Evaluate This!

Chapter 8

On the stroke of Midnight


She'd been given less than three weeks to prepare the ball and time seemed to speed up. It was so unfair. Hermione gripped the towering stack of papers and books and quills. What did she need all this stuff for anyway? Carefully moving the stack aside, Hermione glowered at yet another. Where had this one come from?

Even she did not know the answer. The last week was a blur, and now she was less than seven days away from what was turning out to be the most stressful project of her life.

She glanced at the list in front of her, written in her neat, precise handwriting. She picked up a quill and dipped it in an open well of ink.

"Well, I've sent for decorations." She made a fast check next to the item. "I've taken care of music." Another check. "Drinks and food. Chairs and tables. Lighting. Charms…" Hermione trailed off.

What had she forgotten? She tapped the quill lightly on the tabletop. Her eyes grew wide. "Costumes!"

It was supposed to be a costume ball. But how were the students to get costumes, with less than a week left? She knew she had nothing that would qualify. Hurriedly, Hermione abandoned her lists. Priority number one, get permission for Hogsmead trip…immediately.

She knocked on the office door. She'd purposely gone to Mr. McGale, as Ms. Danna would deny her anything—out of spite.

"Come in." Mr. McGale was sitting at his desk, his hands folded. "Why, Ms. Granger what a pleasant surprise. Take a seat."

Hermione sat and waited.

"Is there something you need? I must admit I am rather impressed by the way you and Mr. Malfoy have been handling the arrangements." He smiled.

Hermione nodded. "Well, that's the reason I'm here. The ball I mean."

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes. As you know, you and Ms. Danna requested for the ball to be a costume ball."

"Yes, I do recall."

"Well, you see, the problem is that we haven't any costumes. I need to schedule a Hogsmead day for the students, to allow them time to obtain a costume."

Mr. McGale frowned. "That is a problem."

Hermione sighed. "Yeah. It is."

"Let me just consort quickly with my colleague." He turned his back to her, walking out of her line of sight.

Hermione waited patiently for his return. When he reappeared she smiled up at him. But her smile slowly slipped off her face as he sat down, shaking his head.

"Ms. Danna and myself don't believe that a Hogsmead trip is the best direction to take."

"What do you mean? What other option is there?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Granger. But you'll have to figure something out. I'm sure you and Mr. Malfoy will come up with something brilliant in no time."

"But Mr. McGale, how is anyone supposed to get costumes? A trip to Hogsmead will allow everyone a chance to obtain one." He was still shaking his head. Hermione took a deep breath. "Then how are we supposed to have a costume ball?"

Mr. McGale leaned back in the chair, folding his hands in front of him. "I'm sorry to say that that is your problem to solve, Ms. Granger. As head girl, everyone is looking up to you to make this a memorable experience. I suggest you find another way to get the students costumes. There will be no Hogsmead trip."

Draco watched Hermione storm out of the psychiatrist's office. "I guess that's a no?"

Hermione turned to him. "Damn right it was a no! He's making this as difficult as possible because he wants us to fail!" Hermione shoved a finger into Draco's chest. "We are not going to fail!"

"So my offering to go talk to him isn't going to help."

"I don't think it will change anything. I don't want to fail." she sighed, defeated.

Calmly Draco removed Hermione's finger, which was still pressed into his chest. "Of course we're not going to fail, Granger. Just calm down now. They're getting to you. You're just stressed. Not thinking clearly. You'll be fine. Just calm down."

Hermione frowned. "But they're being such imbeciles. It doesn't even make sense, except we want to go to Hogsmead and they're denying it just because they can. It's so, so…" Hermione took a deep breath and kicked the wall behind Draco. "Stupid!" as if it was an afterthought. "Ouch."

"Now look, you've gone and hurt yourself."

Gritting her teeth against the pain. "I did not hurt myself, ferret."

He couldn't help but roll his eyes. He was bound to be stuck with that nickname for the rest of his life. How fitting he thought sarcastically, even as he backed away from Hermione, hands up.

"Then come on mudblood." He said affectionately as Hermione growled. "We better get back to our dorm. We've got to come up with costumes, somehow."

