RAGE

Hermione made her way back to Draco’s room, trying not to cry all the way there. But all she could see was her mums face as she reached for her dad. She couldn’t stop thinking of how much they loved each other and how they had sacrificed their lives for her and the other children. She was thankful, so thankful, but she didn’t know how she was going to do it with out them.

Before she knew it, she was at the door. She stopped and looked at the handle. She desperately wanted to go to bed, but she knew she was going to see horrible things if she closed her eyes. She also didn’t want to be seen by other people, especially by Blaise and Pansy.

She stood there for a few more moments, trying to gather herself when the door opened. She was almost bowled over by Blaise, who was holding Pansy’s hand and telling her that she needed to eat something. He stopped abruptly and looked at Hermione for a moment before acknowledging her.

“Granger.” He said quietly.

He sounded different to than what she remembered. Hermione nodded her head at him, looked down and moved aside for them. They left the room with out another word, Blaise still holding Pansy’s hand. Hermione watched them go. Even though she had never liked Pansy much, she was glad that she had Blaise looking after her.

As if reading her mind, Pansy turned and looked at her briefly, giving her a sad smile. Hermione smiled back and then walked in. She ran her hands through her hair and stood in the middle of the room just breathing in and out. Trying to forget the world. She felt her eyes getting heavier and sighed. She wanted to sleep and not wake up unless the world was back to normal.

She felt a pair of strong arms massage her shoulders and then sneak around her waist, hugging her from behind. She was shocked at first but then relaxed into the embrace. He felt good. He felt warm. He smelled nice and she found herself holding onto his arms. They stayed like that for a long while. She felt her mind easing and her eyes getting heavier still.

She opened her eyes and turned around, somehow not surprised to see that it was Draco holding her. He looked at her earnestly, still holding her tightly.

“Want me to stay with you?” He asked.

There was something in his voice that touched her deeply. And went straight to her head, making her a little dizzy. She looked to his neck, their gaze becoming too warm for her to handle.

“Thanks.” She said. “But I’m okay.”

But she didn’t want to move.

“I don’t mind.” He said, his voice deep and soothing.

With regret she pulled away from him.

“I’m just going to go and see Harry and Ron; say goodnight. Then I’m going to bed.” She said, unable to look into his eyes. “I feel like a I could sleep for a century.”

He nodded.

“If you change your mind…” He said looking away from her.

She looked at him as he began to back away and only then did she realise that he was only wearing a towel. Quite low on his hips too. She looked at his face. The look in his eyes became a little darker, his expression secretly beckoning her to stay. She quickly diverted her gaze and headed again for the door.

“Thanks.” She said quietly before making her escape.

***

Hermione looked around for her friends for a few minutes before she found them at the end of the hall on the bottom level. Harry and Ginny were lying together on the beds they had charmed together and Luna was fluffing the pillows on hers and Ron’s bed.

“I’m off to bed.” Hermione announced, quietly walking in.

Ginny jumped up, hugging her friend.

“Want some company?” She asked, touching Hermione’s cheek lightly.

Hermione smiled and shook her head.

“Thanks, but I just need to get some sleep.” She said, hugging Ginny again.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked, joining in on the hug. “We can get some food together…”

She shook her head.

“I’ve already eaten.” She said, pulling away from them. “But thanks. I just need to be by myself for a little bit.”

“Alright.” Harry said giving her a peck on the cheek. “But if you need anything, anything at all, you’ll come down won’t you?”

She nodded and the tears returned. She doubted if they would ever go away.

“I will.” She choked. “I love you guys.”

“Oh, ‘Mione.” Luna said, swiftly pulling her close and rubbing her back.

“Same goes for you guys, okay?” Hermione said, looking at each of them in turn. “I’m not the only one to lose my family.”

They nodded, all on the verge of tears.

“We love you too, Hermione.” Ginny choked. “So much!”

Harry nodded his agreement, his trembling lip telling her that he was unable to speak.

Hermione sniffled and shook her head, pulling the tears back.

“Where’s Ron?” She asked, backing up towards the door.

“Where else, but the kitchen?” Ginny replied, cracking a smile.

Hermione smiled back, nodding.

“Goodnight guys.”

And with that, she left the room.