Snake Inside, Chapter 7

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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At dinner, all sorts of rumors were circulating about Draco's swollen lip. Maybe he had gotten into a fight. Maybe he bit it himself. Or maybe, someone else had. And everyone thought that the someone was Pansy. And she was basking in it. She wanted everyone to think that she had bitten Draco's lip in a mad fit of passion.

Hermione was disgusted. She was maybe even jealous, even though she would never admit it. There was no way she would give Pansy the satisfaction of making her jealous. Bitch. She hated that girl so much! It made her want to hit someone. And that confused her. She hardly ever wanted to inflict harm on others, but Draco had all these different thoughts and feelings rushing through her. It upset her and made her happy at the same time.

She felt eyes on her. She looked up to see Draco peering at her thoughtfully. Then she saw Pansy trying to get his attention.

Pansy was incredibly angry that all Draco could do was stare at Hermione. And she wanted everyone to know. She jumped up from her chair. "Dammit, Draco! Why can't you pay attention to me instead of that stupid Mudblood?"

She pointed at Hermione, and everyone turned to look at her.

Hermione turned bright red, obviously embarrassed. She stood up quickly and nearly bolted from the Great Hall, followed by cat-calls and barks.

She ran down the front hall, outside the castle, out into the dark. She ran to Hagrid's hut, knowing he wouldn't be there. He was at dinner, laughing and joking with Professor McGonagall. When she burst into the tiny hut, she flopped down onto the floor. Her eyes welled up, glassing over, but she started laughing hysterically.

When the soft knock came on the door, she froze. She stood up calmly and opened the door, expecting Ron and Harry, even Hagrid or Ginny. But the eyes she was met by... Draco Malfoy stood at the door, his eyebrow arched, his head cocked, his body language saying nothing but arrogance.

"What, Malfoy? What are you staring at? Have you come to laugh at the fact that your little girlfriend embarrassed me in front of the whole school? Come to rub salt in the already throbbing wound?"

"Well, actually, Granger, I came to see if you were alright. After all, Potter and Weasley weren't exactly coming to your rescue."

"I don't need anyone to come to my rescue! I can do fine on my own."

"That's your problem, Hermione." Draco said, flopping down onto Hagrid's over-sized bed. "You take the weight of the whole bloody world and place it on your shoulders. You don't let anyone take care of you."

"So we're on a first name basis? Oh, and I don't need someone to take care of me."

"I think you do."

"What do you know? You're just a spoiled, rich snob who has everything because Daddy can give it."

"You listen, Granger. My father has nothing to do with this. And if you ever bring him up again, I'll beat some sense into you."

"Judging from the mark on your lip, Malfoy, you probably would lose."

"Care to try again, Hermione?" he sneered, emphasizing her name.

This game is going to get out of control, she thought. But if it is, I might as well win. That bloody bastard.

She did the only thing she could think to do. She nearly flung herself at him. She kissed him, clawing his neck at the same time, drawing blood. He didn't notice. He was too busy kissing back and holding her head in his hands.

And it felt good.