The Dragon, The Lion and The Serpent

Dark Corridors and Unexpected Kindness

Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table for breakfast. She had hardly spoken to Ron or Harry at dinner last night, too caught up in her own thoughts about Malfoy, and afterwards, she had gone straight to bed.

As soon as she was seated besides Ron, she knew something was wrong. All the Gryffindors seemed cheerful that it was finally the weekend, except Harry, who seemed lost in his thoughts with a pitiful expression on his face.

"What's wrong with Harry?" Hermione asked Ron quietly as Ginny sat down beside her.

"Oh, he's still upset because of that girl he met in detention," Ron answered loudly, catching everyone's attention.

"Turns out that bitch was a Slytherin," Dean continued for Ron.

"I still don't understand why that's a problem for you guys," Ginny retorted.

"Gryffindors just don't mix with Slytherins, Gin!" Ron shouted at her. "You should know that!"

Muttering under her breath, Ginny preferred not to answer him.

Hermione leaned over the table and reached for Harry's hand. "I'm sorry about Abigail, Harry. But I did warn you, with a name like Serpent, what did you expect -"

"Wait a second," he interrupted her suddenly, his green eyes snapping up to hers. "You knew?"

Hermione was briefly taken aback by the accusatory tone in his voice and narrowed eyes.

"You knew and you didn't tell me?"

This time, he spoke much louder and the Gryffindor table fell silent, shocked to see Harry Potter getting angry. They were even more surprised when they realised his anger was directed at Hermione.

"Oh Harry, I -"

"Just answer the damn question, Hermione!" Harry growled back at her.

She merely looked back at him, stunned for a few minutes, and then suddenly she realised that every Gryffindor had their eyes on her, wondering what all the shouting was about.

"Yes, I knew from the beginning and so did Ginny, but I told her not to tell you."

"What? Ginny?" Ron questioned dumbstruck.

"I didn't tell you because I thought you'd find out quickly enough, some way or another, and I didn't want to cause you any more pain," Hermione continued. How could she lie so easily to them? She hadn't told Harry because she was too afraid he'd start asking questions about Abigail and find out the truth.

"So instead, you preferred that I realised the truth in front of Malfoy and her and that I made a complete fool out of myself! So much for being my friend Hermione," Harry spat out before leaving his seat and walking out the Hall.

"Ron, what is he talking about?" she asked her red-haired friend, confused.

"Hermione, weren't you listening to us at all yesterday, at dinner?" he asked angrily. "Merlin, I'm having such a bad week. First I see ferret boy and Parkinslut go for a shag in the closet, then -"

"What?" Ginny interrupted. "But they're not together anymore!"

"Ginny, do you think I give a damn about Malfoy's love life?!" Ron retorted, spilling his pumpkin juice. "Damn him! Just thinking about those horrible images again cut my appetite. See you later!"

A very colour drained Hermione watched him leave whilst her mind couldn't help replaying Ron's words in her head. Malfoy and Pansy?

Immediately, she felt her heart sink to her stomach.

She found copper eyes staring back at her, and she tried to smile back, but failed. Ginny let it go, and instead she told the Head Girl everything that had happened at Quidditch practice the day before, explaining how Harry had found out that Abigail was a Slytherin.

"We should have told him straight away instead of lying," Ginny said, nodding her head.

"Yeah, now we have to practice again Monday night for the upcoming game and find some new moves!" Dean cut in, stuffing toast into his mouth.

"Shut up Dean!" Hermione and Ginny said together.

Wanting to be on her own, Hermione decided to head back to her room, maybe read a book or something, but Ginny held her back.

"Hey, before you left, I just wanted to warn you," Ginny said quietly to her, casting an anxious glance around her. "Malfoy seems particularly pissed off since yesterday and I have a feeling that the Slytherins are up to something. Just be careful Hermione, stay out of his way, ok?"

Reassuring her friend that she would, Hermione left for the Head quarters common room.

*****

The weekend went by quickly for Hermione. She did most of her homework for the following weeks and made up with Ron. Harry, however, barely talked to her anymore, although he had accepted her apology and visited her from time to time in her dorm with Ron. Unfortunately, he had gone back to brooding night and day and not even Ron could cheer him up.

As for Malfoy, well Hermione ignored him as best as she could. She pretended that he wasn't around, although he would deliberately pick up fights with Ron as on the Saturday morning. However, it was harder to ignore him than she had thought. After what had happened between them in detention, pretending he wasn't there seemed the best solution to get over him and the best way to forget about him and everything he had said to her. It hurt to know he had chosen his father's path rather than her own. It hurt even more to know that, for once in her life, she was wrong.

Draco Malfoy was not going to change for her, he was not going to stand up to his father for her, and he didn't have any feelings for her.

