draco."

Narcissa and Draco arrived at the platform early to avoid the crowds. Narcissa looked around, verified that they were alone, then spoke to her son.

"Draco, you know what to do to survive, but never forget what it takes to truly live." She whispered in French before hugging her son and kissing him on the forehead. "And above all, remember you will always have an ally in your Godfather, Severus." Her eyes watered as she said goodbye to her son. "Now go. Pick the best compartment on the train for you and your friends."

"Don't worry, mother, Christmas will be here before you know it!" He exclaimed before excitedly boarding the train with his trunk.

Once on board the train, he looked back, just in time to see his mother wipe the corner of her eyes and apparate away.

Following his mother's suggestion, Draco then began exploring the train's compartments. After a few minutes, he found an ideal spot in the far left corner of the third car. Settling in, he placed his trunk in the overhead compartment and waited. He eyed the growing crowd of families on the platform through the window in search of anyone he knew.

He curiously watched the other kids with their parents; they kissed, hugged, and waved goodbye with an almost intimidating amount of affection. He couldn't remember the last time his Father did more than rest a hand on his shoulder.

After a while, he was joined by two familiar faces, Crabbe & Goyle. They were about as bright as a couple of dung beetles, but they had been his playmates since birth. They rode with him to Hogwarts, ate candy from the trolley, plotted the win of the Slytherin House cup, and argued about quidditch.

After eating too many licorice wands, Draco got up in search of the loo. Sticky, candy-covered hands would not make a good first impression at Hogwarts after all. He explored the train for a bit, finding the bathroom in the last and most unappealing train car. There, directly across from the women's, was the men's room. He quickly went inside, eager to clean his hands and leave this dingy part of the train.

As he dried his palms, he heard something; a croak.

"Crrrohk"

There it was again, he thought to himself as he opened the bathroom door to leave.

"Crrrohk"

As he exited the bathroom, two things happened. He knocked his head into something hard, and he felt a heavy plop on his foot. He rubbed his aching head and saw a huge wart-covered toad!

"Ick!" Draco muttered as he shook his foot to get rid of the warty beast; his shoes were made of dragon leather, after all.

"Are you okay?" A girl's voice asked.

Draco had been too preoccupied with the toad to realize that he had knocked heads with a person rather than an inanimate object.

Embarrassed, he slicked his hair back and looked up at her. At first, he only saw a head of bushy light brown hair, but then he saw her eyes. They were calm and understanding eyes; he thought as he examined her further.

She eyed him too. Her honey-brown irises seemed to peer into his soul, searching for his secrets. For a moment, he began building his wall, instinctively attempting to protect his thoughts...

"Are you okay?" The girl asked again, this time more concerned.

His mental wall collapsed.

"Yeah, yes, of course," he said, straightening his collar, "who are you?"

"My name's Hermione Granger, and you are?" She asked. But he was interrupted before he could answer.

"Crrrohk," the toad croaked again.

"You found Neville's toad!" she gasped excitedly, wrapping her arms around Draco affectionately. "Help me catch it."

His body tensed at her unexpected embrace.

"Someone keeps this wretched thing as a pet?" He guffawed, emitting a relieved breath when she released him.

He examined her further…she was wearing her robes; they were crisp, clean, and new. Her shoes, on the other hand…he'd never seen anything quite like them, but they seemed to be in good condition. Her skin was freckled at the cheeks, slightly sun-kissed, and her teeth were as white as he had ever seen. The only possible flaw he could find was the fluff of curly hair that graced her shoulders, and even it suited her, bringing out her eyes.

"I've read that toads make very loyal familiars, as some species can live up to 15 years. Now help me; he's getting away!" Hermione exclaimed, a tad snarky and a bit bossy.

He lunged forward and missed the slimy beast by centimeters. It jumped out of the way towards Hermione. This time they both lunged for it. Their hands surrounded the frog, preventing it from getting away.

The toad was cold and slimy, but her hands were warm and soft. She looked at him and giggled, making him blush.

"Loyal or not, I don't think I could ever get past the slime!" Draco admitted, turning his head away from her, hiding his flush.

"It is a rather unappealing creature; I'd much rather have a familiar of the feline variety, but that's just me. However…" Hermione said as she held the frog up to her face and lightly kissed it.

"Bleh! Are you mad?! Why would you kiss that toad?"

"I had high hopes that it would turn into a prince, but I suppose that's only frogs, not toads… it was worth a shot." Hermione shrugged.

"Still not following you, Granger, was it?" He asked, trying to recall a famous wizard of the same name.

"It was just something I read once upon a time. I will just have to find a prince another way. Well, I better return this to Neville," she said, grabbing the toad and standing up. She smiled and prepared to walk down the hall. "Thank you…" she said quizzically.

"Draco Malfoy," he said, offering a hand but then taking it back after realizing her hands were busy with the toad.

"Thank you, Draco Malfoy; I'll see you at school," she mused with a smile before she left.

He didn't know what it was, but there was something about her that intrigued him. Perhaps, he thought, she was distantly related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, a famous potioneer… And her first name, a rarity, Hermione; it was an old name, meaning well-born. He felt confident they'd be sorted into Slytherin and bond over a mutual love of potions. Either way, he was interested in seeing her again.

"Please be Slytherin; please put me in Slytherin; my father will kill me if I'm not in Slytherin." I thought before the sorting hat was even on. When Professor McGonagall sat the hat on my head, it only needed a moment to see my desperation. I was almost immediately sorted into Slytherin.

But the girl, Granger, was sorted into Gryffindor. That had been a disappointment… but not a complete loss; Slytherins and Gryffindors were scheduled to have several combined classes this year…

He eyed her during the feast. Her animated face excitedly took everything in. She was highly amusing… He couldn't help but be drawn to her…

We were headed to Gryffindor tower in search of the Fat Lady's portrait when something… happened.

Something, someone, pulled me by the arm away from the group. The nice boy I'd met on the train, Draco Malfoy.

Despite my silent protests, he pulled me down an empty hallway behind a giant statue, and out of sight.

"I have to ask you something." He whispered pointedly.

"What do you think you're doing? We're supposed to be on our way to our common rooms!" I hissed, attempting to pull my arm free of his grasp. "Let. Go."

I cocked an eyebrow and glared up at him. His silvery grey eyes assessed me with a lazy curiosity as he leaned back against the wall. He smirked while his hand kept a firm grip on my arm.

