Draco Malfoy, now 16, walked through the halls of Hogwarts. It was about 5
o'clock in the morning but he was already up and ready. He had matured
over the summer- he was now a good 6 feet tall with a physique to match.
His blonde hair was still a bit shaggy, but always kept and clean. He had
a slow, easy smile for those he let see it, with warm blue eyes to
complement it. He also had a snide smirk that he showed to most people and
his eyes looked like ice. What was amazing was the way they could change
so fast. He smiled to himself and whistled a little tune. He didn't go
out at night because he could be caught, and while he had a reputation for
being bad, detention was not something he enjoyed. So, he went out in the
very early mornings to get some peace and quiet. He strolled along the
hallways, looking at the various paintings moving on the walls. He stopped
for a second when he thought he heard something. He continued to walk
quietly, trying to find the source of the noise. He turned a corner and
found a slumped figure on the floor. He could hear her sobbing violently.
He walked over to her.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently, kneeling next to her. She screamed and tried to get up. He stood and held on to her wrist gently.
"What's wrong?" he asked and got a good look at who was in front of him. It was Hermione Granger. He looked shocked for a second but quickly recovered. His expression stayed compassionate and kind, surprising the frightened Hermione. He saw the big alligator tears running down her cheeks and her very torn clothing.
"Some-someone a-a-attacked me" she cried, "and they, they…" she couldn't finish. Draco, looking at her torn skirt, could guess what they had done. He took off his cloak, revealing a black T-shirt and pants. He wrapped the cloak around her and hugged her. She started sobbing uncontrollably. They sat there like that for a good ten minutes.
"Who attacked you?" he asked softly. Hermione was surprised at his gentleness and kindness.
"I don't know" she whispered, "it was dark and I couldn't see him" he nodded.
"Let's get you to the infirmary. Madame Pomfry will know how to make you feel better" with that he lifter her off her feet easily and carried her, princess style, to the hospital wing. She was sound asleep by the time they got there. He put her on a cot and explained to the nurse what had happened, or as much of it as he knew. She instructed him to get Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall. She also suggested he get Ron and Harry as well. He cringed at this and was going to object when the sleeping figure let out another terrified sob. He just nodded and went to find them. It was easy enough to find the adults. He asked McGonagall for the password and location of Gryffindor Tower. She looked uncertain but with a nod from Dumbledore she told him. He tore through the halls. He found the picture of the fat lady. "Fludeybaubles" he panted and the fat lady raised an eyebrow before swinging open. Their common room looked the same as theirs, but it was warm with carpeting and a huge fireplace. Slytherin tower was dark and a bit damp. The fire was only lit when it got VERY cold. He figured the general layout was the same so he went to where he would sleep. The sign read "Sixth Year Boys" on the door and he barged in. He roughly shook Ron and Harry out of their fitful sleeps. They opened their eyes and nearly yelled when they saw him.
"What the bloody hell are you doing in here, Malfoy?" Ron demanded, getting out of bed. Draco didn't take insult to the tone, as he probably would have said the same thing. He also knew he wouldn't be mad for long, at least not at him anyway. He knew how much they meant to each other and couldn't stop a pang out jealously and sorrow cross his heart. No one he knew would be as concerned or as loyal to their friends as these three.
"Hermione was attacked last night. I found her in the hallway. She's in the hospital wing," he said. It took a second for this to register. He grabbed two nearby robes and threw then at the pair.
"Come one, get going you stupid gits!" he nearly yelled, and soon the three were running towards the infirmary. They were panting when they got there. They didn't knock but burst in. Soon Ron and Harry were sitting on either side of the sleeping figure. Draco noticed a tear slip down Ron's cheek and the horribly serious and grave expression on Harry's face. It figures Potter wouldn't fall apart. Or he wouldn't have survived Voldemort's attack our first year Draco thought, standing off to one side. Madame Pomfrey was more lenient and knew that even if she had told the boys to go they would have stayed, expulsion be damned. He smiled grimly at his thoughts.
"You three will be excused from your classes for today. I daresay Miss Granger will want to see you when she wakes up. When breakfast is ready I'll have Winky send up some plates" with that and a promise to some back as soon as she woke up, he headed to the great hall to talk to the students. Draco voiced what everyone else was thinking
"Who would do this to her?"
"Plenty of people." Ron replied.
"Lots of people are jealous of her grades, her friends, or just plain hate her. She's a mudblood, remember" Harry said, "and Muggle raised". A pang of guilt hit him hard.
