Chapter 11: The Fall Out and Disappointment
Draco rushed to Hermione's side. Hermione had slumped down on the floor after the Weasel had walked off. He scourgified the blood away and episkied her nose back into place. She looked a little better but would not stand up. He sat down next to her and realized she was crying silently. Draco pulled her close to him and hugged her. He did it without much thought and almost blanched once he realized what he was doing. Only because he was shocked with himself.
They sat there for an hour before Hermione began to move. Draco tried to calm her, but she insisted on getting up.
"You saw nothing, Malfoy."
"Whatever you say, Granger, but at least let me walk you to your dorm."
Hermione began to argue, but Draco wrapped his arm around her and began to steer her to the heads' dorm. Draco didn't want Weasley to be waiting around a corner to finish the "lesson" he started. Luckily Ron had gone off so they didn't run into him in the halls.
"Will you at least let me do a quick diagnostic spell to make sure you are not bleeding internally? You took a couple of good ones to the gut, and those are the worst to detect without the spell."
Hermione stopped. "I guess…"
Draco performed the spell and saw she was healthy enough to not need Madam Pomfrey. "Well you should be fine not to have to go to the hospital wing tonight. You might need a Pepper Up in the morning, though."
"I'll be fine." She paused for a moment then looked into his eyes. "I don't know why you were out late, and I won't deduct points, but I guess I should thank you…. Honestly that is the first time he has ever laid a hand on me. I didn't expect it, but this is the second time you have been there to help me so thanks."
"Let's not make this a habit, though, Granger."
Hermione nodded. She didn't want to tell Draco why Ron had hit her. And if Draco ever brought it up again, Hermione planned on making up some story later on to cover. She was stilled stunned Ron had hit her.
As they neared the portrait for her dorm, Hermione couldn't help but imagine him opening the portrait door and kissing her hand good night like a proper gentleman. But Draco surprised her even more. He insisted on walking her all the way into the dorm and opening her bedroom dorm for her to make sure Ron had not figured a way in. He did kiss her hand good night, though.
He watched her shut her door behind her and let out his breath that he did not realize he was holding. He groaned loudly remembering the charms he put on his things in the Slytherin dorm had probably worn off by now.
"Who's there?"
"It's just me, Blaise."
To say Blaise was shocked to see him back in the dorm was an understatement. Blaise quickly pulled Draco into his room and eyed the blond.
"And how pray did you get in here?"
"Walked with Granger."
"Oh? And why did she need your assistance?" He asked eyeing Draco heavily.
"Good God man! Can't you just leave it? I walked her to her dorm like I was taught to do."
Blaise eyed him closer, but didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Okay. I'll bite. Want to stay here for the night in case Filtch is out patrolling?"
"Sure. I'll crash on the couc
Blaise threw Draco a blanket and shut his door. Draco laid down on the couch but could not get to sleep right away. He kept thinking about Hermione. How could she be so stupid? The oaf had beaten her. Draco could not imagine why. They always seemed happy. Well until the train ride, but what was Weasley's problem? He wasn't going to push Hermione into talking but he didn't want to just not do anything. But what could he do?
AN: Thank you all that have read, reviewrd, and/or kept up with this story. I promise I am working on it. Thanks! All reads, reviews, constructive criticism are appreciated! As always, I own nothing.