There were several points of light in the Slytherin common room—Zabini, Nott, and the others, gathered around the fireplace, probably chatting.
With a drag of Hermione's fingertip, the new Marauder's Map on the projection screen shifted to the boys' dormitory.
Everything was orderly. No students were wandering around.
Just as she was about to close the projection screen, one point of light left the dormitory.
The name above it was Draco Malfoy. He had indeed begun to act.
Hermione stared intently at the point of light and noticed that he kept stopping and starting, his movements exceptionally cautious.
And the place he was heading for was the Potions office.
"When you run into trouble, go find Severus. He's like us..."
Hermione watched with a complicated expression as the point of light entered. She never closed the projection screen, merely watching in silence.
One glance was still watching. Two glances were still watching. A few more probably wouldn't matter.
Since she had already looked, she might as well...
Hermione lightly patted her cheeks and reached for the wand on the bedside table.
"Phew—" She let out a long breath, threw back the covers, and sat up, covering herself with the cool Disillusionment Charm.
She quietly left the dormitory and stood in the silent corridor.
She could hear her own heartbeat. It was steady, restrained, without panic.
As the damp chill of the dungeons, mixed with the faint scent of potions, washed over her, the two points of light in the office remained motionless, as if waiting for something.
Five minutes, perhaps longer. Hermione, hiding outside, did not check the time and had no idea how long had passed.
The door finally opened. Draco practically stumbled out, his legs weak. He had to brace himself against the wall to keep from falling.