A/N: I'm very sorry for the delay! Lots have been happening and I haven't
found much time for writing, plus that I've had quite some writers
block....
Disclaimer: J.K.Rowling is the creator of all Harry Potter characters and
other related articles, no money is being made by this story nor will it
ever.
-Letting out another pained sob, Hermione walked quietly to her bed and sat down, bringing her knees up to her chin. Closing her eyes, Hermiones only wish was that everything would be okay..everything would be just a dream... . -
Chapter Sixteen: Face of the mangled
The hallways, full of repulsive, boisterous students shouldering their way through the heavy throng of students, their heavy book bags jammed full of texts and parchment, weighing their shoulders down as they walked, as did Hermiones. Very aware of her surroundings, Hermione kept a carefully eye every where she turned, her heart beat now seized up rapidly, startling easily, Hermione did as students bumped into her, making their way towards class.
Hermione had a fairly good morning, she avoided breakfast and the Gryffindor common room as best as she could, last nights classes and dinners weren't a problem, for she had slept through them all, yet another dragging, black dream.
The entrance door was pushed open by several students as Hermione walked outside to the fresh air, the sunlight pouring down on her making her skin heat up underneath her heavy robes.
'Hermione!'
Hermione spun around a small smile tugging on the corner of her mouth as Ron sprinted towards her grinning sluggishly.
'You'll never guess-' Ron started, holding up his hand for a second as he took deep breaths. 'Out of shape?' Hermione teased as Ron panted and shoved her playfully on the shoulder.
'You'll never guess what I just heard,' Ron exclaimed, following Hermione towards Hagrid's hut.
Hermione smirked,' I never will, but I'm sure you'll tell me,' she laughed, adjusting the straps on her book bag, they dug deep into her shoulder.
'Snape is going away for the rest of the week!' Ron shouted, punching his fist into the air a loud joyous sound escaped his lips as he did so.
Hermione raised her eyebrow and her expression turned serious,' Why? Did he say why?' she asked, frowning slightly. Not that she was concerned for Snape's health, but a teacher leaving Hogwarts during the school year? Ron raised his eyebrows and looked at her doubtfully he,' He didn't say..all he said was he and Professor McGonagall and some other professor had to leave for London tomorrow,' he shrugged and slowed down to a stop as they reached the clearing to Hagrid's hut.
Slytherins and Gryffindors swarmed about, finding their partners as Hermione shrank back slightly, praying silently to herself that Harry wouldn't catch her eye, if she saw him at all. 'Gather round, Gather round,' Hagrid called, waving his massive hands towards himself as he walked backwards towards the forest, turning around as the class followed him.
'What'd you reckon we're going have this time for a monster?' Ron mumbled as Hermione laughed out loud.
'Hopefully not another Hooblestalk creature,' she exclaimed as the class came to a stop.
The surrounding was silent for a moment, no one spoke nor whispered as their breath all came to a hush.
'This can't be good,' Ron moaned as he jumped on the balls of his feet, trying to get a closer look.
The silence broke suddenly as loud groaning sounds mixed in with wails surrounded them.
Several students in the front row cried out in surprise , stepping backwards, pushing several other students back.
'Don' be afraid!,' Hagrid's voice boomed from somewhere to their left,' It's OK, they don' bite!,' he assured them, Hermione watched as he bent down, scooping up something in a box.
'C'mere if yeh worried about getting bit,' he grumbled striding a few feet before setting down the box. A loud groan sounded from inside.
The rest of the class scurried around him and backed away as he reached inside the box.
'C'mon closer,' he called pulling his hand out and sighing,' C'mon closer!,' he called once again as the class slowly inched closer towards him. Hagrid rummaged through the box and then slowly lifted out the most quaint looking beast imaginable.
Wailing, a large, bristly, chestnut coloured creature the size of a hubcap rested in Hagrid's arms.
It's eyes were as round as a fifty-pence piece, glittering, lolling around with curiosity as it opened its jagged mouth once more, screeching out the most horrid sound imaginable.
'This is here is a Yimbluse,' he said proudly, as he is proud of every wretched creature he lay's his innocent beady eyes on,' Their purpose- ,' he took a deep breath, his eye scanning the crowd of baffled students awaiting his explanation of such monster,'-Well they 'aven't got a purpose but we will be studyin' them,' he said quickly, setting the creature (who was now groaning in short breaths) back in it's box.
The class stared at Hagrid, unblinkingly astounded by his feeble- minded self.
