I don't own any rights to Harry Potter, I did not creature any of the characters, place names (cept for London and Yorkshire and Kings Cross, I didn't create those either, but neither did JK Rowling) or magic spells or any other things, you all know JK Rowling did. Worship her as I do.
Hermione had returned a half hour later to find the boys both still staring out the window, grim frowns creasing their mouths. Harry had sat her down and quietly explained what had happened, asking her to fill in the details. Ron looked like if he opened his mouth, he would explode.
"Look, Harry, I don't see what's so special about this time. Malfoy has threatened me before, and I've always come out fine." Relatively, anyways. No permanent damage. Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione pushed that topic away and fixed her eyes on her watch. "We'll be arriving soon. You two should put your robes on."
Glancing down when Crookshanks snorted in his sleep, Hermione spotted the pumpkin pasties Harry had bought her. She really wasn't hungry now, nerves had bunched in her stomach now making her feel uncomfortably full. She would have them later, maybe as a treat when she was studying. As Harry and Ron dug through their trunks to find their robes, Hermione dropped the pasties into her neatly organized trunk. Everything in it's place. Ron, on the other hand, had shoved and squished everything he possibly could into the old, beat up case. Rolling her eyes, she swayed with the train as it began to slow. The lights of Hogsmeade shone in the darkening distance, they were almost there. People in the train were chattering loudly now, some were even wandering the corridor excitedly, first years were squeaking in anticipation.
Hermione smiled lightly as she carefully lifted Crookshanks back into his basket. He probably didn't appreciate it, but as he was still half asleep he didn't put up much of a fight. Pigwidgeon was hooting madly now, intoxicated by all the excitement. Ron was glowing at his little owl, shooting looks to Harry's very dignified, well behaved Hedwig. It wasn't that Ron didn't love and appreciate Pig, he just wished Sirius had sent a bigger, and less stupid owl that time.
Someone slid their door open as Harry was reaching for the handle, and as Ron and Harry tensed again, Hermione felt a frown tugging at her lips. Malfoy really had made them nervous. But it wasn't Malfoy in the door, it was Justin. He gave Ron and Harry a strange look, and turned his attention to Hermione.
"We have our own cart waiting for us, Hermione. McGonagall wants to speak to us before the sorting quickly. Come on." Leaning back, he made way for her to pass him down the hall. He gave Harry and Ron a half smile, his chest puffed out proudly so they couldn't miss his badge.
When Ron scowled and muttered something about Percy, Justin quickly retreated to Hermione, leaving the two boys alone to make their way off the train. Things were already changing. The last time they would ever ride up to the castle, and Hermione wasn't with them. Sharing a knowing look, Ron and Harry sighed together and joined the mass confusion on the way off the train.
"Firs' years this way! Firs' years!" Hagrid's booming voice echoed over all the commotion, little shapes scrambled through the crowd of bigger students to make their way to him. Harry, and moreso Ron, were easily spotted in the crowd, and Hagrid beamed at them holding his lantern high. "Oi, hello there yer two. Where's Hermione?"
Ron jabbed his thumb towards where the carriages were waiting, Justin was helping Hermione up into the seats. Hagrid gave them a knowing grin, but was soon distracted by a little girl who had burst into tears at the sight of him. Harry took Ron by the elbow and found a carriage, where Dean and Seamus soon caught up with them. Soon the boys were jabbering on about Qudditch and the newest practical jokes Fred and George had invented as the carriages rumbled towards the castle.
The Head Boy and Girl carriage had arrived before anyone else, McGonagall was waiting on the steps for Justin and Hermione. She looked just as stern as ever, except when her eyes turned to Hermione, her lips did not seem quite as tight. "I wish to congratulate you two. Very well done," she spoke as they mounted the stairs below her, "Dumbledore requests that you remain after the feast to receive all the information you will need to being your responsibilities. He will meet you in the antechamber. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare the room for the new students." giving Hermione and Justin a nod, McGonagall swept up the stairway to the entrance hall.
Hermione took a deep breath, her hands curling into fists at her side. She could hear the other carriages arriving behind them, the students nattering away. Justin tapped her on the shoulder and motioned towards the giant doors. They were supposed to wait in the entrance hall and direct anyone who wasn't sure where to go, they knew that from seeing all the previous Head Boys and Girls do that every year.
