Ch. 8 Progress Undone

Hermione had almost decided to stay in but didn't want to appear as if anything was wrong so she trudged on to every class. At first she'd been a little conscious and felt like everyone could see what had transpired the night before just by looking at her but after she'd gotten over her initial paranoia she was able to put what happened in the back of her mind. Malfoy didn't look as if anything had happened either. He sat in each class smirking appropriately when needed.

She still couldn't believe that he had saved her life. She kept asking herself over and over why he would risk his own life for hers and the only answers she came up with were too scary a possibility. To have saved her would have meant that he cared.

She eyed him across the room trying to see if it was indeed a possibility that Draco Malfoy could feel something for her other than hatred. She would have disregarded the thought but lately the idea didn't seem so crazy. Because of Malfoy's slytherin nature it was almost impossible to see how he truly felt about anything. His emotions were always heavily guarded, at least from her.

Right before she'd succumbed to sleep the night before she'd admitted to herself that she cared about him. If she was completely honest she would admit that she hadn't just followed Malfoy out of morbid curiosity but because she was afraid for him. Last night she'd been just as afraid for him as she was for herself, maybe even more so.

"To test your abilities I am going to assign you all a project," Hermione broke out of her thoughts and everyone around her groaned as Rudma spoke, "You all will be creating the Alegophilic potion. It is not in your books. I will be providing the instructions."

Rudma walked around the room giving everyone a piece of paper with the potion's instructions on it.

"The Alegophilic potion is a powerful healing potion that heals any injury large or small within seconds. The trick is it has to be applied within minutes of the injury or it will be as nothing but drinking water. The potion is rarely used because it takes so long to make and is considered useless by most."

A boy from Hufflepuff raised his hand. Rudma nodded at him.

"Yes, Mr. Canterbury?"

"Why is it considered useless if it can heal so powerfully?"

Rudma handed out the last paper and moved back to the front of the class.

"Because in order for it to be effective someone would have to have the forethought to make it," the boy still look confused as did a lot of others so Rudma further explained, "If someone were to be bitten by a poisonous buck-trout," he glanced at Malfoy, "the poison would take about ten minutes to take full effect before it really did any damage. It takes two weeks to make an Alegophilic potion. You couldn't very well brew it in the time that you were dying of poison, it would already have to be on your person. Most people find it useless because no one ever has the time or forethought to make it even when there are crucial moments in which it might be needed. Does that answer your question?"

The boy nodded and Rudma lifted a sheet from his desk and peered at them all.

"This is a potion that takes a lot of patience and time. Under normal circumstances it would also take you a long time to gather the ingredients but I will be providing you with those as well. All you have to do is apply the ingredients correctly and at the specific times," he paused, "You all will be assigned a partner for this."

Ron groaned beside her before saying, "Can we choose our own partners?"

Everyone else was nodding and saying, 'yeah'. No one wanted to be stuck with someone who had no idea what they were doing. She saw many people in the room eying her trying to get her attention. Rudma shook his head.

"No, I am assigning you partners, Mr. Weasley," Ron groaned again, "The reason being is because I realize many people will only partner up with people they feel will take the brunt of the work. So I put like minds together and I expect everyone to participate fully."

Everyone looked miserable as if they'd already been given a failing grade.

"Mr. Weasley you and Potter will be partnering up."

They both shot relieved smiles at each other until they realized that neither of them would be able to help each other much and their smiles faltered.

"Longbottom and Canterbury. Brown and Malone. Macmillan and Patil."

Rudma continued to call out the names of partners while many of them grumbled and complained.

"Malfoy and Granger."

"I can't believe you have to work with the ferret, Hermione," Ron said compassion in his voice.

She looked at Malfoy and saw that he was already staring at her. She wasn't surprised when Rudma called their names. She had almost been expecting it. It seemed like they were being paired up to do everything this year. Now in accompaniment to their Head duties they would have to work diligently together to create this potion. Unlike patrolling they would actually have to speak to one another. She wasn't dreading it in fact she realized she was looking forward to it.

"I want you all to move where the other is and spend the rest of class working out how you will get this done."

