Chapter 24 The Beginning of Darkness
The four got back to the school and were now sitting in the common room around a coffee table, the book in the center. No one wanting to open it, everyone apprehensive of what may lie within the pages of this book.
Finally at her wits end, Hermione snatched the book off the table and cracked it opened. An audible gasp could be heard around the room.
Hermione rolled her eyes at the childish antics of her friends and her love. For Merlin's sake Ron's life in on the line here! She thought to her self.
The group was holding their breaths. Hermione was nervous to say the least. But she knew she needed to save Ron. She cracked the book open. And her eyes widened.
"Uh guys, this isn't a book, this is Voldemort's personal spell book." Hermione said just above a whisper. Once again everyone sat in stunned silence.
No one moved, no one talked, whether they be afraid, stunned, apprehensive, or shocked, no one moved a muscle. After what seemed like a life time a rap at the door woke them from their coma.
"Oh no, the prefects meeting, I can' believe we forgot!" Hermione mused as she threw the red book in her room, and transfigured the common room into a comfortable meeting place for the prefects. They quickly agreed to meet first thing in the morning to look over the book.
Hermione quickly opened the door for the prefects and ushered them in. The meeting began and the prefects were wondering why Harry was there and not Ron.
"Ronal has contracted a very serious Muggle sickness, and will not be in class for at least a week, Harry will be filling in for him during his absence," Hermione said off the top of her head.
Dumbledore came in at the middle of the meeting to announce that tomorrow classes would be canceled so that the students could get attire for the ball.
"Headmaster there is no ball scheduled, when is it?" Hermione asked curiously.
"This Saturday the 13th on the eve of Valentines day of course; in times such as these I find it necessary to celebrate love at every opportunity." Dumbledore said with the all familiar twinkle in his eye.
After Dumbledore left they divided up the duties, and discussed everything. It would be a formal affair, with Wizard or Muggle attire accepted. All prefects worked on decorations, Hermione was in charge of the food and Draco was responsible for the entertainment.
It was late when the meeting ended; Ginny was half asleep in Harry's lap. The four agreed to investigate the book tomorrow in Hogsmeade near the shrieking shack.
Draco and Hermione stayed up a little while longer going over the day's events. Hermione fell asleep in Draco's lap, dreaming of ways to save Ron.
Little did she know that Draco read the book while he excused him self to the restroom during the prefects meeting. He looked at his love; she had no idea that the only way to permanently save Ron would cost him his life.