Everything afterwards seemed a blur to Hermione. She knew she directed a few first years to the antechamber, she recalled Harry, Ron, Dean ans Seamus coming up to meet her. Dean and Seamus both gave her a "cheers" and Harry touched her on the shoulder, mentioning they'd save her a seat before the crowd pushed them into the dining hall. She also recalled Malfoy shooting her a glare of pure acid when he made his way inside, Crabbe and Goyle at his heels, Pansy Parkinson clutching on to his arm. Her skin had flushed and turned to ice by that look, but thankfully Justin had conveniently stepped infront of her to speak with Ernie McMillian at that same moment, so Malfoy couldn't do anything more than glare.
Soon enough everyone had settled into the Great Hall, eagerly watching as the new students were sorted into the houses. Cheers rose every few moments, and people scooted around on the benches to make room for the new members. Hermione was dimly away of four girls and six little boys being sorted into Gryffindor, but with her chin in her hand, she was more content to stare dimly up at the ceiling where wisps of clouds passed infront of the stars. Only when Harry elbowed her did she realize Dumbledore had already finished his yearly speech and people were digging into various dishes.
How had she missed that delicious scent of food wafting under her nose, or Dean and Seamus laughing as they designed faces in their mashed potatoes with peas? Quickly enough Hermione's mood brightened and her hunger returned. Parvati had engaged Harry in a conversation about new tactics, and who they might be playing first in the house cup, Ron was explaining the quirks of Hogwarts to a charming little first year girl who had settled down beside him.
Letting her eyes wander as she popped some grapes into her mouth, Hermione found her attention drawn across the hall to the Slytherin table. Malfoy was watching her. Jerking her shoulders, Hermione turned her head and tried to pay attention to what Ron was saying about how the stair cases moved, and if you get lost, ask the paintings, but stay away from a knight and his horse, they were bad news.
That didn't keep her attention. Looking up again, Malfoy's eyes were still on her. He had his knife against his lips, and when he was sure he had her attention, his tongue snaked out to slide the last of the gravy from his meat into his mouth, a feral grin around the golden knife. Hermione shuddered and swung around to Harry. She was going to tell him what Malfoy had just done, when she paused. What had he just done? Was he trying to scare her? She didn't feel exactly frightened, only uneasy, though even that wasn't a completely unpleasant feeling. Did she actually find that... sexy? No, she couldn't. Hermione grit her teeth and poked her fork at her food. She wasn't hungry anymore, again. She was all too grateful when Dean turned to her, a mouthful of steak, and garbled something about if she would tell him the password to get into the Ravenclaw dormitory. He had quite a crush on Parvati's twin sister, Padma. Seamus and Ron often teased him about why didn't he just go for Parvati, they were basically the same. But no, Dean wanted Padma, if only because Parvati was too accessible. And had slapped him once when he had tried just that, hitting on her instead of her sister.
Dinner passed pleasantly after that, though Hermione forced herself to not look up again. She could feel him willing her to look again, but she would not give in. She would now allow him to have any power over her.
People were sleepy now, idly picking at the food just because it was there, even though they were stuffed. Lavender kept hiding yawns behind her hand as she and Ginny mused over how cute the new boys would be in a few years. The first year girl who had sat beside Ron was now leaning against him, drowsing off into sleep. Ron and Harry were quiet as they talked, not wanting to wake such a cute little thing. Dean and Seamus had gotten tired of having a pea flicking battle with Neville, and the three of them were busy picking the little green balls out of their clothes and hair.
Some people were already wearily climbing off the benches and meandering on their way out towards their dorms. Justin was up at the head table talking with Professor Sprout about something that seemed important, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape were speaking over their wine goblets. Hagrid, already looking tipsy, was motioning animatedly in a conversation with Lupin, who had returned as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Harry, Ron and Hermione's fifth year.
"I should go talk to Dumbledore now." Hermione mentioned, finally dropping her fork. Her mashed potatoes were mutilated beyond recognition, mixed with gravy and bits of carrot, and stray peas from the battle to her left.
