A Lamb to the Slaughter

Who Exists Now?

Pevensy respected Hermione's wishes for two whole days before she heard the pitiful creature crying on the other side of the door to Draco, who had left briefly to get a tray of food.

"B-B-But Pevensy loves Hermione!" Pevensy sobbed, her cries coming through the walls clear as day. "May Pevensy bring meals possibly just only once? Or help her bathe please-"

Hermione was already moving towards the door, swinging it open as she stood on weak legs. The sight before her would have made her chuckle if she weren't so empty inside and the sight so pitiful:

Draco, with a tray of steaming food in one palm and the other hand placed firmly on his hip. Pevensy, on her knees with her hands fisted in Draco's trousers, fat tears spilling down her cheeks.

Both of them cut their gazes towards her. Pevensy leaped to her feet.

"My La-Hermione!" The elf bounced in place. "How are you? Does Hermione need something? Does Dobby salt the food correctly? Pevensy remembers Hermione likes her vegetables and pork extra salted." She twisted her fingers together. "Or...or is Hermione mad at Pevensy? For what happened?"

Out of the corner of her eye Hermione saw Draco stiffen.

The question alone felt too heavy for her shoulders. The desire to turn around and crawl back under the blankets was nearly overwhelming. But Hermione mustered up as much energy as she could and gave Pevensy a soft smile.

"Of course I'm not mad at you. You saved me, Pevensy."

"Then can Pevensy see Hermione again? Please?"

Hermione sighed. "You can help me bathe if you'd like. I fear it's been too long." Hermione tried to chuckle, but what came out was a choppy breath.

Pevensy's eyes lit up. "Oh thank you! Pevensy runs it right now. Orange peels, cranberries, cinnamon sugar scrub, and sweet vanilla just for My Lady!"

The elf zipped past Hermione, and before long she heard the sound of running water and glass jars being moved and pulled.

Hermione looked up to find Draco watching her.

"What?" The word was weak.

"I...Are you hungry?" He held out the tray.

She had been hungry earlier, but now she just felt exhausted. As if she had just used all of the energy for the day in those few sentences and smiles.

"I'm not hungry. I think I'll bathe and then nap."

"You just woke up." His brows furrowed. Hermione waved him off. Her emotions felt as if they had grown frozen, sinking to the bottom of her stomach. Sinking to a place her spirit couldn't touch.

"I'm sure I'll be hungry later, Draco. Thank you."

He took it for what it was - a dismissal.

"I'll be back up in two hours."

Hermione didn't have it in her to nod, she just closed the door and moved to the bathroom.

Pevensy hummed to herself on a stool as she dropped two dried oranges into the glossy, bubbly water.

"This exact bath helped High Lady Narcissa once."

"Hmm."

"But Pevensy thinks that instead of coffee, cinnamon is better for- Hermione!"

"Hmm?"

"Your nightgown! It's wet!"

Hermione didn't care. She had barely noticed that she had climbed in still clothed.

She could hardly feel anything. The longer she was awake the colder she felt inside. It's why she slept so much. That, and the energy of talking with people was simply too much. That simple reason led her to only allow Draco in. He never spoke to her unless she talked first. He didn't poke at her as she grew more distant.