Chapter 9
I fell asleep with this little girl in my arms. A little girl, who had turned into this beautiful woman, and no one else had seemed to notice. But she was mine now. And she had actually looked past my cold hearted and evil past to see the man I could be, and the man I am slowly becoming. How I beat out Potter for her affections, I will never understand.
For a while I was afraid. I was afraid of her. She has this power over me. She was turning me into a softer human being, and I was scared. For as long as I can remember I had be trained to be cold and heartless, for if you are not then you are not a killer. I was trained to be a killer. I was a soldier, I was a robot. I did only what I was programmed to do. Then Hermione came along. Hermione saved me from a life that would have only brought misery to everyone. I am forever in her debt.
I am no longer afraid. Morning comes and the sun shines through the common room window. I wake first and for hours I sit and stare into her beautiful face. She is so peaceful. I have fallen for her, hard. And, for once, I'm not sorry.
I know people are talking. I know the rise of the sun brings sense to everyone, and soon they will all be remembering what they saw last night, whether they believe it or not. There will soon be a buzz in every corridor. Rumors will fly like never before. No one will believe what happened, and no one will ever know the full truth, except me and Hermione. And for the first time in my life, I don't care. I just look down into those pretty brown eyes and I realize that she is worth it to me. I just pray that I am worthy of her. I hope she doesn't just walk out on me from this situation.
I lean down and kiss her lightly on the forehead and she stirs. Her beautiful brown eyes blink open and she inhales deeply. A sweet smile spreads across her face when she looks up and sees me. This must be heaven.
"Good morning" I whisper to her. "Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Yes, but only if I don't have to get up from this position" she replies. She shows no signs of getting up, and I can't say that I mind. I love this closeness. This is something I have never experienced before. I'm drinking it all in as rapidly as I can. I can't believe that someone cares for me in this way. I always assumed I would be married, but it was to be arranged. That's why I want these moments to last forever.
"I wish we could too, but we really do need to go eat. We do have to go to classes today you know" I remind her. Her slender arms remain around me, and I really don't want to move. However, she takes matters into her own hands and stands up from our sleeping position. Her arms rise above her head and she stretches. God, she's gorgeous; even in the morning.
"Yeah you're right" she says reluctantly. She kisses me lightly on the lips before turning and walking up the steps. I turn and walk up behind her, and she knows full well I can't keep my eyes off of her. However, we must retreat to our separate rooms to change for the day.
I slip off the tux that I am still wearing. After a quick shower I slip into the usual school uniform that does not accentuate my body, and that's too bad. I know I looked good in that tux. I step out into the common room and wait for Hermione. 'She probably had trouble getting out of that dress, and it's too bad I couldn't help her' I think to myself with a chuckle. I sit by the fireplace to wait for her. We will walk down to the hall together, and we will not breakdown in front of the student body just because they will be staring and whispering. I'm not worried about myself, but I know Hermione, and I know she is going to react. I just don't know how she will react exactly.
She comes down the stairs wearing the uniform she wears everyday. It doesn't accentuate her body in the same way her dress had, but she still looks beautiful. I am really turning soft here; I just have to remind myself that it's okay. I need to throw my Malfoy training out the window for once. It's proving to be a bit easier than I ever thought.
She takes my hand and we walk down the corridor to the Great Hall. We know what we are in for. We are prepared. We are prepared to look the other way, and to care only for each other. As for Potter and Weasley, well I know they will come around like they always do. I just hope Hermione can be strong until then. I may be falling for her, but I am not yet prepared to handle a mental breakdown.
****Hermione****
Last night was a dream come true. It was a fairy tale. I think every girl can agree with me on that. I remember Draco and me dancing together out on the dance floor, swaying to the music as he sang to me. It was only me and him. I felt like no one else was around. His embrace was so warm, and his words so genuine. The room was spinning, I was falling head over heels.
