New Beginnings

Rescue

A short while into the game, Draco returned. He apologised quietly, unable to meet anyone's eyes. Hermione patted his hand clumsily as he sat down.

'So, what's the score?'

Krystel launched into a recap of the game, drawing him into a friendly debate about Quidditch versus Quodpot.

'That makes no sense!' Draco exclaimed, spluttering.

'Neither does Quidditch,' Hermione muttered, sloshing the remnant of wine around the bottle.

Cody had tried to explain Quodpot to her, but Hermione wasn't very interested. She only liked Quidditch when her friends were playing, though she had loved the experience and atmosphere of the World Cup.

Hermione's head was starting to hurt, and she felt increasingly sick. Tottering slightly, she weaved over to the buffet tables. Squinting at the plates, she tried to find something to settle her stomach.

'You don't look so good,' Cody commented, his forehead creased in concern.

'Smell...making it worse...' Hermione groaned, covering her mouth.

'Here, let's get you someplace quiet,' Cody led her into the trees, away from the food.

'Thank you,' she smiled weakly, leaning her head against the cool bark.

'No problem,' Cody leaned against the tree next to her, his aftershave filling her nose.

'I should get back,' Hermione mumbled, frowning at Cody's arm as it blocked her way.

'They're fine without us for a minute,' he whispered, his body pressing against her side. 'Bet they don't even notice we've gone.'

'Yes, but...'

'You're so beautiful, did anyone ever tell you that?' Cody tucked a stray curl behind Hermione's ear, his fingers brushing her cheek.

'Cody...I don't...'

'Shush,' he commanded, smiling. He pressed his finger against her lips.

Cody placed a hand on either side of Hermione, trapping her against the tree. His face was a few inches above hers and she could feel his hot breath. The smell of the beers he'd drunk was mixed in with his aftershave, making her feel dizzy and nauseous.

Hermione tried shoving him away, her hands shaking. Cody smiled and wrapped an arm around her, tugging her close against him.

'Let me go!' She protested, stomping on his foot.

Cody's smile turned to a sneer and he shoved her back against the tree, knocking the breath from her. She could feel a knot in the trunk digging into her back as he pinned her against it.

Shoving his body against Hermione's, Cody's lips smashed into hers. She frantically tried to push him off, but he was too strong.

There was a deep, menacing growl, and suddenly she was free. Hermione sank to the leafy floor, tears streaming down her cheeks.

A hand swam into view and pulled her to her feet. Hermione cringed away.

'Hey, Granger, it's me.'

Draco's face was tight. His grey eyes were stormy, but his tone was gentle. His wand was trained on Cody, who lay in a heap on the ground.

With a sob, Hermione flung herself at Draco. He stroked her hair as she sobbed into his shirt. She could feel his heart pounding quickly in his chest.

'What's going on?' Spartacus moved quietly among the trees, his face worried.

'He attacked me!' Cody shrieked, pointing at Draco. 'He's crazy! He's not safe to have around! He should be locked up!'

Draco tensed. Sparks spat out of his wand as his arm tightened around Hermione.

'Draco?' Spartacus turned to him.

'He's jealous!' Cody cut in, before Draco was calm enough to reply. 'Just because he's not good enough for Hermione, he thinks no-one should get her! We were just having a moment, y'know, one-on-one, and Draco tackled me!'

'That's not true,' Hermione squeaked, her face still buried in Draco's shoulder. 'He's lying.'

'Hermione is not a prize for someone to "get",' Draco hissed. 'And you're lucky she was too drunk to curse you into oblivion when you forced yourself onto her. Though as I remember you feeding her drinks, I suppose you'd already thought of that.'

Spartacus hauled Cody to his feet, his eyes cold.

'He's the liar, Sparty, c'mon, who you gonna believe? He's a Death Eater for pity's sake!'

'I'm going to believe the devastated young woman,' Spartacus snapped.

'She's just upset she got caught! It's all an act, to keep herself out of trouble with her boyfriend!'

Smack

Cody reeled backwards, blood trickling from his nose. Hermione's eyes were flashing as she shook the ache out of her fist.

'You messed with the wrong girl, mate,' Draco smirked as he pulled Hermione away. 'Granger here doesn't need any man to fight her battles, though I'm pretty sure Deputy-Head Auror Harry Potter will be displeased when he hears about the treatment of his best friend. You've heard of him, right? Short temper, bit of a dick, loves Granger like the sister he never had, bested the Dark Lord, saved wizard-kind. Ring a bell?'

'I think it's time for you to go.' Spartacus dragged Cody through the woods.

'I was so scared,' Hermione whimpered.

Draco wrapped his arms around her, whispering reassurances.

'Do you want to go home? We can leave, if you want.'

'No,' she shook her head, her curls tickling his chin. 'I'd like to stay a while, if that's ok?'

'Course it is. Let me know when you want to go.'

'Thank you,' Hermione whispered in a small voice, 'for rescuing me.'

Draco squeezed her tightly in reply, fighting down the rage that rose like bile in his throat.

'Well, it's not often I get to be the hero,' he quipped. 'Much less getting to save the brains of the Golden Trio, Hermione Granger herself!'

'I've never been a good damsel in distress,' Hermione laughed weakly.

'I'll be your knight in shining armour anytime, though I doubt you'll need one often.'

'I hope not.'

'Me too,' he shuddered.