Disclaimer: Dramione exists. Period.
Ch. 45
You can do this.
That's what I told myself as I trudged through the slushy snow on my way to the platform. Ice covered the slidewalks, making them look like sleek planks of glass.
Maybe he'll be happy to see you!
Why didn't you just go to him? Tell him –
"Hermione?" Mum said, putting a hand lightly on my shoulder. "Are you alright? You look like you're about to be sick!"
"Fine." I grunted, trudging along. A few moments later, I turned on my heel and sighed. I didn't know when I would see my parents again, and I didn't want our last moment to be tense. I faked a smile and acknowledged them fully.
"I guess I'm just excited to see my friends, that's all." I grinned, taking my trunk from my Dad. Well at least that part was true. I hadn't had any contact with Harry and Ginny for the entirety of the break...then there had been that disastrous date with Dean...
I could've hurled just thinking about it.
Immediately, I looked around my shoulder for any sign of Dean, and now that I thought of it, Lavender and Seamus as well...
"Well, I suppose we should get you on the train then! There's only a few mintues left!"
"Agreed."
With a heavy heart, I turned and rolled my trunk onto the platform.
VVVVV
After saying our final goodbyes, I quickly darted into the train before Mother could burst into tears or something equally ridiculous.
Boarding the train felt extremely different this time. Perhaps it was because I had been thinking of the last time I had gotten off of it, and who had I been with.
Where was she? Why hadn't I heard anyone mention her name? She was part of the sodding "Golden Trio" after all...
Just the thought of running into her made my heart speed. What would she say? She would probably be upset, and either slap me or ignore me all together. Personally, I hoped for the first one. I would've rather had to deal with her stinging slaps than her stony silences.
Entering the Slytherin compartments, I nearly sighed at the familiarity. Girls were gossiping, guys were guffawing, and it seemed as if a party had already started in the largest compartment. Instead of joining in, I began to look for a secluded booth where I wouldn't be bothered. Of course, that didn't quite go as planned.
"Malfoy you dog, is that you!"
My stomach plumetted.
Blaise Zabini stood above me, his arm hanging relaxedly off of Daphne's waist. Both flashed perfect smiles at me.
"It is you. Merlin, one thought you'd died over the Holiday." Blaise smirked, before letting go of Daphne and scooting into the compartment booth. Daphne automatically followed.
"Blaise." I said lowly, before turning to look at Daphne's perfect face. Her lips rose into a dazzling smile. She looked so happy...
"Daphne," I nodded. "How are you?"
"Oh, very well actually," She grinned, before shooting a quick glance at Blaise.
I smirked, analyzing Blaise's facial expression. "Is there something you two would like to tell me?"
The awkward pause that took place next confirmed my assumptions, and I sat back lazily in my seat, waiting for Blaise to crack. He rarely looked nervous.
"Well...–"
"Oh come off it, he knows we're together!" Daphne exclaimed, grabbing his hand. He shot her a look before turning back to me.
"Happy, Malfoy?" Blaise said, smiling through his grumbling.
"Exceptionally. It's good to see you finally tied down, Zabini. Maybe Daphne will make you less of a prick." I mused. Blaise scowled before shaking his head. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Daphine smiled cheerfully, before smirking back at me. "And what about you, Draco? Anyone special in your life?"
Blaise snorted and I glared at him, hoping that it would cover the unnatural amount of turns that my stomach was doing.
"I terribly regret to inform you that there is no one of the sort," I drawled sarcastically. "Such a shame, I'm sure you were excited to plan out the wedding."
Becoming uncomfortable, I stood up to relieve myself from any other questions Daphne might've had.
"Bathroom." I muttered, before shutting the compartment door behind me.
VVVVV
The moment I'd boarded the train, I'd been greeted by a hush of whispers.
"Well, that's a good way to start off the term," I grumbled, before beginning to find an empty compartment. All I needed right now was some peace and quiet to think things over–
"Hermione!" Someone shrilled, and before I could look I was bombarded by a splash of fiery red hair.
