Title: Until you came
Rating: R Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 1
The train whistle blew, and Hermione knew that it was almost time for everyone to leave for Hogwarts. She was already seated in a compartment, alone because Ron and Harry hadn't arrived yet. She had sent them letters telling them that she wasn't going to be able to meet with them at Diagon Alley because she had went earlier that week alone. Her mother was still grieving the death of her husband and still stayed the long agonizing days and nights in the hospital with her son. She didn't want to tell them the real reason why she didn't want to meet with them; not in a letter anyway.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the compartment door opening, revealing Harry, followed by Ron and Ginny. She smiled up at them, and they smiled back.
"Hey Hermione! How are you? Haven't heard from you for a while," Ginny complained while taking a seat, Ron sitting next to her, and Harry sitting next to Hermione.
"Not if you count that last letter that I wrote your brother. I told him to tell you that I was doing fine and that I hoped you had a good summer. I hope he did that big bloke," Hermione joked, letting out a small chuckle at the hurt and confused expression on Ron's face.
"Oh, he did alright. I did have a good summer actually, thanks for concerning... not like others. I swear, you should have seen Ron. He was--" Ginny wasn't able to continue because she was cut off by Ron.
"Speaking of summers, how was yours Hermione? Why did you buy all of your stuff for Hogwarts early if you knew that we go to Diagon Alley together every year?"
Hermione visibly winced, which she quickly regretted, seeing that everyone was frowning at her as they saw her reaction to the question. She didn't want to tell them the news now because she wasn't sure if she was ready. She knew that she would have to tell them sooner or later though, and she decided since they were all together, that the best time was now.
"Hermione?" Ron's voice rang in her ear.
Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but to no avail, seeing as no words would come out. She felt a single tear rolling down her cheek as she remembered the horror of what happened to her that summer; thinking back to the day that she went to her father's funeral. Burying her father was the hardest thing she had to do in her whole life. It tore her heart into a thousand pieces.
"Hermione? Are you okay? Speak to me Hermione?" She heard Harry's voice and felt his hands on her shoulders. She looked into his green eyes, seeing concern and fear, and then broke down in tears. She clung to Harry as if he was the only thing in the world that she could still hold onto. She felt alone even though people surrounded her. Not just any people, but her best friends.
She felt Harry rubbing her back, trying anything to calm her down. Ginny was still stuck in her seat, not knowing what to do, never seeing Hermione break down like that. Ron had a fearful, and sorrowful look in his eyes. He was confused on whether he was the reason for the cause of her tears. His eyes darted from Harry, to her, and then back to Harry.
Hermione didn't understand why she just couldn't come out and tell them. She felt stuck and didn't know what to do about it. All she knew was that she wasn't ready to tell them after all. She gently, but firmly pushed away from Harry and apologized for the mishap, wiping furiously away at her tears.
"No problem, but Hermione...what happened? One second we're having a friendly conversation, the next you start crying. Did something happen to you?" Harry asked, wiping away some of the leftover tears from Hermione's cheeks.
Hermione just stared into Harry's eyes, trying to figure out what to say to him. She opened and closed her mouth but nothing came out. She looked towards the compartment door, which had opened, by none other than the devil himself. Draco Malfoy. Followed by his two bull-headed sidekicks, Crabbe and Goyle, of course.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Pothead and his gay companion the Weasel." Malfoy looked over to Hermione, noting that her eyes were puffy and red from crying. He smirked at Harry. "So what did you do this time Potter? Knock her up and tell her that you want nothing to do with her? Trying to get your frustration from that dog's death out right?" Harry's hands flexed and then balled into fists, but he stayed in his seat. "Exactly what I would have done. Besides, that's all she's good for. Just a night for pleasure. Filthy little Mudblood that she is."
Ron stood up and growled at Malfoy. "Don't you ever talk about Hermione and Harry like that you damn little rat! Why don't you get your arse out of here before I--"
"Before you what? You can't do anything to me! Don't you remember that I am a school prefect and I can take points from your," Malfoy paused to drawl out the word, "house. So please continue on what you were saying Weasel, see what will happen."
