Title: Human

Author: Metis' mischief

Summary: Harry Potter's life changed drastically, turning around 160 degrees completely. In an accident, he turned into a creature of the dark, feared by all. When the temptation for the call of the blood and flesh becomes too much for Harry. He becomes desperate and seeks help but many of his friends and colleagues turned away from terror and disgust. True bonds are revealed. Friendships are tested. Draco Malfoy, an old enemy, unexpectedly, becomes the light of Harry's dark world.

Disclaimer: This scripture was based from the characters and scenes from the astonishing novels: Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling, and as an aspiring writer, I have no rights and claims to these fantastic novels but I dare say, what I only own are the ideas in this tale: HUMAN

Author's notes: This tale focus on the darker aspect of life, such as blood, flesh, temptation, betrayal, hatred, and revenge along with it is hope and love. You have been warned!

Message: Thank you for waiting...Let's get on with.

From the previous chapter:

"Granger, you should sit down before you fall asleep on your feet." Malfoy quietly spoke from the doorway, as he stood there observing her and Harry.

"What?" I dumbfounded uttered. Then I realized that my legs were shaking and Harry was already laid on a white soft-looking couch.

'Oh, we're safe.'

That's the last thought in my mind as darkness invaded and I heard Malfoy's shouts as I fell asleep.

End of the previous chapter.

Chapter 16: The Slytherin and The Gryffindor

(Hermoine's POV)

The heaviness on my head and the ache at my legs are the first things that greeted me, as soon as I woke from my slumber. I slowly sat from where I had laid and brought my hand to massage my throbbing temples. It's a good thing, the bed was soft, which helps me to have a good sleep. I sighed as I let my other hand, appreciate the soft fabric of the mattress.

Wait a minute. A bed!

My eyes snap open as I turned around to assess my present situation. I was sitting on a sky blue queen size bed and underneath my feet was a velvet soft carpet that caresses my skin. The whole room was a mixture of shades and colors of light blue, creams, and hits of white. A balcony with curtains, draping over the windows and glass door.

An unfamiliar room. I try to search through my memory for any clue to where I was. For the moment, I was safe but panic started to erupt in my chest as an urgent question pop out from my head.

'Where was Harry? Was he safe?'

Then, unexpectedly, a knock comes from the door, which eventually snapped me from my worrying. As the door open, Malfoy steps in as he looks up to me.

"I see that you are awake, Granger." He spoke with a hint of surprise and sharp tone.

As soon as I saw his face, memories started to flood in and I remembered what happened. Seeing my confused state, Malfoy patiently waited for me to caught up. An act that I appreciate, especially, coming from him. As flashes of memories start to overflow and almost overpower me, Malfoy slowly made his way towards me. Then, surprisingly, he places his now healed hand over my forehead.

A surprised look appeared from his face.

"I guess even Gryffindors do get sick, too." He spoke after a while with his arrogant tone.

I laughed in a delirious state. Imagine, a pureblood, a bully and a Slytherin is now taking care of a Muggle-born, a lowborn and a Gryffindor. Ron will have a fit if he knew. Sadness crept in as I remember him.

Raising his eyebrow at me, he grumbled. "Maybe, your fever had really wrecked you up, Granger."

He looks at me as if I was not sick of fever but instead, I have become mental from all the things that had to happen to me.

"Oh, shut up, Malfoy" I retorted in an annoyed tone. Then, a sharp pain erupted on the top of my head. "Ow!"

Sighing heavily, Malfoy pushed me back on the bed, gently; trying to make me, laid down.

"What?!" I, ghastly, asked. I am not used to this new Malfoy.

"Stop being stubborn, Granger." He said as he rolled his eyes at me. "Rest. One, dead last and troublesome brat is enough. I don't need another Gryffindor to drop dead on me."

I obediently laid down on to the bed. Still unbelieving of the events unfolding in front of me, I slowly slip into a dream state as I saw him leave the room.

"Granger, wake up!" a loud and annoying voice called out. "Do I have to say 'please' just to wake you up?"

Blinking into awareness, I slowly sat up. What greeted me was a jaw-dropping scene - The Draco Malfoy, carrying a tray of food. Wow! I knew it! The world is really coming to an end.

