A/N: Hello everybody! I hope you're well! Sorry about the delay, you know
the usual drill: it's not my fault, circumstances are against me. Yeah,
whatever! I'm really gonna try to update more regularly, but it's difficult
at the moment, I've got too many issues going on. Thanks for your reviews
and continue to read!
Luna-is-my-name: thankd for your review! Welcome to insane realm! Anyway, of course it's possible to love Draco more! Love for him knows no boundaries, he he he.
Angelic Fire: you've read it in one setting? Whoa, I'm impressed! Thanks, I guess you liked it if you read it that way. Lol, I've caught your hint... but it's me writing the story here, muahahahahaha...
Ohjuotaku: wheee! Another weirdo! Good good good... you want to kill Lucius? Sign up just there! Muahahahaha... Nah, you can't kill him, I need the bastard for my damn fic! Draco is indeed blond, but he's cute too, and blonds are cute, I love Chad Michael Murray, he he he... and it's not because you're not blonde that you're not stupid. My former best friend has black hair and she's like the most stupid person I've ever met (don't ask me how I put up with her for such a long time, it's unreal...)
Twisted Silver Dagger: I love your reviews you know! You're not just saying good job or something, but your short analysis of the chapter pulls it all together and I find the structure that maybe I thought was lacking...the whole laughing scene is a funny one! I thought their friendship had not enough of concrete ground and was too passive, I hope I'll manage to make it more alive. thanks again for your review, I loved it, like always.
Miriam G: Hey Queen of the Upas! Ahem... Do you fall off your chair often? He he he... Blaise and Hermione are just another little twist to make my story more "unique" the plot is predictable, so I have to find twists that are a bit new! Duh, I wonder how it's possible they didn't begin to make fun of that obsession sooner! Yep, I'm in second year in college, but nobody believes me when I say so, people generally think I'm 17 or something... Don't know why, I'm quite tall and such. Well, ok, my behaviour could induce the error, muahahahahahaha...Joking, I'm pretty normal when on the streets. Well, you're dangerous in another way, you might hit them with a Crucio to prove Voldey that you're worth being his wife... Well, I must agree with him, sheeps are not exceptionally smart. *hides behind table*. Lol, your comic sounds funny! Oh... obsessed with world domination! Aren't we all? Muahahahahah.... down with the normality plague.
Rubberduckie 713: don't worry, Blaise will soon discover how to turn her into a duck and will gladly share his knowledge with fellow Pansy haters. Muahahahahaha... Fear the almightiness of Lord Voldemort... *cough* yeah, movin' on. Colin is stupid, I agree, but sadly, it's how people generally react to self-injury. Guess the world is dumb. Lol, I'm always happy to receive reviews from you! Psycho or not. He he he, caffeine is GOOD! But it will never be able to counteract the sleeping process during Chem...
Jhaylin: Thanks! Probably not the best story you've ever read, but I try to write something decent. Continue to review!
Darling Rag Doll: well, I see that even if you don't approve of self- injury, you still read that story, so I guess I've got to say thanks. And thanks for adding me to your fav list, it's always great to be added on someone's list! Hope you're gonna continue to read!
Jewelkitten: Ha ah ah... What is Lucius gonna do? That's a great question... what can I say? Read on!
Disclaimer: What is the point in writing a disclaimer when in chapter 19? Well, it's just that I can ramble a bit more. I still don't own HP, but I will once, when I take over the world, muahahahaha... I still own Seamus though, but the blasted laptop is acting funny today. *sigh* stupid computers....
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Struggle 19:
*Draco's pov*
I'm terrified. I'm just incapable of relaxing at all. Father is here, I know it. It's only a matter of minutes till he arrives now. It's 5 am. The moon shines slightly through the small windows, bathing the dorm in some ethereal light. I'm sitting on the floor, my head resting against the damp wall. I haven't even changed from my school shirt and pants and in fact, I haven't moved for hours. I wish the coldness of my body will numb the pain, I wish I would die from cold now and wouldn't have to go through this shit again. And if I died, everything would be a lot simpler for everybody, right? Ginny wouldn't have any problems anymore.
