Author's notes:
Thanks to everyone has reviewed, favourited or followed this story so far.
Thanks again to LaBelladoneX. This story really wouldn't be here without her.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JKR
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draco's screams could be heard throughout the Eighth Year dormitory. Hermione was the first to dart from her room, full of worry for the man who held her heart. The other students entered the hall in time to see her rush to his room with Blaise and Theo following quickly behind her.
"Hermione, wait."
Theo grabbed her arm just before she entered as Blaise started to explain what was happening.
"He's had nightmares for years. Since the war though…"
The Slytherin looked to the ground unsure how to carry on. "Well, they've started getting worse; his dreams can be different each night. All are memories, sometimes distorted versions, of the War. When you were captured and Bellatrix tortured you. That moment is his most prominent nightmare."
The group grew silent but Draco could still be heard behind his closed door.
"Hermione, are you okay? You'll have to kill me before you can hurt her anymore! AAAAAARRRGH!"
Everyone turned to Hermione who was filled with shock; he was dreaming of protecting her.
Finding herself being led back to her bedroom by Ginny, Hermione broke down in the arms of the redhead. Ginny knew of Hermione's feelings towards Draco and, although she didn't fully approve, she could see why. They were so much alike - both having a love for knowledge, a determination to succeed and be the best. But most of all, they were fiercely loyal and would do anything in their power to protect the ones they loved. After a while Hermione looked up at her best friend.
"Thanks, Gin, I think I'll be okay now. You head back to bed."
Ginny gave her a massive hug, tucking her best friend back into bed before heading off to her own room where she knew Harry would be waiting for her.
"Is she ok?" Harry asked, as Ginny slipped into bed beside her fiancé.
Cuddling into his side she let out a sigh.
"I'm really not sure. She loves him more than I think she realises and hearing his screams really upset her. Did any of the Slytherins say why he dreams of trying to protect her?"
Shrugging, Harry responded in a thoughtful voice. "They claim it's due to his regrets from the part he played and his desire for redemption."
Ginny sat up to face him. "You believe there's more to it?"
Harry was silent for a moment, deciding how to best voice his thoughts.
"By the way they spoke, and the way they all looked at each other, I feel there's much more to it. I can't say for sure though."
Ginny did everything she could to hold in her emotions. "You reckon he could have feelings for her?"
The sparkle in Harry's eyes told her all she needed to know and Ginny decided, there and then, she had to try help her best friend find the happiness she deserved.
"I think Potter knows; the way he looked at us when we tried to explain Draco's dreams."
Daphne turned to her group of friends who had all crowded into Pansy's room to discuss the situation they faced. Blaise, with his head hung in his hands, started to speak.
"Maybe it's a good thing."
Looking up he noticed the confused looks on his friend's faces he continued.
"Look at it this way; if he worked it out, he didn't look disgusted at the prospect. He's obviously willing to give us all a chance, and maybe that means he's willing to be open minded about something more than friendships forming."
Everyone realised they had a lot to think about, but all agreed that one of them would have to tell Draco what had happened.
Draco awoke slick with sweat and feeling like he'd been hit by a Bludger.
Damn, I really must see Severus about some Potion for Dreamless Sleep, he thought to himself as he slid out of bed, intending to shower before anyone else was up.
Opening his door he noticed a vial of purple liquid floating in front of him. Realisation dawned on him; one of the Gryffindors must have heard me during the night.
The sound of humming coming from downstairs grabbed his attention. As he entered the common room, the source of the gentle tune became obvious; Hermione was already up and brewing a pot of tea. I should have known she'd be up already. Does that mean? Was it her who left me the dreamless sleep?
Hermione caught a glance of him as he turned to head back upstairs.
"Morning, Draco, I didn't realise you'd be up so early, sorry if I disturbed you."
He cautiously wandered over to the island bench, unsure on how to respond.
"Morning Gr… Hermione, hope you slept well."
Looking over her shoulder at him, she smiled.
"I've had better. How are you feeling?"
Understanding her meaning, Draco grabbed the small vial out of his pocket and held it up.
"I'm guessing this is from you? I didn't have the chance to see Severus last night about getting any."
Hermione looked at him knowingly. "I had a couple spare so thought it might help. I have to go see him this afternoon to pick up my next batch.
"How often do you get the nightmares?"
He wasn't sure if she'd be comfortable talking about it but he hoped that, maybe, it could be a place to start in building a friendship. Hermione stared into her cup, thinking,
"At first they were every night. I started taking the Potion for Dreamless Sleep not long after the War. I've only just started to reduce how often I take it and so they're coming back. You?"
Draco wasn't sure how to answer, he didn't know what she'd heard last night to make her aware of his dreams. Did she hear me call her name? Why did it have to be that dream?
"I get them almost every night; I haven't really used Potion for Dreamless Sleep since the War ended. At home I wasn't disturbing anyone; Mother's wing is on the other side of the Manor and so I never felt the need to use it."
Sounds could be heard from upstairs as everyone else started to get out of bed. Before Draco headed for the shower, he turned to Hermione.
"Thank you for this. Maybe I could come with you when you go see Severus tonight. Saves him being disturbed twice."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "That would be good, how about we head down after dinner?"
"Sounds perfect." Draco was relieved to hear that she wasn't disgusted at the thought of spending time with him and smiled to himself. Classes are going to be interesting this year.