Bittersweet

‘Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Potter you are wanted in the Headmaster’s office.’

Professor Snape said this slowly, his eyes lingering on Mr. Weasley, before immediately turning on his heel.  ‘In any event, five points from Gryffindor.’

Harry’s jaw dropped, ‘Why--?’

‘For arguing with me, Mr. Potter Gooday.’

Hermione gave him a searching look, mouthing the words ‘no’.

Instead of getting angry, Ron actually smiled, as if he were laughing at some private joke. 

He took hold of Hermione’s hand and led her towards the exit.

She squeezed his hand tightly, and this time his eye lids lowered, something unreadable flickering across his face before he looked at her warmly.  It was odd, but ever since the library incident he was always touching her…if she weren’t so on edge she would give in to his demands.

He seemed to wan sex all the time. ..

She followed them in the direction of Dumbledore’s office, but they were intercepted by Professor McGonagall.  She seemed uneasy.

‘This way,’ and they followed her into an empty classroom.  There was Dumbledore, and both Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.

‘Return my son, you whore!’ Naricssa hissed

Dumbledore’s eyes turned dark, ‘Take Mrs. Malfoy to the room , please.  I will not tolerate such language.’

She hissed and Hermione hid behind Ron, who was staring at Lucius Malfoy.

‘Mr. Malfoy has gone missing.  No one can locate him.  He isn’t dead, that much is clear.’

‘Either my son has fled, or perhaps he met with a different fate…?’  Lucius spoke slowly, his gaze moving from each person present before resting on Ron.

Ron stared at him intently.

‘I don’t know what you are saying,’ Ron slowly said, ‘Are you implying we had something to do with this….?  I wish I had.  Did you see what he tried to do to Hermione?’

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, ‘That  is enough, Mr. Weasley.’

Harry shifted uncomfortably, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know.’

Hermione looked baffled, ‘Is…is he gone?’ and then the horror of that dawned on her, ‘will I see him again?’  she looked imploringly at Dumbledore.

‘Ms. Granger it seems Mr. Malfoy is not present on the grounds.  Or in the woods.  In fact, he seems to have…vanished.’

She swallowed.  She hoped that was the case, but not knowing where he was could be just as scary.  What if he found her?  TO finish off what he started?

Ron wrapped his arms around her possessively .  ‘You’re safe Hermione.’

Mr. Malfoy raised an eyebrow, and then turned to Dumbledore, ‘…It seems my son has fled. But I know he is alive, and he will always flourish…’  He let his eyes slide over Ron, lingering for a moment before moving on to Harry and then Hermione, ‘Wherever he is.’

And without another word, he left, sweeping out dramatically.

Dumbledore sighed, ‘You three may return to your classes, but do not hesitate to return with any new information.  Undoubtedly the entire school knows of his disappearance.  Please be sensitive.  I do not want to hear that any of you are fanning the flames of rumors.’  He paused, ‘And Ms. Granger?’

Hermione turned to look at him, ‘My door is always open, should you feel the need to talk.’

Hermione nodded slowly, before turning, following Ron and Harry.

She hated to admit it, but right now, she was glad.  Even if it meant his parents were upset.  But she was happy to be as far form Draco Malfoy as possible.

If that made her a horrible person, then she was horrible. 

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I would love to hear your reviews.  I am happy to move forward. 

Although this story is starting to feel less and less dark to me.  Am I crazy for thinking that? I think my next story will have a slightly more angsty edge…hmmm……well, what do you think?

  And I am happy you like it magi, this whole story got continued because of you!