Chapter 4:

So this was my plan? To fall and merit myself disabled? There was a piece of glass in my eye, I could feel shards of glass sinking into my skin. But all that didn't matter to me, the attention seeking git I am. Only her eyes that were on me, so large they were. Red and puffy and frankly, appalling. But they were focused on me and that was all I cared about.

I heard her sniffle. I could hear the mucus being sucked back into her air ways. Oh, I couldn't help but shudder from the sound. It was so wrong, how could a woman do that to her lungs? Oh wait; she was a Mudblood… that did explain a lot.

"Malfoy?" She asked in just above a whisper. I shivered, not from hearing her voice in my ears, but from hearing her tone. I had tried to prepare myself for coming here. Remember? My two drinks at the Leaky Cauldron? I'm not much of a drinker, but this situation called for it. But I knew now, I was not prepared in the least.

Her tone was so weak, so pathetic. I felt it was my obligation to smack some sense into her. But no, I couldn't do that. I had values, and one was to never hit a woman. What would my mother think? There I go again, thinking this Mudblood is actually a woman, even human!

Oh, I better reply. Or would it be better to feign unconsciousness? I was at a loss here. I was at her mercy. I couldn't move to save myself. Ar, I'm an idiot. Perhaps, if I respond to her she would tend to me, because my ribs are extremely painful, even worse than being hit in the balls by a Bludger.

I bit my tongue once again. I'll use her name; it didn't hurt to last time. "Hermione?" I choke out. Oh, priceless. Her eyes widened with amazement and she dropped to the ground beside me. Since I was lying on my stomach and unfortunately on my ribs also, she disappeared from my view.

"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" She enquired weakly, I could tell she was attempting to restrain her tears. Thank god for that, I didn't want them splashing on me.

Didn't you hear me the first time, you stupid Mudblood? I bit back the retort lingering on my tongue. I was supposed to make this look realistic enough for her to fall in love with me. I can't go about saying Mudblood every time I felt like it. Sadly, Mudblood will have to disappear from my vocabulary for a while. It's a shame; I am quite fond of that word. It's like a pet name for Granger. I hid my smile with the carpet.

"I need your help, H-h-h-er –" Just get it out you idiot, "Hermione."

"Why me, Malfoy?" She bit back at me straight away.

Isn't it obvious? Can't you see that rib sticking out at an obviously painful angle? Didn't you think the Dark Lord would ever come for you? Oh, imagine if I were the Dark Lord. I sigh "My ribs," I gasp, "their broken."

"Can't you mend them yourself?" Hermione sniffed. I then feel her rise from my side and walk away "Can't you see that I am busy here, and do not want to be disturbed?"

"I can't move," I pleaded. Show some sympathy DAMNIT! My ribs really hurt! "Please could you just do it, and then I will tell you my story!"

I heard her sigh. She was caving! Thank god!

I heard her mutter 'reparo' and my ribs mended. Funny I didn't think that spell worked on bones. I shrug not really caring as I gather myself to my feet, brushing off the glass from my black robe, which was still torn. Damn you father.

Okay, so I lied about the glass in my eye, but it made for a nice effect didn't it? It felt as though it was in there though as I rubbed it, attempting to make it weep. So I was trying to make myself cry, what harm could come of that?

But Granger wasn't looking at me. She was gazing off at the bare wall were several portraits once hung. Tears splashed from her large brown eyes and cut tracks into her flushed cheeks. I didn't care, as long as those tears stayed the hell away from me. I really wanted to just run from the house and never come back, but that would be cowardly. And I was not cowardly what ever my father said.

I was about to move towards her and do the ungodly thing of trying to console her when she turned on me, her tears all but disappeared in her bout of rage "Malfoy, get the hell out of my house! I've healed your damn ribs! NOW GET OUT BEFORE I HEX YOU!"

I kept my own temper down and bit back "It's Draco."

Oh, the look on her face was priceless. All color drained from her face, her posture was as stiff as a board. Her teeth were clenched so tightly. For the life of me, I can't explain how she managed to say "Just-Get-Out."

I looked at her. Now was the time I put my acting skills to good use. Just enough to let me stay! Oh, the lies I'm going to tell. But then again… I could just twist the truth.

"I can't." I reply finally, turning to face her when I was sure the tears in my eyes were welling up at that moment "I can't leave you like this." Ok, so that was a lie. But it could be the truth for all she knew.

