Light & Dark

Over the summer, we wrote to each other. In fact, Draco was the only one of my friends who wrote to me. I didn't expect Ron to write, but it was odd that I hadn't heard anything from Harry. Luckily, Draco's magical notes were more than enough.

We go back to school in one week. D.M

Yes! I can't wait to smell all my new books and just think about all the new spells we will learn! What about you? How have you been? H.G.

I've been alright, bored, really. Occlumency training with Mother in the mornings. Flying in the afternoon. Enduring Father's rants at dinner. Writing to you at night. D.M.

What does your Father rant about? H.G.

Stupid things. He urges me to show my authority or "take my rightful place among my pureblood brethren." He's barking. I'll have to lay it on thick this year, especially since I've "brought shame to the Malfoy name" by not surpassing you in marks. D.M.

All of our grades were exactly the same; even if they weren't, you're ages ahead of anyone else in our year. Brilliant,truly. Your Father should be proud. H.G.

Sanctimonia Vincet Semper D.M.

Purity will always conquer? That's foul! H.G.

Of course, that's the Malfoy family motto. D.M.

That's positively wretched... Honestly, Draco, I don't even know how to respond. Is your Mother's family motto any better? H.G.

Toujours Pur... Always Pure. D.M.

No, definitely not better...Well, at least now I know where you learned your French, your mum taught you? H.G.

Oui. The Black Family has lived in England for ages but always maintained their French traditions. Anyways...I'm going to Diagon Alley on Tuesday. Meet me there. D.M.

Okay... Where? When? H.G.

In the upstairs portion of Flourish Blotts, there is a secret room. Meet me there at 4, and I will show it to you. D.M.

Exactly how do you know about this hidden room? H.G.

Being a descendant of the Noble House of Black has its advantages... D.M

So, your mum showed it to you. Does she know you plan on meeting me there? H.G.

She suspects. She's very curious about you. Worried too. But mostly curious. D.M.

Honestly, I don't blame her... H.G.

She's seen enough of you in my memories to know you are good... D.M.

I wish your mum could teach me how to guard my mind. No matter how many books I read on occlumency and legilimency, nothing compares to hardcore experience. Imagine if someone were trying to get information about you, Harry, Ron, or my parents, my mind would be utterly defenseless! It's scary, really! H.G

You're not entirely defenseless. Besides, I can teach you what I know if you like. D.M.

Yes, I would love for you to teach me. H.G.

Then teach you I shall. See you Tuesday. D.M.

Xxx

As soon as I entered Flourish Blotts, I knew that Granger and I wouldn't be able to meet. The place was filled with witches, young and old, just dying to catch a glimpse of some bloke named Gilderoy Lockhart. Whoever the hell he was. I waited upstairs, scanning the crowds.

I watched as Granger entered with a soot-covered Potter. She looked up, spotted me, flashed me an apologetic pout, and continued with her other friends.

Why did she have to be a muggle-born Gryffindor? If she were a pureblood Slytherin, we wouldn't have to hide like this. Honestly, the lengths we have to go through... It was pathetic.

But...if she were some stuck-up pureblood princess, I wouldn't be able to stand her.

Bloody worth it.

I watched from above as she and her parents, along with Pothead, joined the clan of red-headed Weasleys.

I was jealous of their ability to be friends out in the open, without care; it made my blood boil. I didn't like that Weasley bloke.

I made my way downstairs just as Father entered the shop. I knew he would expect me to confront my "underprivileged peers," just as he was about to do with Arthur Weasley. With Potter just having had his photograph taken with that loon Gilderoy, I had the perfect ammunition.

Xxx

I waited and waited for Harry and Ron, but they never boarded the train. After searching the train three times, I was beginning to enter full-fledged panic mode. It was too soon to meet Draco, but I had to try. I went to our usual spot and noticed that the compartment adjacent to the men's room was empty—for good reason. So I entered, cast a spell to mask the odor, then took a chance and wrote to him.

The compartment next to the men's room. NOW. H.G.

I begged Godric that he would see the note on his portion of our magically connected parchments.

Xxx

"You are trying out for seeker this year!? That-a-boy Draco!" Theo yelled, holding his palm out for a high five.

"Thanks, mate," I smirked as someone knocked at the compartment door.

"Anything from the trolley boys?" A woman asked.

Craving a chocolate frog, I reached into my pocket to grab a few knuts. When I did, I noticed something written on my special piece of parchment.

I quickly changed my mind about the chocolate frog and stuffed everything back into my pocket.

"Does the famously rich Draco Malfoy not have enough galleons to buy some sweets?" Blaise teased.

"Sod off, Blaise. You won't be laughing when your teeth are as rotten as Filch's, all that sugar...tsk, tsk." I snapped condescendingly.

"Ha! Filch does have the nastiest teeth I've ever seen!" Theo exclaimed, laughing like a hyena.

When the time permitted, I made my way to the compartment Hermione described.

"What's wrong?" I questioned as I entered and closed the door behind me.

My frizzy-haired friend didn't speak at first; she simply spelled the curtains shut, locked the door, and soundproofed the compartment. She looked...flustered.

"It's Harry and Ron! Something's happened to them! They aren't on the train!" She hissed at last.

"That can't be...Maybe they are under the invisibility cloak." I shrugged.

"Do you think I would have risked your cover by writing to you while on the train if it weren't an emergency?! They aren't here!" She huffed and puffed.

"Okay, okay, Merlin, breathe, Granger. I'm sure that Pothead and Weaselbee are fine."

"HOW!?" She screamed.

