Disclaimer: Characters are all JKR so far, with the exception of the visitor in this chapter.

The next morning found Draco Malfoy at a total loss in how he was going to approach Hermione Granger. She spent most of her time either in her classroom or her quarters, and it wasn't like he could simply drop in to either, right?

Right?

Hmm...

He made a quick stop in the kitchens, and asked a house elf to give him what Professor Hermione usually took for breakfast. When the elf returned with a piece of dry toast and weak tea, he set the tray aside in disgust. Gods, no wonder she was looking so peaked. Draco requested a bowl of porridge, an apple, marmalade for the toast, and a cup of English Breakfast Tea, full strength. The elf was happy to comply, though somewhat puzzled.

Draco had planned to Disillusion himself and leave the tray at Granger's door, but he figured there was no way she would eat food left anonymously. In truth, he wasn't sure she would be any more likely to ingest something he brought her. Malfoy walked briskly to her chambers, still uncertain how to proceed. He gave the door a firm rap. Hermione's brow furrowed when she answered.

"Malfoy? What's this?"

"I've been told that in some circles, this is known as 'breakfast'" came the arch reply. He shouldered past the witch into her living room and set the tray on a low table. Granger was still standing by the door in shock. Her mouth opened then closed again. He believed he could get used to seeing her speechless.

"I swear a breeze could pick you up and take you these days. There's nothing wrong with the food. Just...eat something, okay?" He looked her up and down, then made to leave.

She moved to join him near the tray and looked up at him. He did his best to control a reflexive shiver. She wouldn't punch him over food, would she?

"Why?" Brown eyes searched his face.

"Why, what? Why eat? It's a basic requirement. We function much better when our bodies have fuel. Perhaps you've heard this before? The last thing this school needs is a mishap in Transfiguration because you aren't taking care of yourself. You could turn the entire class into rats or something." He half-smirked at the thought. It would be amusing, if a chore to sort out.

She snorted. "No, you pillock. Why are you bringing me food? You aren't a house elf. Or a friend." One of her hands had found its way onto a hip, and her chin tilted up pugnaciously.

For some reason, the friend comment stung him slightly. "I don't need to be a friend to know that you look like utter hell, and that you need...I don't know, someone? Something? I may not be your first choice, or even your hundred-and-first. But I don't see anyone else here this morning. So please: sit down, shut up, and eat."

To his amazement, she did after a moment's consideration. "Have a seat, Malfoy."

He took a chair near her, and they remained silent as she worked her way through the meal. It was awkward, but not unpleasant. Neither of them was the type to speak meaninglessly. Hermione managed perhaps half of the porridge and toast, and all of the tea. Draco nicked her apple when he saw that she wasn't going to eat it. At last, she looked at him again, with a queer expression.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He got up and headed for the door, not expecting her next words.

"Um, would you like to maybe join me for breakfast tomorrow? I can have the elves send something up." He turned to see she was biting her lower lip.

Draco smiled softly. "You really want me around again, even though I'm not a house elf or a friend?"

She shrugged in response. "Like you said, I don't see anyone else here. And you aren't bad company when you aren't talking. You'll never be anything as noble as a house elf, but maybe we can work on the friend part..." She trailed off, looking shyly at her hands.

"I'll see you at 7:00." With that, he left for the dungeons.

The apple was a mid-morning snack, and he swore it tasted sweeter than usual.

Weasley popped in with an update that night.

"She seemed a little better today. I didn't see any tears. I couldn't believe she let you in this morning! That was bloody strange, though, you two just sitting there. What were you thinking, going straight to her rooms?"

The blond shrugged. "My options were limited, yeah? I was just glad she didn't hex me. Or hit me. It's not like we know what to say to each other at this point. I think she was just happy to have another person around."

"I hope you don't start fighting with her."

"You know, Weasley, if we do begin arguing, I'll call that progress. It would mean she has some of her spirit back. She gave me a bit of attitude earlier." He paused, recollecting. "When I was little, we had a peacock at the Manor that got hurt, and it stayed off by itself. Wouldn't let anyone close."

"And?"

"She reminds me of that bird."

