Hermione felt the weight of Draco's words like a spell that immobilized her. The sound of her own breathing seemed to echo in the silent room, each breath louder than the last. Had he really said that? She could barely believe it. She tried to meet Draco's eyes, but the intensity of his gaze made her look away, as if his feelings were too strong to face directly.

Her mind was in chaos, a storm of conflicting thoughts. How could Draco Malfoy, the boy who had spent years despising her, now be confessing love? Part of her wanted to believe it was real, that Draco was being sincere. But another part, the more rational one, warned her about the danger of giving in to feelings that could be just an illusion, a trap disguised as tenderness.

She remembered the moments when Draco had been cruel: the insults, the jokes, the looks of disdain. Those memories came like sharp knives, cutting into her trust and reminding her of the scars she still carried. How could this turn into love? And even if it was real, how could she trust him after everything? The cutting words he used to hurl at her still echoed in her mind, reverberating like scars that had never fully healed.

Ginny, beside her, squeezed her hand discreetly, as if encouraging her to make a decision. The soft touch of her friend was like an anchor in the midst of the storm, but even so, Hermione knew the entire room was waiting for her answer. No matter how hard she tried, the right words seemed to slip away from her confused mind.

— Is this a joke? — she asked, her voice faltering, almost inaudible. She needed confirmation, something to make her understand what was happening, to bring some kind of logic to this surreal moment.

Draco leaned slightly toward her, his expression serious and determined.

— Hermione, I wouldn't joke with you. Not now. Not about this.

Hermione's heart raced, as if it were running against time. Every fiber of her being fought against the logic that had always guided her. She had spent so much time hating Draco Malfoy, so much time believing he could never change. But in front of her was a Draco who seemed different, even vulnerable. A Draco she didn't know, but desperately wanted to understand.

The days since they last played that game flashed through her mind like a movie, bringing back memories of all their secret encounters. A kind, loving, funny Draco Malfoy. A Draco who carried her books, who smiled at her in the corridors, who pulled her into a broom cupboard to kiss her and whisper that he missed her. Those moments, so different from the image she had of him, confused her even more.

Despite her insecurities, Hermione knew what they were building was real, although she still had doubts about what Draco really wanted. She imagined it might just be another fun game for him, like with any other girl, and that's why she hadn't allowed herself to feel anything. They were having fun, sneaking affectionate moments in the library, getting caught during midnight escapades just to be together. But what if it was more than that? What if it was really real, and even reciprocal?

Hermione's face flushed as she remembered those moments. Draco kissing her neck and collarbone in a classroom, making her heart race. She had thought it would never be more than a fleeting amusement, that she would be just another girl, like Pansy Parkinson. But now, everything felt different, more intense, more real.

Everything she had avoided thinking about during this time came crashing down like a hurricane. She had always put up walls to avoid getting hurt, to not face what was really happening between them. She couldn't deny the feelings she had whenever he got close, when he whispered in her ear that she looked beautiful and kissed her. But now, faced with Draco's declaration, all her defenses were crumbling, and she was feeling everything at once.

— I... I don't know what to say — she finally admitted, the confusion evident in her voice. — You... you really love me?

Draco nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off her, a small smile forming that almost melted the defenses she had fought so hard to maintain.

— Yes. And I won't deny it.

Hermione shook her head, still struggling to understand everything and herself.

— This is crazy — she muttered to herself, trying to process how they had come to this point. She knew how she had come to feel all this for Draco Malfoy, but she didn't understand how he had changed so much. How could Draco Malfoy, the boy she had despised for so long, transform into someone she could possibly love?

Draco shrugged slightly, maintaining his serious expression.

— Maybe it is — he replied. — But sometimes, the best things in life are a little crazy.

The silence that followed was so intense that Hermione could hear the sound of her own heartbeat. She looked around, seeing that everyone was focused on them, except for Ron, who kept his gaze fixed on the floor. The sight of her old friend caused a pang in her chest. How would he react to all this? How was she supposed to react?

She glanced at Harry, who was looking at her with a soft expression, almost encouraging. That look calmed her a bit, but it also reminded her of how complicated all of this was. Harry watched her with a calmness only a true friend could offer, his eyes saying more than words ever could.

Hermione didn't dare look at Pansy Parkinson or Blaise Zabini. She didn't want to see the reaction of the Slytherins and imagine what they thought of her and Draco. But she knew they were all there, waiting for her decision. How would this affect her friendships? How would it change everything?

— You don't need to answer now — Draco said again, breaking the silence. His voice was soft but full of firmness. — I just needed you to know. And, no matter your decision, I want you to know that I'll always be by your side, Hermione.

Hermione felt a wave of emotions flood over her. It was all so confusing, so unexpected. But deep down, she knew there was something real there. Something that couldn't be ignored, no matter how much she tried.

She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before opening them again and meeting Draco's gaze.

— I... I need time, Draco — she finally managed to murmur, her voice shaky with the whirlwind of emotions overwhelming her. — This is... so much more than I expected.

Draco tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear.

— I understand. Take as much time as you need, Hermione. Just... don't shut me out.

Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand, offering silent support. Hermione knew that, no matter what decision she made, nothing would be easy from now on. But at least now, she knew she wasn't alone.

As the silence still hung over the room, Hermione stood up, feeling the need for some air.

— I'll... think about it — she said before leaving, feeling everyone's eyes on her.

When the portrait closed behind her, Hermione finally released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her heart was in pieces, locked in a silent battle, with reason and emotion clashing without either side gaining the upper hand. She knew she couldn't run from this dilemma forever. But she also knew that, no matter what choice she made, her world would never be the same.