I was thankful that she soundproofed the room; sure the whole train would have heard her yell.

"I don't know!" yelled back, annoyed. "What else can we do but sit and wait?"

I didn't have anything else to tell her. How was I supposed to know where her stupid friends were? Honestly, I wouldn't miss them.

I watched her take a deep breath, in and out.

"You're right," she said after a while, "I just need to sit down and try to relax."

I smirked cockily; she didn't like that.

"If you're just going to mock me, get out of here. I don't need your help anyway, Malfoy." she spat.

Bullocks... she was pissed. I fumbled with what to say next.

"Listen...erm...if they don't show up to dinner, meet me in Myrtle's...we will uh...we can... go talk to Dumbledore together." I reluctantly offered; those blokes bloody better show up to the feast...

"Thank you, Draco, that means a lot to me." she smiled.

Worth it.

"Yeah...don't mention it."

"Oh, Draco…" She beamed, hugging me goodbye.

I don't think I'll ever get used to that.

Xxx

When Harry and Ron didn't turn up at the start of term feast, I practically dragged Draco to the foot of the gargoyle that led to the headmaster's office.

"Sherbet Lemon." We both tried. The statue didn't budge.

"Sherbet Lemon." We tried again.

"I'm afraid that password is no longer valid; you'll have to use 'ginger snap.'" Dumbledore chuckled from behind us. We jumped upon hearing his voice; the gargoyle started to turn.

"P-Pro-Professor Dumbledore." I stuttered as he examined Draco and me.

"Patience, my child, let us go into my office." He responded before I could ask anything about my friends.

We followed our headmaster upstairs and then waited patiently as he sat at his desk. Once seated, he raised his hand to stop me from asking any questions.

"Harry and Ron are fine and well. They should be full from finger sandwiches and snug in their beds now." He said, putting his hands down.

I let out an audible sigh of relief.

"I trust you two had a happy summer?" Professor Dumbledore continued.

We nodded.

"I think now that you should go to bed, Miss Granger. I promise I won't keep Mr. Malfoy much longer." The headmaster calmly spoke.

"Y-Yes, Professor. If you are sure…." I stuttered, nervously glancing at Draco.

"Yes, my child, I promise your friend will only be a moment."

I looked over at Draco again, gave him the swift nod that was our code, and left.

Xxx

What did he say to you!? H.G.

Well, he said two things. To trust in my friendship with you. And that help is always given at Hogwarts or something like that? D.M.

Okay, I was afraid he would somehow punish you or us for being out past curfew. H.G.

No, just some odd mumbo jumbo or other. I'm in bed now; meet soon in Myrtle's bathroom? D.M.

Xxx

Granger, how come I have to find out that your friends flew a muggle contraption from the Kings Cross Station all the way to Hogwarts from the Daily Prophet? D.M.

Oh, funny story; it must have slipped my mind with the excitement of classes. H.G.

I would have paid many, many galleons to see that! D.M.

You should see the Whomping Willow; it's in rough shape! H.G.

The Whomping what? D.M.

It's where they landed! H.G.

xxx

Finally escaping our friends, we met in Myrtle's lavatory; She begged me to teach her Occlumency.

"Don't get all worked up if it's not what you imagined." I glared at her. "This is very serious magic, Granger."

She shook her head, vigorously nodding her assent. Her eyes nervously darted back and forth between my pupils. What had I gotten myself into?

"I am not a practiced legilimens, which can mean two things. My force shouldn't be very powerful, but I also won't be able to control it. Understood?" I asked sternly, lifting my wand. "You must clear your head and make it completely blank, okay?" I told her as we sat on Moaning Myrtle's bathroom floor.

"Is it going to hurt?" She asked nervously.

"It doesn't hurt unless someone is doing it in an overly forceful manner. However, as I said, I'm not a practiced legilimens; I will try my best... It should feel somewhat invasive but not hurt. It will be like a strange fish swimming through your mind. You will feel it swimming around, so to speak, but it shouldn't hurt." I explained.

"Okay… I think I am ready; I just have to clear my mind…." She breathed timidly.

I swallowed the lump of nerves in my throat.

"Mother used to count backward from 10 to 1 before starting her spell. It helps. Do you want me to try that?"

"Yes, that actually sounds relaxing. I'm ready now." She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly.

"10," I whispered.

"9"

"8"

"7"

As I counted down, she continued her breathing. Her inhales and exhales slowed as I got closer to one.

"6"

"5"

"4"

"3"

"2" I was focused and ready now; hopefully, she was too.

"Legilimens," I said, pointing my wand at her head.

The familiarity of my mind was replaced by the foggy unknown realm of hers. I prodded forward, searching. It was like being in a library, unable to find the books. I could tell that books surrounded me, but I couldn't read any of the titles. I pressed further.

Her eyes shut tightly as I penetrated her mind; I searched for something, anything.

The haze began to clear, revealing a room. I saw myself in the Hospital Wing, relief spreading across my face as Granger ran towards me. I remembered that day; it was last year when she and her friends found the stone...

I continued curiously; her mind brought forth a different memory.

Now I saw her sitting at a desk in a lilac-colored bedroom, writing on what I recognized as her piece of our linked parchments.

The scene changed again.

Next, she is on the floor of a girl's bathroom. A troll's bat was coming toward her. I cringed, shifting my position in her mind.

I investigated her nosily, utterly fascinated. She winced.

Bollocks. I'd gone too far, pushed her too hard. I withdrew as fast as I could.

"I'm so sorry; I got carried away." I apologized frantically.

