Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They are all property of J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 14
Draco's Awakening
Five days had passed, and still neither Hermione nor Draco showed any signs of life. Both lay in their beds, in the very same positions, and did not stir. Hermione's parents stayed by the side of the fallen teenagers from dawn until dusk, leaving only for short walks or bathing. They ate and slept in the hospital, surrounded by Ron, Ginny, Harry, Neville, and Seamus, in the time between classes and on breaks.
It seemed hopeless, both, Hermione and Draco, seemed to have given up. They did not respond to talking, touching, or movement. Of course Madam Pomfrey said it was normal, for the both of them, but this did not ease anyone's mind.
Madam Pomfrey took special care of the both of them. In the afternoon's she would spend thirty minutes on each of them, moving their arms and legs, trying to keep the muscles active. Once every other day they were given sponge baths. She kept them well hydrated as well, in the wizarding world, they did not use needles or fluids in bags; they used magic, of course. Madam Pomfrey made a concoction of pumpkin juice, which was very nutritious, and some various roots, and poured them into the mouths of the two sleeping beauties, being careful not to cause them to choke.
As the days grew longer still, none of Draco's family or friends showed up to visit him. They didn't send him flowers or get well soon cards; it was as if he was alone in the world. With family and friends like those that he had, this was probably the best thing. At least none caused problems.
Hermione's bed side table was covered with fresh flowers and cards every morning from family and friends, but none of this happened for Draco. Harry, Ron, and Ginny, but mostly Ginny, picked flowers for Draco, she felt she owed it to him. They all did. Every time Ginny looked at Draco's face, she began crying. It was so sad that no one in his whole family or in Slytherin House seemed to care if he died. His family, one would think, would want to ensure his well being.
The curtains around Hermione's bed were now gone, incase she woke up, so she could see Draco. And if he woke first, he would be able to see her. This was a comfort to Hermione's friends and family; they no longer felt like she was being hidden. Not that she was; Madam Pomfrey just didn't want everyone looking in on her from the corridors in the first few days.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny agreed to never judge Draco on the things in his past, it was more than obvious, he overcame it all. He put it behind him and they should as well. He proved himself to them when, against all odds, he forced himself up and found Ron and Harry to help take Hermione to the hospital. He put her before himself, and this was truly a heroic act. The old Malfoy would never have done this, not even for one of his 'best friends.'
On the next morning, Saturday, a week sense the gruesome happenings, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, and Neville, started for the hospital, having just finished their breakfast in the Great Hall. Ginny was carrying an arm full of freshly picked poppies and lily's, determined to split them between Draco and Hermione.
When they entered the hospital, Madam Pomfrey was murmuring to herself, it seemed, Mr. and Mrs. Granger had gone out for a walk, because they were no where to be seen. Harry, Ron, Seamus, and Neville, took their selves directly over to the beds of Hermione and Draco while Ginny walked toward Madam Pomfrey.
"Madam," Ginny said, almost dropping a few flowers, "is there something the matter?"
Madam Pomfrey jerked her head toward Ginny, "yes… No… No dear. Nothing at all is the matter." She looked at the flowers in Ginny's arms, "How nice, dear, more flowers for Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy and… Never mind, how nice of you."
Ginny was confused, "What?"
"Oh dear, I've just remembered, I have papers to file. Dear you go and put your beautiful flowers in their vases. I've much work to do, much work indeed." She began rustling some papers in the pocket of her robes and turned away from Ginny.
Ginny stood bewildered for a moment; then she remembered the flowers. She shook her head and went to join her friends. Madam Pomfrey was acting very unusual, even for herself.
As she joined her friends, Ginny said, "She's a bit off today," looking over her shoulder at Madam Pomfrey.
Ron snickered, "She's always a bit off."
Ginny tapped the vases on the table between Draco and Hermione's beds with her wand, causing the wilted flowers to disappear. She then split her fresh flowers in half and put them in the place of the ones that had disappeared. She sat with Harry and Seamus on the foot of Draco's bed, while Neville and Ron sat on Hermione's.
They talked to each other as well as Hermione and Draco. All speaking as if Hermione and Draco were going to answer.
"I got a letter from Moony, Hermione. He says he hopes you get to feeling better. He can't wait to see you this summer. Says he's going to come to the Burrow and visit with us for a little while, and he's bringing Tonks." Harry said.