And she hated herself for it. She hated herself for being such a fool to believe in him, she hated Malfoy for being right all along, she hated Snape for having given them both detention that night, hell - she even hated Dumbledore for making them Head boy and Head girl this year.

She was lost, she didn't know what to do next, things weren't going the way she had planned them. And so that was why she had decided to ignore him, act as if nothing had ever happened and forget. It was less than likely that Malfoy would bring up the subject again or want to talk about it.

Therefore, Hermione started classes Monday morning with only her friends and studies in mind, having pushed away everything that concerned a certain blond Slytherin.

*****

"We'll catch you later Hermione!" Ron shouted back to her as he ran away to the Quidditch field with Harry. They had finished Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid and now her two best friends had Quidditch practice, yet again, and she would be spending her night alone, doing her homework.

Walking through the corridors leading to her common room, Hermione thought about what Ginny had said. If Malfoy was there tonight, she would be alone with him and if what Ginny had said was true... But she quickly dismissed the thought as she passed in front of the Black Knight's painting. The corridor seemed unusually dark and suddenly she heard somebody behind her.

She whirled around, but no one was there. The corridor was completely deserted. She was all alone.

"There's no need to be scared," she muttered to herself, passing by the portrait.

"Are you so sure?" someone answered over her shoulder.

Skipping a heartbeat, Hermione swung around, coming face to face with Blaise Zabini and his trademark devilish grin.

She couldn't help but shudder when she saw the malicious look on his face.

"Leave me alone Zabini," she hissed, turning her back to him. Maybe if she ran fast enough, she could make it to her common room or find a teacher or... However, she had only taken a few steps away from Zabini when she saw Crabbe and Goyle standing menacingly at the other end of the corridor, blocking her way.

Oh shit! Why are they doing this? What do they want from me?

Taking a deep breath, Hermione turned around, trying to find another way to escape, but Blaise was still standing a few feet away, and this time, he wasn't alone. Standing next to him were a couple of sixth-year Slytherins she did not recognise.

"What do you want?" Hermione dared to ask Blaise, gripping her wand through her robes. She tried to keep calm as they closed up on her from both sides, but her heart beat even faster against her chest.

"We want you to deliver a little message to your Gryffindor friends, Mudblood," Blaise calmly answered her.

"Crabbe, Goyle."

Seeing the two baboons step up to her, Hermione pulled out her wand in a flash. "Stupefy!"

Instantly Crabbe froze in place and collapsed backwards. Seizing her chance, she pushed Goyle out of the way and ran, but they were too quick. She felt a hand grab her arm and push her forcefully against the wall, her arm twisted in a half nelson.

"Stupid Gryffindors!" Blaise hissed at her, plucking her wand out of her hand. "You really need to learn some more powerful curses. Even against Death-Eaters in the Department of Mysteries, I heard you and your precious Potter only tried to stupefy them when they were threatening you with the Killing curse! It's a miracle that you ever got away!"

He laughed at the irony he had just pointed out, quickly followed by his fellow Slytherins. The stupefy curse had been lifted from Crabbe and although his face had paled considerably, he seemed angry with her.

"What the hell is your problem Zabini? Can't find any guys to bully, so you're taking it out on girls now?"

Blaise's face darkened increasingly and she knew that he wasn't kidding anymore.

"You're just a filthy little Mudblood, who's going to pay very dearly," he snarled at her.

Stupid bastard! You weren't smirking so much at the Hog's Head when Malfoy came in!

And then, an idea stuck her. "You know if Malfoy were here, you wouldn't dare even touch me," she taunted him, hoping the fear of Malfoy's name would make him release her.

At her words, his eyes flashed dangerously and he raised his hand as if to strike her, but thought better of it. Hermione sighed in relief, but suddenly felt his hand tighten around her neck.

"I already told you; you aren't worthy enough to say his name," Blaise spat out. "And as for him saving you; well, why don't you ask him yourself?"

Hermione's whole body froze as she heard him. Blaise let her go, turned around and, for the second time that evening, her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened in shock as Malfoy stepped out from a dark corner she hadn't noticed before, with Pansy! Obviously from Pansy's ruffled hair and clothes and Malfoy's smirk, they had been making out.

"Hello Granger," he greeted her.

Seeing Malfoy, with Pansy's arms wrapped possessively around him, broke her heart. Seeing his glare though turned her blood cold. Never before had Malfoy looked so full of hate or looked more like his father, Lucius.

"Malfoy?" Granger barely whispered.

His steel-silver eyes bore into her own, giving her goose bumps. At that precise moment, never before had she been so afraid of him.

"Granger here, thought you would save her from the big bad Slytherins!" Blaise sneered from behind. His comment made the others roar with laughter.

"Yes, I told you the Mudblood had feelings for me," Malfoy drawled, snaking his arm around Pansy's waist. The Slytherins laughed even harder at his words.

The humiliation was unbearable and Hermione bravely fought back her tears. What was going on? Why were they doing this to her?

