So, I originally posted this one-shot on FF in 2022 without ever expecting to build on it. But a couple more scenes presented themselves over the past few weeks. Perhaps it'll be a three-shot?

Anyway, you know the deal – HP and characters are not mine.

Love x

June 30th, 1997

"You said once that, should I want it, I'd have a place with you." His voice was ragged from disuse but too loud within the shadowy stacks. He swallowed roughly and took a breath. "The offer…did you mean it?"

She had stumbled across him while attempting to find an obscure tome she'd hoped would inform her Ancient Runes essay. She'd almost crept away when she saw him but paused as she realised, he was muttering to himself in a panic, attempting to regain control.

Hermione's eyes raised to meet his. They were guarded but pleaded at her silently. She clocked the way his hands trembled at his sides before being shoved into pockets. "Yes, of course I did. The Order-"

"I wish I'd taken it." His voice cracked slightly. He was so still now. Still, but unstable. Hermione worried he'd dissipate like smoke if she moved.

"Mal-" she began softly but he flinched and took a step away. "Draco."

He turned towards her again as his features began to thaw.

For a moment the lines in his face smoothed and his eyes flicked hopefully towards her.

For a moment she thought he looked younger.

"Draco," she repeated, taking a slow step towards him. "Whatever it is, whatever you've d-done, we'll fix it. Ok?" she was nervous to know the truth but held firm. "C-come with me and we'll talk to Dumbledore. Everything will be –"

He made a choking noise and leaned forward to rest on his knees. Silent, dry sobs huffing out of his chest and shaking his shoulders. Hermione crept slowly forwards to place a warm hand on his back. For two heartbeats he was still, but then a clock toll rang throughout the castle, and he snapped upright. His face was deathly pale and his eyes glistened. They would arrive soon.

A gulping breath was followed by manic short ones as he turned quickly, pinning her to the shelf by her shoulders. Both breathing rapidly with wide eyes, he slid his hands up to hold her face. Dull, silver eyes searching hers as he tried to slow his breathing.

"Thank you." He swallowed hard. "I won't forget this. I wish-I wish I could make a different choice."

"Dra-"

"Get to the Gryffindor tower. Don't come down. No matter what you hear."

With I final sad look, he briefly firmed his hold on her and left.