Hope you all are liking the story! Just a note, the spells in this chapter are made up, at least I'm pretty sure they are since I haven't read about them anywhere. I don't want any controversy, so I thought I would mention that =)
So, if you all like Draco, then you must like Tom Felton, too, who plays him in the movies. I know I do. He's a great actor. Fun fact: I learned recently that when he was on-set for the first or second movie, the young Tom Felton stashed goodies, like chocolate, in his robe's pockets. That would drive the costume staff up the wall because the chocolate would melt in those pockets and they would have to clean them. Eventually, they just sewed up the robe's pockets so Tom couldn't stash candy in them anymore XD
Thought that would be a cute and fun tid-bit to know, especially at the end of this chapter. Enjoy =)
Chapter 18
Draco couldn't concentrate for the life of him in his remaining two classes. His lunch hour was spent talking with the Dark Lord, then talking with Hermione and her friends, then talking with Hermione, and everyone saw them snogging in the corridor. Of course, he didn't care that everyone saw that. Now, he couldn't care in the least about what people thought about him and Hermione dating, but he has to worry about making sure the rest of Annabelle's vision comes to pass, mainly the last part where everyone turns up safe after all the chaos.
His leg moved up and down in a very rapid motion as he waited for his last class of the day to end, one that he didn't have with Hermione, Harry or Ron. It was a beginning to business class for kids who want to work in the Ministry after Hogwarts. Draco's father wanted him to take this one since the plan is, after Draco graduates, he will be interning then working with his father. This class preps him for that, and next year he will take a course specific to the department he will work in.
He looked around at the class full of fifth years on up since the lowest year one can be to take the class is your fifth year. There are mostly sixth and seventh years in the class. People eyed him and whispered, but again, he didn't care. His stomach pinched slightly, reminding him that he never had lunch. His anxiousness kept him from being hungry, thank goodness. He looked over at the person sitting next to him, a girl from his house, a fifth year, and someone Draco fancied at one point, but tossed that crush away after she started dating another Slytherin guy last year. She caught him looking at her, at her long brown hair and olive skin.
"Can I help you, Draco?" she asked him, her big brown eyes on him, and surrounded by long lashes.
"Sorry," he said, then reached over and pulled a feather out of her hair. He showed the little white thing to her. "Must have been from the owl perched up front."
He had saw her say hi to the white creature before class, and it shook its wings, making some feathers fly off. "Oh," she said and touched her hair. "Thanks." She eyed him for a moment. He knew that look. "So... you and that Gryffindor are pretty serious now? I saw the two of you out in the corridor a couple hours ago."
He's not afraid to admit it, even to a girl he fancied before, one that Hermione didn't even know about, mainly because it was a short crush, maybe for two months last year. His crush didn't even know of the crush he had on her. "Yeah, you could say we are. And I don't care one ant's leg about what people think about it."
She smirked, which was admittedly pretty, but Draco didn't dwell on that. "I think that's awesome, that you're following your heart, regardless of what people think. It's admirable. That girl's lucky."
His mouth pulled into small smile as well. "I think I'm the lucky one."
The bell gonged and the students got up and left the classroom. His tablemate stood up after getting her books and parchment together. "Well, see you around, Draco. And good luck with everything."
Good luck? Well, even if she didn't know what was going on, she knew that a pure-blood Slytherin being involved with a muggle-born Gryffindor is bound to create problems. He was glad that she was understanding about it, not like a lot of others in his house. Pansy doesn't even talk to him anymore. "Thanks, Astoria. See you."
She left, and Draco got his things together and left as well. He headed straight for Dumbledore's office, weaving through the crowds of students on their way to their common rooms or other places. He continued on and made it to the corridor where Dumbledore's office is on, and he could see the entrance to the revolving staircase. But that's not what he noticed first. Annabelle was waiting there. He walked up to her and she noticed him. She gave him a beaming smile that could make any guy's limbs to weaken... just not his anymore.
"Hello, Draco."
"Hi, Annabelle. Are you joining us with this little meeting of ours?"
"I plan on it. Professor Dumbledore already knows that all of us want to meet with him. I took it upon myself to make the appointment. He seemed rather surprised to see me, and it surprised me that he knew exactly who I was. I guess when I made myself known to the school, it wasn't just the students who noticed my presence."
