Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's wonderful characters.

-Harry POV-

I strut into the grand hall like I own the place. I won the Quidditch game. I beat Malfoy and Slytherin, but I don't give them a second thought as I see my friends waiting at the Gryffindor table. Hermione waves me over enthusiastically with a large, toothy grin. I stroll over and sit down, my two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley sitting at either side of me.

"You did it, Harry! It was so awesome when you were flying and that Slytherin tried to push you off your broom and you were like 'Nope' and then-" Ron energetically says, recounting the events of the match in his own words.

I'm only half listening to the rest of his story, my mind is focused on looking at the rest of Gryffindor. Everyone at the table is smiling broadly, realizing this makes my smile double in size.

"-and then when that bludger came at you-" He stops abruptly when Hermione interrupts him with the raising of her hand.

"I think Harry knows what happened," she says. "You don't have to recite it play-by-play to him."

Ron's eyes flick to me, before he stutters out an apology. "Oh, right. Sorry, Harry," Ron say, slowly returning his attention to the chicken on his plate.

I then proceed to chow down on my food like I haven't eaten in days. Quiditch will do that to you.

As I eat, my eyes land on my longtime friend Hagrid who is seated up at the teachers table. He's on the far-right side, Professor Snape directly beside him, who, in comparison to Hagrid, looks rather puny.

Hagrid looks like his mind is elsewhere. His usually bright eyes are glazed over and his lips are moving like he is muttering something. I also notice that his large hand is wrapped up in the fabric of his shirt, his hand twisting the material back and forth restlessly.

"Promise?" Hermione says.

I snap out of my thoughts. "Er, what?" I ask, confused.

She rolls her eyes, like it's my fault I wasn't listening. "I said this is our third year and you guys need to start studying if you want to make it to fourth year," She says. "Surprised you made it this far," She adds, crossing her robe-clad arms. "So, do you promise to study with me at least twice a week?" She asks, evidently for the second time, but I feel like her request is more of a command.

I deftly nod my head, my hands grabbing and shoving a muffin into my mouth to end the conversation.

Dinner is over before I know it, and everyone is heading back to the Gryffindor common room to celebrate. By everyone, I mean Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and some Ravenclaw kids. Merlin forbid any Slytherin show up, we'd probably toss them out. Stuck up pricks, the lot of them.

Ron, Hermione, and I start walking through the halls, but we don't even attempt talk to each other. It would be futile to try and be heard over the deafening roar of the other students. Everyone is yelling and hooting at the top of their lungs, most going red in the face because of it.

We make it to the Gryffindor common room and things rapidly escalate.

Personally, I don't mind that there are fireworks going off and randomly slamming into people, but Hermione sure does.

"EXCUSE ME!" She shouts, swinging her arms about wildly, but to no avail. She then huffs and stands in the middle of the room, as if that'll get someone's attention.

After putting out a couple of fires she had had enough.

"I'm going to the library, I suggest you do the same." And with that she stalked out of here.

I sigh and turn to Ron, tugging at and loosening my Gryffindor colored tie. "We probably should study for tomorrow," I yell over the ear-splitting noise.

He nods, his fiery red hair bouncing up and down with the movement. "Yeah, sure. But can't we celebrate for a little while?"

'I did just win the most anticipated game of the season' I think, reasoning it out in my head, which always leads to me making a mistake, yet I continue to do it. "Okay," I say. "What could go wrong?"

-Hermione POV-

'I can't believe them, they would never have gotten this far without me, it's time they start pulling their own weight' I think sourly, entering the dimly lit library.

I slowly browse through the sections, thinking of all my classes and which I need to study for, though that is a brief list. I run my hand along the stacked books as I search, reveling in the comforting feel of book covers. My hand lands on 'Potions and ingredients by L.P. Sledge' I pull it out and find a table in the corner.

The book is old and worn, like most in the Hogwart's library.

I skim through the pages, my eyes flitting from potion name to its ingredients, using my memory technique to retain the information I am reading.

I look up when I hear someone else enter the library.