Harry whispered for Ron to sit down, while Ginny glared at Malfoy. "Why don't you just leave? You had your fun, now just go! You're not wanted here, so you might as well move on. Just because your father got slammed into Azkaban doesn't mean you have to act like you own everything, which by the way you don't." Everyone held his or her breaths, not knowing what to expect from Malfoy, well knowing that he would usually lose his temper very quickly. But Malfoy had a calm expression on his face, his eyes held a haunted and vicious look in them, but it quickly clouded over and turned into an icy glare. A smirk appeared from the corners of his mouth.
"Gryffindor house.... loses 10 points! For disrespecting a school prefect." Malfoy smirked. Crabbe and Goyle, nervous at first, looked to one another and finally snickered in the background.
Ron shot up from his seat angrily. "What! How dare you take points from us? Ginny wasn't disrespecting you, she was just stating the obvious and the truth!" Ron glowered at Malfoy. "Besides, how do you know that I'm not a school prefect? I could be taking points from your house for being an idiot."
Malfoy grinned evilly. "That's just the thing. You would take points, but you can't because you aren't a prefect."
"How do you know that I'm not a prefect? Huh? C'mon, tell me!" Ron bellowed.
Malfoy wiped his face where he felt the spit from Ron land on him. He glared at Ron and simply said, "I know because we only have one prefect from each house. Knowing that you did such a lousy job last year that you wouldn't fit the position."
Right when Ron was about to throw out another remark, Hermione, who had kept quiet until now, quickly interrupted him. "Well then Malfoy, you should know that I am the Gryffindor prefect and I will take points from your house for harassing students. How does 10 points sound? Or maybe 20?" Malfoy just glared daggers at Hermione. "I would highly appreciate it now if you would just leave."
Malfoy just glared then muttered something under his breath, "Stupid git of a mudblood."
Hermione fumed, but kept her anger under control. Right as Malfoy was about to make a move out the door, she called out. "Oh Malfoy!" He glanced at Hermione. "Don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out." He stared into her eyes, piercing her with the hatred he held there, then it was broken by Hermione looking away and sitting up straight, looking forward. She heard the compartment door shut, letting out a breath that she didn't know she was holding in.
She then looked out the window, not wanting to meet anyone's gaze. She was still trying to gather around all her thoughts from what had happened earlier.
She heard Ron's awed voice in the background. "That was bloody brilliant Hermione! Where.... how did you do that?"
Ginny's voice chirped in right after. "Hermione, I've never seen you react like that. So calm and all..."
She risked a small glance at Ginny, only to be met with a grin. She smiled back but looked back out the window. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she quickly turned to see whom it belonged to. She was met with concerned eyes.
"Are you sure that you're okay? You were pretty upset earlier, you don't want to talk about it?" Harry asked in a low whisper, not wanting her to start crying again.
She reassured him with a small smile. "Thanks Harry, but no. I don't really feel like talking about it right now. I just need.... some time, you know? I need to gather up my thoughts right now. Please try to understand. I just can't talk about it right now--" She was cut off by Harry.
"We understand Mione. Take as much time as you need. We'll be here when you need someone to confide in, don't worry." He smiled as he rubbed her shoulder. Hermione smiled back and then grabbed his hand, rubbing the back of it with her thumbs.
"How are you doing, though?" Hermione asked quietly. Harry looked dumbstruck, his face paling and then he looked down at his hands.
"I've been better. I.... I just wish things had happened differently. I really need him here with me now. I need his guidance in so many things. I just wish he wasn't gone. But I know now he can't be. So I might as well live up to face life as it is. I know you guys have told me countless of times that it wasn't my fault, but it still hurts to know that I was part of the reason he's gone." Hermione started to say something but Harry held his hand up. "I know. I know. It just hurts. I'm just glad I have you guys here with me." Everyone smiled. A tinge of blush colored a certain Weasley's face. Hermione reached over and pulled Harry into a hug that he graciously returned.
"Hey, we feel left out," Ginny whined. Hermione started laughing and opened her arms in a welcoming gesture.
After their little hug, Harry jumped up and cursed loudly, startling everyone in the process. "Shit Ron! The meeting! I totally forgot about it. Do you remember what room it's being held in? Oh damn it, we're going to be so late."
Ron shook his head. "Sorry mate. I wasn't paying attention at the time. I was kind of.... distracted, you know? Lavender and I were having this great conversation about what we were--"
"Whoa, wait a minute. What are you guys talking about? What meeting?" Hermione asked, confused as hell.
"The quidditch meeting that we're having in one of the compartments. We're deciding who's going to be the next captain." Harry said.