Granger stared at me, her jaw still tightly clenched. No wonder she has early signs wrinkles! The expressions she puts her face through would be painful for her skin.

"What are you on about, Malfoy?" She demanded.

"Your loss…you must be hurting, a lot." I reply nervously, not knowing what response my words will merit.

Her mouth formed an 'O'. Just the reaction I was looking for, complete and utter disbelief. "I'm doing fine, Mal – Wait, how do you know? The Ministry officials said they weren't going to notify the Prophet because they didn't want to cause uproars of fear."

I hung my head, to hide my smirk. To her it looked as though I were thinking things through, deeply. Really I was laughing to myself. How could this i girl /i be so naïve? No, i real /i Ministry Official would ever think to not notify someone when Death Eater activity was concerned. I could laugh, but I don't think I should. I have seen the effects my laughter has on people.

I think before I speak, making sure I have the line right before I say it. Not that I would ever question myself, but you know. An actor must perfect his lines and add a little bit of himself to it for a little bit of realism. I drew in a breath "Hermione, people talk. You should know that of all people. And anyway, I, being a Malfoy, heard it on the grape vine. I just thought I would come and see it you were – "

She turned on me "That is a whole load of bull shit! Of course you didn't hear it i on the grape vine /i , Malfoy!"

She just insulted me! She mocked me! Oh my god, I have being mocked! No one mocks Draco Malfoy. Oh, Granger you will pay. She will regret that.

"What are you implying?" I asked, sounding as insulted as ever. I have being insulted. But I was lying, I guess.

"You were one of i them /i ! You helped kill my parents!"

My face shines when I blanch. It is that pale in the darkness, it shines like the moon in the sky. I knew I was visible to her now, so I changed my expression from insulted/slapped-in-the-face to hurt and woeful in the blink of an eye.

"I would never –"

She smiled an insane smile as she drew her wand on me. How dare she?

"You would never what, Malfoy? Intentionally hurt someone to prove your self? Attempt to murder someone?" She took a breath in and tilted her head to the side, sizing me up.

I'm taller than you, Granger.

She continued in a whisper, stepping towards me slowly "For all I know, you were one of those running around in masks. One of those cowards! I will ask you again, because I am all for second chances like Dumbledore once was, get out of my house."

I didn't move. I wasn't going to be bullied by a little Mudblood like that. Oh, I can't i not /i use that word.

"I was not there. I'm not even a Death Eater –" Oh god, should I say it? Should I put this massive lie into the spin of things? Why not? I'm not going to get affected by it "– And don't ever plan to be one. I want out."

She flicked her wand out of sheer shock. Damn non-verbal spells. I was sent propelling out the front door. The door closed behind me.

I landed beneath the stupid buzzing street lamp, sprawled out, my robes in a disorderly fashion. I was not too intent on looking in a mirror right about now with the state I was in. Oh damn, now I've done it. I'm as good as dead. The Dark Lord will kill me on the spot.

My looks won't save me now, or my new found acting skills.

Hermione sniffed with anger. Her fists were shaking uncontrollably. The only thought in her head was, i how dare he? /i

Why would she ever want to see Draco Malfoy when she was in this state? Her parents had just being killed! No one cared! Least of all was Malfoy. But then again, even her best friends hadn't even attempted to contact her.

She had being grateful when the Ministry Officials had said her parents' death was not to be broadcast to the entire country. She had thought, in the silence, she would be able to deal with her loss easier without having strangers coming up to her and asking how she was.

How else could she be? She had seen them. She had heard their cries of pain. And she had done i nothing /i . Absolutely nothing.

She didn't understand why she hadn't cursed the Death Eaters' black hearts from their chests and brought them to her fist just to clench it, watch it beat in her hand. But she had been too shocked to even move.

She had done nothing. And she had not heard a word from either Ron or Harry.

Her knees crumbled and she broke down once again. They didn't care. They were too preoccupied chasing after stupid Horcruxes! She was not important to them anymore.

She was desperate for someone, anyone to talk to. She wasn't fine, she wasn't even ok. She was dead and gone. Or at least it felt that way; mind and limb numbing cold.

Hermione looked around her, and saw Malfoy's bags standing just a little distance away. Why had he brought his bags with him when all he was doing was i supposedly just /i seeing if she was ok?

