"Hey Mione check what I found."

Hermione looked up from the table. She raised her eyebrow and showed her the leather bound book. I opened it and generally flipped through the pages.

"Is it a journal maybe?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah. Malfoy's. Found it yesterday." I said.

"Ronald! Put it back this instant." Hermione scolded.

"Why? It gives us leverage. Maybe he will stop being such a grit."

"Ron you know this is not right! How could you even think it was smart. We don't have to play by his rules. We just have to be better."

I grunted. "I see the way you look at him 'Mione. I see how he hurts you. Even if you won't admit it. I mean may not be the smartest one, but I'm not blind."

Hermione opened her mouth to protest but wasn't able to get a word out.

"What are you two fighting about now?"

I quickly ducked my hands with the book behind my back. I gave a rather forced smile.

"Oh just someone Hermione likes. Nothing special really Harry." I said.

Harry raised his eyebrow. "So you're not going to tell me?"

Hermione smiled. "Sorry Harry not yet I'm still trying to figure it out."

Harry shrugged. "Okay. Well I need help with the transfiguration essay. After class?"

"Sure, but I'm not giving either of you my answers. Let's go to class." Hermione said.

Harry nodded and turned on his heel. We left the library and were on our way to Charms.

"Ronald give me that book this instant!" Hermione whisper yelled so Harry couldn't hear.

I frowned and all but slammed the book into her hand. I was a bit angry that she couldn't see how this could help us. Never mind that actually, I was angry that she was right. Although, Hermione was always right. Also not to mention the damage I probably would have caused had Hermione not pushed her point. I remember what happened with Ginny in my second year. The damage Tom Riddle's diary caused to Harry's reputation. The difference being that this diary or journal was not enchanted. At least I hoped it wasn't. The thought sent chills up my spine.

...The previous day...

Hermione had sent me to the library for a book. She didn't go because she was basically buried behind a pile of other books and other stuff. I completely forgot where she said I would find it by the time I got there. So I just went looking in the most likely places.

In the corner of the one section a book caught my eye. I found it strange because it was like the odd one out among the others. So I pulled it out and opened to the first page.

Caution: This Journal is Full of Highly Intellectual Information.
Mudbloods keep away! Or be Hexed till kingdom come.

If found Return to: _Draco fucking Malfoy! _

Desires Awake and Wet-Eyes Before the Prince.

An illustration of two men bowing before a third person on a throne was below the last sentence. I could easily tell where information was written in and where the information was printed there.

I noticed there was an added little doodle at the bottom of the page. Only it looked more like some sort of fancy writing, which I figured it most probably was. I was only able to make out two distinct letters, H. J. and a third, which I couldn't make out. It was done very small and just looked like someone had basically scribbled. However knowing Malfoy he wouldn't do such a thing.

I turned the page and groaned because I was frustrated. Of course the bloody grit wouldn't make anything easy.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hogwarts Day 1

Train ride - Crabbe e Goyle sono tali pecore. Mi irrita pensare che devo passare 7 anni con questi teschi insensibili. Mio padre sembra pensare che siano una compagnia accettabile. Voglio essere amico di Harry Potter. Intendo il vero Harry Potter. La mamma mi ha raccontato tante storie su di lui. Mi ero stancato di Crabbe e Goyle a metà di questo viaggio ridicolo, quindi sono andato a fare una passeggiata. C'era questa ragazza. Capivo che era intelligente solo dal modo in cui parlava. Alta classe decisamente, ma non l'ho vista né sentito parlare di lei prima di oggi. Ho la sensazione che potrebbe essere effettivamente nata babbana. Dovrei odiarla solo per questo, ma la mamma mi dice sempre di non giudicare nessuno che non conosco. La ragazza ha i capelli folti in modo stravagante ma li tira via in modo carino. Sono tornato da Crabbe e Goyle quando l'ho sentita chiedere in giro un rospo perso da qualche ragazzo. Com'è dolce da parte sua, aiutare un perfetto sconosciuto. Forse possiamo essere amici e papà cambierà idea sui babbani. Sarebbe fantastico!

I could only make out the names clearly. Not that it helped much. Malfoy could have written anything. I figured Hermione would definitely know what language it was written in and we would be able to find out all of Malfoy's dirty secrets. That all leads to where we are now...

