Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 9/22
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I wanted to thank everyone who reviewed. Loved everything. I was
horrible to Ginny in this story so I thought I'd at least make up for
it in my new story, "The Haunted". Check out my other stories:
"Summer Camp" (Draco-Hermione fic) and "Picture Perfect" (Sirius-
Hermione fic).
I just noticed that when you type three dots (.) it appears as one dot
only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 9
Denial
Hermione sulked inside her room dwelling on what happened earlier. She lost interest in food and locked herself from her friends. The brave witch has now fallen into the worst feeling of self-pity. The perfect day she had pictured earlier has shattered into a million pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~
After leaving the Three Broomsticks, she aimlessly walked around Hogsmeade for a while. She wanted to be alone and was glad when she came across a deserted alley, or so she thought.
"Hermione," Arabelle recognized her at once.
Hermione was obliged to release a faint smile. "Hi Arabelle. Where's Sirius?"
"Down here!" A voice yelled beneath Arabelle's body.
It was a dark alley and her eyes have just adjusted. She was extremely shocked at what she saw. Sirius was pinned down on the ground on his normal form while Arabelle was straddling him.
Sirius saw her eyes widened and tried to push Arabelle off. "It's not what it looks like."
Arabelle immediately left the wizard and nodded frantically at her.
Hermione arched an eyebrow, "What exactly were you doing then?" She started teasing Arabelle, "I thought you didn't want to spend some time alone with Sirius?"
Sirius glared at the older witch and was rewarded with one of her own. "We heard someone approaching and he was so noisy I had to keep him shut. Besides I had no choice dear, he was the only one willing to leave Hogwarts."
Sirius shook his head and turned to face Hermione, "Why are you alone? Where's Harry or Ron? Are they alright?" One can say Sirius' parental instinct was pushed.
Arabelle rolled her eyes. She knew Hermione was to be with Draco instead of her best friends. She focused her gaze on the young witch and saw sadness in her eyes. "Sirius be a dear and change back to your Animagus form. I think it's time to go back to Hogwarts."
Sirius groaned and protested, "It's still early. We haven't even visited most of the great shops here-"
"Maybe some other time." Arabelle interrupted his whining then slanted her head towards Hermione's direction.
Finally Sirius saw what Arabelle saw earlier. He nodded and changed to his Animagus form at once.
Arabelle went to Hermione's side. "Do you want to join us back dear?"
Hermione regarded this not as a question but as an order. She let Arabelle take her arm and started to march to the coaches. The three chose a rather big one. Hermione sat across Arabelle while Sirius dropped to her (Hermione's) lap. In a way, Sirius' gesture was calming and comforting. She didn't want to talk and decided to look out the window and focused on the scenery.
Arabelle, however, had wanted to talk to her. "Dear, do you want to tell me what happened?"
Sirius raised his head from Hermione's lap to look at her.
Hermione shook her head and then came across Sirius' puppy dog eyes, literally. She caved in rather easily.
Arabelle was thankful for Sirius' presence for once. It seemed that Hermione trusted him more. Arabelle knew she would've had a hard time cracking Hermione's defense without his help. "Did you and that guy fight?" She asked cautiously not knowing whether Sirius knew about her date with Draco Malfoy.
Hermione shook her head slightly, "No. . . well yes, indirectly that is."
Sirius pulled playfully at Hermione's robes. He was at a loss on the identity of the guy in question.
Both witches ignored him. Arabelle however pushed the topic, "Can you tell me what that stupid git did to you, exactly?"
Hermione's eyes suddenly swelled with tears, "It was horrible!" She sobbed in between. "He bet on me."
Arabelle's face turned to a scowl seething in anger, but deep inside she felt pity for the young witch. "Just as I thought! You can't trust the likes of him."
Sirius now was frustrated at the many questions forming in his head. He looked at the window before changing back to his normal form unceremoniously. "Who's this guy we're talking about?" He was able to finally inquire.
"Who said anything about including you in our conversation?" Arabelle shot at him.
"I also care for Hermione." He barked back, and then faced Hermione. "Just tell me who hurt you and I swear that he'll regret it for the rest of his life."
Hermione was irritated at the mumblings. Her head was already full of noises at the two bickering at each other wasn't helping. In her frustration she screamed at them. "You want to know what happened? Draco Malfoy bet on me!"
Sirius as well as Arabelle widened their eye at her outburst.
"Not only that, but Harry, Ron and Dale bet on me as well! Are you happy now? Will you two stop talking now?" She barked again, still screaming every word.
Sirius and Arabelle exchanged worried glances. Arabelle tried to soothe her, "Hermione dear, we're really sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken it out on you guys." Hermione couldn't believe what she just did.
"Is there anything you want us to do?" Sirius joined in. He was sort of embarrassed to hear Harry and Ron acting in a stupid way.
"I just need to be alone."
~~~~~~~~~~
And alone she was. Self-pity can do such horrible things to a person. Her eyes were swollen as tears flowed through them freely. There was a side, however, that remained loyal to her friends and had been bugging her to at least listen to them, but then again, her pride would not permit it.
