(A/N: There is a lesson to be learned here and that is to never listen to a word that I'm saying. I told you guys before, that I am going to make major changes in this story, but now I decided to screw that plan and just continue with what I've started. By now you must know that I am a lousy decision-maker and so, sorry for the confusion.)
Chapter 16 (I will protect you)
It wasn't after the next day did Draco wake up. His eyes fluttered as he tried to open them. His vision was quite blurred but he could still vaguely make out the outline of a person who was sitting quietly on the side of his bed.
"How is she?" He asked uncertainly, thinking of Hermione. More than anything else, he wanted to know if Hermione was alright, the memory of his dream still fresh in his mind. She was the one calling out to him. She sounded so desperate. She chose him and now, there'd be no one stopping him from doing what he had to do. He struggled to get up but a firm hand stopped him from doing so, holding him back.
"You are too weak… Do not bother yourself by getting up." A soft voice answered.
Draco opened his eyes wide at the sound of that voice. It was her. She was the one sitting so close to him. "M-mudblood?" He said, unsure of what to say. He didn't expect her to be this close to him. She was more hurt than he was and yet here she was, apparently having more strength in her than he had.
"You are never going to change, ferret boy." She said angrily as she swiftly got up and turned to leave.
"No… Wait, don't!" Draco said frantically as he too got up and out of his bed, flinching all of a sudden as a rapid gush of pain washed over him due to his sudden movement. He groaned in pain and fell back on his bed, breathing heavily.
"Idiot… Stay there and I'll get Madame Pomfrey," Hermione said hastily.
"Don't leave…"
"You are hurt."
"It doesn't matter…" This time, more careful of what he was about to do, Draco used his hands to steady himself as he slowly put his weight on his feet and was able to stand up. He faced Hermione with his full height. He was standing so close to her. He was looking at her intently, trying to make sense of it all.
"What is it that bothers you, Hermione?" His eyes bore into hers; trying to get whatever truth she had hidden in them.
"What? What do you mean? I… I don't know what you're talking about…" She trailed of, suddenly wary of the fact that Draco had mentioned her name. Draco was about to discover her secret. She couldn't let that happen. Lives were at stake here. No! Please… Do not get involved. My life is as complicated as it is…
Slowly, he put one hand on her shoulder and used the other to turn her face towards him. "Look atme…"
"Tell me…"
"I… I…" Hermione was at a loss for words. She couldn't take it anymore. You are weak! A voice screamed inside her followed by a... You can never get rid of me! You are mine! You will do whatever I say and want! "No…" she sobbed. Her hands clutching her face as tears started to fall from her eyes. She fell downon her knees, shaking uncontrollably. "You don't understand… No one understands… No one can help me… Don't you see? There is no escape! I am alone… I am alone… I am alone…" She said the last part over and over again. Pain was gnawing at her insides. She was being torn apart. Indeed she felt very much alone.
Draco looked at her pityingly. He too fell on his knees, staring at her quietly with a somber look on his face.
"You are not alone…" He said firmly.
Strong arms pulled Hermione close to him. Draco had wrapped both his arms around her waist, hugging her tight. She barely reached his shoulder, her head resting on Draco's chest. She could feel the warmth of his body together with his heart beating fast. Hermione was stunned. She couldn't find the words to say. She was unsure of what to feel.
What he said next though could not prepare her for the worst shock of her life.
" I will protect you… God help me… I will protect you…"
(A/N: Yeah I know, this chapter is short but so are all the other chapters. Anyway, you guys know what to do. Review please! Tell me what you think of this chapter.)