Don't get me wrong. I know there were many mouths gaping open. I know there were stares and whispers. But I also know that it will only continue for a while. I'm ready to handle that. No one's opinion matters to me, except for the Gryffindors, well, two of them in particular. I know in my heart that Harry and Ron will come around. I know that it will all turn out, but I also knew it would take a while and wouldn't be easy. I wish there wasn't a problem here. It would just be easier if I had fallen for someone else. It would be easier if the object of my affections wasn't a Slytherin or Malfoy for that matter. But I look over at his pale face, and I think about what he means to me, and I know that I love him . . . I think.
I can't believe that thought just ran through my head. Do I love him for real? Do I want to spend the rest of my life with him? Part of me says 'Don't go so fast' but a big part of me says 'Let yourself fall, allow yourself to love him'. I think I will go with the latter.
As we walk into the hall the stares commence just like Draco and I had assumed they would. Well, I have been through this before. After the whole Harry kissing Lavender incident I experienced a lot of rumors. This is no different. After all, this school is only full of teenagers just waiting for more to prey on. The more rumors, the better. It's something I will never comprehend.
I notice that most of the attitude is coming from the Slytherin table. Sure, there is also quite a bit from the Gryffindors, but those at the end table had the meanest glares I have ever seen. What they have against me dating Draco I will never know. I know Draco is still a Slytherin, but I didn't think they had a use for him anymore. I honestly didn't think they were harboring any sort of feeling for him.
We eat quickly, and I am ready to get out of there. I think Draco is feeling the same way. We head out to classes, as all of our classes are together. First off just happens to be potions. We are punished with having that class first everyday, but this way we don't have double potions in one day. Of course, we have it with the Slytherins and Gryffindors, but it will be okay. We head off to the dungeons together. It's dank and dark down there, but I don't seem to mind anymore. It's a relief knowing that this is my last year of this nasty territory. It's somewhere I don't ever care to be in again.
Draco and I take our seats together. Harry and Ron soon come in and take their normal seats on the Gryffindor side of the room. They glare at us. Okay, so I may be exaggerating here, but they weren't exactly friendly. I make a mental note to talk to them later. Class proceeds.
"Good morning" Snape drones on. "Today we will be making a Polyjuice Potion. Instructions are on the board. Get to work". He doesn't say much to us anymore. He takes a seat behind his desk and reads a book. He doesn't even bother to look up at us anymore.
A smile creeps along my face when I hear the words 'Polyjuice Potion'. I glance over to Harry and Ron and expect them to smile back. I guess I expect too much. Well, at least I know exactly how to brew this potion. Draco looks over to me and sees the smile on my face. I immediately get to work, when I notice him eyeing me.
"Aren't you going to badger me to help you like you always do?" he asks me. I look up and smile.
"It's okay" I reply to him. "I read up a lot on this one, I know exactly how to get an A today". He smiles and looks the other way. He doesn't seem it's odd I know how to brew this potion. And I don't care to tell him exactly why I know.
Once class ends we proceed out to the corridor. I call out for Harry and Ron and they spin around to face me. It's time to talk.
****Harry****
She wants to talk. Fine, we will talk about this. Let's get this out in the open.
"Yeah?" I ask while I give her a look that makes her know I am not happy with her.
"I . . .uhh . . . just wanted to talk to you two. I wanted to tell you something" she stutters out. She's nervous. My walls start to crumble. My best friend should not be crying. I love this girl so much, but I don't know what's going on with her mind right now.
Anger rises inside me when I see Draco step up behind her. Hurt him, is the only thought that runs through my head. "So you want to talk do you? Okay, why don't we tell ole Drakey here exactly how you knew how to brew the potion. Why don't you let him know what happened?" I asked her with a vicious tone in my voice.
I regretted what I had said the moment it came out. I knew I shouldn't have gone there. I knew I should have never said that. She was taken aback. Her mouth fell open in horror. She had never intended to tell him the story, and that's just an obvious observation.
Stuttering noises were all that was emitted from her mouth. But Draco spoke up. "Look Potter, this isn't the time. This is serious" he continued. I could tell he was interested in what I had said, but he really meant business.
"We don't really want to talk right now" I told him. I didn't want to talk to them. Let them sweat it out for a while. I am not prepared to accept Hermione actually likes Draco. This is not really happening. I know she will come to her senses. All she needs is some time.
