A/N: I would like to thank the following people for reviewing: wingless87, Jen, lutefa, Lil' Bode, CrazyInsanity, factorygirl, arienachi, lizzie15, gyrlfrend, Mariana, and Natasha2014.
I was asked if this is going to be a Draco/Hermione fic and the answer to that is yes. The romance will come soon but I didn't want to rush it and make it unbelievable.
Also in answer to CrazyInsanity s question, I do not think it had been mentioned in Harry Potter whether the head boy and girl actually share a common room; however I may be wrong.
All reviews are appreciated (hint).
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter… bla bla bla… now on with the fic.
Mrs Abbott pressed her head into her husband's shoulder, the uncontrollable flow of tears soaking his robes. He opened his mouth attempting to whisper soothing words, but none could come out. They both loved their daughter very much, and even a fool could see that their hearts were breaking at the news of her death.
Dumbledore looked at them sadly and McGonagall wiped a stray tear from her cheek. The Abbott's had taken the news as any loving parents would. Professor McGonagall opened her mouth to speak to the couple, but the head master shook his head, signalling for her to give them a while longer.
"How could you let this happen?" David Abbott shouted bitterly, breaking the silence and startling his wife.
"The Dark Lord…" Dumbledore began in a sad voice, but he was cut off.
"Don't give me that crap! This is a school. We entrusted you to keep her safe." He banged his hand angrily on the head masters desk.
"David…" his wife mumbled through tears.
"No darling, this has to be said," he shook his head and took her hand before continuing, "I used to respect you, but what sort of head master let's his students get…." He couldn't say it. If he said the word then she would never come back. He wasn't ready to accept that yet.
"Killed." Finished his wife.
"DON'T SAY IT!" Mr Abbott jumped up causing his wife to cry harder. He was immediately sorry for raising his voice to her, and pulled her into a tight hug. "Do not think this is the end of it," he spat, glaring at the head master and McGonagall in turn, before guiding his wife out of the office.
Neither of the teachers spoke for a while, however eventually the witch said sadly, "they will cause trouble for Hogwarts."
The head master nodded gravely, "It is understandable. They loved her very much, and are un-blamably angry; they will make a formal complaint and do everything within their power to seek vengeance for their only child." He sighed, "Everyone copes with death in their own way."
As Hogwarts School ate breakfast, a various number of rumours were going around to account for Hannah's mysterious disappearance. A fair few were closer to the truth than Hermione was comfortable with, however most were ludicrous.
"I'm telling you it's true!" Cried Ron, wildly waving his fork around in the air, "she left Hogwarts to join you-know-who."
"Don't be ridiculous Ron," said Harry, finally joining into the conversation, "and anyway, yesterday you were sure Malfoy killed her."
"That happened too!" Ron nodded vigorously to show he was telling the truth. He still wasn't sure how his two theories joined together, but he was convinced they were accurate all the same.
"Well, if you ask me, I think this is just some stunt she pulled to get attention," whispered Parvati, so as not to be heard by the Hufflepuff's.
"What do you think Hermione? Dumbledore must have said something to you? I mean she had been missing for four days now," asked Ron before taking a large bite out of his chocolate muffin. Much to the Head girls annoyance, they all turned to face her, listening in silence. She opened her mouth slightly and shut it again just as fast. The Gryffindors waited patiently.
Much to Hermione's relief, Dumbledore stood up and hit his fork on the side of his goblet, signalling for silence, grudgingly, the Gryffindors turned their attention from Hermione and sat in silence waiting for the head master to speak.
He clapped his hands twice, and the hangings above each of the tables, turned an ominous black colour. He bowed hid head before starting to speak; a few of the more intelligent pupils had already speculated what was coming next.
"Miss Abbott of Hufflepuff house, as I am sure you know has been missing, and it is my misfortune to inform you all that she was murdered a …" he was cut off by the gasps which sounded around the hall. "I would like to hold a minute silence for her," he once again bowed his head and immediately the whole school fell silent, even the Slytherins managed to hold their tongues, after all most of them did not even recognise who the girl was and could not be bothered to make any comment that would undoubtedly lead only to trouble.
The rest of breakfast was eaten mainly in a sorrowful silence, halfway through Hermione excused herself from the table deciding to go find refuge in the library until lessons started, she was still over come by guilt. However, she knew there was a reason why the head master had given her the chance to go back and change time. He did so, because he knew she wouldn't. She was a smart girl and she had figured it out eventually. She felt as though she needed to talk to Dumbledore about it, and intended to do so at dinnertime. Whilst she was thinking over the events since the start of school, she did not hear the blonde boy come up behind her and slip a note into her pocket, before leaving once again, a small smile on his face.
