Her Last Sentence

Notice: The updates of the chapters will be affected each week as I have limited time on the computer.

The chatter flooded in from behind the heavy oak doors of Hogwarts. The gossip was inevitable, but I did not expect such a reaction. Just as I thought it, I recalled last night's events.

Lucius had left a parchment on my bed, indicating that I was to be prepared for tomorrow and to not try anything funny. He was under protection; the Death Eaters were linked to his progress and his physical form. It was practically impossible to kill him and not get an army of Death Eaters and Dementors storming into Hogwarts.

My suitcase was reduced in size and I carried it in my pocket. I was meant to wait for him in the Great Hall. Lucius wanted an entrance.

I pushed open the large doors and instantly the loud chatter became hushed whispers that created an obvious spotlight on me. Eyes followed my every move, every swing of my arms was noted down in precision.

I settled down beside Blaise. As I was used to, Blaise did nothing but pat my shoulder in concern. My eyes were trained on Hermione Granger. As more pupils noted this, they turned their heads to watch her.

The school was informed to keep the week's events a secret. But I knew there was bound to be someone who would slip up. But by the time she knew, I would be long gone. Even though last night had been what I had not imagined it to be. Yet, it was still my most cherished memory.

Her eyes lifted up to meet mine and she scowled in hostility. Exactly like she used to look when her eyes found my countenance. Weasley instead stuck his elbow in her ribs; she shot a look at him and returned to eating her breakfast.

Then I heard the familiar creak of the oak doors opening again. Not to admit me in the Great Hall, but very close.

Lucius was dressed in his finest. Everything from his velvet green suit to the snake headed cane, polished till it shone. His long blond hair was smooth down and he looked proudly at Dumbledore before turning to stare at me.

His eyes narrowed when he stared at my face. 'Was my face really that awful?' I thought sardonically. I got up swiftly and walked to him. His hand immediately rested on my shoulder, though I was but an inch shorter than him. But I was not going to give him the pleasure. I shrugged his hand off roughly. There was no way; I was going to let him think he was forcing me to leave, when in truth he was.

I was going to walk out here with dignity and some way or rather I will return to this place. I gave him a smug smile. His eyes glared at me, his mouth in a thin line. It was absolutely insane but I felt the damned muggle song flooding back to fill my mind again.

This song had to weirdest times I thought. But I nevertheless hummed the tune softly. Under the silence of the hall, the melody echoed around the hallowed walls. At my sudden humming, Lucius pushed me out faster, his wand hidden but poking into my back.

Every step was a herculean effort as I realized what I was going to leave and what I was going to gain (which is not much). The thought of leaving Hermione hurt. And I knew that there will have to come upon a time when I had to kill her friends she loved and cherished. Maybe even Hermione herself.

I had no choice. It was either to leave or to risk everyone in this room. I knew I could have done that, years ago. Thinking about myself, but I could not now. Hermione had damaged me or changed me in numerous ways. It depends on how you see it.

But still the faint glimmer of hope was still there. And it comforted me. It was a psychological proof that Hermione was with me. In whatever form she was with me. I had no photos, mementos, anything of her. But I had hope. The hope that she taught me to have and it was with me right now.

Suddenly the blunt edge of the wand was gone. I turned around in surprise; Lucius was lying on the floor, in a Full Body Lock. Hermione was standing up, her wand held limply in her hand. I sighed irritably, my brain racking to find a way to escape.

"Lock the doors!"

I lifted to see Potter shouting commands at the students, while a locking charm had been cast over the oak doors. But the Death Eaters can cast Alohomora in a second. But at this very moment I thanked god for Potter's efficiency.

"Draco! Take Ms. Granger and apparated out of here!" Snape shouted, the tables and chairs were magically piling up in front of the oak doors in an attempt to stop the Death Eaters.

I had no prior lesson on how to apparated but I do have some idea. I had practiced it many a time in the Malfoy Garden but that was barely a few feet away!

"Go!" boomed Dumbledore, his old blue eyes focusing on the trembling oak doors. "Go to number 12, Grimmauld Place, Now!"

Well, I had to give it a try. I ran over to Hermione and grabbed her arm. The last thing I saw was the Death Eaters flooding the hall and my mother's icy blue eyes catching my determined stare.

I was put through an uncomfortable tube but then we had appeared on a porch of 12 Grimmauld place. Hermione's hand was limp and she stared at me fearfully and yet with betrayal was well. I knew the dosage of the potion should be larger. But there was no time to think of that now. because a tall man with black hair and stubble had just opened the door and was staring at me suspiciously.