Trying to Mend What's Been Broken
Ginny and I were walking toward the edge of the Quidditch Pitch, seeing Draco's broom about to land. I had decided to talk to him. I headed over alone.
He landed and I could then see he wasn't alone, but with Pansy Parkinson and the guy from the party. I started to turn around but it was too awkward. I was completely exposed.
Pansy saw me and came up to me.
""I owe you one.""
""For…""
""Draco's a really great guy. See you, Hermione.""
Draco looked up and saw me.
""Hi.""
""I, uh, I didn't realize that the two of you…were hanging out.""
""Pansy Parkinson? She and I, we're just --""
"" "Just Friends"? No, really, I understand. We had something for a while. And it was fun until it wasn't, you know?""
""Hermione, that's not --""
I cut him off again. I was mad at myself.
""Anyway, when the going gets tough, it's best to keep going, don't you think?""
""No,"" he said quietly.
I turned away from him, and started to go. He tried to stop me.
""Hermione, will you listen to me for a second?""
I turned back around, ""I don't need the details. Really." I was genuinely trying, "You and Pansy are probably really right for each other. It'll be good for you. I mean look at me, I'm a complete confused mess about stuff and at least she knows what she wants.""
""You really don't know what you want?"" he asked gently.
""To not speak for a while? I hope that's okay. Sometimes it's better to not have to face people." I wasn't angry. "I know you understand the feeling.""
I felt ridiculous. I shook my head, in a daze, and turned from him.