My Soul Mate

Chapter Ten - The Funeral & the Friendship...

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It was quarter to nine that morning, when Dumbledore informed the whole school about Hermione and Draco's return along with Hagrid's death and his funeral. In the boys' dormitory for the sixth year Gryffindors, Hermione, Harry, Ron, Neville, Ginny, Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Parvati were together, listening to Hermione's account. She had just explained to Harry, Ron and Ginny (though Seamus, Dean, Neville, Lavender and Parvati were also present) what had happened at Africa and about Draco.

She hadn't expected her friends to think that Draco was some sort of saint, hidden from the world for whole sixteen years. She just hoped that her friends would at least give Draco a chance, if not behave cordially towards him like she did; she knew the prejudice Ron held against Draco and Harry's obvious hatred.

However, it had been quite the contrary.

After she finished speaking, Hermione looked hopefully at Harry and Ron. Ginny was already giving her sympathetic looks, but Harry and Ron remained stone-faced for some moments, before speaking.

"So, Hermione," said Harry, rather acidly, "you have forgiven Malfoy, have you?"

"Yes, I have," said Hermione softly, avoiding his eye.

"And you both have become friends, I think?"

"Er ... I ... yes, one could say that."

Ron opened his mouth in horror. "How could you, Hermione?" he asked her harshly.

"Ron, please -"

"Nothing doing, Hermione. You have changed. What has got into you? You have become friends with Malfoy, a Death Eater? Didn't you think about us, Hermione? And what about Hagrid?"

"Ron, I am as deeply affected by Hagrid's death as you all are!" said Hermione defiantly.

"Don't lie!" roared Harry. "You are with the enemy now. You have turned traitor. I had expected better than this from you!"

"Harry, let me explain, please,"

"I don't want your explanation, Hermione. You are my friend no more. And you would do better not to come to Hagrid's funeral today."

"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, looking quite scandalized and hurt.

"Yeah, stay up with Malfoy," chimed Ron in sarcastically, "and have a good gloat at us."

"What the hell are you saying?"

"I don't care," said Harry, "let's go, Ron. We need to be at our friend's funeral."

And thus without any other word, Harry and Ron stomped out of the dormitory. Ginny gave Hermione one apologetic look and left too, with Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Parvati behind her.

Neville laid a hand on her shoulder and murmured, "I am sorry, Hermione," before he also left.

Hermione stared at the floor, hot tears filling her eyes. Unable to control herself, she started weeping silently. She knew that the news would be unwelcome, but what was she had done so bad?

Drying her eyes after a few moments, she left the dormitory too, since she wanted to attend Hagrid's burial, no matter how unfavorable the situations were.

____________________________________________________________________

Hermione, dressed in a knee-length black dress, looked for a carriage, there were many in which she could have found a seat, but it seemed that no one wanted her to go to the church with them. It seemed that Lavender and Parvati had babbled about her and Draco already.

"Looking for somebody?" asked a voice from behind.

Hermione started and found Draco standing behind her, clad in black as well.

"Er, no. Not exactly." she said. Noticing his black clothing, she asked, "You are going as well?"

Draco bowed his head down and sighed heavily. "Yes, I am," he answered quietly.

Hermione could see Draco feeling all tense and guilty again. Laying a friendly hand on his shoulder, she said, "I am glad you are."

Draco looked up at her and couldn't help but smile. So last night she had been truthful, he thought, she would be by my side.

"Hermione," he said softly, "will you mind staying with me for the cremation? I don't think I can face everybody all alone."

"Oh ... sure. I am with you, Draco." Hermione had hoped that her friends would make up with her in the church. But Draco needed her too. He would be lost without her and she knew that Draco was taking a big step, exposing himself to everybody in one shot. The public wouldn't behave kindly to him.

But Draco noticed that Hermione glanced at a certain carriage where Harry and his friends were seated before giving him an answer. He saw Harry give Hermione a cold look before slamming the door shut.

"Anything wrong?" he asked her concernedly.

"They all have turned against me," said Hermione sadly, withdrawing her hand to dab her eyes.

Draco looked at Hermione, feeling even guiltier. "Hermione," he said, "I am sorry, it's all happening because of me. I am the reason -"

"Hush Draco," said Hermione, smiling, though her eyes were still watery, "don't think that. I am sorry about this, I am broken, but I am torn apart. I know what is right and I have always been with the right side, even if my friends abandon me because of that."

There were sounds of the school carriages going, but neither Draco nor Hermione paid any attention to them or that they didn't have a carriage yet.

