Chapter 9: Whispers
Next morning Harry and Ron refused to sit with Hermione. In fact, the entire Gryffindor table was whispering and pointing at her. She looked at he two best friends. Harry was determined not to look at her at any cost. Ron's face was stony. Hermione heard a fresh wave of whispers. She turned her head towards the entrance. Draco walked in without a care of the world. Draco sat down in one corner, snarling at anyone who pointed at him. Unfortunately, Snape could spot trouble faster than anyone else. His eyes first went to Hermione, then to Draco. He went to Draco. Hermione watched as the two of them left the Great Hall.
Draco followed Snape to an empty classroom. Snape put wards on the door so that no one would hear them. Snape sat down. Draco sat on a table, his head hung low. "Draco, you have told it once. Now tell it again" Snape said. Draco closed his eyes and narrated his story again. After he finished, there was silence. Draco did not dare look up. "Why were you meeting Miss Granger at the Astronomy Tower?" Snape asked without any hint of what he thought. "I-I just needed someone, anyone" Draco said looking up. He was very scared of what will happen to him if his father would hear about this. "We weren't doing anything. Ron was pissed." Draco said. Snape stared at the wall. "Very well, I believe you. But you will get detention for breaking the curfew. 20 points from Slytherin." Snape stood up and removed the wards. He opened the door and turned towards Draco. "You will receive your detention tomorrow at lunch time, Mr. Malfoy." Snape left, leaving the door open.
"Miss Granger, I have heard" Professor Mcgonagall was interrupted by Hermione's outburst. "Honestly, Professor, we didn't do anything, nothing at all. Ron just made that up." Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes. "Miss Granger I have heard the truth from Professor Snape. I know that the rumors are not true. Would you like some butterbeer dear?" Hermione nodded. Professor Mcgonagall summoned two mugs of butterbeer. Hermione took hers, holding it with both hands. She sipped, marveling at the warmth spreading inside her. She took a deep breathe, calming herself. "At dinner tonight, I and Professor Snape will clear the air. Now why don't you go to your dorm and take some rest. It's been a rough day." Hermione stood up and quietly left the room.
At dinner that night, Professor Mcgonagall and Professor Snape told the entire school that Ron was a liar and there is not a single drop of truth in his words. Moreover, Professor Mcgonagall announced that 50 points will be taken for spreading the rumors and another 20 will be taken as Hermione violated the curfew. Hermione will have detention with Professor Mcgonagall and Ron with Filch. Every one looked at Ron with disgust. Fred and George swore to make him pay for this. Harry came and said, "I'm so sorry Hermione. Ron was well, convincing. Please forgive me." Hermione looked at Harry, a friend whom she loved as a brother. She smiled and replied," its okay Harry. I forgive you." Harry smiled and sat next to her. The dinner passed pleasantly.