Hidden Pain
Chapter 8: Victory and Defeat
Slowly, the weeks passed by. Soon it was time for the students to come back and resume classes. Two weeks after Christmas, students started arriving back from their visits. The castle was no longer empty and quiet. Classes resumed and students were put through the tedious grind that was given the weeks before break. Teachers doled out projects and assignments by the dozen, and students were kept on their feet working. But in spite of it, the castle was full of students chattering and bustling around talking about the newest event on the calendar. That was the Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor.
As usual, tensions heightened between the two opposing teams. Harry needed to be escorted to class by his team in case a Slytherin tried to knock him out cold. In the library, Madam Pince had thrown out a Gryffindor and Slytherin student for dueling. The tension was at its breaking point. This was the match, which would decide which team would make it to the Quidditch final. Slytherin was already an automatic for defeating Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. But Gryffindor had lost Harry who was sick during the match to Ravenclaw and thus the match. In order for them to qualify, Gryffindor needed to beat Slytherin. Slytherin, of course, did not want to face Gryffindor in the final, so it was vital to beat them. If they won, they would face Ravenclaw instead, which would be a much easier team to beat.
Draco's anxiety and tension were increasing as the days went by. Of course, he never showed his feelings to anyone but Hermione. Not only was the Quidditch match resting upon his shoulders but the meeting between him and his father was coming the following weekend. His blood throbbed for the knife but it slowly lessened and with Hermione's help, he found that didn't need the knife anymore.
. & .
Finally the day of the Quidditch match arrived. Hermione awoke feeling a burden placed upon her shoulders. She couldn't sit in the Slytherin stands for fear that the Gryffindors would think she was betraying them but she wanted to support Draco. She didn't know what or who to choose. She wanted Draco to win, but Harry was her best friend. And if Gryffindor won, then she would have to endure the Final Match as well between the Slytherins and Gryffindors. Biting her lip, she took her shower, changed into her Gryffindor robes, and then sat on the couch deep in thought.
"What's wrong?" asked Draco as he walked out of his room in his Slytherin Quidditch robes.
"I don't know," wailed Hermione. "I want you to win but Harry is my best friend. And I want Gryffindor to qualify but then I'll be torn again at the Final Match."
Draco sat down. "I know how you feel," he said.
"I just hope that Gryffindor qualifies. I mean Harry wants to win the Cup in his captainship. But I want you to catch the snitch against him. I guess this will be a World Cup scenario again," said Hermione laughing forcibly. "But I have faith in you Draco. I know that you can beat Harry."
"Thanks Hermione," said Draco sincerely. "Are you coming to the Great Hall for breakfast?"
"Yeah," said Hermione standing up. "I have to cheerlead for the Gryffindor team. Can you believe it? I can't believe they're making us do that. Slytherins are doing it too."
Draco had a fleeting image of Hermione in a short skirt and a tank top. Shaking his head quickly, he picked up his broom. "Think of the match," he said to himself.
"Let's go," said Hermione grabbing her uniform.
Together the pair walked down but Draco stopped a few feet from the entrance.
"There's my team," said Draco. 'I think they want to speak with me."
Hermione nodded as Draco walked towards his team. Hermione continued towards the Great Hall when she heard a comment that made her stop.
"If you don't catch the snitch, you're off the team. I'm going to tell your father," snarled the captain.
Hermione turned swiftly, her blood boiling. She felt as if an electric current had passed through her. She caught sight of Draco's face, which was pale, and he was shivering slightly. Hermione stomped up to the huddle and pushed her way to the captain.
"Listen up," she snarled pointing her finger in the captain's face. "Don't you EVER say that again. I think you should be proud that he even has enough strength to face Harry. Instead of reassuring him, you threaten him. What kind of a bloody captain are you? You don't deserve to be captain at all."
Hermione flung her hand back and slapped him with all the strength she could muster. The team gasped with shock as he fell back on the steps. Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him to the entrance of the Great Hall.
"That jerk," snarled Hermione her eyes flashing. "You shouldn't put up with that garbage. That slap should put him in his spot."
"I think it should," said Draco his eyes twinkling, "I remember how bad my cheek hurt when you slapped me in the third year."
Hermione blushed and then burst out laughing.
"Good luck," said Hermione. "Even if you don't win, I'll still admire you. And don't take crap from that captain of yours."
Hermione leant up, kissed Draco on his cheek and then vanished into the Great Hall. Draco was staring in shock behind her even as she left. He felt his cheek that was still tingling from the contact of her lips. Then he turned towards his teammates and strode up to them confidently full of energy.
"Ok team," said the captain trying to regain his confidence, "let's go inside, get some breakfast and then kick some Gryffindor's butt."
"Hey Lavender," said Hermione sliding in. "Where's the team?"
"They're going to be coming down in a minute," said Lavender buttering her toast.