"Well good luck finding the room. Hermione, you don't mind if I go talk to Luna do you? I have some important matters to discuss with her. Can you manage without anyone here?" Ginny asked.
Hermione smiled. "Sure go ahead. I'm fine, don't worry. I just need to think, and with you guys gone, I'm sure I'll have my thoughts cleared by the time you all come back."
"Good. We'll see you later Hermione," Harry said, walking out, closely followed by Ginny and Ron. Ron stopped at the door and looked over to Hermione.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"I'll be fine. Go, they're waiting for you."
Ron smiled at her then closed the door behind him. Hermione looked back out the window, catching small glimpses at the mountains and trees in the distance.
Hermione awoke with a start as the train jolted forward and then started slowing down. She looked around noticing that Harry and Ron had returned. When they had come back into the compartment they had seen that she was asleep. Not wanting to wake her up, they left her alone and just kept a quiet conversation about Quidditch.
She yawned and stretched her arms. "How long have I been out?"
Harry jumped, not noticing that she had woken up. He smiled indignantly at her. "The whole train ride actually."
Hermione looked dumbstruck. "And you didn't bother to wake me? What if there was a prefects meeting, I could've missed it." She was looking furious.
"Well, when we came back you were all snuggled in the corner, Hermione. We didn't want to wake you. You looked peaceful in your sleep. Besides no one came by saying that there was a meeting of any sort," Ron informed her.
"Oh," Hermione whispered. "Well, I'm sorry for getting angry. I didn't mean it. It's just that...." She thought about telling them, but thought best not to. "Never mind."
Harry and Ron passed each other a look. "It's okay Hermione. So are you hungry? We saved some sweets for you."
Hermione half-smiled and took some of the chocolate frogs that her friends offered her. She never had a sweet tooth, but now it seemed as if she really needed some sweets. Her parents were both dentists and would forbid her to eat anything with sugar in it. Thinking about that brought tears to her eyes; thinking about her father. She quickly blinked them away and sat up in her seat, eating hastily.
She looked up and noticed something different about the boys. She looked a bit closer and realized that they were in their school robes. Hermione stood up abruptly and looked down upon herself. She was still wearing muggle clothing. Blue jeans and a white tank top and a black zip-up sweater. She needed to change into her school robes soon, before the train stopped. She looked over to Ron and Harry and cleared her throat nervously.
"Umm, guys? If you haven't noticed I'm still in need to change, so if you don't mind I would highly appreciate it if you would step out a minute so I could do so. Please?" Both Ron and Harry glanced up at Hermione, their eyes resting on her breasts, taking in her figure in her clothes. Realizing what they were doing, they averted their eyes and stared hard at their feet. Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at their blushing faces. Especially Ron's.
"C'mon you guys. Haven't I told you enough times that ogling your eyes and drooling isn't going to help much in changing how I look. Now please, do as I ask and leave. I'll call you back once I'm done." When they exited the compartment, she opened her trunk and pulled out her robes, dressing quickly. Once she was done she called the boys back and continued on another conversation.
When the train whistle blew they all left the compartment together, walking out and heading over to the carriages with the rest of the students, excluding the first years. Once they reached the carriages, Harry stopped and stared at an empty space in front of it, but Hermione knew that there was something there. He was staring at the horses. You could only see them if you've witnessed the death of someone. He shook his head slightly and continued entering the carriage.
Ginny had caught up to them, closely followed by Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Neville Longbottom, who was looking very down. They all entered the same carriage and talked endlessly about each other's summer. When it came close to Hermione's turn to fill in, Harry and Ron kept quiet, waiting to see if they needed to come to their friend's rescue again. But Hermione smiled and told them that she really didn't have that great summer and that was all she would say.
When they came close to the entrance of the Castle, they all stepped out of the carriage and walked the path towards the entrance. As they were reaching the stairs to go into the Great Hall, Hermione heard the same familiar drawling voice not far behind her.
"Hey Granger!"
Hermione turned around to find Malfoy walking determinedly towards her. She wasn't in the mood to throw insults with him at the moment. All she really wanted to do was go up to her dormitory and fall asleep. That wasn't an option at the moment. She stood up straight and stared darkly at him.
"What is it Malfoy?" she asked smoothly.
"I want to know what the hell you were thinking talking to me like that. Like you're someone of importance," Malfoy spat out. Hermione couldn't believe that he was still on about the incident on the train.
