TITLE: Rescue Me
CHAPTER 1: The Green Eyed Man
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything related to Harry Potter or any of the songs used in this chapter, or in the story. Probably the only thing I own is the plot to this story and my computer, which really isn't even mine completely. Anyways, J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and the characters used in this story. The song "Kickin' Pigeons" is owned by the band Spunge. The song "Sure Shot" is owned by YellowCard. The last song "Silver and Cold" is owned by the band AFI (A Fire Inside). I think that's all.
SUMMARY: Someone has messed with fate, messed with destiny. The world of Harry Potter was turned up side down. The hero of the wizarding world is Neville Longbottom, and the world has never heard of Harry Potter. What happened to change fate, to change the way things happened? How do they restore what was right, once they know it is wrong. Or did someone or something change it, maybe it was bound to happen this way. One things for sure, Hermione Granger is getting feelings, feelings of what the other world held for her. That if things were not changed, she wouldn't be with Draco Malfoy, but with Harry Potter...
THE GREEN EYED MAN
The rain came down in sheets of ice. Hard to believe it was this cold in the middle of July. The clouds made it out to be darker than it actually was. It was almost like it was night, but in reality it was only five in the afternoon.
Hermione Granger sat inside her room looking out the window. She was sixteen, and in not too long would be seventeen. Her curly brown hair was matted down from her shower she had just taken a few minutes earlier. Her deep brown eyes scanned the horizon looking out. Her parents had recently moved into a big city, not far from her old house.
She now lived on the top floor of a twenty floor apartment complex. She sighed and stood up away from the window. She couldn't wait 'till she got to go back to school, back to where things were normal and where she could be with her boyfriend Draco Malfoy. This would be her second year of going out with him. Everyone said he was bad news, but once you got to know him, he was great.
She had two best friends one of them being Neville Longbottom. The 'boy who lived'. He wasn't very smart and got scared an awful lot. It made her wonder how he kept defeating Voldemort time after time. Voldemort had killed his parents when he was a child and he was raised by his grandmother. Funny thing about it was in the prophecy it could have been two people, but she never found out who else it could have been. Neville was left with a ligthning shaped scar on his forehead.
Her other best friend Ron Weasley, had been her friend since her first year of school when she was eleven. He was never very serious, and since Hermione didn't have any brothers or sisters, she considered him her brother. Sure, Draco and Ron fought like cats and dogs, but that's what made her life normal, or as normal as it could get. She was afterall, a witch.
Hermione walked over to the door of her room and grabbed a jacket with a hood. After slipping the coat on she walked out into her living room. Her parents were sitting on the couch talking and trying to watch television at the same time. Her mother called out to her when she reached the door. "Where are you going honey?"
"Umm...I'm going to meet Ron and we're going to go out dancing with a few school friends." She bit her lip. She never liked them questioning her so much everytime she left, but she knew they were just concerned.
"Okay, just be careful." Her father said turning his attention back to the television. Hermione let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding and grabbed the keys off the bar, with one last glance to her parents she opened the door and made her escape.
Once she was on the bottom floor and parking garage of the building she got into her black 2001 Ford Mustang and pulled out heading towards the club where she would meet her friends.
~*~
Hermione parked her car and locked the doors. After wrapping her coat tighter around her she walked into the club. All at once her head started pounding along with the song. She couldn't hear anything except for the song as she made her way to the back of the club.
It was then she spotted, and how could she miss, a head of brillant red hair. She pushed her way through the crowded club and took a seat next to her boyfriend who was sitting down drinking his coke and looking bored.
"Sorry it took so long." She said as he grinned and placed his arm around her shoulders giving her something like a hug.
"That's okay, Weasley here was just starting to get exciting to watch." Ron sat back down at the table and gave a fake laugh.
"Very funny Malfoy. You know your the most boring person I've met next to Hermione here." Draco laughed at this and Hermione smacked Ron on the head from across the table.
"You had it coming mate." Draco said still trying to stop laughing as Hermione sat back in the booth with her arms folded over her chest.
"Yeah I guess."
Draco glanced over at Hermione before turning back to look at Ron. Ron shrugged his shoulders. "What is it Mione?"
Hermione looked at Ron, "Where is everyone else?"
Ron pointed out to the dance floor, and there sure enough was Neville, Ginny, Luna, Lavender, Dean, Seamus, and Parvati. They were all in a circle dancing, they all looked drunk but by glancing around the table you could tell none of them had even ordered a drink yet.
"Okay." Hermione leaned on the table and looked back from Ron to Draco a few times before both boys started laughing. "Who would like to accompany to dance." They both raised their hands and Hermione giggled. "Alright boys, lets dance."
They all walked out onto the dance floor by their friends, Hermione had Draco on one arm and Ron on the other, they all laughed and began dancing to the fast pace song that was playing. Draco was twirling Hermione around and Ron was over dancing by Luna but was still dancing next to Hermione.
Spunge's "Kicking Pigeons" was blaring on the speakers as the group danced and switched partners. Everyone had danced with everyone by the end of the song. Things couldn't have been any better if they could have been. (a/n: hope that made sense) Hermione stopped suddenly trying to catch her breath as everyone kept dancing around her. She smiled.
This would be almost the only time she would see any of them this summer, they had made plans to meet up before school had let out, and now here they were. Hermione lifted her head and saw a man staring straight back at her.
He had messy raven hair, and dark green emerald eyes. There were glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose as he gazed at her. He wore a dark red shirt, and a pair a torn cargo pants, along with a long black leather jacket. He had a sort of wild aura around him. It intranced her she had stopped blinking and breathing just simply stared at him.
He gave her a smile, before turning and walking away, it was then Draco grabbed her arm and spun her around gave her a peck on the lips and continued dancing. Even though she was dancing, she was thinking also, she didn't know what it was about the man she just saw, but her mind couldn't think of anything else.
~*~
Hermione walked over to where she had parked her car, and took out her keys. It was close to ten at night and after saying her goodbyes she left a little bit earlier than everyone else, but she just couldn't get that man out of her head. Just as she placed the key into the lock she heard footsteps.
"Well, well boys, what do we have here?" She turned around to come face to face with a group of men. They all wore the same stupid smirk on their faces.
"Excuse me, may I help you?"
"Why yes, I think you can." A man said stepping closer to her and running a finger across her jaw. "I am in need of some company tonight."
"Well, I'm not interested." She said shoving his hand away from her.
"Oh, a fiesty one eh?" He leaned closer to her and grabbed her arm tightly. "I like 'em fiesty."
"Let go of me." Hermione commanded trying to pull her arm loose.
"I don't think so. Like I told you, I need some company tonight, and I think you just might be the one."
"I said let go of me." The man tightened his grip on his arm, his buddies started laughing as she winced.
"C'mon honey le-"
"I think she told you to let go of her." Hermione looked over the man's shoulder to see the man that plagued her thoughts standing a few feet from them. The wind blowing his hair and his jacket.
"This is none of your business boy." The man said glaring at him.
"Your right, but now it is." The man with green eyes walked over to him and punched him in the face making him let go of Hermione's arm. He then spun around so that he was in front of Hermione and separating her from the group of men.
"You little bastard!" The man roared jumping at him.
The green eyed man caught him and shoved him backwards. He then kicked him in the back of the knees making him fall to the ground. The fallen man's buddies started towards him and the man turned to face Hermione.
His hand went behind her and he unlocked her door, with one swift motion he opened the door and shoved her in, he then closed the door and turned around just in time to duck a punch. He grabbed the man's arm pulling him to him and kneeing him in the stomach.
Another guy came at him hitting him in the back with a pipe. Hermione watched from inside her car, locking her doors. She could see the pain on the green eyed man's face as he turned around and socked the guy in the nose. Soon fists were flying everywhere, most at her savior.
She watched as he fought, it was almost as if he was performing some kind of weird dance. Soon, there were only about two of them left standing but the green eyed man didn't look to great. She could tell his face was already starting to swell, and he had cuts on his face from getting his head hit with a bottle.
Finally he punched the last man in the stomach and kicked him after he fell for good measures. After running his hand through his already messy hair he looked up at her. His glasses had fallen off sometime in the fight and his eyes looked even more green, if it was possible.
She opened the door and rushed over to him as he leaned against a tree beside the parking lot. "Are you okay?" He asked checking her arm for any signs of injury. She looked at him shocked. This man went through a beating of about six guys, and is asking if she's alright because one of them grabbed her arm. "He didn't hurt you did he? I didn't hurt you when I pushed you into your car either did I?"
He asked in a rush and Hermione just stared at him. "No, no, I'm not hurt. Are you hurt?" She asked and felt stupid immediately. 'Yes he's hurt you ditz, look at him, he got the shit beat out of him, for someone he doesn't even know.'
She snapped out of her trance when he answered, "No, I'm fine. I've been through worse, I don't think this is even close." She tilted her head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't even get your name."
"Oh, Harry, Harry Potter."
He held out his hand and Hermione took it, enjoying the warmth she got from the grasp more than she would ever realize. "I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger."
"It's nice to meet you Hermione."
"You too Harry."
He smiled at her, and she felt her knees go weak. A part of her mind was screaming that she had a boyfriend, and that stuff like that shoudln't be happening to her. She gave him a grin of her own, ignoring that other part of her mind.
"Do you need any help?" She asked.
"Umm..no I think I've got everything under control." Harry replied.
"Atleast let me take you back to my house and get you cleaned up." He raised his eyebrows at her.
"I really shouldn't."
"Oh, c'mon you saved me, it's the least I could do." It was then she noticed that she as still holding his hand, she quickly pulled it back and blushed, if it wasn't so dark she would have noticed him doing the same.
"I guess." He said standing up straight. For the first time she noticed how tall he actually was. He towered over her by atleast seven inches. She looked up at him and sighed.
"Here," She said wrapping her arm around his waist, "Let me help you to the car." He laid his arm over her shoulders as she walked him to the car. Once there she helped him in, and took one last glance at the men who were starting to get up, only this time they ran off in the other direction.
Hermione smirked and got in the car, after starting it up she drove off in the directon of her home, hoping her parents were going to a meeting like they had been the last week. She glanced over at Harry who had his eyes closed and his head laying against the head rest.
She never noticed Draco standing outside the club along with Ron and Neville, only catching her placing her arm around his waist and him placing his arm around her shoulders. None of them knew what really happened but assumed she was cheating on Draco.
~*~
Hermione opened the door to her room. It was big enough, a large bed with red velvet blankets, and red curtains. She also had a large stereo system in her room, along with a computer and a large bookshelf. She helped Harry over to a large plush red chair that sat in the corner of her room by the window and a light. Harry took off his leather coat and waited for Hermione to get settled with whatever she was doing.
After turning the light on and grabbing a first aid kit Hermione got her first good look at him. His face was swollen and covered in black, blue, and purple bruises. He had a cut on his lip that was bleeding and tiny cuts all over his face. Somehow though, it didn't make him any less attractive.
After she helped him take of his jacket she started cleaning his wounds and he winced a little bit as she touched the cut on his lip. Other than that he barely moved as she worked. After she was done she got some ice and let him hold it to his face moving him over to the small couch against the wall.
It was then she noticed that there was a darker color of red coming from the back of his shirt. "Hey, I think your hurt. On your...umm..your back."
He looked at her for a moment before lifting his shirt over his head revealing his muscled chest and his back. She blushed but looked at his back. It was bruised and there was a large cut in his back. She gasped, how could a pipe do that?
She worked quickly stopping the bleeding and he winced louder this time when she applied medicine to it. After she was done she glanced at the clock. It was almost twelve thirty in the morning. She sighed and glanced back over at Harry who was laying down with ice on his face and seemed to be asleep. His shirt laying on the floor.