Malfoy whispered something in Pansy's ear and the girl giggled, but stepped away. Hermione sensed all eyes on her as he then stepped up to her, glaring at her with contempt. She wanted to run, scream, get help, but she was frozen on the spot. She was paralysed with fear; fear of being in a dark corridor with at least ten Slytherins around her, and no wand left.

Suddenly, the brave Gryffindor inside her woke up. "Malfoy, what's going on?" she demanded with authority.

He didn't answer and as she opened her mouth to speak again, he pointed his wand at her. "Silencio!"

After the initial shock of being cursed at, Hermione started shouting back at him and the others, but no sound came out of her mouth.

Smirking at her, Malfoy added. "Granger, I believe I need to teach you some manners! So I'll do the talking here!"

He closed up on her, slamming his palms on either side of her head, his face barely inches away from her. Hermione still had her back to the wall and she felt his hot breath on her cheeks. She had nowhere to run, his arms and body prevented her from escaping.

His hand suddenly went for her hair, playing with a random strand and then slowly, his finger trailed down her neck.

"You see Mudblood, my fellow Slytherins here were tired of seeing Gryffindors standing up to them this past week, especially you. They want revenge. And as for me - well, we still have a few things to sort out."

He spoke clear and loud for the others to understand, and at the same time, Hermione felt as if no one else was around except them.

He looked into her eyes and she felt shivers run down her back. What was he going to do with her? Where the hell were Ron and Harry when you needed them? She had an extremely bad feeling of what would happen next.

"You see guys, Granger wants a piece of me," he finally announced bitterly.

His hand was now caressing her throat. With every word, Hermione dreaded his next move. From the intense hate she could see in his eyes, she realised that he wanted to hurt her and hurt her bad.

"And the insolent bitch actually believes that I want her too!"

Before Hermione knew it, Malfoy brought both hands to her shirt collar and ripped it open. He grabbed her wrists before she cold fight back and slammed them above her head against the wall. He pinned them with one strong hand.

What the hell do you think you're doing?! Hermione mouthed at him, furious. Recovering from the shock of Malfoy tearing her shirt, she felt anger swarm within her. She looked down at what was left of her shirt, her revealed black bra and it made her go out of her mind. He had humiliated her, insulted her and now he was violating her?

She screamed voicelessly back at him, trying to kick him in the process, but he was stronger than her and strengthened his grasp around her wrists, making her wince in pain. Malfoy smirked back at Hermione as he saw tears flood her eyes.

Malfoy you sick bastard! How can you do this to me? Get the hell away from me!

She twisted and turned underneath him and didn't stop until the pain on her wrists became unbearable. Not only did Malfoy know where to apply pressure on her wrists so that it hurt, but he also pushed her skin further against the rough cutting stonewall.

Triumph flared in his eyes as Hermione finally gave up all resistance. "You see, I make the rules here Mudblood and you obey."

To her absolute horror, his hand suddenly found its way to her chest and trailed down between her breasts. It then made its way down to her stomach, at the rim of her skirt. Hermione gasped and looked at him terrified. She wondered if the others could see what he was doing, but she couldn't see past Malfoy's tall frame.

"Tell me, is this what you expected to happen when you admitted your feelings for me?" he asked her dangerously.

Hermione looked away from his stormy silver eyes in shame as she felt his hand on her body. His touch seemed to burn her skin and she tried to wriggle herself free, but he prevented her.

Suddenly, he pushed his knee between her legs.

"Open up!" he barked.

She obeyed, afraid of what he might do if she didn't. Was he going to rape her, right here, in front of so many eyes? Tears fell from her face as she felt his knee between her legs, pushing her up against the wall. Her feet were barely touching the floor.

Why had she ever thought he could change? Why had she gone after him and persisted even after he became a Death Eater? How could she ever have had feelings for him? She had never wanted to bother Malfoy with her feelings for him, but she thought she could at least bring him peace, bring him to safety, away from his father and hopefully save him from being a Death Eater. But who was she fooling? The question whirled through her head as his hand continued to stroke her. He obviously doesn't want to be saved!

"Tell me Granger, is this what you wanted?" he whispered dangerously. His hand dropped to her left leg and snaked its way up, under her skirt.

"Is this what you wanted from me? My hands, my touch - my bare skin?" he interrogated her in a cold voice as she lowered her head in shame. Finally, she shook her head at his question.

But he grasped her face painfully and obliged her to look into his steel-gray eyes. "Isn't this what you were craving for Granger?" he repeated, shouting at her.

She opened her eyes wide in fear and mouthed the word 'no' to him.

Tears started to stream down her face. Everything was happening so quickly; how did she even get in this mess? Why hadn't she listened to Ginny? Why hadn't she listened to Dumbledore in the first place, or even Abby? Hadn't they all warned her against Malfoy? Hadn't they all known what Malfoy was capable of? They all knew this would happen and yet, she had still stupidly believed in him.

