Hermione Zabini

Chapter Twenty Four

A/N: I am aware that the previous chapter did not live up to everyone's expectations. I'd like to apologize for the rushed plotline and storyline holes.  I felt the need to quickly hash something out to give to you guys after the really long break I took. I will go back to Ch.23 soon and extend it and whatnot, but until then you will be pleased to know that I made sure this chapter was up to my standards before I released it ahah. 

With Blaise Zabini

Despite it being relatively mundane outside, there was a distinct chill that was present within the Owlery of Hogwarts. The breath of cold air almost startled Blaise to which he almost dropped the letter he was holding. He turns around and glares around the empty tower as if trying to find someone to blame. Once he was certain that nobody was around, he finishes what he came here to do. 

The tawny owl holds out its leg patiently and Blaise gently attaches his letter. If owls could smile I am sure this one would as Bean and Blaise shared a close bond. Well a bond as strong as an owl and a wizard could have. Bean flies off into the sky with a small hoot and Blaise lets out a small smile. Then heaves a big sigh. 

He finds the view from the tower quite intriguing. From here you could feel the peace and serenity. Well, until there is none.

A thump and a violent string of words alerts Blaise of somebody coming up the tower. He pulls out his wand and holds it loosely at his side. Blaise backs against the tower walls and creeps along. He stops by the entrance and is ready to jump out at the visitor if needs be.

1...2...3...

'Gotcha' Blaise whispers darkly and wraps her arms around this persons thoat. Then merely a moment later lets go of the person, confused. 

'Gee Thanks Zabini. You certainly look happy to see me' The young blond spoke sarcastically. But there was a spark of hope in his eyes that wasn't there before.

Not that Blaise noticed this of course. In fact he hardly wanted to face his best mate now. He felt stupid that he just tried to attack Draco.

'Mate, I'm sorry-' Blaise turns around swiftly and begins to apologize before he is swiftly cut off by Draco. 

'You were just on defence, I know. I get it. Its been... difficult' Draco says in understanding. They stand there for a moment in mutual agreement before Blaise turns away. 

'So what are you doing up here then? We all know that your owl comes when called no matter where you are.' Blaise teases Draco who rolls his eyes in response. 

'Very funny. Actually I wanted to discuss something...' Draco pauses for a moment, unhesitant on how to proceed. 'So... I have good news and bad news.'

Blaise turns around but Draco avoids his eyes. Oh boy, Blaise thinks, this is probably going to be serious. 

'The good news first then.' 

Draco clears his throat and pulls out a folded up piece of parchment. 'I received this not long today, within it... contains some information that may help us cure Serafina.' 

Blaise lights up. 'Well that is great isn't it!' His smile dims quickly when Draco still won't hold his gaze. 'What's the bad news?' He asks hesitantly. 

Draco hands the letter to Blaise who looks at it wearily before taking it. Draco begins to speak. 'There is no guarantee that this would work and... and look Blaise, look at who it is from.' Draco's voice holds a desperate tone to it. If Blaise was to make eye contact now he would ntice that there is a level of pleasing within Draco's eyes.