Disclaimer: I do not owe any of the characters in this story.
A/N: I am very pleased you enjoyed the last chapter. I like it too. Well, I am updating this earlier, coz the teachers have decided not to give any homework until school ends, partly because our exams are over. And I am so sad today. My results are so bad, but it will not stop me from writing a good chapter.
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As Hermione continued to sob uncontrollably into Malfoy's robes, he was suddenly taken away by someone she could not see properly. She pulled herself together and stood up. Pansy was still in a state of shock. Her bulging eyes were full of shock and surprise. Suddenly, she seems to come out of her trance and collapsed on to the ground. The girls in her gang rushed to her and carried her to the hospital wing, shoving people out of their way.
The crowd soon cleared out, leaving Hermione, Ron and Harry there. Ron looked in awe at Hermione. Harry looked at Hermione as if seeing her for the first time.
"What in the world has come over Malfoy? Shielding you from that vicious Parkinson? And what's going on between you and Malfoy?" Ron questioned.
"I have no idea what is wrong with him. The note today, sent by that owl, was from him. He seems to know what is going on and that Pansy is trying to hurt me. But why?"
"Maybe he is just playing a fool, or maybe he gang up with Parkinson to hurt you." Ron suggested.
"I guess so." Hermione said wearily, with an uncomfortable look. Only Harry caught sight of that, but he made no comments. Ron was no longer interested in this affair. He looked towards the Three Broomsticks, as if expecting Madam Rosmerta to come out and fuss over them.
"How about going to the Three Broomsticks for Butterbeer?" Ron suggested.
"I am not in the mood; I am going back to the castle." Hermione answered, while Harry mumbled something about going back to the castle to complete some homework. Ron shrugged and went in; he had just caught sight of Dean and Seamus.
Harry caught up with Hermione and after a few seconds of silence, he burst.
"Is there something going on between you and Malfoy?"
"No." Hermione answered.
"I do not believe you. Then why in the world did he send you that note to be careful? If he had been ganging up with Pansy to hurt you, why did he take the blast for you? I know he is cowardly but to take that blast for you? It could be deadly! And why did you cry when Malfoy was hit by Pansy's spell? You can fool Ron, but you can't fool me!"
Hermione looked at Harry, as if begging him to stop questioning. Harry returned it with a defiant look. When Harry did not give in, Hermione answered him in despair.
"I don't know what is going on, myself. He just comes up to me one night patrol and told me he likes me. I was taken in by surprise. And it had been the two of us communicating using the fireplace. I know you might despise me; but I think I like Malfoy."
Hermione had not been very truthful; she didn't tell Harry about the kissing episode. Harry just stared at Hermione with his mouth wide open.
"I never like Malfoy. He had always been horrid to Ron and all the other people."
"I know. I hated him too before. He was always there to insult me and he had never failed to do so. But, he had been nice nowadays to me."
"If he does really like you, and you like him too, I will not stop you. But are you intending to hide it from Ron and all the Gryffindors? How long can you keep it as a secret?"
"We will just forget about that matter first. My top priority now is to make sure Draco is alright."
And together, they walked towards the castle.
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"Master, did you call for me?" Lucius Malfoy asked in his cold drawling voice. A faint tremble in his voice could be detected.
He was speaking to an armchair, which looked like it is not occupied. The house was dim and creaky. Every one step made, causes the floorboards to creak loudly. The glasses on the windows were shattered and the house was full of cobwebs and dust. The house was bare except for a few armchairs here and there; a table which looked like it is going to collapse; and a few pieces of parchment fluttering. The fire was weak but it illuminated Lucius's petrified face.
There was a wheeze and the armchair turned slightly. Malfoy bowed even lower.
"The task that I asked you to do, have you completed it?"
"No."
"I heard that your son was injured by Parkinson's daughter?"
"Really? I am not well-informed. I guess I am a bit behind time."