"Are you related to Hector Dagworth-Granger? The potioneer?" He mused, at last, holding onto my arm as I tried to pull away.

"What are you…No." I relented, taken aback.

"Are you sure? Perhaps he's a distant cousin." He offered, his hand still wrapped around my forearm.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. My parents are muggles." I reluctantly answered him.

With painful and obvious disappointment, his smirk dropped into a sickening grimace.

"Great," he scoffed." Bloody perfect." His hand moved down my arm to my hand.

"Draco? What are you- what!?" I asked, peering around the statue to see if anyone was there.

His fingers graced mine before abruptly pulling away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"I should have realized," he whispered...

"Draco Malfoy," I questioned, "what are you on about!?"

A draft flew through the castle, stirring the hair on the back of my neck, quickly reminding me that I was in a very old, very dark, and huge castle…My skin prickled, and a chill ran down my spine, but it wasn't the eeriness & unfamiliarity of Hogwarts that made me shiver.

Draco Malfoy's face had changed completely. He had wiped it clean of emotion, creating a statuesque void of a person.

"Are you okay?" I tried, uneasily moving my hand towards him.

He grabbed my wrist firmly, blocking my touch, holding it away from him.

"From this point on, Granger." He spoke icily using my surname. "If I speak to you, it will only be to tease you; I'm going to bully you, treating you with the same respect that I treat dung. I am going to act horribly towards you, and I going to say horrible things to you."

His words were emotionless, but they stung.

"What, Draco-!?" I asked, but before I could continue, he stopped me.

"You're a muggleborn..."

His words burned my ears as understanding sunk in… My heart plunged into my stomach, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment… I am no good to him, not anymore. I am dung. I am unworthy.

Mentions of blood prejudice and the Sacred 28 from the books I'd read flashed across my mind as I glared daggers at him.

"It seems I was wrong about you too…." I breathed, nervously aware of his fist still gripping my wrist.

His marble-like features watched me blankly; I couldn't read him; it scared me.

"You're a Slytherin! Probably a pureblood too! I should have known…." I jerked my arm back, removing it from his grasp. "I should have listened to the others; they warned me to stay away from you…."

"I'm sure they did." His façade faltered as the corner of his lips twitched like he was fighting back a smirk.

I was dung to him…

"You think this is so funny, don't you? Jokes on me for thinking you had the mental capacity to form your own opinions about people." I huffed, rolling my eyes angrily. "Well, Draco Malfoy, I hope your blood prejudice gets you far in life; far away from me!"

I spun to stomp away; his hand wrapped around my arm again, pulling me back. The motion forced me back around, bringing us face to face.

Why was he always smirking?

"You think you know it all, don't you?" He drawled carelessly, still holding me in place.

Our noses nearly touched as he eyed me once more. I held my breath nervously…

He thinks I'm unworthy.

"I know enough not to waste my breath on a lost cause like you." I spat back. "So, go back to your perfect pureblood life, with your perfect pureblood friends and your perfect pureblood family; we are finished here."

I tried again and failed to pull away. His grip was firm. Emotion returned to his face as he flashed me his signature look. He was mocking me.

"Awfully hypocritical of you, such a saintly muggle born, to make assumptions about my life…and my family. If I…had the 'mental capacity,' perhaps I would prove you wrong. Quel dommage."

He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms confidently. My blood boiled.

"What are you playing at Draco Malfoy?" I demanded. "I'm not going to stand here and play games with you all night!"

"You're welcome to go," He mused, letting go of my arm and examining his nails. "It's up to you. I'm sure you couldn't handle being proven wrong anyways; no, I don't think that would sit well with you at all."

He chuckled, flashing his silvery eyes at me before returning them to his cuticles.

"Be plain, Malfoy, or I swear I will use the first curse I learn on you." I gripped my wand in my pocket, thoroughly annoyed.

"You're sort of cute when you're angry. Threatening me with curses you have yet to learn as if you've ever seen such magic." Before returning to his smirk, he flashed something that might have been a smile. "Oh, little muggle born, there is so much you don't know…."

"Well then, inform me! And quickly, mind you, I do not wish to get expelled on my very first night!" I stated with a stomp of my foot.

I was positively fuming, while he was as calm and crisp as a cucumber.

"I'm intrigued by you, Granger."

There it was again, my surname…

"I suppose it's…possible," he whispered, briefly looking around, before locking his eyes with mine, "That is if you can keep a secret."

He was teasing me still, and I hated him for it.

"Trust me, Malfoy, I will hex you if you do not get to the point." I was done.

"Meet me here tomorrow after Potions class, before dinner. That is, if you can stomach being in the presence of a 'perfect pureblood'. I'm sure it's quite intimidating." He yawned, stretching his arms out before bringing them back down around me, momentarily trapping me between him and the statue. "Make sure no one sees you."

I rolled my eyes.

"Fine then! We'll meet tomorrow." I agreed, desperate to find my common room.

"I believe it's high past time for you two to be in bed…as I'm sure you are aware, it's quite late." Mused an older, very distinct voice…

Gulping, we turned our heads to face the person who'd caught us.

"Professor Dumbledore!" We gasped in unison.

"Shh…shh… don't fret. We wouldn't want to rouse Mrs. Norris. Come along now, and rejoin your classmates in your respective dormitories. You will simply have to reconvene your secret meeting another time."

"Professor I…" Draco and I interjected in feeble attempts to explain.

"Tut tut tut. Off you go. Your secret is safe with me if you head straight to your beds."

And with that, I ran to catch up with my fellow Gryffindors, not bothering to look back.

It was my first night away from home, in a dormitory with five other first-year girls, and I couldn't sleep. I kept going through the day's events in my head, one by one, over and over again.

Neville Longbottom, a clueless boy looking for a toad that he'd lost within 5 minutes of boarding the train, I helped him.

Harry Potter and his odd red-headed friend, Ron-something, I met them.

Draco Malfoy. The most well-dressed, poised, and handsome boy I had ever seen. He was friendly; he helped me catch Neville's frog…I liked him.

The sorting hat. I was sorted into Gryffindor. So were Neville, Harry, & Ron.

The hat sorted Draco into Slytherin, a house, others cautioned, known for its judgmental purebloods and villains.

I held my wrist within my hand as I recalled my most recent interaction with the blonde… He was rude; he was emotionless, he was an enigma… I loathed him

I imagined his eyes while closing my own—the audacity he had had…the sheer nerve. I wanted to know more about him; I needed to.

