Chapter 6
I woke up to see streams of light coming from my window.I groan at the thought of leaving my blanket. But duty called, and I knew I had to face the day ahead. With a heavy heart, I slowly peeled back the layers of fabric, feeling the chill of the morning air against my skin. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet making contact with the cold hardwood floor. The sensation sent a shiver up my spine, causing me to hunch my shoulders in an attempt to ward off the chill. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I took a moment to fully wake up, allowing my senses to adjust to the new day.
As I stood up, I stretched my arms above my head, feeling the stiffness in my muscles slowly dissipate. The room was filled with a soft, golden glow, casting a warm hue on the walls and furniture. I slowly get dressed for the day. The softness of the fabric against my skin, the comforting weight of my favorite sweater, and the familiar embrace of my well-worn shoes all reminded me of the comfort and familiarity that awaited me outside.
I step out of my room and head to the great hall. The boys are still most likely asleep in their beds. I don't mind being one of the firsts down to breakfast. It is much quieter and more relaxing than being in here with hundreds of kids. I do miss the fact that I won't see Malfoy tonight but he should have information to pass to me at our next meeting. I see Ron and Harry stumble in and sit down next to me. More kids start to file in and go to their tables. Once almost all the kids are inside the great hall, owls start filing in with the mail. I had almost forgotten my visit to the burrow yesterday morning. Suddenly, a letter is dropped in front of both Ron and me. To my delight, the letter is addressed from Kingsley. Undoubtedly, it contains an update regarding the information I provided him.
I eagerly open the letter from Kingsley, my heart racing with anticipation. As I read through the contents, a sense of relief washes over me. Kingsley confirms that the information I shared with him has proven to be valuable and has led to significant progress. They had Aurors there no more than five minutes before death eaters showed up. Thankfully they got the muggle family out before it was too late. As I fold the letter back, carefully tucking it away. I look up to meet Ron's eyes. “Why is my mother saying you were at the burrow yesterday, And that the information you gave them helped?” I knew it. Molly just had to say something to Ron. I can't lie my way out of this one. “Because I was.” Ron and Harry's faces look at me like I just said something crazy and impossible.
“What information did you give them that helped so much?” I looked back at Kingsley’s note and pushed it over to the boys. “How did you get that information, Hermione?” Harry spoke up. I could barely read his face but he looked as if he would explode. “I can't say but I can say that I trust them with getting information.” Ron hands me the letter back. “Why can't you tell us Hermione you are our best friend? Did they threaten you?” Harry asked. He looked less mad and more worried, I appreciate his worry and his care but it is not needed in this situation. “No, I wasn't threatened. It is for their safety if anyone found out they could be killed.”
Ron's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But why would they help us if it puts them in danger?" I sighed, understanding his concern. “They wanted protection after the war in exchange for information.” Harry nodded, his expression softening. "I get it, Hermione. I understand why you can't tell us. We trust you, and if you trust them, then we trust them too. But on another note, isn't it strange how Malfoy isn't here at breakfast?” Well, that lasted longer than I expected. Little does Harry realize that the individual he places his trust in is the same person he harbors distrust toward. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as Harry mentioned Malfoy's absence. I can't tell them about my secret meetings with Malfoy yet. It was a risky move, but I believed that Malfoy's connections and knowledge could prove invaluable.
But I couldn't bring myself to tell Harry and Ron about it. They had a deep-rooted animosity towards Malfoy, and I feared that revealing my alliance with him would only create more tension within our already fragile group. So, I kept my secret hidden, hoping that it would all be worth it in the end. As Harry continued to discuss Malfoy's absence, I forced a smile and replied, "Yes, it is rather strange. Perhaps he's just not feeling well." It was a weak excuse, but it was the best I could come up with on the spot. Ron, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. "You think so, Hermione? I mean, Malfoy has always been up to something. I wouldn't be surprised if he's plotting against us."I bit my lip, torn between my loyalty to Harry and Ron and my growing trust in Malfoy. “He could be sick or maybe he just doesn't want to eat breakfast. It's not up to us to figure out nor is it our business.” Harry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right, Hermione. For now, we can just keep an eye out, as you said none of our business."
Relief washed over me, but it was tinged with a sense of unease. I knew that my secret alliance with Malfoy was a risky move, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was making a grave mistake. But I had to trust my instincts and believe that I was doing what was best for our cause. As we continued our discussion, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Malfoy's empty seat. Little did Harry know that the person he was willing to trust was the same person I was keeping secrets from. The weight of my deception hung heavy on my shoulders, and I could only hope that it wouldn't come crashing down on us all. In the end, I had to trust that my decision to align with Malfoy was the right one. I had to believe that the risks I was taking were worth it for the greater good, but maybe a selfish part of me was doing this for myself. The attraction I had to Malfoy was very strong. It was a delicate balance, a tightrope walk between trust and deception. But I had to do whatever it took to ensure our victory, even if it meant hiding the truth from those closest to me.
I finish eating my breakfast and go to my classes the repetitive motion I go through every day. In my third year here at Hogwarts, I would have welcomed the monotonous schedule, But with the wizarding world on the brink of war, I feel drained both emotionally and physically exhausted every day. My thoughts and feelings have been blending, making my heart skip, and my breath catch. As I make my way through the bustling corridors of Hogwarts, the once-familiar sights and sounds seem to blur into a haze. The vibrant tapestries that adorned the walls, depicting the rich history of magic, now appear dull and lifeless. Within this first week, four students were pulled out of class due to Voldemort and his followers murdering their families. The constant reminders of the dark times that lie ahead have become an unwelcome companion, a constant presence that refuses to be ignored. I can't let it be ignored for much longer soon enough we will be at war with each other. Everyone will be forced to pick a side, Even the ones we deem to be closest to us.