AN: read the bottom!

Disclaimer: no ownership of Harry Potter on this end

Chapter 21

Madam Rosemerta spun around to locate the source of the shout, spinning Hermione with her.

Harry stormed up to them, obviously livid. "HERMIONE! WHERE ON EARTH HAVE YOU BEEN?!" Upon seeing his friend's condition, his anger softened slightly, but only a little. "What happened? Did Blaise do this to you?"

Hermione shook her head sloppily, more like flopping her head from side to side. "Nope, he most certainly did not. How dare you suggest such a thing young lady?" Hiccupping, she missed the look that Madam Rosemerta and Harry shared.

The bartender shrugged. "Well, now that you have a friend here, m'dear, you'll be fine, yes?"

Hermione giggled, then wiggled her fingers in a little wave. "Sure thing Rosie! Thanks for all the fun. I'll be back later." Leaning on Harry, who struggled to support her, Hermione hiccupped again, and watched Madam Rosemerta walk back towards the tavern. Once she lost sight, she leaned her head on Harry's shoulder and gazed contentedly into his face.

Harry gagged a little at the smell of her breath, and controlled himself from screaming at her. Just get her to her room first, then I'll talk to her when she's sober. He hefted her up farther against his body, as she kept slipping.

The brunette staggered a little, shook her head, then seemed to clear up for a minute. "Hold on. What are you doing here?!"

"Um," started Harry, hesitant. This can't be good. Last time Uncle Vernon came back drunk, he started arguing with Dudley over the best kind of pudding. No one makes sense when drunk, and everything seems unfair. This conversation is not going to end well. "Well, I hadn't heard back from you in a while, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay-"

Hermione let out a small scream. "AAARGH!! Does no one trust me to take care of myself?! Here I am on a little innocent date, and my best friend feels the need to follow me and 'protect me' (using air quotes, of course). You know what? Whatever," she said, trying to shrug Harry's arms off from her shoulders.

She took about two and a half steps, then fell to the ground.

"Hermione!" Harry darted forward and picked her up from the street, gently adjusting her weight in his arms. Examining her face, he realized she was out cold, but still breathing steadily.

He straightened, but before he could continue walking, he heard a shout from somewhere farther up the street, but due to the late time, he couldn't see who it was.

"Potter? Is that you?" And then Draco Malfoy came into view, peering at Harry and the motionless girl in his arms. "Hermione? What did you do to her?!" he asked, suddenly becoming angry.

Harry rolled his eyes and gave him a cold look. "She's fine Malfoy. A little drunk. Why don't you ask your buddy Blaise what happened?" Pushing past him, Harry continued on his way back up to the castle.

"Blaise?" Draco looked after them for a moment in wonder. Then when the realization hit him, his face became hard and angry. "Blaise." He bent his head slightly and stalked towards the door to The Three Broomsticks.

AN: dun dun dun!! Ok, so this week has been absolute insanity for me, but I found a few hours to spare, so I figured I owed it to my fabulous reviewers and readers to update! You guys make this worthwhile!!! And btw, dramione fans, check out my buddy Katanza's kick-ass story 'Tug of War'. It's freakin sweet!!

sk8nhilly: I know, who doesn't?

CrzyPirateFanatic: of course I'm not trying to kill you. You wouldn't be able to write reviews….

Hopelesslydark: great idea! I actually already have the end in mind, but that's a really good idea!