Who are you, Draco Malfoy?

It was finally time for our first Potions class with my Godfather, Severus Snape. This was going to be a breeze. I strutted into the dungeon room, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, knowing well that I would have the upper hand here. Being the Malfoy heir had many benefits, and having Severus as a Godfather was one of them. He had managed to teach me quite a lot over the years…

When my minions and I entered, we were quickly reminded that this was a joint Potions class. Meaning first-year Slytherins and the first-year Gryffindors would be taught together; this should be interesting.

The classroom had many long lab tables seating two students each. I took a seat in one on the far right, not directly up front but close enough, next to Goyle. I set down my supplies and waited for the rest of the class to do the same.

Severus entered the classroom; the students hushed nervously. I liked the way Severus demanded the respect and obedience of the class. No time would be wasted in this class, unlike charms where everyone waved their wands around like lunatics, hoping for the correct outcome. We would actually be learning here.

Severus, or Professor Snape as I was now supposed to call him, started the lesson with a show, taking the time to call out Harry Potter for not knowing anything. I didn't like Potter. I hadn't anticipated failure when I offered my hand to him in friendship—his loss.

I glanced around the dungeon, spotting a familiar fluffy head of hair at the front of the classroom… My eyes doubled back to examine her further. Who was this Hermione Granger? Why did she interest me so?

While Professor Snape berated Potter with questions, she sat straight up with her hand held high. Annoyingly swotty little thing she was. There was still something about her, though, something that I couldn't shake, something that I liked.

I observed her from afar, knowing full and well that's all I'd ever do. Anything more was forbidden. I planned to tell her as much after class, ending it all upfront.

It was the only way.

"I have randomly selected for you all…partners. Once I call you out in pairs, you will work together to brew the boil cure potion described in Chapter 1 of your books. This assignment will be graded, and you will have precisely one hour to complete it. Failure to do so will warrant an automatic "Dreadful" for you and your partner. Understood?"

Severus waited for the briefest of moments for the class to nod in response before he began calling out the pairs. I hoped I wouldn't get a lousy partner who didn't know anything at all, not that I would mind doing all the work… Honestly, I'd prefer to take control; I wouldn't let some idiot ruin such an easy assignment for me.

"Parvarti Patil and Pansy Parkinson"

However, if I absolutely had to involve my partner, they would need to be efficient…not just anyone would do.

"Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan"

Hopefully, I don't get sorted with Potter. Or Weasley.

"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley."

Well, that takes care of that…I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I were paired with Goyle…

"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger"

My heart practically stopped as I heard him speak her name. I scanned the room excitedly for her mane of hair. A few classmates muttered to themselves, looking back and forth between us. Reflexively, I built my wall up, obscuring my thoughts from them.

I glared at her, silently demanding she move over to my desk rather than the other way around. She took the hint, quickly gathered her things, and walked over to Crabbe and me.

Before long, she was standing over Crabbe, tapping her foot. She impatiently cleared her throat, signaling him to get out of her new seat. He did as she insisted, shuffling off towards his partner.

A few of our classmates continued to watch us. I maintained my wall.

Eventually, everyone was paired off and began working on the assignment.

Granger and I gathered all of our supplies in silence before beginning work on our potion, only speaking when necessary.

She knew not to speak to me; I could see it in her eyes. She was afraid.

This was for the best.

Suddenly the dungeon was filled with smoke and several screams; Seamus and Neville managed to melt their cauldron, and Neville became covered in their obviously wrong boil curing potion. The whole class watched and laughed as Severus dealt with the situation accordingly, eventually sending Neville to the hospital wing.

Granger took advantage of the disruption.

"Are you still wanting to meet me before dinner?" She demanded under her breath, never taking her eyes off the potion she was currently stirring.

"No, I can't risk anyone seeing us. You know that." I whispered briskly as Longbottom yelled in the background. "Don't forget, exactly 17 counterclockwise stirs!"

"I know what I am doing!" She practically spat back at me. "And you're the one who asked me to meet you in the first place… From what I hear, you aren't the type of person I would want to be seen with either."

I rolled my eyes as my wall began to fade; she wasn't making this easy.

"Rumor and hearsay aren't everything, Granger. You're awfully clever; I thought you would have known that." I paused for a moment, unsure if I should continue. "If you think anyone of these bloody fools knows anything about me, you're not as bright as you seem."

I bit my tongue as she turned to glare at me.

"If you say so, Malfoy… But I highly doubt there is much of anything in you, underneath your nice clothes other than a rude, pompous, blood elitist…." She spat. "…who is too much of a coward to have a muggle born as a friend."

"Actually, I'm a rich, rude, pompous, blood elitist." I glared at her. "And if you knew my Father… you wouldn't be so keen on our 'friendship'. That said, I'm intrigued by you, Granger and I'm not a coward."

She cocked her eyebrow and crossed her arms, impatiently waiting for me to elaborate.

The smoke cleared, and the class quieted.

I whispered one last thing to her as Snape sent Neville away.

"Give me time. Alright?"

She nodded, squinting her eyes at me, desperately trying to decipher my intentions.

I fortified my wall, blocking her out, bringing our conversation to an end.

I saw her in the library often; she was almost always there; hidden from the other students in an ill-frequented corner. Her nose persistently glues to the pages of a book. Her affinity for the written word rivaled my own.

I began visiting the library more frequently.

Little did I know that it would be almost Halloween before we were partnered up in Potions again and able to speak.

"So, Granger, how goes your attempt to read all of the books in the library?" I whispered snidely. "I mean, really, Granger, do you ever leave that boring place?"

"I am no closer to reading them all than you are…." She snapped. "Don't think I haven't noticed you there too. Spying on me."

Bollocks.

"Poor Granger spends so much time with her nose in books; she thinks she owns the library. You're mental." I quipped.

Joking with her was easy. It felt oddly natural, even after weeks of silence, glares, & nods.

"I thought you would have forgotten me by now…perhaps you aren't as much of a coward after all." She mused, studying her potion.

"There's not a bone of cowardice in my body, and I'd be willing to prove it to you, Granger…that is if you aren't too afraid to leave your common room after hours?" I challenged her, knowing she wouldn't dare.

"Well, making friends here hasn't exactly been the easiest thing… the girls in my year are all daft dimbos; they hardly ever want to study with me… Apparently, there are more important things than grades..." She mumbled resentfully. "So, no, I suppose I will have to befriend you, Draco Malfoy, as a last resort."

