Unforgivable Game
How could he do this? She thought as waves of rage gripped her.
Had he not learned from before? Hermione steeled herself against the torrent of emotions she was feeling. After all that she had thought was finally settled between her and the red-headed scoundrel; he had enough nerve to snog another girl! No, not even another girl, for girl was a not what you would categorize Pansy Parkinson. Slut, whore, and general stuck-up wench were more like it, and that was putting it gently. But girl was not what she could be called.
What would possess him to do this? Was I suddenly invisible?
Hermione closed her eyes for one…two… three seconds total until she could feel the hot tears subside. She carefully pushed two stray hairs behind her ear and tried to make her way back to her Head Girl room without being noticed; unfortunately a pair of fervent green eyes had already noticed her presence. Harry noticeably gulped and looked at her apologetically but he didn't follow her out of the crowded Gryffindor common room.
Figures he would take Ron's side. I should be happy for the two lovebirds, it's not everyday that Ron manages to kiss any one. Although after Pansy he should really get checked for something. She thought and immediately cringed.
He'll have to hold his breath for the day I will EVER touch him after some one like that.
Nearly at a jog, Hermione finally reached the portrait of two wood nymphs singing.
"Passwords used to-"sang the wood nymphs
"Shut IT! 1692" cried Hermione. The portrait swung free and Hermione slammed it behind her with a note of finality.
Was I not good enough? Did he not like me any more? Did he EVER like me?
A million and one questions careened through her brain until all at once she couldn't take it any more. The porcelain fairy, the glass snowflake, and the white marble lion each left their home on the mantle over the fire and hit the opposing wall with a resounding CRASH . Her whole body seared with rage and frustration as she heard the remnants of her possessions shatter to the ground. In a disheveled heap Hermione collapsed on her couch and continued to sob. What could have been an eternity later she picked her head up off of her chest and looked at the pile of debris. Head throbbing, she cursed herself for letting her emotions get the best of her. Hermione slowly pulled her wand out of a pocket in her robes and with a simple flick brought the crushed pieces back together again. She tilted her head back to rest on the arm of the red and gold upholstered sofa. Looking around she calmed herself and breathed easier.
What am I doing? I let a BOY turn me into some kind of nutcase!
Hermione sat up and continued to study her surroundings. A fire was already crackling in the black stone hearth. The walls were painted a deep red with tiny flecks of gold that glinted in the firelight. All of the fixtures were gold and on either side of the fireplace were giant mahogany book cases that towered over the rest of the room. The furnishings, like the sofa, were all in rich reds and gold. The most spectacular sight was the ceiling, which, same as the Great Hall, was bewitched to look like the sky, but instead of showing the true weather it portrays how the occupant feels. Right now there were brilliant strikes of lightning and violent crashes of thunder which Hermione felt was definitely appropriate for her mood.
How could I do this to myself? I have it pretty good right now; my grades are still excellent, I'm Head Girl, I have this wonderful living space, why should I care if some stupid boy wants to snog some miscreant? she thought quietly.
Because it's your best friend, because she isn't just 'some' miscreant, and because you have put up with too much for too long. she argued back.
Hermione sat numb and without any movement for over an hour. The only noises were that of ticking clocks and drafty walls. Finally, fed up with herself and her body aching, Hermione decided that a nice hot shower would make her feel much better, and if it didn't she would go to bed and sleep on it until morning.
Bloody Hell, she thought, If this is anything what a hang over is like I will NEVER drink.
Hermione rolled over and pushed open the curtains filtering light through her windows.
Why does it have to be such a bright and cheery day? she mused as she lowered her feet to the floor. For November the sun was out in full force and it seemed even nature was taunting her. Hermione stood up and half-heartedly stretched to get rid of any left over sleepiness in her body. After a long yawn she made her way to her bathroom and washed her face. Looking in the mirror she saw that her eyes were still puffy and cheeks still red and tear stained from the night before. At least it being Saturday she didn't really have to see any one.
I could just finish up some work in here this morning and have a late lunch, that way I wouldn't have to see too many people. She pulled her hair back and scrubbed her face
But that's backwards, why should I be afraid to show my face when I did nothing wrong? Hermione turned off the water and threw her washcloth in the hamper.
Dressed in comfortable jeans and faded blue t-shirt Hermione decided that today was not her day for work robes. With her head up Hermione marched into the Great Hall at lunch time and took a seat next to Ginny.
"Hermione!" exclaimed an exasperated Ginny," I didn't know if you were coming to lunch or not today!"
"Why wouldn't I be? Is there something that should stop me from eating?" Hermione asked innocently.
"Well, No. It's just that….Oh Hermione! I know my brother is a giant prat and it's just awful of him to kiss that- that thing- in our commons! And if you sit here and try to pretend as if you didn't see or don't care I know you're lying!" Ginny rushed out the last sentence as if trying to slip it in without Hermione realizing it.
"Ginny, I'm not going to pretend I didn't see it, but it doesn't bother me, really! And don't give me that look! Why should I care who my friend snogs?" replied Hermione.
"Well because you two were-"
"Nothing more than friends," Hermione finished. Breakfast went for the most part in silence on both parties with an occasional scrutinizing glance from Ginny.
As they both pushed their plates forward and stood to leave Harry rushed up behind them.
"Hermione! Ginny!" he exclaimed almost jumping, "What are you guys doing?"
Ginny cast a sideways look at Hermione. "We were eating breakfast but now we're leaving." Hermione answered slowly.
