Chapter 13 – The Deep Breath before the Plunge

"Alright, I think I've gone over everything." Dumbledore paused in his speech for a moment, trying to remember if there was anything else to discuss, "You all know what time to be here tomorrow?"

All of the people in the room nodded their heads, showing Dumbledore that they were prepared.

"Well, I guess that's it then. Off you go." He said with a small wave of his hand.

As the Aurors filed out of the room, Hermione, who had been sitting in on the meeting to know what was going on, approached Albus.

"I feel like I'm back in Hogwarts, giving another speech at the beginning of they year," he chuckled to himself, "Now what can I do for you Hermione?"

"Well, sir... Albus." Hermione corrected herself as she saw the look in Dumbledore's eyes, "I was wondering if have any information on Harry. You obviously know where he is, if you are sending out Aurors to rescue him."

"Yes, yes, I do know. It took me a long time to figure it out, but thanks to a contact that is watching over him, I was informed of Harry's whereabouts." Albus replied.

Hermione's eyes filled with tears, "So... so he's alive, then?" Although Tonks had told her that Harry was alive and at Hogwarts, for some reason, Hermione hadn't been able to take this as the truth until she heard it from Dumbledore himself.

"Yes, my dear. I'm happy to inform you that he is indeed, alive."

Extremely relieved, Hermione began to cry and she sat down on the couch that was nearby. Dumbledore, attempting to comfort her, not knowing the tears were happy tears, sat down next to her.

"Oh!" Hermione cried suddenly, clutching her stomach.

"Hermione, are you okay?" Dumbledore asked, concerned.

"Yes, at least, I'm pretty sure I am." She replied, wincing.

"I think you had better go back to your room and get in bed. I know of someone here who is a medi-witch. I'll have her come see you." He said, slowly helping her up, "I'll escort you to your room, first."

- - - - - -

"Only 3 more hours, Weasel. Tired yet?" Draco Malfoy was laying on his back on the top bunk in his room. He was staring at the ceiling and trying to fall asleep. He and Ron only had a few more hours until they were to leave for their mission and neither one could fall asleep.

"Weasel?" Draco asked, not getting a response. He rolled over and looked underneath his bunk, "Ron?"

Ron was asleep, and his only reply was a large snore. Draco rolled back onto his bunk and lay back again. He missed Ginny. He had finally convinced her to go stay with Hermione, who was now supposed to stay in bed 24/7. And he was alone. Alone, 3 hours before he had to leave on a possibly life-threatening mission. He must be crazy. But... but Hermione needed her, he rationalized. 'Needs her more than I do. So I'm just going to ... lay here... and shut my eyes. Only for a...' he yawned, 'moment.'

Draco shut his eyes, intending to wait out the next three hours, but immediately failed to do so and fell asleep.

- - - - - -

"Ginny?"

"Yes, Hermione. Do you need something?" replied the red-headed girl on the bunk next to Hermione's.

"No. I was just thinking, are you nervous?" Hermione asked.

"Why would I be nervous?" she said, sitting up to face Hermione.

"Well I just thought. I mean, your brother and your husband are going off on a dangerous mission. I just thought… maybe you were nervous. I've been thinking about that for awhile." She explained.

"I'm worried, if that's what you mean. But nervous? No. I trust that Professor Dumbledore will do everything he can to protect them. I mean, it is Dumbledore after all." Ginny answered.

"Oh. Well I guess that makes sense." Hermione said, moving onto her side.

"I feel a lot better knowing that Harry is alive," she continued, " But I just can't wait to have him home again, with me."

"I know what you mean, Hermione. I mean, I know I haven't been in your situation, and hopefully I never will be, but I can't even imagine life without Draco."

"Why don't you get some sleep Hermione? I'm sure all of this isn't helping you to relax more." Said Ginny.

"You're probably right Ginny. Good night."

"Night, Hermione."

- - - - - -

"Draco... wake up." Someone was trying to wake Draco out of a wonderful dream, "Malfoy, don't make me curse you. We've got to go."

"No... leave... alone.." was all Draco said as he pushed the mystery person's hand away.

"Get. Up. NOW."

That woke Draco up. His eyelids snapped open and he looked into the very angry, and very red, face of Ron Weasley.

"Gahh!" Draco fell out of bed upon seeing Ron's angry face.

Apparently Ron found the sight of Draco tangled in bed sheets in a mess on the floor, and he burst out laughing.

"Come on Malfoy, get going. Dumbledore's called all Aurors together before the mission. Knowing him, I bet it's another speech." Ron said, helping Draco to his feet.

"Great. Let's get this party started then." Replied Draco sarcastically.