Disclaimer: Though I love all of my reviewers, I must confess and break your hearts. I do not own the characters, the spells, or the world.
The Benefits of Growing Up
Ch. 3 (Moving On)
So lost in my own thoughts, I didn't even hear Draco stumble through the portrait hole and into out common room. I only snapped out of my musings when I heard a cry of pain, and a loud thump. Looking over my shoulder, I saw him curled into a ball on the floor. Jumping up from my seat, I ran to him.
"Draco!" I exclaimed, panic evident in my voice.
When he didn't respond, I almost started shaking him wanting so badly to see him staring back at me, his eyes wide open. But as swiftly as the though had come, it left, leaving my war instincts in its place.
It was a necessity to have a basic knowledge of healing spells during the war. Lucky for Draco, I had done some extra reading on the subject; this was because of my aspirations to become a healer. And at this moment I couldn't have been happier with that choice.
As I assessed Draco's injuries, I couldn't help but wonder who would be so petty as to attack Draco the muggle way in which they must have known he was not accustomed. Even though I had just had a free period after lunch, I knew that Draco had potions with Slughorn. Draco's attacker, or attackers must have known Draco's schedule as well, because they must have known that Draco wouldn't have had his wand with him. Draco must have been heading back here to grab his wand, since now is when we both have Defense Against The Dark Arts. Class? I couldn't even think of that now, with Draco practically bleeding out onto the carpet.
As I contemplated my theories of who could have committed this hate crime, I went to work mending the injuries that were the most serious. I knew that he should be taken to the Hospital Wing, but Draco was still too fragile to be moved even by levitation. Also, I couldn't bear to tear myself away from his side long enough to find a teacher not currently teaching a class.
As I waved my wand and cast my final Episkey, I saw Draco start to stir. Knowing that this was my que that the minimal disturbance of levitation was safe, I immediately cast Wingardium Leviosa with a swoosh and a flick.
Levitating Draco inside his bedchambers, I cast a quick Scourgify to remove the dry blood before putting him under the covers to rest. As I turned to leave I heard a faint whisper coming from the bed.
"Draco?" I said questioningly, unsure if he was waking up.
But as Draco rolled over with his eyes still closed, I got my answer. As I faced the door again, the noise sounded once more. I turned back and put my hand to his cheek, hoping to hear the whisper more clearly.
"Hermione." Draco murmured, still breathing evenly.
And though I knew I should report Draco's attack to Headmistress McGonagall and alert Madam Pomfrey, my conscious mind could not over rule my need to stay by his side. Slowly, I crawled into bed next to him hoping that this was a small comfort. Remembering how he said my name, I couldn't help but notice that I was not the only one who had grown up after all.
AN: I know its slow, but thoughts? Though I already have a plan, send me thoughts on who you think Draco's attacker was… Just as a reference point, though most of the Slytherins are in Azkaban, there are still some who are free and hate Draco. But I am not saying they are Draco's attacker, you will just have to wait until the next update. I hope it will be soon, but don't we all? Enjoy and review! ~TheEnticingEnchantress~