Hermione shook her head. She was always getting into some kind of trouble. Now she was afraid that she had gotten this man beat up. Still he seemed to be a mystery to her. How could he have fought off five guys. Sure he had bruises and cuts, but five grown men, with a pipe and a bottle. It amazed her. Even being a witch it still amazed her, it was like someone taking five hits with a powerful spell and still getting up.
She sat down on her bed and watched him silently. Hopefully her parents wouldn't check on her in the morning and she could get him out of her room without being seen. Soon her eyes got heavy and her head fell against the pillow, not too long later she fell asleep.
~*~
Hermione opened her eyes slowly as she felt the sun on her face. She yawned and stretched then remembered what had happened last night. She sat up quickly and noticed Harry wasn't laying on the couch in fact she didn't see any sign of him.
Her brown eyes quickly searched the room. There was a note laying on her table beside the couch. Quickly she got up and walked over to it. Her hands were shaking as she opened the letter, she relaxed as she started reading it.
Hermione,
Sorry I left without saying goodbye. I knew that you would be worried if your parents found me alseep in your room. I grabbed my stuff and left before they even came home, so don't worry. I want to thank you for cleaning up my wounds. Just consider it even, since I helped you. I don't know if I'll ever see you again...but I hope I do. I don't know why, I guess something stuck. I want to get to know you better, more than your name.
You seem to be an amazing person. When I saw you in the club you were cheerful and shared a close bond in your friendships. When you insisted on helping me, I knew you were caring. There's just someting about you Hermione Granger. Thank you again.
Harry
Hermione fell back against the couch and re-read the letter making sure she read it correctly. It was the first time a guy she didn't even know had actually wanted to see her again. The odds must have been agianst her though since she had a boyfriend whom she was really attracted to, but she wouldn't say loved. Then she didn't even know where he lived. Hopefully though, she would see him again.
Sighing she placed the letter in her trunk under some of her old school books. Turning and looking at the clock she noticed that it was eleven in the morning. Grabbing some clothes she headed into her bathroom to take a shower.
~*~
Hermione rolled her eyes, her parents said they had been invited to a party for their company and some other companies. They wanted to bring her along, it would be later that night. Good thing she didn't really have anything to do, with a sigh she came out of her room wearing a strapless sky blue dress. It came down to her ankles, and was rather thin. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with brown curls coming from the back and hanging down on the sides of her face.
She had matching blue shoes, that fit her feet perfectly. She gave herself a small smile to her parents before grabbing her keys and her bag, where she had hid some other clothes. She was going to bail in the middle of the party and go hang out in the club to see if any of her friends would be there. Don't get her wrong she loved her parents, but these parties were always so boring.
She sighed once again as she left the apartment and went to the bottom floor, again she climbed into her car. She waited for her parents to pull out and then followed them, having no idea where the party would be. Hermione turned her radio on, and popped in a CD one of her muggle friend had made for her.
The song that started playing was one she recognized as YellowCard's "Sure Shot". She smiled as she bobbed her head to the song, and sometimes caught herself singing along to the song.
"So I say, I've got a sureshot way to work things out. All of this agruing has worn you down. I got a sureshot way to kill your doubts. Find what you're following and chase it down."
She lost track of time and by the third time of listening to the song she had pulled into a parking lot in front of a large mansion. Other people were getting out of their cars also.
Hermione took a moment to stare at the mansion in awe. It was huge, surrounded by fountains and gardens. There were also small lights leading up the path to the door, and other lights decorating the garden. She followed her parents quietly up the path and to the door. All the people looked a bit snobby. Though she new she shouldn't judge, she had to, she didn't belong here with all these people.
Without saying a word Hermione followed her parents into the mansion and was greeted by the face of a very large man, his face was red and round. It looked as if he had no neck at all. Of course, his son, that looked like a much younger version of the man himself stood right beside him, except his was as wide as a baby whale.
It took every bit of self control she had not to laugh at the sight, and Hermione had a lot of self control. Keeping a fake smile on her face as she walked past them, Hermione let out a small giggle when she was far enough away from them. He father turned to her and gave her a goofy smile, and she grinned back.
That was probably the funniest part of the night. Now just about two hours, and a lot of boring jokes later, Hermione sat at a table alone in the corner, quietly sipping her drink watching everyone talk and laugh. She really never knew why she let her parents talk her into going. Hermione was drowning in her thoughts when a loud bang erupted through the room, echoing of the large walls of the mansion.
Everyone turned in the direction of the two main doors as they flew open. Men in black uniforms stood there carrying....something that was hidden behind them, but is was kicking and moving around. "Sir, we have found him. Sorry to intrude but the insitution said they won't take him again."
The fat man Hermione now new as Vernon Dursley growled, and his face turned almost purple. "Well, if he is tied up then, present him to our guests."
The man nodded, and him and a few others brought forward a man with a cloth covering his entire body. They tossed him on the floor, pulling the cloth off and revealing the man below. Hermione let out a gasp. On the floor layed the beaten and bruised body of Harry Potter. He layed on the ground not moving, his hands were cuffed behind his back, and his mouth was gagged.
"That's enough, get 'em out of here boys." Vernon said after giving a digusted look in Harry's direction. The men lifted him up and as they led him into another part of the house going down the stairs towards the basement. Harry's eyes came up and met her's. She could see the pain in his eyes as they took him away.
His gaze never left hers as they led him out of the room. As soon as he was out of sight the room started back up in their usually chatter. Hermione sighed and walked over to her parents, "Excuse me, but I'm leaving. I'm a bit tired."
"Alright sweetie, we'll be home in a little while." Her mother said giving her a hug.
"Okay mother." Hermione replied walking out of the mansion and heading to her car, ignoring the stares she got from people. Once Hermione reached her car, she started it up and heard screaming coming from the mansion. She looked in her mirror the men in black suits were yelling and searching the gardens with lights.
Hermione gave a small laugh, since it all did seem rather funny to her. As she started to pull out she saw something running along the driveway, so she sped up. As she caught up with, well him, she noticed that it was Harry. She stopped her car and threw open the door, "Get in." She commanded.
He looked at her surprised but got in the car anyways. She then took off leaving the men in black suits still searching for the man in her car. Hermione glanced over at Harry and blushed when she realized he was looking back. "I'm sorry we had to meet like this. I didn't expect to get thrown back into that place, much less you being there."
"That's okay." Hermione replied turning the wheel to the left as they went around a corner. "I'm just wondering what did you do to deserve whatever they were planning to do?"
Harry sighed, "I was born." This comment made Hermione tilt her head towards him a confused look on her face.
"How does that make them lock you up?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, which I probably shouldn't." He replied his gaze shifting to the window and staring at the passing scenery.
"You can tell me, I won't say anything to anyone. I promise."
"Okay I guess, just don't laugh or anything. My parents were killed when I was young, so I was sent to live with my only remaining relatives. That would be the Dursleys, the evil and boring people you met at the party. You know the ones with a son that is the size of a baby whale." Hermione laughed at this, "Anyways, they never liked me, kept me locked up all my life, and sent me to a horrible school. When they had visitors and people asked why there were bars on the windows around the bottom of the house, they said that they were taking care of their 'mentally' ill nephew."
Hermione's eyebrows knitted together in thought as Harry continued with his story. "That's where I stayed for the most part of my life. Now, here's the part I don't want you to laugh at, or think I'm crazy."
"I told you already, I won't." She said keeping her eyes on the road, "I also want to know how you managed to escape."
"Well, that's simple, I do it just like I do every other time. I think really hard where I want to be and most of the time I'll end up there. A weird jolt, and a popping sound....then that's how I do it. As for getting the locks and stuff off, I guess it's about the same thing, I think and things start to happen." He paused and looked up at her meeting her gaze for a second. "I understand if you think I'm weird or crazy..I just, don't have anyone to talk to about it, none that will believe me anyways."
Hermione gave him a sympathetic smile as she pulled into the parking garage of her house. "I believe you Harry. Things like that have happened to me too."
He looked at her amazed as she got out of the car. Soon he got out too and followed her. "I'm gonna go."
"Huh?" She asked stopping and looking at him, "You can come in you know."
"I know...it's just..you- that you would get hurt if they found out you were helping me. I couldn't let them do that. I'll promise though, to visit you as often as I can."
"Okay." She mumbled as he stuck out his hand, she took it but pulled him to her in an embrace, "Becareful though."
"Don't worry, I will." He pulled back and gave her a small smile before turning and walking out of the garage and into the night. Hermione watched him go before sighing and turning around and taking the elevator up to the top floor.
Hermione unlocked her door and walked in shutting it silently behind her. She looked around, it wasn't bad owning the whole top floor and roof of a building. After laying her keys down on the bar she walked to her room and tossed her bag on her bed. Without another thought she sat down in front of her computer and connected to the internet.
Her eyes focused and she started searching data bases and wizard bases alike. Searching for any information she could on Harry Potter.
~*~
Hermione's eyes scanned her screen. She had been looking up information for atleast a half of an hour. Finally she had found what she had been looking for, thanks to a few hacker friends. Her eyebrows wer knitted together in confusion as she read.
'Name, Harry James Potter. Birthdate: Unknown to our medical history.' Hermione frowned, why didn't they have when he was born? 'Age: 16. Parents: Deceased.' Another confused look passed over Hermione's face, he doesn't have any parents. 'Guardians: Vernon and Petunia Dursley. '
That was just the main stuff. As Hermione searched the more she realized she wouldn't find out about him that way. He didn't have anything really. He was even sent to a prison sort of school. His parents owned a company, and all of their savings and company shares were left to Harry. It still didn't explain to as why Harry was kept locked up though.
Hermione leaned back in her chair and yawned. Looks as if she would have to get some answers from Harry himself. Glancing over at the clock Hermione got up and dug through her back until she got her clothes, without another thought she changed and put on a black coat that had a hood. She walked out and into her kitchen. After leaving her parents a note she grabbed her keys and left out the door.
Hermione got into her car and backed up, after pulling out she sped off down the street to one of the only places she knew she would get some answers, hopefully. She turned off her car as soon as she pulled into the parking lot of the same place she was last night.
Quickly Hermione got out of the car and made her way to the entrance. Once inside she walked to the back of the club. Sure enough, sitting at the back booth was Ron, Draco, Neville, Ginny, Lavender, Parvati, Luna, Dean, and Seamus. Hard to believe that they could fit that many people in one of the small booths but again anything seemed possible anymore.
Her friends noticing her all gave her a smile, she didn't notice however that Neville, Ron, and Draco had given her a cautious look first. She took a seat between Draco and Ginny as the group continued their conversation. Hermione simply just sat there. She was really hoping for another glimpse of Harry, she needed to know about him, it was becoming an obsession. Taking a glance at Draco as he laughed at something Ginny said, she sighed.
She wasn't supposed to be like this. Draco was her boyfriend, she just didn't know where she held a man she just met in her heart. She heard Draco calling for her and she snapped back to reality and out of her own troubling thoughts.
"Hermione, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." The brunette replied smiling as she looked at him.
He stared back at her before smirking, and giving her a peck on the lips. She kissed him back lightly. Then the group resumed their usual converstation.
A few hours, drinks, dancing, and jokes later the group sat at their table talking again. This time though, the boys were on one side, and the girls on the other, all of them holding their own conversations. They all heard a bang and people yelling. They all looked up to see men with black uniforms walking briskly into the room.
Their gazes were set on something else as they heard a scream and a quiet humming sound. Hermione's eyes widened. One of the black men had fired a shot of a tranquilizer at a man. His back was facing her, but the black coat and messy ravin hair was unmistakeable. She watched silently as the man stood back up pulling the tranquilizer out of his side.
