Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of that. JKR does. Wish I did own it, but thats a wish. Lol.
Thank you all for the great reviews, and I may use some of the ideas given to me for parts of this story. If I do, I will try to let you all know who's I used and what they were. Thanks!
Spikecat: I will be using that idea, the end of this chapter! Simply brilliant. Thank you!
Obsgurl: I maybe using the idea you gave me, Not sure yet. But we will see.
ebm56: I have been mulling that over and am trying to decide. Because lets face it. They need a good row between them. She would forgive him in the end I'm sure. And it's a very Slytherin thing to do. But I may and may not. Havent decided yet.
Chapter 11:
Sweet Nothings and Snake Talk
Hermione and Draco left the party, and headed toward the Astronomy Tower. Everyone's favorite place to think, well besides the Black Lake. And Draco was holding her hand. They were walking and Hermione was speaking.
"I just don't get it Draco. Sniff. Who would be so cruel as to turn my costume into something lethal? Sniff" Hermione was still crying, but her sobs where becoming sniffles by this time. "I mean, really. Why would someone do that? Sniff, Sniff. I feel horrible. And the embarassment. Sniff. People will be talking about this for days. Or until something interesting happens again."
They had gotten to the Tower and Hermoine was looking out over the grounds. Draco walked slowly up behind her and rubbed her arms as if she was cold and he was trying to warm her skin.
"I'm not sure who did this. But I can all but guarantee McGonagall will be putting a full scale investigation out. We will find out who did this and she will give them the correct punishment." Draco tried to assure her. "And besides once your a Malfoy, you will be getting all sorts of unwanted attention. So you might as well get used to it."
He was trying to joke, but Hermoine was in no mood.
"Really, Draco. I know we haven't discussed this. But you and I both know you are not happy about who you got matched with. And you are even more unhappy because there is no way out of this for you." Hermione had been wanting to get this talk out, and what better time.
"Hermione, I never once said I wasn't happy. Maybe in the beginning I was a little shocked. I mean you've hated me for six years. How was I supposed to get you past that for you to trust me? I've tortured you, well figuratively. I've insulted you and your friends. And quite frankly I was never happy about doing it."
"Ha!" She scoffed. "You can't be serious. You enjoyed treating me like that. The smug look on your face everytime you delivered an insult was proof. The only time I truely felt good about it was in third year when I quite expertly delivered a blow to your face. If felt good to have some sort of get-back at you."
"Yes, your right. I did deserve that. And honestly I think that was when I fell in love with you." Draco said it so quick and quiet she thought she'd heard him wrong.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't hear you." Hermione said trying to get him to repeat it so she could be sure she'd heard him right.
"Um, nevermind. It's not important right now." He wasn't going to repeat it. He knew she'd heard him.
"Did you say you fell in love with me?" Hermione questioned. He didn't answer, so she asked again. "Draco, did you say you had fallen in love with me?"
He nodded and turned away from her. "If you had, why on earth would you keep treating me as such. You were horrible to me. And you say you loved me? That's a bit hard to believe, don't you think?"
He nodded again. "It was the only way I could keep you a tad bit safe. If my father had found out-"
"To hell with your father, Malfoy!" She was angry now.
"NO! Listen Hermione thats not what I mean. My Father being who he was, to find out I was in love with a muggle-born witch. Would have given him and - and Vold- well you-know-who more ammunition and hunger to get to you. So he could get to Harry. I was trying to PROTECT YOU!"
She wasn't sure if she believed him or not. She just stood there staring out at the night sky.
Meanwhile
"Harry could you come with me a moment please." McGonagall asked.
Harry looked at her oddly, wondering what he had done now. "Yes of course professor."
Harry followed her out of the Great Hall, everyone had soon forgotten the snakes in Hermione's hair and went back to partying. Well everyone who wasn't a close friend of the smart witch.
McGonagall stopped and turned so quick that Harry almost ran into her.
"I'm sorry to have dragged you away from your friends and entertainment. But seeing as you speak parcel-tongue. Well Hagrid had the idea that maybe you could speak with the snakes and see if they could tell you who cast that spell. It may be far fetched. But at this point, we really need to find out who would want to injure a fellow student. And with her own costume at that." She explained to Harry.
Harry understood completely, "Yes, exactly Professor! That's a brilliant idea. Do you know where Hagrid has taken them?"
She nodded, "Yes, he's taken the basket to his hut. He wanted to see if you were up to it before disposing of them. The basket has been charmed to stay closed until you speak with them or their release."
Harry again understood the need for this. "Well with your permission, I would like to go get started on this. Can I go now?"
"Yes, yes! You must go immediately. Do you want me to send someone along? It is a long walk alone at night." The Headmistress asked him.
"If it would make you feel better professor, it certainly would me. Could you ask Ronald to meet me here in ten minutes. I have something I need to get from my room."
"Yes, Potter and please don't tarry. This is very important." And she turned on her heel before allowing him to respond.
Fifteen Minutes Later
"Harry, I still don't understand who would do this to our Hermione. I mean, yeah, she's scarey most times. Especially when she's angry. And she doesn't hesitate to take away House points and deliver detentions. But she always has a good reason. Who do you think done it?" Ron wouldn't quit talking.
Both Ron and Harry had been near sprinting on their way to Hagrid's. Ron talking none stop. Harry was agitated.
