Twenty minutes later Harry, Hermione and Ron walked along the busy hallway to breakfast. As usual, people were shouting and running into each other. Hermione looked over and noticed Harry seemed nervous. He wasn't sure where to step. It was so loud and he couldn't see anything. He just couldn't concentrate. Hermione discretely clasped Harry's hand with her own and continued with her conversation with wrong. Harry was thankful for the gesture. It gave him a better sense of where he was and helped him along. He didn't want anyone to know he needed so much help- this way, no one knew but Hermione.
The trio finally made it to the Great Hall and over to the Gryffindor table.
"Well look who it is!" Neville greeted them. "How are you Harry?"
"I'm fine, thanks." Harry answered. He ate slowly. Eating was a lot harder than he thought. He could hear Ron and Ginny having a discussion about a long lost family member and took advantage of the opportunity. He softly nudged Hermione's shoulder.
"Yeah?" She whispered, figuring something was wrong.
"I just wanted to say thanks." He whispered back. "For what you did in the hall."
"Anytime."
The next week came and went with few major difficulties. After classes, Hermione would review lectures with Harry. It took longer for Harry to understand the material, but Hermione's determination was unfaltering. After reviewing, they walked to the Great Hall for dinner and back to the common room to study and relax with housemates.
It was Friday evening and only a few students remained in the Great Hall. All of the Gryffindors had left except for Harry and Hermione. It still took Harry longer to eat than everyone else. Hermione made a point of eating slowly so no one would really notice. Her plan worked. They were so engrossed in their conversation, neither of them felt the pair of eyes that had been fixed on them for the last twenty minutes.
"I'm telling you Harry, Ron didn't have a clue!" Hermione smiled. "First his encounter with Lavender after potions, then right afterwards Luna practically throws herself at him! I'm telling you, he was all confused and spinning around." Harry burst out into laughter. "Poor thing was turning beat red. He's even more clueless than you are!" Harry's laughter stopped immediately.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean."
"Anyway, be sure to mention it to him later. I can't wait to see his reaction!" Hermione said. Harry chuckled.
"Well, well, well." A dark voice came from behind them. "I must say- if I needed a mudblood's help just to eat my dinner, I don't think I'd be in such a good mood!" Harry felt every muscle in body tighten as he heard the all-too familiar voice.
"Go away Malfoy." Hermione said coldly. "We don't have time to waste on you today."
"Oooh!" Crab and Goyle mocked from behind Malfoy, causing their leader to laugh.
"Going to let the mudblood fight your battles, Potter?" Malfoy continued. "Can't say that I blame you. At least she can see me." Harry was about to bolt out of seat when Hermione grabbed his hand.
"What good will it do?" Hermione whispered. "Will it make him stop?" Harry pulled his hand away from Hermione's but stayed seated. Crab and Goyle snickered behind him as Malfoy led them away from the table.
"Harry…" Hermione said softly once they were gone.
"I don't want to talk about." He said sharply, his head turned away from Hermione. She brought her hand up and stroked his cheek with her fingers. This was becoming her trademark motion of affection. Harry eventually sighed and leaned into her fingers.
"Want to head back?" Hermione asked tenderly after a few minutes.
"Yeah. Let's go." The two friends walked towards the door of the Great Hall, still totally unaware that they were being watched by a pair of hateful eyes.