MissyJAnne85, thank you for being my second pair of eyes and being the wind beneath my wings!

Teeeeny tiny almost insignificant trigger warning for suicidal thoughts. It is a whim of a thought and not a serious consideration.

Draco wasn't sure what time it was when he was first startled awake but by the fourth time he heard her whimper and cry out in fear, he decided he'd slept long enough. So, Hermione Granger had nightmares, too. Not that it surprised him. Years of being Saint Potter's friend had landed her up shit's creek without a paddle numerous times and that was before the war. Though, the way she was begging "Please, I don't know," and "We didn't take anything," gave Draco a pretty good idea of just what she was dreaming of. Bile rose in his throat as he too was forcefully reminded of his memory of that night. Banishing the images from his mind as best he could, he threw the thin blanket off and slipped downstairs. Most of the party-goers who had fallen asleep had found their way back out again, but Seamus Finnigan was snoring up a storm on Draco's favourite sofa, drool pooling on the cushion propped under his head. Glancing at the clock over the fireplace, Draco decided that six in the morning was well and truly overstaying his welcome and prodded Seamus in the side with his wand. "Oi, Finnigan," he whispered harshly as Seamus attempted to keep his eyes closed on the intrusion. "Finnigan," Draco pushed his wand a little further into his classmate's ribs.

"Mmmmph," Seamus grumbled, eyes cracking open just a touch. "What can I help you with, Malfoy?" he managed in his thick Irish accent.

"Party's over," he hissed. "Get your shit and get out of here. Unless you want to help clean up?"

Seamus muttered something unintelligible but looked to be moving off of the sofa, so Draco moved on to prodding his other classmates. Once his common room was vacated, he pulled out his home potion brewing set and got to work.

When there was still no sign of movement from either bedroom two hours later, he snuck back into his, witnessed Hermione snorting in her sleep, dressed and left for breakfast.

Sometime in the early afternoon, Hermione started to stir. Clutching her head in her hands she rolled over, reaching to see the time on the alarm clock. She slapped the bedside table a few times in search of the little clock and when she could not find it, opened her eyes to realise that she wasn't in her bed after all. Sitting up, she looked around the bedroom so similar to hers, yet messy beyond compare. Not to mention the green and silver furnishings and Slytherin emblem blazing on every available surface. Mercifully alone in the bedroom, she performed a body pat-down to make sure that all clothes were where she last remembered them to be. Well, she thought. One small mercy is that it appears that I did not sleep with Malfoy. Not that either of us would ever lower our standards to that level - sober at least. Slumping back into the pillows, Hermione started to notice things that she hadn't at first. The distinctly Malfoy smell of the linen: citrus, bergamot and something masculine she couldn't quite put her finger on. She caught herself inhaling the pillow. Just trying to place the scent, she told herself. Turning over, she noticed the small vial on the bedside table, a note with Granger scrolled across it was propped up against the violent orange glass tube. Hermione reached for the note and read it quickly, a small smile flitting across her lips.

You snore like a freight train and you talk in your sleep.

Based on last night's experience, I think it's best you avoid alcohol in the future. Drink the Pepper Up potion, you're going to need it.

DM.

Hermione unstoppered the vial and tossed back it's contents. After the initial burst of steam from her ears, she felt an instant shift to her headache and was able to throw the covers back and risk going back to her own bedroom. Picking up her shoes, she made her way back to her room and tentatively knocked on her own door, feeling ridiculous.

"Yep, be right there," came Harry's voice through the thick wood. A moment later, it opened to reveal him fully dressed and hair mussed in his usual way. Ginny was remaking the bed - thankfully with the fresh sheets she had requested.

"Morning, Hermione," she said cheerfully. No surprise, Hermione thought. She did get laid the night before.

"Good morning," Hermione grumbled in response. "I'm just going to get some things together for a shower. Harry, don't leave before I come back, alright?"

"Sure thing, 'Mione," Harry yawned by way of response, making himself comfortable behind her writing desk.