Just then, the door banged open and the Slytherin team marched in. Immediately the table on the far left started cheering and clapping. As Draco passed he caught Hermione's eyes who winked and gave him a thumbs up. He gave her a quick smile. A few minutes later, the door banged open again and the Gryffindor team strode in with all its regality. This time the Gryffindor table stood up and brought the ceiling down with it's cheering and stamping while the Slytherin table hissed. Ginny, Harry, and Ron strode next to Hermione dressed in their Quidditch uniforms and sat next to Hermione.
"Do you have your uniform?" asked Harry.
"Yeah," complained Hermione rolling her eyes. "Are you trying to make me look like a showgirl?"
"No!" said Harry throwing Hermione an "are you crazy" look and helping himself to toast and bacon.
"Hey Harry, there are only about 15 minutes before the match starts you know?' Do you really want to throw up your breakfast?" asked Hermione sensibly.
"Whatever," said Harry shrugging his shoulders. "I won't."
"Ok then," said Hermione standing up. "Well I'm going to be in the Gryffindor locker room. Parvati and Lavender have already left. Good luck."
Hermione walked swiftly across the lawn and to the Quidditch field. She went down to the changing rooms where Parvati and Lavender had already changed into their cheerleading suits. Hermione smiled and then changed into her own cheerleading outfit. She pulled out her wand and straightened it the way Ginny had told her at the Ball. She then applied light brown eye shadow and rose colored lipstick. She then slipped on her Muggle tennis shoes called Keds and scrutinized herself in the mirror. The shirt was maroon and gold and went mid thigh. Hermione tried pulling it down but to no avail. Luckily, there were skintight shorts underneath. The shirt was a tank top with a gold stripe on the bottom of the shirt. On the front was written Lions. Hermione sighed and then went out to the field and took her position between Lavender and Parvati. This was as best as it was going to get.
Across the field were the Slytherin cheerleaders; Pansy and two other Slytherins Hermione didn't know. They were dressed in green and silver cheerleading outfits. Soon the stadium began to fill up with students. The majority was dressed in gold and scarlet and holding signs such as Support the Lions and Lions for the Final Match. Finally, the crowd settled and the speaker, Zacharias Smith took his position with the megaphone with Professor McGonaggal watching him closely.
"Sonorous," he muttered.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen," he boomed. "Welcome to the Quidditch match today between Gryffindor and Slytherin. If Gryffindor wins they will move to the cup but whether Slytherin loses or wins, they will advance to the Final."
"And here is the Gryffindor team," said Zacharias sweeping his hand in a sweeping motion as a line of Gryffindors came out. Three fourths of the crowd went wild as the Gryffindor team took their positions. Rolling here eyes, Hermione waved her pom poms and screamed with the rest. How she hated cheerleading.
"And here is the Slytherin team," announced Zacharias as a line of Slytherins came out from the opposite side of the field. The rest of the crowd went wild and the cheerleaders went crazy.
"And here are the captains Damien Flint from Slytherin and Harry Potter from Gryffindor shaking hands."
Harry and Damien shook hands in one quick jerk. Harry's eyes which were as cold as ice stared as he took in his opposition.
"And Madam Hooch take out the quaffle and it's up! Let the game begin," yelled Zacharias.
"Bell grabs the quaffle passes it to Weasley and she's off towards the goal post. Nice swerve from a bludger! Pass to Bell as Weasley moves ahead. Now she's flying towards the goal post; Goyle is on the ready. Bell fakes out keeper, passes the quaffle to Weasley who slams it through the far left one. 10 points to Gryffindor!"
Automatically, Hermione started cheering though her heart wasn't in it. She was scanning the sky for Draco. Finally, she caught sight of him on the top of the players his eyes darting around looking out for the snitch. She then saw Harry who was keeping a close eye on Draco. She knew that he was seeing if he saw any sign of the snitch.
The minutes passed by but the snitch was nowhere to be found.
"And there's another goal for Gryffindor. That's 210-50 Gryffindor," yelled Zacharias.
And then Draco saw it. Sparkling, shimmering against the Slytherin goalposts was the snitch. Hermione's breath came in sharply as she saw Draco racing towards the Slytherin goalposts; he had finally caught sight of the snitch. But Harry was not to be undaunted; he had seen "the" look on Draco's face and had taken off behind Draco. Draco's broomstick was no match for Harry's Firebolt however. Soon Harry had caught up and had a slight edge on the Slytherin. Holding her hands to her heart, Hermione watched as Draco scooted forward on his broomstick until he was on the very edge. They were neck to neck now. Hermione watched in horror as Draco reached a hand out, knocked Harry's out of the way, and grasped the snitch jumping off his broom in process. Hermione gasped and here eyes grew wide. But Draco managed to grab his broom with his other hand and fell on the ground. Hermione's breath caught in her throat as he lay there for a moment. But then a second later, he stood up dusted the dust from the snitch and held it up euphorically.
"And Draco Malfoy has caught the snitch! 210 to 200 Gryffindor. Draco caught the snitch but Harry's team still wins. And both teams will have a final face off in 2 months! This is Zacharias Smith signing off!"
