Draco's POV
"I'm not blind or stupid Hermione" I quietly replied to her lie, "You have to eat something, your wasting away, and I will not let that happen" I say looking intently into her eyes. But her face has drained of what little colour it previously held and I can see she's having trouble focusing on what I'm saying, "Hermione, are you ok?!" she's started to sway dangerously and then she falls in a graceful arc towards the stone fireplace, using my seeker reflexes I jump towards her and manage to catch her with ease before she cracks her head on the unforgiving surface.
Scooping up her fragile body I run out of the heads dorms as quick as I can towards the hospital wing, praying to Merlin with every step that she will be ok, that I can save her for a second time..
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Hermione's POV
"…underweight…."
"..send her to St Mungos?"
"No, I'm sure its just exam stress…given her a strengthening potion…should be fine..."
I groggily open my eyes to see Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfery talking in low tones in the corner of the infirmary, how did I get hear? The last thing I remember is Draco talking to me and then…nothing.
"ah Miss Granger your awake, it would appear you fainted from exhaustion, luckily Mr Malfoy bought you up to the hospital wing." The nurse said, "You are eating properly aren't you Miss Granger, you are very underweight?"
"Yes Professor, just getting a little stressed from the heavy workload this year I think" I lie with a reassuring smile. They must not know.
"Very well, I shall give you a calming drought and an energy potion to help you keep on top of things but I suggest you eat more as well, any thinner and you will become seriously ill" the nurse stated " you may go".
I head towards the common room with a sigh of relief that was far too close for comfort. Pushing the portrait of the heads common room open I notice Draco pacing the room with worried energy, when he notices my entrance he stops and stares at me, "we need to talk" he announces in a serious tone which confirms what I'm terrified of, he knows.
"I know Hermione so don't lie to me any more, I just don't understand why?"
"Because I don't deserve to" I whisper to the ground
"what? Of coarse you do, everyone has to eat!" he exclaims
I turn to flee to my room and away from his knowing eyes but he grabs me by my wrist, preventing escape and pushing down on my cut wrist making me wince in pain.
His eyes find mine again and as much as I want to I can't look away, I see his worried and confused expression turn into one of sudden realisation and understanding as he lets go of my wrist and holds my hand, then carefully lifts up my sleeve to expose my marred skin. "Mione..why?" he questions, I can detect sorrow and pity in his voice that I defiantly don't deserve and that's what makes me snap.
"BECAUSE I AM A COWERED", the words tear through my throat before I sink to the ground and sob. I feel Draco crouch next to me and place a comforting arm around me, pulling me towards him, "You, Hermione Granger are not a coward, you are brave and loyal, never think that" he sternly whispers in my ear.
"Then why did I want him to kill me? I wanted to abandon my friends; they would never have abandoned me"
"Mione my disgrace of a father had put the cruciatus curse on you repeatedly; anyone would welcome death after that"
His words were said with such certainty that I almost believed him, clinging to him made me feel safe and like I belonged, "why did you save me?"….
Dracos POV
What she had said made my heart break, how could she think that of herself? I have to make her see what I see, I take a deep breath to collect my courage;
"Because you epitomise everything that is good, and my father wanted to destroy goodness, he wanted to destroy you. And I could never let that happen because you are the strongest, brightest, loyal, beautiful girl I have ever known," I lifted her chin so she could see the sincerity in my words before continuing, "seeing you like this is killing me Hermione, please let me help you"
She looked at me with wide searching eyes, then slowly nodded her head leaning towards me, I slowly closed the small gap between us and placed a soft kiss on her silky lips
A load cough woke Hermione and Draco from there peaceful slumber, Hermione's head resting on Dracos chest, Dracos arm had found its way loosely round Hermione's tiny waist while the two slept on the sofa nearest the fire where the pair had fallen asleep after talking long into the night. Draco had listened intently to Hermione as she finally admitted to him and herself her guilt over the final battle and her fears of failing to reach the high expectations everyone seemed to bestow upon her.
Another cough drew Hermione's attention towards the source of the noise, meeting the eyes of a very surprised looking Ginny.
"Well this looks cosy, Hermione may I see you in your room when you ready please," Ginny ordered before turning and making her way up the staircase towards Hermione's bedroom.
Getting up with a groan Hermione gave a shy smile and small shrug to an amused looking Draco before following Ginny. She had barely entered her bedroom before Ginny quickly shut the door and rounded on her;
"DRACO MALFOY, YOU AND MALFOY?! HERMIONE HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!"
Shutting her eyes and taking a deep breath to ward off the dizzy feeling that had started to close in around her due to the fact she had yet to eat a meal, Hermione calmly made her way to her bed, sitting on it before replying "Yes I have lost my mind, but I think Draco may have started to help me to find it."
This statement was met by a confused look from the redhead.
"I have been having a hard time coming to terms with the final battle, it..it effected me far worse than I have ever showed, but Draco seems to understand, I think he can help me Ginny, I trust him."
Ginny's eyes softened as she sat on the bed and hugged her friend, "is this why you haven't been eating Hermione? I'm not as stupid as Ron or Harry! I've been so worried about you, the reason I came up hear was to talk to you about it, shall we carry this discussion on over breakfast?"
Hermione's insides clenched with fear at the thought of eating but she slowly nodded her head.
"How about I make us something from your kitchen then we can talk without having to worry about gossips like Pavarati and Lavender overhearing?" Ginny questioned and got another slow nod from Hermione in reply. Both girls made there way down to the kitchen only to find an elaborate breakfast of toast, cereal, fruit and yogurt, along with various cooked foods arranged on the table,
"Thought you ladies would like a 'girly catch-up' so I saved you some of my breakfast, I made too much you see…" Draco winked, "anyway I must meet Blaise, see you later" and with a last lingering look at Hermione he walked out the portrait hole.
"Well, his well trained" Ginny grinned loading a plate up with everything on the table. Hermione slowly added a few pieces of fruit salad to her own and began cutting them in tiny pieces.
Ginny didn't push her to eat more than a few mouthfuls as she knew Hermione would only resist and push further away.
" Well Mione, if you trust him then I suppose I do to, it seems like his changed" Ginny frowned slightly before continuing, "But I don't think Harry and Ron will be as understanding somehow" she gave a small grimace before adding as an afterthought "if he hurts you I swear ill hex his ass so bad he won't know what hit him".