"Your assignment for our next meeting," Snape said curtly. "List about fifty curses and their counter-attacks on five rolls of parchment."
"Five rolls!" Ron exclaimed.
The professor turned his cold glare on Ron. "Is there a problem, Mr. Weasley?" Snape demanded. "Would you rather make it six?"
Ron scowled as several students gasped sharply.
"Five is fine," Ron grumbled.
"Good," Snape declared. He left the classroom in a huff.
Hermione slowly stood up. Harry quickly took hold of her arm to steady her. "Don't you have Quidditch practice today?" she asked as she gratefully took his arm for support.
"It can wait," Harry responded in a low voice.
"What rotten luck," Ron grumbled, "They had to choose Snape as a replacement for Flitwick." Shaking his head in disgust, he shuffled towards Harry and Hermione. He stopped grumbling the moment he noticed how close Hermione was leaning against Harry. He looked at them strangely. "What is going on?"
Both Harry and Hermione didn't answer, they kept on walking while a confused-looking Ron trailed behind them. It was only when they were in the middle of an empty corridor did Harry started speaking.
"Hermione can't see," he finally told Ron.
"What?" Ron exclaimed. He looked at them in disbelief. Then anger crossed his face. "When do you intend to tell me? After a week," he said sarcastically.
"Sorry." Harry threw him an apologetic glance.
"Ron don't blame Harry," Hermione said quickly. "I asked him not say anything inside the classroom."
"You really can't see?" he asked weakly.
"I'm afraid so." Hermione tried to sound as casual as she could. "I'm sure Madam Pomfrey could easily fix it."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Ron sounded hurt; Hermione couldn't blame him. But before she could respond, he suddenly exclaimed, "Pansy must have hexed you with a Blinding Curse!" He quickly turned on his heel. "Wait till I get my hands on her-"
Harry yanked him by the arm. "Ron, let it go."
"But, Harry," Ron protested. "Look what's happened to Hermione."
"Ron, please," Hermione pleaded quietly. "I'm sure this is just temporary. I'll probably be fine in an hour or so."
"If you say so, Hermione," he said reluctantly. Frowning, Ron took hold of her free arm and along with Harry, led her to the hospital wing. "You'd better be right, or else, Pansy will be vomiting slugs for a week."
------------------------------
When Draco stood up, he was confronted by the person he least expected, Pansy Parkinson. He didn't even glance at her ashe stepped out of the room. Not used to being ignored, Pansy matched his stride, and walked briskly along his side. When they reached the end of the corridor, Draco gave an impatient sound and stopped abruptly, turning to face her. "What is it, Pansy?"
"You know." She cast him a suspicious look.
"I don't have time to make stupid guesses." He started walking again. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I saw you with your wands out," Pansy retorted, her tone insistent. "You stunned the snake first."
Draco shrugged, like it was nothing out of ordinary.
"Draco, she's a Mudblood." Pansy's voice rose at that point.
Draco stared at her blankly.
"You're supposed to help me not her!" Pansy looked at him incredulously.
Draco looked at her coldly. "That snake could have hurt someone and you know it. (Pansy flushed guiltily) "If you have nothing else to say, I have an Arithmancy Class to attend to." He turned on his heels and left Pansy gaping at him.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head for the second time asshe checked Hermione's eye condition. She had laid out several vials on the bedside table. She took the first vial and tried a few drops on Hermione's eyes. Nothing happened.
"Well?" Harry asked nervously.
They watched as Madam Pomfrey tried different sorts of potions, without any success.
"There's nothing wrong with her eyes," Madam Pomfrey said without hesitation. "For the life of me, I have no idea why she can't see at all." She looked down at Hermione, giving her arm a gentle pat. "I'm afraid, dear, you have to stay here until we can find the right potion to help you regain your vision."
Hermione bit her lip, trying not to appear too worried for Harry and Ron's sake. She heard Madam Pomfrey leaving in a hurry towards her office. She turned her attention to Ron and Harry, who were standing close to her bedside.
