If Only in My Dreams (Dramione)

Chapter 14: A Warning

Draco spent longer than usual in the shower that evening, turning over everything that had transpired between Hermione and himself that day. Talking to her was beginning to feel so easy and natural. Her kind nature and fascinating mind made him want to really know her and, in turn, let her know him.

He had shared so much with her. Parts of himself that he had never shared with anyone. He wondered now if that had been wise.

Even though he wanted Hermione to believe he meant her no harm, and he was happy that she seemed to now, he also felt worried. That had never been part of the plan. He hadn't told her much, but he worried he may be bringing her in too deep.

Although he had never planned to hurt her, Draco had originally thought that he would let her believe he was a threat. A Death Eater with a purpose. That way she wouldn't give him trouble. They would avoid each other, and Hermione wouldn't become involved. It had seemed so simple in his head before he brought her there.

Which brought Draco back to his other troubling thought, his growing feelings for her. He screwed up his face at the words and how weak they made him sound. Draco Malfoy never had feelings for anyone, least of all the snotty, know-it-all witch who liked nothing more than to show him up at everything in school.

But now, he wasn't sure. Originally, he had told himself it was all just physical. After all, she was an attractive witch and he was a warm-blooded wizard. It was only natural to notice her. But was that really all it was?

Draco's apology that night had been sincere. He had long thought about how wrong it had been for him to not try to help her that night at the Manor, but in the past, his thoughts had been for his own benefit. To prove to himself that he did have a conscience. He never imagined telling her.

Then tonight, he couldn't not tell her. It was like he had no control over his words. He had needed Hermione to know because, suddenly, the idea of her thinking ill of him was unbearable.

It was a warning sign and he knew it. But what it meant, exactly, he didn't know.

***

As Hermione sat in bed that night, reading Jane Eyre, her mind kept straying from the story. Instead, she found herself replaying the strange events of the day. Her and Draco's unusual conversation that morning, her strange dream in the afternoon, and finally, Draco's unexpected apology at dinner. Each event was more perplexing than the last and it left her feeling very confused.

She had meant what she had said about believing him. She really thought she did. There was only a small doubt left in her mind that he was just that good at tricking her and his words were all a ruse.

Every time she turned that option over in her mind, her thoughts returned to Draco's eyes and everything she had seen there. It had all seemed so real and raw. He couldn't really have faked all that, could he?

And what was the final thing she had just barely glimpsed in his expression before he had turned away?

Whatever it was, Hermione didn't think she had ever seen it in someone's eyes before. At least, not directed at her. And even though she couldn't place it, it scared her a little.

A soft knock on her door, followed by, "Granger, may I come in?" brought her out of her reverie.

"Yes," she said hesitantly, as she clumsily arranged the blankets around her lap, to cover herself a bit more.

Draco entered the room and walked over to her. He handed her another Dream-Blocking Draught and said, "I thought you might want this."

"Thank you." She took the pill from him and found her face flushing slightly as she looked up at him standing over her so close.