This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: This was what popped into my head after reading a plot bunnie on FAP. The specific plot bunnie is "Malfoy is in Divination Class when Trelawny makes a prediction. You choose if it's real or not, Malfoys reaction, etc., but the prediction must be about that certain someone he loves, which has now been revealed to the other Slytherins!!!"
Predicted
III. The Insanity
True to form, Hermione took heed of Professor McGonagall's words. She stopped avoiding Malfoy, and even tried to talk to him. That didn't go over too well. Once again, insults were hurled and egos hurt. She had even spat in his face.
They had gathered quite a crowd, and after that, no one believed the prophecy would come true. Draco didn't think Hermione would ever see past the front he had put up, and he was right. Hermione truly thought Draco would never get over his pureblood prejudices.
The girls who had thrown insults at Hermione were now comforted by the thought that the prophecy seemed to be derailed. Or, at least, they pretended to be. And they pretended very well. But as the darkness grew near, they began to worry again. And as they worried, they began to formulate a plan; a plan that would keep away any unwanted surprises.
As the light of day started to fade, Hermione found herself walking by the lake, thinking.
How stupid was she to believe the prophecy might actually come true? She always believed Trewlaney to be a fake. Why stop now? Was it because she was a main part of this prophecy?
"I'm such a fool." Hermione said, aloud.
"Yes, you are," a feminine voice replied.
Hermione turned around, seeking the person who spoke, and found Pansy Parkinson.
"What do you want Parkinson?"
Pansy blinked, and then started walking, slowly, towards Hermione.
She spoke as she walked, "Look, Granger. I don't particularly like you, but I don't think it's your fault you're involved in this prophecy. People can't control these things, and we don't even know if it's true or not."
She paused, to gauge Hermione's expression. Hermione looked confused.
"So, I have a warning for you," she continued. "Some girls have decided that you're trying to steal Draco away. They think this prophecy is your fault. I overheard them in the common room, and they've planned something; something that'll make sure the prophecy never comes true. Don't walk alone tonight."
Hermione's confusion grew. Why would Pansy warn her?
And as if she could read Hermione's mind, Pansy answered.
"Contrary to popular belief, I don't wish harm on you. Well, at least not as much harm as they've planned. It'll give Slytherins a bad name." Pansy narrowed her eyes. "Watch out tonight."
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The girls watched Pansy talking to Hermione. They found out she had overheard their conversation, so they had a good guess of what Pansy and Granger were talking about. They couldn't believe one of their own housemates would turn on them. Especially when this was for a good cause.
Oh well. This would take away the surprise of their plan, and they would probably have to make a few small adjustments to their time frame. But other than that, it didn't really have any adverse affects. They were just discussing that they needed some kind of cue to start their plan. This seemed as good as any.
So, when Pansy left and Granger stayed, they decided to make their move. They looked around first, making sure there were no witnesses. Then, they all spread out and started to approach the lone girl, slowly. Before Hermione knew what was happening, several girls were on her; one covered her mouth, one tied a blindfold over her eyes, one bound her hands, and another bound her feet.
In total, there were about a dozen girls, so they had no problems carrying her off. They brought her to the edge of the forest, out of plain sight, and began to beat her. They hit her with sticks and rocks that they found and kicked her anywhere they could. Hermione tried to shield herself as best as she could, covering her head and neck with her arms and curling up into the fetal position. As they continued to beat her, she started to go numb with pain, until she finally fell unconscious.
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At supper that night, if one cared to pay attention, they would have noticed something out of the ordinary. Several Slytherins were watching the Gryffindor table. But not with their usual smug grins and laughter. Instead, they had grim, somber looks on their face that made it seem like someone had died. And maybe someone had.
A/N: How was that? I predict there will be 2 more chapters. But don't hold me to that. xP There may always be more. Err...I still need a beta-reader. So, if anyone's interested, email me.
Constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.
TBC