And So Begins Exile, Sweet, Sweet Exile

I do not know how I did it, but I limped all the way to Gryffindor Tower without being seen be students and teachers alike. Since I did not know the password, I decided to sit in a darkened alcove and just relax against the stone wall. And before I knew it, I fell asleep leant against the cool bricks.

I felt someone moving my hair. They were gently brushing it from my face. There was rushed whispering. I slowly opened one eye and focused in on Ginny's worried face. Her forehead was creased.

"Let s get you inside. You don't need to be attracting attention." she whispered to me, "Seamus, come help me."

I felt broad hands hook under my armpits and haul me up. Ginny threw one of my arms over her shoulders. Seamus bent over to allow my other to drape across his shoulders. I whimpered in pain.

"I know. We'll get you inside and lying down." Ginny said quietly and soothingly. But I had already started.

Hot, stinging tears rolled down my bruised and battered cheeks. Quiet sobs passed through my swollen lips. My body was not heeding my orders. I did not want to cry. I did not want to be a sobbing mess.

"Hush, Henria." Ginny tried again. Her soothing tones fueled my tears.

"My body hurt." I whispered, "Do you have any pain potion?" they set me down on the couch.

"I'm sorry." she shook her head.

"Fuck..." I sobbed. I leant my head back, "Avada me then. I'm so tired, Ginny. I just want to sleep and never wake. I don't want to scheme anymore. I don't want to manipulate anymore. I just want peace." I gently dabbed the wetness from my cheeks with my sleeve, "Just do the Killing curse."

"No." a quiet, firm voice rumbled close to my ear, "You will keep on fighting. Because peace will come in the end."

I felt someone push a handkerchief into my hand. I shifted my body and brought my legs up to my chest and leant my right side against the back of the couch. I used the handkerchief to mop up my tears. But my cheeks were wet again within moments.

"I need my dad." I whispered.

"They are intercepting owls and reading letters." Seamus said, "They also have the floo disconnected. I'm sorry, but we can't get word to your father."

I pressed myself together tighter. My sobs were loud and violent. They shook my whole body. I felt a palm rub comforting circles on my back. They ran over the tense muscles and left trails of heated skin in their wake. It was soothing.

As I started focusing on them, my sobs grew quieter and calmer. My mind pushed away all the thought of missing my dad. My brain started turning off. As my muscles relaxed, I felt myself being pulled back against a chest. The palm started caressing my arm, running up and down in soothing strokes.

And I fell asleep in Gryffindor Tower.

Flashes of faces cackling evilly and mocking me floated in front of my eyes. Fear was coursing through my veins. Pain shot through my body, burning and scalding. I was twitching uncontrollably. I felt myself whimpering.

And then my eyes shot open.

"Shh, Henria." Seamus' voice was calm. I was breathing hard. The feeling of fear had my heart pumping wildly.

"I'm sorry I woke you." I muttered miserably, "You can go to your room. I-I'll be all right."

"Bollocks." he cursed quietly, "We both will."

Before I could protest, he scooped my tiny form into his arms. I was too sore and tired to fight. So, I laid my head against his shoulder and relaxed in his hold. For how roughly he had handled me in the past, Seamus was very gentle and almost tender.

"Me mam used to carry me from the couch to my room like this when I was sick." his voice deep, "When people are hurt or sick, they just want to be carried to a comfortable bed and have someone look after them.

"It is human nature, I suppose. The need to feel comfort when we are not ourselves. You can sleep in Dean's bed. He has the one between mine and Neville's. Neville will be back before long." I did not even notice that we were already in the dorm room.

"Alright. Thank you." I said as he sat me down by the four post bed. I started taking off my robes, "Before I get too far into undressing, I have a tank top and shorts on. So, no, I am not going to be naked." then I proceeded to unbutton my white shirt.

"Just as long as you remember we are blokes and we only sleep in our undershorts. So, no, we won't be covering up because you are here." I scoffed.

"I'll try not to swoon." I crawled under the covers, "Thank you, Seamus." I yawned, "Good night."

"Night, Sownbinder."

Getting my trunk the next morning was a bitch. I had to fight tooth and nail just to go to the dorms. They knew I would need a change of uniform for today. They knew I was smart. Why am I so easy to read?

After I pushed my way out of the Snake Pit, I levitated my trunk up to Gryffindor Tower. Seamus had agreed to wait for me outside the portrait. He gained me entrance. Getting into the boys dormitory was interesting. We both realized I had to be carried up the stairs. Because not being welcome in my own house Common Room was not humiliating enough.