"How can I ever thank you, Hermione?" said Draco. "You are doing so much for me."

"By doing one thing, Draco," replied Hermione, smiling broadly, "just remain as you are now. Don't become that conceited git I used to know."

Draco smiled too and nodded at her. He put his hand in the pocket of his black coat and pulled out a beautiful yellow rose.

"Will you be my friend, Hermione?" he asked tentatively.

Hermione grinned even more broadly and accepted the rose. "Of course, Draco. I already am."

Another carriage then carriage passed them, with the Gryffindors inside it. Hermione saw Harry and Ron glare at her direction.

Hermione blinked a few times so that the tears won't flow. She then pocketed the rose, making a mental note to keep it forever.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. Are you intending to go?"

Draco and Hermione turned sharply to see the source of the words and they saw Professor Dumbledore, a few yards away.

"Yes, Professor," replied Draco.

"Then I suggest then that you share a carriage with me," said Dumbledore, walking towards them now, "since there aren't any other left. It's past nine already."

Hermione looked around and there were indeed no more carriages left except for one. Turning to Dumbledore, she said, "We'd be glad to, Professor."

And thus the three of them set off to the church in Hogsmeade. It was only then when Hermione realized that Fang was in the carriage too.

____________________________________________________________________

Hermione entered the church in Hogsmeade with Draco and took a seat at the very back, while Dumbledore excused himself to go to the faculty panel in the very front. Hagrid's coffin was there. It was an enormous ebony one and highly polished. Hagrid's huge and lifeless (and splinched) form was laid inside it.

The Daily Prophet

press was there, Draco noticed uncomfortably. And to his great surprise, so was his mother, sitting with the many parents ahead. She gave Draco and Hermione a small smile. They supposed that Dumbledore had had a few words with her.

Arthur and Molly Weasley were there too. Even they smiled at Draco and Hermione. Cornelius Fudge and Percy Weasley were sitting right in the front with Dumbledore. On Hermione's right hand side row of benches were Harry, Ron, Ginny, Fred and George. Harry and Ron remained impassive, but the Fred, George and Ginny waved at Hermione, though scowled at Draco.

Hermione turned to look at Draco and saw that he had become very rigid. Hermione laid a hand on top of his and patted it gently. Draco relaxed.

A few Ministry people were also there. Many had given Draco long and cold looks, but Draco didn't mind. He just remembered one phrase: He was not answerable to any of them.

Madame Maxim was also there, to everybody's surprise and her eyes looked very red. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black were present too, and they both gave Hermione and Draco friendly smiles. The Leaky Cauldron's keeper, Tom, was also there. All the members of the Order of the Phoenix were there as well.

An old priest began speaking. He talked about how good Hagrid was, half-giant or not. He spoke about all the things Hagrid had done. How kind and generous he was.

Draco's attention wavered involuntarily. He kept still, but his eyes darted everywhere, pure guilt written in them. His eyes met a Daily Prophet reporter and he saw the excited glint in hers. He quickly looked away and turned his focus on Hermione, sitting next to him.

She was listening to the priest painstakingly, taking in every word, nodding and shaking her head every now and then. Her amber eyes were sorrowful, tired watery, and her face had a kind of despondent beauty. The black dress contrasted strongly against her pale skin, making her stand out in front Draco's eyes.

Draco remembered only the one incident when he had seen her so close.

She had slapped Malfoy across the face with all the strength she could muster. Draco staggered. Harry, Ron, Crabbe, and Goyle stood flabbergasted as Hermione raised her hand again.

"Don't you dare call Hagrid pathetic, you foul - you evil -"

"Hermione!" said Ron weakly, and he tried to grab her hand as she swung it back.

"Get off, Ron!"

Hermione pulled out her wand stepped backward. Crabbe and Goyle looked at him for instructions, thoroughly bewildered.

"C'mon," Draco muttered, and in a moment, all three of them had disappeared into the passageway to the dungeons.

Draco closed his eyes for a moment, lamenting that he had ever called Hagrid pathetic. He felt that the deserved the slap Hermione had given him. He wished that Hermione had killed him then and there, so today he wouldn't have been in such a terrible situation now.

He sat there, sobbing inwardly. He didn't know how the time passed, but it was soon time for him to go and pray at the coffin.

He got up, carefully avoiding everybody's eyes. He kneeled down and prayed.

Draco remembered all the times he had insulted Hagrid behind Hagrid's back. He wished that he never had. He wished that he had never been a Death Eater. He wished that he never needed the book. He wished that he never tried to Apparate Hagrid. He wished he could have some peace.

