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Chapter Two: Banished

When Hermione got off the train, I trailed along beside her. She wrapped her cloak around her shivering body. It was a chilly night and many students had gloves on, or a sweater underneath.

Just as last year, we took the carriages. Although I could tell how much Potter hated Hermione by the intense glare sent her way. I had to steer her well clear of Potter.

We had a carriage all to ourselves, until Pansy saw me and climbed in with me, dragging Blaise in the process.

"What's she doing here?" Pansy said indignantly, "She a—"

"Pansy," I warned, "If you want to live long enough to graduate you will not finish that sentence."

Blaise watched all this silently and gave me an inquisitive look. But I just ignored him, remembering to have a talk to him later.

"Look," I said tiredly, "Hermione's my friend now. And being my friend, she's yours too." I brushed my hair back from my face.

Pansy grumbled but agreed. Blaise had no problem and shrugged his shoulders.

Hermione was staring out the window through the whole conversation. Momentarily, I noticed she looked back at me with a sad smile.

This feeling of longing swept through me. She needed me. I wanted her. I needed to save her from Potter, from everyone.

Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt and everyone got out.

The Great Hall was filled with chattering students as usual, but when we arrived, half of the student population took a sordid glance at us and froze.

Potter and Weasley naturally looked up from the commotion to see what had disturbed their fans and popularity, and gave a red-hot glare at Hermione.

She was staring straight at them, but walked towards the Gryffindor table with slumped shoulders.

As she walked pass them, that Weasley girl stuck a foot out and Hermione tripped over, splaying out onto the floor.

The new trio laughed and Hermione slowly got up to continue to the end of the table.

When Hermione sat down, Dumbledore began his speech.

"As everybody has heard," Dumbledore said proudly, "Harry Potter had the biggest role in vanquishing the Dark Lord."

A round of applause was sent round the hall.

"Although—Hermione is responsible for delivering the last spell to the despicable wizard and finishing him once and for all."

Another round of applause went around.

I was aware of another glare sent to Hermione.

I saw Hermione look at Potter.

That pathetic Weasley was sitting on his lap like a whore sticking her tongue down his throat. Hermione looked like she was torturing herself.

Shattering slowly, piece by piece. I couldn't take it any longer.

Pushing away my empty plate, I got up and made my way to the Gryffindor table. Many people looked my way and hushed down.

Hermione looked around when I approached, sinking further into her seat.

"Draco not now," she whispered, "People are going to talk."

"Let them talk," I said, "It's none of their business."

But Potter and Weasley always had to interfere in everything.

"Malfoy," Weasley shouted, "Get away from our table—wait, you want her? I never knew you've lowered your standards. All she's good for is a quick shag. But maybe the fact of her being an ice-queen will obstruct your path."

Potter slapped him on the back for his wit. And that Weasley girl nibbled Potter's neck.

Disgusting.

"Mind your own business Weasel," I hissed, "Your sister over there looks more like a whore. Is she doing overtime in the boy's dormitory?"

Dragging Hermione to her feet, I led her to the Slytherin table, although her eyes were wide with fear.

"Draco—the Slytherins—your father—" Hermione babbled.

"Let them all rot in hell," I mumbled, "In fact, they could go all burn."

"But—but—"

I stopped and turned to face her, "Hermione, there is nothing in the world that can keep me away from you."

"Why bother now?" She asked, "Why me?"

I had an answer, a good enough reason, but I had no guts to say it. I just couldn't tell her.

"Because—you're you."

She didn't question me further and followed me silently.

The Slytherins were calm, if they were outraged, they did not show it.

Pansy, strangely seemed rather delighted to have Hermione there. They chatted easily enough and I think that surprised Hermione quite a lot.

"So how are your parents?" Pansy asked innocently enough.

Hermione looked elsewhere then back at Pansy, "They died." No trace of emotion could be found on her face. No sadness. No pain.

I guess after a long period of mourning, one learns to ease the pain quickly.

"I'm sorry," said Pansy.

"Don't be," Hermione reassured her, "It's not as if you killed them."

The meal was silent from then on, and then we parted. I couldn't bear leaving Hermione to those two. Potter and Weasley.

Anything could happen, and more importantly, they could use her against me. Or otherwise…

I better follow her. And I did. I walked and walked and walked.

God. How high up is this stupid tower.

Seven whole floors.

Wow, the Gryffindors sure know how to live, trekking mountains.

Although we Slytherins have nothing to brag about, with our dormitories in the dungeons.

I hope Potter and Weasley haven't tried anything on Hermione.

I don't think I'll be able to cope.