Blood Magic

New Feelings

For the first time since she returned back to Hogwarts, Hermione was deeply interested in getting ready for class. After she returned back to her dorm the night before, she slipped almost immediately into a pleasant sleep. The sleep was dreamless, which was a rare occasion in itself.

Speaking with Draco calmed her nerves enough for her mind to remain clear of any ugly thoughts. Who would have thought?

The Slytherin Prince actually gave his full attention to her whenever she spoke. Not that she was one for comparing people, but neither Ron nor Harry ever gave her nearly the amount of attention as Malfoy had. Well, to be fair, Harry would try and listen to her when he wasn't distracted with other matters. However regardless of who Mione was talking to, there was just something unique about how Draco listened to her.

It was as though every part of him was completely attentive to her. He'd occasionally nod or shake his head depending on the conversation. Malfoy would actually give his opinion on the matter, which Hermione found incredibly refreshing unlike her usual talks with her friends.

And none of it went without mention of how he looked at her whenever she was speaking. Mione could always anticipate her heart on the verge of pounding as soon as she'd open her mouth to speak. Draco's gaze was always filled with so much heat. Sometimes it felt as though he was staring at more than just her.

It was like he knew about the second mentality that had suddenly appeared. All morning the brunette had been arguing with the voice in the back of her head.

Arguing over a certain white haired Slytherin who's eyes made her blush in places that left her breathless.

Ugh! And God save us when his eyes begin to glow!

"Please, for the love of Merlin, you have to stop," Mione fired back to herself. She pulled her hair back into a messy bun and twisted her wand through the knot, keeping the heap of curls on top of her head.

Ooh, put on some makeup! You'll be completely irresistible.

She turned her head towards her small makeup bag that she kept on the top of her dresser. She contemplated what a bit of mascara or even a dab of lip gloss would do for her. Would it help make her look more lively? Or would it make her look as if she were trying too hard to impress someone?

Her entire body stilled. Even the air in her lungs stalled. Was that what she wanted to do? Did she seriously want to impress Draco Malfoy?

"Don't be ridiculous," she hushed out loud.

"Whose being ridiculous?" Ginny asked from the open doorway.

Hermione hastily shook herself off the idea and grabbed her books for her first class. She gave her friend a reassuring smile and shook her head.

"It's nothing," she said.

Ginny carefully glanced at her friend, happy to see that the circles under her eyes had begun to fade. Both she and Harry have been keeping a close eye on Mione without breaching the witch's personal space. After the business with Blaise nearly tearing down the portrait and telling them all to follow him to the hospital wing, the redhead had been on edge since she saw Hermione in the hands of Malfoy. Why had been the one, yet again, to be there when Mione was in trouble?

"You look well this morning," Ginny said to her. Hermione cracked a smile, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

"Thanks. I think I'm finally sleeping better," she admitted.

The two made their way down to the Great Hall where they took their seats opposite of Harry and Ron. Harry's disposition brightened the moment he noticed that Hermione had actually chosen to join them and not skip breakfast. Sleep aside, he was the only one who took the greatest notice of her poor eating habits.