Title: Falling to Pieces
Disclaimer: I don't own anything with the expectation of this plot.
Chapter Ten: Almost There
His dangerously angry eyes glared at her. "You lied…"
She shut her eyes tightly, readying herself for the pain only to never receive it. She then carefully pried her eyes open, peering at Kevin who was still towering over her but his stare was directed away her and to the left.
"What the bloody hell are you doing, Summers?" hissed a familiar voice. Hermione gasped, craning her neck slightly to find Blaise Zabini storming his way towards them with his wand raised and his prefect badge gleaming.
"What's it look like, Zabini?" shot Kevin. "I'm having a word with my girlfriend."
"Having a word with your girlfriend my ass!" accused the Slytherin. "I promise you this will be at least ten points from Ravenclaw."
"Sod off, will you Zabini?" Kevin hissed in return, groping for his wand in his robes. Hermione's eyes widened, reading his clear, menacing intentions.
"Kevin – no!" She was too late. Kevin already raised his arm and opened his mouth to recite a spell. Fortunately Blaise had yelled a spell well before him and Kevin was thrown backwards into the lake, colliding into the murky water with a loud splash.
Blaise sighed, tucking his wand back into his robe and peered down at Hermione's still fallen form. "Alright there, Granger?"
Hermione felt her gaped mouth shut tightly and she nodded hastily in return. She seemed too shocked to feel anything else than astonishment. Had a Slytherin just saved her? She stood to her feet, promptly brushing off the dirt from her clothes. She looked at Blaise boldly, however, her legs were trembling slightly beneath her.
"What did you do to him?" she questioned, her eyes darting across the lake for any sign of Kevin's sunken form. "Zabini! He'll drown in the lake –"
"I used a petrifying curse," he interrupted. "It's like he's frozen in time. He can't breathe so I wouldn't worry about his sorry ass drowning. I'll accio him out later."
"How did you find me?" she couldn't help but ask next. Normally, most Slytherins steered clear out of her way unless they decided to taunt her. But after she turned Pansy's face into what resembled a real pug dog, the lot seemed to ignore her more than ever now.
"Saw you two in the hallway," answered Blaise nonchalantly. "You looked… almost scared, to be honest, Granger. And as much as I despise knowing I helped the likes of you, I'd rather not have another student dying here." The memory of Cedric had briefly floated in Hermione's mind until she blinked his image away.
"Tell me, Granger," he continued. "You're a brilliant witch, or at least, praised as one. Why let a prick like Summers lay a hand on you? Surely this hasn't been the first time he's tried hurting you."
"Why would you care anyways?" she shot rudely.
Blaise shrugged in response. "Just thought you of all people would want to stay alive, I mean, Potter and Weasley can't face Hogwarts, let alone the other dark things this world has offer, without you."
"Lisa has really gotten to you," Hermione mumbled under her breath. "It's none of your bloody concern anyway."
"Might as well be," he shrugged again. "But I just saved your Gryffindor ass, I'd like a thank you if anything."
"You're friends with Malfoy," she pointed out icily.
"Best mates, actually." He corrected curtly. "And need I remind you, you're friends with Potter and Weasley. So I don't get your point, Granger. Now, are you capable of going to the Hospital Wing alone?"
"Hospital Wing?" she repeated, blinking blankly.
"Your arms and neck need mending," he informed, nodding as his eyes studied her slightly scrapped arms and then to her neck.
She pressed a hand against her neck and removed her hand to glance at it, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of fresh blood smeared across it. "How –"
"Hermione!"
Blaise sighed, frowning as he and Hermione turned toward the two running forms. "Now what –"
"George? Fred?" she blinked. "What on earth –"
"Where the hell is he?" breathed George furiously, his twin wearing an identical expression. "Where's Summers?"
"George, calm down," Hermione tried to soothe him, raising her hands to stop the both of the Weasley twins from searching any further. "I'm fine. How did you two find me?"
"Are you alright?" George pressed on, clearly ignoring whatever Hermione had said. His eyes were still darting frantically across the lake area in search of Kevin.
"Zabini?" Fred raised an eyebrow. "And why, may I ask, is your Slytherin body present?"
"Saved your precious Granger actually, Weasley," he hissed back, eyeing George who was gingerly examining Hermione's arm. "Well, more of the other Weasley's precious Granger."
"I'm going to kill him," George muttered murderously. "Merlin, when Ron hears about this –"
"You're not telling Ron," Hermione cut in, her voice sharp and low, "or anyone for that matter." His face fell and before he could complain she continued, "I don't give a toss how the two of you found out, which probably was the both of you snooping through my things, but you're not telling anyone. This stays between you, your brother, unfortunately Zabini, and myself."
"Hermione, if we tell Dumbledore –"
"He'll do what, George?" she raised an eyebrow. "He's already got enough trouble and worries in his hands as it is. This is my problem. I can fix it. I don't need you or your brother and, Merlin knows, definitely not Zabini's help."