There was a knock at her door asking for a chance to explain. This time it was Ron's turn. Harry tried his luck earlier. "Hermione? We really need to talk." He pleaded outside her room.
Hermione refused to answer back.
"Hermione, sooner or later you're going to starve. You're going to have to come out of there one way or another." He tried again.
Still Hermione remained silent, not moving a muscle.
"Hermione this is all Dale's fault!" This was his last attempt.
"So you're telling me Dale was the only one who bet on me?" She shouted through the walls.
Ron didn't know whether to be glad that the silent treatment's over. "I know I shouldn't have but-" what was he going to say? His bet wasn't really flattering.
"So what were you getting out of it then?"
'This is a trick question.' He thought frantically of anything to get out of it. "It doesn't really matter now. What matters is that I regret what I did and I'm willing to pay for it, your call of course." He pleaded again.
"It does matter Ronald Weasley. I want to know how much you care for me." She emphasized on the word care.
Ron swallowed hard. 'It wouldn't hurt to lie.' He then shook his head. 'Who am I kidding? When she finds out the truth and I'm betting she will, she'll hate me even more.' He answered her in a whisper, "Dale's broom."
"What!" She screamed. "You were trading me for a broom?" She asked incredulously.
"You don't understand. He fooled me. He let me think that he was no good at Wizard's Chess."
"I feel so much better now. I'm glad to find out that Dale mislead you when it fucking doesn't make a difference. The point is you were willing to trade me off for a broom!" She screamed.
"I know it sounds bad but-" He started as he thought of words that she might want to hear right now.
"Just go away!" She decided she didn't want to hear anymore. She went to her bed to lie down and cover her head with a pillow, trying to escape the world. 'A broom! He fucking compared me to a broom!' She broke down into more tears. 'Now what did Harry and Draco bet on me?' She wondered. It's at times like this where you find out a lot about your so-called friends.
Without realizing it, she dozed off even with the new knockings on her door.
~~~~~~~~~~
She woke up at least past midnight. Her growling stomach wouldn't let her sleep in peace. She's done this before and recalled that Draco Malfoy was right out of her portrait hole then. She wondered if she would find him there again. She grabbed her wand and carefully opened the portrait hole. 'What would I say to him if he's outside or Harry or Ron for that matter?'
'Nothing! Just go past them!' Her other side argued.
She agreed to the plan offered and stepped out of her room. She was glad to find the hallway empty. She quickly, but quietly headed for the kitchen when a hand grabbed her shoulder. "What the-"
"Shh!" Arabelle pulled her aside. "I saw the cat, Mrs. Norris down that hallway. If you want some food you can come with me." She offered a smile. "I promise no questions unless you ask."
Hermione carefully pulled her as they raced through the halls.
"Where exactly are we going?" Hermione asked.
"Sirius and I keep our stash of goodies in a secret place."
"What's going on between you two?" She teased.
Arabelle blushed a little, but didn't answer.
"Come on, I promise I won't tell." Hermione was human so she pried on trying to forget her own problem. "And don't say there's nothing going on between you guys."
"That's just it, there's nothing going on between us." Arabelle sighed.
"You sound like you're disappointed." She teased.
Arabelle released another sigh. "I don't know why, but there's something in him that keeps me interested. I do know him pretty well and he's a player, I know. He wouldn't settle down. Not that I'm thinking of settling down with him." Arabelle blushed a deep shade of red.
Hermione couldn't believe the witch she looked up to was head over heals for Sirius Black.
"By the way, if this ever got out I'll hunt you down." She winked at her.
"No problem." She smiled at the fact that she's not the only one who's having relationship problems.
"Is that a smile I just saw?" Arabelle teased. They finally arrived to a room beside the women's bathroom at the 3rd floor. They entered the room as soon as Arabelle said the password.
"Careful, my mood's pretty bumpy right now. My smile can easily flip into a frown at will." Hermione teased back.
"I know some news that can keep your smile on." Sirius Black stood from a chair to greet the two women.
"Sirius what are you doing here?" Arabelle asked irritably.
"Hey! You deprived me of buying some stuff in Hogsmeade. I thought I would compensate my cravings here." Sirius looked like he was eating something chocolaty.
"Here." Arabelle threw him a handkerchief. "You look disgusting."
Sirius smirked at her and then used the handkerchief.
"What news were you talking about?" Arabelle wanted to hear the news that could make Hermione smile.
"I just saw Malfoy being carried a little earlier to the Hospital Wing."
Hermione wrinkled her face at a loss on reason as to what happened to him. "Did Harry, Ron or Dale do anything to him?"
Sirius was now frowning. "You sound like you're concerned with the prat. I thought you'd be happy?"
"What exactly happened to him?" Hermione ignored his first statement. Her eyes were glimmering dangerously. Arabelle noticed this and decided to keep herself out of this.
"You sound like you care about him?" Sirius once again voiced his observation.
