Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods

Part 9

They told me that I couldn't 'hurt' myself again. Didn't they realize that I was only releasing the pent up pain and frustration that raged inside so often? It made them feel uncomfortable, to be different, to be mental. That's what they thought, the students too, ever since the incident in the bathroom. I wanted to scream at them that it wasn't my problem that they felt weird about it.

Professor McGonagall had assured me that Ron would not say anything to anyone. I unfairly thought that she was protecting the integrity of Gryffindor rather than myself. So everyone wanted me to be normal, whatever that was anymore. Was it normal that I was always slightly an outcast among my peers? That each and every one of them had told me that I was a bossy-know-it all. That the boys had always looked in another direction when it came to thinking of girls.

But stillI determined to square my shoulders and hold my head high as I walked into breakfast Thursday morning. When Jason Lawrence, a seventh year Slytherin, had stepped in front of me as I entered, I knew that Ron had betrayed me. Jason had invited me to join him at the Slytherin table. I frowned at him, wondering what his motive was. I didn't have to wait long as he told me if I wanted to enjoy myself under the table he was a more than willing participant. So that was it. No longer was I 'crazy Granger' but 'slutty Granger'. Actually that appealed to me more than being known as a mental case. I looked at him sweetly and told him he couldn't handle it. I heard the catcalls and laughter from the Slytherin table as I made my way to sit at my own house's table.

Harry had saved me a seat and smiled at me when I had joined him. Ron was sitting on his other side and refused to even look at me. So be it, I thought, not really caring anymore. I had to behave, be good, not cause anyone to feel quirky. And I had determined to do that.

****

Harry groaned as he sat down next to Hermione at breakfast Friday morning. Though Ron was not supposed to tell anyone about what had happened with Hermione the other day, he had. Harry felt squeamish about what Hermione had done, but he was going to stand beside her. Something had happened to her, something terrible and he wasn't going to back away from his friend when she needed him. Ron had not spoken to her all day Thursday and with a sour look had gone to sit with George and Fred this morning.

"Of course he would have to return today," Harry told her, nodding towards the head table, indicating the reason behind his groan. "Couldn't miss our potions class for once could he?"

Hermione looked up at the staff table and saw Professor Snape take his seat next to Dumbledore. He caught her eye a moment, before he turned his attention to Professor McGonagall who was talking to him.

She was oddly comforted that he had returned.

****

Draco sat at breakfast that morning glaring at Jason Lawrence and his friends. They had started another conversation about what they thought had happened at the Gryffindor table the other morning. Their lustful comments had left little to the imagination, and many of the Slytherin girls had blushed, though they often added their own comments of how they would behave in that situation.

He was growing extremely angry. The mudblood was for his enjoyment, for his pleasures and yet she evidently didn't mind showing off the skills he had taught her. Not that he could have enjoyed anything.

His inability to have erection was beginning to frighten him. That night in the secret passage with her, he had just assumed it was because she truly was ugly, that bushy hair, that thin bony body, that was why, because he found her undesirable, but after several days of not being able to get aroused, he thought perhaps he might be sick. There was no way he was going to the infirmary with this ailment and having that old prude Madam Pomfrey exam him 'there'. He had thought of going to Professor Snape, to ask the older man about it, but every time he had approached Snape he felt as if those black eyes were trying to suck his soul out of his body. It unnerved him.

Still, not being able to get hard was worse. He had tried with several of the girls, purebloods in his house, taking them to different areas of the castle, petting and kissing them. Nothing. And then it dawned on him. Granger had something to do with this, a hex or curse, something. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the bushy hair chit sitting beside Potter. She would tell him what she had done to him. One way or another.

****

Hurrying towards the potions classroom, Hermione silently berated herself for being so forgetful. She had forgotten her homework and had to return to the Gryffindor tower to retrieve it, making her late. Her pace quickened, she had a few minutes, as she hurried down to the corner of the hall. Her heart dropped as she felt someone grab her around the waist, one hand covering her mouth.

Draco pulled her behind a suit of armor pinning her arms to the wall. "What have you done to me you filthy little mudblood?" he growled at her.

"I don't know what you are talking about Draco. Let me go we will be late for class."

"We are going to be even later if you don't tell me what you have done."

"I really don't know what..."

"Bitch. I haven't been able to perform since that night." Hermione eyes widened, understanding. Trying to hide a smirk, she thought quickly.

She half closed her eyes and looked at him with a small smile on her face. "It could be stress milord," she said, her voice husky.

Draco looked at her, a smile crossing his face. The little mudblood was still behaving. He had worried he had let her go too long. "Perhaps you're right, Granger," he said his voice suggestive, "but how do you suppose I could relieve this stress?"

"Well," she said pulling one arm free, though he still had her other pressed hard to the wall, "I can think of several ways," she said, giving him a sultry look, as she ran her fingers across his cheek, then lower down his chest.

"That's right slave," he said smiling broadly now, "maybe you do have some brains left in that head." He shuddered a little as he felt her hand caressing his thigh before coming to rest on his groin.