"Ginny!" I choked on her hair, hugging her tightly. She released me with a grin.
"It's been ages! Why didn't you write me, or even floo?"
"Er...sorry, I suppose I was just too busy." I muttered silently, ignoring the beating that was pounding through my chest. "I did miss all of you incredibly," I stammered. Ginny didn't seem to notice. Behind her, Harry stood patiently for his turn to greet me, hands shoved into his pockets.
"Hermione!" He exclaimed with a grin, and opened his arms widely. Immediately, I dove into them and flung my arms around his neck. He swung me around once as Ginny looked on happily. "Merlin, where have you been?"
"I got all of your Christmas presents," I smiled, skipping the question and stepping out of Harry's hold. "Did you get mine as well?"
"Well of course we did!" Ginny said, dragging Harry and I into the nearest compartment. "After all, it's the only contact we've made since the end of the term. You should've seen Ron's face when he didn't get one, he nearly exploded." Ginny cackled vengefully. Sometimes it surprised me how humorous she found her brother's mishaps to be.
"He was in a right state, " Harry nodded, looking oddly bemused as he began to make himself comfortable in his seat. Ginny sat faithfully beside me. As strange as it was, the gesture touched me.
Of course, I wouldn't tell them that I'd still packed Ron's present into my trunk just in case.
"So how was your holiday?" Ginny asked, chatty as usual.
"It was fine, just hung out with old friends."
And a new one.
"Any boys?" She smirked, and I choked on air. Harry swung his legs over the seat and muttered something about Seamus and Dean. He disappeared behind the door a moment later.
"Ginny, don't be ridiculous –"
"Oh come on! I can see it all over your face! Your eyes were going mad scanning the train when you got on, and–"
"Ginny! I was looking for my friends!" I spluttered, feeling my face flush. The apparent blush clouding my cheeks would be the end of me. Ginny laughed.
"If you won't admit it then fine, I will. Don't be daft Hermione, I heard all about your little situation..."
My heart struck somewhere near the bottom of my ribcage and I gasped for air. How could she have known about Draco? No one was supposed to know! Intense paranoia set in as I wracked my brain for some way to explain myself.
"How do you know?"
"Lavender," Ginny shrugged. How the hell did she know!
"Ginny, please don't! You don't understand, it wasn't really supposed to happen! I mean - he - I –"
"Oh, stop it! You know I don't care about my exes. If you think Dean is cute, then go for it!" Ginny laughed, flipping her flaming hair over her shoulder. "Honestly, I couldn't care less! Although, I will warn you that he's quite stubborn."
And with that, she began to study her nails.
Unable to comprehend, I sat there gawking with my mouth open for an endless amount of time. It wasn't until she looked up that I was able to speak.
"Er...right, then. I mean, Dean is quite...attractive," I said, trying to cover as many of my tracks as possible. And to think that if she hadn't interrupted me I would've told her about Draco...
"I'll think about it...Dean's..."
"A good kisser?" Ginny winked, and my face flushed.
VVVVV
Where the hell is Granger? I thought to myself, leaning over the lavatory sink. I felt sick, but whether it was from the ricketing train tracks or my incessant heartbeat, I didn't know. It wasn't pleasing to see that I looked paler than usual, either.
Taking a deep breath, I quickly splashed some water against my cheeks and forehead. I let it linger on my face for a moment, watching the droplets slide off of my nose before wiping it all off with the back of my hand. I grimaced at myself in the mirror. What had happened to my suave and cocky Malfoy demeanor? I would've ordered a towel, or even used a hankerchief!
Damn Granger and her stupid normality.
As if that was any excuse for my nervousness. Since I'd separated from Blaise and Daphne, I'd searched the corridors about twelve times and hung about the entrance to the Gryffindor compartments like a prat. Still, I wracked my brain for explanations of my actions and found none. Although Hermione didn't make an appearance, I'd been blessed enough to see Weasley.
Yes, I grinned humorously. Weasley, whose usually vibrant hair looked limp and greasy just like the scowl on his face. Perhaps that harlot Sarah had finally dumped him. Or was it Sally?
