Author's Note: Good day/morning/evening/what have you! We're getting close to the end. –tear– it went by so fast! Well, on to more non-depressing things, maybe.

Disclaimer: JKR is God.

Chapter thirteen

Opened up my failure

The next morning, Hermione woke with a start. She looked over at her alarm clock and discovered that it was almost ten o'clock. She was to meet everyone at Harry and Ginny's house at eleven. She quickly got up and took a ten minute shower. She put on regular clothes, a pair of jeans, a dark green t-shirt with Hollyhead Harpies on the front in gold letters and a pair of trainers. Hermione threw her hair in a high ponytail and headed out of the door.

Moments later, she turned up next to the gate in front of the Potter's residence. She smiled to herself and headed up the familiar pathway. She knocked lightly on the door and waited for someone to answer. She didn't have to wait long because Harry came to the door with a smile on his face.

"Good morning, Hermione," he said letting her in.

"Good morning, Harry!" Hermione said smiling back at him.

"We just have to wait on Ron and then we'll go. Gin already left to get a practice in before the game," Harry said walking into the kitchen, "tea?"

"Yes, please. So, how was the honey moon?" Hermione asked sitting down.

"Brilliant. Ireland is really nice. It's very picturesque. So, how have you been?" Harry asked setting down a cup of tea in front of Hermione.

"Oh, er, it's been all right. Boring without you and Gin of course," she said taking a sip.

"Hermione, it's ok. Ron explained to us about the talk you two had," Harry said taking a sip as well.

"Oh, okay. Well, you're basically up to date then," she said.

"Basically? What else am I missing?" He asked raising a black eyebrow.

Before Hermione could answer, there was a second knock on the door. Harry gave her a look to say this isn't over and headed to the door. Moments later, boisterous voices were heard coming back down the hall. In comes Harry with Ron on his heels.

"Would you like some tea, Ron?" Harry asked his best mate.

"Nah, I already had some before I came over. Hello, Hermione," Ron said with a casual smile.

"Hey, Ron," Hermione said beaming at him.

Harry watched the exchange in silence and shook his head.

"Shall we be off then?" Harry asked setting his cup down.

The others nodded and headed into the backyard. Harry grabbed a muggle gnome statue that was to be their portkey and waited for the others to place their fingers upon it. Harry said the password and they were off. Harry never got used to the uncomfortable feeling of travelling by portkey. He learned how to land better, but by no means got used to the feeling of it.

The three friends let go of the gnome and landed smoothly on the hill below them. The Hollyhead Harpies were playing in their hometown of Hollyhead, Wales. Harry, Ron and Hermione walked down the hill towards to the pitch. They were all having casual conversations as they made it to the pitch.

As they got to the area where you had to pay for tickets, Harry pulled out a badge showing that he had a season tickets, as well as Ron and Hermione. Oh, the perks of knowing the chaser. The three continued their chat as they headed towards one of the top boxes.

Hermione sat between Harry and Ron when they finally made it to the box. They got snacks and sat back and waited for the match to begin. Harry thought this the perfect opportunity to ask Hermione about her absence last night.

"Hermione, I have a question," Harry said looking at her.

"Shoot," she said.

"Why didn't you make it over last night? Gin and I aren't mad. We're just curious, is all," he said sitting back in his seat.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry about that. I feel so bad about it. I didn't even realize how late it was until I got home," she said being vague.

Ron turned pale knowing who she was with last night. He didn't say anything, but stared straight ahead. Harry looked at Hermione as to go on, but she merely exploded in excitement as the match was about to start.

The announcer's voice echoed loud and clear around the pitch. Every fan in the whole stadium started to scream and clap.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! Today we have the Hollyhead Harpies (everyone burst into screams) against Pride of Portree!" Everyone booed.

"Now, now, don't boo them just yet," the announcer said with a smile in his voice," now to introduce the teams!"

"All right! We have Glynnis Griffiths in the Seeker position, Lidia Skyy as Keeper, and then we have Gwenog Jones and Angela Verse as the brilliant Beaters! We mustn't forget about the three very delicious Chasers: Wilda Griffiths, Valmai Morgans and captain Ginny Weasley!"