"Close your mouth, Granger! It's very un-ladylike," he grumbled as he saw my face. "Here -" He places the tray on the bed beside me."- eat and take this-" He spoke as he drops a vial at my lap. "Don't worry it's not poison. It is Pain relief potion."

Just as fast as he came, he left, immediately.

Still, in dazed, I look at the tray - a bowl of porridge and a glass of milk and I look at the vial at my lap, I smiled. Would you look at that! Who might have guessed that there was a cute side on Malfoy?

I took the tray and put it over my lap, the warmth radiating from the food, could be felt from the metal tray. I started to scoop the porridge and tasted it. It was warm and delicious.

After finishing the porridge and drinking the potion, I decided to go down to deliver the used plate, utensils and glass. Upon exiting the said room that I was staying, I found myself walking along a beautiful hallway with high ceilings, floors and walls made up of white wood. The walls were decorated by paintings of different sceneries of nature - varying from mountains to ocean shores, every and each individual piece were wonderful and majestic but also mysterious. Some corners have pieces of furniture with the same color scheme as the room that I was staying - pale, light and cream. After a while, I came upon a stair that leads down and I took it. Reaching the bottom, I find myself again admiring what seems to be the living room - simple but elegant - the very first room that I saw before I pass out.

"What do the Young Miss needs?" A small voice asked out from no-where.

Snapping me from my day-dreaming, I searched for the source of the voice. There from the far corner of the room, a female house-elf stood. A flash of anger blooms in me as soon as I saw the little creature.

'Poor creature. Malfoy making this house-elf serve me. Doesn't he know that I was campaigning for the rights of the hous-elves?! When I see him, I tell will him a piece of what's in my mind. Even he did save us!'

"I'm okay. Just tell me where the kitchen is." I said, smiling to the house-elf.

"Ah! Young Miss wants to bring those to the kitchen?" The She-elf asked in her tiny voice.

"Yes, please," I answered, gently.

"Okay, please follow me." She said as she leads the way.

As I was following her, I realize the she-elf was wearing a cute blue dress that surprises me to no end. Usually, house elves are dressed in rags - the best example that I could think of is Dobby, who was also was once a house elf serving the Malfoys but now, a free elf.

Following the little creature to the kitchen, what I saw there gave me an illusion that I might have been dreaming after all. Freaking Draco Malfoy was actually cooking while his house elf was there! Malfoy must have heard as he turns to us and saw my ridiculous expression, choosing to ignore me - he called out. "Tiffany, help me. Start the oven would you?"

"Yes, Master Draco." The she-elf happily hop towards him.

"But before that, Tiffany please take the things from Granger. She might drop it from shock." He said in an annoyed tone as he took a glimpse at me. "And Granger, pick up your jaw, would you?! This is becoming a habit of yours."

Flabberghasted, I kept on staring at him even Tiffany, the she-elf took the tray from me and have been giggling non-stop at my antics.

After a good minute, I finally come in terms with my inner struggle that this is really happening. I slowly took out a chair from the dining set and sat in an abandoned way as the chair creak from the forceful way, I sat down. Hearing the creak, I could hear Malfoy grumbled, quietly.

After putting the pie in the oven, he took a step back as if admiring his work then also sat down in one of the chairs, opposite to me.

"So, what questions that you might have for me, Granger?" He asked as he arranged himself then made a cue at Tiffany to get him some tea.

I stumbled as I don't know what to say maybe from too much shock that was in my system or I just didn't know where to start.

Malfoy silently waited for me as Tiffany served him tea.

"I..." I began but couldn't continue.

Inhaling and exhaling deeply, Malfoy took another cup of tea then push it towards me. "Tea, Granger?!" he offered. "For the nerves."

I stared at the steam from the cup of tea then eventually took a hold of it, with both of my hands. It took me for a while but the first question that came out from me was - where was Harry?

"Hmm...resting in one of the rooms." He answered slowly in a relaxing manner which helps me release the tension in my shoulders that I didn't know I had.

"Was he alright?" I asked, timidly.

"Yes, he is." Malfoy muttered as he took another sip of his tea."Just malnourish."