"Harry, don't you have Quidditch practice?" she asked quietly. "You too, Ron."
"Someone has to stay here with you," Harry told her quietly.
"Harry's right," Ron added quickly.
"I'll be perfectly fine here," she insisted to them. "I'm sure Madam Pomfrey's going to check on me every few minutes."
"But, Hermione," Harry and Ron started protesting.
She gave them a reassuring smile. "I'll be okay, really."
"We're staying," Harry said stolidly. "Nothing you could say could change our decision."
"Harry, you and Ron have to practice Quidditch," Hermione told them adamantly.
"Hermione, we can't possibly leave you here alone." Ron glanced at Harry's determined face. "We've made up our mind, we're not going anywhere." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Besides who else can we trust to look after you?"
"I can stay with her."
To Harry and Ron's surprise, Neville stood at the foot of the bed, looking very flustered.
"If H-Hermione, t-that is, if she doesn't m-mind," Neville stammered. "I heard you talking in the corridor, you see. I-I only wanted to check if she's going to be o-okay," he finished lamely, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Hermione smiled at their direction. "You two don't have to worry, Neville's going to keep me company."
Harry and Ron exchanged glances. Harry looked uncertain as he stood up, his gaze fixed on Hermione. "Are you sure, Hermione?" When she nodded, he glanced back to Neville. "Alright, then," he said in a reluctant tone. "Take good care of her."
"She'll be fine," Neville said gravely.
"We'll drop by after practice," Ron promised.
After Harry and Ron left the premises, Hermione softly said, "Thanks, Neville."
Neville reddened, but was simply too shy to make a reply.
"I can't thank you enough for coming in my defense against Goyle."
Neville looked away from Hermione before replying in a low voice. "He had no right calling you that just because you're Muggle-born." Hermione heard the quiet anger in his voice and was touched. She opened her mouth to say something when she heard Madam Pomfrey return to the room.
Madam Pomfrey sounded extremely perplexed to Hermione. She could feel the older woman standing across the bed, watching her intently. Suddenly she exclaimed, "Oh dear, why hadn't I thought of it in the first place?"
Hermione had no idea what the school nurse was up to and could only listen with an anxious expression on her face.
"Yes, yes, it would probably do the trick."
Hermione heard Madam Pomfrey leave, muttering incoherently. But she didn't know where the nurse was going and when she would be back. She sighed, feeling slightly desperate. It felt like a long time for Hermione but barely ten minutes passed when Madam Pomfrey returned, carrying an odd-looking jar.
Neville watched her placed two drops of unnamed liquid on Hermione's eyelids.
"How are you feeling, Ms. Granger?"
"Odd, I don't feel anything at all," Hermione answered in a low panicky voice.
"Are you sure?" Madam Pomfrey's face fell in disappointment.
"Wait," Hermione said suddenly, "I can feel a hot burning sensation, like prickly sort of thing."
"Good, what else?" Madam Pomfrey's face lit up with excitement.
"Well, it's like having a block of ice pressed to my lids," Hermione said, wincing a bit.
"That means," Madam Pomfrey beamed, "Your vision will return within thirty-six hours. All you need is total bed rest."
Neville made a sound of relief.
"Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione said softly. "Do I need to stay here? I mean I'd rather be in my room."
Madam Pomfrey paused for a moment, looking thoughtfully at her. "Very well, but you must go straight to your room." She started scribbling a note. "And you'll need a written form so you won't get into trouble for missing your classes."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey."
"Just remember, no more spells you can't handle," Madam Pomfrey told her sternly as she handed Hermione the excuse note. "Keep in mind, Ms. Granger, thirty-six hours bed rest," she called out as Neville was leading Hermione out of the Hospital Wing.
Neville patiently led her back to the Gryffindor Tower. They were almost near the Fat Lady's portrait when they saw Draco Malfoy walking towards them.