'This is solid proof that Hagrid really hasn't a care in the world for anything else but his horrid beasts,' Ron grumbled, searching above the heads of everyone,' Where IS Harry?' he groaned,' I'd better go tell Hagrid my partner isn't here, maybe he won't make me study this creature!,' he sighed hopefully,' Good luck with Malfoy,' he added in and undertone, nodding his head in the direction over Hermione's shoulder. Hermione turned around to see Draco striding towards her, his face blank as he was looking towards the box with great disgust.
'Another one of Hagrid's beasts? Why'd I ever get into this class?' he complained, stopping in front of Hermione, crossing his arms.
The most horrid thought that crossed Hermione's mind just then was that he was acting like -Malfoy- again, of course he -was- Draco, but... his posture just then the and the obscure, disgusted look on his face made him look... 'You OK?'
Hermione looked up. Draco looked down at her, his face expression once plagued with a look of disgusted, now shone light concern. Hermione blushed, she hadn't seen Draco since their last detention.
Detention. Hermione groaned inside, she'd missed yesterdays detention.
'Shite...' Hermione mumbled, she shook herself mentally and looked back up at Draco,' Yeah, I'm fine thanks,' she said, her face heating up.
Draco smiled slightly,' Where were you yesterday? Did I scare you off?' he smirked, tilting his head sideways.
Hermione only blushed harder,' No, that's not it,' she breathed, trying to throw in a laugh,' I hope Snape doesn't find out,' she looked up at him in horror,' Does Snape know?' Draco laughed and shook his head,' No, he doesn't, just don't forget tonight's detention, in the kitchens, okay?' he asked bluntly, running his hand casually through his hair. Nodding, Hermione stood silent for a moment. They both waited for directions in silence, avoiding each others glance.
-What did I do- Hermione wondered nervously biting her lower lip. She allowed her eyes to briefly lay upon Draco. His mind seemed else-where, his eyes casted over to the side, concentrating on the filthy ground below.
'Listen' up,' Hagrid's deep voice roared,' I want yeh to git out yer books and open 'em to page 359, read with yer partner to page 400 on the Yimbluses' ,' he explained, striding away towards the rest of the creatures, Hermione guessed, owing to the sound of wailing and groaning.
Hermione turned to Draco and stepped back in surprise to find him staring at her, he didn't even flinch when he saw her staring back.
After a short pause-' What happened to your cheek?' he asked, stepping closer to her, examining her like an inexplicable specimen of a sort.
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she stepped back quickly, bringing her hand up to her cheek.
'What do you mean?' she asked in a would be casual tone, she knew perfectly well what he meant, but she wish she hadn't.
Draco perked a brow and shrugged,' It's just a bit red,' he put on a sly smile,' embarrassed about the other night, eh?' he laughed as Hermione's insides did a flip.
'No, I-,' she paused, her mind searching for the answer,'-I slept on it funny,' she lied, blushing at Draco's point of concern.
Draco merely shrugged once more, shuffling through his book bag he pulled out his large text book,' Where'd you want to read?' he asked, looking around for perhaps a cozy spot to read.
Hermione looked over at Hagrid, who's giant backside faced her direction, and sighed.
'Any where's fine'
'Lets just sit here then,' Draco said, taking off his cloak and laying it down, gesturing his arms towards it, Hermione smiled and sat down on top of it as Draco sat next to her.
'Okay then,' Draco mumbled underneath his breath, flipping through the thick parchment papers in his text,' Right, Chapter Eighteen,The Gratifying Vivacity of the Yimbluses','Draco read out loud, he looked up from his reading, a perplexed look on his face,' What the hell?' he mouthed sighing, he looked back down and read,' The species Yimbluse (YIM-BUL-SEE), classification XVII is found generally around the north east division of Côte d'Ivoire and unspecified regions of Kuwait,' Draco paused, placing his finger in place, looking up at Hermione,' Côte d'Ivoire?' he repeated, 'That sounds really familiar.'
Hermione laughed, rolling her eyes,' Well it -is- a country you know, It's in Western Africa, between Ghana and Liberia, sort of along the North Atlantic-,' Hermione started when Draco cut her off,' I'm going to continue, we haven't much time left,' he said quickly, returning to the book. 'Yimbluses' have rich brown coloured, bristly some times hirsute, skin. Their appearance may not be appealing to many, the Yumbluses' size relates to the common muggle auto-appliance, the Hubcap (Hu-bah-cap),' Hermione could've sworn she'd seen a small scowl form across Draco's lips ,'Living in dark spaces, once exposed to light, Yimbulses' act out in suchlike manner, loud wailing screeches, at times small groans,' Draco sighed, clearly out of boredom, and flipped the page, 'In general, flesh is their main collation to their regular diet, and is feasted on with exceptional razor pointed teeth. All together, Yimbluses' are solitary creatures in the wizarding world,' he finished, slamming the book shut with a bang.
