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Always and Forever
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all the characters associated there with belong to JK Rowling, and Scholastic. Also, any similarities to any other work is unintentional. I make no profit from this story. I wrote it, just for fun.
AN: As always, a very special thank you to, Dementor149, for his tireless efforts in helping me with this story.
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Chapter 41
Unforeseen Consequences
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The following day being Sunday meant Harry could spend most of the day outside alone enjoying the springtime sun. So far, he'd had a pleasant day, alternating between working out and just lying around relaxing. The only problem was, if he relaxed too long his mind would always drift back to his two biggest problems; Hermione and Sirius. It was only the day after their last Hogsmeade visit but already Harry was starting to get an uneasy feeling, something bad was going to happen, he just knew it. It had been a long day and Harry was now fairly beat. He was just planning on going up to his dorm for a quick shower and then maybe some light reading before turning in for bed.
Harry gave the password to the Fat Lady and entered through the portal. As he passed through the common room on his way to the stairs, he noticed Ron sitting with Dean. They looked up as he came in and seemed to stiffen a little and whatever they were talking about came to a halt. Harry slowed for a second as he walked by and gave them each a long look.
"Harry," Dean said. Ron just sat there smiling like the cat that ate the canary.
~oOoOo~
Monday morning again saw Harry up early for is run by the lake. As he ran, he tried to reason out what was happening in his world. First, it seemed Dumbledore was undisturbed or maybe just uninterested in anything going on with him or Hermione. Next, there was Sirius; although he seemed concerned about the dreams, he was so busy he wasn't doing much about it and Harry was beginning to worry he wasn't taking them seriously enough. Finally, there was Hermione, Harry felt certain that all was not as it appeared to be concerning her. He'd only seen her with Seamus that one horrible night and that was it. There was just no way he'd allow himself to believe Hermione would settle for a one-night stand. She just wasn't like that. He knew it in his heart to be true that she wasn't capable of acting so shallowly and casually about something that… personal. Then there was Ron and her relationship with him. They hardly even talked to each other and she always seems so uncomfortable around him. 'They just don't act like a couple at all.' Harry thought.
Harry was more convinced than ever that Hermione was only acting… but why? He was also pretty sure it something big and that Dumbledore was somehow involved. Maybe Seamus was involved too; judging by the way he had acted, it would make sense. Ron though, his actions didn't seem to fit no matter how Harry looked at it. One thing for sure, Ron was again acting less and less like a friend. He was acting so far out of character, Harry wasn't sure if he even knew Ron anymore. Harry sighed, there was so much going on and almost none of it made sense. Harry decided his first priority, like always, was Hermione. His newest fear was that she was being forced to act this way. He'd tried talking to Neville and Luna again and both had been very apologetic but couldn't really shed any new light on the problem. He could tell Neville knew more about what was going than he let on, maybe not much more, but at least some. When he had called him on it, all Neville would tell him was that he was bound by a previous promise and even then, he really didn't know all that much. Harry figured that promise was to either Dumbledore or Hermione, Neville wouldn't say. His other friends seemed to know even less, but Harry wasn't about to give up.
Harry was certain there was more going on here than what met the eye. It now seemed to him, that quite a few people were involved… so it must be something pretty big, but what? Also, since no one would talk to him about it, he couldn't help but feel it had something to do with him and for some reason he wasn't supposed to know anything about it.
'Well that's just too bad. I'm not going to stop trying to find out what's going on, especially if it has something to do with Hermione and me and I'll keep trying until I do,' he thought with determination. For the time being, Harry finally conceded that so far, Hermione at least wasn't in any real danger. Figuring there was nothing more he could do for now, he finally headed for the shower.
~oOoOo~
Later, Harry found himself waiting outside his first class of the day almost ten minutes early, something he never did. Sure enough, it was only a few minutes before a fifth-year girl from Ravenclaw came up to him.
"Hi, Harry, you look a little tense are you okay?" Her name was Lisa Turpin, a cute girl with short blond hair and sharp blue eyes.
"Hi, Yeah I'm okay… ah, you?" Harry tried to be civil but his mind was somewhere else. This was why he didn't show up early and why he ate alone, it was why he avoided his classmates.
"I'm fine thanks, did you get the work done? Professor Snape said…"
She went on talking and Harry stood there facing her but he had stopped listening. He smiled once when he thought she had said something important but his thoughts were elsewhere. Harry glanced around and couldn't help but notice how everyone seemed to be excited about something new that had happened.
"Harry, are you sure you're okay… Harry!"
Harry snapped out of it, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Lisa, I ah, I didn't mean to ignore you." Harry blushed slightly, he really hadn't meant to offend her. "I've had a short night and well, way too many things on my mind, please forgive me." Harry continued sincerely.
"No problem, Harry, I understand… maybe we can talk another time." Lisa gave Harry a smile to let him know it really was okay and then turned and went back to her friends.
Suddenly, just like last night in the common room with Ron, everyone stopped talking. Harry looked up wondering if they all had somehow managed to apparate away, only to see them all staring down the hall. Harry followed their gaze and was surprised by what he saw. A lone girl walking slowly with her head down… Hermione. Harry wanted to shout at everyone, what's your problem, but he didn't, he couldn't because he didn't even know why they were all staring. Borrowing a line from his old friend he thought, 'What the bloody hell is going on now?' His frustration was starting to get the better of him.
Having reached her class, Hermione finally looked up and stopped just short of the group. She stared back at the accusing faces until they all slowly started to turn away, all except Harry. 'Great,' she thought, 'just great, if he doesn't know already, he soon will.' Earlier at breakfast, she had found out that Ron had been telling everyone that they had been shagging down by the lake this last weekend. Ron could be incredibly thick most of the time but somehow he had figured out that she would not call him on it. Hermione certainly didn't like the idea of having her reputation dragged through the mud, but it did have one advantage; this would most likely finally turn Harry away. Plus, she could finally be done with Ron. As a matter of fact, she wouldn't ever have to talk to Ron again, let alone let him kiss her. As happy as she was about her and Ron, the thought of what Harry was going through and what he probably thought of her now brought new tears to her eyes.
Harry finally turned away and stepped into class. 'Oh… he must hate me… I only hope he doesn't start calling me names, I don't know if I could take that… please not that,' finishing her silent prayer Hermione wiped her eyes and then put on her toughest face and joined the class.
Hermione sat in the back of the class and might as well have been invisible. She really was more like a ghost than a student these days. She never raised her hand to answer questions and only spoke when spoken to, and then only gave the briefest of answers. Hermione worked alone, quickly and quietly. This of course, gave Professor Snape a measure of satisfaction, but with what he knew of her situation, he couldn't find it within himself to take advantage of it.
Harry took more than a few glances back at Hermione as she worked. He easily noticed the concentration on her face and how focused she was, even under the pressure coming from her fellow classmates. Despite the whispers and the sharp glares, she still had managed to brew a potion with a precision no one else could match. For a moment Harry felt proud, however, it quickly turned to sadness watching her work alone. As Harry watched, another thought occurred to him. If she was being forced, then what she was doing wasn't necessarily all her fault… maybe none of it was. So, until he had all the facts and knew for sure what was really going on, maybe he should hold his judgement.
Right now, he just didn't know. He didn't know what was happening. He didn't know if she was innocent or not… and he didn't know if he'd ever be able to forgive her.
