A/N: Here's another chapter. Enjoy:))
Chapter 106: Left alone
The last few weeks flew past without any other major incidents, only some kids throwing up from stress because of the exams, or some side glances from the Slytherins every once in a while, but I got used to it.
Everyone expected the OWLs to be hell, but they actually were rather ok. We went through them all in a week and a half, and without Umbridge there, even the teachers were less stricter and a lot happier. The written exams were in the morning, and the practical parts in the afternoon. Most of us studied and practiced at any chance we had, in the dorm, common rooms, at lunch, even during other classes. The amounts of students falling off their chairs during morning hours was so high, classes had to be called off for two days so we could catch up on sleep.
Nothing was especially hard, and the DADA tests were the easiest to everyone, because of all the practice we got in the DA. The examinators were astonished by how well everyone did, even making the boggarts do some silly dances after turning them into something funny.
"I can't belive that was it. I honestly expected them to be awful, because of how the teachers talked about them, and how much homework we got. We stressed too much."
"Speak for yourself. I'm sure I missed a use for the Dragon Saliva. And my teacup had a limp. And-"
"Just calm down Mione. If I'm not stressing over the OWLs why would you? My mom was really disappointed in how few Fred and George got and very fiercely expressed her wish for me to do better. Besides, I'm certain you did everything perfect."
"Now let's stop talking about the exams and do something relaxing. How about we go to Hagrid's? We haven't seen him in a while. I'm sure he'll be happy if we go there. We might even have some tea."
"Fine, but no rock cakes."
"Well, if we don't eat them, Fang will. C'mon, let's go."
We walked out of the castle and headed for the hut. We knocked at the door but got no answer. We knocked again, and heard someone yelling from the back garden.
"Jus' a sec'n!" At the same time, big black mass jumped on Ron, made him fall and started licking his face.
"Fang, get, get off of me." he said between crisis of laughter. Soon enough, Hagrid appeared as well, face full of dirt, confused and wiping his hands with a piece of cloth that had obviously seen better days.
"Oh, so you we'e at the door. I thought 'twas some Ministry official ag'n."
"Don't worry, I think they're done trying to interfere with Hogwarts' business or Dumbledore's plans."
"Well, whatcha' lookin' at? Let's go inside. I'll put the kettle on the stove. I have cookies by the way. Y'all want some?"
Ron looked at me suggestively, and I rolled my eyes.
"No thanks Hagrid, I don't think any of us can eat so soon after the exam. Another time maybe. So," I said after we all sat down "what were you doing back there? You look like you lost a fight with a garden gnome."
"You' not far from the truth, you know. Some Nifflers esca'ed the cage and dug holes in 'e garden. I've be'n tryin' to catch 'em in the past hours. Still, no luck. That aside, what brou'ht ya here?"
"Well, we finished our exams today, Umbridge's gone, school ends in two days and we thought we could catch up with you. What have you been up to? "
"No' much. Since that woma' decided to sack me, I had more time to spend in th' forest. There are some new Thestrals in there. Fo'r babies. Cuties all of them. They need to be looked after tho', cause it's not like them to stay with their foals for more than a few weeks. Y'know, I thought mayb' you could help me look after them. They're not much work and they're usually really calm."
"You know we'd love to, but as we said earlier, school is going to be over soon and we all go home."
"Actually, I'm staying here. I'll help you, I love Thestrals. Besides, even if all of us could've helped, Ron and Hermione can't see them, so they wouldn't have been able to much. "
Two days after our visit to Hagrid, the students were leaving the castle, going to the train which would take them to London. Almost everyone was in the carriages, when I felt a pair of arms wrapping me in a hug. When I was released, I turned around to see Draco, same messy hair as last time I saw him, but with deep bags under his eyes. His father was in prison, I remembered, and he was a good man deep down, but I never thought he cared that much or would be so wrecked by his imprisonment.
"Draco, are you ok? I mean, I know your fath-"
"It's not about my father, just because I told Potter that it doesn't mean it's true. I talked to my mother. Because of his failure, You-Know-Who is angry. He's going to take it out on us. It's time. I'm s-"
"No. I told you two years ago and I'm telling you again. It's not your fault. But maybe we can take both of you to the Order. You'll be safe there."
"Probably, but we can't. He's keeping my mother prisoner until I get it. If I do anything he could take as a rebellion act, he'll kill her on the spot. " Tears started rolling down his cheeks, though his expression remained unchanged. Sad, broken, terrified.
"Well, after he marks you, he'll let her go, right?" He nodded.
"We'll take you after. He has to leave at some point. You'll still have the Mark, but at least you'll be safe."
"I don't know..."
"I'll talk to Dumbledore and we'll see. It's going to be ok, trust me. Now go, you have a train to catch. Besides, we don't want your friends getting suspicious, do we? "
"They already are more than suspicious." He muttered as he walked out the door and entered the last carriage. I watched untill they disappeared after the trees and they headed to the Headmaster's office. I couldn't let Voldemort get another supporter. Especially not if he was unwilling.