His hand was now caressing her inner thigh, but his eyes, glittering with malice, continued to bore into her own terrified ones.

"Are you sure?" he smirked devilishly, his fingers tracing the limits of her knickers. "I'm a good teacher."

Hermione shook her head violently. She couldn't think anymore, she could barely see him through her mess of tears, but she could feel his touch. She was afraid and at his mercy. She wanted him to stop, dreading what would happen if he didn't.

She thought he could change, but she was wrong; people don't change. And now she was paying the price for it.

"I thought not," he whispered in her ear.

He suddenly let go of her, putting his knee back down and Hermione collapsed to the ground, her head hitting hard against the stonewall she had been propped against. Her heart was thumping loudly and her vision continued to blur with every second. It took her some time to realise that she was sitting on the cold stone floor and that her shirt was still open. She grasped her robe hurriedly and covered herself the best she could, sobbing.

Malfoy looked down at her with contempt and summoned Pansy to his side. She tried to look up at him, but her head throbbed with every movement she made. She could feel something trickle down her neck.

"You see Granger; you were wrong. I could never want you. There are two simple reasons why I would never even touch you," he sneered. "First of all, you're nothing but a dirty Mudblood and second - I wouldn't be caught dead with a Gryffindor prude!"

His words cut through her like a knife. The feeling of fear and shame overcame Hermione once more. Tears continued to stroll down her cheeks as she watched him walk away, his arm around Pansy's shoulders.

It was at that exact moment that she felt her heart shatter within. She tried to grasp for air, but the truth hit her too hard. After everything they had been through, she had never thought Malfoy could possibly ever harm her willingly and once more, he had proven her wrong.

As he passed Blaise Zabini, he grabbed his fellow Slytherin by the collar. "Is that soft enough for you?" he hissed at him and at the rest of the Slytherins. "Huh?"

Hearing no answer, he pushed Blaise away from him and continued walking away with Pansy.

"What do we do with her?" the dark-haired Slytherin asked, obviously pissed off.

Malfoy continued walking down the corridor, waving his arm from behind his shoulder. "Do whatever the hell you like! It's not my problem anymore!" he shouted back.

As he disappeared from their view, the spell broke and Hermione got her voice back. She sobbed on the ground, clutching her robes for cover. Her messy hair fell into her sore red eyes, but she didn't care any longer.

Her head was whirling with unanswered questions and she could barely stop herself from fainting because of the pain. How could he do this to her? How could he treat her like this after everything that had happened between them? She thought her head would explode from the pain that shot through it.

God, how could she have been so wrong?

Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she watched the Slytherins gather around her. They seemed shocked to see what Malfoy had done to her. They surely hadn't thought that he would go so far...

"Crabbe, Goyle!" Blaise shouted. "Watch out for anyone who comes down this way! What the hell do you think you're doing?" he suddenly asked a sixth-year, who had bent low to examine Hermione.

"Blaise, she's bleeding!" he blurted out in fear. "Shouldn't we get her to the hospital wing?"

"And how would you explain her current state? Who's to say she won't blabber to a teacher or worse, Dumbledore? What would we do then?"

He paused dramatically, waiting for an answer, which never came.

"She stays here and we make sure she keeps her mouth shut, ok? Remember, she's only a Mudblood!" Blaise bellowed back to the others.

They all nodded in agreement, obviously afraid of the consequences if they didn't.

He turned to look at Hermione and sneered. Obviously her uneven breathing, bloody face and ripped clothes did not seem to soften his decision.

Hermione didn't even bother to look up as she saw Blaise's blurred outline take a step forward. Her head pounded in pain and she couldn't breathe properly. She wondered if this is what it felt like going into shock. Whatever happened now, she couldn't care. She didn't have to force to fight back anyway. Nothing could be worst than what Malfoy had already done. He had disheartened her, killed all faith in her, shattered her confidence in him and above all, he had rejected her feelings; it hurt more than any physical pain she was about to endure.

However, before Blaise could even grasp hold of Hermione, a voice spoke up from behind him.

"What's going on?"

*****

(Abigail's POV)

Abigail had spent her weekend ignoring everybody. She had spent most of her time locked up in her dorm with the curtains closed around her bed. She had skipped a lot of meals during those couple of days and had refused to talk to anyone, especially Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini. The only pleasurable company she had had for the past few days, had been her roommates and Ginny.

The Gryffindor girl had spent most of Monday morning classes with her, trying to cheer her up and avoiding any subjects linked to Harry or Malfoy. Even their friendship seemed to piss off Malfoy and the rest of his goons, which cheered Abby up a bit.

Unfortunately yet another problem fell upon her that Monday morning. As she rummaged through her clothes, she suddenly realised that none of them fitted her anymore. They all seemed too big for her and when she had stepped out of the shower and seen her naked body in the mirror, she realised that she had grown incredibly thin.