The Gryffindor supporters erupted in cheers, as did the Gryffindor team. But the Slytherins cheered in their stands for Draco. The teams landed as Hermione threw her pompoms in the air. Her face flushed with happiness, she ran towards the mass on the lawn.
Harry watched as Hermione came running towards them on the lawn. Thinking she was coming to see him, he moved towards her but she ran right past him. In shock, his mouth fell open when he saw what happened next.
"Draco," she screamed as she caught sight of him. Draco turned around and his face lit up when he saw Hermione. He moved away from the rest of his team and in the next second, he had swept her in his arms. Hermione was hugging him hard around his neck as tears of happiness fell down her face.
After a few minutes, he gently put her down on the grass. Blushing, Hermione smoothed her hair and dress and looked into Draco's face. She had never seen him so happy before and it sent a feeling of joy through her body. His eyes were sparkling and he had a huge smile on his face.
"I think you should change," said Hermione laughing. His robes were covered with dust and his hair was mussed. "I'll be there in the dorm in a few minutes. I should congratulate the Gryffindor team."
Draco nodded, the happiness not leaving his face as he trudged back to the castle. Hermione ran to the mob around Harry and the rest of the team. She pushed her way to the middle of the crowd.
"Ginny," she squealed. 'You were so good!'
"Thanks Hermione," yelled Ginny. "Hey, we're having a party in the Gryffindor room tonight right now. Come! It'll be really fun!"
"Ok," said Hermione excitedly. She caught sight of Harry and pushed her way to him.
"Hi Harry," she said. Harry turned around and his face slightly fell but he pushed it back.
"You were great," said Hermione earnestly. "You're a great captain Harry. I don't think anyone else could have molded a new team as good as you."
"Aw thanks Hermione," said Harry as he hugged her. "Did Ginny tell you we're having a party?"
"Yes," said Hermione. "I have to go change but I'll be there!"
Smiling Hermione ran up the stairs to the castle. Everything went the way she had hoped; Draco had caught the snitch and the Gryffindor team had qualified. Jogging, Hermione reached the Heads Rooms and scrambled into the room. Draco had changed and was sitting on the sofa staring at his hands.
"Hey, what's wrong?" asked Hermione.
"We have a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow don't we?" asked Draco.
"Yeah," said Hermione slowly. Then it crashed on her.
"Oh no Draco," she breathed scrambling to the sofa. "It's your initiation tomorrow isn't it? You told me that he changed it to the first Hogsmeade after break. That's tomorrow! What are we going to do?"
"I'm going to meet him," said Draco.
"What? You don't want to become a Death Eater. Then why are you going to meet him?" asked Hermione incredulously.
"Oh, I'm going to meet him for sure. But only to tell him what a rotten horrible scumbag he is," said Draco fiercely.
"Oh Draco, that's great! I'll come too," said Hermione happily.
"You? Are you crazy? My father will kill you," said Draco in disbelief.
"I want to be with you so he doesn't try any Dark Magic," said Hermione darkly. "I've made up my mind. I'm going."
She got up without another backwards look and went into her bedroom to change. After a few minutes, she came out dressed in a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and pair of jeans.
"They're holding a party in the Gryffindor common room," explained Hermione when she saw Draco's confusion. "Want to come?"
Draco laughed bitterly. "I bet they'd murder me if I walked in. But thanks for the offer. I have a party in the Slytherin common room. But I'll be happy to walk with you."
"That'd be nice," said Hermione.
Smiling, Draco got off the couch and left with Hermione. As Hermione led him to her dorm, the couple started talking.
"Draco, do you wish to see Dumbledore about your problem?" asked Hermione seriously.
"No," said Draco adamantly.
"He can protect you," said Hermione softly.
"Please Hermione, I'd rather it stay a secret," said Draco.
"But," started Hermione.
"If need be I'll tell him. But please keep it a secret until then," asked Draco his eyes pleading to her.
Hermione sighed as they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"I guess I should," admitted Hermione, "Don't worry Draco. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks," said Draco.
He leaned over and quickly kissed Hermione on the cheek.
"Have fun," said Draco as Hermione walked in the portrait door.
"Thanks," said Hermione blushing profusely as she shut the door.
. & .
The next day dawned bright and sunny but Draco and Hermione woke up with a heavy weight on their shoulders. Silently, they passed Mr. Filch's check and entered Hogsmeade.
"Where are you supposed to meet your father," asked Hermione as they strolled down the cobblestone path.
"In the shrieking shack in 20 minutes," said Draco anxiously. Hermione sensing his nervousness slipped her hand into his hand and squeezed it tightly.
"I think we should go right now then," said Hermione tightly. "Is it only going to be your father?"
"Yes," answered Draco. "He's supposed to put the Dark Mark on me today."
Hermione nodded silently as they reached the spooky house. Hermione shivered as she and Draco climbed over the fence. After making sure that no one was looking, they dashed across the lawn and into the first landing.
"My father will be here any minute," whispered Draco urgently. "Hide behind the bookcase."
