Summary: Sequel to Finding My Voice. Read that first! "After the defeat of Voldemort, Hermione doesn't speak. Her health deteriorates until... Just last summer, we defeated Voldemort, the Dark Lord, for the last time. I grew silent, collapsing into myself. My health fell so quickly that I was hospitalized at St. Mungo's. Many medi-wizards and witches from around the world came to me, but none could figure out what was wrong, until the day Draco Malfoy came in, and healed me miraculously. Shortly after, we found out that we were major parts in a prophecy that would change the course of our lives forever. A prophecy that told of a war to change the world.
In short, Draco Malfoy saved me, and somewhere along the line, we fell in love.
Now, he's gone. And I will stop at nothing to save him."
Chapter 1/./ A Firefly Without a Light
"Hermione?" I ignored Harry's voice behind me as I carefully levitated my trunk through the entrance hall. There weren't many students out, as curfew was approaching, but I didn't want to knock over a suit of armor. "Hermione?" I kept walking. "Hermione Jane! Stop ignoring me!" Sighing, I stopped and turned to face him. He almost flinched. I was aware of how haggard my appearance must have been, with deep circles under my eyes and my face returning to the gaunt thinness that it had once had.
"What is it, Harry James? And make it fast, I don't want to miss my train."
"T-train?" He faltered, and I almost laughed, the vague humor marking my face sardonically. "Where are you going?"
"Anywhere but here." Upon seeing the wilting look on his face, I sighed. Softly, I said, "Harry, I have to go. Draco is gone, you know? I have to... I can't tell you anything. I'm sorry. But I have to go. This time, you can't save me."
"I never really saved you anyway, did I?" He was hurt, I heard it in his voice. "What about NEWTs? What about graduation?"
"I've already taken my NEWTs, Harry. And I may return for graduation, if I can find the time."
"Will you write?"
"When it is safe." His face screwed up in a way that I recognized. He was confused and he was trying to figure out-
"Why are you acting like Voldemort's back, Hermione? I killed the bastard once and for all." Taking his arm, I stared into his green eyes.
"Harry, this is bigger than Voldemort. I can say no more. I have to go." I released his arm, and turned to leave, when I heard a whisper behind me.
"Be careful."
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Dumbledore had allowed me to use the Hogwarts Express to get to King's Cross and away from Hogwarts. It had no real use, as I had already tested and received my Apparition license, but for the sentimentality. It was the last ride on the Hogwarts Express that I would ever take. I wondered vaguely, as I watched the scenery pass by in a whir, if it was symbolic of my journey into womanhood.
Draco. Draco was gone. I was flung into memories by the rushing of the train. Years of name-calling, secret alliances, my hopes and dreams for the future, and Draco. He was out there somewhere, and no one knew if he was alive or dead. I supposed I would know, if only by a vague feeling, if something had happened to him. But there was nothing.
I had waited weeks, and weeks, for word of his whereabouts to come through Dumbledore. Endless days, restless nights, and still no word. I had stopped attending classes after Dumbledore had informed me that I could take my NEWTs early if I so wished. I spent every waking moment in the library, reading, absorbing. But I could not focus my attentions on any particular subject. Draco…
The night before I left, a cold April night with the brightest stars I'd ever seen, I went into Draco's room to look for a book he had borrowed from me before… it happened.
I could not find the book, but, upon looking at his desk, I found something more significant. A ring, and a note.
'My dearest Hermione,' it read.
'I have waited for love a long time. As a Malfoy, I am not entitled to love. It does not come easily to us. But I love you. You have blessed me with your kindness and your love, and I can never repay you. I only hope that you can take this gift and cherish it as much as I cherish you. I want you to marry me, 'Mione. I want to start a family with you, so that we can ensure that love is something that a Malfoy is entitled to, for years and years to come. The prophecy, of course, has put a cramp in my planning, but when this new war is over? I will propose to you again, and I'll do it right this time. Until then, wear this ring for me. It is one of a set of two, and I have the other. I have worn it since the day I fell in love with you. There was always a rumor around my family as to what these rings do, but I do not know the truth. I love you, Hermione, always. No matter what trials we must face, no matter how long this journey takes, I will always love you.
'Yours,'
'Draco Malfoy.'
Sighing, I twisted the ring around my finger a few more times. "And the decision rests on you," I whispered to the empty air. "I will find you, Draco Malfoy. They will not take you away from me. We will see this through, and…" I choked on my words, the tears rising to my eyes. A new war? I barely survived the first one! "I love you, Draco Malfoy. You are my light." I felt as though a hand pressed itself against my shoulder, but when I turned to look, there was no one there. Rain started to pound against the windows, and I sighed, losing myself in another memory.
"Ms. Granger?" Dumbledore was standing at the end of the table I had taken to studying at.
"Yes, Professor?" I asked, looking up from the book on healing charms that I was reading. He passed me a note with a somber expression on his face.
"You will leave tomorrow night."
Pulling the note from the messenger bag beside me, I pondered the meaning of the sudden upheaval. Dumbledore had demanded that I be waiting for the train the moment curfew began. He had seemed solemn, depressed. The note had only three words written on it.
The Leaky Cauldron
I had no idea what it meant, but as the train pulled into King's Cross, I had a feeling I was about to find out.
A/N: Hello! I have returned from a VERY long hiatus to bring you the sequel to Finding My Voice. This is "Stopping Nowhere" and I hope you like it!
Chapter 2 Preview: I felt like a mysterious woman in a spy movie."
"...something about the entire 'mission' I was going on screamed "wear all black!". So, I did.