"Wait, so he knows what we want to talk to him about?"
"No, he just knows that the matter is of great importance and has to do with a certain evil wizard. Of course he consented to meet after I mentioned that, and that it had to do with you, Hermione and her friends."
Draco took a breath through his nose and slammed a hand in his pocket since the other one held his school bag. "Alright." He looked around the corridor and tried to find Hermione and her friends in the faces of the several students walking about. "I don't see them."
"I'm sure they're coming." He looked around again, but noticed Annabelle staring at him with a guilty expression. "Sorry, I just... I want to apologize for not telling you the whole of my vision. It was selfish of me to want to see the whole thing play out before I tell you what comes next, especially the ending parts that are so important."
He nodded, honestly wishing she said something earlier, but it's too late now. "Don't worry about it. You told Hermione and them, and they told me, and we're making a plan to see it all out."
"Right." She looked behind him. "Oh, here they come."
Draco turned and saw Hermione, Harry and Ron walk among the students. Draco couldn't help but smile when he saw Hermione and her bushy hair bobbing as she walked. He found it adorable. She caught his gaze and gave him a pretty smile. She came up closer and Draco took his hand out of his pocket and put his arm around Hermione's shoulders and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hello to you, too," she cooed, and he grinned.
"You two are so adorable together!" Annabelle gushed.
"Yeah, but they could be less mushy about it all," Ron grumbled. "We all saw them in the corridor earlier."
"Well get used to it Ronald. You know what happens in my vision."
"Yeah, don't remind me."
Annabelle giggled at that, and Ron's face suddenly flushed pink, the same pink that Draco noticed on him after he came back from talking with the Dark Lord. He looked between Annabelle and Ron for a moment and saw Annabelle eyeing him, with Ron's face getting pinker by the second. Draco smirked. Seems like the two fancy each other. Either that, or Annabelle is enjoying Ron's reaction to her and is playing it up.
"So, shall we go up?" Harry asked. "Dumbledore should know of our wanting to talk to him, right?"
"Yes, he does," Annabelle said. "I spoke with him already. I will meet you all up there."
She vanished and the four got into the winding staircase and Draco muttered the spell to make it go, since he's been up in the headmaster's office before. Once the revolving staircase stopped, the four entered the office full of nick-nacks and portraits of past headmasters adorning the walls. Dumbledore was there at his desk, conversing with Annabelle, who was floating next to it. She turned and saw them come in.
"Oh, here they are."
Professor Dumbledore looked up and saw the four walk up to his desk, and wore a blue robe. He sat up straight and gave all of them a smile. "Come, have a seat, all of you. Annabelle here has just briefed me of this vision of hers, and I have to say, it was quite the tale." He noticed Draco and Hermione's clasped hands on the arm of the chair that Draco just sat in. "And it looks like most of it has come to pass."
"Yes, Sir," Hermione said. "All that has happened—Draco protecting me from Crabbe and Goyle, and this." She held up her and Draco's clasped hands. "It is because Annabelle saw it all."
"Or rather, those things happened on their own, Miss Ravenclaw just saw them coming," Dumbledore corrected. He looked to the portraits around and asked of the men in them to give him and his students some privacy. They were agreeable and left. Dumbledore looked back to the five in front of him. "Now, I understand that you need my assistance with what is to happen next in this vision, correct?"
"We felt like you should know about all this, but... yes," Harry said. "We need to know if this spell that Annabelle mentioned is really possible to conjure. Could it really keep Hermione and all of us out of sight of the Dark Lord?"
Dumbledore's gaze moved from Harry to Draco. "Mr. Malfoy."
Draco froze, knowing what Annabelle told the old wizard. "Yes, Sir?"
"I don't want you to be alarmed, but I knew from the beginning what was asked of you. Why do you suppose Professor Snape was asked to perform the unbreakable bond with your mother? It was the plan all along to have him do the deed, not you."
Shock pulsed Draco's whole system, so much so that he released Hermione's hand, not noticing the surprised looks on hers, Harry's and Ron's faces, and stood up. "What? You knew the whole time?"