"I really don't understand why you're still complaining about that. You obviously got what you deserved, always thinking that you're better than everyone."
"Oh, but I am Granger. You just don't like to admit it at times though. Filthy little mudbloods like you always try to make something of themselves, but obviously their dirtiness always shows through. Don't try to hide what you are Granger. You should be proud that you're even able to be speaking to me at the moment. You're lucky I even acknowledge your existence, or otherwise you would be greatly missed by some, if even hardly by any," he drawled out the last phrase.
Hermione squinted her eyes at him. "Are you threatening me Malfoy? Because if you are, you're not doing a great job of scaring me. All you are is alot of talk but no action. So please, why don't you leave me the hell alone. I already have enough things on my mind at the moment and I surely don't need you're annoying comments to add themselves in." With that Hermione turned to walk off, but before she could take one step she felt a hand on her arm, pulling her back violently.
"I don't think so mudblood! You obviously don't know me very well if you think I make empty threats. I can and will hurt you Granger, so if you don't plan on dying too soon, I suggest you stay out my way," Malfoy said in a deathly whisper.
Hermione clenched her jaw and ground her teeth. "How dare you Malfoy! Don't threaten me; you know just as much as I do that I'm as strong in power as you are, maybe even more. Now let me go." She tried to jerk her arm away, but Malfoy's grip on it tightened.
"I don't think so Granger. I think you need to learn where you stand in the line of wizardry. Maybe a lesson is in need to be taught here," Malfoy said through clenched teeth.
Hermione struggled to get away now. "Let me go Malfoy! What the hell is wrong with you!" Her voice started to get louder.
That's when Ron, Harry, and the rest of the gang noticed that she wasn't following. They all turned to find that she was nowhere in sight. When they heard her voice off in the distance where they last saw her with them, they all hurried over to see where she had gotten.
When they reached the entrance, they saw Hermione struggling to get away from Malfoy, who had a firm grip on her upper arm.
"What the hell do you think you're doing Malfoy! Get your hands off her!" Ron yelled. He and everyone else, including Ginny was running up to the two of them.
Malfoy sneered at the lot of them and then turned back to Hermione. "So...you have to get all your boyfriends here to help you handle all your problems Granger? What a pity, I..."
"Sod it Malfoy! First of all, they're not my boyfriends, they're my friends. Friends that you will never be able to have. And second, I don't need anyone to help me in anything. Especially when it comes to handling some piece of crap like you." Hermione then, in a blink of an eye, brought her hand up and aimed it towards Malfoy's face.
Malfoy, expecting something like this was going to happen, blocked it and caught it with his hand. Hermione then tried to pull away, but to no avail. Malfoy chuckled to himself, seeing her squirm.
Hermione then did something that he did not expect. She brought her knee up and it met with his groin. Malfoy then doubled over in pain, gasping in the process. Once she was released from his grasp she backed away and watched him fall over to his side.
"Let this be a lesson to you Malfoy!" she screamed at him, tears streaming down her face. "When I tell you to leave me the hell alone, I mean it! Leave me the hell alone." She then turned and stormed off into the entrance. Ginny followed suit and went to catch up with her friend. Harry, Ron and the rest of the gang stood there watching Malfoy squirm on the ground, groaning in pain.
"What the hell did you do Malfoy?" Ron barked out. Malfoy just growled under his breath. Harry walked up to Ron, pulling him back by his arm.
"Ron, I think we should go back and--"
"No! I want to know what he did to her. Why does he always have to be such an insolent basterd!" Ron tried to jerk his arm away, but Harry wouldn't budge.
"Ron. I want to know just as much as you do what he did. Let's just go talk to Hermione. She'll tell us what happened."
"Yea Ron, we can handle Malfoy some other time," Seamus said bravely.
"That's right Weasley, run off with your friends. Miss the perfect opportunity you could have on finally having a round with me," Malfoy spat out.
As Ron heard this, it took everyone, Harry, Dean, Seamus, and Neville, to hold him back. "He's asking for it! Let me at 'im. C'mon, it'll only take a few hits and that's it. C'mon!"
"No Ron! That's exactly what he wants you to do! Now let's go. We're late enough as it is," Harry said, pulling Ron back. Ron finally obliged and walked away, not noticing the smirk on Malfoy's face.