Hermione hid herself behind the bookcase as Draco waited. The tension was so thick that it could have been cut with a knife. After a few minutes, a loud crack filled the room.
"Draco," said the cold voice of Lucius.
"Father," said Draco standing up and nodding curtly.
"I am pleased to see that you have followed my instructions. Is there any new news that you have found out for his majesty?" asked Lucius coldly.
"Yes," said Draco.
"Good," said Lucius slowly. "And what is that?"
"I do not wish to join Voldemort," said Draco bravely. Hermione felt like hugging Draco when he said that. But she remained squatted behind the bookshelf with bated breath.
"And is this your final decision?" asked Lucius turning away.
"Yes," said Draco.
"Fine. CRUCIO!" snarled Lucius.
Caught unawares, Draco fell to the wooden floor screaming. Hermione gasped in horror and shock as he fell down. Lucius then proceeded to kick him cursing him all the while. He started to turn around hoping and praying to God that he could get out without more pain. He wasn't lucky however. Just as he turned around his father yelled and cursed him with the Crucio. Draco yelled out in agony and fell once more. He felt as if a thousand knives were piercing into him. His body felt as if it was on fire. His father kept the curse going.
Hermione couldn't take it any longer.
"Stop," she cried as she ran out and pushed Lucius breaking the curse.
"Oh, so it was you who forced my son to become like this. You filthy Mudblood," roared Lucius as he directed the curse at her. But Hermione deftly blocked it.
"Oh so you think you can compete with me," snarled Lucius as he threw a curse at her. This time Hermione wasn't so lucky. Hermione gasped as she felt a searing pain on her wand arm. She looked at her arm and gasped; there was a huge slash down her arm and her robes had already been soaked with blood. Crying with pain, she stumbled as the room around her became hazy.
"That'll teach you to mess with me," roared Lucius as raised his arm to perform the slashing movement that Anton Dolohov had performed 2 years ago.
Unable to move Hermione simply stood paralyzed as the curse came at her. She closed her eyes waiting for the curse to hit her. But at the last moment, she felt a body slam her sideways onto the floor. Draco had managed to get up and had taken the curse himself.
"I'll deal with you later Mudblood," sneered Lucius. "My lord calls me."
Hermione stared at the body of Draco as he lay sprawled on the floor. Hermione collapsed next to him sobbing, as she clutched him. He didn't seem to be breathing.
"Draco," she screamed.
Frantically, Hermione grabbed Draco by his waist hard. Summoning enough strength. Hermione shouted "Hogwarts Grounds."
The next second, she was in Hogwarts grounds with a bloody Draco in her arms. Tears running down her cheeks, Hermione grabbed Draco and pulled him across the ground and into the castle. Hermione fell to the floor in the deserted castle but the thought of Draco kept her going. Finally, after falling down several times, she banged open the door to the infirmary and Madam Pomfrey came running out and then gasped at the sight.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy," she gasped.
Sobbing, Hermione slumped further onto the ground as Madam Pomfrey ran towards them. As she hit the floor, the only word that came out was "Draco' as everything faded into black.
. & .
Hermione moaned as she came around. She felt as if people were playing drums on her head. Groaning, she pushed herself up and winced a stinging sensation overtook her right arm. Glancing down, she pulled up the thin white cloth of her robe and saw the cut that Lucius had made.
"Oh Miss Granger," said Madam Pomfrey happily as she came. "I'm happy to see that you're up and well."
"How long have I been asleep?" asked Hermione.
"You apparated here 2 days ago. You've been asleep ever since," said Madam Pomfrey.
"When can I go?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"You can go today Miss Granger. I've given you blood transplants to replenish all the blood you lost as a result on the curse. I simply have to move the flesh wound," said Madam Pomfrey.
Madam Pomfrey drew back the sleeve of Hermione's robe and took out a bottle of green liquid. She smoothed it on causing Hermione to wince and then tapped her wand against the cut. It immediately vanished.
"Where's Draco?" asked Hermione urgently. "Is he okay?'
"Ah, well Miss Granger, that I am unsure of," said Madam Pomfrey slowly.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione her eyes wide, her heart beginning to beat fast as she got out of bed.
"He was hit with the purple flame. It was the same one that hit you two years ago but there was no counter curse to stop the true damage this time. It entered his chest. He's in grave condition Miss Granger," said Madam Pomfrey sadly.
"Where is he?" asked Hermione frantically. "Where is he? I have to see him."
"Miss Granger," started Madam Pomfrey but Hermione took off across the infirmary barging through all doors.
"I have to know where he is!" screamed Hermione going hysterical.
Reluctantly, Madam Pomfrey pointed at the door on the far left and Hermione immediately ran into it. She gasped in shock as she saw Draco. His face was pale and his breathing was very shallow. Hermione gingerly walked over and gently pulled back the covers. Hermione nearly fainted at the sight. Covering her heart, her eyes filled with tears as she saw the thick purple scar that went one fourth into his chest. Unable to take it, she ran out of the hospital and into the hall tears falling freely down her face.
