A/N: I don't own Harry Potter
Warning: slight mention of sexual assault and derogatory language.
"Your witch is in the charms classroom on the third floor," Daphne announced as she entered the common room and walked past Draco. Right now, they were the only ones there.
"My...oh."
"She promised she wouldn't do anything stupid. I don't actually believe her. She's...upset?" Daphne shrugged. Draco jumped to his feet racing to the third floor.
Hermione was still sitting at the desk, her hand folded neatly as if she was trying to keep them from moving. Her head jerked to the door as Draco entered.
"You came?!"
"Daphne said you were looking for me."
"She found me in the hall. I...I was upset."
"She said as much, don't worry, she didn't mention your name. She called you 'my witch'." Hermione snorted. "My thoughts exactly. Even if I...I was interested in you, like that...My parents' guest would make that kind of interaction unwise." Hermione gasped.
"He's staying at your manor?!"
"Yes."
"Does any of this even matter anymore, Draco? Grades, school...I'm just a mud-blood, if he was..." Draco stared at her. Daphne had definitely understated Hermione's condition.
"You're not to use that word. Yes, it matters. The light will prevail, doesn't it always?"
"Why shouldn't I? It's true, I'm just a mud-blood and if I'm lucky I"ll end up dead or breeding stock." Draco's hands clenched into fists. How dare she talk about herself like that. She was brilliant, any wizard would be lucky to have her as his.
"Who said that? Where are these horrible words coming from? Is that what they said on the train?" He was going to murder Warrington...slowly and painfully. Maybe Snape would teach him that slicing spell of his?
She nodded slightly. Draco sighed sitting in the chair next to her.
"Hermione, none of that is true. You are so much more than any of those horrid things they said. If I could, I would punish them for what they did to you." Hermione slowly pulled back her sleeve. Draco looked at her arm. He rose, stood next to her and pulled her to her feet. He hugged her tightly. She laid her head against him, tears falling from her eyes. He wasn't sure how long they stood like that, him holding her, letting her cry.
"We should get back before someone notices we're gone."
"Too late for that, Miss Granger," a dry voice commented from the doorway. They pulled apart.
"Professor Snape."
"Sir."
"Class, or the hospital wing, both of you," he ordered glancing at Hermione's arm. "And since I'm feeling generous today, ten points from Gryffindor, and ten points to Slytherin. Now, go before I change my mind."
"Hospital wing or class?" Draco asked as Professor Snape glared at them.
"I don't need a lecture about my arm. Class."
"Charms?" Draco asked. He'd memorized her class schedule.
"Yeah, you've got herbology."
"Yes, well, you'll be alright?" She nodded slowly.
"Good. Don't trust Daphne, I don't know what her game is. If you need me..."
"I'll find you," she gave him a tiny smile. "Go, we can't both be late, people will talk." Draco nodded as they parted ways. Professor Snape had already stalked off.
"Maybe I want them to talk," he whispered watching her walk away.