"What happened to him?" Hermione was getting impatient.
Sirius sighed then answered, "Looks like Cruciatus."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "Who did it?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. He never did find Draco Malfoy's life to his interest. "Someone saw his body lying on some alley. Luckily, he was wearing Hogwart's logo. The man brought him back here. He's still unconscious in the Hospital Wing, as far as I know anyway."
Hermione felt her world started to turn. Earlier he was with her accompanying her on shopping trips. The next moment he dumped her with Harry and Ron. Then he disappeared without a word. 'What could've happened to him since then?' She started walking towards the exit when Arabelle called her.
"Hermione where do you think you're going?" This time Sirius separated himself from the conversation.
"I'm going to see him." Hermione answered matter-of-factly.
"After what he did to you?"
Hermione closed her eyes to try to make sense. Her mind was being dormant at this time of the night without food, while her feelings wanted so much to go to him for no logical reason. She then forced her mind to think. 'When Ron lost to Dale, he told me Dale would take his place. When Harry lost, he also said the same thing. Then Dale backed out after loosing to Draco.' Then everything made sense at least to her.
"Well?" Arabelle inquired.
"Draco won meaning he got his part of the deal. Meaning he wanted to be with me alone. He gambled so that he can be with me alone in Hogsmeade." Hermione mumbled absentmindedly.
"Huh? I'm not following you." Arabelle interrupted her thoughts.
"It means that Draco wanted to be with me." She began to picture Draco's face smiling kindly at her.
"But the fact that he still bet on you-"
"Well compared to Ron's object of the deal, Draco's was a good thing. Maybe he only bet on me so that I wouldn't get stuck with Dale." She was getting excited.
"What was Ron's condition?" Sirius braved to ask.
"Dale's broom." Hermione replied without thinking. Sirius raised an eyebrow, obviously shocked at her answer.
Arabelle walked up to the door blocking Hermione's exit.
"Let me pass." Hermione pleaded when she noticed what Arabelle just did.
"No, I'm just protecting you. Remember that you came back to Hogwarts with Sirius and me. Where was he when you needed him?"
Hermione closed her eyes again trying to remember everything that happened when they were together. She wanted to defend him. 'At the bookstore there was a man wearing a cloak who approached him. After that he started to grow weird. . .'
~~~~~~~~~~
"We haven't eaten yet." Draco replied.
"So are you going to show me where you get some grub here?" She was still hoping he would reconsider. She was having fun at the new things she found out today.
"NO!" Draco hastily said. "No, especially not now."
Hermione was shocked at his reaction; "Fine. I suppose we're heading for the Three Broomsticks then?"
~~~~~~~~~~
'He also disappeared in the Three Broomsticks. . .'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco however didn't budge. He knew this wasn't a great time, but he had no choice. "Um, Hermione?"
She turned with an angry scowl on her face. "WHAT?"
"Actually, I just realize that I needed to do something." He decided to deal with them later. He's got some more important business at hand.
"So where are we going now? I thought you wanted to eat?"
"I need to do something alone." He stressed on alone.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was good at logic, "Draco suffered because of me. He left me to save me from his father maybe."
"What?" Both Sirius and Arabelle thought it incredulous.
"You see while we were shopping a hooded man approached him. I'm thinking somebody under Lucius' command saw Draco with me, a muggle-born. The Cruciatus was his punishment. He left me with Harry and Ron because he was worried that they will go after me as well."
"That was a sweet story Hermione. I wish it was true, though, but then he could've just told you everything before he left you. Remember that he is a Slytherin. Their greatest trait is their cunning plans. It's also unlikely that there'd be Death Eaters running around Hogsmeade. The Ministry has put up a lot of security there." Arabelle tried to reason. "For all we know he planned on everything to get you alone, but then you met Harry and Ron. His plans were foiled and went back to his father; he told him the news and was punished for his failure. Doesn't that make more sense Sirius?"
"I'm not getting in between this." Sirius raised his hands cautiously.
"Draco wouldn't do that. I trust him." Hermione tried to defend him.
"That's the problem. You trust him too much. You let your guard down." Arabelle was getting irritated. "You can't trust him!"
"But I do! I know you've been hurt by a Slytherin before, but the fact that everyone is unique means that Draco has a chance on deviating from the actions that your guy had done to you. So unless you can prove otherwise that he's not trustworthy, then I will not listen anymore."
Sirius arched an eyebrow. He didn't know that a Slytherin had hurt Arabelle before. He felt a little pity come into him. 'Maybe I should treat her better.'
"Fine!" Arabelle reluctantly conceded. 'She's stubborn, just like me!' "He can wait until tomorrow though." She looked at her watch and corrected herself. "You can visit him later. Right now you need to rest."
Hermione did feel tired and decided to comply. Later on Arabelle wouldn't be able to stand in her way anymore. She'd be able to do things freely. Later.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Hermione woke up pretty late, to her usual standards. She did after all fool around with Sirius and Arabelle early at dawn. The food that she ate that time weren't what you can say heavy. She found herself longing for real food. She was about to start her habitual activities when she found two young wizards sleeping outside the portrait hole.
