Love Potions and Their Many Uses (Dramione)

Chapter 7 - Infatuation

The meeting with McGonagall went better than planned, though still extremely awkward.

Hermione didn't quite like the disparity between the pitying look McGonagall had given her, versus the suspicious one she had thrown at Draco. Hermione emphasized several times that both her and Draco had fallen prey to this imposter of a potion, while McGonagall examined the empty phials (Draco had turned his in as well) on her desk, prodding them with her wand every now and then.

After Hermione's explanation of the events (She glossed over most of the truth about what had happened during the potion. A 'passionate discussion about our love and plenty of hand-holding' seemed like enough of a story to satisfy the Headmistress), McGonagall seemed to look at Draco with a little more sympathy.

"This must have been an ordeal for both of you. Thank you for coming to me. I'll look into this situation immediately, Hogwarts takes matters like this very seriously. You should both know that you may turn to Madam Beesworthy for counselling. She will certainly be happy to help in any way that she can."

Hermione nodded. Madam Beesworthy had been newly appointed to the staff this year and formally introduced at the welcome feast. She was a charming, stout woman with a large hat that looked like a pile of scarves and a pair of beaded cat eye glasses perched on her nose. Hermione suspected McGonagall had hired her due to the amount of trauma many of the students had undoubtedly suffered from the war and aftermath. It was about time they hired someone to fill this role, in Hermione's opinion.

"Do you have anything else to tell me? No? Very well, off you go. Miss Granger, will you wait a moment? I have a quick matter to discuss with you."

Draco inclined his head and took his leave, though Hermione saw him glance at her before closing the door. She felt a pang. She'd hoped they'd be able to head down together.

"Please, have a seat."

Hermione sat.

"I wanted to personally make sure you were okay. As much as I will give Mr. Malfoy the benefit of the doubt, I know you both have been at odds since the start of your first year at school. He also has a reputation of being cruel to people who have non-magical families. Is there anything else I should know? Did he hurt you?"

Hermione bristled. She knew McGonagall meant well, but it was hard not to take offence when Draco had handled things as well as anyone could have.

He certainly handled you well this morning.

Hermione blushed and drove that erring thought away.

"Not at all. He was actually very apologetic even if he didn't do anything wrong. We've talked since and it's helped me to move past it. He's changed a lot since the war and I can tell he feels remorse."

"Indeed," McGonagall seemed very surprised by Hermione's statement, judging by how high her thin eyebrows were raised.

"All the same, I'd advise you to be careful Miss Granger. Dumbledore did once mention to me he had hopes that the Malfoy boy wouldn't inherit his father's prejudices. While I'd like to believe it as well, a little prudence never did anyone wrong."

"I have no doubt in my mind that Draco Malfoy is not his father," Hermione replied firmly.

McGonagall's eyebrows were practically grazing her hairline.

"Very well, Miss Granger. That is very good of you to say. I know he's certainly been through a lot."

McGonagall's gaze lingered on Hermione a while longer, while Hermione fidgeted in her seat.