I skipped lunch. I decided to go out to the quidditch pitch and fly. I let the bludgers go so I could just smack them around. Fred and George always say they just keep any and all anger they have pent up until a match, and they let it all go when they hit the bludger. And I have to admit, it felt good.

I don't understand why Ron is mad at me. I don't understand why Malfoy has to act like such a jerk to everybody else. I don't understand while I had to be adopted and why I don't have a Mum to talk to about all of this. I love Mrs. Weasley, but it's not the same!

The tears poured down my face as I sent the bludger off one last time. When it came back around, I put it in the box and started lugging it and my broom back to the changing rooms. I was halfway there when Crabbe and Goyle stepped in my way. I rolled my eyes the minute they stood there. I'm so not in the mood! "Would you two gits get out of my way?" I crossed my arms and sent them a glare.

"Hm. No. Thanks to you, Draco's acting all weird!" Crabbe snapped, and I always thought he was the dumber of the two. Way to prove me wrong buddy! Gold star for you! Note the sarcasm.

"Now. You can make him change back. Or we can change your face!" Goyle pulled out a wand while Crabbe cracked his knuckles menacingly. It took all I had in me not to flinch and stand my ground.

"Shut up and get out of my way. Now!" I snarled, pulling my wand out of my boot and pointing it at Goyle's face. He never dropped the cold face. He sent a spell my way and I blocked it. He sent another and I blocked it again. People were crowded around now, chanting my name. Crabbe brought out his wand and pointed it at me. Great, now it's two against one. I put on a determined face and defended myself as best I could. We're second years so it's not like we know enough to actually harm one another.

"Stupefy!"

"Protego!"

"Expelliarmus!"

"Protego!"

"Petrificus Totalus!"

"Protego!"

"I'm done with this! Serpensorsia!" A snake shot out of the end of Goyle's wand, it came at me, hissing and snapping. I could see its fangs and I glared at Goyle.

"Stupify!" I pointed at him and he dropped instantly. I pointed it at Crabbe, who looked panicked. Right as I yelled, "Petrificus Totalas!" The snake bit me. Multiple times. I screamed in pain and I could hear the voices of everyone around me. Panic and horrified screams rang out over the grounds, but I ignored it all. My vision was getting blurry and it hurt. Badly.

"Everyone move! Now!" Snape's voice rang out of the crowd. "What happened Ms. Black?"

"I was upset, so I came down here to practice. And they were mad at me, so they tried to hex me. I'm so sorry sir! I fought back, it wasn't just them. I used protego multiple times. I was trying to get away with just blocking them, but when Goyle set that bloody snake on me I lost it. I used Petrificus Totalas and Stupify to hex them. I'm so sorry I lost my temper Sir! And then it bit me!" I don't know if he understood me or not. My words were broken by loud pants. It really hurts and he's not doing anything to help me! His face was conflicted, but then he finally picked me up and started carrying me towards the castle. On the way through, the twins and the gang, along with Ginny passed by me, all with horrified looks on their face. There was blood dripping all over me, and it was leaking onto the ground below me. I looked at my skin and it was deathly pale. I tried to give them a reassuring smile, but instead, I felt my eyes fluttering shut. Then I was out like a light.

*******************************************

I woke up in the hospital wing. Ginny was laying beside me asleep, Natalyn was laying at the foot of the bed, and Hermione, Harry, Ron, and the twins were all sat around the bed. I sat up and everyone shot up instantly, like they were motion censored or something. "Oh Gracie!" Ginny jumped on me, wrapping her arms around my shoulder. I didn't mean to, but I let out a yelp of pain and Ginny jumped back instantly, looking worried. "I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay Gin. I'm just kind of sore. How long have I been here?" I asked, laying a hand on my stomach, well, more my rib. I could feel the bandages under my shirt, and that's where the most pain was radiating from.

"Only a day! But just about everyone has come to see you! A lot of people saw the fight on the quidditch field. The Hufflepuffs were going to practice. They saw everything. One of the older girls told us what happened and they cancelled practice to come see you! They really came up to you and just started threatening you?" Natalyn asked, fist clenched by her side. I didn't get a chance to respond because Hermione jumped in.

"Snape was furious Gracie! He yelled at those two for at least two hours! I only caught a few things of what he said. He was mad that they attacked a girl first of all. Second he told them that snake spell was only meant in extreme cases, he also said they're lucky you didn't do more than just use the protection charm because he would have hexed them into next week. He also said that double teaming you was absolutely horrifying. He was even more furious that you apologized for defending yourself! And that's only half of it! Then McGonagall got a hold of them! That was not pretty either! And during Snape's speech, he slipped up. He," Hermione stopped and glanced at Harry. "He called you Lilly!" I looked at Harry nervously, but he was just staring at me. Not a one of the boys had said anything yet. The twins faces were still quite pale. I gave them a small smile and they came forward, but stayed a safe distance from me. They looked at me like I was the most fragile thing in the world. I don't know why, but that really bothered me.