"She didn't deserve this. I never…I didn't mean...If I could take it back" he tried to speak but words failed him. Harry got up and walked over to him.
"I know. You can tell her you're sorry later, but we have some work to do" Ron nodded and got up. Draco had a slightly confused expression on his face but followed them when Harry motioned him to. They were back at Gryffindor Tower. Seamus, Dean, and Neville were eating breakfast and had taken their backpacks with them. Using a sealing spell, Harry locked the door behind them. Ron was riffling through Harry's trunk and brought out a price of parchment. He murmured a few words and lines began to weave themselves on the parchment. Draco looked on interestedly. Ron handed the parchment to Draco
"Where'd you find her?" Draco looked to see that it was a map in his hands.
"Here. Right in that corner" he said, showing it to Ron and Harry. They were silent for a few minutes.
"I wonder when she was attacked. I mean, she could have been there for hours or just a few minutes"
"My guess is a few hours. I mean, she was dead tired and not making mush sense at first. Her head cleared a bit and I only got out of her that it was dark so she couldn't see who did it"
"Was she just attacked?" Harry asked
"No. Whoever attacked her also…" it was hard for him to continue, "probably raped her, as well." This was met with a string of curses and threats from Ron and more of Harry's graveness.
"So, the attacker had to be male" Draco continued, "that at least eliminates 51% of the population of this school."
"It had to have been someone big, at least big enough to overpower her."
"Well, not to be mean" these words brought a choked back laugh from Ron "but it doesn't look like it would take much force to overpower her"
"Then you don't know Hermione very well. She is one of the strongest people I know, and a damned good fighter to boot. She knows Tae Kwon Do, a muggle combat style. Her father's a drill sergeant and forced her to learn at least one type of fighting, probably more. So" harry mused "it would take someone who knew that and was fast and strong to take her down and…" He couldn't finish. It was too horrible for him to even try to comprehend.
"Well, there's Crabbe and Goyle" Ron started listing off names, "Leeson, Bigsby, Heatherford…"
"Crabbe and Goyle are the stupidest people on the earth and couldn't outsmart Hermione even if there were 10 of them all at once. Leeson wouldn't because he hates getting his hands dirty, though I wouldn't put it past him to pay someone else to do it. Bigsby's a twit, who might but is smart enough not to leave any evidence, if there is any. Heatherford has three sisters and is very overprotective and would rather give his right arm than to do something against the female race." Since all of these people were in Slytherin Draco knew them all. Harry waved his wand over the map and it was blank again. He took out a quill and ink and began to write on the parchment. Ron and Draco moved to get a better look.
Calling Padfoot, Prongs, Wormtail, and Moony!
What cam we do you for? Need a joke? A prank?
No, sorry Sirius. We need your help. Someone attacked my friend. I need to find out who it is. Any suggestions?
Who?
Hermione
NO!
I'm afraid so. Do you known where anyone could hide outside of the closed tunnel to Gringotts?
Besides the tunnel itself, maybe in a classroom. Does anyone else beside the twins and you know that it's there?
Draco Malfoy, but he's the one that found her.
Malfoy! That brat! I wouldn't believe-
He didn't do it. Hermione would not have let him carry her in his arms to the infirmary.
He did?
Yes. He's as worried about her as we are. And he's here
You showed his the map!
Yes, Dad.
Oh well. So, do you have any clue who did it?
We know it was a guy
How?
They …
They what?
Raped her, Lupin
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Me too
Well, there is one way to find out
How?
You need a muggle doctor to examine her. If there's any traces of bodily fluid left, then you can ID exactly who it is.
What if there is none?
Then there's no hope
Well catch them. Thanks for your help.
No problem. Send her our best wishes
Will do. Bye
With that Harry pulled out another piece of parchment and scribbled on it. He called to Hedwig, who was resting in her cage. He tied the note to the owl and whispered something in her ear. She nipped him affectionately and flew off.
"Who's the letter to?" Draco inquired
"No one" Harry said, through Ron knew exactly who it was. The trio walked back down to the infirmary to a nice warm breakfast. About ten minutes after they had eaten Hermione woke up. She looked around wildly for a minute but calmed down when she saw Harry and Ron. The two immediately walked over to her and sat on either side of her on her bed. They wrapped their arms around her and she burst out crying. They sat in the group hug for a few minutes; the boys knowing that no matter how proud and independent she was that she needed them. Ron had gotten over his embarrassment of hugging her a while ago and closed his eyes. Both boys whispered soothing things to her.