My jaw dropped for half a second before I recovered my features. I hadn't expected her to agree to meet… Or call me a last resort!

"Maybe you truly are a Gryffindor Grange… but I wouldn't want to risk expulsion on a 'last resort.' Perhaps, you'll have better luck with the Hufflepuffs." I mocked with a smirk.

"Coward." She chuckled. "I knew you didn't mean your offer. You would risk expulsion or detention for a muggle born. The sorting hat certainly made the right choice; Gryffindor would not have suited you very well."

The more she mocked me, the more intrigued I became in her. And when she smiled, I stitched my lips together to mask my own.

"6 p.m. tomorrow it is then." I flashed her a look, continuing before she could protest. "In the same place, we met on our first night. Since it will be a Saturday, Halloween to be exact, everyone will be in a hurry to get to the Great Hall for the celebration before the feast. If we stayed behind that gargoyle after the feast had begun, we wouldn't get caught."

I waited for her to object to my plan, not sure what I would do if she did.

"You've given this a great deal of thought, but it seems you've forgotten...Dumbledore caught us last time. " She smirked in my direction, stifling a laugh.

"You make a fair point, Granger. How about the library then, in the far-left corner, the ancient runes section?" I suggested; her eyes widened. "You're not the only one who likes to study there. Quite annoying, honestly… To find you there nearly every time I go there to study myself."

She laughed out loud then. Merlin, I cursed to myself; she was going to get us caught.

A few people in the class looked up and over at us, wondering what was going on…

"Shut up and brew, Granger." I spat, instantly killing her laughter.

If the wrong person found out…if my Father caught wind about who I'd been speaking to… he'd have both of our heads.

I erected my walls.

She gave me a dirty look before returning to what she was doing, and that was the end of our little chat.

I waited for her, behind that very same statue where we had stood our first night, but she never came. After about an hour, I gave up, and she thought I was a coward. Pfft.

Giving up, I made my way to the Great Hall for dinner, disappointed. As I descended the stairs, I overheard one of the Patil sisters mention her name. My ears perked up.

"She's been in the girl's bathroom all afternoon, crying. I think that Ron Weasley was teasing her again..."

I didn't know why, but I changed directions, running towards the nearest girl's lavatory. Brazenly, I ran in.

The bathroom appeared empty, but the faint sniff of a nose told me it was not. I scanned the floor beneath each stall until I spotted the odd muggle shoes of a certain fluffy-haired Gryffindor.

"Granger..." I whispered, knocking on the stall door.

"Draco?" She sniffled, "what are you doing in here?"

"Maybe I'll tell you if you come out of that stall."

She was crying; I didn't like that… Despite all odds, knowing fully that I shouldn't bother, I shouldn't be here…I didn't like her crying. If father knew…

"No, I don't want to; I-I'm a mess." She whimpered.

I compartmentalized my internal struggle, focusing on her.

"Well, then tell me what happened. Do I need to hex Weasley? I would absolutely enjoy that." I smirked, leaning against the wall, hoping she'd say yes.

"No, that won't be necessary; I can handle him myself," she mumbled through tears.

"It sure seems that way," I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

"Draco Malfoy, if you are going to make fun of me too, then you can leave right now! This is a GIRLS lavatory, after all!"

Lesson learned. Crying girls do not like sarcasm. Bollocks.

"No-I…what do you want me to do?" I stumbled over my words, not knowing how to continue.

I raked my brain for anything that would fix this…uncomfortable situation. For reasons beyond my understanding, I needed her to stop crying. But how?

"I think I will be okay; I just need to clean myself up before dinner... Draco, I'm sorry I forgot to meet you today."

"It's fine; we can meet another time, secretly, of course."

"Secretly, of course," she mimicked me snidely. "That's awfully rich! Honestly, Draco, if you are ashamed to be seen with me, I hardly understand why you go through the trouble of talking to me at all." She huffed rather curtly.

"Granger, I—you'd never understand anyways…you're not from the pureblood world. If you only knew—" I stopped, weary of intrusion in our current setting. "Just meet with me, okay?

"When?" She demanded impatiently.

"I don't know yet…I don't even know what this is we're doing..." Really though, what was I thinking? "I just need to find the right time and place."

"Alright," she said from inside the stall, "well...you should go on to dinner before any of your perfect, pureblood Slytherin friends notice you are missing. I will be on my way soon."

She was right; they probably would notice my absence. I didn't care. My focus was on her…but could I trust her? Would she be able to keep this a secret…

"Okay." I paused, stitching my eyebrows together, overwhelmingly aware that I was reaching a point of no return with her. "Granger...Am I correct in assuming that you can be trusted? If not, this ends right here."

"I don't understand you, Draco Malfoy, but you have my word."

Pleased with her answer, I made my way to dinner.

"TROLLLL, IN THE DUNGEON! TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!" Professor Quirrell bellowed before fainting on the floor of the great hall.

The Great Hall erupted with noise as everyone started screaming, including me. The dungeons were where the Slytherin common room was! What were we supposed to do!?

"SILEEEEEENCE!" Professor Dumbledore roared. "Prefects, please escort your houses to the dormitories. Slytherin students, you all shall remain here in the great hall while the teachers see to the troll."

Three-fourths of the great hall left as we Slytherin students remained, chatting amongst ourselves.

"How the bloody hell does a troll get into Hogwarts!?" Theodore Nott exclaimed.

"I don't know," I said, "but my father will definitely hear about this!"

That was my go-to line. Everyone knew who my father was and feared him. His name drew respect from my fellow Slytherin. It almost always worked…just not with Theodore Nott or Blaise Zabini, apparently.

"Oh, can it, Malfoy, what is your father going to do about it? Besides, I bet Snape has it under control." Theo said.

Ouch.

"I knew I should have gone to Durmstrang," Blaise murmured, "I bet this kind of stupidity doesn't happen there."

"Yeah, but playing quidditch in the bloody arctic sounds awful. The weather in the Scottish Highlands is loads better for the sport." Theo responded.

My ears perked up; I didn't know either of them very well, but maybe these two were worth talking to. After all, they were both from distinguished pureblood families like my own.

"Yeah, I bet those Durmstrang brutes get frozen to their broomsticks!" I chimed in excitedly.

They laughed hard at that, and for a moment, we forgot about the whole nonsense with the troll.

