Author's Note: Thank you very much for the reviews! Thank you. That's all I can say, but it's my heartfelt words. So, here's more, although it's not much.
London Apartment
Hermione's Point of View
I left Borgin & Burkes feeling very accomplished. I was certain Borgin had spoken the truth. However, I do not have the whole puzzle complete yet. There are still pieces missing, very important pieces that will cast light on this whole affair. Nevertheless, I knew exactly where to find the next missing puzzle piece. And I knew I had to move very quickly.
I called the Ministry of Magic and was told that Percy was on long leave from work. I had no idea where he would be, but his apartment in London was the most likely of places. I decided to pay him a visit immediately the next day. Dumbledore approved my request for leave, much to Snape's annoyance. He acted as if I had committed a heinous crime by asking for yet another day off. I wondered what his reaction would be if I told him that I was helping a Malfoy.
I clutched a handful of Floo powder from the staff dormitory fireplace and said firmly "Percy's apartment!". In almost an instant, I found myself at the sitting room of a small, cramped apartment.
No one seemed to be at home. I had hoped Percy was around, though. I walked around the cramped, but cozy room, contemplating if I should announce my presence when I heard Percy's voice "Hermione!"
"Percy" I turned and acknowledged with a smile.
"What a surprise! I haven't seen you in a while" he stated, coming towards me.
"I've been busy" I said simply.
"What brings you here?" He drew out his wand and said "Accio teapot!" and a floral teapot flew from the kitchen stove to the sitting room table.
"Sit down, have some tea……" he beckoned me towards a cushioned chair.
I decided to go straight to the point. It wasn't my style to beat around the bush.
"Percy" I begin. "I came to see you because……"
He raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Let me guess, you don't like working under Snape. See, I told you so Hermione. That man is a sadistic………"
"No, Percy, it's not that" I interrupted him, my voice slightly strained.
Percy caught on, for he said in a concerned voice "What's wrong, Hermione?"
"Percy, I wanted to talk to you about……about your Dad." I managed with much difficulty.
Percy's expression suddenly contorted into a mixture of grief and confusion. "What about my Dad?" he whispered, his voice hoarse.
"Percy, I know this is going to be difficult. I'm sorry for……for bringing this up, but this is really important. I'm sorry." I said regretfully.
He looked at me, "What about my Dad?" he asked again.
"Percy, your Dad……he was impersonating you the day he died. Do you know why?"
Percy gulped, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. "How did you know? No one knew."
"Percy, you need to tell me. This, is really important."
Percy narrowed his eyes. "Why? What exactly are you up to, Hermione?"
"I am seeking justice for the late Mr. Weasley, Percy." I stated simply, yet my tone was iron-hard.
"What…what do you mean?"
"Justice is not done, Percy. The real murderer has not been caught yet."
"Malfoy……" he began to protest.
I decided to be bold. I had to take a chance. "Honestly Percy, do you really believe that Draco Malfoy murdered your Dad?"
He looked at me. "What do you mean?"
I looked at him meaningfully. "I mean, you seem to know more than what meets the eye. You did know your Dad was impersonating you the day he died. Was the victim meant to be you, Percy?"
Percy froze. He just stood there, gaping at me.
"Percy, do you love your Dad?" I asked him softly.
That was when Percy broke down.
Draco's Point of View
Yes, I need to know, before I close my eyes to this world. Tell me Father, please, before I die. Explain to me……why……
The need to know, the need to know why……because I refuse to believe, I refuse to accept. If you would just come to see me, Father, just once. But I know it is only my wishful thinking. It is all over between us, Father.
I closed my eyes……I feel so tired, so weary……I see the silhouette of the angel appearing before me. She has lovely brown eyes. I could not see her face, but I remember her voice I will come back. I promise. Promise me you'll hang on. Promise me."
Will she really come back? Will she abandon me, just like Father, just like everyone else……Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise……but what can I expect? People associate with me because I am a Malfoy……and only because I am a Malfoy……without the Malfoy name, I am nothing, worthless, maybe even worse than worthless……
The angel……she is my only hope, I have no one else. She is my only hope to get out of here, to see you one last time, Father. Then I can die in peace……
But I do not know how long I can go on…… I can only hope she comes before I breath my last……before I surrender to death……
Author's Note: Hi, just like to explain that it is not a deliberate cliff-hanger on Hermione's part. I decided to do a story style which is to have Hermione narrate what Percy told her, in the next chapter, to someone……next chapter will be up very soon……sorry for the short length in this chapter, but this is the best I can do……