Ginny. I'm flaming scared for her too. With this bond, I fear that she can be hurt. She was brought in the hospital wing the day Father last visited me. And it wasn't because of the cut in her palm that she collapsed, it's not possible. She should have left me alone and nothing would be as screwed up as now. But it's too late, we can't back out of anything. I wish I could, though.
The door opens slowly and Father appears. I stand up and wait for him to come to me. I'm no coward, I'll defy him. His face is cold and neutral, I've the impression that I'm facing myself. He grips my wrist tightly, but this time, I don't even blink at the pain it causes. I'm in control. He drags me out of the dorm, I can't help but wonder if we're heading to Snape's classroom again. Obviously not.
We enter the library and he smashes me against a bookshelf. I can't help wincing when the edge of a book stabs my back. Father holds my throat and glares at me menacingly. I glare back and don't let him know how much he's hurting me. My lungs are on fire because of the lack of oxygen but I know how to keep my voice steady when I finally speak.
"Are you gonna beat me without a word, like last time?"
His glare darkens even more, if that's possible.
"So you want to talk? Why don't we talk about your little friend then? I heard some pretty things. Maybe she would love to have these pleasant sessions with us? Personally, it would be a real pleasure to be further acquainted with her."
My heart sinks. So he already knows. It's not really difficult to figure out who had the stupidity to inform him. What can happen to Ginny? If she's in trouble because of me, I will never forgive myself. I try to ban the images that come up to my mind, images of Hannah and a terrible night. I don't need that now, I have to stand for myself if I want to get through this dreadful morning.
"Leave her out of this. I want to know why you do this. Why you led Mother to her death, why your goal is to destroy me at all costs!"
"You don't need any justification, you have no right to one. You were born a pawn, a slave, and it's going to stay that way. You're worthless, your only quality is to provide me entertainment. I can do whatever pleases me with you. And even if you think you're independent, I'll prove you that you aren't. I'll hunt down the Weasley girl, I'll kill her and you'll be left with nothing but your pain. And then you'll turn to our Lord, because you perfectly know that he's the only one who can erase it, and you'll crawl on your knees in front of him, begging him to help you. And that's how you'll come back to the Dark, where you belong.
In rage, I spit in his face. He wipes it off his cheek lazily and smirks widely. "You've just earned yourself a lovely morning."
I know what is going to happen now; the mad glint in his eyes has reinforced, he's practically gloating with insanity. He slaps me with all his strength and sends me to the floor. My head hits a panel of the bookshelf when I fall, it hurts; I can't see anything anymore, just a pitch black field. I shake my head, trying to regain my sight but it doesn't work, a sharp pain shoots in my head. I hate that I can't see him anymore, that I can't anticipate his moves and protect myself as much as it's possible.
The sick ballet of his kicks starts, slowly at the beginning, but going faster and faster. The rhythm becoming intense, to the point where I can't even breathe between two blows. I throw up and feel the copper taste of blood coming up, warm on my tongue. I hear him rack his cane against the books and they all fall on me. He seems to find it amusing and does it again with another shelf. The heavy charms books bruise my skin, he laughs manically, happy to be in a creative mood. And the sick cycle begins again. His foot in my stomach, a whip with his blasted cane, a fist connecting with my chest. It never stops.
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*Blaise's pov*
I followed Draco and his father out of the common room, I trailed them to the library, I heard everything. Now I can see everything. I feel stupid, not knowing what to do. A "friend" is being beaten and I just stay there, hidden in the shadows. Mr Malfoy leaves after having whispered a last thing to Draco. I can't believe he's just left him there, like this. I check my watch. 6:30. it has lasted more than one hour, I feel sick.
