Finally Charms class had ended and I basically booked it to my next class; Defense Against the Dark Arts. I sped down the hallways all the way to the classroom, where unsurprisingly enough, I was the first one- aside from Snape- in there.

I took a seat at the very back, and got out my textbook. Within a few minutes, students began trailing in, and thankfully none of them chose to sit by me.

The absent bell chimed throughout the class, and instantly, Professor Snape began talking about what we'd be covering this year. Though I was trying to pay attention, a familiar blond headed boy entered the classroom— Draco.

"And why are you late, boy?" Snape asked, not even bothering to turn around. It's like he knew Draco was going to walk in at that very moment. All the students turned toward Draco, but he didn't seem to mind one bit- he probably liked the attention.

"Don't let it happen again. Take a seat." He said evenly, finally turning toward Draco. He nodded and began walking straight toward me. I gave him a 'don't you even think about it look', but he was already pulling out the chair next to me.

I slinked down into my chair, using a hand to cover my face so he couldn't peer at me. He sat in the chair and opened his textbook, blue eyes resting on Professor Snape.

Seeing as he had no interest in staring at me, I removed my hand and followed Snape's guidance by flipping to the appropriate pages of the book. But, Draco seemed to have the same idea. As we both turned the page, our fingers slid past one another's.

His hands were freezing, as usual. Though the touch only lasted a moment, the look that he gave me was threatening. He has arched an eyebrow and looked me dead in the eyes.

"Aren't you going to apologize?" Draco cocked his head, spitting out the words like an apology was expected of me or something, though it was both of our faults, he only seemed to care about my wrongdoing.

"Aren't you?" I replied with a sarcastic expression. Before he had the chance to say- or do- anything, I turned my attention back to Snape, who was talking about the history of the Dark Arts. Though it was very uninteresting, it was better than listening to Draco's whininess.

"I hate you." He whispered while turning one of the pages. Though I hated Draco too, his words shouldn't have hurt me as much as they did. It felt like a piano that has just been dropped from an outrages height. I don't care what he thinks of me, not for a second, but those words were painful.

I thought about not saying anything for a moment, but then I couldn't help myself. "I'm glad we're on the same terms then." I said with a sigh, tapping my fingers against the desk.

"Would you stop that?" He whisper-yelled, eyes looking at my fingers. Though I could see how annoyed he was, and how much he wanted to pry off my fingers, I turned back to Snape and continued tapping them- considering this would be my payback for him cracking my picture.

After a few minutes of my prideful tapping, his hand grabbed onto mine, clenching it like a final lifeline. It hurt like hell, but I didn't say anything. We stared at one another with the upmost hatred. His cold fingers melted my skin, and his rings dug into me.

I gritted my teeth, trying not to yell, but he was making it quite difficult. "Get your hands off me before I make you." I whispered with a daring tone. He made a cocky smirk, but didn't let go.

"Then make me." He said pridefully. Before I could do anything, he let go. My hand was red and had little engravements of where his rings had dug into my skin. It was terrible to look at, but I wouldn't nurse my pain in front of him.

"Watch yourself, Malfoy, before I do something you won't like." I said with a hiss. I turned back to Snape and tried to focus, but the shooting pains in my hand were so ungodly I almost cried out. But I kept telling myself I wouldn't allow Malfoy get the satisfaction of seeing that.

Finally, the bell rang, and I tossed my things into my bag and left before Draco even moved in his seat. I was the first one out of the classroom. I dove into the crowds of other students, who were all going to the Great Hall for lunch.

I bumped into a familiar, curly headed someone— Hermione. She looked at me for a few moments before registering who I was. "Y/n! I missed seeing you this morning." She said shyly, walking right next to me.

I nodded with my best fake grin. "I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep." I said plainly. Just as she was seemingly about to say sorry- or something of the sort- her eyes landed on my hand; the one that Draco had hurt.

"Who did that, or, what?" She asked, eyes widening. She took my hand in her warm, soft hands, examining them with a rather concerned look.

"Malfoy. But don't worry about it, I'll get my revenge." I said with a reassuring voice. The last thing I needed was Hermione to be on my watch. Draco could verbally hurt her in a heartbeat, and it would be all my fault.

"If you say so," She spoke with a sigh. Then her expression changed completely- from shocked and concerned to her usual, happy self. "Now let's go eat!" She exclaimed, grabbing my arm gently, dragging me toward the Great Hall.

