Snake Inside, Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or places mentioned in this story or in the Harry Potter series itself. Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling. Don't sue.

Author's note: Hermione/Draco. Don't like? Don't read. It's that simple. Don't read just to flame. That's just stupid. Don't flame, period. Constructive Criticism, people. It helps make the world go 'round.

Rating: R
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"Where's Hermione?" Ron frantically asked everyone he could find. She hadn't come back after talking to Harry. Ron's mothering instinct kicked in. He didn't want her to do anything stupid that everyone would regret.

Harry shrugged his shoulders in his friend's direction. He felt bad, but he had told her the truth. That's all that mattered.

Ron's shoulders slumped and his head dropped. It was
impossible to find Hermione in this huge school. There were so many possibilities.

"Looking for this?" a large voice said cheerfully, as the portrait swung open. It was Hagrid, carrying a shivering, sleeping Hermione in his arms.

Ron dashed forward and wrapped his arms around Hagrid's larger arm, in a sort of hug. "Where was she, Hagrid?"

"She was outside, under a tree. Shiverin' to death. Poor thing."

Ron took her and carried her upstairs to the girls'
dormitory, wobbling and teetering with every step.

"He was worried sick." Harry mumbled. "Thank you, Hagrid."

"It was my pleasure, 'Arry. Keep an eye on 'er." he turned and left, letting the portrait hole close back up.

When Ron came back down, his face was flushed bright red. "She's heavier than she looks. I tucked her in, with extra blankets and pillows. She woke up and then fell right back to sleep."

"Ron. Hurry up! You, too, Harry. We need to get to breakfast. I'm starved!" Seamus Finnigan said, patting his stomach. "I need my energy!"

They nodded him and followed, one thinking of Hermione, and the other two thinking of how hungry they were.