'That's weird, I'm usually the only one in here at this time. Not even the librarian is here tonight, most nights she'll leave the door open until midnight, and then come and lock up'

I slide out of the small wooden chair that I was sitting in, and peer around the corner. A sigh of annoyance escapes my lips when I see who it is. "Of course," I mutter.

None other than Draco Malfoy, Prince of Slytherin, and my sworn enemy, is looking through the transfiguration section.

'Maybe if he doesn't see me he'll go away?' I think hopefully. The minute my thought is complete though I realize I can't see him anymore. 'Crap' I quickly grab my book, quietly closing it and clutching it to my chest, and rush into the nearest room I see.

My breath comes in harsh pants as I back up into the room and slowly pull the door shut. It latches shut with an audible click.

The room is dark, but I don't take much notice, all of my attention is focused looking through the small window on the door. The window lets in little light and is covered in dry, crusty dirt.

I rub at it with my robe sleeve, hoping to be able to get a clear view of the outside world.

Just as I get most of the dirt off, Malfoy walks right in front of the window. I duck out of sight and listen intently, trying to slow my breathing.

I can hear him humming something. My face contorts into confusion. 'I didn't know Malfoy listened to music, it's just too normal' I slowly peak my head up when the humming becomes distant. Malfoy is a few feet from me, he's leaning casually against the wall, flipping through a book lazily.

I can see the side of his face. 'He looks so innocent when he thinks no one is looking' He flips through a few more pages when a smile graces his lips.

It's small and hardly noticeable, but makes me smile none the less. 'He may be a prat, but damn is he a good-looking prat' I get lost on that train of thought until I realize what I'm thinking. 'Ew, Hermione since when are you attracted to Malfoy?' I shake my head, attempting to rid it of those particular thoughts.

Just when he looks like he is going to leave I see Hagrid standing just out of Malfoy's line of sight, ducking behind a shelf. The sight is a bit comical, to be honest. A half-giant attempting to hide behind a book shelf that is a good foot shorter than he is.

Hagrid pulls out his umbrella and points it at Draco, who is setting the book back on the shelf.

"Silencio!" Hagrid yells, the word coming out gruff and oddly dark.

I recognize it immediately. It's a silencing charm, but why is Hagrid using it on Malfoy?

Draco whips his head around and opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. His bright gray eyes go wide with obvious terror and he tries to scamper away. However, Hagrid predicted this move and is already grasping Malfoy's remarkably thin arm.

Hagrid roughly pulls him back and grabs his neck, his large hand wrapping itself around Draco's throat. He slides Malfoy up the book case, holding him only by his neck. Draco struggles, landing a few good kicks, probably just lucky placement of his flailing legs, though not lucky enough, as Hagrid pulls him from the bookcase then slams him back into it, effectively stopping Draco's effort to break free.

I'd seen enough, I grab the door handle and pull but it's locked.

I frantically pull again and again until I hear Hagrid's faint words travel to my ears. "Yeh little git, yeh almos' get Buckbeak killed, yeh undermine me in me class an' I'm here to make yeh pay fer it all," He whispers into Draco's ear, though his deep voice carries.

Draco opens his mouth again, no doubt to try and appease Hagrid, who is practically fuming at the ears, but Hagrid hits him several times in the abdomen.

Draco is doubled over, no doubt trying to catch his breath when he is thrown to the ground. He starts inching away, pushing his feet against the ground to slide him backward, and away from Hagrid, but Hagrid puts his foot on Malfoy's arm. Hagrid's boot lifts into the air and is brought right back down on Draco's hand with immense force.

I hear the crack of bones.

I put my hand over my mouth in order not to be sick. Draco is probably screaming as loud as he can, but not a sound is heard.

I kick with all my might and I ram my shoulder into the door, but it has no affect. Looking out the small window again I see Hagrid tightly holding Draco's forearms and whispering more, but I can't hear anything over the blood rushing in my ears.

I feel something poke me in the ribs and look down. It's my wand. I had totally forgot about it, pulling it out I point it at the door. "Alohomora!" I shout.