I crawl out of my hidden spot and approach Draco slowly. God, this sight is sickening, there's blood and vomit on the floor, on him, everywhere. I take my wand out of my pocket and clean the mess. I kneel down in front of Draco and take a closer look at his wounds. They're not pretty, not at all. I'm in shock, I don't really know what to do. I stand up again and turn to go to fetch a teacher when a hand grabs my ankle.
"Who are you?" he chokes.
"It's me, Blaise Zabini. Can't you recognize me?"
He whispers something about blurry eyesight and then about not telling anybody and bringing him back to the dorm. I kneel down again.
"You need medical attention Draco, you're badly injured. And the fact that you can't see properly might be a consequence of a concussion."
"Please."
I sigh. He's so freaking stubborn. I decide to help him back to the common room, and from there, I'll see if I go for Mrs Pomfrey. I help him up and let him use my body as a support. We slowly make our way back to the dungeons where he collapses on his bed. Crabbe and Goyle are snoring profoundly, not even moving when we enter not so discreetly.
I try to clean the injuries as much as I can but I don't know any healing spell. I suddenly realise my lack of knowledge and decide to check books later in the day. When I'm finished, Draco falls asleep quickly. I just stare at him, I feel so sorry. I never knew what was happening, he really hid it well. Nobody suspects what is behind the appearances and no one ever saw what was beyond the cold veil covering his eyes. I've seen it now.
After a while, I dress up, leave and let him rest. I go back to the library and put everything back in order. After a few minutes, there are no traces left of the "accident". I head for the medical section and start to go through books, writing down spells, potions, anything that would help Draco. I've already gone through a stack of books when Granger enters. Damn, why is she always in this place?
She nods curtly at me, probably waiting for a nasty comment to come from me. I only bite my lip and go back to my task, not only I'm not in the mood, but I still can't forget how I felt at the beginning of last week. I survey the recipe of a potion for the whip marks and start to methodically bang my head on the wooden table. This is just too complicated, I'm never going to succeed.
"Stop that irritating racket, Zabini."
"Shut your face Granger, I'm not in the mood."
However, I stop. I put my head in my hands and sigh heavily.
"I shut up when it pleases me and certainly don't take orders from you, stupid git!"
I don't react. In fact, I'm not sure she has even spoken these words or if I have imagined them. Everything is so strange this morning. Unreal.
"Are you alright?" And here we go, the fake sympathy she's supposed to feel since she's perfect. Because it's the politically correct thing to do, excepting the other to smile stupidly and say that yes, they're alright. I'm gonna surprise her, I'm going to be honest.
"No, I'm bloody not. Because everything is just so screwed that I don't see a way out. Not that you care, though, so leave me alone."
I shake my head and grab my quill again. I've an important thing to do.
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*Hannah's pov*
My sense of duty awakened this morning so I went to check on Draco. I hadn't in a long time because I knew that Ginny Weasley was there. But this morning was different. There was another presence in the castle. A cold and frightening one, full of darkness. A presence to which I was connected. My murderer. Lucius Malfoy was there. I went to the Slytherin common room and searched everywhere but Draco wasn't there. I concentrated on the presence to locate him. I could practically feel the cold enter me as I connected to Lucius Malfoy's mind. The library.
I made myself invisible and watched everything. I saw Blaise Zabini help Draco, and I'm at least glad something went ok, but I'm worried about something else. I need to know how Ginny Weasley is. I know where the Gryffindor common room is, but I've never been there before, there was no point. Myrtle is always there, though, trying to spot Harry Potter. They're all up and I float up the stairs to see what provoked such havoc. The little Weasley is lying on the floor of her dorm, she apparently has fainted. But I hear conversations. Hermione slaps Ron and suddenly start to yell about his stupidity before going out of the common room. I follow her, I know that Ginny is out of danger now that Draco is himself safe.
I witness her argument with Zabini. He's obviously still shocked with what happened and when he leaves, Hermione just continues to watch blankly the closed door of the library. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, but I need help. I appear right in front of her and she shrieks.