"No, no, I think I am okay," she swooned, her body leaning to one side.

"Oh no, you don't, Granger!" I yelled, moving forward onto my knees and catching her head in my lap. I reached into the pocket of my robes for a chocolate frog I'd brought just in case. I quickly opened and shoved it into her mouth before it could hop away.

"Eat this. It will make you feel better." I ordered her, pressing it to her lips. It took prodding, but she eventually opened and chewed.

Her mouth was properly covered in chocolate when she came to her senses.

"S-s-sorry," She stuttered, propping herself up onto her elbows.

"No, it was me. I got carried away. Your mind is so...intriguing. I should have stopped sooner." I said apologetically.

"It's okay; I'm fine now. You were right, though, about the fish feeling. Except the fish kept growing, bigger and bigger..." She mused.

"Oh, that's nothing. It can make your head feel like it will literally explode if you don't know how to block it. "

"I guess I didn't do too well, huh?" She asked with disappointment.

"You cleared your mind well enough; next, you'll learn how to build up your defenses. It takes time." I chuckled, using my wand to remove the chocolate from her face.

"Oh, Godric. I am going to need a lot of practice, aren't I?" She said regretfully.

"This isn't within the range of normal magic, Grange. There aren't a lot of witches and wizards who take the time to learn it. Even fewer learn to master it. I bet the only teachers in this school who can do it effectively are Dumbledore and Severus."

"That makes me feel better but is also intimidating. How long have you been working on it?" She asked.

That was a good question.

"Er, I think Mother started when I was 8."

"EIGHT!?" she exclaimed in shock. "I am 12 and can hardly handle a little bit of it!"

"Well, it helps that she is extremely skilled in Legilimency; I'm pretty sure my godfather taught her. Anyway, she is much more capable of being gentle than I am."

"But eight years old!?" Granger pressed further.

"It started the first time I ever told a lie. They say you can't choose a certain thought or find something you specifically want to know with Legilimency, but she makes me question that... She's never really hurt me, though. She never gives me more than I can handle. Severus, on the other hand..."

"She loves you a great deal. Why else would she go through all these lengths to protect your mind."

"You'll be able to protect yours too. I'll make sure." I said, evading her eyes.

What other choice did I have...she knew so much...she knew everything.

"I just wish it wasn't necessary… I wish we lived in a world where you and I didn't have to hide out here with Myrtle whining and spying on us."

"You and me both, Granger."

We sat together in silence, leaning side by side against the stone wall. Neither of us felt obligated to fill the void with sound, and neither wanted to leave.

I closed my eyes.

I awoke, surprised that I'd fallen asleep with her head on my shoulder. She was peaceful as she slept, breathing quietly. Her hair cascaded down, obstructing her face. It was no longer fluffy as it once was...waves and loose curls formed where there once was frizz.

Carefully, I reached over, moving her hair from her face to the back of her ear.

"Granger," I whispered. "Granger, it's time for dinner."

Her eyes fluttered open slowly, taking in her surroundings before she sat up, embarrassed.

"Sorry about that." She blushed.

I shrugged, standing up. "I dozed off too. I've got to get going, though. Quidditch tryouts tomorrow."

"Oh, right. Good luck, Draco." She smiled. "And thanks for the lesson."

"Yeah. Thanks. See you around, Granger." I nodded to her before leaving; I didn't wait for her goodbye.

I walked towards the Great Hall, head hanging low.

Rien ne pese tant que un secret...Nothing weighs more than a secret.

I smirked the entire way there.

Je ne regrette rein...I regret nothing.

Xxx

'"Mione! There you are! Where have you been?" Ron asked before stuffing his face with a chicken wing.

"Oh, you know, in the library." I lied.

"I swear, Hermione, you know that end-of-year exams aren't until spring, right?" Ron teased with a mouthful of food. He was absolutely barbaric.

"Oh, leave her be, Ron; if you aren't nice, she won't help you with your homework when you need her!" Harry said, coming to my rescue.

"Yeah, especially after mom's howler this morning...I need all the help I can get!" Ron exclaimed.

"Did you boys find out what kind of detention you received for tomorrow night? You two are lucky you only got one night of detention after stealing a flying car and crashing it into the Whomping Willow!"

They both rolled their eyes, not amused with me one bit.

"I got trophy case cleaning with Filch." Ron groaned.

"Oh yeah?" Harry challenged. "That's not bad at all! I have to help Lockhart answer fan mail tomorrow night! At least I have quidditch practice after lunch to look forward to."

"Oh, boys..." I exclaimed, finding it hard to contain my laughter.

Dinner was almost over now. I looked up to see Draco eyeing me pensively from across the Hall. He twitched the corners of his mouth briefly upward. I smiled back, not caring, for a moment, if anyone saw.

xxx

Mudblood. Dirty Blood.

His words stung fiercely. I couldn't shake them.

He'd gone too far this time.

xxx

Granger, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. You know that I didn't. D.M.

xxx

You can't avoid me forever. You can't stay mad, either. I'll fix this, I swear. D.M.

xxx

I had to admit it; he was persistent... tracking me down between classes, catching my eye in class, in the Great Hall, even leaving fresh cut flowers on my favorite table in the library. It wasn't enough.

I was hurt.

He hurt me.

I needed time.

Distance.

I detached myself from him & him from me...or at least I tried to.

xxx

The perfect distraction came when Harry didn't show up to dinner the following night. Ron's detention ended just in time for the feast; we assumed that Harry's would too, but it did not.

After dinner, Ron and I separated from our fellow Gryffindors in search of our scar-headed friend.

