After The War - DARKNESS WITHIN (HP9)

Chapter 15 - His Last Escape

The snow around the castle remained largely untouched as it had become too cold to go out. Yet two trails leading up to Hagrid's hut could be seen.

Hermione and Astoria has been spending a lot of time together so when Hagrid invited Hermione for tea, she tagged along.

Hagrid laid out a spread of comfort food which he clearly got from the kitchens but Hermione couldn't eat.

"It's been days." She sighed. "Malfoy isn't back yet, nor is June. Clearly they are on the run."

"We missed our chance at the Christmas dinner. We should have confronted her right then." Astoria said slamming her hand on the armrest.

"No use dwelling on the past. There is no way you could have known what was going to happen." Hagrid said firmly pushing the plate of food closer to the girls. But Hermione still didn't eat. Astoria gave Hermione a glance before diving for the plate, she was so hungry she almost tipped over the plate.

"Oops, sorry Hagrid. I almost ruined your chair." Astoria said.

"Ah it's alright. That chair has been through a lot already." Hagrid joked. Fang made a funny noise before putting his head on Hermione's lap. "It was me dad's chair and his father before him."

"I didn't know that!" Hermione said looking up at Hagrid.

"It's an antique." Astoria said admiring the frayed woodwork on the back.

"Hagrid." Hermione said suddenly remembering something. "Can you take us to Hogsmead?"

"Hogsmead?" Hagrid asked "I'm sure there will be a trip after the holidays."

"How can you be thinking of a trip to Hogsmead at a time like this?" Astoria said impatiently.

"I need to check somthing." Hermione said getting to her feet. "Come On Hagrid. You are a teacher after all, if we go with you we wouldn't be breaking the rules."

Hagrid hesitated but Hermione was relentless. Eventually he caved.

Hermione had never been to Hogsmead on a day without the rest of the Hogwarts students. It didn't look very different. The streets still bustled with people shopping and celebrating the holidays.

Hermione tried to retrace her steps as Hagrid cut a path through the sea of people with ease. They had been searching for a while before they began to shiver in the cold.

"It had to be somewhere here." Hermione said. "I remember this lamppost."

"There are lampposts every few feet, Hermione." Astoria said, pulling her scarf around her face tighter.

"Lets get you two warmed up first." Hagrid said pointing at Madam Puddifoot's little tea shop.

It was small shop and Hagrid had a tough time fitting in a table with them so he took a separate table all by himself. They finished their hot drinks in silence and paid. Madam Puddifoot tried to get them to stay longer since the shop was otherwise empty. She offered cakes and treats which Hermione politely declined but Hagrid and Astoria enjoyed together.

Hermione turned to look out the window. She saw a familiar face looking in. The moment their eyes met, the face turned around vanished from view. She jumped to her feet at once and ran out the door, ignoring Hagrid and Astoria who called after her, their mouths full of food.

There was only one thing on her mind. To find the person who was watching her. He had dark brown hair and a short beard. But she knew him so well that his identity was still unmistakable.