Chapter 11
I wake up with a pounding headache. The memories of the first month compile into my dreams haunting me even when I am asleep. It has been months since I have talked to Draco in person. The only communication has been through the notebook. The conversations have been centered around the information that he has gathered. I can't lie to myself, but I can lie to Harry and Ron. I still haven't said the true reason Draco and I stopped talking in person. I would have bent and broken all morals that I have to protect him. A few weeks ago, Harry and Draco had gotten into a fight. Harry believes that Draco had given Katie a cursed necklace. Only I know of who it was truly meant for.
Since that day, my body and mind has ached and yearned to be with Draco. I find myself constantly replaying our last conversation in my mind, analyzing every word and gesture for any hidden meaning or clue as to why he has distanced himself from me. If he had given me a chance to speak, he would know that I wouldn't have left his side. But now, I am left with this overwhelming ache in my heart, I find myself yearning for his touch, his voice, and his eyes. I hastily grab the notebook and write.
Draco, I understand that you no longer want to see me in person. I just wanted to let you know, that I miss you and that I will respect your boundaries and give you the space you need. I understand that our relationship may have changed, but please know that my feelings for you have not.
I shut the notebook right as I heard a knock. “Come in,” I yell out to whoever. Harry walks in and sits on the edge of my bed. “Dumbledore and I are leaving the castle tonight. We are going to find a Horcrux.” I nod my head. “Are you sure that's safe? I mean think about it Harry, what happens if something goes wrong?” Harry twists his torso to look at me. “ I will be with Dumbledore, Nothing will go wrong.” I nod my head again. “If you say so, Harry.” With that, Harry gets up and walks away. The notebook lights up slightly.
Meet me in the Room of Requirement in one hour.
I look down at the words, over and over again. This is the first time in months that I will be talking to Draco again. I get out of bed and put on some jeans and a long sleeve. I want to go now, even if it means I have to sit for hours. I walk out of my room and make my way slowly to where I will be seeing him. My hands slightly shake, and my nerves shoot up. I get to the hallway where the room is. The magic can sense what I want so it lets me in.
I walk in and wait. I pick at my nails as I wait for Draco to come. The room is dimly lit, casting shadows across the walls and floor. The air is heavy with tension, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. Minutes pass like hours as I stand there. I make my way over to the worn couch and sit. Resting my body onto it. I hear the door faintly open. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest, I can't bear the thought of looking. Not yet, The thought of our last conversation in hear tramples any other thoughts that I may have had.
The sound of approaching footsteps only intensifies my anxiety, each step feeling like a dagger to my heart. Finally, the figure that I thought I knew steps in front of me. “Granger.” He speaks up quietly. “Back to last names, are we?” I lift my head up and meet his eyes. “It is easier this way.” I scoff. “Easy for who? Because I know it is not me.” He looks down at his feet. Now refusing to meet my eyes. He sighs and sits down next to me, the smell of his expensive cologne meets my nose. “I didn't come to fight with you, Hermione.” My name on his lips brings me peace, yet I am still hurt. "Then why did you come, Draco? To remind me of all the pain you've caused?" My voice trembles with anger as I struggle to keep my emotions in check. He reaches out to touch my hand, but I pull away, unable to bear his touch. "I came to apologize," he whispers, his voice barely audible.
“Draco.” I try to speak until he shushes me. “I told you to leave, I meant it. I wanted you to hate me. I wanted you to forget me and every nice thing that I had done. It would make my mission so much easier, and yet you still don't hate me. You haven't told a single soul about what I have to do. Why?” I sigh and let him take my hand. “If I would have told anyone you would be dead. Despite everything, I can't bring myself to turn my back on you. Yes, I am angry at you, but I don’t hate you.” He looks at me with a mixture of relief and regret in his eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you, Hermione. I just wanted to keep you safe.” I feel a wave of conflicting emotions wash over me as I look into his eyes. “When do you have to do it?” He lets go of my hand and looks down at the floor. “Tonight. I need you to promise to stay safe. Tonight you can not be the brave Gryffindor.” I look at him and nod.
“I need to get back to medical before someone realizes I am gone.” Draco stands up and begins to walk off. “Wait.” Draco turns around and looks at me. “I need you to promise, that if I end up being tortured by your aunt, you will protect me.” He walks over to where I am standing and kisses my forehead. “I promise, I just hope in need not come to that, and don't act like this is goodbye little lion, You will still see me.” Draco's grip tightens, his touch a lifeline amidst the chaos. "I will return to you," he promises, his voice filled with unwavering devotion. "And when that day comes, we will build a future together, free from the war that binds us now." With that Draco walks away leaving me by my lonesome.
I follow out shortly after, knowing that tonight will bring about a change that cannot be undone. I leave to go meet with Ron. “Miss Granger.” I turn to my left to see Dumbledore. “Please let Harry know I would like to see him in the astronomy tower.” I nod my head and walk away to get Harry. I find Harry standing in his room with Ron. “Harry, He’s ready for you.” He turns around and nods. Ron and I follow him out of the room and through the castle, only stopping at the stairs for the astronomy tower.
My heart aches as Harry climbs the stairs. Ron and I turn around and head towards the Gryffindor common room. My breath wavers as we reach the portrait. We walk in together in an eerie silence between us. Ron heads up to the rooms, while I stay standing at the window. I watch as the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the grounds. There is an eerie aura in the air, or maybe I just know the fate of tonight. I stare out the window as time passes. The shadows lengthen and the room grows dimmer, the only sound being the soft rustling of the curtains in the gentle breeze.
I watch as I notice Voldemort's sign reaches the sky. “Ron we need to go. Now.” I yell up to the rooms as I start heading to the doors. A crowd of students is already in the halls. We make our way down into the courtyard to see a crowd around a body. I push my way to the front. Its Dumbledore. The air is heavy with sorrow, and the silence is deafening. As I approach Dumbledore's lifeless body, I can see the tears streaming down the faces of those around me. As I look around, I see Ron standing beside me, his face etched with grief. Harry runs over to us. Quietly shutting Dumbledore's eyes. Ginny holding Harry while his sobs fill the air. Students and staff alike, lift our gently lit wands in a silent tribute to the fallen headmaster. The weight of the moment hangs heavy in the air as we stand in solemn solidarity, mourning the loss of a great leader and mentor.
. Ron and I exchange a glance, silently acknowledging the immense responsibility that now rests upon our shoulders. We know that we must carry on Dumbledore's legacy, continue the fight against Voldemort, and protect the wizarding world from the darkness that threatens to consume it. As we make our way back through the crowd, whispers of disbelief and sorrow fill the air. The news of Dumbledore's death spreads like wildfire, reaching every corner of Hogwarts. Students and teachers alike are in a state of shock, their faces etched with sadness and disbelief.
We make our way back to the common room, the weight of Dumbledore's absence heavy on our hearts. Hours pass, while there is no sign of Harry. “I’m checking the astronomy tower.” I walk through the silent etched hallways. The winding staircase under my feet leading me up to a place of death. Harry stands there, leaning against the railing. I approach him cautiously, unsure of how to break the heavy silence that hangs between us He turns to look at me. Time passes, While Harry explains what happened. “Do you think he would have done it?” Harry shakes his head. “No, He was lowering his wand, by the time Snape had gotten there.” I nod. “It's a fake, It's not the real Horcrux.” I nod my head letting him talk. “We’ll find the real one, Harry.”