The Beauty and The Beast

Chapter 8: Hargrids Heart

Hermione's P.O.V
________________________________

I nodded my head at him then calmly walked put the room.

I knew it. He hasn't changed.

I ran down the hallway and went to the one place that would calm me. I place that has someone who will wash away my tears and comfort me without a word. Someone so special and dear to me that I consider him both a father and a mentor. He will always be there to help me out and if I had to give my life for him, I would do so in a heartbeat.

I knocked on Hagrid's hut and stood there until he opened the door.

He answered a few minutes later and immediately let me in within seconds.

I saw him and for some reason, I couldn't help but break down. He immediately pulled me into a giant bear hug.

"Aww sweetheart don't cry. Was it that rotten Malfoy again?" he asked warmly.

I nodded.

"It's ok. He's nasty that one. Don't believe anything he says. Did he tell you yer a mudblood again? If we weren't at school I would've beat the tar out of that one. But don't worry. Do you want some hot chocolate?" he asked. He's the best. In fact, I feel closer to him than I do to anyone else. Ever.

I nodded again.

"Don't you worry that big brain of yours. I tell ya what, he's probably just jealous that your smarter and prettier than he is" he said, winking. I couldn't help but smile.

We talked for a while over some hot chocolate and cake, before he said I should go back in case they get suspicious.

"Stay out of trouble love" he said after giving me a giant hug.

"I'll try Hagrid" I said honestly.

"Ahh, look at you. So grown up. How did you go from a smart little girl to a messy rule breaker and head girl?" He teased, wiping the imaginary tear from his eye before laughing.

I laughed with him.

"Bye love!" He called as I opened the door.

"Bye Hagrid!" I replied.

I walked down the pathway from his hut and went to the lake. Navigating through the rocks and seaweed, I jumped on to a rock that had enough footholds to sit.

I looked down at the lake, thinking through everything that happened.

Was it really true? Was I that wicked and ugly? I'm not that horrible? I listen to the rules, I don't hurt anyone. What did I do?

I broke down crying right there, letting the water calm my sorrows.

Suddenly I heard snickering behind me.

"STUPID MUDBLOOD" someone yelled and as I turned to look behind me, I felt a hand push me. I slipped off the rocks as I struggled to catch my foothold.

My foot soon came into contact with the water and I slipped even further, going under.

"Aquarorous totemorum!" I cast and a shield of air surrounded my head and could finally breathe again.

I swam my way to the top and saw Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy cracking up.

"Weak!" "Dirty!" "STUPID!"

Their words rang in my head as I ran up to my dorm, soaked from neck to toe.

I slammed the door behind me and ran into the shower. I scrubbed hard and long, trying to drain away my faults and impurities.

Those phrases came back and every time I scrubbed and scratched, trying to get rid of it almost magically.