A/N- Thank you to everyone who reviewed! Sorry it took so long to update, but I have been busy searching for another job. A note I would like to add is that right at the beginning we won't really get anyone's point of view but Hermione's. I had a little from Harry's, but I didn't really want to go into detail about him right now because he is not the topic of my story. Later when things start to really come together, then we will see more of Harry's point of view. I hope that is ok with everyone. Just so everyone knows, which I am sure that you do, Hermione's thoughts are in italics, because I hate having to put she thought all the time! Hope everyone is doing well, anyways hope everyone likes this chapter! And please review when finished!
Disclaimer: Same ol' Same ol', nothing mine, yadda yadda yadda, belongs to J.K.Rowling, blah blah blah!
Chapter Two
Hermione awoke the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside her window. She hadn't rested that well, so she barely got a couple hours of sleep. She turned her head to see her clock read 5:45 am. Great, now I can't get back to sleep and I have another two hours before breakfast. She laid her head down on her bed, but after awhile figured it was useless, so she dragged herself from her bed. She dressed in her robes and grabbed her bookbag. She made her way down to the common room. No one was there, and she didn't expect anything different. No one would be up at this time, I shouldn't even be up at this time. She pulled open her books and began working on her Transfiguration homework. By the time she completed that it was 6:15am. She decided she would study a little for the N.E.W.T.'s, but she couldn't get her mind to concentrate.
Why does everyone not want to see me for me? Why is it that everyone notices Susan Bones, Ginny, or Lavender? I mean, yeah they are pretty and everything, but can't people understand that looks aren't everything? I just wish someone would give me a chance, that is all I want, one chance.
"Oh this is crazy!" she said aloud to herself, silently praying that no one was in the common room to hear her outburst. "I have to clear my head; I should just go for a walk."
She didn't even think about putting her stuff away or getting her cloak, she just walked out of the portrait.
"Good morning Hermione, you are up early today!" the fat lady said as she swung back into place.
"Yes, couldn't sleep, so I thought I would take a walk," Hermione replied. She wasn't really in the mood for talking, but she didn't want to be rude.
"Well that should help dear!" The fat lady answered giving her a warm smile.
Hermione nodded her head in agreement and said, "Yeah, well I will see you in a little bit!"
"Yes dear, have a nice walk!"
"Thanks," Hermione called back as she walked down the hall.
She had made it to the third floor. She was coming around the corner and wasn't watching where she was going. Suddenly, CRASH, Hermione ran smack dab into someone. She fell to the floor with a thud. It took her a second to get her bushy hair away from her face. She was about to pull herself up when she caught sight of a hand extended toward her to help her up. She grabbed it politely and was pulled from the floor.
"I am so sorry," she said as her eyes stayed glued to the floor. Finally when she made them look up she was surprised at who she saw. It was Gregory Silverton, the new transfer student. As she gazed at him she couldn't help but think that he was quite handsome.
"No problem," he said in a polite tone.
"No, I should have been watching where I was going," Hermione couldn't help but fill embarrassed. She began to blush, but tried to hide it by her hair.
"Why are you hiding behind you hair?" Gregory asked her as he began to push her hair behind her ears.
Hermione began to feel embarrassed now, he had caught her trying to hide. She just shrugged her shoulders and stared at the ground.
He picked up her chin and pulled her eyes to him. "You shouldn't try to hide such a pretty face."
Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. Did a guy just say I had a pretty face? No, I must be hearing things so Hermione quickly uttered, "Huh?"
"I said you have a pretty face, Hermione," Gregory answered not taking his eyes away from hers.
"I…Uh…how did you…I mean, how did you know my name?" Hermione was completely confused, she had no idea how he knew her name.
"Well, I have a tendency to find out information about things that catch my attention," he said suavely.
Hermione couldn't even understand what was happening. This boy, whom she had no idea about, had said she was pretty and she had caught his attention. Something doesn't feel right. Feeling uncomfortable Hermione decided to think of an excuse so that she could leave.
"I…er…have to go to Professor McGonagall's office. She needs to speak to me," Hermione lied. She felt bad for lying, but for some reason she needed to leave.
