Silver Release

"Um… Hermione, Can you at least tell us why you hate them?" Crabbe and Goyle were trying really hard to figure out why Hermione had been one of their most hated foes yesterday, but today was as tight in their group as if she'd always been there. Hermione was patronizingly polite in refusing to answer their questions.

Draco wasn't with them. They were sitting on a section of bleachers, watching a few first years with unhidden jealousness. It was a free Sunday and a practice game had been scheduled between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Currently Hufflepuff was ahead by 50 points and the Slytherins were getting anxious to see some "practical maneuvers" which pretty much meant be as sneaky and under handed as necessary. Hermione watched the Slytherin players with amusement; it was obvious they were fighting to stay legal as their team foundered a bit.

"Well, look what sort of rubbish they let in this place," an uncompromisingly contemptuous voice sneer behind them. Hermione did not turn around, for she knew who it was, but Crabbe looked back, and then whispered to her.

"It's them, Hermione, It's Potter and the Weasel," He said, glaring back at them. Hermione suddenly felt defenseless. What had she wanted to achieve, by abandoning her friends and her house? She refused to turn around, but Ron would not be ignored, he and Harry sat right behind her.

"So, Hermione, What's in it for Draco, why's he helping you? You… giving him anything?" Ron said, with a particularly nasty sneer. Harry didn't say anything, but just the fact that he was there, after what he'd said to her, really made her mad. "What's the matter, Hermione, Draco got you on a short leash? Are these two your babysitters?" Ron continued.

What the fuck is his problem? Was he always this stupid? Hermione said and bit back a smile. She was certain that he was, indeed, that stupid all along.

"Ron, we should be in the library, studying or something, we are wasting our free day here," Harry said flatly and started to stand. Ron grabbed his wrist and pulled him back to his seat.

"Whoa there, Harry, We don't need to go anywhere, as a matter of fact, I want to watch this game," Ron said with an extraordinarily snide snarl. Hermione felt a familiar tightening in her chest, as if her heart had constricted just a bit and hardened. She let out a shaky breath as she forced herself not to turn around and confront them.

"Hermione, What are these clowns doing here?" Hermione was supremely grateful to see Draco picking his way up the bleachers. She smiled at him warmly, but felt like she was lying, so she stopped.

"I don't know. They won't leave me alone," Hermione whispered as Draco slid in between Goyle and herself. Draco flashed a hostile look behind them for a moment and then smiled at her.

"Crabbe, Goyle, Why were you letting them talk to our friend like that? If it were me, I would have at least warned them," Draco said aloud and Hermione felt Ron's anger seethe. She felt smug as he grudgingly bit his tongue and stood to leave. Harry followed suit without a word.

"What is PotHead's problem? He hasn't said anything to you since day before yesterday," Draco coolly observed at Ron and Harry's retreating figures. Hermione merely shook her head and turned back to the game.

Guys, I'm sorry this chapter is so short, I just want to get in a Chapter from Harry's POV now that he's a sulky little loner. So don't kill me over this one, I'll get right on the Harry Chapter tomorrow morning.