Chapter 7
As I sit in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom listening to Professor Snape talk, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency and desperation. The spells and charms we learn now hold a deeper meaning, as they may one day be the only thing standing between life and death. Each flick of my wand, each incantation muttered under my breath, carries with it the weight of the lives that have already been claimed by Voldemort and his followers and those that may be lost in the future. The room is dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the walls as if mirroring the darkness that threatens to consume our world. Professor Snape's voice, cold and commanding, cuts through the silence, emphasizing the gravity of our situation. His words echo in my mind, reminding me of the countless battles fought against the forces of evil, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Lost in my own thoughts I barely notice the professor standing in front of me until my book is shut. Snape is also a part of the order though he is still a death eater. I wonder if he is helping Malfoy on his mission.
As I glance up at Professor Snape, his dark eyes bore into mine, and for a moment, I catch a glimpse of something unreadable in his expression. Is it concern? Or perhaps a flicker of guilt? My mind races with questions, but I dare not voice them aloud. After all, Snape's reputation precedes him. He is known for his cold demeanor, his sharp tongue, and his unwavering loyalty to the Dark Arts. He is not known to help those in need, though Malfoy is a Slytherin. So that may be different. I stand up and let my thoughts drift away as I walk out of the classroom.
I make my way down the dimly lit corridor, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As I turn a corner I bump into another student. I have seen him around but I've never talked to him before. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you. Are you okay?" I ask, my voice filled with genuine concern. The other student nods, a small smile playing at the corners of their lips. "No worries, I'm fine. It's just a little unexpected, that's all." I feel relieved by their response "I've seen you around campus before, but we've never really talked. I'm Hermione," I introduce myself, hoping to bridge the gap between us. The other student's smile widens, and they extend their hand in return. "Nice to finally meet you, Golden girl. I'm Cormac Mclaggen. But I have Quidditch practice to get to so see you around pretty girl.” With that, Cormac walks away leaving me weirded out. I hate when people diminish me down to Golden girl, or just being pretty. I am so much more than that. Im the smartest witch in Hogwarts currently. Not just some pretty girl and not someone to just let people walk all over her accomplishments.
I look at the time and realize that I had already finished my classes, though that is strange to me seeing as I don't remember doing any of them except defense against the dark arts. I push my bag higher on my shoulder and walk up to the common room.
I feel as though I have nothing to do tonight seeing as I can’t see Malfoy, though hopefully he will have some good information for me tomorrow. Even if he doesn't, I don't mind just sitting and talking to him like we have been. Sitting with him in the astronomy tower at night watching the stars and getting to know the real Draco Malfoy who has a heart and cares deeply about his mother is like no other experience. Despite his reputation as a cunning and arrogant individual, I have come to see a different side of Draco. Our conversations have revealed a depth to his character that is often overshadowed by his family's dark history. In those stolen moments under the night sky, he opens up about his fears, his doubts, and his struggles.
It is in these vulnerable moments that I see a side of Draco that few others have witnessed. His love for his mother is unwavering, and he speaks of her with a tenderness that surprises me. I will be honest if someone told me a year ago that Malfoy had a heart and was not the cold man I know I would have laughed in their face but I have seen it firsthand in the way he's risking his life not just his mother but for the order and it is not just within the wizarding world that Draco's compassion shines through. He has taken it upon himself to aid innocent lives in the muggle world as well. The boy who once called me a mudblood, and was a severe blood purist gave me valuable information that saved a muggle family.
I make my way through the common and go straight upstairs to my room I just need a nap right now. The day has just exhausted me beyond measure, and I have never felt like this even when I was using the time turner to take more classes, or in my fourth year when I stayed up for nights making sure Harry would stay alive in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I lay down on my bed and checked the notebook. To my surprise, Draco had written me.
Hey, don't forget I can not make it tonight. Though I will miss talking to you - D.M.
Classes should be done for the day. Are you doing okay? Haven't heard From you so you have me worried - D.M.
So who was the guy you were talking to? My source said you looked grossed out and uncomfortable do I need to come back and handle it? - D.M.
Shit. I Completely forgot to check it earlier, But how does Malfoy know about Cormac? He is not here today
Sorry I have been so space today, and the boy was Cormac. I bumped into him, we introduced ourselves and then he said some weird things. Im okay though Malfoy I don't need you to hurt someone for me. - H.G.