"'Kay Hermione. We'll see you upstairs later." Ron mumbled around his fifth treacle tart. He got to his feet with Dean, Seamus and Neville, joining the lingering crowd towards the entrance hall. Harry had said his good bye earlier, him and Parvati had wanted to go and write down their ideas for new formations right away before they forgot.
Making her way up to the head table, Hermione delayed herself a few minutes by pausing to talk with Lupin and Hagrid, who both gave her glowing smile and congratulations, Hagrid even made his way around the table to capture her in a hug that squeezed her breath right from her lungs. Things were beginning to feel right again, and she was feeling more and more comfortable. Malfoy was out of her mind, and her teachers and friends were pouring admiration and respect down on her, which she felt she had more than earned. Though she would never say such a thing.
Dumbledore took them into the antechamber behind the tables and began explaining their duties and responsibilities. They were given the locations and passwords of all the houses, the password to Dumbledore's office, a strict list of what kind of punishments they were allowed to give out and for what, along with all of the other functions and things they would have to deal with. Hermione was greatly relieved she had someone responsible like Justin to share the tasks with. When Dumbledore had finished, he gave them one of his smiles, the one that made Hermione feel as if everything was going to be fine.
"Goodnight Professor." she nodded to him as he headed out the door.
"Night Professor." Justin echoed.
Dumbledore's eyes lit up cheerfully once more as he raised a hand to them. "Sleep well tonight. I'm very proud of you two." and with that, he left. The door remained open.
Turning to Hermione, Justin was beaming. Hufflepuffs rarely got much recognition, and here he was, Head Boy! He still couldn't get over it. His knees almost buckled when Dumbledore said he was proud, Hermione could tell it all by just the look on his face. "Well, goodnight Hermione. Should I walk you back to the tower?"
Her cheeks still flushed from the glowing compliment Dumbledore had given them, Hermione shook her head. "No thank you Justin. I'll see you tomorrow." she wanted to remain for a moment, Violet was almost bouncing in her frame in anticipation to congratulate Hermione too.
Justin gave Hermione another grin and swept out of the room, obviously anxious to make his way to the Hufflepuff common room to do a little celebrating.
"Good show!" Violet burst out, clapping for Hermione, who in turn did a playful little curtsy. "I heard along the vine that you had been chosen as Head Girl, and I thought, 'Naturally!' No one deserves it more."
Hermione's cheeks flushed even more, and her chin dropped down shyly. "Thank you Violet. I appreciate it."
The painting woman nodded. "Yes. Well, I'm very happy for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a party on the forth floor I really should be attending, old Headmaster Kropla throws wonderful soirees. Goodnight Hermione."
Hermione waved lightly to the woman who then hurried across and out of the room through various other paintings. Lifting her palms to her cheeks, Hermione moved for the doorway, wishing she wasn't blushing so much. After all, she knew this was coming. But when her eyes fell on the doorway, well, someone had shut the door on her. Someone was standing there, watching her. That someone was Malfoy, a malicious smirk on his face.
"'Naturally,'" he spat out, mocking Violet, "there is nothing natural about a mudblood like you becoming Head Girl."
Hermione froze, her hands curling at her sides. She couldn't seem to connect any coherent thoughts. Malfoy had just closed himself and her into an empty room. The Great Hall would be empty now too. There was no one around. "Malfoy." she managed to croak out, though her voice shook far too much to help whatever little confidence she had. Her brain was telling her to back up, retreat, but she would not let herself, she had more dignity than that. Inhaling slowly, Hermione tightened her hands into fists and tried to steady herself. "Move out of the way, Malfoy. You should be in your dorm right now. Ten points from Slytherin."
Draco wasn't bothered at all by her whimpering about points. He doubted she'd even have the courage to report this, no points would be lost. His grin darkened, and he pushed away from the door towards her. His nose wrinkled as he came to stand infront of her, as if she smelled foul, not faintly like apples. "I will never take orders from you, Granger. I will never be degraded by a pathetic little slug like you." His steady hand reached up and twisted into her hair. The tips of his fingers brushed her cheek gently, and he was delighted to see them tinge even redder. "You," he spoke softly now, though the edge to his voice was as sharp as the knife he had licked, "will never," jerking roughly on her hair, Hermione stumbled against him, "be better than me." his last words were no more than a whisper against her ear.