"Which way to Lockhart's office?" Ron asked as we ran down an empty corridor.

"You are useless. Follow me." I snapped back at him.

As we rounded another corner, we found Harry. He was going on about hearing a voice? A voice that said it was going to kill?

We followed Harry as he chased the voice, unable to hear it ourselves. Was he mad?

What we found made my skin crawl.

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware.

xxx

Granger, I know you're pissed, but we need to speak. You are in grave danger. D.M.

xxx

A week after we found the bloody writing on the wall and Mrs. Norris petrified, I found myself sneaking to the library after dinner, breaking curfew. I knew it was dangerous, especially for me, but I couldn't be stopped. I needed to know.

Briskly and silently, I moved through the tall rows of books, looking for a section I'd never visited. Genealogy...where was Genealogy.

It was one of the library's smallest, oldest, and dustiest sections, comprising of one long shelf filled with tomes, each at least 3 inches thick. Even the table beneath the shelf had a sprinkling of dust across it. I waved my wand, removing the mess and revealing the spines of each book and their names.

Abbott. Avery. Bulstrode. Burke. Carrow. Crouch. Fawley. Flint. Gaunt.

Something was...off.

Nervously, I continued, my nose practically touching the thickly bound books as I made my way down the row.

Greengrass. Lestrange. Longbottom. Macmillan. Nott.

Wait a tick?

I scanned back down the row to the beginning, unsuccessfully. I continued to the end of the alphabet, desperately biting my lip.

Ollivander. Parkinson. Prewett. Rosier. Rowle. Selwyn. Shacklebolt. Shafiq. Slughorn. Travers. Weasley. Yaxley.

My lip bruised under the pressure of my teeth. I double-checked and even counted to be sure. Twenty-six.

Where the bloody hell were they?

"I suppose you're looking for these." A calloused voice mused from a dark corner. I jumped.

"Malfoy." I glared, gripping my wand.

He took his time emerging from the shadows, two illustrious volumes in his arms. The cover of one sparked my eye.

Sanctimonia Vincet Semper it read in exquisite silver calligraphy. Purity Will Always Conquer.

Malfoy stepped closer. Dropping the books with a thud on the table in front of me.

"Take them." He sneered.

I lunged for the one labeled Malfoy. It had to have the answers I was looking for.

He leaned against the bookshelf smugly.

"Take them both. I'm sure you'll find the other one much more interesting." He laughed without feeling.

I eyed him cautiously before glancing at the other tome. Was he admitting to being Salazar Slytherin's heir? Did he open the Chamber?

Toujours Pur. Always Pure.

The Black family genealogy was nearly three times the size of the Malfoy one.

Was this what I was looking for? Proof or lack thereof...something to tell me whether or not Draco was the heir of Slytherin?

"Go ahead, open it. I know you want to." He was right.

Laying the Malfoy tome down, I gently began turning the pages of the Black family tree...it was overwhelming. The names...there were so many familiar names...

Crabbe. Macmillan. Flint. Bulstrode. Longbottom. Weasley. Potter.

I gasped. The sharp influx of air shocked my throat, and I choked.

He examined his cuticles while I coughed, struggling to regain a steady breath.

The Black Family had, at some point in time, melded with many of the Sacred 28, making Draco Malfoy distantly related to many people here, including Harry and Ron, I concluded, finally able to breathe again. But what about Salazar Slytherin?

I eagerly flipped to the oldest pages, detailing the oldest known records of the Black name dating back to the Middle Ages.

"Read it all night if you like. It's quite extensive..." He paused, glaring at me. "Unfortunately, you'll find no substantial connection between me and any of the Hogwarts founders."

I averted my eyes, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.

"Pity you wasted your time." He remarked with mock sincerity. "All you had to do was ask."

Heat built up in my cheeks, and I struggled to swallow. He was angry.

"Do you blame me for wanting to make certain?" I demanded.

"Yes, actually, I do." He squinted, moving closer until his face was in mine; his silver eyes ablaze. "You see, Granger, I don't make a habit of risking my life for people. I don't make a habit of risking the life of my Mother either. Yet, here I am with you. Isn't that a bit peculiar, Granger? Don't you think it's odd?"

His breath was a relentless fire on my face, reddening it further. My knees locked together, and my breathing halted; I was paralyzed.

"It seems I made quite an error in judgment, trusting you." He digressed, turning around unexpectedly. I exhaled the pent-up air from my lungs, momentarily relieved.

He began walking in the opposite direction. My heart plummeted into my stomach, and I panicked.

"Draco, wait!" I pleaded with him. "Don't go."

He paused his steps but didn't turn. He waited.

"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't know...what if..." My eyes welled up. "I've been so foolish."

I'd let myself get carried away. I'd listened to Harry and Ron's delusions. I'd even created a few delusions of my own. None of them reflected the Draco Malfoy that I had come to know. How could I have thought that he was the Heir?

"I promise I won't avoid you anymore. I promise I forgive you for what you said. I was just hurt." My chest trembled as I continued, "But now I've hurt you. I'm sorry, Draco."

I gazed into his back, searching for anything. Any sign that he was listening. His shoulders relaxed, and he turned back around.

I ran.

My legs moved with their own mind, and my arms reached out. I launched towards him, not breathing, hardly even seeing, until my arms wrapped around his neck. I nearly knocked him over with my attack.

He faltered for a moment, regaining his balance while I hugged him. His body was as stiff as a board.

I exhaled into his shoulder; I couldn't lose him—my first friend.