"Are you alright? Do you need anything?" They chorused, looking at me with concern filled eyes. I shook my head no, but thanked them anyway. "We're going to owl Mum, Bill and Charlie were furious! Even Percy cried when he thought no one was looking! Mum thought you'd died. We all did. But Harry kept telling everybody you can't die. Said you were a fighter. Guess he was right!" George gave me a small smile once he finished, which I returned before looking at Harry. He blushed, but still gave me a smile as well.

"Thanks Harry!" He nodded quickly. I turned around and the twins were off. I looked at Ron who had his head down in his hands. "R-Ron?" I asked, scared to talk to him. He looked so broken, I don't understand.

All of a sudden, he jumped up and threw himself at me. It hurt and everyone knew that, but I didn't say a word. I hugged him back, I was just glad that he wasn't mad at me anymore. "Gracie I'm so sorry! I thought I lost you! I thought you'd die thinking I was mad at you! And you were right! I was mad over nothing! Malfoy hexed Crabbe and Goyle. Screaming about how you were his cousin and how if they ever hurt you again he'd kill them. He's been coming to check on you every hour. He left about ten minutes ago. We all just fell asleep!" I listened to him ramble on, but the only things that registered were the facts that he's crying, he's sorry, Draco stuck up for me, and he's been coming to check on me as well. I love my family so much!

"It's fine Ron. I'm okay. Actually, I want out of here! I hate the hospital!" I shuddered, looking around the room. Everyone chuckled at my little comment. Then Harry stood up, walking closer to me and everyone turned to watch him.

"Well um. I think we should give them a minute!" Nat said, grabbing Ron by his shirt collar. Ginny and Hermione stood up as well.

"What? Why?" Was Ron's brilliant response. The girls rolled their eyes and dragged him out of the room. I turned to Harry with a small smile, but stopped when I noticed he was crying.

"Harry? What's wrong?" His head shot up and he glared at me. It kind of scared me to be honest. I sat back on the bed, pulling the covers up to try to block my face, but he didn't come towards me. He went to stand at the end of the bed.

"Gracelyn Paige Black, do you even understand how worried I was? Here you are, my best friend, laying in the hospital wing. Even Madam Pomfrey didn't think you'd make it! I didn't tell everybody you were a fighter to help them! I kept saying it because I wanted to believe it myself! Why were you at the pitch Gracie? Why didn't you take me with you? You haven't eaten in two days either! Ginny said you skipped the feast too! So that means almost three days! Are you trying to kill yourself?" He yelled, pacing back and forth in front of me. The tears were pouring down my face, and I couldn't stop them. I don't understand anything anymore! I don't understand why he's yelling at me!

"No!" I whispered, letting the tears roll. I looked down at the sheets laying over my legs. "I wasn't hungry at the feast so I skipped it. I missed breakfast because I took so long that morning, and I was upset about the fight with Ron okay? That's why I was at the pitch! I was trying to let off steam! I didn't take anyone with me because I was mad and hurt! There's your answer! I hope it's what you wanted to hear!" I sniffled again, wiping at my eyes. I refuse to look at him. I refuse.

I felt the bed dip beside me and an arm wrapped itself around my shoulder. I laid my head on his shoulder, still crying. I can't stay mad at Harry. I can't. I need him. He's my best friend, all other feelings aside. "I'm sorry Gracie. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself, for not being there to protect you. I should have been. I promised myself, and your dad! I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone hurt you!" He whispered, his voice was so close I could feel his breathe on my neck. I shivered a bit and looked up at him with a smile. I wiped my eyes and leaned back.

"Lets not talk about it, okay?" He nodded, giving me a sad smile. "So I bet Ron was in trouble for the whole car thing?" He nodded furiously.

"A howler!" I flinched. Everyone knows about howlers. They're horrible! "Oh and he broke his wand in the crash. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley still haven't sent him a new one. And he can't just go to Ollivander's, so he'll have to wait!" I couldn't hold it in, I started laughing loudly, and Harry's smile grew on his face, but when I sucked in a breath through my teeth, it dropped instantly. I felt bad so I started looking around the room so I could start a new topic. I looked around and saw a letter propped up on my bedside table. Along with all my homework I suppose.

"Is that from my dad?" I asked, pointing towards the letter. He flinched and nodded. "What?"

"Lets just say Ron's not the only one who received a howler!" My eyes widened in horror.

"My dad sent a howler?" To my absolute horror, he nodded sheepishly. "To who?"