The men jumped on Harry. Harry then threw them off as much as they could. Hermione wanted to jump out of her seat and help him. He threw punches and dodged punches. He was jumping around and kicking and taking the men out. The got a hold of him and started punching him in the stomach and hitting him on the back with bats. One even threw him onto a table breaking it on impact. Harry got up a couple seconds later and went back to trading punches and taking the men out. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see Draco and Ron glaring, Neville with a blank expression on his face.
When there were only two men left Harry jumped up onto a table near Hermione, he went to dive of onto a guy when the other one grabbed his foot pulling him down and banging his head on the table. The other man helped him pull Harry off the table hitting him in the head with the tip of his gun. Harry's head fell limp and Hermione could see the blood coming out of the side of his head.
Ginny had noticed she had tenced up and gave her a weird look. Before she had time to think Hermione had jumped out of her seat and towards Harry she jumped on one of the man's back trying to choke him and to get him to let go of Harry. "Leave him alone!" She yelled as the man tried to get her off.
The man finally got her off and tossed her to the ground, "Watch yourself girl." He stated before making his way towards her glaring. Hermione went to get back up when she heard a voice, it was Harry's.
"NO! Hermione, stay back. I can handle it." Harry had managed to say before kicking a the man with a gun in the stomach. Harry then punched him in the face making him fall back onto a table. Harry turned around to find the other man still advancing on Hermione, his eyes widened, then he dived at the man wrapping his arms around him as he tackled him to the ground.
Quickly he flipped him over and rained punches on the man's face. The bouncers to the club came in and pulled Harry off. "What's going on here?" The taller one with black hair asked.
"I was attacked." Harry said his eyes closing out of exhustion. He then fell to his knees his eyes opening only to be seen as they were glazed over. Blood dribbled down the side of his head and out of his mouth. He was breathing hard as his head fell limp and he layed down on the floor.
"Call 911!" The shorter bouncer yelled. The older one nodded and pulled out a cell phone.
Hermione looked at Harry wide eyed before rushing over to him and kneeling down beside him turning him over onto his back. "Please hang on Harry, it will all be alright." She said pushing his hair out of his eyes as he layed motionless in the middle of all the destruction.
Draco came up to her and pulled her back when the paremedics arrived and started tending to Harry. "Hermione, what in the bloody hell is going on, who is that guy." He asked sounding not only jealous but irrate.
Hermione stared at him as did all of her friends wanting to know also, "How do you know him Hermione?" He asked, knowing that this was the man who got into her car last night with her.
"He's Harry." They all looked at her, Draco shook her shoulders lightly his silver eyes boring into her brown ones.
"Answer my question Hermione."
She pulled away from him, all the anger she felt towards the men that had attacked Harry finally getting out, "He saved me last night! Saved me from a group of men that wanted to hurt me, to rape me! He is my friend that I trust! I don't know why I do, because I barely know anything about him, but I DO!"
Her friends all stared at her with a blank expression, "Before you say anything, just don't. You don't know him, any of you. You won't judge him, not while I'm here." A tear fell out of the corner of her eye and rolled slowly down her cheek.
"Ginny, can you drive me home?" She asked quietly.
"Sure." Replied Ginny, who had just turned sixteen. "C'mon." She said wrapping an arm around her shoulders and waving to everyone as she left to the parking lot and to take Hermione home. As they approached the car, people started comeing out of the building, making way for the stretcher that Harry was laid on. Ginny could feel her friend stop and watch as they loaded Harry up. She could also feel her shake slightly.
She was no expert on love, but she had a pretty strong feeling that Hermione felt something for this 'Harry' boy. Once the doors were closed, Ginny helped Hermione into the car, and started the car up. She had no idea why Hermione wanted her to drive her home. It didn't seem very Hermione like, she knew it wasn't her place to pry, but she had to know more.
"Hermione, I know that you obviously care for this Harry guy, so can you tell me what you do know about him? How did you exactly meet him? What do you feel for him?" Ginny asked tightning her grip on the wheel.
Hermione had her head laying against the window, silent tears trickling down her face. Her eyes flicked over to Ginny's direction before looking back to the window and out at the passing cars. "I barely know anything about him Gin. I just get this sense of trust from him. Ever since I saw him at the club last night, and he looked up at me, I just...couldn't get him out of my head." She sighed, "Then, when a group of men had stopped me from getting into my car and leaving, he showed up. Punched the guy who had a hold of my arm, and unlocked my door, after he pushed me in, he then started fighting with them."
She made a face as she remembered how they beat him, and how he won. "They ganged up on him, hitting him with a glass bottle in the head, and over the back with a pipe, but he didn't stop. He beat five guys Gin!" A smile crossed her face, "He is so caring too, when he was done he leaned against a tree and when I rushed out to help him, he asked if I was okay. He asked if they hurt me, or if he had hurt me when he pushed me into the car. I was surprised for the most part that he asked if I was hurt, when he was the one injured, bleeding, and bruised."
Ginny gave her best friend a smile, every girl wants a man who cares for her, and puts her first. That's exactly what this complete stranger did to Hermione, no wonder she liked him.
"I offered to take him to my house so that I could clean up his wounds, so it would be even, he helped me, and I would help him." Hermione stared out the window, her tears starting to dry up, "I worried all night that my parents would find him in my room in the morning after he fell asleep on my couch. Then when I woke up I had nothing to be worried about, Harry had left. He also left me a note. He said that he didn't think my parents would like to see a stranger, asleep in their daughters room. He said he wanted to see me again, but he didn't know when he would be able to. Harry said in his letter that he wanted to get to know me better, that there was some...attraction and he wanted to know more about me."
Hermione smiled, "Then my parents were invited to a party with other companies. Naturally they had to talk me into going. Those were some of the most stuck up and boring people I have ever met. The night was very, very, boring, so I just sat in the corner, no one bothered me, and I didn't bother anyone. Then these men in black suits came barging through the door. They had caught someone, and the host of the party told them to show everyone who they had caught." Another tear made its way down her cheek as she continued to speak, "They tossed him down in the center of the room on the floor....it was..it was Harry Ginny. He was cuffed and gagged. He just layed on the floor."
"He looked so helpless, so harmless at that moment. His body looked broken, along with his spirit." Hermione stopped and shook her head, "They lifted him up, and as they took him to a different room, he looked up at me. His eyes never left mine until there was a wall separating us. There were so many emotions, but mostly pain. I left then, being glad I drove my own car there, left. As I sat in my car, I heard someone scream and the men in black suits came out, searching for someone. I laughed and started my car, I then started down the driveway. That was until I saw a figure running along in the grass. I stopped my car to find that it was Harry."
Hermione continued with her story until she got to the part of her looking up information on him. Ginny looked shocked as she pulled into the garage. She shut the engine off and looked over at Hermione. "Know wonder you have been spacing out tonight. The only advice I can give you Hermione, is to let him tell you about himself, he is trying to protect you from something, and I think you will have to wait to find out."
Hermione nodded and got out of the car Ginny following her as they got into the elevator. Ginny could hear Hermione sigh as they reached the top floor. She then followed Hermione out of the elevator. When they entered Hermione's apartment, Hermione's parents were at the door in atleast five seconds flat.
"Hermione dear, what happened." Her mother said.
"On the news they said there was a big fight at that club you always go to." Her father said.
"Are you alright?" They both asked. Hermione simply nodded and Ginny followed her to her room, where Hermione threw herself down onto her bed, loving the feel of her pillow under her face as she let silent tears fall.
"Hermione," Ginny spoke quietly, "Tomorrow, come pick me up at the hotel, and how about we pay Mister Potter a visit in the hospital?"
Hermione wimpered at the thought of something being wrong with Harry as he was in the hospital, but nodded knowing that she wanted to see him and make sure he was okay more than anything. Ginny sighed and gave her friend the best hug she could since her friend happened to be laying on a bed face down. She then left and got into a car that she had left here incase of emergencies, and now she was glad she had, after leaving she headed back to the hotel that Ron, Neville, Draco, Lavender, Parvati, Dean and Seamus had gotten rooms at.
~*~
Hermione layed on her back as the moon shown through her window. A frown was clear shown on her face, as small tears rolled down her cheeks and face onto her pillow. Her body shook with silent sobs. For a moment as he fell, she could feel his pain. With the beating he had recieved the prevous night, and then tonight, she didn't know if he would be alright. She hoped though, she hoped, tomorrow she would see him anyhow.
"Hermione," Her mother spoke softly from the doorway as she opened it and light spilled into the room. Hermione shut her eyes tightly willing her mother to believe that she was alseep. Unfortunately, her mother knew her better than that. She could her mother's light footsteps as she walked towards her bed, "I know your not asleep, I heard you crying."
Hermione kept her eyes shut, not wanting to give up her facade. Her mother sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, gently running a hand through her daughter's hair, "You know, you can tell me what happened, I won't judge you, and I will listen. Then I will do what a mother is supposed to do, to help you out."
Her mother made a move to get up when Hermione didn't answer, but just as she did Hermione shot up and wrapped her arms tightly around her mother's waist hugging her tightly wishing her mother would make the confusion and pain go away. Her mother gave her a small smile because she had responded to her, as she wrapped her arms around her daughter, trying to comfort her the best way she could.
"It was horrible Mom. They beat him, and no one would help, they just watched." Hermione sid before breaking down and crying again. Her mother gave her a confused look.
"Honey, who are you talking about? What happened, tell me so I can help."
Hermione sniffed and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She then began to tell her mother about everything, starting with the night she had saw him at the club. She managed, however, to leave out the part of him staying in her room after saving her. After finishing her mother smiled at her, but at the end of her daughter's story she had been frowning in concern.
"I don't know what to do Mom. I'm so confused. I've never felt anything like I do for Harry, but I also have feelings for Draco, and I just...don't know what any of it means."
Her mother smiled, "It means that you are growing up, and are experiencing love for the first time. You may not realize it yet, but the feelings you feel for Harry, or Draco might be just attraction, but I think that it is more. Otherwise, I know it couldn't confuse my genius daughter Hermione."
She gave her mother a small smile, thanking her for the advice and the help. "So, are you going to see him in the hospital?"
"In the morning, Ginny is going to go with me. I just hope there is nothing wrong with him. He took a pretty rough beating. Once for me, and another for being himself. I guess I feel like he doesn't deserve what he has gotten in his life, which is basically nothing at all. That's another thing that confuses me, he's so bloody nice, why do they treat him like they do mother?"
"I don't know Hermione. From what you have said though, he seems like the perfect man for you." Her mother smiled.
"Mom, I don't know if I like him like that, and I don't think he likes me like that anyways." Hermione blushed.
"Okay, I'm just trying to help you out." Her mother got up and gave her daughter one more hug before walking over to the door, "Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay." She replied as her mother smiled and closed the door behind her.
Hermione sighed and layed back against her pillow, thinking of the best shape Harry could be in, before drifting off into a much needed sleep.
~*~
The sun was shinning through the window casting a warm glow on the smaller bedroom on the 20th floor of the Sunnydell Apartments. Hermione opened her eyes slowly and looked at her clock after rubbing her eyes trying to wake up. She shook her head and jumped up, she then ran into her shower.
It was already nine in the morning and she wanted to go see Harry before eleven, she had to make sure he was alright, she already felt that is was partly her fault that he was hurt in the first place. If she would have just stayed a bit longer in the club, she might not have met up with those digusting guys. Then Harry wouldn't have gotten hurt, and might not have gotten hurt last night either.
Hermione sighed as she stepped out of her shower and dried off her face. After getting dressed and brushing her teeth Hermione stepped out into her room. It was already nine forty-five. Her eyes windened and she ran back into her bathroom to fix her hair.
After drying her hair, and pulling it back into a simple ponytail Hermione made her way into the kitchen to grab some breakfast before picking up Ginny. She smiled at her father, who was reading a paper and drinking some orange juice. Her mother was standing over the stove, cooking eggs. Hermione smiled at her and got a glass from the cabinet, she then filled it up with orange juice.