"Oh, ok, but will I see you again, Hermione?" Gregory actually looked kind of hurt by Hermione having to go.
"Yes, you will see me around," Hermione waved and said a quick goodbye before darting away. She didn't even realize she was heading in the complete opposite direction of Professor McGonagall's office.
Hermione made it down to breakfast, where everyone was already seated. She sat down beside Harry and grabbed a couple pieces of toast.
"So, what happened to you this morning?" Harry asked taking another bite of his apple he was eating.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Hermione asked questionably.
"Well, your stuff was all over the common room, but you were no where to be found," Harry said to her as he turned to meet his gaze.
Man, how I love those eyes! I could just pass out right now from the sight of them. They seemed so genuine, so sincere.
"Yeah, I went for a walk. I couldn't sleep, had to clear my head," Hermione said as she turned her head away from his eyes.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Harry asked.
Hermione turned back toward him and she could see the concern in his eyes. She nodded her head and replied, "Yes Harry, just a little stressed. You know with N.E.W.T's and everything else."
"Well if you want to talk, I'm here," he said as he took his hand and placed it over hers.
Oh, his touch is so soft. I feel so safe to have him hear with me. She pushed the thoughts from her mind knowing that she couldn't feel that way toward Harry. It would only get her hurt because he would never like her in the end. She was just his best friend.
"I know Harry, I know," Hermione answered. She squeezed his hand slightly for reassurance that she was okay and went back to eating her toast. They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence.
Hermione was about to leave the table when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Gregory standing behind her.
"Hello Hermione," he said with a smile.
Hermione saw Harry and Ron turn to stare at Gregory, both with completely unreadable expressions on their faces. Hermione was in shock. Had he come up to her and said hello? Yes, there he was standing right in front of me . Say something Hermione, say something or you are going to look stupid just sitting there.
Popping back into reality she smiled and said, "Hello Gregory, how are you this morning?"
"Just fine, and how are you?"
"Okay," Hermione answered. She didn't really know what to say, so she looked toward the floor. Immediately her hair began to cover her face.
"What did I tell you about covering that pretty face?" Gregory said as he brushed her hair back.
She heard giggles coming from Lavender and Pavarti.
Oh my god! I can't believe he just said that in front of everyone. Hermione felt like she had a thousand butterflies fluttering inside of her. She couldn't believe that he was saying this to her, Hermione, just the bookworm, know it all, witch.
Hermione began to blush incredibly. She felt like her face was just as red as Ron's hair.
She had no idea how to react to this. She just stared into his deep blues and felt completely flushed.
"Well, I just wanted to say hi. I guess I better get back and get my stuff for class. Hopefully I will see you around soon, Hermione!" Gregory said as he turned to walk away.
"Bye," was all Hermione could utter. She was in shock. She turned around to see everyone staring at her including Ron and Harry.
Ron had a grin on his face and Harry just sat there, he seemed to be in shock too.
"Way to go Hermione!" Ron said as he turned back to his food.
"Yeah, Hermione, I can't believe Gregory just talked to you!" Lavender called from down the table.
"How do you know him?" Harry asked still in a state of shock.
What is that look on him? Is he jealous? "Well I guess you can just say we kinda ran into each other, literally!" She couldn't help but giggle a little at the memory. God how she felt so embarrassed. But no one asked any more questions.
Hermione felt good, but also she felt embarrassed. Nothing like that had ever happened to her and she had no idea how to react to it. She got up slowly from where she was sitting, and without looking back, left the Great Hall with her head swarming with thoughts.
She made her way down to the dungeons for potions. It was the first class of the day, and she knew of course that the Sytherin's would be in there with them. She didn't look forward to see them, Snape and of course, Malfoy! Speaking of Malfoy, before she got to the door, she almost ran right into him.
"Watch where you are going, Mudblood!" Malfoy spat at Hermione glaring into her eyes.
"Don't even start with me, Malfoy!" Hermione said as she fingered her wand in her robes.
"Don't give me that attitude. You have no right to talk to me like that!" Malfoy yelled as he poked a finger into her shoulder making her back up into the wall. He got right up into her face and said, "You are no more then filth!"
Hermione was about to reach for her wand, but Malfoy grabbed her wrist and whispered in a eerie voice, "Don't even think about it!"