"I heard something or other about a bloke that goes there. He's supposed to be some sort of quidditch prodigy. Do you know who I'm talking about?" Blaise asked.

"Oh yeah, the headmaster of Durmstrang and Father go way back. Karkaroff is already trying to write up a contract with any quidditch team that will listen to him. That bloke, I can't remember his name, but I think he's all he is cracked up to be."

"We shall see…." Blaise responded.

We continued to talk about quidditch, and after a while, Professor Snape returned to the Great Hall.

"Alright, children," he drawled without interest, "bed!"

Many students questioned him about the troll as he led us to the dungeons; he waved them off, one by one.

I waited around as all the students went up to their dormitories. Crabbe & Goyle hung back as well.

"Go on, don't just stand there; go to bed!" I told them with a nod towards the boys' dormitory. They silently obeyed my command, per usual.

Soon it was just me and Severus standing in the Slytherin common room.

"So, what happened!?" I asked, hardly able to contain myself.

He simply glared at me.

"Oh, come on! You have to say something!" I exclaimed; he continued to stare at me like I'd lost my mind.

"It seems… that the famous Mr. Potter, the youngest red-headed weasel, and the bushy-haired swot saw to the troll."

"What! Do you mean Granger!? What happened!? Is she okay?!" I demanded.

"Lower your voice, Mr. Malfoy! I don't need any of the other students coming down here."

"Yes, sir." I relented.

"Now go to bed. I happen to know that you have Potions, bright and early tomorrow."

"But what about, erm, 'bushy-haired swot?" I whispered.

He looked down at me with a face that resembled both confusion and disgust.

"I haven't the foggiest idea how you have come to know this girl, nor do I care, but if you wish to survive in our world, you will see to it that no one finds out!" He said as he vanished through the dungeon door.

With my head sunken like a lost puppy, I made my way to the dorms.

As I changed and got into bed, my head was full of questions.

Was she okay? How the hell did a troll get into Hogwarts? What were Harry & the Weasel doing there? How had they 'seen to it? Why had I let slip that I was friends with a muggle born girl to Severus? He would definitely write a letter to Mother… not that she would be mad, but concerned. Ugh. I was really mucking up my first year at Hogwarts…

I was only sure of a few things. One, I knew I could trust Snape; whether or not he agreed with my friendship, he wouldn't dare tell my Father. He and mother were far too close for him to do that. Two, I needed answers. I needed a way to contact Granger without anyone else finding out. But how?

It was hard enough sneaking around without Crabbe & Goyle following me. I was clever but only knew the most basic of spells so far. My owl, Scorpius, was entirely too obvious. Perhaps I could convince Snape to help me... On second thought, Mother would be the more likely option.

Mother,

I need a way to send secret messages to someone. Hope you are doing well.

Love,

Draco

A few weeks passed, and I didn't speak to Granger. Sometimes, when I was sure that no one was looking, I would give her a quick nod. And sometimes, if I were lucky, she would give me a nod back. That was our code of sorts, our way of communicating.

School was going great other than bloody Gryffindor, led by Saint Potter, beating Slytherin in every game. And even worse, he and Weasel had somehow become best friends with Granger. The three of them were hardly ever apart. It riled me to my core that she spent her time with them, especially the Weasel. They were nowhere near her intellectual equal; in fact, they were quite the opposite of what I observed in class. Then again, I spent most of my time with Crabbe and Goyle…buffoons.

Moreover, the three of them always seemed in on some sort of secret. They were always huddled together in whispers or oddly missing from meals…What were they up to?

As Christmas came closer, I wondered what was taking mother so long to respond. Something about the swotty muggle born girl who was neck and neck with me in grades would not leave my mind. I found myself looking for her every time I entered the Great Hall or in between classes. She was a bad habit that I couldn't kick.

The fact that she was forbidden made me more curious…and even more reckless.

Christmas came and went, and soon Mother and I were waiting on platform 9 ¾ again. She had ignored every attempt of mine to ask about the request I'd made of her. I assumed she feared Father finding out, but this was our last chance. As we stood there, alone, she took me into her arms.

"Draco," she whispered into my ear as she hugged me, "Reason is powerless in matters of heart, but be careful; my dove, discretion, and secrecy are of the utmost importance. You'll find what you need within your trunk."

She kissed me on my forehead one last time, then apparated away.

As soon as I found my favorite compartment, I opened my trunk. On top of my school clothes was an old children's book; I quickly opened it up and skimmed through its pages. On my second go-through, I found them; two identical square sheets of parchment. I quickly found a quill and a pot of ink and tested them out. I wrote my name on one of the pieces of paper.

Draco Malfoy

My name soon disappeared from the paper and reappeared on the other. Experimenting further, I tapped the 2nd sheet of paper with my wand, and my name disappeared. Brilliant! I thought to myself. I repeated the whole process on the second piece of paper. It was perfect! Granger and I could send notes back and forth whenever we pleased! I just had to find a way to get it to her. I quickly put my trunk away and put the two pieces of paper in the pocket of my robes. Luckily, Mother was clever enough to put a wrinkle resistance spell on it.

As my friends finally joined me in the compartment, I recalled the last time I was on the train to Hogwarts… What are the odds that Granger is walking about the train at this very moment? I could accidentally bump into her.

I decided it was worth a shot.

I don't know what I was thinking when I boarded the Hogwarts Express. I hated myself for it, but I was determined to see Draco. We had gone an entire semester at Hogwarts, hardly speaking to each other, communicating with nods and cocked eyebrows. I was desperate for some answers. He was such an enigma, a puzzle that I couldn't solve. Despite his relentless mockery of me and my new friends, I was dangerously curious about him.

He could be kind, I had seen it first hand, but he could also be so cruel; I had also experienced that. He was extremely intelligent; I respected that, but also so complex, so…conflicted. I'd seen him shut down, completely masking himself to the world, trying to block me out…but why? Why would a boy need to do such a thing? How terrible was his father that he would need to hide himself so… Why would he bother with me in the first place?

I'd racked my head for answers but could find no logical explanation. I only knew one thing, I wanted to learn more about Draco Malfoy.

I walked about the train, casually searching for him. When I reached the dingy car on the end where we first encountered each other, I paused. What are the odds he would come this way?

I waited around for about 8 minutes before my cheeks flushed, and I felt very foolish. Staring at my feet, I cursed myself for being so naïve, believing that that rude Slytherin boy was my possible friend. A noise caught my attention.