"Someone sure looks happy." Her father said looking up from his paper.
Hermione looked at him, "Well, I am going to see Harry in the hospital this morning."
Her father nodded, "I take it this Harry, is the boy who the Dursleys had captured yesterday at the party."
"Yes he is." Hermione said grabbing a plate of eggs and sitting down across from him at the table, "For the record, he is nothing like those people."
"I know," Her father John Granger said smiling, "Your mother told me about him last night."
Hermione smiled and began to eat, it seemed a bit odd that her mother stayed quiet during the conversation, she however, forgot about it as she slipped her shoes and jacket on after eating. Once she got her cars keys and her purse she said her goodbyes to her parents as she headed out the door and the garage.
Once in the garage Hermione got into her car and pulled out she was going to pick up Ginny at the hotel, and anyone else who waned to come with her, although she doubted any others did.
~*~
After parking her car outside, Hermione walked into the elevator and went up to the third floor, she got out of the elevator and walked down the hallway repeating the room number in her head. '213, 213, 213' She stopped in front of room 213 and smiled. After knocking on the door, she heard a lot of rustling and yelling before the door opened to reveal Ginny with a brush in her hand.
"Come in Hermione." She said cheerfully as she shut the door behind her. It was then Hermione noticed Lavender and Parvati fighting about something. She let out a small laugh and both girls looked at her.
"Hermione!" They both yelled running up to her and giving her a hug forgeting what they were fighting about in the first place. She almost fell over as the two jumped towards her. However, she managed a smile, even though she wasn't very fond of them, she still liked them and were her friends.
"Calm down, I wasn't missing for a month or anything." Hermione said pulling them off of her.
"We know we were just worried about you is all." Lavender said looking at her.
"That, and Ginny wouldn't tell us a thing about this 'Harry Potter' that we saw at the club last night." Parvati grinned wiggling her eyebrows at the mention of Harry Potter.
"That's right, and I don't intend to tell you something about him without Hermione's consent." Ginny said stepping out of the bathroom dressed and ready.
"We knew that." Lavender and Parvati said together, "That's why we're going with you guys, if you don't mind Hermione." Parvati said after looking at her.
Hermione gave a small laugh at their actions, "Sure why not, I think he might be happy to get some company." It took her a moment, but she realized that Lavender and Parvati had planned this they were ready to go both wearing a grin from ear to ear.
They all laughed and left the room, once they were in the hallway Hermione noticed Draco, Ron and Neville talking by their door. Draco turned and looked at her giving her a small smile he then came up and placed a small kiss on her cheek and wrapped his arms around her waist. "How you doing babe?" He asked pulling her against him.
"Good I guess, the girls and I were on our way to the hospital to see if Harry was alright." She could see his eyes darken at the mere mention of Harry, but he hid it almost immediately.
"Ok, me and the boys here were going to go out and look around this city." Hermione smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips. He smiled and walked over to Ron and Neville. "See you later."
"You will." After finishing her sentence the four girls walked away heading to car. After they got into the car Lavender and Parvati started their own conversation about Harry while Hermione hid her smirk. She looked over at Ginny, "Thanks, for last night." Ginny looked over at her startled.
"It was nothing." Ginny replied watching her friend as she focused her eyes on the road in front of her.
"Herms, let's get some music here, it will make the time go much faster." Lavender said giggling. Hermione sighed and smiled as she turned on her stereo. Lavender, Parvati, and Ginny all covered their ears as music blared through the speakers and vibrated the car. Hermione laughed and turned the stereo down a little bit. Lavender and Parvati were scowling and Ginny was laughing at their faces.
"That wasn't funny Hermione." Parvati said crossing her arms, "It wasn't even a good song." She pouted jokingly. Hermione smiled and popped in a CD. She hadn't listened to it yet, but bought it a few days ago. As soon as the song came on she could here Lavender and Parvati groan in frustration. Soon AFI's 'Silver and Cold' was playing and Hermione was singing along with it. Not long after that they were all singing it.
"Light, like the flutter of wings, feel your hollow voice rushing into me, as your longing to sing. So I will paint you in silver. I will wrap you in cold. I will lift up your voice as I sink." They then started sing the chorus, "Your sins into me, oh, my beautiful one now. Your sins into me. As a rapturous voice escapes, I will tremble a prayer and I'll beg for forgiveness. Your sins into me, oh, beautiful one." Everyone stopped singing except Hermione.
"Cold in life's throws. I'll fall asleep for you. I only ask you turn away. I only ask you turn as they seep into me, oh, my beautiful one." Then again they all started singing the chorus.
The song finished as they pulled the car into the parking garage and climbed out. They all laughed as they walked towards the door entering the hospital. Hermione stepped up to the service desk as the woman blinked lazily behind the counter drumming her fingers on the counter. "Can I help you?" She asked.
"Umm..yeah, do you know which room Harry Potter is in?"
The woman looked at her computer screen and typed something, "Room 120, on the third floor."
"Thank you." Hermione replied heading towards the elevator Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati following her silently. They all stayed quiet during the elevator ride, the only sound heard was the ding of the door as they reached the third floor. Hermione was the first one out, her eyes looking from door to door reading the numbers. After walking down the hallway she finally found room 120. Her eyes brightened up a bit and Ginny stopped Lavender and Parvati from getting any closer to the door.
"Let her go in first, alone." Ginny whispered to them, they sighed but nodded and took a seat in the empty chairs that lined the walls of the hallway. They watched as Hermione knocked on the door and they could hear a voice answering for her to come in. That's all they saw as the door shut behind her, and the click of the door shutting echoing in the hall.
~*~
Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw Harry sitting up in his bed. She gave him a small smile as he grinned at her, "You okay?" He asked her. She ws a bit surprised, afterall he was the one laying in the hospital bed.
"You always ask that." She said walking over to the side over his bed.
"Just making sure." He said smiling at her. "So, are you?"
"Yes, I'm fine." She smirked, "Of course, I'm not the one laying in a bed at a hospital either." Harry gave a small chuckle. It was then Hermione took the time to actually look at him. He had a bandage on the back of his head, cuts and bruises on his face, and a cast on his wrist. She frowned slightly.
Harry must have noticed because he gently grabbed a hold of her hand that was resting on the edge of his bed, "It's not your fault, and I'm okay." His thumb stroked her hand softly as tears appeared in her eyes, replaying the images of last night over and over in her head.
"I know, but I can't help but feel responsable for what happened in some way." Hermione said wiping a tear out of her eye.
"You had no part of it Hermione. It had nothing to do with you, and you nothing with it. Don't blame yourself our feel bad about it. Don't feel sorry for me." He paused and looked her in the eyes, his green orbs locking with her brown ones. "Plus, I think you should feel more sorry for the goons that attacked me. They have it far worse than me."
Hermione giggled at his attempts to cheer her up. She looked at him, his hair was all messed up and sticking all over the place. "Maybe I should." Hermione smiled at him, he returned the smile and pulled her over to him and hugged her.
"Thanks for coming and visiting me. I didn't think I would get any visitors. I'm glad you came though." Harry said sincerely squeezing her hand gently as he let go of her.
Hermione gazed into his eyes as they stared back at her, and she had never wanted to drown in them more. She surprised herself when her own hand shot out and cupped his cheek gently. He took his other hand and placed it over hers. Hermione tried to pull away she didn't want to cheat on Draco, but there was just something about Harry, that made Hermione drawn to him.
They just stared at eachother, both fighting the urge to kiss one another senseless. Harry knew she had a boyfriend he saw him when he first saw her, and she knew she had a boyfriend, so it could never happen not until she didn't have a boyfriend, and that might be awhile.
"I would always come to visit you Harry Potter." She said softly.
"As I would you Hermione Granger." He replied his hand still on hers and his other hand intertwined with hers. He leaned forward as her hand fell from his face and gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Your the only person I trust. That's why I can't let them harm you. I know you were trying to help, but what if you had gotten hurt and I wasn't the only one in the hospital. I don't know what I would have done if you were hurt." Harry averted his gaze to the blank wall beside him, "I know it sounds stupid, that I care so much for someone I just met...I..it's just..I don't know, destiny. That's why I have this feelings, I was destined to have them, it was my destiny to meet you. Someone who is caring, smart, and loving. The exact opposite of what I have grown up with."
Hermione looked at him, seeing the innocent boy who was robbed of a childhood. A boy who was denied love growing up, the love from parents, and relatives. She couldn't imagine how bad it must have been, or why he fought to stay alive, "It's not stupid." He looked at her tilting his head slightly.
"I sometimes ask myself why I feel drawn to you, or why I'm always thinking about you, but I never know exactly why. Maybe your right, maybe it was destiny. Because I have certainly never met anyone like you. After all you have been through, you still keep going, you think you would have grown cold, or hateful, but you didn't. Your the exact opposite Harry Potter. Your caring, charming, kind, and very brave. I may be caring, but I'm not s brave as you are."
Harry laughed at this and Hermione just stared at him, "Not brave, what came over you then when you jumped on that man's back, he was twice your size you know." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"That wasn't br-" Hermione started.
"Bravery? Of course it was. Hermione you were choking a man twice your size, now tell me how that wasn't brave."
Hermione sighed, "Fine you win, but I was only brave because I didn't want to see you get hurt."
His eyes softened, "I know."
Hermione heard something outside the door and rolled her eyes, "I forgot I'm not the only visitor here." He gave her a questioning look, and she smiled, "I brought some of my friends they wanted to make sure you were okay also, atleast that's what they told me." He smiled as she got up and walked over to the door. A few seconds later three girls entered behind her, all wearing a grin.
"Hermione stopped and pointed to each of them as she said their names, "This is Ginny." Ginny smiled and blushed a bit, "Lavender," She said as Lavender smiled and giggled, "And this is Parvati," Parvati smiled and waved to him. Hermione inwardly laughed, they all looked like blushing idiots.
"Hello ladies." He said, "I'm Harry Potter." They all smiled and took turns shaking his hand. "It's nice to meet some of Hermione's friends."
"It's nice to finally meet you too." Ginny said smiling.
"Yes it is." Parvati added.
Harry smiled over at Hermione who stood against the wall smirking at him. "And what may I ask is that smirk for Miss Granger?" He asked with a smirk of his own.
"Oh nothing Mister Potter." She smiled innocently. All of the other girls exchanged silent glances and knowing looks with one another as they smiled.
Ginny finally broke the silence, "So Mister Potter tell us about yourself." It was then that Harry began to tell his entire story from beginning to present, telling everything he could remember to them. Hermione was getting her answers and the rest of them were enjoying listening to him. The rest of the day was spent talking and laughing as they passed jokes back and forth at one another.
By four o'clock they were saying their goodbyes to Harry, they left the room leaving Harry and Hermione alone; giggling all the way out.
Hermione grinned at him, "They're a piece of work aren't they?"
Harry sighed and ran a hand through is unruly raven hair, "Your telling me."
She smiled and hugged him kissing his cheek as she pulled back, "I'll come by tomorrow to visit you again."
"I'll be looking forward to it." He said smiling.
"Me too." Hermione said walking over to the door and opening it, "I hope you feel better." She added going out the door.
"I will." He answered before the door closed all the way. He sighed and watched the door long after she had left. His mind drifting through new thoughts from earlier. He knew one thing though, Hermione was sure something else. Though, the feelings he felt for her, didn't seem strange or weird at all.
~*~
I know it's stupid, but I just had a major brainstorm, and hope most of you didn't fall alseep or stop reading because it was very long. Anyways, read and review, and I have to get started on the second chapter, which WILL be shorter, just to warn you..^^ Thanks for reading!