Merlin's beard, I can see my ribs! Fine, I'll just have to eat more!

She had quickly brushed her health problems aside as classes started.

It was finally dinnertime and Abigail found herself once more alone, in the Slytherin common room, finishing her homework. Remembering her reflection in the mirror this morning, she cleared up her things and decided to go eat a healthy dinner in the Great Hall before it was too late.

As she walked up the stairs from the dungeons and across several corridors, she unwillingly saw Malfoy and Parkinson head down towards her from a nearby staircase. Walking on quickly towards the Great Hall, Abigail passed by without acknowledging their presence.

"Hey Serpent!" she heard Malfoy call after her.

"What do you want?" she asked, frowning deeply and crossing her arms.

The white-blond haired Slytherin walked up to her casually, leaving Pansy behind. "Can't the Slytherin prince talk to a pretty girl once in a while?"

"No. I repeat, what do you want?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," Malfoy whispered softly to her, licking his lips.

Seeing her roll her eyes at him, he chuckled to himself. "I just thought you'd like to know that your ex-boyfriend is currently having a fun chat with Potter's Mudblood. You should go watch, I'm sure he'll know how to make it enjoyable!"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Riiiight and let me guess - even though you're Head Boy and supposed to take care of the student body - you're not going to stop this."

Malfoy shook his head at her sarcasm and smirked. "Nope. Unfortunately, I have other things to attend to than endangered Mudbloods," he told her, turning to Pansy, who was still waiting for him by the stairs.

What? Like getting laid, you sick pervert?

But Abigail sighed instead. "Fine, I'll go after dinner. Where are they?"

He chuckled softly. "Oh no, he'll be finished by then. They're near the Black Knight's painting, I think. You should go now, have fun!"

Abby cursed under her breath and pushed past him, ran up the staircase where Pansy stood. Damn Granger, how did she always get herself into these situations, with Zabini no less and during freaking dinnertime? And why was Malfoy telling her about it? Surely, he would have wanted to join in...

All sorts of questions ran through in her head as she walked quickly up the stairs and made her way to the painting. If she was quick enough, maybe she could make it back in time for dinner, or the end of it.

As she reached the corridor, sure enough Abby saw Crabbe standing in her way. Immediately, she pulled out her way and whispered "Stupefy!".

For the second time that night, Crabbe froze into place and collapsed backwards on the ground.

Continuing down the dark corridor, she suddenly noticed the crowd of Slytherin boys, hovering over someone. There, among them, was Blaise.

"What's going on?" she demanded.

Blaise was the first to spot her and she was surprised to see his cold eyes soften at her sight. "Abby, what a surprise to see you here!" he lied.

At his words, the others fell silent and all turned to face her, gathering closer to hide the person behind them.

"Who's that on the floor? What's happening?" she asked Blaise with more authority.

"We're giving the filthy Mudblood a lesson that Gryffindors will remember for a long time," he admitted proudly, smirking back to his fellow Slytherins.

"Don't you mean 'Granger'?"

Several boys laughed at her words and turned back sneering at the person behind them. Confused, Abby looked up at Blaise for an explanation and sighed in exasperation. Merlin, didn't they have anything better to do than bully Granger?

"Blaise, I think you should let her go," she stated.

"What?" Her words had obviously come as a shock to him.

"You heard me, let Granger go!"

"Why?" He seemed very confused that Abigail wanted to stop him.

In response, she glared back at him.

Damn, now what? How am I going to convince him to let her go? Should I tell him that she's part of my family?

Pushing Blaise aside, Abigail peered into his sparkling blue eyes, making him understand that what she was about to say was very important.

"Listen Blaise, to tell you the truth, Granger is somehow - related to me," she told him slowly, trying to be all Slytherin about it (which meant sneering and showing strictly no emotions about the situation) as would be expected. "She's like some distant cousin or something and I'd greatly appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone else. I don't want anyone knowing that that Gryffindor bitch is related to me."

She then smiled brightly to him, knowing that he couldn't resist her smile and would gladly keep her secret to himself.

"But the fact remains, that if anything should happen to Granger, my family will blame me for not taking care of her," she complained to him. "I'll get in a lot of trouble if she gets hurt. Merlin forbid me that I actually care about the Mudblood, it's just that I have no choice in the matter," she finished dramatically.

Truth was, her Pureblood family couldn't care less what happened to Granger. She was a Mudblood after all and neither Granger nor her Muggle parents had been recognised as part of the prestigious Serpent family. Abigail's own parents had protested against such ancient beliefs about Purebloods being superior to others, but nobody had listened.

So then why was Abigail helping Granger out? After all, the Gryffindor girl was responsible for her mother's imprisonment in a Muggle hospital! But still, Abigail didn't like what the Slytherins were doing to her, a bully was a bully after all and if she were ever going to get revenge on Granger for not taking better care of her mother, then she would do it herself!