Hermione's head was reeling. One second, he seemed almost gentle, the next her scalp was burning where he had yanked so roughly on her hair. That wasn't the only thing that was burning, either. Her cheeks were on fire, and her hands trembled now, fighting back rage. All she wanted this year was to be left alone to enjoy herself. She had promised herself she wouldn't let Malfoy get away with anything. But now what was she supposed to do? This wasn't a quick, angry attack like he usually whipped out, this was different. This was worse.
Draco could feel her shaking, her small form cowering against him. Yes, this was a much better way to attack her, much more damaging in the long run, much more cruel. He almost wanted to cry out in ecstasy on how wonderfully this was going already. She was too afraid to say anything, her breath was coming out in ragged little breaths, she was just a cowardly little dog. Tugging his hand free from her mass of hair, his fingers pinched her chin, yanking her face up to look him in the eyes. Yes, there was that fear in those wide brown eyes. It was so delicious. "You are nothing, Granger. You've never been anything more than a convenient textbook for your irritating friends, you'll never amount to anything once you graduate." his nose was resting against hers now, he was speaking right against her lips. Her lips that moved voicelessly, too scared to emit any other sound than a faint whimper. "You'll never have anything." he would not allow it. He would not let her enjoy anything ever again. Jerking forward, he sealed his mouth over hers. There was nothing sweet about the kiss, it was just take. Take in that pitiful sound, take in her taste, take her first kiss. Take things from her she could never get back. Take her confidence. Take her soul.
She couldn't move. What could she do? What was he doing? Why was he kissing her? No, this wasn't a kiss, it wasn't sweet, he didn't care for her. He was just doing this to hurt her. They both knew it was much more effective than throwing hexes at Ron and Harry. This would hurt them all much more. A sob bubbled up from her throat, and Draco drank it down earnestly. This was more painful than she could ever have imagined, tears were streaming down her cheek and her legs were shaking under her. If Draco wasn't holding her up with those rough hands, she probably would have fallen to her knees.
No, she would never be on her knees, not for him, not because of him. She would not let him win. Abruptly, Hermione thrust her hands at Draco's chest, and he stumbled back, but not before his teeth raked along and tore open her lip from here he had been savagely chewing on it.
She didn't remain to yell or scream or cry, though she wanted nothing more to point her wand at him and mutter 'avada kedavra' with all the power she could muster behind it, all she did was run. Her lip seared with pain, but she just ran, straight out of the great hall, right past a startled Peeves, all the way up to the Gryffindor Tower.
"Oh my goodness Hermione! What happened?" the Fat Lady cried out, but Hermione didn't answer, she just coughed out the password and climbed through the portrait hole.
Harry and Ron were still lingering in the common room, they looked up cheerfully from their game of wizards chess when she entered. Once they caught site of her, however, their cheerfulness faded. Ron leapt up from his seat, the chess board and all the pieces flying off of the table. Harry cursed and climbed over a sofa quicker than Hermione had ever seen him move.
He immediately grabbed Hermione in a protective embrace, holding her much too tightly, but she didn't complain. She clutched at his arms, just wanting to be held tighter.
"What happened? Hermione? Who did this to you? Stop crying and say something!" Ron was yelling, both at her and at the whole situation. He was pacing up and down one of the rugs, he had already kicked an armchair over that had gotten in his way. But every time he raised his voice and demanded an explanation, Hermione just sobbed louder and hid against Harry.
People emerged from their dorms to see what all the yelling was about. Some people mumbled sleepily, but everyone froze silent when they heard Ron's ranting and Hermione crying.
Harry, lightly stroking Hermione's hair, calmly spoke. "Ron, please be quiet. We know who did this." He was shaking with anger too. He wanted to burst out of the hole and find Draco and kill him. No, not just kill him, he wanted to make Draco regret every single minute of his existence. But he couldn't. Not right now. Hermione needed them both. With a meaningful look to Ron, he finally calmed his friend down enough.