Hermione gingerly stared at the two guys. Although she loathed them, at the moment, she was captivated by their angelic innocent faces. Instead of abruptly waking them she just shook them lightly. "Harry, Ron, wake up."
Harry was a light sleeper; his eyes flew open as soon as Hermione's hand came upon him. "Hermione?" He stood up and straightened himself. "Hermione, about last night."
"Don't start Harry." Her tone was cold, but her face was filled with compassion and longing.
Harry nodded and tried to drag Ron to a standing position.
"What-" Ron woke up abruptly.
"Would any of you guys explain to me why you two were sleeping outside my room?" She didn't face Ron, the memory of yesterday's events still burned within her.
Harry stood closer. "We wanted to. . . um. . . talk to you."
Hermione arched an eyebrow and started walking to the bathroom. "This early?"
Harry and Ron followed her. "Harry and I don't know how early you wake up so we decided to camp outside."
Hermione resumed walking.
"Hermione I know we hurt you." Ron started a well-prepared speech.
"You're right Ron you hurt me bad. I mean come on, a broom?" She cut him off.
"We're both sorry and regret the fact that we bet on you. I was just so tempted at the idea of getting rid of competition." Harry tried to salvage their relationship.
"So am I just a trophy then Harry?"
"No, I mean if I won then Dale would leave you alone. I'm already on my toes where Malfoy's concerned."
"Harry you have no right to choose who's courting me."
"That's not my point. I love you Hermione, I really do. The fact that you broke up with me because of shit really hurt me. I didn't want out relationship to end. And seeing you with other guys just tears me up. Malfoy now seems to be in your good graces and I'm jealous of the attention he's getting from you. Is it really bad of me to try to eliminate a competition?"
Hermione finally stopped and closed her eyes before facing him. "What makes you think he's any competition or Draco for that matter?"
Harry's spirits lifted a notch.
"You and Ron are my best friends." She continued. "I love you both and you two will always come first although I may not be special to you." She aimed the last few words to Ron and stole a glance at him. "That's why I can't seem to stay angry with you guys."
Although Harry was not thinking on the friendship line he was still happy to know that she prioritized from the rest of his competition.
Ron hugged his two best friends, "I promise no more fooling around."
"Can I hold you to that?" Hermione teased.
"Sure as long as you'd still let me call you Herm that is."
"So long as you don't share 'it' with anybody else."
"Of course not. That's my special name for you. I'd get upset if anybody else would use it."
"Same here." She gave the two wizards a quick kiss on their cheeks before heading to the bathroom. "I'll see you guys later."
"Breakfast right?" Harry asked.
Hermione didn't respond. She had something to do first.
~~~~~~~~~~
After Hermione's morning rituals she didn't go down for breakfast. Instead she went to visit a friend. Luckily Madame Pomfrey wasn't there to interrogate her. The only person there was Draco Malfoy lying on one of the hospital beds. Hermione walked towards him warily.
She sat down near him ever so gently. She didn't want to disturb him. She knew that she'd suffer last night and he needed some rest. She watched as Draco's chest rose from breathing. She found it very calming. She leaned in a little to touch his face. 'He looks peaceful now.' She gently outlined his cheeks.
Draco moaned a little at the contact, which made Hermione jump back. She didn't want to wake him.
Draco's face suddenly winced in pain. Hermione didn't know what to do. She wasn't even touching him.
"Don't worry." A voice from behind her said.
Hermione turned around to find Headmaster Dumbledore. "Sir?"
"A person who suffered from the Cruciatus pain may feel it even after a few days."
Hermione's face saddened at the news. "Was the one responsible for this already found?"
"I'm afraid not."
"I believe it's his father. Maybe you should question him or something."
"Ms. Granger I know you must feel terrible right now, but the Ministry is already working on his case. I ask you to be patient."
"The Ministry? I doubt that they'll even suspect Lucius Malfoy to be part of this case. They're already blinded by the fact that he donates galleons to them!" Hermione was getting agitated.
"But Ms. Granger, this is already beyond our hands."
"Can't we do anything? I mean what happens if the one responsible for this acts again?"
"That is why there will be no more Hogsmeade weekend from now on."
Hermione sighed and focused to the wizard who took care of her. "What would've happened to him if nobody found him? Would he end up the same way Neville's parents ended up?"
"No, from my experience, this is a mild case of Cruciatus. Mr. Malfoy here is still young and reacted different from that of a fully-grown wizard. Ms. Granger may I ask you again to take care of Mr. Malfoy? It seems like you're his only visitor so far."
"Don't worry sir. I owe it to him. I'll take care of him." She watched as the headmaster left the room before adding, "The way he took care of me back then."
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I would like to apologize for taking so long. I have four
research papers up and I couldn't find time to continue my stories.
Here's a shout out to my beta Toni. Thanks!