CHAPTER 1: The Green Eyed Man
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything related to Harry Potter or any of the songs used in this chapter, or in the story. Probably the only thing I own is the plot to this story and my computer, which really isn't even mine completely. Anyways, J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and the characters used in this story. The song "Kickin' Pigeons" is owned by the band Spunge. The song "Sure Shot" is owned by YellowCard. The last song "Silver and Cold" is owned by the band AFI (A Fire Inside). I think that's all.
SUMMARY: Someone has messed with fate, messed with destiny. The world of Harry Potter was turned up side down. The hero of the wizarding world is Neville Longbottom, and the world has never heard of Harry Potter. What happened to change fate, to change the way things happened? How do they restore what was right, once they know it is wrong. Or did someone or something change it, maybe it was bound to happen this way. One things for sure, Hermione Granger is getting feelings, feelings of what the other world held for her. That if things were not changed, she wouldn't be with Draco Malfoy, but with Harry Potter...
THE GREEN EYED MAN
The rain came down in sheets of ice. Hard to believe it was this cold in the middle of July. The clouds made it out to be darker than it actually was. It was almost like it was night, but in reality it was only five in the afternoon.
Hermione Granger sat inside her room looking out the window. She was sixteen, and in not too long would be seventeen. Her curly brown hair was matted down from her shower she had just taken a few minutes earlier. Her deep brown eyes scanned the horizon looking out. Her parents had recently moved into a big city, not far from her old house.
She now lived on the top floor of a twenty floor apartment complex. She sighed and stood up away from the window. She couldn't wait 'till she got to go back to school, back to where things were normal and where she could be with her boyfriend Draco Malfoy. This would be her second year of going out with him. Everyone said he was bad news, but once you got to know him, he was great.
She had two best friends one of them being Neville Longbottom. The 'boy who lived'. He wasn't very smart and got scared an awful lot. It made her wonder how he kept defeating Voldemort time after time. Voldemort had killed his parents when he was a child and he was raised by his grandmother. Funny thing about it was in the prophecy it could have been two people, but she never found out who else it could have been. Neville was left with a ligthning shaped scar on his forehead.
Her other best friend Ron Weasley, had been her friend since her first year of school when she was eleven. He was never very serious, and since Hermione didn't have any brothers or sisters, she considered him her brother. Sure, Draco and Ron fought like cats and dogs, but that's what made her life normal, or as normal as it could get. She was afterall, a witch.
Hermione walked over to the door of her room and grabbed a jacket with a hood. After slipping the coat on she walked out into her living room. Her parents were sitting on the couch talking and trying to watch television at the same time. Her mother called out to her when she reached the door. "Where are you going honey?"
"Umm...I'm going to meet Ron and we're going to go out dancing with a few school friends." She bit her lip. She never liked them questioning her so much everytime she left, but she knew they were just concerned.
"Okay, just be careful." Her father said turning his attention back to the television. Hermione let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding and grabbed the keys off the bar, with one last glance to her parents she opened the door and made her escape.
Once she was on the bottom floor and parking garage of the building she got into her black 2001 Ford Mustang and pulled out heading towards the club where she would meet her friends.
~*~
Hermione parked her car and locked the doors. After wrapping her coat tighter around her she walked into the club. All at once her head started pounding along with the song. She couldn't hear anything except for the song as she made her way to the back of the club.
It was then she spotted, and how could she miss, a head of brillant red hair. She pushed her way through the crowded club and took a seat next to her boyfriend who was sitting down drinking his coke and looking bored.
"Sorry it took so long." She said as he grinned and placed his arm around her shoulders giving her something like a hug.
"That's okay, Weasley here was just starting to get exciting to watch." Ron sat back down at the table and gave a fake laugh.
"Very funny Malfoy. You know your the most boring person I've met next to Hermione here." Draco laughed at this and Hermione smacked Ron on the head from across the table.
"You had it coming mate." Draco said still trying to stop laughing as Hermione sat back in the booth with her arms folded over her chest.
"Yeah I guess."
Draco glanced over at Hermione before turning back to look at Ron. Ron shrugged his shoulders. "What is it Mione?"
Hermione looked at Ron, "Where is everyone else?"
Ron pointed out to the dance floor, and there sure enough was Neville, Ginny, Luna, Lavender, Dean, Seamus, and Parvati. They were all in a circle dancing, they all looked drunk but by glancing around the table you could tell none of them had even ordered a drink yet.
"Okay." Hermione leaned on the table and looked back from Ron to Draco a few times before both boys started laughing. "Who would like to accompany to dance." They both raised their hands and Hermione giggled. "Alright boys, lets dance."
They all walked out onto the dance floor by their friends, Hermione had Draco on one arm and Ron on the other, they all laughed and began dancing to the fast pace song that was playing. Draco was twirling Hermione around and Ron was over dancing by Luna but was still dancing next to Hermione.
Spunge's "Kicking Pigeons" was blaring on the speakers as the group danced and switched partners. Everyone had danced with everyone by the end of the song. Things couldn't have been any better if they could have been. (a/n: hope that made sense) Hermione stopped suddenly trying to catch her breath as everyone kept dancing around her. She smiled.
This would be almost the only time she would see any of them this summer, they had made plans to meet up before school had let out, and now here they were. Hermione lifted her head and saw a man staring straight back at her.
He had messy raven hair, and dark green emerald eyes. There were glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose as he gazed at her. He wore a dark red shirt, and a pair a torn cargo pants, along with a long black leather jacket. He had a sort of wild aura around him. It intranced her she had stopped blinking and breathing just simply stared at him.
He gave her a smile, before turning and walking away, it was then Draco grabbed her arm and spun her around gave her a peck on the lips and continued dancing. Even though she was dancing, she was thinking also, she didn't know what it was about the man she just saw, but her mind couldn't think of anything else.
~*~
Hermione walked over to where she had parked her car, and took out her keys. It was close to ten at night and after saying her goodbyes she left a little bit earlier than everyone else, but she just couldn't get that man out of her head. Just as she placed the key into the lock she heard footsteps.
"Well, well boys, what do we have here?" She turned around to come face to face with a group of men. They all wore the same stupid smirk on their faces.
"Excuse me, may I help you?"
"Why yes, I think you can." A man said stepping closer to her and running a finger across her jaw. "I am in need of some company tonight."
"Well, I'm not interested." She said shoving his hand away from her.
"Oh, a fiesty one eh?" He leaned closer to her and grabbed her arm tightly. "I like 'em fiesty."
"Let go of me." Hermione commanded trying to pull her arm loose.
"I don't think so. Like I told you, I need some company tonight, and I think you just might be the one."
"I said let go of me." The man tightened his grip on his arm, his buddies started laughing as she winced.
"C'mon honey le-"
"I think she told you to let go of her." Hermione looked over the man's shoulder to see the man that plagued her thoughts standing a few feet from them. The wind blowing his hair and his jacket.
"This is none of your business boy." The man said glaring at him.
"Your right, but now it is." The man with green eyes walked over to him and punched him in the face making him let go of Hermione's arm. He then spun around so that he was in front of Hermione and separating her from the group of men.
"You little bastard!" The man roared jumping at him.
The green eyed man caught him and shoved him backwards. He then kicked him in the back of the knees making him fall to the ground. The fallen man's buddies started towards him and the man turned to face Hermione.
His hand went behind her and he unlocked her door, with one swift motion he opened the door and shoved her in, he then closed the door and turned around just in time to duck a punch. He grabbed the man's arm pulling him to him and kneeing him in the stomach.
Another guy came at him hitting him in the back with a pipe. Hermione watched from inside her car, locking her doors. She could see the pain on the green eyed man's face as he turned around and socked the guy in the nose. Soon fists were flying everywhere, most at her savior.
She watched as he fought, it was almost as if he was performing some kind of weird dance. Soon, there were only about two of them left standing but the green eyed man didn't look to great. She could tell his face was already starting to swell, and he had cuts on his face from getting his head hit with a bottle.
Finally he punched the last man in the stomach and kicked him after he fell for good measures. After running his hand through his already messy hair he looked up at her. His glasses had fallen off sometime in the fight and his eyes looked even more green, if it was possible.
She opened the door and rushed over to him as he leaned against a tree beside the parking lot. "Are you okay?" He asked checking her arm for any signs of injury. She looked at him shocked. This man went through a beating of about six guys, and is asking if she's alright because one of them grabbed her arm. "He didn't hurt you did he? I didn't hurt you when I pushed you into your car either did I?"
He asked in a rush and Hermione just stared at him. "No, no, I'm not hurt. Are you hurt?" She asked and felt stupid immediately. 'Yes he's hurt you ditz, look at him, he got the shit beat out of him, for someone he doesn't even know.'
She snapped out of her trance when he answered, "No, I'm fine. I've been through worse, I don't think this is even close." She tilted her head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't even get your name."
"Oh, Harry, Harry Potter."
He held out his hand and Hermione took it, enjoying the warmth she got from the grasp more than she would ever realize. "I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger."
"It's nice to meet you Hermione."
"You too Harry."
He smiled at her, and she felt her knees go weak. A part of her mind was screaming that she had a boyfriend, and that stuff like that shoudln't be happening to her. She gave him a grin of her own, ignoring that other part of her mind.
"Do you need any help?" She asked.
"Umm..no I think I've got everything under control." Harry replied.
"Atleast let me take you back to my house and get you cleaned up." He raised his eyebrows at her.
"I really shouldn't."
"Oh, c'mon you saved me, it's the least I could do." It was then she noticed that she as still holding his hand, she quickly pulled it back and blushed, if it wasn't so dark she would have noticed him doing the same.
"I guess." He said standing up straight. For the first time she noticed how tall he actually was. He towered over her by atleast seven inches. She looked up at him and sighed.
"Here," She said wrapping her arm around his waist, "Let me help you to the car." He laid his arm over her shoulders as she walked him to the car. Once there she helped him in, and took one last glance at the men who were starting to get up, only this time they ran off in the other direction.
Hermione smirked and got in the car, after starting it up she drove off in the directon of her home, hoping her parents were going to a meeting like they had been the last week. She glanced over at Harry who had his eyes closed and his head laying against the head rest.
She never noticed Draco standing outside the club along with Ron and Neville, only catching her placing her arm around his waist and him placing his arm around her shoulders. None of them knew what really happened but assumed she was cheating on Draco.
~*~
Hermione opened the door to her room. It was big enough, a large bed with red velvet blankets, and red curtains. She also had a large stereo system in her room, along with a computer and a large bookshelf. She helped Harry over to a large plush red chair that sat in the corner of her room by the window and a light. Harry took off his leather coat and waited for Hermione to get settled with whatever she was doing.
After turning the light on and grabbing a first aid kit Hermione got her first good look at him. His face was swollen and covered in black, blue, and purple bruises. He had a cut on his lip that was bleeding and tiny cuts all over his face. Somehow though, it didn't make him any less attractive.
After she helped him take of his jacket she started cleaning his wounds and he winced a little bit as she touched the cut on his lip. Other than that he barely moved as she worked. After she was done she got some ice and let him hold it to his face moving him over to the small couch against the wall.
It was then she noticed that there was a darker color of red coming from the back of his shirt. "Hey, I think your hurt. On your...umm..your back."
He looked at her for a moment before lifting his shirt over his head revealing his muscled chest and his back. She blushed but looked at his back. It was bruised and there was a large cut in his back. She gasped, how could a pipe do that?
She worked quickly stopping the bleeding and he winced louder this time when she applied medicine to it. After she was done she glanced at the clock. It was almost twelve thirty in the morning. She sighed and glanced back over at Harry who was laying down with ice on his face and seemed to be asleep. His shirt laying on the floor.
