My Soul Mate

Chapter Nine - Back to Hogwarts...

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'McGonagall' rushed out of the Entrance Hall, a brown packet in her hands. She met many people on her way, but thankfully not Professor Sprout or Dumbledore. All of them had been staring at her, wondering what the hell had happened to her. She however, hadn't paid attention to any of that. She just kept running. She had five minutes in hand and she needed to cross the threshold of Hogwarts as soon as possible.

Therefore, she ran. She ran blindly, bumping into people and things along the way. She didn't even stop to give anybody, or anything, considering the magical suits of armour, any apology. She just ran.

Fortunately for her, she crossed the threshold of Hogwarts in time.

McGonagall? Minerva McGonagall?

But since when had McGonagall got rid of her wrinkles and grey hairs? And suddenly having waist length, shiny black hair and heavily hooded eyes?

Of course, this wasn't Minerva McGonagall. It was Bellatrix Lestrange.

With a last look at the Hogwarts Castle and a smug smirk, Bella Apparated away.

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"I swear, Headmaster, it was Minerva McGonagall," said Sprout earnestly.

All the teachers (except for McGonagall), Dumbledore and Sirius (who had stayed back for the mission) had assembled in the Staff Room, to hear Professor Sprout testify.

"Professor Sprout," said Dumbledore. "Please calm down and give us a detailed account of what happened between you and Professor McGonagall."

Sprout swallowed. "I was here," she said. "When Minerva came running to me, looking very pale and out of breath. I asked her what was wrong and all that she said was that there was an emergency and she needed to see you, Professor Dumbledore, straightaway, but she also said that she had forgotten the password to your office."

"Did she?" asked Dumbledore sharply.

"Yes, she did. I told her the password and then, she asked me to go and fetch you, Professor, telling me that she was too exhausted. As I told you, she said to me that she had information about Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. I ran to get you, Headmaster, but then when we came here, you know that we didn't find Minerva."

Dumbledore listened patiently to Sprout. When she was finished, he turned to Professor Sinistra.

"Professor Sinistra," he said. "Please take Professor Sprout to her room and see that she calms down."

Professor Sinistra nodded and took Professor Sprout out of the Staff Room, with a comforting arm around her.

Then, Dumbledore spoke to the others.

"All the professors and Sirius," he addressed. "What had actually happened a few minutes ago, we don't know and perhaps will not until we find Minerva. So I suggest that we look for her straightaway. Search for her in every classroom, every broom cupboard, dormitory and washroom. Severus, you and Argus take charge of the dungeons. Alastorand Sybill, you can search the towers. Professor Flitwick, please see to the Owlery. Sirius, you go to the Quidditch pitch, Hagrid's hut and Hogwarts grounds. Professor Vector, inform Professors Sprout and Sinistra that they should search the Green Houses. After having done that, tell Madam Pomfreyto look in the Hospital wing. Then you may inspect the different offices. Now, everybody!"

There was a scramble and the teachers set out to complete the tasks they have been assigned. But Sirius stopped Dumbledore before the headmaster could go into his office. He looked around and bit his lower lip.

"Where is Hagrid, Dumbledore?" he asked.

"Hagrid is in Knockturn Alley. He is there to buy repellents for some sort of new creatures he had got and he is trying to get more information about Manumission from Servitude. He will be returning by the end of this week."

Sirius nodded and left the Staff Room. Dumbledore checked all the cupboards in the Staff Room before he too, left for his office.

Waiting in his office were Hermione and Draco.

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An hour and a half later, approximately at half past ten, Hermione and Draco stepped down the spiralling staircase from Dumbledore's office. They had just been to see him.

"So, Hermione," said Draco grudgingly. "Dumbledore didn't give us that book, did he?"

"He said he would give it to you tomorrow!" said Hermione exasperatedly.

"But why not now?"

"Because it's ten thirty at night and it's late."

