Infinite (dramione) // HIATUS //

5.

Hermione stood at the balcony, her arms crossed over her chest. She glanced at the beach that was in view from the top. It was breathtaking.

The ocean glittered as the suns rays beamed down upon it. Sea gulls fly in various directions, flying low to gulp in some water. People walked the shores, muggles more like, chatting or tanning most swimming.

Hermione had every intention of going there. She imagined the water swirl past her in a free flow that would relax her sore muscles. She was sure the waves would calm her throbbing head. Sighing, the brunette turned back to look inside before pulling her sleeve up.

She had reasons for not going to the beach for so long. One was her scar that dear Bellatrix had given herself.

Mudblood.

Hermione used to be disgusted by it, now she felt that it was a constant reminder of how strong she is to have been through so much. Now it motivated her to show it off.

Hermione ran a along the messy scribbling on her skin. It didn't hurt anymore, but the memory of it did.

"Must have hurt a lot, right?" Hermione's head snapped back only to see Draco Malfoy dressed in casual muggle clothes. Hermione had to admit she was impressed by him yet again. Not to mention he looked unbelievable dashing in the tight black shirt.

Draco's silver eyes were on Hermione's scar. The memory of it pained him. He was a coward. He was scared to save a girl's life because of what it would cost him.

"Yeah. . ." Hermione consciously pulled her sleeve down again to up the memory. She was aware of the look in Draco's eyes. He seemed to be in his one world, still looking down at the covered arm.

Unconsciously, he reached for Hermione's hand. Hermione stiffened under his touch,it was cold in the hot environment. The girl shivered openly.

Draco traced the word with a long, cold finger. It was a magnificent sight, even for Hermione. The way he was so focused on it was surprising. Draco's eyes saddened for the slightest second before he covers up his expression.

Hermione realizes that Draco did have a heart all this time. She was impressed by his guarded expression. He wore it so well, like he didn't want people to see under his cover.

Like he was too afraid of being judged.

Draco lets out a deep breath, moving away from the girl and dropping her hand to her sides. He was taken back by how painful the scar looked. His eyes found Hermione's. He had always know the girl in front of him was strong, but the scar took it to a whole new level. He was also taken back by the fact the girl in front of him, who suffered so much, still smiled and laughed like she always had. He suddenly found himself craving for her bravery. For her witty sense of humor.

"It was hard you know. Watching her torture you", Draco admitted turning away from Hermione. He placed his folded arms on the rail and watched the beach leaning against it.

Hermione leaned next to him. She wondered why he didn't do anything to help her that day. Especially because he'd already risked lying ones about Harry. But she didn't hold that against him. He was a young, scared, confused boy. She would have done the same if she were in his position.

"Oh. . ." Hermione didn't know what to say. It was the first time she was having a civilized conversation with Draco. She didn't want to weird things out because she wanted to know more about him. She wanted to look inside that guarded mask he wore so well and help him.

"I'm sorry, Granger." He apologized running a hand through his hair. Hermione couldn't help but stare at his long fingers attractively moving his hair back.