"Indeed. It seems like everything will go ask planned, you just have a different assignment to fulfill." His eyes turned sincere and apologetic. "I am indeed sorry that a young boy such as yourself has and had to carry such a heavy burden. But now, you can be at ease because I believe what Miss Ravenclaw here said will come to pass."
"She told you the whole thing? Her whole vision, to the end?" Ron asked, and Draco sat down, not believing that the Headmaster knew all along of what Draco had to do. It made him feel ill in the stomach, knowing that the old man knew of Draco's task when he spoke with him when he received the hero award.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Now, you are wondering if this spell to make you all appear invisible to the Dark Lord is possible?" They all nodded. "Yes, it is indeed possible, and it would be better for all of you if you all are away from Hogwarts while you are in hiding."
"Away from Hogwarts?" Hermione asked. "But, what of our classes?"
"Hermione, do you honestly think that our classes and grades are more important than our lives?" Ron quipped. Hermione didn't respond to that.
"I can have your books and assignments sent to you all, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said.
"What places were you thinking on sending us?"
Dumbledore put an old, wrinkly finger to his lips. "That is a secret. No doubt that Lord Voldemort knows of our meeting here." He glanced at Draco, and Draco hated that it was because of him that the Dark Lord may know of what they're planning.
"How will this all be done?" Draco asked, and all looked over at him. He gulped hard, not wanting to reveal this, but he has to in this situation. "When I was in a personal meeting with the Dark Lord earlier today, when he was changing my assignment, he wanted me to end Hermione, but if I couldn't, he would end her, as well as her friends, including Annabelle. How will they all be protected?"
Harry's and Ron's faces suddenly drained of color, and Annabelle even looked surprised. Dumbledore sat there thoughtful. "There is an easy solution. A special invisibility spell will be performed on the three of you." He pointed to Hermione, Harry and Ron. "And you all will be in separate locations, as Miss Ravenclaw has said, and you all will be far away from one another, under the watchful eye of myself through a looking glass. If any potential harm were to come to any of you, help will be sent."
Draco thought this plan doable, one Annabelle mentioned in her vision, but with the locations blurred out. He looked over at Hermione and the others and saw the looks of fear on their faces, including Annabelle's. He looked back to the Headmaster. "I think it's all brilliant, Headmaster, but... how can Annabelle be protected? The Dark Lord mentioned an unspeakable spell, I think much like the three unforgivable curses we already know about, but this one can send spirits to eternal misery or happiness. He said he plans on performing the eternal misery one on Annabelle. According to her vision, she is protected, but how?"
"Wait, there are such spells?" Hermione asked him with wide eyes, then looked to Dumbledore.
"If there are, we really have to do something!" Ron said, worry in his green eyes. "Annabelle needs to be protected, just like us."
"She could be sent to one of our places of protection, right, Professor?" Harry asked. "Where will we all be sent? Annabelle didn't see the exact places where we are to be sent."
Dumbledore put up a hand, silencing the frantic young people. "One at a time, one at a time. Now first, as I have said, your locations will not be mentioned, I would just ask that you all pack a suitcase to last you a long period of time, maybe up to a few months, since we do not know the exact amount of time you all will be in hiding."
"You mean, basically pack everything that we brought with us to school?" Ron asked.
"Yes, that would be a wise decision, Mr. Weasley. And as has been mentioned already, your books and assignments will be sent to you." He looked to Draco. "And I suppose that you know that you will be remaining here, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes, Sir."
Draco didn't like it when Annabelle said that Hermione and her friends will be sent off to different places and he would remain behind. He wants to be where wherever Hermione is sent and be a source of protection for her, as well as be some company, but him being in a place with Hermione or her friends is a bad idea since the Dark Lord knows his location at all times.
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "Now as for these unspeakable spells, they do exist. We do not mention them, and they are written in no book or other place because of their nature. Taking the life of a person is truly horrible for certain, and having that power is even more so, but having the ability to choose where a person's spirit goes is dark magic, darker than the Death Curse and the other two Unforgivable Curses. That is why they are not mentioned."