"Look, just find somebody else to traumatise and leave Granger with me," she countered, catching a glimpse of Granger's limp body on the floor.

Blaise's lips curved into a smirk, which caused her stomach to squirm uncomfortably.

"And what's in it for me?" he breathed softly in her ear, twirling a strand of her jet black hair with his fingers.

Abigail suddenly realised how close he was and felt her heart beat faster. "Well - I won't get angry for a start and Dumbledore won't be on your back," she stated lamely, inhaling his overwhelming cologne. How could she still react to him like this? And why was she leering at his body when instead, she should be remembering what an arrogant prat he was!

"You know what I want Abby."

He paused.

"I want you to go out with me again. I want you to be mine."

I knew it! That immature dumbass, I knew he'd bring that up again!

She glared at him, coldly, determined not to give in. "Well that's too bad because I don't like you anymore, and I certainly don't want to go out with you anymore! Once was enough, don't you think? And besides, aren't you shagging Pansy?"

"She means nothing to me," he noted dully. "I think Draco has claimed her back now anyways."

He smirked seeing the disgust on Abigail's face and lifted an amused brow. "That's my offer Abby and if you're so willing to save the Mudblood, then I don't think you have much choice."

He turned his head sharply to the other Slytherins and ever so slightly tilted it, motioning to the lump on the floor. They immediately dangerously closed up on Granger.

"No!" Abby cried out. She lunged towards them, but Blaise grabbed her around the waist from behind with one hand and her arm in the other, holding her back tightly. His fingers softly began to caress her stomach through her shirt. She fought against him defiantly, but only held on to her more firmly.

"So what will it be, Serpent?" he drawled in her ear, kissing her exposed neck lightly as they watched a couple of sixth-years grab Granger roughly off the floor.

"Blaise, get your hands off me! I know better than to make deals with you!" she said enraged.

He chuckled darkly and raised his eyebrows at the others, causing Goyle to point his wand at Granger's neck whilst the others held her.

Abigail immediately froze. She couldn't believe her eyes, since when did Blaise have so much control over the other boys and since when had he become so cruel?

"Fine, fine I'll do it," she told him in a defeated tone, "but tell them to let her go!"

"Done."

Blaise stepped aside and signalled to the others to let her through. Abigail made her way to Granger, who had fallen back on the floor. She couldn't see her well because of the dim lit corridor, but she could hear the girl's pathetic sobs.

"Granger, stop crying!" Abigail told her impatiently.

But as she looked down closer at Granger and noticed her battered breathing, ghostly white face and the blood trickling down from her head, she gasped.

"Oh shit! - Hermione? Are you alright?" She bent down to take a closer look at her face. "What happened to you?"

Hermione fluttered her eyes open and tried to look up at her rescuer, but instead winced in pain.

Abigail whirled around to face Blaise. "Who did this to her?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Blaise shrugged. "Malfoy! He decided to give her a lesson to remember."

"Malfoy?" she thought out loud. She stared back at Hermione, her eyes wide with disbelief. She repeated the name over and over again in her mind, but somehow it wouldn't sink in. She had never thought Malfoy would purposefully harm a student while in school. This could get him expelled!

"Hermione, can you hear me?" She brought her hand to touch Hermione's bruised face and make sure that she was still breathing.

Immediately, Hermione's eyes flew wide open as she sensed Abigail's touch, and she scrambled painfully to her feet, pushing the Slytherin away from her.

"Don't touch me!" she screamed, limping away from her. Her eyes were filled with fear and her body shook like a leaf. "Stay the hell away from me!"

Covering herself the best she could with her cloak, Granger then ran off quickly down the corridor, sobbing in pain.

Abigail rose to her feet, dumbfounded. She quickly regained her senses as Blaise approached her, smirking and about to say something.

"How could you?" she gasped, looking straight into his eyes.

"Calm down Abby! She's only a Mudblood," he reminded her, frowning slightly.

She looked back at him in disbelief and pushed him hard out of her way as she strode after Hermione. She would deal with Zabini later. Merlin, how could he still believe in all that Pureblood superiority bullshit?

Abigail followed the trail of blood left behind by Hermione and suddenly caught up with her near the Gryffindor tower. The Head Girl was sitting against the wall, one leg propped up, supporting her elbow, whilst the other was sprawled in front of her. Her right hand grasped tightly what was left of her shirt. The other, held up by her knee, supported her head as she cried violently. Her whole body trembled as Hermione cried desperately, her hair falling into her face.

Oh Merlin, she's breaking down! Malfoy, what have you done to her?

Hermione suddenly noticed Abigail's presence. "Please - leave me alone - oh God! Harry - and Ron -" she barely whispered between her cries.

