𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 | Dramione

Chapter 9

November 9 1999

how beautiful is the relationship
between the stars and the night sky.
so contrasting,
yet so incomplete
without each other.
a certain darkness is needed
to see the light
of the stars.

~

"I didn't ask you to do that," he pointed out, staring at his healed hand.

"I know, I wanted to."

"Why?"

"God Malfoy, can't you for once accept someone's kindness? Didn't they teach you that during Pureblood Etiquette?" she said.

His perfect teeth flashed into a smile.

"No, actually they only taught us to become death eaters and unleash evil upon the world."

Hermione held back a chuckle. How ironic it was for her to laugh about the trauma. She was amused by his comment, because it meant he was aware, and partly blamed himself for everything that had happened. Just like her.

They remained silent for a few minutes until Hermione thought about the vial and how much it must have cost for him to get it. Her mind immediately raced to Lucius and she wondered whether that had been Draco's punishment.

"How much do I owe you?"

Draco's eyes rushed to hers and a smug smile came across his face.

"It's an offering. Didn't they teach you that in muggle school?"

"No, actually I was just taught how to clean and cook, things you so desperately need elves to do," she answered.

He chuckled.

"Consider it a belated birthday gift or whatever."

She gave a short nod.

"Alright. That's—generous of you."

Draco laid his hand over his heart. "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that," he said with false elation.

Hermione's eyes narrowed. She couldn't understand him. His true motive was always escaping her. It was like playing a guessing game and she hated having the disadvantage.

It was so bizarre— but she found comfort in the absurdity. Draco noticed her expression.

"What?" His voice was always so stern.

"Oh—nothing, I was just thinking," she spoke softly.

"Yes that's a given, you being you. What about, was my question," he answered.

"Well I— I was just thinking about what you said, how even if I got Essence of Dittany, it wouldn't work," she was rambling, "Why did you say that? And why bother to get it for me if you're so sure it won't do anything to help my scar—"

"My god Granger, did you really think that my telling you it wasn't going to work was enough to stop you? You needed to see for yourself or—"

"What happened to Mudblood," she muttered under her breath. He heard her.

Draco pressed his lips into a hard line and then curled them into a smirk.

"I think having it on your arm is enough, yeah?" he asked.

"Yes—yes it is," she stared into his cold eyes, the ghost of a smile appeared.

Draco's unyielding expression melted for a brief moment and she could see through the grey iris into the deep blue of his eyes.