Gregory Goyle was not a man of many words. But all that quiet gave him plenty of time to think. Contrary to popular belief, Goyle's intelligance level was actually above average. But he was also a large person, and he knew that he would last longer if he kept to himself. Being Draco's henchman gave him protection, though one day it would backfire. He was sure of that. But until then, he would wait.
One thing that Goyle found himself thinking about often was not a thing at all, but a person. Hermione Granger.
He knew he was being foolish...how could she love someone as hideous and supposedly stupid as himself? Not only that, but his father was a Death Eater. Most people thought he had joined their ranks like Draco and Crabbe. But he knew that Hermione's side was the right side. He couldn't let himself forget that. No matter how hard things got.
Goyle was only alive because of his mother's protection. She had taken his place as a Death Eater. But Voldemort would kill him someday, he was sure. So for Hermione's sake, she musn't become close to him.
'That won't be hard for her.' he thought bitterly. 'No woman, espcecially one like her, would ever want me.' He looked around the table. It was breakfast, his housemates were eating and seemed content. Blaise was to his left, Draco on his right. A typical day.
But he felt so lost on this day. He looked across the room, and there she was, sitting with Potter and Weasley. He shook his head slightly. 'Do they relize how lucky they are to have her? Do they know how lucky they are to have a choice in this war?', he thought. There familes even supported them...he sighed.
"Goyle," Draco said, "What is wrong with you?" His voice was laced with malice. "Uhm...what?", was all Goyle could say. He had been too wrapped up in his own world. "God, you are so stupid. No wonder you aren't 'in' yet.", Blaise said, sneering. Draco snickered. Goyle just laughed along, thinking that soon he would be away from them. Soon he would be free.
All he had to do was finish this one year, and he would run away. Escape Voldemort. His mother wanted him to complete NEWTS, but his life was in danger. He just didn't have the time. It hurt him to dissapoint her, especially when she was doing so much for him. But he knew he would barely last this year.
One more year. Then the taunting and fear would end.
But...
That also meant that in a year, he would be away from her. His heart ached at the thought. But he would leave the relationship as it was - nothing.
To keep her whole, they could never be together. He would break, he would probably die. But that didn't matter if she could be happy.
Nothing mattered if she could be happy.