The door opens and relief floods me, but it's short lived. I run out, wand at the ready and freeze at what I see. Hagrid has his belt in his hand and it is steadily dripping blood onto the wooden floor, the red seeping in and staining the wood panels.

I search for Malfoy and find him awkwardly propped up on one elbow not five feet away.

Draco's tear ridden face has a long slash starting at the left side of his forehead and crossing his face all the way to the right side of his chin, blood weeping from the wound. The blood mixes with tears and I know I will never un-see his face in this state.

He looks surprised to see me. I wipe tears out of my eyes 'When did I start crying?' and point my wand shakily at Hagrid.

"'Ermione," He says, looking horrified, but I hold my wand toward him, and if it wavers nobody mentions it.

"I don' know wha' came o'er me." He drops his belt and looks at his hands and starts crying. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." He advances towards Draco who has his back pressed against the wall as if he wants it to swallow him.

I step in between them with my back to Draco. "Don't," I warn, a dangerous tone to my voice.

"Please, 'Ermione. Le' me explain," He begs, his hands shaking.

Times slows and think this over, after all, thinking is what I do best. I know Hagrid, known him for years. I know he wouldn't hurt a fly, so something must be going on, but he just attacked Draco right in front of my eyes. Should I stun him and get help? How long would a stunning charm even hold him?

After a minute I come to a conclusion.

"Go straight to your hut. Don't speak to anyone, clear? I'm going to get him," I motion to Malfoy, "to the Hospital wing and then-" Hagrid cuts me off.

"NO! If yeh take 'im ter the 'ospital, there'll be questions. I could go ter jail," He says. "The momen' he points 'is finger at me, 'at'll be it fer me."

I feel something protective in me spark at his words. "So, what, I should just leave him to his own devices? How could you be so cruel, I thought I knew you, but I guess I was wrong!" I yell.

He looks slightly taken aback. "Please, jus' give me some time," He begs.

I look at him with barely contained anger. "Half an hour. You have half an hour," I say.

"Thank yeh," He says as he takes off to his hut.

'I shouldn't have let him go'

I put my wand away and bend down in front of Draco. Pulling his head in between my hands, I inspect the large cut on his face.

"Oh my..." I trail off.

His lips are moving frantically, and his eyes are full of tears.

"Shh, I'll take care of everything," I promise.

Hefting him up and putting my arm around his small waist, we slowly make our way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.

We reach the bathroom without incident.

I set him down on the ground slowly, but his face still screws up in pain.

"Um, Malfoy?" I awkwardly wait until his eyes lift to meet mine. "I'm going to get Harry and Ron. I'll be back as soon as I can, will you be okay until then?" I ask.

His trembling increases but he bobs his head up and down.

"Good, just, um, just don't move," I say as I back out of the bathroom.

I take off running to Gryffindor common room, my mind catching up with what I just witnessed.

'Why did Hagrid do that? Was he under some sort of spell? Or was that just Hagrid taking revenge out on Malfoy? Should I tell a teacher? What about Hagrid? Should I try and find him?' So many questions. Too many questions, they're slowing me down, mentally and physically. I stop thinking as a band-aid solution, something which is extremely difficult for me to do.

The only thing that matters right now is getting to Harry and Ron.

I allow myself a small smile when I see the familiar painting that shows I have reached my destination.

"RedMickle," I say through harsh breaths.

The fat lady claps in approval of my password and moves. I rush in. Spotting Harry and Ron isn't a challenge, both are the center of attention, as per usual. They are standing on a table and drinking butterbeers happily.

'Well I'm about to ruin their day' I sprint toward them but stop in my tracks.

'Maybe I should get a teacher. Someone who would keep their mouth shut' I rack my brain for someone, anyone. I come up blank, first time that's ever happened. Looks like I've got to stick with Harry and Ron.

I continue toward them, but am distracted by someone yelling. "Look out!" But it's too late. I feel something slam into my head and then nothing but black.

I hear voices that sound like they're at the end of a tunnel. Short fragments of a conversation slip through, and I try to understand them.

