Chapter Eleven

The infirmary was silent. Only the glow of the moon illuminated that dark space. It wasn't hard for Hermione to find Draco. Only two beds were occupied. The chaser's bed had curtains, blocking him from her view. Two beds down, Draco slept lightly. He'd heard someone coming in, but didn't open his eyes and stayed still. Hermione slowly approached the bed and was trying to remain calm. It looked like his entire body was covered in bandages and he had bruises on his legs, arms and on the side of his face. She quietly sat down and tried to touch his forehead, but she got overwhelmed and began to weep.

He looked awful! And to think that something worse could've happened…

A sob caught in her throat and she covered her face.

Draco heard a low cry and quickly opened his eyes. Hermione was sobbing quietly and he felt a jolt inside his heart. He wanted to touch her hand, but was unable to because of the bandages. He didn't want to see her like this. So many weeks without her, and here she was, sitting next to him, crying for him, not because of him. Draco was shocked that the feelings he had for her were more than he expected.

"Hermione" he spoke softly "don't cry".

She turned her head abruptly to see that he was awake. She was about to embrace him when she saw that he winced, trying to stop her. She gently kissed his forehead and caressed his cheek with her thumb. She rested her head softly against his chest and wept silently. Draco would've done anything at that moment to be free from his prison and embrace her.

They fell asleep like that.

Hermione awoke the next morning with someone clearing her throat. She opened her eyes and realized that McGonagall was standing in front of her. She quickly sat uo and checked on Draco.

He was still asleep.

"Miss Granger, if you would be so kind, please stand from Mr. Malfoy's bed".

Hermione reddened and quickly obeyed. They made their way out of the infirmary to the Heads apartment. Once in there, McGonagall indicated Hermione to sit on the sofa.

"Miss Granger…I was looking for you this morning to ask you for a favor. Obviously, I wasn't able to find you." Hermione lowered her head in embarrassment.

"Your friends are looking for you now as we speak. I'll let them know shortly that you've been found. The reason that I wanted to speak to you is because, as you well know, Mr. Malfoy is unable to attend class for a few days. As Head girl, I want you to help Mr. Malfoy recuperate. He will be moved to his room on the 13th of February and it is up to you to make sure he doesn't try anything foolish, like walking. Also, I would like you to find out what his daily assignments are so that he maintains his schoolwork up to date. I am aware that Gryffindors and Slytherins are usually not friendly; however, you and Mr. Malfoy are the example of this school and there is no one better to do this task than yourself."

Hermione sat dumfounded. She was going to take care of Draco. Spend almost all of her time with him. She nodded and stood up to find Harry and Ron and let them know that she wasn't missing anymore.

Draco was told that day of what the plan was. He pretended to look indifferent and a bit annoyed, but inside he was more than thrilled.

He was going to have Hermione with him every day.

And he couldn't wait.

"Is it true that you have to take care of Malfoy?" Harry asked Hermione. They were sitting in the Gryffindor common room with Ginny.

"Yes, but its not like I have to cook for him or anything. House-elves are in charge of bringing him food (she was a bit pissed at this) and all I really have to do is bring him his homework and make sure he doesn't make a wreck in his room" she replied.

Harry and Ginny knew better. They could tell that she was anxious and excited. They secretly smiled to each other.