"W-what?" she asked groggily, covering her yawn with a hand. She realized Snape was looking thunderously at her.
"Pay more attention to this class, Miss Granger," Snape told her curtly. His voice was low and dangerous, like the sinister hiss of a snake, and for a moment, Hermione thought he might draw his wand and curse her on the spot. Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment. She hated to be admonished in front of the class, most especially with Malfoy staring at her with those unnerving gray eyes of his.
Yes, Professor," she mumbled faintly.
"I'm warning you, Ms. Granger, if you don't pay more attention to this class you will be facing detention for a week," Snape warned her in his most menacing voice.
Hermione was only too grateful when the bell finally rang. Yawning, she walked sluggishly towards the door.
Ron glanced sideways at her. "What are you up to, Hermione?"
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He raised his eyebrows. "You tell me."
She didn't answer. They just continued walking along the corridor.
"You're always tired and irritable," he complained in a sulky voice.
"Honestly, Hermione, do you really think we wouldn't notice?" Harry looked at her with reproach.
She frowned, biting her upper lip. She couldn't very well tell them that she's been having sleepless nights over the past few weeks due to a certain Slytherin.
"Lavender said you only show up in the girls' dormitory past midnight." Ron gave her a disapproving look. "What exactly is going on?"
"Nothing is going on," Hermione snapped, bristling angrily. Several students passing by looked curiously at them. "Tell me, Ron, when you and Harry went off in the middle of the night, did I ever question you two?" In anger, she stomped off, leaving the two standing in the corridor still staring at her.
"What is wrong with her?" grumbled Ron.
Inside the girls' bathroom, Hermione splashed water to her face to cool her off. "I shouldn't have snapped at Ron," she sighed, feeling guilty. 'Hmm, I really need to get a good night sleep one of these days.' She studied her face in the cracked mirror, noting the dark circles that had formed under her eyes.'This is all Malfoy's fault,' she thought in irritation. "Damn Malfoy and his stupid kiss!" she cursed under her breath.
She took out her wand and pointed it beneath her eyes muttering a spell under her breath. Within three seconds, the dark circles have disappeared. "That's better," she said aloud.
"If you ask me, you still look like a hag."
She turned around, alarmed that someone was inside the bathroom as well. To her surprise, she saw a ghost, a girl around fifteen and has eyeglasses with a sour look on her face. "Oh. Hi, Myrtle." she said flatly.
"Great to see you too," the ghost said sarcastically. She sniffed loudly, looking even more sour-faced by the minute.
Hermione was about to make some kind of a retort when the door swung open, and two first years entered the bathroom, giggling loudly.
"We have to hurry," said the dimpled blonde to her dark-haired companion. "The game will start in twenty minutes."
"I know," the dark-haired girl responded with a giggle, before going inside the first cubicle. "I can't wait to see Harry Potter catch the snitch!"
Hermione's eyes widened, she had completely forgotten about the Quidditch game. "Bye, see you later," she said to Myrtle as she headed out the bathroom.
"They always say, "See you later", but they never come back. Just like Harry." Myrtle sniffed loudly and continued with her moaning.
Hermione rushed to the Quidditch field, and the first person she saw was Harry, waving at her. Smiling, she waved back as she weaved her way to the bleachers. She felt her stomach lurch when she realized she had to pass the spot where the Slytherins were seated. As she walked past them, she saw Pansy Parkinson waving a banner which read, 'Slytherin Rules.' Hermione kept her face straight as she went past the Slytherins. 'Only in your dreams,' she thought in amusement, but the laughter died down her throat when she laid eyes on him. He was talking to the Slytherin Team Captain.
She caught her breath when she saw him looking at her too; his face inscrutable. With her heart pounding crazily, she turned away and headed to the Gryffindor section, but stopped in her tracks when she saw Ron. He was sitting next to Seamus and Dean. Guilt washed over her at the way she treated him earlier that she immediately backed a few steps. She looked around and spied Neville sitting alone. On impulse, she decided to sit next to him.
"Hi, Neville." Hermione smiled at Neville, who seemed very surprised.
"H-h-hi!" His voice squeaked loudly.
The game finally started, but after barely ten minutes, Hermione started yawning. An idea suddenly came to her. She turned away as if there was something in her eye, took out her wand, and pointed it to her eyes. The spell she had cast would make her eyes remain open even if she was already fast asleep. 'That will fix it!' she thought happily. Two minutes later, she was fast asleep. Her head started nodding and leaned on Neville's shoulder.
Upon seeing her leaning on his shoulder, a blushing Neville awkwardly placed an arm around her. He looked around and saw Ron gaping at them, while Dean and Seamus were looking at him speculatively.