As a warmth spread across his chest, from a pendent that he never took off, Harry realized what he did know, was that he still loved her. And that for now, he could give her the benefit of the doubt and hope that soon everything would somehow work out. Harry smiled, thinking that he'd like that. So for now, his mind made up, he'd give her a little more time, he'd keep his faith in her a while longer and continue to believe in her. 'If we ever get another chance, Hermione… you'll never be alone again, I promise,' Harry thought miserably, then after a soft helpless sigh, Harry turned his thoughts back to his own work.
As soon as class was over Harry quickly made his way out the door to try and catch Hermione so he could talk to her. He had some questions he wanted answers to. "Damn she's fast," Harry mumbled under his breath after seeing she was already long gone.
"She has to be."
Harry spun around to find Neville behind him. "Neville… what is going on, what's up with Hermione?"
Neville stood there and stared into Harry's eyes trying to find out if he was serious or not. "You don't know…? Merlin, you really don't know do you?" Harry just stared back at him with a strange, confused look on his face. Neville could also see the pleading look in his eyes. "Come on, not here." Neville said, as he led Harry to a nearby empty classroom.
As Neville told Harry what he knew, Harry got more and more upset. "So, you're telling me… last Saturday they were down by the lake, shagging?"
"That's the story, mate… sorry."
"Yeah… but whose story?"
At first, Neville had refused to believe the story at all. He thought that maybe Hermione was just pulling the same trick with Ron that she had done with Seamus, maybe even for the same reason… a reason he still didn't know. Only that it was a life and death situation. But this time, Harry hadn't even been around and he really didn't think Ron would have been kind enough to do her that kind of favor. Plus, considering what Ron was telling the rest of the school, it seemed more like he was taking advantage her, than helping. Neville still had serious doubts, he really couldn't see Hermione doing something like that… but with all things considered, he was finding it hard to know what to believe anymore.
Neville raised his hands in surrender, "That's how Ron tells it and… and well, I hate to believe it but Hermione is not denying it, so…"
"So, until I talk to her I won't believe it." Harry looked away, "It's just not like her."
"People change, Harry."
"Nobody changes that fast… not like that," Harry closed his eyes as if trying to find an answer as he whispered, "There's more going on here. There has to be."
Neville briefly thought about his promise to Hermione and her desperate plea for secrecy. He really wanted to tell Harry what little he knew. 'If things get much worse, I may just have to break it,' Neville finally told himself.
"Maybe, Harry, I'm only sorry you heard about what Ron is saying from me, but I thought you should…"
"Neville, it's okay, thanks for letting me know."
Together they walked back to the tower, neither saying a word. Reaching the portrait to the common room, Harry gave Neville a quick nod goodbye and left to find a quiet place to think and to write a letter to Emma. One way or another, he was going to start getting some answers.
Luna had seen them and waited until Harry had left before approaching her boyfriend, "Hey."
"Hey," Neville returned with a half-smile.
"He didn't know, did he?" Luna asked in a soft voice.
Placing his arm around her, Neville answered, "No, he didn't… but you want to know what the really amazing thing is?" Neville asked as he turned and looked at his girlfriend. She looked up into his eyes with a smile and shook her head no. "Ron is telling the whole school this wonky story about getting into Hermione's knickers, and of course everyone believes him… everyone except Harry that is." Neville stared straight ahead and he shook his head slightly in astonishment before continuing, "He has so much… trust and faith in her."
Luna smiled, "I know."
~oOoOo~
Harry sighed, it was one of his last hopes of getting any answers. "At least she'll know something is going on… if she doesn't already,"
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Dear Mrs. Granger,
I hope this letter find both you and Mr. Granger doing well. However, the main reason I'm writing, is because of Hermione. I don't know how much you already know so, I'll just assume nobody has said anything to you yet. Hermione broke things off with me a couple of months ago and has been acting very out of character since then. And I don't just mean in regards to me. She is a totally different person. She's doing poorly in class (for her anyway). She rarely talks to anyone, and now she's doing things that I just know is not like her.
Since we're not together there's not much I can do directly to help. I talked to our Headmaster, but he's being secretive again and so is of no help. I pretty sure Professor McGonagall is concerned, but she says she can't do much or even tell me what's going on. It's all very frustrating.
If you already know all this, then know I'll help anyway you think I can, all you have to do is ask. It would also be nice if you could tell me what you know, but you don't have to for my help. If you weren't aware, then I strongly recommend you demand some answers. They might not be able to tell me, but you have a right to know.
Worried, Harry Potter
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Finished with the letter, Harry sealed it and quickly made his way to the owlery, he wanted it sent before lunch.
~oOoOo~
Harry never saw Hermione the whole rest of the day and now it was well past curfew and she still hadn't shown up in the common room. He had checked twice with Ginny to see if she had somehow slipped in and was upstairs in her dorm. Ginny assured him she wasn't, so Harry continued to just wait in the quiet of the common room. One way or another he was going to see her. Whether or not she'd talk to him was another matter.
Harry sat in the darkening common room waiting for Hermione. His emotions were slowly tearing him apart as he thought about the girl who meant so much to him. Her lies and actions should have hurt him more than any Cruciatus Curse could ever manage, but they hadn't. If he thought about it logically, he would have been so shocked and angered by it all, that their relationship would have been ruined beyond repair. But that was not his way. Harry like to think he could see beyond the logic, see a deeper meaning. See the person as they really were. Feeling the familiar warm spot on his chest, Harry gently fingered his pendent. It seemed to calm him and it give him the strength and patience he so desperately needed now. Harry closed his eyes and thought of her and knew. He knew Hermione. He knew she could never hurt him like this.
Right as the clock started to strike midnight, Hermione and Parvati came in through the portrait hole, obviously just back from patrol. Hermione whispered a quick thanks for helping her with prefect duties and Parvati hurried up the stairs. She had managed to avoid most everyone all day except for classes and was now hoping to slip in and go straight to bed. Thankfully, the room was quiet and the lights were low with was only a pair of seventh-years sitting by the window studying. Hermione was so focused on trying to avoid them she didn't notice the other loan student sitting in the shadows next to the dying fire. Hermione was almost to the stairs when his presence brushed against her senses. Hermione stopped, momentarily frozen in place. He was here in the room somewhere, she was sure of it. A moment later a soft voice spoke barely above a whisper and broke her from her thoughts, "Hermione?"
She slowly turned around and only now noticed Harry had been sitting in the armchair by the fire which was nearly out, no wonder she hadn't seen him.
Harry got up and made his way over to her. "Are you all right?"
She blinked in surprise, she had expected him to ask about Ron, ask why she had done what she had. She wouldn't have been surprised if he had yelled at her for being so stupid and shameless. Yet he hadn't, his voice was still soft and caring and in his eyes, she could see his concern for her. So taken back by his actions, all she could say was, "What?"
"Are you all right?" He repeated softly.
"Oh, yes, I'm fine," her voice was a little edgy but it still carrying a hint of softness like his had, even though she was trying to sound unconcerned.
However, her eyes betrayed her true feelings and Harry gave her a weak smile and a nod before continuing, "Oh, after potions this morning I thought…"
Realizing what Harry was about to say, Hermione regained her composure. Needing to harden herself for what was about to be asked, she cut him off and said with a chill in her voice, "I said I'm fine, Harry." Hermione briefly wondered why she'd said it so harshly.
An uncomfortable silence sat between them for a moment before Harry asked, "Do you know what Ron is saying about you?'
"Yes."
