Chapter Nine.

Author's Note: Hey guys I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a 'coons age but yeah. On to the story!!!

Draco's POV

After getting his much needed cold shower Draco headed to the Great Hall to face whatever may await him. Hermione was already there giving him a mock glare as he walked in. He grinned at her and waved. He took his usual seat between Goyle and Crabbe and looked around. *This is strange.* He thought *Surely Eric would have done something?* He looked around puzzled and saw Eric wasn't even at breakfast. He glanced at Hermione and when he caught her eyes she shrugged. *This cannot be good* He thought taking a piece of toast. He chewed thoughtfully scanning the room for any sign of anything unusual. Finding none he relaxed oh maybe a centimeter. Being a Death Eater had taught him to be wary of any situation. Hermione however didn't look worried she was laughing and carrying on with Lavender and Parvarti, something she hadn't done in months.

Draco smiled knowing he had made her happy, which made him happy. Then he saw something that didn't make him happy. Eric strode through the Great Hall like a peacock looking for a mate. Draco fixed his eyes on the older boy. Eric had a smirk on his face that could only mean trouble. Draco swallowed with difficulty as Eric gaze swept across the hall and to Hermione. Fury filled as he smile sadistically and began eating. Draco glared the supposedly happy Ravenclaw. He finished his breakfast and stood. Hermione, who had been watching him the entire time since Eric came in, stood as well and bade farewell to her friends. She followed Draco out of the Hall and into a hallway where he slammed his fist into the wall.

"Draco!" She cried in shock.

"He's up to something Hermione, I know it!" He said pacing.

"I thought you weren't afraid of him?" Hermione said quietly scared.

"I'm not afraid for myself yes, but with you," He paused and looked away "it's different."

Hermione didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say. Draco sighed and looked at her. He cupped her face with his hand and ran his thumb along her chin. He pulled her into his arms and stroked her back as she pressed her face against his chest. He lay his head on her and rocked her gently.

"I promise I won't let him hurt you again."

"I know you won't."

Eric's POV.

Eric had gone back to the Ravenclaw common room defeated but not without a plan. He would make her pay. Make them both pay. He began formulating a plan. He would destroy both of them in one hard blow. He knew he couldn't do it alone but he knew there were those who would willingly help him. He would need to get on the inside and he knew just how to do it.

Eric went downstairs and found the closet girl and took her up to his room. After he was done with her he fell into a deep restful sleep. He would have his revenge.

Eric awoke the next morning to find the slut still in bed with him. After roughly throwing her out he took a shower going over the plan again in his head. He grinned as he brushed his teeth and dressed. He pulled on his robes and walked into the Great Hall with a self-satisfied smirk on his handsome features. He sit down at his table and cast a gaze over Hermione's slender form. He was well aware of Draco's eyes following his every move and chose to ignore it. He ate his breakfast chatting amiably with his fellow Ravenclaws. He watched in wicked humor as Draco stormed out of the Hall with Hermione on his tail. He smiled into his orange thinking of things to come.

Harry's POV

*Look at her* Harry though disgustedly. *Smiling and laughing with her fellow Gryffindor sluts* Harry had hated Hermione since their last year. *Stupid bitch might as well have held the wand herself! How dare she say it was an "accident". Her birth was an accident. If it hadn't been for her Ron would still be here by his side, alive,* Harry though maliciously. He slammed his juice down spilling a bit.

"You okay there Harry?" Seamus asked concerned.

"Fine, mate." Harry answered forcing a smile. Inside he was still brooding. *I'll make her pay for what happened. It's her fault all her fault.* Harry thought this last part over and over like a mantra. He scarfed his breakfast down and sat glaring at Hermione. * She's probably fucking Draco.* He thought disgusted. *How could she choose a Slytherin over her own house? Much less Malfoy.* He thought angrily. He watched her talk and laugh with her friends and occasionally glance at Malfoy. His anger surged to new heights. Suddenly Hermione stopped smiling. He look to see who had walked in. Some Ravenclaw Aaron? Eros?, well whoever he was Hermione wasn't taking well to him.

Harry's eyes followed this Ravenclaw and watched as he cast a look over Hermione. Harry suddenly had the perfect idea of how to make Hermione pay for Ron's death. He grinned to himself. He suddenly wasn't so angry. He watched in cruel pleasure as Draco stalked out of the Hall followed by his ex-best friend.

Amidst all this one professor saw it all.

Hey guys sorry it was so short but I'm having blockage and that's all I could think of. I'll try to make the next longer. Thanks reviewers!!! *hugs all*