Disclaimer: I dont own anything im not as brilliant as JK Rowling!
Chapter 2
A Deadly Pairing
And then he left.
Hermione was left on the cold harsh floor shivering and struggling to breathe. Her heart was racing fast and hard while thoughts were running frantically throughout her mind. She questioned whether she should stay or leave or perhaps scream or stay quiet. She moved up from her lightly bruised elbow to calm herself and steady her breaths. She looked around the room and realized she was finally alone without any intruders. Hermione tried to recall the events that brought her to this state for several minuets until it became clear and not just a vague dream.
Hermione was strolling down the corridor on the way to see Professor McGonagall about the living arrangements between her and the other students amongst her grade and the other problems included in a letter she wrote. She and the returning students didn't have the opportunity to complete seventh year yet they weren't seventh years so they all decided on the term 'Nobles'. They weren't in year noble, technically they were in year seven but they would only have classes amongst the other returning students. Hermione wanted to ask McGonagall permission to visit the boys' room with ease. She figured she was trustworthy enough and that her morals were strong enough that she would receive the permission. All she really wanted was the ability to see her beloved friends whenever she wanted. Hermione was so wrapped up in her inner monologue that she didn't realize the two boys approaching her. When she realized it was too late.
"What year are you boys in?" Hermione questioned finally feeling like she had a level of authority over the younger students.
"It doesn't matter… it will feel just as good I promise" One of the boys said. He began to walk slowly towards Hermione as she fumbled in her bag for her wand. Just before she gripped it tight the other boy leaped into her and pinned her against though wall, licking her neck as Hermione tried to get away. His nails dug deep into her skin leaving little drops of blood oozing from her wrist. Before she could process the events occurring, she was being dragged into the nearest classroom. The two boys threw Hermione upon a table, hurting her stomach. Hermione gripped her side tight and whispered "Please… don't … do … this."
The young men demanded she take off her tie and throw it on the ground. Hermione hesitated at first but did as she was told to avoid further pain. The boys shoved her off the table and dragged her to the back of the room where they would rip her clothes and prepare for their "business". That's when Malfoy walked in smirking as usual. He picked up her tie and attempted to destroy it. He probably would have if he had more time. He walked over to her and insulted words that dug deep into her soul leaving a fresh wound and reopening old ones. Though to save himself, he fixed her nose. He's such a Slytherin she thought.
She then wiped the sweat clinging her café colored locks to her forehead and brushed against the bridge of her nose with a soft and gentle touch. Malfoy had just been in this very room watching her struggle for the tiniest bit of confidence. Hermione felt extremely embarrassed in the current state she was in. Her clothes were torn and her hair was a colossal mess but worst of all is that she was seen in front of Malfoy as weak. Helpless. She took a deep breath of hope and attempted to try and stand up but she fell down immediately only to shred her pride a little more. Her head hit the floor first and was followed by a loud bang from her forearm. There she was again, weak.
This wasn't the Hermione Granger she trained herself to be, so Hermione crawled to retrieve her wand and slowly but surely stood up and proceeded to the door. The hallway was dark and quiet and at first it comforted her but then she realized this is exactly what got her sexually assaulted in the first place. Hermione quickly paced to the new dorm for the returning girls. Each step she took gave her another physical and emotional pain but she was determined to reach her room without exhibiting weakness or struggle. She would try to get there with pride and ease. When she got to the exclusive room she fumbled with the password for it. Eventually she remembered it and lightly whispered "Sirius Crookshanks". Hermione entered and fell on the couch in the main room not wanting to walk further to her room that neighbored Padma Patvil's bedroom. Besides Hermione, Padma was the only other returning girl. Her identical twin sister, Paravti, was too afraid to come back to Hogwarts even though Voldemort was dead.
In Hermione's perspective, Padma was quiet but maybe a little too quiet. Hermione thought that she ought to speak more if she wanted to make more friends but that was definitely her business and not Hermione's.
The room as a whole was adjacent to the returning boys. Hermione was ecstatic about this factor especially since she and Ron were now dating. She would be able to spend more quality and romantic time with Ron now and they can focus on their relationship and not an upcoming war. The only problem is that now she was basically traumatized by almost getting raped but she wouldn't let that bring her down especially since she was too afraid to tell anybody about the incident. Hermione snuggled deep into the couch and slowly let her conscience slip away as she entered her dream.