"What about the children who are non-supporters of You-Know-Who? How can you help them?" Neville had ordered Seamus to bring my trunk up to the room. He told me that I would not stay in Hermione's bed. I would not be replacing her.

"I can do my homework in the dungeons. It is harder to hex someone when they are awake." I shrugged my shoulders. Neville gave me an incredulous look.

"That is morbid." he muttered.

"Neville, about where I am sleeping, please, it is humiliating to have to be carried to bed." I shrunk back when he rounded on me. His deep brown eyes flashed to a caramel color.

"Hermione has done a whole lot of good for us. Not only has she put up with Harry and Ron's antics for seven years, she has had to deal with endless remarks from Slytherins for her blood status. Hermione Granger is the brightest witch of our age and I will not have some bratty, smart mouthed bitch sleeping in her bed thinking she has replaced her." my cheeks instantly warmed in humiliation. I heard a few sniggers. Most in attendance murmured their agreement at his rant.

"Fine." I hissed, "I'm going down for breakfast. I will make myself as non intrusive as possible here on Sacred Ground. Can't have my unholy soul dilute all the pureness with evil, can we?" I shouldered him hard as I made for the entrance, "Have an excellent day!" I spat over my shoulder with as much venom as I could muster.

Today was just not a good day. My body was stiff, but at least my face was not swollen. All I had were bruises and cuts. I did not even bother glamouring them either. I was going to proudly display my defiance.

As I entered the Great Hall, I felt all the eyes of the Slytherin students on me. I squared my shoulders, straightened my back and held my head high as I strode over to the tables. I will not be intimidated or bullied from my rightful place. I am also a glutton for punishment.

I heard whispers and muffled gasps as students caught sight of my face. I chanced a look to the teachers tables and threw the Headmaster a smirk. His lips were pursed into a thin line that could give Minerva a run for her money. Amycus and Alecto looked at me in disbelief.

This small victory made me feel a lot better. My stomach flipped excitedly. If I could shock those three, I was going to do fine. Even if anyone here managed to kill me, I made a big enough impression on everyone that they will talk about me. These people will talk about me for a very long time after I leave these halls. I allowed myself a grin. I looked a little crazy.

So, I did what crazy people do. I performed the same action, expecting a different result.

"Hey Draco, could I possibly sit next to you?" he was surrounded by the other seventh year Slytherins. I caught a few twitchy hands going for wands. I chose to ignore them.

"Of course." he scooted down his bench to make room. I saw he noticed the twitchy hands also, "Blaise, could you possibly move down for Miss Sownbinder?"

"No." Blaise grumbled.

"You must still be mad about what I said to your father." I stuck my bottom lip out slightly in a fake pout, "That's fine." I put my shoe on the side of his thigh and gave him a shove. Then I took my seat.

"Are you bloody daft?" Crabbe grunted across the table. I saw a few wands resting on the table tops.

"Terribly so." I responded as I gathered food onto my plate. Draco just chuckled. He found my attitude entertaining.

"Leave It alone, Crabbe." Pansy sneered, "It doesn't have a place in this world, so It is trying to cling onto something that might show pity." her use of the word 'it' was not lost upon me.

"Actually, I was hoping someone might show pity on your face and fix it. Honestly, sneering does not look pleasant on you. You are about as elegant as a slobbering mongrel." I did not look up from what I was doing. But I did hear the gasps of shock and Pansy let out a closed mouth scream, "Now, be a dear and pass the salt." I finally looked over at her, my eyes round with innocence. Her face was turning pink with anger.

"Bitch." she growled. I flashed a nasty smile.

"You already tried that one, love." I spat at her, emphasizing the term of endearment, "Recycling old material is shoddy, isn't it?" I glanced over at Draco, who's features were morphed into quiet amusement, "Could you please pass me the salt?" successfully dismissing Pansy.

The salt appeared in my palm. I winked at Draco. He just shook his head in amusement.

Today was not going to be too terrible of a day, I guess.

A/N: Henria being Henria.

Sorry, this was a short chapter. And I am sorry dracodarlingxx, but I don't know when the next sexy Draco time will be. I am hoping soon, because poor Henria is feeling a bit lonely. I mean, she has no real Common Room, dorm room or friends really. *sigh* Life is the pits. Hopefully Harry, Ron and Hermione can defeat him soon!

Thank you winchesterxgirl, for your devotion to this story! Hopefully this chapter does not disappoint you, since you are forever the Gryffindor and I know you like Irish boys. *wink*

Until next time!

Henny, that lucky Penny!