Her Protector (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter Four

I shake my head, abruptly standing and gathering my things. It's evident I'm going to get nothing done here, judging by the sheer amount of stares being thrown my way. I've been bad mouthed all day, called a skank and a slut among other things.

I walk out of the library, unhappy. Why me? Why did Malfoy have to help me that day first year? What about me caught his attention, and why did I keep his attention for four bloody years?

"Williams," someone says in front of me. I look up, finding a trio of Ravenclaw fifth years before me. "You cheated on Finnigan, huh?"

"No," I say patiently, though my irritation is growing. "We weren't--"

"Ventus," the same girl hisses.

Wind blows directly into my face, causing me to lose my breath and gasp for air. My feet slide on the floor and I slip, falling painfully onto my wrist. Pain floods it, and I know instantly that I've broken it.

"It's time for a taste of your own medicine," she shouts over the wind. "Flipendo!" Despite the fact I'm already on the ground, the jinx flips me into the air, and I fall onto my back, groaning in pain. "Langlock!"

Instantly, my tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth. I let a stream of air out of my nose, squeezing my eyes shut in pain.

"Bitch," she snarls, leaving me alone on the ground.

"Merlin's beard, Miss. Williams?" Professor McGonagall calls in concern, a complete jump from last night's anger. "What happened? Are you alright?"

She helps me to my feet, a slight crowd gathering around us, Seamus and Malfoy both included. Hermione, Harry, and Ron push their way to the front, looking at me in worry. I simply hold up my broken wrist and point to my mouth, telling her that I was given the same jinx I gave Malfoy just a year ago.

"Well, then," she says, trying to keep her tone even. "Let's get you to the Hospital Wing and then I'll find whoever is responsible for this and deal with them accordingly."

I'm forced to spend the night in the Hospital Wing although I fought against it. My wrist is still messed up, but who cares? I sure don't.

"Hey," Hermione greets softly, causing me to turn and find her, Harry, Ron, Seamus, and Dean. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," I insist. "It takes more than a vengeful fifth year to take me down."

"You look pretty down," Seamus observes. I sigh, shrugging a bit. "You didn't deserve it. You didn't cheat on me, love, we're not together."

"That doesn't make me any less stupid," I admit. "Even though that idiotic," I cut myself off before I go into a rant, "Even though he kissed me, I still kissed him back."

"You can't help who you want," Dean sighs, clearly thinking of someone.

"Maybe so."

"Are you okay?" Harry asks worriedly.

"Yes," I say truthfully. "I shouldn't even be spending the night, but I was teamed up on. I honestly think they're worried I'm going to hunt the Ravenclaw down and send her to the Hospital Wing in retaliation."

"Are you?" Ron tests.

"Of course not," I say in surprise. "That was a one time thing." They stare at me until I finally admit, "Fine, maybe I thought about it. But I wasn't going to go through with it."

"Can I talk to you?" Draco Malfoy suddenly interrupts.

I groan, "What more do you want?"