He wished that Hagrid would be rewarded for all that he had done in heaven, if there was any heaven (he didn't believe in God). But now, he wished there were a God who would value Hagrid soul after Hagrid's death.

***

Hermione could feel tears burning behind her closed eyelids. Hagrid's voice sounded in ears as though he was speaking next to her.

Come here, don't you think of it, Hermione, don't you think of it even for a minute ... eh? An' they haven't invented a spell our Hermione can't do...

***

Harry felt tears forming in his eyes at Hagrid's deceased form. Hagrid's voice ringed in his ears.

Last time I saw you, you was only a baby. Yeh look a lot like yer dad, but yeh've got yer mum's eyes ... Harry - yer a wizard ...I should be chucked out and made ter live as a muggle ... Harry, gotta bone ter pick with yeh. I've heard you've bin givin' out signed photos. How come I haven't got one ...WHAT D'YEH THINK YOU'RE DOIN', EH? YEH'RE NOT TO GO WANDERIN' AROUND AFTER DARK, HARRY! AN' YOU TO LETTIN' HIM ... What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does ... Yeh did as much as yer father would've done, an' I can' give yer no higher praise than that ...This, is Harry, Grawp! Harry Potter! An' this is Hermione, see?

At Hermione's name, Hagrid's voice ceased in his ears and instead, fury built up inside him. Hoping that his parents would be with Hagrid in heaven, Harry got up and walked away.

***

Ron remembered a few of Hagrid's words too.

All right, Hagrid! S'pose you want to hear about Saturday night, do you?

I've heard all abou' it ...I thought you two'd value yer friend more'n broomsticks or rats. Tha's all.

That friend will now never be valued Hagrid, thought Ron. I am sorry. Hope your soul rests in peace.

____________________________________________________________________

Soon Hermione found herself following the casket with Draco. In no time at all, Hagrid was being buried in the Hogsmeade cemetery. Hermione put a single white rose on the coffin, before Hagrid was six feet under the ground.

After that, she went away with Draco from everybody and sat on a bench nearby. They didn't talk since there was nothing to talk about. They sat there, in silence for around half an hour.

The Daily Prophet reporter who had looked at Draco in the church along with a cameraman approached them.

Hermione and Draco looked up in surprise.

"Mr. Draco Malfoy," said that reporter, excitement clear on her deeply tanned face, "and Ms. Hermione Granger, am I right?"

Draco and Hermione looked at each other uneasily and then nodded at the reporter.

"Ah, I knew it. Will you be kind enough to give me an interview?" continued the reporter, as the cameraman took a picture. Draco and Hermione couldn't do anything to stop him. "Like why did you kill Rubeus Hagrid, Mr. Malfoy? And kidnapping Ms. Granger? And Ms. Granger, you seem to get along with your abductor well. What's the reason behind this? Raging hormones?"

Immediately Draco got up, his face as hard as stone. Hermione felt the dark power radiating from him again like it had done back in Africa when he was threatening Hermione.

"I just want to say two words," he hissed venomously, his six feet tall form towering over the reporter who cowered. "Get lost!"

"Mr. Malfoy, please -"

"I said GET LOST!"

The reporter glared at Draco as well as Hermione, as though Hermione had insulted her too and then stalked away, beckoning the cameraman to follow her.

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Lunch that noon was a subdued affair in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. The students didn't seem as blithe and jocund as usual, especially the Gryffindors, who had a remarkable change in mood. Even the teachers had an air of melancholy about them. The Slytherins didn't talk much generally, so they were quiet as usual. But everybody knew that they weren't mourning for Hagrid - many of them hadn't even attended the funeral, like Pansy Parkinson and Milicent Bulstrode. Crabbe and Goyle didn't go to the cremation either, on Draco's command.

Hermione sat in one corner at the very end of Gryffindor table, separated from the others. She was absolutely still, but inside, she was extremely hurt. Nobody talked to her from her house, except for some juniors. Ginny and Neville shot her sympathetic glances from time to time, but dared not speak to her under Harry's furious gaze. But Hermione found it more comfortable without their vagabond pity.

Many students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff gave her cold looks as well. It seemed that the word had spread: Hermione Granger had fought with her friends and was now hobnobbing with Death Eater Draco Malfoy, who had killed one of her friends. Everybody had seen her with Draco during funeral at Hogsmeade. The Slytherins looked down upon her as usual but gave Draco confused facial casts, though no one was bold enough to ask him directly, since he was the prince there and a leading Death Eater.