Rating: R Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 1
The train whistle blew, and Hermione knew that it was almost time for everyone to leave for Hogwarts. She was already seated in a compartment, alone because Ron and Harry hadn't arrived yet. She had sent them letters telling them that she wasn't going to be able to meet with them at Diagon Alley because she had went earlier that week alone. Her mother was still grieving the death of her husband and still stayed the long agonizing days and nights in the hospital with her son. She didn't want to tell them the real reason why she didn't want to meet with them; not in a letter anyway.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the compartment door opening, revealing Harry, followed by Ron and Ginny. She smiled up at them, and they smiled back.
"Hey Hermione! How are you? Haven't heard from you for a while," Ginny complained while taking a seat, Ron sitting next to her, and Harry sitting next to Hermione.
"Not if you count that last letter that I wrote your brother. I told him to tell you that I was doing fine and that I hoped you had a good summer. I hope he did that big bloke," Hermione joked, letting out a small chuckle at the hurt and confused expression on Ron's face.
"Oh, he did alright. I did have a good summer actually, thanks for concerning... not like others. I swear, you should have seen Ron. He was--" Ginny wasn't able to continue because she was cut off by Ron.
"Speaking of summers, how was yours Hermione? Why did you buy all of your stuff for Hogwarts early if you knew that we go to Diagon Alley together every year?"
Hermione visibly winced, which she quickly regretted, seeing that everyone was frowning at her as they saw her reaction to the question. She didn't want to tell them the news now because she wasn't sure if she was ready. She knew that she would have to tell them sooner or later though, and she decided since they were all together, that the best time was now.
"Hermione?" Ron's voice rang in her ear.
Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but to no avail, seeing as no words would come out. She felt a single tear rolling down her cheek as she remembered the horror of what happened to her that summer; thinking back to the day that she went to her father's funeral. Burying her father was the hardest thing she had to do in her whole life. It tore her heart into a thousand pieces.
"Hermione? Are you okay? Speak to me Hermione?" She heard Harry's voice and felt his hands on her shoulders. She looked into his green eyes, seeing concern and fear, and then broke down in tears. She clung to Harry as if he was the only thing in the world that she could still hold onto. She felt alone even though people surrounded her. Not just any people, but her best friends.
She felt Harry rubbing her back, trying anything to calm her down. Ginny was still stuck in her seat, not knowing what to do, never seeing Hermione break down like that. Ron had a fearful, and sorrowful look in his eyes. He was confused on whether he was the reason for the cause of her tears. His eyes darted from Harry, to her, and then back to Harry.
Hermione didn't understand why she just couldn't come out and tell them. She felt stuck and didn't know what to do about it. All she knew was that she wasn't ready to tell them after all. She gently, but firmly pushed away from Harry and apologized for the mishap, wiping furiously away at her tears.
"No problem, but Hermione...what happened? One second we're having a friendly conversation, the next you start crying. Did something happen to you?" Harry asked, wiping away some of the leftover tears from Hermione's cheeks.
Hermione just stared into Harry's eyes, trying to figure out what to say to him. She opened and closed her mouth but nothing came out. She looked towards the compartment door, which had opened, by none other than the devil himself. Draco Malfoy. Followed by his two bull-headed sidekicks, Crabbe and Goyle, of course.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Pothead and his gay companion the Weasel." Malfoy looked over to Hermione, noting that her eyes were puffy and red from crying. He smirked at Harry. "So what did you do this time Potter? Knock her up and tell her that you want nothing to do with her? Trying to get your frustration from that dog's death out right?" Harry's hands flexed and then balled into fists, but he stayed in his seat. "Exactly what I would have done. Besides, that's all she's good for. Just a night for pleasure. Filthy little Mudblood that she is."
Ron stood up and growled at Malfoy. "Don't you ever talk about Hermione and Harry like that you damn little rat! Why don't you get your arse out of here before I--"
"Before you what? You can't do anything to me! Don't you remember that I am a school prefect and I can take points from your," Malfoy paused to drawl out the word, "house. So please continue on what you were saying Weasel, see what will happen."