"Draco!" I beamed with genuine surprise, "I hoped you would come." Making sure he was alone first, I hugged him.

His body tensed as I embraced him but relaxed again within seconds. I was such a hugger; I never thought twice about hugging anyone, even him…maybe I shouldn't greet him this way…

I let go, awkwardly stepping back.

"Granger, I don't have long; I trust you had a happy Christmas?" He spoke tentatively.

His voice was low, unwilling to be overheard, but he was relaxed and unmasked. He was…himself.

"Yes, of course, and you?"

"Yes, in fact, I have something for you. Mother made it actually." Excitedly reaching into his pocket.

I was shocked to think the wife of infamous pureblood elitist Lucius Malfoy would make something for a muggle born like me. Thoughts of something knitted, like the Weasleys, wore, crossed my mind. I was once again shocked when he pulled out a small piece of paper.

"This will be how we communicate. You can write something on that paper, and it will show up on mine. And to make the messages I send you disappear, just tap it with your wand." He explained as he gave me the small piece of parchment.

"Wow, Draco! How clever! I-" Before I could finish, a compartment door opened nearby. A Hufflepuff student in our year entered the hallway.

"Out of my way YOU-." Draco spat as he shoved me to the side. I stood there, momentarily stunned, as he stormed away into the next train car.

"Are you okay?" Asked the Hufflepuff girl who'd witnessed his rude exit.

"Yeah, yes, I am fine," I mumbled, discretely sliding the parchment into my pocket.

I didn't have to feign upset to the girl; I didn't like what Draco had done, pushing me aside like that.

I couldn't stay upset, though, thinking of the paper he'd given me… He wanted to speak with me; perhaps he was my friend after all… At least he was trying to be.

I laid in bed that night, setting aside thoughts of Draco to ponder Harry's mysterious Christmas gift. He'd received a genuine invisibility cloak from an unknown friend of his father's. Even more unsettling was the fact that we were still no closer to finding out who on earth Nicolas Flamel was. Maybe Draco could help… Could I trust him?

Over the next few weeks, we wrote to each other.

Why did your mother make these for us? Surely, she disapproves of you talking to a muggle born like me. HG

She doesn't know who it's for. Or she might. Honestly, Severus probably told her. They tell each other everything. Either way, given a chance, I think she would like you. DM

From what I've heard about pureblood society and your family, in particular, I don't understand how that's possible. HG

You and your assumptions…you really are naïve. You are a lot like my mother, bright, bossy, passionate... DM

Maybe, but that doesn't change the fact that neither of you will be asking me, or my kind, to tea anytime soon. HG

You're right about that, but honestly, I don't care about your blood status. I think that should be clear to you by now. DM

You are a walking contradiction Draco Malfoy. Honestly, how did the sorting hat know where to put you? Why do you have to be so mean all the time? Wasn't your father a big supporter of You-Know-Who? You have a lot of explaining to do, Draco Malfoy. HG

You ask a lot of questions. DM

You promised me answers, Draco! HG

Two words Granger. Self. Preservation. DM

Obviously, your perfect reputation is always your priority. Why should I be surprised? HG

You're missing the point here, Grange. Ask yourself this…Why is my reputation so important? You were correct in saying my father was a big supporter of You-Know-Who, one of his most loyal followers…one of the most dangerous. If I had not asked the hat to put me in Slytherin and ended up in another House, I could have very well been disowned. What's more, if father ever knew about this conversation…both of our lives would be in danger. Still, want to be my friend Granger? DM

I want to believe you're just trying to scare me off…but from what I read about the last Wizarding War…and from what I've heard about your Father, I'm inclined to take you seriously. I suppose I'm willing to take the risk as long as you keep the hallway bullying of my friends and me to a minimum. HG

That's highly unlikely, as I strongly dislike the two dolts you spend your time with. DM

There brighter than the two oafs you call friends! HG

Touché Granger, touché. DM

I tried to speak to him in Potions and get more answers. I'd ensured no one was listening, but he shut me down. He shut everything out. He emptied his face of any tell, anything that could be used to understand him. I hated when he did this; I didn't understand.

I studied him further only to see his silver eyes meet the black eyes of our Potions Master.

Was it me he was hiding from…or Professor Snape?

A bead of sweat trickled down Draco's forehead.

Why do you always do that? What are you afraid of, Draco? You're obviously good at acting, putting on a cruel show every time you see my friends or me in the halls… why do you shut me out? HG

You're highly observant, Granger, well done. Most people wouldn't have noticed; it's actually something I need to work on… I assume you've never heard of occlumency? DM

No. I don't think I've come across that in my readings thus far… What is it? HG

It is very rare and difficult magic that takes years of training to perfect. Occlumency allows you to protect your mind from those wishing to invade it. Legilimency is its counterpart, the magic of invading the minds of others. DM

Are you trained in Occlumency? Is that what you did in class today? HG

Yes. DM

Why? Was Professor Snape trying to read your thoughts? Can he not be trusted? How did you train in Occlumency? It's obviously not something that's taught in any classes here… HG

Once again, you are so very observant. Yes, I was using Occlumency to keep Severus out, but not for the reason you think. He was testing me for my own sake. Partnering us together in class gave him the perfect opportunity to test my abilities regarding you. I need to be able to protect myself, and likewise, you, should anyone other than Severus enter my mind. DM

Who else would do such a thing? You never said how you learned to do this… HG

Always so many questions, Granger. Not many people know this, but the Dark Lord was an extremely powerful Legilimens… to survive his wrath and protect himself, Severus learned Legilimency and taught my mother as well. For that same reason, Mother has been giving me lessons. The Dark Lord might be gone, but Father isn't… I'm nowhere near perfect, as you saw today. Ideally, I should be able to guard my mind without you noticing. I should be able to carry on a conversation or put on a "cruel show," as you say, all while guarding my mind. That being said, it takes extreme focus and is highly difficult. I have a lot to learn still. DM

That's terrible, Draco! Does it hurt when someone enters your mind? Why do you refer to him as the "Dark Lord"? HG

It can be painful; it all depends on how powerful the Legilimens is and how much force they decide to use. Mostly it just feels invasive and uncomfortable. And I suppose I call him that because that's how I have grown up hearing it. No one in my home ever referred to him as "You-Know-Who?" I'm sure it's all to do with what side of the Wizarding War my family was on… DM

That makes sense; your Father was a Death Eater; of course, he would refer to You-Know-Who in that manner. I've heard Professor Snape was once a Death Eater. Was your Mother one too? HG