...Present...

Hermione probably knew if I got caught with Malfoy's journal, I would most definitely get into serious trouble. I guess it was my stubbornness that was making me push her to read it. I just wanted to know why that git had to hurt her. I mean yeah he didn't know he was but still.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Change to Hermione's POV

*~*~*~*~*~*

I really really didn't want to. Ron made  a good point and I was really curious myself. I was sitting in Transfiguration with Ron since Harry said he had forgotten something. Every time I looked at Ron I could see him urging me to read it. My fingers absentmindedly kept riffling the pages of the journal. I really didn't want to, but I lived for finding out new things. Especially when they could help me understand the guy I have a growing crush on. In the end I opened to the first page of writing.

"It's Italian!" I exclaimed surprised. "I would have thought Latin or something."

"So you don't understand it?" Ron asked.

I didn't need to say yes or no. I just started reading aloud, but soft enough for only Ron to hear. That was a precaution. It was almost as if I was reading to myself.

"Hogwarts Day 1.

Train Ride - Crabbe and Goyle are such sheep. It irritates me to think I've got to spend 7 years with these numbskulls. Father seems to think they are acceptable company. I want to be friends with Harry Potter. I mean the actual Harry Potter. Mother told me so many stories about him. I had gotten tired of Crabbe and Goyle halfway through this ridiculous trip so I went for a walk. There was this girl. I could tell she was smart just by the way she spoke. High class definitely, but I haven't see her or heard of her before today. I have a feeling she may actually be muggle-born. I should hate her for that alone, but mother always tells me not to judge anyone I don't know. The girl has outlandishly bushy hair but she pulls it off in a cute way. I returned to Crabbe and Goyle when I heard her asking around for a toad some boy lost. How sweet of her, helping a complete stranger. Maybe we can be friends and father will change his mind about muggles. That would be so cool!

The Hall - I did meet Potter. Too bad he refused my hand of friendship. All for that damn weasel. What does he have that I don't. Saint Potter and his Hand-me down friend. Could it have been the way I introduced myself, but that was how father told me to. Name first, Hand, Full given name. Was there something wrong with that? Whatever. So that girl I saw on the train. I didn't see her until we walked into the Great Hall. I only noticed because I heard her talking about the ceiling. It's amazing really, I thought I was the only one that read Hogwarts: A History. I noticed she was talking to Potter that kind of sucked. Then there was the sorting and she was put in GRYFFINDOR! Like she should be in Ravenclaw. Not with those stupid lions. I doubt any of them are half as smart. She's too kind to be a Slytherin that's for sure.

Dorms - So I'm sharing a dorm with Crabbe and Goyle. Why am I not surprised really. There is another boy, Blaise. It's just the four of us. I met this other girl, Pansy, I swear she's one of those attention seeking people. All in all today could have been better. I'm highly disappointed. Even though I made friends they weren't the friends I was hoping for. Well good night."

I was about to turn the page when I heard shuffling outside the class door. I shoved the book into my bag quickly. The door opened just as I turned to Ron to pretend that we were just talking.

"I'm just suggesting Dray."

"Pansy shut the fuck up already. I've already explained to Blaise I wouldn't tell him how or help him write. Now drop it." Draco growled out. "What are you doing here Granger? Where's Saint Potter? "

I frowned about to say something. However I wasn't able to get anything out.

"Leave her alone Malfoy."

Draco growled again. "Stupid Potter to the rescue huh? Whatever. This class is a drag."

Something fell from Draco's pocket and I picked it up. I cleared my throat to get his attention. Unfortunately it came with a rather ugly scowl. I help up the item, which was a folded parchment.

"I believe you dropped this Malfoy. May want to take better care it looks like... Oh is this a love letter from someone?" I asked slightly disappointed.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Whatever. Just give it to Potter would you. It's not from me before you go asking stupid questions."

I handed the letter to Harry with a frown. Harry took it equally confused. He opened the top a bit. To see inside.

"Malfoy where did you get this?" Harry yelled.

Draco just rolled his eyes and sat down. Class went by rather slowly. Actually the whole day felt too slow. After dinner Harry disappeared again.

