To my surprise, Hermione did not seem angry the next day. Whenever I approached though she withdrew away from me...awkwardly.

Later in the day Ron, Neville, Hermione, and I met for our study group in the library. I was quietly reading a book with a quill in hand. A pet peeve of mine is when something written in a book is completely false. So, as I read, I would cross out the false statements and write the correction above them.

"Sorry, Ben I... have to go help Percy with something," Ron suddenly exclaimed, looking embarrassed.

"Ah, me... Too" Neville added.

"You have to help Ron's brother?" I inquired curiously.

"Well, no... I just... need to go find something...in my room. I'll catch up later," Neville stuttered glancing briefly at Hermione as if looking for approval.

"Alright, in the future just pass me a note or something."

"See ya later," replied Ron.

"Bye," Neville waved.

The room became silent and the atmosphere was awkward between the girl and me. So, I turned my attention back to my book.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said without looking up from the book she held.

"What?"

"I said I'm sorry Ben," she says in confirmation.

I cocked my head to the side, giving her a look, "Did you get the others to leave just for this?"

The girl's face almost turned red at my question from embarrassment," Yes, are you happy now".

"It's fine," I replied going back to reading without another word.

"That's it?"

"Pardon?"

"Don't you want to know why I was so upset?"

"Does it matter?"

"Of course it does!" Hermione stated.

"Then please do explain," I shrugged.

"In all the years I've gone to school I've always been top of my class. I was the hardest working and, according to my teachers and parents, I've also always been the smartest. Then you came along...being the youngest wizard in Hogwarts history. Knowing more than could ever be possible. Being able to outsmart a potions master in his own class. I was... threatened by you," Hermione explained.

"Why would you think I'd try to hurt you?"

" Not that way, you ignoramus. I was threatened by your talent, skill, and studious nature. It was the first time I couldn't win by just trying harder," She sighed.

"Wait, you were trying to compete with your own friend?"

"No... Well, yes - but it's not like that. I...just have to prove that I'm better and then I can help others be better." Hermione tried to smile but realized how her words sounded.

"A most interesting perspective, but just know that there will always be someone better at something. It's not possible to be the best at everything forever," I advised.

"Then finally I'd thought I figured it out. You weren't originally a wizard and it turned out I was right too. I wanted that victory so hard that I pushed for it. It wasn't my right to demand you surrender your all secrets to me. I just wanted to win against you once, and now I'd understand if you never trusted me again."

I closed my book with a sigh and locked eyes with her. She was nervous at my sudden alertness," it's not that I don't trust you, Hermione. There's more to it than I'm prepared to explain right now. In a few words, I'm concerned that if I told you who I really am you would not fully trust me. I wanted us to build trust over time as friends so that you could see past the lies. I AM demonized by wizard society in spite of never wronging them. That is all I will say on the matter for now. If you do not wish to put your faith in me, I would understand."

"You're probably underestimating me," She argued.

"Or, I am not and it could end up costing us someone's life. What if Ron or Neville ends up dying because you hesitate when I tell you they are in danger because you don't trust me. I never lie Hermione but if you think me the devil all the logic in the world won't make a difference!" I snapped.

"I trust you, Ben," Hermione suddenly said matter of factly.

I released a breath I didn't realize I had been holding until just now," Thank you".