Leaving

Ever since Hermione stormed out of his house, Draco was perplexed. What did he do wrong? Obviously something, though for the life of him he couldn't figure out what. He also wasn't sure why he cared so much. Since when did it matter to him what Hermione Granger thought? The friendship he thought was starting between them was all in his head, and whatever happened at his house, if it was going to be a kiss or not, wasn't going to happen again. He knew it was time to revert back to his old self, the one who didn't care about anything.

A switch had turned off.

"Who cares what the fuck anyone thinks. Not me."

However, a small part of his heart felt like it was breaking. He shoved those feelings aside. They were for the weak.

He grabbed one of the memos on his desk and read a note from Morris.

Malfoy,

We have word from the Magical Law Enforcement that Esther was spotted near that Italian restaurant, Zizzi, the one by Southwark Bridge. Apparently, a Muggle woman spotted her because she had seen one of those Wanted Posters that we put out. I guess we owe her some of that Muggle money. Anyway, I was thinking you and Granger could meet Payne and me at the restaurant. You seem invested in the case, and you having been friends with Zabini, I assumed you would want to come. We should be able to track her from there, hopefully.

Best regards,

Morris

Head Auror, Auror Headquarters

Ministry of Magic

London, England

Draco felt weak. What was he supposed to do? He wasn't going to tell Granger about the memo. No. His decision standing, he stood up, picked up his briefcase, and walked away, never so much as glancing at Ron, Harry, or Hermione.