Your curiosity has no bounds, does it? No. She was never a Death Eater; she was just married to one. DM

I'm sorry, Draco, I'm just trying to understand you… You don't have to answer; I just want to know why you are the way you are… If your mother isn't a Death Eater and evil like your father, why doesn't she leave him? How could you all live in a home with someone who is a potential danger to you? I bet that Dumbledore could help you. HG

It's not that simple. Mother fell in love with him long before he followed the Dark Lord. They were even betrothed as children, probably around our age, and married after graduation, per pureblood tradition. Those bonds are from old magic; they aren't easily broken. Besides, after what happened to my Aunt Andromeda when she broke tradition… It's much easier to follow in line with what is expected of you. Hence, the reason for our secrecy now. Father would hunt us down and kill us if we tried to flee… DM

I had no idea things were so complicated at home…Or the amount of danger I put you in just by speaking to you. I can't imagine having to put on an act like you do all the time. I'm sorry if I haven't been very understanding. Likewise, I understand if you want to end our friendship to protect yourself. I'll keep your secrets forever. HG

That's the craziest part of all, Granger…I don't want to end this. And I know you will. DM

I had passed the point of no return. I had bared my secrets, my family's secrets. There was no turning back now. I had never been so honest or shared so much with anyone; I doubt I ever would again. I hoped I hadn't made a mistake, but somehow, I knew I could trust her. I hoped I was right. In any case, it was her turn to answer my questions…

Why are you, Harry, and Ron, running off to Hagrid's in the middle of the night? Why does he have a dragon? DM

How did you know about that?! The three of us got caught and received detention for sneaking out! We had to go to the Dark Forest with Hagrid, and You-Know-Who almost got to Harry! HG

I definitely shouldn't have written that; please forget it. HG

THE DARK LORD DID WHAT!? HE'S BACK!? DM

Draco, it is a lot more complicated than that. I doubt I could write it all on this little piece of paper. HG

Well then, let's meet. DM

When? Where? HG

Tomorrow night, the library, you know which section. Midnight. DM

I borrowed (without asking) Harry's invisibility cloak and quietly made my way down several dark corridors to the library to see my friend, Draco Malfoy. I found him in the back corner, my favorite spot, looking over a book on Ancient Runes. I walked into the aisle towards him, noisily running into one of the tables with my hip.

"Who's there!?" He exclaimed, pointing his wand at the seemingly empty space before him.

"Calm down, blondie it's me." I laughed, removing the cloak.

"Is that? Whoa! No way! Where did you get that?" he said, grabbing the invisibility cloak and wrapping it around him.

"Don't get too excited; it's not mine; it's Harry's."

I watched as Draco covered himself with the cloak, making himself invisible.

"Draco?" I whispered, looking around and hoping he would reappear soon.

"BOO!" he whispered from behind me, making every hair on my neck prickle up.

He laughed aloud, removed the cloak, and returned it to me. His laugh was a rare sound…but a nice one.

"Blimey Draco, I half thought you would run away with it."

"Do you really trust me that little? I'm not a thief; well, I wouldn't steal from you. Friend." He smirked, emphasizing the last word.

I blushed a bit before responding. His confirmation of what we were, made my heart flutter for a moment. It wasn't all in my head; I wasn't crazy.

"Okay, Draco, if the boys found out I was telling you any of this, they would hex me and cast me out of Gryffindor House forever. Not to mention if anyone else found out, we would probably be expelled. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Granger, I understand. I wouldn't want Saint Potter and Weasel bee to be mad at you…Or get us expelled…Besides, after all the blasted information I've divulged to you over the last week? I'd say you can trust me."

"You're right! I know I can; it's just difficult. But don't call my friends that!" I demanded, playfully pushing him on the shoulder.

"What can I say," he responded, "I just don't like them very much. Can't be helped. Now, go on, tell me!"

I told him everything. I told him about the robbery at Gringott's, Voldemort in the forest, Harry's scar burning, the philosopher's stone, Norbit, Fluffy, the trap door, the dead unicorns, all of it. I even told him that we suspected Snape of trying to steal it.

"Ha! That is just preposterous! Severus wouldn't want to steal it!" Draco mocked.

"But Harry saw him with a cut on his leg that he thinks was from Fluffy!"

"Granger, you don't understand; I know Severus; he's my Godfather. He's a good man!" Draco exclaimed.

"No, way. There is just no way. Harry caught him yelling at Quirrell!"

"Yes, way, Hermione. Severus is all bark and no bite. He's just prickly…it's just a defense mechanism. And who knows, maybe Quirrell is the one you need to look out for."

"I don't know, Draco. And even if I did know for sure, I doubt I could ever convince Harry and Ron that Snape was a good person or that they should keep an eye on Quirrell. I don't think he could have anything to do with this. How could he?" I paused, pensively dragging my fingers through my hair. "So…if it's not Snape or Quirrell, who could it be?"

"I don't know, but you need to be careful hanging around Pothead; that scar on his forehead seems to be a target more than anything." Especially if Voldemort is trying to come back…." Draco said.

Before I could respond, we heard a cat mew. It was either McGonagall in her cat form or Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, either way, we needed to get out of there.

"Quick! Get under the cloak with me." I ordered Draco, and he did as I said.

Soon we were scurrying like mice away from a cat, out of the library.

"What is the quickest way to the dungeons?" I whispered.

"Are you going to walk me to my door?" He joked.

"Oh, shut up and show me the way."

I tiptoed with Draco, underneath the cloak, all the way to the entrance of his common room.

"Thanks, Granger," he smiled, "I owe you one."

Tonight was the night. Harry, Ron, and I were going to get to the Sorcerer's Stone before Snape, Quirrel, Voldemort, or anyone else could steal it. I didn't tell Draco for fear that he might try to stop us, but I brought my spelled parchment and a muggle pen, just in case.

Draco! I need your help! HG

Where are you? I'm coming. DM

No, get Dumbledore! Tell him to come to the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side. He'll know what to do. HG

No, I can't get him; too risky... I'm coming. DM

No, Draco, it is impossible to do on your own. Plus, I need help finding Harry and retrieving Ron's body. Get Dumbledore! There really is no other way. The sooner, the better, because I don't know if either is okay. I'm begging you. HG

Fine, I am on my way to his office now. DM

I quickly and quietly threw on some clothes and grabbed my wand. It was bad enough Dumbledore had caught us speaking on our first night, but now this. Yet another person knowing our secret…

Luckily, I knew firsthand that Father and Dumbledore were anything but cordial. Father loathed Dumbledore, and I'd be willing to bet Dumbledore didn't think too highly of Father…Honestly, Dumbledore probably doesn't think very highly of me, either.