"And you let him?"
Hermione looked down and seemed to shrink in on herself. "Yes." She answered again, this time more meekly.
"So… it's true then… what Ron is saying." Harry breathed, his voice full of disbelief.
Hermione looked back up and stared straight into his eyes; even through his glasses, she could tell he had tears on the verge of falling. God how she hated this. Lying to the boy she loved so much. "It's true, alright… Goodnight, Harry." She finally forced out in a voice that was cold and unemotional; because it had to be… 'But Why?' Echoed behind her eyes. Harry didn't know it but she was ready to lose control too and she couldn't let that happen, not here, not now. Without waiting for Harry to say anything else, Hermione quickly turned and almost ran up the stairs.
Harry stood there and watched her go, "Goodnight, Hermione," he whispered to himself as a single tear slipped loose and ran down his face. If anyone had noticed, they would have thought the tear was because of Hermione, but those who really knew him, also knew the tear was for Hermione. Harry knew she was hurting too.
~oOoOo~
For the remainder of the week and all the next two, things continued to get worse for Hermione. Unknown to her, Ron had started occasionally using empty classrooms to work on his assignments and revisions. It also served to help him hide from his angry siblings. He would do his best to time his absence to coincide with Hermione's. Then, later in the evening, Ron would brag to his friends and anyone else who would listen about his make-believe sexual exploits with Hermione. The worst part was, that as the days passed Ron's stories got nastier, cruder, and meaner. Ron painted a mental picture of a sex-starved bookworm who liked to experiment, trying anything and everything. Some people were beginning to think that Ron was exaggerating and probably even outright lying. Those close to her, the ones who knew her best, knew he was. What helped people to believe Ron, was the fact that no one ever saw Hermione and on the rare occasion they did, she wouldn't talk to them. She would hide away as if she was ashamed. Plus she had all but openly admitted to sleeping with him, not to mention the whole Seamus incident. Not knowing the horrible things Ron was saying about her, Hermione wasn't denying anything, so of course, people thought the worst of her. Stories about Hermione grew fast and furious as rumors exploded throughout the school.
A few of their friends had thought to talk to Harry about it but figured he already knew, not to mention it was a very touchy subject with him. Unfortunately, Harry had been even more elusive than Hermione and wasn't aware of the vicious rumors either.
Ginny and Luna after having a long conversation with Neville, Seamus, and the twins, decided to corner Hermione and get to the bottom of what was really going on. Meanwhile, the boys would have a word or two with Ron. Together, they vowed to stop the rumors and help Hermione clean up her reputation. Nobody knew that help would actually come from the least expected person.
~oOoOo~
Roderick Zabini was down on his knees trying to control his trembling limbs. The Dark Lord did not like to hear bad news, even if you were only the bearer of it.
Voldemort smiled faintly, he always felt just a little better after releasing some pent up anger. His smile didn't last though as he thought about Roderick's report. "So, Potter still has feelings for the Mudblood. Your son is sure of this?"
Catching his breath, Roderick answered weakly, "Yes, My Lord. He seems to have an uncommon amount of faith in her."
Voldemort sneered "That faith will be his undoing," he said angrily. He had spent months teaching Umbridge how to use the potions and spells on Trelawney, so she in turn would give Dumbledore the fake prophecy. And, Dumbledore had acted as he knew he would; 'So predictable,' Voldemort mussed. Losing his lieutenant, his first love… It should of broken Potter. However, with Potter refusing to believe what his own eyes and ears told him, it would appear he had tried to be too cleaver. 'Yes,' Voldemort thought, 'I should have just had her killed in Hogsmeade that day and saved myself the effort.' Fortunately, he had a backup plan. With his smile back on his face, he turned his attention back to Zabini, "Rise, Roderick, and tell me that your son is up to the task and is ready."
Finally standing again, Roderick bowed his head and said proudly, "He is, My Lord, and eagerly waiting your orders to proceed."
"And you are sure he has the nerve to kill her?"
Roderick smiled, "I am My Lord."
Voldemort laughed, "Very well then… Cry havoc, Roderick, and let slip your dogs of war." *
~oOoOo~
It was less than a month before O.W.L.s started. When the next to last Saturday in May finally arrived, Harry was glad for the break. He had only stopped by the Hall for a couple of minutes to grab a few things to take with him before quietly slipping out. He was planning on making his way to one of his favorite quiet spots where he was planning on spending the rest of the day alone as usual down by the lake. Between revising, studying, working out, and worrying about both his dream and Hermione, Harry was worn out. 'I just need a little downtime, just a few hours to relax and not think.' Unfortunately, today wasn't going to be that day.
"HARRY!" The panicked scream of a young girl's voice slammed into him from behind.
Harry ducked instinctively, almost dropping to the ground as he spun around. A split-second later Harry connected the girl's voice to the young second-year who was racing towards him. Natalie had come running out of the doors in a panic. Standing back up, he started back to meet her halfway as he called out, "Hey, easy there. What's wrong?"
As she approached, Harry could tell by the look on her face that she was scared. In her hurry to reach Harry she almost fell right into him. Harry braced and put his arms out to catch her. "Whoa, slow down. Natalie, what's wrong?" He repeated
The Natalie took a second to catch her breath, then while still gasping for air labored to say, "It's… it's… Hermione… she's in trouble."
Harry straightened up immediately and let go of her while cutting her off saying, "Where!"
"Empty classroom, second floor by Charms, middle of the hall."
~oOoOo~
Like Ron but for obviously different reasons, Hermione had taken to using empty classrooms to study in, it was the only way she could get any peace and quiet. Her old favorite, the library was out of the question now with more students using it to prepare for exams. Practically everyone who walked by her would either bump into her or utter some foul comments in a low voice so only she would hear. So now, she had to sneak off again and find some out-of-the-way place to work. Normally, she was very careful, always making sure the room was empty before casting a strong locking charm on the door. It was when the door burst open that Hermione realized that she had completely forgotten, her thoughts so preoccupied with current events that locking the door had completely slipped her mind. And now judging by the malevolent looks on their faces, Hermione was about to pay for her carelessness.
Moments before, Natalie had met up with a friend and both were planning on studying together. They were just settling down in a secluded alcove and getting ready to work. The fact that her friend was a Slytherin was the reason they were tucked away in a fairly remote spot. Neither were quite ready to face their other friends yet and all their specious questions about their new friendship.
"Oh no," Astoria said as she stood back up, "I forgot my Herbology book."
"We can share mine if you like," offered Natalie.
"No, mine has all my notes as well," Astoria sighed. "Go ahead and get started, I'll be back shortly."
Natalie nodded with a smile, "Okay, see you in a tick."
Only a minute or so later she heard the sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway as someone approached. 'I wonder what she forgot,' thought Natalie, thinking it was Astoria coming back. 'Oh… it's Hermione.' Natalie sat there and watched as Hermione walked by and couldn't help but notice how sad and isolated the older girl looked. 'I guess I'd look like that too if I was her,' she reasoned, even though she didn't believe a single word of what Ron Weasley was saying about her. Hermione had been such a great help to her ever since she'd met her, that she wanted to say something to help. However, before anything came to mind, Hermione had passed. Hermione had only given her a quick glance and a tired smile before she had ducked into the classroom across from her.