Ron and I turn and stalk away. He's mad as hell. He has always had a much worse temper than I, especially when it involves Malfoy. He is one reason we have to get out of there. I don't want him getting into any trouble over this loser.
We walk up to the dormitory. "Bastard" I hear him mutter under his breath.
"Funny, I was thinking the same thing".
"She can't really like him . . . can she?" he asks with uncertainty.
"It can't be true. This is Hermione. Something must be up". I don't know what it is but I know something is up. Ron and I continue our 'Bash Draco Fest' for about an hour or so, until the hour grows late and we head up to our room. Maybe some sleep will make me feel better, then again maybe not.
****Draco****
What was he talking about? What did he mean 'the reason she knew how to brew the Polyjuice Potion? It was only because she had read about it. That was the only reason. She told me that. And Hermione would not lie to me.
The rest of the day goes quickly, and soon I find myself in that much too comfortable position with Hermione in my arms. The fireplace is a romantic setting, and I think this calls for a little snack.
"I'm going to go to the kitchens and get us a little snack" I told her with a mischievous glint in my eye. Strawberries sound very tasty to me. She smiles at me and I head out the portrait hole.
Strolling down the corridors I see portraits following me, and pointing. Everything in this school is involved in the rumor mill. It sucks. I hear them muttering something about Potter, but I'm not quite sure what they are saying.
I turn the corner and see what they are talking about. Potter is walking this way. Probably to see Hermione. He's not hard to figure out at all. Those three are inseparable.
"Potter" I say, merely acknowledging his existence.
"What? What the fuck do you want this time Malfoy?" he yells back.
"Whoa, calm down there. I'm just going to get some food". I am telling the honest truth. I don't want trouble with him. If anything, I am hoping for a truce, for Hermione's sake only.
"Screw you! I don't know what makes you think you can have Hermione. She doesn't really want you. What? Did you give her a love potion or something? You must have. No girl would really want you voluntarily". He was trying to hurt me. What he doesn't understand is that words don't hurt me. You can cut me like a knife with words and I wouldn't bleed.
"Potter, just go talk to her. She needs you" is all I reply. "She does want me, and it's not because of some love potion. But I don't expect you to believe me. Just go fucking talk to your so called best friend. And just remember, if you are her best friend, then you will put her feelings first". This seemed to piss him off even more.
"You know Draco, you don't even know her" he yells at me. This is true. We are still in that stage where we are trying to learn everything we can about each other. But that doesn't seem to be what he is talking about. I stand there with a puzzled look on my face.
"You know that Polyjuice Potion? She's a pro at it. Do you want to know why Mr. Malfoy? It's because she used it on me and Ron. We used it to spy on you! She helped us sneak into your common room in second year. Yeah, second year! That's how much smarter she is than you!" I had no idea. I wonder why she had never told me about this. But that is not the matter right now.
"You know what Potter; I am tired of dealing with you. You are being a ridiculous child! Go talk to her! Go now! I am going to get food and when I get back you better be comforting her!" I scream at him. I dodge his curse that he throws my way and I simply turn away. I don't care to fight back anymore. I don't want to make any more trouble.
I make my way to the kitchens pondering the fact that she had brewed this potion to use against me. She had actually done this against me. I couldn't really blame her though. I couldn't really feel abused. After so many years of abuse thrown her way, I couldn't feel hurt over this. Sure, I would ask her about it later, but I wouldn't make a big deal about it.
I head back up to the room carrying a large bowl of strawberries. I hope Harry is sitting with her when I get there, but to my dismay he did not take my advice. She remained on the couch unaware of my run in with her best friend.
I sit down beside her and set the bowl down on the table. "So, how about that Polyjuice Potion?" I ask nonchalantly. She looks up at me with an almost horrified look on her face.
"Well . . . you see . . . " she started out. She was stuttering and rambling, and didn't know what to say. She tensed up immediately and was almost trembling.
"Relax, I already know" I told her. Her nerves calmed immediately and I felt her tense body relax. "I had a slight run in with Potter on my way to the kitchens, and he told me. He seemed to think that it would make me cry or something" I say with a laugh.
