Twisted Love

23: Hide

*Hermione had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room while reading 'Hogwarts, A History for the millionth time'. The sound of heavy footsteps coming down the stairs from the boys' dormitory woke her. She sat up slightly, not wanting him to see her.*

*The glowing flames of the fireplace cast shadows on the walls as the boy's silhouetted figure crossed the common room. The glint of the fire in the boy's glasses helped her to identify him, Harry Potter.*

*Hermione sat up straight, causing her friend to stop and look at her. His eyes were glazed over, almost as if he wasn't looking at her, but through her. He slowly turned his head back towards the portrait hole and left Gryffindor Tower.*

*She knew that Harry wouldn't have any reason to be leaving this late at night. Especially without telling her or Ron what he was doing. Hermione stood up from the couch and quietly made her way over to the portrait hole. She left Gryffindor Tower and discreetly followed after Harry.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*As they continued to go up, floor by floor, traveling from corridor to corridor, Hermione realized where Harry was headed. He opened the door that led up to the astronomy tower and entered. She waited a moment before following him.*

*Hermione did not go up the stairs, but stayed beneath, hoping no one would find her there. She looked up to see Harry standing at the top of the stairs as another figure came into view.*

A familiar voice: It's about time you got here, boy!

*She instantly recognized the harsh voice of Lucius Malfoy.*

Harry: My apologies, master.

*Hermione gazed upon her friend in shock as he knelt down in front of the former death eater and bowed his head. Lucius flipped his platinum blonde hair over his shoulder.*

Lucius: You are pathetic, boy!

Harry: Yes, master.

Lucius: What information have you brought me?

Harry: Your son is still with the mudblood, master.

Lucius: How dare he?! He should know better by now!

*Harry blinked and shook his head as he looked up.*

Harry: Mr. Malfoy? What are you-

*Lucius spun back around, pulling out his wand.*

Lucius: Imperio!... Do whatever you must to keep the mudblood away from my son. Kill her if you have to.

Harry: Yes, master.

*Lucius turned to leave with a wave of his hand and went down the stairs, exiting the astronomy tower. Harry followed shortly after him, not noticing Hermione as she left her hiding place.*

*She, too, exited the astronomy tower, following closely behind Harry as he made his way back to Gryffindor Tower.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*He said the password and the Fat Lady opened the door. They both climbed through the portrait hole, Harry still not noticing her. Hermione separated from him as he went up to his dormitory.*

*Hermione still could not believe what she had just witnessed. Draco was right! His father had bewitched Harry. She had to warn him. Hermione glanced over towards the table in the corner of the common room and was surprised to see Hedwig sitting upon it.*

*Without a second thought, Hermione went over to the table and wrote a quick note. She gave it to the snowy owl.*

"Take this to Draco, please."

*Hermione, once again, left Gryffindor Tower and quickly made her way to the seventh floor corridor. She passed in front of the wall three times before the entrance to the Room of Requirement appeared before her. She grasped the heavy brass handle and pulled the door open before quickly stepping inside and closing the door behind her. Draco had not yet arrived.*

*Hermione paced the empty room, impatiently waiting for Draco. She looked up from the floor as the door slowly opened and he finally stepped inside.*

Draco: Hermione? What's wrong?

"You were right! Your father has bewitched Harry!"

Draco: How can you be sure?

"I saw it! I followed Harry to the astronomy tower and your father was there."

*Draco's body stiffened at her words.*

Draco: What did he say? Hermione?

*She looked away from him.*

"He told Harry to kill me if he has to. Draco, we need to go to Professor McGonagall! She can help us!"

Draco: But then he'll know that we know!

"Does it matter?"

Draco: If he knows we're onto him, he'll kill you.

"Then what should we do?"

Draco: We watch our backs and make sure Harry doesn't try to kill you any time soon.

"We're going to hide?!"

Draco: For now... It's the only way to keep you safe.

"I can take care of myself."

Draco: I know you can. We'll find a way out of this...

The End.