"Crabbe and Goyle. It was a joint howler. And when it was done, everyone in the hall was clapping and cheering. There were a lot of swear words. He was really mad, we all were. Everyone hates Crabbe and Goyle, but I think Malfoy forgave them. I sent your dad a letter telling him he should yell at me as well." I rolled my eyes but let him continue. "He asked if I was there, and when I said no, he asked why he should yell at me. Then we had a long talk and, well yeah. He asked me to send his letter back so he could add to it!" He shrugged, keeping his head hung low.

"And this all happened in a day?" That's what I was more concerned about. I don't usually get a response from him for at least two days, and it sounds like they had a nice chat over night!

"Dumbledore was really great about going back and forth. Said it was his pleasure! Snape even offered to go. He hasn't stopped calling you Lilly since his lecture!" Harry looked down again, sadness swimming in his eyes. I looked down as well, I feel bad that he has to hear that all the time. He probably thinks I'm a pain because I'm a constant reminder of his Mum. And I don't even try to be! I wish I could talk to her though! Just once!

"I'm sorry Harry." I whispered, laying a hand on his. His head shot up and and his puzzled eyes met mine.

"What for?"

"Well I know it must be hard hearing that all the time. I'm sorry!" I kept my eyes on his, hoping he knew how sincere I was. To my surprise, he shook his head with a small smile.

"It is hard, but I'm glad your like her. Your my best friend, like she was my dads. Besides your dad of course. And I like the fact that your like her because it means I'm getting to know her. In my mind anyways." He shrugged, keeping the smile on his face. I smiled back and hugged him as tight as I could. We pulled apart when his stomach growled. I laughed and so did he.

"Get your bum to dinner Potter! And make sure the others eat! I'm fine so don't let anybody worry about me. Okay?" He nodded, but started looking angry again.

"You haven't eaten since the day we got here! And you skipped lunch and dinner that day!" He snapped, glaring at me. I gave him my best innocent look. Thank goodness his eyes softened a bit.

"I promise I'll eat soon! Now go!" I leaned over and gave him a small push. He nodded and started walking away. He stopped to look at me right before he left, closing the door softly behind him. I sighed, resting a hand on my aching ribs.

"Are they all gone now?" I jumped a little, not expecting Madam Pomfrey to come bustling out of her office. I nodded, giving her a small smile, which she returned.

"How are you Madam Pomfrey?"

"I'm fine dear. I'm more concerned about you! How are you? Any pain?" She stopped beside my bed, a potion already in hand. I grimaced, but nodded anyway. There's no use in lying, otherwise I won't heal and I'll be in here even longer.

"Where is it dear?" I stopped to think, it was mostly my ribs, but there was a burning in my arm. I looked over to see that it too was heavily bandaged.

"My ribs, and my arm Miss." She gave me a skeptical look, though I don't know why.

"Is that all?" I nodded. "Your sure?" I nodded again, slower this time. "That's a shocker!"

"Why?"

"You had seven bites dear! That snake got a nice hold on you! And from what I hear, you didn't even cry! Very brave of you I must say!" My eyes widened in shock. Seven bites?! What the bloody hell? Honestly? My head started spinning and she gave me a worried look. "Are you alright dear?"

"Yeah. Yes I'm fine. It's just, that's a lot! Am I going to be okay?" I was afraid to hear the answer. I looked up at her nervously, but she jut gave me a small smile.

"Mr. Potter was right dear, you're a fighter. You've already survived the worst of it! And I heard about you not eating. That made it harder for your body, and you still survived! Your a very strong girl! But I have to say, you won't be leaving here anytime soon. The good news is, you don't need to be moved to Mungo's. And, if you've got someone to help you, I'll let you go to the Great Hall for mealtimes. Okay?" I nodded in agreement. It's better than nothing. "Ready for some medicine?" I nodded again, though I know it'll taste horrid. I opened my mouth and she shoved it down my throat, gentler than she would most though!

"Is this going to make me sleepy? Mione, well I assume it was her, brought me my homework and I'd like to do it!" She gave me a small smile and patted my head.

"I'd say the medicine will start taking affect in about half an hour, but it won't make you tired for at least two. I nodded glumly, this was not going to be fun. I don't want to be here! She whisked herself back to her office, leaving me there alone.

I grabbed my books and did my homework in silence. Mione had written all the assignments down on a piece of parchment for me. Once I was done, I looked at the clock, it had only taken me an hour to do all my assignments. Luckily, there was only one essay. It was a potions essay, but it was mainly a review. I'll have someone turn all my work in tomorrow. I feel bad there are some things I can only do in class, therefore I'll miss them.

Sighing, I turned back to my bedside table. There were a lot of cards there. I smiled to myself, glad that people cared. Most were get well soon cards, but more than half were cards saying things like, "congratulations! You were wicked!" or "brilliant defense skills!" things like that. There was also an auto graphed picture from Professor Lockhart. I rolled my eyes, deciding then and there to save that for Mione as a Christmas present. Lastly, I saw my letter from Dad. I opened it with a smile on my face. Gosh I've missed him!