Beyond Us (Dramione)

[03.] the verdict

After a few more hours, Hermione had walked back into the room where all her friends were patiently waiting for her. She had looked around the house and took a walk outside. Even if she wanted to leave, she didn't even know where she was and was far too weak to apparate out of there. She was stuck and had to face her problems, and so she did.

"Hermione," Ron called out, immediately shooting up from his seat.

Hermione simply stared at him and sighed, walking straight towards her bed. She turned around with her arms crossed across her chest as she glanced at her friends. "I've done some thinking," She said, drawing in her breath. "And I suppose you're all correct. This Abaddon bloke ... he could've killed me right then and there but he didn't. And it's probably because he wants to play a bit first." She said, gulping hard at the sickening thought. "I think it's a wise decision to assign me a whatever you called it ..." She finished, staring at the ground as she pursed her lips.

Harry nodded as a hint of a smile formed on his face. "That's great news, that's really great news, Hermione. All we want is for you to be safe," He said as he hesitantly took a step forward but in that moment, Hermione stepped away.

"Can I leave this place or am I stuck here until Abaddon is caught?" Hermione asked, turning her back on her friends as she looked out the window.

"Uhm, I'm afraid you're going to have to stay here. But if you'd like to leave, we advise you to have Malfoy--"

"Fine," She said and shook her head. "Well, you have a bad guy to catch. Don't make me stop you guys." Hermione stated with contempt dripping from her voice. "You can leave, I'm okay."

Ginny sucked in her breath as she held back her tears. Staring at her husband and brother with wet, red eyes, she nodded and let out a deep breath. "You must be tired, Hermione. Get some rest, we'll check in on you later." She said as calmly as she could muster.

Ron casted one last look at Hermione before they all left the room. He closed the door with a heavy heart and sighed. "She's never going to forgive us,"

"It'll take time," Harry spoke softly to his friend.

"If only she knew--"

"Ron, we can't. It's confidential," Ginny quickly hushed him as she furrowed her eyebrows. "As much as we want to tell, we can't."

"I know, but --"

"Well, what's the verdict?" Draco cut in as he walked up the stairs.

"You're staying here," Harry replied.

"Damn," The blonde muttered under his breath. "Remind me again why I'm the one staying behind?"

"Right now, she trusts you more than she trusts any of us." Ron answered painfully. The truth hurt. "I swear, Malfoy, if she gets hurt I will--"

"You lot did quite a damage, I don't think I need to worry about hurting her." Draco snapped as he leaned against the railing.

Ron growled as he took a step forward, but Harry quickly jumped in, pushing his friend back. "Ron, this isn't the time and place." He said quickly and looked at Draco. "I trust you to keep her safe, Malfoy. And I'm saying this because we've been partners for three years." He said, walking up to him with sad eyes. "Please, keep her safe. I'm asking as a friend."

Draco's eyes flickered from Harry to the door. "Potter, you can trust me." He said with a defeated sigh. "Don't worry, she's in good hands. Don't you lot trust me by now?"

Ron hesitantly opened his mouth but closed it. He simply nodded a second later.

"Or not," Draco stated as he glared at Ron.