Now to patiently wait for his reply. I lay my head on my pillow and shut my eyes. I don't plan on going to bed this early but I do just want to shut my eyes and relax for a while without anyone bothering me. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the day slowly dissipate as I sink into the comfort of the plush pillow beneath me. Though my eyes are shut I can tell that the notebook lit up dimly. Meaning only one thing Malfoy wrote back to me. I open my eyes the sun temporarily blinding me. I let my eyes adjust I slowly sit up. I reach for my notebook and open it.
What did he say to you, Granger? Im not going to kill him. Though I don't think it is a bad idea currently. - D.M.
Honestly, it's not as bad as you might think. Cormac just called me a pretty girl. I just don't like being diminished as just a pretty girl and you know that. - H.G.
I go to shut the book but before I can Draco is already writing. Honestly, I just think he’s jealous.
I'll handle it for you, I won't hurt him...Or should I say I won't hurt him too badly, but I have to go for the night the meeting is about to start. Be good and you might get a surprise when I get back tomorrow, and I will know if you aren't. - D.M.
Of course, he will know. He has someone just watching me. I wonder who he has doing that, can’t be a Slytherin they would undoubtedly spread this information within their own house. I think back to how Snape looked at me, it has to be him. Who else would Malfoy trust enough? They are both spies for the order, it is the only logical thought. I shut the notebook and set it under the pile of books on my desk. I hear a know and I walk to my door. Practice for Harry and Ron should be done by now. I open the door to see them standing there. Rons the first one to speak up.“Mione, it's already time for dinner come on. Im starved.”I give them a small smile, trying to hide the thoughts swirling in my mind. "Alright, let's go then," I reply, stepping out of my room and closing the door behind me. As we make our way down the corridor towards the Great Hall. I glance at Harry, who seems lost in his thoughts, his brow furrowed with worry. We've been through so much together, and yet there are still secrets and hidden agendas lurking within our ranks. It's hard to trust anyone completely, even those we consider our allies.
“I want to borrow that potions book of yours, You weren't the best at potions and now you are the top of our class it doesn't make sense Harry,” I tell Harry as we walk down to the Great Hall. As we enter the bustling Great Hall, the aroma of delicious food fills the air, momentarily distracting me from my concerns. We find an empty spot at the Gryffindor table and settle down, joining our friends already engaged in conversations. Ginny is sitting with Dean, im not sure if Ron knows or not but I believe they are dating, And I sure as hell am not telling him.
Platters of the tender and juicy roast beef, roasted potatoes that are crispy and golden brown, while their insides remain soft and fluffy, and piping hot bowls of buttered peas appear before us. It feels like it has been so long since I have had food like this. I like this type of food, it reminds me of what my mum makes for the holidays. I start eating and just tune everything out. Soon enough Draco will be back and I will have something to pass the time and give me more information to give to the order. I feel eyes on me breaking me out of my thought process. I look up to see both Harry and Ron looking at me. Harry speaks up from my now gazing eyes. “Malfoy still isn't here, strange that is the second thing that he has been gone from not including the classes.” I simply shake my head, a sense of unease settling within me as I realize that this is the second time they've mentioned it to me today.
I try to maintain a composed expression, not wanting to reveal any hint of my true feelings. "Perhaps he's just busy with something," I offer casually, taking another bite of the succulent roast beef. But deep down, I know that Draco's absence is not a mere coincidence. I know he's at his meeting just so he can help with the order. As long as the boys don't find out where he is we should be good. “Well, whatever it is isn't in the castle. I haven't seen him on the map since last night.” Harry tells me with an annoyed tone. Curse that damn map. I think I can say it's the bane of my existence. But I cannot let my frustration show. I must maintain my composed demeanor, my poker face, even as Harry's irritation seeps into the air around us. As Harry continues to vent his frustration, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. I am keeping secrets from him, from all of them. But it is a necessary evil, a sacrifice I must make to ensure our victory. The weight of the war rests on my shoulders, and I cannot afford to let my true emotions show.