Infact she was so wrapped up in her own thoughts, she completely forgot about her lesson until it had already begun, causing her to be five minutes late for care of Magical creatures. Hagrid didn't seem to mind. He was busily talking about the creatures they would be studying over the year. Then, he pulled out a small box from behind him no one had paid any particular attention to up till now. The Slytherins and a few Gryffindors took a step back, not knowing what to expect in Hagrid's class. He opened the lid proudly presenting the class with their topic for the day. The girls all looked at it with big eyes,
"It's so cute!" squealed Lavender.
"I want one," added Parvati looking lovingly at the creature in Hagrid's hands. It looked somewhat like a small puppy, only with some mild differences, for one it had small wings coming out of it's back, and secondly…
"It's pink." Stated Ron, not bothering to hide his disgust. The rest of the boys all nodded.
"Miss Granger, I was expecting you," Dumbledore muttered as the door to his office opened. He looked up from the parchment he was writing on and smiled sadly and the bushy haired girl. "Please, take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
"I know why you gave me the time turner," she sighed, and sat in the large cushioned chair in front of the head masters desk. He nodded, and then motioned for her to continue, "you wanted to show me that I did the right thing by saving Draco."
Dumbledore smiled, "I knew you were a smart girl." Then as an after thought enquired, "is that all you learnt?"
She shook her head; "If I let Draco die, that would have been wrong, but there was nothing I could have done to save Hannah," her features darkened, "all anyone can do for Hannah now is get revenge on the people which did this to her."
Dumbledore nodded, but before he could say anything Hermione asked, "Is there anything I could do to stop myself from having these… premonitions?"
The head master shook his head sadly, "I know it must be hard for you, but even if there was a way to stop you from having them, I would advise against it, it is a very rare gift. Do not fear, you will grow accustomed to them, and soon you will be able to control them."
Hermione opened her mouth to complain, however was cut of by distant shouting outside Dumbledore's office.
"You can't just barge in there!" Dumbledore looked up to see where the commotion was coming from, as he did so the door to his office was flung open, Lucius Malfoy strolled in as if he owned the place, closely followed by Cornelius fudge and McGonagall who was fuming.
"Can you please try to control this infernal woman?" The older Malfoy asked airily, and then glared at McGonagall. When he saw Hermione sitting in front of the head masters desk he sneered, "Run along child," The head girl looked up at Dumbledore who nodded, mumbling goodbye she walked out and closed the door behind her. She could not find it in her to leave straight away however and gently pressed her ear against the door, curious as to what was going on.
"I did try to stop them from barging in," muttered McGonagall before turning to glower at the two men in turn.
Lucius was unfazed by this, however Fudge coughed into his hand uncomfortably, "It's quite all right Minerva," assured the head master, then he turned to face the two ministry officials, "is there something you wanted?"
"I'm sorry Dumbledore, but this is just not acceptable, children going missing and turning up dead. This just won't do," Fudge shook his head for emphasis, "Mr and Mrs Abbott have made a formal complaint and it is my duty to ensure the school is a safe environment, after all we are dealing with children here. It's out of my hands, the school board of governors have decided it would be better for everyone if you stepped down from your position as head master, and frankly I agree this would be best for all." Cornelius fudge let out a small sigh and looked down at his shoes, avoiding McGonagall's enraged expression, the head master on the other hand seemed to be perfectly calm. Lucius Malfoy took a step forward dangerously,
"Well Dumbledore, I think it's about time you and your meddling ways were removed from this school. For the pupils safety of course."
"You can't just come in here and unannounced and start interfering!" McGonagall shouted, determined not to let Dumbledore go without a fight. "Where were you when they killed her? Where were you on numerous occasions when the Dark Lord tried to kill Harry? If it wasn't for Dumbledore…" However much to her infuriation, Lucius cut her off,
"Will someone please shut her up before I put her in a full body bind and lock her in a cupboard," he asked as if she were not in the room.
Dumbledore ignored the older Malfoy and turned to Fudge, "I will of course do as you wish."
"I'm sorry Dumbledore but I just want to make it clear, that you will never return to Hogwarts again," added Fudge.
"Of course, as you wish, infact you have my word that I will not return until you personally beg for me to do so," he smiled.
