Prologue
The cold air struck gently against the window of the dormitory. Despite such unpleasant outdoor temperature, the room was deliciously warm. Walls covered with red wallpaper were heated by a blazing fireplace. Across from it stood a crimson, quilted sofa with golden elements and a girl sitting on it. Her curly brown hair fell carelessly on the book she was reading. It was "The History of Hogwarts" by Bathilda Bagshot. She turned a page. Her fingertips run over it. She was enjoying its uneven texture. Somebody knocked the door. The girl reluctantly put her book down on the mahogany table located in front of the sofa.
"Who's there?" she asked.
"Ginny."
She let her friend inside. She pointed to her place on the couch, which she had previously occupied. The redhead sat down.
"You want something in particular, or you just came here to talk? I was reading" said Hermione and took a seat next to Ginevra.
"It's about Harry. He had a nightmare. Again. Ron told me a moment ago when I ran into their dormitory. He woke up screaming."
Mione frowned.
"It's was his usual nightmare? A series of death?"
After the war, Harry still blamed himself for the death of so many innocent people, including Dumbledore, Lupin, Tonks, Fred, Dobby and many, many others. He regretted not completing his task faster, not doing his best. Almost every night he woke up screaming. Always by a vision of Voldemort's victory and the death of he's loved ones. Everyone was worried about the Chosen One. However, most worried was Sirius, his godfather and only living family member.
"I think we should write to Padfoot. Especially now, before Christmas. Harry will return and again he'll pass by the ruins of his first home. He may begin to blame himself for the death of his parents too. I don't think Sirius chose wisely. Buying a house where they died, where it all began.
"Luckily, he has us." said Ginny, patting her friend on the shoulder. She wanted her to understand that there was nothing to worry about and everything will be fine. "Well, us and Draco."
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Who would have thought that the enemies will become good buddies? Everything started with Potter's heroic act in the Room of Requirements during the Battle of Hogwarts. After saving the life of both Malfoy and Zabini, Harry earned their undying gratitude, an apology for the years of hatred and their friendship. So humble and simple, at least for the Gryffindor, gesture also improved Chosen One's relations with the Malfoys. This also had an effect on the renewing of family bonds between Sirius and his cousin, Narcissa. Now Harry was spending lots of time in the Malfoy Manor and Draco in Potter's house.
"In my opinion, Ron isn't really happy about it. He still believes that Draco has something to hide. As for me, he's jealous. The fact is, Harry has to divide his time into four, not three as it was before. By the way, he once said that Draco wants to seduce you, and it's going to end badly. Or some bullshit like that.
"He's unbearable. We decided to give our relationship up. And it was not only my decision. We both agreed that we aren't good as a couple. Friends, yes, but nothing more. It's like I suddenly started going out with Harry. Do not you think it would look ridiculous?" Hermione laughed.
"But remember – the Chosen One is mine. On the other hand, I care only about the money and I don't love him. I'll murder him just after he'll bequeath me all his fortune and my family and I finally will be rolling in dough." she giggled, quoting one of the articles that were published in "Witch Weekly" soon after Ginny and Harry announced they're officially dating.
They sank into silence.
"On the other hand, Draco is..."
"Dating Greengrass." Hermione summed up the conversation.
"Are you jealous?" asked Ginny, smiling.
Mione opened her mouth to talk back when a white snowy owl knocked the window. She was carrying a small letter attached to her leg.
"Hi, Harry. I came as fast as I could. Are you any better?" asked Hermione. She sat on the edge of the bed. Ginny leaned against a pillar and looked at the boy solicitously.
"Yes, it's better." he said weakly.
"You just puked, mate." groaned Ron. "Don't lie, because they'll still manage to discover the truth.
Seamus, Dean and Neville watched the scene silently.
"Was it was so bad?" asked gently Mione.
"Who have you seen this time?" The redhead asked directly.
"You, Ginny." he said after a moment.
There was a heavy silence.
"You were lying ... Dead, and I ... I couldn't ... I couldn't" His voice cracked and he covered his face with hands.
Ginny sat on the bed and hugged him tightly, stroking his black hair. He shushed him.
"I'm here. I'm fine. Don't be afraid, Harry. Don't be afraid. Hermione brought you something that will calm you"
Hermione walked over to the nearest table and poured some water into one of the glasses. Se uncorked a small vial that held in her hand all this time. She poured it into a glass and handed it to her friend.
"The Sleeping Draught. Drink it and you'll sleep peacefully. I'll be here all night" said calmly Ginny.
The boy slowly drank the water. As he laid down, he fell asleep.
"All of you, go to sleep. Goodnight." Hermione ran down the stairs to the common room.
On the way to her private dormitory, in which she was living as a Head Girl, she looked at the clock above the fireplace. It was half-past two in the morning. Beautifully, tomorrow she will certainly delight everyone with her incredible looks. She groaned inwardly, uttered a password, and without going to the bathroom crushed on the bed and fell asleep.