****Two updates in one day – say what? Haha sorry this is such a short chapter, but I hope you still enjoy it. Don't forget to review! Have a nice day or night (depends where you live) xx****
I woke softly, opening my eyes slowly and contentedly. I looked curiously at the high, stone ceiling above me and sighed. Last night rolled into my mind like a chilly fog in the winter. As my senses resumed, I felt Hermione's head resting on my gently rising chest. I peered down at her. We were both lying on the thick, luscious carpet covered in a deep red knit blanket. House elves must have draped the comfortable fabric on our sleeping forms. My stiff ribs ached dully, not particularly bothersome but ever present. Hermione's eyes were peacefully closed, her soft lips slightly parted. They were full and as smooth as silk. In fact they were very kissab-
Stop! I told myself, mentally forcing my wandering thoughts back in line. I must be deranged. How could a person move from such hatred to this in a single year? I shifted away from Hermione, gently, not wishing to stir her from her tranquil state. This was apparently to no prevail as she opened her innocent brown eyes at my slight movement. Coming to herself rapidly the sleepiness changed to alarm in a flash. She abruptly sat up and smoothed her hair.
Clearing her throat she said awkwardly, "Uh thank you for… well… letting me sleep on you."
"That's ok." I said, unable to hide the responsive smirk.
"Well, now it's morning, I think you should go to the hospital wing Draco." She appealed, straightening up.
The smirk died instantly. "Uh no. No, I can't. They can't know about… about Lucius."
"Draco, I'm sure the school will maintain confidence. You need to have those injuries treated. They're…" Her eyes filled with pain as she recalled my blackened torso, "unbearable." She finished.
As much as I wanted to resist, to obey my mother, I caved at the tempting offer of release from this constant agony.
"Fine." I said resignedly. "But only if they swear not to tell the ministry. Or else my mother…"
Hermione nodded sadly in understanding and began to walk towards the door. It was the way she cared about me, the way she was pained to see me hurt, that made a soft well of hope throb dully in my wounded chest. I limped forwards and grabbed her wrist, spinning her to face me.
"What are you-" Her words were halted as my lips met hers.
Her soft mouth melded perfectly with mine, her tense body relaxing as I pulled her into me, embracing her small form. She was clearly hesitant at harming me further but I didn't care. Hermione's hands lifted to my bruised face and she gently stroked the patches of purple littering my pallid skin. Her lips softly brushed my stitches as our mouths worked as one. Emotions sparked like fireworks in my very insides; passion, warmth, delight.
I looked into her eyes as we pulled apart. Hers reflected my own showing surprise and unmistakably, pleasure. That one kiss had changed our perspective of each other forever. Never again would we be the squabbling second years or the hateful teens. We were now connected through a new bond, something special and warm that filled my insides with blissful contentment. In those few seconds my inner feelings of deep pain and anguish had been exposed. Hermione, in turn, had bared her inner hope and innocence, attempting to help repair my tarnished being. I grinned down at her beautiful face and the warmth within me pulsated gently.
"So the hospital wing then?" Hermione said, an unrestrained smile spreading across her flawless features.
"Sure."
We walked out the common room door, hands enclosed, together.