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I wanted to thank everyone who reviewed. Loved everything. I was
horrible to Ginny in this story so I thought I'd at least make up for
it in my new story, "The Haunted". Check out my other stories:
"Summer Camp" (Draco-Hermione fic) and "Picture Perfect" (Sirius-
Hermione fic).
I just noticed that when you type three dots (.) it appears as one dot
only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 9
Denial
Hermione sulked inside her room dwelling on what happened earlier. She lost interest in food and locked herself from her friends. The brave witch has now fallen into the worst feeling of self-pity. The perfect day she had pictured earlier has shattered into a million pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~
After leaving the Three Broomsticks, she aimlessly walked around Hogsmeade for a while. She wanted to be alone and was glad when she came across a deserted alley, or so she thought.
"Hermione," Arabelle recognized her at once.
Hermione was obliged to release a faint smile. "Hi Arabelle. Where's Sirius?"
"Down here!" A voice yelled beneath Arabelle's body.
It was a dark alley and her eyes have just adjusted. She was extremely shocked at what she saw. Sirius was pinned down on the ground on his normal form while Arabelle was straddling him.
Sirius saw her eyes widened and tried to push Arabelle off. "It's not what it looks like."
Arabelle immediately left the wizard and nodded frantically at her.
Hermione arched an eyebrow, "What exactly were you doing then?" She started teasing Arabelle, "I thought you didn't want to spend some time alone with Sirius?"
Sirius glared at the older witch and was rewarded with one of her own. "We heard someone approaching and he was so noisy I had to keep him shut. Besides I had no choice dear, he was the only one willing to leave Hogwarts."
Sirius shook his head and turned to face Hermione, "Why are you alone? Where's Harry or Ron? Are they alright?" One can say Sirius' parental instinct was pushed.
Arabelle rolled her eyes. She knew Hermione was to be with Draco instead of her best friends. She focused her gaze on the young witch and saw sadness in her eyes. "Sirius be a dear and change back to your Animagus form. I think it's time to go back to Hogwarts."
Sirius groaned and protested, "It's still early. We haven't even visited most of the great shops here-"
"Maybe some other time." Arabelle interrupted his whining then slanted her head towards Hermione's direction.
Finally Sirius saw what Arabelle saw earlier. He nodded and changed to his Animagus form at once.
Arabelle went to Hermione's side. "Do you want to join us back dear?"
Hermione regarded this not as a question but as an order. She let Arabelle take her arm and started to march to the coaches. The three chose a rather big one. Hermione sat across Arabelle while Sirius dropped to her (Hermione's) lap. In a way, Sirius' gesture was calming and comforting. She didn't want to talk and decided to look out the window and focused on the scenery.
Arabelle, however, had wanted to talk to her. "Dear, do you want to tell me what happened?"
Sirius raised his head from Hermione's lap to look at her.
Hermione shook her head and then came across Sirius' puppy dog eyes, literally. She caved in rather easily.
Arabelle was thankful for Sirius' presence for once. It seemed that Hermione trusted him more. Arabelle knew she would've had a hard time cracking Hermione's defense without his help. "Did you and that guy fight?" She asked cautiously not knowing whether Sirius knew about her date with Draco Malfoy.
Hermione shook her head slightly, "No. . . well yes, indirectly that is."
Sirius pulled playfully at Hermione's robes. He was at a loss on the identity of the guy in question.
Both witches ignored him. Arabelle however pushed the topic, "Can you tell me what that stupid git did to you, exactly?"
Hermione's eyes suddenly swelled with tears, "It was horrible!" She sobbed in between. "He bet on me."
Arabelle's face turned to a scowl seething in anger, but deep inside she felt pity for the young witch. "Just as I thought! You can't trust the likes of him."
Sirius now was frustrated at the many questions forming in his head. He looked at the window before changing back to his normal form unceremoniously. "Who's this guy we're talking about?" He was able to finally inquire.
"Who said anything about including you in our conversation?" Arabelle shot at him.
"I also care for Hermione." He barked back, and then faced Hermione. "Just tell me who hurt you and I swear that he'll regret it for the rest of his life."
Hermione was irritated at the mumblings. Her head was already full of noises at the two bickering at each other wasn't helping. In her frustration she screamed at them. "You want to know what happened? Draco Malfoy bet on me!"
Sirius as well as Arabelle widened their eye at her outburst.
"Not only that, but Harry, Ron and Dale bet on me as well! Are you happy now? Will you two stop talking now?" She barked again, still screaming every word.
Sirius and Arabelle exchanged worried glances. Arabelle tried to soothe her, "Hermione dear, we're really sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken it out on you guys." Hermione couldn't believe what she just did.
"Is there anything you want us to do?" Sirius joined in. He was sort of embarrassed to hear Harry and Ron acting in a stupid way.
"I just need to be alone."
~~~~~~~~~~
And alone she was. Self-pity can do such horrible things to a person. Her eyes were swollen as tears flowed through them freely. There was a side, however, that remained loyal to her friends and had been bugging her to at least listen to them, but then again, her pride would not permit it.