The Pepper Up potion had done wonders for her headache but she felt last night's makeup like a layer of grime on her face and the smell of Malfoy and his sheets was all over her, which felt distinctly uncomfortable, for want of a better word. As she submerged her body into the jasmine-scented suds, washing the scent of Malfoy away, she couldn't help but think of her lips encasing his just hours ago. She groaned, sending bubbles through the water as she briefly contemplated not coming up for air. As her face broke through the surface, she wiped the suds away and suddenly felt the weight of last night's decisions like a stinging jinx to the face. The drinks she drank, the kiss with Malfoy, the words she exchanged with Ron... She had told him that she was over him when nothing could be further from the truth. She was still feeling the heaviness of heartbreak in every step she took and the confusion of the break-up in every spare minute she had. Kissing Malfoy had been wrong for so many reasons and saying those things to Ron had been a lie. She regretted one action much more than the other, but part of getting over Ron would be to help herself believe that she was over him. Maybe she should start making herself a little more open to seeing other people, just to see where that path would take her. She towelled herself dry and got dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, feeling much more herself than she had the previous evening.

Harry and Ginny were waiting for her back in the common room, lounging companionably on the largest sofa. "Oh good. Harry, you stayed," she said, combing her wet hair off of her face.

"I said I would, Hermione," Harry sounded almost exasperated. Affronted, Hermione's next words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"I wanted to say 'thank you' for coming last night and that it meant a lot, but evidently my bedroom was a bigger drawcard for you. Sorry to have kept you from your busy weekend," she huffed, marching up to her bedroom.

Ginny sent Harry a scathing look and he followed Hermione back up the staircase. He knocked once on the door before letting himself in. "Look, Hermione. I'm sorry about that. I'm just a bit hungover and Ginny had just told me what happened with you and Malfoy last night. It was a bit of a shock," he confessed.

Hermione was busy putting her toiletries away but managed to roll her eyes at him. "Oh please, Harry. Nothing happened with Malfoy last night. We shared a ridiculous drunken kiss because I wanted to make Ron jealous, to hurt him just a little bit. I didn't think it through and if I could take it back, I would, but I can't and that's that. There is nothing between Malfoy and me other than shared living quarters and classes," she stood with her hands on her hips while Harry traced a circle on her floor with his foot, eyes trained down.

"Right, er, yes. I guess that makes sense. Idid come here for you last night, you know. To celebrate your birthday. Being with Ginny and getting to spend the night," the blush on his face caused him to pause. "Getting to spend the night was an added bonus. Also, I'm sorry that Ron turned up. We had discussed whether or not the invitation was open to him and we sort of just assumed it was. Sorry if that was not the case."

"For your future information, Harry. Unless I include his name on an invitation, he isnot invited," Hermione softened her tone when she saw Harry's face turn red once again. "Look, I'm sure that one day everything will go back to normal and we all be the best of friends. But for now, I can't trust him and I am not ready to be around him."

"Does that mean that you won't be home for Christmas? I was hoping to have everyone to Grimmauld Place this year," he admitted.

"I don't know, Harry. It's three months from now and I have no idea how I will be feeling then. But it is a lovely idea, I will let you know, ok?" she hugged him. "Ok, go on, get. I'm sure you want to spend as much time with Ginny as possible before you have to leave and I have things to do. Thanks for coming, Harry, really," she hugged him again. "Oh and Harry?" She said as he stepped towards the door. "Ron probably doesn't need to know that I regret the kiss with Malfoy."

"Love you, 'Mione," he said as he closed the door behind him.


After a long dinner where she had refuted question after question of an inter-house relationship with Malfoy, Hermione settled herself down at the coffee table in the common room to get some studying done. She had spent the afternoon helping the house-elves clean up after her party - much to their disapproval and now she felt the need for the tranquillity that books offered her. Still too warm to set the fire, Hermione instead flicked her wand towards Draco's wireless to create some background noise while she took notes for Wednesday's Astronomy class with Professor Sinistra. She had been scratching away with her quill against some parchment and bopping her head in time to the music, mouthing either the words she was writing or lyrics to the song when Draco entered the room. For a moment, he stood and watched her while she was completely oblivious to his company.