"We'll catch him, Herm. I promise you that," Harry said
"Or die trying" Ron said, which earned him a weak laugh.
"Thank you. I suppose I have to talk to Professor Dumbledore. That's first person you went to, am I right Harry?"
"It's the first person Draco went to." Harry corrected.
"I forgot. Draco was the one that found me" Draco walked out from the shadows and stood in front of her, with his hands in his pockets.
"Thank you. I…" she began crying again. Ron and Harry got up and Draco took Ron's spot on the left of Hermione. She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed some more. If he was uncomfortable he didn't show it. He knew that she needed someone strong to lean on to rebuild her sense of safety. He also knew that it would be him, Ron, and Harry that would be her strength. It was certainly turning out to be a weird day but he was glad he had found Hermione, if someone had to find her. He sat there letting her cry until Dumbledore came in. She composed herself and squared her shoulders resolutely. She told him everything she knew
"I was walking through the fifth floor corridor, near the charms classroom. I wanted to go see Professor McGonagall about one of my grades. Then someone came up behind me. They hit me with something, I think it might have been a broomstick. He tried to hit me in the stomach and the broom broke in half. I tackled him and had gotten up to leave. I thought he was stunned so I ran past him. He grabbed me leg and…" her voice broke, "he pinned me to the ground. He was big, maybe 6 and a half feet tall. He was well built and had dark hair, I think. He slapped me when I started screaming. He ripped my skirt and…undid his pants. I don't remember much after that" a lone tear slipped down her cheek. Draco, in a rare show of affection, put his arm around her protectively. He had never seen her so…broken. She was normally fiercely independent and hated needing anyone's help. She unconsciously leaned closer to him and he tightened his grip on her.
"Why wasn't Mr. Filch there? Usually he hears everything" Draco wondered how she could have known that but the look that passed from Dumbledore to the three friends let him know that they weren't the goodytooshoes everyone though.
"He had the night off. He went out to Hogsmeede, I believe. He was only going to be gone for a few hours at the most." Dumbledore answered. All of them knew what she was thinking. This wouldn't have happened if Filch were here. The one night… Hermione yawned. She probably hadn't slept all night.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Granger, but there are a few things that need to be done before you can sleep. A doctor is going to come and examine you after your parents get here. They should be here in around 10 minutes. They are coming by car. I called them as soon as I got back to my office." Just them the door burst open and Mr. and Mrs. Granger hurried in. Draco released Hermione and her parents enveloped her in a huge hug, which made Hermione start to cry again. Draco and Harry looked on enviously. They had never had anyone to treat him or her like that. Both Harry and Draco went over the description of the attacker in their minds. There was only one person that fit that description.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently, kneeling next to her. She screamed and tried to get up. He stood and held on to her wrist gently.
"What's wrong?" he asked and got a good look at who was in front of him. It was Hermione Granger. He looked shocked for a second but quickly recovered. His expression stayed compassionate and kind, surprising the frightened Hermione. He saw the big alligator tears running down her cheeks and her very torn clothing.
"Some-someone a-a-attacked me" she cried, "and they, they…" she couldn't finish. Draco, looking at her torn skirt, could guess what they had done. He took off his cloak, revealing a black T-shirt and pants. He wrapped the cloak around her and hugged her. She started sobbing uncontrollably. They sat there like that for a good ten minutes.
"Who attacked you?" he asked softly. Hermione was surprised at his gentleness and kindness.
"I don't know" she whispered, "it was dark and I couldn't see him" he nodded.
"Let's get you to the infirmary. Madame Pomfry will know how to make you feel better" with that he lifter her off her feet easily and carried her, princess style, to the hospital wing. She was sound asleep by the time they got there. He put her on a cot and explained to the nurse what had happened, or as much of it as he knew. She instructed him to get Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall. She also suggested he get Ron and Harry as well. He cringed at this and was going to object when the sleeping figure let out another terrified sob. He just nodded and went to find them. It was easy enough to find the adults. He asked McGonagall for the password and location of Gryffindor Tower. She looked uncertain but with a nod from Dumbledore she told him. He tore through the halls. He found the picture of the fat lady. "Fludeybaubles" he panted and the fat lady raised an eyebrow before swinging open. Their common room looked the same as theirs, but it was warm with carpeting and a huge fireplace. Slytherin tower was dark and a bit damp. The fire was only lit when it got VERY cold. He figured the general layout was the same so he went to where he would sleep. The sign read "Sixth Year Boys" on the door and he barged in. He roughly shook Ron and Harry out of their fitful sleeps. They opened their eyes and nearly yelled when they saw him.