She manages a nervous laugh. "You saw Harry?" she asks. "Where is he?"
I am forced to tell her that he didn't want to see her. I feel awful for having to admit that to her. I didn't want her to know. She is crushed. Her own best friend was totally ignoring her. How am I supposed to make her feel better.
I hold her in my arms. My warm embrace has to bring comfort and security to her. Tears fall down her face. She can break down when she is with me. It's not a problem. And I think she knows this by now. I wipe her eyes and say nothing. She knows it will only take time, and there's nothing I can say to fix the situation. I can only let it run its course. Until then I am here to pick up the pieces, sort them out, and put them back together again.
I wrap her in my arms tightly before leaning down close and whispering into her ear "I love you, Hermione". She merely smiles at this.
"Draco, I have never felt this way before. I . . . I love you too" she manages to say. One last tear runs down her cheek, but I know this is the good kind. I hold her close to me and begin to sing to her softly:
"When your world breaks down And the voices tell you turn around. When your dreams give out I will carry you, carry you.
When the stars go blind And the darkness starts to flood your eyes. When you're falling behind, I will carry you, carry you You should know now that you're not alone. Take my heart and we will find, you will find, Your way home"
When I finish she is asleep in my arms once more. I manage to stand up and carry her up to her own bed. I lay her down in the soft satin blankets and sit down beside her. For a while I just stare into that beautiful face. That innocent girl has let me into her world, only to be hurt. I have caused her pain. Hopefully, I can make enough happy memories to make up for that.
When I close the door behind me I see Potter in the common room. I need to remember to change that password. I slowly walk down the stairs not taking my eyes off of him. "Can I help you? You seem to have lost your way".
"I came to see Hermione. I came to talk to her" he stammered out.
"Well I am afraid she is sleeping, you should try again tomorrow" I reply. "Or maybe you could just talk to me". He looks me up and down as though he thinks I might be holding some concealed weapon. Finally he agrees and sits down on the couch with me. Little did I know we were in for a long night.
I fell asleep with this little girl in my arms. A little girl, who had turned into this beautiful woman, and no one else had seemed to notice. But she was mine now. And she had actually looked past my cold hearted and evil past to see the man I could be, and the man I am slowly becoming. How I beat out Potter for her affections, I will never understand.
For a while I was afraid. I was afraid of her. She has this power over me. She was turning me into a softer human being, and I was scared. For as long as I can remember I had be trained to be cold and heartless, for if you are not then you are not a killer. I was trained to be a killer. I was a soldier, I was a robot. I did only what I was programmed to do. Then Hermione came along. Hermione saved me from a life that would have only brought misery to everyone. I am forever in her debt.
I am no longer afraid. Morning comes and the sun shines through the common room window. I wake first and for hours I sit and stare into her beautiful face. She is so peaceful. I have fallen for her, hard. And, for once, I'm not sorry.
I know people are talking. I know the rise of the sun brings sense to everyone, and soon they will all be remembering what they saw last night, whether they believe it or not. There will soon be a buzz in every corridor. Rumors will fly like never before. No one will believe what happened, and no one will ever know the full truth, except me and Hermione. And for the first time in my life, I don't care. I just look down into those pretty brown eyes and I realize that she is worth it to me. I just pray that I am worthy of her. I hope she doesn't just walk out on me from this situation.
I lean down and kiss her lightly on the forehead and she stirs. Her beautiful brown eyes blink open and she inhales deeply. A sweet smile spreads across her face when she looks up and sees me. This must be heaven.
"Good morning" I whisper to her. "Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Yes, but only if I don't have to get up from this position" she replies. She shows no signs of getting up, and I can't say that I mind. I love this closeness. This is something I have never experienced before. I'm drinking it all in as rapidly as I can. I can't believe that someone cares for me in this way. I always assumed I would be married, but it was to be arranged. That's why I want these moments to last forever.
"I wish we could too, but we really do need to go eat. We do have to go to classes today you know" I remind her. Her slender arms remain around me, and I really don't want to move. However, she takes matters into her own hands and stands up from our sleeping position. Her arms rise above her head and she stretches. God, she's gorgeous; even in the morning.
