Harry x Hermione: It started early

Chapter fifteen

Chapter 15: Shadows of Conflict

The journey to Hogwarts was marked by an air of anticipation and excitement, tinged with the undercurrent of unease brought on by the knowledge that darkness was stirring. As the train rattled along its tracks, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny found themselves in their usual compartment, sharing stories and laughter that briefly pushed aside the worries that lingered on the edges of their minds.

Upon arriving at Hogwarts, the trio felt the familiar rush of magic as they crossed the threshold of the castle. The Great Hall was resplendent, its enchanted ceiling mirroring the night sky above. But beneath the veneer of celebration, a shadow of uncertainty loomed—Draco Malfoy's presence was a constant reminder of the tensions that simmered within the school.

As the days turned into weeks, Malfoy's taunts grew more relentless, his venomous words targeting Harry and Hermione with increasing ferocity. The Slytherin common room was a den of whispers and plotting, a testament to the brewing storm that threatened to disrupt the fragile peace within the castle's walls.

One afternoon, as they made their way to the library, Hermione's steps faltered as Malfoy's voice cut through the corridor. "Well, well, if it isn't the Mudblood and her sidekick. Lost, are we?"

Hermione clenched her fists, her jaw set as she turned to face Malfoy. "Don't call me that, Malfoy."

Malfoy's sneer only intensified, his tone dripping with disdain. "What's the matter, Granger? Can't handle the truth? It's what you are, after all."

Ginny's voice was a mix of anger and frustration. "Leave her alone, Malfoy. We're not in the mood for your nonsense."

Malfoy's laughter echoed off the stone walls, his gaze locking onto Hermione with a predatory glint. "Oh, I think I'm in the mood for a little fun."

Before Hermione could react, Malfoy's hand shot out, his fingers curling around her wrist in a painful grip. The hallway seemed to shrink around them as he yanked her closer, his face contorted with a sadistic grin.

Hermione's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing as the realization of the situation hit her. She was trapped, defenseless against his physical aggression.

And then, like a thunderbolt, Harry's voice cut through the tension. "Let her go, Malfoy."

Malfoy's grip tightened, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Or what, Potter? What can you possibly do to stop me?"

Harry's fists clenched, his voice cold and determined. "If you don't let her go, I swear—"

Hermione's voice was a fierce whisper, her eyes locked onto Harry's. "Harry, don't. It's not worth it."

Ginny's eyes widened with concern as she stepped forward. "Malfoy, let her go now."

With a final sneer, Malfoy released his grip on Hermione, his laughter echoing in the corridor as he turned and walked away.

Hermione's breath shuddered as she rubbed her wrist, her eyes meeting Harry's with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry's gaze was unwavering, his voice gentle. "I'll always be here to protect you, Hermione."

Ginny's voice carried a mix of concern and admiration. "Harry, are you okay?"

Harry's attention shifted to Ginny, a reassuring smile forming on his lips. "I'm fine, Ginny. Let's just make sure Hermione's okay."

As the trio continued on their way to the library, the tension of the encounter still hung in the air—a reminder of the conflicts that simmered beneath the surface. Ginny's gaze shifted between Harry and Hermione, her thoughts a swirl of emotions she couldn't quite define.

And so, as the days at Hogwarts unfolded, the trio found themselves navigating the challenges of schoolwork and friendships, all while the shadows of conflict loomed ever closer. Unspoken feelings and unspoken truths remained as potent as ever, a web of emotions that threatened to entangle them further in the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.