Ok, I'm really really bad. I haven't posted in a while, and I'm really sorry. I've just been really busy. Lots of end of the year projects and stuff. Miserable really. Anyway, I'm going to stop babbling and let you read. Enjoy!

Chapter 23

Trying To Be Brave

Draco's POV

Granger and I walked thorough the halls in silence. Right now, everyone was in class or their common rooms. We quickly reached the kitchens, and Granger tickled the pear and the portrait swung open. Dobby greeted her at the door.

"Miss Hermione! Dobby is so happy to see you! Mr. Harry Potter will be happy too!" The house elf's excited squeal hit my ears. Potter was in there? I knew I had to get Granger out. She hadn't had the potion yet. Thinking quickly, I hung back in the doorway, staying in the shadows, hoping not to be noticed. Granger had turned around, terror showing plainly on her face. Her eyes caught mine and I held a finger to my lips. Dobby grabbed her arm and pulled her over to the fire where a tall figure was standing.

"Hullo, Hermione." Potter sounded normal, like he didn't know anything was wrong, like nothing had happened.

"H-hi Harry." Hermione spoke softly, looking at the ground, then turned to Dobby. "Could I have some coffee and some doughnuts please, I'd like to go back to my room." A few seconds later, another house elf ran over with a plate heaped with various pastries. "Thanks Winky." Granger took the plate and started towards the door.

"Hermione, wait. Why are you leaving?" She didn't say anything, and started walking. He reached out and grabbed her arm. She flinched and her eyes flew to mine, and I breathed in quickly, shocked by the fear in her caramel eyes. She didn't answer, but tried to pull away. A look of intense anger crossed Potters face. He turned her around and held her upper arms so she couldn't move. "Why are you avoiding me, Hermione?" He was angry and I knew Granger was in trouble. I stepped out of the shadows and spoke.

Hermione's POV

"Potter!" I heard Malfoy's voice coming from behind me.

"What the hell do you want, Malfoy? I'm not out past curfew and anyone is allowed in the kitchens. You have nothing to threaten me with. Why don't you run along to your little cronies?"  Harry's voice was full of malice and hatred and it scared me. "Hermione and I are having a conversation, so why don't you but out?" he looked back down at me.

"Potter, let her go." Malfoy's voice was completely calm, but icy.

"This is none of your business, Malferret. Go scamper off to your cage. Hermione, we're going to the Gryffindor common room, where you belong." He dropped one of my arms and started pulling me towards the door. Malfoy stepped in front of us.

"Potter, I told you to let her go. Now do so before I make you." His voice was harsh now, and still icy. I looked up at him, but his face was blank. Harry ignored him and tried to walk around him. "Potter, I told you to let her go. Now do it." Harry's grip on my arm tightened and I winced.

"Get out of my way, Ferret. Hermione wants to come with me." He looked over at me, "Right?"

"N-no." I whispered it, and looked away from him, down to the floor. His grip tightened even more and I almost whimpered in pain.

"Yes you do." Harry was angry. Angrier than I had ever seen him. I shook my head and tried to pull away, but his grip was like a vice. I looked up at Malfoy, pleading with him silently.

"You heard her, Potter. Now let go before I make you." Malfoy's voice was even again, but his eyes were flashing.

"Get out of my way, Malfoy."

"I'll move when you release Granger."

"Move."

"No." They were glaring each other down.

"Harry, let me go." He looked over at me, angry. "I-I mean it." I pulled away getting a little frantic. My head was starting to spin. Harry must have seen the look on my face, because the anger was replaced with shock for few seconds, then anger buried it again. He released my arm and growled out a 'We'll finish this later' and stormed out of the room. I looked over at Malfoy, and I could feel myself swaying. I heard the portrait close and then felt the blessed dark wash over me.

~*~*~*~*~

Well? Is it worthy? Lemme know in a review! *hint wink nudge*

~WF~