"Ha-Han-Hannah A-bott?" she stammers pathetically. I roll my eyes and launch myself in explanations. I tell her everything, well, everything I know. Till this morning. She stares again at the door when I come to Zabini's role in the story. She looks quite traumatized and starts to mumble about mind bonds and everything. I sigh, relieved that she has understood everything. She gets up suddenly and grabs the book that the Slytherin boy had in front of him when she had started to annoy him. Flipping the pages, she recognizes the one he had been reading. A very complicated healing potion. Looking at the list of ingredients, she shakes her head.
"He can't find about half the ingredients for that potion, I really don't see how he's gonna manage to make it." I roll my eyes again, am I really talking to Hermione Granger, the one that always has ideas to pull her dream team out of the fix?
"And where can you go when you need ingredients you don't have for a POTION?"
She slams the book on the table. "Snape's classroom! Thanks Hannah!" I hear her running footsteps echo through the halls as she hurries to help Zabini. I smirk a bit, it seems that in fact, Slytherins and Gryffindors can be good friends.
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*Hermione's pov*
I find myself facing Snape's classroom door. I hear someone moving inside. I put my hand on the handle and apply pressure slowly. I'm a bit scared. Zabini is there, going through Snape's shelves and cupboards. He piles the ingredients on a table, running everywhere. He hasn't realised I'm here yet and I start completing the list. The look on his face is priceless when he finally sees me, but we don't have much time and continue to go through Snape's supplies.
We decide to go to Myrtle's bathroom and brew it immediately. We don't even argue on anything, it's rather strange. We run to the bathroom and take our things out; Blaise works quickly and with precision. I didn't know he was good at potions. Wait, what did I call him?
I shake my thoughts and continue to work. Soon, we're done and just watch it boil. Blaise sighs heavily, rests his head against the wall and closes his eyes. The silence is thick, I feel the need to break it.
"Hannah told me that you saw what happened this morning. It must have been horrible, really." He looks at me sadly.
"Who's Hannah?" I shrug off the question and just tell him she's a ghost. He doesn't ask more, he stares pensively at the cauldron.
"There was so much blood. And I wanted to throw up, I never imagined I would see something like that one day. And the things Lucius Malfoy said, they were just so terrible. He was ranting madly about how he would kill Ginny Weasley and then Draco would be crawling in front of Voldemort. His father is really insane, it's scary. And he doesn't seem to have any notion of good and evil, I don't understand how one can be that cruel and devoid of all humanity."
I raise my eyebrows at his comments. Did I just hear that some Slytherins don't want to be Death Eaters? Obviously, Blaise doesn't hold much respect for Voldemort, and Lucius' anger could be explained if his son doesn't want to follow his footsteps. I laugh bitterly; half an hour spent civilly with a Slytherin questions everything that I had built during my previous Hogwarts years. Only now do I realise how much of a stereotype my image of the Slytherin house was.
"Why do you laugh?"
"Do you realise that Slytherins and Gryffindors have spent centuries fighting when they're not so different in fact? It's so stupid. We're so stupid."
He says nothing but a small smile plays on his lips. I follow his gaze and see that the potion is ready. He pours it into a bottle as I clean our stuff. Things go a lot more easily when we associate.
We head toward the principal staircase, where our paths part.
"Thanks for your help, I don't think I would have managed it alone." He's sincere, I just smile broadly.
"Well, we're making a good team. I guess I'll see you around!"
As I leave for the Tower, I look back and quickly steal a last glimpse of him. I grin again and quicken my pace, I have to tell Ginny that someone is there for Draco.
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*sing song voice* Hermione knows, Hermione knows *happy dance* The more people that know, the more people who can help!!!! I love the abuse scene!! Well, obviously not love since my dear Draco was being hurt, but it was written really really well. And I love the last line "It never stops", that just chills the reader. I adore Blaise!!!! Amazing chapter, poor Ginny!!! Hehe, Hermione slapped Ron, I can only imagine what he said to deserve it. Anywho, great job!!!!! :-)
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Well, people, it's like always! You loved it, review..you hated it.. What the hell are you doing in chapter 19???????????