Ginny smiled, "I can't wait to see Tonks, and of course, Pro— Lupin."
Neville and Seamus decided they were going to go to the library to do an assignment for Professor Flitwick's class. They didn't want to impose.
Neville said, "Hermione, I don't reckon you would like us to skip our assignments. So we'd better be off."
Neville and Seamus were nearly out the door when Seamus called back, "Bye! We'll see you later, Hermione, Draco." He waved at every one, then he and Neville were swallowed up by the corridor outside the door.
Ron, Harry, and Ginny weren't too keen on doing their assignments but they knew the telling off Hermione would give them if they didn't. Most of the time they did their assignments in the hospital, it was just as quite in there as it was in the library.
Lunch time was quickly approaching when Mr. and Mrs. Granger came back into the hospital. They looked a bit older than they had when they first arrived at Hogwarts, though every one knew why, so they didn't mention it. This was hard on them, Hermione was their only child. They did take a liking to Draco though, not only because he saved their daughter and not out of pity, but because they knew Hermione wouldn't have been mixed up with him if he were a bad guy.
Ron stood up from Hermione's bed and sat with Harry and Ginny so Hermione's parents could sit with her. It was the right thing to do; they just had to be careful not to sit on Draco.
"Good morning," Harry, Ron, and Ginny said as the Grangers' sat down with them.
Mr. Granger smiled, "Good morning, you lot."
"I see you've brought them fresh flowers, Ginny. How nice, and lily's, they're one of Hermione's favorites," said Mrs. Granger leaning nearer to the flowers to take in their beautiful perfume.
Ginny smiled, "She told me."
Harry, Ron, and Ginny talked with the Grangers' for a long while, explaining more about the school, and their lessons. Being muggles, the Grangers didn't understand some of the methods of treatment in the hospital, but they knew it was best for Hermione to remain there. She was safe within the walls of the castle and her friends were there for support. Besides, muggle doctors would ask too many questions and their law enforcement officials would get involved, it would be a nightmare.
A few times, Ginny thought she felt something brush against her back, but it wasn't until she turned around that she actually saw what it was. Draco's right arm was twitching, causing the blankets to move against Ginny's back.
Ginny jumped up from the bed and Ron and Harry joined her, thinking there was something wrong.
Ginny half yelled, "Madam Pomfrey! Come quick!" She was pointing at Draco's bed, covering her mouth.
When she yelled, Mr. and Mrs. Granger shot up from Hermione's bed as well. All five of them stood in the small space between the beds, staring at Draco's twitching arm. This was the first movement Draco had done sense he had passed out in the hospital, seven days ago.
Madam Pomfrey came running toward Draco's bed, seeing Ginny pointing at him. "What's all the fuss?" She said just before noticing Draco's movement.
"Oh dear!" She exclaimed, "Mr. Malfoy?"
At the sound of his name, Draco's eyes moved from side to side under his eyelids. Madam Pomfrey pushed her way beside Draco's bed and pulled down his blankets, exposing him from the waist up. His arm was still twitching as were his fingers. Madam Pomfrey clasped her hands over her mouth. Apparently she hadn't expected Draco to be moving.
After a few seconds she spoke again, removing her hands from her mouth," Mr. Malfoy?"
Again Draco's eyes moved but he did not open them.
Madam Pomfrey leaned over him and placed her hands on his shoulders, "Mr. Malfoy," she said as she gave him a little shake.
Draco's eyes snapped open and he looked wildly around the room, moving from face to face, not seeming to recognize anyone. He murmured a few words, but no one could understand him. He lay in his bed, being very still as he looked around at the faces again.
Ginny stepped up, "Mal—Draco, do you know who I am?"
Draco turned his head so he was looking straight at her. "Her--- mio---ne." He said, in a cracking voice.
Ginny looked questioningly at Madam Pomfrey, "Draco, I'm Ginny, Ginny Weasley."
Draco blinked, "Where… Herm--- ione…"
Everyone standing between the beds moved to the side so Hermione was visible.
"Draco, she's over there." Ginny said pointing toward Hermione.
Draco's head turned slowly toward the bed Hermione was lying in and he stared at her for a few minutes, without speaking. He tried to sit up in his bed but Madam Pomfrey pushed on his shoulders.
