She barely saw him over the next week, but when she did, she noticed how alone and withdrawn he was. Hermione could feel herself withdrawing from her own life as well. Somehow nothing else seemed as important as watching him.
Harry and Ron were both worried about her, continuously asking her if she was fine.
'Of course I'm fine, stop worrying.'
She wasn't fine. She couldn't sleep at night. The mark on Draco's arm haunted her. His cries haunted her. Walking through the castle at night all she could hear was the sound of his sobbing.
I want to help.
Her patrols now almost always passed the second floor bathroom, and she always paused to look in, just in case. She had no idea what she would do if she ever saw him again, but she just couldn't keep herself away.
Pushing her food around on her plate, Hermione stared off into space. Harry watched her, noticing how pale she was and how her eyes were dull and haunted. He could tell that she wasn't sleeping, but he had no idea how to help her. So he turned away with a grimace, and continued to eat.
He didn't realise that by turning away, he had lost his chance of ever bringing her back.
Within just a few short weeks, it was the talk of the school. Hermione was no longer friends with Harry or Ron, and no one had any idea where. There had been no loud, angry fight. There were no glares or insults exchanged.
There was just… silence.
Hermione barely even noticed them missing. She was too busy following Draco Malfoy around with her eyes. Of course she was careful to be subtle, looking at him under her lashes so that it seemed she was staring at the table or the ground, but she knew he could feel her eyes on him.
He looked around often, unable to shake the feeling that he was being watched. Whoever it was never caught his eye or stared obviously, but he could feel their gaze like a brand on the back of his head. It made him jumpy and nervous.
Was there someone onto him? Had they realised his mission?
Under the table, his hand gripped his left forearm tightly as he panicked.
He got to his feet and strode out of the Great Hall with quick steps, almost running in his haste.
And she followed him.