Chairs were pushed back as everyone moved to sit next to their partner. Ron moved to the desk behind him and sat next to Harry leaving the seat beside her empty. She watched Malfoy get up from his seat and grab his books. He moved towards her and pulled the chair out. He sat down and eyed her with a lifted brow.

"I doubt there's much we need to talk about as we both know the others schedules. We can work on it every night before we go patrolling."

She nodded agreeing.

"What about your Quidditch practice? I know sometimes they run late especially if it's before a game."

"I'm the Captain so I can make practice as long or as short I like."

She stared at him in surprise.

"You're the Captain?"

"Why the surprise? Of course I'm Captain."

She shook her head at his arrogance.

"I don't think this room is large enough for your head, Malfoy."

He smirked, "What about you? Will your books get in the way of our finishing this potion?"

"Of course not," she exclaimed before she saw the humor in his eyes, "Very funny."

The humor left his face and he lowered his voice so that only she could hear him.

"I didn't ask last night if you were hurt or not," his eyes roamed over her searching for any scars, "Were you?"

Her face softened at his obvious concern for her and she gave him a reassuring smile.

"No. Just a little shaken up. It could have been worse. Much worse."

"Here are the ingredients you'll need to begin," Rudma broke in motioning to what looked like green leaves on his desk, "As you progress you will be able to take ingredients as needed. Please remember that if you do not apply the ingredients precisely as instructed your entire potion will be ruined. I expect this assignment to be turned in three weeks from now. "

"I'll get them."

Malfoy stood up and went to Rudma's desk picking them up a long green leaf then headed back to sit beside her. Everyone else stood and retrieved the leaf and commenced talking.

"We can start on the potion tonight," she said picking up the thick leaf and examining it.

"Not tonight Granger."

She looked at him, "What do you mean not tonight?"

"It says here that we only need one of these leaves."

He was reading the paper and ignoring her question. She would let him evade her for now but later on she would expect some answers. For the rest of the class they discussed what they were going to do and how much time they thought it would take. She'd never seen a potion as long as this. There were so many things you had to do over a the course of weeks that it seemed extremely easy to mess up on. For the first time since knowing each other neither shared snide comments or insults. They were both eager to fill the curious void that had been created between them in the past few weeks. Before there had been a wall between them filled with insults and anger now it felt like the wall was in the process of being bulldozed and it was foreign territory to both of them.

She could feel Harry and Ron behind her watching them cautiously. She nor Malfoy acknowledged their close inspection. When class was over he gave her a curt nod and strode out the door quickly. As she made her way out the class Ron and Harry hurried to her side.

"What's up with Malfoy?" Ron said.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"He didn't insult you one time Hermione," said Harry.

She was surprised that Harry was even walking with them since lately he'd be running off to Estrella as soon as class was over.

She shrugged, "Maybe he's becoming mature."

Ron snorted, "That'll be the day. He'll always be a useless git."

They rounded a corner and she slowed down when she thought she heard someone calling her name. Harry looked over his shoulder and stopped in surprise.

"Blaise Zabini is calling your name Hermione. What does he want?"

She stopped and turned to see Blaise hurrying towards her. Neither Harry or Ron were shooting him friendly looks.

"What does he want? You didn't try to tutor him, did you?" Ron asked.

When she didn't say anything his eyes widened at her.

"You did? When did this happen?"

She sighed, "It's not a big deal Ron. I just helped him with his work."

"It is a big deal! He looks at you like.....like....like you're a piece of meat or something."

She held her tongue as Blaise slowed to a stop in front of her. He gave her his lopsided grin that he flashed all too often and ignored the two boys beside her.

"I've been trying to talk to you for days. I'm starting to think you're avoiding me."

Ron glared at him.

"Hopefully, she is."

Blaise glanced at Ron as if he was nothing but a flying gnat before he focused his gaze back on her.

"I wanted to ask you something."

She suspected he wanted to ask her to accompany him to Hogsmeade and she still was hoping to avoid the encounter. The situation was just all too weird for her. Some of the kids walking by were glancing curiously at them wondering what was going on. She didn't understand Blaise's sudden interest in her.