"And I am very sure that I ordered Parkinson to control his daughter to kill that Mudblood, so how is it that it was your son who got injured?"
"I have no idea."
There was a second of silence, before…
"Crucio!" Voldemort pointed his wand lazily at Malfoy. He winced and writhed on the ground, at the same time begging for mercy. He clutched his abdomen and shrieked. After a while, it stopped.
"That is just the beginning. If I am not wrong, I believe that your son is in love with that Granger girl. I can sense it. You had better observe your son. He is about to join us soon. You know that it is impossible for your son to marry a Mudblood! He may be the heir to my empire next time!"
"I will, Master. I will make sure he devotes himself to my master."
Suddenly, a rumble could be heard from afar…
Lucius Malfoy opened his eyes, to find that he is still in Azkaban. He sighed and tossed in his small bed. Although the Dementors are gone, the Minister of Magic has assigned dragons to guard the wizard prison. Anyone who attempts to escape will be burnt to death. No one has attempted it, of course. With the new security, Lucius had no idea how to go back to his master's. He had also no idea on how to communicate with his son. However, he does not have the intention of communicating with him as he knows that Draco will never ever like a Mudblood.
He had inflicted much pain on Draco and never failed to repeat it if he does anything wrong. Draco may hate him but Lucius is still his father after all. He will know how to handle his son.
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"Err, Madam Pomfrey, where did Dra-Malfoy go?" Hermione asked anxiously when she got to the hospital wing. It was empty except for Pansy. She was lying down, glassy-eyed.
"My dear, he went off to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Although the blast did not hit his chest, I am afraid it might have done some brain damage, he might forget some events. I have no choice but to send him to St Mungo's." Madam Pomfrey shook her head and went off, leaving Hermione in a state of panic.
She walked slowly back to the Great Hall. Everyone was in a happy mood as it is the end of the week. Hermione thought only few people know about the news of Malfoy getting hurt. As she walked towards the Gryffindor's table, everyone nearby nudged one another.
"Look, she got away unhurt while Malfoy got hurt instead…"
"It is not her fault. She didn't ask Malfoy to take that blast for her."
"I always know that Parkinson is crazy. Fancy blasting someone in the middle of Hogsmeade!"
"She needs to tighten her screws in her brain."
"I didn't know Malfoy had a heart. He looks so cold and heartless…"
"Yet, he saved her life."
"Malfoy is a dedicated lover I guess. I always thought he is some kind of playboy or something."
"Do you think there is something going on between them?"
"Can't be. She is a Gryffindor and he is a Slytherin. Its a known fact that Gryffindors and Slytherins couldn't stand the sight of each other."
"Quite true, but it is a big pity if they can't be together because of some old grudges."
"I mean, this is the new generation! To stop them from falling in love…"
Hermione got to the Gryffindor's table and sat down, without looking at anyone. Ron was stuffing himself away so he couldn't have heard the news. She looked up and saw Harry piling food onto her plate.
"You must be starving."
She gave a grateful smile but she couldn't bear to eat. Everytime she look at the Slytherin's table, she would be reminded of him, grinning at her. After this incident, he might not be able to remember her. And the thought of him, in St Mungo's all alone, made her even more upset. He had no siblings, and his father is at Azkaban, his mother was probably too ashamed to tell others she is related to them. She felt bad for insulting his mother and knew that he really loved her. She also felt touched as he had saved her from a blast or she will definitely be in danger, seeing that she received it in their fifth year.
She excused herself and went off. She heard the dragging of benches behind her but couldn't care any less. She ran out of the Great Hall and heard footsteps behind her. After turning round the corner, she stopped and turned back.
"Why did you follow me?"
"I am worried about you. I know you want to cry. I can always lend you my shoulder." Harry gave a weak smile.
Hermione looked at his sincere eyes, went to hug him and started crying.
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A/N: Arghh, I love this chapter too! I never know I can write such touchy stuffs! Review please!