"Hermione!" called Harry as Hermione neared the Heads room. "There you are. I've been looking for you for nearly 2 days. Where have you been? Why are you crying?"
"Harry," gasped Hermione. "It's Draco. He's hurt. Oh Harry."
Harry grasped Hermione by her arms as he led her to a bench in the hallways.
"Tell me what happened," said Harry.
"Harry, I went with Draco to see his father. I can't tell you. You can't repeat any of this to anyone. Do you remember the curse that Dolohov used on me 2 years ago?" asked Hermione.
Harry nodded.
"Lucius used that on me. But Draco pushed me aside and took it himself," sobbed Hermione. "He might not live. It's my entire fault Harry. What am I going to do?"
Harry stared in shock as Hermione collapsed against his shoulder in tears. He felt as if he had been slapped in the face.
"Hermione," he said lifting her tearstained face. "Be by his side. That's the only thing you can do. Sick people recover more if they have friends by their side."
Hermione sniffed; "You think so?"
"I know so," laughed Harry. "Go on."
"Thank you Harry," said Hermione as she ran towards the Heads' room.
Hermione quickly changed into a light blue spaghetti strap dress and a pair of white flip-flops and ran back to the infirmary. Ignoring Madam Pomfrey, she ran into Draco's room and sat next to his bed. Hermione gently took his hand and rubbed it with hers.
"I'm sorry Draco," she breathed, "I'm so sorry." A single tear dripped down her face as she reached for her wand.
Waving it gently, she produced a dozen pink roses and a card. Letting go of Draco's hand, she wrote a message and left it on his bedside table next to the vase of flowers.
"I'll be back Draco," she said. "Please wake up. Please wake up."
Hermione wiped the tears that had fallen and walked out of the room.
"Miss Granger," said a voice behind her.
Hermione turned to see Professor Dumbledore standing behind her. He was carrying something in his hands and the twinkle had vanished from his eyes.
"Would you like to tell me what happened?" he asked gravely.
"I can't," answered Hermione softly.
"Not even for the safety of Mr. Malfoy?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
Hermione bit her lip. "I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore," she said sincerely. "The only thing I can do is ask Draco to confide in you. I can't betray him like that. I promised to secrecy."
Professor Dumbledore surveyed her over his lenses and smiled. "I'm glad to see that Mr. Malfoy had found a friend that he can count on," he said warmly. "Madam Pomfrey saw how distraught you were on he subject of Mr. Malfoy so she asked me to deliver this message. When you ran out of the hospital, she ran some checks on Draco. It is not clear if he will come through but we will know soon."
Hermione nodded as she slowly turned towards the door.
"Oh Miss Granger," said Professor Dumbledore, "This is for you."
Hermione turned around and took the paper that he was holding out to her. It was the picture of her and Draco: the one where she nearly fell off the boxes. Hermione felt another wave of tears as she ran out of the hospital clutching the picture to her heart. Tears fell down her face as she ran past everyone to her room. She fell on her bed and cried. She rolled over and nestled herself under the blankets but all she could see was Draco's pale face and the cut on his chest. Hermione simply stared at the darkening ceiling her eyes red and blotchy. She didn't know how much time had passed or what was happening. All she knew that Draco was in danger and it was all her fault.
. & .
The next week passed by slowly. Hermione placed the picture on the table next to the sofa in a silver frame. Often while she sat and did homework or attempted to do, she would lose herself in the pictures. Even the teachers were noticing a change with Hermione. She was constantly close to tears in Potions and Transfiguration. In one class, she had run out in tears when a Slytherin had asked her where Draco was. Every morning and evening Hermione went to the infirmary and spoke to Draco. One day she went as usual and ran out of the room.
"Draco's gone. Oh my god! Where is he?" cried Hermione frantically.
"Here," said a voice behind her.
Hermione swirled around and who was in front of her but Draco Malfoy. He had lost weight and he was still pale. The cut on his chest had healed nicely but there would always be a scar left. Hermione's eyes filled with tears and she ran to him and threw her arms around him carefully not to put any pressure on his chest. Slowly, Draco wrapped his arms around her waist. He had never had anyone who cared this much about him. Soon, Hermione drew back and smiled tearfully.
"I'm sorry Draco,' said Hermione softly. "Did you read my card?"
"Yes," said Draco as Hermione flushed, 'It was the prettiest and most meaningful card anyone had given me."
"Can you leave here?" asked Hermione eagerly.
"Yes," said Draco. 'I just got my check up done by Madam Pomfrey."
"That's great," said Hermione. "You've lost too much weight. You should come to dinner."
"No I can't," said Draco. 'I have to eat very light. Only soup and your yummy coffee."
"You asking for something?" teased Hermione as they walked down the hall towards the Heads room.
"Maybe," smiled Draco mysteriously.
Hermione laughed as she led Draco to the sofa and wrapped in a blanket. She flicked her wand and the fireplace was filled with dancing orange and yellow flames. Hermione then made a cup of her coffee and handed it to Draco.
