A/N: Yes, I'm alive! Finally graduated college (woo!) and now I have more time to work on my stories. Thanks so much for waiting. The next update will not take as long, I promise. Love you all!

Chapter 19 - Truces and Grudges

In…and out.

In….and out.

That was the pattern of Hermione Granger's breathing: constant, repetitive, and most importantly, stable. Her eyes were closed, a calming expression etched onto her face. Her mind drifted somewhere between awake and asleep. It was peaceful, like floating or perhaps lying on the bottom of a pool, submerged deep in water. But it was also a little cold, and Hermione's body ached for warmth.

Slowly, after what felt like an eternity, the warmth came and pulled her from the darkness and cold.

The first thing Hermione became aware of was the ability to hear, as her ears took in the sound of her own steady breathing. Her range expanded, and the sounds around her caused her eye lids to flutter. She could hear hushed and slightly muffled voices—conversations. The cool air rippled the room as a gush of wind slid in through the windows, quiet as a ghost.

That was when Hermione realized the familiar sensation: the feeling of being able to feel again. It was odd, forgetting how to feel. But it came back naturally, as if a distant memory from another life had finally resurfaced. Her eyes peaked open slowly. The blinding light caused her to shrink, if possible, lower into her bed.

Her bed? Why was she in a bed?

Forcing her eyes open, Hermione looked around. Colors and images were blurry, but slowly the faces that surrounded her flushed a memory into her mind as realization started to sink in. Her state of mind was starting to return, along with all of her senses. She knew these people; of course she did. But what were they doing here?

Snape was deep in conversation with Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick. He was not yelling, but Hermione had seen that expression enough times to know when he was furious. Dumbledore had his head bent, listening patiently as Snape whispered angry in his ear. Tiny Professor Flitwick stood on a chair, looking disheveled and worried as Madam Pomfrey arrived with a green bottle full of liquid. She stared at Madam Pomfrey far too long before putting the pieces together.

She was in the hospital wing.

Her eyes left the group of four and traveled around the room, stopping in shock at the sight before her as two people stood only feet away from her bed. Ginny's eyes were puffy and red, as if she had been crying. She looked wildly stressed, her cheeks a faint shade of scarlet and her hair less tame than normal. But what shocked Hermione most was who she was conversing with quietly.

Ginny was talking to Draco Malfoy. And what was more, they didn't appear to be fighting.

Hermione blinked, sure she was dreaming.

Malfoy had his hands in his pockets, his head bowed low as he spoke with Ginny. Hermione strained her ears to hear better, wondering what they could possibly be talking about and even more, why their wands weren't drawn out in a duel. Malfoy's back was to her so she could not read his face, though she imagined it to be the carefully blank mask he had been wearing all year.

After twisting her head slightly to get a better view, Hermione noticed Ron sitting in a chair not far from his sister. His fists were clenched, resting on his knees. He was staring at the ground, his body still as a statue. His left eye was dark and black, swollen, his red hair a mess. It was only then that she realized he was sitting by a bed, a bed occupied by Lavender. She was deep in sleep and had a cut above her right eye that was puffy and swollen. Lying in the bed next to Lavender was Blaise Zabini, who looked unnaturally still as he lay with his right arm propped up in a sling.

What happened? Hermione thought madly. What's going on?

She shifted her gaze to the bed next to her and her breath caught in her throat.

"Harry…?" she choked, surprised by the faint softness of her own voice.

The chatter in the room ceased at once as nearly everyone not in a bed rushed to her. She hardly paid any attention. Her eyes were glued to Harry's still form. She stared so long that she was met with a small ray of relief when she noticed he was breathing. Thank heavens, he's not dead, she thought.

"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, bending down and pulling her into a hug, ignoring the protests from Madam Pomfrey.

"Hi," said Hermione weakly. She felt herself smile, and the movement somehow felt both new and foreign, like she had been sleeping for years. What had happened to her?

Ginny let go and Hermione's gaze slid past her friend. Snape still looked angry and Ron was gazing at the floor, unable to meet her eyes. Dumbledore was beaming at her, looking both relieved and overjoyed.