"What is it?" she asked nervously.

His expression became less cocky. He shifted uneasily his gaze switching between Harry and Ron.

"In private."

She motioned for him to follow her down the hall out of listening ears, Harry and Ron glaring as they did. Many other students were watching closely wondering what the Slytherin boy had to ask the Gryffindor girl. Hermione's hands twisted nervously at her sides.

"I was wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me this Saturday?" his eyes were hopeful and his confidence was returning because his grin was slowly coming back.

She looked away not knowing what to say feeling suspicious and thrown off.

"I don't know....."

"It'd be in a public place. Nothing would happen."

She snapped her eyes back at him, "I'm not afraid to be alone with you."

He held his hands up as if in surrender.

"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything," he looked sheepish, "I just like you a lot Hermione," he took a breath, "Look, you don't have to I just thought it would be fun. I don't bite....not unless you want me too."

She studied him from his dark wavy hair to his suave movie star features. He was definitely seen as a catch but that's what she was worried about.... a catch.

"What do you really want, Blaise?"

His hands were still up and his grin had faltered.

"I just want to get to know you better."

She shook her head.

"I'm a muggle born. You're a Pureblood Slytherin. You, your kind, and your friends hate people like me. Why are you suddenly trying to be nice?"

He shrugged looking slightly offended.

"I'm not like everyone else at this school or anywhere else. Yes, I'm aware of how people like me feel about people like you but it doesn't matter to me. I make up my own mind about people. I'm not Draco," He said wryly.

Draco. She wished that it was him who was standing in front of her and not Blaise, whether that meant that she'd completely lost it she had no idea. She just knew that she wanted Malfoy to want her the way she wanted him. Even though he had kissed her and no doubt saved her life she didn't feel as if he'd ever acknowledge her in any significant way. He'd probably never stop insulting her either.

She forced her thoughts on the boy standing in front of her and contemplated his offer. She knew Blaise anticipated much more than just a trip to Hogsmeade, she was well aware of his reputation which was even more lascivious than Malfoy's. Malfoy was always gossiped about in awe and with girls hoping they'd get a chance to be with him. Blaise's gossips were usually from girls who'd already experienced the encounter.

He probably thought he could get her in some dark corner in some pub and sweet talk her into going back to his room. She wasn't going to become apart of his harem nor was she going to have her named slandered with vicious gossip.

"Why don't we both go to Hogsmeade and if we happen to see one another then we can maybe go have a butterbeer or something," she offered.

He lowered his hands and even though he looked slightly disappointed he grinned at her.

"I guess that's okay. I'll see you then."

He moved off down the hall and she walked back over to Harry and Ron who were gawking at her.

"What did he want?" Harry confronted her.

She tried to avoid Ron's eyes knowing that he'd be the most upset by the news.

"He asked me to Hogsmeade."

Harry's eyes widened and Ron's face became blood red.

"WHAT? He asked you to Hogsmeade?" he shouted.

Everyone in the hall stopped and looked at them then immediately began to whisper. She glared at him and began to stalk down the hall.

"That's great Ron, let everyone in the school know."

"B-b-but....He can't do that!" Ron sputtered.

"And why not Ron? Because I'm a mudblood or because I'm not pretty enough?"

Ron gawked at her. His outburst irritated her to no end. She was tired of feeling like a wallpaper next to him. She remembered the crush she'd had in fourth and fifth year for the red haired boy and hated how he refused to see her as a girl instead of a friend. Now she was over those feelings. Harry touched her gently.

"I don't think that's what he meant Hermione."

"Hey Quidditch in ten, right?" someone shouted down the hall to them.

Ron nodded and looked at her awkwardly. The third year scampered off. Harry squeezed her arm.

"I'm gonna go get ready for practice," eying them both he wandered off down the hall leaving them alone.

Ron swallowed and rubbed his neck.

"Hermione, you're not a mudblood. You're.....you're....beautiful," he struggled greatly with his words as if the room was losing air the more he spoke, "It's just that we all know what he's like. He thinks he can have any girl he wants. You deserve better."

