Broken But Beautiful~Dramione

Chapter sixteen

Two of the three stopped short of the hall doors, and calmly walked through. Hermione however, was struggling to maintain a steady breathing pattern.

Hermione and Draco blinked a few times to take in the scene before them. The three returning champions were arguing in raised voices with Andrea and the new Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. The Headmasters watched wearily, not wanting to publicly take sides on the matter.

As for the rest of the students, they all were silent and listening intently to the discussion.

"So we're going to ignore what happened to Cedric then?" Harry challenged, his emerald eyes glinted with anger.

"We discussed this already. That was because of Voldemort whom I seem to remember was killed by yourself Mr. Potter." Kingsley said dryly.

"So you're saying there is no other way these students will be in danger?" Viktor frowned.

"No more than what they've already agreed to when they entered their name." Andrea said firmly.

"What of Lee Jordan's death?" Harry brought up. This was a new topic that hadn't been discussed.

"What of it?" Kingsley's sense of being calm seemed to be ebbing away to be replaced with uncertainty.

"There could be more death eaters out there. How about that threat?" Harry seized the moment of doubt.

"Show us evidence of other death eaters." Andrea said snottily, but lost her attitude at a withering glance from Kingsley.

"Do you have a list of all death eaters and are certain none will interfere with this tournament? While we're sitting here having fun, they may be planning an attack right now. Also what about the pro-"

"Enough." Hermione said sternly and walked up to the table.

"Hermione-" Harry was cut off once again.

"You're frightening these children Harry. If you want to discuss these pressing manners do so appropriately. The last thing we need is parents wanting to pull their students out of this school and thinking our world isn't safe, so you stop this right now and behave yourself. We'll discuss dangers later with Tonks." Hermione whispered fiercely so only Harry could hear.

"Fine. Sorry." Harry muttered.

"Return to your breakfast. Classes will proceed as usual." Hermione announced to the hall, and took her own seat. The others who were standing went to their seats as well.

Uneasy murmuring momentarily took over the hall, but it soon turned into daily talk. Discussions about tests for the day, homework, and gossiping about Professors.

"I really should be leaving. I've caused enough trouble for the day." Kingsley stood up and made to leave.

"No you are not." Chris intervened. "Your presence will be needed following the meal."

"As you wish." Kingsley sighed, and sat back down in his chair.

Hermione noticed Draco furrowing his brow at his food. "Something wrong?"

"I was just wondering if Heron got a punishment yet."

"Oh. It really doesn't mat-" Hermione sighed and got cut off as Draco stood, helped her up, and walked swiftly over to Chris; still not letting go of her hand. She quickly twisted it out of his grasp as her heart began to feel itself start to suffocate. Countless memories of Ron dragging her to his room overwhelmed her mind and she pressed her hands together firmly in an attempt to get them to stop shaking. Her breaths became shallow and she could barely hear the words coming out of Chris's mouth.