"Mr. Malfoy, you need to lay there, your muscles aren't strong enough to permit you much movement." Madam Pomfrey said.
Draco stared at her with tears clouding his gray eyes, "I need her."
Mrs. Granger began to cry, "Dear Draco, thank you."
Draco's eyes focused on Mrs. Granger who was now being held in the arms of her husband. He took in a deep breath, "you're… her mum?"
Mrs. Granger nodded, "yes, and this," she looked at Mr. Granger, "is her father."
Draco swallowed hard, "I'm sorry." His eyes glistened with tears. As a tear leaked out the corner of his eye, spilling into his hair, he said, "My mum's not here, she's dead."
Mrs. Granger's eyes widened as she looked at her husband. She pulled away and stepped around Madam Pomfrey toward the head or Draco's bed. She leaned down over his face and kissed him on the forehead, "I know, dear. But we're all here. Me, my husband, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Madam Pomfrey, Professor Dumbledore, we're all here for you."
Draco closed his eyes for a moment then reopened them, "water," he said.
With a swish of her wand, Madam Pomfrey conjured a goblet full of icy water and held it out to Draco. He shifted in his bed and brought his lips up to the goblet. He drank down half the water and pulled his lips away. The water was cold and took his breath away.
Clearing his throat he said, "How is she?"
Madam Pomfrey looked beside her at Mrs. Granger, expecting her to answer; Hermione was her daughter after all.
Instead, Mr. Granger spoke. "She's going to be fine, son. We're just lucky you, Harry, and Ron got her here as soon as you did."
Draco looked at Harry then to Ron, "Thanks, Potter, Weasley."
Harry smiled, "Harry."
Ron blushed, "Ron."
They were correcting him, if they were going to be friends; he needed to call them by their first names. They were trying their hardest not to call him 'Malfoy' anymore because they thought it only right that friends should use first names.
Draco smiled. "Can I see her?" He said looking at Madam Pomfrey for his answer.
She gave a half smile, "I suppose you can. But I must tell you not to stand. Here," she motioned Harry and Ron closer, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley will help you to this chair," she pointed to the chair between the beds, "and you can sit there with her for a little while."
Everyone moved out of the way so Ron and Harry could get closer to Draco. Draco reached out both of his shaking arms toward Harry and Ron. The two of them each grabbed him under his arm and pulled him up into a sitting position. As Ron steadied Draco, Harry pulled his blankets down to the foot of the bed and pushed his legs over the side. Ron stood to Draco's right and Harry to his left and on the count of three they hoisted him up into the air. Draco's legs dangled underneath him as Ron and Harry moved him closer to the chair. They sat him in the chair, being very careful not to step on his feet and pushed him closer to Hermione's bed.
"Thanks," Draco said as he looked at Hermione. "Could you push me a little closer?"
Ron stepped behind Draco's chair and pushed it up so his knees were almost touching the side of the bed. Draco smiled.
"Why don't we give them some time?" Mr. Granger suggested.
Everyone silently agreed and walked away from the beds.
"Let's go down and see if we can have some lunch." Ginny suggested.
Ron rubbed his stomach, "Okay."
Harry, Ginny, Ron, and the Grangers' left the hospital wing, all glad Draco was finally awake. At least they knew he was going to be alright. And maybe just maybe Hermione would start improving, now that Draco could talk to her also.
Madam Pomfrey stayed in the hospital but she retired to her office, she still had those papers she needed to file.
Draco sat beside Hermione with his hands covering one of hers. He didn't talk to her for a long while; he just sat there staring at her. Tears were pouring from his eyes when he finally stated talking to her.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione. This is entirely my fault."
He kissed her hand.
"I love you. Please wake up. Please."
He bowed his head over their hands and sobbed.
"Please, Hermione. I'm so sorry."
She still didn't move. It didn't seem that Draco's words were even getting through. But it was worth a try. He blamed himself for what happened. He just wanted her to wake up and tell him every thing was going to be alright.
"Hermione, please don't do this to me. I need you. I don't have anyone."
Draco began crying harder as he stretched up to kiss Hermione's lips. His tears fell from his cheek to hers, then down to her pillow. He wiped them away, trying hard not to spill more.