"Mal - Malfoy!" she continued, before a new wave of tears spilled down her cheeks. "I - I can't go back!"

Abigail quickly understood what she was trying to say. It was obvious, she was afraid of Harry and Ron's reaction if she went to the Gryffindor tower and she couldn't go back to her own dorm because of Malfoy!

She bent down to Hermione and petted her hair. "It's over. Come on, stop crying. Everything's going to be ok now," she said reassuringly.

Abigail wrapped her arms around her awkwardly to comfort her and Hermione clasped the front of her robes desperately in response, as she cried in her shoulder. Abigail felt strange comforting Granger, but she took pity on the girl. Seeing her break down like this made her feel uneasy as she knew it was partly her fault. Malfoy had wanted revenge on Harry for befriending her, but she had never thought he would get back to him like this!

Suddenly, spotting a couple of first-years heading towards the Gryffindor Tower, Abigail pulled away from Hermione and hurried up to catch them before they disappeared behind the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Hey you!" she called out, grabbing a girl by the collar. "Get me Ginny Weasley and make it quick."

The terrified girl whimpered in fright, but did as she was told and Ginny quickly walked out of the portrait door.

"Oh, hey Abby -"

"Ginny, it's Hermione!" Abigail cut in. "She's not doing well."

Walking back to the Head Girl, Ginny squealed in fright as she saw her friend lying on the ground.

"Oh dear Merlin, Hermione?! We have to get her to the hospital wing!"

"No, it'll only make matters worse," Abby told her, watching as Ginny pulled Hermione against her in comfort. "We have to get her back to her dorm. Do you mind staying the night with her?"

"No, of course not. But once we're there, you're going to have to tell me what the hell happened to her." Ginny said, petting her friend's hair anxiously and noticing the blood.

Picking her up from the ground and placing Hermione's arms over their shoulders, the trio walked back silently to the Head's quarters, pausing only to hide from students or teachers. It was quite late now, so fortunately not many people were out in the corridors. Reaching the Head's quarters, Hermione whispered the password and they quickly walked to her room, putting her on the bed and locking the door behind.

"Now, you have to tell me everything," Ginny demanded, wringing her hands. She seemed extremely upset and worried for Hermione.

Abigail willingly obliged and told her friend what she knew.

"I don't know what Malfoy did to her," she finished angrily, "But I'm about to find out. Stay here with Hermione and if you know any healing charms, use them! I'm going to give the Slytherin Prince a piece of my mind!"

She left and crossed the common room, heading towards Malfoy's bedroom door. Once there, Abigail angrily knocked on it. There was no answer.

She went to knock again, but stopped. She could hear giggling behind the door and then -moaning? Leaning in to hear better, Abigail's jaw dropped open as she heard loud banging and little high-pitched shrieks, similar to some wild animal.

Pansy!

You have got to be kidding me! They're having sex in there and Malfoy hasn't even bothered putting a silencing charm on the room! Aaargh! Fine, let's see if you bothered to lock the door.

She pulled her wand out. Alohomora! To her surprise, nothing happened.

Unsure if her spell had worked or not, her hand went for the doorknob, but as soon as her fingers reached it, she was pushed backwards by an invisible force.

Damn, Malfoy's actually using dark magic to protect his bedroom door!

Anger seeped through her and she took a deep breath to calm herself down.

Well, we'll just have to see if his magic is any good!

Her eyes gleaming deviously, she pulled out her wand again.

Bombarda!

Unfortunately, Abigail watched in horror as her spell bounced right off the door and back towards her.

Fuck!

*****

"What the hell happened to you?" Ginny asked confused. "Did you get in a fight or something?"

"It's nothing! I think I'll talk to Malfoy tomorrow."

Abigail couldn't blame Ginny's reaction. Walking over to the mirror, she examined herself and laughed. After being slammed into the opposite wall by her first spell, Abigail had sent a few more spells at the door in pure anger and they had all turned against her. Her hair was a complete mess, it now actually had an uncanny resemblance to Hermione's bushy hair and her face was covered with cuts and dust. Her robes were partially torn, but Abigail quickly muttered a "Reparo" spell on them.

However, she was no good with healing charms for small injuries and so she racked her brains to remember the ones her mother had taught her.

Fortunately, Ginny took her own wand out and with a flick of her wrist, she healed most of Abigail's cuts and bruises.

"Thank, so how's Hermione doing?" Abby asked concerned.

"She should be fine. I healed most of her wounds, but we'll have to wait tomorrow morning to know for sure."

*****

Abigail woke up in Hermione's room, in the bed she had magically conjured for Ginny and herself. She was startled to see Hermione awake and looking perfectly normal. Ginny was stirring next to her.

"How are you feeling?" Abigail asked, getting up on her feet.

"Much better thanks," she answered softly, peering at the Slytherin girl intently.