'That's over with, did you understand -any- of that?' he asked, mumbling,' I sure didn't.'
Nodding silently, Hermione stood up with help of Draco's hand, her mind else where.
'See yeh tomorrow,' Hagrid called out to the class, as everyone shuffled up towards the castle for lunch.
Draco hurried, stuffing his book bag inside his bag; he stood up next to Hermione and took her quickly by the wrist.
Hermione's heart seized to a rapid thump, - What's he doing- she thought in panic, remembering all the times Harry has grabbed her by the wrist -He isn't, he won't- she told herself as Draco smiled at her, leading her quietly towards then behind Hagrid's Cabin.
'Draco, what-' she started, but stopped suddenly as Draco smiled and brought her close against him.
Hermione relaxed, realising he was meaning no harm. She smiled shyly as he took a deep breath.
They stared at one an other for a long moment before, they drew in closer, lips brushing against one an others. Hermione could feel the warm, sweet air from his breath fall evenly into her mouth as he placed on hand on her hip and the other lightly stroking her cheek.
They kissed in silence for a few short minutes before Hermione broke apart the kiss with a badgering question.
'Draco?'
Draco looked innocently guilty , as if he'd done something wrong.
'No, no it's not the kiss,' she assured him, blushing slightly,' It's just..what -are- we? what's going on between us..,' she ask as Draco sighed.
'I really don't know-,' he stared but jumped back quickly in surprise as the ever familiar sound of Hagrid's jolly whistle and slamming foot steps approached their ears.
'See you later,' he said, walking away quickly just as Hagrid rounded the corner.
'Everythin' all right Hermione?' he asked, setting down a large bucket he carried in hand.
Reddish liquid sloshed from the side as the bucket hit the ground, looking curiously like blood.
'What's that you've got in the bucket Hagrid?' Hermione asked, changing the subject.
Hagrid looked at her then back down at the bucket, puzzled.
'Oh,' he, raised his bushy eyebrows,' Chicken meat,' he said cheerfully, bending down, picking up the bucket and lowering it to show Hermione, who jumped back in disgust.
'Well there is a bit o' blood mixed in it, I just chopped it up me self, got ter feed the Yimbluses' now haven't I?' he said, winking.
Hermione coughed, trying to get the nauseating feeling to fade as she stepped back quickly and turned the opposite way,' Great lesson Hagrid, see you later,' she waved, turning to walk back towards the castle.
-Definitely not hungry- Hermione told her self, the image of the chopped up chicken parts still fresh in her mind.
Echoes of chatter haunted the hallways as Hermione quickly stridded up the stair case, leading towards the Gryffindor common room.
Two torches lit up the area surrounding the Fat Lady's portrait as Hermione stepped up to it , the Fat Lady snoozing on the edge of her frame.
'diamante fiore,' she said, a little louder then usual.
The Fat Lady stirred away and blinked thickly up at Hermione,'Right you are,' she murmured, creaking the portrait half way open, a hushed snore echoing from the Fat Lady.
Hermione pushed open the Portrait the rest of the way, giving it a good kick as she shut it once again and walked through the semi-crowded common room.
Taking the steps two at a time, Hermione shuffled up to her dormitory, where her roommates Lavender and Pavarti sat, talking to one an other in a low whisper.
'Don't mind me, 'Hermione said softly, her eyes feeling dragged down.
-Why do I always feel sleepy?- she thought to herself, setting down her book bag and flopping down on her bed.
Her eye lids felt heavier as she closed them.
-No, I mustn't fall asleep, I have class shortly- she told herself, heaving herself back up.
She looked around, surprised to see Pavarti and Lavender gone, the room silent.
Standing up, she stretched her arms, yawning loudly to herself.
-Might as well go to the library, have a bit of Muggle studies homework- she told her self, picking up her book bag as she walked slowly out the door.
The common room was empty, unlike moments ago when she'd walked through the portrait, finding it almost half full.
-They're at lunch- she told herself matter-of-factly, pushing through the portrait door, and out into the empty hallway.
