Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did, I'd be rich and you wouldn't see me here posting this fanfic. I do, however, own Jade, Peridot, and Opal. Jade, Peridot, and Opal Miko are my characters and no one else's.

~~ Okay! Opal and Draco have been getting very close to each other.  Not romantically, they just need each other.  In this chapter, Dumbledore makes the announcement to the rest of the school, informing them of Jade's death. ~~

Chapter 10: The Announcement

            Draco and Opal stayed by the tree until dinner time.  They both headed up towards the castle, and went to sit at their separate tables.  As soon as Draco entered, the other Slytherins spotted him and scooted towards one end of the table.  Draco didn't say anything; he merely sat at the empty end of the table. At the other end of the Great Hall, Harry sat at the Gryffindor table, depressed.  None of his housemates could figure out what was wrong with him, and he refused to say.  Only Harry, Draco, and of course Flint knew what had happened to Jade.  The Gryffindors were worried about her, she hadn't come to dinner.  They wondered where she was.  No one at the Slytherin table really cared what was wrong with Draco; they were only worried about where Flint was.  Harry picked at his food, not really wanting to eat.  Draco, on the other hand, didn't touch his plate at all.  All his energy was focused on keeping the tears back. 

            After everyone had finished their dinner, Dumbledore stood, tapping his glass for everyone's attention.  His face was grave.  Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors quieted, looking up at Dumbledore.  "As we sit here eating this food, we seldom think of the sad events that might happen over the course of a day.  Someone losing a paper, someone not doing an assignment.  Today, however, is a very solemn day," Dumbledore paused.  The whole of the Great Hall was silent, confused about his announcement.  Harry stared at the table, hiding his face.

            "I have been informed that over the past few days, two young people had found each other.  The immaturity of the school has been shown most since they met.  I will not mention any name but one.  This school has shown me great disappointment.  Especially the acts of one in particular.  I'm sure, if you notice, two are missing from this crowd," Dumbledore paused once more.  Harry put his head in his arms.  "A crime has been committed with in these premises and proper action is being taken care of as we speak.  Now comes the time everyone would dread.  The actual announcement. 

            "I take no pride in saying that Jade Miko of Gryffindor has been slain in these very halls.  The news is grave and I expect will affect many," Dumbledore finished his speech and sat down.  Gasps rippled through the Great Hall.  Everyone except the Slytherin table was shocked to hear of Jade's death. Draco couldn't hold back his tears any longer, he was crying now.  Harry began to tremble, he was crying too.  The rest of the Gryffindors were in a state of shock.  Some were crying, others were just sitting there, with a look of dismay upon their faces.

            Draco looked up and around the room.  Seeing Harry with his head in his arms, he got up.  He wasn't going to be eating anyway, and moved to leave the Great Hall.  On his way out, Draco stopped behind Harry.  Putting his hand on Harry's shoulder, Draco whispered to Harry, "I'm sorry."  He didn't stop walking, but was moving very slowly towards the door.  Harry's head snapped up to see who had touched him.  His eyes were rimmed in red.  Turning, he saw Draco's retreating back.  Harry leapt out of his seat, making his way back to Draco.  He caught Draco's arm.  Draco stopped and turned to face Harry. "What Harry?" Draco asked, surprising himself by using his first name.   It was the first time he hadn't spoken coldly to Harry in the whole five years he'd known him.

            Harry was surprised at Draco, too.  "Thanks, Mal—Draco.  Are you going to be alright?"

            Draco shook his head.  "No, but I'll live.  How about you?"

            Harry shrugged.  "Can't help but feel partially responsible."

            "You should," Draco said frigidly.  He stopped, realizing what he said. "But, it wasn't your fault."

            Harry narrowed his eyes.  He started to say something but stopped when a group of Gryffindors came up behind him.  Hermione ran up next to Harry, coming out of the crowd of Gryffindors.  "Harry, I'm…" she started, out of breath from trying to push them all aside.  Harry tried to bite back his tears, but failed horribly.  "It's okay.  Harry do you want to go to the common room and talk about this?" Harry, unable to speak, nodded, his legs starting to buckle.

            Draco ignored the fact that Hermione completely ignored him.  "Just rest, Harry, okay?" Draco said, and started to walk off.  The Gryffindors sniggered at his back as he walked off.  One of them put his leg out, tripping Draco.  He fell on his face.  He lay there for a few moments, with the Gryffindors laughing at him.  He slowly got back up and walked out.  Harry watched Draco leave, leaning on Hermione for support, but didn't say anything.

