Snatched; Draco Malfoy

twenty one

The air was no longer happy and bright like it used to be, but cold and sorrowful. All the shops in Hogsmede were closed, and not a single soul was in sight.

"We need to get going. The death eaters might already be coming out the cabinet." I fretted.

Running off to Hogwarts with Blaise darting behind me felt like a dream. The sky was cloudy and the atmosphere was dark. The pattering of our footsteps could be heard clearly against the soundless night as well as our heavy breathing.

We got to the entrance courtyard and all was still. No trees rustling, no birds chirping. Something was obviously off tonight.

Although it was only 8:30, it seemed eerily late at night. The students were usually in their common rooms by now however I knew too well that not many people bide by this rule. As I looked into the entrance of Hogwarts, I expected to see a student or two, running around trying not to get caught by Filch.

Nevertheless, not a single person could be seen out. Their was no life in the corridors nor in the stairs.

"Weird," Blaise spoke up. "Maybe Dumbledore threatened to hex anyone who was out of bed later than eight."

"Shh. Blaise! Now is not time for jokes. And keep your voice down, we don't want to be attracting attention." I growled.

Blaise held his hand up in surrender and mouthed 'sorry'. We first made our way to the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common room to warn them it wasn't safe to leave their dorms.

Many ridiculed us and protested that we can't tell them what to do.

"Oh well we tried," Blaise shrugged and went to walk off.

But I pulled him by the scruff of his neck back to stand next to me.

"No one wants you to know this, but..." I took a deep breath, "Death eaters are coming to the school tonight. I don't know why, but they are. And unless you want to be ripped to shreds by some of the most dangerous witches and wizards in the world, I suggest you stay here and wait for it to be over."

"And exactly what are we waiting to be over," a cocky Ravenclaw piped up.

"I- I don't know," I shot a guilty look at Blaise, "but Dumbledore will sort it out. Please just stay."

We next warned the Slytherins who, at first, were reluctant because they wanted to fight. Eventually though, we managed to persuade them to stay by saying Draco was going to hex them if they didn't stay in their common room.

Finally after what felt like forever, we reached the Gryffindor common room. As we walked in I felt all eyes on me.

"Awkward!" Blaise voiced in a sing-songy way.

"Poppy!"

I felt a dainty pair of arms warp around my shoulders, pulling me into a deep embrace.

"I thought you were gone forever. And we had an argument I'm so so sorry about that. I was being petty. I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried sick. Where have you been! I've missed you so so much and-"

"Hey, hey. Hermione! I'm here now aren't I! And the argument was my fault. If you'll forgive me I'd love to be friends again?" I proposed, hopeful.

"Of course! I've missed you terribly." She beamed, tears pooling in her eyes.

Ron came strutting towards me and pulled me into a hug, his warm body comforting me.

"Bloody hell, Pops! I feel like I haven't seen you all year! We were so worried. Blimey, you look fit." Ron complimented.