Hermione thought for a second, her eyes still narrowed and her breathing fast and shallow—she was about to really lose it—and what better way to calm ones nerves than to glare at the famous Draco Malfoy?

How in all seven hells was she going to supply the whole school with costumes before the ball? "The library." She said, and limped off it it's direction.

Draco watched her limp as they walked—she'd never let him help her, so he didn't try. He sighed and wanted nothing more than to run back to Mr. McGale's office and beg on his hands and knees to let them go to Hogsmead. He hated the library.


What seemed to be hours later Draco was less than positive what exactly it was he was looking for. Hermione had told him, of course, but since then his mind had forgotten. Instead, it had wandered down avenues as he'd looked through spells and charms and page after page of who knew what. Every once in a while one of the pages would catch his eye and he'd pause to read and wonder what he was supposed to be doing.

He picked up Enchanting Charms and flipped it open, smirking. This was definitely a book for women, witches. No male in his right mind would be looking through this. And no male would have written it.

However, Draco wasn't exactly in his right mind, so he continued to turn the pages—insight into the female mind. He found it curious that there were so many charms to make one's self-beautiful. He grinned to himself; this book would be a perfect gift for Pansy. A double insult as it would imply that one; she was ugly, and two; that he didn't know her very well.

Which was a lie, after all when a person hangs on you twenty-four seven you usually do end up knowing a whole lot about them. But that wasn't exactly the point and Draco knew that. Pansy, he knew, hated reading and couldn't perform charms if her life depended on it.

He scanned the page open in front of him. On the stroke of Midnight, hmmm…Draco looked up at Hermione. "What am I looking for again, Granger?"

Annoyed, Hermione didn't even bother looking up. "A charm that will produce unique costumes that can be used for several hours."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." Draco heard Hermione growl again. Unfortunately for him, this ball had her stressed beyond any point he'd seen before. His eyes returned to the page.

On the stroke of Midnight

Charm Fourteen hundred and twelve

On the stroke of Midnight was invented by Ethyl Mahouts—a talented witch who worked for a prosperous family, she was also the renowned godmother of a muggle, known as Cinderella. Even today, the life story of Cinderella and her 'fairy godmother' is told throughout the muggle world to children in what is commonly known as a fairy tale. In the wizarding world, however, the story of Ethyl and Cinderella is an actual part of history. On the stroke of Midnight has been used ever since by witches to turn ordinary garments into extravagant gowns or corresponding clothing as they see fit. The charm, consequently, wears off by midnight, hence the name On the stroke of Midnight.

To use this charm, one must first be a magic capable witch. You needent be of a proper age, as in some charms, just capable of performing semi-complex charms. The garment to be enchanted must be on the person in question at the time of transformation. If the charm is performed on an unclothed figure serious side effects will occur—side effects that are near to impossible to reverse.

!USE THIS CHARM WITH EXTREME CAUTION!

Draco broke out laughing. Hermione brought her eyes to his laughing face.

"What is your problem?" Hermione demanded, her eyes rimmed red from tiredness.

Draco couldn't stop, he laughed only harder. "I'm okay."

"I beg to differ, Malfoy."

"No, seriously, I am. Its just…" Draco calmed down. "Its just that I think I've found something that might work."

Hermione reached across and stole the book from him, flipping it around so that she could read the text.

"My god, you did find something." Murmuring, Hermione rolled her finger down the page as she read. "I can't believe it. I should have known!"

"Can't believe I found it? Well, yes, I am rather talented at these sorts of things."

Hermione shook her head. "No, no…don't be silly. I can't believe I never thought about that! That is so cool. I loved Cinderella as a child."

"Uh huh." Draco mumbled. So much for being the one who found it. "So, are we done here now?"

Hermione nodded absently.

"I'm going to go back to the room then." Draco hinted.

Hermione nodded absently.

"Are you going to stay here?"

Hermione nodded again.

"Okay then." Draco shook his head as he left, Hermione barely noticing him as she waved her hand passively, her nose stuck in a book.

How fitting, Draco thought as the door to the library closed behind him.