"Huh. What did Lucius do? Avada it and serve it for supper?"

Malfoy threw the ghost a wry look. "It was beneath Father's notice. I started going outside and sitting in the same area. Every day, I'd move a few inches closer. After about a month, I could sit right next to it, and it would take seed from my hand."

"So then the bird healed up and everything was fine?"

"No. The bird stayed lame the rest of its life, but at least it wasn't lonely." He looked at Ron, and was baffled by the expression on the ghost's face. It was the closest to friendly he'd ever received from the Weasel.

"Night, Malfoy." With that, Ron walked through a wall.

"Night, Weasley."

Well past one in the morning, Hogwarts' esteemed Potions professor was still awake in his study. He was poring over an old book, searching for a way to bring Ron back.

"It won't work." The bass voice was strangely accented, soft, and cultured. However, Draco didn't miss the steely undertone.

"How did you get in here?"

"You should have asked who I am first. That would answer your second question."

Malfoy regarded the intruder warily. He was tall and extremely thin, with saturnine features. His eyes were so dark, it was impossible to see the pupils. The wizard noted that he was being examined just as closely.

"Fine, then. Who are you?"

"I'll give you a hint." The stranger gave an imperious wave, and the door to another existence opened behind him.

"Go on, take a look."

Rising from his chair, Malfoy peered through the door from a safe distance. To the right was an idyll, and the left a wasteland. On the left, he could make out his not-so-dearly departed Aunt Bellatrix, among others.

Draco spun back to face his visitor, resolving to treat him with more respect, starting immediately.

"You recognize me. Well done. Your grandfather Abraxas said you were bright."

"My Lord. I apologize most sincerely. It's not every day that one finds oneself in the presence of a deity. Which name do you prefer, sir?"

"Hades will do. I didn't used to mind Pluto, but the Muggles have some cartoon dog with the same name. It's undignified."

Malfoy blinked, unsure how to respond. "I am honored by your visit. What can I do for you?"

"As I said upon my arrival: trying to return Weasley to your realm won't work. The Fates cut his cord. That's it. I don't care if you show up at my door with a lyre or an electric guitar, you cannot bring him back."

Draco sighed. "She's just so...down without him. So diminished."

"I know, boy. And that's unfortunate. But Weasley told you why it happened, and what you must do."

"He did. Hearing it from you helps. I keep thinking this is some sort of cosmic joke."

"Of course it is. Everything is one huge cosmic joke. Why should you be any different?" Hades pulled up a chair facing the young man. "You've shown her no special treatment since it happened, until today. No sympathy, no pity. No condolences on her loss. You never mentioned Weasley to her this morning."

"No. And now I'm supposed to get in good with her? I doubt my previous lack of compassion will help."

"That's where you're wrong. She's actually been grateful for your behavior. Every time someone reminds her, it's like acid in her veins all over again. Your being a prick has been the one constant in her life."

"So I'm supposed to win her favor by being a prick?" One blond eyebrow rose almost to Malfoy's hairline.

"You're supposed to win her heart by being yourself."

"Many would say that's the same thing."

"Don't worry, Malfoy. Soon she won't be one of them."

"Soon? How soon?" The god was amused by how much hope he heard in the wizard's voice.

"Well, being an immortal, I suppose 'soon' to me has a different connotation than it does to you. Be patient. I wish you luck."

"Wait - Hades? May I be so bold as to make a request?"

The god turned, curiosity piqued by the mortal's temerity. "Ask, though I promise nothing."

"Is there any way that Granger could see Weasley, even in spirit form, just for a few minutes? At least give her the chance to say goodbye to him?"

"I will consider it."

"Thank you, my Lord."

Hades disappeared into the shadows.

A/N: Some may find Draco and Hermione too out of character at this point. My explanation is this - on some level, Draco's cared for Hermione for a while, though he doesn't like to admit it. Hermione has been alone dealing with the loss of Ron for some time. Her loneliness allowed Draco in quicker than she would have in the past. Doesn't mean instant love, merely that she'll give him a chance to inhabit some spot in her life.

A/N II: Hades may not be the only deity that puts in an appearance.