Love is a Dagger to Destroy: A Dramione Story

Chapter Twenty

Malfoy's POV

I grabbed Hermione's shoulder and began to shake. Her head lolled from side to side, but her eyes stayed closed.

"Hermione, wake up. Wake up!" I was frantic. You're okay, you're okay, you're okay, I repeated over and over in my head. Please be okay.

"Get back." Madam Pomfrey appeared from out of nowhere and gently shoved me aside. I took a few steps back until I was standing next to Potter.

Madam Pomfrey examined Hermione quickly and efficiently. Finally, after what seemed like ages, she stepped back. "She'll be fine, she was just overexerting herself. When she wakes up, I'll give her more of the potion and she should be fine to leave."

Potter and I both sighed in relief. Madam Pomfrey took one last look at Hermione then retreated to her office, calling, "You might want to go get some sleep. You both look dead on your feet."

Potter and I exchanged looks. "I'll stay with her," I volunteered. "She's right, you look horrible."

Potter shook his head, but didn't argue. "Try to sleep at least a bit, okay?"

I nodded, not sure whether I was telling the truth or not. Potter didn't seem convinced, but he turned and left.  I took a seat next to Hermione and picked up the piece of parchment that had fallen to the floor. I stared at the odd combination of words, trying to figure out what Hermione had discovered. 

Beatrix's POV

It got darker and darker the farther I went into the forest until it was pitch black. I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face.

I was shivering horribly and my feet stung with cold. I wasn't wearing any shoes, only jeans and a shirt. The cold night air easily cut through the fabric, which did nothing to keep me warm.

Really, me running from the house had been stupid. I should have stayed put or at least waited until morning to run away. I should have prepared for this better.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, I thought to myself. Even if I wanted to go back, I couldn't. The darkness had me completely turned around. I wasn't sure which way to go. I also couldn't hear the voices calling me.

The shivering intensified and I collapsed to the ground, curling in a ball to attempt to obtain warmth.  I started to drift and didn't even notice when I stopped shivering. It wasn't long until I slipped fully into unconsciousness.

Harry's POV

I headed towards Gryffindor Tower after leaving the hospital wing. I knew Malfoy probably wasn't going to get much sleep, but I also knew there was nothing I could say to make him leave Hermione. 

I reached the Fat Lady's portrait to find Ginny waiting. She looked incredibly nervous and bit her lip when she saw me. 

"We need to talk," she said quietly. "I... There's something I have to tell you."

"Is everything all right?"

"Harry, I... I did something really stupid and I hope you can forgive me."

"Ginny, what's going on? What did you do?" Even though Ginny broke up with me, I still cared for her and wanted to help.

"I was the one that told the Followers where Hermione would be when we met at the Three Broomsticks. I told them about Malfoy's and Hermione's relationship. I told them about her friendship with the Slytherins and I told them about her fear of Bellatrix Lestrange."

Tears streamed down her face. I had no idea what to say. "How could you?"

"I didn't have a choice!" Ginny cried. "They threatened everyone; you, Mum, dad, George, Bill, Percy, Charlie, Ron, Luna, Neville, even a few of my old boyfriends! They used the Confundus charm for a lot of the information. I just...I didn't want anyone to get hurt. They promised they weren't gonna hurt her!" Her voice dropped to whisper. "They lied."

Words escaped me. I couldn't tell her it was alright, I couldn't comfort her, because what could I say? It wasn't alright. What she did was wrong and horrible. 

"Ginny, you have to tell someone. Someone who can do something about this. Please. You can't just hide this."

"I'm sorry. I can't. I love you, Harry, and I always will. That's why I'm telling you this. I have to run. I have to leave. They know I was involved in rescuing Hermione and they are angry. They will come after me. I'm sorry, Harry. I really am. Goodbye."

She raised her wand and the world dissolved.

A/N: I am sorry for the short chapter and for being gone so long. I will hopefully be updating periodically and the book should be done before the end of June. Also, keep in mind I was 12 when I started this, so this story had more holes in it than swiss cheese. Thanks for reading!