Ron and I were seated in the common room. I decided why not just carry on reading. So I took Draco's journal out. Ron was instantly interested. I skimmed over most of the pages.

"The main thing he talks about is his dislike of Harry and his father's alliance with the dark Lord." I sighed.

"What's this say about Harry?" Ron asked.

He pointed to the middle paragraph of the page we were now on. It was a more recent entry. I had also noticed a sort of pattern with each of the entries. Draco used to write every day from the first day at Hogwarts.

In second year it went from every day to every third day. It stayed like that until fourth year. When he started writing every single day again. For fifth year he wrote once a week.

From what I could see of his entries so far he was alternating. Writing once, twice or even three times a week. From my deduction his next entry would be in two days.

"I can't believe Harry would save my life the way he did. I guess I owe him more credit than what I usually do. I won't tell him that though. He's still the "saviour" of the Wizarding World after all. Even if he doesn't want the title. He's a fool really. Allowing people to manipulate him like that. I can't say I've ever hated him. Now that he has saved my life..."

I closed the journal. "We shouldn't be doing this. These are private."

"Harry saved that git. He didn't tell us and Malfoy still acts like nothing has happened!" Ron yelled.

"Ronald Billius Weasley calm down this instant! We aren't even supposed to know any of this. We are in the wrong here. Now you will tell me exactly where you found this and we will return it." I frowned and crossed my arms.

Ron threw his hands up. "Okay okay fine. Come on I'll show you."

I followed Ron quietly as I thought about what I was about to read out loud. I had skimmed it before I started translating for Ron. At the time the dots weren't connecting, but now they did. Something had been off with Harry and Draco since the start of the year.

'Could it be that they are actually friends now? They are just keeping up appearances for the sake of... Of what exactly? I don't know why it would matter.' I frowned. Something just wasn't adding up even though it made perfect sense. I would have loved to carry on reading, but Draco can't know that we took his journal.

"Hello. Earth to Mione!" I blinked looking at Ron. "Here. It was with these books."

I smiled. "Thank you Ron. Now we do not talk about this. Not even to Harry. He will come to us when he is ready. Got it?"

Ron nodded and we went back to the common room in silence.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Change to Ron's POV

*~*~*~*~*~*

Once again Hermione was right. This whole thing was a bit confusing for me. However, Fred and George always know what's happening around here. Sucks that they aren't here. I decided I'd write to them later. For now I'd just go with what Hermione said and leave things be.

"Hey Ron! Hello!"

"Oh hey Harry." I smiled.

"What's got you so spaced?" Harry asked.

I shrugged. "Just wondering about stuff. Don't worry. By the way have you gone to talk with Dumbledore yet?"

Harry shook his head. "Nope. I'm going in the morning after breakfast. You know if Mione finished that transfiguration essay yet?"

"I forgot to ask her. By the way what was that letter from Malfoy?" I asked.

"Oh. Ammm a Slytherin has a crush on me. I suppose since Malfoy and I are potions partners, he's been slipping them into my bag for whoever it is." Harry shrugged.

"Can I see?"

"Sure why not. You can help me figure out what to reply." Harry smiled.

He handed me the letter and I read it. I was a little stunned. The Slytherin was a guy. Harry didn't seem too bothered by it. Which raised some questions in my mind.

*~*

"So guys I have a confession to make."

I looked up. "What is is Harry?"

Harry shifted in his spot. I saw Ginny walk in as Hermione opened her mouth to say something. Harry beat her to it though.

"I'm bisexual. I hope you don't hate me." Harry shut his eyes.

Hermione hugged him as I just sat there. The look on Ginny's face made me want to laugh. Instead I decided to rub some salt in the wound. I knew Harry didn't like her and frankly she tried to hard. He was my best mate also. So which guy would want to see their best mate with their sister anyway.

"Ohhh do you perhaps have a thing for that mystery bloke who sends you letters?" I smirked.

"Ammm we're just pen pals at the moment Ron. Wait you're not mad?" Harry blinked.

"No mate..."

"We support you Harry." Hermione cut me off.

I nodded my head and gestured towards Ginny. Harry and Hermione looked at her. I swore I saw Harry smile at her and Hermione laughed.

(2600 words)