Say Something

Chapter 13

The rest of the week passed by in a single haze. Draco had vanished completely but had even Professor McGonagall convinced that he had fallen ill. I couldn't concentrate on anything, not my schoolwork, not Harry's constant interrogation, not anything. I was too worried about Draco.

I meandered to Hogsmeade alone, I needed to go beyond my reading tree, I needed distance from Hogwarts all together. I wasn't sure what I would accomplish by having butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, but I needed to be away from Hogwarts.

I pulled my coat tighter around me as I followed some of my classmates through the small village. Winter was in full force now, snow covered the ground, and it was nearly our Christmas break. I couldn't believe how fast the term was passing. I had been so consumed by my relationship with Draco and deteriorating friendships with Harry, Hermione and Ron that I could hardly concentrate on my sixth year, it was already almost half over.

I sighed as I walked into the pub and saw Harry, Hermione and Ron huddled around a table, nearly empty glasses in front of them. Harry whispered harshly to Ron, trying to stop Ron from inviting me to join them. Ron had been friendly to me since our conversation earlier in the week and Harry was struggling with that.

"Thanks Ron, but I'd rather sit at the bar anyways."

Harry snorted and laughed once. "Not with your sod Malfoy? He's just there, all alone too." Harry sneered.

I looked where Harry had pointed and did see Draco. His eyes were on his lap and his hands shook lightly on top of the table, he was holding a wrapped package. I ignored Harry's glare as I walked towards Draco. He sighed as I stood in front of him.

"Hey." I whispered, trying to restrain my tears.

Draco's eyes were unresponsive as he stood up from the table and stalked towards the bathroom. I thought to follow him and beg him to talk to me, but Draco behaved so uncaring towards me. I didn't think he would listen to me. I sat in the booth he had just vacated and allowed some tears to escape my eyes. I jumped when Hermione suddenly stood next to my table.

"May I sit down?" She mumbled.

I shrugged my shoulders and Hermione sat directly beside me, forcing me to move across the bench.

"This may be the three butterbeers I've had talking, but I really am sorry for how horribly we've treated you."

I smiled once as I looked into Hermione's eyes, her cheeks were rosy and her mind was clouded with muddled pictures of Ron. I knew I couldn't take this conversation seriously but I would humor her anyways, she could have said nothing to me.

"It's alright Hermione. I understand. I'm sure I'd do the same or worse if it was you."

"Ugh." She groaned. "Me and Malfoy? That's revolting. But--um--to each their own I guess?" She mumbled nervously.

I smiled and patted Hermione's hands. "Don't worry about it. Draco and I aren't even together anymore, I thought you three would notice that."

"Really? I'm sorry Mel, I guess I did notice that."

I looked away from Hermione as I noticed Draco stumbling out of the pub, he looked distressed and I intended to follow him to find out why. As persistent as Draco was about not being with me, I refused to give up on him.

"Can we talk later Hermione? I need to go, now."

I didn't allow Hermione to respond as I jumped up from the table to follow Draco. I pushed my way through the pub and outside, Draco was already gone. I squinted my eyes through the snowfall and couldn't find him anywhere. I sighed and started walking on the path back to Hogwarts, not wanting to go back and face Harry's smugness.