Barely Aware

Chapter One -

Hermione sat, crying, in an empty classroom. She had always loved Harry, she truly had. Why had she waited. Why had she not said anything to him. And now he had Lavender, that bitch. She cried out harder, trying to muffle the sound with her sweater. Why didn't Harry like her. What was wrong with her. She had never felt like this before. Six years of memories and emotions all overpowering her. She wished she could just go back to when it was the three of them, her, Harry and Ron. She had been happy then, then, before everything became so complicated. She couldn't stop thinking about them. The way Harry laughed at everything Lavender said. The way they would kiss in the hallways. It almost torn her apart to think about it. She wanted him so bad. She wanted his raven black hair, his dazzling green eyes. She wanted the Harry that she had known, the one that was always there for her, the one that would care for her, and love her for who she was. Did he know how she felt? Did he know that she spent every waking moment thinking about him. Or that she would do anything to be with him.

She leaned back, letting go of six years worth of tears, and anger and loneliness. To lost in emotion, she didn't notice somebody enter the room.

"Granger?" Spoke a soft voice from the doorway. Hermione looked up quickly, trying to hide her tears.

Draco Malfoy walked into the room, looking carefully at the girl sitting on the floor. He held back his breath, sitting on the floor, her eyes red from crying, looking depressed and helpless, Draco suddenly felt a rush of emotion come over him. This emotion was sympathy.

"Get out of here." She whispered, turning her back to him and letting out a small sob. She didn't want him to see her like this.

For some reason unknown to him, Draco walked over to Hermione and knelt down beside her. There were so many things he had never noticed, the way her silky hair rested over her shoulders, her warm, honey brown eyes, which now were filled with hurt and despair. What was going on with him. A new feeling was taking him over, a feeling he didn't know. Looking at Hermione, helpless and depressed, he felt the sudden urge to be with her. He couldn't bear to see her like this, sad and defeated.

Hermione flinched as Draco reached out for her hand, but she did not pull back. She accepted his touch willingly. His hand felt warm and caring in hers.

"Are you alright?" He whispered. Hermione turned to face him, and looking straight into those clear blue eyes, she fell apart. She rested herself over Draco's shoulder, crying.

He put his arm around her, pulling her in closer; barely aware of what he was doing. His heart was guiding him, while his mind went numb. This was Hermione Granger. He shouldn't be doing this, yet, he didn't stop. It was unbearable to him.

"Hermione." He whispered, as she raised her head and he gently pressed his lips against hers.