You Wouldn't Know

Harry and Hermione walked through snowy Hogsmeade, waving goodbye to Neville as they headed towards Honeydukes. They pushed the heavy doors open and immediately felt the warm air hit their faces. It felt good against their cold skin and Harry and Hermione smiled at each other as they walked into the shop. Harry and Hermione spent almost an hour in the sweets store, trying different samples and picking out chocolate and candy to give for Christmas. Once they had purchased their presents, they left the store, their purses considerably lighter. The weather was biting and Hermione shivered, even under her thick cloak. Harry, who felt her shiver, slowly slid his arm around on her shoulder. She smiled at looked at up at Harry. He hugged her to him and Hermione felt herself melt into him. They checked the time and discovered they had just enough time to grab a butterbeer before heading back to the school. They entered Three Broomsticks and sat themselves at the nearest table. Hermione sat opposite Harry next to a small fire. She took off her gloves and scarf, letting the fire warm her. Madame Rosmerta came to take their order and Harry and Hermione engaged in a chat.

"So, how was your visit with the Slytherin prince," Harry asked, accepting his butterbeer from Madame Rosmerta. Hermione did so as well.

"Well, how is any visit with him?" Hermione said, taking a sip from her bottle. Harry chuckled and drank a hearty gulp of his butterbeer. "He was particularly unbearable today. He was really nosy and malicious. Imagine what he would have been like with his memory." They laughed and both took another sip from their drinks. The butterbeer slid down their throats easily and instantly warmed every limb.

"I wonder how long it will take him to figure out what happened," Harry said.

"I don't know, but I hope he figures out soon," Hermione said, biting her lip. Harry cast an odd look at her and quickly explained. "I really want to know what happened in that forest. Harry, if you would have seen him. And the first time. Mind you, he was worse the second but nonetheless. I just wonder what could have done that much damage?"

Harry nodded in response, but then glanced down at his watch. "Hermione, we should go."

Hermione nodded and took a last sip of her drink. Harry dumped some gold on the table and they both got up and exited. Once again out in the cold, the put on their scarves and gloves, tackling the biting wind.

* * *

"Professor, I think, well, I know the reason why I was in the woods," Draco repeated. Dumbledore looked up at him, his eyes staring at him over his half moon glasses.

"You do?" He asked, his voice hinting at something.

"Yes, but I can't tell you why," Draco said at a last attempt to salvage his pride.

"Whatever is in those woods that hurt you, is risking your safety and I afraid I must know," Dumbledore said softly. Draco looked into Dumbledore's eyes and realized it was a losing battle. He would find out sometime and not telling would just get him into trouble and probably, in more danger.

"I was in the woods to meet my father," Draco said slowly. He glanced up at Dumbledore.

"And?" Dumbledore asked expectantly.

"Well," Draco said. He tried to keep as much information in as he could, but it just came spilling out. "My father wants me to be a Death Eater. But I refused him. Now, he makes regular visits up to the school to persuade me to join."

Dumbledore's eyes filled with worry and sadness. "And I assume that your injuries are your father's work?"

Draco nodded his head. Dumbledore looked at Draco, a trace of pity in his eyes. "And how often would you say he comes?"

"Weekly or so," Draco said, letting his head hang down. So much had happened and now he was exhausted from the day. Dumbledore must have noticed Draco's fatigue because he spoke then.

"I think it would do you well to rest Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said. "I shall do what I can about your father."

"Please, Professor, do be careful. My father is not to be taken lightly and I ask you not to make anything worse, as I might be the one to suffer the consequences," Draco said, standing up.

"Of course, Mr. Malfoy. Now, please go rest," Dumbledore said, standing up as well. He followed Draco over to the door. "Good day to you, Mr. .Malfoy."

"Thank you sir," Draco said walking out. Then he turned around.

"Professor?" Draco asked, stopping Dumbledore in the process of shutting the door.

"Yes?" Dumbledore asked.

"Thank you sir. For everything," Draco said, looking at the floor.

"Anytime Mr. Malfoy. Anytime," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling as he closed the door.