"What's going on?" she finally asked, unable to stand the unknown any longer. Her eyes unwillingly met Malfoy's and he looked away.

Ginny arched a brow. "You don't know?" she asked quietly.

"No, I don't."

"Why can't she remember?" Ginny asked Madam Pomfrey.

"Part of the side effects of such a curse," said Madam Pomfrey. "Keep in mind she has only just awoken. Her memory should return. It may take a few hours or so, but she seems to know where she is and who we are." She smiled at Hermione and then skirted from the room back to her cupboard full of potions.

"Of course I know who everyone is and where I am! But what curse? What's going on and what's wrong with Harry?" Hermione demanded, feeling more and more herself by the minute.

She listened as Dumbledore explained how her Defense Against the Dark Arts class had learned a new curse, how she had volunteered for the counter-curse—in which Dumbledore made very clear how displeased he was that Snape had gone through with this—how the class had erupted into a fight, how Snape had been knocked unconscious, and—and this was the part that truly stopped her breath—that Gryffindor and Slytherin had each lost 100 points for their house.

But as Dumbledore finished the story, Hermione slowly began to remember volunteering, and more frighteningly, the Land of Shadows. Everything seemed to finally make a little more sense. Distantly, still fuzzy like remembering a dream, she could now recall the horrible place her soul had been sent. What surprised her most was that Ron had saved her. Why wouldn't he look at her?

"Miss Granger?" said Dumbledore, and Hermione had the distinct feeling she had zoned out and he had said her name once already.

Hermione looked at him. "Yes?"

"How are you feeling?"

"I feel…" she muttered, then broke out into a small laugh, staring at her fingers and wriggling them around.

"Something one should never take for granted. A horrible thing to forget," answered Dumbledore, understanding her words.

"It was so awful," she whispered. Then something more pressing occurred to her. "And Harry! How is he?"

"Harry is quite fine," said Dumbledore, smiling.

"He just hasn't woken up yet," said Ginny. "After Professor Flitwick revived Professor Snape, he brought Harry back. But Madam Pomfrey expected you two to both be out for at least a day."

Hermione rubbed her head. It was throbbing uncontrollably.

"Headmaster I must insist," said Madam Pomfrey hastily. "Miss Granger needs to rest."

"Of course, Poppy. Miss Granger, we are certainly pleased to have you back. Severus, Filius, a word if you please," said Dumbledore, before sweeping the wing.

Snape and Flitwick followed, leaving Ginny and Ron at Hermione's bed side.

Hermione glanced around. But wait, where was Malfoy? Hermione didn't see him leave; maybe he left with the other teachers. Ron still hadn't said a word, but kept his gaze on the floor. She turned to face him.

"Ron—" Hermione began.

"I'm so sorry," he said quietly, cutting her off.

"Sorry, for what?"

He looked up with a broken expression she did not understand. "Because it's all my fault."

"What are you talking about?"

"I should have volunteered for you," he said quietly. "And I—I started the fight."

"You?" she said, stunned. Dumbledore hadn't mentioned that. "But why?"

"I should go," he said, looking away. "I'm sorry I'm not—I'll see you later." And with that, he left the wing. Hermione stared after him, shocked and slightly angry.

"Hermione," Ginny started.

"One hundred points!" Hermione shouted. "We lost one hundred points and Ron started it! Does he think saving me makes up for that?"

Ginny let her head tilt to the side. "What are you talking about?" she asked.

"I'm saying even though Ron saved me," said Hermione, "I'm still furious with him."

"But Hermione," said Ginny, shaking her head, "Ron didn't save you."

Hermione looked at her friend sharply. "He didn't?"

"No," Ginny said slowly. "Malfoy did. Malfoy brought you back."

Hermione struggled to sleep. She tossed and turned all night, and when she finally fell into a deep sleep, the sun had begun to rise. When she finally woke, Hermione had several blissful moments of blankness before reality settled in and she remembered what Ginny had told her. The curse, the counter-curse, and—

Malfoy.