Therefore Draco sat in one corner on the Slytherin table alone as well. Crabbe and Goyle were a few seats away from him. Pansy sat in the complete end on her house table, looking quite abashed. Rumors were there that Draco and Pansy had a huge row over Hermione before lunch in front of their common room. Hermione supposed that the scuttlebutt could be true. But she wasn't too happy about it; the rumors also further encouraged more tell tales about her and Draco.

So both of them sat apart from their friends and housemates on their respective tables, avoiding everybody. Draco was shooting Hermione furtive glances every now and then, hoping to catch her eye. He desperately needed to talk to her since he was disgusted with the tattle, which was giving him a heavy heart. Hermione and he hadn't any chance to talk to each other ever since they arrived back at Hogwarts after Hagrid's burial. Draco wanted the comforting look on her face and the supporting glint in her eyes.

And he also felt sorry for her. She had done nothing to receive such treatment, but here she was, sharing his embarrassment. He didn't care that students had been looking at him incredulously as well as appalled, as if he were something revolting and should be avoided before he cursed them severely. He was worried about Hermione more than he was about himself.

Meanwhile, Hermione knew that Draco must have been feeling disconsolate. She wanted to succor him and tell him that everything would be okay, but she dared not even go near him in front of everybody. It wasn't as though she was afraid to do so; she just didn't want Draco to feel more humiliated any more than he already was. So she finished her food quickly and left the Great Hall for her dormitory, but not before giving Draco a small smile.

The smile had done it. The knot in Draco's stomach loosened. He looked around, feeling a bit calm. He was making sure that nobody had seen the small interaction between Hermione and him. He checked on the staff table as well. Satisfied, he went back to his food.

But then suddenly, he had a feeling that something was amiss. He looked up again at the staff table and found that Dumbledore was not there. Draco remembered that he had to collect Manumission from Servitude from Dumbledore. Finishing his food soon, Draco went to Dumbledore's office.

"Drooble's Best Blowing Gum," he said, waiting for the stone gargoyle to jump aside.

But the gargoyle didn't budge at all. Supposing that he hadn't spoken clearly enough, he repeated the password.

But the stupid ornate spout didn't even move an inch.

Draco furrowed his eyebrows, bewildered.

"What are you doing here now, Draco?" said a voice behind.

Draco spun around and found his Head of the house standing right behind him, his eyebrows raised.

"I just wanted to see Professor Dumbledore, Sir," said Draco.

"But the Headmaster has left, Draco," said Snape severely, "he left for Grimmauld Place right after the burial."

"Grimmauld Place?"

"I cannot disclose its secrecy now over here, Draco. Meet me in my office in an hour ... or why don't you ask Miss Granger?" added Snape, smirking.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Hermione will know about this, will she?"

"Oh yes, she will, since she had spent most of her summer and Christmas holidays there last year."

"And when will Professor Dumbledore be back, Sir?"

"I have no idea. He can return, if possible, this evening or he might not for several days."

"But why?"

"Order of the Phoenix's business."

"What?"

Snape smiled. "Miss Granger will tell you everything."

"Hermione knows even this, does she?"

"Oh, yes, very well."

"Alright," said Draco, taking his leave. "Thank you, Professor."

He had just gone a few steps when he turned back to the Potions master again.

"Er ... Professor," he said, "can you tell me that why isn't this gargoyle responding to the password?"

"That's because it has been changed."

"It's been changed?"

"Yes," replied Snape. "I forgot to tell you something, Draco, when I called you in my office this morning. This is ... er ... rather unfortunate."

"What is it, Professor?"

"I am really sorry, Draco, but Manumission from Servitude has been stolen."

"What!"

"Bellatrix Lestrange had done this last night, Draco, before you came," said Snape. "We were outwitted by her. We had no idea about this, none at all."

"You're lying!" exclaimed Draco, taken aback.

"I am not Draco, but please listen to me. We already have taken steps to minimize the dark side's influence on you. I told you this morning, you know that. And we'll see that we retrieve the book soon -"

But Draco didn't wait to hear anymore. White-hot anger and frustration was running through his veins and he ran away from Snape. He didn't stop until he reached the Prefects' private quarters. He hissed the password at the painting of the four founders and collapsed into one of the chairs in the living room.

Breathing heavily, he reached out for a quill and parchment from the table and wrote Hermione a note.

Hermione - need to see you soon. It's urgent. The Prefects' Quarters.

Draco.