"I really can't believe that those kinds of spells exist," Ron breathed. "It's no wonder that the Dark Lord knows about them. How does he, anyway?" He looked to Draco, and Draco shot him a glare, not liking that just because he's a Death Eater, he should know all the Dark Lord's secrets.
"How should I know?" he quipped. "I was just as surprised as you all when I found out about them."
Ron faced Dumbledore again, and the old wizard said, "He is the lord of dark and evil magic, so it comes as so surprise that he would know of such spells. And I trust that none of you will tell a soul about them?" They all agreed to not say a word, including Annabelle, and Dumbledore set his entwined hands on top of his desk, on some parchment. "Now, as far as protection for Miss Ravenclaw here, leave that to me. I do not want to overload your young minds with too many heavy-weighted spells."
"We can take it," Hermione said hastily, and Draco saw the interest in her eyes. Harry leaned over before Draco could say something to her. "Just leave this one be, Hermione. You will have to put your desire to learn about new spells aside for now."
Hermione huffed at that, and Draco couldn't help but smirk, amused. He may have not been close to Hermione like Harry and Ron in the past, but he very well knew that she loves learning about new spells. He could see her pure shock when she found out about the spells to send spirits to eternal misery or bliss. It's curious, though, that there are such spells and not one to bring the dead back to life.
"Quite right," Dumbledore said to Harry's comment to Hermione. "Now, I believe that will be all for now. I would like Miss Granger, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley to prepare to leave by packing what you will."
"When are we to leave, Sir?" Hermione asked.
"As soon as possible, Miss Granger. I would say that once you all are all packed, come to my office at midnight tonight, well after all the students and teachers have retired. And I would recommend that you start packing after your classmates have gone to bed, and produce a silencing charm on yourself and the area around you so no one wakes and finds that you are preparing to leave."
"But what will people think when we're gone?" Ron asked. "Surely they will notice us gone and will ask questions."
"I will take care of that, Mr. Weasley. Now, off you all go. Miss Ravenclaw, will you remain here? I wish to speak more with you about your vision."
"Yes, of course," she said.
Draco, Hermione and her friends stood and then exited the office, and soon stood out in the corridor near the revolving staircase. Hermione left the boys and went and stood over at an open window and looked out at the view of mountains and the Black Lake. Draco joined her, as well as Harry and Ron, but with Draco on her left and the others on her right.
"Where do you suppose he will send us?" Ron asked, gazing out the window, and a cool breeze blew on all of them.
"It could be anywhere," said Harry.
"Do you suppose he will turn one of us into a merperson and send us under he Black Lake?" Harry gave Ron a bewildered look. "What? It's possible."
"It is," said Hermione as she gazed out at the view as well. "I'm just... worried. We'll be alone."
Draco put an arm around her shoulder and brought her close, and she only made a small smile as a thank you for the small comfort. Harry said, "Dumbledore said that we will be looked out for. We should trust his word."
"I do trust it, it's just... being alone can make one feel vulnerable. He should at least have the two of you together, and place someone with me, maybe a female teacher or something."
"I don't think Dumbledore wants to risk involving anyone else," Draco said. "Plus, I think he's separating all of you because it would be more difficult for you all to be tracked and found. Having you all in one place makes it easier for you all to be found."
Hermione nodded, and the others nodded in agreement at well. There was thick silence between the four for a moment, aside from people walking in the corridor behind them. Draco really didn't like the thought of Hermione being alone, but like was said, it's the wisest move. He's not going to like the separation, even if it's for her own safety.
"So, I suppose we should start packing," Ron said.
"But Dumbledore said we should start after our classmates have gone to bed," Harry argued.
"I just want to mentally take note of all that I should bring. I mean, where I'm going could be tropical and hot, or it could be wintery and cold. I need to prepare for both."
Harry nodded. "You're right." He looked to Hermione. "We're heading off. Do you want to come with?"
She looked to Draco, then to them. "No, you go on ahead. I need to speak with Draco about something."
The two boys nodded, and Draco could see the jealousy in Ron's eyes. Even if Ron has a small rush on Annabelle now, his feelings for Hermione run deep since they have been friends for so long. Hopefully he will move on at some point, given what he knows about the vision now.