"Granger, Dumbledore wants to see you."
"But Hermione can't," Neville protested, eyeing Malfoy with distrust. "Madam Pomfrey said she needs to rest."
"Dumbledore said he wants to see her immediately."
For once, Hermione was glad she wasn't able to see his face.She didn't want to see the usual smirk on his pale pointed face.
"But Hermione can't see," Neville blurted out before Hermione could stop him.
Draco stared at Hermione in shock. "Really?" His narrowed eyes fixed on her unseeing eyes, a speculative expression on his face.
"Don't you have better things to be doing than standing here and talking to me?" Hermione said rather stiffly. She didn't want his pity.
"The Headmaster told me to escort you to his office," Draco replied almost gleefuly. "Nobody keeps Dumbledore waiting," he reminded her in his usual drawl.
Hermione frowned as she felt Neville's hold on her hand tightened.
"Dumbledore would understand, right, Hermione?" Neville asked nervously.
Draco sighed. "Listen, I'm just following orders."
Neville was about to argue with Malfoy but Hermione stopped him. "Fine. Lead me to Dumbledore's office."
Draco took Hermione's left hand and placed it on his right shoulder. Hermione stiffened at this but forced herself to remain calm as she followed him in silence along the corridor.
"Hermione, do you want me to go with you?" Neville called out.
"Thanks, Neville, I'll be fine," Hermione hollered back. Frowning, she hoped that the Headmaster would ask someone elseto accompany her back to the Gryffindor Tower later.
Draco was almost near the Arithmancy classroom when he realized he had left his Arithmancy book in Charms class. "Dang it!" he muttered under his breath. With a frown, he made his way back to the classroom.
Harry had walked past Charms class when he saw Malfoy rushing towards the room. "You go ahead, Ron," he called out to Ron who has already reached the stairs.
"Harry, where are you going?" Ron called out from the stairs.
"I'll be there in ten minutes!" Harry yelled back at him.
Draco found the book. It was lying on the floor. He frowned, thinking the book must have fallen from his bag. Grabbing the book, he turned to leave. He came to a stop when he saw Harry blocking the doorway.
"Out of my way, Potter," he said quietly.
Harry looked at him levelly. "Tell me first why you helped Hermione when the snake attacked her."
"I did?" Draco smirked. When Harry didn't reply Draco looked behind him."Where's your loyal sidekick? Don't tell me the Weasel decided it's time to stop being your shadow."
Harry's mouth pressed into a thin line but his gaze never wavered. "Don't try to change the subject."
"What made you think so?" he countered.
Harry sighed. "To be honest, I don't want to believe myself but I saw you draw out your wand.
"Potter, you must be joking. Why should I care what happens to that Mudblood friend of yours?" He gave a hollow laugh.
Upon hearing this, Harry got very angry. With clenched jaw, he growled, "Don't you dare call her that!" He grabbed Draco by the neck. "Don't forget, the whole school witnessed how you shielded her from the bludger yesterday."
"Think what you want, Potter. Whatever makes you and the Mudblood happy," Draco drawled contemptuously.
Harry's face was filled fury. "Why you low-life scumbag, you take that back!"
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?"
Both turned in surprise to see a very angry Neville standing along the doorway. He rushed inside the room.
"Where's Hermione?" Neville started towards Malfoy. "What did you do to her?"
Draco stared at Neville like he was demented.
"Neville, what are you talking about?" Harry asked, looking confused.
"Malfoy told us Dumbledore wanted to see Hermione," he answered. "She went with him, Harry."
"When exactly did this happen?" Draco asked icily.
"A couple of minutes ago," Neville replied hotly.
Draco's eyes narrowed into slits but didn't say anything.
"Maybe you've got it wrong, Neville," Harry said quietly.
Neville paled. "B-b-but how could that be?" He sounded completely confused. "Then who was that person who looked exactly like Malfoy?" His voice had risen in panic.
