The Serpent's Curse

Shadows of Concern

Hermione Granger couldn't shake the image of Draco Malfoy from her mind. Every time she saw him, he looked more gaunt than before. It was infuriating, really. How could she feel any concern for someone who had tormented her and her friends for years? Yet, there was something undeniably wrong, and it gnawed at her.

She watched him from across the Great Hall, his usual arrogance replaced by a palpable tension. His eyes, once so full of disdain, now seemed hollow. The change was so stark, it was impossible to ignore. Hermione's mind raced with questions. What could be causing this transformation? Was he involved in something even more sinister than usual?

Her logical mind fought against the burgeoning concern, but her heart couldn't help but wonder. Despite her better judgement, Hermione was resolved to find out what was happening to Draco  Malfoy. She couldn't let her hatred blind her to the possibility that he might be in real trouble.

As she pondered, Harry and Ron joined her at the Gryffindor table. Harry's face was set in a determined expression, while Ron looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else.

"What's up Hermione?" Harry asked, noticing her distracted look.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Have you noticed anything... different about Malfoy lately?"

Ron scoffed. "Different? He's still the same slimy git he's always been."

Harry, however, seemed to consider her words more seriously. "I have, actually. He's been acting strange, even for him. I saw him sneaking around the castle on the map late at night a few times."

Hermione's eyes widened. "What do you think he's up to?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know, but it's probably something bad. We should keep an eye on him."

Ron groaned. "Come on Harry. We've got enough to worry about without adding Malfoy to the list."

But Hermione was resolute. "We can't ignore this Ron. Somethings not right, and we need to find out what it is."

The three friends agreed to watch Draco more closely, though Ron did so reluctantly. As they left the Great Hall, Hermione's mind was already racing with plans. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for spying on someone, even Malfoy. But the concern she felt was stronger, and she knew they had to uncover the truth.

Over the next few days, the trio took turns observing Draco. Harry used his invisibility cloak, while Hermione and Ron relied on the Marauders map. They noticed his erratic behaviour: disappearing for hours, slipping into unused classrooms, and meeting with suspicious figures. Each observation deepened hermione's worry.

One evening, as they huddled in the Gryffindor common room, Hermione shared her latest findings. "He was in the room of requirement for hours today. I couldn't get in, but somethings definitely going on."

Harry nodded. "I saw him talking to Snape in hushed tones. They looked... tense."

Ron sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is getting more complicated by the minute. What if he's planning something really dangerous?"

Hermione bit her lip. "That's what i'm afraid of. We need to find a way to get into that room and see what he's hiding."

Days turned into weeks, and their surveillance continued. The more they watched, the more they realized how isolated Draco had become. One night, Hermione caught a glimpse of him in the Astronomy tower, staring out into the night sky, his face etched with despair. It was a look she'd never seen on him before.

She decided to try and confront Draco. She waited until he began walking back down the corridor and then hurriedly rushed out in front him.

"Malfoy." She said, trying to quickly form her next sentence. She hesitated, realizing she hadn't really thought this over.

Draco's eyes flickered with fear and hatred. Then for a moment, his mask slipped, and Hermione saw a flash of vulnerability. But then, just as quickly, it was gone.

"Granger." he spat, pushing past her and disappearing down the corridor.

As she watched him go, Hermione's heart ached with a mixture of frustration and sadness. She scolded herself for being so stupid and continued her way back to the common room.