STOLEN KISSES

Chapter Two

Later that same day, Hermoine was walking with Harry and Ron to Care of Magical Creatures, the class that Hagrid took over in their third year. “It would be the perfect time Harry to get everyone together.” She started quietly as she looked around her to make sure no one else was listening. “Umbridge has her weekly meeting with her goon squad and it usually lasts a couple of hours.”

“I don’t know Hermione, we were awfully close in getting caught last time. I think Umbridge may becoming suspicious.” Harry said worriedly.

“It’s up to you Harry. We could remind the members to be more careful, be more aware of the people around them.” Hermione hedged.

“Okay. I don’t think we should have a long meeting tonight. No new spells or hexes.” Harry sighed giving in. “Any word from Luna when her father is releasing that issue of ‘The Quibbler’?”

“Comes out tomorrow.” Hermione replied. Hermione had arranged with Harry to tell his version of what happened at the Tri-Wizard Tournament last year and how Cedric Diggory died. And most importantly to let the wizarding world know that Voldermort, he-who-must-not-be-named, was back and gaining strength and followers. “You know Harry, some people will still not believe you after they read the article.”

Harry grinned sadly. “A lot of people already think that I’m mental, this won’t make much of a difference. But if there’s a chance for more people to believe that he really is back, it’s worth it.”

“Remember that I’m here if you need to talk Harry.” She said as they started to pay attention to Hagrid’s lesson.


When they were led into the clearing where Hagrid had his next lesson, Hermione felt uneasy as Draco walked behind her. She turned around and glared at him, then turned her back to him, determined to ignore him. The new creature they were to study today ended up being a couple of thestrals. These creatures are the one’s that pull the carriages for the second to seventh years to Hogwarts from the Hogsmeade train station. Hermione strained to see them and leaned close to Harry. “Harry can you see them?” She asked.

“Yes. I first saw them on our first day at Hogwart’s. Didn’t want to say anything in case you thought I was losing my mind.”

“Why can you see them and I can’t?” She asked, not noticing that Draco stood beside her.

“If you see someone die, you are able to see them.” Draco said quietly.

Hermione looked to Draco. “Who did you see die Malfoy?” She asked.

He shrugged his one shoulder. “My uncle, he died from a wizarding flu that there was no cure for.”

“What do they look like?” She asked as she looked to Draco, Harry listening in on the conversation with growing irritation. Ron paying them no mind as he listened to Hagrid.

“They have black skin, no fur, their skeleton clearly visible. Their head resembles a dragon, their eyes white, no pupils. At their sides they have vast black leathery looking wings enabling them to fly.” Draco stated as he looked to a couple of creatures tear away at a dead carcass, eating their .
.

Harry gripped Hermione’s arm, “Come on ‘Mione, Ron, let’s get closer.” He said getting Ron’s attention, and stalking off away from Draco.

Hermione looked back to Draco to see him give her a fleeting smile, an actual smile, tas ias if realizing what he was doing, put in place his ever present sneer. She turned her back to him and shook Harry’s hand off her arm. “You can let go now Harry.” She said irritably.

Harry looked where his hand was and quickly removed it. “Oh...sorry ‘Mione. Just wanted to get away from the bloody git.”

“Did what he say about the thestrals true?” She asked.

“Yes.” Harry replied simply.

“I wish I could see them.” She said frustrated.

Harry looked at her sadly, “No, you don’t ‘Mione.” Thinking of seeing Cedric die and nothing he could have done to change the outcome.

She spent the rest of the class silently, occasionally giving a quick glimpse to the group of Slytherin’s at the edge of the clearing, every once and awhile meeting the grey eyes of a certain blonde Slytherin.

Draco half listened to his fellow house mates as he watched Hermione. He could see the frustration on her face because she could not see the creatures, by the way she was biting her lower lip. He also noticed the way the sunlight that was peeking through the trees would shine on her hair, remembering the smell of strawberries that her hair gave off from helping her up in front of the potions classroom. He mentally shook himself as he listened intently to the students around him, seeking any kind of information for Professor Dumbledore.


Draco lay in bed that night, his thoughts on his meeting with Umbridge. She was truly a power mad witch. A new decree would be posted tomorrow:


Decree 27: Any student in possession of the magazine ‘The Quibbler’ will be expelled.


It would appear that Potter gave an interview to Rita Skeeter on what happened at the Tri-Wizard Tournamand and how Diggory died. The Inquisitor Squad would be on the look out for this magazine and to report names to Umbridge. Draco thought he was lucky that most of the squad were dunderheads. He should have no problem making sure the students who were in possession of the magazine were not found out.

There was no way to let Dumbledore know of this latest development right away, as the floo network is being monitored and the mail is being watched. He didn’t want to risk getting caught sneaking up to the Headmasters office. He is going to have to find a better way to inform them on what is going on. Mind you Dumbledore always seems to know what’s going on, probably from all the loyal portraits that are hung all over the castle.

He slept that night fitfully, his dreams about Hermione and himself again. Same dream, different location.