"Thanks," said Draco as Hermione wrapped herself in a blanket and sat next to him.
"No problem. You know what? You need something filling though. Have that soup," said Hermione as she got up.
But just as she walked towards the portrait door, it opened and Harry walked in.
"Hi Hermione," said Harry walking towards them with 2 trays. "I thought you would stay here and I went to the hospital to see how Malfoy was doing but they said they had left. You haven't been eating much so I decided to bring you something. Sit back down."
Draco's eyes softened which had first hardened as he sipped his drink. Harry handed one tray to Hermione.
"They told me that you needed to eat light so I just brought you the soup," said Harry gently setting the other tray on Draco's lap.
"Thanks Potter," said Draco softly as he took a spoonful.
Hermione curled back in her blanket as Harry sat across them. Soon, Hermione had finished her plate and was watching Draco eating his soup. Because his chest was healing, he drank it very slowly.
"By the way," said Harry, who was trying to be nice to Draco for Hermione's sake. He had seen her state the week when he was ill, "Good job at that Quidditch match."
"Thanks," said Draco his eyes lighting up. " It was tough; I had the weight of the team of my shoulders."
Harry smiled. "I know how that feels," he said more to himself.
"Draco, you're taking too long to eat that," complained Hermione as she took the bowl and spoon gently.
Harry watched closely as Hermione gently fed Draco with care. He saw the concern that was etched in every curve of her face. When a little fell on his neck, she quickly wiped it for fear that it burn him. He was sure now; Draco and Hermione were in love. Hermione didn't know but he had been watching them closely at Hogwarts. He had been skeptical at the Winter Ball but then it slowly began to emerge. He had seen the two of them at work in Potions and Transfiguration. At first it was the mere camaraderie that was visible but soon, he saw different feelings beginning to emerge. He had seen Draco staring at Hermione while she took notes. Similarly, he had seen Hermione stand up for Draco at the Quidditch match in the hallway. He had seen the kiss and Draco's shock. And the way Hermione had behaved and looked the week before had clinched it. Hermione was oblivious to it but he knew that she loved him. She was staring at Draco the same way Ginny stared at him. He was 100 sure; he just didn't know how to break it to Ron. He had to tell Ginny.
"Harry," said Hermione, "Are you ok?"
"Yeah,' said Harry shaking himself. "I'm fine. Can I bring anything else?"
"No," said Draco as he finished his soup. "Thanks for everything."
"No problem,' said Harry as he took the empty dishes and waved his wand. Immediately they were sparkling clean. "Well I'll see you guys around."
"Bye," they said as Harry slowly walked to the door. But as he passed the sofa, he caught sight of the picture Hermione had framed. He quietly took it out of the frame as he left. He needed it as proof for Ginny.
. & .
"Hey Ginny," said Harry holding the picture behind him. "Can I talk to you?"
Ginny looked up from her book and nodded her forehead creased with worry. "Yes," she said slowly. "What's wrong?"
Harry pulled Ginny so they were sitting on a sofa facing the steps to the Boys Dorm. He carefully looked around him; the room was empty.
"Harry, are you breaking up with me?" asked Ginny seriously.
Harry stared at her shocked. "No!' he exclaimed.
Ginny relaxed as she smiled. "Tell me what's wrong."
"Ginny, Hermione loves Malfoy," he said.
Ginny stared at Harry here eyes wide. "Don't joke."
"I'm serious," he said holding out the picture. "You should have seen them this evening. Hermione was looking at him the way I look at you. Hermione doesn't know it though."
Ginny observed the picture. Her eyes grew wide. "But how?'
"Hermione didn't go to her parents' house for Christmas," Harry said.
"How do you know that?" asked Ginny her eyes wide.
"I heard Dumbledore talking about them being at Christmas lunch,' said Harry desperately. "And you should have seen her this past week. That clinched it. She was distraught."
"Look Harry, are you worried about Hermione?" asked Ginny seriously.
"No! I know that she can handle herself. But I'm worried about Ron. How's he going to take the news?" said Harry worriedly.
"He'll be angry," said Ginny worriedly. "After all you and Ron have been enemies with Malfoy for so long. Actually, I was suspicious when Hermione was staring at Draco. But she told me that she didn't like him."
"No Ginny," said Harry slowly. "I don't think she liked him initially. Remember Hermione said that she knows a secret of Draco's. That must have brought them together. But in the process of helping him, she fell in love with him. I know it Ginny. They will get together sooner or later. Ron will find out someday."
"Look Harry," said Ginny slowly scooting closer to Harry. "I really don't know what we can do. Let them come together when they do. And then we can tell Ron."
Harry shrugged and frowned. "But now that there's no one here," breathed Ginny, "Maybe you can love me."
Little did they know that someone had heard every word they had said in the shadows.