She was shocked that Ron had called her beautiful and felt her face heat up in embarrassment.

"I didn't exactly say yes, Ron."

He narrowed his eyes.

"But you didn't say no, either?"

"I told him that if I saw him I might have a butterbeer with him, that's all. I'm not going with him exclusively."

He looked relieved but not by much.

"I have to go to practice. Captain and all....." he muttered.

She nodded quickly hoping to diffuse the awkwardness.

"Of course. I'll talk to you later."

They both walked off and separated at the end of the corner. Hermione never turned back to look back but he did.

Draco pulled his broom from behind his door and pocketed his wand. He didn't feel like holding practice but he would never intentionally disregard one of his responsibilities. If he were to ever miss practice people would definitely find it odd unless he was on his death bed. He was dreading tonight's meeting with his father. Not only would he be angry about his absence the night before but he'd be in his usual ruthless mood which was never a good thing.

Granger's dangerous escapade had actually prolonged a night of terror for him and for that he was thankful. He frowned thinking about the werewolf who'd been this close to ending her life. His eyes became menacing. If that beast so much as harmed a hair on her head he would've hunted it down himself.

He'd been told years ago that some werewolves still sought out places like the Forbidden Forest to change so as not to harm any loved ones or innocent standbys. This was only a small percent of the werewolf population though, most werewolves were proud of the fact and apologized for no grievances that might occur in the midst of their metamorphosis. Full-blooded werewolves could turn their change on and off at will and he wondered what type had attacked them last night.

In class today he could muster no ill feelings or antagonizing words to the bushy haired girl. He'd been watching her closely all day to see if she would show the slightest sign that something was wrong and she hadn't. She'd been to every class and had acted her usual self. He was impressed, most girls he knew would be still screaming their heads off after an encounter like the one she'd experienced. The fact that she'd followed him into the Forbidden Forest alone showed that she had guts. Ever the brave Gryffindor.

He'd have to be much more discreet about his sneaking off because the thought of Granger's life in danger again shook him to the core. He opened his door to step out when he heard a small sniffle behind him. He spun around following the sound until he reached his fireplace.

"Mother?"

Narcissa Malfoy's head bobbed in the green and blue embers. Her beautiful delicate face was framed with a crown of golden hair that fell loosely in her face. Her eyes were tired and restless.

"Malfoy, dear. Your father wants to speak with you but I thought I'd get a word first."

He nodded wordlessly wondering what his mother could possibly have to tell him. He loved his mother more than anything. Her classic grace and quiet strength had been the only thing keeping him sane this summer. He could tell that she did not agree entirely with her husband's ways but out of her duty and role as wife she chose to remain quiet even when he could tell that she was bursting to voice her opinion. He could see that most of the worry on her face was for him.

"Are you alright mother?"

She sighed, and seemed to age ten years before him.

"I'm fine Draco. It is you I"m worried about," she looked anxiously behind her, "Have you had to meet with him, lately?"

He knew who him was. Unfortunately he had. His mother always referred to him in a whispery voice as if just speaking of hm in the general sense fouled her spirit.

"Only once. I've spent most of my time with father."

Her face became sorrowful.

"My poor Draco," she sighed deeply, "I know that it is hard but please be strong. Don't.....succumb to his.....evil."

At this very moment he wished for nothing more than to ease his mother's fear and erase the troubles from her life.

"You don't have to ask that of me. I will make you proud."

Although his father constantly berated him with, "Don't disappoint me," it was only to his mother he'd ever spoken the words, "I will make you proud." She was the only one he wanted to make proud. Trying to please his father was as pointless as reaching out to hold the moon. He would never accomplish it because it was impossible. Whereas his father had always only treated him as a trophy to cart around and brag about his mother had been the only real parent he knew. She didn't scold him unnecessarily or try to make him feel worthless. She'd taught him what little love he'd known. It hadn't been much because she'd too often had to stand by and give Lucius complete authority but when she had it had softened his ever hardening heart.

