There was something different about waking up this morning. Strong arms encircled her waist and she was being held close by someone warm. She felt safe. Hermione's feet were entwined with another's. She felt even breathing near her ear. At this very moment everything was perfect.
"Draco..." she whispered. Slowly her eyes opened, Hermione was smiling. She rolled over to the other side... and found no one there. "Draco?" She was confused.
"Wasn't he just....?" Reality hit her.
It was all just a dream. She made believe he was next to her, holding her close. But that would never happen.
What did I do to make him leave me? She searched her mind, but couldn't find an answer. I'm all alone again.
She got up and went into the lavatory. Her footsteps were uneven, and she felt a bit angry with herself for dreaming her dream.
Hermione observed her reflection. There was only a small, fragile girl looking back at her.
You can do this. Make him believe that he had no effect on you. It was futile, she even knew that. Draco could always read her eyes.
Hermione was sitting on the Gryffindor table next to Ginny. All conversations eluded her mind. The only thing on her mind was the image across the hall. It was Pansy Parkinson and new boyfriend, Draco Malfoy. Laughing together as usual. The whole school thought that the two Slytherins made the most perfect couple. Hermione thought the same. Pansy was beautiful. Hermione would never be.
Pansy whispered something into Draco's ear. And Hermione's back straightened as Pansy pointed a manicured finger her way. Hermione straightened herself up, made herself look confident and didn't stare at the couple. Draco glanced at her, like she was just a stranger, but looked back into Pansy's eyes. He said his sweet nothings into her ear, tilted her chin up, and kissed her gently. Pansy giggled and forgot what was troubling her.
Hermione's heart broke. She slumped in her seat, head bent. She wiped a few tears off her face with a napkin, so that no one would take notice of what she was doing. Hermione then pushed herself from the table and headed to her next class, making a short stop to the girls' restrooms.
"Hermione... Where are you going?" asked a concerned friend, Ginny.
"Class," was Hermione's monotone answer, her back towards Gin.
"But class doesn't start for another half hour...Hermione?" But she walked away from the question unanswered.