Desperate Measures

Chapter Two

Hermione Granger wasn't immune to the new rule, but she was taking it in stride. She assured Ginny, Harry and Ron that they were all meant for each other, therefore they would be matched to each other. She had fueled this hope and was now believing it. It had to work that way.

She snuggled into Ron's arms. Her hair was curled around her face, a protective shield to the whirlwind madness going on around her. They were still waiting for the Minister to return with the healers from St. Mungo's.

Ginny was curled up in Harry's arms, her red hair billowing out behind her, a sharp contrast to the black sleeping bag they were lying on. Hermione stood from her own sleeping bag, making sure not to wake Ron or anybody for that matter. No one seemed to be awake in the hall.

Hermione crept over to the windows and sat down on the floor, pulling her legs up to her chest. The only sleeping bag near her was empty, and finally, Hermione relaxed. She looked out the huge windows and pulled in a breath. Then exhaled-

Except she didn't exhale. Someone else did, right next to her. She whipped her head around and gasped. It was Malfoy.

His eyes were sunken in, his skin a sickly pale color and his bones almost popping out of his skin. His platinum blonde hair stuck up every which way, instead of being gelled down.

"Granger." He nodded at Hermione, his gray blue eyes emotionless.

Hermione opened and closed her mouth but couldn't find any words coming out of her mouth. She probably looked like a fish. Finally, she managed a simple question, "Why aren't you asleep?"

"Why aren't you asleep? Your boyfriend seems a little restless." He nodded to Ron, who was twisting and turning in his sleeping bag.

"I can't sleep." Hermione breathed, holding back a fresh set of tears. "I'm scared." She squeaked so quietly, she doubted Malfoy had even heard her.

He said nothing for a minute, then, "Me neither."

Hermione was shocked to hear not a single trace of arrogance or crudeness in his voice. Maybe he had changed. Hermione sighed. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"No. I don't want to be married yet." Malfoy responded, his voice even. He then whispered, "And I want my mom to be there for my wedding."

Hermione's heart went out to him. She sort of knew what he felt like. She didn't even know where her parents were. "Well," Hermione started, trying to lighten the mood, "hopefully you'll get Pansy."

"Oh Merlin, I hope not." Malfoy rubbed his temples, drawing his knees in closer to his stomach. "I would die from extreme annoyance before we even had a child."

Hermione, shocked, turned to him. "I thought you guys liked each other!"

"No," he said, "she likes me, I am annoyed by her. Simple as that."

A giggle escaped from Hermione's lips and she was horrified. Did she not remember how terrible Malfoy was to Ron, Harry and her? And Hermione Jean Granger didn't giggle. She was not that kind of girl.

She covered her mouth with her hand, muffling her laughter.

"Well, I wish you the best of luck Malfoy. Have a good night." She whispered, wandering over to her sleeping bag.

A faint, "You too," could be heard.

Hermione smiled. Maybe he had changed.

***

"Hermione! Wake up!"

Hermione jolted awake, and stared into the eyes of Ron.