*Cower, I know, I know, I'm terrible and horrible. But I just haven't had time to do much of anything lately and I still don't have a permanent computer. I'm really sorry, but here's another much awaited chapter.

Chapter 21

Draco's POV
I woke up to blinding sunlight streaming in from a window somewhere over my head. Cursing, I yanked a blanket over my head until I could peek out and actually see. I rubbed my head in confusion. What the hell was I doing in the infirmary? I looked around and found Granger sitting in a chair near the end of my bed. She had her head down on her arms, which were folded across the foot of the bed. Even in her sleep her eyebrows were pulled together in a look of concern and anguish. Somewhere deep in my brain, I knew I should know why she looked like that, but I couldn't remember. Something was fogging up my mind and making me angry. I sat up carefully and was surprised to see my arms covered in bandages. Granger stirred and I froze. Curious, I watched her face for a moment, confused as to the look on it. It changed constantly, hundreds of different emotions running across it. Then the tears started. She was sound asleep, but sobbing and shaking uncontrollably. Bewildered, I slipped out of bed and knelt next to her and tried to shake her awake but to no response. Another crazy idea popped into my head and I carried it out. I gently encircled her in my arms and pulled her close. She stiffened momentarily, then slumped into my arms still crying. I still wasn't sure what to do, but her shaking started to slow so I didn't move. Slowly, slowly her crying stopped and she slipped back into a peaceful sleep. I stood up and she jerked awake.
"Dr-Draco? You're alright?" Her eyes went wide and she smiled in relief before throwing herself at me. "I dreamt you had died and everyone hated me and the Slytherins were trying to exact revenge on me and your father was going to bring charges against Dumbledore for neglect, and Harry and Ron hated me for trying to save you and Voldemort-" she stopped the torrent of words and stepped back looking at the floor, her face a brilliant shade of red.
"Granger, what are you talking about? And why were you crying?" She didn't say anything, only shook her head. "Gr-Hermione, I'm talking to you. Stop trying to ignore me, it won't work." She looked up at me, red-faced. "Now, what are you talking about?"
"It doesn't matter. Don't worry about it." she turned and went to walk out. Almost unthinking, I reached out and grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face me. Her eyes were wide and she visibly flinched.
"Granger, please. I'm sorry for what I did. I was angry and I had no right nor reason to lash out at you like I did." I was intensely uncomfortable. Apologizing wasn't something I did very often. "And you don't have to look completely shocked. Malfoy's know when they're in the wrong, they just choose to ignore it most of the time." I must have said something incredibly funny because she started laughing. "What's so funny?" she kept laughing. "Hermione, stop laughing. It's not funny."
"Yes" she giggled for a few moments. "Yeah it is." she collapsed into giggles again, sagging against me.
"I don't get it." she laughed harder, crying now, and almost sent us both to the ground.
"You-you sounded so aristocra-cratic!" she was almost choking with laughter.
"I did not." I used the same tone as before, but completely unthinkingly. Her knees gave out from under her, and I tried to catch her sending us both to the ground. She laughed harder. I tried to resist, but seeing her laugh like that was infectious. Within moments, we were both crying with laughter. She sagged against me, holding her stomach, and my arm had somehow ended up around her, holding her close. She sighed, still half laughing and saying 'Ow' every thirty seconds. She sighed deeply, finally catching her breath.

"Malfoy, I had no idea you could laugh like that."

"Draco." She looked at me, confusion running across her face. "Call me Draco. I'm not my father." Her eyes went wide for a moment, then she smiled.

"Alright then Ma-Draco." She gave me another award winning smile and went to stand, promptly falling back onto the ground, and me. "Ouch! Damn bloody ankle!"

"Ow." She had landed on me in a very painful place. I had taken hits there before, but it still hurt. Her face went bright red again.

"Oh my God, M-Draco, I'm so sorry." She moved and managed to get to her feet, hands to her mouth. "God, I'm sorry. Are you alright?" I waved her hand away.

"Yes, I'm fine. Stop fussing." I got to my feet and looked over at her. She had an 'I'm-so-sorry-please-don't-hate-me' look on her face. "Granger, I'm fine. Relax." At that point, Pomfrey walked in.

"Mr. Malfoy! What do you think you're doing out of bed!" I just looked at her. She glared right back. "Get back in that bed this instant. You're stupidity last night lost you a lot of blood. And Miss Granger! What are you doing on your feet? You know what your deal with Severus entails. Sit!" Granger nodded and plopped onto my bed.

"Madame Pomfrey, I'm fine. I have things to do." My voice was cold, and I knew it. The little lady didn't back down.

"And so do I, but I still have to take care of you. Now sit down!" I glared at her and complied. "Now, I'll be right back. Don't either of you move!" she bustled out of the partition.

"Draco! Why must you aggravate her? She was ready to hex you into next week!"

"Because it's amusing, Granger."

"Please call me Hermione." I looked over at her to see her face burning red again. She looked up at me, seemingly nervous. "What? It's only fair, right?" I was about to respond when Pomfrey returned.

"Drink up, Mister Malfoy. You'll be right as rain in no time."

"I already am." She looked me straight in the eye.

"No, you're not. You're still a little pale. Drink it."

"I'm always pale." I emphasized 'always'.

"Drink."

"I'd rather not, thanks." Gr-Hermione was trying to choke back laughter. I elbowed her.

"Mister Malfoy, I don't have to release you and I'm quite sure you want to attend that dance this evening."

"Threats don't work on a Malfoy. And I've heard worse." My voice was icy cold again.

"Mister Malfoy"

"Draco, just drink the bloody thing. It won't kill you!" Hermione blurted out. I turned to look at her, and she visibly quailed for a minute, before glaring right back at me. "She may not be able to hex you, but I sure as hell can. Now drink it so we can go back to the common room." I was startled. I knew Hermione rarely lost her temper, and I had the feeling I shouldn't test her in this. I glared at her, then Pomfrey and downed the potion.

FIRE! ICE! DISGUSTING!

This thing was revolting! I almost puked, but didn't want to know what it felt like coming back up. Swallowing, I pulled a face. Hermione laughed and I glared at her, then stood up.

"Come on, we're leaving." She nodded, still laughing and carefully got to her feet. I rolled my eyes and picked her up. "Good bye, Madame Pomfrey." Turning, I walked out of the room without looking back. Pomfrey 'hmmphd' but didn't stop us.

"Draco, you're incorrigible."

"I know." She started laughing again. Eck, it was going to be a long day.

~*~*~

I know, you all hate me. I'm so sorry it's been so long, but things have been incredibly crazy at my house between losing a computer and school. I'm never home anymore. Anyway, here's a VERY long overdue list of thank yous. You guys mean so much to me. It keeps me going.

KKJade, Ezmerelda, Sally, hPfAnFoLyFe, tom'sgirl4ever, fantasymei-aqua, Leah, luv-bug21, The Dragon's Rose, miroku-2/22, kickem.6, Jess53421, Nevavariel, TiarellaCordifolia, Trapt*Rocks*My World, ravenbeaut, InterestingChoicesReader [Thanks for the critique. The honesty helps.], Natyslacks, littleGinny, Moonie, Clairebear(Adrenaline is amazing), Cute-Kitty, Hanna, someone[thanks for the honesty!], sylvervixen, DracozHottie01, Kosetsuno Tenshi, Damesel-Of-Distress, Tangratara, malfoygranger4eva, and DracoHermioneSupporter.

And thanks to Moween for putting me on her favorites list. I feel so loved. *Hugz* to all reviewers!

~WF~