The Girl Hidden In the Shadows (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

~9~

"Hermione?"

Nova's voice carried inside Moaning Myrtle's bathroom as she entered and went straight to the still closed stall. Nova assumed Hermione would've left it already and had been on her way to the Slytherin common room but it seemed as though the girl was bent on not leaving the stall at all.

"Did Harry and Ron make it?" came the voice of Hermione from the stall, a high-pitched sound that was weird although Nova didn't think much of it.

"Yeah, we almost got caught by Percy though," said Nova. "I'm just glad that Fred and George owe me otherwise I would seriously need to sleep with one eye open for the rest of my life."

Nova heard Hermione's chuckle as the former leaned against the stall before sliding to the floor, hearing the latter do the same.

"Although how they made it is what worries me, Hermione," said Nova softly.

"Why's that?" asked the girl. Nova sighed

"Draco," said Nova simply. It was silent for a moment, Nova bringing her knees up as she leaned wrapped her arms around it lifting her right arm showing the bracelet she was wearing under the uniform, the robes covering it completely. Another locket was added to the many it already had and although it should feel heavy it was feathery light to touch.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later," said Hermione with a sigh. "Rather now than later."

She heard Hermione's movements on the other side, indicating she also sat on the floor, the stall door being their barrier.

"Yeah, I know but I still would've preferred later," said Nova sighing herself. "I don't know how I'm going to explain it to them."

"Well judging by how things are going right now, I have a feeling those two will forget it till it is remembered again," said Hermione. "Although it will be later, much later."

Nova chuckled knowing she was right, although it still worried her.

"I'm just hoping for later," said Nova simply.

"When the time come, we'll handle it," said Hermione with confidence.

Nova smiled softly, an ease and happy feeling spreading in her heart. She really didn't know how happy those words Hermione said made her feel. She was very thankful she had a friend like Hermione. Then again, a friendship like theirs was truly unique on its own.

"Thanks, 'Mione," said Nova softly, the smile still on her face. There was comfortable silence between them before Hermione spoke.

"I still don't like him, though," said Hermione. "And neither will I speak highly of him to Harry and Ron."

"I don't expect you too," said Nova chuckling. "I don't like him sometimes, if not all the times when he's such a git."

Both girls ended up laughing the room filling with a serene and happy ambience before Hermione began coughing. At this, Nova grew alarmed.

"Is everything alright, Hermione?" Nova asked as she glanced towards the door.

"F-Fine," said Hermione her voice pitched, which only caused Nova to worry more.

"Hermione, why aren't you coming out?" said Nova. "We all know how Millicent Bulstrode looks like there's nothing wrong with how you are looking now."

"I can't," said Hermione a squeak at the end. "I really can't."

Hearing the way Hermione sounded raised more alarms in Nova's head. Did something happen? Did the Polyjuice Potion not work on her? Was that even possible?