Right then, not giving a flying fuck about Weasley felt better than it ever had. I knew it was because I truly had something against him now.
I'd seen him at his weakest.
I smirked. Served him right...didn't it?
VVVVV
"Welcome back, everyone! It is most splendid to see all of your shining faces again! I trust that we will have a most productive term!" Dumbledore's voice boomed through the Great Hall. It felt so good to be back again, not only because of my friends, but because I had truly missed my studies! By the looks of it, I was the only one terribly excited to return to my classes.
Quietly, I grabbed Harry and Ginny's hands and clutched them lightly. It brought me comfort just knowing that they were seated beside me. I had missed their support, and I had been too afraid to contact them over Holiday. After Draco's departure, I had spent so many days in solitude that I'd lost track of the hours.
As we waited for Dumbledore to finish his usual speech, I scanned the Great Hall for a strikingly pale blond head. There was no such thing in sight – and my heart sank. He had to be here...he wouldn't just not show up! Draco loved school almost as much as I did, I was sure of it, even if he never admitted it. But then again, I was never too sure of anything with him...
"Now, if we could have the Head Boy and Girl come up and wish the students a happy feast and term, we shall commence with the banquet!" McGonagall crooned, shooting me out of my reverie. I felt Harry's hand clap my shoulder, and before I could register anything, I was out of my seat and walking towards the head of the Hall. Applause boomed in my head, along with a few childish whistles from friends, but I didn't look. I couldn't seem to rip my gaze away from the center, for fear that I would meet eyes with Draco across the hall, or even an even bigger fear than that – that he really hadn't come back at all.
A sharp tap on the back from Mcgonagall led me to the owl adorned podium. I had been about to take a shuddering breath when the soft clack of dress shoes and the warmth of a body introduced themselves. Out the corner of my eye, Draco looked oddly stoic, and of course, completely mind-bogglingly handsome. Two fingers wrapped around my wrist and my breath hitched. I hadn't expected to feel the surge of warmth overcome my body at his weak acknowledgement.
"Cat got your tongue? Speak, Granger." He said lowly.
"As Head Girl, it is my duty and my honor to...wish you all a lovely term. It is good to see the Great Hall filled once again." I said softly. I felt a twinge of pain in my chest and my breath vanished. "Have a wonderful feast," I finished shakily.
And then...I fainted.
VVVVV
I had seen her curls bouncing before she even turned her head.
Finally! My heart wanted to scream, but instead I opted for a cold uncaring glance in her direction. Dumbledore and McGonagall had called us to the front of the Hall to give the students our blessings – and she'd been the first one out of her seat.
Had she gotten prettier over the short amount of time we'd been separated? Impossible, she was practically stunning already. I would've taken a blow in the stomach for the thought, but unfortunately, there was no one present to administer it.
I was extra careful to take my time walking to the front, giving her plenty of time to reach there first. I had been hoping that she would just start the whole thing without me, say a few cheesy words then sit back down, but she looked too weirded out to do any of those things.
He face had a gray tinge to it, her cheekbones sticking out prominently under her skin. The usual glowy flush of her face was gone, and there were signs of exhaustion under her eyes.
Merlin, I thought strangely. What had she done to herself while I'd been gone?
As I stood next to her, I realized that she seemed too zoned out to even see me. Or perhaps she didn't want to, and I certainly couldn't blame her. I wanted to say something, to make her realize that I was there and that I felt like shit for leaving her. However, now was not the time nor place...
"Granger," I said curtly. It made me wince to refer to her that way. She didn't bother to respond, and it was a blow to my...ego? I didn't even know.
"Hermione." I muttered, too quiet for her to hear. It did, at least, make me feel loads better. She wasn't speaking, and she would have to soon before everyone noticed something was obviously wrong with her. Not wanting to place a hand on her for the whole school to see, I quickly slipped two fingers around her wrist.
"Cat got your tongue? Speak, Granger." I urged quietly, trying not to grin as a dull spark came to her eyes.
