Chapter Ten

Harry's POV:

I looked up from my book, and saw the youngest Weasley brushing some long, wavy red hair off her face. She was concentrating extremely hard on her Potions homework. I couldn't help but stare at her; she's just so beautiful. When she looked up at me, and smiled, she broke my trance. I glanced at my watch.

"Ginny, it's getting late. We have to get up early tomorrow, so we should probably go back to the common room. "

We gathered our books and headed out of the library. We were about halfway to Gryffindor Tower when I realized that I had left my quill in the library.

"Shoot, I left my quill back in the library."

"Oh, okay. Do you want me to go back with you?"

"Thanks, but it's alright. We're already halfway there; you might as well just keep going. I'll see you back in the common room, okay?"

"Sure, bye," she said, and gave me a quick peck on the lips before heading on her way.

Luckily, the library was still open when I arrived. I grabbed my quill and started back up to Gryffindor Tower. As I was dawdling along, I started brainstorming ideas for a present for Hermione's birthday. 'Think, Harry, what would she like...maybe some Sleek-Eezie's Potion, or an organizer. Then again, there are always books to fall back upon.' I was so absorbed in my thoughts; it took me a minute to comprehend what I was seeing.

Malfoy had Hermione backed against the wall. Instinctively I grabbed my wand, prepared to defend Hermione. Before I realized it, he was trying to kiss her. When his lips touched hers, I stepped forward, but Hermione had already shoved him away from her.

"What the hell? Get away from me Malfoy!" she screamed. She started running towards me, but before I could move, she ran into me, her momentum knocking me off my feet.

After I regained my composure, I offer her a hand. As she gets up, I hear a gasp. When she looks into my eyes, tears start to form in her brown ones. I was shocked, rarely did I see her this upset or vulnerable. The only other times were back in first year, when she got upset after Ron made fun of her, and when Sirius died. Somehow, I could tell this was different, so I pull her into a hug, and let her cry on my shoulder.

"Shh...Hermione, it will be alright. Tomorrow I'll beat Malfoy up for you, okay?"

"Oh, Harry. Malfoy hates me, why would he do such a thing? He knows I'm with Ron. I just feel so violated, and taken advantage of."

(meanwhile...)

Ginny's POV:

'How long can it possibly take to get a quill?' I thought as I set out, in search of Harry.

About five minutes later, I come to a long corridor and hear a faint sob. My curiosity got the best of me, so I followed the sound. At the end of the corridor, I look left and don't see anything, so I look right and see two of the people I trust most in the world in an embrace.

My first reaction, was jealousy. That quickly faded, and the hurt overcame. I walked slowly towards them, determined to find out what was going on.

"What are you doing?" I ask, with a shaky voice.

Harry looked up, and Hermione turned around. Her eyes were puffy, and her face flushed. My heart immediately softened.

"Oh, Hermione, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned.

She told me everything, while Harry stood there quietly listening. As soon as she finished, I gave her a hug.

"I'm so sorry," I said. My thoughts quickly went to my brother. "I know you might now want to hear this now, but do you think you're going to tell Ron?"

"No, please don't tell Ron. You know he would put Maloy in the hospital wing for a month, and get kicked out of Hogwarts, in the process. Promise me you won't tell him?"

I understood her concern for Ron, and knowing his temper, she was right. "Sure, Hermione," I said, weakly smiling.

"It's probably for the best," Harry agreed. "Come on, it's late. Let's just finish this in the morning."

A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. I'm sorry it took so long to post, I will try my best to update sooner. Please review so I know if you liked it or not, because I was a little disappointed with it.