There was a knock at her door asking for a chance to explain. This time it was Ron's turn. Harry tried his luck earlier. "Hermione? We really need to talk." He pleaded outside her room.
Hermione refused to answer back.
"Hermione, sooner or later you're going to starve. You're going to have to come out of there one way or another." He tried again.
Still Hermione remained silent, not moving a muscle.
"Hermione this is all Dale's fault!" This was his last attempt.
"So you're telling me Dale was the only one who bet on me?" She shouted through the walls.
Ron didn't know whether to be glad that the silent treatment's over. "I know I shouldn't have but-" what was he going to say? His bet wasn't really flattering.
"So what were you getting out of it then?"
'This is a trick question.' He thought frantically of anything to get out of it. "It doesn't really matter now. What matters is that I regret what I did and I'm willing to pay for it, your call of course." He pleaded again.
"It does matter Ronald Weasley. I want to know how much you care for me." She emphasized on the word care.
Ron swallowed hard. 'It wouldn't hurt to lie.' He then shook his head. 'Who am I kidding? When she finds out the truth and I'm betting she will, she'll hate me even more.' He answered her in a whisper, "Dale's broom."
"What!" She screamed. "You were trading me for a broom?" She asked incredulously.
"You don't understand. He fooled me. He let me think that he was no good at Wizard's Chess."
"I feel so much better now. I'm glad to find out that Dale mislead you when it fucking doesn't make a difference. The point is you were willing to trade me off for a broom!" She screamed.
"I know it sounds bad but-" He started as he thought of words that she might want to hear right now.
"Just go away!" She decided she didn't want to hear anymore. She went to her bed to lie down and cover her head with a pillow, trying to escape the world. 'A broom! He fucking compared me to a broom!' She broke down into more tears. 'Now what did Harry and Draco bet on me?' She wondered. It's at times like this where you find out a lot about your so-called friends.
Without realizing it, she dozed off even with the new knockings on her door.
~~~~~~~~~~
She woke up at least past midnight. Her growling stomach wouldn't let her sleep in peace. She's done this before and recalled that Draco Malfoy was right out of her portrait hole then. She wondered if she would find him there again. She grabbed her wand and carefully opened the portrait hole. 'What would I say to him if he's outside or Harry or Ron for that matter?'
'Nothing! Just go past them!' Her other side argued.
She agreed to the plan offered and stepped out of her room. She was glad to find the hallway empty. She quickly, but quietly headed for the kitchen when a hand grabbed her shoulder. "What the-"
"Shh!" Arabelle pulled her aside. "I saw the cat, Mrs. Norris down that hallway. If you want some food you can come with me." She offered a smile. "I promise no questions unless you ask."
Hermione carefully pulled her as they raced through the halls.
"Where exactly are we going?" Hermione asked.
"Sirius and I keep our stash of goodies in a secret place."
"What's going on between you two?" She teased.
Arabelle blushed a little, but didn't answer.
"Come on, I promise I won't tell." Hermione was human so she pried on trying to forget her own problem. "And don't say there's nothing going on between you guys."
"That's just it, there's nothing going on between us." Arabelle sighed.
"You sound like you're disappointed." She teased.
Arabelle released another sigh. "I don't know why, but there's something in him that keeps me interested. I do know him pretty well and he's a player, I know. He wouldn't settle down. Not that I'm thinking of settling down with him." Arabelle blushed a deep shade of red.
Hermione couldn't believe the witch she looked up to was head over heals for Sirius Black.
"By the way, if this ever got out I'll hunt you down." She winked at her.
"No problem." She smiled at the fact that she's not the only one who's having relationship problems.
"Is that a smile I just saw?" Arabelle teased. They finally arrived to a room beside the women's bathroom at the 3rd floor. They entered the room as soon as Arabelle said the password.
"Careful, my mood's pretty bumpy right now. My smile can easily flip into a frown at will." Hermione teased back.
"I know some news that can keep your smile on." Sirius Black stood from a chair to greet the two women.
"Sirius what are you doing here?" Arabelle asked irritably.
"Hey! You deprived me of buying some stuff in Hogsmeade. I thought I would compensate my cravings here." Sirius looked like he was eating something chocolaty.
"Here." Arabelle threw him a handkerchief. "You look disgusting."
Sirius smirked at her and then used the handkerchief.
"What news were you talking about?" Arabelle wanted to hear the news that could make Hermione smile.
"I just saw Malfoy being carried a little earlier to the Hospital Wing."
Hermione wrinkled her face at a loss on reason as to what happened to him. "Did Harry, Ron or Dale do anything to him?"
Sirius was now frowning. "You sound like you're concerned with the prat. I thought you'd be happy?"
"What exactly happened to him?" Hermione ignored his first statement. Her eyes were glimmering dangerously. Arabelle noticed this and decided to keep herself out of this.
"You sound like you care about him?" Sirius once again voiced his observation.