Harry, Hermione and Ron burst into applause. Harry leaned over to Hermione and said loudly,

"whoever that announcer is, remind me to beat his ass later. I don't appreciate him calling my wife…delicious."

Hermione felt a small smile creeping to her lips. "Noted."

After the announcer called upon the opposing team onto the pitch, the match started with intensity. It was really exciting to watch. Hermione found herself screaming and clapping along with everyone else. She looked over at Ron who was also enjoying himself. He felt her gaze on his face. He looked over at her and smiled.

"Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Yes?" She said tearing her eyes off of his face to catch Ginny scoring her 5th goal in a matter of minutes.

"We need to talk," he said clapping as Ginny did a quick trick on her broom as celebration.

"What about?" Hermione asked neutrally.

"Don't worry about it. How about tomorrow?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, that's fine. After work then?" She asked.

"That works," he said.

They went back to enjoying the game and didn't say much after their quick conversation.

The match didn't last very long. The Hollyhead Harpies beat the pants off of the Pride of Portree. The final scored ended up to be 230 to 30. Harry, Hermione and Ron walked down the steps towards the locker rooms. The Harpies were taking their victory lap as they made their way.

They waited outside of the locker room to wait for Ginny. As the team came through the hallway to get to the locker room, they spotted Ginny instantly. She beamed at her three biggest fans.

"You were amazing, love," Harry said kissing Ginny's sweaty hair.

"You were bloody brilliant," Ron said patting her on the back.

"You did exceptionally well," Hermione said beaming at her friend.

"Thank you! I'll see you all in a bit? I just have to go get changed and we can all go get a bit to eat or something," she said walking towards to the locker room.

They all nodded their heads and went to wait outside.

Ten minutes later, Ginny emerged looking refreshed. She spotted the three of them and ran towards them.

"Gosh, I feel so much better," she said wrapping an arm around Harry's back.

The four of them talked and laughed until they got to a small restaurant that wasn't as crowded as the other pubs and shops around it. They quickly walked in and took a circular table towards the back. There weren't many people inside of the restaurant and that was fine with them.

"So, what's been going on with you, Hermione since we didn't see you yesterday?" Ginny teased looking at her menu.

"Oh, nothing much, honestly. I've just been working," she said looking at her menu.

"Also, she's been bitching out people, well someone," Ron said with a smile.

Hermione blushed.

"Wait, what? You didn't tell us about this!" Harry laughed.

"It was nothing really. I promise. It was that Jordan girl. She was spreading lies about Ron and I lashed out at her," Hermione said still blushing.

Ginny and Harry both beamed at her. Hermione couldn't help but beam back at them.

"Hello! My name is Dolah and I will be your waitress today. May I start you all out with something to drink?" the average height, dark haired waitress said with a smile.

"Four teas and waters?" Harry asked the group.

The other three nodded and Dolah left with their orders.

After she left, the four friends continued to look at their menus, suggesting something to one another every once in awhile. Dolah came back moments later, levitating the eight drinks to their table. She gave them all of their drinks and a tea kettle. They all murmured their thanks.

"Have you all decided what you would like?" She asked cheerfully.

They all nodded and ordered one by one. Dolah wrote their orders down and quickly walked off.

"So, tell us more about Ireland," Hermione said breaking the silence.

"It was beautiful. We should all go sometime! The cabin we stayed in was great. It was in the middle of the woods, but not very far from the town. We were around some muggles when we went to town or took tours, but we weren't surrounded by a lot of people in general," Ginny said smiling.

"Sounds lovely," Hermione said sipping her tea.

Ten minutes later, their waitress came back out with their food. She placed it all on the table in front of them, asked if they needed anything else and left. The four people ate their meals, enjoyed each other's company and felt their little group was back to normal.

After they landed in Harry and Ginny's backyard, they all said their goodbyes. It had been a fun day and they were all a bit tired. Ron and Hermione walked around the house to apparated home.

Before they both apparated, Ron grabbed Hermione's shoulder softly.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow, right?" He asked her softly.

"Of, course," she said smiling at him.

Ron nodded.

"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione said knitting her eyebrows together.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow, Hermione. Just don't worry yourself about it. I just want to get some things straight," he said starting to walk through the gate.