Hermione shook her head. She was always getting into some kind of trouble. Now she was afraid that she had gotten this man beat up. Still he seemed to be a mystery to her. How could he have fought off five guys. Sure he had bruises and cuts, but five grown men, with a pipe and a bottle. It amazed her. Even being a witch it still amazed her, it was like someone taking five hits with a powerful spell and still getting up.
She sat down on her bed and watched him silently. Hopefully her parents wouldn't check on her in the morning and she could get him out of her room without being seen. Soon her eyes got heavy and her head fell against the pillow, not too long later she fell asleep.
~*~
Hermione opened her eyes slowly as she felt the sun on her face. She yawned and stretched then remembered what had happened last night. She sat up quickly and noticed Harry wasn't laying on the couch in fact she didn't see any sign of him.
Her brown eyes quickly searched the room. There was a note laying on her table beside the couch. Quickly she got up and walked over to it. Her hands were shaking as she opened the letter, she relaxed as she started reading it.
Hermione,
Sorry I left without saying goodbye. I knew that you would be worried if your parents found me alseep in your room. I grabbed my stuff and left before they even came home, so don't worry. I want to thank you for cleaning up my wounds. Just consider it even, since I helped you. I don't know if I'll ever see you again...but I hope I do. I don't know why, I guess something stuck. I want to get to know you better, more than your name.
You seem to be an amazing person. When I saw you in the club you were cheerful and shared a close bond in your friendships. When you insisted on helping me, I knew you were caring. There's just someting about you Hermione Granger. Thank you again.
Harry
Hermione fell back against the couch and re-read the letter making sure she read it correctly. It was the first time a guy she didn't even know had actually wanted to see her again. The odds must have been agianst her though since she had a boyfriend whom she was really attracted to, but she wouldn't say loved. Then she didn't even know where he lived. Hopefully though, she would see him again.
Sighing she placed the letter in her trunk under some of her old school books. Turning and looking at the clock she noticed that it was eleven in the morning. Grabbing some clothes she headed into her bathroom to take a shower.
~*~
Hermione rolled her eyes, her parents said they had been invited to a party for their company and some other companies. They wanted to bring her along, it would be later that night. Good thing she didn't really have anything to do, with a sigh she came out of her room wearing a strapless sky blue dress. It came down to her ankles, and was rather thin. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with brown curls coming from the back and hanging down on the sides of her face.
She had matching blue shoes, that fit her feet perfectly. She gave herself a small smile to her parents before grabbing her keys and her bag, where she had hid some other clothes. She was going to bail in the middle of the party and go hang out in the club to see if any of her friends would be there. Don't get her wrong she loved her parents, but these parties were always so boring.
She sighed once again as she left the apartment and went to the bottom floor, again she climbed into her car. She waited for her parents to pull out and then followed them, having no idea where the party would be. Hermione turned her radio on, and popped in a CD one of her muggle friend had made for her.
The song that started playing was one she recognized as YellowCard's "Sure Shot". She smiled as she bobbed her head to the song, and sometimes caught herself singing along to the song.
"So I say, I've got a sureshot way to work things out. All of this agruing has worn you down. I got a sureshot way to kill your doubts. Find what you're following and chase it down."
She lost track of time and by the third time of listening to the song she had pulled into a parking lot in front of a large mansion. Other people were getting out of their cars also.
Hermione took a moment to stare at the mansion in awe. It was huge, surrounded by fountains and gardens. There were also small lights leading up the path to the door, and other lights decorating the garden. She followed her parents quietly up the path and to the door. All the people looked a bit snobby. Though she new she shouldn't judge, she had to, she didn't belong here with all these people.
Without saying a word Hermione followed her parents into the mansion and was greeted by the face of a very large man, his face was red and round. It looked as if he had no neck at all. Of course, his son, that looked like a much younger version of the man himself stood right beside him, except his was as wide as a baby whale.
It took every bit of self control she had not to laugh at the sight, and Hermione had a lot of self control. Keeping a fake smile on her face as she walked past them, Hermione let out a small giggle when she was far enough away from them. He father turned to her and gave her a goofy smile, and she grinned back.
That was probably the funniest part of the night. Now just about two hours, and a lot of boring jokes later, Hermione sat at a table alone in the corner, quietly sipping her drink watching everyone talk and laugh. She really never knew why she let her parents talk her into going. Hermione was drowning in her thoughts when a loud bang erupted through the room, echoing of the large walls of the mansion.
Everyone turned in the direction of the two main doors as they flew open. Men in black uniforms stood there carrying....something that was hidden behind them, but is was kicking and moving around. "Sir, we have found him. Sorry to intrude but the insitution said they won't take him again."
The fat man Hermione now new as Vernon Dursley growled, and his face turned almost purple. "Well, if he is tied up then, present him to our guests."
The man nodded, and him and a few others brought forward a man with a cloth covering his entire body. They tossed him on the floor, pulling the cloth off and revealing the man below. Hermione let out a gasp. On the floor layed the beaten and bruised body of Harry Potter. He layed on the ground not moving, his hands were cuffed behind his back, and his mouth was gagged.
"That's enough, get 'em out of here boys." Vernon said after giving a digusted look in Harry's direction. The men lifted him up and as they led him into another part of the house going down the stairs towards the basement. Harry's eyes came up and met her's. She could see the pain in his eyes as they took him away.
His gaze never left hers as they led him out of the room. As soon as he was out of sight the room started back up in their usually chatter. Hermione sighed and walked over to her parents, "Excuse me, but I'm leaving. I'm a bit tired."
"Alright sweetie, we'll be home in a little while." Her mother said giving her a hug.
"Okay mother." Hermione replied walking out of the mansion and heading to her car, ignoring the stares she got from people. Once Hermione reached her car, she started it up and heard screaming coming from the mansion. She looked in her mirror the men in black suits were yelling and searching the gardens with lights.
Hermione gave a small laugh, since it all did seem rather funny to her. As she started to pull out she saw something running along the driveway, so she sped up. As she caught up with, well him, she noticed that it was Harry. She stopped her car and threw open the door, "Get in." She commanded.
He looked at her surprised but got in the car anyways. She then took off leaving the men in black suits still searching for the man in her car. Hermione glanced over at Harry and blushed when she realized he was looking back. "I'm sorry we had to meet like this. I didn't expect to get thrown back into that place, much less you being there."
"That's okay." Hermione replied turning the wheel to the left as they went around a corner. "I'm just wondering what did you do to deserve whatever they were planning to do?"
Harry sighed, "I was born." This comment made Hermione tilt her head towards him a confused look on her face.
"How does that make them lock you up?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, which I probably shouldn't." He replied his gaze shifting to the window and staring at the passing scenery.
"You can tell me, I won't say anything to anyone. I promise."
"Okay I guess, just don't laugh or anything. My parents were killed when I was young, so I was sent to live with my only remaining relatives. That would be the Dursleys, the evil and boring people you met at the party. You know the ones with a son that is the size of a baby whale." Hermione laughed at this, "Anyways, they never liked me, kept me locked up all my life, and sent me to a horrible school. When they had visitors and people asked why there were bars on the windows around the bottom of the house, they said that they were taking care of their 'mentally' ill nephew."
Hermione's eyebrows knitted together in thought as Harry continued with his story. "That's where I stayed for the most part of my life. Now, here's the part I don't want you to laugh at, or think I'm crazy."
"I told you already, I won't." She said keeping her eyes on the road, "I also want to know how you managed to escape."
"Well, that's simple, I do it just like I do every other time. I think really hard where I want to be and most of the time I'll end up there. A weird jolt, and a popping sound....then that's how I do it. As for getting the locks and stuff off, I guess it's about the same thing, I think and things start to happen." He paused and looked up at her meeting her gaze for a second. "I understand if you think I'm weird or crazy..I just, don't have anyone to talk to about it, none that will believe me anyways."
Hermione gave him a sympathetic smile as she pulled into the parking garage of her house. "I believe you Harry. Things like that have happened to me too."
He looked at her amazed as she got out of the car. Soon he got out too and followed her. "I'm gonna go."
"Huh?" She asked stopping and looking at him, "You can come in you know."
"I know...it's just..you- that you would get hurt if they found out you were helping me. I couldn't let them do that. I'll promise though, to visit you as often as I can."
"Okay." She mumbled as he stuck out his hand, she took it but pulled him to her in an embrace, "Becareful though."
"Don't worry, I will." He pulled back and gave her a small smile before turning and walking out of the garage and into the night. Hermione watched him go before sighing and turning around and taking the elevator up to the top floor.
Hermione unlocked her door and walked in shutting it silently behind her. She looked around, it wasn't bad owning the whole top floor and roof of a building. After laying her keys down on the bar she walked to her room and tossed her bag on her bed. Without another thought she sat down in front of her computer and connected to the internet.
Her eyes focused and she started searching data bases and wizard bases alike. Searching for any information she could on Harry Potter.
~*~
Hermione's eyes scanned her screen. She had been looking up information for atleast a half of an hour. Finally she had found what she had been looking for, thanks to a few hacker friends. Her eyebrows wer knitted together in confusion as she read.
'Name, Harry James Potter. Birthdate: Unknown to our medical history.' Hermione frowned, why didn't they have when he was born? 'Age: 16. Parents: Deceased.' Another confused look passed over Hermione's face, he doesn't have any parents. 'Guardians: Vernon and Petunia Dursley. '
That was just the main stuff. As Hermione searched the more she realized she wouldn't find out about him that way. He didn't have anything really. He was even sent to a prison sort of school. His parents owned a company, and all of their savings and company shares were left to Harry. It still didn't explain to as why Harry was kept locked up though.
Hermione leaned back in her chair and yawned. Looks as if she would have to get some answers from Harry himself. Glancing over at the clock Hermione got up and dug through her back until she got her clothes, without another thought she changed and put on a black coat that had a hood. She walked out and into her kitchen. After leaving her parents a note she grabbed her keys and left out the door.
Hermione got into her car and backed up, after pulling out she sped off down the street to one of the only places she knew she would get some answers, hopefully. She turned off her car as soon as she pulled into the parking lot of the same place she was last night.
Quickly Hermione got out of the car and made her way to the entrance. Once inside she walked to the back of the club. Sure enough, sitting at the back booth was Ron, Draco, Neville, Ginny, Lavender, Parvati, Luna, Dean, and Seamus. Hard to believe that they could fit that many people in one of the small booths but again anything seemed possible anymore.
Her friends noticing her all gave her a smile, she didn't notice however that Neville, Ron, and Draco had given her a cautious look first. She took a seat between Draco and Ginny as the group continued their conversation. Hermione simply just sat there. She was really hoping for another glimpse of Harry, she needed to know about him, it was becoming an obsession. Taking a glance at Draco as he laughed at something Ginny said, she sighed.
She wasn't supposed to be like this. Draco was her boyfriend, she just didn't know where she held a man she just met in her heart. She heard Draco calling for her and she snapped back to reality and out of her own troubling thoughts.
"Hermione, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." The brunette replied smiling as she looked at him.
He stared back at her before smirking, and giving her a peck on the lips. She kissed him back lightly. Then the group resumed their usual converstation.
A few hours, drinks, dancing, and jokes later the group sat at their table talking again. This time though, the boys were on one side, and the girls on the other, all of them holding their own conversations. They all heard a bang and people yelling. They all looked up to see men with black uniforms walking briskly into the room.
Their gazes were set on something else as they heard a scream and a quiet humming sound. Hermione's eyes widened. One of the black men had fired a shot of a tranquilizer at a man. His back was facing her, but the black coat and messy ravin hair was unmistakeable. She watched silently as the man stood back up pulling the tranquilizer out of his side.