"-could have killed her-"

"-accident. Didn't know-"

"-should have ducked-"

"-shh. Think she's waking up."

I open my eyes and they are immediately assaulted by bright lights. I clench them shut, groan, and smack my lips that I'm now noticing are extremely dry.

"Hermione, can you hear me?" A voice asks.

"Uhg, wha-what happened?" I ask groggily to the voice who I slowly realize belongs to Ron.

"You got hit by a firework," He answers shortly, sending a glare at a Hufflepuff boy who is wearing a concerned look and wringing his hands.

"Are you okay, Hermione?" Harry questions.

I nod, but immediately stop when it sends shooting pains through my head. A warm hand appears on my shoulder and I follow the arm up to Ron's worried eyes.

"I'm okay. I'm good." I try to settle their nerves, but in reality, I feel like crap and have a nagging feeling like I'm forgetting something important.

'Maybe I should ask them about it,' I muse. 'Yeah, can't hurt'

Looking up at them and I offer a tight smile. "Um, I, uh, I feel like I'm forgetting something," I inform them, my face scrunching up.

Ron rolls his eyes, and looks at Harry as if they're in on a joke I know nothing about. Harry, I note, doesn't return the look.

"Probably forgot to memorize some rules," Ron quips.

I feel anger twinge inside of me. "It was something important," I snap, "Guess I can't count on you to help me figure out what it was."

He throws his hands in the air. "I can't win with you, it was a joke."

I ignore him and turn towards Harry. "Please." I give him my best puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah," he says, "Of course, 'Mione."

I look around, my unfocused eyes try scanning my surroundings.

"Where is Madam Pomfrey?" I ask Harry.

"Um, she may be taking care of Neville right now."

I give him a questioning glance.

"He may have 'accidentally fallen down some stairs'," He continues.

I close my eyes and bring my hand up to rest over them. "Just-just tell me what you did."

"Alright, Pomfrey wouldn't let us in to see you, so Neville said he could fake an injury, so we could get in here," He says.

'Last year I would have freaked out that someone was lying to a nurse, but being friends with Harry and Ron has changed me. I don't know if it's for the better or worse'

I start to get up when both Harry and Ron lightly press me back down.

"Guys, I'm really worried about... Something. I just can't remember what. What if someone is hurt?" As soon as the words leave my mouth I get a feeling.

"Oh no. I think someone's hurt," I tell them.

Breathing is becoming difficult. 'Am I hyperventilating?' I feel a cold sweat break out on my forehead. 'Alright Hermione, calm down, you've read about this. Breathe in…1...2...3. Breathe Out...1...2...3...' I play the mantra in my head until my breathing becomes semi-regular again.

"Guys, someone could be hurt," I repeat, worry filling every inch of my being.

They share glances and then look back at me.

"Okay, I'll go and search what I can of the building," Harry says, "As long as you stay here."

I nod my head, carefully this time. "Alright, but promise me that you will help whoever it is. Even if it's Snape?" I insist.

He looks doubtful, but nods his head nonetheless.

I smile. "Thank you."

He leaves soon after, but Ron stays put, standing at the edge of my bed.

"Look, I'm sorry 'Mione," He starts, and I avoid his gaze, but listen intently to every word.

He sighs. "Would you let me explain?" He asks.

My head snaps up as I am bombarded with a memory.

"Please, Ermione. Le' me explain."

Hagrid!

"Hagrid was there!" I shout, causing Ron to jump.

"What? Hagrid was where?" He asks but I don't have time to answer.

"What are you doing here?" Madam Pomfrey squeaks, looking affronted by the red-haired student.

"Oh, um... uh." Ron stumbles.

"Shoo. Out." She guides him out the door.

"FIND HAGRID!" I yell after him and hope he heard.

'Looks like I'm stuck in here for now'

-Harry POV-

Wandering aimlessly through the silent halls is dangerous. It's just me and my thoughts... and maybe Peeves. Thoughts and I don't have a very good track record.

'What could Hermione have seen that freaked her so much?' I wonder.

'I hope no one's hurt. Not even Snape' I begrudgingly admit to myself.