Not that he didn't have a lot of his father's attributes. He was cunning and deceitful. He'd spent many years bullying and making other kids feel smaller than he was. He also had a penchant to be the best and expected nothing less of himself. All of these things made him who he was and the only thing he regretted right now was that his father was allowing himself to be party to Voldemort's wicked plans.

As far as he saw it they were Malfoys and had prestige, wealth, and power already. What was the point of joining up with the once powerful wizard who was now nothing but a literal shell of his former self?

Naricissa's face broke into a soft doting smile, "You always do Draco," she paused her face becoming solemn again, "Have you received his mark?"

Draco lifted his sleeves and showed her his arm. Her face was awash in relief and he was happy to have given her that for the moment. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he was expected to receive it in December and hoped that his father would not divulge the news either. Her head leaned closer over the fireplace.

"Draco there is something you must do-" she stopped what she was about to say and quickly turned to look behind her then looked back to him, "Your father is here."

Her head disappeared and he stood there wondering what she was going to ask him to do. He would do anything for his mother. Moments later his father's face leered from the fireplace. As he expected his father looked angry.

"Where were you?" His doled out the words as if he were speaking of the weather but Draco knew him well enough to hear the fury in its undertones.

"I tried to leave but the mudblood was up all night studying. I couldn't get past without her seeing me," he lied easily.

Lucius said nothing and stared at him for the longest time. For a moment he thought he'd seen through his lie but Lucius shook his head annoyed some of the anger leaving his face.

"I knew it would be a problem with you rooming with her. Maybe I should take you out of Hogwarts after all," Lucius mused.

Draco's jaw tightened. Leaving Hogwarts now wasn't even an option to him. All he could see were people screaming from being tortured and the signature of death writhing on his arm.

"If you take me out now everyone will be alarmed. The Ministry might even start watching you exclusively."

Lucius raised a perfect brow.

"The Ministry is practically in our pockets, boy. They will do no such thing. Who do you think has been keeping these muggles retribution out of the papers?"

He'd wondered why the wizarding world hadn't learned of the many muggles that were being kidnapped and killed. He had no idea that his father was the sole reason for the lack of knowledge on everyone else's behalf. He'd known the Ministry had never been an upright organization but now thinking that even Voldemort had his claws on it made him feel as if the world had gotten just a little bit smaller.

His father eyed him suspiciously, "You sound as if you want to stay at Hogwarts."

He shrugged nonchalantly, "I just don't want to make anyone overly suspicious of us. I'm sure Potter and company would find it curious if I were to suddenly resign from school. You simply don't have a valid enough excuse."

He'd laid out his argument smoothly and efficiently now all he hoped was that his father would buy it. His floating head was silent for a moment before he nodded.

"You might be right but when the time comes I want you immediately out of there, Draco. I don't want any last minute thoughts. Your loyalty lies with our Dark Lord and no one else!" His voice was booming and threatening but Draco felt no fear in his heart.

"I know where my allegiance lies, Father, you do not have to remind me every day," he said wryly.

Lucius was fierce, "Do not give me attitude, boy!"

Draco sighed, "I apologize Father."

"You will resume your training tomorrow night."

"What if I can't make it because of Granger?"

"You're creative. You'll find a way," Lucius sneered, "I'm sure one mudblood isn't enough to keep you from your duties."

Draco said nothing and Lucius' face became stony.

"Remember. Do not disappoint me."

His face disappeared and Draco's jaws clenched in anger. It had become a daily battle for him not to hate his father. He may be winning the battles but he was definitely losing the war. Day by day as he became more of a man his disgust for his father grew to impossible heights. In the past few months he'd been exposed to a side of his father that he had hoped was only a myth but after seeing him torture in glee his image of him had been tarnished.

He grabbed his broom again and set off for the Quidditch field almost groaning when he realized that they would have to share the field today with the Gryffindors because everyone wanted extra practice. He was not in the mood for the most annoying group of people on Earth. When he reached the field only a few Gryffindors had arrived already but most of the Slytherins were in attendance.

