A/N: Here's the next chapter as promised. Thank you so much for your reviews! I didn't expect to get more reviews than the no. I asked. You are so good to me! I wanted to have 20 reviews in the first chapter because I wanted to know if my story's worth reading. I'm trying to upload the following chapters as fast as I can. It's not easy though, with schoolwork and stuff. I hope you understand. This chapter is dedicated to all of you out there! Wish it's as good as the first one.

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"Hermione, wait!"

Hermione ignored the desperate plea. Anger was coursing through her veins. She bumped into practically everyone as she ran away from her compartment. She brushed back the tears that were blurring her vision. She turned to her right and stepped into a deserted compartment. She hastily locked the door and knelt down in anguish. Presently, a powerful knock shook the door.

"Hermione? Hermione, open up!"

Hermione shook her head and backed away. She hugged her knees and rocked back and forth as she continued to cry. "Go away," she silently whispered. She bent her head down and slightly wet and disheveled hair covered her face.

"Alohomora!" A flash illuminated the outline of the door and a boy of 16 barged in. He advanced towards the girl sitting against the wall. "Hermione, please." He timidly placed his hand on Hermione's shaking shoulder.

"Go away Ron." Hermione pushed the boy in front of her and shut her eyes once more.

"I will not leave you." Ron sat next to Hermione. "Not until I have you back."

Hermione sniffed. "Are you really forcing yourself to love me?"

"I… No. You know me. When I get angry, this tongue of mine can't be controlled." Ron sighed. "Listen, I know I've been an ass countless of times but this was the worst and I'm… I'm sorry." He took Hermione's hand and covered it with his own. "I hope you forgive me."

Hermione remained silent. Only her labored breaths and occasional sniffs were heard. "I'm tired of this Ron. We've been fighting almost every week and… and I don't know how much I can still take," she whispered after a few minutes. She opened her red rimmed eyes. "I love you Ron but…"

Hermione's words created a deep impact on Ron. He truly cared for Hermione but he couldn't find ways to show it. Almost all of their fights were caused by his uncontrollable temper and ignorant and insensitive behavior. "Please… I… I don't know what'd I do if we were not together… please…" Ron desperately held up Hermione's right hand. "Look."

Hermione glanced at the ring on her finger. "The ring…"

"Is my token of love and appreciation for you," finished Ron. He smiled as he saw Hermione slightly blush.

Hermione shook her head vigorously, as if to convince herself not to give in. "That is a very old line, Mr. Weasly. It has been used in soap operas, love novels and countless marriage proposals. If you think that sentence would make me swoon…" She rolled her eyes.

"You know why I gave you a ring and not another piece of jewelry? The shape symbolizes my unending love for you. I would be yours forever…"

Hermione laughed. "Ron, those lines are so… so overused! You sound like you're reciting from a script. Can't you be more original? Not that I'm complaining but… Where'd you learn them anyway?" Sounds of sheer laughter filled the compartment.

Ron looked sheepish but relieved. "I'm sorry. I'm not that good when it comes to saying words that will sweep you off your feet. I had to say something. Thank god Ginny watches those sick television soaps."

Hermione giggled. Her bushy hair bounced as her head bobbed up and down. "They are sick aren't they?"

"So… will you forgive me?" Ron asked hopefully. He tightened his hold on Hermione's hand.

Hermione bent her head, pretending to be deep in thought. "Maybe… maybe not."

"I won't take that as an answer." Ron leaned towards Hermione and kissed her.

A faint shout rang throughout the train. "An hour from Hogsmeade!"

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"Blind? I'm… blind?" Draco Malfoy was dumbstruck at his father's words. He suddenly found it difficult to breathe. He wheezed and another stream of oxygen entered his lungs. Beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead.

"Lucius, you shouldn't have said that!" Narcissa rushed to her son's side and tried to soothe him. "Shhh… don't mind your father. He didn't mean to…"

Lucius approached Draco. "I meant what I said. You are blind Draco. According to the Muggle doctor, your eyes were punctured by tiny pieces of glass. However, you'll only remain sightless for some time. About two years, if I'm correct." He tapped the cold metal rails surrounding the bed.

Narcissa wrung her hands in distress as she hoarsely supported her husband's remark. "Your father is right. The doctor told us that you would be an… an invalid for that short time. I wanted to tell you when you get out of this infirmary but Lucius thought otherwise."

Draco managed to utter a few words in between his strained breaths. "What… what… about ma… magic?"

Lucius cleared his throat. "Magic was unfortunately ineffective in restoring your eyesight. We haven't found any spell that was made for this particular purpose. If there is one in existence, then it would be too dangerous and too idiotic to impulsively cast it on you. The wisest thing to do now is to wait until the wounds heal."

Draco felt as if his life ended right then and there. He felt defenseless even in the comfort of the hospital room. He wanted to blame his parents, to scream like crazy and yet something was holding him back. He felt as if… no, he couldn't describe what he felt right now. His eyes watered and he could taste salty tears on his cheeks. He couldn't brush them away since both his hands were covered in some sort of bandage. He took another huge breath of oxygen.

