Cold (Hermoine X Draco)

Chapter Eleven

HERMIONE POV

I know I have to tell Headmistress McGonagall. I owe it to Pansy, even if I never liked her. She was still a human being, after all. I have to stop him before Draco gets hurt...before anyone else does, because who knows who else is on his hit list. Comforting myself with logical facts doesn't help the way the words feel like lead in my mouth when I say them, and I'm shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. I don't realize I'm falling until Draco lunges out and steadies me with a hand, pulling me down into a chair before I do something stupid like pass out.

Professor McGonagall looks shell-shocked. "Miss Granger...what proof do you have? And Mr. Malfoy---both of you!---nothing leaves this room, are we clear?"

We both nod and then I open my mouth to further condemn Ron, feeling sick. "I recognized his handwriting, Professor."

"Can you prove that he did not simply write the note as an ill-timed prank or as a favor to someone else?"

I take a shaky breath. "Ron's been...acting weird since term started, to be honest. He attacked Draco and Blaize Zabini, and tried to humiliate Zabini by questioning his sexuality publicly, and he hasn't been speaking to me or Harry much. I know it sounds cruel, Professor, but...I can believe it. Um, we, uh, used to, er, date, and there was a rumor involving me and Draco after the breakup, and---I think he was jealous."

This conversation had suddenly turned awkward for both Draco and I.

Professor McGonagall seems to age before my eyes. "Miss Granger---will you consent to give your memories to the Pensive so that I may confirm the truth?"

"Of course." I murmur quietly.

She opens the cabinet and brings the Pensive into view. I've heard about it, of course, from Harry during sixth year, and I've studied it in books, but the actual glowing pedestal is not at all what I expected. She tells me to relax and then does something with her wand. I would know the incantation were I not in such a state. I knew I was doing the right thing...but this was Ron. Ron who used to annoy me when he dated Lavender. Ron who made me check his homework, Ron who never chewed with his mouth closed, Ron who fought Voldemort alongside us.

I watch glowing figures rise out of the Pensive and then the entire scene where Ron punched Draco and called Zabini gay is playing out. The whole thing makes me sick.

Draco reaches over and tentatively pokes my arm. "You look a little pale, Granger."

"Really?" I snap out. "I just turned my best friend in for murder, Draco, what do you expect?"

He backs away and I feel guilty. "Sorry."

Professor McGonagall clears her throat. "Miss Granger, I will certainly keep in mind your suspicions however at this time I do not have sufficient proof to question Mr Weasley. I believe that you believe what you're saying, but..."

"Just question him, please!" I beg. "You won't be disappointed."

"I cannot question students without sufficient reason. However, if Mr Weasley manages to get himself in another fight, I will certainly speak to him about the fight. Why don't you skip your afternoon classes, Miss Granger? I can write you an excuse."

"No, thank you, Professor." I slowly stand and walk out of the office, slightly stunned that she wouldn't do anything. She's Headmistress, nobody is going to bat an eye, and Ron doesn't have the authority to question her, and it isn't like she'll be randomly hauling students in for interrogation, I know Ron killed Pansy.

I end up skipping afternoon classes anyway, and I hide in the upstairs corridor with Bella, alternating between ranting and crying. I'm so upset that I don't flinch at the cold sensation when she hugs me...I'm just glad someone's there.