A/N: This story has just undergone a massive overhaul writing-wise. The content and dialogue is very similar if not identical to my original, but I absolutely hated the writing style. It sounded a like an over-entitled 13-year-old thinking she could write fanfic... and I was 20 at the time. =/ Regardless, I at least feel comfortable claiming it now, school-age drama and all. =) Thanks!


Disclaimer: I don't own any of it. That privilege goes to J.K. Rowling. I just use it for my own creativity's sake. Enjoy.


Castle Grounds

The punch landed on his face with such a satisfying CRACK! she couldn't help but smile.

"Filthy Mudblood," he muttered, turning away while he nursed his jaw.

"Shove it, Malfoy," she said viciously, turning on her heel and stalking off.

He whipped around and watched her go. Her bushy hair seemed to have a life of its own, swaying almost independent of her as she walked. He touched his jaw again and winced a little at the pain. Sodding bint.


"That insufferable git!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing herself on the sofa next to Ron. "The nerve of him!"

"Relax, 'Mione," Ron replied softly. His hands toyed with her hair, and she loosened ever so slightly. "Sssh," he whispered in her ear, wrapping her in a hug.

She hugged him back, relaxing into him. Tears pooled under her eyes, and she tried to blink them away. Despite her attempts, they came anyway. They started softly, but soon emotion overcame her and she was effectively sobbing as held her.

It broke his heart to see her like this. "'Mione, sweetheart," he said. "You know he's just Malfoy. He is an insufferable git." She nodded. "You shouldn't let him get to you."

Her dark eyes and tear-stained face looked up at him. There was pain in there, and Ron could scarcely bear looking at her. "It…" She trailed off and looked away. She looked back and sighed. "It's true, though, isn't it?"

"What's true?" he asked, confused.

"The mudblood part," she replied, so softly he had to strain to hear her.

Ron was speechless for a moment. "I…of course it's not," he stammered. "I mean, your parents might not be from the wizarding world, but what does that mean anyway? Bunch of rubbish, that is." He glared into space.

Hermione sighed again but didn't reply. Ron kissed her softly, and then he played with her hair until she slept.


"Did you see that, Crabbe?" Goyle chuckled as Malfoy approached the castle. "Malfoy just got clobbered …by that filthy Mudblood…again."

Crabbe snickered in return, elbowing Malfoy a few times. "What's that about, eh Malfoy?" he prodded. "Getting beaten by a Mudblood?"

"Shove it, you two," Malfoy grumbled, touching his jaw again. He'd decided against going to Pomfrey for it. He'd never hear the end of it if the whole of the castle found out.

"So," Goyle said menacingly, "plans for revenge?"

"Yeah," Crabbe joined. "What should we do to her?"

"You just leave that to me," Malfoy sneered. "I've got it covered."


Hermione felt much better after her nap. She stretched slowly and completely in Ron's arms as she yawned. He smiled at her, and she smiled shyly in return. "Thank you, Ron," she said, leaning up and kissing him softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

He blushed a deep crimson and smiled. "It's no problem, really."

They gazed at one another for a moment.

"Well," she began, standing slowly. "I should be off to the library."

"You and your studies," he laughed, shaking his head.

She rolled her eyes and gave him a playful scowl. "Studies are important," she stated simply. "It'd serve you well to do some more of them yourself."

"Right then," he said, rolling his eyes in return. "I'll see you later."

With that, she picked up her books and climbed out of the portrait hole.


It was a cruel plan, but Malfoy fancied himself a cruel sort of person. Besides, she deserved to learn her place. And he was just the person to show it to her.

He'd lure her in, slowly but surely. He'd make her trust him. He'd even get her out of that Weasel's arms and straight into his. And then, just when he had her, he'd strike. Just like the animal of his house, he'd strike quickly and mercilessly. She'd never see him coming.

Crabbe and Goyle had loved every bit of his plan. They'd do almost anything to see a member of the Golden Trio fall.

For now, though, Malfoy knew exactly where to find her.