You know…I've gotten some interesting feedback from the last chapter. Most of you, dear readers, commented on how it was good, well written, and intense. A select few, and by few I mean very few, have criticized my writing in a way I did not find entirely necessary. If speech team has taught me anything, it is that if you get comment after comment complimenting and praising your performance, and then you get one comment that goes against everything else anyone has said, you can generally throw out that one bad comment. So I will. Also, yes these characters are OOC…I stated that in chapter one. Now, about the story, this, also, is not the last chapter, but I am winding everything down. Both Hermione and Draco's actions will be explained in this chapter. And, as to whether or not Hermione is actually dead from drinking two months worth of Sleeping Potion in one gulp, what do you think!?

Chapter Eleven

The Sound of Silence

Moonlight crept through the high windows of the Hospital Wing as the Head Girl's limp body lay on a bed, a sheet pulled tightly around her. Few knew of her predicament. The nurse, Headmaster, Deputy Headmistress, and the lone figure sitting at her bed knew what had happened. By morning though, word would get around. Her dearest friends did not yet know. They would be informed when the sun peaked over the snow capped mountains the next morning.

The lone figure sat by her bed, head in hands as sleep tried time and time again to take him away. He fought it most vehemently, wanting desperately to be awake when…if Hermione awoke. His head kept dropping deeper into his hands before he would shake himself out of sleep. He had to stay awake. He had to talk to her, to explain everything.

Draco looked at the clock and sighed. It was three o'clock in the morning. Hermione had been there since eleven that night. Draco had run to the Hospital Wing with her in his arms. He had never run that fast, he didn't quite know how he did it. It was as if he was possessed. He was sure that was the way he looked when he ran into the Wing.

His eyes had been wide and he panted heavily. He didn't know how to explain the dying girl in his arms so he thrust the vial at Madame Pomfrey. There was enough in the bottom for her to quickly identify the substance. Draco was sent to summon Dumbledore and McGonagall while the nurse tended to the sick Head Girl. He explained, as much as he could or dared to, to the Headmaster and Head of Gryffindor House.

They left Draco alone in the Hospital Wing. He was to alert anyone immediately if Hermione regained consciousness. She hadn't by the time Draco's arms collapsed and sleep won him over.

Draco's dreams were not pleasant. The vision of Hermione's body falling limp into his arms as he caught her replayed over and over and over in his head. Soon the visions turned from her silent body lying in a hospital bed, to visions of her forever silent body lying in a satin lined coffin. His dream self stood over Hermione's casket.

She lay there, peacefully. As if she was merely asleep in the early hours of the morning. He could hear various people sobbing softly behind him. She was a much loved person. He didn't know what to tell them, why the Gryffindor princess was dead. Dark looks were shot at him from across the room as if he had something to do with her death.

'I did' he admitted to himself. 'If I had never proposed that stupid idea, she wouldn't have fallen in love with me. It wouldn't have made her crazy and she wouldn't be dead.'

Draco paid no attention to any of the other occupants of the room. His eyes never left her still, cold body. He reached out a hand to gently stroke her cheek.

Suddenly her lifeless hand shot out and grabbed his wrist tightly, almost crushing the bones. Her eyes sprung open and Draco nearly screamed in horror. They were white and lifeless yet evil. She sat up in the coffin and opened her mouth to speak.

'I love you, Draco. Why didn't you stop me? Why did you let me die?' She asked in a harsh voice.

Draco's head shot up as he panted heavily. His face was drenched in a cold sweat and his breath came only in short gasps. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He opened his eyes again and looked at the clock. He had only been asleep for two hours and the clock was just ringing five o'clock. Students would be waking soon and Draco needed to get some sleep before classes. He jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy." Professor Dumbledore said gently. Draco relaxed considerably.

"Good morning, Professor." He replied in an exhausted voice.