"You're dumping him," deadpanned George, "right?"
She sighed, turning her head sharply toward the lake when she heard the faint sound of bubbles breaking at the water's surface. Before the four of them could react, out came a soaked Kevin; his eyes narrowed at Zabini, growing even darker when they surpassed Fred and George and landed on Hermione.
"Hermione," he breathed darkly.
Blaise withdrew his wand quickly from his robe, pointing it firmly at Kevin. "Better not move Summers or it'll be your head next."
"Another boy fall in love with you, Hermione?" Kevin smirked coldly, remaining stationary in the shallow end of the lake. "Predictable," he hissed icily.
"As if I'd like Granger," spat Blaise before Hermione could reply.
"Really Zabini?" Kevin's smirk grew wider, his eyes resting on the Slytherin before him.
"Of course, Summers. It just so happens I like you a lot less."
"I swear, if you come any-bloody-where near Hermione –" George began.
"You'll what, Weasley?" Kevin shot challengingly. "Kill me? My death caused by the likes of you? I'd like to see you try."
"Enough of the chit chat, Summers. I'm reporting your ass for foul play – no, Granger, I won't say with who – and you'll have detention for weeks." Blaise ordered. "Let's go."
Hermione sighed, hugging herself close as Blaise dragged off a soaking Kevin toward the castle. Had this terrible ordeal of nine months finally ended? Small tears collected at the corners of her eyes and she wasn't completely sure if they appeared out of the pain she had to endure or the shock she just received. She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and she peered upward, locking eyes with George. She wondered if he felt slightly guilty for not being the one who saved her but currently his eyes were masked and his expression still worried.
"It's going to be okay now," he assured, sighing as he slid a comforting arm around her. "I'm… just sorry for being so dense in the beginning."
She felt an affectionate pat on the head. "We both are," Fred admitted warmly, giving her another pat.
And before she could allow a genuine smile to spread across her lips she heard rapid shuffling in front of them and she looked straight ahead to see Kevin unexpectedly punch Blaise in the stomach. The Slytherin doubled over from the powerful blow, clutching his bruised stomach and unwillingly allowed Kevin to withdraw his wand. Hermione gasped in fear of Blaise's being only for Kevin to turn sharply towards her and hiss out a spell.
"Move!" George bellowed instantly at his twin and Hermione, pushing Hermione into Fred's arms. Fred stumbled backwards from the unexpected push, Hermione clinging onto him in pure confusion.
"George no!"
George tried escaping the curse but to no avail, being struck head on and knew nothing but darkness after that.
Shoulda moved a bit faster there, mate.
A/N: Bauhaha. I know what you're thinking. Well, first you're probably like 'this author is stupid and hasn't updated her story in years… So why is she now?' But if we look past that first thought, you're thinking it was either a. supposed to be a happy ending already or b. you knew it couldn't be or c. Blaise saved her? How random. (Ahem, well, not entirely if you paid close attention to earlier chapters. Blaise stated he hated Kevin for his own reasons which motivates him just enough to save Hermione. :)
But yes, yes. Come on guys, I can't just have Kevin go off like that all cheesy! Review (I'd really like to hit 250-I'm only thirteen reviews awayyy -hinthint- no, I'm not begging…) and perhaps you shall find out how Mr. Weasley is – that is, if he makes it out alive. And yes, I did rewrite every earlier chapter. I apologize for my horrible grammar and spelling mistakes, I'm really embarrassed, honestly. But thank you to all who stuck by me through my horrid writing years back and gave me a much-needed chance. I really appreciate all of you :
Also special thanks to Flair Verona the Slytherin Queen, tigerlily727, Monica7725, Gywnn-Potter, Lulane, professionaldooropener, morena-forever, mambosnowchick, ellen2321, prin69, Smiles28, the-gothic-furby, Miley-S, HannahMH, Reader, SnowDevil334, Rachel Weasley, amrawo, Ginny-W13, Goldpen, blackpantherwolf, hermionepotter2eva, sortinghat086, penguin of death, Scorpio 1118, HermioneBallerina, x4eyedblondiex, luna luck, cariluv, confused-Luna, GHG, kt, cutepup, EricaL, honeyduck, Janchanb, xfailurbydesignx, XxsmilingxXxashesxX, Ms. Dywn Snape, DancingBabe, Lady Mazikeen, HarryPotterObsessed, ISpikedThePunch, habitat21r, John Cena's Field Hockey Star, Hermione Granger Fanatic, Jenny UsPplz, centra228, OtherwiseKnownAsOli, M Y S T E R i O U S D R E A M, Fangirl-16, Hotkat144, dancer4eva, Jujubug 73, xoxphoenix, JHen, and jenny who all reviewed my last chapter. Sorry that last chapter was updated two years ago...