But he didn't feel like going to the owlery right now, so he summoned a house-elf and ordered him to take it to Hermione Granger, a Gryffindor, sixth year witch.

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Around half an hour later, Hermione reached the hidden entrance to the Prefects' quarters painting of the Founding Four. She had received a letter from Draco about something important and demanding, so she got down there as soon as she could.

"Allegro Passinato," she told to the painting and the painting swung open.

Hermione stepped in and found Draco sitting on a chair and looking out at the bright sun from the window. At the sound of her footsteps, he turned to her sharply and then relaxed a bit, but his face stayed, nevertheless, white and furious.

"You wanted to meet me, Draco?" asked Hermione as she sat herself next to him.

"Yes," said Draco, "I've got something to tell you."

"What about?"

Draco looked at Hermione through frustrated grey eyes and whispered quietly, "Dumbledore cheated me."

"What?"

"He's not giving me Manumission from Servitude. He's saying that Bellatrix Lestrange has stolen it."

"What are you saying!" said Hermione, horrified.

"Snape told me now," said Draco spitefully, looking out of the window again. "He said that they had no idea about this at all."

"How did she manage to steal it?" asked Hermione.

"Steal it? She didn't steal it! Dumbledore doesn't want to give me that book!"

"Don't be naïve," said Hermione. "If Dumbledore says it stolen then it is. Why would he not give you that book? What will he do with it? You know that he had preserved that book in the hopes that he can one day free the Death Eaters and this time, he has got an opportunity to use it."

Draco gave out a frustrated breath. He knew that Hermione was right but he didn't feel satisfied. "Whatever..." he whispered sadly. "What do I do now? I am done for..."

Hermione looked at Draco warmly. Draco was particularly avoiding her eyes. He remained still, only his eyes were moving, taking in the sky outside, but hardly realizing what he was looking at.

"Draco..." whispered Hermione, "Draco, look at me."

Slowly, he turned his head to face her. She was looking at him, her liquid amber eyes filled with understanding.

"You understand that this is out of our control, don't you, Draco?" she asked him.

Draco nodded.

"There's no compulsion that the situations will favor the right only and always," went on Hermione, "we lose to the enemy sometimes. But if we are right and stable, we will win, Draco, we will. And why do you need that book? Just to remove Voldemort's last sign on you, the Dark Mark, which says that you are a Death Eater? You are not a Death Eater, Draco; you must keep that in mind and believe it. It's not just the Dark Mark that makes you a Death Eater instead it's the attitude. Your attitude is not like a Death Eater, not at all. You are different from them. You are different from the rest of us too. And however you may be, I like it. I like the way you are now, and promise me, for the sake of our friendship, that you will remain like this forever and never resort to the Dark side again. No matter what happens."

Draco smiled at her lightly, feeling lighter now. Hermione had those chosen words of comfort that would unburden him and he respected her a lot for this. He listened to her each and every word carefully and printed it on his mind. Her morals and virtues were of great value.

"I'll never go to that that side again, Hermione," he assured her. "Hell would freeze over first."

"That's great," said Hermione. "I believe you, Draco."

"Thanks Hermione. I don't know what would I have done without your support."

"Oh come on. I am with you and will always remain with you, there is no point in being so pessimistic."

"You bet."

"Fine, Draco," said Hermione getting up. "If you don't have anything more to say, I will go back. I have missed a day's worth of classes and I've got to catch up."

"Er, Hermione," Draco said, "just one more thing."

"Shoot."

"What is the Grimmauld Place?"

Hermione's jaw dropped open at Draco's question. "Where did you learn that from?" she asked him.

Draco shrugged. "Snape told me that Dumbledore is there now."

"Oh," said Hermione in relief, "that's Sirius's house and the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix."

"And what's the Order of the Phoenix?"

"This is secret, Draco. I'm telling you but if anybody else comes by this, I'll know who's behind it."

"I swear I won't breathe a word to anyone."

"All right," Hermione said. "That's a secret agency fighting against Voldemort and the Death Eaters."

"I thought so!" exclaimed Draco triumphantly. "Voldemort was doubting that there was some force against him."

"Whatever," said Hermione hastily, getting up from her chair, "but I've got to go, Draco."

"And just one more thing," said Draco sheepishly.

"What again?"

"I'll be here if you need to see me anytime. Snape has moved me here from the Slytherin common room this morning 'to minimize the Dark side's influence.' I'll be here till graduation."

"I get you," said Hermione. "Bye then, and make sure you catch up too!"

And she disappeared behind the portrait hole.

If you say so Hermione, thought Draco. If you say so.