She smiled at Harry over the top of her parchment, her stomach fluttering when he gave her a strained smile in return. Hurriedly, they returned to their work, ignoring the cloak of awkwardness around them.
Hermione felt tears prick at her eyes and she quickly pulled her parchment over her face.
After her horrid admission in Potions, Hermione had simply been relieved she and Harry were still friends. It wasn't until afterwards that it had begun to sink in that Harry did not return her feelings. And probably never would.
Her secret was out and everyone knew - and though Harry had been sweetly understanding about it, her hurt was a constant, aching presence. Perhaps if he rejected her outright or mocked her feelings-then she could begin to move on. But she knew he wouldn't, it wasn't who Harry was.
She desperately wanted to talk to Harry about it, but didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. Oh, but she'd give anything to dispel the barrier between them-anything at all. Instead she found herself pulling away-speaking to him only when he addressed her first, sitting next to Ron at mealtimes, spending more time in the library.
She found herself studying Cho, wondering what it was about the elder girl that made her catch Harry's fancy. What was it Cho had that she hadn't? Looks, athleticism?
Stupid, she thought to herself. It was such a waste of time, dwelling on those kinds of thoughts. Things were what they were. She couldn't change them by being jealous of Cho.
Hermione missed Harry-her best friend, who she nagged without worry, who she loved in secret. Yet it was easier this way. If she pulled far enough away, maybe the hurt would stop.
A shadow fell across her parchment and she glanced up, startled to find Seamus Finnigan staring down at her.
"Uh, hello," she said nervously. She didn't frequently speak with Seamus or Dean. "Do you… are you looking for help on the Potions essay?"
"Nah," Seamus said, smiling easily. "Done."
Harry had moved his essay off to the side. Hermione could tell he was listening carefully.
"I was wondering if you'd fancy going to Hogsmeade next weekend," Seamus said. "How about it?"
Hermione glanced around her to make certain Seamus was really addressing her.
"Wha-uh-you mean with you?" Hermione flushed. "That is, you want me to go to Hogsmeade with you?"
Harry stiffened and she felt her gaze shift to him. Seamus determinedly pretended he was not there.
"Naturally," said Seamus. "How about it?"
"Uh…" Hermione cast about in her mind for an appropriate reply. Seamus was a perfectly nice boy, but surely he, along with the rest of the school, knew how she felt about Harry.
Harry was no longer attempting to conceal his interest in her answer. His eyes were fixed on her face, something that was making her most uncomfortable.
"I… uh… yes," she finally said, her smile forced and wavering. "I think that would be lovely."
Seamus flashed her a grin. "Great. I'll see you then."
He sauntered off and Hermione stared after him, bemused. She heard Harry clear his throat.
"You're going out with Seamus?"
"It would appear so," Hermione said with forced nonchalance.
Harry looked troubled. "I didn't know he fancied you."
"Oh, well…"
"And it was a bit rude, don't you reckon, for him to ask you out while I was sitting here?"
"I… I don't think-"
"You know how Seamus is, Hermione. He's with a new girl every week! I thought you were better than that."
"Better than-what, excuse me?"
"You know…" Harry leaned closer. "He's just hoping you'll-"
"Harry!" she hissed. "Why is it so difficult for you to imagine that someone could fancy me?"
Harry sat back, frowning. Neither of them missed her underlying message.
"I'm just trying-"
"Don't bother," she snapped, gathering her stuff together. "It's not worth it."
***
"Okay," Lavender said, surveying her fellow Gryffindors. "This is the plan." She whirled around. "Seamus?"
"Yeah?"
"You will take Hermione out this weekend. She will have a nice time." Lavender paused for affect. "Then, after she's relaxed, you will do what you do best. Take advantage of her."
Seamus sat up. "What?
"Not too much, mind you," Lavender said quickly. "Just… something that would get her knickers all in a twist. You're an imaginative boy. Improvise."
"It's perfect, you see," Parvati said. "Hermione will turn to her best friend-Harry-who will be filled with righteous, protective anger on her behalf."
Seamus made an odd chocking noise. "We never agreed on that!"
"You don't wanna mess with Harry, man," Dean said. "Bad idea."
Seamus nodded fervently. "Besides, I don't much want to upset Hermione either. I don't have anything against her."
A manic glint came into Lavender's eyes. "Are we in this together or not? If anything will wake that git up, it'll be his protective, hero-complex side."
***
Harry was in a foul mood.
The Three Broomsticks was packed to explosion. The loud babble of voices was giving him a headache.
In being honest with himself, he knew his bad temper caused by Hermione's date with Seamus. It bewildered him that she could express feelings for him one moment and go off with Seamus the next. It bothered him to know he'd been tossed over that quickly-obviously, her feelings couldn't have run very deeply….
He also felt regret-he hadn't had time to process his own feelings for Hermione and it hurt him deeply to see her move on with such apparent ease.