Malfoy had brought her back. How could he have broken such an ancient curse? And how had it worked? A shiver ran up her spine that had nothing to do with the chilly air entering the wing through the cracks of the windows. Hermione's gaze shifted to the other side of her bed, where Harry's curtains were pulled around his bed. He still hadn't awoken.

"About time you woke up, Mudblood," a voice grunted. Hermione shot her head sideways and, when she saw who it was, mustered up a nasty glare.

Pansy was sitting up straight in her bed, stirring a warm bowl of soup with a spoon. Hermione inhaled the warm smell of potatoes and cream with a watering mouth and bitterness; she was suddenly really hungry.

"What are you doing in here, Pansy?" she asked, scooting back and shifting into a sitting position.

"What do you think?" Pansy snapped, her eyes flashing. She held up a bandaged arm. "That idiot boyfriend of yours blasted me with a curse."

"He's not her boyfriend!" a new voice shouted. Both Hermione and Pansy turned their attention across the wing to Lavender, who was red faced and slightly swollen under one cheek.

Pansy waved her uninjured hand in annoyance. "Whatever," she said.

"What time is it?" Hermione wondered aloud, deciding it would be best to ignore Lavender.

"Around noon. You snore like a damn hippogriff," said Pansy. "Has anyone ever told you?"

Oh, you horrible cow! Hermione thought angrily.

"Would you two keep it down?" snapped Lavender, shifting from side to side in her bed. "I'm trying to sleep here, now that Hermione's awake."

"I do not snore that loud!" Hermione snapped back, her facing blazing red.

"Look Granger, regardless of your snoring there's something I have to say," said Pansy reluctantly.

Hermione shifted to look at her. Surely this was the longest conversation they had ever had, that wasn't completely laced with insults.

"I don't like you or anything but…maybe I was wrong," she said stiffly, forcing out the words. "I shouldn't have constantly reminded you of your unnatural…lineage."

Hermione stared at her. Was Pansy Parkinson apologizing? Surely Hermione hadn't woken up yet. This was probably a dream, a side effect from the potions Madam Pomfrey had given her.

"Are you…apologizing?" Hermione asked, her voice full of skepticism. It was highly unlike her to just apologize for years and years of name calling and torment. Well, if you called that an apology. Unnatural lineage…

Pansy shrugged. "Well, it wasn't my—"

"Pansy!" a furious growl came from the doorway. There Malfoy stood, arms crossed with his eyes on fire. Hermione hadn't even heard him come in. How long was he standing there? "Madam Pomfrey says you can leave."

Pansy sniffed and looked somewhat disappointed. She got up and placed the tray of soup back on the bed. She was to the door when Hermione called out, "Hey Pansy?"

She hesitated, then turned around. "What, Granger?"

"Well, maybe I was wrong for calling you an ignorant cow and embarrassing you when I disarmed you so easily in class," said Hermione. There, that apology was equivalent to the one Pansy had given. And, Hermione was a little sorry. It had been a rotten thing to say. "Truce?" she added.

Pansy's mouth twitched and for a moment, Hermione thought she might laugh or scream at her. But all she did was give a curt nod. Malfoy's expression didn't change and he was on Pansy's heels as she left the wing, giving Hermione no chance to thank him for saving her.

She sighed; he was probably going to ignore her. She sunk back into her bed, staring up at the ceiling, listening to Lavender's muffled snores.

Hermione had just made a truce with Pansy Parkinson, of all people. Maybe underneath the prejudice Pansy wasn't that bad. She was a bully and had a superiority problem, but she wasn't a monster. Even Malfoy wasn't as bad as Hermione thought, once she took the time to get to know him. Maybe it was a Slytherin thing.

They weren't about to be friends anytime soon, but a truce with Pansy Parkinson of any sort was possibly the strangest thing that had happened all year. And that was saying something.

Madam Pomfrey finally let Hermione leave two days later, no doubt sick of hearing her complain about falling behind in classes. She had recovered from the curse with her memories intact and felt good as new. It was a relief to be back in classes, but this meant that the entire school finally had the time to bombard her with questions.

The rumors were ridiculous, even more entertaining than what actually happened. The one that really made Hermione laugh—and worry for the sanity of her classmates—were the ones that swore Hermione and Harry had been turned into vampires.

