Don't Act Like You Know Me

Year 2 - Pipes

"Hermione, are you sure? What I said really wasn't called for and you have every right to just punch-" Hermione held a finger to Draco's lips.

"Draco, I forgive you."

"Oh, Hermione," Draco took Hermione's hand in his. "I've missed you so much. I felt so awful."

"Let's just not talk about it anymore."

"You're right. I have to go, but Hermione?"

"Yes?"

"Please be careful. I couldn't bear it if you were petrified."

"I'll try my best," Hermione laughed. Draco smiled and kissed her cheek before he left. She just prayed he wouldn't find out about the rumor she started.

Later that night, Harry and Ron came back.

"Hey, Hermione!" Ron said as he plopped down on a chair.

"Hiya, Hermione," Harry said. 

"Hi, guys," Hermione said with books piled around her. Harry set down another pile of books that he had brought on Hermione's bed. 

"When are you supposed to get out of the Hospital Wing?" Harry asked.

"Any day now, according to Madame Pomfrey. I'm just thankful I've stopped coughing up fur balls."

"We all are, believe me," Ron said. 

"Now, what about the Chamber of Secrets? Any new leads?"

"Nothing," Harry said.

"And has it gotten any better? I mean... is anyone speaking to you?"

"Neville asked to borrow a tube worm in Potions yesterday. I suppose that's something." Ron reached under Hermione's pillow and took out a small lavender colored card.

"'To Ms. Granger, wishing you a speedy recovery, from your concerned teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart.' You sleep with this under your pillow?" Ron asked.

"Of course not. I don't know how that got there," Hermione said. It's not like she worshipped the guy or anything. "Now go. I still have six hundred pages to read in Transformation Through the Ages."

"Fine, but we're coming back after dinner," Harry said. Hermione nodded. She read Transformation Through the Ages for hours until Harry came barreling back in.

"Hermione!" Harry said rather loudly.

"Goodness gracious, Harry, what is it?" Hermione asked.

"I have something to show you!"

"You always have something to show me."

"Whatever. Look at this." Harry sat down and produced a small black book out of his robes.

"What is that?" Hermione took the book in her hands. It was damp. "And why is it wet?"

"Well, when Ron and I stepped out into the hallway after dinner, the floor was flooded with water and we went to check it out. Turns out, Myrtle flooded the bathroom and she said she did it because someone threw that at her. Turn the book over." Hermione turned the book over and in gold small letters was the name 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'. "Ron says he knew the name because when he was polishing trophies in detention, that guy's name was on one. from fifty years ago."

"Tom Riddle. Hm. And Ron said he won an award fifty years ago?" 

"Special Services to the School or something." 

"Fifty years ago? You're sure?"

"Yes. Why?" 

"Don't you remember what Malfoy told you? The last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened was..."