"Let go of me!" she yelled as she struggled to get her arm free from his cold grip, but the more she moved the harder he held on to her. He pushed her hard into the wall and her head hit the wall. It wasn't hard enough to cause any damage, but it hurt like hell.
"MALFOY! Leave her alone!" A voice yelled from down the corridor. Hermione didn't even have to turn and look; she knew that voice like the back of her hand.
"Stay out of this Potter!" Malfoy said. He still had a hard grasp on Hermione's tiny wrist.
"Let go of her right now or I will hex you into another world!" Harry said in a cold tone while pointing his wand at Malfoy's chest.
"You had better not touch her again!" Ron said as he copied Harry's movements.
Harry turned to Hermione and saw a glimmer of fear pass her eyes, but he gave her a small smile before turning his gaze back to Malfoy, and his face was then filled with anger and raged. He hated it when people messed with Hermione and he wasn't going to let this slide.
Hermione started to pull her arm away and Malfoy turned to her. "Just remember Mudblood, I will be watching you!" He said as he pushed her back into the wall again, this time hard enough to make her fall to the ground.
Hermione put a hand to the back of her head rubbing the spot that hit the wall. She looked over to see Harry and Ron run towards Malfoy.
"You will pay for that Malfoy!" Ron yelled as they were about to pounce on Malfoy, but were rudely interrupted by Snape.
"What is the meaning of this? Fifty points from Gryffindor for causing a disturbance! Now get inside the classroom now!" Snape yelled and went back inside the classroom.
Malfoy smirked at them and walked inside.
"He just got lucky this time, but I swear one day he will get what is coming to him!" Ron said in anger as he and Harry turned back to Hermione, who was still on the ground.
Harry could see the tears in her eyes, but she kept them from falling.
"Hermione, are you ok?" Harry asked concerned about his best friend. He helped her up.
"Yes, Harry, I am fine. Just a little shaken up," Hermione answered in a rather quiet tone.
"I will get him for this!" Harry said as he watched Hermione in pain. He knew she was only trying to be strong and hold her dignity, but he could see in her eyes how much Malfoy's words pained her.
"No Harry, let's just get inside before we get detention!" Hermione said to him. She gave him a small, fake smile and walked into the room.
The whole class moved pretty quickly. Snape didn't say anything about the incident. Malfoy kept shooting Harry, Ron and Hermione evil grins, which Harry and Ron returned. Hermione sat with her head down and didn't say anything all through the class. A few times Harry squeezed Hermione's hand for reassurance that everything was going to be ok.
I wish I could believe you Harry. My life feels so out of control. I hate Malfoy! Why does he have to do this to me? Why does everyone have to tease me? What have I ever done? Oh yeah, that's right, I was born!
Finally as the class ended and Snape assigned them an essay to be due by Friday, Harry, Ron and Hermione headed out of the classroom.
Hermione was glad that Malfoy had already left. She hoped that she wouldn't have to see him again, but she knew that wasn't possible.
Harry, Ron and Hermione headed down to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures.
"'ello there yer three," Hagrid said in a cheery voice. "'ope yer are doin' ok."
"Yes, Hagrid, we are doing fine! So what are we going to be working with today?" Harry asked.
"Well we're goin' to be…" Hagrid started to say but was suddenly cut off by someone yelling in the distance.
"No, they are after us! They are going to come kill us!" a voice started to say to everyone.
Harry, Ron and Hermione turned around to see Colin Creevy in a distraught state. He looked like he was having a bad day.
Hagrid walked over to him and asked, "Colin, what is goin' on 'ere?"
"No, they are after us!" Colin yelled as he hugged tightly to himself.
"Who is after us?" Hagrid asked.
"They, they!!!!" Colin screamed then suddenly his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell to the ground.
"Colin!" Hermione screamed as she, Harry and Ron ran over to him.
"Everyone, class is dissmissed! I 'ave to get 'im to the 'ospital wing, now!" Hagrid said as he came over and picked up Colin and started walking toward the sSusanol.
Harry, Ron and Hermione stared in shock at what just occurred.
"What do you think that was about?" Ron asked staring as he watched the last of Hagrid disappear through the front doors of Hogwarts.
