Count Your Blessings

Citten - Lol! This couple is not your typical happy-go-lucky one. They will, most definitely, have their ups and downs but you'll see how much of a bond they will have later on in the story *wink*

qzgrl, AnnaLeigh, angeles, MissKitty1990, chunkymonkey - Thank you for you comments. I'm glad you're enjoying this fic!

margaritama, HarryGinny4eva, Dreamweaver - Draco never said that he wasn't a hypocrite, he might or might not be speaking from his own position (with Pansy) but he ultimately doesn't care. He's probably the biggest one (you know hating on Mudbloods, yet making Hermione an exception). Writing the last bit was a little hard for me, didn't help that I was listening to a sad song by Coldplay (which I listen to to get my Draco/Hermione muse). I imagined it as I typed and it broke my heart, ah young love! You'll see what happens with Draco and Pansy in the next chapter; it's not going to be pretty.

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Hermione was a wreck for what seemed ages. Ginny had found her on the bottom of the stairs near the Fat Lady with her head in her hands. She didn't ask what was wrong but merely sat with her and let the Gryffindor cry. Hermione cried. She cried for the situation she was put in, for the heart ache she was never supposed to have, for ruining her friendship with Ron because of her own jealousy. But more of all, she cried for herself. She hadn't experienced such unadulterated hate and disgust in herself in a long time. The only other time was with Viktor Krum, whom she went to the Yule Ball with just because her unclaimed crush on Ron disabled her from being strong and ask him to the dance herself. She had complained about the traditions students seemed to take and yet here she was, a big hypocrite.

No one ever said that falling in love would be so hard. Especially when it came to a hated enemy. She felt his words sear into her like a hot knife against butter. Only if you want it to be. He had said that. He had put the decision into her hands and what did she do? She threw it away like it was rubbish. Just like she threw everything close to her away. She felt Ginny's warm embrace tuck her under her chin and rock her back and forth. Ginny was so much like Mrs. Weasley. A strong, independent woman who went for what she wanted.Ginny wanted Harry since she was eleven and by gods she got him. It just took a few years longer and now they were happy and in love.

"Ssshh, there there." Ginny whispered as Hermione let out one last sob, "Boys can be such gits. Don't let them get to your head, m'kay?"

She didn't even know the complexities of the situation Hermione was it. She had fallen for a boy who only wanted to shag her, who said she wasn't any good. Of course she wouldn't be any good. She never had any experience outside of him and Ron. Oh Ron! What had she done? She practically lead him on, made him hope things were so much more than they were. How could he ever forgive her? How could she ever forgive herself.

Hermione blubbered for a few more minutes until she couldn't cry any longer. She sat in silence with Ginny, who made the occasional shushing sounds. It made her feel better, having Ginny there with her. Even if she didn't know what was going on, she loved the fact that Ginny didn't have to know to understand how Hermione felt. She was a sister she never had and because of her selfishness, would never truly have.

Oh Merlin. Look at yourself! Hermione's logical mind wagged its invisible finger in front of her. She was a prefect and a pretty darn good student. She had perfect O.W.L.S. and her N.E.W.T.S. went by with flying colors. Since when was she so damned fragile? She fought against Death Eaters AND conquered! She shagged bloody Draco Malfoy, the man who despised Muggle-borns and thought of them lower than dirt. HE sullied HIMSELF with her and not the other way around. HE practically came TO her! HE had no right to act that way, no right at all. HE was the hypocrite. HE was the tease, not her!

Hermione's mind began rallying inside her. She was a Gryffindor. She had the brains AND the brawn. She was Hermione FUCKING Granger. There was no way she was going to let this stupid little hiccup ruin her perfect year. Well, almost perfect if it wasn't for that damn potion that made her insides feel like mush whenever a boy passed her. She could put blame on the potion for every single problem she faced but where would that get her? Nowhere. She needed to stop blaming other things and live up to her responsibility. No more crying. No more blubbering about nothing. Grow up and be an adult!

Oh gods, her last words reminded her of Draco. That bloody bastard. Hermione finally looked up from Ginny and wiped her eyes, laughing a little. Ginny raised an eyebrow as a smile played across her lips.

"Feeling better?" Ginny asked, patting Hermione on her back. "Best out than in. That's what mum said anyway. Ron used to bottle it all up until his ears turned purple before letting it out. I figure it's a boy thing."

Hermione laughed and shook her head, "Girls do it too, believe me."

Ginny shrugged, "Suppose so. Hm. It's chilly outside. Let's go in I think Harry snuck in some butter beer. I'm sure that'll make you feel much better."

"No, it's alright Ginny. I think I'm going to go to bed. Exhausted." Hermione rose and helped Ginny up.

Both girls wrapped their arms around each other as they headed back into the dormitory. The Fat Lady sniffled as the girls muttered the password.

"Oh my, young love. So heart breaking."

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other and raised their eyebrows before bursting out with laughter. She was feeling much better after having it out on herself. Sometimes a girl needed to cry herself silly, smack herself into reality, and warn her that if she does it again she'll stab her jugular with a fork before moving on with her life. Hermione planed on doing that and doing it the correct way. First, she'll have a conversation with a certain Slytherin and let HIM know exactly what she felt.

