Chapter 7 – Understanding
When she finally stopped crying, she did not let go of Draco, much to his surprise. They just stood there, after emotions had run wild, they both needed a steady rock to rely on. He had no idea how she felt about him, but at the moment, he was content.
"I'm sorry" she said, when she finally broke away. She looked like she wanted to say more, but could not find the right words. Yet, with those two words, she had managed to speak volumes. Some said that the word 'sorry' was so overused that it was meaningless, but it was the way she said those two simple words, and the way she looked at him when she said it, that carried the real message.
"It's ok Granger, we all make mistakes, even you" he teased, trying he lift her spirits. His face fell serious again. "Just promise me you won't lock me out."
She laughed before being serious again.
"I won't" she said simply. And when they looked at each other, a silent agreement was made. They would be there for one another, because they understood each other's pain and suffering. They both understood, that when the war had ended, but for them, it was not over, not when it came back to haunt them every night.
And so their routine was once more, but with subtle changes. From an outsiders view, it might appear that nothing had changed, the difference were so subtle. If one had observed closely, they might have noticed that Hermione's smile was now reaching her eyes more, and how she looked less tired. They might have noticed how Draco looked at her, now not only with admiration, but with affection. If someone had bothered to pay them attention, they may have noticed how how both Hermione and Draco looked much happier now, there was a little more joy in their step, a little more light in their smile. However, no one paid them this much attention.
Draco had noticed how much better Hermione looked, and whenever he did, a wave of relief would wash over him. He had noticed these subtle changes in her behaviour, and hoped that maybe he had something to do with them. Because then, for once, he could be proud of something. He would have helped build her up, rather than trying to tear her down.
Hermione though, was oblivious to the small changes in Draco. She went about her business as usual. She never caught him looking at her, with that new emotion in his eyes. She did not notice how he was making little excuses to touch her, in the mornings when they went out the door he would gentle place his hand on her back. In class, if he saw her looking sad, he would gently place a comforting hand on her arm. When they were arguing playfully he would lightly tap her shoulder. And at night, he would normally give her a comforting hug before she went to bed.
Not even Draco himself noticed these little changes in his behaviour towards Hermione. He told himself that he just cared for her as a friend. In his moments of self reflection, he may or may not have realized just what was happening, because even then he denied it. In his moments of self honesty, all he could really think was, could a girl like that even fall for a guy like me?
So while Draco was not alone in his previous problems, he found himself even more alone in this one. It was happening, slowly, but surely, and he could not do a damn thing about it.
Therefore, he went to their old routine, but with subtle changes.
When he woke up in the mornings, Draco would feel slightly more rested. He would still wait for her to be done is the washroom before showering, and greet her cheerfully. They still walked to breakfast together, and separated to their own tables.
They sat together in lessons, and studied together in the library when they both had no classes.
The real change was in what happened when no one was looking. In their common room, they would have friendly chats, nothing really meaningful, but nice all the same.
The biggest change was that, as she promised, Hermione would not lock her door at night. When Draco heard her screams, he would immediately rush and comfort her. As soon as she was calm however, he would leave. He felt better knowing that her pain did not last as long, but he never slept as well as he did that night when he had fallen asleep with her in his arms.
He did not know if she knew that he soothed her every night, but he felt better knowing he could finally do something about it.
They had reached even grounds, finally.
Which was of course, queue for all hell to break loose.
A/N: I know this chapter was short, but the next one will make up for it. I will leave you wondering what hell will break loose.
I'm curious though, what do you guys (and gals), prefer reading? Do you like all the internal thoughts Draco has? Do you prefer reading conversations between them? Do you like the focus being solely on Hermione and Draco, or would you like some more people involved, more Hogwarts related events?
I unfortunately was not given the ability to read minds, so you'll have to type it into that box below and press review. :)
Thanks for reading!
Always,
Shan :)