Hermione told what she knew to be the truth. Well, most of it. There were so many false rumors that the truth was passed off as a lie. When the true rumor of Malfoy saving Hermione resurfaced, Hermione said it was a lie, that it had been Flitwick. Those who knew better knew it had been him, didn't correct her either. Maybe it was Malfoy's doing, or maybe they believed he was powerful enough that he could have saved anyone. Either way, going with the lie was Hermione's way of thanking him. She was sure he'd want the anonymity.

She received twenty points, along with Harry, for going through such a complicated ordeal. Harry had awoken hours after Pansy had left the wing, though unlike Hermione, he remembered everything right away. He, too, never wanted to visit the Land of Shadows again and was glad to be free from it. Hermione couldn't help her curiosity, wondering how his "adventure" had gone. But he didn't seem as keen in discussing the Land of Shadows as she was, so she let the subject die begrudgingly. With Harry awake, it meant some of the attention shifted from Hermione and for that she was—albeit apologetically—glad.

Christmas was approaching quickly as November carried over to December. The grounds were starting to be covered in white, fluffy snow and the air was becoming more dry and cold. Hagrid had begun placing enormous pine trees throughout the castle, lavished in various shades of garlands and tinsel. The castle had been decorated in brilliant shades of scarlet and green, with mistletoe hanging in various corridors. Hermione got a kick out of watching Harry dart through secret passage ways, avoiding flocks of girls that were determined to catch him under the mistletoe.

Hermione and Ron remained distant, with tension and friction between them. Hermione wasn't sure when or how they could get past it. Their relationship was uncomfortable for everyone, but most of all Harry, who remained the middle. For his sake Hermione almost forgave Ron, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. Not when he was with Lavender. Not when he lost one hundred points for Gryffindor and didn't volunteer for her.

It was the last day of classes before the holidays, and Hermione made her way toward the bathroom on the fourth floor before meeting Harry. She had promised to meet him early for dinner, passing along her Charm's essay on one condition: he had to swear not to share it with Ron.

Hermione shut the door hastily in one of the stalls when a fit of giggles burst through the door of the bathroom.

"You don't honestly think it will work, do you?"

With a mental grown, Hermione recognized the slightly high pitched voice of Lavender. She kept silent in her stall, hoping to bring no attention to herself.

"Of course it will," came a vaguely familiar voice. Hermione pushed her face toward the crack of the door, trying to catch a glimpse at who the other person was. She knew this voice from somewhere, but couldn't remember from where. All she could see was a heap of wild dark hair. "I got it from a reliable source. You know, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

"Oh! Then of course it will work! Won-Won always speaks so highly of them!" shrilled Lavender. Hermione made a sour face. Won-Won, really? "How did you get it in here, Romilda?"

"Well, they disguise the potions as medications and send them by owl order."

Hermione was now so close to the door her face was pushed up against it. If the door was not locked, she would have fallen straight on her face. Now that Lavender had used the name, Romilda, Hermione immediately remembered: it was the same girl that had come into Ginny's dormitory the night of the Halloween Ball.

And now, this Romilda and Lavender were up to something. Hermione remembered George explaining their Owl Order Service and how they disguise their potions for medications. But what kind of potion would they have gotten from Fred and George? Nothing good, she thought bitterly.

"I don't think he's going to fall for it though," said Lavender quietly. "He could of asked someone else already to Slughorn's party."

"No, he hasn't!" Romilda said, a little too quickly. "Anyway, who would refuse a gift of Turkish Delights? By the end of breakfast tomorrow, Harry Potter will be as good as mine," she said smugly.

Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth as she realized what Romilda was going to do. She was going to slip Harry a love potion and by the sound of it, in a box of Turkish Delights.

Romilda washed her hands and quickly dried them with her wand. Then, she and Lavender left the bathroom in a fit of giggles.

Hermione waited a moment before opening the door gingerly, still surprised at what she had heard. She shook her head a few times. Honestly, the things some girls would stoop to…

She made her way toward dinner after freshening up in the bathroom. Hermione took a seat on the other side of Harry and pulled out her Charm's essay. With Neville sitting opposite and listening, Hermione didn't know if she should immediately tell Harry what Romilda was up to.

