Chapter 12: Complications and good-byes
When Ron and Hermione get back at the room of requirement Hermione quickly fixes Harry and the three of them eat some lunch. Ron took plenty of food for a whole army and they had lots to choose from. "You know who wasn't at the great hall again? Malfoy. I'm telling you he is up to something. He hasn't been to any of the classes and he hasn't been eating either." Ron tells them.
"You sure have been keeping a close eye on him. May I ask why?" Hermione asks.
"Because, I still think he is the deatheater inside the castle! We still need to make up our minds about the threats."
"Maybe Ron is right Mione, we can't rule anything out."
"Well at least we don't have to make a decision anymore"
"Why do you say that?" Ron asks her.
"On my way back from the library I bumped into a kid claiming Dumbledore has requested a meeting with us, we must go there when we finish lunch"
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Harry asks
"Well I was too busy saving your ass, remember? At least now it fits into your jeans again" Hermione tells them and smiles.
"Fine, let's hurry up. I'm curious what Dumbledore has to tell us."
Dumbledore tells them about the order's decision. Hermione has to stay in school for research and Harry and Ron are going away. People are supposed to believe the trio is still at school and since no one would believe they would leave Hermione behind, or that she would let them, she will. She will also have to turn into Harry and Ron from time to time so no one will get suspicious. They don't have to worry about them missing classes since they weren't going to any lately anyway. Hermione tries to change Dumbledore's mind but the order has made the decision and they supposedly know what's best. They can't argue. Dumbledore tells them some other things about the mission and then sends them off to pack what they desperately need. Everything else must stay behind so it won't raise suspicions.
I am looking forward to pretending to be Harry and Ron. She tells herself sarcastically. Especially Ron at dinner! Merlin, I will die! And going to the boys' dorm doesn't sound nice either. You can smell the sweaty socks from the hallway. It's bad enough to sneak in there and borrow Harry's cloak and then I'm in and out in ten seconds. Now I actually have to spend time in there!
"I wish I wouldn't have to leave" Harry tells his girlfriend.
"Don't worry Harry. You can't help it. It's best if you leave."
"Yes you're right. But I'd still rather be with you."
"You will be again Harry. Remember what my mother used to say: The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not only in the way we expect. I trust you will come back to me when this is all over."
"If only not in the way we expect? If you mean in a million pieces by that you aren't helping."
"Of course not silly" Luna grabs his hand. "I have faith in you. You will do great, I believe in you"
She had always believed in him. He remembered the time they fed the Thestrals together in their fifth year. He had felt very alone that time. People didn't believe him when he told them Voldemort was back but she had told him she and her father did. She told him that he shouldn't fear and that there were more people out there that believed him. She had comforted him and she was there the entire time they fought at the ministry. He had been so caught up in his feelings for Cho Chang at the moment that he didn't even see Luna. Now he realizes how they are alike. They are both outsiders in a way. Of course Harry has been popular and nobody notices Luna but nobody knew the real Harry, everyone pictured him as their hero that knew everything and they felt like they didn't have to get to know him because they already did. They expected things from him that he would never do. All sorts of rumors went through school about him. Many about Luna too. Everyone pictured her as the weird girl that talked about unknown creatures like Nargles. They figured they knew everything about her so they didn't take the time to get to know her either. Come to think of it they do make a great match. Harry will miss her when he's gone.
"I know you do. You always have."
"And always will" she smiles and gives him a quick kiss. "Now leave before I won't let you go"
"He smiles. I wish you wouldn't let me go"
"I have to"
"I know. See you soon Luna"
"Goodbye Harry"
Harry turns around and walks towards his friends. At one o clock tonight they have to leave. He says goodnight to Hermione. He listens to her long speech about safety once more and then goes upstairs to go to bed early. Ron does the same thing. Hermione feels quite alone that night. It will be weird not having her two best friends around. She decides to go to bed early too. She has a lot to do tomorrow. When she gets upstairs a note is left on her nightstand. The owl who brought it is still sitting in the windowsill, probably waiting for a treat. She gives it one and looks at the letter. It's from Draco. She puts it away without opening it. She has gotten several other letters after her last one but she hadn't opened any like she promised herself. That night she can't sleep. She keeps thinking about Harry and Ron, if they will be safe. Also she thinks about Draco's weird behavior over the last couple of days. Maybe she should open the letter. If only to find out what's on his mind and causing his behavior. She sighs and mentally slaps herself for her weakness and then gets the letter. She moves over to the window for some light. She can't light a candle because everyone else is fast asleep. With shaky hands she opens the letter and reads.
-I'm in trouble. Meet me at the room of requirement at midnight. I know you know where it is. I know you don't want to meet but it's a matter of life and death. Mine. Please come. You are the only one I can trust. It's about the war. Draco.-