Harry grinned as he placed his lips on hers. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck as she brought him down upon her. As Harry and Ginny lay on the couch, kissing heatedly, the picture floated out of Ginny's hand onto the carpet. A few minutes later, a hand picked it up. His brown eyes burning with fury, he snatched the picture and swept silently out the portrait door and towards Hermione's room. He knew the password; he had forced it out of Ginny.
. & .
"Thanks for everything Hermione" said Draco as Hermione walked out in a midnight blue long-sleeved nightie that went down to her ankles
"No problem," smiled Draco as she sat next to him. 'How are you feeling?"
"Much better," said Draco. His hand brushed by Hermione's waist who giggled and squirmed away.
"Don't touch me there," she laughed. "I'm ticklish."
"Oh are we?" smirked Draco his eyes full of mischief.
He got up and poked his finger sin her waist. Squealing, Hermione got off and ran around the room yelling as Draco followed her. Finally Draco cornered her and as he walked closer Hermione's eyes fell on the pile of cotton from the Christmas tree. She laughed as flung it on him. Draco yelped as he bent down and grabbed some for himself. Soon cotton balls obscured the air and in the confusion Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist. Laughing uncontrollably, she squirmed careful not to hit his chest until she fell on the sofa, Draco on top of her his hands and around her waist. As the last of the cotton fell, Draco realized that he was on top Hermione and that their noses were less than an inch apart. Hermione swallowed hard as she stared in Draco's eyes. Her hands were wrapped around Draco's neck. Gently, his eyes still pinned on her, Draco reached down and moved a strand of hair that was resting on her cheek. Breathing shallowly and her heartbeat increasing, Hermione closed her eyes as Draco slowly leaned down. His breath was warm on her lips. Slowly his breath came closer until…
BANG!
The door to the room burst open. Hermione's eyes jerked open and Draco leapt back but the damage was already done. Ron was staring at them fire shooting out of his eyes.
"I WAS RIGHT," he bellowed. "YOU'RE INVOLVED WITH HIM! I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP."
Hermione got off the sofa and walked towards him. "Listen Ron," she said shakily.
"I CAN'T BELIVE IT! YOU WOULD CHOOSE THIS GIT OVER ME," roared Ron. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THAT!"
"Ron, can we," said Hermione
"FORGET IT HERMIONE," yelled Ron. "FORGET IT! YOU'RE NO LONGER MY FRIEND! BUT YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!"
With that, Ron stormed out of the door. A tear rolled down Hermione's face as she walked shakily over to the couch. Draco hugged her as the tears came fast. She wrapped her arms around him unable to say something. He held her until her breathing became stable and even.
. & .
Hermione moaned and stretched as the first rays of sunlight hit her face. She opened her eyes blearily and looked around her. It took a few minutes for it to sink in that she was in the living room. She saw someone stir next to her and jerked her head around. She saw Draco Malfoy dozing next to her and smiled as she disengaged herself. Almost immediately, her smile vanished as she remembered last night's events. Biting her lip, she glanced at the clock and saw that it was 7.
"Draco," whispered Hermione tapping him on the shoulder. "Class starts in an hour."
Draco lifted his head and slowly opened his eyes. He lifted the comforter off him and got off the sofa stretching his arm. He smiled at Hermione who smiled shyly back.
"I think I should put your medicine on first,' said Hermione as she grabbed the bottle of green liquid and a swab.
Draco pulled off his shirt as Hermione dabbed some of the foul smelling liquid on the cotton. She gently ran it along the cut causing Draco to wince as it bubbled and stung. Hermione softly blew on it until she had finished swabbing the entire cut.
"Listen Hermione," said Draco clearing his throat, "I'm sorry about last night."
Hermione blushed as she recalled the close incident on the sofa.
"It's alright," she said. "I'll try pacifying Ron during breakfast."
But it wasn't going to be easy. Not even close.
. & .
Hermione and Draco walked into the Great Hall together and immediately the hall fell silent. Hermione and Draco looked at each other baffled but ignored it. Silently, they walked over to their respective tables. Confused Hermione helped herself to food trying to ignore that everyone's eyes were on her. After what seemed like an eternity, the Great Hall became relatively noisy.
"So Hermione," said Lavender smirking, "How good is Malfoy?"
"Excuse me?" asked Hermione staring at Lavender revoltingly.
"I heard that Malfoy paid you to sleep with him," said Lavender lightly.
"Excuse me. Where did you hear that?" said Hermione standing up her hands on her hips.
"Parvati told me. She said someone had told her," said Lavender.
Hermione got up and ran over to Parvati who was about to leave the Great Hall.
"Parvati," said Hermione grabbing her by the arm.
"Don't touch me, Hermione," snarled Parvati wrenching her arm out. "You really had me fooled. I thought you of all people wouldn't take money to sleep with someone. Is that how you got all your grades?
Hermione stared after Parvati feeling like she got slapped. Lowering her head, she quickly wiped the tears that fallen from her eyes. She felt someone touch her arm and looked up; it was Draco.
"Hermione," he whispered urgently, "People are saying that I paid you to sleep with me. Who in the world made all this garbage up? When I meet them they will get hell from me."