"What the bloody hell are you doing in here, Malfoy?" Ron demanded, getting out of bed. Draco didn't take insult to the tone, as he probably would have said the same thing. He also knew he wouldn't be mad for long, at least not at him anyway. He knew how much they meant to each other and couldn't stop a pang out jealously and sorrow cross his heart. No one he knew would be as concerned or as loyal to their friends as these three.
"Hermione was attacked last night. I found her in the hallway. She's in the hospital wing," he said. It took a second for this to register. He grabbed two nearby robes and threw then at the pair.
"Come one, get going you stupid gits!" he nearly yelled, and soon the three were running towards the infirmary. They were panting when they got there. They didn't knock but burst in. Soon Ron and Harry were sitting on either side of the sleeping figure. Draco noticed a tear slip down Ron's cheek and the horribly serious and grave expression on Harry's face. It figures Potter wouldn't fall apart. Or he wouldn't have survived Voldemort's attack our first year Draco thought, standing off to one side. Madame Pomfrey was more lenient and knew that even if she had told the boys to go they would have stayed, expulsion be damned. He smiled grimly at his thoughts.
"You three will be excused from your classes for today. I daresay Miss Granger will want to see you when she wakes up. When breakfast is ready I'll have Winky send up some plates" with that and a promise to some back as soon as she woke up, he headed to the great hall to talk to the students. Draco voiced what everyone else was thinking
"Who would do this to her?"
"Plenty of people." Ron replied.
"Lots of people are jealous of her grades, her friends, or just plain hate her. She's a mudblood, remember" Harry said, "and Muggle raised". A pang of guilt hit him hard.
"She didn't deserve this. I never…I didn't mean...If I could take it back" he tried to speak but words failed him. Harry got up and walked over to him.
"I know. You can tell her you're sorry later, but we have some work to do" Ron nodded and got up. Draco had a slightly confused expression on his face but followed them when Harry motioned him to. They were back at Gryffindor Tower. Seamus, Dean, and Neville were eating breakfast and had taken their backpacks with them. Using a sealing spell, Harry locked the door behind them. Ron was riffling through Harry's trunk and brought out a price of parchment. He murmured a few words and lines began to weave themselves on the parchment. Draco looked on interestedly. Ron handed the parchment to Draco
"Where'd you find her?" Draco looked to see that it was a map in his hands.
"Here. Right in that corner" he said, showing it to Ron and Harry. They were silent for a few minutes.
"I wonder when she was attacked. I mean, she could have been there for hours or just a few minutes"
"My guess is a few hours. I mean, she was dead tired and not making mush sense at first. Her head cleared a bit and I only got out of her that it was dark so she couldn't see who did it"
"Was she just attacked?" Harry asked
"No. Whoever attacked her also…" it was hard for him to continue, "probably raped her, as well." This was met with a string of curses and threats from Ron and more of Harry's graveness.
"So, the attacker had to be male" Draco continued, "that at least eliminates 51% of the population of this school."
"It had to have been someone big, at least big enough to overpower her."
"Well, not to be mean" these words brought a choked back laugh from Ron "but it doesn't look like it would take much force to overpower her"
"Then you don't know Hermione very well. She is one of the strongest people I know, and a damned good fighter to boot. She knows Tae Kwon Do, a muggle combat style. Her father's a drill sergeant and forced her to learn at least one type of fighting, probably more. So" harry mused "it would take someone who knew that and was fast and strong to take her down and…" He couldn't finish. It was too horrible for him to even try to comprehend.
"Well, there's Crabbe and Goyle" Ron started listing off names, "Leeson, Bigsby, Heatherford…"
"Crabbe and Goyle are the stupidest people on the earth and couldn't outsmart Hermione even if there were 10 of them all at once. Leeson wouldn't because he hates getting his hands dirty, though I wouldn't put it past him to pay someone else to do it. Bigsby's a twit, who might but is smart enough not to leave any evidence, if there is any. Heatherford has three sisters and is very overprotective and would rather give his right arm than to do something against the female race." Since all of these people were in Slytherin Draco knew them all. Harry waved his wand over the map and it was blank again. He took out a quill and ink and began to write on the parchment. Ron and Draco moved to get a better look.
Calling Padfoot, Prongs, Wormtail, and Moony!
What cam we do you for? Need a joke? A prank?
