The next week passed by in a blur of renovations. The castle was starting to resemble its former glory and the workers had started to rebuild within their small circle. Draco had even managed an appearance in a few of the projects although he kept himself to himself mostly or chatted to Blaise. Blaise, surprisingly, had thrown himself into everything and worked hard at building friendships with the others. He hadn't really had to try hard though as his personality was as charming as his looks and there were several times, he had everyone in stitches with his comedic antics. Draco had even managed a smirk once or twice. Hermione often found herself analysing Draco, to monitor his reactions, or to listen to his ideas and when she wasn't actively watching him, she had a strange feeling that he was watching her.
It was this feeling, that caused her to glance in his direction one evening, mid-laugh at one of Neville's jokes. He abruptly diverted his gaze to Blaise however there was a pink twinge to his cheeks that contrasted against his pale skin. She returned her attention to Neville but not without acknowledging a feeling in her stomach. One she couldn't understand. Hermione had often found herself conflicted when it came to a certain white haired Slytherin. Her internal monologue seemed to plague her every morning and night with questions and thoughts. She didn't know what they were to each other, acquaintances, enemies, but he had helped her the day of her panic attack. They hadn't discussed it of course; they hadn't tried too, and she wouldn't be the first to acknowledge it. That moment had scared her though in more ways than one. The very notion of the panic attack (although she had had several since the war) scared her but what may have scared her even more, was how Malfoy had handled it. He soothed her and stayed with her until she was calm. He had been her safety net when she felt as though she wouldn't stop spiralling and falling. It was completely out of character, well considering how he had been with her throughout their school years.
Memories over the years flooded back to her. His smug face when he had called her 'a filthy little Mudblood' and Ron's curse backfired. All the times he chastised her for her blood. The looks he gave her as they battled for top spot in every class. The sneers as he had listened to others making fun of her for her 'goody-two shoes' ways. The way he teased her and Ron when they were facing the shrieking shack. The barging past her in the corridor. The making fun of her buck teeth and large hair, casting the curse that caused her teeth to grow exceptionally large. She did enjoy punching him square in the face though and she allowed herself a small chuckle at the memory. Malfoy looked over with a hint of a question on his face before he resumed his conversation with Blaise. She excused herself from the table and bid everyone a goodnight before returning to her rooms to no doubt, torture her brain some more.
Tossing and turning later that night, having woke from another nightmare or flashback (were they the same now?) Hermione decided to see what books were in the Ravenclaw section downstairs. She padded down in her nightgown and slippers and was surprised to see the fire burning and someone staring vacantly into it.
"Blaise? You couldn't sleep either, huh?" She walked to join his company vacating a nearby armchair.
"No, I would be surprised if anyone around here sleeps properly at the moment… how about you?" He questioned.
"Same, I suppose it just feels surreal coming back. We have literally fixed the place, in a way, from the awful things that happened months ago, yet I have a feeling that it won't be the only thing that needs healing." She investigated the dancing flames as she spoke.
"Mmmm…" After a short silence, Blaise added, "I was surprised to hear you were coming back anyway Miss Granger or is it now… Miss War Heroine aka one third of the famous Golden Trio?"
She glanced at him and saw a small smile on his lips.
"Hahaha," she answered sarcastically although a small smile played on her lips too. "I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to gain my qualifications to be honest."
"I thought you would have had people queuing up to offer you a career… anything you wanted?"
"I did, don't get me wrong but… it felt like cheating in a way. I should have to work just as hard as everyone else."
"Hermione, you fought the Dark Lord and helped save the wizarding world. I think you worked hard enough," he added with a small wink.
"I know but I wanted to come back here and do what I could to pick up the pieces. How come you came back anyway?" She questioned.
"Well after all the death eaters were sent to Azkaban and well, since I couldn't find my mother or sister… I figured why not spend the next year here instead of desperately waiting for some news at home on my own. Oh… and the qualifications malarkey…" He laughed gently.
Hermione returned a smile that was glistened with sadness.
"Hey, I picked my side just like everyone else. Luckily I wasn't as invested as other people…" He paused and Hermione had a sneaky suspicion as to whom he was referring, and she gently cleared her throat.
"He isn't all bad you know. He was forced onto a side due to his upbringing and what beliefs were instilled in him. I don't think he believes any of that now, don't even think he did then. But he had his part to play. As we all did. Look at me and you, we were on opposite sides once and now we are all cosy around a fire, in a castle that we made resume some form of normality again." He chuckled and gave her the charming grin Hermione was sure had won many of girls over.
"I don't think I ever did blame him. The more I think about it since… well everything, the more I see that he wasn't at full fault."
Blaise nodded slowly knowing she was going to continue.
"I saw how he stood on our side at the end of the battle. In that moment I looked at him and knew that he wasn't a bad person. He looked so tormented and I saw how conflicted he was. But every time I look at him, I remember how he was towards me. Not even Harry and Ron but me… because of my 'dirty blood.' If he didn't believe that, then what was it all for?" It was a question that she didn't expect an answer too so when Blaise rose and went to walk away, she continued to stare the burning coals.
Blaise reached the stairs and turned to her. "I think it will all become clear in time… trust me."
She raised her head in confusion and seeing Blaise's retreating back, returned her gaze to the fire.
Blaise was halfway up the stairs and placed a hand on the hidden figure's shoulder before continuing up.
Hermione sat unaware as the same eyes that saved her, brought her back to Earth, comforted her in her time of need, surveyed her from the shadows.