They were both heading for the private Prefects' quarters. They had just talked to Dumbledore and as Hermione expected, everything went fine. Dumbledore was astonished at first to see Hermione and Draco sitting in his office, talking civilly to each other. He had almost hexed Draco and would have succeeded had Hermione not stepped in between. She had pleaded him to hear them out, especially Draco. Dumbledore had looked taken aback but then he had given in. He had listened to them patiently and coolly but neither his eyes nor his wand once left Draco. Hermione had started first. She had explained to him all that had happened in Africa, but made Draco give his testimony himself. Draco had done so. He had even confessed about Hagrid's death. During that moment, Dumbledore had raised a hand for him to stop and after not less than five (uneasy) minutes, had he requested Draco to continue. He was, of course, unnerved at the sudden news and looked as old as his years.

When Draco had finished, Hermione had begun speaking again. She confirmed Dumbledore that Draco indeed was running from the Death Eaters and reasoned that if Draco had any foul intentions, he would not have been there, in front of Dumbledore. It had taken Dumbledore several minutes to give credence to Draco'sstory, no doubt, but after Severus Snape's case (whatever it was), he believed that there was more to certain Slytherinsand Death Eaters than people usually estimated. Draco had actually been quite surprised to hear Dumbledore offer him sanctuary. Nevertheless, he made Draco drink three drops of Veritaserum so that he could be sure of Draco's intentions.

Hermione and Draco had requested that Dumbledore give them private rooms for the night - they weren't prepared to face their friends and fellow students. Especially Draco, of course, but Hermione had a nauseous feeling about Harry and Ron on this subject. She knew that they would be gladder than anything to see her back, safe and sound, but was also sure that they wouldn't be pleased with her association with Draco. Dumbledore had agreed to their solicit, with the suggestion that he would see to Manumission from Servitude the following morning. Hermione had agreed, and had stamped Draco painfully on his foot to make him compromise too.

And thus, they were setting off for the Prefects' personal quarters, which were unused except during the Prefects and Heads' meeting.

There wasn't much to talk about. It had been a long day and they both were too exhausted. Still a bit shaken at the day's events, they reached the painting of Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff, concealing the hidden entrance to the Prefects' headquarters and dormitory.

After giving the password (Allegro Passinato), Draco and Hermione stepped into the lavish meeting room. It had a large wooden, polished circular table on the middle of the carpeted floor, a few feet away from the brass fireplace. On the left were two rooms, one with a golden lion and was plated in red letters 'Gryffindor', while the other in the same pattern, with a bronze eagle, was for Ravenclaw. On the right, conveniently, were rooms for Slytherin and Hufflepuff Prefects.

Hermione turned to Draco. "Well," she said. "I suppose we should go to bed."

Draco wasn't in the mood to do so. He had some things that he wanted to talk to Hermione about. "Now?" he said. "But we didn't have any dinner or should I say, hardly any food the whole day."

"I am too messed up to eat anything now, Mal-Draco," said Hermione.

"I guess it's the same here," he said, sitting on a chair.

Hermione had a funny feeling that Draco was stalling her. "Is there anything that you would like to tell me, Draco?" she asked kindly.

"No, nothing in particular," replied Draco hastily.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"Well then, I'm going to bed," said Hermione. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," said Draco too, but when Hermione had almost reached the Gryffindor Prefects' room, he called, "Er, Hermione ... I am really sorry about this, but do you have a few minutes?"

Hermione turned to Draco smiling. "Sure, I do," she answered and walked back to Draco and sat herself next to him on a wooden chair.

"So, what do you want to tell me?"

"This is ... er ... sort of hard to say," said Draco, shifting uneasily on his seat.

"Spit it out."

"All right. I just ... I ... I am afraid to face the whole school tomorrow." said Draco sadly.

"Why should you be?" asked Hermione incredulously.

"Why should I be? Hermione, Dumbledore shouted for the whole school to hear that I am a murderer and I kidnapped you in front of everybody. Everyone must now hate my guts! And how long do you think Hagrid's death will go unnoticed?"

Hermione didn't say anything so Draco went on.

"I feel terribly guilty for everything, Hermione. Hagrid'sdeath has been haunting me for days. And now, the fact that I abducted you is sickening, and so is that I have done nothing for the last five years except insult you, your family and friends! And now you and Dumbledore have forgiven me so easily. I daresay, but I think ... I think it would have been much better off with some punishment."

After this outburst he felt silent. Hermione looked at him sympathetically. She laid a hand over his and said simply, "The Draco Malfoy I knew, is gone."

