AN: Thank you to Chester99 for reviewing, and I just wanted to let you know that I didn't just mean that only the Light Side was being educated. Blaise, Pansy, and Draco are being educated too. I was merely implying while that Molly, Tonks, and Lupin hold study lessons, Blaise and Pansy don't really attend and prefer to study alone together, while Draco isn't really studying because he's taking care of Hermione.

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Song suggestion: Army, Ellie Goulding.

Chapter Thirty: Teasing Secrets.

The infirmary door closed quietly behind Ginny's called warning of returning quicker than a spell casting. After several long minutes of arguing, Hermione had convinced Ginny to go and fetch the three of them some lunch, much to the younger Witch's reluctance. But Hermione needed a moment with Draco, alone, even if it would be fleeting due to Ginny's suspicion.

"Nice touch, Granger." Malfoy drawled, "How do you know I would have killed you already if I wished to? I may be slowly poisoning you, for all you know."

"And what would happen then, Malfoy?" She replied primly, "You'd lose your chance at redemption, and where else are you going to go? Kill me and you kill yourself, and your friends. You don't want that, do you?"

Draco rolled his eyes at her smug expression, he knew she loved to be right, but it was slightly irritating. Placing a lid on a bubbling potion, he strode over to Granger's bed and leaned against the end. He knew she wanted to ask him a question, he knew what question that would be, and he knew the answer to that question too, but he wanted to see her squirm.

"Of course not, Granger, murder's not my style." He teased drily and flinched at the memory of the people he had murdered; thankful she couldn't see his guilt, "How about you tell me what you want while Ginny's still running to the kitchen, she'll be back soon, remember? I know you didn't argue that long with her just for food."

"Good deduction, Malfoy-"

"Is that a compliment, Granger?"

"Sarcasm, Malfoy, I don't give former bullies compliments."

"I'll take a sarcastic compliment over none; after all, my ego always needs boosting." He smirked as Granger blushed. Draco remembered overhearing the Golden Trio talking about him back at Hogwarts, saying 'he was such a grovelling prat to Lucius, he bullied for an ego boost to feel less of a pathetic disappointment, coming second to Hermione constantly'. Clearly, she remembered that conversation too, "But I bet I could beat you at potions now, Granger."

"You could not." She quickly defended herself as her blush was flushed away with pride.

"Remember who's saving who here." Malfoy watched her scowl and smirked. He had one advantage, and he used it every time, over the last few days, as they bantered back. As they grew accustomed to one another's frequent company, they began to ignore the elephant in the room reminding them of their past hatreds, and focused on making light of the dismal situation.

"Speaking of, when are you going to start?" She raised a brow and he found it odd looking at her. Though her eyes were mutilated, he would swear he could feel her eyes staring expectantly at him. Shaking the unsettling notion off, he focused back on her question.

"I've been doing so for a week now, Granger, if it escaped your notice. I know Gryffindors always like to play hero, but can't you recognise one?" He chuckled.

"They would call you an antihero, actually." Her retort made him roll his eyes. She always had to have the last word.

"Congratulations, Granger, you are pernickety."

"I'm a perfectionist really; intent on ensuring the world is corrected." She smirked back at him. Even without her sight, she appeared to be adopting his mannerisms, "Now, back to my question?"

"The Order doesn't think it's safe. They think you'd be a liability on the battle field, and they have a point, Granger." Malfoy pointed out, "You'd need a constant minder to partner with you. By fighting, you put us all in danger, as the Order would be watching you and not their own backs. To fight is to risk everyone's lives."

At this she frowned, defeated. His reasoning was all too rational and she could admit the danger she placed on everyone, should she take her place in battle. But she needed to fight; she couldn't live in bed all her life, in a vegetative state. How could she allow some many others to fight her fight for her, while she sat tucked up in bed. Helpless. Useless. Pathetic. Those words hung above her head constantly these days. She hated her inability to function as she once did.

Draco could see the defeat sinking in, knew it was killing her on the inside to admit she could no longer be the warrior she once was. Hermione Granger was a beacon of the Light Side, the brilliant Muggleborn Witch that proves Blood Supremacy is rot. So many were inspired by her intelligence, her courage, and her resilience. He knew he was the comparison, the Pureblood who couldn't beat her. Many neutral Wizarding families leaned more towards the Light Side because of this defiant Muggleborn Witch topped all her classes, ahead of all the Purebloods, who were said to be superior in all things, particularly in magical studies. Frowning in thought, he knew he couldn't let her give up. Not only because he had something to prove to the Order of the Phoenix now, but because it would destroy Granger's fiery spirit to allow her to be defeated. That fiery spirit had changed his life, now he was going to change hers.

"But don't worry, Granger, I know how foolhardy you can be." He stated nonchalantly, "I know you can fight." Hermione's head rose instantly at this, relief and hope alighting her features, "With my expertise, we'll make you a warrior Witch again." Smirking, he leaned closer to her, "But we'll keep this between us for now, shall we?"

"Of course." She replied gratefully, "I understand." And she did. She knew her friends would stop her training, wanting to protect her. But she didn't need protection. She never has and never will. With Malfoy, she would become herself again, defying anyone who believed she was not good enough. Even if she did have to rely on Draco to do this, she knew she had the power within herself to do this. She would not give up hope. She is Hermione Granger and no one tells her she can't do something.