Luna-is-my-name: thankd for your review! Welcome to insane realm! Anyway, of course it's possible to love Draco more! Love for him knows no boundaries, he he he.
Angelic Fire: you've read it in one setting? Whoa, I'm impressed! Thanks, I guess you liked it if you read it that way. Lol, I've caught your hint... but it's me writing the story here, muahahahahaha...
Ohjuotaku: wheee! Another weirdo! Good good good... you want to kill Lucius? Sign up just there! Muahahahaha... Nah, you can't kill him, I need the bastard for my damn fic! Draco is indeed blond, but he's cute too, and blonds are cute, I love Chad Michael Murray, he he he... and it's not because you're not blonde that you're not stupid. My former best friend has black hair and she's like the most stupid person I've ever met (don't ask me how I put up with her for such a long time, it's unreal...)
Twisted Silver Dagger: I love your reviews you know! You're not just saying good job or something, but your short analysis of the chapter pulls it all together and I find the structure that maybe I thought was lacking...the whole laughing scene is a funny one! I thought their friendship had not enough of concrete ground and was too passive, I hope I'll manage to make it more alive. thanks again for your review, I loved it, like always.
Miriam G: Hey Queen of the Upas! Ahem... Do you fall off your chair often? He he he... Blaise and Hermione are just another little twist to make my story more "unique" the plot is predictable, so I have to find twists that are a bit new! Duh, I wonder how it's possible they didn't begin to make fun of that obsession sooner! Yep, I'm in second year in college, but nobody believes me when I say so, people generally think I'm 17 or something... Don't know why, I'm quite tall and such. Well, ok, my behaviour could induce the error, muahahahahahaha...Joking, I'm pretty normal when on the streets. Well, you're dangerous in another way, you might hit them with a Crucio to prove Voldey that you're worth being his wife... Well, I must agree with him, sheeps are not exceptionally smart. *hides behind table*. Lol, your comic sounds funny! Oh... obsessed with world domination! Aren't we all? Muahahahahah.... down with the normality plague.
Rubberduckie 713: don't worry, Blaise will soon discover how to turn her into a duck and will gladly share his knowledge with fellow Pansy haters. Muahahahahaha... Fear the almightiness of Lord Voldemort... *cough* yeah, movin' on. Colin is stupid, I agree, but sadly, it's how people generally react to self-injury. Guess the world is dumb. Lol, I'm always happy to receive reviews from you! Psycho or not. He he he, caffeine is GOOD! But it will never be able to counteract the sleeping process during Chem...
Jhaylin: Thanks! Probably not the best story you've ever read, but I try to write something decent. Continue to review!
Darling Rag Doll: well, I see that even if you don't approve of self- injury, you still read that story, so I guess I've got to say thanks. And thanks for adding me to your fav list, it's always great to be added on someone's list! Hope you're gonna continue to read!
Jewelkitten: Ha ah ah... What is Lucius gonna do? That's a great question... what can I say? Read on!
Disclaimer: What is the point in writing a disclaimer when in chapter 19? Well, it's just that I can ramble a bit more. I still don't own HP, but I will once, when I take over the world, muahahahaha... I still own Seamus though, but the blasted laptop is acting funny today. *sigh* stupid computers....
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Struggle 19:
*Draco's pov*
I'm terrified. I'm just incapable of relaxing at all. Father is here, I know it. It's only a matter of minutes till he arrives now. It's 5 am. The moon shines slightly through the small windows, bathing the dorm in some ethereal light. I'm sitting on the floor, my head resting against the damp wall. I haven't even changed from my school shirt and pants and in fact, I haven't moved for hours. I wish the coldness of my body will numb the pain, I wish I would die from cold now and wouldn't have to go through this shit again. And if I died, everything would be a lot simpler for everybody, right? Ginny wouldn't have any problems anymore.