Deciding it was time for supper—actually the growl in his stomach was what tipped him off to the fact—he made his way to the Great Hall and sat down at an empty table unsure as to what the rule of the moment was concerning seating. It wasn't long before Blaise joined him and to his regret, Pansy.

"Oh, Draco." Pansy launched herself on him. "You poor, poor, poor boy. Having to spend all day with that mudblood. Now, now, it's okay. I'm here."

Cringing Draco tried not to choke on the pumpkin juice. "Pansy…" he started awkwardly as she cuddled into his side. He tried to shake her off, to scoot down, but her grip was tight—a real anaconda.

"Oh, Draco, I've missed you so much!"

"Err, I can't say the same Pansy." Draco mumbled, shuddering as her hand crept up to the back of his neck and began to play with his hair.

He looked up from his food as Charlotte and Miriam sat next to Blaise.

"Hey guys." Blaise greeted them cheerfully.

"Blaise." Miriam nodded.

"Having fun, Malfoy?"

Draco glared at Charlotte. "Not really. Your cousin had me locked in the library all day." That, Draco decided, was not the smartest thing to say.

"Oh! My poor Drakie, trapped all day in the library with that…" Pansy glanced to Charlotte and obviously valued her pathetic excuse of a life. "Oh, my poor Drakie." She ran her hand down his hair, stroking his head like she would a cat. "You poor, poor, thing. Don't worry now though. I'm here. I'll never leave you. Never."

Charlotte smirked at the two. Pansy was all over the blond boy and the blond boy…well, as far as Charlotte could figure; he was getting what he deserved.

"Are you okay Malfoy?" Miriam asked at the slight green tinge that had overcome his pale skin.

Draco mouthed 'no', while Pansy talked. "Oh, Drakie is so lost without me. He's much better now that I'm here."

Charlotte sneered. "Oh yeah, he looks a lot better." She nodded her head. "Just peachy."

Blaise laughed. "So, you're really Granger's cousin?"

Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "Yep."

Blaise held his hands up. "No problem. Just making conversation."

"That's nice." Charlotte replied coldly. Blaise only grinned at her.

Draco was now fully encompassed by Pansy's arms.

"Uh, a little help guys." He moved his eyes from them to Pansy back to them. "Please."

The three sat solemnly across from him. "Nope." They replied in unison.

"Not a chance. I'm rather enjoying this." Blaise said, a hint of sympathy in his eyes.

"Much too entertaining." Miriam agreed.

And that horrid cousin of Hermione's only smirked. That girl had problems, Draco decided.

"Yeah. Besides the entertainment factor…it really doesn't look like you need help." Added Blaise as he began to eat.

Draco glared. "Pansy, do you mind…" Draco pushed at her arms. "Getting off me for a moment. I'm hungry." If he'd thought this was going to work, he was sadly mistaken.

"Oh, my poor Drakie…" Pansy cooed. She picked up his fork and eyed the plate of food he'd helped himself to before she'd arrived. Scooping up some mashed potatoes she held it up to him. "Here, darling, let me help you." Draco's eyes widened in horror and his mouth opened in protest—only to have a fork full of mashed potatoes shoved promptly in.

Pansy smiled lovingly, lowering the fork. "See how much he loves me?" she asked as she stroked Draco's cheek.

Charlotte eyed the now green Malfoy. "He absolutely loves you Pansy."

Pansy forked some green beans. "Come on baby, open up…"

Blaise, Miriam, and Charlotte had to set down their own forks and cover their faces but could do nothing about the laughter as Pansy continued to feed an alarmed and embarrassed Malfoy.

"Better luck next time." Blaise gave Malfoy a friendly shoulder pat before he and the others' left Malfoy to his suffering.


"Aw, man did you see his face!" Blaise said excitedly. "That is a classic."

"I thought you were his friend." Miriam said quietly as they made their way to the Slytherin common room.

"I am." Blaise grinned. "I just appreciate great things like that. Classic." He muttered again.

"Has she always been like that?"

"Who? Pansy" Charlotte nodded. "Oh yeah! Malfoy may not be promised to her but they were together since childhood. She was basically the only one he had his age until he started Hogwarts."

