I Hate That I Love You (Harco/Drarry)

Chapter 12

A week later, when Christmas break had started, Harry was sitting in an armchair in front of the fire with Ron across from him. Harry had started meeting up with Malfoy more often. Harry walked to class with him, studied in the library, and sometimes hung out to Malfoy outside of class. This seemed to greatly annoy Ron and when Hermione saw Harry and Malfoy together she simply looked at Harry and grinned.

Just as Harry was about to scribble down the last sentence of his potions essay, when he would finally be done with all his school work, Hermione came through the portrait hole. She was carrying, what looked like, the Daily Prophet in her hand. Hermione walked up to Harry and Ron and slammed the Daily Prophet down right on top of Harry’s potions essay, upsetting his ink bottle.

“Bloody hell, Hermione!” Harry exclaimed, jumping up to clean up the spilled ink. He pointed his wand at the ink bottle and said, “Scourgify,” which made the ink disappear.

“What’s up with you? Ron demanded, sitting up and looking at Hermione.

Hermione hesitated, shooting a worried look at Harry. “I have to tell you something important,” she said.

“It doesn’t have to do with spew, does it?” Ron groaned.

“No,” Hermione snapped back, “and it’s not spew Ron.”

“What’s up?” Harry asked, breaking up the argument between Ron and
Hermione.

Hermione’s eyes darted between Harry and Ron looking even more scared. Then she moved her hand away from the Daily Prophet. Harry picked it up, shot a bemused look at Hermione and then started to read aloud.

The magical community is, of course, delighted by the downfall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. But the Ministry of Magic is in deep regret to report that the reign of terror is not over. Even though their master has fallen, the remaining Death Eaters
have managed to keep He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s goals in effect. The Death Eaters that the Ministry of Magic has been unable to capture are still trying to achieve what He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could not. The Ministry of Magic is not sure how to prevent this yet. They don't know what the Death Eaters first attack will be. But they ask anyone from the magical community to come forward if they have any information about these possible attacks and to stay safe.

Harry put down the paper but didn’t look at Ron and Hermione. None of them spoke. But Ron and Hermione were both watching Harry for his reaction.

“Harry?” Hermione squeaked out. But Harry didn’t look at her.

“What is it with the Daily Prophet?” Ron shouted, standing up and clenching his fists.

“Ron, don’t shout.” Hermione looked around the common room to see if anyone had heard.

“No,” Ron said, in the same tone of voice. “What’s all this rubbish about the Death Eaters. They spent all those years denying that You-Know-Who was back and now they want to report that when they have no evidence.”

“I know, Ron. But please, don’t yell,” Hermione begged, turning to Harry.

Harry looked up to see Hermione watching him. “Harry,” she half whispered. “Are you alright?”

Harry didn’t say anything for a few moments. But then he looked up again. “I…don’t understand,” Harry croaked. “So, many people died last time and the Ministry is already betting on another war.” He stood there for a few moments before walking as fast as he could through the portrait hole.