Title- Just Breathe

Rating- R

Characters and Pairings- HG/DM HP/GW NL/LL

Warnings- Dark, will be gory, foul language, and I may try my hand out for a few Lemons. I am sorry if the Chars are a bit OOC (If I chose to continue)

Summery- What if it wasn't Harry who walked in on Draco talking to Moaning Myrtle? What if it was someone else, someone who would risk her neck to help? Dramione! Set during HBP

"Harry James Potter, I will not sit with you while you read that bloody book," Hermione Granger snapped at her raven hair companion.

"'Mione," Harry sighed, "Never in my life did I think you would yell at me for reading."

Hermione glared at him, placing her own books into her satchel, "That book is dark. And you keep listening to it. You of all people…" she muttered, walking toward the portrait hole. She heard her friend star a rebuttal, but at that point she watched satisfied as the Fat Lady closed behind her.

Hermione knew it was irrational to get mad at Harry for reading the book, but she wasn't an insufferable know-it-all for no reason. Some things she just knew…and she knew something bad was going to happen if Harry kept using that sodden book.

"Oh, where am I now?" she growled in frustration, her preoccupied thoughts having led her somewhere in the castle. Sure I'm the brightest witch of my age…just getting lost in Hogwarts.

It wasn't completely true; she wasn't lost, just not in the place she had intended to be. Now she was near the third floor women's laboratory. A small smile graced her lips when she remembered the cat incident.

"You can tell me what's wrong!" a high-pitched voice cooed from the very room where the Gryffindor's mind had been.

"He'll kill me," another voice sobbed. Startled, Hermione peered around the door. Her eyes fell upon a sad sight to see. Draco Malfoy stood, gazing blankly into the mirror. His haggard appearance had not gone unseen by the trio, but never had Hermione seen him so distraught. Moaning Myrtle hovered above him, watching with interest.

As she stood there, she felt pity for the boy she saw before her. Malfoy had always found ways to get under her skin, and she knew that he meant every spiteful word he had spat in her direction, but before her now, she did not see a proud man that she had imagined the ferret to turn into, instead she saw a lost child, struggling under too much pressure.

Hermione was not keen on Harry's idea of Draco as a death eater…but seeing him like this… Her eyes dropped to arm. His shirt was unbuttoned, as he clutched the side of the sink. Hermione was unable to contain her gasp when she saw the dark mark on his arm.

His eyes snapped up and saw her reflection in the mirror, "Mudblood," he hissed, spinning around with his wand raised, "Cru-"

"Petrificus Totalus!" Hermione shouted, causing the blond to fall, stone still.
"I should turn you in, I should!" Myrtle whimpered. Hermione ignored her, which sent her into hysterics and she flushed herself down the loo. Rolling her eyes, the witch carefully stepped up to her fallen, childhood nemesis. Looking deeply into steel grey eyes, Hermione expected to find anger, hate even, but she was surprised to find nothing but tired acceptance. It was almost as if his eyes were saying, 'Go on Granger…finish me.' Hermione kneeled down beside the boy, "You tried to Crucio me, Malfoy." Her tone was soft as she scanned his body for injuries. Other than malnourishment and stress she found none. She should obliviate him, but as she once again met those tired eyes, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Malfoy, you look so…old," Yet somehow you are still beautiful, she frowned, "You aren't alone Malfoy, despite the choices you've made. You and Harry have a lot in common." Hermione stood and walked out of the bathroom. She released the charm when she was a safe distance away. She didn't stop when she heard his footsteps. "Granger?" His voice called after her. She paused and glanced over her shoulder, "How are the golden boy and I similar at all." A sad smile graced Hermione's face as she continued walking. He didn't follow her.

Oh Draco, you both have too much weight on your shoulders.

Author's Note- Well hello there! This may be a one shot unless I get a rather nice review *hint hint*