Part Two: Unwanted

"That dirty rotten..." She shrieked, clenching her fists together tightly as she stared at his arm, wrapped in a sling. The first time he hurt his arm it was entirely his fault. He had of course been his smug arrogant self and insulted a Hippogriff and had his arm slashed for it by the animals talons.

He ranted about how Hagrid was a horrible teacher, bringing dangerous animals to Hogwarts. Draco had made everyone believe that his arm was hurt more then it actually was. And of course, Pansy Parkinson was the first to rush to see how he was...both times.

"What happened?" Pansy demanded in a low toned whisper as she glanced around. Draco had been instructed to stay a few more days then he rather wanted. Madam Pomfrey had come back after Hermione stormed out.

Hermione. She was willing to help him, to make damn sure he wasn't injured. But why? Why would that filthy Muggle loving Mudblood want to help him of all people?

"Who brought you here?"

"Granger."

"You let that filth touch you?"

"I was unconscious." He growled. He had already told her the whole story. All expect the part about being brought here.

"It doesn't matter—because she left a little while after I woke up." That was only half true, but Parkinson was so stupid that she'd believe it.

"Oh...well, I'm happy you're okay." Pansy muttered and leaned down to kiss his cheek. He cringed and shoved her backward. She sneered at him and left.

Finally, relaxation. He shut his eyes, but didn't get a moments peace because he heard the door to the infirmary open again

"Pansy-I told you to—you." He blinked as Hermione Granger came and sat on the edge of his bed.

"I wanted to see how you were-being that you weren't in class." She said, as she looked at his arm.

"Does it hurt?"

"Not especially. Why did you come back, didn't I aggravate you enough last night?" He lifted an eyebrow at her, his lips twisted into a sneer.

"I wanted to-to—apologize." Hermione breathed out the last word with great effort.

Draco sat, stunned. She'd apologized to him? The Mudblood actually apologized? No one had ever did that to him before, because he never deserved to be apologized too. But she—she did it openly and without hesitation. That was brave, extremely on his part.

"What were you doing healing me anyhow?" Draco asked tilting his head.

"Madam Pomfrey told me that if she wasn't around that I could fill in for her."

"She told me I had to stay an extra few days." He was wondering how on earth he was getting along with her. She listened attentively to him, spoke once he finished. Damn her and her politeness.

"She's got to make sure you're okay."

"Did she send you?" Her answered startled him.

"No...I came on my own. I wanted to see if you were all right." She wanted—to see if he, Draco Malfoy the boy who tormented her for years-was okay?

The silence was once again seeping into the room. Neither knew what to say. Hermione was struggling with unwanted feelings, and Draco was sorely confused on where his heart should lie—with Voldemort—or the only girl to show him true kindness.