Flying

By: Demoness Mark

Hermione hated being short. Being so small meant she couldn't get items on the top shelf in the grocery store without asking for help, which she loathed to do, or the books up the upper shelves at the library or bookstore. It meant that she was forever reliant on someone else to help, just because she wasn't 6 foot 5. Being short meant that she was an easy target, if she didn't have her wand for those who wish to pick on her, like now.

She grumbled at herself that she knew better than to get into such situations. She'd had it drilled into her head to always carry her wand and to be CONSTANTLY VIGILANT. Some good it did when she decided to ignore all that she'd been taught for a quick trip to the kitchen to get a cup of hot, sweet chamomile tea.

Now her book which she had just borrowed from the library was flying between Malfoy's two goons, and she had to make a half-hearted attempt to grab it, all the while waiting for someone to come by and help her.

"Accio book."

The voice came from behind her, deep and masculine. She didn't really care who it was, as long as it was someone who would give her the precious book back, and not turn it back over to the goons.

The book was extended over her shoulder. The goons disappeared seeing that they wouldn't be able to continue their fun.

"You should take better care of objects in your possession, Granger, especially when they aren't yours."

She turned around and almost physically melted. It was him. Zabini. Even more gorgeous close up than he appeared from a distance, and unfortunately it seem, much more of a prick.

"Thank you, I do believe I'll take your advice under consideration," She said snidely, before turning and dropping back into her regular voice, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. You are right, I should have been more careful. Thank you for rescuing it for me."

She turned to leave but found herself prevented from moving by a hand on her shoulder. A dark masculine hand.

"Would you like me to escort you to the kitchens and then back up to the Gryff Common room? I usually wouldn't offer as you are able to take care of yourself, but I notice that you aren't carrying your wand."

She blinked.

"How did you . . . ?"

"Know that you were going to the kitchens and then to your common room? Because I figured that if you thought you would be going very far you would bring your wand, or if you were going to do homework, as it is sometimes needed. And it couldn't be homework anyways since the book you were carrying was fiction. That only leaves the kitchens, were it is quiet and comfortable for a good read, especially if you can get a house elf to create a comfortable chair. As for going back to the common room, you wouldn't leave your wand unguarded unless you thought it was completely safe, and you wouldn't go anywhere besides the kitchens without a wand. Does that explain it?"

She blinked again.

"Yes, it does, and I would be most glad of the company, if you don't mind."

He flashed a brilliant grin, her parents would be proud of his smile, and merely grabbed her hand and started walking.

She also hated being short because it meant that when someone walked with her they always dragged her along. But somehow when Blaise did this it felt like flying.