"He'll pay. He'll pay for it." Ron hissed through his teeth, sounding nothing like himself. Carefully, completely unsure of himself, he stood with Harry and laid a hand against Hermione's back.
Hermione had returned a half hour later to find the boys both still staring out the window, grim frowns creasing their mouths. Harry had sat her down and quietly explained what had happened, asking her to fill in the details. Ron looked like if he opened his mouth, he would explode.
"Look, Harry, I don't see what's so special about this time. Malfoy has threatened me before, and I've always come out fine." Relatively, anyways. No permanent damage. Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione pushed that topic away and fixed her eyes on her watch. "We'll be arriving soon. You two should put your robes on."
Glancing down when Crookshanks snorted in his sleep, Hermione spotted the pumpkin pasties Harry had bought her. She really wasn't hungry now, nerves had bunched in her stomach now making her feel uncomfortably full. She would have them later, maybe as a treat when she was studying. As Harry and Ron dug through their trunks to find their robes, Hermione dropped the pasties into her neatly organized trunk. Everything in it's place. Ron, on the other hand, had shoved and squished everything he possibly could into the old, beat up case. Rolling her eyes, she swayed with the train as it began to slow. The lights of Hogsmeade shone in the darkening distance, they were almost there. People in the train were chattering loudly now, some were even wandering the corridor excitedly, first years were squeaking in anticipation.
Hermione smiled lightly as she carefully lifted Crookshanks back into his basket. He probably didn't appreciate it, but as he was still half asleep he didn't put up much of a fight. Pigwidgeon was hooting madly now, intoxicated by all the excitement. Ron was glowing at his little owl, shooting looks to Harry's very dignified, well behaved Hedwig. It wasn't that Ron didn't love and appreciate Pig, he just wished Sirius had sent a bigger, and less stupid owl that time.
Someone slid their door open as Harry was reaching for the handle, and as Ron and Harry tensed again, Hermione felt a frown tugging at her lips. Malfoy really had made them nervous. But it wasn't Malfoy in the door, it was Justin. He gave Ron and Harry a strange look, and turned his attention to Hermione.
"We have our own cart waiting for us, Hermione. McGonagall wants to speak to us before the sorting quickly. Come on." Leaning back, he made way for her to pass him down the hall. He gave Harry and Ron a half smile, his chest puffed out proudly so they couldn't miss his badge.
When Ron scowled and muttered something about Percy, Justin quickly retreated to Hermione, leaving the two boys alone to make their way off the train. Things were already changing. The last time they would ever ride up to the castle, and Hermione wasn't with them. Sharing a knowing look, Ron and Harry sighed together and joined the mass confusion on the way off the train.
"Firs' years this way! Firs' years!" Hagrid's booming voice echoed over all the commotion, little shapes scrambled through the crowd of bigger students to make their way to him. Harry, and moreso Ron, were easily spotted in the crowd, and Hagrid beamed at them holding his lantern high. "Oi, hello there yer two. Where's Hermione?"
Ron jabbed his thumb towards where the carriages were waiting, Justin was helping Hermione up into the seats. Hagrid gave them a knowing grin, but was soon distracted by a little girl who had burst into tears at the sight of him. Harry took Ron by the elbow and found a carriage, where Dean and Seamus soon caught up with them. Soon the boys were jabbering on about Qudditch and the newest practical jokes Fred and George had invented as the carriages rumbled towards the castle.
The Head Boy and Girl carriage had arrived before anyone else, McGonagall was waiting on the steps for Justin and Hermione. She looked just as stern as ever, except when her eyes turned to Hermione, her lips did not seem quite as tight. "I wish to congratulate you two. Very well done," she spoke as they mounted the stairs below her, "Dumbledore requests that you remain after the feast to receive all the information you will need to being your responsibilities. He will meet you in the antechamber. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare the room for the new students." giving Hermione and Justin a nod, McGonagall swept up the stairway to the entrance hall.
Hermione took a deep breath, her hands curling into fists at her side. She could hear the other carriages arriving behind them, the students nattering away. Justin tapped her on the shoulder and motioned towards the giant doors. They were supposed to wait in the entrance hall and direct anyone who wasn't sure where to go, they knew that from seeing all the previous Head Boys and Girls do that every year.
