Hermione was slightly dizzy after Malfoy left her. She was trying to register what had happened. One minute he was going on a sad and hatred filled rant, and the next he was on her lips, kissing her with passion and need, like she was the only source of life that was keeping him alive, and he needed her. She was running through the moment in her head, remembering his soft lips kissing her with a contrastingly aggressive force. She remembered his expression afterward, contorted with self-hatred and desire to kiss her again. She didn’t know why he’d left, or what she’d done to make him regret it, but she felt truly awful when she saw him running away.
She was still in between the apothecary and the joke shop, sitting down on the ground. She’d become too dizzy to stand after he’d left. She sighed, stood up, and dusted herself off.
“So stupid, Hermione…” she whispered to herself.
She began walking down the alley, out from the buildings, attempting to stay steadied as she walked. She couldn’t decide if she was mad or hurt that he left; her thoughts were all over
the place like the muggle pinball machines. She felt her heart race each time she went back to the thought. It was a happy one, there was no doubt about that. He was a wonderful kisser.
“Come on, Hermione. He obviously doesn’t like you – he ran away.” She thought miserably.
She trudged along the alley, absently looking into shops, trying to keep her balance. He had a very powerful effect on her, and she didn’t know why. Truthfully, she didn’t know a lot of things, anymore. She never thought that Draco Malfoy, of all people, would kiss HER.
Granger, the sick little mudblood who doesn’t deserve the title of being a witch. Hermione’s thoughts grew bitter.
“Hermione?” A familiar voice said from a distance away.
She looked up, still slightly befuddled. Harry was looking at her, holding a very large box of lacewing flies, as indicated on the front.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
She thought about that for a moment. Was she alright? Was she honestly going to be ok?
“F-f-fine,” She managed.
“W-w-what are you d-d-doing here?”
She stumbled, and Harry grabbed a hold of her arm to keep her from falling.
“Never mind me – what are YOU doing here?” He was concerned.
“Hermione, you look as if you’d just been attacked by a dementor.”
Hermione smiled weakly. She supposed that she DID feel like she confronted a dementor. Her body was completely emptied of emotion for the time being. She just felt the ghosts of the happiness she had when he’d kissed her…
“Hermione?” Harry asked again.
Oh, no. Hermione had been thinking about the kiss for too long. She’d have to keep her
focus if she wanted to avoid Harry questioning her.
“I just fancied a drink after a long day at work. Is that a crime?” she teased.
“I suppose not.”
“Why are you here?” She repeated.
“Oh, Kendrina needed these for some Polyjuice Potion. Ron’s off getting the shredded Boomslang skin.” He looked grateful to have the flies.
“Isn’t that hard to come by?” she asked.
“Oh, definitely. I’m just glad she stuck me with this.” He said, holding the box higher.