"What took you?" asked Harry, pulling out his own essay over How to Make a Clock Sing You the Time.

"Well," Hermione hesitated.

"Can I ask you something?" interrupted Harry.

Hermione, a bit taken aback, cleared her throat and nodded. "Of course," she said.

"Why won't you at least hear Ron out?" Before she could respond, or do anything but narrow her eyes, Harry went on, "I know he's stubborn but you know he's sorry. Can't you just talk to him?"

"No," she answered flatly. "If he wants to talk, he can talk to me."

Harry, who must know a dead conversation when he sees one, just sighed in defeat. Hermione, annoyed, decided to hold off on Romilda and her love potion. Instead she leaned forward and began filling her plate full of roast beef and vegetables.

"So," she said finally, "who are you taking to Slughorn's party?"

Harry sighed again. "Dunno," he answered. "Haven't really thought about it."

"I doubt that," said Hermione with a snort. "What about Ginny?"

Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. "W-What?" he spluttered.

"I know she was invited. Is she asking Dean?"

"Wouldn't you know more than me?"

"No, I haven't asked." Hermione took a bite of beef, and then said, "So is she?"

"I assume so…" Harry paused. He was going for calm, but he was buttering his roll too stiffly to be natural. "Why?"

"Just wondering." Hermione shrugged. "You two seemed to have a nice time together at the Halloween Ball."

Harry nodded awkwardly and went back to stuffing his face in a very Ron-like manner. Now it was Hermione's turn to recognize when a conversation was over.

She sighed, glancing around the hall for Ginny. She needed to speak to her about the whole Harry and Dean thing. Unfortunately, she saw Ron and Lavender feeding each other down the table. She held back the urge to vomit and decided she was no longer hungry. She was so nauseated that it took her a moment to recognize the tall, broad boy until he was standing right in front of her.

"Hello Hermione," said Cormac politely.

"Oh, hello Cormac," she said in surprise.

"Potter," he mumbled, a little less friendly.

"McLaggen," answered Harry in the same tone.

"May I sit?" Cormac asked, careful to only address Hermione.

"Of course," she replied as Cormac took a seat, squashing Harry and forcing him to scoot down.

"I'm glad we're going to Sluggy's party together," he said. "I wanted to ask you what time you would like to go? It starts at eight but nobody with importance actually arrives on time," he said arrogantly.

Harry gave Hermione a look and left the table. She wanted nothing more than to follow him when she noticed Ron eyeing her and Cormac with interest. Well, then.

Hermione let a brilliant smile escape her lips as she began stroking Cormac's golden-blonde hair. Cormac looked taken aback at first, but it didn't last long. His mouth slowly turned up in the corners.

"Oh, I suppose we shouldn't arrive too late. How is half past eight for you?" asked Hermione dreamily, battering her eye lashes like Romilda. She secretly hated herself for stooping to such antics, but two could play this game.

"Brilliant. I'll get you outside your portrait around eight. It's the one with the vampire, correct?"

Hermione nodded once and continued to smile. Her buoyant behavior was interrupted with a hard poke in the back. She whipped her head around and nearly jumped in shock. She decided to mask her surprise with annoyance.

"What do you want Malfoy?" she bit out.

"In case you forgot your duties, we have to patrol the corridors," said Malfoy flatly.

Oh, crap!

Hermione dropped her hand. Cormac looked a little put out.

"The corridors aren't going anywhere," he said. Was he pouting?

"No, but Malfoy's right," Hermione admitted reluctantly. "For once," she had to add. He rolled his eyes and started to leave. "I'm supposed to patrol tonight. I nearly forgot. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Heads turned as Hermione followed Malfoy from the Great Hall. Patrolling! She wanted to scream at them. We're just patrolling the halls!

It wasn't until they were on their second patrol when Hermione realized this was the first time she had been alone with him in months. She opened her mouth to speak, and then closed it again. She needed to properly thank him; she just couldn't find the right choice of words. Why was she so anxious?

