Chapter 18: The One Where Two Snakes Make a Pact

Ron had cooled down when Harry got to the Gryffindor common room. He was pacing back and forth muttering to himself. He was counting on his fingers. Was he trying to figure out how to replace all of his alcohol?

"Hey man. You okay? You seemed pretty pissed."

"That was all of it man. All of my alcohol. It's gone now. Who does she think she is?"

"She was just trying to help. Granted that wasn't the best way to do it, but you have been drinking a bit too much."

"And who does Malfoy think he is? He's manipulating her, Harry. I just know it. There's no way 'Mione would be friends with a slimy wretch like that."

"Ron, I don't like him either, but I think Hermione can take care of herself. Merlin knows she's taken care of us for years now."

However, Ron was not listening. He was too preoccupied with trying to figure out who he could pay to get him more booze. Their first Hogsmeade trip was coming up, but was one bottle enough to last until then? Maybe he could sneak out of the castle. Whatever he decided, it would need to be soon.

When Hermione awoke, she went to her common room to check if her friends were still there. She did not want them to be left waiting on her too long. She saw Ginny lounging on the couch reading a magazine that Blaise had left.

"Hey. Sorry about that. Why'd you stay?"

"Oh! You're up. Good. Are you okay? What was that about?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just tired of Ron drinking. I wasn't really thinking. Just kind of acted. His drinking has gotten out of hand."

"I would have to agree but maybe next time try talking to him before smashing it all."

Hermione just nodded. Because talking had been so successful thus far. She curled up next to Ginny and enjoyed the companionship.

"You apologizing to my ass of a brother?"

"Of course… Just maybe not today."

"Want me to leave you be? I'll go tell the boys that you'll see them tomorrow."

"Thanks, Gin."

With that, Ginny left Hermione to her thoughts. Honestly, she could not remember much of what had happened. All she could remember was the crashing of bottles, her tears running down her face, and the slight bit of comfort she got from a warm body that allowed her to sleep. Lost in her thoughts, she did not hear the two Slytherin boys enter the room and attempt to speak with her.

"Earth to Granger!" That shot her out of her reverie.

"Um. Sorry. Yes?"

"We heard what the Weasel did outside the Great Hall. You okay?" Concern laced within the head boy's question.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I can handle myself."

"Obviously," Draco said, almost sounding like their late professor.

"I don't need your help. I can handle Ronald just fine, thank you. He just needs to stop drinking."

Draco rolled his eyes at her. When would she understand the Weasel was numbing himself from the world and had deeper issues than just his drinking problem? He had anger problems, as well that could very well get the bushy haired know-it-all killed one day if she were not careful. Especially when she refused to lift a wand against the tosser.

"Suit yourself, but if you need us, you know where to find us," Blaise said with a slightly menacing tone. The statement gave Hermione chills. Well, at least someone had noticed she supposed. It complicated things, but she did not have to suffer completely in silence. She guessed this cemented their newfound friendship a bit tighter.

Blaise gave Draco a knowing look. They would kill a Weasel if he hurt her too badly. She could take care of herself in most situations, but when Ronald Weasley was involved in the problem, Hermione was downright idiotic in her methods.