DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS STORY: The attraction between Ron and Hermione never existed. They are, as they will be throughout this story, just friends.
Hermione stood with her back against the door of the room of requirement, holding it shut. She closed her eyes and immediately opened them again as images of warfare played out across her vision. Taking rationalizing breaths, she looked up to see Draco Malfoy standing a few feet in front of her, a cold look on his face. Immaculately dressed as always in black slacks and matching dress shoes, an almost see-through white button-up shirt, slytherin robes, and of course, his head boy badge, he brushed his pale blond hair away from his eyes.
After sharing a common room with him during her seventh year, she has grown accustomed to reading the thoughts hidden behind his cool demeanor. She noticed the bags under his eyes, much like her own, and could feel weariness emanating from his sigh.
"Granger?" he questioned. He eyed her up and down, noticing her less than perfect posture. She looked as if she was going to slide down the door and crumple up.
She had grown up in the past year. Her hair remained curly, but now fell in smooth ringlets. She looked a bit older, with more curves among other things than in her younger years, but the aura of youthful innocence remained, as did her thirst for intellect.
When she didn't answer, he walked up to her and lifted her chin so that she found herself staring into his gray, almost black, eyes. "Pull yourself together, Hermione. It's not over yet," he told her in an authoritative tone.
"Draco," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her face against him, "What if it doesn't work? I'm so scared I'll ruin everything."
"You're all we've got at this point, Granger. Now is not the time for fear or doubts. I need you to find the courage to walk out that door knowing fully well the bloody mess that lies out there. You need to be prepared. Immobilization won't do us any good. Now, hold my hand and take a deep breath," Draco advised and instructed.
She placed her hand in his and he gave it an encouraging squeeze. He pulled the door open and they walked out together, knowing too well that if she faltered, all hope would be lost.
Reviews & ideas would be appreciated! Chapters will get longer after the third…the first three simply serve to set up the story.