Inordinate Love

End of September. Pt. 2

"She knew it was really sad when she stopped loving the things she loved."

TW: Mentions and depictions of SH.

Hermione's Two Weeks:

Before I knew it, two days had passed and I had not seen him. I was secretly hoping I'd run into him again so I could ask him what he had meant that day in the library, but I never saw him.

He didn't show up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

"Honestly, 'Mione." Ron interrupted my thoughts as we sat in the Great Hall. "This is exactly what I was talking about." I wondered how long he'd had his 'I told you so' speech prepared. I glanced in Ron's direction to shoot him a glare, but instead my eyes found his table as they had many times before. Only this time, there was no familiar blond figure, only an empty place at the table.

"You honestly thought Malfoy liked you?" Ron said. "Come on, Hermione. You should've listened to us." I glared at Ron and said, "Oh my God! He is missing, you daft dimbo." I shot back. "And actually, I don't think so; I know so." Harry just shrugged. "I should have asked him those questions before he disappeared. Maybe then you would at least have an idea as to where he is." I scoffed. "Please, because asking Draco Malfoy if he is a death eater was such a great plan. What are you going to do with that information? Kill him?" My cheeks were hot at this point and my words were becoming faster. Honestly, what were they going to do? Ambush him on his way to class? Not bloody likely. What did they expect to get out of it anyway? A win to this war? Don't think so. "I don't know Hermione!" Harry said. "An understanding? A spy on the inside?" A spy for the order could be nice. "Well, I would, but he's missing and I haven't seen him." I say this as I look down at my books. "Bloody hell. Casual Malfoy. You were just another victim, Hermione." Ron said, beginning to start another speech.

}*{

Two days passed and I began to worry. Then five days. I came to the realization that he was gone. He was really gone. I thought and prayed that I had simply dreamt it up. But, no. There I was sitting in the library alone, waiting to be nagged by the blond boy with the brooding, stormy-gray eyes. Instead, I was met with words on cracked pages, blurred from the tears that filled my eyes. I just wanted to know if he was okay. It has been almost a week now.

No owl, no note.

Nothing.

I didn't even have the slightest idea where he could be. I figured he could be home, but he hated it there. Maybe his mother needed help.

Stop stressing, Granger.

Hopefully he was there and that would be the safest place for him. Right? Don't be so silly, of course not! He was the son of a former prisoner of Azkaban and Deatheater; his family is known for being the most prestigious and loyal followers of You-Know-Who. He just couldn't be okay if he was home.

I just hoped he was okay.

End of week one.

********************************

Beginning of week two.

I was fine. Not happy, necessarily, but fine. It was Monday, one week since I had last seen him.

Heard him.

Felt him.

Classes used to be something I loved and looked forward to; now I just can't focus. The things I once enjoyed only keep me distracted now. When he left, it was like a light had gone out inside me that I had no idea was even on. Draco Malfoy was something I never knew I needed. And now that he is gone, I am stuck trying to navigate in the dark. Maybe I'm overreacting. Harry and Ron were trying. Trying, that is. But they weren't Draco. I appreciate it, but do you know the worst feeling? It's not knowing whether I should wait or give up. If I gave up, I could finally make Ron happy; maybe I should? If I waited, I could end up just making myself miserable.