"Ger… Ger" purred Draco while he was sleeping. The living arrangements for the boys were different than the girls. Instead of one large room and separate bedrooms, the boys had two large rooms .One had a bookshelf, couch, and coffee table and the other room had four beds, one giant mirror, and a small bathroom off to the side. Each bed was filled with a young man attempting to get a good night's rest before classes would begin. Draco despised everyone in the room except Blaise Zabini. Blaise was the only other Slytherin in reach for Draco to make conversation with. The other two could go die in a hole for all Draco could care.
"Ang… ang" Draco mumbled as he tossed sides in his uncomfortable stubborn bed. The cot was low to the ground and hard. The regular beds were much more comfortable. The constant murmurs coming from Draco's mouth woke Harry up with a fright. Harry quickly glanced around the room to find Ron sleeping with half of his body of the bed. The sight made Harry chuckle to himself before he walked towards Ron to wake him.
"Ron, buddy wake up" whispered Harry as he tugged on Ron's arm. All Ron did was move a little bit but he still experiencing whatever dream he was in. "RON!" screamed Harry as he slapped his ginger buddy. Ron bolted out of the bed and recited some quite vulgar terms while Harry laughed at his expense. His red hair was caught in his eyes and his face had Harry's hand print marked on it.
"I thought you were Malfoy!" exclaimed Ron in a hushed tone. Ron looked at Draco and gave an evil glare and then one towards Blaise. He couldn't stand them with a passion. Ron didn't like the fact that he'd be spending possibly more time with slytherins than Gryffindors but he decided to be a little mature about the situation.
"That's the problem, mate" replied Harry as he led Ron towards Malfoy's bed. "He's been saying little syllables all night, but now they are filled with anger."
"Shit, the Ferret talks in his sleep"
"That's not the problem" Harry said while playfully slapping his companion's arm. "Well, the syllables sound familiar now and I'm not sure what he's saying but it gets clearer as he continues. Just listen."
"Ang, err…. Ang …er… blood…we" mumbled Draco
"See what I mean? Now he's talking about anger and blood"
There was a long silence before Ron made his reply.
"Harry I don't think he's talking about anger"
"Huh then what's he" Harry suddenly stopped when he heard what Draco was really thinking about.
"Granger Granger, Blood, weak, inferior, granger, hurt, blood, violence, blood blood"
"He's going to hurt my girlfriend!" Ron exclaimed. Ron's fist leaped towards Malfoy's face but Harry stopped it before he could've injured Malfoy.
"Ron, we have no proof. For all we know it could be a silly, twisted, evil, dream. I think we should contact McGonagall in a few hours and get her advice first. Besides, Malfoy can't use any harming spells amongst anyone and he's not strong enough to beat up a girl" Harry rationalized as smirk crept up upon his face.
Ron decided Harry's decision was best and the two went back to bed to prepare themselves for the approaching day.
Draco woke up out of bed and let out a loud groan, letting out all of his frustration of being at this school. He looked around as he cleared his eyes as he remembered his agonizing roommates were in the same perimeter as him. How Draco despised Potter and Weasley. To him, they got everything didn't have to work one bit or even struggle to achieve their goals. For Draco, his goals were chosen for him and he had to go around the world to get the bare minimum. Draco climbed out of bed and walked towards his bathroom to analyze himself. Draco took his most finest and expensive gel and ran it over his hair and smoothing all of the strands. Once Draco was done cleaning and grooming himself, he stepped outside the dorm and followed the others towards his first meeting with the other returning students. Following wasn't something Draco was used to. For once he had to slow his own normal pace and disperse amongst the crowd of the 'Golden Trio'.
It was Potter in front, then Granger, and then Weasley. They all walked as if they owned Hogwarts and nobody was as special as them.
Behind them was one of the Patvil twins. Draco had no idea which one it was since he didn't even bother to learn their first names. Behind her were Blaise and Draco, the two slytherins, walking casually and silently behind everyone else. All of the Nobles were headed to speak with McGonagall in a new classroom built for them.