"Oh. Why are you leaving? Why can't you stay? Here- there's still more food on the table why can't you stay?" Harry questioned rapidly.
"Harry, first calm down, you're going to have an aneurism if you don't. Second we already ate. And guess what happens after we eat." Harry just stared back. "We leave!" exclaimed Ginny. Both girls made their way around Harry and towards the end of the tables.
"Wow Harry, what's gotten into you?" asked Hermione.
"Nothing, I just… I just… It's been so long since we have all gotten to sit down and eat together!" Harry said while pushing in front of them again.
"We all eat together at every meal! Honestly, you are my brother's best mate, and a good friend of mine, but really that won't stop me from sending you to St. Mungo's insanity ward." Ginny stated firmly. Edging their way past Harry again Hermione pushed open the door with Ginny in tow.
"Oh. My. God." breathed Hermione.
"Please Don't-!" Harry tried, but it was too late. Hermione watched as Ron untangled himself from Pansy. Both were leaned up against the wall and Pansy just laughed the moment away while Ron turned two shades too close to purple and sputtered.
"Herm-...I-…We couldn't-…"
"Oh Ronald! You're so cute when you're flustered! I could just kiss your handsome red cheeks all day!" squealed Pansy. Ginny had her wand raised; whether she was willing to hex Ron or just kill Pansy, Hermione didn't know. Harry slowly slid between the group and faced Hermione.
"Mione, do you want to go over that potions essay now?" Harry nearly pleaded with her.
"No Harry, I don't have time right now" Hermione stated simply, without a crack or waver in her voice. She turned on her heel and gingerly walked down the hallway toward her dormitory. Halfway down the hall she realized Ginny was close on her heels.
"Ginny, I don't want to talk about it now" she said quietly.
"Okay, you don't have to right now, but just let me know when you do, meanwhile I will be transfiguring Pansy into a flower pot." Ginny huffed.
Hermione smirked, "No, that won't be necessary."
"Yes it is, she needs to be turned into something useful and that big mouth of hers is perfect for some of Professor Sprout's potted mandrakes. Besides, that's my brother she's snogging! My blood lines she's poisoning!" cried Ginny. Hermione just grinned and looked wearily at her friend.
"Fine, I'll leave you alone" sighed Ginny.
The red-head slowly walked away and when Hermione saw her turn the corner she started back on her way.
I'm not going to cry……I'm not going to cry……I'm not going to cry…..
"Awww, what's wrong Granger, you look like some one took away your favorite play-thing." sneered a cold voice.
"What do you want Malfoy?" replied a thoroughly unnerved Hermione.
"Nothing more than to rub in the fact that your Weasel turned his back on you."
"First of all he isn't my Weasel, and it's Weasley to you. Second I seem to recall him sucking face with your girlfriend!" retorted Hermione.
"Pansy, as much as she would enjoy it, has never been and never will be my girlfriend. And I know you and the carrot-top had something going on. What I just don't understand is why you are leaving when you had a perfect opportunity to take revenge?"
"You seem to forget Malfoy that I'm in Gryffindor and therefore above petty revenge," Hermione replied half-heartedly.
"Hmmm, be that as it may, I still thought having any pride to salvage would be cause enough."
"Shut it Malfoy or I will hex you until you're on your back!" Hermione shouted while raising her wand defensively.
"Oh Granger," Malfoy snipped back, "Don't pretend as if that's how you want to get me on my back."
Hermione flushed pink and lowered her wand.
I don't have time to deal with this or him…………
"So, what say you?" Draco asked earnestly.
"What are you going on about now Malfoy?"
"The revenge Granger, would you like my help in plotting your merciless revenge?"
"I just said I'm not taking revenge! And even if I were, why would I enlist your help?"
"Because I'm in Slytherin, where revenge basically has it's own handbook. Think Granger. And who better to take sweet revenge than Weasel Brain's enemy?"
"You're demented Malfoy. Do everyone a favor and hex yourself, you're not even worth my time to do it." snorted Hermione.
"Fine, have it your way then. But when you come to your senses and realize that crying in you dormitory isn't helping then come find me." sneered Malfoy.
"I will NOT be crying!"
"Well, you're on the verge now, so if I were you I wouldn't be so sure yet."
Malfoy stalked off and rounded the corner to the dungeons.
How in the Hell did HE get to become Head Boy? Honestly, did Dumbledore really think that he is up to par with me? Hermione wandered back to her Head Girl room and sank down on the couch.
Really, I am completely above revenge, and for that matter above revenge with Malfoy. I'm Head girl for Heaven's Sake, I am supposed to be setting an good example as I have been for nearly seven years now!
But that's exactly it, you HAVE been good for seven years now, shouldn't you get some kind of retribution? You have sat back and scolded those who have been having fun the entire time and not really enjoyed much of the good times yourself.
Hermione stood up and walked to one of the windows that were charmed to face towards the Forbidden Forest.
Dumbledore trusts me, he trusts me. I shouldn't be getting into trouble over this. Although who says Dumbledore needs to find out? Or any other part of the staff? I'm smart enough, why should I get caught? The only reason I have been caught any other time is because of Ron or Harry's mistakes and without them everything should go fool proof… Listen to yourself Hermione, you are actually contemplating siding with Malfoy. This is what you have been reduced to.
She sighed and turned from the window, not finding anything remotely intriguing with the Forbidden Forest.
I'll just go have a quick nap and if I wake back up and still feel like cursing Ron then Malfoy and I will have a little chat….