Hermione and Draco were distant with each other the next morning. Hermione was sitting in her room, brushing her hair, when she heard the sounds of a scuffle and Draco cursing. There was also a strange, hissing noise. Draco burst into the room. Hermione squealed.

"Draco! What in the world-"

"Your cat." Draco said plainly, and tossed a large, ginger object onto her lap.

"Crookshanks!" The cat purred. Draco glared at it. "Where did you find him?"

"My closet. It seems as though the little vermin was trying to kill me." Crookshanks purred loudly and swished his tail. "Kepp it away from me. See you at breakfast."

Hermione waited till Draco left, then comforted Crookshanks. Then she left for the Great Hall. She sat next to Ron and Kit, who had come by the Gryffindor table. Kit was leaning in Ron's lap, who was stroking her hair, as red as his own.

"Hey Hermione, what's up?" Kit asked, passing her a muffin. Hermione took it and took a big bite. She rolled her eyes.

"Nothing, found Crookshanks."

"Where was he?"

"Dra-Malfoy's closet. I can't believe he's the new Head Boy."

"At least till Harry get's back, " Ron comforted, "And speaking of Harry..."

The mail had arrived. There weren't many owls, but even when there were, Hedwig always stood out. There she flew, landing in front of Hermione, a letter in her beak. Hermione offered Hedwig her muffin, and exchanged it for the letter. Opening it, she showed it to Ron and Kit, who leaned in.

Dear Hermione, and Ron if he's reading this too, which he probably is,

Remus was right. I'm in the Alps, with him, looking for ways to get the Horcrux. This is probably going to be the hardest one yet. The Horcrux is in the hands of a peasent couple, who think it's worth eating. I don't see how that's possible, since this next one is a cup. It's really quite beautiful. Remus and I believe that it used to belong to the very first Riddle. Which would explain why it's a Horcrux. I miss you guys so much. Hermione, tell Ron to find something else to do, because the next part of this letter is personal.

"Ohhh!" Ron moaned. Kit patted his leg.

"Come here honey, I'll distract you." She pulled him in, and kissed him. As they were kissing, Hermione read the rest of the letter.

Hermione, I miss you more than anything in the world. It's hard for me to be so very far away from you, but with Hedwig, it's like we're only a block away, and not a continent. Please, wait for me Hermione. I love you so much, and I am anxious to return. I love you...

Forever yours,

Harry

P.S. You can tell Ron to stop kissing Kit now.

Hermione laughed out loud. She tapped Ron on the shoulder. Ron broke away, looking disgruntled.

"What!"

"Harry says you can stop now." Hermione said, giggling, and showed Ron that part of the letter. Ron rolled his eyes.

"He knows me too well."

Hermione turned from her friends and thought of Harry, his letter in her hand. Oh, how she missed him. He could say he missed her, but she knew, she would always miss him more. Always.

As she mused over this, her eyes wandered to the Slytherin table. She spotted Draco sitting with a Syltherin boy she didn't know. Funny, without Crabbe and Goyle flanking him, Draco looked....smaller. Draco looked up and saw her. She flushed, and turned before she could see him smile.

*****

After almost being eaten by Crookshanks, Draco's appetite was ravenous. He plopped down next to Dave and grabbed the egg platter. He began to tuck in.

"Hey buddy, save some for the rest of us." Dave said, and took the platter away. Draco moaned, then ate some bacon. Dave laughed. "Well, someone's cheerful this morning. What happened?"

"Hermione's cat hates me." Draco mumbled. Dave roared with laughter.

"Your serious?" Draco nodded. "Damn, that's depressing. How did you find this out?"

"The stupid thing hid in my closet and attacked me while I was dressing."

"Now that's funny!" Dave stopped when Draco glared at him. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, it sounded funny."

Draco kept staring at him, then began to giggle himself. Soon, Dave and Draco were laughing loud and hard. Draco glanced up, and his eyes met Hermione's. She turned away, reddening. Draco smiled. Dave noticed.

"What's up?"

"Nothing. What's next on our schedule?"

"Potions with.....Mudlump. Odd name, isn't it?"

"Yea..." Draco said, his mind elsewhere....preferablely somewhere bushy and brunette.

Sorry that took so long. But at least it's up now, nice and long!

Katie