Natalie was about to get out her book when she heard the sound of several more people coming up the corridor. "Gee's, this place is suddenly busier than the Great Hall," she mused aloud. As the group came nearer she could hear them talking quietly amongst themselves and recognized one of the voices, the sound of Blaise Zabini voice was one she would never forget,
'Bugger,' she thought. Blaise had been picking on her since the start of term. Natalie quickly grabbed her things and was about to make a run for it but then thought better of it. She knew if she stepped out of the alcove now they'd see her, so instead, she crawled behind a suit of armor and crouched down low to get out of sight. She would wait for them to pass before trying to leave, but to her horror, they stopped almost right in front of her. Natalie was staying as quiet as possible; she didn't dare move or they might find her. There were six boys that all looked like Slytherins but the only one she recognized was Blaise. It was obvious they were planning something and she strained to make out their conversation.
"Well, today we finally get our chance. We'll find out just how good, or should I say, how bad our little Mudblood bookworm really is," Blaise said with a leer, while the others laughed. Blaise had been waiting patiently for his father to send word as to when and what to do. Finally, this morning an owl arrived and now, Blaise was excited to complete his Master's orders.
Being a Muggle-born witch herself, Natalie immediately got mad and her dislike for Blaise grew even more.
"But what if she won't cooperate," one of the others asked.
"Then we'll just have to convince her." Blaise sneered.
The way Blaise said it had made her blood run cold but when the other started laughing that's when she knew… Hermione was in trouble. 'Oh, God… I've got to help her, I've got to do something… Merlin think… think.' Natalie knew Hermione was a powerful witch but six against one, no way even she could hope to win with those odds. Natalie also knew that her own skills, when added to Hermione's, would make little difference. What she needed was someone else, someone strong and most importantly, someone who would be willing to help… that is, help Hermione. 'HARRY POTTER!' the name practically screamed in her head when she realized he was probably the only one who would care enough to act without wasting a lot of time. She had just seen him only a short time ago in the Great Hall and had overheard him say to one of his friends, that he was going out to the lake for some peace and quiet. 'Oh, I sure hope I can find him in time before it's too late.' As soon as the Slytherins entered the room she jumped from her hiding place and ran as fast as she could, hoping she'd find him before he managed to disappear.
~oOoOo~
"Well, well, look here gentlemen… Hogwarts very own know-it-all," Blaise said in a sickly sweet voice. "You know, Miss Granger, you really do work way too hard but not to worry, we're here to help you."
The six had fanned out, blocking any hope of escape. Hermione knew four of them and it appeared Blaise Zabini was the obnoxious ringleader of this disgusting bunch. Of the other three, one was a seventh-year named Montague and only slightly smarter than the other two she knew, Crabbe and Goyle. The last two Hermione had seen around but didn't know their names. 'Probably a couple of the slower sixth-years,' she reasoned. They all had a couple of things in common; they were all Slytherins and they were all pretty stupid, well, maybe not Blaise so much, and lastly, all six were more than likely future Death Eaters.
Currently, Hermione thought the worst part was that they all looked intent on doing something that she was sure she wouldn't like. "Get out!" She yelled in her most intimidating voice.
They only started laughing, "Not yet, little Mudblood," came Blaise's reply as they slowly started to advance.
Hermione decided her only hope was to fight. Stepping back and ready to dodge, she pulled her wand and in a flash fired the first spell, "Stupefy." She'd caught them off guard and hit one of the unknown Slytherins. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he fell forward unconscious. With the fight on, she was barely able to dodge a couple of spells that were sent her way as she dived for cover behind a desk.
They weren't very good but it was still five against one and the fact that it was very close range gave them the advantage.
"Blast that desk apart," Blaise yelled.
Hermione waited until the very last second, then as the blasting spells blew her cover apart Hermione rolled to hide behind yet another desk. Blaise tried to hex her when she moved but a quickly yelled, "Protego," and her shield blocked his spell. From her new vantage point, Hermione was able to fire another round of spells. One landed on target and Goyle whirled around in pain as most of the bones in his shoulder shattered from the Reductor Curse. The battle continued for another minute or so with spells flying in both directions and shields doing most of the blocking. The other unknown Slytherin finally lost his patience and decided to charge her as he wildly fired hexes in her direction. Hermione again waited until the last second so he would block the others when she raised up to return fire. She hit him with a bludgeoning hex from a distance of three feet. The sixth-year was blasted backward ten feet and was out cold.
'Three down, three to go.' Hermione was beginning to think she might just have a chance. If they kept making stupid mistakes she could win this.
Three more spells rocketed towards her at the same time. Ducking low and putting up the strongest shield she could, she managed to block most of the spell fire but not all. Hermione gasped in pain. Looking down she saw the problem, a large sharp chunk of wood from the desk she was hiding behind had been blasted off and was now sticking out her leg. Using all her Gryffindor courage she reached down and jerked it out. A short scream escaped her lips as pain ripped through her body. Hermione blindly fired a couple more curses in their direction hoping to keep them occupied while she tended her wound. She quickly stopped the bleeding with a healing spell and then turned to scan the room for her opponents. Unfortunately, during her lapse in attention, Montague had managed to get around behind her.
"Give it up, Granger, we've got you." Blaise hollered.
Hermione would never give in and certainly not to scum like these dodgers she thought. Staying low, she slowly started to crawl to one side hoping to get a better angle and maybe take out one more. Just as she was about to cast another Reductor Curse, she heard the bludgeoning spell yelled from behind her. Hermione only managed to turn in time to see Montague with a smile on his face as his spell hit. It felt like an eight hundred pound gorilla had kicked her in the gut. The spell hit so hard it blew her several feet across the room and she landed with a thump, practically at Blaise's feet.
For a moment she couldn't move as she grappled with the pain. Hermione guessed she probably had a few broken ribs. Finally, she was slowly able to take a breath but wrenched as a stabbing pain shot through her chest. Hermione was trying desperately not to blackout when suddenly two pairs of hands grabbed her and without any care for her injuries pulled her up and dragged her to a table. Hermione screamed out in pain but it didn't deter them in the least. Blaise looked at Crabbe and nodded towards the door. Crabbe pulled out his wand and placed a locking and silencing spell on it, then knelt to check Goyle. Looking up at Blaise he said with concern, "He's unconscious and bleeding badly. Maybe we…"
Blaise wasn't about to stop what he had started, "He'll be fine. Now get over here." Then pointing to the table said, "Hold her down,"
Even though she was badly hurt it took the three of them to wrestle her onto her back and down on the table. Crabbe couldn't help but admire how tough this fiery witch really was.
With Crabbe and Montague each holding an arm down, Hermione was helpless. Blaise's lips curled up into a sadistic smile as he started to undo his belt. Letting his trousers fall, he smirked, "I think I'm going to like this, you… well, I'm not so sure you will." He stepped up next to Hermione and leered at her. Despite the pain, Hermione managed to lift her leg and kick Blaise upside the head knocking him back a couple of feet. Hermione was now the one smirking but it only incensed Blaise all the more. Marching back to the table, he back-handed Hermione hard across the face. "You'll pay for that you Mudblood bitch! You're going to die, right here on this table… once we're finished with you of course." While she was stunned, Blaise pointed his wand at her legs and growled, "Incarcerous."
After the ropes had finished magically tying her legs to the table, he smiled and stepped closer. Blaise slowly started to pull her blouse out from under her skirt. Once it was completely loose, he used both hands to rip it open and buttons went flying everywhere. The three of them just stood there staring at her bare torso that was now only covered by a lacy white bra. Hermione didn't have to guess what they were thinking, she could see the lust in their eyes. She tried to move but between the pain and the ironclad grip of the ropes and her captors, she couldn't. She turned her head to the side; she didn't want them to see her cry. That's when she noticed it, there on the floor was her wand. 'If only I could summon it,' she thought.