As refreshing as it was to hear her voice, I was just thankful she'd spoken in time. Hermione's voice sounded more constricted than usual, and the air of confidence that usually came with her words was nowhere to be found.
"Have a wonderful feast," She said. There was an odd pause, a shock in her eyes too small to see from anywhere else but my spot by the podium, and her eyes began to flutter close. Before concern could fully reach me, or any feeling really – she tilted backwards.
Immediately, I lunged, feeling the hard crack of her head hitting my chest. Hermione slumped in my arms, and the Great Hall roared with gasps and whispers.
VVVVV
"Miss Granger? Miss Granger –"
"Maybe we should give her more potion!"
"How on earth –"
"Quiet –"
"And then she just fainted, right into Malfoy's arms –!"
"I said quiet, all of you!"
"Hermione?"
The sound of my name jolted me awake.
"Oh, thank Merlin, Miss Granger, are you alright?" Madam Pomfrey asked, peering over me with a bottle of rejuvenation potion in her chubby hand.
"What happened?" I croaked, trying to push myself out of the bed. Madam Pomfrey pushed me down instantly, yanking the blankets over my arms to prevent me from trying again. Why was I in the Hospital Wing?
"Hermione!" Harry, Ginny, Lavender, and Seamus said in unison. Instantly, I was stampeded by a chorus of "how do you feel's" and varieties of the sort.
"Thank Heavens," Madam Pomfrey huffed, pushing Harry and Ginny out of my sight before I could fully look at them. "Try to talk as little as possible alright? You hit your head pretty hard, we don't want to risk a concussion–"
"Doesn't surprise me." Seamus scoffed. "Malfoy's made of stone, he is –"
"Quiet!" Madam Pomfrey commanded, and everyone fell silent. Why on earth were they talking about Draco?
"Stay here while I fetch you more potion!" Madam Pomfrey said, bustling off before anyone could say anything. As if I could move, really. My neck felt fragmented and the back of my head and temples were throbbing with pain.
"What happened?" I asked silently, cautious so that Pomfrey wouldn't hear. "Why am I in here?" I turned to Harry with hopeful eyes that he could tell me something.
"Relax, Hermione. It's nothing serious, alright? You were just finishing your speech when you fainted. Luckily, Malfoy caught you before you could hit the ground –"
"For a prick he sure has quick reflexes!" Ginny sighed, coming over to the side of my bed. "Are you alright? Is there anything I can do?"
I smiled at her generosity, but I didn't know what she could possibly do to heal the strange twirling in my stomach or the unbearable pounding in my head.
"No, you guys have done enough just by coming to see me. I couldn't thank you all enough." I smiled.
"Alright, it's past visiting hours! I'm afraid you're all going to have to leave." Madam Pomfrey appeared again, holding a jug of strange, tan, sparkly liquid. Before I could say goodbye to my friends, she ushered them through the doors.
"See you later, get well!" Harry said, before the doors blocked him from my view. The energetic nurse was back at my side immediately.
"Drink this," she said, pushing a mug of the strange substance into my hands. "It'll help with the whiplash."
Whiplash? How hard had I fallen exactly? Instead of questioning it, I dutifully lifted the cup to my lips and took a small gulp. The taste was strange, just like the color. It's substance was grainy, kind of like liquified apple sauce with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Thankfully, it wasn't so bad, and I could also feel it tending to the sorest parts of my neck and head.
As I sat there taking little sips of potion in silence, long after Madam Pomfrey had disappeared into the back of the Wing, one of the large doors creeped open. A pale white hand held it open, and moments later, Draco's pale face and hair emerged. As he stepped into the room, I found it hard to swallow the remaining potion still in my mouth.
"How are you feeling?" Draco asked seriously as he strode over to my bed. What the hell was he doing here? That was a better question. He hadn't bothered to find me on the trains, in the corridors, or anywhere except for the Great Hall when he'd been obligated to stand beside me! Anger rolled through my body in waves at his audacity to show up now of all times, when I looked so vulnerable!