"Oh, ok," she said sounding unconvinced.

With that, Ron turned and apparated away. Hermione stood there with her hand on the gate staring into space. She soon snapped out of it and apparated home.

Harry and Ginny slowly walked into their house.

"So, did Hermione tell you why she didn't come yesterday?" Ginny asked her husband.

"It was a very vague answer and I don't know how I feel about it," Harry said.

"Hmm. She has to be hiding something. She isn't a very convincing liar, like Ron. I wonder what she didn't want us to know," Ginny said.

"No idea, but I have a feeling Ron may know," Harry said heading into the living room.

"Why do you think that?" Ginny asked following Harry.

"When I asked her, he quickly looked over and turned pale. I don't think he thought I noticed, but I saw it," he said sitting on the couch.

"Interesting. We'll have to ask him about it tomorrow or something," Ginny said laying her head on Harry's shoulder.

The next day, Hermione got up and did her daily routine before work. She wasn't as enthused as she was usually, maybe because she was concerned about the talk with Ron later that day. She shrugged it off and walked downstairs to floo into work.

The day went by slowly. Every agonizing moment passed by like she was sinking in quicksand. It didn't help that she barely had any work to do. Hermione sighed to herself and bugged her boss to give her more work. This wasn't an unusual request, but her boss had nothing to give her today. Hermione went back to her desk defeated.

Harry and Ron worked in the same office. So, work for them was at least a bit entertaining. They didn't have much work to do as well, so they were balling up old papers and throwing them in the wastepaper basket while the other moved the basket around with their wand.

"Ron, can I ask you a question?" Harry asked as he missed a shot.

"Go ahead, mate," Ron said flicking the basket in a new area.

"Well, when I asked Hermione where she had been the other night, you turned a bit pale. Do you know anything about it?" Harry asked looking at his best friend from the corner of his eye.

Ron was quiet for a moment and opened his mouth to answer him, but closed it again. After a long pause, Ron finally answered.

"Well, it may have to deal with Draco Malfoy," Ron said not looking at Harry.

Harry put down the paper ball he was about to throw.

"What?" Harry asked quietly.

"Well, Malfoy wrote me a letter the other night. I didn't know it was him. He wanted me to meet him at The Three Broomsticks. I was leery to go, but I had my wand ready just in case," Ron said looking at Harry for the first time.

"What could he possibly want!" Harry asked sitting up in his chair.

"Well, he wanted to inform me that Hermione didn't love me and that she wanted nothing to do with me."

"Do you believe that?" Harry asked.

"No, I really don't. If that were the case, she wouldn't have come with us to the match. I know she loves me. I mean, after the talk we had a week ago, there's no denying it. That's why I'm going over to her place and talk about all of this," Ron said relaxing again.

"That's really…odd. I'm glad you don't believe it. Honestly, I wouldn't believe anything that bastard has to say," Harry said going back to aiming his shot.

"Yeah, no way I trust that arsehole. I hope she doesn't either," Ron said sounding a bit worried.

"Me either, mate," Harry said echoing his best mate's worries.

Hermione lifted her gaze to the clock above the lift. Only five minutes until she was able to go home. Her stomach tightened in anxiety. Her talk with Ron would be fine. She would be fine.

She cleaned off her desk and was able to leave. She pushed the button and waited on the lift. She hoped to Dumbledore himself that Draco would not be in the lift today. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that he wasn't there. She quickly got into the lift and hoped that he wouldn't be getting in as she passed by every floor.

As the door opened to the atrium, Hermione gave a leap of joy. She had avoided him. A smile came to her lips as she walked through the atrium with a skip in her step. She joined the masses flooing home.

She walked gracefully out of her fireplace in her living room and decided to change clothes before Ron came over. She changed into a simple summer dress and headed back downstairs. She started to brew some tea while she waited.

As she was pouring the tea in the cups, she heard a knock at her door. She quickly walked into the living room and went to open the door. Her smile instantly turned into a frown.

"Um, hi. What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.

"I've come to see you. I didn't get to at work today. I've grown fond of our meetings in the lift," Draco said smirking.

"I see. Well, today's not a good time," she said looking up at him.

"Why's that?" He asked with a frown.

"I'm having a meeting," she said looking around.