I didn't know what would happen or how this would affect our secret, but I set off towards the West Towers. Granger needed me.

Soon I stood in front of a very large stone Gargoyle, not knowing what to do.

Granger, what is the password to Dumbledore's office? I can't get through without one. DM

I don't know; I think Harry said it was some sort of candy… HG

"Sherbet Lemon?" I guessed, looking up at the gargoyle.

It slowly but surely began turning and moving upwards, revealing a spiral staircase. I quickly jumped onto the first step and headed towards Dumbledore's office. Once I entered, I immediately realized it was nothing like Severus' office or any office I had ever seen. The Headmaster's office was filled with metal gadgets and things flying and whizzing around. I was momentarily mesmerized before remembering that I was on a mission. I ran around the office, trying to locate Dumbledore's bedroom.

After about 5 minutes, I found it. I raised a nervous hand to knock, but before I could, the door opened. Next thing I knew, the tall domineering man with a long beard was looking down at me.

"What brings you here at this hour, Mr. Malfoy?" He asked as he cocked his head.

"Um, er…" I stuttered, not knowing how to begin.

Why did he make me so nervous?

"Yes…" He drawled, squinting his eyes at me.

The next words that I spoke came out so fast and loud that Dumbledore could do nothing but chuckle.

"Granger! And Potter and Weasel! THEY NEED YOUR HELP! Third-floor corridor on the right!" I half yelled.

Dumbledore chuckled, then turned to the portraits on the wall behind his desk.

"Wake the others." He told the various faces.

"Now Draco, why don't you return to your bed," Dumbledore said to me.

"No, I insist upon seeing Granger; I won't return until I know she is safe!" I demanded with every ounce of Malfoy austerity I could muster.

I winced, realizing I had just made demands of the infamous Albus Dumbledore. Bollocks, I was in trouble.

To my shock, he smiled at me, a big whimsical smile.

"Well, if that is the case, you better head to the Hospital Wing and wait for her."

"Thank you, Professor." I managed before turning and walking away, eager to get out of there; I couldn't risk him changing his mind after all.

I walked to the Hospital Wing with a new-found approval from the Headmaster.

When I finally made it to the infirmary, it was empty. I walked to the far end, sat on a cot, drew the curtain, and waited. Fifteen minutes passed, and I grew more impatient and concerned with every minute. Where was she?

The room's silence was abruptly interrupted as Potter and Weasley's unconscious bodies levitated into the room.

I watched from behind the curtain as they were gently laid down on two beds and most of the staff came running in. All of the teachers were yelling at once. Where the bloody hell was she?

"Albus, what does this mean?"

"Where is Quirrell?"

"Who is responsible for this?"

"Are the children safe?"

"I knew we shouldn't have stored that damn stone here!"

They were all too preoccupied to even notice me peering around the curtain. All were oblivious to my presence except for my Godfather, who was leering at me from the opposite end of the room. I gulped as my eyes met his.

"Everyone, let these children rest for the night and join me in my office," Dumbledore said to his colleagues. "We have much to discuss."

The professors and their loud questions followed Dumbledore out of the hospital wing.

Once they went, I finally caught sight of Granger.

"Draco!" she said as she ran towards me, arms outstretched.

"Granger! What on earth? You are filthy! What the bloody hell happened tonight?"

"Here come with me," she said, grabbing me by the hand, "I don't want to wake up Ron or Harry. Yesterday I came across a place where we can meet secretly, even during the day!"

We ran, hand in hand, from the Hospital Wing to the first-floor bathroom above the Great Hall.

"Are you making me go into yet another girl's lavatory?" I asked her as we approached the door to a bathroom I had never seen.

"I sure am! However, this lavatory belongs to Moaning Myrtle. Be nice now, Draco."

"What?" We found our destination, and she pulled me in.

"What is he doing in here!?" A ghost screeched as we entered the bathroom.

That's what she meant…

"Don't worry, Myrtle, this is my friend Draco; he is very nice. I promise. Now Draco, say 'hello.'" Granger prompted.

"Uh, um, hello M-Myrtle, Granger, what the he-" I stuttered, still unsure what was happening.

"Well, hello, DRACO," Moaning Myrtle screamed before wailing her way into one of the commodes.

What the-?

"See? That is why no one ever comes in here. This will be our secret spot." Granger assured me.

"Interesting… and also disturbing." I mused. "Now quit stalling and tell me what happened!?"

She talked for what must have been two hours. I simply stood there with my jaw hanging open. How had they gotten through all of that? How can things like that happen here at a school for children? What other secrets was Hogwarts hiding?

"Bloody hell Grange, I'm glad you managed to get out in one piece!" I exclaimed at last.

"I know!" she said while yawning. "We better go to bed."

"I don't know how I will sleep after everything you just told me..." I admitted.

"Right?! And to think we still have end-of-the-year exams to prep for next week. You'll help me study, won't you? Harry and Ron are useless when it comes to that."

"Of course I will." I smiled.

The last week of school ended up being a fantastic event. Draco and I found our exams not only easy but also enjoyable. Gryffindor won the house cup, thanks to everything we did to save the Philosopher's stone. I ended my first year of Hogwarts with not one but two best friends, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, and a slew of other good ones, including Ronald Weasley. With friends like them, I could tell my next years at Hogwarts would be interesting, to say the least!

Once again, Granger and I found a way to meet on the train home.

"Promise you will write to me over the summer?" Granger asked.

"I will, well, between hiding from my Father and my mother's Occlumency lessons…I'll have to tell her about you, really tell her. She'll likely see you in my memories during lessons if she doesn't already know."

"You think she will be mad?" Granger shyly asked.

"Not mad…concerned, yes, but I don't think she will be mad. I've told you, I think she'd like you if she met you." I reassured her.

"If you say so." She said, a bit reserved.

"I'm glad I met you," I admitted. Her face lit up.

"I am glad that toad brought us together!" she laughed, giving me a big hug.

"Yeah…but I still wish you hadn't kissed it. Bleh."

I timidly hugged her back, wondering if I would ever get used to Hermione Granger throwing her arms around me.

And with that, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways for the summer.