"What are you –!" I started out incredulously, but he placed a finger to my lips before I could finish. The soft pad of his index finger felt like velvet against my mouth.
"Shhh, not so loud," he commanded, before sitting down at my bedside on an empty stool. It took all of my energy, even though I was currently lacking it, not to yank his hand away. Instead, I lightly shoved it away so I could speak.
"Is it true, what everyone else is saying?" I asked quietly. Surely, he'd saved me from toppling to the floor, but I felt the strange need to make sure it wasn't a dream.
"Yes. Why wouldn't it be true? You scared me half to death when you fainted, I thought something worse had happened –"
For once in his life, Draco seemed to be rambling. It was so out of character for him that it shocked me how worried he actually seemed.
"Well, I'm alright now, thanks to you. Damn, I was supposed to be upset with you..." I blurted. Draco's eyes lowered to my blanket.
"You have every right to be. But...since I did save you from possible death, I think it would be highly logical of you to forgive me."
I laughed at that, and his eyes flickered as he smirked. It shouldn't have been so easy for him to make me smile. Damn you, I thought. Damn you to Hell.
"I hate you," I muttered tiredly, and an insignificant part of me could've actually meant it.
"Not surprised," Draco shrugged, "I'm a prat."
"And a prick," I added, rolling in the sheets to face him. I yawned, and I knew that something in the potion would start to put me to sleep against my will. "But somewhere in there," I pointed to his chest, "You have a good heart."
If I had called him those names any other day, he would've probably walked out on me. But tonight, I think I had won his sympathy. Draco took the hand that had splayed lazily against his chest and held it in his own.
"I'm sorry for leaving. I had to."
"I didn't want you to go."
"I know." Draco admitted. But he still gave no excuses to justify to himself. I could feel the previous anger simmering within me even through my drowsiness. It wouldn't be too long now until I knocked out completely.
"Why didn't you write me? Send me an owl or a patronus?" I rambled sleepily.
"We can talk about this later. When you're not nearly delusional." Draco said, standing up to leave. He placed my hand beside my pillow and straightened out his robes.
"Wait," I said.
Silently, I reached out to him with a limp hand. He stared at it quizzically but came closer as I'd asked him to. When he was close enough, I pulled him down by his tie and flung my arms around his neck. His arms kept his weight above me, but I really didn't care. Maybe I could've blamed the potion for my impulsive actions, but I knew it had nothing to do with that. Or maybe it did. Either way, all I could focus on was the smell of his cologne surrounding me like a pleasurable mist. At home, the scent had long gone from the guest room and my pillows, and I hadn't been able to stop thinking about it since then. I burrowed my face into his collar for a long time before he began to loosen away from me. Draco hadn't said a word throughout the whole embrace. My arms loosened around him, but I didn't let him go. Not yet, anyway.
"You're not going to remember any of this in the morning," Draco said quietly. I didn't know what emotion clouded his voice and face this time, but there was something off about his personality as a whole. He was too...calm.
Wordlessly, he leaned down and placed a quick kiss on the tip of my nose. My insides shivered with delight and I couldn't help the smile that came to my face.
"I'll remember that," I sighed, exhausted.
"Right." Draco scoffed softly. "Granger, if I told you I was going to kill you within the next fifteen minutes, you wouldn't remember."
"What?" I asked confusedly. Maybe he was right after all. What did this potion contain exactly? Oh, sod it.
"Exactly." Draco said as he walked swiftly to the door. "Do me a favor and go to sleep already? Get well, Bookworm," He smirked. A moment later, the large doors shut behind him. I sighed and curled deeper into my covers.
"Tommorrow should be interesting," I murmured silently.
"Miss Granger, what are you still doing up! I demand that you sleep immediately!" Madam Pomfrey huffed. I only nodded and smiled at her, because without a doubt in my head, I knew she'd seen everything.
VVVVV
Draco was right, although I didn't realize it at first. The next morning, my head was about as clear as bog water.
"Oh, Miss Granger!" Madam Pomfrey's voice boomed somewhere to my right. I craned my neck to see her, but my pillows had bunched up overnight and blocked my view. "Finally awake I see?"
