Disclaimer: A few characters are mine & the plot of course, but the rest belongs to J.K. Rowling
Author's Note: Okay, I still haven't recovered from my bout with writer's block BUT I think I have enough creative juices flowing to continue on with this next chapter, so just sit back and read--thanks! :-)
Summary: Hermione & Draco received a nasty blow to the head when an out of control bludger careened towards where they stood bickering during a Quidditch practice. They woke up in the hospital wing not knowing each other--but they know everyone else--and an instant attraction towards each other soon formed.
Setting: 6th year
Pairings: Draco & Hermione
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XXIII. But I Really Do Love You
"Because I love you too much that it hurts me so much because I know that you never could--or even would--return my feelings back."
Hermione's words kept on echoing over and over inside Draco's head after that night. Every time he gazed across the Great Hall his eyes would sought hers, but she was often preoccupied by either talking to Potter or either one of the Weasleys. But that was just fine with him. Having her attention diverted by someone else gave him the chance to study her face more closely and store it away in his memory for all time.
A vision of Hermione smiling. A vision of Hermione laughing. A vision of Hermione frowning. A vision of Hermione's face lighting up when she knows the answer to a particular question that nobody else in class knew. A vision of Hermione staring off into space thinking of something. And most of all, a vision of Hermione lost in passion after one of their torrid kisses.
Couldn't return her feelings back? Bah! If only she knew how he was dying inside every time he sees her flirting--or sometimes just talking--with other guys. He wanted to do some serious bodily harm to all those who even came near her, but he knew he couldn't do it. Punching the lights out of somebody for simply standing beside Hermione would draw attention to himself and the feelings he had been suppressing inside.
Sure he loves her. Hell, he loves her so much that he was hurting too. But this was Hermione Granger, a Gryffindor with a perfect school record and always on top of everything. He can't compete with that. Sure he was a whiz in Potions, but that was just Potions, and he was Snape's pet. He can pass Potions with his eyes closed for all he cared! He shouldn't even be passing Potions when Snape had someone like Hermione answering all his questions correctly and being on top of everything else in his class--and in every class she had.
She was perfection in every sense of the word why as for him...he was nothing but a Death Eater's son whose father was a religious follower of the evil dark lord, Voldemort. She was good and he was evil, plain and simple...or wasn't it?
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Ginny found Hermione huddled by the fire late at night inside the Gryffindor common room. She was sitting on one of the big armchairs facing the burning hearth with her legs propped up on the seat and her knees pressed against her legs, her dark eyes watching the fire dance in front of her as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Herm?" she called softly to the girl seated with her eyes transfixed on the dancing embers. Ginny carefully approached Hermione and sat on the armrest of the chair she was using, "Are you alright?"
"No." Hermione answered with a small hiccup, her eyes still not leaving the sparkling light. "I screwed up big time." she added and heaved a heavy sigh. Before Ginny could voice out an opinion Hermione went on, "I thought I could make it, you know? I thought I'd be able to pull it off without a snitch, but I just can't fucking do it! He's constantly in my mind. Every time I close my eyes I see his face. Hell, I can't even watch a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin without thinking about who to cheer for!"
"Cheer for Gryffindor, of course." Ginny interjected.
Hermione looked up at her close friend and frowned, "Easier said than done. I could always cheer for Gryffindor whenever I wanted to, but it's kinda hard to do that when you're in love with the captain and seeker of the other team." she said wryly.
Ginny flinched. She didn't mean to sound disinterested. Of course she knew what was Hermione's problem. She have seen her friend try so hard not to let her emotions overcome her and cheer for Malfoy when he missed being hit by a bludger. It was hard to mask your feelings when someone you really love doesn't belong in the same circle as you do.
"Sorry Herm, didn't mean to make it sound that way." she apologized then slid off the armrest and knelt before her close friend on the floor. "What's wrong, luv? Care to talk about it?"