No, sorry Sirius. We need your help. Someone attacked my friend. I need to find out who it is. Any suggestions?
Who?
Hermione
NO!
I'm afraid so. Do you known where anyone could hide outside of the closed tunnel to Gringotts?
Besides the tunnel itself, maybe in a classroom. Does anyone else beside the twins and you know that it's there?
Draco Malfoy, but he's the one that found her.
Malfoy! That brat! I wouldn't believe-
He didn't do it. Hermione would not have let him carry her in his arms to the infirmary.
He did?
Yes. He's as worried about her as we are. And he's here
You showed his the map!
Yes, Dad.
Oh well. So, do you have any clue who did it?
We know it was a guy
How?
They …
They what?
Raped her, Lupin
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Me too
Well, there is one way to find out
How?
You need a muggle doctor to examine her. If there's any traces of bodily fluid left, then you can ID exactly who it is.
What if there is none?
Then there's no hope
Well catch them. Thanks for your help.
No problem. Send her our best wishes
Will do. Bye
With that Harry pulled out another piece of parchment and scribbled on it. He called to Hedwig, who was resting in her cage. He tied the note to the owl and whispered something in her ear. She nipped him affectionately and flew off.
"Who's the letter to?" Draco inquired
"No one" Harry said, through Ron knew exactly who it was. The trio walked back down to the infirmary to a nice warm breakfast. About ten minutes after they had eaten Hermione woke up. She looked around wildly for a minute but calmed down when she saw Harry and Ron. The two immediately walked over to her and sat on either side of her on her bed. They wrapped their arms around her and she burst out crying. They sat in the group hug for a few minutes; the boys knowing that no matter how proud and independent she was that she needed them. Ron had gotten over his embarrassment of hugging her a while ago and closed his eyes. Both boys whispered soothing things to her.
"We'll catch him, Herm. I promise you that," Harry said
"Or die trying" Ron said, which earned him a weak laugh.
"Thank you. I suppose I have to talk to Professor Dumbledore. That's first person you went to, am I right Harry?"
"It's the first person Draco went to." Harry corrected.
"I forgot. Draco was the one that found me" Draco walked out from the shadows and stood in front of her, with his hands in his pockets.
"Thank you. I…" she began crying again. Ron and Harry got up and Draco took Ron's spot on the left of Hermione. She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed some more. If he was uncomfortable he didn't show it. He knew that she needed someone strong to lean on to rebuild her sense of safety. He also knew that it would be him, Ron, and Harry that would be her strength. It was certainly turning out to be a weird day but he was glad he had found Hermione, if someone had to find her. He sat there letting her cry until Dumbledore came in. She composed herself and squared her shoulders resolutely. She told him everything she knew
"I was walking through the fifth floor corridor, near the charms classroom. I wanted to go see Professor McGonagall about one of my grades. Then someone came up behind me. They hit me with something, I think it might have been a broomstick. He tried to hit me in the stomach and the broom broke in half. I tackled him and had gotten up to leave. I thought he was stunned so I ran past him. He grabbed me leg and…" her voice broke, "he pinned me to the ground. He was big, maybe 6 and a half feet tall. He was well built and had dark hair, I think. He slapped me when I started screaming. He ripped my skirt and…undid his pants. I don't remember much after that" a lone tear slipped down her cheek. Draco, in a rare show of affection, put his arm around her protectively. He had never seen her so…broken. She was normally fiercely independent and hated needing anyone's help. She unconsciously leaned closer to him and he tightened his grip on her.
"Why wasn't Mr. Filch there? Usually he hears everything" Draco wondered how she could have known that but the look that passed from Dumbledore to the three friends let him know that they weren't the goodytooshoes everyone though.
"He had the night off. He went out to Hogsmeede, I believe. He was only going to be gone for a few hours at the most." Dumbledore answered. All of them knew what she was thinking. This wouldn't have happened if Filch were here. The one night… Hermione yawned. She probably hadn't slept all night.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Granger, but there are a few things that need to be done before you can sleep. A doctor is going to come and examine you after your parents get here. They should be here in around 10 minutes. They are coming by car. I called them as soon as I got back to my office." Just them the door burst open and Mr. and Mrs. Granger hurried in. Draco released Hermione and her parents enveloped her in a huge hug, which made Hermione start to cry again. Draco and Harry looked on enviously. They had never had anyone to treat him or her like that. Both Harry and Draco went over the description of the attacker in their minds. There was only one person that fit that description.