Chapter Four

He knew Granger wouldn't have gone to her common room as most of the seventh year boys in Gryffindor had actually encouraged Pansy's completely inappropriate behaviour. He figured that in her state she would not be able to open the room of requirement. That only left one place.

Draco pushed open the door to the library as quietly as possible. He crouched down and scanned the floor. Spotting the small robe-clad figure in the secluded area, he took a deep breath and walked around the book shelves towards her.

She was in the foetal position, face down, and pressed against the carpet, sobbing, her body silently shaking. He took slow steps before dropping to his knees. She must have felt the shift in the air because she lifted her head and turned to look up at who she had hoped was Harry. Her eyes widened and she whimpered, backing away from him. Horrified at what he had done, he didn't try to stop her.

"Get away from me Malfoy. Don't touch me or I'll– I'll– I'll…"

Hermione placed her hands defensively in front of her and edged further away from Draco who only seemed to start crying himself. He walked over to her on his knees, taking her hands and interlacing their fingers. Tears slid down his cheeks as he backed her into the corner and she looked at him, eyes filled with fear.

"P-please d-don't" she whimpered.

She was afraid of him. He was a monster, as bad as Voldemort himself. He pulled her to him and wrapped his muscular arms around her, the electrical feeling returning. He felt her stiffen and resist before leaning into his shoulder and crying some more.

"Wh-why are y-you d-doing this-s?"

"Granger, I'm so sorry. I never wanted it to go that far. I never meant to hurt you like that. Please, please forgive me."

"Not th-that. Why ar-are you d-doing this?"

Draco pulled away, leaving his arms around Hermione who was looking as confused as he was.

"Doing what? I'm, ouch! trying to comfort you and apologise"

"No you're not; you're fucking giving me electric shots. Quit it! Haven't you fucking caused me enough pain tonight?"

Draco pushed Hermione back at arms length and met her chocolate eyes with his grey ones. Her hair was still a mess and she flinched as he pushed away the stray pieces that criss-crossed across her perfect complexion. Both of them felt the electricity lingering. He placed his cold hands against her tear stained cheeks and felt them heat quickly. Surprised he took them away and examined them. They slowly but surely became cold again. He looked back at Hermione – who was also interested in his hands – and bit his bottom lip. Finally he cupped Hermione's face again, instantly feeling the heat return and slowly leaned forward, closing his eyes.

Hermione had watched Draco's hands until she saw his eyes close. It was only then that she realised he had leant forward and his face was now millimetres away from hers. Her eyes looked down to his lips and she contemplated how they would feel. Soft, powerful, nurturing… divine.