Staying Strong
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: As much as I would love to own Harry Potter, I do not own a thing.
After her short nap with Remus this morning, Hermione found herself lying in her own bed, Remus no where to be seen. Brining her finger to her lips, she softly traced them, remembering how sweet and passionate Remus's kiss was. Remembering the moment made the butterflies in Hermione's stomach flutter.
Her mood quickly changed as she also remembered the reason that she was brought to this house. Tears began to fill her eyes as she thought about Draco, and how Tonks had told her to be strong for him. At that moment, all of the feelings that she had developed for Remus seemed so wrong, and all of the butterflies that roamed around her stomach slowly disappeared.
'What have I done?' Hermione asked herself, bringing her hands to her face. 'What was I thinking, snogging Remus like that?'
Everything that seemed so right now didn't seem as wonderful as they had before. It was true that Hermione had feelings for Remus, but the feelings that she had for Draco were strong. Hermione knew that even if she and Remus tried to have a relationship, they could never be seen out in public as a couple or anywhere else for that matter. If she truly loved Remus, she would have to let him go. He belonged with a woman that would love him and treat him as he should be treated. As for Hermione, she would return to her normal life, mourning over the lost love that would soon return to her.
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"Hermione," Tonks called from the other side of Hermione's door. "Hermione, can I come in for a second?"
"Sure," Hermione replied, fixing her hair as she sat upright.
Tonks shut the door behind her as she entered the room and quickly took a seat on Hermione's bed. "Hermione, I'm not sure how to tell you this," She said wearily, taking Hermione's hand. "But Draco has been spotted."
Hermione looked down at her sheets, sligltly squeezing Tonks hand.
"Are you all right?" Tonks asked softly.
Hermione nodded her head. "Yeah, yeah I am. I was just thinking."
"What were you thinking about?"
Hermione traced the patterns on the sheets with her finger. "I was thinking about what you said earlier, that I should be strong for him. What will I do if he is really guilty? Am I supposed to go on with my life, believeing that I will forget about all of this?"
Tonks shook her head. "That's why you have to keep believing, love. Who knows what will happen when they catch him? With the family that bloke has, I am more than sure that Draco will be released of any charge that will be thrown at him if he is guilty."
Hermione nodded. "Malfoy's usually tend to get away with a lot of things that many people wouldn't."
"That's all you have to remember, Hermione. All you have to think about is the love that you two share for one another, and I am more than sure that you will be all right."
Hermione smiled, pulling Tonks in for a hug. "I hope that you're right."
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Later that afternoon, Hermione began to feel a little worried as Dumbledore, Snape, Remus, and Tonks gathered in the room next to hers. It seemed as though they were talking about the location that Draco had been spoted near, but Hermione could not hear as clearly as she wanted to due to how quiet they all talked to one another.
Starting to get frustrated, Hermione plopped down on the floor and leaned against the door, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Ms Granger," Snape called from the other side of the door a few minutes later. "Could you come out here for a minute?"
Hermione slowly got to her feet and exited the room. Hermione smiled wearily as she noticed the chair placed in the middle of their circle. Taking a seat, she looked up at the smiling faces of the group.
"Ms Granger, have you heard anything about Draco's spotting?" Snape asked, his arms crossed over his chest.
Hermione shook her head. "I've only heard from Tonks that he was spotted, nothing more."
Remus got down to her level. "Hermione," he said softly, looking deep into her worried eyes. "Mister Malfoy was spotted in a city not to far from this house."
Hermione squinted her eyes. "What does that mean?"
"It means that there is a possibility that he could know where you are hiding." Dumbledore replied.
Hermione slowly sank back in her seat, a tear slipping down her cheek. "He's coming back for me." She whispered.
Snape shook his head. "Ms Granger, this is not something to be happy about. Draco Malfoy is,"
Dumbledore placed his hand on Snapes arm, stopping him from what he was about to say. "Let her be, Serveous." He said calmly.
The room remained silent as Hermione sat in her chair, tears falling down her cheeks.
"What should we do, sir?" Tonks spoke up, breaking the odd silence.
Dumbledore sighed. "Since there is no official word that he knows where Ms Granger is, she is to remain here until further notice."
"But what do we do if Draco does come near the house?" Snape asked.
"As you know, Serveus, there are many people watching over this house at this very moment. If Mister Malfoy does attempt to break through the guards and find Ms Granger, I am more than sure that I will know before any one of you inside this house."
Snape, Lupin, and Tonks nodded their heads.
Dumbledore turned to Hermione. "Once more, Hermione, I want to apologize for everything that is going on. I know that this must be hard on you, and to be away from your friends and loved one's has been very difficult, but I promise you that this will not last much longer, that Draco Malfoy will be caught very soon."
Hermione smiled wearily. "Thank you, Professor."
Author's Note: Hey there! Gosh, I never thought that I would get this chapter finished. A big thanks to everyone that has reviewed! I absolutely loved all of your reviews!
Love
Jess