Everything afterwards seemed a blur to Hermione. She knew she directed a few first years to the antechamber, she recalled Harry, Ron, Dean ans Seamus coming up to meet her. Dean and Seamus both gave her a "cheers" and Harry touched her on the shoulder, mentioning they'd save her a seat before the crowd pushed them into the dining hall. She also recalled Malfoy shooting her a glare of pure acid when he made his way inside, Crabbe and Goyle at his heels, Pansy Parkinson clutching on to his arm. Her skin had flushed and turned to ice by that look, but thankfully Justin had conveniently stepped infront of her to speak with Ernie McMillian at that same moment, so Malfoy couldn't do anything more than glare.
Soon enough everyone had settled into the Great Hall, eagerly watching as the new students were sorted into the houses. Cheers rose every few moments, and people scooted around on the benches to make room for the new members. Hermione was dimly away of four girls and six little boys being sorted into Gryffindor, but with her chin in her hand, she was more content to stare dimly up at the ceiling where wisps of clouds passed infront of the stars. Only when Harry elbowed her did she realize Dumbledore had already finished his yearly speech and people were digging into various dishes.
How had she missed that delicious scent of food wafting under her nose, or Dean and Seamus laughing as they designed faces in their mashed potatoes with peas? Quickly enough Hermione's mood brightened and her hunger returned. Parvati had engaged Harry in a conversation about new tactics, and who they might be playing first in the house cup, Ron was explaining the quirks of Hogwarts to a charming little first year girl who had settled down beside him.
Letting her eyes wander as she popped some grapes into her mouth, Hermione found her attention drawn across the hall to the Slytherin table. Malfoy was watching her. Jerking her shoulders, Hermione turned her head and tried to pay attention to what Ron was saying about how the stair cases moved, and if you get lost, ask the paintings, but stay away from a knight and his horse, they were bad news.
That didn't keep her attention. Looking up again, Malfoy's eyes were still on her. He had his knife against his lips, and when he was sure he had her attention, his tongue snaked out to slide the last of the gravy from his meat into his mouth, a feral grin around the golden knife. Hermione shuddered and swung around to Harry. She was going to tell him what Malfoy had just done, when she paused. What had he just done? Was he trying to scare her? She didn't feel exactly frightened, only uneasy, though even that wasn't a completely unpleasant feeling. Did she actually find that... sexy? No, she couldn't. Hermione grit her teeth and poked her fork at her food. She wasn't hungry anymore, again. She was all too grateful when Dean turned to her, a mouthful of steak, and garbled something about if she would tell him the password to get into the Ravenclaw dormitory. He had quite a crush on Parvati's twin sister, Padma. Seamus and Ron often teased him about why didn't he just go for Parvati, they were basically the same. But no, Dean wanted Padma, if only because Parvati was too accessible. And had slapped him once when he had tried just that, hitting on her instead of her sister.
Dinner passed pleasantly after that, though Hermione forced herself to not look up again. She could feel him willing her to look again, but she would not give in. She would now allow him to have any power over her.
People were sleepy now, idly picking at the food just because it was there, even though they were stuffed. Lavender kept hiding yawns behind her hand as she and Ginny mused over how cute the new boys would be in a few years. The first year girl who had sat beside Ron was now leaning against him, drowsing off into sleep. Ron and Harry were quiet as they talked, not wanting to wake such a cute little thing. Dean and Seamus had gotten tired of having a pea flicking battle with Neville, and the three of them were busy picking the little green balls out of their clothes and hair.
Some people were already wearily climbing off the benches and meandering on their way out towards their dorms. Justin was up at the head table talking with Professor Sprout about something that seemed important, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape were speaking over their wine goblets. Hagrid, already looking tipsy, was motioning animatedly in a conversation with Lupin, who had returned as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Harry, Ron and Hermione's fifth year.
"I should go talk to Dumbledore now." Hermione mentioned, finally dropping her fork. Her mashed potatoes were mutilated beyond recognition, mixed with gravy and bits of carrot, and stray peas from the battle to her left.