Draco looked at her, surprised at the simple and yet eloquent statement. He didn't know what to say to that.

"I know how you must be feeling, Draco," continued Hermione, patting his hand. "But look at the bright side, had you not kidnapped me then would I be here, sitting with you like a friend? Would I have discovered your true self? Would I have helped you out? Would the Emancipation Potion have come to you so easily?"

Draco shook his head, fascinated by the girl's attitude, once again.

"If you had not taken me, then you would still have been rotting as a Death Eater and kissing Voldemort's feet."

Draco gave Hermione a repulsed and indignant look.

"This life is a strange thing, Draco," said Hermione, her voice dropping to a whisper as she looked at him in the eye and squeezed his hand. "You never know what will happen next, not even by clairvoyance, oh I am not talking about Trelawney," added Hermione, irritated as Draco grinned slyly at her. "Dumbledore had once said that the consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult affair. It's ironic, isn't it? That what has to happen will happen, but all the same, the tomorrow of man is in his own hands, in his own deeds and misdeeds. Nothing can alter it. So there is always one way out, to accept the situation as it is, readily and face it, keeping in mind that whatever happens, happens for man's own good, even though it may not look like that. I understand your condition. It must be as if you're in an abyss, unable to find any way out. But Draco, you are one of those lucky ones to whom a way comes by itself - self-confidence. Always remember, if you haven't done anything wrong, then why should you be afraid? What you did with Hagrid and me is not what you would call exactly wrong. Your actions weren't cold-blooded. But you know that you have to face a lot of hatred and ridicule, and don't mind, but I think that's the punishment for your offences."

Draco shook his head.

"You must know Draco, that tomorrow, all the students will look down upon you and mock you. But you shouldn't listen to them. You are not answerable to any of them. They are the common public, and one mind never rests forever with the public. You should be glad that the people who know you well and understand you have not turned their backs on you. You still have Dumbledore, your mother and me. The teachers will support you soon too, and Snape before anybody else, I assure you. You are good at heart and have the best interests for people, even though you have been nasty to them. All you need to do is behave with everybody else the way you are behaving with me. Things will change, Draco, they always do. People will change and situations will change. It is beyond man's control and but all the same, if he watches his step, he can rule. I hope you understand me, Draco?"

Draco nodded, too enraptured to say anything.

"So tomorrow, the world will see a new Draco Malfoy," said Hermione brightly getting up. "Just be optimistic, Draco. Never let go. And I am always there for you, remember that. Goodnight."

With this, she walked out from the room to the Gryffindor Prefect Room, but not before squeezing Draco's hand once more.

Draco stared at the door of the Gryffindor room long after Hermione disappeared behind it. Her words had captivated him, stimulated him. She was ... angelic, that was all he could say about Hermione. Secretly, he admitted that she had become his friend .. his first one and a real one. And what was more, she understood him like no one before. It was as if she could see into his soul and speak his mind.

He got to his bed later, praying that whatever Hermione had said would come true.

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Dumbledore entered his study long after Draco and Hermione had left. That had been the most astonishing event of the day; even though recently, life was highly eventful. It was a twist in the tale. But the thing that had been on his mind more than anything else was Hagrid's death.

Dumbledore shed a silent tear. He was going to see that Hagrid received a proper burial soon (Draco had informed him of the location of the grave). He also felt uneasy at thought of breaking the news to Harry. Dumbledore had his own philosophy when it came to deaths: To the well settled mind, death is, but the next adventure. But Harry had no such philosophy to console himself.

Circumstances had been so demanding lately, Dumbledore thought tiredly, or to be more specific, since Voldemort's return. And all that he needed now was Minerva disappearing strangely.

Dumbledore closed the door of his study behind him. To his even more surprise, he found a note pinned to the door. He ripped the parchment and read it, more shocked than before.

Manumission from Servitude is gone.

B. Lestrange.

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It was almost midnight when the Deputy Headmistress was found (by Snapeand Filch). She was inside a broom cupboard in the dungeons, unconscious. Snape and Filch had revived her before helping her to Dumbledore's office.

Dumbledore meanwhile, was under a lot of pressure. Voldemort, Harry, Draco, Hagrid, BellatrixLestrange... It was all too much. Hardly had it been a few days since the school reopened and scandalous news and mysterious happenings were taking place each hour. It would be difficult for anyone to resolve even one case, much less all of these.