This was it; the whole school thought she was a tart, a harlot, and now she was going to have her virginity stolen by this piece of filth named Blaise. Raped and God only knew what else they would do to her and no one would believe her. No one would care. 'It's my own fault,' she thought sadly, 'I let the whole school believe the worst of me.' Closing her eyes, she prayed silently, 'Oh God please… please God, not like this… please.' It was her second desperate prayer in a month and Hermione was sure this time her silent plea would go unanswered as silent tears began to roll down her cheeks. Hermione started to struggle again, she would not just lay there and let them have their way without a fight. Maybe the pain would cause her to blackout, it was all she could hope for.
"Hold her still," Blaise commanded.
She squeezed her eyes shut tight to try and block out as much of this nightmare as possible. However, she could still feel as Blaise put his hands on her thighs just above her knees. After a cruel laugh, he slowly started sliding them up under her skirt pushing it up as he went, only stopping when he reached the edge of her knickers.
In a chillingly evil voice, Blaise said in sick anticipation, "Well, let's have a look." He slowly slipped a finger under the elastic at the sides, planning to pull them down just as slowly, he wanted to enjoy this wickedly sinful moment as much as possible.
But before he could start, the room shuddered violently as the door was blasted off its hinges and into a million pieces. The sound of the explosion reverberated around the room as Hermione's eyes snapped open. She stared at the spot where the door once was and a moment later as the dust settled she saw him… Harry, and he looked more furious than she'd ever seen before.
Montague and Crabbe both let go of her and tried to pull their wands, but Harry was faster. A couple of spells each and both were pinned to the far wall, unconscious and bleeding rather badly from several wounds. Meanwhile, Blaise was desperately trying to pull his trousers back up and at the same time find his wand. For some reason, Harry hadn't cursed him yet.
Finally, Blaise had his wand and started to raise it towards Harry. "Diffindo," Harry yelled and the cutting charm took Blaise's hand off at the wrist, both wand and hand fell to the floor.
Blaise grabbed his arm screaming and after a second yelled, "You'll pay for this, Potter, when the Dark Lord…" but stopped suddenly when he felt Harry's wand sticking painfully in his throat.
Harry stood in front of him holding him at bay with his wand. After a quick glance down at Hermione, he said slowly in a deep and dangerous voice, "Give me one good reason not to kill you." Harry emotions were running wild and quickly spiraling out of control. He was teetering on the edge and only an idiot would miss how close Harry was to losing it.
Blaise almost wet himself, he wasn't stupid and he could see the anger and the hate in his eyes… He knew Harry would do it, there was absolutely no doubt.
It was only now that Blaise noticed that the air in the room seemed to be swirling on its own and smelled of ozone. Harry's hair was slowly starting to stand out from the static in the air. He could literally feel Harry magic, it was raw, powerful, and terrifying.
Hermione too, knew that Harry was ready to kill Blaise and only needed the tiniest provocation. As much as she might actually like that, she knew it was wrong. Hermione also knew what it would do to Harry and how he'd feel about himself later. Not to mention how much trouble he'd surly be in as well.
"Harry… please don't." A small voice called out and the magic seemed to fade ever so slightly. Hermione had reached out and taken hold of Harry's free hand. "He's not worth it Harry. And I'll be all right, nothing happened… you got here in time." Blaise didn't know it, but Hermione had just saved his life.
Harry looked down again and finally nodded with a sad smile. As the air stilled and the magic dissipated, Blaise tried to make a break for it. He only got a few feet before being hexed by a still upset Harry. Blaise fell to the floor unconscious, missing one hand, and now with two shattered legs.
Harry's cold hard gaze turned back to Hermione lying on the table and his features softened instantly. Harry quickly took off his cloak and draped it over Hermione. "Are you hurt?" His tone was soft and gentle.
This was the Harry she loved, kind and caring, "My leg, and I might have broken a rib or two."
Lifting his cloak just enough to find the wound, Harry canceled the Incarcerous spell before checking her leg and then closing the wound to stop the bleeding. "That'll be all right once we get you to Poppy." Being considerate of her state of undress, he then used a more complicated diagnostic spell through the cloak before confirming, "Yep, two ribs are broken. Hold still I'm going to try and immobilize them, Poppy will have to heal them later."
Hermione closed her eyes and nodded. Slowly the pain began to fade away, she could breathe easier again and she relaxed. For now at least, for a short while she knew she'd be okay, she was safe… Harry was with her.
At that moment a small group burst into the room; Headmaster Dumbledore and Professors McGonagall and Snape. McGonagall gasped as she looked in at the destruction and of course the six students who were all unconscious.
"Potter, what happened here, what have you done?" Snapped Professor Snape.
Harry suddenly found himself angry again as he rounded on Snape, "Well, Sir, six students attacked Hermione… six Slytherin students," he added with a nasty tone that clearly indicated Snape should be at least partly responsible.
Snape was about to respond when Dumbledore spoke up, "We will sort this out later, Severus, please carry Miss Granger to the infirmary…"
"NO!" Harry yelled forcefully as he stepped between Hermione and the Professors, "I'll take her." And before anyone could object, Harry gently pick her up and started out the door.
"See here, Potter!" Snape yelled after him but Harry totally ignored him and continued on.
Just outside the door, he saw her, his little second-year friend Natalie. He stopped and looked straight at her, pinning her in place. Harry gave her a nod and said softly, "Thank you," then turned and quickly hurried away with Hermione safely in his arms.
At first, Hermione was reluctant to let Harry picked her up, but she couldn't walk and she certainly didn't want Snape to carry her, so she relented. As Harry carried her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head against his chest, content if only for a short while.
Natalie smiled as she watched them go. She had a new understanding about the couple called, Potter and Granger.
~oOoOo~
Hermione was fast asleep, Poppy had healed her injuries and now all that was left was for her to get some rest and by the following Monday she would be able to leave the infirmary. Harry knew she was safe for now, so while watching her sleep he went to work on a plan to keep her that way.
Sitting by her bedside, Harry had plenty of time to think. His mind kept going back to that first Hogsmeade visit last March and the attack on Hermione. How everything had changed after her visit with Dumbledore and changed for the worst. How things quickly spiraled out of control in his life and how miserable he'd been, and still was really. Harry didn't think he had ever felt lonelier.
Glancing over at Hermione Harry suddenly felt selfish, incredibly selfish and ashamed, maybe even a bit stupid. He was now completely convinced; whatever she was really doing and why, she'd have a very good reason for it. As bad as it was for him, it must have been ten times worse for her. In the span of less than two months, she'd been attacked twice that he knew of. 'Not to mention who knows what else she's had to endure,' Harry thought. Even though he still didn't know what was going on, he was pretty sure it somehow involved him. He would continue to try and get to the bottom of things and while doing so keep a closer eye on her safety. And even though he didn't like it, he would for now continue to respect her demands.
Pomfrey finally threw Harry out and he quickly made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. After giving the password to the Fat Lady he stepped inside just before curfew.
"Ah, Harry, I was beginning to think you were going to spend the night in the hospital wing."
"Madam Pomfrey kicked me out," Harry said without a smile.
