𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 - 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒗

5

Voldemort's voice keeps coming back, even though he's supposed to be gone. It's like he's haunting me, calling my name over and over.
It's a whisper that won't stop, even if I try to make it go away, but it keeps getting louder.

I wake up with my body drenched in sweat, and the pain from the Dark Mark still lingering. Confusion clouds my mind, and as I look around, I find myself in Draco Malfoy's room. Instantly, the memories rush back – Malfoy yelling, Ron yelling, Malfoy knocking Ron out.

"Why am I here?" I snap at him. "What did you do?"

He stares at me for a while but then says: "Calm down, Granger. You were having a nightmare after passing out. I thought it best not to let you suffer alone."

"Why would you help me? What's your game?"

Malfoy sighs, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Game? Granger, I don't need a game. We both carry the Dark Mark now, thanks to your brave mission to save pottahs ass."

His words hit me like a cold splash, and anger flared up. "Don't act like we're in this together! You were on the other side."

"Times change, Granger. We're in the same boat now, whether you like it or not. Maybe it's time you accept that."

I can't let go of the fact that he used to be a Death Eater, that we used to be enemies. "Why should I accept help from you? You were part of what we fought against!"

His patience, almost gone. "Because we share the same fate. You think Pottah and Weasel care about what happens to you now?"

The mention of Ron and Harry stung. "Where are they?" I ask.

Malfoys eyes hardened. "They're not here, are they? Maybe it's time you realized they never cared as much as you thought."

I stare directly into his eyes, feeling the weight of the truth. "They cared!"

"Not enough to be here when you needed them . Now, for once, shut up and let me help you. We're in this mess together, whether you like it or not."

His silver eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a hint of trust. "Granger, I know it's hard to believe, but I've changed. I'm nothing like my parents, and I don't want to follow their path."

My thoughts are filled with doubt. Can I really trust him? The history between us is full of hate, but circumstances are putting our fates together, for whatever reason.

"I need more than words, Malfoy. Trust is earned"

"I'll prove it to you. Actions speak louder than words, right?"

I hesitate, glancing at the door. "Maybe we should go back to class,"

He smirks, a hint of teasing in his voice. "Only if you promise to stop skipping. You're the most intelligent woman I know, Granger. Can't let all that potential go to waste.", is the last thing he says, as I close the door carefully.