Abigail avoided her gaze and a heavy silence followed until Ginny woke up.

"I'd better get going," Abby told them sharply. "People are going to wonder where I am."

By people, she actually meant Blaise and her Slytherin friends. Muttering a quick cleaning spell on her school uniform and herself, she quickly disappeared in a corner of the room to change out of her borrowed pyjamas. She preferred not to go to the bathroom to change, in case she bumped into Malfoy so early in the morning. She would deal with him later. However, turning around, she thought both girls would have the decency to look away as she got changed and therefore, did not notice both Hermione and Ginny stare at her body with wide-open eyes.

*****

(Hermione's POV)

As soon as Abigail said goodbye and left the room, Ginny jumped on her bed, hugging her friend.

"How do you feel then?" she asked smiling brightly.

"A lot better Gin. Thanks!" Hermione admitted.

"Oh no, you should really thank Abigail, although I bet she'd rather cut her own head off rather than admit that she helped you. I guess she is a Slytherin after all!"

She paused and her smile soon faded.

"Um, Hermione, did you see her body -"

"Yes," she cut off.

"I don't remember what the Muggle term is for this, but isn't Abigail alonex- "

"Anorexic? Yes," Hermione corrected softly. Along with Ginny, she had also noticed Abby's skeletal features and somehow it upset her.

*****

(Abby's POV)

Abigail opened the Head's common room door quietly, hoping to leave the place before Malfoy caught her. Instead, she came face to face with Harry and Ron on the other side of the portrait. She jumped back in surprise and then quickly decided to walk pass them and ignore them, but their worried faces made her think otherwise.

"Um, hello," she greeted confused.

"What are you doing here?" Ron demanded hotly. The worry on his face had transformed into anger.

But suddenly, Abby noticed his expression change to embarrassment as he drew up his own conclusions. She watched, confused, as his freckled face flushed red along with Harry's.

And then, it hit her.

"Oh no, no, no!" Abigail cried out, as realisation dawned upon her. "No, I did not spend the night with Malfoy if that's what you think! On the contrary, I was here for Hermione."

"That's why we're here," Harry spoke up. "We didn't see her at dinner or the rest of the last night."

"What happened to her?" Ron asked faintly, all anger having faded away.

"Oh - er, she's just not well at the moment and really doesn't want to see you," Abigail answered uncomfortably. She watched as Ron narrowed his eyes at her and Harry frowned deeply.

"What are you talking about? Of course she wants to see us!" Ron finally exclaimed.

"She's scared you'll overreact!"

"Overreact?! Overreact?!"

"Ron, shut up!" Harry cut in. "Abigail, please, we have to see her!"

Surprised to hear him call her by her name, she obliged and they charged towards Hermione's room.

"Hermione, are you alright?" Harry asked as soon as they entered her room.

Ginny stared back in fright and discreetly pulled Abigail to the side. "What are they doing here?"

"I tried to keep them out, but I think it's best if she has her friends Gin. Just be careful what you say about last night and for Salazar's sake, leave Malfoy out before they try to get him back for it!" Abigail explained before walking back out of the door.

As she heard Ron ask his sister what exactly happened to Hermione, Abigail suddenly stopped outside of Hermione's door, eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Well, from what I gathered, Hermione was apparently ambushed by Slytherins on her way back here," Ginny began slowly. "We found her in a distressed state outside of the Fat Lady's portrait, brought her back and spent the night watching over her. She should be fine now! "

"Bloody hell! Those Slytherins are gonna pay for this," she heard Ron cry out.

"No Ron!" Hermione suddenly shouted. "Really, I just want to forget about this whole thing and not seek out revenge, ok?"

"But 'Mione!" he whined, annoying the hell out of Abigail.

"Hermione's right Ron! We don't even know who exactly did this to her," Harry said firmly.

"Just because you fancy that Slytherin girl, doesn't mean -"

But he was shortly cut in by Ginny.

"Ronald Weasley! I'll have you know that if Abigail had not been there last night, things could have been far worse."

Ungrateful git! But Abigail couldn't help but smile at the same time, remembering what Ron had said about Harry liking her. Almost instantly, her heart sank as she remembered what she had promised Blaise the night before. Begrudgingly, she left the common room, heading back to the dungeons before the Slytherins awoke.

"Big deal!" she heard Ron shout out loud as she left. "So she used a bit of magic and -"

Abigail was already half down the stairs as the Gryffindors continued to talk amongst themselves.

"No Ron, there were quite a lot of them, she never could have stopped them all," Hermione continued in a softer voice.

"Then how did she manage to save you?" Harry asked, confused.

"Zabini made her a deal she couldn't refuse," Ginny answered quietly.

"And what - what was that?" Harry gulped nervously.

Hermione answered the question for him. "They're going out together again."

With a final "oh" muttered by Harry, a heavy silence fell upon the four Gryffindors.