            "Come on Harry, let's go back to the common room," Hermione said as most of the Gryffindors drifted back to their seats. Harry nodded, still unable to speak.  As Hermione took Harry back to their common room, a group of Gryffindors followed Draco out of the Great Hall.  They spotted Draco in the hall, and gradually caught up with him.  Draco was too busy with his thoughts to notice anyone following him.  The group split into two, one on each side of Draco.  One person on each side of Draco rammed him hard with their shoulders as they walked by.

            "OW!" Draco screamed, and fell to the floor on his knees.

            They laughed, turning around. "Oh, did we hurt you Malfoy?"  Draco glared at them, not saying anything. They laughed again, and walked off.  Draco got up slowly, rubbing his injured shoulders and grumbling.  He headed towards the dungeons.

            As he walked, Crabbe and Goyle came bumbling up behind Draco, who didn't notice.  "Draco!"  Goyle called.  Draco turned around, and, seeing Crabbe and Goyle, waved sarcastically at them and then turned around again.  "Hey, wait!"

            Draco stopped, turning around. "Here, why don't I just get on the floor?  This will save you the trouble of tripping me."

            "What are you talking about?" Crabbe asked stupidly.

            Draco shook his head.  "Never mind.  What do you want?"

            Crabbe looked confused, so Goyle answered.  "You left before eating."

            "Wasn't hungry," Draco replied.

            "Not hungry?" Crabbe said, giving Draco a blank look.  "Is that possible?"

            "I just wasn't hungry, okay?!" Draco said, almost yelling.  "Get off my back!"

            Crabbe and Goyle both jumped.  "Uhh," Crabbe stuttered.  "Sorry?"

            Draco realized they had absolutely no idea about…anything.  "Oh, um, never mind.  Where are you headed?"

            "We were going back to the common room," Crabbe replied.

            "Oh okay," Draco started, then looked at his watch.  He screamed random curses and ran off towards the library.  He pushed aside anyone who got in his way, all while avoiding random feet sticking out and shoves directed at him.  He ran into the library, seeing Opal who sat at a table talking quietly with Peridot.  He stopped abruptly behind her, breathing heavily, and trying to stay quiet. "Opal, I made it.  Sorry I'm late."

            Opal jumped, turning back to look at Draco.  "That's alright, where were you?"

"Well, after I got out of dinner, I was…um…tripped by a bunch of Gryffindors.  Then Crabbe and Goyle caught up with me and said hi.  Then I looked at my watch and realized I was late."
            "Well, it doesn't matter that you're late," Opal said, not expecting that long of an explanation.  "Sit down, sit down!"

"Thanks," he said, sitting. 

Peridot looked at Draco, then back to Opal.  "Opal can I talk to you for a second?"

Draco sat there, not noticing the look.  "Uh, sure Peridot," Opal said, confused.  She went over to a corner, with Peridot close behind her.

"I'll be here," Draco said.  Peridot and Opal spoke quietly for a moment.  Suddenly, Peridot cursed loudly at Opal, pulling out his wand and running at Draco.

"Peridot, NO!" Opal screamed.  She grabbed his arm, trying to stop him.  Draco jumped out of his seat, seeing Peridot running towards him.  Peridot shoved Opal extremely hard, breaking her grip on him.  Opal flew backward, slamming into a table, breaking it.  She lay there motionless. 

"OPAL!" Draco screamed, pulling out his wand.  "You bastard…"

"Oh god, Opal!" Peridot looked at Draco, then at Opal.  He ran out of the library. 

Draco ran over to Opal, holding her head on his lap lightly.  He touched her face gently with his hand.  "Opal, come on, wake up Opal."  Her eyes scrunched together in pain.  She groaned.  "Are you alright?" Opal sat up a little bit, using Draco for support.  He held her up.  "I can't believe he did that…jerk off," Draco spat.

Opal's eyes were still closed.  "I broke the table didn't I?"  Draco looked underneath them at the broken remnants of the table.  He nodded.  Opal laughed, and then winced.  "Ow…"

"You want me to take you to Madame Pomfrey?"

"No need to get Peridot in trouble.  I'll be fine," Opal said.