"Oh, with whom?" He asked.

"That's none of your business, really," she said with she hoped, was a genuine smile.

"Hermione, I thought we were friends," he said smiling at her.

"We kind of are, yes, but some parts of my life are private. I'm sure parts of your life are private, too," she said as nervousness crept into her voice.

"I'm an open book now. I've turned over a new leaf," he said inching farther into the house.

Hermione held her ground, but wished she had her wand on her. It was currently sitting on her bed. Shit.

"Like I said Draco, today's not a good day. I'll see you tomorrow," she said as she tried to shut the door.

Draco's foot blocked the door from shutting. Hermione looked down at it and instantly felt alarmed. Draco looked up at her, his gray eyes blazing with something she didn't quite know, but it made her feel uncomfortable.

Draco overpowered Hermione easily and opened the door. Hermione backed away slowly as she tried to make her way to the stairs. Draco didn't say a word; he just kept coming towards her. Hermione was scared, but she was determined to get to her wand. She needed to get to her wand.

Hermione felt her heels hit the first stair. She took a deep breath and decided it was now or never. She quickly turned around and started up the stairs. Draco's eyes widened and he quickly took out his wand.

"Locomotor Mortis!" Draco yelled as the pink light hit Hermione squarely in the back.

Hermione's chin hit a stair as her legs locked. She started to slide down the stairs. She whimpered in pain. Draco turned her over and sneered at her.

"You should have just done what I wanted, Hermione. You would have made this all so much easier," he said smirking.

"I would have never done whatever you wanted me to do," she spat at him.

"What a shame. I forgot you're just so smart, but look at you. You're legs are locked and you don't have your wand. I'm embarrassed for you," he said leaning over her.

"You're a coward, Malfoy. You really are. To come to my home and attack me where I feel safe, but I forgot you're a cowardly arsehole!"

"You can insult me all you want. I'm the one here with all of the power," he said smiling fully at her. It was a frightening sight.

Hermione stayed silent. She hoped and prayed Ron would come by at any moment. She knew he had to be coming along soon.

"Well, obviously the jigs up. I was posing to be your friend so I could finish what I had started so long ago. I knew you had a big heart and I hoped to show you I 'changed' so you'd befriend me and it worked! You're not as smart as everyone gives you credit for."

Hermione's brown eyes stared up into Draco's gray ones. She couldn't say anything. All she could do was hope.

Draco flicked his wand and levitated Hermione over to the couch. He laid her on it and sat in a recliner in front of her. He crossed his long legs and smiled at her.

"Before I kill you, I'm going to torture you worse than my aunt did," he smiled.

"Instead of talking about it and telling me your stupid plan, why don't you man up and do it?" She asked with her last shred of bravery.

Draco's face instantly turned surly.

"Don't insult me, Mudblood!" Draco said angrily.

Hermione smirked, "you don't have it in you. You never did!"

Draco's face was livid. He lifted his wand and pointed it at Hermione.

"Sectumsempra!"Draco bellowed.

Hermione's cheeks, legs, arms and chest started to instantly bleed. Draco smirked with satisfaction. He walked over to Hermione's bleeding body and bent down.

"Don't you ever say that I cannot do this," he said in an enraged whisper.

Hermione looked at him from the corner of her eye. She just stared. She didn't make a sound, she had be tortured worse than this. Draco held her gaze, still smirking at her.

Just as Draco was about to stand up again, the front door burst open. Chunks of door flew everywhere. A few pieces hit Draco and he fell to the floor. Ron walked through with his wand ready. Hermione felt a bit relieved. Ron saw how profusely she was bleeding and all color drained from his face. With his wand still at the ready, he quickly ran over to her. He kneeled down and surveyed the damage. Hermione's eyes widened in horror as she tried to warn Ron.

"Ron! Turn ar–"Hermione tried to finish, but it was too late.

Draco was up on his feet covered in splinters from the door and had hit Ron with a spell. Hermione let out a scream as she started to pass out.

A/N: Oh, man. And things were starting to get really interesting. I promise I'll try to bust out another chapter today, tomorrow, or sometime this weekend! I still need to study. :(

Reviews are as good as chocolate cookies with M&Ms in them.