Chapter 12: Missing!
Hermione forgave Storm but there was still a tension between Hermione and Draco. However, they refrained from going beyond the friendly chatter they had adopted.
Christmas was soon approaching and the ground shone white. Storm, who told the trio that she often traveled to Spain during the winter, was fascinated by the white flakes. She like to sit outside in it and often had to be dragged back in.
Everyone was in good spirits, everyone except Ron that is. "Come on Harry, one quick visit to Hogsmeade. I couldn't buy her a gift while she was there could I?" Her meaning Hermione. "And I want to get her something good. Please Harry."
Harry looked at his friend's love stricken face and realized this was a battle he couldn't fight. Besides, he could get Storm something. "Alright," he conceded. "Let me go get the Marauder's Map first though."
Harry walked on up to his dorm and searched through his trunk. Where was the map? He knew he packed it. He was still searching for it when he heard Ron enter.
"What's wrong mate? Let's go."
"I can't find the map. I know I packed it. It was right here on the first day."
"Are you sure you just haven't looked over it?"
"I'm positive. Someone must have taken it. I never noticed before now because I've never needed it. But why would someone take it?"
"Why wouldn't they? It's a map that gives secret passage ways and where everyone is. But who did it?" Ron asked.
"I don't know." Harry looked back into his trunk. "It had to be a Gryffindor, they're the only ones that can get in here," Harry said to himself.
"Let's go tell Hermione. Maybe she borrowed it."
"Maybe," Harry agreed, although he didn't truly believe it himself.
They walked back down to the common room but Hermione wasn't in there. So they headed on down to the Great Hall. Only a few kids remained here, though, for the holiday season. Hermione was not among the few who populated the Great Hall.
They were just about to leave when Storm entered with Draco Malfoy. She was laughing at something he just said and Harry felt a twinge of jealousy. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, Storm turned and caught site of him and Ron.
With a smile on her face, Storm started towards them with Draco in tow. "Hey guys," Storm greeted cheerfully.
"Hey Storm," Ron started, ignoring Draco completely, "have you seen Hermione?"
"Yeah, she's in the library. But I wouldn't bother her, she's a bit testy today. Is there anything I could help you with?" Storm offered sweetly.
"No, no there isn't. But thanks anyway," Harry said, offering her a smile. "So, what are you going to do today?"
"We were taking a walk," Draco said quickly with a little aggravation in his voice.
"Okay then," Harry said. "Didn't mean to interrupt you. We'll just go find Hermione."
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you," Storm said with a smile.
Storm and Draco walked on past them while Harry watched on. Why couldn't he just tell Storm how he felt? But every time he got near her alone, he only said stupid stuff. Or he clammed up, either way it was hopeless. Storm would probably end up being the girl that got away.
Harry and Ron spotted Hermione as soon as they entered the library. She was sitting at the first table with a pile of books around her. Her eyes were focused on the text of one book, but she didn't appear to be taking in any of the words. In fact, she looked as if she wasn't even there.
Ron cleared his throat but still Hermione did not stir. They both took a seat on either side of her. A single tear rolled down her cheek, and it was only then that she came out of her daze.
"Harry, Ron," she said, brushing the tear off of her face, "did you need something?"
"Yes," Harry started carefully, "but Hermione, is there anything wrong?"
"No, why would there be anything wrong? What makes you think something's wrong?"
"Because we walked in here and you were in a daze. Then you were crying."
"No, I was not crying. Crying is when there are more than three tears present. I was merely letting a little emotion loose. Now, what did you need?"
Ron finally spoke, "Have you borrowed the Marauder's Map?"
"No, why?"
Harry and Ron looked at each other, the truth finally dawning on both of them. Harry chose to answer. "Because it's gone Hermione. Someone has taken the map."
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Duh dun dunnnnn! Where is the Map? That is the question of the day.
Please review! Thank you!
By the way, Harry and Ron WILL get to Hogsmeade to buy the girls some presents.