Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything. The song is The Middle off of the Bleed American cd by Jimmy Eat World, one of the best bands around. Ahh, now you are seeing where the title of this story is coming from.

Elisabeth sat down nervously in Hermione Granger's living room. Elisabeth, will you excuse me? I need to have a word with Ms. Granger. Elisabeth watched Hermione glare at Draco as he said this, but left the room with him anyway.
Hermione led Draco into the kitchen. What is it you want? she snapped. Draco held both of his hands out, as if surrendering. Look Hermione, I know you don't like me very much. Hermione snorted and muttered something that sounded like Well now THAT'S an understatement, but Draco ignored it. Elisabeth is a wonderful girl who could really use your help. I am not asking you to do this for me, but for her. I think the two of you will get along very well. And I know you must be thinking, what would a decent girl like herself be doing with me? But I assure you she is not dark or evil in anyway.
Hermione sighed. Look Draco, I know you have changed. But that doesn't change the fact that I am used to you being an absolute asshole. So yes, it is hard to accept that you are trying to help someone. Nevertheless, I will help her. But like you said, not for YOU. For HER. I don't owe you a damn thing. Hermione stalked out. Draco followed.
Elisabeth, I am going out while you and Ms. Granger chat. I'll be back in an hour or so. Draco left. Hermione smiled at Elisabeth. Well! Seems like there is much to do. I have heard about your situation. Interesting I must say. Well, Dumbledore has sent me the lesson plan that he thinks is appropriate for you. Draco will do the majority of your tutoring, seeing as how he has nothing else to do. SOME of us actually have to work for a living.
Elisabeth couldn't help but smile. You don't like him very much, do you?
Hermione looked startled by the question. No, no I don.t And I don't have any reason to. But don't you worry about any of that. He's changed since I have known him., but the things he did are hard to shake. Now, I think I will come by Malfoy Manor once or twice a week to check up on you. Hermione didn't seem too thrilled about having to make weekly trips to the manor. I am interning at the Ministry for this very type of thing. I want to work in the education department. They oversee the standards and curriculum for all of the wizarding schools in England. I can make sure that you are learning what you need to and learning it properly. Hermione smiled and her tone changed from business-like to warm and friendly. And I would like to think that perhaps we could become friends since you don't have many ties in the wizarding world. I remember what is was like to be raised muggle and thrown into all of this. However, I had seven years to get used to it. It's not going to be easy, but if I can help in anyway at all, don't hesitate to ask. Elisabeth smiled back. They continued to make small talk. Hermione talked about her life and her friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasly. She said that she would have to arrange a meeting because she thought Elisabeth would get along wonderfully with them. A little over an hour later there was a knock at the door. It was Draco. Elisabeth and Hermione exchanged warm goodbyes, while Hermione and Draco exchanged cold stares. After that, it was back to Malfoy Manor.

