Chapter 4

Hermione tried to compose herself before reentering the library, but she should have known that she wouldn't be able to fool her two best friends. Ron and Harry noticed right away that something was wrong, but she evaded their questions, making up a story about being spooked by strange noises in the woods. She could tell they weren't satisfied, but she excused herself and retreated to her bedroom before they could prod any further.

She didn't sleep a wink that night. The scene in the grove replayed itself over and over in her head. Even now she didn't understand it. To Malfoy, she was a Muggleborn—a second-class citizen. She wasn't special to him, and she never could be. But if that was true, then why had his eyes been filled with such primal desire as he looked at her? Just remembering it sent chills down her spine.

She didn't understand what he was thinking, and she had no idea how she should face him tomorrow. After hours of tossing and turning, she decided that the most sensible thing to do was confront him directly. She didn't have enough information, and the easiest way to get it was to go straight to the source.

But when she arrived in the Great Hall the next morning, there was no sign of Malfoy. She looked for him all day, but he didn't come to any of their classes either. Professor McGonagall finally approached her just before supper, informing her that he had returned home due to an unexpected emergency.

"Did he say when he would be coming back?" she asked, not sure whether to be disappointed or relieved.

"I'm afraid not. Would you like us to assign someone to fill-in as Head Boy until he returns? It doesn't seem right that all of the duties should fall on your shoulders, especially with exams approaching."

"No, thank you, Professor. I'll manage."

The thought of having someone else beside her for their nightly patrols didn't seem right. Draco Malfoy was a complete prat, but no one else could keep up with her banter like he did. And despite how he tried to appear, he wasn't all that bad.

She didn't know when it had happened, but somewhere along the way she had fallen for him. Although she tried to resist her feelings, every glimpse of the surprisingly kind heart under his cold exterior drew her in deeper until she finally gave up the fight. Malfoy was brilliant, charming, and—well, he wasn't hard to look at either. It was easy to see why so many of her classmates were obsessed with him.

She knew it was foolish—caring for someone who would never see her as an equal—but she couldn't help it. She studied relentlessly, no longer to beat Malfoy, but to show him that she was worthy of standing by his side. There were times when she even found herself imagining what it would be like to be in Pansy's place. But as soon as the thought came, she was ashamed for even thinking it.

Days turned into weeks, and there was still no word about Malfoy. Worry began to gnaw at her stomach. He had seemed so unlike himself that last night. What if something was seriously wrong?

Rumors flew around the school faster than a messenger owl—growing more outlandish by the day. Some said that he had transferred to a wizarding school to America, while others believed he had lost his magic in a freak accident and been forced to withdraw from Hogwarts. There was even a group that swore he had eloped with a mysterious werewolf under the romantic backdrop of a full moon.

She eventually resorted to asking his Slytherin housemates, but they all claimed ignorance. She sensed that they knew more than they were letting on, but short of dosing them with Veritaserum, there was nothing she could do.

Even Pansy Parkinson was no help. As soon as she mentioned Malfoy, the girl dissolved into a blubbering mess. The only thing she was able to get out of her was something about how he wouldn't take her blood—whatever that meant.

She was still pondering her next move when Filch approached her in the Great Hall. He looked—as usual—like he had been sucking on the world's most sour lemon. "You're wanted in Dumbledore's office," he said gruffly. "Best get a move on."

Harry and Ron looked at her questioningly, but she only shrugged. "I haven't the slightest, but I guess I'd better go. Watch my books, will you?"

She made it all the way to the revolving staircase before realizing that Filch hadn't told her the password. She began rattling off every candy she could think of before 'Chocolate Frogs' finally did the trick.

The office was already filled with people. Dumbledore sat at his desk, his long-fingered hands steepled in front of him. Professor McGonagall and Snape flanked either side of the desk. Professor McGonagall sent her a reassuring smile, while Snape merely looked down his long nose at her. But it was the sight of Lucius Malfoy that made her heart jump into her throat. Someone had pulled up a chair behind him, but he remained standing, his face set in a dark scowl. He held an elegant silver filigreed cane in his black-gloved hands.

Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Welcome, Ms. Granger. Please, have a seat."

Hermione's mind raced with questions, but she lowered herself into the red upholstered chair in front of his desk. She crossed her legs, trying not to feel like a timid schoolgirl. She studiously avoided looking in Lucius' direction.

"I called you here today about a matter concerning Draco Malfoy," Dumbledore began. "I know that you spent a good deal of time with him due to your shared duties as Head Boy and Girl. Can you recall if he ever mentioned an interest in anyone in particular?"

Hermione frowned. She had thought up a dozen ways that this conversation might go, but this hadn't been one of them.

"An interest? I'm afraid that I don't understand, Headmaster."

"Perhaps someone he was romantically involved with?"

She felt her cheeks grow hot. "We never spoke much about personal matters," she managed. "His housemates would know more than I do."

Lucius stamped his cane impatiently. "You don't think I've already asked them, you dim-witted girl? Now use that brain of yours and think! Did he ever speak of anyone out of the ordinary? Or perhaps you saw him with someone unexpected, even in passing?"

"That's enough, Lucius," Dumbledore said. His eyes—usually so grandfatherly—were severe. "I would remind you that Ms. Granger is one of the most talented witches of our age. She is Head Girl and holds the top marks in her class—even above Mr. Malfoy. You will refer to her with respect, or I will ask you to leave."

"If I may make a suggestion?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Perhaps if the situation was explained to Ms. Granger, she'd be better able to help."

"And why should I tell this gi—Ms. Granger—anything about my family's private affairs?"

"Minerva is right," Dumbledore said. "Telling her can only help Draco—and that is what you're after, isn't it?"

Lucius' shoulders slumped. She hadn't noticed it before, but there were dark rings under his eyes. "Very well. Listen carefully, Ms. Granger, because I'll only be explaining this once.

"In the world of vampires, there is something called mates. I suppose they are something like your Muggle idea of soulmates. In any case, we believe that my son has found his, but he refuses to tell us who it is. If he doesn't drink his mate's blood, he will die. There, I've told you everything. Now if you have any information, I implore you to tell us before it's too late."

Hermione felt like the floor under her feet had opened into a gaping maw, sucking her into its black depths. Nothing Lucius said sounded real, yet there was no reason for him to lie. Malfoy had a mate? He was going to die if he didn't drink their blood? Her mind flashed back to his strange behavior on that night by Black Lake. Could it be? It seemed impossible, but if she was right, then everything would make sense.

"I may know something," she said.

"What is it?" Lucius looked like he might grab her shoulders and shake her. "Tell me, girl!"

Hermione thought quickly. If her theory was correct, she would have to tread carefully. "I have an idea about who it might be, but I want to speak with Malfoy first to be certain."

"You'll be wasting your time," Lucius scoffed. "Why would he tell you what he wouldn't even tell his own parents?"

Hermione met his gaze with an unwavering one of her own. The tentative hope blooming in her chest made her suddenly fearless. "You may be right, but if the situation's as dire as you say, what do you have to lose?"

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I hope you're enjoying the story so far! The next chapter will be the finale, so please stay tuned!