After reading the note from Bella, Dumbledore rushed to check if the precious book was really gone. It was. But how Bella managed to come and steal it right under his nose was difficult to comprehend.

Tired and exhausted, he came back to his office and collapsed into his chair. No sooner had he done so than Snape and McGonagall appeared.

"Minerva!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "Where were you? We have all been so worried!"

McGonagall sat herself in a chair, as did Snape. She was rubbing her temples and looked very white.

"She was found in a broom cupboard, Headmaster," explained Snape. "She had been knocked out cold."

Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly. Turning to McGonagall, he said kindly, "Would you please explain, Minerva?"

Minerva looked at Dumbledore, her eyes slightly crossed. "I ... I was going to the dungeons from the Entrance Hall," she said weakly. "The last thing I remember is I had just entered it when I felt a sharp blow on my head and became unconscious, I suppose."

"When did this happen, Minerva?"

"Fifteen minutes to nine, I believe."

Dumbledore considered her for a moment. Then he said, "The most unnatural events have been taking place for a few days. You say Minerva that you were unconscious before nine o' clock tonight, when around nine, Professor Sprout witnessed you coming to the staff room."

"What!" said McGonagall sharply.

"Unless the Herbology teacher is lying, of course, on her own will or not. But many people have seen you around ten in the Entrance Hall itself."

"Dumbledore -"

"Let me finish, Minerva, no one's blaming you. We will never believe that you would do anything out of the ordinary in your right mind. As I was saying, Professor Sprout and you had conversed. She said that you looked very pale and out of breath. When she inquired, you just said that an emergency had arisen and you needed to see me straightaway, but you had forgotten the password to my office and you were tired. After acquiring the password from Professor Sprout, you requested her to fetch me, saying that you had information about Hermione and Draco Malfoy."

"What!"

"But when Professor Sprout and I reached the Staff Room, you were not there."

"Dumbledore, I don't remember doing any of this."

"I don't think that you have done this, Minerva," assured Dumbledore. "But I have a fairly good idea about who has."

"Who?" asked Snape.

"Bellatrix Lestrange," replied Dumbledore.

"What!"

"Yes, I am sure she is behind all this. She could have come here, knocked out Minerva, taken the Polyjuice Potion and done all this. She outwitted Professor Sprout and learnt the password. So naturally, when we reached the Staff Room, no one was there."

"But why would she do this?"

Dumbledore didn't answer but just gave Snape and McGonagall the note Bella had left. Both of them read it in mute astonishment.

"It all fits, don't you see?" said Dumbledore. "Manumission from Servitude is gone. Voldemort wanted it and he has acquired it."

"We ... we are so sorry, Albus," said McGonagall.

"Don't be. But the strange thing is, Lestrange did have information about Hermione and Draco."

"How do you know that?"

"Because both of them have been to see me a just few hours ago."

There was a stunned silence. Snape and McGonagall gaped at Dumbledore.

"I would explain everything in the Staff Room, in front of the entire faculty," stated Dumbledore. "Let's go there."

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The next morning, Dumbledore addressed the entire school during breakfast.

"Good morning, everybody," he said. "I am sorry to interrupt, but I have important news for all of you. Yet I recommend that you all hold yourselves until and after hearing me out."

Everybody gave him confused looks, especially Harry and Ron, when Dumbledore's gaze lingered on them longer than necessary.

"I am pleased to inform you all," went on Dumbledore. "That Miss Hermione Granger is back with us, unscathed."

"What!" the whole student population shouted in surprise, except for the Slytherins, who gave unconcerned looks to each other.

Harry and Ron were beside themselves. Hermione was back. She would be with them.

Getting up, Harry shouted over the noise, "Where is she?"

"Within these walls," replied Dumbledore. "But I suggest you all calm down. I have not finished yet. We have found out that her abductor - Draco Malfoy had no intention to hurt her. He had no control over the situations, and hence, is innocent of all charges."

"What!" yelled Ron as the whole Hall fell silent. "But he is a murderer!"

