Shiver

‘I want you to tell me exactly what you remember Mr. Malfoy.’ Mr. Granger demands, fists up as if he is going to do some kind of damage.

‘Mr. Granger,’ The headmistress snapped and that was enough to at least give the mudblood pause. 

I clenched my fists but kept still; I glanced at the headmistress and other facultly, aware of them watching me closley, looking for anything.  Something like rage is bubbling beneath the surface, rage at them for condemning me even if they are right, rage at Granger still for leaving, but most of all rage at myself for letting it him.

That’s when I swear that when, because there is no question of if, I am going to make her pay for this humiliation.

‘Your daughter, and please forgive me Mr. Malfoy, but your daughter loathes Mr. Malfoy.  I highly doubt she would have been anywhere near him before going wherever it is she has gone.’  The Headmistress stated slowly and clearly, ‘Now everyone present here, including Mr. Malfoy, are concerned for your daughter’s safety and he has cooperated with us.’ 

I lower my gaze to the floor, and concentrate on trying to keep from laughing. 

‘You reported that Ms. Granger was taking potions for anxiety, is that true?’

Ms. Granger was crying but stopped enough to say, ‘I think she was.  I don’t know.  She was really anxious.  We tried to get her take regular prescriptions but she said she would take potions, that they were better.’

‘So until that is ruled out we can assume that she has been.  Mr. Malfoy has reported and I have observed Ms. Granger emotionally upset.  Mr. Malfoy believes that she may have fled because of his presence, but we don’t know.’

I try to make my face appear concerned but not overly so—these professors know me better than anyone and no one changes over night.  So I try to appear both irritated and baffled, and it seems to not raise any eyebrows, ‘Forgive me but has anyone contacted Ginny Weasley?  Perhaps she went there.’

‘We’ve tried but no response.  Perhaps you are right.  I sent out the missing notices—perhaps someone has found her.  We of course must be careful.’ She hesitated, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Granger, please allow our charms professor to escort you to the other room. I will join you in a moment.’

I waited patiently as the other professors exited but was stopped by the headmistress, ‘Just a minute Professor Malfoy.’

I raise an eyebrow but do as she asks, ‘Yes?’

Her lips were two thin, severe lines and I prepare for whatever it is she can’t say to me in front of the others.

‘I’m no idiot Mr. Malfoy.  Ms. Granger may be emotionally unstable but I don’t think she’s the type of young lady to simply run off without telling anybody.  And I don’t think you are entirely innocent in this.’

I narrow my eyes and sweetly say, ‘I am deeply concerned for her safety because she is my own precious student.’

She in turn raised her eyebrow, ‘Let us hope for your sake that she is found safely, and then we’ll here what she has to say.’

She strides past me likesome kind of queen and I wait before the door is shut before hissing, punching the wall. I look around for a moment and force myself for a calming breath.

Think, think…

And then it hits me, and I feel a smile lighting up my face.