Lucius snarled, "That is not going to happen a…" However he got no further as Dumbledore had disappeared. "Where has the old fool gone now?" he asked enraged.
"He's gone, as he was told. Make no mistake, if he does not return soon, the school will be in greater danger than ever before, and I will hold you personally responsible!" replied McGonagall dangerously, glaring at the two men and hoping for the pupils sake that Dumbledore, wherever he had gone, would be returning soon.
Draco strolled out of the great hall, stomach content with a diner of roast chicken and potatoes. He stopped dead in his tracks however when he saw his father sneering down at him, before he could say anything he was dragged by the scruff of his collar down a deserted corridor, where he was fiercely flung to the floor. He immediately picked himself up, keeping his expression cold.
Lucius had a malicious glint in his eye, "you have shamed me Draco, I am disgusted to have you as my son, aren't you ashamed of yourself?" He asked coldly, regarding his son with only hatred in his expression.
"You've told me this a hundred times Lucius, couldn't you come up with something more original?" Asked Draco rolling his eyes, in attempt to mask the fear he felt. Lucius lifted his hand and struck his son across the face, the head boy did not flinch, instead lifted a pale hand to touch his cheek. He knew straight away it would bruise.
Lucius Malfoy leaned in closer, "I could kill you right here and now if I wanted to, and don't think other wise," he growled, "what? You think that old fool Dumbledore can do anything to stop me?" Lucius chuckled dryly, "Well he's long gone."
He pulled out his wand and muttered, "Crucio," Draco fell to his knees, moaning quietly, "I could kill you now… but what's the fun in that?" He snarled, not releasing his son from the curse until he had said all he had to, "first I'm going to take away everything you have, kill everyone you love, until on the inside you are nothing more than a burnt out fire. Then, I will torture you to such extremities, you will be begging me to kill you and let your torment be over." He snarled, "Do you really think you can refuse the Dark Lord and get away with it, you are a disgrace Draco, you are no son of mine," he lowered his wand, releasing him from the curse. He spat on the blonde boy, who was curled up on the floor, then walked away without looking back.
Draco felt as if he couldn't breathe. It was as if his body was on fire and his head was about to explode; he tried to stand but fell to the floor again. Had he not been so used to his father performing such curses on him, his condition would have been far worse. He sat leaning against the wall, not moving until he could muster enough strength to stumble to the common room and collapse on the sofa. Most people were at diner and Hermione was nowhere to be seen, and for this he was thankful, he would not have been able to face anyone in his current state.
The moment he lay on the sofa, it felt as though a thousand needles had been pushed into his back and he grimaced in pain. His last thoughts before he passed out were of hatred and anger.
Hermione stood in front of the notice board, busily pinning up a notice, she shoved her hand in her pocket to find a pin, when he fingers brushed against a folded up piece of parchment. She carefully pulled it out and unfolded it, and on it was written, in a neat slanted font, two words; "thank you." She smiled guessing who it was from immediately.
The blonde boy never failed to surprise her, and these two words reassured her that she had made the right decision in not using the time turner. She pressed the last pin into the notice and walked up to the common room to inform Draco of her new plan.
She climbed through the portrait, worrying about what would happen to the school without the head master; Hogwarts School without Dumbledore would be like an open door to the Dark Lord. Her thoughts were distracted when she noticed Draco stretched out on the sofa, fast asleep. She smiled and walked closer to wake him when she noticed the bruise on his face and cut on the base of his neck. She shook him gently, "Draco," he did not respond. Hermione started to panic; she checked his breathing to find it was irregular. "Draco!" she said with more force this time. He opened his eyes and Hermione gave a sigh of relief.
He sat up abruptly only to find his head couldn't take it yet and sank back onto a cushion, hoping the splitting headache he had just obtained would go away.
"What happened?" She asked horrified, when he did not answer, she lifted her wand and healed the cut on his neck.
"Lucius." He muttered.
She gasped, "You have to tell Dumbld…" then she remembered the conversation she had previously over heard and her plan, "He's gone."
"I know." Draco muttered dolefully, leaning further into the sofa.
"I've called a meeting with the prefects in an hour. I put a notice up. We have to do something." Draco did not respond, "Will you be okay to come?" she asked worried about his present state, the head boy nodded gently. He looked paler than ever before and Hermione was sure Lucius had used a curse on him. She opened her mouth to ask, however her words would have been wasted, as Draco was once again unconscious, sleeping off the pain and after effects of whatever curse had been used on him.