"Well, I think you should.  I mean he did this to you," Draco insisted.  "I mean you could have really, really been hurt!  And he didn't even stay to make sure you were okay.  You aren't mad at him?"

"He—he's done this before," Opal replied.

"What?! And you let him?" Draco demanded.

"No, I didn't let him, Draco," Opal snapped.  "I just…couldn't stop him.  That's all."

"But you need to tell someone.  I mean, he can't just keep doing this to you.  What kind of brother is he?"  Opal mumbled something, and then tried to get up.  He gave her a questioning look, but ignored it and tried to help her up.  "You sure you can?"  Opal tried to stand on her own, then fell back against Draco, wincing.  Draco caught her.  "I think you should stay still.  I'm taking you to the hospital wing.

"No," Opal shook her head.  "I—I'll be fine."

"No you can't even stand up.  I'm taking you," Draco replied, and picked her up.

"But—," Opal started, grimacing.  "Okay…you win."

"Of course I do.  You can't move, you have no choice," Draco winked.  He walked towards the door and headed to the hospital wing.

"Thanks, Draco."

"Of course," he said as he walked into the hospital wing.  Madame Pomfrey was standing in front of a bed, making it.  "Madame Pomfrey I need help.  Er…she needs help."

Madame Pomfrey turned around.  "Mr. Malfoy, what happened to her? Here, put her here," she said, pointing to a bed.

"I uh…I er…stumbled backwards and fell on a table," Opal lied.

Draco glared at Opal before putting her down on the bed.  Opal winced as she was set down, avoiding Draco's gaze.  Madame Pomfrey made the bed comfortable around Opal, examining her.  "Where does it hurt?"

"Ugh…everywhere.  But my arms hurt more."

"Alright," Madame Pomfrey replied, looking at Opal's arms.  Pomfrey pressed lightly in certain places.  "Tell me when it hurts."

Opal screamed in agony.  "THERE!!! Right there!"

Madame Pomfrey stopped putting pressure on her arm.  "Oh, dear, okay.  You've broken your arm.  Are you sure you fell on the table?  This shows more force than just a fall," Madame Pomfrey looked at Draco, then back at Opal. 

Opal shook her head, stammering a bit.  "Nope…just a fall!  Must have fallen on it wrong," she lied.

Madame Pomfrey gave Opal a look that said she didn't believe her, but administered the healing potion anyway.  "This should heal you in a few hours, but you should stay here overnight."

"What? Why?"

"If it was this violent a fall that it broke your arm, I want to make sure you didn't rupture anything.  Could be a punctured nerve or something.  We'll see in time, but you should be fine to go in the morning."

Opal scowled.  "Fine…"

"I'm sorry, it's just how it has to be," she turned to Draco.  "She will be fine, you can go."

"If it's okay I think I'll stay with her," Draco replied.

"It's your choice," Madame Pomfrey said.  "I'll be back in an hour to check on you dear," she aid, and walked to the front of the wing.

Opal sat there on the bed, frowning.  "Don't look at me like that, Draco," Opal snapped.

"I can't believe you lied to her," Draco said, disappointed.

"I didn't lie!" Opal insisted.  "I did fall on the table."  Draco glared at her sternly.  "Draco, I couldn't tell her!"

"Well I can," Draco snapped.  "And don't think I won't.  He had no right doing that to you, and I know what it's about me…and that isn't fair."

"Draco, please don't tell her!" Opal pleaded.

"I won't, this time.  But next time or if this is worse than it seems…I will.  He had no right, no right!"

Opal grabbed Draco's arm with her free hand.  "Please, Draco, don't ever tell anyone!"

Draco glared.  "Fine."

Opal's eyes glistened with tears.  "Thank you…"

Draco continued to glare, but stopped.  "So, why does he do this?"

Opal looked away.  "I don't know…" she lied. 

Draco looked her, giving her a look that asked her to tell the truth.  He grabbed her chin and gently made her face him.  Opal still tried to avoid his eyes. "Opal…I have ways to get in Snape's office.  I can easily get his truth potion."

Opal blinked away tears.  "Please, Draco…Don't…"

"Then tell me the truth.  You don't have to lie to me.  He's your brother; he shouldn't be doing this to you."

Opal took a deep breath and closed her eyes, crying.  "Peridot…Peridot was the oldest of us three.  Because our father worked so much, he tried to take his place.  But Peridot took things too far he'd hit me and Jade.  He still hits me."

