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Two weeks had passed. It was a Sunday and the weather was perfect. The sun was shining and a cool breeze was blowing, and to top it all off there wasn't a single cloud in the sky. Today the famous couple were going for a walk around the lake.
Hermione surprised herself by actually enjoying their little stroll. They made small talk about future plans in their little scheme and other things too. It was really amazing to see that Draco – yes, Draco – had changed quite a lot since his father had died. It was like he was a different person.
During their walk, whispers, gasps and rumours flew and cameras clicked, but for once Hermione was not worried about that. She was really quite happy.
In their dorm Hermione turned to Draco, "Umm, Draco, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed that little walk…"
Draco was shocked to say the least, " Um, yeah, it…was nice…yeah…" He felt extremely awkward.
"Thanks."
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Hermione was walking back from dinner in a very good mood. She had had a great day and had just enjoyed a lovely meal. Everything was chummy.
"Oi, 'Mione."
Hermione turned.
"Ron," she said utterly shocked.
"What's goin' on between you and…the ferret?" He spat the last bit.
"We're going out."
"Why?"
"None of your business."
Ron was turning a furious red colour and his eyebrows and nose were starting to twitch.
"Ron, I really liked you, in fact I think I loved you, but you just…" Hermione could feel her heart ripping and tears brimming in her eyes. "I guess I just wasn't good enough for you. Is that what it was? Is my hair too bushy? Are my teeth too big? Is it because I have just plain brown eyes? Is that what it was?"
Tears were streaming down Hermione's face; she had not yet gotten over him. She felt like running into his arms and pretending like this never happened.
"Her…Hermi…Hermione…I did mean to…I didn't…"
"Well, you did…life isn't all about you Ron, there are other people with feelings, there are consequences that go with actions…what do you see in Pansy that's so much better than me? Why didn't you tell me about her? All these questions. Why Ron? Why?"
Ron was speechless - he had never seen Hermione so heartbroken, so lost, so utterly sad and alone.
Seeing that Ron would not say a word nor would he apologise, Hermione fled to her dorm. She needed comfort; she yearned for the arms of someone who loved her.
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Draco was sitting on the couch when Hermione burst in practically drowning in tears.
Draco didn't think. He knew she needed someone, so he stood up and wrapped his arms around her.
She didn't pull away or resist him, just cried into his chest. After awhile standing together like they were, they moved to the couch, still in an embrace. Hermione told Draco of the encounter that she had just had with Ron.
"I'm not over him, I just haven't been thinking about it because of all the things I've been preoccupied with…Draco…I think I still love him, I don't know if I'll ever get over him."
"Don't worry Hermione, you're strong, you've survived the war, you can survive this. I promise you that you'll get over him, and I promise that I'll be there for you, whenever you need me."
"Thank you Draco."
"You know Ron is just a pig." He said more to himself than her, before looking her in the eyes, "There is nothing that you don't have that Pansy does. You have perfect teeth, you're hair isn't bad, and you're eyes are much prettier than hers. You're eyes are full of emotion and are of the most beautiful brown I have ever seen. Pansy, well, her eyes are a boring and dull blue, her hair is dead straight with not even the slightest wave, and I would be amazed if she knew any emotions other that love and hate…and maybe anger, but you are by far much better than Pansy in every way, shape and form. You're smarter, funnier, kinder, and dare I say it…prettier."
Hermione felt a nice warm fuzzy feeling in her chest.
"Thank you Draco," she whispered.
"That's okay, anytime, I'm here for you."
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Hermione couldn't sleep, so she lay awake thinking about what just happened between her and Draco.
She had almost always known that he had practically 'worn a mask' and his real self had hidden under it. He was always sneering and throwing insults but you knew there was something else to him. Hermione had not seen the real him until today, and by golly she was glad she saw it.
He was a really good friend when he wanted to be. He had just given her what she yearned for, the arms of someone who loved her, although he only loved her in a friendly way…right???