Broken

Collision

Hermione shifted the weight of the baby carrier as she walked down the corridor of the maternity ward.  Hugo grumbled, his tiny face scrunched up.  His 4-month check had gone well; the Neonatal Mediwitch was pleased with his progress, and Hermione's.  She had been poked and prodded as much as her son, and was equally irritable.

Looking down at Hugo, Hermione collided with someone in front of her.

'Watch where you're going,' a voice snarled.

Startled, Hermione looked up into Draco's stormy, grey eyes.  Hot fingers brushed hers as he steadied Hugo's carrier, then he leaped suddenly backwards.  Draco's coat slipped from his hand, tripping him.  Hermione caught him by the arm, but Draco shook her off, scowling.

'What is your problem?!' Hermione snapped. Draco refused to answer. 'Whatever!'

Draco watched Hermione stomp off, his face unreadable. He picked up his coat and rummaged through the empty pockets. Panicked, his head whipped around, eyes searching. He darted to a low table and snatched his flask from underneath.

Draco threw his head back, emptying the last drops into his mouth. Not noticing a Mediwizard watching him, Draco shuddered and stepped out into the street.

Jogging past a group of Muggles, Draco skidded to a halt when he spotted Hermione. She was muttering to herself as she fastened Hugo into the back of an old, silver car. Thrusting his hands into his pockets, Draco ambled across the road.

'What do you want?'

'Oh, er, hey Granger. Didn't see you there.'

Hermione's eyes narrowed as Draco flushed. He rocked back on his heels as he cast about for something to say.

'Is this your car then?' He mentally kicked himself, of course it was.

'Yup.'

'Nice...'

'Not really.' Hermione's arms were crossed, her foot tapping as Hugo groused in his seat.

'Sorry for snapping at you,' Draco mumbled.

'How's your studying going?' Hermione asked finally, her expression softening.

'Ugh, don't even ask,' he grimaced.

'If you need a hand with anything, just shoot me an owl. You know where I live, after all...'

'Think I can't do it myself, is that it?' Draco hissed. 'I don't need help from you. I don't need help from anyone!'

'You're insufferable!' Hermione threw herself into the driver's seat and slammed the door. The car roared off, leaving Draco choking on exhaust fumes.