Dumbledore cocked an eye at his cool reception. Then trying to lighten the mood, chuckled and said, "Well, you do seem to spend a good deal of time there already, Harry. But now I am afraid I must ask you about earlier."
Harry glanced around and noticed the room was empty, he briefly wondered if it was because of Dumbledore's presence or if he had asked for privacy. "Okay," Harry said simply after deciding it really wasn't important.
"Harry, do you feel that maybe… you might have used excessive force?"
Harry thought about it for only a second before answering, "No, Sir, I don't… first, it was three to one and second, well… well, what they were trying to…"
"Yes, Harry, I know and believe me I am most certainly happy that you got there in time, however, perhaps you still could have exercised some restraint."
Harry began feeling a tiny bit guilty; maybe he had reacted a little too violently, but then he remembered the look on Hermione's face. She had looked so scared. Harry slowly shook his head as he answered, "Actually, Sir, I did."
"Really, how so?"
Harry thought about some of his own abusers, some from not so long ago and knew why he'd been so angry, he never wanted to see Hermione treated like that.
"I wanted to…" Harry faltered a second, "but I didn't, I stopped. If I hadn't… they would be dead right now."
"Well then, Harry, thank Merlin." Dumbledore replied a little uneasily with a raised brow. As he regarded the young man in front of him, McGonagall's words from an earlier conversation flashed behind his eyes, "A little stressed, is that what you call it? … He's growing cold and more distant by the day." Dumbledore sighed, since he had been the one to put them both under so much stress, it was probably more his fault than anyone's. In light of current events, he really couldn't blame Harry for his actions.
"You should really be thanking Hermione, Sir, she was the voice of reason." Harry added, breaking Dumbledore out of his thoughts.
Dumbledore just nodded, "As always it somehow seems… very well, Harry, all things considered, there will be no punishment for you and I will deal with the others personally. Now, it is late, so I suggest you get some sleep."
"Sir, about Hermione…"
"Harry, it really is late, perhaps some other time?"
Growing angry, Harry pushed a little harder and asked, "Well then, Sir, may I come by and see you in the near future? I'd really like to talk about…"
"Of course, Harry… goodnight." Dumbledore said quickly, cutting Harry off.
It was obvious, Dumbledore was avoiding any conversation about Hermione. Harry watched him leave, then turned for the stairs. 'Sure seems to be in a hurry to leave whenever it's me who wants to talk,' Harry thought a bit angrily as he made his way up to bed.
~oOoOo~
The following day while Hermione was having a late breakfast in bed, McGonagall joined her in the infirmary. "Miss Granger, how are you feeling dear?"
"I'm okay, Ma'am," Hermione answered with a weak smile, "Madam Pomfrey said I should be able to leave tomorrow."
"So she said when I came in," McGonagall started, "but I was more worried about how you are doing emotionally… between your efforts to push Harry away and now this, well, I just…"
"I'm fine Ma'am…"
McGonagall held up a hand to stop her from interrupting, "Miss Granger… Hermione, even though they didn't get very far in their attempt, an attack like that can leave… scars." She paused for a moment to study the young girl who was now sitting quietly in front of her staring at her now un-touched food. "So, if at some time in the near future, you decide you are not fine, I want you to know you can talk to me about anything and it will stay just between us." As Hermione nodded slowly, McGonagall continued, "And, just so you know, the six Slytherins involved have all been expelled."
Hermione looked up quickly, "What about Harry, he didn't get into trouble for helping me did he?"
McGonagall shook her head and gave Hermione a rare smile, "No child, he did not." After all she had been through and with her ordeal still not over, that her first thought was for Harry warmed her heart. "Miss Granger, I can't begin to imagine what all you have gone through and are feeling, but if or when it becomes too much, I also want you to know, that I will go to Dumbledore and put a stop it… do you understand?"
Again Hermione looked down as her eyes started to tear up. "Thank you, Professor, it's nice to know there are people who understand."
"More than you may realize, Miss Granger."
Hermione nodded, "If the Headmaster is right…" Hermione paused as a faint thought tried to push its way forward from the back of her mind, 'But you know he's not…' It faded away a second later as if snuffed out, Hermione blinked, then continued with what she was originally saying, "…then stopping this could hurt Harry far worse. I'll stick it out for now. Term is almost over; after exams, I'll leave quietly and not come back."
McGonagall looked away and sighed in frustration, it was just too much… way, way, too much. The only thing keeping her from interfering now was knowing that the plans she and Emma were making for the summer would be far more effective than anything she could do now. Deciding she'd have to continue with this farce for now, McGonagall turned back and asked, "Is there anything I can get you, Miss Granger?"
"No Ma'am, but thank you. I'm going to write a letter home and then get some more rest."
"Very well then, I'll leave you to it. And remember, my door is always open to you." She would have loved to have been able to tell Hermione of her plans but knew she couldn't, not yet anyway. Dumbledore was watching far too closely and if he got wind of them, he'd surely put an end to all their hard work.
Hermione watched her favorite professor walk away, then reached for her quill.
.
Dear Mum,
I'm sure by now you've heard the latest. Please try not to worry too much. While times are certainly difficult right now, this is something I have to do and I'm the only one who can. I realize it must be hard for you as well and I'm sure both you and Dad are struggling with me staying here; for that alone, I am both sorry to put you through all this, and grateful for your patience and understanding. I would like to ask one more favor; please do not blame Harry for any of this, he's not even aware of what this is really all about and because of that, I'm sure he is suffering far more than me. I'll be home soon and we'll have a long talk, one, I'm sure we both will need. Give my love to Dad, and I'll see you soon.
Love, Hermione.
.
~oOoOo~
Sunday evening found Harry having dinner in the kitchens with the house-elves. In the last few months, he had spent a lot of time in the kitchen with elves and his friendship with them had grown. All the Hogwarts elves were aware of Hermione and her desire to make life better for them, but being quite happy with things the way they were, most didn't take her too seriously. However, they did admire her effort and good intentions (no matter how misguided they were) and thought very highly of her. So after Harry explained what had happened to her and what he wanted their help with, again most were more than willing to do what they could.
Dobby, of course, was naturally the most excited. This was what he lived for and he loved being able to help his two favorite humans. Harry had approached him first and had explained what he wanted him and the other elves to do and then asked if he would be in charge. "Not to worries, Mr. Harry Potter sir, Dobby will watch his Miss Grangy. Dobby and his friends will Miss Grangy keep safe, they will." Dobby was practically bouncing off the ground with excitement at being trusted with such an important assignment. Harry always liked how Dobby would call Hermione, his. Harry knew there was no way he could keep an eye on her all the time, but now with Dobby's help and that of the other elves as well, he felt sure she'd be fairly safe now.
~oOoOo~
Since her release from the infirmary, Hermione had been very busy trying to catch up on missed work. O.W.L.s were only a few days away, and she wanted to thank Harry for rescuing her yet again but as of yet wasn't sure just what to say. Finally, she decided to just say thanks and play it by ear after that. She'd been watching Harry eat lunch further down the table and figured now was as good a time as any. When he got up to leave, Hermione jumped up and quietly followed him out. Once they were in the hallway Hermione called out, "Harry."
Harry turned around to see Hermione walking up to him, "Hey… how are you feeling, do your ribs still hurt?" He asked, careful to keep his tone neutral, like one would use when commenting on the weather to a stranger.
"Maybe just a little, but I'm fine," Hermione replied with just a tiny hint of surprise at his tone.