The moment Hermione and Draco walked into the abandoned classroom were the meeting was scheduled; they were bombarded with queries and questions from the prefects. Hermione looked over at Draco who looked as though he were going to collapse any minute; she had considered not waking him for the meeting, but she had decided he would have preferred to come. After a moment, the prefects sat down and looked impatiently at the head boy and girl.
"What's going on?" squeaked a Hufflepuff girl.
Hermione bit her lower lip, unsure of how much to tell them, eventually she conceded that it would be best to keep the facts short and not go into to much detail where it was not required. "Dumbledore has gone, Fudge has got rid of him because of Hannah's death," the prefects started to complain and shout in outrage.
"Shut up!" Hissed Malfoy, and they all immediately obliged, Hermione smiled at him before continuing.
"I over heard this happen," the head girl blushed slightly at having to admit she had eavesdropped, but the others seemed unfazed by it, therefore she continued, "now that Dumbledore has gone, Hogwarts is in more danger than ever before."
"Is it true that the Dark Lord is back to full power?" mumbled a Ravenclaw prefect.
"Of course it's true. Who do you think killed Hannah? Idiot. I bet this was all part of his plan, they'll be killings at Hogwarts everyday now," replied a bossy fifth year girl, a few other prefects joined the conversation and before long they were all once again shouting their opinions at each other, making more noise than Draco thought his head could handle at this precise moment.
Hermione banged her hand onto a table, causing the others to quieten down, "We need to cooperate," she urged, "do you really think arguing will help?" Draco took a step forward,
"We are not asking for much, just for you to try and keep the school in order as much as possible, all students must be in their common rooms by nine every night and there will be head counts after diner, everyday," he glared at a girl who had been waving her hand in the air, the whole time he was talking, trying to get his attention, "Yes?" he asked impatiently,
"When's Dumbledore coming back?"
"We don't know," mumbled Hermione, not wanting to admit her fears that he would not be coming back for a while yet.
"Blasted amateur prefects!" mumbled Draco rubbing his head; the effects of the curse had lasted longer than usual and the constant bickering of the prefects had not helped it in the slightest. The head boy carefully lay back onto his bed, thinking about life in general. When he was younger, he had every aspect of his life planned, down to the second he died. Now he was older, and perhaps a little wiser, he realised life was not something one can plan, merely something that happens. He used to believe fate and destiny were words, which should be bound to the fictional world of stories, words which in the real world, amount to nothing. Now however, he was not so sure.
These thoughts were forgotten however when he heard a distant cry, he sat up silently, straining his ears to hear what had happened; however all was silent. As he lay back down again a frightened scream came from Hermione's room, he jumped out of bed, pausing for a brief second, before running to see what was wrong.
The girl seemed to be having some kind of nightmare; she lay in bed, arms thrashing around madly, small moans escaping her lips. Draco stood over her unsure what to do, she screamed again and the boy wished there was something he could do. He tried waking her but to no avail. Then he reached over and stroked her forehead gently, as his mother had done to him when he was a child, until eventually she sat up bolt right, Draco held her shoulders, whilst she sobbed uncontrollably, eventually he muttered,
"Don't worry, I've got you," she leaned her head on his shoulder until she could control her tears.
She had had another premonition, it was Lucius, he was torturing a woman Hermione recognised as his wife. The girl had been watching the scene unfold from afar, however when he cast the curse on Narcissa, Hermione had felt it too. It felt as though her flesh was on fire; she opened her mouth to tell Draco, but was unable to come out with any words, so instead remained silent.
"Are you okay now?" Draco asked, feeling slightly awkward, he got up slowly ready to go back to his room. Hermione grabbed onto his arm.
"Please, don't leave me," He didn't know what to do; she was obviously scared.
Please," she said again her eyes wide and frightened. He nodded slowly and crossed the room to get the chair from her desk. Hermione smiled then frowned.
"Are you sure you'll be okay there?" Malfoy nodded, smile lifting the corners of his lips.
"I'll be fine, just get to sleep, I promise to wake you if you have another dream." Hermione nodded then reluctantly lay back onto her pillows, holding onto the boy's hand for comfort. Draco tried to get comfortable in the hard backed chair and watched as Hermione drifted slowly into the realm of sleep. It did not take long for him to follow his shoulders slumping.
A/N: More in next chapter about Dumbledore being made to leave and Draco's mum, also I will start working on the romance more (I promise!). Please review.