Her Protector (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter Six

I had genuinely tried to stay out of trouble, but even the next day, I was causing another scene and landing myself another detention.

I keep my left hand under the table so that my robes will cover the damage from last night. Malfoy keeps looking at me suspiciously, as if knowing I'm hiding something. Umbridge babbles away at the front of the classroom, talking about how great the Ministry is. Godric, it's Lockhart all over again except instead of being obsessed with herself, she's obsessed with the damned Ministry!

I eye my right wrist, seeing how the bruising is doing. To my chagrin, the swelling has increased, and the bruising has gotten worse. If I could facepalm without causing a scene, I'd do it, but I can't. I'd go to the Hospital Wing, but then Madam Pomfrey would see my left wrist and question me about it, and I refuse to let that happen. It looks like I'll just have to suck it up. It's not broken, that I know, considering I broke my left wrist just last year.

"What are you hiding?" Malfoy whispers.

"Trust issues," I mutter, "And commitment issues, if you really want to get deep."

He gives me a look, "What's wrong with your hand?"

"Uh, I hate to inform you of this, but you were there," I sigh, "But if you truly can't remember, you were being a right git after this class, talking about how muggleborns are the scum of this earth, and so I tried to punch you, but alas, I missed and hit the wall instead."

"Detention, Mr. Potter!" Umbridge shrieks shrilly.

Dammit, Harry. Now I have to get detention so he's not alone. Taking a deep breath, I stand, my chair screeching on the floor, causing everyone to look at me expectantly. Harry shakes his head, but of course, I don't listen.

"Professor Umbridge, I sincerely apologize for what I'm about to say: pink is not your color," I tut sullenly. "Really, it isn't. It washes your face out and makes you look old, if I'm being completely honest. Even more than that, just the shade of pink you are is appalling. Are you married?"

"Enough, Miss. Williams," she seethes. "You will be joining Mr. Potter in detention."

"Ah, what a surprise," I say sadly. "Will you answer my question then?"

"You now have two detentions," she snaps.

"Wow, we're going to talk about your love life for that long?" I gasp. I put my right hand over my heart without thinking, "I am truly honored, professor."

Her face gets red again, and as I thought just yesterday, I seriously think steam comes out of her ears. She releases a very deep breath. Everyone else seems on edge, as if expecting her to suddenly attack me, but I know she wouldn't. Not yet, anyway.

"We're close enough to our finishing time," Umbridge says very slowly, almost calm. "We can end early. Miss. Williams, Mr. Potter, I expect both of you in my office at seven pm. Miss. Williams, seeing as it is Friday, you will be serving your second detention Monday evening at the same time."

"Can't wait," I say with a broad smile, winking at her to further her anger.

I grab my bag, leaving the classroom in a rush, slightly worried she'll give me a third detention. I lean against the wall next to the door, waiting for Harry.

"What the hell, Williams?" Dean complains. "You're pushing her too far!"

I shrug, "If Harry gets detention, I get detention."

"Blimey, Seamus, you dodged a bullet with her," he jokes, sensing the mood isn't a good one. I grin a bit, unable to help myself. "She hasn't even gone on her date with Harry yet, and she's already his shadow!"