"I don't know!" Harry said. He looked over at Hermione who just shrugged her shoulders.
It had been about a week since Colin was taken to the hospital. There was no word on what was wrong with him, but they just said he hadn't woken up yet.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the Great Hall eating dinner. Harry and Ron were conversing about Quidditch and Hermione ate in silence. She wasn't that hungry tonight. She was poking at her food when she noticed a figure walk near here. She turned her eyes to see Susan Bones standing right behind them.
"Hey Harry!" she said as she batted her eyelashes. Hermione rolled her eyes, but no one noticed. Great!
"Hey Susan, how are you?" Harry asked. Hermione could see the red flow to his cheeks as he sat there looking at Susan.
"I am fine. I was actually wondering if I could ask you a question?" Susan asked.
"Sure Susan, what is it?" Harry answered.
"Well I was wondering if you want to go to Hogsmeade together this weekend?" Susan asked in her most flattery tone.
"Well, I was already going with Ron and Hermione, but you are more then welcome to join us," Harry said.
"Ok!" Susan said as he face lit up. Hermione thought she was going to be sick. Great, why does she have to ruin everything?
Susan turned to leave, but she slung her hair around behind her and flashed Harry a smile before walking back to her table.
"Well Harry, now I bet you didn't see that coming!" Ron said as he ate a piece of bread.
"Yeah, I didn't even know she liked me! I hope you two didn't mind if she came with us," Harry said realizing that he didn't even ask his friends if it was ok if she joined them.
"Sure mate! Maybe you will even get a little kiss!" Ron said winking at Harry.
Harry smiled and turned to look at Hermione. She looked down at her plate, then back at Harry. She was lost in his eyes once again. She wanted to scream, No she can't come because you are suppose to be with me! But she couldn't. She knew she couldn't compete with Susan, so she gave him a smile and said, "Harry that is fine if she comes."
Harry smiled and this made Hermione feel worse. He was so happy about her coming he didn't even realize the sad look on Hermione's face.
Hermione excused herself from the table saying she had some homework to finish. With Ron muttering, "Typical Hermione!" behind her, she turned and left the great hall. She was going to head back to her room, but decided to take a walk around the lake. She stared out as the stars reflected into the shiny pool of water below. She sunk down to the ground and buried her face into her hands and cried.
Little did she know someone was just around the corner staring at her in her distraught state. Slowly his lips came into a smile and he whispered, "Soon Granger, soon!"
Before she knew it, Hermione realized that it was Saturday and the dreaded Hogsmeade trip was today.
Great, I don't even want to go. Well at least I will have Ron to keep me company while Harry is with Susan.
Hermione got dressed and walked down to the common room. There she found Ron and Harry sitting on the couches.
"Hey guys!" Hermione said as she took a seat beside Harry on the couch.
"Hey Hermione! Ready for the trip?" Harry asked her.
"Yeah," Hermione said trying to sound sincere.
"Well, guys I wanted to ask you something and I hope you don't mind," Ron said.
"Sure Ron, what is it?" Hermione asked.
"Well I invited Lavender along with us. I hope you two don't mind!" Ron said with a smile.
"Sure mate! Do you like her or something?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, I think I really do!" Ron answered. He was grinning from ear to ear, which told Hermione that he really must like her. Great, now I am going to be the fifth wheel. Maybe I shouldn't even go. I am going to make an excuse and not go now.
"That's great Ron. Actually I just remembered, I have to finish some Transfiguration homework, so I think I might not go to Hogsmeade," Hermione said as she stared at her hands. She began to get up from the couch but an arm caught her before she could.
She turned to see Harry holding her down. Hermione again could melt from his stare.
"Hermione, you have to go! It is going to be fun!" Harry said.
"Well, I really need to do this homework," Hermione answered turning from his face to stare at the floor.
"Yeah Hermione, please go!" Ron said.
"Ron, I really need to…" Hermione started to say, but was cut off by a hand on her mouth. She turned again to see Harry there. She thought she was going to die. His hand was so soft. She just wanted to kiss him till the end of time, but she resisted the urge and stared into his eyes once again.