"That's good, so…ah, what's up?" Harry said looking a little guilty. He was afraid maybe she'd found out about the elves watching her.
Hermione noticed the look but thought it might have been because of what he had seen and then the way he reacted when he had found her. Deciding to worry about her modesty later and what Harry may have thought, Hermione pressed on, "Look, Harry, I just wanted to say thank you for the other day… you know."
"Oh, well, hey don't thank me, thank Natalie. She was there in the hall studying and knew you needed help, so she found me." Harry was looking down now contemplating what might have happened, "Merlin, Hermione, if she hadn't…"
"But she did, and so did you," Hermione said quickly.
"I hate to break up this little reunion," Draco called out from down the hall with a taunting look on his face, "but I need a word with you two.'
Both turned and before Draco could say another word he found himself looking at two wands, both pointed directly at him. He pulled up short and slowly raised both hands out to his sides in a placating manner, "Easy there, fellow prefects. Calm down and I'll rephrase that. May I… have a word with you two?" With both hands now up in an offer of peace and one eyebrow raised, Draco couldn't help but grin at their confusion.
Harry lowered his wand part way, "What do you want, Malfoy?" His tone leaving no doubt he was in no mood for any harassment, especially from a Slytherin.
"Look, Potter, I got no love loss for you either… but I heard about what happened to Granger and there's a couple of things I feel… think you should know," Draco started hard but when he turned to Hermione he softened up a little. "First, I want you to know, that even though those idiots were all in Slytherin, I had no idea they were planning to do anything. Second, it would seem that neither of you knows exactly what your good friend Mr. Weasley is saying behind your back."
Harry stole a quick look at Hermione and her expression told him she didn't know any more than him. He lowered his wand the rest of the way, hoping a more relaxed posture would get Draco to explain. "What does one have to do with the other?"
The last thing Draco wanted, was to be caught talking to these two, but he was smart enough to know he'd never be able to get them alone in a private place. He had been trying to stay neutral but then Blaise and his gang went and tried something stupid. It painted him in a very bad light just by association, he needed to do some damage control if he hoped to stay neutral. After a nervous glance over his shoulder, he continued, "You see the thing is, it might have been some of Weasley's nasty little rumors that gave those idiots their idea."
Hermione raised a brow, "What rumors?"
"If you two didn't spend so much time hiding all the time, you'd already know." Draco sighed, "Look, you wouldn't believe me anyway, so just ask some of your other friends."
"And what's in it for you, why are you bothering to tell us this?" Harry asked pointedly.
Draco turned back to Harry momentarily and in a cheeky voice replied, "I've got my reasons, Potter, and frankly I don't care if you believe me or not." Draco pinned Hermione with a sharp look and said earnestly, "But, I know you're smart enough to find out the truth if you take the time to look for it." Then without another word, Draco pushed past them and left.
Hermione watched him walk away and when she turned back to Harry, he was staring at her.
"So, what do you think Ron might be saying about you?" Harry asked curiously. He'd worry about Draco's odd behavior later, right now he was worried about Hermione again.
"I don't know, but please let me handle it."
"Hermione, if he's spreading nasty rumors about you, saying something bad, something…"
"Then I'll take care of it, Harry, I'm a big girl."
"Why are you being so… defensive?"
Hermione took a breath and tried to relax, none of this was Harry fault after all. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry… Look, you saved more than my skin a few days ago and I appreciate it, really I do," 'more than you know,' she thought to herself, "but this I can handle by myself." Harry's eyes gave him away, she could see the hurt and disappointment. "I know you want to help… thank you, but this is something I need to do. Besides, I know you and you'll just get yourself into trouble. Which by the way is something else I don't want." Hermione pleaded with her eyes, "So please, please promise me you'll let me handle this."
"Fine… but I'm still going to find out what he's been saying."
~oOoOo~
The common room later that night right after dinner was full of students. It was as if they could sense the coming events. Harry had made sure he was there as well, just in case. Earlier, he'd had a long talk with Neville, Seamus, and a couple of fourth-years just to make sure he had the real story. He was still having trouble believing Ron could have said such disgusting things about Hermione and now he was livid. Neville had been totally surprised that Harry hadn't known, but considering how little interaction Harry had with the rest of the students, he shouldn't have been.
It wasn't long before Hermione was coming down the stairs and judging by the heated look on her face, Harry was pretty sure she had just heard similar stories from Lavender and Parvati. She stormed right up to Ron where he was sitting at a table playing chess.
Ron looked up with a smirk, "Hey, Herms, what's up sweetie?"
Dean who was sitting across from Ron cocked a brow, clearly surprised at Ron's lack of concern at the obvious fury on his girlfriend's face. Even if Ron wasn't worried, he was and had enough common sense to move back a little.
Hermione bent over the table slightly and with one wave of her hand sent all the chess pieces and the board flying.
"Bloody hell, Hermione, what's your problem?" Ron yelled clearly surprised.
The look on Hermione's face said it all. She was beyond furious, "You're a loathsome, depraved excuse for a wizard, Ronald. How could you?" Hermione was now so upset she could barely talk, her voice hitched a little as she continued, "How could you say such disgusting things about me… How could you even think them?" Ron flinched a little and started to retort but was cut off by Hermione, "Don't, Ronald, don't say anything… do you honestly think I want to hear an answer, do you think I would believe anything you might say? You were my friend… my boyfriend for Merlin's sake and you went around lying about us, lying about me. How pathetic your need to feel like a man. Did your friends, your new friends think more highly of you after regaling them with your fantasies? Well, I've got news for you, Ronald, all you have done is prove to me how little you really cared. How little you valued our friendship and just how much of a little boy you really are."
Ron was visibly shaken by her outburst. He had expected her to find out sooner or later but he thought she would get mad and yell at him in private. Ron knew she had wanted or needed a small reputation and for some reasoning having one with him helped. It never occurred to him to ask or even wonder why. So, now he was surprised because she didn't seem to care anymore, 'Or maybe I just went too far,' he thought. Ron looked around and found Harry staring daggers at him and right then, Ron decided he didn't care and he was going to salvage this as best he could, after all, he had a reputation to uphold.
Ron stood up so quickly the chair he had been sitting on flew back into the wall. Harry and Neville both jumped up ready to intervene if necessary. But so far it appeared their help wasn't needed.
The sound of all the commotion and yelling had brought more students out of their rooms to see what was going on. Finding Ron and Hermione at each other's throats ensured they weren't going anywhere until the show was over.
Hermione had her wand drawn and was pointing it straight at Ron's face, "Do it, Ron, give me an excuse and we'll see just how good Madam Pomfrey really is." Hermione's voice was cold and left no doubt in anyone's mind she meant every word. The fact that the tip of her wand was glowing was another dead give-away.
The whole room was still as the midnight's air, not daring to breathe as they waited and watched. The twins were on the far side of the room and both were sure that at any moment if Hermione didn't hex Ron, Harry would and neither had any intentions of stopping them.
Slowly and cautiously, Ron bent over the table mimicking Hermione's stance and in a slow sickly sweet-toned voice said, "You're one to talk Hermione… disgusting, lying... you'd know all about that wouldn't you? As for being my girlfriend, were you, were you ever really… I don't think so.
'So, he knew.' Hermione surmised.
"Just what kind of game were you playing at, Herms? Or… are we still playing it?"
"Game? You think this is some kind of game?" Hermione growled while glaring at Ron.
