Determination| 𝐴 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝚈𝚎𝚊𝚛 4, 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 2)

Chapter Eight | Read All About It

Read All About It, by Emeli Sandé

Hermione blinked as Draco brought his lips away from hers and pulled her into a hug. He was so tall and she was so petite that he enveloped her completely, his head resting on her shoulder and his arms wrapping around her small waist. Hermione let out a long sigh. She didn't know why, but this felt so good. Her chest pressed up against his. Even compared to all those long-lasting kisses and caresses, this simple hug meant the world to her. Because she once again felt safe and she had Draco back. In Draco's arms, his tight embrace, she felt peace and warmth. He sighed and whispered through her hair. "Goodbye love."

Sighing, Hermione nodded and Draco slipped out of her arms and out of her grasp. He headed for Knockturn Alley and she was to go to Diagon Alley. But it pained her to see him go. Surely he would get into trouble for being missing the entire night. And on the night of a raid... Had Draco's father been in the raid? If so, why had Draco not been? Well, she knew why Draco hadn't been, but how was he going to explain himself? Hermione sighed. She worried for him. Lucius was sure to punish him for something or another. Whether he found out that Draco saved Hermione or not.

So many questions ran through her mind. Hermione didn't know how Draco planned to avoid the questions that were sure to follow. But then again, neither did Hermione. What was she going to tell Harry and Ron? They would give her enough trouble, let alone Mr. Weasley. He would be terribly angry. She had been his responsibility, under his care. If anything had happened to her he would have been held responsible. She felt terrible for not thinking of that. Hermione then froze as another terrible thought came to mind. What if Mr. Weasley had told her parents of her disappearance? They would be furious!

But even if she had thought to let the Weasleys know where she had been, she had no way of telling them. Draco couldn't have apparated back so quickly, not with his injury. It would have put too much strain on him. Hermione couldn't say she wasn't glad Draco had done what he did. He had only done it to prove to her that he hadn't been the one who hurt her, and she believed him. Why would anyone try so hard to win a girl back that they had previously said disgusted them? Why would they go to drastic measures, hurting themselves in the process to explain to her that it wasn't them? They wouldn't. It hadn't been Draco who had said those hurtful things, Hermione knew that with all her heart.

Hermione sighed and made her way into Diagon Alley, keeping her eyes peeled for her friends. A group of redheads shouldn't be that hard to spot. At least, you wouldn't think so. She felt quite ashamed but if she was being completely honest, Hermione had been so overwhelmed by everything that had happed the previous night, she'd completely forgotten about the Weasleys and Harry. She knew they must've been worried sick, and Hermione was sure they wondered where she had been. What was she going to tell them?

Then Draco's voice repeated in her mind. "I've already informed the Weasleys to meet you here." What had he told them? And how had he told them? Hermione knew Draco was smart enough to let the Weasleys know that she was safe without telling them who he was or how he knew. If Harry and Ron found out it was Draco who kidnapped her they'd be furious. Not to mention the fact that she spent the night with him. Nothing had happened of course, but it would not be good if anyone found out, especially Hermione's parents. And if Ron found out, he'd probably tell them just to spite her.

Hermione swallowed nervously and continued down the street. It didn't take long for her to spot a familiar face, or rather, figure. She approached the half-giant with a weak grin and called out. "Hello, Hagrid."

It took a moment for Hagrid to figure out where her voice had come from and he turned around with a grin. "Her'mione!" He said giving her a rough pat on the back and hugging her. "Where 'ave you been? The Weasleys 'ave been worried sick, they 'ave. Are ya alright?" He asked hurriedly with concern. Hermione smiled gently.