Chapter 20
Hermione was surprised to see Draco outside of his house when she arrived. It was definitely Winter. She could see the warmth of her breath collide with the chill of the air as she walked up to the house. Draco was leaning up against the railing on his front porch. It was dark out and he didn't see her coming. He was startled to see her, but didn't say anything. She walked up the front steps and stood next to him.
A million words and emotions were expressed through their silence. Hermione looked at the sadness in his eyes.
"Draco," she began.
He turned to her suddenly. "I don't want, or need your pity, Granger."
"I wasn't going to give it away, Malfoy" Hermione replied. "What are you doing out here? It's freezing."
Draco shrugged, causing his arm to brush against Hermione's.
Hermione shivered. Whether from the cold or the contact, she wasn't sure. Suddenly, she felt the warmth of a heavy cloak being placed over her shoulders.
"Thank you." She said awkwardly. The scent of the coat, Draco's personal scent, seemed to calm her. "Draco,"
"Do you want to go inside?" He said, shivering because of the loss of his jacket.
She nodded her head and they went into the house.
oOo
Hermione, still wearing Draco's cloak, sat down on the couch. Draco sat next to her.
"You've been spending an awful lot of time here lately. I'm not stupid enough to think that it's on the Ministry's orders."
A small blush crept up her cheeks and she fiddled nervously with the sleeve of his coat.
"I thought you could use a friend tonight. I visited her parents today, for the Ministry, mind you."
"I knew you would eventually, and thanks." He said genuinely.
They sat in awkward silence. Hermione had never been in this kind of position before. Through instinct she said, "Do you want to talk?"
Draco stared into space. "I don't know. Everyone says that talking about it makes it feel better, but I'm not so sure. You know?"
She thought for a moment. "Would you like me to make you some tea?"
Draco nodded and Hermione left for the kitchen. She returned moments later with a steaming cup of tea. She was about to suggest a movie when the sight of Draco on the couch with his head in his hands cut her off. She put the tea down on the coffee table and sat next to him. She put her hand on his back and Draco immediately put his arms around her, enveloping her in a hug. Hermione held him silently for a few moments, their breaths the only sound in the room.
"Draco," she said softly, "whenever I'm upset it helps if I clear my head. Being me, I usually do that by reading Hogwarts, a History."
Draco laughed even though it was a very serious moment. "I'm sorry, I know you hate flying, but that's what helps me, but you…"
"Whatever you need."
oOo
Hermione was definitely not a fan of brooms, and it seemed that brooms were not a fan of her either. She was almost certain Draco's broom tried to knock her off as she was mounting it. She'd really only ridded a broom three times in her life. Twice at Hogwarts, during flying practice, which were cancelled soon after because of the Neville incident, and during the quest to save the Philosopher's Stone. The only other time was with Harry. Harry was an amazing seeker, and that's what made his flying more terrifying than anything else. Harry was fast, made sharp turns and darted from place to place. Draco's flying however was very smooth. Hermione didn't even notice how fast they were going. She held on tight to Draco, out of instinct rather than necessity. The air was biting cold, but it felt good, like all bad thoughts were being obliterated from her mind. She could tell that flying gave his a sense of calm, just as her favorite book did for her. After what seemed like a long time Draco turned the broom around and they headed back.
oOo
They soon found themselves back on the couch. Draco was out of breath, as if he'd just run a marathon. He looked at Hermione.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I still hate it. But I'm alright." She out her hand on his and he jumped at how cold it was. He grabbed both her hands in his and started warming them. She looked down at his strong, caring hands, compared to her small and delicate ones. He leaned down and kissed her hands. She felt a shiver go down her spine as he leaned in to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck; he wrapped his around her waist as they kissed. He kissed the nape of her neck, while she caressed his face with her hand.
He immediately jerked upright. Thinking she might have scratched him with her nails she asked, "Did I hurt you?"
He stared into space. "No, it was nice."
Hermione was suddenly very confused. She looked at Draco, whose breathing grew rapid as if he was having a panic attack.
"Draco, you're scaring me."
He didn't say anything to her other than, "I think you should leave."
"But…"
"Please. Just leave."
She got her things together and walked towards the door. As she grabbed the handle she looked behind her. Draco was running his fingers through his hair. Without saying goodbye, she left.