Once the two boys were gone, Hermione didn't waste a second and wrapped her arms around Draco's torso tightly, and he wrapped her arms around her and snuggled his head into her hair near her ear. Her lilac scent overcame him as she trembled in his arms. "I'm... scared. I know that Harry and Ron will be alright, but... the Dark Lord has commanded you to kill me specifically, and if I'm not near you so you can do it, he's going to stop at nothing to find me and do it himself."
He held her tighter and stroked her hair a bit. He said with fierce certainty, "That's not going to happen, alright? Dumbledore said he will be watching, and he will send help if there is the smallest inkling of danger."
"I know, but still... I wish someone could be with me, like Harry or Ron, or... you. But I know you can't be with any of us since that will give away our locations."
He nodded. "Yes, I know. I wish I could be there for you and protect you." He smirked. "And being alone with you in a secluded place, away from any person, would be ideal as well."
She gasped and looked back at his face, her hazel eyes wide and her cheeks gaining color. She knew what he was implying. "Draco!"
"What? I'm just being honest."
"Now's not the time to joke, even though it would be rather nice to be alone with no one else around." She met his blue eyes, and he was tempted to lean down and kiss those pink lips. "Could you stay with me until I leave tonight? I mean, from now until I pack, and then you can be there to walk me to Dumbledore's office. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you being there."
Draco nodded. "I can do that."
He brought her to him again and held her there as the four o'clock bell gonged. He knew all of this would happen—they all did—it's just scary experiencing it. He's not looking forward to what happens near the end of the vision, a part having to do with Dumbledore, but again, he and Hermione and her friends trust Annabelle. He hugged Hermione tighter. Everything will be fine.
"Oh good Lord Almighty..."
Draco, flattered, let out a satisfied smile after Hermione walked off the moving staircases with her trunk, the time being ten minutes to midnight, and she had stopped and stared at Draco as he stood there in his prim black suit ensemble, and his very blonde hair was coiffed to perfection. He had his hands in his pockets as well. Hermione's pink face turned from stunned to that of frustration.
"Now why do you have to look so bloody handsome tonight of all nights?"
He took her trunk's handle and started wheeling the large trunk for her, one hand on the handle, the other in his pocket. She walked along beside him as he heard Ron's voice behind them, saying that he and Harry no longer need the silencing spell on them anymore. "Oh, so I don't look this dashing other times?" Draco joked.
"No, I'm just saying that you did it on purpose, resembling a tall male model by only standing there."
His smiled widened with pride. "I just wanted to make sure you leave seeing me at my best. Which is always," he added.
She laughed at that. "Golly, that arrogant streak of yours is still there, that's for sure."
He loved the light atmosphere, given the situation that all for of them are in. He looked over at her and saw that she wore casual blue jeans that hugged her legs, and a deep red sweater that hugged her torso. His neck heated up at the sight. "You look rather attractive as well."
She smiled sheepishly. "Thank you. That means a lot since I have spent the last two hours packing without a break and am exhausted. Personally, I think I look rather frazzled."
"Frazzled is a good look on you."
She elbowed his side, and he snickered. He noticed Ron and Harry come up to them, themselves in casual clothing as well, and walked with them on Hermione's right, with Draco on her left. Ron asked, pulling his trunk, "So, what do you think Dumbledore will do with Annabelle? It's been on my mind since the meeting with Dumbledore earlier."
"You would want to know what happens to her, wouldn't you, Ron?" Hermione asked with a sly look, and in jest. She said to Draco, "Ron has a silly crush on Annabelle now, much like every other boy in the school."
"Hermione, shut up, will you?" Ron quipped and the rest of them chuckled, and the redhead's face turned pink.
"I could easily see it," Draco said. "She she really has that power over the male population here. She had me under her spell at first, but Hermione happened and things changed."
"A lot of things," Harry added. "But seriously, what does Dumbledore have planned for Annabelle?"
"I don't know," said Hermione. "Knowing him, he probably knows of some spell we don't that will keep her out of sight of the Dark Lord. Maybe an invisibility spell for spirits? Or maybe..."
"How about we don't talk about it?" Ron suggested. "The Dark Lord knows what we're doing anyway." He gave Draco a pointed look. "Because of Mr. Death Eater here. Why is he coming along with us, anyway? He doesn't have to go anywhere."