Harry whispered for Ron to sit down, while Ginny glared at Malfoy. "Why don't you just leave? You had your fun, now just go! You're not wanted here, so you might as well move on. Just because your father got slammed into Azkaban doesn't mean you have to act like you own everything, which by the way you don't." Everyone held his or her breaths, not knowing what to expect from Malfoy, well knowing that he would usually lose his temper very quickly. But Malfoy had a calm expression on his face, his eyes held a haunted and vicious look in them, but it quickly clouded over and turned into an icy glare. A smirk appeared from the corners of his mouth.
"Gryffindor house.... loses 10 points! For disrespecting a school prefect." Malfoy smirked. Crabbe and Goyle, nervous at first, looked to one another and finally snickered in the background.
Ron shot up from his seat angrily. "What! How dare you take points from us? Ginny wasn't disrespecting you, she was just stating the obvious and the truth!" Ron glowered at Malfoy. "Besides, how do you know that I'm not a school prefect? I could be taking points from your house for being an idiot."
Malfoy grinned evilly. "That's just the thing. You would take points, but you can't because you aren't a prefect."
"How do you know that I'm not a prefect? Huh? C'mon, tell me!" Ron bellowed.
Malfoy wiped his face where he felt the spit from Ron land on him. He glared at Ron and simply said, "I know because we only have one prefect from each house. Knowing that you did such a lousy job last year that you wouldn't fit the position."
Right when Ron was about to throw out another remark, Hermione, who had kept quiet until now, quickly interrupted him. "Well then Malfoy, you should know that I am the Gryffindor prefect and I will take points from your house for harassing students. How does 10 points sound? Or maybe 20?" Malfoy just glared daggers at Hermione. "I would highly appreciate it now if you would just leave."
Malfoy just glared then muttered something under his breath, "Stupid git of a mudblood."
Hermione fumed, but kept her anger under control. Right as Malfoy was about to make a move out the door, she called out. "Oh Malfoy!" He glanced at Hermione. "Don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out." He stared into her eyes, piercing her with the hatred he held there, then it was broken by Hermione looking away and sitting up straight, looking forward. She heard the compartment door shut, letting out a breath that she didn't know she was holding in.
She then looked out the window, not wanting to meet anyone's gaze. She was still trying to gather around all her thoughts from what had happened earlier.
She heard Ron's awed voice in the background. "That was bloody brilliant Hermione! Where.... how did you do that?"
Ginny's voice chirped in right after. "Hermione, I've never seen you react like that. So calm and all..."
She risked a small glance at Ginny, only to be met with a grin. She smiled back but looked back out the window. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she quickly turned to see whom it belonged to. She was met with concerned eyes.
"Are you sure that you're okay? You were pretty upset earlier, you don't want to talk about it?" Harry asked in a low whisper, not wanting her to start crying again.
She reassured him with a small smile. "Thanks Harry, but no. I don't really feel like talking about it right now. I just need.... some time, you know? I need to gather up my thoughts right now. Please try to understand. I just can't talk about it right now--" She was cut off by Harry.
"We understand Mione. Take as much time as you need. We'll be here when you need someone to confide in, don't worry." He smiled as he rubbed her shoulder. Hermione smiled back and then grabbed his hand, rubbing the back of it with her thumbs.
"How are you doing, though?" Hermione asked quietly. Harry looked dumbstruck, his face paling and then he looked down at his hands.
"I've been better. I.... I just wish things had happened differently. I really need him here with me now. I need his guidance in so many things. I just wish he wasn't gone. But I know now he can't be. So I might as well live up to face life as it is. I know you guys have told me countless of times that it wasn't my fault, but it still hurts to know that I was part of the reason he's gone." Hermione started to say something but Harry held his hand up. "I know. I know. It just hurts. I'm just glad I have you guys here with me." Everyone smiled. A tinge of blush colored a certain Weasley's face. Hermione reached over and pulled Harry into a hug that he graciously returned.
"Hey, we feel left out," Ginny whined. Hermione started laughing and opened her arms in a welcoming gesture.
After their little hug, Harry jumped up and cursed loudly, startling everyone in the process. "Shit Ron! The meeting! I totally forgot about it. Do you remember what room it's being held in? Oh damn it, we're going to be so late."
Ron shook his head. "Sorry mate. I wasn't paying attention at the time. I was kind of.... distracted, you know? Lavender and I were having this great conversation about what we were--"
"Whoa, wait a minute. What are you guys talking about? What meeting?" Hermione asked, confused as hell.
"The quidditch meeting that we're having in one of the compartments. We're deciding who's going to be the next captain." Harry said.
