If You Were Mine

Slap Me

Hermione appeared back in her hallway, she sat on her stairs, reeling from her conversation with Ron. Their friendship was ruined. Ron would never forgive her. Even if he learned the full truth, it still wouldn't matter, the photo of her in Draco's arms was enough to condemn her for life.

She placed her face in her hands. No tears fell, but she hurt, deep down she was in pain. Molly and Arthur both looked so disappointed in her, she'd never forget the judgmental looks in their eyes. Ginny was her rock, if she didn't have her support, she didn't know what she would do. Ginny hated Draco as much as the others that was for certain, yet she wasn't mad at Hermione.

That would be the last visit to the burrow for a while she realised and suddenly her loneliness was all too real. Without her parents, without Harry, she had no one else to turn to... except maybe Draco? No that was foolish, she thought shaking the idea away.

She had rejected him, he would likely have returned to his usual hateful self by the next time she saw him. There would be no mention of the sofa escapades or what they spoken about in Godric's Hollow.

She needed to continue thinking of ways to get Draco acquitted. Perhaps a meeting with the New Order to try to persuade them, or maybe an interview with the Prophet? Or perhaps she could have words with Kingsley? She wasn't sure what would be the best course of action. Hermione took herself to bed and hoped she would wake up tomorrow with a better idea.

*

Two days passed, Hermione hadn't heard from Draco, she had no idea what his thoughts were on Rita's article and she was curious what he made of it all. No word from the Weasleys either, which was to be expected. It would be best to avoid them for a while.

Hermione had stopped caring so much, there was no use worrying over what others thought. Her only focus now was saving her parents.

Her attempts to come up with a plan was short lived when her stomach growled, distracting her. She was running low on food, so decided it was time to brave the shops. She was sure that once she got some brain food, the ideas would start flowing.

It was a fairly warm day, Hermione slipped into some shorts and an off the shoulder wide neck top, she was sick of wearing jeans and t-shirts day in, day out. While the weather permitted, she thought she would take advantage of the sunshine and wear something a little more summery. She tied her hair back and wore a pair of sunglasses, then headed to the corner shop to stock up on some basics. She was in and out within ten minutes and quickly made her way back home. She was half expecting to be jumped by one of the dark lords supporters on the way, but fortunately it seemed they didn't frequent tiny corner shops in suburban neighbourhoods.

Once she got back home, Hermione relaxed somewhat knowing she was safer in Draco's wards than anywhere else. She kicked her shoes off and then proceeded to unpack the shopping, all the while trying to think up her next move.

Hermione almost jumped out of her skin when she entered the living room to find Draco sat on the sofa, it was as if she had summoned him. His legs spread, he was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His expression serious. He cracked his knuckles and squared his shoulders when he saw her.

'You almost gave me a heart attack!' she said her hand on her chest.

He seemed to be carefully examining her outfit, probably judging her Muggle summer fashion. She waited for his reply but he sat there tight lipped, glaring at her.

'Why are you dressed like that?' he asked through narrowed eyes.

Hermione thought that was a strange question. She looked down at her outfit then shrugged; her top slipped further down her bare shoulder, her nude bra strap was on display. Loose curls framed her face but most of her hair was tied back; like a wild animal being held by the most fragile of elastics, threatening to burst free at any moment.