"By the way, you will still go to Hogwarts. I have already asked Dumbledore to give you a private room and a personal tutor. Since your condition is only temporary, you will resume your studies at once. I will not tolerate excuses for unacceptable grades. Remember you are a Malfoy. The blood of a dignified Malfoy runs through your veins. Always remember that." Lucius ruffled Draco's hair and disapparated.

Narcissa slowly walked closer to Draco. "I'm so sorry. I know it's unfair to ask… no demand such an act from you. I've tried reasoning with your father but he wouldn't listen to a mother's plea. He even got angry that I dared question his authority." She lightly touched the bruise on her arm.

Draco didn't answer. The drugs injected by the nurse earlier seemed to be taking effect. He had dozed off as soon as his father left. Hearing his soft snores mingling with the sounds of the machines, Narcissa smiled and kissed her son's damp forehead.

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"Yes, Headmaster?"

Albus Dumbledore looked up from the letter he was reading. His blue eyes, usually bright and sparkling were filled with utmost concern and dread. Sighing deeply he placed the parchment on the enormous oak desk and said, "Professor McGonagall, a disturbing matter has arisen."

Professor McGonagall frowned. "Is it about the Dark Lord?"

"No. It's about a student of ours."

Professor McGonagall gasped. "Harry Potter? Dumbledore, is the boy in serious danger again?"

A knock interrupted their conversation. The door opened and a man with black oily hair wearing equally black robes stepped into the room.

"Ah, Professor Snape. Glad that you could join us." Dumbledore gestured to the empty seat next to Professor McGonagall.

Professor Snape seated himself and asked gruffly, "Why did you call for me Headmaster?"

"I was about to explain it to Prof. McGonagall when you arrived. Perfect timing if I should say so myself. Well, a letter arrived and it concerns a student of ours, more specifically a Slytherin. Hence my reason for your appearance. It seems that Draco Malfoy – "

"That delinquent? Then surely I am not needed here. After all I am the head of Gryffindor and this particular affair involves only a Slytherin. I still have much to do, Headmaster. The train is arriving and…"

"I know Minerva. However, this is not a simple concern. As deputy headmistress and teacher of Mr. Malfoy, you have to hear this immediately. Draco Malfoy is blind." Dumbledore gazed at the two teachers in front of him, waiting for their reaction.

Professor McGonagall went pale with shock. "Blind? How…?"

"This letter is from Lucius Malfoy. He wrote to tell me of his son's current condition." Dumbledore glanced at Professor Snape. "I see that you are not surprised Severus."

Professor Snape gruffly answered, "Lucius also sent me a letter. I got it yesterday." He shifted uncomfortably.

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "Very well. Now where was I? Ah yes. Well, it seems that Draco was in a car accident. He became blind due to fragments of glass hitting his eyes. But he will eventually recover his eyesight in about two years. He is currently staying in a Muggle hospital."

Professor McGonagall took off her glasses and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Such a tragedy… even Draco Malfoy doesn't deserve such brutality…" She blew her nose and looked back at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore stood up and paced around the room. "Yes… yes… a tragedy indeed. Err… despite his incapability of seeing, he will still continue studying… here… here at Hogwarts."

Professor McGonagall deftly stood up in protest. "But he cannot see! How can he cope up with lessons and how can he show himself to his classmates?"

Professor Snape spoke up. "Minerva, please. Lucius has requested that a private room and a tutor be given to Draco as soon as he comes back." He added quietly, "Surely you know of Lucius' high standards. He wouldn't let an injury hinder his son's education."

"However insensitive and perhaps cruel Lucius' decision is, we can't do anything about it. Severus is right. Lucius did ask us to provide those for his son. The room is already prepared for Draco's arrival. As for the tutor…" Dumbledore looked towards the window.

"The only student capable of tutoring a fellow student without harming her own grades is Ms. Hermione Granger," commented Professor McGonagall. Her eyes widened as she finished speaking.

"So you realize the complication of this request? It would be very difficult to convince Lucius to let Ms. Granger teach his son." Dumbledore thoughtfully twirled his long beard.

Both Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall fell silent. Suddenly a house elf appeared. "The students has arrived in the Hogsmeade station," it announced in a high squeaky voice.

"Thank you Winky. I'd better get going then. Goodbye." Professor McGonagall turned and followed the house elf out of the room.

Professor Snape stood up. "I must also leave, Headmaster. By the way, when will they arrive?"

"Tomorrow, I believe."

"Tomorrow? Is it not too soon?" asked Professor Snape in disbelief.

"You said it yourself Severus. Lucius won't let anything get in the way of… perfection."

"True…" With a swish of his cloak, Professor Snape walked out the door.

Shaking his head sadly, Dumbledore wearily sat down. His gaze fell on a stone basin located on the far end of the table. With a grunt, he reached for it and settled down. Slightly frowning, he took out his wand from his robes and placed its tip on his scalp. He then dipped the wand in the basin and silvery light illuminated his wise face. Nodding to himself, he stood up and walked out of the room. The door silently closed behind him. Only Fawkes, his phoenix, saw Draco Malfoy's face swimming on the surface of the basin.

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A/N: So did you like this chapter or not? Please tell me your honest opinion. Please review. Don't worry I won't ask for a certain number of reviews before posting chapter 3. Just review. Thanks for reading!