Chapter 12

An evil grin accompanied Lucius' cold eyes.

"Look at what the cat dragged in."

Carefully schooling her countenance to that of one of boredom Hermione replied "What do you want Lucius? I have important things to see to."

"Nothing more important than this, I am sure. You know very well what it is I want."

"Humor me"

"No one refuses a Malfoy. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be begging for more."

Lucius' hand let go of Hermione's jaw a finger lazily tracing its way along her jawbone, then moving to tuck a piece of her unruly hair behind her ear. Hermione closed her eyes trying to free herself of the slight fear that was gripping her. Instead all she could think about were the fingers that were now traveling down her neck; traveling across her shoulder; finally grabbing her hand Lucius lifted it to kiss the palm of her hand.

When Hermione opened her eyes she found herself being drawn into those icy blue eyes. Finally Hermione's mouth caught up with her mind and she was able to reply "Lucius, I thought I made my opinion on this subject crystal clear at our last little rendezvous. Now Lucius I know that you are not unreasonable. What do you say to a little deal between just you and me?"

"And why should I bother to make a deal when I already have you to myself?"

Hermione leaned so that her lips where barely brushing Lucius' ear and whispered "Because it would benefit you much more than what you would result with otherwise. I'm tired of playing your game Malfoy."

"Well, I would like to know what could possibly benefit me more than this."

"My friend behind you wouldn't feel obligated to protect me."

"Your friend? You'll have to do better than that Grangié. It takes more than that to fool a Malfoy."

A growl behind Lucius made him freeze. Lucius whipped around and came face to face with a fiery beast that resembled a great cat. The Cat stalked forward and started pacing back and forth in front of Lucius and Hermione.

Lucius turned his head back towards Hermione keeping one eye on the advancing Cat and the other on her. "What the hell is that?"

"Tsk, Tsk. Lucius I am dissapointed. I thought purebloods had better manners. I suggest you back off before she does anything drastic."

Lucius raised his arm and pushed it into Hermione's throat limiting her amount of air intake. His wand whipped around and as soon as it was leveled at the Cat, he fired off a water hex. Lucius stared in horror as the Cat barely paused in its movements, the water creating a cloud of steam as it evaporated upon impact.

Hermione clawed at Lucius' arm wrestling to alleviate the pressure. With his attention centered on the Cat Hermione shoved him with all her might causing him to lose his balance and fall over. Both Lucius' wand and her own clattered to the floor. While Lucius was still recovering Hermione grabbed both wands and swiftly stunned Lucius.

Hermione levitated him into a standing position facing her. She grinned wickedly as she waved his own wand in his face just as he had done to her earlier. "That's twice I've played you little game. Now it's time to play mine. You touch me or my friends ever again and I swear to the gods that I will not hold back. Do you understand me?"

As Lucius could make no movement Hermione took his silence for a yes. As Hermione walked off down the hall she said over her shoulder "I hope you're not out to late Lucius. It wouldn't do to have a Slytherin caught out after curfew."

Hermione's Cat padded silently along beside her. Thankfully all of the portraits appeared to be asleep or she would've had a hell of a time explaining the gossip that would've been undoubtedly spread by the resident paintings. By the time she reached the portrait of the Fat Lady Hermione was completely exhausted.

Hermione turned to her silent companion. She crouched down at eye level with the Cat. "Thank you. Your job here is done. Rest, you deserve it. " Hermione whispered to the Cat. Hermione had the eerie feeling that the Cat understood her. The Cat reached one paw forward and rested it on her bicep. The Cat turned and walked away slowly fading away with every step it took. Hermione looked to her arm where a faint glow was emitting from the shape of the Cat's paw.

Hermione sighed as she stood back up and turned to face the portrait. Apparently the Fat Lady had awoken sometime while the Cat was leaving. After giving the password Hermione walked to her room and promptly passed out as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Hermione sat straight up in bed gasping for air. A blast of icy cold water had hit her waking her out of a dreamless sleep. Hermione grabbed her wand ready to murder whoever had doused her with the water. Looking up she saw Lily's worried green eyes. The next thing that she took in was laughter. She glared at the Marauder's who were laughing at her state.

"Why you…You…I'm going to kill you." Hermione sputtered. All laughter faded away as the boys saw the look in her eyes. They started inching their way out of the room until only Hermione and Lily remained. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Hermione they were only trying to help. You didn't show up downstairs so I came to wake you up, only you wouldn't. I tried, honestly I did but nothing would work so I had to go for back up."

Hermione's anger evaporated, after all they were only trying to help. As the anger drained, cold replaced it. Hermione glanced over at the clock and gasped. She was late! This seemed to be happening all too often in this time. With Lily's help it only took ten minutes to get ready and be out the door.

The day revealed a subdued group of Marauders. Remus was worn out from his transfiguration and the others were still afraid that Hermione would make them suffer for their method of waking her up. Hermione smiled feeling no trace of her fatigue from the day before.

Instead of hanging out with Lily and the Marauders every waking moment Hermione made friends with a group of Ravenclaws. With them she could throw herself into her work and not be bothered by someone who wanted her help with something. She still hung out with the Marauder's and Lily but as the days wore on she spent less and less time with them.

One evening as Hermione was finishing her supper Dumbledore approached the table. "Miss Grangié may I have a word with you in my office?"

"Certainly Professor." Hermione got up and dutifully followed Dumbledore to his office. When he motioned for her to take a seat she sat.

"Lemon drop?"

"No thank you."

"All business eh? Well I have received news from the ministry. Your time turner is ready."

A/N: Whew! That was a short chappie, I know. Please review. I'm thinking that there will only be one or two chapters more. I will have to see what happens. Have a great day!