"What happened to him?" Hermione was getting impatient.
Sirius sighed then answered, "Looks like Cruciatus."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "Who did it?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. He never did find Draco Malfoy's life to his interest. "Someone saw his body lying on some alley. Luckily, he was wearing Hogwart's logo. The man brought him back here. He's still unconscious in the Hospital Wing, as far as I know anyway."
Hermione felt her world started to turn. Earlier he was with her accompanying her on shopping trips. The next moment he dumped her with Harry and Ron. Then he disappeared without a word. 'What could've happened to him since then?' She started walking towards the exit when Arabelle called her.
"Hermione where do you think you're going?" This time Sirius separated himself from the conversation.
"I'm going to see him." Hermione answered matter-of-factly.
"After what he did to you?"
Hermione closed her eyes to try to make sense. Her mind was being dormant at this time of the night without food, while her feelings wanted so much to go to him for no logical reason. She then forced her mind to think. 'When Ron lost to Dale, he told me Dale would take his place. When Harry lost, he also said the same thing. Then Dale backed out after loosing to Draco.' Then everything made sense at least to her.
"Well?" Arabelle inquired.
"Draco won meaning he got his part of the deal. Meaning he wanted to be with me alone. He gambled so that he can be with me alone in Hogsmeade." Hermione mumbled absentmindedly.
"Huh? I'm not following you." Arabelle interrupted her thoughts.
"It means that Draco wanted to be with me." She began to picture Draco's face smiling kindly at her.
"But the fact that he still bet on you-"
"Well compared to Ron's object of the deal, Draco's was a good thing. Maybe he only bet on me so that I wouldn't get stuck with Dale." She was getting excited.
"What was Ron's condition?" Sirius braved to ask.
"Dale's broom." Hermione replied without thinking. Sirius raised an eyebrow, obviously shocked at her answer.
Arabelle walked up to the door blocking Hermione's exit.
"Let me pass." Hermione pleaded when she noticed what Arabelle just did.
"No, I'm just protecting you. Remember that you came back to Hogwarts with Sirius and me. Where was he when you needed him?"
Hermione closed her eyes again trying to remember everything that happened when they were together. She wanted to defend him. 'At the bookstore there was a man wearing a cloak who approached him. After that he started to grow weird. . .'
~~~~~~~~~~
"We haven't eaten yet." Draco replied.
"So are you going to show me where you get some grub here?" She was still hoping he would reconsider. She was having fun at the new things she found out today.
"NO!" Draco hastily said. "No, especially not now."
Hermione was shocked at his reaction; "Fine. I suppose we're heading for the Three Broomsticks then?"
~~~~~~~~~~
'He also disappeared in the Three Broomsticks. . .'
~~~~~~~~~~
Draco however didn't budge. He knew this wasn't a great time, but he had no choice. "Um, Hermione?"
She turned with an angry scowl on her face. "WHAT?"
"Actually, I just realize that I needed to do something." He decided to deal with them later. He's got some more important business at hand.
"So where are we going now? I thought you wanted to eat?"
"I need to do something alone." He stressed on alone.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was good at logic, "Draco suffered because of me. He left me to save me from his father maybe."
"What?" Both Sirius and Arabelle thought it incredulous.
"You see while we were shopping a hooded man approached him. I'm thinking somebody under Lucius' command saw Draco with me, a muggle-born. The Cruciatus was his punishment. He left me with Harry and Ron because he was worried that they will go after me as well."
"That was a sweet story Hermione. I wish it was true, though, but then he could've just told you everything before he left you. Remember that he is a Slytherin. Their greatest trait is their cunning plans. It's also unlikely that there'd be Death Eaters running around Hogsmeade. The Ministry has put up a lot of security there." Arabelle tried to reason. "For all we know he planned on everything to get you alone, but then you met Harry and Ron. His plans were foiled and went back to his father; he told him the news and was punished for his failure. Doesn't that make more sense Sirius?"
"I'm not getting in between this." Sirius raised his hands cautiously.
"Draco wouldn't do that. I trust him." Hermione tried to defend him.
"That's the problem. You trust him too much. You let your guard down." Arabelle was getting irritated. "You can't trust him!"
"But I do! I know you've been hurt by a Slytherin before, but the fact that everyone is unique means that Draco has a chance on deviating from the actions that your guy had done to you. So unless you can prove otherwise that he's not trustworthy, then I will not listen anymore."
Sirius arched an eyebrow. He didn't know that a Slytherin had hurt Arabelle before. He felt a little pity come into him. 'Maybe I should treat her better.'
"Fine!" Arabelle reluctantly conceded. 'She's stubborn, just like me!' "He can wait until tomorrow though." She looked at her watch and corrected herself. "You can visit him later. Right now you need to rest."
Hermione did feel tired and decided to comply. Later on Arabelle wouldn't be able to stand in her way anymore. She'd be able to do things freely. Later.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Hermione woke up pretty late, to her usual standards. She did after all fool around with Sirius and Arabelle early at dawn. The food that she ate that time weren't what you can say heavy. She found herself longing for real food. She was about to start her habitual activities when she found two young wizards sleeping outside the portrait hole.