This last week, watching her pull away, feeling her abandonment in the lack of attention she paid him-it had left him feeling like he was hanging on to her by a thread, helpless as it slipped out of his fingertips.
***
When Seamus burst into the Three Broomsticks, Harry's confusion was seized by worry. He jumped up from the table, startling both Ron and Neville.
Seamus was pale as he hobbled along the wall, using it to support himself. There was a bruise forming on his left cheekbone.
Harry's hand clenched on his wand and he hurried to Seamus. His mind was racing. Oh god what's happened where's Hermione hope she's alright let her be okay…
He was only dimly aware of reaching Seamus' side. Was that Ron behind him? And Lavender, Parvati and Dean?
"What happened?" Harry chocked out.
Seamus seemed to shrink under Harry's stare.
"I-uh-buh-"
Harry took a step closer, willing his mind to think straight-to focus.
"Where's Hermione?"
"I…" Seamus swallowed and sat down in the nearest booth. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead. "She…"
"Seamus," Harry said tightly. "If something happened to her, I swear I'll-"
"She… she… well, she kicked me." Seamus muttered, unable to look Harry in the eyes.
Harry stared. "She kicked you?"
"More like kneed me, actually," Seamus said, casting his eyes downward. "And then she, er, she did this thing with her elbow…"
Seamus gestured to the bruise on his cheek.
"But… but… why?" Harry managed, aghast.
"Oh, you know…" Seamus said, voice a low whisper. "I…"
"You what?"
Seamus shifted and pressed a hand to his face. "I just… you know.…" He cleared his throat. "I didn't, er, I didn't think she'd mind."
Seamus tensed, prepared for the worst.
"Oh," Harry said.
Seamus blinked. "That's it?"
"No, that is not it," a new voice growled. It was Ron. "You're a dead man, Finnigan."
Ron pushed past Harry and lunged, a wild look in his eyes. Harry grabbed his arm, giving a small grunt when Ron collided with his windpipe.
"Let go, Harry," Ron snapped. "I'm going to kill him."
"Come off it, Ron," Harry said impatiently. "Look at him. Hermione got him right good."
"Are you barking?" Ron said. "He-I mean… we can't just let him get away with it, can we?"
"We're not, Ron," Harry said. "I don't reckon Seamus is going to be able to walk properly for some time. Eh, Finnigan?"
A few people around them sniggered.
"Alright," Harry said, dropping Ron's arm. "I'm gonna go find her. She shouldn't be walking around Hogsmeade alone."
"I'll come with you."
"No," Harry said sharply. "Er… I mean, I reckon I should talk to her alone."
He gave Ron a significant look. Ron shrugged and shot Seamus another glare.
"Git," he muttered.
"Yeah, right," Harry said vaguely, mind busy going over Hermione's possible whereabouts. "See you later."
He disappeared out the door, leaving Lavender and Parvati staring sullenly after him.
***
Hermione stomped angrily up the hill towards the Shrieking Shack, seething. How dare he! Sticking his tongue into her mouth like she was some common tramp!
It was a mild consolation that she could still remember her satisfaction in the way Seamus' face crumpled when her knee collided with his groin.
She worried her bottom lip raw as she went up the hill, the weak April sun causing her to squint. Oh, how she wished she could keep going until it was all behind her! She couldn't bear having to go back and face Seamus now…
And Harry, she added with a sigh. And Harry.
***
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she failed to notice Crabbe and Goyle until she was nearly on top of them. Thankfully, Malfoy was nowhere to be found-leaving the muscle without the brains.
"Well, if isn't Granger," Crabbe said, elbowing Goyle. "All alone."
"Yeah, where are your boyfriends, Granger?" Goyle said. "Oh, right! Potty can't stand the sight of you!"
They both laughed and Hermione inwardly bristled, frustrated that such an elementary insult could bother her. She checked the insides of her robes for her wand, horror descending on her in waves when she couldn't find it. It must've slipped out during her short scuffle with Seamus.
Crabbe and Goyle gave her wide, excited looks and Hermione realized they too understood she had nothing to defend herself with.
With Seamus, Hermione had been secure in the knowledge that he'd never intentionally hurt her. She had no such assurance from Crabbe and Goyle.
Hermione took a step backwards, eyes fixed on their faces.
My wand, I need to find my wand-oh, why did I have to come here! The Shrieking Shack! Honestly!
Another step back. They stood silent, watching her. It probably takes them that long to think. Another step.
Hermione turned around, prepared to run when her foot caught on a tree root and she went down. Pain shot up from her ankle and bits of dirt and rocks clung to her palms.
She looked up just as two hands clamped around her arms, hauling her to her feet. Her ankle gave a painful throb and she found herself eye to eye with Gregory Goyle.