He noticed Pansy Parkinson frowning at Blaise who was joking around with Crabbe and Goyle. He noticed others on the team giving him dirty looks as well and were even muttering amongst themselves. He hadn't really spoken to Blaise in the past few days, partly because he'd been so busy and partly because he was still annoyed at his obvious interest in Granger. He wondered what the mischievous boy had done now. He didn't dwell on it and stood in front of everyone immediately warranting their attention.

"Come on everyone lets make this practice short."

Pansy walked past him towards the boxes with the equipment in them.

"Mudblood lover," she muttered.

He froze. How did she know? No one knew of his feelings for Granger he'd barely admitted them himself. He turned to her angrily.

"What did you say Pansy?"

She turned to him surprised at his livid face.

"I said mudblood lover," she thumbed towards Blaise, "Haven't you heard? He asked Hermione Granger out," she shook her head, "Absolutely disgusting."

She began unlocking the equipment and Draco slowly turned to look at Blaise. He was still laughing oblivious to the scathing eyes watching him. His fists clenched and he stalked over to Blaise his anger blurring his eyesight. He looked at Crabbe and Goyle and simply said, "Leave." They both scampered off and mostly everyone was preparing with the equipment but they all kept their eyes on the two boys sensing something about to happen. Even some of the Gryffindors stopped chatting for a moment to stare at them.

'When the hell did he have time to ask Granger anywhere?' he thought angrily. Class had been over less than a half hour ago. He masked his emotions as only he could and forced the anger out of his voice.

"You asked Granger out on a date?" his voice sounded perfectly calm and at ease.

Blaise was no dummy he could practically feel Draco's anger but stood his own.

"I'm sure you've heard from one of these gossiping idiots that I have. The entire school probably knows by now," he shook his head, "Word gets around, apparently."

His mouth hardened eying his old friend, "You would deign to go with a mudblood?"

Blaise shrugged, "Mudblood. Pureblood. It makes no difference to me, you know that Malfoy. Why do you care?"

He flexed his hands trying to combat his anger. At the moment he couldn't figure out a good enough excuse to explain why he did care and everyone was watching.

"I don't care but you're a fool if you think Granger will let you get anywhere."

Blaise chuckled, "I'm not you Malfoy. I haven't tortured and tormented her for the past six years. She's been very nice to me."

The way he stressed out the word very spiked his anger not to mention the fact that he was right. He hadn't tortured and tormented her like he had. The fact that Blaise could come at her from a neutral place and he couldn't sent his anger to the moon. He punched Blaise. His old friend went sprawling to the ground. Everyone gasped and someone behind him let out a small scream.

Blaise sat up and stared at Draco as if in a daze. The last thing he'd expected was for Draco to hit him. He stood up and punched Draco back. Draco's head whipped back but he didn't fall because he'd been expecting it and quite frankly Blaise Zabini hit like a girl. The next he knew they were both on the ground rolling around throwing punches. Everyone had begun to gather around them but Draco didn't see them. All he saw was Blaise doing the things he'd spoken of with Granger. It made him even more furious and his punches were hard and fast. Blaise's face was bloody and Draco could feel a drip of blood coming from his own nose but ignored it.

He had no idea how long they'd been fighting when he saw out of the corner of his eye a second year Gryffindor with McGonogall in hand. She was hurrying towards them her lips pressed tightly in disapproval. Draco took the opportunity to jerk up an almost unconscious Blaise and whisper in his ear so only he would hear him.

"You wanna know why I care, Blaise? Granger is mine. Don't forget it."

He let go of him and Blaise's head hit the ground with a hard thwonk. McGonogall was nearly upon them as he stood up calmly.

"Mr. Malfoy! Mr. Zabini! What is going on here?"

No one said anything and she eyed him dangerously, "You are a Head. I want you to report to your dorm immediately until I call upon you," she looked down at a listless Blaise, "Someone please help this young man to the hospital wing."

Crabbe and Goyle moved to help when Draco shot them a death glare. They stopped in their tracks and lowered their heads. No one in Slytherin moved so a few Gryffindors moved over to pick him up. They glared at Draco and it just occurred to him that the argument had appeared as if he was upset that Blaise had asked Granger out because he saw him as a blood traitor. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes realizing that Gryffindors would think Blaise was honorable in standing up for asking out someone he liked no matter what house or lineage they were from.

