A/N: I still don't own Harry Potter

Warning: mentions an assault and aftereffects

word count: 827

She finally stopped running when her legs gave out under her. She wasn't even sure where in the castle she even was. She fell to her knees sobbing. Slowly, she raised her head and looked around. The corridor looked like every single one in the school. Taking a deep breath, she slowly climbed to her feet.

Her clothes were rumbled, but intact, her hair was a disaster, but she knew no one would notice. Her first thought was to go straight to Dumbledore. She even started walking in what she hoped was the right way. Would he even believe her? She was sure Warrington had gotten out of the body bind by now. It would be her word against his, same as the train.

"He's going to kill me," she whispered wondering if Dumbledore would even be able to protect her. She'd started losing faith in him after Voldemort had returned. No one believed he was even back. Why didn't he do more to convince people?

She turned the corner and realized where she was. A faint hint of a relieved smile crossed her face, only to disappear just as quickly. Would he even believe her? He'd believed her about the train. She knew he couldn't do anything, not outright, but maybe?

She found his door, well, she hoped it was his door and not some random storage closet. Bringing up her trembling hand she knocked loudly. After a minute not hearing anything, she burst into tears and curled up against the door, her entire body shaking. Slowly, exhaustion, both physical and mental caught up to her. Her eyelids grew heavy and slowly drooped until the witch was sound asleep against the wooden door.

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Severus Snape grumbled as he walked towards his chamber. Someone had managed to put one of his snakes in a full body bind. Of course, Warrington hadn't said a word about who had done it. It wouldn't surprise him if it had been Malfoy. He sighed shaking his head. That boy was going to get himself killed!

First the whole mess with the Dark Lord staying at Malfoy Manor, and then the Granger girl's assault on the train, Draco standing up for her, suddenly wanting to be her knight in shining freaking armor. Lucius had just written telling him Draco would be staying over the holiday. Severus knew it had nothing to do with the boy's grades. Only Miss Granger was beating his scores. He wondered just how he was supposed to keep his godson alive while the boy was insistent on doing everything he could against his father's wishes.

He reached his chamber and blinked. Speak of the devil!

"Miss Granger!" She bolted awake and onto her feet. He glared at her. Her jumper was rumpled, her hair mused, there were dried tear tracks on her cheeks. Merlin, couldn't this girl keep out of trouble for one day?

"Sir, I'm sorry sir, I didn't know where else to go."

"I'm sure Headmaster Dumbledore would love to see you in his office."

"He didn't do anything the first time, sir. It's my word against his!"

"The first time... you mean," he paused and opened the door ushering her inside. "Miss Granger, were you attacked again?" She nodded. He nodded to a chair. She sank into it and took a deep breath. She was done hiding, done being afraid. Professor Snape had believed her before, he'd been the only one who seemed to have some idea how to help her.

"Yes, sir, I would like to report an assault... He was going to kill me because I told the first time. I want you to know Cassius Warrington assaulted me on the Hogwarts Express and today he shoved me into an empty classroom and threatened me," she stated a determined look on her face.

"These are serious accusations, no I'm not dismissing them, Miss Granger. I am duty bound to report this to the headmaster." She nodded.

"Yes, sir," she whispered shaking. He looked at the girl.

"Would you like me to take you to the infirmary? There's a bruise spreading across your nose."

"I'd just like... to stay here, for a minute. I feel safe here... sir." He blinked. Safe? With him? This girl had been traumatized, he couldn't deny that.

"Miss Granger, perhaps a cup of tea?" She nodded slowly and he quickly had one brought. She took a few sips, calming a bit. He couldn't help but wonder if Dumbledore would even act against Warrington, it was her word against his, but she was Potter's friend. That had to mean something, right? He glanced back over at her, she'd curled up in the chair and managed to fall back asleep. He sighed knowing moving her anywhere right now would only upset her more. He sat on the couch across from her and picked up the stack of papers he still had to grade. He'd talk to Dumbledore in the morning.