When Hermione woke up, she was looking into the eyes of her two best friends. "Hey Hermione," Harry said. "Finally awake?" She tried to sit up straight but her back seemed to be sore. She looked around and then asked, "How long has it been since I was last awake?" She shook with uncertainty. "Well, if you really ought to know, Rip Van Winkle," Ron gave Harry a nudge in the ribs, "Madam Pomfrey gave you the best sleeping medicine around, and you've been sleeping like a baby for the past month. But don't worry! You've got plenty of get well cards and she's been feeding you through this thing," Ron said, as he pulled out a long feeding tube and a funnel. "She said you should be glad you weren't awake during lunch time," Harry smirked. She laughed. She hadn't felt this happy in a what felt like forever.
"Oh, looks like sleeping beauty is up," said Madam Pomfrey, as she set a tray of medicine down on the counter. "How are you feeling, dear?" "Well, if I could just have some medicine for my back, I'd be good as new." replied Hermione. "Oh terrific," said Madam Pomfrey. "We can release you within 2 days, so I'll give you something for that aching back, and we'll be all set." She handed Hermione something which smelled horrid, and took on the color of bogey, but she drank up, and within the hour, she felt fine again. Hermione talked with Harry and Ron for a while but couldn't help but notice something going on with the two boys. "Is something wrong, you guys?" she asked. "Well, 'Mione," they began. "We just wanted to tell you how sorry we are for being pig headed and what did you call it? Oh…well…inconsiderate." They finished with winded relief. "Will you accept our apology?" they said. Hermione thought. Well, she said to herself. Considering Malfoy, these two are angels. Malfoy…she thought. That's another thing she'd have to tell them about. "I accept your apology", she said. And with that, hugged them both and made a self-note. From this day forward, she thought to herself, they really are my best of friends.
After some herb tea made by Madam Pomfrey, Harry and Ron left and let Hermione get some rest. That night, however, sleep was the last thing on her mind.
Later that night, Hermione got a visitor. "Hey there, Crooshanks!" exclaimed Hermione happily. She hadn't seen her furry friend in ages. "What's that, you got there, huh?" said Hermione, stroking the cat's fur and seeing a rolled up piece of parchment in its mouth. Crooshanks dropped the paper in its master's hand. Hermione unraveled it to read this message:
Mudblood,
If you want to live past your pregnancy than you'd better not tell anyone about our little chat in the dungeons. Mind you, if you think there's somewhere where I can't hear you talking, just try me and see what happens. Happy Recovery, Sweetheart.
Your Fairest and Most Dashing,
Draco
Hermione's mouth dropped open. "How does he know I'm definitely pregnant? No one can be sure…I haven't even taken the test yet!" Hermione shuddered at the thought. She was all alone now, possibly with a baby, and her ex-boyfriend was tracking her down 24/7.