"Hermione, your mum and dad are wonderful. And your friends. Look, they've brought flowers. And cards. Look, it's beautiful. Please… look. Just open your eyes. I know you can do it, you're strong."
He sniffled as he looked at her face.
"Please!" He put one of his hands on her face and turned her head toward him and kissed her on the lips.
"Wake up. I need you here; I need to know you're alright." He begged her.
"Please, just open your eyes."
Draco sat there begging Hermione to wake up, for hours. He didn't want to get back in his bed; he was determined to make her wake up. He wanted to tell her how sorry he was, how much he loved her, how much he needed her.
Finally, knowing Draco was wearing himself out, Madam Pomfrey walked up beside him. She too had tears gleaming in her eyes. All of Draco's begging and pleading seemed to be getting to her as well.
"Mr. Malfoy, you need to get back into your bed. You have to rest now. You've suffered much muscle damage. Now that you're awake you can eat on your own and you will regain strength sooner. But until you do, you will have to rest." Madam Pomfrey said as she crouched down beside Draco.
"Do you think all of this talking will do any good?" Draco asked as he pointed to Hermione. "Is she really going to be alright?"
Madam Pomfrey nodded, "She just needs time, Mr. Malfoy. She's in shock and these things take time. You needed time too."
Draco's eyes narrowed, "How long has it been?"
"A week, tonight," said Madam Pomfrey.
Draco's mouth fell open, "a week? It only felt like a few hours."
"It does sometimes, when our bodies are worn out like yours was." Madam Pomfrey answered. "I think your friends and Ms. Granger's parents will be back soon, and when they return, you're going to get back in your bed and rest. Okay?"
Draco nodded.
He didn't want to rest, he wanted to sit and wait for Hermione to wake up. He didn't need it, as he saw it. It was a waste of time, he needed to be there when she woke up, he needed to hold her in his arms and kiss her; tell her he would never let anyone hurt her ever again. Promise to always be with her. Though Madam Pomfrey, he knew, would make him rest.
At three o'clock, Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione's parents returned to the hospital; all smiling when Draco looked up at them. He was leaned over Hermione's bed, almost asleep, when the noise of the door opening startled him awake.
Madam Pomfrey approached Ron and Harry before they could reach Draco's bed. Draco knew she was asking them to put him back in his bed. Not only did he not want to get back in bed, he felt back because he couldn't get in there himself. He didn't like to have to depend on people for things; this was another thing he was taught, growing up with his father.
When Madam Pomfrey had finished talking to Harry and Ron, she reentered her office.
"Are you ready for us to help you to bed?" Harry asked Draco as he and Ron reached Draco's chair.
Draco grumbled, "I suppose. But I'm sure I can do it myself, if you would just help me up."
Harry and Ron looked at one another. Ron shrugged.
"Okay, we'll try." Harry answered.
Ron pulled Draco's chair away from Hermione's bed so he and Harry could get a good grip on Draco. Harry and Ron stood in front of Draco and he reached out for them. They grabbed him under his arms and pulled him to his feet. Draco stood there for a moment, his legs wobbling, and then he almost fell. If Harry and Ron hadn't still had him under the arms, he would have definitely fallen.
"Oopse," Harry said steadying Draco again.
"Yeah, we'd better not do that again." Said Ron.
Draco sighed, "Sorry."
Harry and Ron pushed Draco back onto his bed, sitting him on the edge. Harry then lifted his legs up and onto the bed as Ron held his shoulders. Draco lay back on his bed and Harry pulled up the blankets; bringing them up to Draco's waist.
"There, see, not so bad." Ginny said as she sat down on the foot of Draco's bed.
Draco looked up at Ron, who stood to his right, "So, tell me, did they take Snape away?"
Ron looked uncomfortable, as did everyone in the room, "Yeah. Er… Dumbledore called the Minister and he came and took Snape away. He's at the Ministry right now; they can't do anything with him until Hermione… Until you and Hermione can testify."
"Oh," Draco said as he looked over at Hermione. "She'll be up in no time, I'm sure. Just needs some time."
Everyone dropped their heads.
"Yeah, you're right, Draco." Said Mr. Granger.
