Dare to Love (a Dramione story)

10.

The awkwardness between Draco and Hermione remained until breakfast. It was Hermione who broke the silence.

"Hey... uhm.. Draco?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry for reacting like that earlier. You deserve to know what happened... I just..."

A tear went down her cheek, and another one, and another.
Draco felt incredibly hurt by seeing her like this. All he wanted was for her to stop crying.
He stood up, walked over to her and hugged her. She relaxed immedeately under his touch.
After a minute or so, Draco let go and looked in Hermione's eyes. Her beautiful, chocolate brown eyes.
They stared at each other for about five minutes at least, then Hermione looked down.

"It started with Ron and me breaking up... He wanted me to stop writing you because I was giving him too little attention. Then he just left. That was the day I stopped writing you and started writing Ron every day in the hope that he would come back.."

"But he never did?"

"Yes, he actually did, twice. Once to take his belongings with him. And the other time he... he..."

Hermione started crying again, against Draco's shoulder.

"Sssssh Hermione... everything is okay now. I'm with you. No one will hurt you, I promise..."

Hermione continued her story still leaning against Draco's shoulder. Her voice was nothing but a whisper.

"He touched me Draco..."

"He what!?"

"He just walked in being really drunk, then he started kissing me. On my lips, in my neck, down my chest...
I pushed him away, but he kept coming back... His hands grabbing each peace of skin they could get....
Then he started unclothing me and... and... ohw Draco, I was so scared!"

Hermione was now crying uncontrollebly. Draco stroked her back gently. He was completely shocked and also really angry. He wanted to beat Weasley up really badly but he knew that Hermione needed him to be around right now. He sat there, Hermione in his arms, hoping that the crying would stop.

"Ssshh Hermione. Don't cry, I'm here. I'll protect you. No matter what happens. I promise."

Hermione seemed to calm down by his gentle touch and soft words. She wiped away her tears and stood up.

"I'm going to take a shower."

Draco sighed and also stood up. He heard the water flowing out of the shower. Hermione couldn't possibly hear him now.

"I love you, Hermione Granger", he whispered.