The game was Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and the battle for the Snitch was ongoing. Malcolm Baddock hit the first Bludger and it came pelting towards Seamus Finnigan. Finnigan was veered off course to avoid it. Gryffindor Beater, Dean Thomas, quickly whacked the offending Bludger towards Draco, who was flying nearby.
Draco, who was looking elsewhere, turned around just in time to see the Bludger. Using all his strength, he whacked the Bludger straight towards Harry, who was floating a few feet away.
Dean zoomed and hit the Bludger away from Harry with such a force that it spiraled towards the crowd. The Bludger shot towards the spot where Neville and Hermione were seated.
Somebody shrieked out loud, then all hell broke loose. All of them scampered out of harm's way.
Neville quickly jumped out of the way and scampered to safety. Hesuddenly remembered something and looked back. Hermione was still lying in the empty bleacher. He shouted, "Hermione, look out!" Neville tried to reach her but it was too late.
A loud crash was heard followed by a crack and a sickening thud.
Neville who had shut his eyes, slowly opened them to take a look.
Harry, Ron, Neville and practically everyone closed in on the spot where Hermione was lying.
She had already passed out by the force of collision but because of the spell, her eyes remained open and it made her look like she was dead.
"Oh, my god! Is she dead?" shrieked Parvati in a terrified voice.
Hermione wasn't alone, someone was lying on top of her.
"Who was that?" asked Neville pointing a shaky finger.
Ron came forward and turned the person to see who it was. Everyone gasped in surprise. It was an unconscious and ghostly pale Draco Malfoy. Blood oozed from the side of his head where the Bludger had hit him.
After announcing that the game was cancelled, Madam Hooch quickly conjured two stretchers and whisked away them to the Hospital Wing.
Madam Pomfrey was very surprised when theGryffindor Quidditch team, along with Madam Hoom, entered the Hospital Wing. "What happened?" she exclaimed.
"Hit by a Bludger, of all things," Madam Hooch said with a frown.
"Hit by a Bludger?" Madam Pomfrey glanced at Malfoy. "No surprises there," she said, "but Miss Granger doesn't play Quidditch. It's rather strange for her to be hit by one." She shook her head in disbelief. "Now that's one of the oddest things I've ever heard in my entire life."
Harry, Ron, Neville, and the rest of the Gryffindor team crowded around Hermione's bed.
"Is she dead?" asked Neville worriedly.
"No, she's alive," answered Madam Pomfrey. "Odd, her eyes . . ." Her voice trailed off as she studied the unconscious girl's glassy eyes. Pointing her wand at Hermione's eyes, she uttered, "Finite Incantatum!"
Everyone watched intently. Within a few minutes, Hermione's eyes lost its glazed look and her eyelids slowly closed. Madam Pomfrey shook her head, but there was a slight amused twitch in her lips. "These crazy kids, they never think first before putting themselves under a spell," she muttered disapprovingly. She faced Madam Hooch, saying, "They're going to be fine."
"All right, everyone go back to your common room," Madam Hooch instructed. "Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy need some rest."
After the group left with Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey treated Draco's injured head first, before attending to Hermione's sprained elbow.
It was past midnight when Draco awoke with a slight throbbing in his head. The room was quite dark. Disoriented, he felt strange waking up in a hospital bed. A minute passed before he started to remember everything that happened that day. The sound he heard made him quickly sit up and looked around him. He didn't have to guess, he immediately knew who was lying in the bed next to his. She was thrashing and moaning, apparently having a nightmare. He quickly went to her side and shook her shoulder gently, trying to wake her up. But she kept on trashing, whimpering softly. Having absolutely no idea how to calm her, he placed his arms around her and to his surprise, she finally became still; her head pressed against his chest. He stared at her sleeping form, wondering if he should call out to Madam Pomfrey or continue holding her. He stiffened when she began to stir in his arms, and breathed out a sigh of relief when she didn't wake up.
'Now what?'
It was around six in the morning when Hermione woke up. Her eyes flew open in surprise. It took her a few minutes before she realized where she was. She sat up and saw Draco Malfoy sleeping on the bed next to hers. Gingerly, she stood up and went to his bedside. Feeling curious, she leaned closer until his face was a mere inches away from her.She felt oddly fascinated by the arresting sight of him, sleeping peacefully. 'He looked so innocent in his sleep.' Her hand was about to reach out to touch a stray blond tendril when Draco stirred. Her hand froze and she quickly straightened up, looking around in panic. She gingerly sat down at the edge of the bed, a look of confusion in her face. 'All I remember was that I was in the field watching Quidditch. How did I end up here with him?' she thought dazedly.