Trapped without her wand, alone with two hostile classmates, her ankle in pain, Hermione had a screaming, desperate urge for Harry. That's what he does, she thought desperately. He saves people. I need him now. Harry, please…
She closed her eyes, straining to hear his voice. Crabbe's fingers dug into her arms. The wind rustled through the trees and Goyle's breath puffed heavily on her face.
Harry didn't come.
"Let got of me," Hermione said, twisting.
Crabbe shook her and Hermione's teeth gnashed together.
"Let. GO."
"Uh… no," Goyle said.
He frowned, staring at her like he didn't much know what to do with her now that he had her.
Hermione used his distraction to her advantage. She swung her knee up towards Goyle's midsection and stomped on Crabbe's foot with her other leg.
Crabbe swore and shoved her away while Goyle doubled over, moaning.
On her injured ankle, Hermione immediately lost her balance. She had enough time to register the rock rushing towards her face before her forehead crashed into it. A muffled moan escaped her throat and a sick, nauseous feeling pooled in her stomach.
She tried to move and couldn't. Something wet and sticky trickled past her nose.
"Uh-she isn't moving, Crabbe."
"She dead?"
"I dunno."
Hermione could hear them shuffling behind her. She closed her eyes as a wave of dizziness passed over her.
"What do we do if she's dead?"
"Dunno."
"Could be trouble."
"She's not dead."
"She looks dead. Dumbledore won't like it much if she's dead."
"It's not our fault. She started it."
"She's still not moving."
"We were only supposed to rough her up some-not kill her."
"Yeah-yeah, it's not our fault."
"There isn't nobody around."
"Maybe if we just…"
"Yeah… okay..."
They kicked up dust in their haste to get away. For a moment, there was blessed silence. Hermione let her mind drift. Exhaustion clouded her brain, making her arms and legs feel heavy. Darkness beckoned to her. How easy it would be to slip away, lost to the world…
"Hermione!"
Her eyes felt scratchy when she opened them. Her head ached. Her tongue was swollen and thick.
"Hermione! Hermione-oh, my god-Hermione!"
That's Harry, she thought. He sounds worried.
She struggled to move. The light hurt her eyes, causing tears to well.
"Hermione-" he dropped to his knees beside her, face lined with anxiety.
"I'm alright," she whispered, trying to sit up. She pressed her hand to her forehead. If only the world would stop spinning…
"Hermione." His voice was shaking. He reached for her hand and pulled it towards him. It was smeared with red paint.
No, not red paint, she thought fuzzily. That's blood. My blood.
Harry's fingers clenched on her wrist.
"Who-" he managed. He took a breath and his voice was harsh when he spoke. "Was it… was it Seamus?"
Hermione shook her head, the effort causing dark spots to dance in front of her eyes.
"Crabbe and Goyle," she croaked.
"Grabbe and Goyle…" he trailed off and jumped up. She tried to follow, getting as far as her knees. "I'll kill them."
He looked ready to dash off. On instinct, Hermione lunged, catching the end of his robes in her fingertips.
"Harry!" she said. "I need… help…"
She let go, sinking back down to the ground. Harry's murderous rage evaporated and he dropped down next to her.
"What do I…" he swallowed. "What can I do?" Harry looked around. "I should get… someone. A professor. You need Madam Pomfrey."
"Don't…" Hermione grit her teeth against the pain. "Don't leave me alone. Please."
Harry surveyed her, eyes wide. He nodded.
"Can you walk?"
She shrugged her shoulders, it was too hard to talk.
"Come on," he said. He helped her up, slipping an arm around her waist. She leaned against him, her feet heavy.
"I hurt…" Hermione bit her lip. Stay awake. "I hurt my ankle."
"Your ankle too?" Harry said. She felt him stiffen. "Son of a bitch."
She's never heard him swear before. Her head lolled back on his shoulder. Were they moving? She could scarcely feel the ground beneath her feet.
"Harry…" she whispered. "I don't wanna get blood all over you."
"I'll risk it. Keep moving, Hermione."
"I knew you'd come," she said faintly. "That's what you do. You-save-people."
"I'm sorry. They should never have-"
"S'okay. I lost my wand, Harry. Rather stupid of me, don't you think?"
"You lost your wand?"
"Yes, I…" Hermione forced herself to concentrate. Her voice sounded small. "It must've fallen out earlier."
"I'll get it back for you," Harry said. His arm tightened around her. He felt strong and hard and masculine.
"Thanks, Harry," she whispered. "I'm really glad you're here."
She could have sworn she felt his lips brush against the side of her head. If only she wasn't so dizzy-then she could know for sure.
"Me too." He waited a moment. "I'm just relieved you're okay, Hermione. I thought… well, it doesn't matter. You're okay. You're going to be fine."
She might have made some kind of response there, but she wasn't sure. Her vision darkened. She wanted to tell him she was sorry, she didn't want him to have to carry her all the way back to the castle, but it was too hard to stay awake. Too hard.