"A lot of people did," Hermione said, nodding. "But, why would the suspect attack himself?"
Harry exchanged looks with Ginny, who was looking petrified with shock.
Surprisingly, Dumbledore stood up after that night's dinner, waiting for everyone's attention. The room grew silent, students (even teachers) staring at the old man; Dumbledore usually only made announcements on the first and last day of school.
"You all should know now about Mr. Malfoy's attack in the Prefects Bathrooms," Professor Dumbledore started out (Pansy Parkinson let out a loud sob), "And I highly advise you all to keep on your toes. There are funny things happening in Hogwarts."
A chill crept up Harry's spine. Ron's jaw dropped open, and Hermione stared at Dumbledore, expressionless.
Dumbledore stood there, in silent that pierced Harry's ears, and looked at each student steadily in their eyes, until they squirmed.
The professor's eyes landed onto Harry, and Harry felt a very uncomfortable feeling. He crossed and uncrossed his legs. He blinked. He combed his messy hair with his fingers. He wriggled his toes.
And, finally (after what seemed like an hour), Dumbledore moved onto Seamus Finnigan.
Hermione gave Harry a nudge. "Let's visit Malfoy after dinner," she said to him in her quietest voice possible. Harry gave her a peculiar look. Since when did she care about Malfoy?
"C'mon, let's go!" Hermione said, pulling Harry and Ron along as she made her way towards the Hospital Wing.
"And, why are we going up to the Hospital Wing, exactly?" Ron asked, tripping over his shoelace.
"Yeah, when did you start caring about Malfoy?" Harry asked. He suddenly got a headache. "Do you...like him?" Ron's face suddenly got very scarlet.
"Of course not!" Hermione said, still dragging Harry and Ron along, as she zipped toward a set of stairs. "Why would you think that? I'm just thinking that if Malfoy isn't exactly mental, we might be able to get some information out of him. You know - like, if he remembers who he attacked."
Harry narrowed his eyes, and exchanged glances with Ron, who was turning back into his normal color.
Madam Pomfrey was kneeling over Malfoy, holding a bottle of medicine, when the three of them hurried into the room.
She turned to look who it was, and nearly dropped the bottle on Malfoy's head. "Dear! What's all the commotion?"
"Sorry, Madam," Hermione said, breathing heavily, "But, we were wondering if we could get a word with Malfoy, here?"
"I'm sorry, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, shaking her head sadly. "Mr. Malfoy isn't showing any sign of improvement - he's at the moment, unconscious, and he will be until I figure out the right potion."
She left to cry heartily in her office, and they gathered around Malfoy, who was peacefully lying there, eyes closed, and mouth slightly open.
"Well, so much for that idea," Ron said, rolling his eyes at Hermione, but she still looked determined.
"Check his pockets for any clues," she adviced.
All of Malfoy's pockets were empty, but Harry saw something suspicious stuffed in Malfoy's shoe.
"What's that?"
"Pull it out!"
"I don't want to touch his dirty feet!"
"Fine, I'll do it."
Hermione carefully pulled out a rumpled sheet of parchment.
"It's like a message," Ron said in a hushed voice, as Hermione smoothed out the paper.
"What does it say?" Harry asked, reading the parchment over Hermione's shoulder.
"Stay Away From "Love or Not"! It's a CURSE!"
The writing was written in the same spikey, red text that was written on the wall.