Draco didn't like the tone he was using, or the name that he called him, even if it's true. Annoyance pricked his sternum, and he had a retort, but Hermione said, stopping him, "I wanted him to come because, like any girl, I want to say goodbye to my boyfriend before I leave for an extended period of time."
Ron made a face, and his nose twerked. "I don't think I'm ever going to get used to you calling him your boyfriend, and I don't think I'm ever going to be okay with it, either, considering what he's done to us in the past, especially to you, calling you that horrible name and whatnot."
Draco's eyes flamed and he shot at him, "Hey, I said I was sorry for all that I done."
"Yeah, but you still did what you did. Saying sorry doesn't change it."
Draco was about to go for him, but Hermione grabbed his arm. "Will you two stop it, really?! What's done is done. Now let's focus on what we have to do next, alright?"
Draco huffed, as did Ron. Hermione wanted him to get along with Harry and Ron, but he doesn't see how that it possible, especially with Ron, since he's always going to be a jealous, stubborn twit who can't move on from what has happened in the past, regardless of how sorry Draco is for it all. At least Harry had the decency not to say a word about it.
The three eventually came up to Dumbledore's office entrance after walking through the deadly silent corridors that were lit by torches on the walls and moonlight coming through the windows. Hermione muttered the spell to start the revolving staircase, and the four walked into the headmaster's office a minute later. There Dumbledore was, standing near his desk, wearing a that very blue robe under that long beard of his, with Annabelle floating next to him.
"Good night, you all," Annabelle greeted them, then a look at awe came to her face. "Wow, I haven't seen the four of you out this late, together, since your first year when you all had to go out with Hagrid for detention in the forest."
Now why did Annabelle have to bring that up? A shiver ran through Draco at the memory of him and Harry, only eleven years old, coming into a forest clearing where the Dark Lord himself was drinking the blood of a unicorn. He will never forget that, and the fear he felt at seeing the Dark Lord in person for the first time. Then, in the moment, he didn't know who the being was, but he found out later.
"You just had to bring that up," Ron muttered, agreeing with Draco without knowing it, and Harry and Hermione looked uncomfortable as well. My, how far the four of them have gotten since that night.
"I trust that you all have packed as I have asked," Dumbledore said, bringing their attention away from that memory, then eyed Draco for a moment, a question in his aging eyes. He saw him handle Hermione's suitcase, with the other hand in hers. He nodded to that, and Draco was glad that the Headmaster was fine with him being there for Hermione.
"Yes, Sir," she said. "After everyone was asleep, I started packing while under a silencing charm."
"As did I," Harry said.
"Me, too," said Ron.
"Very well." Dumbledore put his hands behind his back. "Now, I want you all to know that these places I have chosen for you may not be what you originally thought them to be."
"What does that mean?" asked Ron. "Are they far away and away from people?"
"You will see, Mr. Weasley. I have already charmed the areas of these places so they are unseen to any person who may pass by them, and I left instructions as to what you should do while you are there, like not wandering off away from the residences and such. Understood?"
They all said "yes, Sir" or "yes, Headmaster" at the same time. Ron asked, "What of Annabelle? What is to be done with her?"
The ghost girl gave Ron gracious smile, along with a look of interest. Well, there's evidence that the girl's attentions have turned away from Draco, at least in that way. Dumbledore said to Ron, "That is only for me and Miss Ravenclaw to know. Now, time to make your last goodbyes to one another, since you will not being seeing one another until all this is over, and that could easily be for the rest of the school year. It all depends on when the Dark Lord decides to make himself known."
Draco hated that. They didn't know exactly when he is going to show himself, they just know that he will make a ruckus at some point, and Dumbledore is going to be there. And... they don't know where the dark wizard is going to show himself. That is incredibly unsettling as well.
"Oh, blymee..." Ron gasped. "The rest of the school year?"
"Yes, it was already discussed," Harry said.
"But still... this is all mental."
"You got that right, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said. "Now, time is of the essence."
