Unmasked

I Am Worried.

Harry awoke earlier than the rest of his dorm. Dim rays of sunlight filtered in through the window as he dressed in his school robes and pulled on his shoes. He tried desperately to be quiet, praying for the floor not to squeak, as he didn't want to explain to his friends where he was going or why. Harry threw his book bag over his shoulder, darting towards the door and opening it just enough to shimmy through. He closed it silently, cringing as it passed the spot where it sometimes squeaked. It didn't.

He turned and was met with Hermione's amused eyes. "You alright there, Harry?"

"Just got to be careful," he whispered back.

Hermione allowed her voice to return to normal as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "And since when are you ever careful?" Harry rolled his eyes and she laughed. "Come on, let's get going."

The two Gryffindors eased out of the portrait hole, to which the Fat Lady seemed groggy and confused, due to the time. They strode down the hall, careful not to run into any ghost likely to cause a ruckus, or Peeves. Halfway to their destination, a giddy giggling echoed off the walls in an upcoming corridor. Hermione yanked on Harry's arm, and they stumbled into an alcove on their left. A moment later Peeves came floating past, juggling walking sticks. Harry smirked, remembering the similar scene on his first day at Hogwarts, although in that instance the sticks were dropped on Neville's head.

Harry peeked around the corner, then nodded at Hermione. They exited the alcove and resumed their walk to Professor McGonagall's quarters. Their footsteps echoed off of the walls as they walked -- the only thing filling the silence. They followed the familiar path they'd taken to classes for years, finally stopping in front of an oak door. The two looked at each other. Hermione wet her bottom lip with her tongue and then bit it, seemingly preparing herself. Then she turned from Harry and rapped on the door.

The echo from the knock was followed by a tense silence, before shuffling could be heard within. The knob twisted and the door creaked open, revealing a groggy Professor. She wiped one eye and blinked rapidly, staring at the pair incomprehensibly. "Miss Granger, Mister Potter... what brings you two here so early in the morning."

A cringe flashed across Hermione's features, but was then replaced by an apologetic look. "We're sorry, Professor. We thought you would be awake."

"Don't worry you two," she smiled. "I'm sure there's a good reason for you to be here. What can I help you with?"

Hermione glanced at Harry, who cleared his throat. "We are--er--concerned about another student. But we didn't think we could talk to Professor Snape so we came to you..."

McGonnagall tilted her head, eyes shifting from Harry to Hermione. "And who is this student?"

Hermione faltered, then swallowed. "Draco, Professor."

"Draco?"

Harry piped up, his features creased with worry. "Yes, Professor. We are worried that he's being abused at home."

Their Professor no longer look groggy. Instead she was standing tall and alert. "This is a very serious matter, Harry. Hermione. What makes you think this?"

Hermione took over this time. "Well, on the train the other day, Draco looked like he'd just been in a fight. His face was bruised, although that's all we could see at the time. And then yesterday, Harry noticed bruises and cuts suddenly appearing all over his body near the end of the day, as if a potion or charm was wearing off. I saw them too, Professor. They look nasty."

"And," Harry interjected. "All year he's not been himself. You know him and I are always going at each other, so I've been paying attention. He's been incredibly quiet. And... well, Professor Slughorn changed our seating in potions and I'm at a table with him now, too. He just seems... down. Like something is wrong."