Sixth Year: Murderous Friends
Hermione was crying at Draco's bedside in the Hospital Wing. He looked as pale as the day he appeared in her bedroom, branded for life. The girl who always had a plan, was lost. Her best friend had almost killed her secret friend. She had stormed of earlier, after yelling at Harry for being an idiot to use a spell he didn't know. Anything could have happened. She almost lost a friend, someone who meant as much to her as Ron and Harry did, and all Harry could talk about was his stupid potions book. She had to do something before more damage was done that couldn't be cured. Maybe she should tell Harry and Ron about Draco. They should know he isn't evil. But would they believe her? And if they did, would they still trust her or would they hate her? She took a deep breath. It was war, her emotions couldn't get in the way. The only question was: would it be helpful if the Order knew that Draco Malfoy was on their side?
A figure appeared out of the shadows and pulled her from her thoughts. "Good evening, Miss Granger." "H-Hello, Professor." Hermione uttered through her tears. "I've been watching you this past year." She chuckled as she wiped her tears away. "Yes, I figured you would." They were both quiet as they watched Draco stir in his slumber. After a few minutes she spoke again. "I don't know how you do it, Sir. I don't know how to keep all these secrets. I don't know how to fight on two sides of the war." His black eyes found hers and Professor Snape started speaking slowly. "I am not someone who speaks kind words miss Granger, but I do believe that you have done a fair job. It isn't just your job to keep Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter save. Many other should be contributing to it, but I believe you play the largest role of us all." Bitterly he continued. "It appears as if both of them listen to you, to some extent at least. They don't however listen to me or anyone else for that matter."
"A fair job?" She hissed furiously. "I haven't done a fair job at all. First Draco almost killed Katie. He told me he was done with that and we would figure it out together. But no, he didn't listen. He poisoned some stupid wine and Ron got almost killed. I got so angry at him, I abandoned him. And now look at him! Now he is the one dying, all because Harry is obsessed with your stupid book!" Angrily she wiped the tears away that had fallen during her rant. "Perhaps, but they are still alive. This is war miss Granger and you're in the middle of it. Chances are not everyone will survive." The Gryffindor girl took a shuddering breath. "I know professor. I just don't know how to keep them alive." "Well, mister Potter has the protection of Professor Dumbledore for now. So perhaps, you should focus on Mr. Malfoy here. A good start would be to make sure mister Potter won't use any more spells he doesn't know the consequences of." Snape's silky voice responded. Hermione nodded. "He hid the book when you wanted to see it sir. He is determined to retrieve it again, but I'm trying talking him out of it. Besides, I think he has learned his lesson when it comes to spells he doesn't know."
The potion master gave a curt nod. "What about his mission? He doesn't want to tell me what he is planning. His occlumency has also gotten quite good." "Well, between the attack on Katie and Ron we were working together on letting the Death Eaters into Hogwarts. I assume he has continued on his own these past months. Even though I haven't helped him directly with his plan, I did continue on something else we started." Snape raised one eyebrow. "And what would that be, miss Granger?" "Well, Draco doesn't want to kill professor Dumbledore, but there isn't really anything we can do about that. We both know he is dying anyway. However, when the Death Eaters enter Hogwarts, they probably would like to cause a little havoc. Draco found an old book in his family library. There is a spell in the book, the original Patronus. It should be able to protect people from all spells and curses. If I can cast this spell around the people who fight the Death Eaters, no real harm should come to them. This way, Draco wouldn't also be burdened with the death of other people."
"Well miss Granger, I must say I'm impressed. Not many know of that spell. Even less wizards are able to perform it. How is it going so far?" Hermione bit her lip. "Well it's a bit tricky. At first I just performed the common Patronus-charm. But, Draco helped me with his Occlumency lessons. I just had to 'forget' what I've learned and start over. Since then, I've been pretty good at performing. I haven't been able to test it in the field." Professor Snape snarled. "Well miss Granger, although I would think I would've more useful things to do, it seems as were going to have some private lessons. This spell could be useful in both protecting Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter." She sighed. "Yes Sir." "Good. Now I will leave you with Mr. Malfoy. Wake him and give him this potion in about ten minutes. After that, you should return to your dormitories miss Granger. It is past curfew after all."
Hermione nodded and checked her watch. It was half past midnight already, she really should go to bed soon. She examined the potion professor Snape had given her, but she had no idea what it was. Checking her watch again, she decided it was time to wake Draco. "Draco." she whispered. "Draco, wake up." When he didn't stir, she lightly shook him and spoke up a bit. "Draco, you need to wake up." Slowly he opened his eyes. It seemed as if he was confused by his surroundings. "Granger?" He asked in a raspy voice. "What are you doing here? I thought you were not talking to me, because Weasley drank the poison." Hermione sighed, blinking her tears away. "I was, but then I heard you nearly died, because Harry used a stupid spell." He groaned. "Oh yes, tell Potter thank you for that." She rolled her eyes at him. "This isn't funny, Draco. My best friends are attempting to murder each other. I don't even know what to do anymore." Hermione cried.
Draco frowned. He hated it when Hermione cried, especially if it was partly his fault. "Granger, come here." He said. When she sat on his bed, he took her hand in his. "I am sorry about poisoning Weasley. It was never meant for him, you know that. I just panicked alright? The Dark Lord doesn't like to be kept waiting, he is hurting Mother and I just had to do something. I'm sorry alright?" The Gryffindor-girl looked at him and sighed. "I know, Draco. I just thought we were figuring this out together and then you went behind my back and I just, I just couldn't take it anymore. You have to trust me Draco. We will figure this out together." He smiled at her. "I know we will."