Draco stood back as Hermione and her friends hugged and said goodbye to one another. This has to be difficult for them, knowing that one another is going to places unknown. And for him, he had no idea where Hermione is going, and what is to happen with Annabelle. He hated that, too, be he knew it was for the best. His eyes stung as he watched the three friends say goodbye and good luck and be safe. This is all to real, and it's really hitting him now.
"Alright, Mr. Weasley, we will start with you first," Dumbledore said and the three stood in a line, much like a rank to an army.
"A-Alight," Ron stammered, fear and uncertainty in his voice. Who could blame him? He has no idea where he's going. But they all trust Dumbledore. Draco's stomach twisted at the fact that the old man still has to die, and but by one of his friends—Professor Snape. Given Draco is glad that he doesn't have to kill the old man, but knowing that someone else does... it doesn't sit well with him at all, especially after seeing first-hand how amazing the old wizard is. Draco has gained so much respect for him in the past couple of months, while he never had it before.
"Now, stand here, Mr. Weasley, if you will," Dumbledore said and pointed to an open area near his desk, one that had a circle pattern in the wood. Ron went to said spot and stood there with his trunk, his mouth a flat line. Dumbledore took a bowl off of his desk and Draco saw that it had gray powder in it. Before he wanted ask about it, Hermione asked, reiterating what he was wondering,
"Floo powder? I thought you have to say the name of the place you're going, and are we not supposed to do that in this case?"
"Yes, Miss Granger, but this specific floo powder allows the person to merely think of the place. And since you all have no idea of where they are, I will do the thinking and send you all off."
"Oh, I see." She looked to Ron, and sadness appeared in her eyes, and Draco tried not to let that bother him since she admitted to having feelings for the redhead before. "Goodbye, Ron. Everything will be fine, alright?"
"Yeah, I hope so," he remarked, fear in his features. "They better be."
"They will be," Harry said. "Don't sweat it."
"Yes, don't worry," Annabelle agreed, and Ron's features noticeably softened.
"Alright, Mr. Weasley. Ready?" Dumbledore asked.
"As I'll ever be, I suppose."
"Very well." He scooped up some of the gray powder, and flung it onto Ron. Draco's heart jumped, and both Hermione and Harry flinched, eyes wide, when Ron suddenly disappeared in a large orange flame, along with his large trunk. Draco noticed Hermione gulped, hard.
"Now, Harry, you next," Dumbledore said, and Harry nodded and walked into the same spot, his trunk in tow. The boy noticeably looked nervous. Dumbledore took more floo powder, and flung it onto Harry as Hermione said a final goodbye. Harry was gone in a blue flame, not orange like Ron. Hermione took a deep breath, knowing she was next.
"Now, I think Annabelle and I will give you two a moment to say goodbye," Dumbledore said with a wink, and he and Annabelle went off into the back of the office, unseen. Draco was grateful that they did so. He wrapped Hermione in his arms right as she turned to embrace him as well.
"Golly, we haven't even been together for that long and this happens," she said into his chest. "And I'm going to be gone for who knows how long, without any communication with anyone."
He nodded, and held her petite, curvy form to him. "I know, but at least you'll be safe. That's really all I have wanted, other than you."
He noticed her hold on his torso tighten. "You... want me?"
"Of course. You should have gathered that they first time I kissed you. And the second. And third, and..."
"Okay, I get it," she stopped him with a chuckle. She leaned out a little and looked up at his face, giving him a loving look. "I think I want you, too."
He smiled and leaned down. His mouth met hers, and he felt her hands move up and latch onto his shoulders from the back. His whole body felt heated as his mouth moved with hers and he had his arms wrapped around the whole of her frame. Her whole body pressed against his, making that very pleasurable feeling come back, and he wanted to pin her against the wall and feel her soft mouth over and over, and the skin on her neck...
But maybe now isn't the right time for that. Their mouths moved with each other once more, then parted, but still stayed close. He muttered in a low tone, and he could feel her warm breath hit his mouth, "I'm going to miss you like mad. I'm going to go mad because I won't be able to see you physically safe."
"But I will be. You can trust Dumbledore's word."
He nodded. "I know. But still... not being able to see you... I know I'm going to go insane."
"I will, too. And I suppose letters are out of the question as well."
