"It is important to remain calm."
Draco was pacing back and forth in Dumbledore's office. Upon returning, Draco and Luna had found the headmaster waiting in the office. Apparently he'd had a feeling that something wasn't right. The two students had collaboratively explained the problem to Dumbledore.
The Slytherin sixth year was as calm as he could be in his situation—his cruel, murderous aunt and a lustful, disgusting werewolf were currently in possession of the only person who knew everything Draco had been through. She had been there for him when no one else would or could listen. Had he developed feelings for her? Had the Slytherin prince, heir of Merlin and all that the Malfoys owned, finally let down his guard and felt an emotion other than frustration or helplessness?
"We'll find her," Luna tried to assure him, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"And how do we do that?" he snapped. Immediately regretting his tone, he apologized. "We have no clue where Greyback could have taken her."
Suddenly, he realized aloud, "But I do know that Bellatrix knew where to vaporize to." He turned to Dumbledore. "They must have set up some sort of headquarters or hostage location prior to seizing Malfoy Manor, but where could that possibly be?"
The door opened and in came Professor Snape.
"Thank Merlin," Draco breathed. "Surely you must know where they're keeping her!"
"Hold your horse, Malfoy," Snape drawled, "I've only been summoned without a story."
"Mister Malfoy here," Dumbledore began explaining, "accompanied by Misses Granger and Lovegood, sought to save his mother at Malfoy Manor. They were able to save the three prisoners, but Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback captured Miss Granger. I would assume that they believe that she was helped by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley."
"I'm afraid the werewolf and his accomplice have their own little torture ring somewhere only the Dark Lord can go," Snape said. "He told them it was for a job well done, but I believe he wants them out of the way."
Draco frowned. "Voldemort wants his own Death Eaters out of the way? Not to mention his favorites."
"I'm sure you are well aware of how bloodthirsty those two are. The Dark Lord intends to keep them occupied while he prepares to assemble his forces for not only the end of the year, but for the war that will follow. Not to mention," Snape added, mocking Draco's last sentence, "that he needs to keep his two prized followers as sharp and hungry as ever."
Draco didn't follow Voldemort's logic, and this only worried him more.
"Then how should we go about finding Hermione?"
"You will contribute by going back to your dormitories and resting," Dumbledore commanded. "And Miss Lovegood as well." Before Draco could protest, the headmaster continued, "There is no doubt that your trip to Malfoy Manor has been taxing, not to mention that it is the middle of the night."
"I've been out for four days!" Draco exclaimed.
"Because of your curse, if you recall correctly. It is best not to put too much stress on the body."
Draco groaned. "Do you at least know when the curse is supposed to strike next?"
"I would presume in about a month," Snape told him, "but perhaps it will return sooner due to you disinterest in obeying those who know best."
Accepting that at the moment there was nothing he could do, Draco sighed and left the office. Luna followed him.
"Hermione is incredibly smart," Luna said. "Surely she will figure something out."
Draco didn't meet her eyes. "She's quite knowledgeable and resourceful. But we're talking about Death Eaters, and not just any Death Eaters. We're talking about the half-man who stripped Remus Lupin of a normal life and the witch who destroyed the Longbottoms' minds. The only things keeping her safe is that she is technically a pureblood and that they think Potter and Weasley will try to rescue her."
"Realism is useful," Luna began philosophically, "but optimism can fuel the path to the most ideal realism."
Ignoring the paradox, Draco bid the Ravenclaw good night and proceeded down to the dungeons.
As Draco changed into his pajamas and settled into his bed, he remembered that he actually could communicate with Hermione in a non-risky way. Why hadn't he thought of it before? He reached for his robe, lying on the floor, and dug through a pocket, finally pulling out the fake Sickle. Unfortunately, no messages had come through. Either she hadn't had the opportunity to contact him, or had forgotten about it during all the trauma.
Tell me you're fine, Draco sent, hoping that Hermione carried the coin on her like he did and that she would answer soon to assure him that she was safe. Just then he realized that Hermione had long ago charmed the coin to act as an alarm in case of an emergency. What if she was still with the Death Eaters and they found out? Even worse, what if they made her empty out her pockets to ensure that she was unarmed and helpless? Then Draco would have no way of contacting her.
Deep breath, Draco, he thought to himself. He need to calm down. He wondered if he would act like this if it were Luna who had been taken rather than Hermione.
You are closer to Hermione than to Luna, a voice in his head said. It makes sense to feel this hopeless.
Maybe you've spent so much time with her that you feel the same way about her that she feels about you, said another.
Draco waved that thought out of his head. He was Draco Malfoy, Slytherin genius, heir of Merlin, He wasn't supposed to feel anything for anyone, much less for a girl. Even the most clever one he'd ever met.
Not wanting to give the subject more thought, he forced himself to focus on staying awake by mentally planning his next steps if Hermione didn't answer. Although he tried his best, his eyes soon gave way to the darkness. Draco was fast asleep by the time the fake Sickle buzzed with a new message.