The men jumped on Harry. Harry then threw them off as much as they could. Hermione wanted to jump out of her seat and help him. He threw punches and dodged punches. He was jumping around and kicking and taking the men out. The got a hold of him and started punching him in the stomach and hitting him on the back with bats. One even threw him onto a table breaking it on impact. Harry got up a couple seconds later and went back to trading punches and taking the men out. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see Draco and Ron glaring, Neville with a blank expression on his face.
When there were only two men left Harry jumped up onto a table near Hermione, he went to dive of onto a guy when the other one grabbed his foot pulling him down and banging his head on the table. The other man helped him pull Harry off the table hitting him in the head with the tip of his gun. Harry's head fell limp and Hermione could see the blood coming out of the side of his head.
Ginny had noticed she had tenced up and gave her a weird look. Before she had time to think Hermione had jumped out of her seat and towards Harry she jumped on one of the man's back trying to choke him and to get him to let go of Harry. "Leave him alone!" She yelled as the man tried to get her off.
The man finally got her off and tossed her to the ground, "Watch yourself girl." He stated before making his way towards her glaring. Hermione went to get back up when she heard a voice, it was Harry's.
"NO! Hermione, stay back. I can handle it." Harry had managed to say before kicking a the man with a gun in the stomach. Harry then punched him in the face making him fall back onto a table. Harry turned around to find the other man still advancing on Hermione, his eyes widened, then he dived at the man wrapping his arms around him as he tackled him to the ground.
Quickly he flipped him over and rained punches on the man's face. The bouncers to the club came in and pulled Harry off. "What's going on here?" The taller one with black hair asked.
"I was attacked." Harry said his eyes closing out of exhustion. He then fell to his knees his eyes opening only to be seen as they were glazed over. Blood dribbled down the side of his head and out of his mouth. He was breathing hard as his head fell limp and he layed down on the floor.
"Call 911!" The shorter bouncer yelled. The older one nodded and pulled out a cell phone.
Hermione looked at Harry wide eyed before rushing over to him and kneeling down beside him turning him over onto his back. "Please hang on Harry, it will all be alright." She said pushing his hair out of his eyes as he layed motionless in the middle of all the destruction.
Draco came up to her and pulled her back when the paremedics arrived and started tending to Harry. "Hermione, what in the bloody hell is going on, who is that guy." He asked sounding not only jealous but irrate.
Hermione stared at him as did all of her friends wanting to know also, "How do you know him Hermione?" He asked, knowing that this was the man who got into her car last night with her.
"He's Harry." They all looked at her, Draco shook her shoulders lightly his silver eyes boring into her brown ones.
"Answer my question Hermione."
She pulled away from him, all the anger she felt towards the men that had attacked Harry finally getting out, "He saved me last night! Saved me from a group of men that wanted to hurt me, to rape me! He is my friend that I trust! I don't know why I do, because I barely know anything about him, but I DO!"
Her friends all stared at her with a blank expression, "Before you say anything, just don't. You don't know him, any of you. You won't judge him, not while I'm here." A tear fell out of the corner of her eye and rolled slowly down her cheek.
"Ginny, can you drive me home?" She asked quietly.
"Sure." Replied Ginny, who had just turned sixteen. "C'mon." She said wrapping an arm around her shoulders and waving to everyone as she left to the parking lot and to take Hermione home. As they approached the car, people started comeing out of the building, making way for the stretcher that Harry was laid on. Ginny could feel her friend stop and watch as they loaded Harry up. She could also feel her shake slightly.
She was no expert on love, but she had a pretty strong feeling that Hermione felt something for this 'Harry' boy. Once the doors were closed, Ginny helped Hermione into the car, and started the car up. She had no idea why Hermione wanted her to drive her home. It didn't seem very Hermione like, she knew it wasn't her place to pry, but she had to know more.
"Hermione, I know that you obviously care for this Harry guy, so can you tell me what you do know about him? How did you exactly meet him? What do you feel for him?" Ginny asked tightning her grip on the wheel.
Hermione had her head laying against the window, silent tears trickling down her face. Her eyes flicked over to Ginny's direction before looking back to the window and out at the passing cars. "I barely know anything about him Gin. I just get this sense of trust from him. Ever since I saw him at the club last night, and he looked up at me, I just...couldn't get him out of my head." She sighed, "Then, when a group of men had stopped me from getting into my car and leaving, he showed up. Punched the guy who had a hold of my arm, and unlocked my door, after he pushed me in, he then started fighting with them."
She made a face as she remembered how they beat him, and how he won. "They ganged up on him, hitting him with a glass bottle in the head, and over the back with a pipe, but he didn't stop. He beat five guys Gin!" A smile crossed her face, "He is so caring too, when he was done he leaned against a tree and when I rushed out to help him, he asked if I was okay. He asked if they hurt me, or if he had hurt me when he pushed me into the car. I was surprised for the most part that he asked if I was hurt, when he was the one injured, bleeding, and bruised."
Ginny gave her best friend a smile, every girl wants a man who cares for her, and puts her first. That's exactly what this complete stranger did to Hermione, no wonder she liked him.
"I offered to take him to my house so that I could clean up his wounds, so it would be even, he helped me, and I would help him." Hermione stared out the window, her tears starting to dry up, "I worried all night that my parents would find him in my room in the morning after he fell asleep on my couch. Then when I woke up I had nothing to be worried about, Harry had left. He also left me a note. He said that he didn't think my parents would like to see a stranger, asleep in their daughters room. He said he wanted to see me again, but he didn't know when he would be able to. Harry said in his letter that he wanted to get to know me better, that there was some...attraction and he wanted to know more about me."
Hermione smiled, "Then my parents were invited to a party with other companies. Naturally they had to talk me into going. Those were some of the most stuck up and boring people I have ever met. The night was very, very, boring, so I just sat in the corner, no one bothered me, and I didn't bother anyone. Then these men in black suits came barging through the door. They had caught someone, and the host of the party told them to show everyone who they had caught." Another tear made its way down her cheek as she continued to speak, "They tossed him down in the center of the room on the floor....it was..it was Harry Ginny. He was cuffed and gagged. He just layed on the floor."
"He looked so helpless, so harmless at that moment. His body looked broken, along with his spirit." Hermione stopped and shook her head, "They lifted him up, and as they took him to a different room, he looked up at me. His eyes never left mine until there was a wall separating us. There were so many emotions, but mostly pain. I left then, being glad I drove my own car there, left. As I sat in my car, I heard someone scream and the men in black suits came out, searching for someone. I laughed and started my car, I then started down the driveway. That was until I saw a figure running along in the grass. I stopped my car to find that it was Harry."
Hermione continued with her story until she got to the part of her looking up information on him. Ginny looked shocked as she pulled into the garage. She shut the engine off and looked over at Hermione. "Know wonder you have been spacing out tonight. The only advice I can give you Hermione, is to let him tell you about himself, he is trying to protect you from something, and I think you will have to wait to find out."
Hermione nodded and got out of the car Ginny following her as they got into the elevator. Ginny could hear Hermione sigh as they reached the top floor. She then followed Hermione out of the elevator. When they entered Hermione's apartment, Hermione's parents were at the door in atleast five seconds flat.
"Hermione dear, what happened." Her mother said.
"On the news they said there was a big fight at that club you always go to." Her father said.
"Are you alright?" They both asked. Hermione simply nodded and Ginny followed her to her room, where Hermione threw herself down onto her bed, loving the feel of her pillow under her face as she let silent tears fall.
"Hermione," Ginny spoke quietly, "Tomorrow, come pick me up at the hotel, and how about we pay Mister Potter a visit in the hospital?"
Hermione wimpered at the thought of something being wrong with Harry as he was in the hospital, but nodded knowing that she wanted to see him and make sure he was okay more than anything. Ginny sighed and gave her friend the best hug she could since her friend happened to be laying on a bed face down. She then left and got into a car that she had left here incase of emergencies, and now she was glad she had, after leaving she headed back to the hotel that Ron, Neville, Draco, Lavender, Parvati, Dean and Seamus had gotten rooms at.
~*~
Hermione layed on her back as the moon shown through her window. A frown was clear shown on her face, as small tears rolled down her cheeks and face onto her pillow. Her body shook with silent sobs. For a moment as he fell, she could feel his pain. With the beating he had recieved the prevous night, and then tonight, she didn't know if he would be alright. She hoped though, she hoped, tomorrow she would see him anyhow.
"Hermione," Her mother spoke softly from the doorway as she opened it and light spilled into the room. Hermione shut her eyes tightly willing her mother to believe that she was alseep. Unfortunately, her mother knew her better than that. She could her mother's light footsteps as she walked towards her bed, "I know your not asleep, I heard you crying."
Hermione kept her eyes shut, not wanting to give up her facade. Her mother sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, gently running a hand through her daughter's hair, "You know, you can tell me what happened, I won't judge you, and I will listen. Then I will do what a mother is supposed to do, to help you out."
Her mother made a move to get up when Hermione didn't answer, but just as she did Hermione shot up and wrapped her arms tightly around her mother's waist hugging her tightly wishing her mother would make the confusion and pain go away. Her mother gave her a small smile because she had responded to her, as she wrapped her arms around her daughter, trying to comfort her the best way she could.
"It was horrible Mom. They beat him, and no one would help, they just watched." Hermione sid before breaking down and crying again. Her mother gave her a confused look.
"Honey, who are you talking about? What happened, tell me so I can help."
Hermione sniffed and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She then began to tell her mother about everything, starting with the night she had saw him at the club. She managed, however, to leave out the part of him staying in her room after saving her. After finishing her mother smiled at her, but at the end of her daughter's story she had been frowning in concern.
"I don't know what to do Mom. I'm so confused. I've never felt anything like I do for Harry, but I also have feelings for Draco, and I just...don't know what any of it means."
Her mother smiled, "It means that you are growing up, and are experiencing love for the first time. You may not realize it yet, but the feelings you feel for Harry, or Draco might be just attraction, but I think that it is more. Otherwise, I know it couldn't confuse my genius daughter Hermione."
She gave her mother a small smile, thanking her for the advice and the help. "So, are you going to see him in the hospital?"
"In the morning, Ginny is going to go with me. I just hope there is nothing wrong with him. He took a pretty rough beating. Once for me, and another for being himself. I guess I feel like he doesn't deserve what he has gotten in his life, which is basically nothing at all. That's another thing that confuses me, he's so bloody nice, why do they treat him like they do mother?"
"I don't know Hermione. From what you have said though, he seems like the perfect man for you." Her mother smiled.
"Mom, I don't know if I like him like that, and I don't think he likes me like that anyways." Hermione blushed.
"Okay, I'm just trying to help you out." Her mother got up and gave her daughter one more hug before walking over to the door, "Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay." She replied as her mother smiled and closed the door behind her.
Hermione sighed and layed back against her pillow, thinking of the best shape Harry could be in, before drifting off into a much needed sleep.
~*~
The sun was shinning through the window casting a warm glow on the smaller bedroom on the 20th floor of the Sunnydell Apartments. Hermione opened her eyes slowly and looked at her clock after rubbing her eyes trying to wake up. She shook her head and jumped up, she then ran into her shower.
It was already nine in the morning and she wanted to go see Harry before eleven, she had to make sure he was alright, she already felt that is was partly her fault that he was hurt in the first place. If she would have just stayed a bit longer in the club, she might not have met up with those digusting guys. Then Harry wouldn't have gotten hurt, and might not have gotten hurt last night either.
Hermione sighed as she stepped out of her shower and dried off her face. After getting dressed and brushing her teeth Hermione stepped out into her room. It was already nine forty-five. Her eyes windened and she ran back into her bathroom to fix her hair.
After drying her hair, and pulling it back into a simple ponytail Hermione made her way into the kitchen to grab some breakfast before picking up Ginny. She smiled at her father, who was reading a paper and drinking some orange juice. Her mother was standing over the stove, cooking eggs. Hermione smiled at her and got a glass from the cabinet, she then filled it up with orange juice.