"Malnourish?" That answer made me rise from sit. "What do you malnourish?"

Eying for a good measure, he started to swirl the content of his cup in a rhythmic manner, I can see a calculating eye.

"Granger, what do you think is the creature that Potter has become?" He finally inquires me.

I swallowed painfully as my throat dried up from this unexpected intense questioning. The fact that I absolutely have no idea is also painfully.

Hanging my head in defeat, I finally uttered. "No."

"I see." He spoke in a more sympathetic manner.

The silence that was between us except for the small tinkering sound of Tiffany, then finally, Malfoy let out a single sigh.

"I might have an idea to what creature he had turned to. Judging from his behavior as well as the physical signs that he was showing but..." he stopped in the middle of his sentence.

"But?" I asked impatiently.

"I still need some proofs and of course your help for additional information in regards to what did exactly happen to him."

After thinking for some time, I finally come in terms. "Please, help us. Malfoy"

"Let me think about it." He answered.

"Malfoy-"I try to argue but was cut short as he raises his hand towards me.

"Granger, this is my decision and I need time to think. Please do respect my opinion and my rights even though Slytherins and Gryffindors are not in good terms with each other," he said in a mature manner.

I nod, understandingly.

"For now, I need my breakfast," he said.

On the second day of Harry's seemingly coma state, I began to worry as there were no signs of him waking but Malfoy has a different option.

"He needs strength, Granger. After rampaging like and his very first-time real meal, his body is adjusting." He said confidently with a book in his hand as he sat on the lounge of his living room.

"How do you know?" I asked, harshly.

"Let's just say, I have some experience and theories." He flipped a page and took a sip from his coffee.

"Experience? Theories?" I doubted him. How can anyone have the same problem as Harry?

"Stop doubting me. Let's say. Some of the pureblood families have creature blood - like the Bulstrodes are said to have giant's blood that can be seen with their physical attributes or the Zabinis are rumored to have sirens' blood that is associated to their allure. So, I know things, Granger." He stated nonchalantly.

Every word he drops made my eyes grow bigger, this is a revelation but doesn't seem to be bothering him that he is telling these all to a muggle-born.

"Are sure you can tell me all of these things, Malfoy?" I asked seriously.

He smirked at me. "Why, Granger. Even if I did, Do you have proof even if it might all be true?"

I roll my eyes. A Malfoy is still a Malfoy. A Slytherin is still Slytherin. And he is both of those.

"How about your family? From what creatures did you came from?" I asked sarcastically, a trait that I got from him in the two days of my stay in his presence.

"Why, Granger! Do you have to ask? That would be the ancient Dragons and the Great snakes." He guffawed mockingly.

"Narcissistic brat," I uttered.

Waiting for him to stop his hysterical moment, I stared at him, annoyingly. Then, he stops as he wipes the tears from his eyes from too much laughing.

"Ah..., that was fun." He snickered at me. "Right, Tiffany?" He asked his elf as he turns his cup towards it and Tiffany dutifully refills the cup. "Yes, Master. Young miss Granger is funny." It said happily as it giggled, innocently. But I won't be fooled of that naive act and face.

In past days, I found out that Tiffany, was the personal elf of Malfoy and it was also bonded to him. A relationship between master and servant. At first, I was appalled by the said relationship and reprimanded Malfoy for making this poor creature force bonded to him - which eventually back-fired at me as it was really Tiffany, who ask for the bond contract and who was the one, who brutally informed me about it. Adding that she sarcastically called me - Know it all Miss, when Malfoy is not around. I also found out that they seem to be innocent and smiling Tiffany is more sarcastic than her master.

A frown appeared on my face as I remember and learned to never to judge by the appearance of any creature, be it a human or an elf.

A lesson to keep.

"So, do tell of these - experience and theories," I said as I gritted my teeth together as I tried to lessen my irritation.

"I have some ideas of what creatures, Potter may have become in my list but I still do need some information to confirm my theories. I was hoping, that you would provide me those as the only best friend and confidant of Potter."

Grimace started to invade my face as I heard his words. "You forgot Ron, Malfoy. He is still Harry's best friend and Ginny, who is his girlfriend. Also, there are many more who are friends and who cares for Harry." I retorted.