"So that's the reason for his sunny disposition." Miriam grinned.

"Anyone who had to put up with that for years is bound to be emotionally scared."

Miriam grinned. "No kidding. Think she'll make it all the way to dessert?"

Blaise grinned; he liked the way she thought. "I'd say she does. Though I won't be around to see it, I think I might just laugh myself to death."

"Not to mention that the moment Malfoy is released he'd strangle you with his bare hands." Charlotte added.


Hermione could still remember the story of Cinderella.

The fact that it was indeed a true story and that she'd never thought to look it up before seriously pissed her off. It should have been obvious. Hermione shook her head as she read. Well, better late than never, she thought as she scanned the books in front of her.

She was able to find seven books with Madam Pince's help on the subject. She'd then lugged them all back to the common room she shared with Malfoy.

In front of her was a long mirror she'd conjured. Hermione referred once again to Enchanting Charms.

Stand in front of a mirror, clothed, with wand at your side.

Hermione checked herself in the mirror. She was clothed, wand at her side.

Picture in your mind's eye, a setting and time, where you perceive yourself to be beautiful.

Hermione grimaced. She never really thought about being beautiful. Was she? No one had ever really told her she was beautiful. She'd been told she was brainy, smart, cute…did that make her beautiful. In her vocabulary cute and beautiful were in two different leagues that had no business associating with one another.

"Where would I believe I was beautiful?" Hermione thought for a while before settling on something that disturbed her slightly. Her wedding. If such a thing would ever take place, Hermione imagined she would look beautiful.

Hopefully anyway. "But with my luck…" Hermione muttered.

In her minds eye she imagined the setting—a valley deep in the mountains, spring flowers peeking through the winter's snow. A bright blue sky, and clean sunlight lighting up the snow, to make it glow. There would be white wine, even if she wouldn't drink it, in long stemmed glasses. Everything would be crystal and clear.

Of course, she rationalized, this would never happen. The entire thing was preposterous. No one got married in a spring snow.

But…

In her minds eye she imagined the time—after the age of twenty-five and not a second earlier.

In her minds eye she imagined it all, with her wand at her side and herself in the mirror.

She read the last instruction.

! THIS CHARM CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS!

To complete the charm, repeat the incantation below:

By my mind's eye

I see myself from rags to riches

In my minds eye I see myself

Beautiful

By the power of white elm wood and unicorn

Make my eyes see

What truly,

Is inside of me

Special note each time charm is performed there is a different result. This charm should not be used if you know exactly what you want. The charm fits to your current mood, perception and many other factors that change results accordingly

Hermione read it through a few times, before taking her place before the mirror. Her wand at her side, her mind's eye set, and spoke the incantation.

"By my mind's eye, I see myself from rags to riches, in my minds eye I see myself beautiful, by the power of white elm wood and unicorn, make my eyes see, what truly is inside of me."

She closed her eyes, and waited.

How long was this supposed to take anyway?

Behind her she heard something thud to the floor. She spun around in shock, opening her eyes.

Draco Malfoy was sprawled on the floor, his eyes wide, and his jaw hanging open as if unhinged.

"What is it? Did you trip?" Hermione rushed over. "Are you okay?"

Draco managed a nod. "Granger?" he asked as she pulled him up.

"Yeah? Did you hit your head? How many fingers am I holding up?"

Draco focused on her hand. "Three."

"Okay, your eyesight's fine."

"Oh, good, I'm not hallucinating." Draco continued to stare.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Draco looked her up and down. "Hermione? Have you looked in a mirror lately?"

"Uh, no." Hermione said. "Why?"

"Um…I don't know. Have you been messing with charms for the ball?"

Hermione gasped. "The charm! Did it work?" She rushed over to the mirror.

"Yeah, I'd say it worked." Draco murmured to himself as he came to stand behind her. "Wouldn't you say?"

Hermione didn't answer instead Draco saw her sway.

"Hey, you okay?" Draco caught her as she fell. "Wow. Granger, you fainted."

Shaking his head he gently laid her down on the couch. "I seriously can't believe you fainted." He smiled, looking down at her sleeping form. Charm or no charm, he realized something and it made his whole body ache.