"Well good luck finding the room. Hermione, you don't mind if I go talk to Luna do you? I have some important matters to discuss with her. Can you manage without anyone here?" Ginny asked.
Hermione smiled. "Sure go ahead. I'm fine, don't worry. I just need to think, and with you guys gone, I'm sure I'll have my thoughts cleared by the time you all come back."
"Good. We'll see you later Hermione," Harry said, walking out, closely followed by Ginny and Ron. Ron stopped at the door and looked over to Hermione.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"I'll be fine. Go, they're waiting for you."
Ron smiled at her then closed the door behind him. Hermione looked back out the window, catching small glimpses at the mountains and trees in the distance.
Hermione awoke with a start as the train jolted forward and then started slowing down. She looked around noticing that Harry and Ron had returned. When they had come back into the compartment they had seen that she was asleep. Not wanting to wake her up, they left her alone and just kept a quiet conversation about Quidditch.
She yawned and stretched her arms. "How long have I been out?"
Harry jumped, not noticing that she had woken up. He smiled indignantly at her. "The whole train ride actually."
Hermione looked dumbstruck. "And you didn't bother to wake me? What if there was a prefects meeting, I could've missed it." She was looking furious.
"Well, when we came back you were all snuggled in the corner, Hermione. We didn't want to wake you. You looked peaceful in your sleep. Besides no one came by saying that there was a meeting of any sort," Ron informed her.
"Oh," Hermione whispered. "Well, I'm sorry for getting angry. I didn't mean it. It's just that...." She thought about telling them, but thought best not to. "Never mind."
Harry and Ron passed each other a look. "It's okay Hermione. So are you hungry? We saved some sweets for you."
Hermione half-smiled and took some of the chocolate frogs that her friends offered her. She never had a sweet tooth, but now it seemed as if she really needed some sweets. Her parents were both dentists and would forbid her to eat anything with sugar in it. Thinking about that brought tears to her eyes; thinking about her father. She quickly blinked them away and sat up in her seat, eating hastily.
She looked up and noticed something different about the boys. She looked a bit closer and realized that they were in their school robes. Hermione stood up abruptly and looked down upon herself. She was still wearing muggle clothing. Blue jeans and a white tank top and a black zip-up sweater. She needed to change into her school robes soon, before the train stopped. She looked over to Ron and Harry and cleared her throat nervously.
"Umm, guys? If you haven't noticed I'm still in need to change, so if you don't mind I would highly appreciate it if you would step out a minute so I could do so. Please?" Both Ron and Harry glanced up at Hermione, their eyes resting on her breasts, taking in her figure in her clothes. Realizing what they were doing, they averted their eyes and stared hard at their feet. Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at their blushing faces. Especially Ron's.
"C'mon you guys. Haven't I told you enough times that ogling your eyes and drooling isn't going to help much in changing how I look. Now please, do as I ask and leave. I'll call you back once I'm done." When they exited the compartment, she opened her trunk and pulled out her robes, dressing quickly. Once she was done she called the boys back and continued on another conversation.
When the train whistle blew they all left the compartment together, walking out and heading over to the carriages with the rest of the students, excluding the first years. Once they reached the carriages, Harry stopped and stared at an empty space in front of it, but Hermione knew that there was something there. He was staring at the horses. You could only see them if you've witnessed the death of someone. He shook his head slightly and continued entering the carriage.
Ginny had caught up to them, closely followed by Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Neville Longbottom, who was looking very down. They all entered the same carriage and talked endlessly about each other's summer. When it came close to Hermione's turn to fill in, Harry and Ron kept quiet, waiting to see if they needed to come to their friend's rescue again. But Hermione smiled and told them that she really didn't have that great summer and that was all she would say.
When they came close to the entrance of the Castle, they all stepped out of the carriage and walked the path towards the entrance. As they were reaching the stairs to go into the Great Hall, Hermione heard the same familiar drawling voice not far behind her.
"Hey Granger!"
Hermione turned around to find Malfoy walking determinedly towards her. She wasn't in the mood to throw insults with him at the moment. All she really wanted to do was go up to her dormitory and fall asleep. That wasn't an option at the moment. She stood up straight and stared darkly at him.
"What is it Malfoy?" she asked smoothly.
"I want to know what the hell you were thinking talking to me like that. Like you're someone of importance," Malfoy spat out. Hermione couldn't believe that he was still on about the incident on the train.
