So I wrote this some time ago now... August of 2006, I think. It was a spur of the moment thing, so it's not perfect, but hey, I tried. This is for my friend Karys, who always supports me and my writing. She is a way more talented writer than I am, and I encourage you to check out her work. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling, not me. I just think of plots. Enjoy.
Promise
He woke up promptly at six in the morning, long before she would stir. Slipping on his robes, he pocketed his wand and exited his room, softly closing the door behind him. He spared her door one last longing glance before shaking off the feeling and descending the stairs to the common room. Reaching the bottom, he stopped abruptly at the sight before him.
She sat on a cozy sofa, her back to him, staring into the fire. Tentatively, he took another step onto the floor and looked up expectantly. She made no movement to stop him, no protest or even any attempt to look at him; rather, she faced the dying fire, staying silent.
"Granger…"
She stiffened visibly. She was awake, after all.
"You can't stop me," he declared softly, approaching her still form.
No response. Just the sound of their even breathing.
He placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. She flinched, instantly regretting it as he recoiled and snarled.
"My touch revolts you now? Can't stand to be touched by a bloody Death Eater?"
"Don't you say that, Draco Malfoy."
Her whisper came out harshly -- sadly.
"What do you want me to say, Granger? That I won't take the mark? That I'll defy my father and go to Dumbledore?"
"YES!"
She snapped around to face him, eyes blazing, holding his gaze for an eternity. He looked down at her, conflicted, before pushing his thoughts away and dipping his head to kiss her.
They stayed like that for a few seconds before slowly breaking apart, almost hesitantly.
"Promise me," she whispered, placing her hand onto his.
"What? What can I promise you, Hermione?" he hissed softly. "After becoming a Death Eater, I can't make any promises I'll keep."
She was silent for a moment; after some time to think, she looked up and clasped his free hand in her own.
"Just promise me… you'll come back."
He let out a soft sigh, unable to form a sentence that was both true and would satisfy her.
"Draco…"
"Bloody hell, Hermione, I can't promise you I'll be able to come back here! Don't you understand that?"
He yanked his hand from her grasp and ran it through his hair, closing his eyes. He didn't want to see her pleading face, no -- that would just make everything harder.
She watched him pace back and forth in front of her, robes swishing with every turn.
"Then promise you'll try."
He stopped and glanced up, making his way back to the sofa. Sitting down, he pulled her body closer, until her head was resting on his shoulder.
"Then I promise I'll try to come back," he said gently, kissing her on the forehead and standing to leave.
She stared at him as he climbed through the portrait hole, never once looking back.
-END-