Hermione sniffed and buried her face against her knees, shaking her mop of short dark brown hair. "What's there to talk about? I told him I love him and what did he do? He just sat there, frozen, and never uttered a single damn word!" she lifted her head and met Ginny's eyes, "That's the second time I told him I love him. And both times he...he...oh God, both times I felt like such a dolt for even coming out clean with him about my feelings!"
"Oh Hermione..." Ginny cooed and straightened up from her kneeling position and hugged the ball Hermione made of herself on the chair, patting her back gently. "Now I know I'm no expert on stuff like this, but I think Draco froze twice after you pouring your heart out to him because...well, in all honesty if I was put in his shoes and somebody tells me that he loves me, I'd be too shocked to say or do anything--especially if I feel the same way back for the person." she paused for a couple of excruciating seconds before adding, "And I honestly believe Draco Malfoy is as much in love with you as you are with him, luv."
Hermione stopped her sobbing and lifted her head to stare wild-eyed at the youngest Weasley sibling.
"What?" she asked almost breathlessly, "Draco can't be in love with me! Sure he wants me in his bed, but love me? I don't think so."
Ginny pulled away from her and gave her friend an are-you-kidding-me look of hers, shaking her mop of long, shiny red hair. "Think what you like to think, Granger, but those of us with twenty-twenty vision knows that Draco Malfoy is head over heels in love with you as much as you are with him! Hell, even that Parkinson chick who has been after Malfoy for years knew she has competition in you. Why do you suppose she always glares at you whenever you pass by each other, hm?"
Hermione was rendered speechless after hearing what Ginny just told her. Draco in love with her? Could it be for real? Or was Ginny just being a friend and telling her what she wanted to hear?
God I hope she's right!
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to be continued...
A/N: YAY! I think I'm getting over my writer's block because I am getting sooo excited for the next chapter. I think I already have one in mind to post real soon. But since it's getting late right now and I can't really stay up late typing up (or maybe I could, hehehe ;p) the next chapter, you guys will just have to wait and see next time I update...thanks for your wonderful patience!
nessa-girl: I haven't heard of Fiction Alley yet nor do I know the site addy, but I won't mind you introducing my story there. and thanks for constantly reviewing! and your ideas are good...I think I am having ideas on how to work it in to this story...
Queen Li: yeah, writer's block's a bitch, but I think I'm getting over mine! *lol* I guess it was just the stress of me overworked and all, hehehehe
Rebecca: I know I have to mention them remembering what they were like before they woke up in the hospital wing not knowing each other. I know I kinda strayed away from revealing that part in a few chapters. Hope you liked this chap too
Draco's one and only: thanks for liking each chapter even though I'm suffering from writer's block! *lol* But I think I'm getting over it now *grins*
Volcana: actually I did some relaxing today and went shopping! *lol* Actually I started doing some shopping yesterday and that relaxed me a bit and made me think of what to write for the next chapter--and here it is now!
CrystallineLily: you're not the only one who hates cliffhangers, but fortunately you don't have to wait a while to read the next chap *winks*
Shivohnsongbreeze: I am getting over my writer's block now, thanks! and hope you enjoy this chapter
Starrynights13: thanks! now here's the next chap, hope you love it too, hehehe
Rach: well yeah, stories will have to be longer and mustn't come to an end soon! *lol*
Jubliations: thanks for cheering Hermione on. I know this is like the second time she told Draco about her feelings and of course our stubborn hero remained mute about his damn feelings...but don't worry, it won't be long now before Hermione gets a surprise of her own, hehehe *evil chuckle*
Angela: well I hope this chap isn't a cliffhanger! *lol*
kristatwen: thanks for understanding my feelings while I'm going through some writer's block, it's really a pain
ju: hmm...now I dunno if you're being sarcastic or serious! *lol* but anyway, you'll soon be laughing and smiling and whatnot because Draco and Hermione won't be suffering for long anymore...or maybe not :p