"Yeah you're right" she says reluctantly. She kisses me lightly on the lips before turning and walking up the steps. I turn and walk up behind her, and she knows full well I can't keep my eyes off of her. However, we must retreat to our separate rooms to change for the day.
I slip off the tux that I am still wearing. After a quick shower I slip into the usual school uniform that does not accentuate my body, and that's too bad. I know I looked good in that tux. I step out into the common room and wait for Hermione. 'She probably had trouble getting out of that dress, and it's too bad I couldn't help her' I think to myself with a chuckle. I sit by the fireplace to wait for her. We will walk down to the hall together, and we will not breakdown in front of the student body just because they will be staring and whispering. I'm not worried about myself, but I know Hermione, and I know she is going to react. I just don't know how she will react exactly.
She comes down the stairs wearing the uniform she wears everyday. It doesn't accentuate her body in the same way her dress had, but she still looks beautiful. I am really turning soft here; I just have to remind myself that it's okay. I need to throw my Malfoy training out the window for once. It's proving to be a bit easier than I ever thought.
She takes my hand and we walk down the corridor to the Great Hall. We know what we are in for. We are prepared. We are prepared to look the other way, and to care only for each other. As for Potter and Weasley, well I know they will come around like they always do. I just hope Hermione can be strong until then. I may be falling for her, but I am not yet prepared to handle a mental breakdown.
****Hermione****
Last night was a dream come true. It was a fairy tale. I think every girl can agree with me on that. I remember Draco and me dancing together out on the dance floor, swaying to the music as he sang to me. It was only me and him. I felt like no one else was around. His embrace was so warm, and his words so genuine. The room was spinning, I was falling head over heels.
Don't get me wrong. I know there were many mouths gaping open. I know there were stares and whispers. But I also know that it will only continue for a while. I'm ready to handle that. No one's opinion matters to me, except for the Gryffindors, well, two of them in particular. I know in my heart that Harry and Ron will come around. I know that it will all turn out, but I also knew it would take a while and wouldn't be easy. I wish there wasn't a problem here. It would just be easier if I had fallen for someone else. It would be easier if the object of my affections wasn't a Slytherin or Malfoy for that matter. But I look over at his pale face, and I think about what he means to me, and I know that I love him . . . I think.
I can't believe that thought just ran through my head. Do I love him for real? Do I want to spend the rest of my life with him? Part of me says 'Don't go so fast' but a big part of me says 'Let yourself fall, allow yourself to love him'. I think I will go with the latter.
As we walk into the hall the stares commence just like Draco and I had assumed they would. Well, I have been through this before. After the whole Harry kissing Lavender incident I experienced a lot of rumors. This is no different. After all, this school is only full of teenagers just waiting for more to prey on. The more rumors, the better. It's something I will never comprehend.
I notice that most of the attitude is coming from the Slytherin table. Sure, there is also quite a bit from the Gryffindors, but those at the end table had the meanest glares I have ever seen. What they have against me dating Draco I will never know. I know Draco is still a Slytherin, but I didn't think they had a use for him anymore. I honestly didn't think they were harboring any sort of feeling for him.
We eat quickly, and I am ready to get out of there. I think Draco is feeling the same way. We head out to classes, as all of our classes are together. First off just happens to be potions. We are punished with having that class first everyday, but this way we don't have double potions in one day. Of course, we have it with the Slytherins and Gryffindors, but it will be okay. We head off to the dungeons together. It's dank and dark down there, but I don't seem to mind anymore. It's a relief knowing that this is my last year of this nasty territory. It's somewhere I don't ever care to be in again.
Draco and I take our seats together. Harry and Ron soon come in and take their normal seats on the Gryffindor side of the room. They glare at us. Okay, so I may be exaggerating here, but they weren't exactly friendly. I make a mental note to talk to them later. Class proceeds.
"Good morning" Snape drones on. "Today we will be making a Polyjuice Potion. Instructions are on the board. Get to work". He doesn't say much to us anymore. He takes a seat behind his desk and reads a book. He doesn't even bother to look up at us anymore.