"Were here!" yelled Hermione as they reached the new and improved classroom. Her constant cheerfulness got under Draco's skin so much that he wanted to rip her mouth of with his bare hands. Though this time it lacked the same enthusiasm it normally did. It was as if she was just shouting with no emotions.
"Wow I had no idea." mumbled Draco under his breath. Blaise silently chuckled at Draco's rude remark. The two of them knew that if one of them hadn't been there then the other one would be even more miserable then they already were.
To Draco and Blaise's surprise, Ron heard Draco's sarcastic comment. His head snapped around so fast the speed of light couldn't compare. He looked at them with anger filling his features. His fist was tightly clenched and sweat was slowly forming on his forehead.
"Do you have anything to say Malfoy?" Ron snapped, his voice nearly spilling with frustration.
Draco had no idea what stirred the Weasel up this morning but he decided he could probably show his authority and rile him up even more without getting in trouble with the Order.
"Actually weasel, yes I do" countered Draco as he swiftly moved forward towards the weasel. Everyone else had parted like the red sea and only left Draco and Ron in the middle. Draco loved how they were anticipating in his next move. Their expressions gave him a sense of power, and it gave him fuel to continue. "I have plenty of things to say. Most of them are insults and pleads for you to stop showing your disfigured face in public but I'm Draco Malfoy why would I ask anyone below my class for anything? Oh and yes I think I'll enter the meeting now. I'm done with you." Draco continued down the cleared pathway and stopped right next to Hermione. "Keep your mouth shut, Granger." He whispered directly in her ear. He was so close she could feel his breath on her neck. He then entered the classroom without any further altercations.
All the students stood there in awe but Hermione stood there paralyzed unable to say anything. The only thing she could manage out was "Let's go in".
All the students sat in desks that were arranged in a semicircle. Draco thought that this system was extremely childish and remarkably stupid. Draco pondered which seat he would want to take. He didn't want to be center of attention in the classroom because that could lead to dangerous territory like being asked a million different questions. So Draco chose a seat that was bland and ordinary. It was of to the side of the circle and was a tad bit unstable. When he sat down, the seat would slide back and forth a little bit before becoming sturdy into place. He would face the window, which would only lead to day dreaming and failing grades.
While Draco was sitting down, already beginning to daydream, the rest of the students came in and studied Draco's face. His was wan features were already hardened and formed into a deep scowl. His eyes were narrowed and focused as if he was concentrating on something. The students filled in the seats way from Draco and Blaise sat next to him but Hermione was the last to be seated. She stood there hesitant before she realized Padma has saved her a seat between Harry and Ron. Before Hermione got the chance to sneak a glance at Draco, Headmistress McGonagall walked in quickly and quietly. She sat at a desk in the front and took out a piece of parchment that had a long list of words, phrases, and sentences on it. Shelooked around the room and met everyone's eyes except Draco's whose was focused on nature. She rolled her eyes at the rudeness of him and took a deep breath before speaking.
"Hello everyone, I am ecstatic to see you all back" She began, giving a warm smile and nod toward Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Before we begin, I'd like to address some ground rules amongst you all. First of all no one is allowed to the dorm of the opposite sex except for Ms. Granger. I think we all can see why since she is the best friend of Harry and Ron and we all know she is trustworthy."
Hermione's face lit up with excitement and she quickly looked over to her best friends to see their reaction. Harry's lips were curled into a small smile, while Ron was bearing all teeth. He caught Hermione looking and told her something with his eyes. She didn't quite understand it, she never understood him but she knew it had to mean good.
"Second of all each of you will receive partners and you each will have to patrol the halls and help out any students who need academic help. Each pair will be assigned a different day to patrol and you all will hold your study sessions on the same day." McGonagall waited to see everyone nod in agreement before she continued. At this point she didn't care about Draco, and was about to lose all hope with Blaise too. He was being conceited and arrogant during McGonagall's mini lecture. He was cleaning his nails and doing everything possible to seem bored.
"There's one last thing before I begin with the naming of the pairs. You will stay in this classroom for most of the day. You will have your basic classes in here and a special class will be assigned according to your schedule."
"What class Headmistress?" Harry asked eager to find out the mystery class. He started to tap his fingers against the black wooden desk in anticipation.