She had this long string of sentences in her head, but all that came out was a simple "Thank you."

"For saving you from McLaggen?" he asked, as they climbed the spiral staircase.

"No, for…for what happened in Snape's class," she replied. She cast him a nervous glance, but he kept his eyes forward.

Malfoy was silent for a few moments. As they cut through a secret passageway, he finally said, "Snape would have brought you back anyway. You weren't in real harm."

"Well, sooner was better than later. Trust me." She left out a nervous laugh. It really wasn't funny. It was one of those strange moments where a laugh is completely inappropriate, but it slipped out anyway.

Malfoy remained silent as they continued down the corridor. He lifted the tapestry and allowed Hermione to pass. She had a quip on her lips, but he said, "So you and McLaggen?" "He has money, he's talented on a broomstick, he's good looking, and he's a Pureblood," she said lightly, thinking of all the things he makes fun of Ron for. "You know, I thought we weren't talking to each other?"

"We're not," he said factually. "I was just being polite."

"That's funny," she said. "I didn't realize you knew how to be polite."

Malfoy didn't laugh exactly, but Hermione glanced at him just in time to catch his mouth turn up in the corners. She grinned back at him as they continued down the fifth floor.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I'll be answering review responses soon. Those that read the original know the "flashback" scene of what happened after Hermione and Harry were unconscious was included, but I'm going to post that as extra content. Once I edit it, you'll see it in my drabble fic Rubik's Cube. Seems more fitting to make it bonus content, since this story IS Hermione's and not Draco's. But rest assured, you will be able to read it. :)

Again, I can't thank you guys enough for waiting for this. I know it's frustrating to wait, but I have a lot going on so sometimes my updates are slow. However, this is NOT abandoned and it will be finished eventually. :)

Review Responses:

dreamer: "Please don't abandoned this story." - No worries, it's not abandoned! It's just taking me awhile to go through all the files (there are A LOT for this story), edit, re-order certain sections, etc. while also working on another story.

ChibiChibi: "And considering the fact that I'm just as much a Dramione Shipper as I am a Zutara Shipper, it's really a miracle that I've only now started reading this story!" - Lol well I'm glad you found it! It makes me happy to know one of my Zutara readers also ships Dramione. :D Glad you like it so far!

Isabella Rosa: "I've never really gotten into Harry Potter fanfiction, let alone Dramione, and I gotta say I'm sold." - Wow, that's awesome to hear! I'm so glad you enjoy it. I highly recommend reading Lady Malfoy by cherrypie3601 over at HPFF. It's honestly my favorite fanfiction of all time. (It's Dramione, post Hogwarts)

Lilyluna: "Here's my question: since you've already finished the story, why does it take so long for you the update?" - That's a fair question. The thing is, I wrote each chapter as a separate document. I never put the entire story in a single one. I also re-wrote certain chapters, re-edited, added scenes, etc. Like there's a document that says "CF-19" then there's one that says "CF-new19" but maybe I didn't end up using the new one in the final version. Things like that, which make it time consuming to find exactly the right chapter. Let me tell you, this story has tooons of document files in the CF folder, lol. Then once I do find the one I want, I go through and edit, taking out things that don't work, tightening the writing, sometimes combining chapters, making it more in character, etc.

Combine that with finishing college, having a part-time job, coaching middle school basketball, and writing other fics, it takes me awhile, lol. Had I put the whole story together, it probably wouldn't take as long. But I wasn't smart like that, and editing can take awhile too. :P Even though I know many readers were happy with the original, I know it can be better. (I've improved over the years, I'd like to think, lol.) And at the end of the day, a writer has to make themselves happy first. I'm truly trying to make this story even better, so the ending is even more fulfilling. The main points and plot remains the same; I'm just making it more in character and better writing. Hopefully that makes sense.

Rilla: "you and Erin (cherrypie3601) are one my most favourite" - Rilla, you're the best! I love Erin's work too. I always recommend Lady Malfoy to everyone, lol. Sorry for such a long wait dear. This one is longer just for you! :)

LifeForce95: "Any idea how many chapters this fic will total?" - I'm going to guess 30-36.