Hermione and I haven't talked for three days. I think Harry and Ron notice the distance and it makes me worry. If Harry thinks Hermione doesn't like me, why should he? Father would be so disappointed at the moment. At least Ron tries to make things seem cheerful. 

"Harry," I whisper into his ear.

He turns and looks at me. "Yeah?"

"I want to show you something tonight," I tell him.

He grins. Perhaps he still likes me. Maybe even loves me. Still, though, I can't take any chances. He has to trust me completely. I notice Hermione staring at me. I smile softly. She nods back. "I wanna talk," she mouths. 

I nod. "I'll be back," I tell Harry.

"Okay," he replies, turning to Ron.

I stand and walk over to Hermione. "Yeah?" I ask. I was way too hopeful. I wanted to roll my eyes at the ball of nerves clotting my stomach, but knew Hermione would think it was directed towards her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, grabbing ahold of my hand and leading me out to the yard. "I overreacted. I thought you liked Harry. You act like you do. Harry doesn't deserve to be hurt. If you don't like him..."

"It's confusing," I murmur.

She looks past my shoulder and I follow her gaze. Draco is watching me. He smirks and drifts back into the castle.

"He is so weird," she whispers, half to herself. "But, what is it? Do you like Harry? Because if you don't..." she turns her head away and runs a hand through her golden brown hair.

"Harry's a nice guy," I say, studying her. "But it's all confusing. I can't tell you anything without saying the whole story. And I can't say the whole story."

She laughs. It shocks me so much, all I can do is stare at her as she shakes her head. "Wow. Wow. Are you serious? Vallee!" She groans and clenches her fists.

"Hermione, I'm sorry! I would tell you if I could. I'm serious!" I walk after her when she starts to leave. I grab her wrist.

"Let go," she says through clenched teeth.

"If I tell you, both me and your little friends will die."

She stops struggling. "What?" She looks around her and her breathing quickens. "What are you talking about?"

I blink at her. Then I walk away. I've said too much.

"Val, wait. Please? I'm sorry."

I keep walking until I reach the castle again. Then I start searching for Harry. I find him in the place I left him. "Hey, do you want to head back to the common room?"

He grins and looks back at Ron, who rolls his eyes. "Yes. Let's go." He stands and I loop my arm through his. 

I see Severus Snape walking towards us. I didn't really like him. Or, rather, trust him. I feel like he's disloyal to Father. But then again, what am I doing. Then I stop that thought. I'm getting Harry to trust and like me right now. Severus gives me a small nod of recognition. Father must have told him about me. I never understood how he was so trusted. Whatever. If Father trusts him, so should I.

We continue our walk to the common room in silence. But it was a comfortable silence. Walking arm-in-arm wasn't as hard as I believed it would be when I first heard about this idea from Father. In fact, I consider Harry a friend. A friend that I'm supposed to let have benefits. I cringe.

"Are you alright?" Harry asks.

I look at him sharply. "Oh, yes. Sorry." I giggle lightly.

He smiles. "You're fine." He walks up to the fat lady and says, "mimbulus mimbletonia."

The fat lady sighs and opens. I'm surprised she didn't sing like she normally does. Perhaps she's tired of all the hate she gets for it.Or maybe she's just exhausted. Either way, I'm not complaining. She really got on my nerves. 

"Can we use your cloak?" I ask Harry.

"My-my cloak? Why would you want to use that?"

 "Hermione told me about the restricted section when she mentioned some of your adventures." I laugh lightly.

He grins. "Yes. We have had plenty of those. Almost too many."

"At least Hogwarts isn't boring, I suppose." I trail my fingers along the wall.

"Yes, you're right," he mumbles.

I look at him. "Who are you, Harry? Who's the man behind the scar?" I step closer to him, so close, our toes were touching.

"There's not much beyond my scar," he whispers.

"I really don't believe that," I reply, leaning in closer.

"Beneath my scar is a love for you," he says and kisses me deeply. He's so beautiful and sweet, and my heart is melting in an instant. He wraps his arms around my waist and I can feel his adoration for me pulsing in his touch. My hands move to his neck and I feel something that I never believed I would feel. Love. It has to be. My stomach flutters and the only thing in my mind is the happiness and him. Him. Harry potter is mine and I am his. 

He pulls away slowly and I can tell he doesn't want to. Someone clears their throat behind me. I turn, and there's Hermione, standing there silently, anger and sadness lingering on her face. It's ironic, really. What are the chances of her walking in the one time Harry and I are kissing? "I just came to get my books. I suppose I can wait, if you'd like more time."

"Hermione?" Harry looks at her, clearly worried. "Are you alright?"

"You're supposed to be my best friend!" she screams, slamming her hand into a vase on her right. It crashes to the ground and shatters. "Can't you tell I'm upset?" Her voice cracks and I see a tear run down her face as she rushes out of the room. 

I look at Harry. He's looking at me. "I should.."

"Yeah, me too..."

We smile softly at each other. He pulls me in again and kisses me so softly, as if I could break at his touch. Then he pulls away and we hurry after her.

Okay, so like major plot twist???? Haha. Please add to a list or library!!