He experimentally placed his fingers lightly on my back, awkwardly attempting to reciprocate my embrace. Breathing deeply, he released his tension, emptying his lungs into my curled. His form softened.

"You shouldn't have come to the library. That was, as you say, foolish." He broke the silence; I released him. "Don't give whoever is doing this the opportunity to petrify you...or worse.

We faced each other now.

"There has to be something we can do...I can't just hide away the rest of the school year, living in fear. We need to get more information on the Chamber." I stated.

"You're right, but surely the teachers are looking into it."

"You're absolutely right! I bet the teachers have loads more information! We should ask one of them about the Chamber! Perhaps they will share something useful!" I exclaimed, newfound excitement spreading through my veins.

"That's not what I meant..."

"I know what we'll do!" I announced. "We'll ask your Godfather."

"Er, I don't think that's going to go over very well."

"Why not? You two are family; he's bound to tell you loads more than any of the other teachers around here."

He rolled his eyes mockingly.

"Okay, I'll humor you. So let's say Severus does want to talk about the Chamber with us? When the bloody hell are the two of us going to be able to speak to him without getting caught by our friends?"

"How about now?" I beamed up at him. "We're out past curfew; there shouldn't be any other students wandering the castle. Not even Prefects. And with Hogwarts' current crisis...the safest place for us to be right now is with a teacher."

He opened his mouth to speak, then stopped himself.

I smirked, pleased with myself.

"Fine, Granger, we'll go meet Severus, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Xxx

"What in Merlin's name are you two doing out past curfew? Together nonetheless?" My Godfather sneered his surprise when we entered his office.

Granger was the first to respond.

"P-professor, it's urgent. We need to know about the Chamber of Secrets."

His eyes darted to mine, searching for an explanation. I built my wall up instinctively.

"We'll go straight to our dormitory afterward, I swear," I assured him.

Severus leered at us incredulously.

"It's a myth. The castle has been searched thousands of times, by myself included. You have nothing to worry about…children." My Godfather sneered.

"If we have nothing to worry about, why has Mrs. Norris been petrified? Please, Professor. We need to know what the Chamber of Secrets is!"

"You are as insufferable outside class as you are during class, Miss Granger. And you, Draco, do you value your own safety so little? What if you had been seen with her? I should give you both detention..." He drilled his black eyes into mine.

I maintained concentration; my wall held firm.

"Professor, please, it's my fault we're out past curfew." Granger pleaded in a more submissive manner than usual. "Just tell us about the Chamber, and we will be on our way. No one will know that we were here together."

He looked us over, assessing us hesitantly.

"Very well, if you two can ensure that you will NOT be sighted together when you leave my office. Not by a teacher, a ghost, or even a rat. Am I clear?" Severus barked, slowly getting up from his chair to pace in front of the fireplace. "I trust you both know of the four founders of Hogwarts?"

We nodded.

"The four agreed on most things, but on the selection of students, they did not. Salazar Slytherin believed that certain people shouldn't be allowed into the school." He mused monotonously, pausing to glance at Granger. "Slytherin was rumored to have built a chamber here in the castle that housed a creature. He intended to use this creature to wipe out the non-pureblood students in the school. However, before he could use his… monster, he died."

"How can we be sure that the chamber doesn't exist?!" I declared.

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, this school is over a thousand years old. The fact that no one has found such a chamber since then speaks volumes." He eyed us both before seriously continuing… "Now, your Mother may be intrigued by your friendship... I, however, am not! You will leave, head straight to your beds, and you will neither be seen nor heard! Go."

xxx

Draco, it's been weeks, and I cannot convince Ron and Harry that you aren't the heir of Slytherin. They want to try something drastic…H.G.

Idiots. Define drastic? D.M.

Listen. Harry and Ron are willing to disguise themselves as Crabbe and Goyle and sneak into your common room to question you! I'm genuinely out of excuses...I'm half considering telling them about us, just to get them to shut up. H.G.

Let them do what they want. Just give me a fair warning. How are they going to disguise themselves anyways? D.M.

Well...we were thinking Polyjuice Potion. And I am going to need your help getting the ingredients… Please? H.G.

So let me get this straight, you want me to steal from Severus to help you and your friends impersonate my friends and interrogate me? D.M.

Yes…Technically… Please Draco! It's the only way to clear your name in their eyes. Please! H.G.

You're all barking. Fine. But Godfather or not, I insist on using Potter's cloak when we get the ingredients. D.M.

Can't you just ask to use some of his ingredients? I mean, you're you. H.G.

You're drastically overestimating his generosity and underestimating his intelligence. He isn't going to willingly let me walk out of his supply closet with the ingredients for Polyjuice Potion. Especially not for a plan as stupid as this. D.M.

Point taken. Are you free to go tomorrow night? H.G.

Yes. Meet me in Myrtle's. Midnight. D.M.

xxx

There we were again, under Pothead's invisibility cloak, sneaking around the halls of Hogwarts at night.

"Okay, what were the ingredients you needed?" I asked, opening Severus' storeroom.

"Lacewing flies, leeches, powdered bicorn horn, knotgrass, fluxweed—make sure it was plucked under a full moon and boomslang skin. That's it, except pieces of the people we want to turn into..." She gagged.

"I think I've got everything. I draw the line at collecting pieces of Crabbe and Goyle." I grimaced.

"I think I have a plan for that…." She mumbled, looking over her list.

"Exactly whose hair do you intend on using, Grange?" I questioned her as we scurried away under the cloak.

"That has yet to be determined…."

Xxx

After an extremely eventful first quidditch game of the season, I couldn't wait to write to Granger.