Ginny. I'm flaming scared for her too. With this bond, I fear that she can be hurt. She was brought in the hospital wing the day Father last visited me. And it wasn't because of the cut in her palm that she collapsed, it's not possible. She should have left me alone and nothing would be as screwed up as now. But it's too late, we can't back out of anything. I wish I could, though.
The door opens slowly and Father appears. I stand up and wait for him to come to me. I'm no coward, I'll defy him. His face is cold and neutral, I've the impression that I'm facing myself. He grips my wrist tightly, but this time, I don't even blink at the pain it causes. I'm in control. He drags me out of the dorm, I can't help but wonder if we're heading to Snape's classroom again. Obviously not.
We enter the library and he smashes me against a bookshelf. I can't help wincing when the edge of a book stabs my back. Father holds my throat and glares at me menacingly. I glare back and don't let him know how much he's hurting me. My lungs are on fire because of the lack of oxygen but I know how to keep my voice steady when I finally speak.
"Are you gonna beat me without a word, like last time?"
His glare darkens even more, if that's possible.
"So you want to talk? Why don't we talk about your little friend then? I heard some pretty things. Maybe she would love to have these pleasant sessions with us? Personally, it would be a real pleasure to be further acquainted with her."
My heart sinks. So he already knows. It's not really difficult to figure out who had the stupidity to inform him. What can happen to Ginny? If she's in trouble because of me, I will never forgive myself. I try to ban the images that come up to my mind, images of Hannah and a terrible night. I don't need that now, I have to stand for myself if I want to get through this dreadful morning.
"Leave her out of this. I want to know why you do this. Why you led Mother to her death, why your goal is to destroy me at all costs!"
"You don't need any justification, you have no right to one. You were born a pawn, a slave, and it's going to stay that way. You're worthless, your only quality is to provide me entertainment. I can do whatever pleases me with you. And even if you think you're independent, I'll prove you that you aren't. I'll hunt down the Weasley girl, I'll kill her and you'll be left with nothing but your pain. And then you'll turn to our Lord, because you perfectly know that he's the only one who can erase it, and you'll crawl on your knees in front of him, begging him to help you. And that's how you'll come back to the Dark, where you belong.
In rage, I spit in his face. He wipes it off his cheek lazily and smirks widely. "You've just earned yourself a lovely morning."
I know what is going to happen now; the mad glint in his eyes has reinforced, he's practically gloating with insanity. He slaps me with all his strength and sends me to the floor. My head hits a panel of the bookshelf when I fall, it hurts; I can't see anything anymore, just a pitch black field. I shake my head, trying to regain my sight but it doesn't work, a sharp pain shoots in my head. I hate that I can't see him anymore, that I can't anticipate his moves and protect myself as much as it's possible.
The sick ballet of his kicks starts, slowly at the beginning, but going faster and faster. The rhythm becoming intense, to the point where I can't even breathe between two blows. I throw up and feel the copper taste of blood coming up, warm on my tongue. I hear him rack his cane against the books and they all fall on me. He seems to find it amusing and does it again with another shelf. The heavy charms books bruise my skin, he laughs manically, happy to be in a creative mood. And the sick cycle begins again. His foot in my stomach, a whip with his blasted cane, a fist connecting with my chest. It never stops.
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*Blaise's pov*
I followed Draco and his father out of the common room, I trailed them to the library, I heard everything. Now I can see everything. I feel stupid, not knowing what to do. A "friend" is being beaten and I just stay there, hidden in the shadows. Mr Malfoy leaves after having whispered a last thing to Draco. I can't believe he's just left him there, like this. I check my watch. 6:30. it has lasted more than one hour, I feel sick.
I crawl out of my hidden spot and approach Draco slowly. God, this sight is sickening, there's blood and vomit on the floor, on him, everywhere. I take my wand out of my pocket and clean the mess. I kneel down in front of Draco and take a closer look at his wounds. They're not pretty, not at all. I'm in shock, I don't really know what to do. I stand up again and turn to go to fetch a teacher when a hand grabs my ankle.
