Hogwarts Express: Time Travel

CVIII. Katie Bell returns

CVIII. Katie Bell returns

Annie once more finds herself inside Dumbledore's office facing him, both sat at his desk, the girl was quite disappointed with herself, she failed him after all, during Ron's stay at the hospital, being overwhelmed with worry, she completely forgot the task he gave her.

Dumbledore: How is Mr. Weasley doing?

Annie: He says he's alright, he's recovering rather quickly, doesn't surprise me, he slept for three days straight.

Dumbledore: That's good to hear. And what of your task, Annie?

Annie chuckles and gives Ron a look "You sure gave us a fright" she admitted off his confused look "You slept for three days in a row without waking up... I thought you were done for" she sighed

George laughed "Yeah... he's a heavy sleeper alright" he grinned

Ginny nodded in agreement "Which is why I wasn't too worried back then, I knew he's turn out just fine..." she laughed

Ron rolled his eyes "Good to know my own little sister wasn't worried about me while I was on death's bed" he whined

"Oh stop being dramatic, you weren't dying, you were just fine, Pomfrey said" glowered Ginny as she gave him a light punch to the shoulder

Annie: [Wincing] Not well, I tried talking to Slughorn, he got mad and left, then the accident with Ron and I never really got the chance...

Dumbledore: Yes of course, I understand. The safety of your best friend is your first priority, I understand. I must say, Annie, your loyalty is indisputable.

Annie: Thank you, professor

Dumbledore: I hate to ask this of you, but you must try again, do anything you must to extract that memory, like I have said previously, it's everything.

Annie: Yes, sir. I'll do the best I can

Dumbledore: Very well. As for why I've summoned you here, is to show you one last memory. I find it crucial that you see it.

Annie: Alright then

Draco smiled at Dumbledore's first words about Annie's loyalty, he nodded as he turned to the girl, no to the woman he he was madly in love with "You know... He's got a point"

"Huh?" she frowned confused

"You're an extremely loyal person... it's a trait in you that I find most splendid" he spoke a look of fondness and adoration on his face "It's one of the reason that made me lo-" his eyes widen in shock realizing what he almost said out loud, clearing his throat he quickly covers it up "one of the reasons that made me admire you so much so" he nodded

"Oh..." she smiled at him "Thank you... I mean... Friends are supposed to be loyal to each other, are they not?" she grinned

"Yes, yes they are" he nodded, he sighed as he watched the white haired witch turn back to the screen, he shook his head. Blaise let a lopsided grin adorn his lips pinning Draco with a look, "What?" snapped the annoyed blond

"Nothing, I said nothing"

"Not with words you didn't..." muttered Draco. Unable to stop himself, Blaise whispered "Almost said the l word have you?"

"None of your business"

"Oh but it is... very much so" grinned Blaise, knowing he had another way to tease his best friend, whenever the chance occurred.