Is it true what people are saying about Potter's arm? And who was behind that cursed bludger? If it weren't for it, I would have caught the snitch! D.M.

You were amazing at the game today, neck and neck with Harry! You should be proud of yourself! That buffoon Lockhart removed all the bones from his arm! Now he has to spend the night in the infirmary growing them back. I don't know who was behind the bludger... I'm just glad no one was hurt worse. H.G.

If it had been me, Gilderoy would have been sacked immediately. Father would have seen to that. Bloody fool, I shouldn't be teaching here anyways. When can you meet next? D.M.

Our usual spot is off-limits for a bit while the Polyjuice Potion brews, so we'll have to get creative. Any ideas? H.G.

How long does it take to brew the potion? I'd say we could go to the library, but I heard Madame Pince has been doing nightly patrols... D.M.

The potion takes a month to brew. We might have to wait until it's finished. H.G.

XXX

I don't understand why Dumbledore hasn't sent you home. It isn't bloody safe for you here. You'd think a student getting petrified would be enough to convince the staff. Bloody ridiculous. I'm not letting you get petrified; I will talk to him myself if I have to. D.M.

It's not your choice Draco. I can't leave Harry on his own. He will never figure it out. The teachers have no idea where the Chamber is or what kind of monster is in it. It is up to you and me to solve this! We need to be reading every book that we can in the library. Agreed? H.G.

Fine. Even after what happened to that Creevey kid, you're a bloody Gryffindor through and through. D.M.

You're one to talk. Going on about confronting Dumbledore about he does his job. Perhaps, you would have been sorted into Gryffindor had the circumstances been different. H.G.

Wouldn't that be nice... for us to be in the same house? Red and gold aren't for me. Anyways, are you going to Lockhart's dueling club? D.M.

Yeah, he's an idiot, but at least it's something potentially useful; I need to be able to protect myself. What about you? H.G.

Yes, I agree. Severus will also be an instructor for the club; it should be pretty interesting. D.M

Xxx

What gave you the idea to conjure up a snake during a duel? H.G.

I'd always wanted to use that spell, alright? Quit avoiding the important thing here...since when is Potter a Parselmouth? D.M

I honestly didn't know until today...neither did he. Now the whole school thinks he is the heir of Slytherin. What a disaster. H.G.

I half believe he is the heir of Slytherin now. I mean, bloody hell. It seemed like he was egging the snake on; the kid was terrified. We need to crack down on our research. It's nearly time to go home for the Holidays. When will the potion be ready? D.M.

You're right. I will check out as many library books as possible and read them over the break. The Polyjuice should be ready Friday. Are you ready to play your role as a pure-blooded ass? H.G.

We have an extensive library at the Manor; I'll research there. And Granger, I play my role all day, every day... of course I am ready. D.M.

Xxx

Another day, another petrified student.

I don't understand how a ghost can be petrified. It just doesn't make sense. How are they even going to administer an antidote? D.M.

I was thinking the same thing. And that poor Justin boy. First, he gets scared away by Harry and that snake you conjured up. Then he gets petrified by some kind of monster. We need to put a stop to this. H.G.

At least after tomorrow night, we can get Potter and Weasel off my back. I swear they stalk me in the halls... A few of my friends have noticed too. They're calling them my "fan club." D.M.

Xxx

Harry and Ron should be taking care of Crabbe and Goyle as we speak. We will be on our way to your common room in about 30 minutes. H.G.

Wait, who are you going to be disguised as? D.M.

Millicent Bullstrode. H.G.

Why her? I wouldn't be caught dead talking to her...Literally, anyone would have been better, even Pansy Parkinson. D.M.

Well, it's not like I had much of a choice...I was partnered with Millicent during dueling practice; that's how I got pieces of her hair. Harry and Ron are here. See you soon! H.G.

Xxx

I haven't heard from you in days. You never came with Harry and Ron to the Slytherin common room. You haven't been in any of our classes. What the bloody hell happened that night? D.M.

Meet me in our usual spot on the train tomorrow. I am so sorry I haven't been able to write. I have so much to tell you! H.G.

Xxx

"You turned yourself into a cat..." I laughed in disbelief as we sat in a soundproofed compartment on the train home.

"Yes, Draco, I've repeated the whole thing three times now, honestly. And you would be surprised how impossible it is to hold a quill without opposable thumbs. Last night was the first time I regained access to my hands!" She exclaimed, somehow proud of herself.

"And your tail?" I asked, my side aching from holding back more laughter.

"Well, to tell you the truth, I still have a little tail. But Madame Pomfrey assured me it would be gone by Christmas if I continue to take the medicine she brewed for me."

I controlled a sudden urge to spot the tail through her clothes.

"And what were you saying about a book?"

"Someone threw this old book into a toilet in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and flooded it. I don't know what it is yet, but Harry assured me he would research it during the break."

I cocked an eyebrow.

"Can he not read well? Is that why he needs to all break to look at a book?"

She laughed, surprisingly.

"No, silly, It appears to be an old journal from ages ago, but it's entirely blank. There's a name on the cover. Tom something, Tom Riddle."

"Is it black, leather-bound, and about this size?" I motioned with my hands.

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"I think my father has one like it, or at least he used to… Potter better be careful. I'm not sure what it is."

xxx

Once again, we were in our secret spot on the Hogwarts Express, returning to school after the Holidays.

"Did you have any luck with your books over the holiday?" Draco asked.

"No," I admitted, disappointed. "What about you?"

