Hermione Granger and the Two Lovers

Chapter Eight

Harry had tried to kill Hermione using Avada Kedavra, the Killing Curse. She had quickly pulled out her wand and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" Harry's wand flew out of his hand and Hermione held her wand up to his throat. She could have killed him, but she didn't. Hermione did the next worst thing she could have done. Hermione shouted, "Crucio!" Harry screamed with pain, and all Hermione could do was laugh.

Breathing heavily, Hermione sat up in bed. What a nightmare! Hermione's heart raced. Hermione glanced at her clock. It was nearly five. Hermione decided not to bother going back to sleep and got up. The stone floor felt like ice under her feet. She hopped across it and opened her trunk. Hermione pulled a blue plaid skirt and a gray jumper. Hermione quickly dressed herself and polled on her Head Girl robe. She sat down on her bed and pulled on her socks and shoes.

Hermione snuck out of the dormitory and down the stairs into the Gryffindor common room. She planted herself on the sofa where Hermione had sat with Ron just the previous night. She let her mind wander which she soon learned was a mistake.

When would she just get over Harry? When would she stop crying every time she looked at him?

Hermione buried her face in her hands. She couldn't take any more heartache.

Slam! Hermione quickly looked up. The Boys' Dormitory door had slammed closed. No one was there. Hermione assumed that the boy had seen her crying and returned to their dormitory to avoid her. Great, it would be all over the school by the end of the day.

Hermione decided to leave, people would enter the common room soon. She didn't want to be stared at by everyone. Hermione quietly slipped out the Fat Lady's portrait.

Hermione was surprised by the silence of the hallway this early in the morning. Hermione continued down the stairs, avoiding the Sinking Step.

Hermione heard a noise of breaking wood from below. She leaned over the railing and looked far below where Malfoy was breaking down the common room door that Peeves had broken. Hermione giggled. Malfoy looked up and Hermione quickly stepped back from the railing. When Hermione thought it was safe, she peered over the edge. Malfoy was sneaking down the stairs suspiciously. Hermione curiously followed.

Hermione smiled to herself. This could be her chance to get Malfoy in trouble. Maybe she'd give him detention, Umbridge style. Hermione sniggered.

Malfoy reached the bottom of the stairs and turned into the Great Hall. Malfoy left the door ajar and Hermione crouched down by the door and peered in.

Without thinking, Hermione gasped. Lucius Malfoy's head was sitting in the Great hall fireplace. Luckily, neither of the Malfoys glanced at her.

"Has Potter arrived safely?" Lucius demanded impatiently.

"Yes, father," Draco replied.

"And what about the werewolf?" Lucius asked, referring to Lupin.

"He arrived late last night," Draco answered quickly. "Do you think our plan will really work, father?" Draco asked uncertainly.

"Of course it will!" Lucius hissed to his son. "As long as no one informs Potter of our plan ahead of time." Lucius glared at his son. Draco shuddered at his father's glare.

Draco glanced at his watch. "You had better leave, father. Breakfast will start soon," Draco notified his father.

At that, Lucius Malfoy's head disappeared with a small pop. Draco started toward the door where Hermione was crouched.

Hermione dashed for the broom closet under the stairs. Hermione just closed the door when Malfoy burst out of the Great Hall. He hurried up the stairs toward his dormitory.

Hermione waited for his footsteps to fade away and exited the closet. Hermione knew where she had to go. Hermione rushed towards Dumbledore's office.