Broken

Lost

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, events, or places in this. They are all the work of the legendary JK Rowling, to whom we owe the wonder that is the Harry Potter Universe. I am simply a big fan, testing my creative writing muscles within the worlds she created.

Please note: I am intending to include a few quotes from the Cursed Child, though I will change the context slightly. It shouldn't give away any spoilers!

*****

November

Tendrils of silver escaped Hermione's lips. She wandered aimlessly through the freezing castle. Running her fingers along the rough stone walls, she watched the shadows grow and shrink in her wandlight. The meeting with Headmistress McGonagall had ended a while ago, but Hermione was too restless to go back to the guestroom. The room had seemed so cold and empty. Ron had always joined her on these trips in the past.

Hermione winced as her baby wriggled and kicked against her ribs. She put her hand on her stomach, hoping to soothe him. Her bump shook as he hiccupped. Sighing, Hermione leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Once the baby settled, she went to walk onwards when she realised where she was. With a small smile, Hermione pushed open the door opposite and went inside.

Shelves of books towered over Hermione, surrounding her with their knowledge and understanding. She waddled over to the table near the darkened window, shivering as the winter air leaked inside. Sitting in her usual seat, Hermione closed her eyes and smiled, listening to the whisper of books around her.

A clatter startled Hermione out of her reverie. She leapt to her feet, wand drawn.

'Granger? Put the wand down, Granger...'

Hermione blinked and looked down at her wand. It was spitting sparks, pointing steadily at the heart of the young man in front of her. She peered up into his face, taking in his pale, pointed features and white-blonde hair.

'Malfoy?'

'That's right, it's ok, just put the wand down...'

She realised he was holding his hands in the air and keeping very still. He looked worried.

'What are you doing here?' She asked, lowering her wand but staying alert.

'I could ask you the same thing, Granger. You know it's the middle of the night, right?'

Hemione's eyes narrowed and her grip on her wand tightened. Draco flinched and stepped backwards.

'I'm studying,' he muttered, pale cheeks flushing pink. 'Your turn, why are you skulking around Hogwarts?'

'I had a meeting with McGonagall. Ministry stuff. Didn't feel like going to bed yet so-'

'So you came to the library,' Draco interrupted. 'Makes sense. You always did have your nose buried in some book. Anyway, as delightful as this little reunion has been, I'd best be off.'

Flicking her an ironic salute, Draco sauntered out of the library without a backward glance. Hermione stared at the door. A solid kick to her bladder brought her back to the present. Frowning, Hermione trudged back to the guestroom, hoping to finally get some sleep. She doubted it. She had barely slept since the break-up.