He didn't much give a damn. He was still seething and strode back to his dorm. He entered and slammed the door behind him. He saw Granger jump at the table she was sitting at. She had been bent over a book intensely studying. One look at her soft expressive face and he immediately softened. She gazed at him her eyes wide.

"What happened to you?"

She got up from her chair and rushed over to him. He hadn't realized that he most likely looked a mess. His hair was probably tousled and his robes were definitely dirty. She stood in front of him and reached up to touch his face. He flinched and she grabbed his robes to still him. Her fingers touched his face feather light. He relaxed into her touch. Her eyes were worried looking over him. She pulled out her wand and said a simple healing spell touching his nose. He'd completely forgotten about it.

Her hands moved over his mouth and she muttered something else. Her touch felt more like healing than anything. He closed his eyes briefly trying to fight down his want for her and took a step back.

"Since when did you become my nurse Granger?"

She shook her head.

"Don't change the subject."

He sighed and walked around her trying to find a part of the room that didn't scream of her presence. There was none so he just stopped and looked at her. His side throbbed and he realized that Blaise hit harder than he thought. He still hits like a girl, just a very big girl.

He wasn't about to tell her the reason for his predicament. If he told her the truth she would most definitely take it the wrong way and be pissed at him. He tried to search for a safe place with her and the only one he knew was sarcasm and insults. He felt himself getting angry again.

"I hear you're the talk of the school," he said crossing his arms his side throbbing like crazy.

"What do you mean?" she asked confused.

"You and Blaise are a hot item," even speaking the words made him mad.

"Who told you that?"

He shrugged, "Does it matter?"

Her face grew defiant, "Me and Blaise are not a hot item not that it would be any of your business if we were."

He resisted the urge to shake her because in his mind it was very much his business.

"I told you Blaise only wanted to get into your pants. You don't care?" he asked incredulously, he shook his head eying her rudely, "I thought the only redeemable thing about you was that you weren't a whore. Looks like I was wrong."

He knew the words were horrific when he spoke them but his anger and jealousy was clouding any sound judgment he might have. He'd never felt this way about anything. He'd just beat one of his oldest friends because he couldn't take the thought of anyone being with her but him.

He felt the slap before he saw it coming. She moved toward him quickly after he'd spoken his poison. His head whipped to the side after he'd caught a glimpse of her wounded but furious face.

"How.....dare you?" she trembled in anger, "And to think I was actually.....worried about you!"

He gritted his teeth his gaze hot, "Don't ever lay hand on me again Granger."

She wasn't perturbed in the least and lifted her head fearless, "I'm not afraid of you Malfoy."

"You should be."

He walked to his room and resisting slamming the door behind him. Granger was dangerous. She was making him feel things he'd never felt. Of course he had to go and ruin what little progress he had made with her by insulting her with the one thing that would make her loathe him even more than she already did. He'd questioned her honor and he knew that was unacceptable and perhaps unforgivable.

He removed his robes wondering if he had a broken rib or two. He silently said a healing charm and immediately felt like new. He was well versed in medical charms compliments of his father. He thought of Granger healing the wounds on his face. He'd allowed her to heal him because he wanted to feel her near him. For those few moments he'd basked in her concern and tenderness. He scolded himself, now things were worse than they'd ever been between them and when she found out about Blaise worse would descend into hellish. He hated himself for hurting her but he'd been a coward about how he was feeling and reverted back to his old defense mechanism. Making the other person feel like dirt. He sat on his bed and put his head in his hands. McGonogall would be coming for him soon and he would probably get kicked out of his dorm or even the school.

He hadn't thought of that. This would be the perfect excuse for his father to pull him out and try to make him into Death Eater number one. No sense in dreading the inevitable now. So he sat there waiting for what he felt like would be his sentence all the while hating himself for hurting the the beautiful bookworm that he'd grown unconsciously fond of.