Entranced (Draco Malfoy)

•five•

Dove Taylor and Hermione Granger rush through the halls of Hogwarts, the latter speaking very quickly to the former. To say Dove is horrified would be an understatement. Not only is she horrified, but she's scared. Her face is flushed a light pink, and there's a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead.

"Hermione, you can't be serious about this! I understand Harry wants to make sure his godfather is alright, but what we will be doing could get us expelled," Dove frets, her hands shaking.

"I need you to promise me that if Harry Potter ever needs you or your help, that you will go to him and do all you can to help him."

She purses her lips, remembering her promise to her parents. Harry requested that Hermione get her, because he needs her and her help. She just wished the task would be easier than this. Is her promise worth her morals? Her beliefs? She can't answer that question, which makes her feel as if she can't do this. 

"I know," Hermione whispers, "I wish it didn't have to come to this, but it's better than leaving school grounds to go to the Department of Mysteries without any sense of a plan. I'm sorry I have to ask this of you."

"No, it's alright," Dove says bravely, knowing the promise she made to her parents is the most important of them all. "We need a distraction to get Professor Umbridge away from her office, right? She quite likes me. I can get her away from it easily. The only problem is that she will move on from me fairly quickly. You'll need to be fast."

"Of course, we'll be quick," Hermione agrees. "Thank you."

The two reach the Fat Lady's portrait, who stares at Dove in reproach, "I don't think you're supposed to be here!"

"I'm sorry," Dove says genuinely, "but some friends are worth breaking rules for."

Hermione murmurs the password to the Fat Lady, who doesn't seem to entirely hate the Hufflepuff since she swings open and allows the pair to enter. Hermione leads Dove up to Harry and Ron's room that they share with Dean, Seamus, and Neville.

"Is she here?" Harry asks instantly, once Hermione walks in first.

Dove makes her presence known, stepping out from behind Hermione, "I'm here. And I'm ready to distract Umbridge. How much time will you need?"

"Fifteen minutes," he tells her, beaming a smile in her direction.

It's quite obvious that Harry fancies her. She only wishes she fancied him as well. He deserves the world, that boy. However, her heart belongs to a certain blond-haired Slytherin with gorgeous grey eyes. Her Slytherin deserves the world as well, and she will do her best to give it to him.

"I'm on it. Just hurry and be careful, alright?"

"Always am," he lies. "Thank you."

Dove nods curtly, "Now, let's go."

The Trio jump up and follow her outside, where they split up. Dove hurries to the High Inquisitor's office, her heart pulsing in her throat. She cannot believe she is about to do this. She reaches the office, knocking three times.

"Come in," Professor Umbridge's annoying voice calls, and Dove pushes the door open, walking in. "Miss Taylor! What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

Dove feigns unhappiness, "Oh, Professor! I know you're really busy doing really important things as the High Inquisitor, but I was wondering if you'd be able to spare a few minutes to come on a walk with me? I need your advice!"

Dove cannot believe she just lied to a Ministry official. As awful as the woman may be, she is still to be respected and treated like the Ministry official she is. Her heart drops as she realizes she's already lied to her once. That was when the Inquisitorial Squad raided Dumbledore's Army and Draco broke her nose. Professor Umbridge gasps, her face going slack with surprise.