Saturday Morning 9:45 am

Back in the infirmary he poured himself a cup of water from the pitcher then sat down on his bed to stare out the window. So perfect and sunny and happy out there, or so it seemed. Hermione's bed was empty, which must mean she had gotten up. He felt the strong urge to see her, know where she was and that she was safe. Unless they'd moved her to another room, but why would they do that. He glanced down the row of beds, most of them were filled and had curtains around them. Not of all the patients here were hogwarts students either, since they had so much room Hogwarts was taking care of other prisoners that had been trapped down there.

At the moment Madame Pomfrey came in and he looked up asking, "Is Hermione, I mean, did you move her or, is she somewhere?"

"She was moved to a private room dear," she replied wondering briefly at the politeness in Draco's voice.

"May I see her, is she alright?" Draco asked worry starting to flood him.

"Her injuries are pretty badly infected, you're both dehydrated and have lost lots of blood, sustained severe blows to the body, and third degree burns. You actually are much better off, your burns had already started healing, and no infection has set in. We're worried about Shock setting in though," Madame Pomfrey explained, "I suppose you may go and see her for a little bit though, I believe she is awake right now. Don't make her upset though."

Draco bit his lip feeling slight resentment at it being assumed he didn't want to see her just to see if she was alright. Then again, he had to remember what he'd been like before. Now he wanted to be better and wanted to fix his faults, which, though many were still there, at least he wanted to be a good person. Standing up carefully he walked into the room Madame Pomfrey had indicated.

She smiled when she saw Draco and he smiled back feeling his heart lift a little. She was pale and her skin was a bit blue around her lips. Draco came over and sat down on the bed beside her taking her hand and giving a soft squeeze. Her skin was cool against his own warm hands.

"We've missed so much," she said softly.

"I can't help but worry, what if he's still out there, what if the rocks didn't kill him?" Draco wondered putting an arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

Hermione remained silent, then spoke up, "I feel like I should be happy, and I am, to be free, out of there, but I can't help but feel like this happiness can't last, and what he did down there, what those people did down there, you could hardly call them people, they're inhuman, they don't have hearts at all. All I can feel is anger."

Draco closed his eyes softly trying not to relive it all over again, and he suddenly felt tired. He turned and kissed her softly then said, "I think I'm going to sleep some more, make up for all the sleep I lost down there."

Hermione nodded then leaned back in her bed, "You're right, I feel tired too, even though I only woke up a little bit ago."

Draco nodded then lifted his hand to touch her forehead softly then to brush her hair out of her eyes, "Are you alright? Do you feel alright?"

"I'm fine," Hermione assured him, but her eyes showed worry hidden behind them.

"Madame Pomfrey is worried about Shock," Draco stated.

"Don't worry, I can get over this," Hermione said.

"Okay," he said and stood up, "I'll let you get your rest then."

"I love you," she said as he turned to leave.

"I love you too," he said and leaned down to give her one more quick kiss before he left the room.

Saturday Evening 6:55 pm

Draco woke up feeling the last rays of the sun disappear over the horizon. He'd slept all day, Draco didn't know if he could ever recall sleeping this much. According to the nurses he'd previously lept three days straight. His stomach growled and he realized he was ravenous.

He sat up in his bed, once again too quickly, and his bandages pulled and he tried hard not to wince, but didn't succeed, as pain shot throughout him. He moaned slightly as he eased himself into a fully sitting position. His injuries, hurt just as much, if not more, than they had that morning. What if they never healed? Of course, that was ridiculous, they'd heal, but most likely leaving dreadful scares to tell stories about to his children and grandchildren. That thought of course made him think of Hermione. Would he one day be married to her, long out of Hogwarts, living their lives? Maybe one day, but not today, they were both far too young for marriage, nor did he feel like he was even close to ready for marriage. He could see himself loving Hermione forever... but someone how forever and marriage didn't quite connect.

One of the nurses came over seeing that he was awake, closing the curtains around the bed of a patient she'd just been tending.

"I see your awake Mr. Malfoy," she said, "Your bandages need changing and cleaning, so if you'll come with me?"

Draco nodded and carefully swung his legs over the side of the bed, the nurse made to help him but he shook his head and stood up. The nurse sighed then started walking away, motioning for him to follow. She led him into one of several rooms that had a very clean feeling to it, inside was a young doctor. Hogwarts, as well as helping many survivors, had also hired nurses and a few doctors.

The doctor grinned as Draco entered and told the nurse she could leave now. Then he turned his attention to Draco.

"So, how are you feeling?" he asked as Draco sat down on the white 'bed'.

"Better," Draco replied.

"Good, I'm just gonna change your bandages, clean you up, and give you a check-up," the doctor explained.

"Okay," Draco said wondering if the changing and cleaning would hurt.