All three of them realized something. They all headed to the door, all arguments forgotten, there was only one thing in their mind and that was to find Hermione.
"Are we there yet?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
"Almost," he replied detachedly.
They were half-way down a stairway when they were spotted by Colin Creevey.
"Hey, Hermione, where are you going?" Colin shouted from the distance.
Hermione stopped walking when she heard Colin's voice. She was about to turn towards Colin's voice but Draco yanked her onwards instead. Startled by the firm grip on her arm, she had no choice but to continue walking.
"Malfoy, that's Colin Creevey. If you're so disgusted with my company then let me go on my own." Slow anger begin to build within her as he dragged her to walk faster.
"Let me go!" She struggled to remove his hand on her arm but his grip tightened like a vice. He dragged her mercilessly, she stumbled on the steps, bruising both her knees and banged her left shoulder on the wall.
"You jerk, I said let me go!" she hissed at him. She blindly swung her right arm towards his head. At that moment, it would have given her great satisfaction if she could hit him straight on the face and break his bloody nose. Instead, she was roughly pushed to the floor, and then she heard the door slammed shut. She angrily stood up and yelled, "What kind of a stupid joke is this?"
She took one hesitant step and then she was falling. She screamed loudly. She tried to use her hands to grasp at something. It was no use, there was nothing but thin air.
Draco and Harry dashed through the corridors and headed upstairs with Neville lagging a few steps behind. They reached the fifth floor, and nearly barreled into Colin Creevey.
"What's the hurry, Harry?"
Harry skidded to a halt. "We're looking for Hermione. Have you by any chance seen her?"
Draco stopped as well, while Neville had chosen to linger a few steps behind.
"I saw Hermione going there," Colin answered, pointing up the top stairs of the seventh floor. "I called her, but I don't think she heard me at all."
"Did you see who was with her?" Draco asked bluntly.
Colin merely scowled at Malfoy and didn't reply.
This irritated Draco as he glared at Colin. "I asked you was she with someone?"
"Colin, just tell us who you saw with Hermione," Harry bit out impatiently.
"I don't know," Colin answered truthfully. "Why is there anything wrong with Hermione?" Colin went to Harry's side and whispered, "What are you doing with Malfoy?"
"Listen, Colin, Hermione's missing. We need to find her quick." Harry gave Draco a sideways glance, then finally asked Colin, "Was the person with her looked like Malfoy?"
Draco threw Harry a mutinous look but surprisingly didn't make any retort.
Colin threw Draco a disdaining look but inched closer to Harry. "Harry, I only caught a glimpse of Hermione," Colin mumbled, shaking his head, a woeful expression on his face. "I really am sorry." He gave a start and suddenly exclaimed, "She seemed headed to the corridor leading to the East Tower." He looked at Harry and asked, "Can I help look for her too?"
Harry's answer was a curt nod. All four of them with Draco on the lead reached the top stairs and suddenly stopped in their tracks. There were at least a dozen doors in front of them.
"Now what?" Harry muttered.
Draco looked around, a door stood ajar to his left. "I'll take this door," Draco snapped, stepping forward. Using his right hand, he pointed down the corridor. "Potter, you go down the next one, and you two the next," he instructed. "We've got to check each one."
For once, Harry took orders from Draco, his mind too focused on Hermione. Quickly, he threw open the entrance to the room next to the one Draco was in and peered inside. Neville grabbed Colin by the hand and pulled him with him as he madly went from room to room, searching.
They'd checked almost all the rooms and yet there was still no sign of Hermione.
Draco had just stepped out from one of the deserted classrooms when he heard Colin screeching loudly.
(To be continued)
A/N: Thank you to those who reviewed. Special thanks to my wonderful beta Ray Marie. hugs for being patient and helpful by heaping me with suggestions. Read her story, To Trust a River, you'll love it too!