"Not yet, but I just started reading a book called Sinister Beasts for Sinister Feats. I'll let you know if I find anything. Did Potter ever say anything about the book?" He asked.

"Yes, he said something, but I refuse to believe it."

I couldn't possibly tell Draco the incriminating things the book said about Hagrid…

Xxx

I FIGURED IT OUT! IT'S A BASILISK! IT ALL MAKES SENSE! WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T LEAVE YOUR ROOM WITHOUT A MIRROR; IF YOU LOOK IT DIRECTLY IN THE EYES, YOU WILL DIE. I KNOW WHO TOM RIDDLE IS! MEET ME AS SOON AS YOU CAN IN MOANING MYRTLE'S BATHROOM! CLOSE YOUR EYES IF YOU HEAR SLITHERING! USE YOUR MIRROR TO GET AROUND! D.M.

I was running now. Faster than I ever had. I stopped only to look around corners with a mirror that I'd swiped from a Hufflepuff. I was almost to Myrtle's, just two more turns. I positioned my mirror around the corner's edge, squinting nervously...bringing the hallway into view, I spotted movement. A giant tail slithered around the opposite end of the hall. Slamming my eyes shut, I braced myself against the wall, not knowing what to do. Gathering my courage, I positioned the mirror again, assessing the hallway again. A mass of curls lay on the ground.

"Granger!" I gasped, sprinting towards her petrified body. My fault. This was entirely my fault. I shouldn't have made her leave Gryffindor Tower.

Panic gripped my chest as I worked out what to do next. I needed help.

I dragged her stone-cold body into the nearest classroom in case the basilisk returned. Grabbing parchment from a desk, I wrote a message for help. I sent the note flying through the halls, down to the dungeons, hoping it would find Severus.

xxx

None of the teachers believed me. They scoffed at my basilisk theory, pushing me away like a child. Impossible!" They'd all said.

My stomach churned uneasily, and my eyebrows stitched together while I scoured my mind for a solution. What would Granger do?

Annoyed, my eyes rolled, and I sighed. She'd tell Potter & Weasel. Bollocks.

There was no way in hell I was going to speak to them.

xxx

I visited Granger when I could; her body never changed. Her stiff, cold form forever held out her arm to look through her mirror. Her clenched fist was empty, and the mirror was lying on the bedside table; I took her hand in mine.

My eyes widened like saucers; an idea began taking form.

I tore the page on basilisks from Father's book, crumpling it within my fist.

I stuffed the torn book page into Granger's petrified hand.

Now, I wait.

xxx

I returned a few days later, pleased to see her fist empty again.

It didn't take long for them to take action; the abduction of Ginny Weasley was the final straw.

I followed them that night. I peered around the corner as Potter, Weasley, and a reluctant Lockhart headed into Myrtle's. I walked behind them, close enough to hear Potter whisper parseltongue to the sink.

The formation of basins began moving, expanding, and opening up to reveal a dark hole. They forced Lockhart in first, then followed, yelling down.

When the sound of their voices was no longer audible, I chanced a glance over the edge. So this is where the basilisk has been hiding.

I turned to leave, eager to prove to Severus that I had been right all along.

I ran to the dungeons in search of him, stopping only to look around corners with the mirror. Severus was nowhere to be found. He wasn't in the common room, he wasn't in his office, he wasn't in his classroom, and he wasn't in his quarters...

Where the bloody hell was he? Had he left the castle? Exiting the dungeons and entering a dark hallway, I saw a bright light.

My pupils restricted, struggling to adjust, and my legs froze. Bollocks. I'd been caught. Wondering what the punishment was for staying out past curfew, I waited for the professor to reveal himself.

Squinting my eyes, I struggled to identify whose wand was blinding me.

The light flowed with liquid-like curiosity. It moved away. I followed.

It continued forward, reshaping itself.

What is that?

The familiar features of a phoenix appeared, stretching its wings. Inexplicably, I followed the eerie bird.

The light-emitting, foggy creature led me away from the dungeons and up the West Towers towards the headmaster's office. The gargoyle began turning at once; no password was necessary. Breathlessly, I took the first step, then the next, until I reached the top.

When I pushed through the door into Dumbledore's office, Severus' narrow eyes caught; with arms locked, he sat at the headmaster's desk. His accusatory glare threatened to penetrate my mind. Wearily I built my wall up.

"What are you doing here, Draco?" He demanded, standing up.

"I, er, followed a phoenix," I mumbled, noticing that the creature was inconveniently missing...

"You saw Fawkes!?" He asked incredulously.

"What? Um, if you mean a ghostly cloud resembling a phoenix, then yeah?" My voice cracked.

"No, no. What you saw was Albus' Patronus. Devious old man... it led you here?" It wasn't a question, not truly.

I had his attention now; time to tell him about the Chamber...

"Yes, I was looking for you, but then the Patronus led me here. What are you doing here?"

"I swore I heard Fawkes shriek down the hall as I made my rounds... I thought Albus had returned..." He stopped, catching himself. "What on are you doing out of bed after hours!?"

Jumping into action, I spun back towards the stairs.

"This way. I know where the Chamber of Secrets is! Potter, Weasel, and Lockhart are there now."

I took off; I knew he'd follow.

"Draco, if you are wrong, I will give you detention thrice daily for two months!"

Down the stairs and past the gargoyle, we flew down, down, down. Finally, we arrived at Myrtle's.

Severus stepped sideways, leaning forward over the gaping hole between the sinks.

I stayed back, remembering Granger's stone-like body; I gripped the mirror in my pocket.

How brazenly we'd run...we were lucky to have made it here alive.