She was beautiful.


Hermione woke with a god-awful crick in her neck. Moving her hand back to massage her neck her hand brushed skin…someone else's skin. An arm—Hermione's eyes popped open.

"Oh my god!" she cried, her body jerked up and she fell off the couch. "Ouch!"

"Oh my god! She repeated as she peeked up from the floor and promptly ducked back down. "Oh my god." She cringed. She'd slept with Draco Malfoy! Oh my god, oh my god…Hermione quickly patted herself down. Oh thank heaven's I'm wearing clothes. She relaxed and took another peek at the sleeping Slytherin.

Okay, Hermione, think! What happened last night, she played with her skirt as she thought. Wait a second! Skirt! What the hell!

Hermione scrambled to her feet and looked down. Skirt…puffy…white…her mind registered the information. "Puffy white skirt." She mumbled. Blinking at the layers of fabric covering her legs. She was having trouble breathing. In fact, she couldn't breathe, her chest couldn't expand due to…Hermione spotted the mirror in the corner of the room and carefully made her way over to it.

"A corset!" she screamed, hyperventilating at the sight that greeted her in the mirror. The hyperventilating, Hermione thought lightly, was not the smartest thing to do when you have limited air anyway.

"So that's what they call it. Don't know why those ever went out of fashion."

Hermione spun around. The blond was still lying down, but his eyes were open and he had propped himself up on his side. Hermione blushed.

"Wha…what happened!" she looked from Draco to the mirror, from the mirror to Draco. "I…I am wearing a freaking dress!" she cried.

Draco nodded. "Yes, you are. And it suits you."

Hermione calmed down enough to cross her arms and glare. "What the hell happened?"

"Well, I suppose I should be honest with you. Last night…" Draco trailed off, his features serious. "You professed your undying love for me and I proposed…" he trailed off again, watching Hermione swallow, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "And you accepted."

Now in a full on panic Hermione turned away from Malfoy. "I can't breathe." Her fingers pulled absently at the strings of the corset.

Alarmed Draco rushed over to her. He could hear how constricted her breathing was in the squeaking gasps that escaped her lips. He might know nothing when it came to how the body worked, but he did know that air was necessary for life—and he could tell she wasn't getting enough of it.

"Calm down, calm down." His fingers loosened the laces of the corset slightly. "You're going to pass out on me again." Her breathing was still too rapid. Draco turned her around and shook her once. "Calm down!"

Hermione nodded frantically. Easier said than done, but her breathing slowed slightly. She took a large, shaky breath.

Feeling slightly bad about all this, Draco placed a hand on her bare shoulder. "I was only kidding."

Hermione smacked him.

"I deserved that."

"No shit you deserved that. You could have killed me."

"You weren't near dying." Draco mumbled and led Hermione back to the couch.

Enchanting Charms lay open on the coffee table in front of them. "Do you see that right there?" He pointed to the words "this charm can be very dangerous". "I think I know why now. Is that thing comfortable?" he asked pointing to the ivory corset.

Hermione grimaced. "Only when I'm standing."

"You want to stand?"

Hermione nodded.

Draco helped her to her feet. "So…are we going to have to look for another charm?" Hermione shook her head no.

"We don't have time. I'll just have to warn everyone first, I guess. I was just going to give them all the charm, but…" she felt faint, gripping Draco's arm, she kept herself upright. "But, I think that that is not in their best interest. Besides, I read that only women can perform the charm. It can be done on guys but a woman still has to initiate it. So…"

Draco nodded. "You've got your work cut out for you, huh?"

"Yeah."

"You want me to help?" Hermione looked at him in surprise. "I know, strange isn't it? Me volunteering."

"It's nice."

Draco brushed his lips over her hair. "I think that's the first time anyone's said anything with the word 'nice' in it to me."

Hermione smiled. "Yeah…" His embrace was warm and comforting, but she felt another need very badly. "Um…I'm kind of hungry."

Draco grimaced. Bad things happened to good people in the Great Hall. He didn't think he'd ever go back in there.

"You didn't eat dinner did you?"