"'Kay Hermione. We'll see you upstairs later." Ron mumbled around his fifth treacle tart. He got to his feet with Dean, Seamus and Neville, joining the lingering crowd towards the entrance hall. Harry had said his good bye earlier, him and Parvati had wanted to go and write down their ideas for new formations right away before they forgot.
Making her way up to the head table, Hermione delayed herself a few minutes by pausing to talk with Lupin and Hagrid, who both gave her glowing smile and congratulations, Hagrid even made his way around the table to capture her in a hug that squeezed her breath right from her lungs. Things were beginning to feel right again, and she was feeling more and more comfortable. Malfoy was out of her mind, and her teachers and friends were pouring admiration and respect down on her, which she felt she had more than earned. Though she would never say such a thing.
Dumbledore took them into the antechamber behind the tables and began explaining their duties and responsibilities. They were given the locations and passwords of all the houses, the password to Dumbledore's office, a strict list of what kind of punishments they were allowed to give out and for what, along with all of the other functions and things they would have to deal with. Hermione was greatly relieved she had someone responsible like Justin to share the tasks with. When Dumbledore had finished, he gave them one of his smiles, the one that made Hermione feel as if everything was going to be fine.
"Goodnight Professor." she nodded to him as he headed out the door.
"Night Professor." Justin echoed.
Dumbledore's eyes lit up cheerfully once more as he raised a hand to them. "Sleep well tonight. I'm very proud of you two." and with that, he left. The door remained open.
Turning to Hermione, Justin was beaming. Hufflepuffs rarely got much recognition, and here he was, Head Boy! He still couldn't get over it. His knees almost buckled when Dumbledore said he was proud, Hermione could tell it all by just the look on his face. "Well, goodnight Hermione. Should I walk you back to the tower?"
Her cheeks still flushed from the glowing compliment Dumbledore had given them, Hermione shook her head. "No thank you Justin. I'll see you tomorrow." she wanted to remain for a moment, Violet was almost bouncing in her frame in anticipation to congratulate Hermione too.
Justin gave Hermione another grin and swept out of the room, obviously anxious to make his way to the Hufflepuff common room to do a little celebrating.
"Good show!" Violet burst out, clapping for Hermione, who in turn did a playful little curtsy. "I heard along the vine that you had been chosen as Head Girl, and I thought, 'Naturally!' No one deserves it more."
Hermione's cheeks flushed even more, and her chin dropped down shyly. "Thank you Violet. I appreciate it."
The painting woman nodded. "Yes. Well, I'm very happy for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a party on the forth floor I really should be attending, old Headmaster Kropla throws wonderful soirees. Goodnight Hermione."
Hermione waved lightly to the woman who then hurried across and out of the room through various other paintings. Lifting her palms to her cheeks, Hermione moved for the doorway, wishing she wasn't blushing so much. After all, she knew this was coming. But when her eyes fell on the doorway, well, someone had shut the door on her. Someone was standing there, watching her. That someone was Malfoy, a malicious smirk on his face.
"'Naturally,'" he spat out, mocking Violet, "there is nothing natural about a mudblood like you becoming Head Girl."
Hermione froze, her hands curling at her sides. She couldn't seem to connect any coherent thoughts. Malfoy had just closed himself and her into an empty room. The Great Hall would be empty now too. There was no one around. "Malfoy." she managed to croak out, though her voice shook far too much to help whatever little confidence she had. Her brain was telling her to back up, retreat, but she would not let herself, she had more dignity than that. Inhaling slowly, Hermione tightened her hands into fists and tried to steady herself. "Move out of the way, Malfoy. You should be in your dorm right now. Ten points from Slytherin."
Draco wasn't bothered at all by her whimpering about points. He doubted she'd even have the courage to report this, no points would be lost. His grin darkened, and he pushed away from the door towards her. His nose wrinkled as he came to stand infront of her, as if she smelled foul, not faintly like apples. "I will never take orders from you, Granger. I will never be degraded by a pathetic little slug like you." His steady hand reached up and twisted into her hair. The tips of his fingers brushed her cheek gently, and he was delighted to see them tinge even redder. "You," he spoke softly now, though the edge to his voice was as sharp as the knife he had licked, "will never," jerking roughly on her hair, Hermione stumbled against him, "be better than me." his last words were no more than a whisper against her ear.