The Library was part way full, students scattered about, searching shelves, sitting at tables working or standing around, talking with friends.
Hermione's eyes scanned for an empty table; her eyes stopped suddenly on a familiar face, Molly Haboit, the girl who'd kissed Harry that night in the Great Hall.
Scoffing, Hermione walked past her quickly, choosing an empty table in the last row.
Setting down her things, Hermione dug out her Muggle Studies text book from the depths of her book bag, a quill stabbing the side of her hand as she searched.
'Ouch,' Hermione murmured, pulling out her text she'd found along with her injured hand.
A small prick of blood appeared, nothing more then a small pound of pain as Hermione set down her book and flipped the pages towards the page number given in her Homework.
'Hermione? Hermione Granger,' Came a voice on her left.
Hermione looked up curiously trying her hardest not to scowl as she discovered, Molly standing beside her, on hand placed firmly on her hip, though her facial expression was pleasant.
'Yes?' Hermione asked, placing a sheaf of parchment beside herself.
Smiling politely, Molly announced,' I'm Molly Haboit,' she said, quietly.
-Are you -expecting- an applaud?- Hermione thought to herself as she gave a quick, plastered smile,' I'm Hermione,' she said roughly.
Molly nodded slowly,' Yes I know, you're the one who threw your goblet on Harry a few nights ago,' she said quietly, looking at Hermione accusingly.
Hermione felt her face flush with annoyance,' Yes, well you do know why I did that don't you?' she scowled.
Molly shook her head thoughtfully,' No actually,' she said, her tone changing slightly,' I was wondering why you were doing that, to my boyfriend.'
The last words stabbed Hermione's memory as she sat still with shock.
'Y-your boyfriend?' she sputtered, slamming down her quill she'd just set into the ink bottle,' He was...mine,' she said, watching Molly raise her eyebrows in disbelief.
'Yours? since when' she sneered, placing her other hand on her hip, making her appearance seem less pleasant then before.
'Since, last summer!' she declared, seeing Molly's face change colour slightly.
'Since..last summer? But...we've been going out since the start of this term..' she trailed off, Hermione almost feeling sorry for her.
There was a moments pause.
'I'm sorry, I didn't know,' Molly said quietly, her shoulders hanging.
Hermione looked back down at her homework, trying hard to concentrate on question number five, What is the purpose of the kitchen appliance, the oven?.
'It's fine,' she said bitterly, scribbling down her answer.
Another pause.
'What..what happened to your cheek?' Molly asked politely,' It looks like it's been bruised.'
Hermione shook her head, dipping her quill back in the ink bottle,' It was an accident,' she said firmly.
Hermione heard Molly take a deep breath.
'Did Harry do that? Did Harry do that to you?' she asked breathlessly, almost if afraid to ask.
Hermione closed her eyes, her body shuddering.
'Hermione...,' she paused,' Just..look what he did to me.'
Confused, Hermione opened her eyes and looked up.
Her blood froze, her heart seemed to freeze in place as she let out a strangled scream.
Standing still, Molly's face was bleeding, her left eye appeared scratched out as her bottom lip was cut down all they way to the end of her collar bone slashed, mangled, her nose was cut off in chunks, deep sections of the bone stood out as the rest of her face appeared bloody and bruised.
Hermione covered her eyes with her hands, screaming in fright, her throat ceased with pain.
'Hermione!'
The blood, mangled flesh and bones, the image burning into her eyes. It hurt, it hurt her mind, her heart.
'Hermione!'
Someone shook her.
Hermione opened her eyes again.
Lavender looked down at her, her face expressed with shock and concern.
'Hermione, it's Ok..it's Ok,' she said soothingly, siting down beside her and putting in arm around her.
Hermione looked around frantically, her book bag laid on the floor of her dorm as she was sitting up...on her bed.
'It was a dream..it's Ok, it was only a dream,' Lavender soothed.
Hermione shook fiercely, her mind raging -I'm going mad...I'm turning mad- she thought over and over, slowly rocking back and forth.
'What happened? we heard you screaming all the way from the common room,' Pavarti said, popping her head into the room,' Is everything all right?'
Lavender looked up at Pavarti and waved her hand at her,' She just had a horrid dream, she'll be fine,' she said, shooing her away.
Hermione could only shudder.
A/N: I'm so so sorry I haven't been updating I can promise you, I'll have the next chapter up by next week, or even this weekened, as I have the chapter all planned. I hope you liked this one, sorry if it may seem a little strange, it'll all make sense later. Thank you so much to all who have reviewed and read!