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The icy morning chill nipped at Hermione's nose as the sun rose into the sky. There was a small clamor in her room which caused her to stir. Hermione sat up and held her head, she had a small migraine from all the tears she shed the past three weeks ago. She had made perfect effort to track Malfoy down and let him know just where she stood with him, but he had been absent from Potions quite a bit and when she did see him at the Great Hall he wasn't talking to any one. She noticed that he had bags under his eyes and looked just as tired as she felt when she first took the potion.

There was only one time where they made eye contact. It was so brief that she thought she had imagined it. Hermione had just gotten out of Snape's office, the antidote's first phase was almost complete and it needed to brew over Christmas break because of the chilling winter. Snape had noticed Hermione's fidgety nature in his office and mentioned that she had been doing so well the past two months. He even complimented her on her potion's essay, which was strange enough for Snape to say but for her to hear and literally try to peg him down by leaping at him.

He firmly put her in her place and told her to do something else with her time, other than try to shag him. Hermione had gotten used to the feelings inside her stomach whenever a boy brushed past her, or when Ron tried to hold her hand. She was just numb and she felt sick. Sick to death of feeling sick. She had visited Madam Pomfrey for a pepper up potion and there she ran into Draco. He had an injured Theodore Nott by his side, having fallen from his broom stick after Quidditch practice. Hermione passed Draco and felt his eyes flicker to her but by the time she looked at him, he was staring straight ahead. Nott tried to hobble to the bed but let out a loud howl. Draco only asked Madam Pomfrey if he would be able to play Quidditch that weekend.

After deciding to wait for Malfoy to exit the medical wing, Hermione found herself pacing back and forth outside the doors. When the door opened she nearly jumped in front of it but groaned when it was Theodore and not Draco. He looked good as new, if not tired, and looked at Hermione suspiciously.

"Granger."

"Nott."

They stared at one another and looked away. Theodore brought his eyes back to Hermione, who was staring intently at the door waiting for Draco to appear. As if he could read her mind, Nott leaned over and whispered.

"He's not going to come out. He asked Madam Pomfrey for some Sleeping Draught. Whatever the Death Eaters are doing to him is rubbing him the wrong way."

Hermione turned at looked at him with almost panic and worry. Nott merely laughed and nodded, "Go on. Not like Madam Pomfrey'll kick you out for watching him sleep."

"I wasn't going to watch him sleep!" Hermione snapped at him, causing Nott to laugh.

"Listen, it's none of my business what you and Malfoy are up to. I'm just warning you now. Parkinson has already staked a claim in him. You don't want to get on the wrong side of her if I were you."

Nott patted Hermione on the shoulder, which caused her to raise her eyebrow at him and jerk out of his grasp. He groaned, "Apparently you're still sore about the whole 'getting-into-your-knickers' thing."

"Who wouldn't?" She said sharply taking a step away from him.

"Moment of lapsed judgment. Besides, no one wants a cold frigid witch. If I wanted one of those I'd go to Beauxbatons. See ya later."

He nodded to Hermione and headed down the stairs with his hands in his pocket, skipping the last invisible step. Hermione watched the Slytherin disappear into the corridor below and brought her eyes to the door. She slowly pushed it open and entered. There was a curtain drawn around a single bed, which she assumed was where Draco was. Hermione glanced toward Madam Pomfrey's desk and noticed she was missing.

She heard a little groan coming from behind the curtain and slowly approached it. Pulling the curtain back she stared blankly at a sleeping Draco Malfoy. His chest heaved heavily as he turned his head from side to side, his hands clenching onto the sheets. The Sleeping Draught was supposed to be strong enough to make sure he wasn't dreaming, but here he was obviously in a deep dream. Sweat began beading around his forehead and Hermione noticed that he had worry lines. He looked positively ghastly and as if he were suffering some how.

Hermione soon found herself sitting beside him, feeling his warm body next to hers. Draco rolled his head to the side as his hand unclenched itself. She looked down and brought her fingers to his palm, tracing the lines with them. He groaned but remained still. Her fingers traced higher until she noticed the Dark Mark printed straight on his forearm. She hadn't seen one up close before and took some times to marvel at it. It creeped her out, yet on Draco it made him seem more masculine. The veins in his arm bulged slightly at her touch but she felt him relaxed, his hand running up her own arm until it touched her hand and rested there.

He looked at ease at that moment and Hermione felt her gaze soften. A small smile played across her lips as his own parted for a breath. Leaning over slightly, Hermione freed her hand and brought it to his face, caressing it softly. He leaned into it and seemed to smile at her touch, his eyes fluttering to a stand still. The draught had come into full effect. He was now sleeping peacefully and he looked more at ease than before.

"Ahem."

Hermione snapped around to see Madam Pomfrey standing behind her holding onto another set of blankets. Jumping up to her feet, Hermione nearly knocked the curtains down in her surprise. Madam Pomfrey chortled and held the stand still as Hermione wrangled herself free.

"It's not often he gets visitors. Especially from Gryffindors," Madam Pomfrey said, slowly nudging her way past Hermione as she dropped a few more blankets onto him.