***Several Months Later***
You are doing very well, Elisabeth. It's been only a few months, but you are almost done with what is the equivalent of your second year in wizarding school. Of course, the lessons will get harder, but you will be fine. And you're so well rounded too! You are doing equally well in all subjects. Elisabeth managed a small smile. Hermione noticed how much the girl had changed over the past few months. She had become quiet and withdrawn, not to mention very thin. she asked. The girl looked up. Is everything all right? You seem different lately. Is there anything you need to talk about?
Elisabeth was tempted to pour out everything she felt, but she stopped herself. Hermione had become almost a best friend, but she just couldn't say everything right now. I-I guess I am just feeling sort of out of place. Like I am in the middle, you know? Not a muggle, but not quite a witch. Between worlds. Hermione nodded. Yes, yes I understand. This has all come very fast for you. But I promise it will get better, just give it a chance. Is that all it is? Yes , Elisabeth lied. That, and I guess I am just wanting to study very hard so i can learn as fast as possible. Hermione smiled. She could certainly relate to that. She gave Elisabeth a warm hug. Well if you need anything, you know you can count on me. I will see you next week! Elisabeth nodded and waved as Hermione left the room.
Despite what Elisabeth had told her, Hermione wasn't satisfied. Instead of leaving, she headed towards the library where Draco was sure to be.
Draco was sitting at his desk in the library when he heard a knock. Come in. Hermione stepped inside the vast room. Ahh, finished with the lessons for today?
Hermione nodded. Yes, she is doing very well. I think you can start on her third year work next week. She's very talented and a hard worker. She reminds me of myself when I was back at Hogwarts. Hermione smiled nostalgically. I think if she had been in our class, she would have given me a run for my money. Draco beamed as though Hermione had been talkng about his own child. Hermione said slowly,I am worried about her. She seems very withdrawm, and she has lost a lot of weight. Has she been eating?
Draco sank down into his chair and burried his head miserably in his hands. No. She just pushes her food around on her plate. That is, if she even comes to dinner. A lot of times she just stays in her room. I can't seem to get through to her other than her studies. It's been driving me crazy, but I thought maybe it was just me she wouldn't respond to. But apparently not. What should I do!?
Her dedication to her studies is admirable, but this is beyond what's healthy. She told me that it's just because she feels like she doesn't belong anywhere; not the muggle OR wizarding world. She feels out of place.
Draco nodded. And Draco, said Hermione, the two of you really need to get out of the house! Otherwise she is going to become a hermit just like you, and the two of you will just sit here being depressed and feeding off each other's misery. Draco was startled by this comment, but he knew it was true.Yes, yes I know. It's just hard for her. It was that damned Witch Weekly interview. I should have known better. Now people either want to ask her a million questions or try to rush to her rescue.' Everyone seems to be convinced that I have kidnapped her and am forcing her to be my love slave or something.
Hermione was slightly amused by this. Well, you know, that does sound exactly like something you would.....or would have done. Draco's face flushed with anger. Come on Draco. I know you have changed, and I still can't completely accept it. You can't expect everyone else to either. Sure, it's not fair. But you DID do some pretty horrible things. At least your father certainly did. You can't act like it doesn't matter. It certainly influenced you when you were younger. Voldemort may be dead, but people are still being careful. You can't blame them.
As much as he didn't want to admit it, she was right. Ok, well you are right. I need to get her out of this place more often. I will have a talk with her. Thank you Hermione. Hermione nodded. OK. Well if she needs anything, let me know. Ok? Hermione started towards the door, and Draco stood up to follow her. She turned back around. I can see myself out, thank you. And with that, she left.
An hour later, Draco was still in the library. He had been trying to think of what he should do. He had never been much of a people person, so he wasn't sure how to handle this. He had always been taught to suppress his emotions. Showing them was a sign of weakness, and a Malfoy wasn't week. Your father isn't here anymore! he scolded himself. Draco sighed. He didn't know what to do. He would just have to go and talk to her and see what came of it. He started towards her room.
As he got closer, he heard a loud, strange noise. He assumed that it was some sort of muggle music that Elisabeth had brought with her. Draco stopped outside her door; it was open just a crack. He peered through. His conclusions were right; it was music, though nothing like he had ever heard before. Elisabeth must have just gotten out of the shower because her hair was wet. She was wearing only fitted jeans and a black bra. Draco silently scolded himself for taking pleasure in that. He focused his thoughts back to the situation at hand. It was true; she had lost a lot of weight. He thought he could see some of her ribs. He really needed to help her. She wasn't exactly dancing to the music, mainly just bobbing her head to the rhythm and singing softly to the words.

Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle, it'll up the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be allright.
Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be allright.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be allright.
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be allright.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be allright
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 She didn't necessarily seem happy, just lively. Watching her might have been amusing if she hadn't seemed so serious about the words she was singing. The song changed, and she leaned over her dressing table to her mirror and started to apply her makeup. Draco was ashamed of himself for spying on her, but not ashamed enough to stop. Suddenly, Elisabeth's eyes widened in the mirror and she spun around. Draco! What on earth are you doing!
Draco had been caught.