We Sorta Kinda Just Happened (A Drarry Story)

Chapter 20

"If a Finite Incanteum fails to cease magical activity above a blood drawn rune, this proves which part of the Organic Rune Matter theory?" Hermione quizzed off of a flashcard.

Papers crinkled as Draco leaned over to grab his Ancient Runes notes. Glancing at them, he tried to find the answer.

"Er...the second part, which states that runes drawn with matter from the caster have a stronger bond between the two."

She frowned as she tried to catch a glance at the papers. Sighing, she readjusted her sloppy braid.

"I could have sworn it was the first part that refers to that, but it doesn't matter." She rubbed her eyes. "Thanks for staying to review with me, Draco."

He nodded, not mentioning that he had practically been roped into participating. Hermione had announced loudly to him, Harry, and Ron that she will have a last minute cram fest the night before exams in the common room. Being here wasn't even a great idea, since he should be getting well deserved sleep before all of the stress-inducing tests the next day. Harry and Ron had wisely opted out of the hardcore study session, and Draco wished Harry had stayed so there would be some relief from quizzing. When they had left, they told him to hold down the fort with Hermione and said that they would study by themselves. He had seen the Exploding Snap deck Ron had palmed on the way out.

"Of course. We're about done, aren't we?"

"We covered everything, yes, I think we are well prepared for the tests tomorrow." Hermione hedged around the question.

Draco narrowed his eyes, sensing he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. He threw down his papers, making Hermione glance at him.

"Hermione, listen, I need you to answer truthfully..."

"Since when have I not?" She protested angrily.

Taking in a breath to refrain from snapping a harsh retort back at her, Draco stared her down.

"That's not what I implied and you know it."

A silence choked the room. Hermione talked first.

"Ok, I know what you're going to ask. Yes, I want to talk about Harry."

Thoughts of correcting and saying she couldn't possibly know fled from his mind. Yes, that was what he had wanted to ask, whether she had noticed, too, and hoped for a confirmation that he had a reason to be driven with worry. Not that he wanted anything to be wrong, he just didn't want to be proven wrong.

He hadn't noticed when they got back, and he certainly didn't notice the next day, either. He might have subconsciously noted the bags under Harry's eyes, not quite dark enough to be obvious and the sign of only one night of lost sleep. The day after, Harry started to stare blankly at walls while Draco would talk to him, denying that he had if it was pointed out. The bags under his eyes got worse, too, and Draco tried to gently coax a explanation out of him. Harry had deflected by making a comment about the desolate state of the Slytherin Quidditch team, which lead to a heated debate about McGonagoll not letting any eighth year try out for a team. Another day passed, and the bags faded enough to convince Draco that he had nothing to worry about. This morning, Harry's eyes lost their tired quality, but his friend zoned out multiple times throughout the day.

"I noticed he's been looking tired recently," She continued, "and I suppose you noticed too since you knew what I was going to say."

"He hasn't said anything to me, I would have thought he would have talked to you if it was serious."

She shook her head. "Nowadays, it seems like it would be you he would confide with, since he knows me well enough to know I would freak out if he told me. I mean, I would probably do that plus scold him, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be told."