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-Letting out another pained sob, Hermione walked quietly to her bed and sat down, bringing her knees up to her chin. Closing her eyes, Hermiones only wish was that everything would be okay..everything would be just a dream... . -
Chapter Sixteen: Face of the mangled
The hallways, full of repulsive, boisterous students shouldering their way through the heavy throng of students, their heavy book bags jammed full of texts and parchment, weighing their shoulders down as they walked, as did Hermiones. Very aware of her surroundings, Hermione kept a carefully eye every where she turned, her heart beat now seized up rapidly, startling easily, Hermione did as students bumped into her, making their way towards class.
Hermione had a fairly good morning, she avoided breakfast and the Gryffindor common room as best as she could, last nights classes and dinners weren't a problem, for she had slept through them all, yet another dragging, black dream.
The entrance door was pushed open by several students as Hermione walked outside to the fresh air, the sunlight pouring down on her making her skin heat up underneath her heavy robes.
'Hermione!'
Hermione spun around a small smile tugging on the corner of her mouth as Ron sprinted towards her grinning sluggishly.
'You'll never guess-' Ron started, holding up his hand for a second as he took deep breaths. 'Out of shape?' Hermione teased as Ron panted and shoved her playfully on the shoulder.
'You'll never guess what I just heard,' Ron exclaimed, following Hermione towards Hagrid's hut.
Hermione smirked,' I never will, but I'm sure you'll tell me,' she laughed, adjusting the straps on her book bag, they dug deep into her shoulder.
'Snape is going away for the rest of the week!' Ron shouted, punching his fist into the air a loud joyous sound escaped his lips as he did so.
Hermione raised her eyebrow and her expression turned serious,' Why? Did he say why?' she asked, frowning slightly. Not that she was concerned for Snape's health, but a teacher leaving Hogwarts during the school year? Ron raised his eyebrows and looked at her doubtfully he,' He didn't say..all he said was he and Professor McGonagall and some other professor had to leave for London tomorrow,' he shrugged and slowed down to a stop as they reached the clearing to Hagrid's hut.
Slytherins and Gryffindors swarmed about, finding their partners as Hermione shrank back slightly, praying silently to herself that Harry wouldn't catch her eye, if she saw him at all. 'Gather round, Gather round,' Hagrid called, waving his massive hands towards himself as he walked backwards towards the forest, turning around as the class followed him.
'What'd you reckon we're going have this time for a monster?' Ron mumbled as Hermione laughed out loud.
'Hopefully not another Hooblestalk creature,' she exclaimed as the class came to a stop.
The surrounding was silent for a moment, no one spoke nor whispered as their breath all came to a hush.
'This can't be good,' Ron moaned as he jumped on the balls of his feet, trying to get a closer look.
The silence broke suddenly as loud groaning sounds mixed in with wails surrounded them.
Several students in the front row cried out in surprise , stepping backwards, pushing several other students back.
'Don' be afraid!,' Hagrid's voice boomed from somewhere to their left,' It's OK, they don' bite!,' he assured them, Hermione watched as he bent down, scooping up something in a box.
'C'mere if yeh worried about getting bit,' he grumbled striding a few feet before setting down the box. A loud groan sounded from inside.
The rest of the class scurried around him and backed away as he reached inside the box.
'C'mon closer,' he called pulling his hand out and sighing,' C'mon closer!,' he called once again as the class slowly inched closer towards him. Hagrid rummaged through the box and then slowly lifted out the most quaint looking beast imaginable.
Wailing, a large, bristly, chestnut coloured creature the size of a hubcap rested in Hagrid's arms.
It's eyes were as round as a fifty-pence piece, glittering, lolling around with curiosity as it opened its jagged mouth once more, screeching out the most horrid sound imaginable.
'This is here is a Yimbluse,' he said proudly, as he is proud of every wretched creature he lay's his innocent beady eyes on,' Their purpose- ,' he took a deep breath, his eye scanning the crowd of baffled students awaiting his explanation of such monster,'-Well they 'aven't got a purpose but we will be studyin' them,' he said quickly, setting the creature (who was now groaning in short breaths) back in it's box.
The class stared at Hagrid, unblinkingly astounded by his feeble- minded self.
