Changing of Hearts (Dramione)

11.) Getting Prepared

Hermione

Today is the ball. I am scared and excited. After the talk I had yesterday with Draco, I realized that why I always felt tingly and warm around him. I like him. A lot, if I am honest. But it scares me. I know that Draco is nothing like Him, but I still flinch when people touch or surprise me, I don't want to disappoint Draco. Not that he likes me anyway. 

"Hermione? Are you Alright?"

I look up from the Gryffindor table and see Astoria and Theo watching me, concerned.

"Yes, thank you. Just thinking." I sigh and start to gaze out the window.

"Hermione, you haven't touched your breakfast." says Harry from my right. 

"I'm not hungry. I think I'm going to head to the library for a while." I stand and grab my bag.

"Would you like some company?"

"No, thank you though, Theo." and with that I walk out of the Great Hall

I know they are all concerned for me and want to protect me, but I need to be alone sometimes. They understand this, so they always ask if I'd like for them to come with me. I am so thankful and grateful to have friends like them. As I walked, I decided not to go to the library. I wanted to go to the gardens.

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Draco

Today is the day. The gang and I have a plan in place. I just hope it works. As I walk down to the Great Hall, I think of tonight and hope everything goes smoothly. 

When I arrive at the Gryffindor table, everyone is huddled around the Marauders Map.

"What's going on?" I ask sitting down next to Harry.

"Hermione said she wanted to go to the library. When we asked if she wanted us to go with her, she said no. But she's not at the library, so we are trying to find her."

I instantly become worried and look on with map with them. 

"There she is! In the gardens!" shouts Ginny. 

"You guys stay here, I'll go check on her." I say, standing and walking out with two green apples. 

"Remember to save the romance for tonight!" yells Blaise, teasingly. 

I reply with a finger in the air. I was lucky they couldn't see my blush.

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I walk into the gardens looking for Hermione. When I find her, I am shocked. 

She is leaning against a rock wall, surrounded by flowers, with her eyes closed. I stare her a few moments, just appreciating her beauty. The bruises had healed long ago, and she is not quiet as skinny as she was. On her lips, she displays a small, content smile. Her hair now touched her shoulder and has a light curl to it. To me, she is the definition of beauty. After a few more minutes, I make my presence known.

"Hey Mi." I say quietly, in hopes not to startle her. I has been a while since Weasley was taken away, but she is still easily scared and flinches at almost everyone's touch. Except mine. 

"Hello Dray." Hermione says without opening her eyes.

"How did you know it was me?" I decided not to bring up the 'Dray' part because it would embarrass her. And because I liked it.

"No one else calls me 'Mi', and I would know your voice anywhere."

"Are you okay, Mi? Would you like me to go?" I want to make sure she is okay, but I don't want to overstep and annoy her.

"No, that's alright. I was just... preparing."

"For what, Mi?" now she opens her eyes and looks me in the eye.

"Hopefully the best day of my life."