After the moment had passed, he stepped out of the shadows making Hermione jump and raise her wand. "Sorry, sorry," she muttered, lowering her hand back down. "Just a bit jumpy these days."

"I'll do my best to make as much racket as possible when entering a room from now on," he told her with a sarcastic tone. "Maybe I can make as much noise as you do when you sleep."

Hermione blushed crimson for just a second. "Sorry, I guess that was due to the alcohol. Thank you for taking care of me and for making the potion. That was truly very thoughtful of you," she smiled.

"I didn't make the potion for you," he said. "I just had it in my stores. A handy thing to have around, you know," he sneered without malice.

"Mmm, ok," she nodded. "Well, thank you anyway," she said, still able to smell the telltale scent of crushed Bicorn Horn in the air.

Draco hesitated for a moment but continued making his way to his bedroom. "Goodnight, Granger," he said as he passed.

"Malfoy, wait," she called just before he got to the top of his staircase. He paused but didn't turn to face her. Steeling herself, she continued. "I'm sorry I kissed you last night. It was a knee-jerk reaction and not the kindest one at that. I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you or made things complicated, that wasn't my intention. Obviously, I didn't think things through clearly and-"

"You're rambling, Granger. It's fine, don't stress about it. In fact, let's both try to forget it ever happened, hm? Goodnight," he closed his bedroom door.

Hermione never got to see the expression on his face. His tone had been nonchalant, so she could only guess that it truly was fine and that he intended to forget about it. She would have to do her best to do the same.


October had come and gone like a phoenix through the night and November had brought frosty mornings and delicious mugs of hot chocolate, creating an early winter wonderland for Hermione. Winter had always been her favourite season. Yet, as the months wore on, Hermione's mood was only spoiled when it came to Draco Malfoy. At first, he had been tolerable, even - dare she say - likeable. As if he truly desired to become a better version of himself but lately he had been reverting to his old habits. Hermione wouldn't be one bit surprised if she heard the 'M' word slip from his lips sometime soon, as it appeared his mood soured when it came to her as well. He had been retreating further and further into himself, barely interacting with anyone during classes or meals. He had stopped filing his head boy reports and had not turned up to some of his more recent scheduled patrols.

Arms crossed over her chest, Hermione took one last glance at the clock in the Head Student Office. That does it, she thought, slipping off the desk and stalking back to their dormitory where she found him, snoozing on the three-seater.

"Malfoy! Have you been here the whole time? I was waiting for you for half an hour!"

Draco mumbled and rolled over, facing the back of the couch and away from her.

"Draco Malfoy, you listen here! It is Friday evening, there are students all through the castle celebrating the end of the school week and some of them are breaking school rules while they do it. Wake up, dammit! Malfoy!" Shouting at him was having absolutely no effect, so she decided to take things to a physical level. Taking one of his shoulders in both of her hands, she shook him with enough force to warrant his wrath.

"What, Granger?" He snapped, moving into a sitting position and rubbing the sleep from his face.

"Malfoy, this is the third time this month we have had this conversation! You started off so well and now it's like you just don't give a shit!"

Draco continued to look at her uncomprehendingly.

"It. Is. Your. Turn. For. Patrol," she enunciated each word with a clap in the vicinity of his face. "What is with you lately? It's like you suddenly decided to let yourself drop off the face of the Earth all over again!"

"Alright, Granger. Don't get your knickers in a twist. Why were you waiting for me? As you said, this is the third time we've had thisconversation this month. Why didn't you just go ahead and do it on your own? Or get a prefect to do it?"

"Grrrr," Hermione grumbled as she paced back and forth, throwing her hands in the air. "We have a schedule for a reason, Malfoy. A schedule you have agreed to, no less. How can anyone make plans if you don't do your part?"