'This is solid proof that Hagrid really hasn't a care in the world for anything else but his horrid beasts,' Ron grumbled, searching above the heads of everyone,' Where IS Harry?' he groaned,' I'd better go tell Hagrid my partner isn't here, maybe he won't make me study this creature!,' he sighed hopefully,' Good luck with Malfoy,' he added in and undertone, nodding his head in the direction over Hermione's shoulder. Hermione turned around to see Draco striding towards her, his face blank as he was looking towards the box with great disgust.
'Another one of Hagrid's beasts? Why'd I ever get into this class?' he complained, stopping in front of Hermione, crossing his arms.
The most horrid thought that crossed Hermione's mind just then was that he was acting like -Malfoy- again, of course he -was- Draco, but... his posture just then the and the obscure, disgusted look on his face made him look... 'You OK?'
Hermione looked up. Draco looked down at her, his face expression once plagued with a look of disgusted, now shone light concern. Hermione blushed, she hadn't seen Draco since their last detention.
Detention. Hermione groaned inside, she'd missed yesterdays detention.
'Shite...' Hermione mumbled, she shook herself mentally and looked back up at Draco,' Yeah, I'm fine thanks,' she said, her face heating up.
Draco smiled slightly,' Where were you yesterday? Did I scare you off?' he smirked, tilting his head sideways.
Hermione only blushed harder,' No, that's not it,' she breathed, trying to throw in a laugh,' I hope Snape doesn't find out,' she looked up at him in horror,' Does Snape know?' Draco laughed and shook his head,' No, he doesn't, just don't forget tonight's detention, in the kitchens, okay?' he asked bluntly, running his hand casually through his hair. Nodding, Hermione stood silent for a moment. They both waited for directions in silence, avoiding each others glance.
-What did I do- Hermione wondered nervously biting her lower lip. She allowed her eyes to briefly lay upon Draco. His mind seemed else-where, his eyes casted over to the side, concentrating on the filthy ground below.
'Listen' up,' Hagrid's deep voice roared,' I want yeh to git out yer books and open 'em to page 359, read with yer partner to page 400 on the Yimbluses' ,' he explained, striding away towards the rest of the creatures, Hermione guessed, owing to the sound of wailing and groaning.
Hermione turned to Draco and stepped back in surprise to find him staring at her, he didn't even flinch when he saw her staring back.
After a short pause-' What happened to your cheek?' he asked, stepping closer to her, examining her like an inexplicable specimen of a sort.
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she stepped back quickly, bringing her hand up to her cheek.
'What do you mean?' she asked in a would be casual tone, she knew perfectly well what he meant, but she wish she hadn't.
Draco perked a brow and shrugged,' It's just a bit red,' he put on a sly smile,' embarrassed about the other night, eh?' he laughed as Hermione's insides did a flip.
'No, I-,' she paused, her mind searching for the answer,'-I slept on it funny,' she lied, blushing at Draco's point of concern.
Draco merely shrugged once more, shuffling through his book bag he pulled out his large text book,' Where'd you want to read?' he asked, looking around for perhaps a cozy spot to read.
Hermione looked over at Hagrid, who's giant backside faced her direction, and sighed.
'Any where's fine'
'Lets just sit here then,' Draco said, taking off his cloak and laying it down, gesturing his arms towards it, Hermione smiled and sat down on top of it as Draco sat next to her.
'Okay then,' Draco mumbled underneath his breath, flipping through the thick parchment papers in his text,' Right, Chapter Eighteen,The Gratifying Vivacity of the Yimbluses','Draco read out loud, he looked up from his reading, a perplexed look on his face,' What the hell?' he mouthed sighing, he looked back down and read,' The species Yimbluse (YIM-BUL-SEE), classification XVII is found generally around the north east division of Côte d'Ivoire and unspecified regions of Kuwait,' Draco paused, placing his finger in place, looking up at Hermione,' Côte d'Ivoire?' he repeated, 'That sounds really familiar.'
Hermione laughed, rolling her eyes,' Well it -is- a country you know, It's in Western Africa, between Ghana and Liberia, sort of along the North Atlantic-,' Hermione started when Draco cut her off,' I'm going to continue, we haven't much time left,' he said quickly, returning to the book. 'Yimbluses' have rich brown coloured, bristly some times hirsute, skin. Their appearance may not be appealing to many, the Yumbluses' size relates to the common muggle auto-appliance, the Hubcap (Hu-bah-cap),' Hermione could've sworn she'd seen a small scowl form across Draco's lips ,'Living in dark spaces, once exposed to light, Yimbulses' act out in suchlike manner, loud wailing screeches, at times small groans,' Draco sighed, clearly out of boredom, and flipped the page, 'In general, flesh is their main collation to their regular diet, and is feasted on with exceptional razor pointed teeth. All together, Yimbluses' are solitary creatures in the wizarding world,' he finished, slamming the book shut with a bang.
