Stay By My Side ✅ (Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy)

Darkness and Light

Hermione POV

Hours that seemed like minutes had passed. I had spent them with Draco talking about everything and anything. I was surprised that he took a keen interest in my muggle heritage. He asked me questions such as what I like to do outside of Hogwarts and also asked about my parents. I wasn’t expecting such personal conversations with him but I didn’t oblige, I was more than happy to sit and talk with him. He told me briefly about his life in the Malfoy manor and how boring and depressing it was, especially during the Summer whilst living with his Mother. I could tell by his uncomfortable shifts that he didn’t feel ready yet to speak of his outside life. That was fine with me. As more time had passed we both agreed that it’s a good idea to get some sleep. I had honestly lost track of the length of time we stayed up talking.

“You can always come in with me, if you want.” He tells me in a flirtatious voice as he casually stands outside the entrance of his Bedroom.

“Oh come on. There’s a chance you’d probably get a fright when you wake next to me.” I joke.

“Well I wasn’t frightened the first time so I probably won’t the second time around.” He says smoothly and I laugh.

“Thank you as always for the offer Draco. But I’ll decline.” I respond. I couldn’t ignore that longing sensation I had deep within. I really wanted to be next to him and feel his warmth but another part of me was telling myself that maybe I shouldn’t incase there’s a chance he would turn against me. ‘He wouldn’t do that Hermione, he has changed, don’t be silly’ my conscience told me. I already know what I want but I really wish I knew what was wrong and what was right. I have to keep reminding myself that this beautiful man standing in front of me is Draco Malfoy, and I wasn’t sure if my heart is prepared for whatever is to happen next.

 “Okay…well goodnight Hermione.” His lips slowly pull into a tired smile.

“Can I ask you about one thing before you go to bed? It won’t take long.” I ask him. He raises his eyebrows in question. I’ve been meaning to ask him about one particular thing all night but I felt too awkward.

“I suppose you can.” He crosses his arms. I make contact with his grey orbs that makes me feel weak to the knees.

“I…well this morning I heard about some rumours going around the school. It’s about you dumping Pansy for another girl from a different house. I know this sounds strange but do you think…-“

“Yeah that apparent girl is you, but I haven’t nor do I intend to say anything. Nobody suspects you anyway. You don’t need to worry okay?” It was like he read my mind. “I’m sure most of it is fabricated. But do you have any clue where it all came from?”

I breathe in heavily. If I told him about Seamus listening in to part of his conversation with Luna Lovegood the other night I don’t know how he would react. To top it all off Draco has no idea that I know about him and Luna being friendly with one another so that’s another reason to fear his reaction. “I don’t know where it came from.” I tell him. “I only heard of it this morning.”

He nods. “Okay. People will be talking about something different by the end of the week anyways so it doesn’t matter.” He looked to the ground like he was feeling embarrassed. “Well… people probably won’t stop talking about what I’ve done in the Great Hall today. I’m so stupid.” I could see his painfilled expression, the same one he wore the night I came back to find he had harmed himself.

“No you are not. I don’t want to hear you call yourself that.” I walk towards him in an effort to comfort him. “Blaise was out of line anyway and everyone could see that. It would take a lot of self control not to snap.”