Library Love

Part 4

"Aaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Draco and Hermione pulled apart, looked at each other, and then their heads whipped in the direction of the screaming.

"Oh, my god! Help! HELP! Somebody!" There were more screams this time, others screaming for help for their friend.

Hermione and Draco rushed to the main street of Hogsmede to find maybe a hundred students and other witches and wizards crowding around the Three Broomsticks. The screams for help turned into desperate cries from her friends. Draco and Hermione turned their heads to each other, each questioning the other with their eyes. What was going on?

Suddenly the crowd began to part, and they were split apart as Professor Dumbledore, flanked by McGonagall and Snape, made their way toward the pub's entrance. Dumbledore got closer and let out an audible gasp, stopping in his path. McGonagall and Snape followed suit and stopped with anxious faces.

Professor Snape turned and addressed the audience of students. "This Hogsmede trip has been terminated. All who witnessed the incident, please remain behind. Everyone else is to go back to Hogwarts, immediately."

Hermione looked toward the ground at Dumbledore's feet and saw a student's body lying on the ground. Professor McGonagall moved to bend over the student, and Hermione saw Ron standing horrified at the edge of the circle. Harry was not to be seen. No one had moved.

"That was an order! Back to school, everyone!" Called out Professor Dumbledore, looking sincere.

Draco gently touched Hermione on the arm and led her in the direction of the school. "Come on, we have to go."

Hermione looked into his eyes and saw her fear reflected in his eyes. Her hand found his and they walked with the mass of students going back to Hogwarts. No one even seemed to notice Draco and Hemione together, every one else was too busy chatting excitedly about what had just happened.

They got back to the school and found an abandoned classroom to sit in. Neither of them really wanted to go back to their dorms. They sat in silence for god knows how long. Finally, Draco spoke up.

"I'm sure Potter's fine. It was probably somebody else."

Hermione pulled back to look at his face. He looked genuinely miserable, as though Harry was his best friend. "I didn't think you liked Harry," she said, the slight hint of a laugh in her voice.

Draco raised an eyebrow sarcastically. "What do you mean? Potter and I have known each other since first year."

"Oh, it's just that you two almost start a fight every time you cross paths. I know for a fact he doesn't like you," Hermione countered.

He looked legitimately offended at that. "I am offended, I really am. I don't really hate him... it's just, you know..." He srugged and slung an arm around Hermione again, pulling her toward him. Hermione snuggled into Draco's chest, turning her face up toward his so she could still see him.

"Continue. I'm interested, really."

He shook his head, as if embarrassed. "Nah... it's - it's nothing." Hermione blinked up at him, persistent. "Oh, alright. I don't hate Potter, I'm just... jealous. I'm jealous of him because he's friends with you. That's the truth." He looked away.

The room went quiet for a few moments. Hermione watched Draco's face, thinking over what he'd said. She wriggled around to face him and he looked back at her. A smile crept over her face as they stared at each other. "You don't have to be jealous anymore, you have me."