"Someone sure looks happy." Her father said looking up from his paper.
Hermione looked at him, "Well, I am going to see Harry in the hospital this morning."
Her father nodded, "I take it this Harry, is the boy who the Dursleys had captured yesterday at the party."
"Yes he is." Hermione said grabbing a plate of eggs and sitting down across from him at the table, "For the record, he is nothing like those people."
"I know," Her father John Granger said smiling, "Your mother told me about him last night."
Hermione smiled and began to eat, it seemed a bit odd that her mother stayed quiet during the conversation, she however, forgot about it as she slipped her shoes and jacket on after eating. Once she got her cars keys and her purse she said her goodbyes to her parents as she headed out the door and the garage.
Once in the garage Hermione got into her car and pulled out she was going to pick up Ginny at the hotel, and anyone else who waned to come with her, although she doubted any others did.
~*~
After parking her car outside, Hermione walked into the elevator and went up to the third floor, she got out of the elevator and walked down the hallway repeating the room number in her head. '213, 213, 213' She stopped in front of room 213 and smiled. After knocking on the door, she heard a lot of rustling and yelling before the door opened to reveal Ginny with a brush in her hand.
"Come in Hermione." She said cheerfully as she shut the door behind her. It was then Hermione noticed Lavender and Parvati fighting about something. She let out a small laugh and both girls looked at her.
"Hermione!" They both yelled running up to her and giving her a hug forgeting what they were fighting about in the first place. She almost fell over as the two jumped towards her. However, she managed a smile, even though she wasn't very fond of them, she still liked them and were her friends.
"Calm down, I wasn't missing for a month or anything." Hermione said pulling them off of her.
"We know we were just worried about you is all." Lavender said looking at her.
"That, and Ginny wouldn't tell us a thing about this 'Harry Potter' that we saw at the club last night." Parvati grinned wiggling her eyebrows at the mention of Harry Potter.
"That's right, and I don't intend to tell you something about him without Hermione's consent." Ginny said stepping out of the bathroom dressed and ready.
"We knew that." Lavender and Parvati said together, "That's why we're going with you guys, if you don't mind Hermione." Parvati said after looking at her.
Hermione gave a small laugh at their actions, "Sure why not, I think he might be happy to get some company." It took her a moment, but she realized that Lavender and Parvati had planned this they were ready to go both wearing a grin from ear to ear.
They all laughed and left the room, once they were in the hallway Hermione noticed Draco, Ron and Neville talking by their door. Draco turned and looked at her giving her a small smile he then came up and placed a small kiss on her cheek and wrapped his arms around her waist. "How you doing babe?" He asked pulling her against him.
"Good I guess, the girls and I were on our way to the hospital to see if Harry was alright." She could see his eyes darken at the mere mention of Harry, but he hid it almost immediately.
"Ok, me and the boys here were going to go out and look around this city." Hermione smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips. He smiled and walked over to Ron and Neville. "See you later."
"You will." After finishing her sentence the four girls walked away heading to car. After they got into the car Lavender and Parvati started their own conversation about Harry while Hermione hid her smirk. She looked over at Ginny, "Thanks, for last night." Ginny looked over at her startled.
"It was nothing." Ginny replied watching her friend as she focused her eyes on the road in front of her.
"Herms, let's get some music here, it will make the time go much faster." Lavender said giggling. Hermione sighed and smiled as she turned on her stereo. Lavender, Parvati, and Ginny all covered their ears as music blared through the speakers and vibrated the car. Hermione laughed and turned the stereo down a little bit. Lavender and Parvati were scowling and Ginny was laughing at their faces.
"That wasn't funny Hermione." Parvati said crossing her arms, "It wasn't even a good song." She pouted jokingly. Hermione smiled and popped in a CD. She hadn't listened to it yet, but bought it a few days ago. As soon as the song came on she could here Lavender and Parvati groan in frustration. Soon AFI's 'Silver and Cold' was playing and Hermione was singing along with it. Not long after that they were all singing it.
"Light, like the flutter of wings, feel your hollow voice rushing into me, as your longing to sing. So I will paint you in silver. I will wrap you in cold. I will lift up your voice as I sink." They then started sing the chorus, "Your sins into me, oh, my beautiful one now. Your sins into me. As a rapturous voice escapes, I will tremble a prayer and I'll beg for forgiveness. Your sins into me, oh, beautiful one." Everyone stopped singing except Hermione.
"Cold in life's throws. I'll fall asleep for you. I only ask you turn away. I only ask you turn as they seep into me, oh, my beautiful one." Then again they all started singing the chorus.
The song finished as they pulled the car into the parking garage and climbed out. They all laughed as they walked towards the door entering the hospital. Hermione stepped up to the service desk as the woman blinked lazily behind the counter drumming her fingers on the counter. "Can I help you?" She asked.
"Umm..yeah, do you know which room Harry Potter is in?"
The woman looked at her computer screen and typed something, "Room 120, on the third floor."
"Thank you." Hermione replied heading towards the elevator Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati following her silently. They all stayed quiet during the elevator ride, the only sound heard was the ding of the door as they reached the third floor. Hermione was the first one out, her eyes looking from door to door reading the numbers. After walking down the hallway she finally found room 120. Her eyes brightened up a bit and Ginny stopped Lavender and Parvati from getting any closer to the door.
"Let her go in first, alone." Ginny whispered to them, they sighed but nodded and took a seat in the empty chairs that lined the walls of the hallway. They watched as Hermione knocked on the door and they could hear a voice answering for her to come in. That's all they saw as the door shut behind her, and the click of the door shutting echoing in the hall.
~*~
Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw Harry sitting up in his bed. She gave him a small smile as he grinned at her, "You okay?" He asked her. She ws a bit surprised, afterall he was the one laying in the hospital bed.
"You always ask that." She said walking over to the side over his bed.
"Just making sure." He said smiling at her. "So, are you?"
"Yes, I'm fine." She smirked, "Of course, I'm not the one laying in a bed at a hospital either." Harry gave a small chuckle. It was then Hermione took the time to actually look at him. He had a bandage on the back of his head, cuts and bruises on his face, and a cast on his wrist. She frowned slightly.
Harry must have noticed because he gently grabbed a hold of her hand that was resting on the edge of his bed, "It's not your fault, and I'm okay." His thumb stroked her hand softly as tears appeared in her eyes, replaying the images of last night over and over in her head.
"I know, but I can't help but feel responsable for what happened in some way." Hermione said wiping a tear out of her eye.
"You had no part of it Hermione. It had nothing to do with you, and you nothing with it. Don't blame yourself our feel bad about it. Don't feel sorry for me." He paused and looked her in the eyes, his green orbs locking with her brown ones. "Plus, I think you should feel more sorry for the goons that attacked me. They have it far worse than me."
Hermione giggled at his attempts to cheer her up. She looked at him, his hair was all messed up and sticking all over the place. "Maybe I should." Hermione smiled at him, he returned the smile and pulled her over to him and hugged her.
"Thanks for coming and visiting me. I didn't think I would get any visitors. I'm glad you came though." Harry said sincerely squeezing her hand gently as he let go of her.
Hermione gazed into his eyes as they stared back at her, and she had never wanted to drown in them more. She surprised herself when her own hand shot out and cupped his cheek gently. He took his other hand and placed it over hers. Hermione tried to pull away she didn't want to cheat on Draco, but there was just something about Harry, that made Hermione drawn to him.
They just stared at eachother, both fighting the urge to kiss one another senseless. Harry knew she had a boyfriend he saw him when he first saw her, and she knew she had a boyfriend, so it could never happen not until she didn't have a boyfriend, and that might be awhile.
"I would always come to visit you Harry Potter." She said softly.
"As I would you Hermione Granger." He replied his hand still on hers and his other hand intertwined with hers. He leaned forward as her hand fell from his face and gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Your the only person I trust. That's why I can't let them harm you. I know you were trying to help, but what if you had gotten hurt and I wasn't the only one in the hospital. I don't know what I would have done if you were hurt." Harry averted his gaze to the blank wall beside him, "I know it sounds stupid, that I care so much for someone I just met...I..it's just..I don't know, destiny. That's why I have this feelings, I was destined to have them, it was my destiny to meet you. Someone who is caring, smart, and loving. The exact opposite of what I have grown up with."
Hermione looked at him, seeing the innocent boy who was robbed of a childhood. A boy who was denied love growing up, the love from parents, and relatives. She couldn't imagine how bad it must have been, or why he fought to stay alive, "It's not stupid." He looked at her tilting his head slightly.
"I sometimes ask myself why I feel drawn to you, or why I'm always thinking about you, but I never know exactly why. Maybe your right, maybe it was destiny. Because I have certainly never met anyone like you. After all you have been through, you still keep going, you think you would have grown cold, or hateful, but you didn't. Your the exact opposite Harry Potter. Your caring, charming, kind, and very brave. I may be caring, but I'm not s brave as you are."
Harry laughed at this and Hermione just stared at him, "Not brave, what came over you then when you jumped on that man's back, he was twice your size you know." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"That wasn't br-" Hermione started.
"Bravery? Of course it was. Hermione you were choking a man twice your size, now tell me how that wasn't brave."
Hermione sighed, "Fine you win, but I was only brave because I didn't want to see you get hurt."
His eyes softened, "I know."
Hermione heard something outside the door and rolled her eyes, "I forgot I'm not the only visitor here." He gave her a questioning look, and she smiled, "I brought some of my friends they wanted to make sure you were okay also, atleast that's what they told me." He smiled as she got up and walked over to the door. A few seconds later three girls entered behind her, all wearing a grin.
"Hermione stopped and pointed to each of them as she said their names, "This is Ginny." Ginny smiled and blushed a bit, "Lavender," She said as Lavender smiled and giggled, "And this is Parvati," Parvati smiled and waved to him. Hermione inwardly laughed, they all looked like blushing idiots.
"Hello ladies." He said, "I'm Harry Potter." They all smiled and took turns shaking his hand. "It's nice to meet some of Hermione's friends."
"It's nice to finally meet you too." Ginny said smiling.
"Yes it is." Parvati added.
Harry smiled over at Hermione who stood against the wall smirking at him. "And what may I ask is that smirk for Miss Granger?" He asked with a smirk of his own.
"Oh nothing Mister Potter." She smiled innocently. All of the other girls exchanged silent glances and knowing looks with one another as they smiled.
Ginny finally broke the silence, "So Mister Potter tell us about yourself." It was then that Harry began to tell his entire story from beginning to present, telling everything he could remember to them. Hermione was getting her answers and the rest of them were enjoying listening to him. The rest of the day was spent talking and laughing as they passed jokes back and forth at one another.
By four o'clock they were saying their goodbyes to Harry, they left the room leaving Harry and Hermione alone; giggling all the way out.
Hermione grinned at him, "They're a piece of work aren't they?"
Harry sighed and ran a hand through is unruly raven hair, "Your telling me."
She smiled and hugged him kissing his cheek as she pulled back, "I'll come by tomorrow to visit you again."
"I'll be looking forward to it." He said smiling.
"Me too." Hermione said walking over to the door and opening it, "I hope you feel better." She added going out the door.
"I will." He answered before the door closed all the way. He sighed and watched the door long after she had left. His mind drifting through new thoughts from earlier. He knew one thing though, Hermione was sure something else. Though, the feelings he felt for her, didn't seem strange or weird at all.
~*~
I know it's stupid, but I just had a major brainstorm, and hope most of you didn't fall alseep or stop reading because it was very long. Anyways, read and review, and I have to get started on the second chapter, which WILL be shorter, just to warn you..^^ Thanks for reading!