"What? He hit Jade?"  Opal kept his eyes closed, nodding.  "You shouldn't let him.  You can stop him," Draco clenched his fist.  "I can stop him."

Opal opened her eyes, looking at Draco.  "Don't you think I've tried?" Opal almost screamed through her tears.  "Jade's tried…that put her in the hospital for a month!"

"Oh my god," Draco gasped.  Opal pulled away from Draco, leaning back on the pillows.  "If we tell someone they will stop him.  Opal please, I don't want to see you hurt."  Opal shook her head violently.  Draco sat in the chair next to the bed violently.  He was extremely pissed at Peridot, but calmed his voice.  "Alright it is ultimately your choice.  I just hope it doesn't go too far."

"I—I'm scared Draco.  If I do tell someone he…I'll—," Opal stopped.  She looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

Draco looked down.  "I understand…but if they stop him…"

Neither one of them saw Peridot standing silently in the doorway of the hospital wing, watching Draco and Opal.  Madame Pomfrey did, and approached him.  "Can I help you Mr.—?"

"Miko," Peridot finished for him.  "I'm Opal's brother."

"Oh.  Well, Miss Miko is recovering from a fall.  She's in there.  You can go see her if you wish, but Mr. Malfoy is with her now."

"Thank you, ma'am," Peridot said politely and walked into the room. 

Draco looked up.  Seeing Peridot, he stood.  "Peridot!" he said with great contempt.

Peridot ignored Draco, sweeping past him and over to Opal.  "Oh god, Opal I'm so sorry!"

"Yeah right," Draco whispered.  He sat glaring at Peridot.

"Could you excuse us for a moment?" He asked Draco.

"Why? So you can beat her again? I'll stay right here.  Thanks, though," Draco spat.

"I would never intentionally beat her, Malfoy! Please leave!"

"No," he refused. "I won't."

"Draco, it's alright," Opal said quietly.  "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?" Draco asked.  Opal nodded.  "Alright.  But only because you say so.  Not for that one," he said, pointing at Peridot.  And with that, he stood and left the room, sitting in the lobby. 

As soon as Draco left, Peridot wrapped his hand around Opal's throat.  "You didn't tell anyone did you?" he demanded.

Opal gasped, trembling.  "No! N-no one! I didn't tell anyone!"

Peridot squeezed her throat tighter.  "Not Malfoy?"

"No, I swear!" Opal said, getting short of air.  "Please Peridot, let go!"  Peridot released Opal and stalked out of the hospital wing.  He glared at Draco on the way out.

Draco glared right back at Peridot and walked back in.  Opal lay there trembling violently, trying not to cry.  Seeing her distressed, he shrieked, "WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU?!?!?!?!"

"N-nothing, Draco," she replied.

"Then why are you trembling?" he demanded.

"J-just a little uh…weak is er…all," Opal lied, stammering.

"Right," Draco said, not believing her. "You looked fine when we were talking.  And then he comes in and all of a sudden you are shaking.  I don't believe you."

"I'm sorry…I know you don't."

Draco sat down.  "Opal…" he said.  Opal tried to stop crying.  "You have to do something Opal.  I—I can't let him keep doing this to you."

"I know…but I don't know what to do," Opal admitted.

"I do."

"Wha—?"

"Dumbledore.  As much as a fool I think he is…er…sorry.  But he runs this school.  He can put a stop to Peridot.  He only needs to know what's going on."

Opal looked terrified, shaking her head.  "No, please!"

Draco stood.  "He has to know! Opal, this isn't right!"  Opal looked away again.  "Opal, please.  You have to understand."

"So do you," Opal retorted.

"I understand that he beats up on you because he thinks he owns you."

"What you don't understand is what he'll do if he finds out I've even told you.  If you tell Dumbledore…"

Draco looked down.  "I know…I won't…but I still don't agree."

Opal put her good hand on his shoulder.  "You have to understand how scared I am," Opal said.

"My father is a very impatient man," Draco explained.  "I know how you feel."

"Wha—you do?  Then you understand why I don't want you to tell Dumbledore."

"Yes, but it doesn't mean its right."

***

            A few hours later, Madame Pomfrey came back into the room, interrupting Draco and Opal's conversation.  "Let's see how your arm is doing, shall we?"  She unwrapped Opal's arm.  "Does this hurt?"  She asked as she pressed on Opal's arm.