"I have spoken with Professor McGonagall; she is going to allow you to miss her class this morning. So, I suggest you go back to the Head Dorm and get some sleep. You will not be excused from any other classes today." Professor Dumbledore said kindly. Draco nodded. He was reluctant to leave Hermione's side but stood up anyway. His muscles ached in protest. He left the Hospital Wing silently and made his way back to the Dorm. He stripped off his clothes except for his boxers and crawled into his bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

After Transfiguration he had a free period. He was grateful for that. He continued the rest of the day in a daze. Word was spreading about Hermione and Draco did all he could to avoid high traffic areas during the day. He was not in the mood to talk to anyone, even Potter and Weasley when they approached him. He hid himself well for most of the day.

Hermione's eyes fluttered open and her eyes slowly adjusted to the light coming in from the windows. She sat up slightly in the bed and found herself looking into the eyes of the wizened old Headmaster. She sank back slightly under his glance.

"Miss Granger, how are you feeling?" He asked kindly, sitting up slightly in an armchair he obviously conjured himself, seeing as it was the only one in the room. Hermione looked at him for a moment before responding. His voice was kind and gentle, but his eyes did not hold the comfortable, familiar twinkle she was so accustomed to.

"I'm…better." She said softly, choosing her words carefully. She sat up in bed fully as she responded. Dumbledore nodded slowly.

"May I ask why you drank that potion last night?" He asked quite bluntly. Hermione hung her head and played with the edge of the blanket.

"I couldn't take it anymore." She whispered. "I was losing…I lost my mind. It was as if someone else had taken over my body and was controlling me."

"The Imperius Curse?" Dumbledore asked, voice suddenly getting more serious. Hermione glanced up and then shook her head.

"No. It wasn't that."

"What made you try to end your life, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked softly, concern etched into his features. Tears filled Hermione's eyes as she began to explain what happened. She told her Headmaster about how she had fallen in love with her Head counterpart. She did leave out several…graphic reasons why.

"I guess that in the end, it was just too much for me. It won't happen again, sir. I promise." Hermione concluded. Dumbledore stood up slowly and waved his wand, causing the armchair to disappear.

"You are a bright witch, Miss Granger. Normally, in instances such as this, I would replace you as Head Girl and recommend you stay here for a few more nights. However, I have been known to change my mind depending on circumstances. I will have all of your things moved from your Dorm to a private one. I hope that will solve the problem. This is your last chance though and I personally will check on you each night." Dumbledore explained. Hermione nodded firmly. His eyes regained their twinkle as he left the Hospital Wing.

Hermione laid back and closed her eyes. She soon heard voices around her and opened her eyes again. She smiled slightly to herself upon seeing Harry and Ginny sitting by her bed. She did not notice the other Weasley standing off to himself. Harry smiled brightly when he saw her eyes open.

"Welcome back, Hermione." He said softly. Ginny leaned down and hugged her friend, then went back to sitting on the arm of Harry's chair.

"I am sorry I gave you a fright." Hermione said, a sadness they could not identify hung on her breath.

"I'm sorry, Hermione." Hermione looked up at Harry and Ginny but both of them were looking into the corner where the voice came from. Ron walked over and stood by her bed.

"I know, Ron. But you didn't do this to me. Don't think you did." She said softly, opening her arms. He smiled slightly and walked over to her, pulling her into a hug.

"You scared us all." Ron whispered into her ear.

The Gryffindors stayed with Hermione for a bit, talking and laughing. They finally departed when Ron's stomach growled most loudly for dinner. Hermione laid back down and closed her eyes, dozing off into dreamland for a brief time. The next time she awoke, she was not alone.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, shock and anger filled her voice. The person sitting in the chair next to her bed looked at her before speaking.

"I came to check on you. I never want to see you like that again, Hermione." Draco said softly. Hermione's eyes widened.

"Why are you doing this to me?" She asked quietly, tears filling up her eyes.

"What do you mean?" He asked, sitting up in his chair.