"I will tell you in a second, but I want to name the pairs now." She took one more pause before continuing. "All pairs are final and there are no exceptions. I took a lot of time creating these to who I think you will work best with and who you will benefit most from. Ok let's get started." She stopped and glared at Draco and Blaise who seemed to be oblivious to anything she just said. She had a feeling that these two were going to be her biggest stress this year but she would take that any day over Voldemort.
"Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Zabini pay attention! I will not repeat myself." She said loud and stern. Draco was woken out of his dream and grunted as he slid to face McGonagall. He met her in her eyes glaring her down, trying to make her weak but there was something she knew that he didn't. Something she knew would hurt Draco. It was something that was keeping her strong enough to resist his devious stare.
"Fine then, hurry up." Blaise countered. "I have better things to do then listen to you beat around a bush all day."
"Watch your manners Mr. Zabini. You are a young man and have no excuse to act this childish. It might have been acceptable in year one or two but this is just ridiculous. Sit up straight both of you and listen to what I have to say." Neither of the boys moved but for some reason McGonagall was satisfied enough to continue her conversation. Her eyes scanned the parchment one more time looking for obvious mistakes of any sort.
"Headmistress, all due respect but I don't think I can take the suspense any longer" Mumbled Ron while he avoided eye contact with McGonagall.
"Yes, yes dear I will begin. Okay everyone remember decisions are final and there are no discussions on the matter. Pair one will be Harry Potter and Padma Patvil on Mondays. You will be assigned a student once we have a better understanding on who needs help." Harry looked at Hermione and Ron and shared a look of disappointment but since he was with Padma, Hermione and Ron had a better chance of being together. "Next Pairing will be on Fridays, and that will be Ronald Weasley and Blaise Zabini." Ron hit his fist on the table while Blaise seemed unmoved. Either way, he didn't like any of them and was only friendly with Malfoy.
"Wait that means" Harry spoke while he tried to rationalize things.
"On Wednesdays, we will have Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger." Headmistress McGonagall continued ignoring Harry's plea.
"But Headmistress he's going to hurt her! The bloody git was talking and his sleep and he couldn't stop saying blood, Granger, and violence!" Ron exclaimed. He couldn't hold in the news any longer and he felt like he needed it to be exposed how disturbing Malfoy is of a person.
The Headmistress took a moment to think but eventually said "My decision is final." She looked at Draco who looked like he could rip someone's arm off. His face was flustered and it face was as hard a rock. This was the most vulnerable Draco's ever been since Harry found him crying in the bathroom.
"You know weasel I'm not too thrilled about this either! I despise all three of you why would I even want to lay a finger on that mudblood. The only harm I would do to her would be a spell to avoid touching the ugly child who looks like she hasn't hit puberty."
"We all know you cant use harming magic until 6 months after your filth of a father is killed so save the boasting." Ron argued looking straight into Draco's nose because staring into his eyes could do dangerous things. Draco eased up from his seat and walked to Ron so close that his chest was almost against Ron's face.
"Don't you dare talk about my father. You know nothing about the man and will not say anything until you have a clearer understanding of everything that has happened to me and my family got it?" Draco spoke lowering his head and tone focusing in on Ron as he squirmed and tried not to be affected.
"Mr. Malfoy sit down this instant!" yelled the Headmistress. Draco hurriedly walked towards the door and slammed it shut, so loud everyone in the classroom felt the anger within him. The Headmistress then looked and Hermione who was lifeless again and gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry dear, someone had to take him." There was a long awkward silence before Padma decided she would break the tension.
"Excuse me? What's the special class we will be taking?"
"We will be taking an anti post traumatic depression class. The schedules will be posted in about 2 weeks and the class will also begin in two weeks. All patrols will begin next week. You are now dismissed, except for you Miss Granger. I'd like to have a word with you."
A/N: Ohmygosh thank you everyone for the wonderful feedback im not sure if thi is the length i wished it could be but i wanted to kinda leave you with a semi cliffhanger :D.
Again sorry for any errors :/ i try not to pt them but sometimes i overlook when i proof read
Oh special thanks to these awesome people for adding my story to their favorites :)
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