***

Lunch in the Great Hall was absolutely spectacular. I ate chicken wings with the company of Hermione and Harry. We spoke about this and that, but mostly about our summers.

Unsurprisingly enough, Hermione had the most fascinating summer. We had a nice, long talk. And thankfully, the topic of Malfoy never managed to come up; nor did Hermione bring up my hand— thank goodness for that.

I then headed off to Herbology, where all the students gathered around the long table. Thankfully, Esme and Draco didn't share this class with me, so I was actually glad to be there.

We chatted about herbs, plants, and soils, then began our lesson for the day- the nature of plants. There's so many, and all of them are different in every way possible.

Though I usually don't take too much interest in nature, Professor Sprout made it intriguing— interesting, even. She used physical plants to help us visually learn, and spoke like she was telling a story; which was very admirable.

But, soon enough, my only quiet class came to a close. It was time for my last class of the day... Flying Lessons. But, both Draco and Esme would be joining me in that particular class. I prepared myself as I walked down the hallway- telling myself I wouldn't let either of them get to me.

I reached the courtyard where the lessons were taking place, to see a few of the early arrival students had gathered around, talking in a confined circle. Feeling like the outsider I usually am, I stood awkwardly at the side until Madam Hooch appeared.

Once she entered the courtyard, many more students began flowing in. Esme was staying near Bella, one of her friends, both of them staring at me, then whispering words to one another. I could feel their burning gazes, but their voices were too far.

As I was giving them a piercing glance, Draco appeared behind them, strutting into the crowd of students. He had the same, usual smirk plastered on his face, only this time he kept his gaze on me.

It was quite unsettling, really, considering last time he looked at me like that he had hurt my hand so unbearably. But even despite his deviant actions and look, I gave him the same burning glance as I gave Esme and Bella.

He passed me, keeping his eyes locked on me. We both craned our heads to look at one another as he passed. I didn't even realize it, but my fingers had churned into fists, and my own fingernails were digging into my skin; that's how much he drives me to the edge.

But finally, he passed, and both of our gazes focused on Madam Hooch once more. The students had moved closer together- more compact- so much so I could just make out the whispers of Esme and Bella.

"I heard she did it with Malfoy." Bella whispered to her, glancing over me like I had done something she didn't like. Though that rumor was more than an ungodly lie, I had enough of their lies.

In a moments notice, I had dashed over to Bella. My fists pounded into her cheek twice, sending her to the grass below. Bella pounded her fist into my nose, but that didn't stop me. She cried out for help, but I only punched her again, square across the cheek.

Before I could do anything more regrettable, Madam Hooch has pulled me off of her. I was outraged, yelling for her to put me down so I could finish what I so terribly wanted to. But she didn't. She dragged me all the way to Dumbledore's office.

She waited outside while I spoke with him, but in all seriousness, seeing his concerned face made me regret every moment of my decision. He waved for me to take a seat, and with regret dwelling inside of me, I did.

"Now tell me why I shouldn't send you home right now." He spoke with long, well thought words. His wisdom has always made me look up to him, but at this moment, I was practically on my knees begging.

I leaned back into the leather chair, taking a few deep breaths. "You definitely should," I started. My voice was uneven as I spoke. I was trying to hold on my emotions, my sadness, but as a result of my actions, I must be punished.

"But, whatever your decision may be, Hogwarts will always be my home. I may be a mudblood, but never in my life have I loved a place- or the people in it- more." I said with dignity, trying to take my last bit of pride and form a sentence.

Dumbledore nodded slowly, as if he was finally understanding me. "I see, Y/n. It was a foolish mistake of you to hit Bella, and I expect you to apologize, but you may stay. Only as long as you stay on good behavior." He said with thought, being sure to include that I must apologize.

I nodded and tried to allow a smile to prosper over my lips, but the thought of apologizing to Bella was gutting. "And please go to the hospital wing, so they can check out your nose." He said while he got up from his chair, gesturing toward the door.

I got up from my chair, smoothing out my robe as I did so. "I will. And thank you, Professor Dumbledore." I said calmly, making my way out of the office.

I walked with dignity and pride- even despite my bloodied nose. It felt good to finally get my feelings out, even if they were completely unnecessary and nearly cost me my Hogwarts stay.

The looks I got while walking to the hospital wing should've been infiltrating, but they weren't. At this point I didn't care if people were scared of me, or even if they weren't.

I had unleashed my anger and proved that karma is in fact a bitch.