"One day you're so nice to me, then the next you treat me like the dirt under your shoes, and then you're nice again. It's too much for me. Pick one. Don't keep changing your mind on whether or not you hate me." Hermione sobbed, tears falling down her cheeks. A strange feeling tugged at Draco's stomach as he watched her tears fell. He wanted more than anything to take her in his arms and hold her until her tears stopped.

He was falling for her, too.

The months they had spent together had opened his eyes to her beauty and charisma. He had refused to admit it to himself. Malfoys rarely fall in love and never do they fall in love with muggle-born Gryffindors. Draco did. He had fallen in love with her; he just hadn't yet realized how strong his feelings for her were. It had taken the possibility of her death to even bring the feelings to the surface. He didn't quite know how it had happened, but he wasn't sorry that it did.

Hermione's tears had slowed and she was taking deep breaths to regain her composure. Draco opened his mouth to speak but before he was able to, Madame Pomfrey walked over to the two Heads.

"Miss Granger, you are ready to be released. Professor Dumbledore will be in here shortly to show you to your new room." Poppy said gently. Hermione nodded, looking at her hands resting in her lap. As Poppy walked back over to a bed to tend to a first year who was suffering the effects of a spell gone awry, Draco's eyes widened with a strange emotion…fear. He reached out and cupped her chin.

"What did she mean by new room?" Draco asked, pulling Hermione's head up to meet his eyes.

"Professor Dumbledore and I decided that it would be for the best that I move out of the Head Dorm." Hermione said softly. A look of sadness crossed Draco's face for the briefest of times.

"Hermione, don't do that." Draco said softly. Hermione looked at him curiously for a moment.

"Don't do what?" She asked simply. He released his grip on her chin and his eyes were cast downwards.

"Don't leave me, please." He pleaded. It was Hermione's turn to widen her eyes. She did not have time to respond because at that moment, Professor Dumbledore walked up to them.

"Are you ready to go, Miss Granger?" The wizened old professor asked. Hermione looked at her Slytherin counter-part once more before responding.

"Actually, Professor. I would like to go back to my room, think over moving out for a day or two more." Hermione said defiantly. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in the light.

"As you wish. Mister Malfoy, would you kindly escort Miss Granger back to her room and keep an eye on her?" Professor Dumbledore asked. He could tell from Draco's expression that she would be safe in his care for the night. Draco nodded as the Professor left the two alone to get ready. Draco stepped away briefly for Hermione to dress and then helped her make the long walk back to their dorm. When they got in, Hermione rounded on Draco.

"Why do you want me to stay?" She asked. Draco knew this was coming. He knew she would want to know. He had just realized what exactly he was feeling for her. He loved her. He realized it after months of being near her and being…with her. Yet now, facing her, he could not bring himself to say it out loud.

"I…I don't hate you. I know it seemed like I did last night but that was not directed at you." He began. It was the truth.

He explained to her how he had received a letter from his father that afternoon. It informed Draco that Lucius knew of his slipping grades. Threats were thrown about quite liberally if they did not pick up. All distractions were ordered to be fixed or abandoned and that severe punishment would follow if they were not.

"So I am sorry for what I did to you. I…when my father makes a threat, he means it." Draco finished. Hermione looked at him, studying him.

"Why did you want me to stay?" Her question was repeated. Draco took a deep breath. He knew he had to get it out sooner or later.

"I love you."

Hermione stared at him, looking for lying eyes. She knew she could not have heard him right. But when she looked into his eyes, she could see the love he felt for her. She walked over to him and snaked her hand around his neck. He lifted her gently off of the floor as he pressed his lips to hers. He carried her to the closest bedroom, which happened to be Hermione's.

That night, for the first time, the two did not merely shag.

They made love.

Well into morning.

THIS IS NOT THE END

Now that I have that out of the way…wow. So what did you all think of that chapter? And of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? ANYONE WHO WISHES TO DISCUSS THIS STORY OR HP DH FEEL FREE TO INSTANT MESSAGE ME USING AOL INSTANT MESSANGER AT:

mollyxswagger

And please review. Thank you