Ron and Harry leaned against Draco's bed and Mr. and Mrs. Granger sat in chairs between the two beds. Draco had a few questions for Harry, Ron, and Ginny; mostly about what happened with Snape. They talked about several different things; no one really wanted to talk about what happened. They didn't think it was something Draco needed to relive right then; he was going to have to do that soon enough. They didn't want him to think it was his fault, but they didn't want to talk about it either.
Darkness began filling the room and Ron, Harry, and Ginny knew Professor Dumbledore would soon be joining them in the hospital to welcome Draco back. He, Professor Dumbledore, had taken over Snape's Potions class, and was very bust with grading papers and working on assignment plans, not to mention his other duties. The Minister of Magic was at Hogwarts almost every day, checking on Draco and Hermione's state, though he never went into the hospital.
"Well, Draco, we'd better be off. Professor Dumbledore will be here soon, he's been coming every night around this time, and I'm sure he will want to talk to you without us here." Said Ginny as she stood up from Draco's bed.
Draco looked a bit unhappy Harry, Ron, and Ginny were leaving, "alright then. Will you be back in the morning?"
Ron, Harry, and Ginny were taken aback; they hadn't expected Draco to want them back. It was a bit shocking to them. Hermione was right though, he had changed.
Harry smiled at Ron then at Draco, "yes, we will be back, we've been here everyday."
Draco gave a weak smile; his tiredness was now more than apparent. "Okay," he yawned, "I will see you lot in the morning. Good night."
They all bid him good night and left the hospital, talking about how much he had surprised them. Ron suddenly felt bad; he remembered what he said to Hermione about Draco; what he said about her being his 'new slut.' What an awful thing to say. He sighed, trying to shake the memory from his head. He didn't want the last thing he said to Hermione to be that. She had to wake up so he could apologize.
Ron, Harry, and Ginny walked into the common room and told everyone about Draco. Their fellow Gryffindor's were just as surprised as they were that he really did change. It wasn't something that was expected, least of all, from him.
"Draco, we're going to go to sleep. We will see you in the morning though. And if you need anything, just yell, we're in the last tow beds." Said Mrs. Granger.
"Thanks." Draco said, looking up at them, his eye lids drooping.
"Good night, son." Mr. Granger said with a smile.
"Good night." Draco replied as he shut his eyes.
Just before they walked off, Mrs. Granger leaned down over Draco and kissed him on the forehead. "You get some rest now."
Draco's eyes snapped open but all he could see was the backs of Mr. and Mrs. Granger. They were almost half way to their beds. He sat there, stunned. Not even his mother showed him that much affection. She tried, but his father wouldn't have it. He didn't know people actually cared, Hermione did, but she was different.
Draco was becoming more and more drowsy after Mr. and Mrs. Granger left his side. He shut his eyes, just for a moment and quickly fell into a deep sleep. His muscles were aching but he was too tired to really care, simply being awake and talking had drained him of all of his energy.
At nine o'clock, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall walked into the hospital, being very careful not to make too much noise. They went straight into Madam Pomfrey's office.
"Madam," Said Professor McGonagall.
Madam Pomfrey looked up from her papers, "Yes, Professor?"
"How is Mr. Malfoy?" McGonagall asked.
"He's doing well; he tried to wake Ms. Granger, poor dear. He was just so determined. But she, being in her current state, didn't wake. I think it disappointed the poor dear." She said pushing her papers to the side.
"I expect he would be disappointed. I would like a word with him, when you think it is alright." Said Professor Dumbledore.
"You can speak with him now if you like" Madam Pomfrey replied.
"No, no, he's fast asleep. I don't think it best to intrude on his dreams. As I'm sure they are the only place where he can be with Ms. Granger, for now." Professor Dumbledore said as he looked out the office door at Draco's bed.
Draco was indeed dreaming of Hermione, he was dreaming about waking her up. Holding her close and telling her he loved her. She was just as beautiful as she had always been. To his surprise, she didn't remember many of the details of her attack and he wasn't going to go into great detail. She was with him and she was happy, this is all he cared about at this time; it was all that mattered.
A/N: Here's chapter 14 for all of my faithful readers. I'm glad you all like this story, perhapse in the future I will write another, but I must finish this first. Let me know what you think. And please give me your opinion on what you would like to happen to Snape, I have too many of my own! As always, reviews are welcom(even if they're bad)! Sway