"Really?" Malfoy's face had turned into a fake confused state before smiling and then he spoke in a sweet sickly fashion at me. " I glad for Potter. Really! I do. So, where are they?"

I couldn't mask the pained expression that had surfaced from my face as I was also attacked with remorse and sadness as I remember the way - Ginny, Ron and everybody's reaction to Harry transformation. I couldn't defend them to Malfoy's accusation for I know to well that they did push Harry away.

"I am not an idiot, Granger. Please do be reminded of that. You might be the most intelligent witch in our year but I am the most cunning wizard of our batch." He spoke in a smug manner as he arrogantly eyed me. "I know Potter was turned away from Hogwarts. If not, why do the two of you have been hiding in the forest away from Harry Potte' s-called friends and protectors?"

I turned away from him, denial swirl in my chest as it gripped my heart.

Sighing heavily, he took his coffee sipping silently before speaking again. "Granger, some people are a strong believer of light and dark. For them, there is no space for gray. If you are evil then you're only evil. If you are good, for them, you are only good. There is no neutral. For them, there is only black and white. Do you get what I mean, Granger? That is the philosophy of the society that we are living with, today."

"But that is not-" I began but was cut-off by Malfoy.

"Not fair?" He asked in gruff voice then laughed in a cold and unhappy tone. "When does our world had the complete concept of justice and fairness? Did you not know that you also belong in that particular group - the light."

"What are talking about?!" I barked in anger as I was accused by Malfoy.

"You say that the house-elves are mistreated unfairly." He spoke calmly.

"And I am!" I said confidently. "Just look at how they treated by the wizarding families."

"There is some truth to what you speak but do you know that you are also robbing them of something else when you asked for their freedom?" He spoke in a gentle manner but his eyes tell me of something else as he glare at me.

"What?" I utter in confusion. "Rob of what?"

"The reason of living and the source of their power." He said. "House-elves have been in slavery for too long, Granger. As you are trying to change the whole reason for their existence and the rules of their society. It is a vast and heavy blow in their history and the way of their living. What do you expect for them to do after attaining their freedom when they don't know where to go or what to do after being put out on the streets without any home, food, and, water? There are only a few who would hire a house-elf, Granger. Especially, in our today's and perspective view. Luckily, Dobby was put in the Hogwarts and that is only one, house-elf. What about the rest, Granger? Will you able to support them? Provide food, water, and shelter? Along with it, is their source power, which is very unknown by a lot. Especially those, who isn't a pureblood - that an ancestor house has a magic core which also provides power and vitality to the house-elves that serve the masters of the home. No home, no magic, and no power. So, basically, you are sending them to an early death, Granger."

I grow pale as he explains to me everything and dread grew within me. 'What have I done?'

"Your intention is good but the result will be devastating." He said seriously. "Your goal will cause death for the house-elves. Their extinction."

Shaking, I inhaled deeply and realize that my every encounter of the house-elves that I tried to save clearly fear it and I am angry with my ignorance and arrogance. Now, I know what was Malfoy was talking about. I was only seeing the light side, My own point of view.

"Thank you, Malfoy for enlightening me," I uttered after inhaling and exhaling as I come in terms of my arrogance and lack of knowledge.

"Always happy to correct you, Granger." He said finally, with a hint of teasing in his voice.

I raised an eyebrow at him. As his playful manner, erase the awkwardness and tension in the air.

"Hermoine," I said.

"What?" He blinked at me with genuine surprise.

"Call me Hermoine."

Grumbling for a bit before he replied. "Then, you may call me Draco, Hermoine."

"Yes. Thank you, Draco." I repeated as I smile at him.

"Your welcome, Hermoine." He spoke in an uncertain voice.

'Never judge a by appearance, what house they belong to or their manner of speaking. I guess a Gryffindor can also become friends with a Slytherin.' I thought as I stared at Draco's face.

Author's message: It would be a great pleasure and help if you would give a bit of advice or comment about this Chapter 16: The Slytherin and The Gryffindor. as a way of giving me support and a form of a guide in the improvement of this story. Stay tuned for the next update. That's all.

For now, adios