            Opal winced.  "A little, yeah."

            "Can you move your fingers any?" Opal tried, but couldn't.  She shook her head.  "There isn't any extra swelling and it isn't any purpler than to be expected.  Say several more hours should to the trick," Madame Pomfrey wrapped up Opal's arm and left again.

            "I'm sorry," Draco said suddenly. 

            Opal rubbed her arm, wincing.  "For what? Don't apologize for him."

            "Not him," Draco shook his head.  "Never.  But for pushing."

            Opal hugged Draco, ignoring the pain that shot through her arm.  "I understand."

            Draco blushed.  "Stop, don't! You'll hurt yourself even worse."

            "This?" Opal asked, holding up her arm.  "This is nothing.  I'll be fine.

            "Gahh!" Draco cried.  "Don't do that!"

            "Do what?" Opal asked, sitting back a bit confused.

            "Move your arm," Draco replied.

            "Its fine," Opal insisted.  "It doesn't hurt anymore."

            "If you say so," Draco said.

            "You don't believe me do you?" Opal accused.

"Of course not.  Madame Pomfrey was just in here poking you and you were wincing.  I don't think people wince for nothing," Draco explained.

"Well if she pushes on where my bone was just broken less than six hours ago, I should think it would hurt!  If I don't put pressure on it, its fine," Opal retorted.

"I see well—," Draco stopped as Opal swung her legs over the side of the bed.  "Hey!"  He started to get up to help her, but didn't.  "Okay, okay, I get it.  Never mind.  Just be careful."

Opal looked at him curiously.  "Thanks Draco.  I will be."  Opal stood and walked a few steps cautiously, wincing slightly at every step.

"I said be careful," Draco said protectively.  "Pain means sit back down.  Don't think I didn't see you cringe."

"It just hurts a little to walk is all," Opal said as her legs suddenly gave out.  Draco tipped over his chair backwards, trying to catch her fall.  He caught her in his arms, both of them falling to the ground.  Opal lay on top of Draco.

"You ok?  You should lie down," Draco said, laughing.  He paused.  "Oh, wait we already are."

            Opal blushed and rolled off of him.  "S-Sorry," she stammered.

            "No problem," Draco said, picking her up and putting her back on the bed.  "Stay," he ordered.

            "Guess I shouldn't have gotten up," Opal said uncomfortably.

            "Told you," Draco said.  "No one listens."

            "Sorry."

            "It's okay.  You had to find out for yourself.  Jade was like that too."  Opal smiled, making Draco laugh.  "Knew you were missing something!  That smile of yours."

            "Don't think I smile enough?" Opal inquired.

            "Just not lately."

            "Haven't had much to smile about since," Opal paused.  "Well, since Defense Against the Dark Arts class.  Peridot isn't exactly the humorous one."

            "I can see that."

            Opal's face became determined.  "Hey, Draco?"

            "Yeah?"
            Opal spoke slowly and fearfully.  "I—I want to—to tell Dumbledore about…you know."

            "But—," Draco started.

            "I know," Opal cut him off, knowing what he would say.

            "I'm not pressuring you anymore.  You do what you want, even if I advise it.  But yet don't, for he would be mad and that isn't good," Draco replied, unsure of what he should say to her.

            "I'd rather be beaten up than…than…" Opal couldn't finish.

            "Than…?" Draco asked.

            "Than like Jade," Opal said quietly.

            "Oh," Draco said, and then grumbled.  "Stupid Flint."

            "In fact…" Opal swung her legs off the bed again, and staggered towards the door. 

            "Hey, wait!" Draco said, lightly grabbing Opal's shoulder.

            She turned and swayed.  "What?"

            "Are you sure you want to do this?" Draco asked.

"As long as you're there by my side.  I can't do this alone, Draco."

"Of course I will be," Draco said.

"Then I'm sure."

            Opal started walking towards the doorway again.  "Let's go then."

            "Alright," Draco replied and they started to walk.  Opal still staggered a little bit.  It hurt to walk, but she didn't to say anything to Draco.

Draco, never missing a beat, noticed Opal's staggering, and asked, "You want to lean on my shoulder?"

Opal nodded.  "That might help."

She walked back to him, putting her arm around his shoulder.  She held her broken arm in front of her stomach.  Draco blushed a bit when they made contact.  "Here we go," Draco said, and they walked slowly towards Dumbledore's office.