A smile creeps along my face when I hear the words 'Polyjuice Potion'. I glance over to Harry and Ron and expect them to smile back. I guess I expect too much. Well, at least I know exactly how to brew this potion. Draco looks over to me and sees the smile on my face. I immediately get to work, when I notice him eyeing me.
"Aren't you going to badger me to help you like you always do?" he asks me. I look up and smile.
"It's okay" I reply to him. "I read up a lot on this one, I know exactly how to get an A today". He smiles and looks the other way. He doesn't seem it's odd I know how to brew this potion. And I don't care to tell him exactly why I know.
Once class ends we proceed out to the corridor. I call out for Harry and Ron and they spin around to face me. It's time to talk.
****Harry****
She wants to talk. Fine, we will talk about this. Let's get this out in the open.
"Yeah?" I ask while I give her a look that makes her know I am not happy with her.
"I . . .uhh . . . just wanted to talk to you two. I wanted to tell you something" she stutters out. She's nervous. My walls start to crumble. My best friend should not be crying. I love this girl so much, but I don't know what's going on with her mind right now.
Anger rises inside me when I see Draco step up behind her. Hurt him, is the only thought that runs through my head. "So you want to talk do you? Okay, why don't we tell ole Drakey here exactly how you knew how to brew the potion. Why don't you let him know what happened?" I asked her with a vicious tone in my voice.
I regretted what I had said the moment it came out. I knew I shouldn't have gone there. I knew I should have never said that. She was taken aback. Her mouth fell open in horror. She had never intended to tell him the story, and that's just an obvious observation.
Stuttering noises were all that was emitted from her mouth. But Draco spoke up. "Look Potter, this isn't the time. This is serious" he continued. I could tell he was interested in what I had said, but he really meant business.
"We don't really want to talk right now" I told him. I didn't want to talk to them. Let them sweat it out for a while. I am not prepared to accept Hermione actually likes Draco. This is not really happening. I know she will come to her senses. All she needs is some time.
Ron and I turn and stalk away. He's mad as hell. He has always had a much worse temper than I, especially when it involves Malfoy. He is one reason we have to get out of there. I don't want him getting into any trouble over this loser.
We walk up to the dormitory. "Bastard" I hear him mutter under his breath.
"Funny, I was thinking the same thing".
"She can't really like him . . . can she?" he asks with uncertainty.
"It can't be true. This is Hermione. Something must be up". I don't know what it is but I know something is up. Ron and I continue our 'Bash Draco Fest' for about an hour or so, until the hour grows late and we head up to our room. Maybe some sleep will make me feel better, then again maybe not.
****Draco****
What was he talking about? What did he mean 'the reason she knew how to brew the Polyjuice Potion? It was only because she had read about it. That was the only reason. She told me that. And Hermione would not lie to me.
The rest of the day goes quickly, and soon I find myself in that much too comfortable position with Hermione in my arms. The fireplace is a romantic setting, and I think this calls for a little snack.
"I'm going to go to the kitchens and get us a little snack" I told her with a mischievous glint in my eye. Strawberries sound very tasty to me. She smiles at me and I head out the portrait hole.
Strolling down the corridors I see portraits following me, and pointing. Everything in this school is involved in the rumor mill. It sucks. I hear them muttering something about Potter, but I'm not quite sure what they are saying.
I turn the corner and see what they are talking about. Potter is walking this way. Probably to see Hermione. He's not hard to figure out at all. Those three are inseparable.
"Potter" I say, merely acknowledging his existence.
"What? What the fuck do you want this time Malfoy?" he yells back.
"Whoa, calm down there. I'm just going to get some food". I am telling the honest truth. I don't want trouble with him. If anything, I am hoping for a truce, for Hermione's sake only.
"Screw you! I don't know what makes you think you can have Hermione. She doesn't really want you. What? Did you give her a love potion or something? You must have. No girl would really want you voluntarily". He was trying to hurt me. What he doesn't understand is that words don't hurt me. You can cut me like a knife with words and I wouldn't bleed.