Noise. Wind. Flapping. Red. It came and went so fast that I hardly knew what was happening.

Red wings soared up, out of the hole, and over our heads, carrying something...people. The phoenix held Potter, Weasel, and the she Weasel in its talons. It soared out and away.

Xxx

The monster was dead, Dumbledore had returned, and things settled back down at Hogwarts...for some.

Granger, still lying petrified in the hospital wing...school felt incomplete.

Surprisingly my own friends left me...unsatisfied. I cursed myself and the new range my feelings I'd discovered in her absence.

She had been my...escape.

I cursed the Mandrake antidote for taking so long.

Everyone buzzed around me; I heard nothing, consumed by the rage welling up in my head. In the time since Potter's visit to the Chamber, his story had spread. That book, Father's book, had been the instigator of all the madness this year. Father was the reason Granger couldn't move, couldn't think, couldn't, think.

Air seeped hotly from my nostrils as I traipsed the halls, head hanging low. I sensed that I was being watched, but I did not care. Their condescending looks were nothing compared to the self-loathing I inflicted on myself. I should have been smarter and more observant; I could have prevented this.

My own bloody Father, the piece of shite, and our family house elf, both scheming right underneath my nose. I was useless, and Granger paid the price.

Hermione Granger, I mused; would she be able to forgive me for this?

Xxx

I ate my lunch silently, only glancing up when the mail came. Two letters and two packages; highly unusual.

Mother's letter was cryptic, nearly indecipherable. Her usually elegant script was instead shaky, uneven, and smudged.

Je suis désolé. She repeated over and over.

She was in pain, hurting more than I. Overwhelmed by the guilt and shame that comes with her husband almost killing someone so important to me.

She sent the small package, labeled with the letter "H", and I slipped it into my pocket.

The Malfoy Family was famous for exquisite taste and illustrious gift-giving. However, this was usually reserved for gaining political favor or bribing away crimes...rarely was it used apologetically. Never before had the Malfoy fortune been expended upon a muggle-born.

I continued to the next letter and package.

I didn't recognize the handwriting...

I left the Great Hall and headed to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was permanently sealed, and Moaning Myrtle warded off any students who were curious about it, making this bathroom desolate once again.

I tore the seal.

Mr. Malfoy,

I thought you might want to administer this to your friend in the Hospital Wing.

Albus Dumbledore

Intrigued, I opened the matching package, a vial swimming with a brown potion.

I headed towards the Hospital wing at top speed, unable to contain myself. It was empty, except for one petrified body.

I wasted no time sitting on her hospital bed and unstoppering the vial.

Granger's lips were separated slightly, allowing me to pour the mandrake potion into her mouth easily. Determined for her to receive every last drop, I carefully emptied the bottle. I waited.

Impatiently tapping my foot, desperate for her to wake, I noticed movement in her muscles. Gradually her body relaxed into the cot; she looked like she was sleeping, as if she had never been petrified.

Any second now...any second.

Her eyes burst open, alive and searching. She sat up straight, coughing uncontrollably.

Did I pour the blasted potion into her airway?

"Breathe, Granger, breathe!" I barked, awkwardly moving to pat her back.

"Draco!" She gasped when her cough finally subsided.

Before she could waste any more breath asking questions, I began to tell her everything. I sat for an hour, explaining everything in great detail, even the bit about Father.

"If I had only known, all of this could have been avoided. Forgive me?" Slumping my shoulders, I braced myself for her answer.

"Draco, there is nothing for me to forgive you for. You did nothing wrong! You were brilliant, solving the whole puzzle... Harry wouldn't have known what he was up against without you!"

Relief, sweet relief. Everything could go back to normal.

I reached into my pocket.

"Mother sent this for you," I smirked, handing the package over.

Her jaw dropped. She examined the package thoughtfully before cautiously removing the wrapping.

Underneath was a small silver box with a red ribbon.

I chuckled, knowing Mother always uses green with silver, the Malfoy crest, and Slytherin house colors. She bought that red ribbon on purpose to represent Granger's house.

"Merlin's beard!" she exclaimed as she opened the small box. "This is gorgeous!"

"What is it?" I asked, leaning in to get a look.

She removed a long silver chain from the box with a pendant clutching a knut-sized red gem. It was intricately crafted, goblin-made, no doubt.

"Is that a ruby? If that's a ruby, this is way too much! I can't accept this. I could never afford to give your mum anything like this. I-"

Placing two fingers on her lips, I halted her tirade.

"First off, yes, that does appear to be a sizable ruby. Second, Mother would be humiliated if you did not accept her gift and her sincerest apology. Third, my family is stupid rich; we have more money than we could ever spend in 12 lifetimes. So, in conclusion, you, Granger, are the proud owner of this lovely necklace."

I removed my hand from her mouth. She let out a long slow breath of air before she spoke again.

"It really is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I will cherish it forever!" She wrapped her arms around my neck. "Please tell her thank you for me."

It felt normal. It felt nice. I wrapped my hands around her, relaxing for the first time in a while.

"Of course."

Xxx

On the train back home, we met in our usual spot.

"Perhaps next year will actually be a normal one at Hogwarts. We can spend more time on Occlumency. " I mused hopefully.

"I didn't think you'd want to after the fainting spell you had last time. But if you are serious about it, then I think you should practice clearing your mind and building defenses over the summer."

"Brilliant, I absolutely will. You'll write to me again, won't you?"

"Hardly a day goes by where we don't speak Granger; how should this summer be any different?" He smirked.

And with that, we said our goodbyes.