Hermione shook her head.

"Lunch?"

"Missed that one as well."

"Well, breakfast is about six hours away. I'll go get you something."

Hermione looked outside. "I didn't realize it was still night."

"Just about midnight."

"Oh." Hermione looked down at her dress. "Then this thing will be disappearing soon." Thank Merlin.

Draco nodded. "What would you like?"

"Hmm?"

"To eat? I'll go get you something."

Hermione twirled slightly, testing out the dress. "Um, whatever you pick is fine as long as it isn't poisoned." She smiled riley at him.

Draco smirked. A month ago that was exactly what he would have done…now he was more likely to drop something else into her goblet.

And maybe he would.

"I'll be back."

Hermione sighed as the portrait swung shut behind him. She was alone, finally. She wanted to look at herself in the mirror before the charm wore off.

She approached the mirror cautiously. In front of it she tried hard not to think about waking up next to Malfoy. She tried to observe only.

The dress had a corset top, ivory with pearls and shredded lace. The skirt billowed out about four inches from her hips and was white and ivory, lace and satin.

It's beautiful, she thought.

She heard a clock chime twelve.

And watched the beauty melt away.

"Just what I thought." She said disgustedly. "Just an illusion." An illusion, however, that was perfect for the ball. She smiled, coming back to her senses—breaking through the daze the dress had caused her.

Of course you're not beautiful, get a grip, it was just a charm. Hermione turned the mirror to the wall.

"Oh well."

The house elves bounced off the wall with his request and had soon supplied him with enough food to feed everyone in Hogwarts, twice over. He brought everything up, glad once again, that his trip was uneventful.

Before he entered the common room, he removed a small vial from his pocket and poured it into Hermione's goblet.

"Drakie!"

Pansy stepped from the shadows. "Late night snack, my love? Didn't I feed you enough?" she laced her arm around his waist. "Why thank you darling. I'm parched." She drank the pumpkin juice and set the goblet back on the tray.

"Shit Pansy, you are dense." Draco put the platter of food on the ground and turned to Pansy. He was going to have to take her somewhere for the potion to ware off. Of course leaving her to roam the hallways was a nice alternative…but who knew whom she'd run into. That could be very bad, Draco decided.

After several minutes of walking aimlessly, Draco chose a classroom, shoved Pansy in and closed the door.

"Drakie, want to know a secret."

Draco rolled his eyes. "No, I don't."

"Draco, I don't like you at all. But I'm going to marry you."

His eyes widened, "Is that so?"

"Uh huh. I've been planning it for ages."

"If you don't like me, why would you want to marry me?"

Pansy stumbled into a chair. Then looked up at him, her expression saying clearly 'well, aren't you stupid'.

"Simply so that no one else can." She ran a hand through her hair. "And then, you'll end up loving me anyway. Because I'll be the only thing you can have."

Draco knew what she was talking about. In the magical world, marriage was forever.

"And how were you going to make me marry you?"

Pansy danced in a circle. "I know something you don't know."

"Oh really."

"Uh huh."

"About what?"

"About who, is a better question Drakie dear."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Who then?"

"Granger, Drakie. I know something you don't know." She taunted him. "And you'll never know. She won't tell you. I won't tell you. No one will ever tell you. And you want to know something?"

"What?"

"I'm the only thing you'll ever have."


Hermione wondered what was taking Malfoy so long—hopefully he wasn't giving the house elves too much trouble. She only wanted a sandwich. She opened the portrait and swept the empty hallway. Well, not all the way empty, Hermione noted as she bent down to pick up the tray of food. But no Malfoy. Shrugging Hermione went back inside to enjoy her dinner.

"Oh well." she mumbled taking a bite of the sandwich. Sleepy she sat the tray down, finished the sandwich, and lay down on the couch to sleep.

Half an hour later Draco returned to find Hermione asleep on the couch. He eyed her for a moment, Pansy's words echoing in his mind. Her face was relaxed, a small smile tugged at her lips. She was curled up like a child. Draco shook his head. There was no way that Hermione had a secret. Hermione and secret were two things that did not go together, no matter how you looked at them. Smiling, Draco wondered if he should leave her there, or if he should take her to her room.