"Who are you?" he chokes.
"It's me, Blaise Zabini. Can't you recognize me?"
He whispers something about blurry eyesight and then about not telling anybody and bringing him back to the dorm. I kneel down again.
"You need medical attention Draco, you're badly injured. And the fact that you can't see properly might be a consequence of a concussion."
"Please."
I sigh. He's so freaking stubborn. I decide to help him back to the common room, and from there, I'll see if I go for Mrs Pomfrey. I help him up and let him use my body as a support. We slowly make our way back to the dungeons where he collapses on his bed. Crabbe and Goyle are snoring profoundly, not even moving when we enter not so discreetly.
I try to clean the injuries as much as I can but I don't know any healing spell. I suddenly realise my lack of knowledge and decide to check books later in the day. When I'm finished, Draco falls asleep quickly. I just stare at him, I feel so sorry. I never knew what was happening, he really hid it well. Nobody suspects what is behind the appearances and no one ever saw what was beyond the cold veil covering his eyes. I've seen it now.
After a while, I dress up, leave and let him rest. I go back to the library and put everything back in order. After a few minutes, there are no traces left of the "accident". I head for the medical section and start to go through books, writing down spells, potions, anything that would help Draco. I've already gone through a stack of books when Granger enters. Damn, why is she always in this place?
She nods curtly at me, probably waiting for a nasty comment to come from me. I only bite my lip and go back to my task, not only I'm not in the mood, but I still can't forget how I felt at the beginning of last week. I survey the recipe of a potion for the whip marks and start to methodically bang my head on the wooden table. This is just too complicated, I'm never going to succeed.
"Stop that irritating racket, Zabini."
"Shut your face Granger, I'm not in the mood."
However, I stop. I put my head in my hands and sigh heavily.
"I shut up when it pleases me and certainly don't take orders from you, stupid git!"
I don't react. In fact, I'm not sure she has even spoken these words or if I have imagined them. Everything is so strange this morning. Unreal.
"Are you alright?" And here we go, the fake sympathy she's supposed to feel since she's perfect. Because it's the politically correct thing to do, excepting the other to smile stupidly and say that yes, they're alright. I'm gonna surprise her, I'm going to be honest.
"No, I'm bloody not. Because everything is just so screwed that I don't see a way out. Not that you care, though, so leave me alone."
I shake my head and grab my quill again. I've an important thing to do.
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*Hannah's pov*
My sense of duty awakened this morning so I went to check on Draco. I hadn't in a long time because I knew that Ginny Weasley was there. But this morning was different. There was another presence in the castle. A cold and frightening one, full of darkness. A presence to which I was connected. My murderer. Lucius Malfoy was there. I went to the Slytherin common room and searched everywhere but Draco wasn't there. I concentrated on the presence to locate him. I could practically feel the cold enter me as I connected to Lucius Malfoy's mind. The library.
I made myself invisible and watched everything. I saw Blaise Zabini help Draco, and I'm at least glad something went ok, but I'm worried about something else. I need to know how Ginny Weasley is. I know where the Gryffindor common room is, but I've never been there before, there was no point. Myrtle is always there, though, trying to spot Harry Potter. They're all up and I float up the stairs to see what provoked such havoc. The little Weasley is lying on the floor of her dorm, she apparently has fainted. But I hear conversations. Hermione slaps Ron and suddenly start to yell about his stupidity before going out of the common room. I follow her, I know that Ginny is out of danger now that Draco is himself safe.
I witness her argument with Zabini. He's obviously still shocked with what happened and when he leaves, Hermione just continues to watch blankly the closed door of the library. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, but I need help. I appear right in front of her and she shrieks.
