Disclaimer: Not mine, not mine, not mine. Happy?
She awoke slowly, feeling warm and comfortable. She pulled the sheets over her head, trying to regain the pleasant dream she had been caught up in. Who wants to live in the real world when handsome men could sing to you in the dream world? Suddenly she came completely awake. Draco. Told him to stay. "Never leave." Being sung to sleep. Did that really happen? She peeked out from underneath the comforter, hoping against all hopes that the blonde man would not be in the room right now. Stop being silly, Hermione. Why would he still be … oh." For there, in the chair that she had noticed last night, sat Draco Malfoy. Upon closer examination, however, she found that he was NOT awake, but asleep. Poor dear… Sleeping all night in a chair. He probably has a crick in his neck…
She considered waking him up; then remembered their fight the night before. She winced as she recalled her words. Oh gods, did I really say all that? Did I really jump to the conclusion that he was going to say mudblood there? She thought about his phrase again. . "I – I'm sorry. Oh gods… How could I do that? Especially in front of someone who…" She shook her head. Not very smart of you, Hermione, to jump on him like that. Of course, you were under severe duress, so that MIGHT excuse your actions… Might being the key word. And you're going to have to deal with Ron sometime, you know. She sighed, and cut off her train of thought. I'll think about that later.
She had been staring at Draco the entire time that she had been thinking. Now, snapping out of her daze, she took a moment to examine the man sitting in front of her. He looks so innocent when he sleeps, almost boy-ish. Very unMalfoy-like. She giggled as he moved a little in his sleep, and a lock of hair slipped over his shut eyelids. Why does he look so different when he sleeps? Her eyes focused on the lock of hair, then on the eyelids themselves. Of course! When he's awake, his eyes contribute to the whole "older than he looks" persona. He – along with many others in our year – grew up too fast. She sighed. Yes, way too many of us grew up too fast. No adolescence for those preparing for war.
Now that was too depressing a thought to be having so early in the morning. She slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After taking a quick shower, she took a precursory look in the mirror and stopped. Apparently, I should add my name to the list of people who grew up too fast. For her eyes also carried a wearied look to them, one that she had seen many times in both Ron and Draco's eyes. Although the rest of her looked the 23 years old that she was, her eyes looked far older. At least 40, going on 400. How do Dumbledore's eyes continue to look so young? Did we switch eyes without my knowing? She sighed. Will the changes never end? What else will be affected by our tumultuous childhood? When will it end?
Deep down, she knew that it would never end, that she would never be able to completely regain the childhood gleam of innocence. It was lost forever, as completely as Harry. However, I can always regain the gleam of happiness. I must be content with that. She nodded determinedly. And I will regain that gleam.
She was jolted out of her thoughts by a voice behind her. "And what are you thinking about that requires such a determined nod? Not planning on running away again, are you?"
"Draco!" She turned to hit him lightly on the shoulder. "I might have been changing!"
He grinned down at her. "Damn my luck!"
"I should have hit you harder…" She muttered to herself. Then she smiled. "However, I can still rectify that mistake."
"But you won't." He said confidently.
She shook her head at his confidence. Instead of replying, she turned around again to grab her towel and washcloth. She had just retrieved them when he grabbed her.
He pulled her close, hugging her carefully. "Good morning, 'Mione." He whispered in her ear.
She blushed. Stop that this instant, young lady! Why are you blushing! It's Draco! No reason to blush! However much her inner mind lectured her, she couldn't control the redness in her cheek, or the tingle that ran up her spine.
She happened to glance in the mirror again right before Draco released her from his comforting closeness. There's something different… However, she couldn't place exactly what it was. So instead, she simply said, "Good morning to you too, Draco," kissed him on the cheek and left the bathroom to finish getting ready for a new day.
It was much later before she remembered the reflection in the mirror, and that something about it had bothered her. However, by that time, she couldn't put her finger on what exactly had bothered her about the scene.
Shout outs:
Laura-Grace: Gad you're off probation. wink
Mistri: Yeah, Draco singing was kinda sweet, wasn't it? Sometimes he can be a really nice guy. (and then other times… roll of the eyes
Mioneg7: Yeah, Hermione and Ron WILL make up… hopefully within the next couple of chapters… (They're being stubborn) As for the carving… I did it when I was little and got into SO much trouble… don't you hate it when that happens?
Wee bit irma I cul ohthar: Made into a movie? I'd be honored. Honestly, I didn't think it was QUITE that good, but I'll never argue with compliments smile It's compliments like the ones you've given that keep me going when the characters just don't want to work with me.
Carey Miles: Thanks for the compliments. I'll try not to leave you in too much suspense. If you leave an e-mail address, I'll let you know when the story's been updated, okay?
Allie: Actually, Hermione hasn't come out and said WHO she likes. Honestly, I don't even know at the moment. So don't worry, both Ron and Draco have chances with her.
Crazy-chica: Draco was going to say… well, if I told you, then it would ruin the surprise later, wouldn't it? devilish grin But I AM honored that my story made your favorites list. Thanks for your support.
Libby (also lovingly referred to as malfoyslova15) : Don't hurt me with the pitchfork! If you do kill me, how will you know how the story ends? raised eyebrow
And, of course, my wonderful beta-reader (the first one I've ever had): Thank you for all your support. It truly means a lot to me. And I'm thankful to be friends with you as well, and that I get the opportunity to have you help me out with this story.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL (a day early)