But someone was knocking on the door. Draco groaned. "I've had enough of people for one night." He grumbled as he opened the door and his eyes darkened automatically. Great, scarhead. "What do you want?"

"Is Hermione awake?"

"No."

"May I come in?"

"No."

"Too bad." Harry pushed his way into the room.

"You're not going to wake her are you?"

Harry glanced at Malfoy who was looking at the couch. Hermione was peacefully asleep. Harry's face softened and he wondered if he should just come back later.

But he couldn't wait. "I have to." He said simply.

He shook Hermione's shoulder gently.

"Go away Malfoy. I just got to sleep."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Harry?"

Draco hated the way she said scarfaces' name.

"Yeah. I need to talk to you."

Hermione sat up, alert. "What's wrong?"

Harry took her hand and led her into her room. Draco sat on the couch and waited calmly. Well, to be honest, he was not calm. He was fuming inside. He glanced into the mirror across from him, almost expecting to see steam coming from his ears.


"What's wrong Harry?"

Harry sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm having dreams again." He said simply.

"Oh."

Harry lay down, staring at the ceiling.

"Does it hurt?" he nodded. "You want to tell me about it?"

Harry looked up. "I'm scared Hermione. I've always been able to take care of it, you know?" she nodded. "First year and second year, third and fourth. I was always able to deal with whatever Voldermort threw at me…but."

"I know." she sat down and put her arm over his shoulder. "Have you told Ron?"

"I haven't told anybody. But we've got evaluations tomorrow and…and I don't know what I'm going to do. I feel like…I feel alone."

Hermione knew what he meant and she didn't try to tell him he wasn't, she didn't try to assure him she was there for him. Because she knew, someday she wouldn't be, someday something would happen. She couldn't make a promise or even assure him when she knew, one day, she wouldn't be able to keep it.

They sat in silence for a long, long time.

Finally, Harry looked at her and smiled. "Sorry I woke you."

Hermione leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "You can always wake me. I'm your friend and I love you."

Harry hugged her. "Thanks." He stood and went to the door. "Goodnight."

"Sweet dreams."

Harry winked, making Hermione smile. Then he was gone.

Draco watched Potter leave. He looked at the clock. A whole forty-seven minutes had passed. What the hell had they done for forty-seven minutes?

Hermione emerged from her room looking tired and ruffled. "Hey. You're still up."

"Couldn't sleep."

Hermione rubbed her eyes. "Oh."

Draco watched her look towards the door Potter had just left through.

"Thanks for the food."

Draco looked up. "Oh, yeah, you're welcome."

She sat down on the couch beside him.

"So, err, what did Potter want?"

"He just needed to be with someone."

Draco raised an eyebrow and Hermione elaborated. "Sometimes, people just need a friend, someone to hold, someone to just be there for them when they're scared."

Draco smiled. "You telling me scarhead came running to you because he had a nightmare?"

Hermione hit him. "Ouch."

"No, he didn't come running to me because of a nightmare."

"Then why?"

"Because I'm his friend." Hermione said simply.

He wrapped an arm around her, confused—and was further confused when Hermione scooted closer. Wrapping both arms around her, he leaned back against the couch. Hermione laid her head on his chest. She was probably very tired, not thinking straight, Draco mused.

"Who knew I'd be in the arms of the enemy?" Hermione mumbled softly.

Draco coughed and started to move but Hermione laid a hand on his. "Don't."

He stilled.

"Sometimes, even I need to be held."

And he did just that. Long after she had fallen asleep.

Draco wondered if the world would look different when he woke in the morning.

Maybe we're cursed, to repeat

The same mistake, day in and day out

Wandering through a blinding fog

A fog that never fades, never fades

We knew it wouldn't be easy

Easy to bend the bars of our self-made cage

We are better off than homeless dogs

But not by far

How many lies do I have to tell myself?

So that I won't go back, won't look back

Back to the arms of the enemy

Back to be held by the demons of my soul

Back to the arms of the enemy

Back to my enemy, to be held

And someone to hold


A/N: As always, leave a review!