"Yes,"I managed, trying to clear my throat. That small motion alone felt like acid was being poured down my parched throat. At my uneasy visage, Madam Pomfrey fetched a pitcher of water and handed me a cup.
"Thanks," I said timidly, taking a small gulp. "What happened to me?"
Madam Pomfrey tittered before helping me out of bed. "Your friends were right, you must have hit your head quite hard!"
The comment seemed to strike something in my mind, but everything still seemed foggy. "You mean...I fainted?" I must have, I realized. The last thing I remembered was walking up to the head of the Hall...
"Oh darling, yes! One minute you were welcoming the students and the next you were falling to the ground! Luckily, Mr. Malfoy managed to swipe you up before you could really injure yourself."
"He what!" I choked, spluttering water everywhere. Instantly, I know exactly what happened the night before. I seem to remember everything then, and I know that I need to see him. It's urgent. One shift of my foot and Madam Pomfrey clicks her tongue.
"Don't you think about it, young lady! You know full well that you need your rest! I know you would like to go thank Mr. Malfoy, but know is not the time. Besides, he along with your classmates are fully involved in their classes at the moment."
Then, I realize that it is the first day back.
As if things couldn't get any worse.
"Madam Pomfrey please, I'll be missing my first day!" I plead, trying to keep calm. Somewhere within my still dry throat, the urge to cry emerges. There are so many things I need to be present for today! Who will keep the students from skipping class, or being late! Surely, I have instructed the Prefects well enough to do their jobs, but I can't help but feel the need to be needed. And how will Draco manage the entire student body alone?
These, besides seeing my friends, are my favorite parts of coming back to school. As nerdy as it seems, it honors me to look after the students, and I can't be anything but crestfallen at the moment.
"It would be futile to return, Mrs. Granger." Madam Pomfrey says, trying to sympathize with me. "It would be much more beneficial to your health to rest. The students have already started their last class of the day."
Sighing, I sink back into the pillows. I try not to move too much, as it hurts my head. I try my best not to curse the potion that Madam Pomfrey gave me into oblivion.
VVVVV
"So she just blacked out?" Blaise asked as he took a sip of pumpkin juice. It was dinnertime, and Granger was still nowhere to be seen.
"Well you were there, weren't you?" I hiss, trying not to sound too aggravated. In the back of my head, I felt as if Blaise was asking these questions to taunt me.
"And you think I was paying attention? I was too busy fiddling around with Daphne's skirt to even notice there was a welcoming announcement going on." Blaise shrugged casually. As distraught as I felt, I couldn't help but crack a smirk.
"Of course you were. How's that going, by the way?" Judging by the look on Blaise's face, I could tell I'd asked him about his relationship without scaring him away. Lately, I'd realized he'd become increasingly sensitive towards Daphne in every sense.
It was...weird, in the least, to see him that way. The idea that Blaise could even love this girl had trouble forming in my mind. Could Blaise even love after Tracy?
No, I thought. She'd shattered him beyond repair, I was sure. When they'd seperated, he'd done everything in his power to resist it. He didn't eat, he didn't sleep. By the end of a solid month he'd looked as ragged as I'd ever seen him. Of course, it had been my duty as his best mate to put him back together as well as I could. This was difficult, considering I'd never been particularly whole myself.
"Daphne? She's...well call me a sod but there really aren't any words to describe her. Proper ones, anyway."
I watched as Blaise's eyes filled with warmth. My theory from earlier tugged at my chest. Just to be sure, I decided to be the usual prat that I am.
"I think we both know I'm not talking about her personality." I smirked, watching him intently. He only laughed and glanced down at his food.
"Merlin Draco, is it even possible for you not to think about women sexually?" Blaise smirked back. I knew then that he would remain as tight lipped as possible. "Besides Granger, of course."
Immediately, heat rose into my chest and neck, which were luckily concealed by my robes. "That's disgusting." I muttered.