"I don't know who did this. Or why. But that's the reason we are going to Hagrid's. To see if I can speak to the snakes and see if they know who charmed them." Harry said frustrated.
They having arrived at Hagrid's. Harry knocked.
Hagrid opened the door and was none surprised to see his favorite student and friend there.
"Come in 'Arry. They are over here." Hagrid pointing to the basket sat in the middle of the table.
Harry enter with Ron not but a step behind. "Wand at the ready Ron. Just in case. I don't know if they'll respond well after being trapped in a basket."
Ron simply nodded. Harry pulled his wand from his pocket and spoke "Alohamora." The basket glowed for a second and Harry stepped forward and lifted the lid.
There were several snakes slithering around in the basket. One poked its head out and stared at Harry.
Harry spoke to it, using the snake language that both Hagrid and Ron didn't understand.
(Translated to English for all of us!)
"Excuse me, I know it isn't pleasant being locked away like that." The snake shook its head.
"I am sorry for that, but there are quite a few students who could have been injured if you or your fellow snakes decided to strike and it was for their benefit as well as yours." The snake nodded in understanding.
"You see, we were wondering who cast the spell to bring you to life. You wouldn't happen to know who did that would you?"
The snake again nodded.
Harry was trying to be patient. Making a poisonous snake angry wasn't on his to-do list tonight."
"Would you please tell me, who?" Again the snake nodded and then spoke. "Shisieth Asienth."
Harry stood frozen for a moment. Nodded his head to the snake. "Thank you."
He started to turn away and then turned back to the snake. "I want to assure you, Hagrid here" pointing to Hagrid "well he's going to set you and your friends free. No need in harming you all. Please be kind to him. He really is the most caring giant I've ever met."
The snake nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I have it. I'm not in the least bit happy about it. But I know who did it. Please Ron we need to get back to the castle. Hagrid do you think you could let them go in a place they would be happy. This really isn't any of their fault?" Harry asked, then realized it was stupid to ask. Hagrid loved all creatures.
"O' course 'arry. Wouldn't be fittin to do o'erwise." Hagrid responded and reached to close the basket. "You best be gettin back now. I'll take care of these lil guys and meet ya back at da castle."
Harry nodded and pulled on Ron's sleeve to get him to follow him out the door.
"Well Harry, who did it?" Ron asked impatiently. Slightly annoyed with his friend for not having told him the minute he knew.
"We have to hurry Ron. Hermione is in danger." Was his responce.
"But Harry why? Who did it? Harry! Tell me!" Ron was feeling a nervous since of dread.
"Ron, it was Malfoy. He set the snakes to life. And Hermoine left the party with him. We have to get to the castle now!" Harry yelled.
"That bastard! I'll kill him!" Ron's face was red with anger.
When they reached the castle Harry sent Ron to get McGonagall and told him to meet him in the Astronomy Tower. He had checked the Maurador's Map, in order to find where the couple had went.
He himself went racing to the Tower.
"I WAS TRYING TO PROTECT YOU!" Malfoy screamed at Hermione just as Harry was approaching.
"Get away from her Malfoy. NOW!" Harry had his wand pointed directly at Malfoy's chest.
"What are you on about Potter?" Not moving from where he stood.
"How could you? Did you want to get rid of her so badly you would make her costume go awry?" Harry questioned.
Hermoine was confused. "Harry what are you talking about? Draco didn't do that!"
"Yes Hermione I'm afraid he did." Still with his wand pointed at Malfoy. Neither wizard moved.
"NO, he - how would you know Harry? That's a horrid accusation to throw at someone with no evidence." Hermoine was confused and angry. She knew Harry didn't care for Malfoy but to accuse him of this.
"Yea, Potter. How dare you accuse me! You don't have any evidence." Malfoy sneered.
Harry stepped closer to Malfoy. "SHUT UP, MALFOY! You lying piece of shit! Did you forget I can talk to snakes you idiot!"
Hermoine stepped away from Draco, and closer to Harry. Glancing between the two boys. "What do you mean Harry?"
"What I mean Hermoine, is that after you left McGonagall sent me to Hagrid to ask the snakes if they knew who'd charmed them. Since I'm the only one at the school who can speak to them. And they told me MALFOY did it!" Harry was trying to explain but he was so angry.
Hermione turned to Malfoy, "You didn't! Tell me he's wrong. That this is a mistake!"
Malfoy had the nerve to look regretful. "OH! You- you- YOU FOUL! LOATHSOME! EVIL! LITTLE COCKROACH!" She had pulled her wand out, but decided to use muggle means. She approached him so fast neither Harry or Draco knew what she was about.
And she hit him. Square in the nose. It instantly started pouring blood.
"Dammit, Hermione. I just wanted time with you. They wouldn't have attacked anyone. I set them to life without venom!" He was speaking and sputtering blood that was draining from his nose into his mouth.
"So you admit this was your doing Mr. Malfoy?" The three turned to see McGonagall, Ron, and Professor Flitwick behind them.
He hung his head and nodded.
"Well I ask that Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley escort you to the hospital wing to get that taken care of. Makes sure he gets their quickly. We will decide what to do after he's healed." McGonagall said and walked back out.
Harry and Ron smiled devilish smiles at each other. She didnt say anything about safely, just quickly.
Well my friends, thats the end of this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Please give me feedback. What are you thinking? Are you mad? What do you think should happen next? Well until next time. Happy Reading! :)
