A/N: Well I'm back again! So sorry for the delay in updating. I've been working like crazy to get into college. I had auditions at a music school and I was just loaded with preparations. I got in, so that's good! Thanks for waiting. I hope you guys haven't given up on me! Please read and review.
Chapter 6
Harry awoke to the ringing of a telophone. It is definitely too early for this, he thought. So, he rolled over and went back to sleep.
Come on, Harry, pick up! Hermione shouted in her head. But of course, she only got an answering machine. "Harry, it's me. I was walking down the street today and I heard two men saying that a new Dark Lord will arise. Do you think that's possible? Please get back to me; I'm really worried." She hung up the phone and sighed. Please don't let this be for real, she thought.
Draco could not fall asleep for the life of him. Seeing Crabbe's father had awakened all the anger that he had long since let go of. And, oddly enough, it brought back some feelings he had for Hermione. She was the only one that he could talk to about the awful times before Voldemort's final death. And right now, he really wanted to talk to her. He got out of bed and began to write her a letter.
Harry got Hermione's message two hours later. He decided to call her right away. She answered on the first ring.
"Harry? It's about time. How are you?" she asked quickly.
"Well, I was great until you informed me that my life's accomplishment was worth nothing," he replied dryly.
"So you really think this is serious? There could be a new Dark Lord?" she asked in a defeated voice.
"Well, I don't know, but I'd rather not find out the hard way. When are you coming home?" he asked.
"I'm not sure. I was thinking I'd go in a few days. I don't want to be in America if something bad happens," she explained. "Oh---I've just received an owl. I'll call you tomorrow with details of my return," Hermione promised. Then she hung up and opened her letter. In very familiar handwriting, it read:
Dear Hermione,
First of all, I'd like to apologize for the way I've treated you since I've come back. I must say, I was caught by surprise.
I know it may be awkward, but I'd like to remain friends while I'm here. I've asked Harry to be my best man at my wedding. He's agree, but don't be angry; he was quite reluctant.
I suppose the real reason I am writing is because I've been getting odd feelings lately, as though something were hanging over me. I uh...ran into Crabbe's father yesterday. Needless to say, I was not please. I just can't help but feel that you are the one to talk to about such things, what with our past and all.
I've obviously wasted enough parchment, so I will go now. Please respond.
Sincerely,
Draco
Hermione sighed. I can't take this right now, she mumbled to herself as she set the letter on her desk. Right now, she had to concentrate on getting back to England. She missed her students, and she needed to be spending time with Harry and Ron. After all, they'd be leaving soon.
Hermione stuffed her carry-on bag in the tiny compartment above her seat. Hopefully, no one with bad breath would share her seat this trip. She sat down and laid her head back. At least she felt relaxed and could attempt to sleep. She watched as the different passengers boarded the plane, vaguely wondering about where each person was headed---what their journey was for. Why couldn't she have a normal life? Was it magic that kept her so stressed? Deep down, however, she knew she could never give it up. It was a part of her.
Suddenly, she spotted a very odd-looking couple taking their seat two rows in front of her. She hadn't been in America long enough to really see the gothic style, but if she had, she'd know that these people were gothic- one hundred percent. The man had most of his face pierced and wore nothing but black, keeping his hood up and walking with his face down. Hermione stifled a giggle. She turned her attention to his partner---or wife, girlfriend, whatever. She had a few facial piercings and more make-up than Hermione would wear in a lifetime. One could hardly make out the woman's face.
Hermione noticed that the seat behind her was the very last one on the plane. Apparently, the odd woman saw this, because she got up and approached its occupants.
"Excuse me, my friend isn't feeling well, and we were wondering if maybe you'd let us sit here so he can be closer to the restroom," she proposed politely. The elderly couple smiled and stood.
"No problem," the man said.
Soon, all the seating was settled and the plane was in the air. Hermione decided that any other time, she'd love visiting America and meeting its diverse society. This time, however, she simply could not afford to spend time on a vacation. She gazed out the window and began thinking of how soon Harry and Ron would be leaving and how alone she'd feel when they were gone. Again.
Suddenly, she noticed that the people behind her were whispering fiercely. They were whispering loud enough for her to even hear their conversation.
"Listen, this has not been a wasted trip," the woman was saying. "Now we have more people on our side! They can help if Draco gives us any trouble." Hermione's blood froze. They did not just say that, she thought desperately.
"He'll never do it!" the man almost yelled. "He is far too smart to not figure out this plot."
"But you don't know the whole plan. We have connections...ways to keep him from ever realizing what is happeneding...until it is too late. He will do it. He will be the new Dark Lord. Think about the power he has, just from his bloodline. He will be invincible, and then what? We get rid of Potter, Dumbledore, and then it is done. We'll have nothing else to worry about."
Hermione's heart was beating so fast, she was sure they heard it. She couldn't even breathe. How many Draco's were there in the world? And "Potter" and "Dumbledore" confirmed her conclusion. The good side was definitely in danger. Why couldn't her life settle down?
Hermione had to stay a night in a hotel before she could travel all the way back to Hogwarts. As soon as she got settled in her hotel room, she phoned Harry.
"Hermione, I think you're a little too keen on using a telophone," Harry laughed when he picked up.
"Harry, Draco's in trouble," she whispered hoarsely. She tried to stay calm as Harry talked.
"What? Why would you say that? He's here with me and everyone else. He's fine."
"No, no, no," she said. "He's not. I need to talk to you guys. Please, can you and Ron wait for me at Hogwarts in the morning? Please!" She sounded desperate, and slightly hysterical.
"Calm down," Harry said soothingly. "Tell me what's wrong."
"Not now. I need to talk to you guys in person. Tomorrow, alright?" she pleaded.
"Alright, ok. We'll be there," he answered. "Are you ok? Should I come get you?"
"No, I'll be fine. I'll talk to you in the morning. Please, just trust me."
"If you're sure...," he answered. "Ok, call me if you need anything."
Hermione laid on her bed and closed her eyes. She definitely was getting no sleep tonight.