"Plans?" he asked, somehow only just realising that she had done something different to her hair, appeared to be wearing makeup and was wearing a tighter outfit than her usual. He narrowed his eyes. "Going somewhere, Granger?"

"I will be. As soon as you get your arse out of that lounge and start your patrol!"

He had the audacity to smirk while he reclined back into his seat, spreading his arms over the back of it. "Since I've stopped doing the patrols and just generallynot giving a fuck about being head boy, I've got all this time on my hands. Might as well cancel your plans because I could stay here for a lifetime," he gestured to the common room.

"Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no," she shook her head, causing some curls to slip loose. Draco's smirk deepened and his eyes grew darker. "You will get out of that chair and you will get back on the bandwagon, Malfoy! I willnot do your job for you any more!"

"Go ahead, Granger. Lock the door, throw out the key, just don't fight this any more. I'm done with responsibility, I've had enough of it to last for the rest of my shitty existence!"

"So you're saying that there's nothing I can do? That I'm just stuck with you? Stuck with you not doing your job? I don't think so! I'll tell McGonagall that you're not cut out for the position and she'll send you back to the dungeons to live with the people you think hate you most," she stomped her foot with rage.

He stood abruptly. "Go ahead, Granger. Run your mouth. It still won't change a thing. McGonagall wants tohelp me,you want tohelp me," he was inches away from her face. Not yelling, no. Instead, his whisper was like a hiss that sent goosebumps all over her body. "Don't you see that there is nothing I can change? I am who I am and there's nothing you can do, but I'm stuck with you anyway. Just let that sink in for a moment, Granger. Because if I'm stuck with you, you're also stuck with me," he stormed back to his room, flicking his wrist through the air and sending things flying through the room.

"Finite Incantum," Hermione said when she heard his door slam. Slumping down on the couch Malfoy had just vacated, she sighed.Looks like I'll be cancelling that second date with Dean, she thought. After a moment of feeling sorry for herself, she trudged upstairs to exchange her dress for the more sensible jeans, jumper and sneakers required to stalk the colder parts of the castle. Merlin help them if she came across any canoodling couples.

She found a scrap of parchment and scribbled a hasty apology to Dean before enchanting it into the same paper plane memos found throughout the Ministry. Aside from a Patronus, this was the fastest method of communication at Hogwarts. Oh, what she would give to get a mobile telephone to work here.

As she stalked the forgotten halls of the castle, Hermione contemplated the conundrum that was Draco Malfoy. He had started off this year so positively, even before he became Head Boy, he had been almost friendly to her on the train. In the first month back he had been aloof but not unkind, paid attention in his classes, attended to his head boy duties and even helped her throw a birthday party. Not to mention that he took care of her drunken arse that same evening and brewed her a potion to help with the hangover the next day - which he still denied doing. She had been starting to consider the idea that she mighttruly like him as a person. Had it all been an act that was too difficult to keep up? Or had something happened in his personal life since his return to school? Was it possible that he had just decided to give uptrying? Hermione had resolved herself to getting to the bottom of it, Malfoy himself be damned. He was right about one thing, she did want to help him though only Merlin knew why. He had been nothing but an arrogant asshole for the first five years she'd known him, a recluse for the sixth and somehow in the seventh, she'd seen something in him that made her think he was redeemable. Maybe she'd been wrong, but her gut instinct said that it wasn't over until the Fat Lady sings - which she was less inclined to do these days.

When the ten o'clock curfew came around, Hermione met two of the Hufflepuff prefects back at the office and informed them of the points she had deducted from a fifth-year Ravenclaw she had found bullying a second year Slytherin and the two detentions she had doled out to the couple she found disrobing in a long-forgotten classroom. She sent them on their way to round up any curfew stragglers, filled in her report and found herself in front of the Gargoyle leading to McGonagall's office.

