Here Without You

Hermione was walking through the hallways, when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she found Malfoy just standing there, smiling.

Clutching her wand in her pocket, she glared at him. "What do you want Malfoy?"

He chuckled, glancing at her stomach. "Oh, nothing really, just wanted to see how the Golden Girl was doing."

She took a small step backward. "Fine, not that you actually care." She started to walk away, but stopped when she realized he was following her. "Malfoy, bug off!" She growled at him.

"What's the matter Mudblood, am I making you uncomfortable?" He said, stalking towards her.

This was just what she needed. Malfoy acting stranger than usual. Maybe Harry was right, maybe he really was a Death Eater. If that's true... she shivered at the thought. She knew she wouldn't be able to outrun Malfoy. There was no way.

He kept glancing at her bump, making her feel more and more uncomfortable. "Malfoy, you have five seconds to leave, or else I'll make you." She tried keeping her voice strong, but it faltered. He grinned, seeing through her act.

"You have no power over me, nice try."

She laughed. "Really, Malfoy, we both know I'm the smarter of the two. While your grades are somewhat close to mine, mine are the best. Brightest witch of the age, remember?"

His eyes darkened. Hermione stumbled back a bit, slightly terrified of the way he was looking at her.

Suddenly, both had their wands drawn, pointing at each other. "Back off," she growled, instantly becoming over protective of Eridanus. The two of them were in danger, and her body finally realized that.

"You need to learn your place, you stupid little Mudblood." Malfoy snarled, raising his wand. "Cruc-"

He was cut off when a Stupefy came flying out of nowhere, knocking Malfoy onto his back.

Hermione turned, and saw Harry standing there, anger evident on his face. He rushed over to Hermione. "Are you all right?" He asked, pulling her into a hug.

Hermione felt tears of relief slide down her face. She clutched at her friend. "Thank god you're here. I was so scared." Harry rubbed her back soothingly, making sure Malfoy was still on the ground.

She pulled back, confusion in her eyes. "How on earth did you know I was here?"

Harry grinned sheepishly. "I told you watching Malfoy on the map would pay off. I came as fast as I realized he was following you."

"Thank you Harry." She said lovingly.

Malfoy groaned, trying to get up.

Harry stood in front of Hermione, his wand at the ready.

Hermione tugged on his shoulder, "Harry, let's go, quickly. Before he wakes up."

Harry remained where he was. "I want to make him pay. Hermione, he tried to use an unforgivable on you. That's proof he's a Death Eater."

Hermione shook her head. "Harry, it doesn't matter. We need to leave, now. You know if we get caught, he'll get away from this without so much as a tap on the hand. Please."

Harry groaned, knowing Hermione was right as usual. He quickly stormed down the hallway, leading Hermione to the Head's Dorm.

Once inside, Hermione collapsed on the couch, Harry sitting next to her. He called for Dobby, who brought the tea of them steaming cups of tea.

"Hermione, I need to tell you something," Harry said with a sigh.

Hermione turned to him. She knew this was going to be happening soon. "Yes Harry."

"I'm going to be leaving for a few days with Dumbledore. I know you don't want me to go, but I have to do this, so please, understand me." Harry looked, his eyes wide in fear. He didn't want her to be upset.

Hermione ran her hands through her bushy hair. "Oh, Harry, you know I don't think you should do this." And it was true. She loved Harry to death, and she was horrified by the idea that Harry thought he had to save everyone. He thought it was his responsibility alone. That is just absolutely ridiculous, but there isn't any changing his mind, and I know that. As hard as it is, I'll just have to support him.

"Harry, I love you very much. And I think you're being incredibly hard headed by thinking you don't need any help with anything. I want to help you, I really do. But I know you're not because you want me and Eridanus to be safe. And I'm glad you care about the two of us that much."

Harry looked at her gob smacked. "Hermione," he tackled her into a hug, "for being the smartest witch I know, you can be very dumb! I care about you more than anything, and your safety is one of the most important things in my life. Same as Remus." He chuckled, taking in the smell of her curls. "You can be so daft."

Hermione pulled away from the hug, punching him lightly. "Don't call me daft. But I'm just happy you care so much. My hormones have been driving me crazy lately, so just hearing stuff like that out loud makes me very happy. I love you Harry Potter, and I just want you to be safe."

"Hermione-" He began, but she cut him off.

"Harry, I know you need to do this. You've made up your mind, and I know there is no way to change it. Just promise me you'll be safe, and that you'll come back to us."

She sniffled. She didn't really want to cry, but she just had a feeling that something bad was going to happen soon. She pushed the thoughts from her mind, convincing herself that now wasn't the time to worry. She needed to be strong for her friend.

"Hermione, don't cry," he wiped away a few of her tears, "I'll be back in a day or two, and this will all be over soon. I promise."

"Okay, Harry, take care, please."

He took her hand and kissed it gently. "I need to go see Gin though. Please take care of her, she's already a wreck."

"I will Harry. I'll have her sleep in my room. Okay?" She said with a small smile.

Standing, they embraced once more. Harry stopped at the door, and turned, pushing something into her small hands. Looking down, she saw the map. She gave him a look, and he grinned. "Please, just keep an eye out on Malfoy for me. Please."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes Harry. I will."

"Thanks Mione. And just watch out for Ron, he's really angry with me. So just don't mind anything he says."

"Okay Harry, be safe. And I'll see you soon."

Harry nodded, and quickly exited the room.

Hermione crawled into her bed, snuggling under the sheets. Harry was really leaving. The war would really be over soon. She smiled at that thought.

She only hoped that the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach wasn't foreshadowing what was to come.