Without any warning, Draco's hand suddenly snaked around her wrist, pulling her towards him. Caught by surprise, she fell on his chest.
"Had enough, Granger?" he asked, his face inches away from hers.
"Malfoy, let go of me!" Hermione said furiously. He didn't release his hold on her and simply stared at her. She tried to get up but he gripped her wrist so tightly, she was unable to. Draco tilted his face close to her until his lips was only inches away from hers. Her heart pounded wildly as she closed her eyes, knowing he was going to kiss her.
'Don't let him make a fool of you,' warned a little voice inside her head.
It jolted Hermione back to her senses. Opening her eyes, she quickly averted her face so that Draco's lips merely grazed her cheeks lightly. She slapped him hard on the face.
"How dare you," she said through gritted teeth. "You perverted, sick-"
"I don't remember you complaining last night, Granger," he said, cutting her in mid-sentence, an insolent smirk on his face. He pulled himself into a sitting position and leaned on the bed, with his arms above his head.
"What are you talking about?" she hissed, her face red with anger. She started to move away from the bed. "Leave me alone, you despicable, conceited-"
"You didn't seem to think so when I kissed you then," Draco retorted, an amused grin on his face. He crossed his arms over his chest. "You practically threw yourself at me."
"You prat!" she spat angrily. "I did not!" She raised her hand to slap him again but he caught her wrist.
"I only let you slap me once. That doesn't mean you can slap me anytime you want," he said quietly. His eyes flashed dangerously as he placed one hand on her chin as she glared at him angrily.
"Get your hands off me!" she said in a low angry voice.
"Why, because I'm not your precious Longbottom?" he said coldly.
Taken aback by his comment, she snapped back, "What are you talking about, Malfoy?"
"You were draped all over that pathetic loser during thematch, " Draco said snidely. "I had no idea that klutzy, bumbling fools were your type."
Hermione went white with rage. His insult on Neville was not to be taken lightly. "He's ten times better than you!" she said fiercely as she shot Draco a look of pure venom.
His eyes turned into hardened chips; he looked angry enough to throttle her. He stood up and went to stand near the window. Two agonizing minutes passed before he finally looked at her. Her heart nearly stopped when she realized how furious he was. "Who would like to touch a Mudblood like you anyway," he said, turning his back on her again.
Hermione felt as if he had struck her physically. Her eyes glistened with unshed angry tears. Minutes dragged on without a word spoken between them.
She was unaware that Draco had slowly turned to face her. He was about to say something when the door opened. Harry entered the room, followed by Neville and Ron.
"Hermione, are you alright?"
They stood next to her bedside, wearing the same worried expression on their faces.
"You gave us quite a scare," whispered Ron.
Smiling weakly, she blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. "I'm fine," she said, sounding slightly choked. She had never felt this glad to see her friends.
There was the sound of incoming footsteps. They turned around and saw Madam Pomfrey coming towards them.
"Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger are already fit to attend classes," Madam Pomfrey announced in her usual crisp tone. "You can all go back to your respective common room."
Hermione was only too glad to leave. She didn't spare a single glance at Draco's direction when she left the Hospital Wing with Harry, Ron, and Neville.
After a quick shower, she finally joined Harry and the rest for a quick breakfast. They were about to head to Charms class; when they saw Seamus and Dean, along with other students looking at a notice posted at the bulletin board. They went to take a closer look.
Attention: All students
Professor Flitwick will not be available forthree weeks.
Charms Class Schedule will be as follows:
Slytherin with Gryffindor 9 am to 10:30 am
Ravenclaw with Hufflepuff 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Temporary Instructor: Severus Snape
A collective groan could be heard among the Gryffindors.
"What's wrong with Flitwick?" Harry wondered aloud.
"His older sister'sgravely ill," said Dean. "I heard Flitwick telling McGonagall about it."
Ron, with a scowl on his face, grumbled, "Great, another class with Snape on it."
They quietly headed to Charms class. Just as expected, Snape had something planned for them.
"Another Dueling match!" Ron and Dean said in unison.
Hermione shook her head. The last time they had a dueling practice, they were under the instruction of the dim-witted Lockhart. No amount of arguing and disgruntled comments could sway Snape otherwise.
"Let's start with the duel," instructed Snape. He had the tables swept to the side for more space. He brought out a parchment, and read the name of the first pair. "Millicent Bulstrode and Lavender Brown."
Lavender let out a small groan. Millicent looked smug. The two threw curses at each other for a few minutes. Lavender seemed to get the upper hand with her agility and nimbleness, but Millicent suddenly hexed her with the tickling charm and Lavender fell on the floor laughing helplessly.