"Tabby cat," she said and watched the Gargoyle turn away to reveal the spiral staircase. She knocked on the door which opened to reveal the Headmistress sitting behind her desk despite the late hour. Hair bound in a net and her signature tartan dressing gown wrapped around her body, quill poised over a long roll of parchment, she greeted Hermione.

"Miss Granger. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Professor. That is to say, well - not really."

"Well? Come, my girl and take a seat. Whatever is the matter?"

Hermione took the seat in front of McGonagall's desk. She found the portrait of Dumbledore quickly but was disappointed to discover him asleep already. She looked back to see McGonagall had abandoned her quill and was instead waiting patiently for Hermione to explain her late-night visit.

"It's Malfoy," Hermione sighed.

"I see," McGonagall looked at Hermione over the bridge of her glasses. "Whatspecifically about him?"

"I'm concerned that something has happened," Hermione confessed.

McGonagall sighed. She whipped her wand through the air and a teapot filled with boiling water appeared on her desk. She scooped several teaspoons of tea leaves into the water and left them to steep while she considered how best to have this conversation. "Something has happened to us all, Miss Granger. And some of us have experienced worse things than others, as you well know. You and Mr Malfoy are not in such different circumstances."

"I... Yes, I know. That isn't exactly what I meant. Sometimes it's difficult to think of him as anything other than my enemy, but despite what he wishes me to believe, I know his heart wasn't in being on Voldemort's side. He was and is, I think, just a scared young man."

Minerva smiled at Hermione as she poured them each a cup of a strong Irish blend, proud of her student for seeing past her previous prejudices.

"What I meant was," she accepted the steaming cup of tea and added just a dash of milk, "I think something might have happened since we've returned to Hogwarts. He started off on a really good note, er, forhim anyway. He was participating in his classes and was believe it or not - actually excelling as a Head Boy. Things seemed to be turning around for him, but the last two months..." she hesitated, unsure how to describe it out loud. "Pardon my language, Professor - it's like he doesn't give a shit. He sleeps almost all of the time and is barely keeping his grades above an Acceptable. It's like he's given up and doesn't see anything positive in his future."

She took a long draught of the cooling tea and waited for McGonagall to say something. When she didn't, Hermione continued with a reluctant confession. "I've had to cover for him on three patrols now and have been filling in his paperwork so that everything got done."

"I see," McGonagall's lips thinned as she thought it over. "What exactly is it that you would like me to do, Miss Granger?"

"I... I don't know," she realised, slumping in her chair a little. "If he is having a hard time adjusting, I want to be reasonable but this feels almost like not having a partner at all and well, I was wondering why you asked him to fill the position in the first place?"

"I understand, Granger. Truly, I do. I believe, as you do, that there is some good in young Malfoy. I wanted to give him a chance to prove it and this year is my last opportunity to do so. Once he leaves Hogwarts I will be in no position to help him better himself. I must confess that I had hoped you would be a good influence on him as well. Having said that, I think I must remind him of our last conversation. Will you ask him to come and see me tomorrow? The time is of no difference, I will be cooped up in this office the whole day."

"Yes, Headmistress. I will tell him and I will drag him here kicking and screaming if I have to," Hermione stood and pushed her chair towards the desk.

"I hope that won't be necessary," McGonagall smiled as Hermione walked towards the door. "Oh and Miss Granger? If you feel like he has given up on his future, might I suggest that you remind him that he has a good many things to look forward to?"

Hermione stopped with her hand on the door - what? "I'm sorry, Professor. What do you mean?"

"Simply that he is young and can still create a bright future for himself if he is smart about it. I'm sure you'll think of something," she said. "Good night, Miss Granger."

Dismissed, Hermione wandered back to the fifth floor with McGonagall's words playing over and over in her mind. Remind him that he has a good many things to look forward to? Hermione wasn't convinced that McGonagall was suggesting something of the academic variety. What the actual fuck?

Stuck With U - Ariane Grande & Justin Bieber

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