Chapter 1 – Draco's Act of Stupidity
The eve before summer break of the 5th year was tense.
Draco knew that this was the last day of his freedom for he would be subjected to the Dark Mark at some point during the summer break. Something he was truly afraid of, not that he would ever say this out loud, Malfoy pride and all.
In a stroke of stupidity, he did one thing that would be termed by his father as 'Cowardly' yet Draco could hardly care less of the man at this moment.
Granger,
Yes, I believe this note will find you baffled beyond measure, but if you could for just this one instance do me a favour, I would be thoroughly indebted to you.
Meet me in the Headmasters office immediately after dinner tonight. And bring along whoever you wish.
DM
It sounded ridiculous, but the choice of bringing whoever she wanted assured him that that will convince her enough to hear him out.
Rushing to the Great Hall for dinner, he knew had no time to personally explain the note to her, and would have to just thrust it towards her or someone of her acquaintance that would pass it on.
"Ms Lovegood, if you could please watch where you're going. That would be appreciated." McGonagall's voice was loud and clear, yet Luna's face, as usual, remained slightly dreamy.
Draco knew this was his chance, he quickened his pace.
"Lovegood" he beckons "pass this on to Granger" handing her the note, swiftly turns away from her and towards the Slytherin table, not once looking over his shoulder, knowing full well that Luna was gullible yet intelligent enough to do so without questioning him.
"What have you done?" Blaise questions him "Why do I get the feeling that you're up to something not everyone will approve of?" 'Everyone' being the Inner Circle as they knew it now and one person in particular is going to be beyond furious, and that was putting it mildly.
"I've figured a way to get us out. And you 2 are coming with me, because, as corny as this sounds, I wouldn't have survived this far without you both." Draco mono-toned without looking up from his plate yet managed to muster all the sincerity he could into his words.
"Join me in the Headmasters' office after dinner, if you would." And with that said, he resumed his dinner, no-one speaking a word till dinner was over.
Dinner at the Gryffindor table was never a silent affair. And today was no different, it being the end of another year. They had survived, had a few laughs, cried and most of all, their friendship had grown.
Seeing Luna seated at their table was not an odd commodity anymore and neither was the way Neville looked at her. So finding her seated directly opposite Hermione, caught her off-guard.
"Hey Luna, how is the packing coming along?"
"It's the same as every other break. People tend to hide my belongings, and I usually don't get them back until we have to leave for Hogsmeade, if I get them back at all."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe I could be of help?"
"Oh don't worry yourself Hermione I'm sure everything will turn up in time." Grabbing a chicken leg from the tray in front of her, Hermione turned back to Ron, who was questioning Nearly Headless Nick.
"Please Ronald, it has been 5 years, have you not learnt a single thing about Sir Nicholas?"
"'Mione, dinner time, please no lectures." Ron whines.
With a huff, Hermione settles back to finish the rest of her dinner.
"Hermione, Malfoy gave me this to pass onto you. I feel that it is most important you read it now."
Quirking an eyebrow at the words Luna said, Hermione cautiously accepts the note, waving her wand over it to check for any and every curse she can think of.
"Harry, I think you should look at this." She leans over to show him the note.
"What do you think? Should we go?" "'Mione, I'm inclined to believe that if Dumbledore is involved, we should be safe, and he did say to bring whoever you want so we all will join you. Safety in numbers I guess." Harry shrugs.
Hermione can see the uncertainty in his gaze as he looks over to the Slytherin table.
As the bell chimes ending the dinner, they hurriedly rush out the Hall, turning to go up the Grand Staircase towards the Headmasters' office.