'That's over with, did you understand -any- of that?' he asked, mumbling,' I sure didn't.'
Nodding silently, Hermione stood up with help of Draco's hand, her mind else where.
'See yeh tomorrow,' Hagrid called out to the class, as everyone shuffled up towards the castle for lunch.
Draco hurried, stuffing his book bag inside his bag; he stood up next to Hermione and took her quickly by the wrist.
Hermione's heart seized to a rapid thump, - What's he doing- she thought in panic, remembering all the times Harry has grabbed her by the wrist -He isn't, he won't- she told herself as Draco smiled at her, leading her quietly towards then behind Hagrid's Cabin.
'Draco, what-' she started, but stopped suddenly as Draco smiled and brought her close against him.
Hermione relaxed, realising he was meaning no harm. She smiled shyly as he took a deep breath.
They stared at one an other for a long moment before, they drew in closer, lips brushing against one an others. Hermione could feel the warm, sweet air from his breath fall evenly into her mouth as he placed on hand on her hip and the other lightly stroking her cheek.
They kissed in silence for a few short minutes before Hermione broke apart the kiss with a badgering question.
'Draco?'
Draco looked innocently guilty , as if he'd done something wrong.
'No, no it's not the kiss,' she assured him, blushing slightly,' It's just..what -are- we? what's going on between us..,' she ask as Draco sighed.
'I really don't know-,' he stared but jumped back quickly in surprise as the ever familiar sound of Hagrid's jolly whistle and slamming foot steps approached their ears.
'See you later,' he said, walking away quickly just as Hagrid rounded the corner.
'Everythin' all right Hermione?' he asked, setting down a large bucket he carried in hand.
Reddish liquid sloshed from the side as the bucket hit the ground, looking curiously like blood.
'What's that you've got in the bucket Hagrid?' Hermione asked, changing the subject.
Hagrid looked at her then back down at the bucket, puzzled.
'Oh,' he, raised his bushy eyebrows,' Chicken meat,' he said cheerfully, bending down, picking up the bucket and lowering it to show Hermione, who jumped back in disgust.
'Well there is a bit o' blood mixed in it, I just chopped it up me self, got ter feed the Yimbluses' now haven't I?' he said, winking.
Hermione coughed, trying to get the nauseating feeling to fade as she stepped back quickly and turned the opposite way,' Great lesson Hagrid, see you later,' she waved, turning to walk back towards the castle.
-Definitely not hungry- Hermione told her self, the image of the chopped up chicken parts still fresh in her mind.
Echoes of chatter haunted the hallways as Hermione quickly stridded up the stair case, leading towards the Gryffindor common room.
Two torches lit up the area surrounding the Fat Lady's portrait as Hermione stepped up to it , the Fat Lady snoozing on the edge of her frame.
'diamante fiore,' she said, a little louder then usual.
The Fat Lady stirred away and blinked thickly up at Hermione,'Right you are,' she murmured, creaking the portrait half way open, a hushed snore echoing from the Fat Lady.
Hermione pushed open the Portrait the rest of the way, giving it a good kick as she shut it once again and walked through the semi-crowded common room.
Taking the steps two at a time, Hermione shuffled up to her dormitory, where her roommates Lavender and Pavarti sat, talking to one an other in a low whisper.
'Don't mind me, 'Hermione said softly, her eyes feeling dragged down.
-Why do I always feel sleepy?- she thought to herself, setting down her book bag and flopping down on her bed.
Her eye lids felt heavier as she closed them.
-No, I mustn't fall asleep, I have class shortly- she told herself, heaving herself back up.
She looked around, surprised to see Pavarti and Lavender gone, the room silent.
Standing up, she stretched her arms, yawning loudly to herself.
-Might as well go to the library, have a bit of Muggle studies homework- she told her self, picking up her book bag as she walked slowly out the door.
The common room was empty, unlike moments ago when she'd walked through the portrait, finding it almost half full.
-They're at lunch- she told herself matter-of-factly, pushing through the portrait door, and out into the empty hallway.
The Library was part way full, students scattered about, searching shelves, sitting at tables working or standing around, talking with friends.
Hermione's eyes scanned for an empty table; her eyes stopped suddenly on a familiar face, Molly Haboit, the girl who'd kissed Harry that night in the Great Hall.