"No, Hermione, don't give me this 'I have to study crap!', you are coming," Harry said. He removed his hand from her mouth. He couldn't help but think that her lips felt so soft on his palm, but he brushed the feelings away.
"But Harry," Hermione started to say, but he gave her that pout look and his eyes were begging for her to come. How can I resist that face?
"Oh, alright, I will go," Hermione answered.
"Good!" Harry exclaimed and Ron clapped his hands together. "Well, let's get go then!"
Harry, Ron and Hermione met Susan and Lavender down in the Great Hall and made their way to Hogsmeade.
They looked through different shops and ended up in the three broomsticks for some butterbeers.
All five sat at the table while they drank their butterbeers. "So how is everyone's year coming?" Susan asked putting down her drink. Harry had his arm draped around her shoulders, and Ron had the same thing with Lavender.
"Mine is coming ok!" Harry answered with a smile.
"Yeah mine too," Lavender said.
"Mine is coming ok, but my Arthimancy class is…" Hermione started to say, but was rudely interrupted by Ron, "I can't wait for Quidditch to start!"
No one seemed to notice Ron's interruption. In fact no one really seemed to notice Hermione was even sitting there.
They began to talk about Quidditch, which bored Hermione so she sat back and barely listened to them. She then turned back and saw Lavender and Ron were in their own conversation as well as Susan and Harry. Then to her horror, they all started to kiss each other.
Hermione couldn't help but feel the tears come to her eyes. Why can't I have someone? Oh, I know why because you are the ugly bookworm that no one notices. I mean, look, here are your best friends and they don't even know you are sitting there. She was so jealous, angry and very sad. She couldn't stand it. She got up from the table and said, "I am going back to the castle." NO one even took notice that she had said something. "I am going to go make out with Snape in the dungeon," Hermione said to see if that would get there attention. They just continued kissing. Hermione left through the door and cried the entire way back to Hogwarts. Will anyone ever have me? Will I ever be happy like everyone else? When am I going to get to live?
Later that night she sat beside Harry and Ron in the Great Hall. They were talking about their wonderful dates.
"Hermione, where did you go this afternoon?" Harry asked turning his attention to his best friend.
"Well, I was tired and you two looked pretty busy, so I just went ahead and left," Hermione said not looking at them.
"Well you could have at least said something," Ron said.
"I did, but you couldn't hear me over the slopping noises you were making with your mouths!" Hermione said in an irritated tone.
"Oh, sorry Hermione!" Harry answered. He could tell his friend was distressed, but he didn't want to bother her anymore, he could tell she was irritated.
"Yeah, sorry Hermione," Ron answered and then Harry and Ron went back to their conversation. Hermione poked at her food and decided she wanted to go back to her room. She bid them farewell and got up from the table. She began to walk toward the doors when someone burst through them.
"Hermione! Hermione!" he yelled as he ran into the great hall. Everyone stopped to see what was going on.
"Viktor?" Hermione stood in shock. Suddenly he reached her and grabbed her arms.
"Hermione you are not safe! They are after you!" Viktor yelled through his panic state. Hermione could feel he was shaking.
"Viktor, calm down. What are you talking about?" Hermione said looking into his eyes. She could see panic, fear and worst of all, coldness. She didn't like the way it made her feel.
"Hermione they are after you, me and everyone else! They are coming and no one can stop them, no one!" Viktor yelled as he started to shake Hermione violently. She tried to pull him from her, and before she knew it Harry and Ron were by her side.
"Viktor, please stop! What is wrong with you?" Hermione said in a shock state. He still had a hold on her. She saw Harry and Ron come around and try and pry his hands from Hermione's arms, but he had a strong grip.
"They are coming! They are coming!" He yelled when he dropped to his knees, his eyes rolled into his head and he fell flat on the floor.
"Viktor!" Hermione yelled as she kneeled down beside him. She just laid their motionless, just like Colin had done before.
Everyone was in a state of shock. No one knew what to do. Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged concerned looks.
They didn't know what was going on, but they did know one thing, it had to do with Dark Magic and that little bit of information was enough to send chills through each of their spines.
Thank you everyone for reading! Please now read and review!!!! I need to know what everyone thinks of this story, or I am just going to abandon it!