"Points for Slytherin," announced Snape.
A low groan erupted from the Gryffindor side, while the Slytherins cheered.
"Next, Hermione Granger and Pansy Parkinson," Snape called out loudly above the noise.
Hermione and Pansy circled each other like two fierce wildcats, eager to rip one's eyes out.
Pansy was the first one to attack, she conjured flames to appear on Hermione's robes. Hermione let out a small shriek, then uttered the Flame Freezing spell.
"You can do better than that," Hermione said, her eyes fixed intently on Pansy. Curses flew from both sides fast and furious. Hermione hit Pansy with the Jelly Leg curse.
Pansy screamed in rage, and pointed her wand towards Hermione's face then shouted, "Serpensortia!"
A large serpent appeared in front of Hermione. She let out a frightened gasp as she took a backward step. Quick as lightning, the large serpent wound around Hermione's squirming body, tightening around her. She yelled in pain, as she felt her backbone about to snap.
"Impedimenta!" several voices shouted at once. Harry was among those who quickly whipped out his wand. The serpent keeled over the floor with Hermione.
After the serpent went down, Harry slowly put down his wand down. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a visibly shaken Malfoy slipped his wand back into his robes. He blinked in disbelief.
Snape shouted, "Finite Incantatem!" and the serpent disappeared. He removed the Jelly Leg curse on Pansy, then looked strangely at her for a long stretch of time. Finally, he said, "Points to Slytherin."
But nobody cheered, they were all stunned by what just happened.Even the Slytherins looked shocked.
Snape turned his attention back to Hermione, who had remained lying on the floor. "You can stand up now, Ms. Granger," he said flatly.
Her face ashen, Hermione slowly stood up, her movement unsteady.
"All right, next pair, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Crabbe," Snape announced crisply, as if nothing happened.
Harry, who was nearest to Hermione, quickly moved to her side and guide her back to her seat. Frowning, he noticed Hermione gripping the edge of the table tightly, the knuckles of her hand were turning white. "Hermione?" he whispered to her ear. "Is something wrong?"
Sitting rigidly, Hermione didn't turn her head to look at Harry, but her face remained ashen. With a stricken voice, she whispered, "Harry, I can't see."
Harry was stunned. He waved his hand in front of her face. No response.
"Don't tell anyone," she said almost inaudibly.
"But-"
"Please, Harry," she begged almost tearfully.
Harry squeezed her hand. "Okay, but we'll take you to the Hospital Wing after class."
She nodded.
Ron came up from behind. "Hermione, are you okay?"
"Ron she-"
"I'm fine," Hermione forced a smile.
"Are you sure?" Ron sounded uncertain. When she nodded, he seemed relieved and quickly slipped back to his seat.
"Harry, tell me what's happening." Her voice was a mere whisper.
Harry's gaze collided with Snape's. "Right now, Snape's looking at us."
Her face still pale, Hermione straightened her shoulder and looked straight ahead. "Okay, what's going on, is he still staring?"
"Yes. And Dean seems to be winning," Harry murmured.
Snape was still staring at them when he announced, ""Points to Gryffindor." As Dean Thomas smugly walked back to his seat, Snape barked. "Next! Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Goyle."
When Neville didn't stand up Snape gave him a quelling look. "Well, Mr. Longbottom, we're all waiting,"
Very slowly, Neville finally stood up.
"You're going to scream just like your Mudblood girlfriend," grunted Goyle nastily.
Neville's round face contorted with fury. "Don't you ever call her that!" And before Goyle could do anything, he shouted the first spell that came into his mind. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
To everyone's utter disbelief, Goyle floated precariously towards the ceiling and bumped his head so hard, a loud crack could be heard.
Neville, blinded with rage, uttered the hurling spell. Goyle slammed towards the wall with such force that he dropped on the floor unconscious. Only then, did Neville put his wand back inside his robe and sat down.
"Blimey," Dean mouthed, clearly impressed.
Neville didn't make a reply but was breathing heavily. He still looked very angry.
Surprisingly, Snape didn't say a word. He revived Goyle then calmly announced the points for Gryffindor.
Only Dean and Seamus applauded; the rest of the class were far too surprised. Parvati and Lavender stared at Neville with admiration while the Slytherins looked stunned that Neville managed to beat the gorilla-like Goyle in less than two minutes.
"Did you see whatLongbottom just did to Goyle?" Crabbe spluttered nervously to Draco. He waited expectantly for Draco to say something but the silver-haired boy had other things in his mind. Such as why Potter was holding Granger's right hand tightly.
To be continued!