"Yeah, pretty much," he smirked while slowly standing to his full height. "At least it sure seemed that way to me, judging by the way you were acting."
Harry was paying close attention now. As much as he wanted to throttle Ron, he also wanted to hear Hermione's response.
"You idiot," Hermione said with a sad laugh wiping the smirk off Ron's face. "If you thought this was some sort of a game, why didn't you say something?"
"Why? I was having fun," Ron said seriously.
Harry had pretty much had enough and was getting ready to step in.
"You arrogant self-centered git. I needed your help. I needed you to understand, but most of all, I needed you to be my friend… And you took advantage of the situation and treated me like dirt," Hermione's voice had dropped from yelling to a softer tone as she lowered her wand and slowly looked down at the table.
For a moment Ron was taken back by her words. Again he looked around but this time all he saw was disapproving faces. He was wrong and he knew it but for some reason, he couldn't admit it to himself. He just couldn't let it go and his anger grew until it got the better of him. His other friends used the term quite often and he himself had used it a few time trying to fit in. So, before he knew it, he said the most idiotic thing he'd ever said in his life, "No… I treated you like a Mudblood."
A collective gasp was heard from almost everyone in the room. Hermione's head snapped back up with disbelief and hurt in her eyes. Harry, beyond angry broke free from Neville's grip and started toward Ron.
'Merlin, what have I done?' were Ron's last thoughts before he fell to the floor unconscious. Hermione's stunner had hit him square in the chest.
The tip of her wand was still glowing and another curse was on the tip of her tongue. Calming just a little, she took two steps closer and looked down at the red-headed boy she used to call a friend. "And… don't EVER call me Herms again," Hermione said in a voice full of barely contained emotion. Harry made to reach for her but she pinned him with a look that clearly said, 'Stay back.'
No one dared to move or even speak as Hermione stood there staring down at Ron. When tears began to run down her face, she turned without a word and headed for the stairs. Stopping at the bottom, she took one last look at Ron and then Harry before turning back and hurrying up to her room.
Harry watched her climb the stairs while his mind replayed the conversation in his head. Had Hermione been lying to Ron? If so, about what; being his girlfriend, wanting to be, or was it something else? And what kind of help did she need and why from him? There was definitely something going on but Harry still wasn't sure what or why. Harry then turned and glanced at the still prone Ron and noticed that so far, nobody had bothered to help him. He knew he'd be having more than just words with Ron later and so figured it was a good thing Ron was still down, otherwise, he'd be tempted to use more than a stunner on him.
McGonagall had watched pretty much the whole event from the shadows after being alerted to the situation. She had heard the stories Mr. Weasley had been telling about Miss Granger, but knew them to be the lies they were. She also knew it was only a matter of time before either Mr. Potter or Miss Granger found out and put a stop to it. In this case, she was glad it was Hermione who had dealt with Ron, knowing she'd show far more restraint than Harry would. She had watched from her office window on several occasions as Hermione taught a few of her fellow witches self-defense out on the open grounds. It had always been aggressive but with tempered control.
She would have put a stop to the stories herself but had been told not to intervene. McGonagall couldn't help but feel she'd failed Hermione terribly and vowed that next time, if there was a next time, she'd take action regardless of what the Headmaster ordered. As she watched Hermione climb the stairs, the stern witch wiped a lone tear from her cheek and shook her head. There'd be no house points taken or detentions given for what Hermione had done… she'd already paid more than enough.
~oOoOo~
By lunch the next day most of the school had heard about what had happened the night before in the Gryffindor common room. For the most part, the school seemed to be split as to whom they believed. Although it seemed that most of the girls believed Hermione.
Marietta Edgecombe had hated Hermione for about as long as she could remember. Marietta hated her because she was a Gryffindor, because she got better grades, and most of all because she was a Muggle-born. Now she also hated Hermione because after all the notoriously bad rumors about her, people were starting to believe they weren't true. Marietta really wanted to believe that Hermione was a worthless slag, it made her feel she'd been right all along about her and therefore she felt better about herself.
"I don't care what's true, I'm going to teach that know-it-all bint a lesson," Marietta growled. She and another Ravenclaw girl waited to ambush Hermione as she made her way through the dungeons towards the potions classroom.
Hermione noticed the two girls leering at her as she passed, 'Seems they don't believe the news or the least don't like it,' Hermione thought, 'well, I really don't care.' Her thoughts were broken when she heard the hex spoken quickly and quietly. Hermione grabbed her wand and tried to duck.
"Furnunculus."
Hermione wasn't fast enough and she knew it. They were too close and her back was turned, so she braced herself waiting for it to hit.
It all happened in a split second, the spell had been cast at her from only a few feet away. Then, just before it hit there was a brilliant blue flash and the spell rebounded back hitting Marietta right in the face.
Marietta let out a startled scream as her friend stared in disbelief.
Hermione didn't waste any time trying to figure out what had happened and took advantage of the confusion to make a hasty escape around the corner. Just as she was approaching the potions class she heard some more screaming, it sounded like both of them this time. She paused for a moment, then with a shrug of her shoulders she continued on into the classroom and sat down, her last thought before getting her book out was, 'Don't know, don't care.'
Harry was already in class when Hermione came in. He looked up and noticed she was a little winded, 'Hmm, doesn't look worried, must have thought she was late.' Harry went back to getting ready, he would have thought about it some more, but he wanted to get started so he could leave as soon as possible. Last night, after the big breakup between Hermione and Ron, Harry stayed only long enough to see what would happen to Ron and what he might do. After the twins invigorated him, Ginny started in on him. She chastised him for being so cold, cruel, and calloused and promised a letter home. Ron didn't even try to argue, he just retreated to the safety of the boy's dorm to getaway. With all his work done for the evening, Harry ended up going to bed soon after that. Unfortunately, for Harry, he had one of his worst nightmares yet. So, because of the lack of sleep all he wanted was for the class to end. He was just waiting to leave so he could try and see Professor Dumbledore again before maybe taking a quick kip.
It was the last Friday before O.W.L.s as Professor Snape marched into class. "No doubt some you will do better than others," Snape said in his normal condescending tone. Looking around the class he added, "Those who feel confident enough may leave early. The rest of you should avail yourself with this opportunity to ask questions so as to clear up any misunderstandings."
Harry quickly started putting his things away and got up to leave.
"Potter, first to leave… you must really think quite highly of yourself."
"No, Sir. Actually, I would like to stay but unfortunately, I also need to try and see the Headmaster." Snape quirked a brow in question. "Oh it's not about potions, Sir, it's… a personal problem."
"Isn't it always… very well, Potter, do try to remember our headmaster is very busy."
~oOoOo~
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AN: * "Cry Havoc! and let slip the dogs of war." Is from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. It is a phrase spoken by Mark Antony in Act 3, Scene 1.
One proposed meaning is that, "the dogs of war" refers figuratively to the wild pack of soldiers. "let slip" by war's breakdown of civilized behavior and/or their commanders' orders "Cry" to wreak "havoc", i.e., rape, pillage, plunder, and murder.
It's a great line and has been used many times by many people… so naturally, I couldn't resist using it myself.
AN2: Two things that appear to need clarifying.
1) Hermione never actually sleep with Seamus!
2) Dumbledore's compulsion charm doesn't control Hermione, it doesn't make her
do anything specific. It compels her to believe what he tells her is true and to
stop questioning him and the prophecy.
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