As Hermione settled into the boat, her heart sank when she spotted Draco Malfoy up ahead. Instinctively, she tried to hide behind Harry, hoping to avoid his attention. However, Draco's sharp eyes caught sight of her, and a smirk formed on his face.
"Ah, look who it is," Draco sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Granger, injured and pathetic as always. Can't even take a step without breaking something, can you?"
Hermione's face flushed with anger and hurt, but she resisted the urge to respond. She didn't want to give Draco the satisfaction of seeing her affected by his words. Instead, she stayed close to Harry, seeking comfort and support from her newfound friend.
Harry, sensing her distress, stood tall and spoke firmly, defending Hermione. "That's enough, Malfoy. Leave her alone. Words like that won't change the fact that Hermione is an incredibly talented witch, injuries or not. Show some respect."
Draco's sneer faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his arrogance. He looked at Hermione one last time before turning away, muttering a snide comment under his breath. However, Hermione found solace in the support and friendship she had found in Harry, knowing she didn't have to face Draco's cruelty alone.