Scoffing, Hermione walked past her quickly, choosing an empty table in the last row.
Setting down her things, Hermione dug out her Muggle Studies text book from the depths of her book bag, a quill stabbing the side of her hand as she searched.
'Ouch,' Hermione murmured, pulling out her text she'd found along with her injured hand.
A small prick of blood appeared, nothing more then a small pound of pain as Hermione set down her book and flipped the pages towards the page number given in her Homework.
'Hermione? Hermione Granger,' Came a voice on her left.
Hermione looked up curiously trying her hardest not to scowl as she discovered, Molly standing beside her, on hand placed firmly on her hip, though her facial expression was pleasant.
'Yes?' Hermione asked, placing a sheaf of parchment beside herself.
Smiling politely, Molly announced,' I'm Molly Haboit,' she said, quietly.
-Are you -expecting- an applaud?- Hermione thought to herself as she gave a quick, plastered smile,' I'm Hermione,' she said roughly.
Molly nodded slowly,' Yes I know, you're the one who threw your goblet on Harry a few nights ago,' she said quietly, looking at Hermione accusingly.
Hermione felt her face flush with annoyance,' Yes, well you do know why I did that don't you?' she scowled.
Molly shook her head thoughtfully,' No actually,' she said, her tone changing slightly,' I was wondering why you were doing that, to my boyfriend.'
The last words stabbed Hermione's memory as she sat still with shock.
'Y-your boyfriend?' she sputtered, slamming down her quill she'd just set into the ink bottle,' He was...mine,' she said, watching Molly raise her eyebrows in disbelief.
'Yours? since when' she sneered, placing her other hand on her hip, making her appearance seem less pleasant then before.
'Since, last summer!' she declared, seeing Molly's face change colour slightly.
'Since..last summer? But...we've been going out since the start of this term..' she trailed off, Hermione almost feeling sorry for her.
There was a moments pause.
'I'm sorry, I didn't know,' Molly said quietly, her shoulders hanging.
Hermione looked back down at her homework, trying hard to concentrate on question number five, What is the purpose of the kitchen appliance, the oven?.
'It's fine,' she said bitterly, scribbling down her answer.
Another pause.
'What..what happened to your cheek?' Molly asked politely,' It looks like it's been bruised.'
Hermione shook her head, dipping her quill back in the ink bottle,' It was an accident,' she said firmly.
Hermione heard Molly take a deep breath.
'Did Harry do that? Did Harry do that to you?' she asked breathlessly, almost if afraid to ask.
Hermione closed her eyes, her body shuddering.
'Hermione...,' she paused,' Just..look what he did to me.'
Confused, Hermione opened her eyes and looked up.
Her blood froze, her heart seemed to freeze in place as she let out a strangled scream.
Standing still, Molly's face was bleeding, her left eye appeared scratched out as her bottom lip was cut down all they way to the end of her collar bone slashed, mangled, her nose was cut off in chunks, deep sections of the bone stood out as the rest of her face appeared bloody and bruised.
Hermione covered her eyes with her hands, screaming in fright, her throat ceased with pain.
'Hermione!'
The blood, mangled flesh and bones, the image burning into her eyes. It hurt, it hurt her mind, her heart.
'Hermione!'
Someone shook her.
Hermione opened her eyes again.
Lavender looked down at her, her face expressed with shock and concern.
'Hermione, it's Ok..it's Ok,' she said soothingly, siting down beside her and putting in arm around her.
Hermione looked around frantically, her book bag laid on the floor of her dorm as she was sitting up...on her bed.
'It was a dream..it's Ok, it was only a dream,' Lavender soothed.
Hermione shook fiercely, her mind raging -I'm going mad...I'm turning mad- she thought over and over, slowly rocking back and forth.
'What happened? we heard you screaming all the way from the common room,' Pavarti said, popping her head into the room,' Is everything all right?'
Lavender looked up at Pavarti and waved her hand at her,' She just had a horrid dream, she'll be fine,' she said, shooing her away.
Hermione could only shudder.
A/N: I'm so so sorry I haven't been updating I can promise you, I'll have the next chapter up by next week, or even this weekened, as I have the chapter all planned. I hope you liked this one, sorry if it may seem a little strange, it'll all make sense later. Thank you so much to all who have reviewed and read!
Thank you!:
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apie- Thanks! Oh..I'm afraid this chapter is more nasty, sorry! :(
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