Fuck Merlin ... how he would tear apart any threat to her if they happened across one! It would be the ugliest thing. He was a little in awe of his own determination regarding it. He'd always felt this protective necessity where Hermione was concerned, ever since seeing this strong, fearless, ultra-clever young witch looking nothing more than a terrified little girl, under the shadow of a twelve-foot mountain troll and his vicious club. His mild regard, his borderline reverent respect for her talents, transformed in a second into a fierce, burning need to take care of her, to look after her and defend her vulnerabilities.