Where was he anyway? A smirk grew on her lips when she realized he was probably out on his arse feeling sorry for himself out the front. But then again, he could have hopefully realized that she would not talk to him and disappeared.

i I should go and check /i , she thought suddenly, i I hadn't meant to be so forceful with cursing him out the door /i .

She picked her self up off the ground, painfully standing straight. She was broken on the inside out. And no one cared.

But then again, someone i may /i care.

I looked up when I heard the front door open and close. There she was I will not shy away. Oh gosh, she's coming closer and she has her wand. Argh! Cover face now with hands!

I huddle in a ball, looking at the ground, hearing her footfalls coming closer I knew how to look hurt, confused, disorientated, insulted and angry all at the same time. And I used this gift now. This look had never once failed me, and I was sure it wasn't going to now.

"Malfoy?" Hermione asked tentatively.

I didn't answer. For the life of me, I wanted to shout WHAT! But I didn't. She had said it so softly. And I knew this wasn't the Hermione Granger I had grown up to know and hate. She was broken, completely and utterly. And I was the one that had to make her whole again with my lies. Oh, what fun this was going to be. Sarcasm should be noted.

"Malfoy?" She asked again, coming closer.

I weighed up the most prominent bruises on my face while it was still in my hands. This right eye feels worst than the left. I uncover my right eye and lift my head so that the light fell on the bruise shockingly.

I heard her gasp and prayed she hadn't seen my eyes wrinkle up from my dark smile. I hate it when they do that.

"What happened to you?" She asked, kneeling down beside me.

I cover up my face again, just so she would become even more suspicious. It had the effect I wanted for she now raised a hand to my face and clasped her hand around mine, pulling the hand away from my face.

Ew. She's touching me. Get her away from me.

I pull my hand abruptly from her grasp and snap "You don't care. Just don't touch me."

She sighed and rested her hands in her lap "Why are you here, Malfoy?"

Haven't we been through this! Jesus Christ! "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I was wrong to think that I should come to you. You're a hypocrite!" I snap out. Oh, I was doing well. I could see this just from looking at her hurtful expression. Ten points to Draco Malfoy. Hermione Granger, zero.

"I am not a hypocrite! Don't blame me for jumping to conclusions, Malfoy. You're not known for your innocence. I have every reason to think that you are behind it!" She said with a bite of impatience, attempting to restrain herself.

I looked at her affronted "You think I am You-Know-Who now, do you?" I pause, and looked her in the eye "For your information I had no part in that, and don't ever want a part in it. I am not a Death Eater, Hermione…"

"Don't call me Hermione." She said blankly, staring at me.

I shuddered under her gaze, "And why not? It's your name isn't it?"

"What happened to Mudblood, Granger, and Insufferable-Know-It-All?" She continues on, still staring at me with her broken eyes.

I sigh, a long winded sigh. I love that sound. What should I say here? Hmmm… I know. "I grew up, okay?"

"Oh…" She was at a complete loss of anything better to say. Just the reaction I enjoy seeing. "Well anyway, go home Malfoy. I don't want you here. You can't help me, and you are the last person I want to talk to." She said to the ground. I knew she was lying. She was lying! She wanted me here!

She attempted to leave my side, but I could not let that happen. I drew in a deep breath, scolded my self in advance for doing this and took her by the arm. Dragging her back down I whispered my plea, "But I need you, Hermione. You are the only one that can help me!" I took her hand in mine and grasped it tightly. She attempted to pull away, but I held on stubbornly. Soon she folded, and I held her hand quite easily.

Her reaction was what I had expected, immediate need to help. Gryffindors are such gullible idiots.

"What do you mean, Malfoy?" She enquired.

"I want out. Not that I'm in, but you know what I mean. I want to change sides. I want to join the Order of the Phoenix. I can't let my father get the better of me time and time again" I conveniently uncover my face, relishing in her sudden gasp of shock and surprise, "I won't let him win or Voldemort, for that matter. I want to be on your side, with you."

She looked at me helplessly, opening her mouth every now and again just to close it unwilling to say a word. So I decided to come out with the big guns and get it over and done with. I mean, girls have to have some sort of help don't they? If a guy shows interest in them, they usually follow with identical feelings soon afterward. So, if I wanted Granger to fall in love with me I would have to say…

"Hermione, I can't stand to be on the opposite side to you. Because well, it's stupid to say this but I can't lie to myself any longer. I love you Hermione."

There I had said it, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. But then again, it was a lie. And lies come easily to my lips.