I would love to want him hurt, but as Ron would say "My heroism would never allow that."

Peering into a classroom looking for something out of the ordinary, I hear footsteps advancing towards me.

Thinking fast, I hide behind some knight armor, my eyes wide on the lookout.

"He's won every match he's ever played. Got to be cheating. That's what Malfoy says." I hear the distinct voice of Crabbe and I can only assume that Goyle is with him, for it seems impossible to see one without the other.

'With my luck, should've seen that coming' I think dejectedly, resting my cheek on the cool, metal armor of the knight.

The footsteps fade away and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Cheating? They are a different breed of idiot," I mutter out loud as I spin on my heal and head the opposite direction of them.

Thirty minutes later and I'm beat, deciding to call it quits for the night. I turn around and start back to Gryffindor.

Things are silent until I pass Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. I hear something and stop dead in my tracks. 'What is that?' I think.

Creeping up, I gently press my head against the door.

"Where did he go?" Someone harshly whispers.

I furrow my brow. 'I know that voice'

I crack the door open and peak my head in and see a very recognizable silhouette. Snape.

"He just got up and left. I'm actually surprised he could stand. You should have seen him struggle," Myrtle recounts, her voice dipping into that weird 'poor puppy' tone.

'Who are they talking about?' I ask myself while sliding my head further into the room.

"You are useless!" He sneers at Myrtle who, at hearing his words, bursts into tears.

"It always comes back to how bad I am," She sobs.

I wince at how loud she is being, the noise is echoing everywhere.

"Quiet," Snape snaps, stalking toward the door.

I start to back up into the hall, but it's too late, Snape has already reached me. He looks down with disgust.

"Um, I can explain," I offer lamely.

He grabs the front of my robe and pulls me up.

"Have you seen him? And don't even think about lying to me," He harshly whisper.

"I don't even know who you're talking about, okay?" I reply while pulling my robe out of his hands.

"Draco. Have you seen Draco?" He says rudely, but I can hear the underlying concern.

"What? No. Is he hurt or something?" I ask, thinking that maybe he is the one Hermione told me to look for.

Snape looks at me as if sizing me up.

I straighten my back and square my shoulders, trying to look taller.

"Get back to your house. I believe you have some celebrating to do, Mr. Potter," He says in a very Snape like manner.

'Guess I didn't pass his little test'

He turns around and starts walking at a brisk pace down the dark corridors.

'I really should get back' My body doesn't move an inch.

I stare at his back which is become less visible by the second.

'Why should I care if Malfoy's hurt?' I try to reason with myself.

"Shit," I mutter as I chase after Snape.

I quickly catch up and fall in step next to him. He looks over at me and rolls his dark, almost black eyes that unnerve even the fiercest opponents.

"Think you're above the rules now, Mr. Potter?" He asks, his voice dripping with disdain.

I snort at his comment. 'You're one to talk about being above the rules, huh?' The thought brings a smirk to my face, which is swiftly replaced by a look of confusion.

"What's happened to Draco?" I question in, what I hope was, a casual voice.

He raises an eyebrow at me. "On a first name basis are you two?"

Scoffing at the mere thought of being friends with Malfoy, I stop walking.

"You know what? Forget I asked," I yell to him. "Forget I was even here." And with that I march the other direction, only make it a few steps before he calls out to me.

"Wait."

The word makes me stop walking and I tilt my head, so I can hear what else he has to say. I hear footsteps come near me and finally turn around to face him.

He gets right in front me and looks like he is having an inner battle with himself.

After about a minute of silence he sighs and looks defeated. "I will need your assistance," He says although it sounds strangled.

I study his face for any signs of deceit, but turn up empty.

"What do you need me for?" He starts walking and I follow behind, awaiting an answer.

"Do you have your wand with you?"

I answer by pulling it out of my pocket and showing him.

"Good, I trust you have learned some rudimentary healing spells."

It wasn't a question, but I nod anyway.

"Why do I have to do it? Why can't you?" I ask timidly, not expecting the reason he tells me.

To be continued...