You Wouldn't Know

Hermione walked out of the hospital wing. Why did he always have to act like that? But it did get her thinking. He thought about what he said about Harry. He knew he couldn't be right but... Maybe... No, Harry was not the rebound. She tried to shake it off but a nagging voice in the back of her head kept her mind on it. She had come to Harry right after that thing with Malfoy, but she really liked Harry. It was just coincidence. She turned the corner and saw Harry waiting at the portrait hole. She tried to hide her feelings, but apparently, she failed.

"Hey Hermione," Harry said, walking towards her. He saw her expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Hermione said, putting on a fake smile. She looked up into Harry's eyes and immediately all her troubles melted away. She fixed her forced smile to a genuine one and slid her hand into Harry's. "Shall we get going?"

Harry nodded, seeming happy that Hermione was no longer glum. They walked down the halls, passing their fellow classmates, all whispering excitedly. They stopped at the end of the line, closely followed by Neville, and Lavender. They all exchanged hellos and began talking animatedly amongst themselves.

"Are you excited about Hogsmeade?" Lavender asked, throwing her Gryffindor scarf around her neck. The other three nodded happily but Lavender craned her neck above the crowd that was starting to form behind her.

"Are you looking for someone, Lavender?" Hermione asked, a bemused look on her face. Lavender whirled around, facing the group again.

"Oh sorry. Um, no," Lavender asked, a small blush crawling up on her cheeks. "He was, um, going to come here."

"Oh, it just looked like you were," Harry answered. He looked at Hermione and they exchanged mystified looks. But they didn't have long to ponder because that moment they arrived at Filch.

"Name?" Filch asked monotonously. They gave their names one at a time and Filch gave each one of them a good, hard look before letting them pass through the gates. Lavender however stayed behind.

"Aren't you coming Lavender?" Neville asked.

"I, um, forgot, I mean, I have to go do something else," Lavender stumbled nervously. She ran off, her cheeks glowing bright red. The three raised their eyebrows, but continued on their way.

* * *

Draco sat in the common room by the fire, all alone. Apparently, every Slytherin had gone to Hogsmeade and he was the only one not going, or rather not allowed to go. Because of his constant complaining and groaning, Madame Pomfrey released him on the condition that he remain resting that whole Saturday and Sunday. He sat in the chair by the fire, the only light in the room. The day was dark and cold, and being in the hospital wing only seemed to depress him further. His head hurt from trying to think and sitting by the fire, he was once again trying to recall the night in the woods. Why had he gone into those woods? As he struggled to remember, a tawny owl flew into the room and landed on the arm of his chair. Looking at it, surprised, he snatched the letter from it's claws. He unrolled the letter and read,

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

I was pleased to hear that you are okay. The condition you came in with those many days ago was so severe; we feared we would lose you. However, your memory loss is tragic. It must be very frustrating wanting to know something that happened to you, but not remembering it. Therefore, I propose we try to work out what happened those nights ago. Please meet me in my office as soon as possible. The password is "cauldron cake". I hope and expect to see you there. Oh, and do try to take things slowly. After all, only a few hours ago, you were unconscious.

Sincerely,

Headmaster Dumbledore

Draco reread the letter again before setting it down. What did he mean "work out what happened"? How could they figure it out? Nevertheless, he stood up on his aching limbs and exited the portrait hole. On his way down to the office, he ran into a flushed Lavender headed towards the Gryffindor tower. He had a small speck of wonder but continued on his way. Finally, he arrived at the statue and he whispered the password. The staircase proceeded to appear and rise and Draco made his way up them. At the top, he arrived at a wooden door with a large gold plaque reading Headmaster. He raised his fist up and hesitantly, knocked on the door. He heard no answer and began to turn away but a soft voice called out, "Come in."

Draco turned the handle and stepped into the office. It got more and more furnished every time he came there. He looked around at the new gadgets and magical items in wonder but then directed his attention to Dumbledore. When Dumbledore caught Draco's eye, he gave him a small smile. He indicated for Draco to sit down and Draco obeyed. He lowered himself into a royal red cushioned chair. Once seated and comfortable Dumbledore spoke.

"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy. Thank you for coming. First off, how are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked, peering at Draco over his half moon glasses.

Draco replied calmly, "Fine sir."

Dumbledore nodded and said, "Now onto to further business. It is my understanding that you suffered some memory loss the night you were in the forest. Have you any idea how you got there?"

Draco shook his head. Dumbledore sighed and answered, "I have been doing some research and I think it best if you think of all the reasons why you would go into the forest. Please, use this parchment to write on."

Draco took the quill, ink bottle, and parchment from Dumbledore's hands and immediately took to work. Why would I go into the forest? He began to scribble down on his paper,

Pure malice

Revenge

Schemes

He tried to think of reasons why he had been there in the past.

Detention

Meetings

Then he figured it out. He dropped his quill on the table and told Professor Dumbledore, "I think I know why, sir."