"Well you're usually more adamant about it." Blaise continued, looking incredibly pleased with himself. In the back of my head, a twinge of panic emerges. Had he seen something? Perhaps passed by the Hospital Wing while I'd been visiting her?
"Stop it." I said, trying not to seethe, or better yet, hit him in the jaw. Blaise smirks once more, before turning back to his food.
"Now we're even."
VVVVV
Entering the Gryffindor Common Room was like entering a battlefield. The moment I emerged from the portrait hole, a series of outbursts erupted. It didn't help my aching head in the slightest, but my heart soared at the amount of enthusiasm they all showed at my revival.
Ginny, who had been sitting on a couch with Harry in front of a fire, bolted towards me and landed in my arms.
"Thank Merlin!" She said ecstatically. "I was beginning to wonder how much longer Pomfrey would keep you!"
"I tried more than once to leave, she insisted that I rest." I half sighed, putting my hand to a particularly throbby area near the back of my head. Glancing out the window, I saw that night had already fallen.
"Alright there, Mione?" Harry said, taking me into his arms as well. It wasn't long before the majority of the Common Room was at my side as well, asking me all sorts of questions. However, I did notice that one person did not move from their spot.
Dean was sitting in an armchair in the corner, staring at me with slight bewilderment. I looked away instantly, remembering what I had done on our incredibly awkward date. How was I supposed to fix it now?
"I'm fine, everyone. I've only come in here to make sure you all keep the noise to a medium tone. You don't want to disrupt the ghosts." I said sternly, before crumpling my face into a look of pain. The back of my head gave a particularly nasty throb.
"I think I'll be going to bed now." I muttered to Harry and Ginny, trying to be as discreet as possible. I didn't want all of Gryffindor making a fuss over me. Too late, I thought wryly.
"You sure? Ginny and I can walk you back if you'd like." Harry said, putting a hand on my shoulder comfortingly. I waved it away.
"Nonsense, it's just down the corridor." I said back. "I'll see you all tomorrow."
Without another word, I walked slowly out of the portrait hole and down the hall to my quarters. I'd only made it halfway to the door before he called my name.
"Granger."
Good Christ, just what I needed. I turned around on my heel, trying my best not to fall over or become dizzy.
"Yes, Malfoy?" I responded tiredly. He seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"How are you feeling?" Draco asked, coming closer to me. A flash of concern crossed his stormy eyes before he could distract me from it with a quirk of his mouth.
"Like my head is about to split open. If the story I've been given is correct, word is you've got an incredibly hard chest." I muttered. He smirked, probably the reliving the sickening crack of my head slamming into his chest when he'd caught me.
"Well, it was either that or a stone floor." He said, smiling.
"I don't think that's very funny."
"Well, neither do I."
We stared at each other for a moment, neither of us wanting to fully acknowledge what had happened. In a way, it seemed awkward.
"Do you remember anything?" Draco asked curtly, casually stuffing his hands into his pockets. He looked so uncaring, but the fact the he was even here checking up on me made up for every unspoken word. I knew for a fact he had come here for that reason alone, because in all honesty, there was no other reason for him to be passing by the Gryffindor Commons.
"No." I lied, wanting to take it back as soon as I saw him glance down. Draco looked...dissapointed. There was really no other word to describe his expression. "Alot of people have been asking me that, but I can't bring myself to remember. Actually, they don't even know why I fainted..."
"Right." Draco drawled. "Well feel better then." He tried to make his way past me when I grabbed his arms. I felt the muscles tense under the fabric of his sleeve.
"Wait, please." I murmured. I didn't let go until he looked at me again. Now he just seemed annoyed. Damn him for being so moody.
"Wait for what?"
"Why are you acting like this Draco? I told you I was fine –"
"Acting like what, Hermione? I don't know how to act around you anymore! Ever since that night after dinner! How do you expect me to act, like everything is just fine? Why don't you just go find Thomas?" Draco snapped. He sneered down at me. Didn't he understand that I hadn't betrayed him? No doubt he'd heard about my date with Dean, the whole school had to have heard by now.