Hermione gingerly stared at the two guys. Although she loathed them, at the moment, she was captivated by their angelic innocent faces. Instead of abruptly waking them she just shook them lightly. "Harry, Ron, wake up."
Harry was a light sleeper; his eyes flew open as soon as Hermione's hand came upon him. "Hermione?" He stood up and straightened himself. "Hermione, about last night."
"Don't start Harry." Her tone was cold, but her face was filled with compassion and longing.
Harry nodded and tried to drag Ron to a standing position.
"What-" Ron woke up abruptly.
"Would any of you guys explain to me why you two were sleeping outside my room?" She didn't face Ron, the memory of yesterday's events still burned within her.
Harry stood closer. "We wanted to. . . um. . . talk to you."
Hermione arched an eyebrow and started walking to the bathroom. "This early?"
Harry and Ron followed her. "Harry and I don't know how early you wake up so we decided to camp outside."
Hermione resumed walking.
"Hermione I know we hurt you." Ron started a well-prepared speech.
"You're right Ron you hurt me bad. I mean come on, a broom?" She cut him off.
"We're both sorry and regret the fact that we bet on you. I was just so tempted at the idea of getting rid of competition." Harry tried to salvage their relationship.
"So am I just a trophy then Harry?"
"No, I mean if I won then Dale would leave you alone. I'm already on my toes where Malfoy's concerned."
"Harry you have no right to choose who's courting me."
"That's not my point. I love you Hermione, I really do. The fact that you broke up with me because of shit really hurt me. I didn't want out relationship to end. And seeing you with other guys just tears me up. Malfoy now seems to be in your good graces and I'm jealous of the attention he's getting from you. Is it really bad of me to try to eliminate a competition?"
Hermione finally stopped and closed her eyes before facing him. "What makes you think he's any competition or Draco for that matter?"
Harry's spirits lifted a notch.
"You and Ron are my best friends." She continued. "I love you both and you two will always come first although I may not be special to you." She aimed the last few words to Ron and stole a glance at him. "That's why I can't seem to stay angry with you guys."
Although Harry was not thinking on the friendship line he was still happy to know that she prioritized from the rest of his competition.
Ron hugged his two best friends, "I promise no more fooling around."
"Can I hold you to that?" Hermione teased.
"Sure as long as you'd still let me call you Herm that is."
"So long as you don't share 'it' with anybody else."
"Of course not. That's my special name for you. I'd get upset if anybody else would use it."
"Same here." She gave the two wizards a quick kiss on their cheeks before heading to the bathroom. "I'll see you guys later."
"Breakfast right?" Harry asked.
Hermione didn't respond. She had something to do first.
~~~~~~~~~~
After Hermione's morning rituals she didn't go down for breakfast. Instead she went to visit a friend. Luckily Madame Pomfrey wasn't there to interrogate her. The only person there was Draco Malfoy lying on one of the hospital beds. Hermione walked towards him warily.
She sat down near him ever so gently. She didn't want to disturb him. She knew that she'd suffer last night and he needed some rest. She watched as Draco's chest rose from breathing. She found it very calming. She leaned in a little to touch his face. 'He looks peaceful now.' She gently outlined his cheeks.
Draco moaned a little at the contact, which made Hermione jump back. She didn't want to wake him.
Draco's face suddenly winced in pain. Hermione didn't know what to do. She wasn't even touching him.
"Don't worry." A voice from behind her said.
Hermione turned around to find Headmaster Dumbledore. "Sir?"
"A person who suffered from the Cruciatus pain may feel it even after a few days."
Hermione's face saddened at the news. "Was the one responsible for this already found?"
"I'm afraid not."
"I believe it's his father. Maybe you should question him or something."
"Ms. Granger I know you must feel terrible right now, but the Ministry is already working on his case. I ask you to be patient."
"The Ministry? I doubt that they'll even suspect Lucius Malfoy to be part of this case. They're already blinded by the fact that he donates galleons to them!" Hermione was getting agitated.
"But Ms. Granger, this is already beyond our hands."
"Can't we do anything? I mean what happens if the one responsible for this acts again?"
"That is why there will be no more Hogsmeade weekend from now on."
Hermione sighed and focused to the wizard who took care of her. "What would've happened to him if nobody found him? Would he end up the same way Neville's parents ended up?"
"No, from my experience, this is a mild case of Cruciatus. Mr. Malfoy here is still young and reacted different from that of a fully-grown wizard. Ms. Granger may I ask you again to take care of Mr. Malfoy? It seems like you're his only visitor so far."
"Don't worry sir. I owe it to him. I'll take care of him." She watched as the headmaster left the room before adding, "The way he took care of me back then."
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I would like to apologize for taking so long. I have four
research papers up and I couldn't find time to continue my stories.
Here's a shout out to my beta Toni. Thanks!