Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my broomstick in the corner… and whatever else is in this story that doesn't make sense. I was inspired by J.K. Rowlings wonderful world. Enjoy!

Chapter 8

Recalling His Past


After the war, his parents told him he'd been placed under the Imperius curse by The Dark Lord, disobeying and aiding in Granger's escape with Potter and the others.

Bellatrix felt he could no longer be trusted to follow Voldemort's orders, that he was a danger to her master's purpose. He wasn't sure how long he'd been under the curse really, and by the time he'd begun to feel like himself again the worst was over. Hogwarts was in ruins and he could only feel all the pain and damaged his body had endured.

He could remember the smell cinder, and smoke that filled the school halls. His father had found him, his mother was crying and the dead body of his friend Crabb was never recovered. No one could ever explained how or really what the hell was going on or why he couldn't regain those lost days. But he needed to know.

When had he gone from his parent's home to school?

Had he been taken?

What other terrible thing had Voldemort requested of him in those lost days? Everything was an outright blur. Goyle stayed unconscious in the days following the battle, and in the end, his memory was as empty as Draco's. The only ones that could have enlightened him with part of it, were Potter and Weasley, but judging the hatred Granger was unleashing on him at this moment, he'd done right to stay away from the three of them all this time.

Hermione forced a sad smile, "I'm sorry," she said hiding her shame, and a single tear fell and it matched the jewels she wore so proudly.

He even noticed the brown hue of her eyes. How amazing they were without the shadow of death upon them. The delicate top she was wearing made her look almost normal. The earrings she wore he recognized as his own work. Mermaid tears, very pricey, extremely rare and nearly impossible to capture. For a half-witch she wore them beautifully, and something about her told him she was not one to cry often. So the idea of causing her pain staggered him, he took a step back and Hermione saw that he did so, and was mildly grateful.

"It's been a pleasure," was the only thing she said next. For the moment it was the only thing she could muster. It was decent at best, not an insult…but a friendly salutation…and an inviting goodbye.

"Indeed," he said with a nod, before turning to leave her and he followed the waitress to his own table.