"What the hell are you talking about, Draco?" I had no idea why I was asking him that, and to prove my point it just seemed to enrage him more. What happened to trying to discuss this with clear consciences? Within minutes I knew we would be shouting at each other.
"Don't do this to me, Hermione! You know exactly what the hell I'm talking about! Going on a date with Dean Thomas just days after I leave you?"
"That's got nothing to do with you! You've got no reason to be upset. And to think I'd thought you'd come here to check up on me! All you've ever cared about is yourself!" I argued. Pain was now searing through the front of my forehead. I should've been quiet, walked away even, but if there was one thing I wouldn't let Draco do, it would be degrade me! I'd only even gone on that dumb date to distract myself from him. I'd done everything to show Dean that I cared for someone else, and even though the idea had just newly announced itself, it still mattered. Hell, I'd even almost apparated to Malfoy Manor after! It pained me that I could literally tell him none of this. If I did, I would surely end up in tears.
"It's got everything to do with me!" Draco exclaimed angrily. It nearly made me flinch. Godammit, my head was pounding now, and if this didn't end soon I'd be walking away in tears.
"Well if its got so damn much to do with you, you would've come to me first before hearing about it elsewhere! Don't you dare try to play the victim! You left me!" Tears threatened to burst from my eyes now, and I held my head in my hands to keep from gasping in pain. Draco stayed silent, watching me for a few moments before enveloping me in his arms. He ran his fingers through my hair to soothe me, and nearly all of the pressure seemed to lift from my head as I sagged limply against his chest.
"I thought..." Draco started, but I just shook my head against his robes. In some alternate reality, perhaps one where I was confident enough with my motives, I would have leaned up and covered his lips with mine, and it probably would have been the gentlest kiss I've ever had. Instead, I didn't even have the will to look up at him.
Had Draco honestly thought it hadn't hurt me in the slightest when he'd left? If only he knew...
"I'm not going to leave you again." Draco said quietly, taking my head out of his robes. I supposed I looked quite pathetic.
"Don't make promises you can't keep." I retorted, even quieter. I didn't even know how long we'd been standing there, holding onto each other.
"I didn't." Draco quirked, raising a brow. He smirked as I scoffed and pushed him weakly away.
"Prat." I said, hiding my smile. I still hated him.
Draco only shrugged, and although I should've been offended, I knew his act exactly. It was all just one big facade...
Without another word, Draco walked me to the other side of the hall to my room.
"You look like a mess." Draco teased as I opened my door and slid behind it.
"Maybe that's because I've been in the Hospital Wing all day." I mused sarcastically, and Draco scowled.
"Just...stop being so vulnerable, alright? I'm not going to be there all the time to save you." He said arrogantly. Hauty little prick, I thought.
"Well thank you for your efforts, Lord Malfoy. If I should ever be in need of assistance, I'll just wail like a damsel in distress until your arrival." I rolled my eyes. "Goodnight, Malfoy. Try not to wake the portraits on your way back?"
Draco scoffed back. "Same to you. I wont be the one wailing the moment I step away from this door." He smirked. "See you later, Granger."
He'd been about to walk away before I caught his sleeve again. "Wait!"
Draco turned, eyes slitted. "Yes?"
Wordlessly, I leaned up and placed a small kiss on the tip of his nose. Then, I waited for him to realize the similarity of what I'd done. His face slacked, and his eyes widened. He obviously hadn't expected me to recall anything from the night before...
"I remembered." I said simply, before smirking and shutting the door quietly.
I didn't know what I was getting into. All I knew was that I wouldn't be able to go back.
VVVVV
Hello, lovely readers! I've missed you all, school is slowly eating me alive as usual. I have midterms next week and I've been working on this when I've had time, so I just wanted to post it before exams. Fortunately, I'll have a two week break after, which will hopefully means more updates! I know you guys are glad to see Draco and Hermione back together, but don't let the bit of fluff fool you...things are going to get alot more complicated! That's all I'll say for now! If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll try to update as soon as possible. Feel free to leave a review or constructive criticism! The motivate me to update sooner. Love to all! X