CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Hermione & Ron
Ron and Hermione were flushed and sweating when they ran into Hogsmeade. Both were clutching their sides but neither let up the pace.
"The Three Broomsticks." Hermione said leading the way. They burst in to find the tavern empty save for a hag sipping from a smoking goblet in the corner. Hermione rushed over to the bar to talk to Madam Rosemerta, the owner.
"Please, Ma'am, have any students been in here today?"
Rosemerta knit her brows at Hermione. "No, this isn't a Hogsmeade weekend, it's been quiet... but what are you doing-"
Hermione and Ron didn't let her finish the question. They were out of the Three Broomsticks like a shot and across to Honeydukes which was closed, then to Zonkos - also closed. Methodically they rushed to each shop and quickly searched the ones that were open. In each place they were told no students had been seen. Finally they both stood breathing hard and feeling a little panicky at the end of the main street.
"Ron, we've got to get back up to Hogwarts as quickly as possible and tell someone," Hermione said urgently. Ron, however, did not respond. He was staring over Hermione's shoulder. She turned. There was nothing behind her but the boarded up Shrieking Shack. Suddenly, she understood what Ron was thinking.
"Why would they go in there?" she said a little desperately... ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach.
"If they're in there - they didn't go on their own... and they'd be in trouble," he said evenly.
"Ron, you don't have any reason to believe they're in there. Besides, we've wasted enough time already. We've got to go tell someone!"
"Hermione, The Shack is the only place they could be, it's the only place we haven't searched. And if they're in there they are in trouble, we've already wasted too much time! You can go back but I'm going in." Ron said, resolute.
"Not alone, you're not." Hermione said.
Unfortunately, the shack was more than merely boarded up. Even Hermione's best charms could not move the boards over the windows and doors.
"There's another way in." Ron said grimly, "let's move!"
Hermione knew what he meant, there was a tunnel to the Shrieking Shack under the violent Whomping Willow on the school grounds. She sprinted to catch up with Ron.
"Hagrid's cabin is close, let's go there first, it won't take long!" she pleaded.
"Hermione, I can't take the time. But you go. Go straight there and then catch up with me."
"Ron I can't leave you alone-"
"No, you're right, Hermione. Just hurry!"
Hermione peeled off sprinting with an energy she didn't know she had. If she could keep up her speed Ron wouldn't be far ahead of her in the tunnel. She skidded to a stop in front of Hagrid's cabin, pounded on the door, and burst through. Empty. Only a sleepy Fang raising his head from the bed. Hermione whirled around to run back out and ran right into Isabel Clay.
Hermione was knocked off her feet and Clay rushed to help her up, an alarmed look on her face.
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
Hermione struggled to pull away from Isabel's grip. There was no time, Ron was alone.
Isabel didn't let go, but instead gave Hermione a little shake.
"Talk to me! What's wrong?
"Harry and Neville - gone - not here, not Hogsmeade. Ron's gone to look in the shrieking shack but he's alone! I've got to hurry!"
"Hermione, we need to get some help."
"No time, I can't wait, I'm going!" Hermione said pulling herself free. Isabel's hand whipped out and grabbed her wrist. Isabel absently chewed her lower lip as she looked at her, obviously torn. Hermione imagined she wanted to go for help but was reluctant to leave her. Finally, Isabel released Hermione's wrist.
"You're not going alone. Show me." Isabel said sharply. Hermione tore off, with Isabel at her heels.
********
Thanks for reading... I'd appreciate your review.