"I won't say that you are wrong, Mr. Weasley, but Mr. Malfoy isn't a cold-blooded murder. The condition is more complex than that. He is innocent of that charge as well."

Harry and Ron opened their mouths wordlessly, too shocked to say anything.

"I am deeply grieved to inform you that the deceased is Rubeus Hagrid -"

"What!" Harry and Ron roared, finding their voices.

"It is certainly a regrettable incident," continued Dumbledore, ignoring Harry and Ron. "But it was an accident. Draco Malfoydidn't do it with intent."

"He is lying!" shouted Harry.

"He is not. Hermione Granger has testified to this too. Today, everybody is excused of all classes. Hagrid's burial will be held this very morning and all are invited. At nine o' clock, the carriages will take you to the cemetery. Everyone is dismissed after breakfast."

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The Gryffindors entered their common room in the Gryffindor Tower with various emotions. All were glad that Hermione was back safe and sound, no doubt, but they were also depressed at the news of Hagrid's death. Moreover, confusion and incredulity abounded too, when it came to Draco Malfoy.

Harry and Ron had broken down completely. Hagrid was dead, as in gone forever. His bushy and grinning face swam in front of their eyes. Nothing could have prepared them for the sudden news. All that they wanted to do was ripping Draco limb from limb.

When they headed into the cosy common room, they found Hermione sitting on a chair.

"Hermione!" yelled all. "You're back!"

"Course I am!" she grinned as she leapt out of her settee and hugged Harry and Ron together. She was so happy. She was back with her friends and what more could she ask for?

"Hey, Hermione," said Ron weakly. "Glad to be back, eh?"

"You bet," said Hermione, withdrawing from her best friends. "I missed you both."

"We missed you too, Hermione," said Harry, rather unenthusiastically.

Without any other word, he walked out of the room to his dormitory. Meanwhile, Neville, Ginny, Seamus, Dean, Parvati, Lavender, Colin, Dennis and all the other Gryffindors came up to Hermione and hugged her, saying that they were delighted to see her back. Hermione smiled and thanked them but her mind was on Harry, wondering how he could behave like this. Wasn't he happy to see her back?

After everybody had retreated, Hermione pulled Ron to a corner.

"What's up with Harry?" she asked worriedly.

"Harry?" said Ron. "It's nothing ... just Dumbledore told us ab-about, Ha-Hagrid."

Hermione's face fell.

"We're all to go to his burial today at nine."

"I am so sorry about that, Ron. I was beside myself when I learnt about this too."

After hesitating for a minute, Ron said, "What about Malfoy?"

"Draco?"

"You're calling him Draco?" said Ron incredulously. "Hermione, what is going on?"

"I know you won't like it Ron," said Hermione hastily. "But believe me, Ron, Draco didn't kill Hagrid intentionally. It was an accident. He was just Apparating with Hagrid and Hagrid splinched."

"And why would Malfoy and Hagrid Apparate together?"

"Long story, Ron," said Hermione, sighing heavily. "We still have time. It's only a quarter past eight, why don't we go up to Harry and I'll explain everything to you both."

"Alright," agreed Ron, but Hermione could see his eyes blazing.

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When the Slytherins entered their common room, they found Draco sitting on the black leather sofa nonchalantly.

"Draco!" squealed Pansy, running to him. "Baby, you are back!"

She hugged him tightly but Draco shook her off. "Get of me, Pansy!" he said irritated.

Pansy retreated, surprised.

"Are you all right?" she asked him.

"Never better," replied Draco, his trademark smirk back on his handsome face. He turned to the others. His fellow Slytherins just gave mere distant smiles or waved at him, acknowledging his presence. Crabbe and Goyle came up to him.

"You came back," Crabbe grunted.

"You'll get an award for spotting that," said Draco sarcastically.

Crabbe raised his eyebrows in confusion at Goyle, who shrugged back, being none the wiser.

"So Draco," whined Pansy. "Did you enjoy yourself? Did you get bored?"

Draco gaped at her; she was talking as though he had been to a picnic. "No. Er ... I enjoyed myself immensely," he answered.

Fortunately, he was saved from further questions as Snape entered the room.

"Draco Malfoy," he said. "I would like to see you in my office now."

Draco nodded and followed his Head of the House out of the common room dungeon.