"He's here often?" Hermione asked, resting her eyes on the sleeping Draco.

"Mhm. Almost every night for the past three weeks. Something about not being able to sleep." Madam Pomfrey tucked the sheets in and brushed Draco's hair out of his face. "It's quite sad actually."

"What is?" Hermione asked in interest.

"He's been saying your name in his sleep for ages and almost in a sorrowful manner." Her bright amber eyes were brought up to Hermione's own chocolate brown ones. "He must be very exhausted. Normally the Sleeping Draught makes everyone restful but not for him. Come to think of it, this is the first time he hasn't tossed and turned. He looks so much like an angel."

Hermione stared at Draco and nodded, "Yeah."

Madam Pomfrey stood straight and beamed at Hermione, whose face turned beet red. "Um. Alright. Well, please don't tell him I was here. I have to go." She said so quickly that she didn't take a breath until the end.

"Sure thing, Ms. Granger." She moved to the side as Hermione walked past her and out the door.

She was quiet on the way back to the dormitory, even the loud snap, crackle and pop noise of the Exploding Snap in the corridors didn't stir her. She paused when she rounded the library and watched as Pansy, Millicent and Daphne exited. Hermione glanced around and rushed to the other side of the wall and hid behind a suit of armor.

"I'm excited for the Quidditch game tomorrow," Daphne said happily as they moved toward Hermione but paused right in front of the suit of armor. "I think Slytherin is going to whomp on those stupid Gyrffindorks."

"Yeah, especially since Potter's stupid girlfriend is Chaser now. She blows big time." Pansy chirped, looking through her bag for something. "And to think Blaise was going on and on about how pretty she was and how he hated that she was a blood traitor."

"But remember, you have Draco. No one can compare." Millicent added with her low manly voice.

Pansy shrugged, "He's been so preoccupied with the Dark Lord lately that he doesn't even pay me any attention. Not that I care. I know once the war is over and we win that he'll come to his senses. I'm the only compatible person for him."

Daphne snorted but became silent when Pansy glared at her. She took a step toward the girl and narrowed her eyes, "You think I'm not good enough for Draco Malfoy?"

"Of course you are," Millicent said trying to come between them. Daphne nodded in agreement, "Yeah. No one is as pure blooded as you."

Pansy eyed both girls before deciding that their answer was sufficient. She went back to commenting on Draco.

"He's been out of it recently, constantly looking over at the Gryffindor table. Never know why though. Not like he'd be looking at some one there." Daphne and Millicent exchanged looks of approval.

"I mean the only girl there that any one seems to have interest in is Granger and she's not even that pretty. Like Draco would sully himself with the likes of her. Maybe for a quick shag just to say he got her but," she shrugged, "I hear Granger is knee deep in cock that she can hardly weasel her way through school."

Hermione clenched her fist in anger as she stepped out from behind the statue. Daphne was the first to notice her and, at first, grinned wickedly. That was until she witnessed the magic crackle around Hermione and her look of pure, unadulterated hatred. Her eyes widened and she nudged Millicent, who looked for once afraid. They tried to warn Pansy, but the stupid slag was still chirping on and on about how bad Hermione was and how Ron was only with her because he couldn't get any one better.

"Pansy," Daphne said quickly, darting her eyes to and from Hermione and Pansy.

"What is it, Daphne!?" Pansy snapped at her just as she wheeled around. She came face to face with Hermione's angry clenched fist. The girl's head snapped back as if she had been hit by a semi and reeled around.

"You insufferable little slag," Hermione growled, walking circles around Pansy. "You have NO clue what you're talking about. You think it's funny to insult people because of their looks, their wealth and their blood. I have a newsflash for you. At least my kind aren't inbred pathetic whores who sleep around with everyone just because they think it's cool. Do you honestly not know the rumors that go around about YOU and here YOU are making more rumors just to pass the time."

Pansy brought her hand to her eye and stumbled to her feet, growling at Hermione. "At least I'm not some frigid old bitch who has to pretend to be smart in order to make friends."

"Right because you make friends by treating them like garbage and threatening them. Like that is honorable." Hermione spat at her. She ducked as Pansy threw a fist through the air but missed. Hermione swung again and clobbered her in the other eye, "I would rather be intelligent than beautiful. You are neither and I feel sorry for you."

"Sorry, for me? FOR ME?" Pansy shouted at Hermione lunging at her but at that moment Hermione swung her fist and hit her in the jaw, sending the girl reeling to the floor.

Daphne and Millicent were stunned into their place as they watched. Pansy groaned and stumbled back to her feet, wagging a finger at her. "I'm going to turn you in! I'm going to..." Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell to the ground.

Both girls looked at Pansy and the Hermione but said nothing. Lowering her fists, Hermione took a breath and blinked away tears. She had let Pansy get to her for years and now, now she felt relieved. She looked at Daphne and Millicent, half expecting them to go after her but they just stared. Hermione turned to leave and she thought she saw Millicent smirk and nod curtly at Hermione, as if to secretly be thanking her for finally shutting Pansy Parkinson up.