"Ha-Han-Hannah A-bott?" she stammers pathetically. I roll my eyes and launch myself in explanations. I tell her everything, well, everything I know. Till this morning. She stares again at the door when I come to Zabini's role in the story. She looks quite traumatized and starts to mumble about mind bonds and everything. I sigh, relieved that she has understood everything. She gets up suddenly and grabs the book that the Slytherin boy had in front of him when she had started to annoy him. Flipping the pages, she recognizes the one he had been reading. A very complicated healing potion. Looking at the list of ingredients, she shakes her head.
"He can't find about half the ingredients for that potion, I really don't see how he's gonna manage to make it." I roll my eyes again, am I really talking to Hermione Granger, the one that always has ideas to pull her dream team out of the fix?
"And where can you go when you need ingredients you don't have for a POTION?"
She slams the book on the table. "Snape's classroom! Thanks Hannah!" I hear her running footsteps echo through the halls as she hurries to help Zabini. I smirk a bit, it seems that in fact, Slytherins and Gryffindors can be good friends.
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*Hermione's pov*
I find myself facing Snape's classroom door. I hear someone moving inside. I put my hand on the handle and apply pressure slowly. I'm a bit scared. Zabini is there, going through Snape's shelves and cupboards. He piles the ingredients on a table, running everywhere. He hasn't realised I'm here yet and I start completing the list. The look on his face is priceless when he finally sees me, but we don't have much time and continue to go through Snape's supplies.
We decide to go to Myrtle's bathroom and brew it immediately. We don't even argue on anything, it's rather strange. We run to the bathroom and take our things out; Blaise works quickly and with precision. I didn't know he was good at potions. Wait, what did I call him?
I shake my thoughts and continue to work. Soon, we're done and just watch it boil. Blaise sighs heavily, rests his head against the wall and closes his eyes. The silence is thick, I feel the need to break it.
"Hannah told me that you saw what happened this morning. It must have been horrible, really." He looks at me sadly.
"Who's Hannah?" I shrug off the question and just tell him she's a ghost. He doesn't ask more, he stares pensively at the cauldron.
"There was so much blood. And I wanted to throw up, I never imagined I would see something like that one day. And the things Lucius Malfoy said, they were just so terrible. He was ranting madly about how he would kill Ginny Weasley and then Draco would be crawling in front of Voldemort. His father is really insane, it's scary. And he doesn't seem to have any notion of good and evil, I don't understand how one can be that cruel and devoid of all humanity."
I raise my eyebrows at his comments. Did I just hear that some Slytherins don't want to be Death Eaters? Obviously, Blaise doesn't hold much respect for Voldemort, and Lucius' anger could be explained if his son doesn't want to follow his footsteps. I laugh bitterly; half an hour spent civilly with a Slytherin questions everything that I had built during my previous Hogwarts years. Only now do I realise how much of a stereotype my image of the Slytherin house was.
"Why do you laugh?"
"Do you realise that Slytherins and Gryffindors have spent centuries fighting when they're not so different in fact? It's so stupid. We're so stupid."
He says nothing but a small smile plays on his lips. I follow his gaze and see that the potion is ready. He pours it into a bottle as I clean our stuff. Things go a lot more easily when we associate.
We head toward the principal staircase, where our paths part.
"Thanks for your help, I don't think I would have managed it alone." He's sincere, I just smile broadly.
"Well, we're making a good team. I guess I'll see you around!"
As I leave for the Tower, I look back and quickly steal a last glimpse of him. I grin again and quicken my pace, I have to tell Ginny that someone is there for Draco.
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*sing song voice* Hermione knows, Hermione knows *happy dance* The more people that know, the more people who can help!!!! I love the abuse scene!! Well, obviously not love since my dear Draco was being hurt, but it was written really really well. And I love the last line "It never stops", that just chills the reader. I adore Blaise!!!! Amazing chapter, poor Ginny!!! Hehe, Hermione slapped Ron, I can only imagine what he said to deserve it. Anywho, great job!!!!! :-)
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Well, people, it's like always! You loved it, review..you hated it.. What the hell are you doing in chapter 19???????????