Broken

Chapter 13

- a week later -

A week had passed since Hermione's and Draco's encounter on the forest. She still had no idea what had happened to Malfoy or what he was doing there.
He didn't want to talk about it either.

Even though he was perfectly healthy, he would not talk about what happened that night.

"Tutoring tonight, right?" Said Hermione when she saw Malfoy at the corridors.

"Yes, is 8 o' clock good?"

"Yes, it's fine," responded Hermione.

"Brilliant," said Malfoy and walked off.

She had not talked to Malfoy since the last week at the hospital wing, so she had no idea what to think about that kiss they had.

Maybe it wasn't meant to happen? She thought and still couldn't believe the fact that it did.

I guess I will have to wait until tonight and see how he behaves...

- that night at the dungeons -

Hermione walked the dungeon's corridor, and saw Malfoy waiting for her. He was leaning on the wall.

"Goodnight, beautiful," he said and gave her a sneaky smirk. Hermione was very confused and did not say anything until moments later.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing, I'm greeting you," he said quietly.

"Oh, goodnight to you too, Malfoy," she said almost awkwardly and they both walked into the dungeon.

"So? What are we going to study tonight?" Hermione asked him.

"Actually, I've been doing quite well in my classes, so I don't have to study anything right at this moment," he admitted.

"Then why did you come to tutoring?" She wondered.

"Dunno," he chuckled.

"Then what do you want to do?" She asked.

"How about we just chat?"

"About what?"

"It doesn't matter, I just want to get to know you better..." said he.

"Why?"

"I barely know anything about you,"

"You know enough." Said Hermione, remembering all the mean things Malfoy has said to insult her in the past.

"Yeah okay, I know I've been rude in the past, but after the other night I realized I wanted to get to know you better," he said calmly.

"Oh yeah? What do I get in return?" She asked.

"You're not supposed to get anything in return, but if you let me take you out tonight I'll allow you to ask me one question on whatever you want."

She thought about that very carefully and remained silent for a few minutes.

"Deal," she whispered and Malfoy smirked. "Okay, where are you taking me?"

"How about a casual walk under the moonlight sky? We ate dinner already."

"Okay," Hermione agreed and left all her books inside the dungeon.

They both walked outside and realized how beautiful the night was.

They walked around Hogwarts and realized how much they actually have in common.

"Did I ever tell you I'm a big fan of reading too?" Said Malfoy laughing and Hermione almost let out a gasp.

"What? I didn't know you enjoyed reading!" She said.

"Yeah, not many people know," he admitted. "I'm usually a very closed person, you know."

"I've noticed, yes," she smiled. "Why are you so closed up?" She wondered and looked into his eyes.

"It's just my past, I guess. No one has ever cared enough to ask. Not even my parents. It's always been just me, you know," he said back looking at Hermione. "You probably wouldn't understand since you have Potter, the weasel, and weasel's sister."

"You'd be surprised..." she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Before I came to Hogwarts, everyone in my old muggle school thought I was a freak. I know I was young and all, but it felt horrible. I couldn't talk to anyone about anything... it must be horrible to live what you've been through," said and regretted it as soon as she said it.

"Yeah, it's miserable." He said, sadly.

"I know this is probably horrible timing... but can I ask my question?" Hermione wondered innocently.

Draco nodded slowly.

"What were you doing at the forest last week?" She asked.

"You really want to know?"

"Yes, I do," she said honestly.

"I was uh- practicing" said he.

"Practicing what?"

"Self defense. You wouldn't understand." He said.

"Self defense against who? Is someone training you to protect yourself?" She wondered.

"Yes, and I really wish I could say more but I'm afraid I can't."

"Why not?"

"It's for your own safety." He admitted sadly, as he really wanted to tell Hermione what was going on... but he couldn't.

"I can protect myself," she said.

"I know you can." He said honestly, and looked deep into her brown eyes. He smiled, and took a step closer towards her.
Putting his hand on her cheek, he moved her hair away from her face and leaned in to kiss her once again.

Hermione kissed back, and put her hands on his chest.