"They are," they both heard and got out of their embrace as their headmaster came back into the room, as did Annabelle. "It is in the instructions I left for Mr. Weasley and Potter, and for you, Miss Granger, when you are in your respective place. Now, if you please..."
He indicated the area with the circle and Hermione took her trunk and stood in the middle of it. She took a deep breath as Dumbledore took some floo powder in his hand. Annabelle floated up to her.
"Goodbye, Hermione. Enjoy your stay, wherever you are going. I'll miss you."
Hermione smiled at her new friend. "I'll miss you, too, Annabelle. Thank you." Her gaze turned to Draco and sadness and longing overcame her eyes and features. "Goodbye, Draco."
Draco's heart pounded hard against his ribs. No, he can't let her go like this. He strode up to her, took her face in his hands, and kissed her again, and right in front of Annabelle and the headmaster of Hogwarts. He heard Annabelle giggle, but he paid it no heed. Hermione took his arm with her free hand, since the other was on her trunk's handle, and she responded. He felt her soft mouth a couple of times before he drew away. "I'll miss you like mad," he breathed.
"I'll miss you, too."
"Aww..." Annabelle gushed.
"Ah, young love, so beautiful," Dumbledore enthused. "But I'm afraid I will have to stop this touching scene. Mr. Malfoy, if you could step away, please."
He did so and stood over near Annabelle, next to Dumbledore's desk. The old wizard threw the floo powder he was holding over Hermione, and she disappeared in a purple flame. And that was that. Draco felt his chest pinch, and he wanted to burst into tears, regardless that he knows that she will be safe. He's not going to see her for a while, or he could see her tomorrow for all he knew... for all any of them knew. Regardless, he's going to miss her more than he has missed anyone, even his mother, shockingly.
"Now, Miss Ravenclaw, are you ready?"
Draco turned his attention to Annabelle and Dumbledore. Annabelle said, "Yes, I am." She looked to Draco. "I'll miss you, Draco. You have become a great friend."
"I'll miss you, too, Annabelle. You've been a great friend as well."
She smiled beautifully at that. "Thank you. And you don't have to worry about me pining for you anymore. I have my sights set on a certain other young man, one with fire-orange hair that I can't seem to look away from."
Draco smirked at that, liking that he and her are only friends now, and that's how they think about each other. "I figured. And I'm pretty sure the feeling's mutual."
Her eyes brightened, hopeful. "You think so?"
Dumbledore cleared his throat, stopping the teens' conversation. "Time is of the essence, as I have said. Now, Mr. Malfoy, I will ask you to return to your common room and not tell a soul of what has happened here, tonight."
Draco nodded, his hands in his pockets. "Certainly. I am used to keeping secrets."
"Very good. Now, goodnight."
"Goodnight, Headmaster, and... thank you. For everything. Actually, I can't thank you enough for all of your help."
Dumbledore put a hand on Draco's shoulder, and Draco noticed that the man was as tall as him. "I am happy to help, my boy. And just so you know, there are no hard feelings. I know what you were commanded to do, and I knew that you would rather do anything else than end the life of another. You are not that kind of person. You never were."
Draco's chest pinched, so much was he touched by those words, said after this old wizard has seen the git Draco was back then. He said thickly, "Thank you, Headmaster."
He nodded once and patted Draco's shoulder. "Off to bed with you now. And cast an invisibility charm on yourself just in case Filtch is out and about, patrolling the corridors."
"Yes, Sir."
He turned, with Annabelle giving him a final wave. Before he walked on, though, he spotted a glass bowl of wrapped chocolate candy on Dumbledore's desk and swiped a couple, and put them in his pocket. He went on out of the office and down the revolving staircase. Once out in the dead quiet of the corridor, his hands balled into fists against his sides. The torch light above him shone off of his hair as the reality of this situation fell on him...
This is really happening. The lovey fluff of Annabelle's vision is over, and now comes the serious and even deadly aspect of it. Hermione, Harry, Ron and Annabelle are in hiding now in separate and unknown places, and they will be until the Dark Lord shows himself. Something tells Draco that it's going to be sooner than any of them think. He could feel, deep in his bones, that the Dark Lord isn't happy about this. Not happy at all.