"Potter, just go talk to her. She needs you" is all I reply. "She does want me, and it's not because of some love potion. But I don't expect you to believe me. Just go fucking talk to your so called best friend. And just remember, if you are her best friend, then you will put her feelings first". This seemed to piss him off even more.
"You know Draco, you don't even know her" he yells at me. This is true. We are still in that stage where we are trying to learn everything we can about each other. But that doesn't seem to be what he is talking about. I stand there with a puzzled look on my face.
"You know that Polyjuice Potion? She's a pro at it. Do you want to know why Mr. Malfoy? It's because she used it on me and Ron. We used it to spy on you! She helped us sneak into your common room in second year. Yeah, second year! That's how much smarter she is than you!" I had no idea. I wonder why she had never told me about this. But that is not the matter right now.
"You know what Potter; I am tired of dealing with you. You are being a ridiculous child! Go talk to her! Go now! I am going to get food and when I get back you better be comforting her!" I scream at him. I dodge his curse that he throws my way and I simply turn away. I don't care to fight back anymore. I don't want to make any more trouble.
I make my way to the kitchens pondering the fact that she had brewed this potion to use against me. She had actually done this against me. I couldn't really blame her though. I couldn't really feel abused. After so many years of abuse thrown her way, I couldn't feel hurt over this. Sure, I would ask her about it later, but I wouldn't make a big deal about it.
I head back up to the room carrying a large bowl of strawberries. I hope Harry is sitting with her when I get there, but to my dismay he did not take my advice. She remained on the couch unaware of my run in with her best friend.
I sit down beside her and set the bowl down on the table. "So, how about that Polyjuice Potion?" I ask nonchalantly. She looks up at me with an almost horrified look on her face.
"Well . . . you see . . . " she started out. She was stuttering and rambling, and didn't know what to say. She tensed up immediately and was almost trembling.
"Relax, I already know" I told her. Her nerves calmed immediately and I felt her tense body relax. "I had a slight run in with Potter on my way to the kitchens, and he told me. He seemed to think that it would make me cry or something" I say with a laugh.
She manages a nervous laugh. "You saw Harry?" she asks. "Where is he?"
I am forced to tell her that he didn't want to see her. I feel awful for having to admit that to her. I didn't want her to know. She is crushed. Her own best friend was totally ignoring her. How am I supposed to make her feel better.
I hold her in my arms. My warm embrace has to bring comfort and security to her. Tears fall down her face. She can break down when she is with me. It's not a problem. And I think she knows this by now. I wipe her eyes and say nothing. She knows it will only take time, and there's nothing I can say to fix the situation. I can only let it run its course. Until then I am here to pick up the pieces, sort them out, and put them back together again.
I wrap her in my arms tightly before leaning down close and whispering into her ear "I love you, Hermione". She merely smiles at this.
"Draco, I have never felt this way before. I . . . I love you too" she manages to say. One last tear runs down her cheek, but I know this is the good kind. I hold her close to me and begin to sing to her softly:
"When your world breaks down And the voices tell you turn around. When your dreams give out I will carry you, carry you.
When the stars go blind And the darkness starts to flood your eyes. When you're falling behind, I will carry you, carry you You should know now that you're not alone. Take my heart and we will find, you will find, Your way home"
When I finish she is asleep in my arms once more. I manage to stand up and carry her up to her own bed. I lay her down in the soft satin blankets and sit down beside her. For a while I just stare into that beautiful face. That innocent girl has let me into her world, only to be hurt. I have caused her pain. Hopefully, I can make enough happy memories to make up for that.
When I close the door behind me I see Potter in the common room. I need to remember to change that password. I slowly walk down the stairs not taking my eyes off of him. "Can I help you? You seem to have lost your way".
"I came to see Hermione. I came to talk to her" he stammered out.
"Well I am afraid she is sleeping, you should try again tomorrow" I reply. "Or maybe you could just talk to me". He looks me up and down as though he thinks I might be holding some concealed weapon. Finally he agrees and sits down on the couch with me. Little did I know we were in for a long night.