She pressed her hand to his groin, her mind flooding with imagines of what he had subjected her to. Though her wand was still in her pocket she had an urge to perform a spell, not knowing where it was coming from. Somehow she knew she could. "Conglacio Scrotuma," she said softly and she felt the energy flow from her hand into Draco's groin.

The potions class jerked in unison as they heard a high-pitched scream from outside in the hall. Students flooded out into the hall as Severus tried to get through the swarming mass, barking at them to get back in the room and prepare for class. Few of them obeyed, as they turned the corner to see Hermione standing there, a small smile on her face, her eyes staring blankly ahead, and Draco Malfoy curled in a ball at her feet, moaning, his hands tightly clamped on his groin.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted as he and Ron pushed through the crowd towards her. "Has that filth hurt you?"

"It would seem Mr. Potter," Snape said coldly, finally arriving to stand over Draco, "that Mr. Malfoy has been the unfortunate victim here. Explain Draco."

"That bitch," Draco said, his voice very high pitched.

"Don't talk about Hermione like that," Ron growled, his anger towards Hermione fading.

"Silence!" Severus snapped. "Malfoy explain."

"She, she attacked me," he said, his voice squeaky, reminding Severus of Dobby.

"I see that. What spell did she use on you Mr. Malfoy?"

"Ask her," he croaked, wanting Snape to hurry up and help him.

Severus' eyes flickered on Hermione, who didn't seem to be aware of what was going on. "I asked you Draco. If you want me to aid you, I suggest you tell me what spell she used."

"Conglacio scrotuma," Malfoy muttered, groaning.

There were several 'ois' and giggles, as many of the boys instinctively put their hands to their groins. Severus felt a slight twinge himself, and his mouth twitched. "I see," he said pulling out his wand, removing the hex and then cast a warming spell in the area of Draco's groin. He pulled the boy to his feet. "Everyone back to class, now!" he shouted at them. The class scattered. Ron looked at Hermione and mouthed 'ow' at her as he passed. Harry just grinned at her.

Draco was green at the mouth as he glared at Hermione, who still seemed not to notice what was going on. "I want that bitch expelled," he growled, his voice still high.

"Mr. Malfoy, I would suggest you go up to the hospital wing and leave assigning punishment to you superiors," Severus said coldly. Draco glared at him as he hobbled off, wanting to stay to hear Granger's punishment but the ache in his groin was too much.

Waiting until he was sure the hall was clear, Severus studied Hermione. She was still staring, not seeing him. 'How odd,' he mused, wondering where she had learned that particular hex. 'Most curious indeed'. "Miss Granger," he said, reaching out to pass his hand in front of her face. She looked at him, confusion on her face.

"Oh, Professor Snape." She blushed as she remembered what had happened.

He leaned in, his face close to hers and spoke softly, his voice sounding dangerous to her. "Miss Granger, if anyone should hear what I am about to say, I will of course deny it and you will be severely punished." She gulped, looking at him fearfully. "Well done, Miss Granger."

He straightened up and put a stern look on his face as she looked at him amazed. "Twenty points from Gryffindor for using magic in the hall and five more for being late."

****

Harry, Ron, and several Gryffindor's pounced on her later that evening in the common room.

"I can't believe you did that Hermione," Seamus said, giving her an admiring look.

"Oh, I am so glad you did," squealed Pavarti.

"Oi," Ron said crossing his legs, "me too but Hermione, you could have hurt the guy bad."

"He deserves everything he gets," Harry said, though he felt the urge to cross his legs also.

The evening was delightful, as the Weasley twins had smuggled some butterbeer in and the light chatting and teasing went on until Angelina Johnson, the newly appointed Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, had told the team they needed their rest for tomorrow's game.

"Good job again Hermione," Ron said, his eyes asking for an apology. Hermione hugged her friend tightly, feeling that she was actually starting to belong again.

****

Saturday turned out to be a very stormy day in more ways than one.

Angelina came into the locker room, where the team was getting ready, with a sour look on her face.

"The match has been called off."

"What?" the team grumbled, "the storm's not that bad, and we've played in worse."

"It would seem the Slytherin seeker is unable to play."

George and Fred sniggered. "Wonder why?"

"Then they forfeit."

"Yes, that is the way it's suppose to work, but Susan told me that apparently Lucius Malfoy had arrived in a murderous fit, wanting to know why his son wasn't playing today. She said that he had stormed up to castle dragging Draco with him. Filch came down a few minutes later and spoke to Professors McGonagall and Snape who left for the castle, taking Hermione with them."

"Damn!" Ron and Harry swore in unison, guessing that Lucius wanted retribution for what had happened to Draco yesterday.

"Yep," Angelina said, her dark eyes flashing, "then Filch told Madame Hooch that Dumbledore wanted the match called off until a later date."

"Poor Hermione," Ron said, as he and Harry trudged through the mud towards the castle.

****

"I demand to know what kind of school you are running here Dumbledore!" Lucius shouted. "That you allow mudbloods to attack innocent students at a whim."