Hermione's head was reeling. One second, he seemed almost gentle, the next her scalp was burning where he had yanked so roughly on her hair. That wasn't the only thing that was burning, either. Her cheeks were on fire, and her hands trembled now, fighting back rage. All she wanted this year was to be left alone to enjoy herself. She had promised herself she wouldn't let Malfoy get away with anything. But now what was she supposed to do? This wasn't a quick, angry attack like he usually whipped out, this was different. This was worse.
Draco could feel her shaking, her small form cowering against him. Yes, this was a much better way to attack her, much more damaging in the long run, much more cruel. He almost wanted to cry out in ecstasy on how wonderfully this was going already. She was too afraid to say anything, her breath was coming out in ragged little breaths, she was just a cowardly little dog. Tugging his hand free from her mass of hair, his fingers pinched her chin, yanking her face up to look him in the eyes. Yes, there was that fear in those wide brown eyes. It was so delicious. "You are nothing, Granger. You've never been anything more than a convenient textbook for your irritating friends, you'll never amount to anything once you graduate." his nose was resting against hers now, he was speaking right against her lips. Her lips that moved voicelessly, too scared to emit any other sound than a faint whimper. "You'll never have anything." he would not allow it. He would not let her enjoy anything ever again. Jerking forward, he sealed his mouth over hers. There was nothing sweet about the kiss, it was just take. Take in that pitiful sound, take in her taste, take her first kiss. Take things from her she could never get back. Take her confidence. Take her soul.
She couldn't move. What could she do? What was he doing? Why was he kissing her? No, this wasn't a kiss, it wasn't sweet, he didn't care for her. He was just doing this to hurt her. They both knew it was much more effective than throwing hexes at Ron and Harry. This would hurt them all much more. A sob bubbled up from her throat, and Draco drank it down earnestly. This was more painful than she could ever have imagined, tears were streaming down her cheek and her legs were shaking under her. If Draco wasn't holding her up with those rough hands, she probably would have fallen to her knees.
No, she would never be on her knees, not for him, not because of him. She would not let him win. Abruptly, Hermione thrust her hands at Draco's chest, and he stumbled back, but not before his teeth raked along and tore open her lip from here he had been savagely chewing on it.
She didn't remain to yell or scream or cry, though she wanted nothing more to point her wand at him and mutter 'avada kedavra' with all the power she could muster behind it, all she did was run. Her lip seared with pain, but she just ran, straight out of the great hall, right past a startled Peeves, all the way up to the Gryffindor Tower.
"Oh my goodness Hermione! What happened?" the Fat Lady cried out, but Hermione didn't answer, she just coughed out the password and climbed through the portrait hole.
Harry and Ron were still lingering in the common room, they looked up cheerfully from their game of wizards chess when she entered. Once they caught site of her, however, their cheerfulness faded. Ron leapt up from his seat, the chess board and all the pieces flying off of the table. Harry cursed and climbed over a sofa quicker than Hermione had ever seen him move.
He immediately grabbed Hermione in a protective embrace, holding her much too tightly, but she didn't complain. She clutched at his arms, just wanting to be held tighter.
"What happened? Hermione? Who did this to you? Stop crying and say something!" Ron was yelling, both at her and at the whole situation. He was pacing up and down one of the rugs, he had already kicked an armchair over that had gotten in his way. But every time he raised his voice and demanded an explanation, Hermione just sobbed louder and hid against Harry.
People emerged from their dorms to see what all the yelling was about. Some people mumbled sleepily, but everyone froze silent when they heard Ron's ranting and Hermione crying.
Harry, lightly stroking Hermione's hair, calmly spoke. "Ron, please be quiet. We know who did this." He was shaking with anger too. He wanted to burst out of the hole and find Draco and kill him. No, not just kill him, he wanted to make Draco regret every single minute of his existence. But he couldn't. Not right now. Hermione needed them both. With a meaningful look to Ron, he finally calmed his friend down enough.
"He'll pay. He'll pay for it." Ron hissed through his teeth, sounding nothing like himself. Carefully, completely unsure of himself, he stood with Harry and laid a hand against Hermione's back.