"I really don't understand why you're still complaining about that. You obviously got what you deserved, always thinking that you're better than everyone."
"Oh, but I am Granger. You just don't like to admit it at times though. Filthy little mudbloods like you always try to make something of themselves, but obviously their dirtiness always shows through. Don't try to hide what you are Granger. You should be proud that you're even able to be speaking to me at the moment. You're lucky I even acknowledge your existence, or otherwise you would be greatly missed by some, if even hardly by any," he drawled out the last phrase.
Hermione squinted her eyes at him. "Are you threatening me Malfoy? Because if you are, you're not doing a great job of scaring me. All you are is alot of talk but no action. So please, why don't you leave me the hell alone. I already have enough things on my mind at the moment and I surely don't need you're annoying comments to add themselves in." With that Hermione turned to walk off, but before she could take one step she felt a hand on her arm, pulling her back violently.
"I don't think so mudblood! You obviously don't know me very well if you think I make empty threats. I can and will hurt you Granger, so if you don't plan on dying too soon, I suggest you stay out my way," Malfoy said in a deathly whisper.
Hermione clenched her jaw and ground her teeth. "How dare you Malfoy! Don't threaten me; you know just as much as I do that I'm as strong in power as you are, maybe even more. Now let me go." She tried to jerk her arm away, but Malfoy's grip on it tightened.
"I don't think so Granger. I think you need to learn where you stand in the line of wizardry. Maybe a lesson is in need to be taught here," Malfoy said through clenched teeth.
Hermione struggled to get away now. "Let me go Malfoy! What the hell is wrong with you!" Her voice started to get louder.
That's when Ron, Harry, and the rest of the gang noticed that she wasn't following. They all turned to find that she was nowhere in sight. When they heard her voice off in the distance where they last saw her with them, they all hurried over to see where she had gotten.
When they reached the entrance, they saw Hermione struggling to get away from Malfoy, who had a firm grip on her upper arm.
"What the hell do you think you're doing Malfoy! Get your hands off her!" Ron yelled. He and everyone else, including Ginny was running up to the two of them.
Malfoy sneered at the lot of them and then turned back to Hermione. "So...you have to get all your boyfriends here to help you handle all your problems Granger? What a pity, I..."
"Sod it Malfoy! First of all, they're not my boyfriends, they're my friends. Friends that you will never be able to have. And second, I don't need anyone to help me in anything. Especially when it comes to handling some piece of crap like you." Hermione then, in a blink of an eye, brought her hand up and aimed it towards Malfoy's face.
Malfoy, expecting something like this was going to happen, blocked it and caught it with his hand. Hermione then tried to pull away, but to no avail. Malfoy chuckled to himself, seeing her squirm.
Hermione then did something that he did not expect. She brought her knee up and it met with his groin. Malfoy then doubled over in pain, gasping in the process. Once she was released from his grasp she backed away and watched him fall over to his side.
"Let this be a lesson to you Malfoy!" she screamed at him, tears streaming down her face. "When I tell you to leave me the hell alone, I mean it! Leave me the hell alone." She then turned and stormed off into the entrance. Ginny followed suit and went to catch up with her friend. Harry, Ron and the rest of the gang stood there watching Malfoy squirm on the ground, groaning in pain.
"What the hell did you do Malfoy?" Ron barked out. Malfoy just growled under his breath. Harry walked up to Ron, pulling him back by his arm.
"Ron, I think we should go back and--"
"No! I want to know what he did to her. Why does he always have to be such an insolent basterd!" Ron tried to jerk his arm away, but Harry wouldn't budge.
"Ron. I want to know just as much as you do what he did. Let's just go talk to Hermione. She'll tell us what happened."
"Yea Ron, we can handle Malfoy some other time," Seamus said bravely.
"That's right Weasley, run off with your friends. Miss the perfect opportunity you could have on finally having a round with me," Malfoy spat out.
As Ron heard this, it took everyone, Harry, Dean, Seamus, and Neville, to hold him back. "He's asking for it! Let me at 'im. C'mon, it'll only take a few hits and that's it. C'mon!"
"No Ron! That's exactly what he wants you to do! Now let's go. We're late enough as it is," Harry said, pulling Ron back. Ron finally obliged and walked away, not noticing the smirk on Malfoy's face.