“As I said Harry, maybe he is just busy, or maybe he is sick. Just once can we stay out of something that we have no business being in.” I don't exactly yell at Harry but I won't deny there wasn't anger to it. I stand up and leave them. I walk up past the common room and I reach my room, I close the door behind me and take a moment to collect my thoughts. I settle into my bed, feeling the weight of the day's events weighing heavily on my mind. With a deep sigh, I lie down, I want this day to be done as soon as possible. My thoughts run through my head as fast as I can think of them and my thoughts, once orderly and organized, now resemble a chaotic jumble of puzzle pieces, scattered across the vast expanse of my mind. They collide and intertwine, creating such confusion. It feels as if my brain has been running a marathon without rest. It is as if my mind has become a battleground, where thoughts collide and collide again, creating a storm of ideas and emotions that I struggle to comprehend. Truth is I have never felt like this outside of taking a test. The relentless pace at which these thoughts race through my mind is both exhilarating and exhausting, leaving me in a constant state of mental fatigue. It is as if my brain has become a never-ending carousel, spinning faster and faster, with no way to slow down or catch my breath. I know what anxiety is and being on the brink of war has stirred it up.
The constant news and updates, the uncertainty of what lies ahead, have turned my mind into a whirlwind of fear and apprehension. Each thought, each piece of information, adds fuel to the fire, intensifying the storm within me. In this state, it becomes increasingly difficult to focus, to find clarity amidst the chaos. The noise in my head becomes deafening, drowning out any semblance of peace or tranquility that my room had once had. I hear i loud crack in my room. I open my eyes to see the blonde-haired boy I have become so familiar too. Before I know it Draco is on my bed holding me. I have no clue when I started crying but I only noticed when I saw Draco's shirt stained with my tears. “Granger talk to me. What happened, my love? Why are you crying?” I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and collect my thoughts. Draco's presence brings a sense of comfort"It's just... everything," I manage to say, my voice trembling. "The constant news, the uncertainty of the future... it's overwhelming. I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of fear and unease." Draco's grip tightens around me, his eyes filled with concern.
"I understand, love. It's a lot to handle, especially when we don't know what lies ahead. But remember, we're in this together. You're not alone." I hold on to him like I’m going to lose him. “How…How are you here?” I pull away for a moment and look at him. I didn't realize until this moment how close I actually was to him. “I felt a pull, So i came, and I’m glad I did.” I put my head back on him. I just need to be next to him right now. Even if it is just for a moment. “But apparition isn't allowed on Hogwarts grounds. It's not possible. That shouldn't be-” Before I could fully comprehend the situation, he silenced my anxious ramblings with a kiss, undoubtedly aiming to calm my racing thoughts. As his lips met mine, a rush of emotions flooded through me, momentarily overpowering my concerns. The taste of his kiss was both familiar and intoxicating as if we had shared this connection in another lifetime. He pulls away with a smile on his face. My face undoubtedly has a look of shock and confusion, But I do the only thing I can think of and kiss him back. It's not as long this time, and it's more of an I feel the same way type of kiss. We pull away from each other at the same time. A smile grows on my now sleepy face.
“You need sleep, Hermione. As much as I enjoyed kissing you I can tell you are exhausted.” I groan at the thought of him leaving. So I muster up the courage I have left. “Can you stay with me tonight? I don't want to be alone.” He grinned and took off his shoes and shirt before placing his wand on my nightstand he motioned for me to move over. He slides under my blanket and opens his arms so I can lay on his chest. I scooch over to him and draw circles on his upper arm. He runs his fingers through my hair, gently untangling any knots and soothingly massaging my scalp.
With each stroke, he creates a sense of comfort and relaxation, as if his touch has the power to melt away any tension that resides within me his fingers then trace along my spine, following its curves with precision and care. It's as if he knows exactly where to apply pressure, effortlessly relieving any built-up stress or discomfort. I let out a sigh of contentment escaped my lips as I listened to his heartbeat, furthering my calming aura. I shut my eyes and allow myself to relax, and release all of my stress. I could feel the weight of the world slowly lifting off my shoulders as I focused on the steady thump of his heart. With each breath, I could feel the tension in my body melting away, replaced by a sense of calm and serenity. My mind soon becomes blank as His body lulls me to sleep. Leaving me to complete and utter tranquillity.