Draco's face was livid and he was breathing hard. His hands were clenched in fists and he was shooting daggers from his eyes. Hermione laid a reassuring hand on his arm.
"You were right Ron," yelled Neville from the Gryffindor table.
Draco turned around swiftly and strode to the Gryffindor table. The table of professors looked up as Draco strode over to the table and grabbed Neville by his collar. He pulled him off the table and pulled him close until he was eye to eye with him.
"Who told you that I was sleeping with Hermione?' roared Draco shaking Neville.
The Great Hall fell silent as his voice echoed throughout the hall. Teachers stood up but Dumbledore waved them down. Severus Snape was busily watching them with anticipation and excitement.
"Ron, R-ron told me," squeaked Neville.
Hermione gasped as she turned to face Ron. Here eyes filled with tears and soon they began to fall. "Ron?" she whispered. She never imagined that he would ever ruin her reputation in such a cheap way. Draco's face filled with hate as he went to the other side. Instead of looking scared Ron stood up and faced Draco. Hermione was too sad and shocked to do anything.
"Weasley," he growled as he reached him. "What in the bloody hell were you thinking?"
"She chose you," yelled back Ron, "She chose a jerk like you who's been a bastard to her for 7 years over me!'
"So you called her a whore!" yelled Draco who was losing control, "You know extremely well that we haven't done anything."
"Oh yeah," roared Ron, "Then why was she here during Christmas. And why were you guys so close this year!"
Draco hushed for a second; he didn't want to disperse his secrets.
"See," yelled Ron triumphantly, "He admits it. I win!"
"Alright," hissed Draco, "I'll tell you. But not to disprove you; only to protect Hermione from your slanderous comments and to return to her reputation. You want to know why? This is why!"
Draco pushed up his sleeve and thrust it in Ron's face who jumped back.
"Yes, Weasley," growled Draco, "That's why. Just because she wanted to get me off the need for my knife, she helped me. She became the only true friend I've had. And you messed it up."
"It doesn't matter," growled Ron though he had calmed down. "She chose you! You've been so rude to her for 6 years! You were right; she is a Mudblood."
Hermione gasped as she felt Ron's comment slice into her like a knife. She started walking quickly towards the fighting boys her eyes trained on Ron. The entire Great Hall gasped, as Draco's eyes became slits.
"You did not call her that," hissed Draco.
"I just did," said Ron smirking, "what are you going to do about it."
"This," yelled Draco and he pulled back a hand to punch Ron. But Ron caught it halfway and pulled back a hand to punch Malfoy aiming straight for his chest.
"NO!" yelled Hermione sprinting and pushing herself in front of Draco. Ron gasped as his fist collided with Hermione's chest. Yelling, she fell back on the ground. As her head hit the marble floor, she slumped against the floor before all faded into blankness.
Draco shook his fist loose as Ginny and Harry ran to Hermione's body. But before he could react, Ron had sent a punch towards his face. But only a few inches from his nose, a hand appeared from nowhere grabbed Ron's hand. Ron's eyes widened as Harry's face slowly came beside Draco's. His jaw was quivering with anger and his green eyes were burning with fury. Draco stared in shock as Harry pushed Ron's hand so forcefully that he fell on the ground. The Great Hall gasped as Harry took out his wand and pointed it at Ron.
"Don't you ever, I mean ever do that again," said Harry coldly every syllable full of fury, his eyes full of fury. The magic was so strong that Draco could feel it radiating off him. The Great Hall looked shocked at Harry's robes started swirling even though there was no wind. For the first time, Ron's eyes flickered with fear.
Harry pocketed his wand as Draco knelt next to Hermione and gently lifted her in his arms. He carried her quickly to the infirmary as Madam Pomfrey scurried after him. The hall was quiet as they took in what they had just witnessed. Then Severus Snape stood up and opened his arms wide.
"I award 20 points to Mr. Malfoy for protecting Miss Granger's reputation. I also award 20 points to Mr. Potter for standing up for his friend and what he thought was right. And another 10 points to Miss Weasley," said Professor Snape.
"And I also award," said Professor Snape his voice hardening, "Mr. Weasley detention every Saturday for the rest of the year."
Ginny and Harry looked shocked for a second, till understanding flittered across their faces. They bowed to the Hall and then followed Hermione and Draco out of the Hall. Professor Snape sat down his eyes still hard.
And slowly every eye turned to the boy on the ground with their faces etched with disgust and repulsion.
A/N;Thanks for the reviews! This is the biggest chapter of the story! 16 pages! 7,900 words! TONS will happen. I was thinking of breaking it into 2 chapters but then it would break the plan. Anyways, I hope you guys like this chapter! I was having a hard time of thinking of a title! LOLL.
Hogwartsboyzrhot: Hi! Thanks for the review! And yes, my friend is feeling MUCH better! Thanks for asking!
Please Review! I hope you guys liked this chapter! Finished it in a day! Go me. LOLL. Anyways, same message as previous chapters.