"Mr. Malfoy," Albus said quietly, "please refrain from using such names here."

Hermione sat in a high backed chair, nervously looking at the back of Lucius Malfoy as he was standing in front of Dumbledore's desk, yelling at him. Draco sat across from her, a sly smile on his face. Professors McGonagall and Snape also stood near Dumbledore's desk. Professor McGonagall's face was flushed and her lips thin. Hermione noticed that Professor Snape's face was very impassive, though his dark eyes followed Lucius' every movement.

"Your seat here is very unsteady, old man," Lucius said threateningly. "There are many out there who would like a reason to remove you from this school. Allowing this kind of behavior to occur in the halls, really Dumbledore. How are the student's supposed to feel safe?"

"Mr. Malfoy," Minerva began, her voice tight. Albus gave her a warning look.

"Lucius, I assure you that Miss Granger's behavior is not the kind we encourage here. No student should attack another, even if they are provoked to do so."

"And are you saying that Draco provoked this little mud...witch, to cast a hex on him that may have permanently damaged him?"

"Madame Pomfrey assures me that Draco received no permanent damage."

"I see, and did she also give reason for my son's lack of arousal, which seems to be caused also by that girl."

Draco's face flushed. He hadn't meant for that to come out. But when he had seen the school nurse that day and was already subjected to an embarrassing examination, he had blurted out his problem. Apparently she had told his father when he had went to see her about Draco.

Minerva coughed, covering her mouth with her hand, to hide the smile that had erupted on her face.

"I assure you Lucius," Albus said, his eyes twinkling, "that young Draco suffers from no magical malady that would cause his, ah, inability."

"I have heard that things like this happen, when a young man has too much on his mind." Minerva said coolly. 'Such as abusing a young girl', she wanted to add but didn't.

Lucius' face flushed and he turned around, his eyes falling on Hermione. "I want this girl expelled Dumbledore." He said coldly, as his eyes locked with hers.

"Lucius, if we expelled every student who got in a squabble with another house, we wouldn't have any left. May I remind you, that you would have never lasted your third year here if that was the case."

"And I am suppose to be satisfied that my son was attacked and the only punishment given was the loss of a few house points?" Lucius said, his voice low, his eyes still on Hermione, as he gave her an intense look, allowing it to slide up and down her body with familiarity. His hand caressed the head of his cane and he smiled slyly at her. Hermione felt a shiver run through her and she unconsciously licked her lips, slowly, the tip of her tongue lingering on her upper lip before she pulled it back in.

Severus' stomach sank as he watched the exchange between Lucius and Hermione. He knew that unless she was kept under careful watch, Malfoy would be whisking her away when the opportunity presented itself.

"I agree Lucius."

Minerva glared at Severus who did not look at her, still staring intently at Lucius. Lucius pulled his gaze away from Hermione and looked at Snape. Seeing the fire in Severus' eyes, he smiled at him. Misreading the dark look on Severus' face, he waited for him to pronounce punishment on the little mudblood.

"I was too lenient on Miss Granger. She will be having detention with me for the next two months on the weekends."

'Bravo Severus' Albus thought, though he knew Minerva would be ready to castrate them both soon if she didn't catch on. Severus had just put Miss Granger under his protection and watchful eye, for he too had noticed the exchange between the elder Malfoy and Hermione.

"Really Professor Snape," said Minerva angrily, "that seems a bit harsh."

"It was a Slytherin that was harmed, Minerva, "Albus intervened, "and as head of that house it is appropriate that he decide her punishment. Is it agreeable with you Lucius?"

Lucius looked back at Hermione who had paled, her eyes downcast. "Yes, if that is the best you can offer. But remember Dumbledore," he said, his voice drawling, smug, "the Ministry has its eyes on this school and what goes on here."

"I have no doubt."

"Come Draco."

Lucius and his son swept out of the room.

"Minerva if you would escort Miss Granger to the stairs, I believe she will find Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley waiting for her outside the gargoyle." Albus said, as he moved to stand beside Severus.

Minerva came back, her eyes glaring at the men. "What was that all about Severus? The punishment..."

"Was a ploy to keep an eye on Miss Granger," Albus told her.

Minerva eyed Severus, who shrugged, giving her a sardonic smile.

"What have I done?" Severus said dryly. "It would seem I have saddled myself with an insufferable Gryffindor for the next two months."

"Might be good for you," Minerva said teasingly. "Maybe a little bit of Gryffindor will rub off on you and you might be tolerable to be around."

"Or maybe a little Slytherin will rub off instead, giving the girl some brains instead of blind loyalty," he said sarcastically, as he gave Minerva a kiss on the cheek, before he left the office.

"If I was twenty years younger Albus," she sighed.

"How come I don't get that reaction?" Dumbledore asked in mock anger. He leaned over and kissed her other cheek.

"Oh Albus," she said, her eyes twinkling at him. "If I was only twenty years older."

"Be still woman," Dumbledore said fondly, as he gave her a right proper kiss.

****

Conglacio-to freeze