The End's Intent

Chapter 10

Draco was unconscious in the infirmary when Hermione came running in with Madam Pomfrey following. Professor McGonagall had already settled him on a cot and started cleaning his injuries, but at the sight of Madam Pomfrey, she stepped back to give her the space she needed. Behind them, Hermione hovered anxiously and watched Madam Pomfrey crush dittany leaves while Professor McGonagall stopped the bleeding.

"You said there were three of them?" Madam Pomfrey asked. Professor McGonagall nodded and glanced over Draco. "I only see two bites. Unfortunately, this close to a full moon, there's no way he won't change. Were any other students around?"

"Just Miss Granger," McGonagall said. They both looked back at Hermione who was wringing her hands nervously. "Miss Granger? Were you injured at all?"

Hermione shook her head and took a step forward. Draco groaned as Madam Pomfrey pressed the crushed dittany into one of the bites and Hermione's eyes widened.

"He's going to be a werewolf now, won't he?" she asked. Madam Pomfrey didn't look up but Professor McGonagall smiled sadly at her and nodded.

"Unfortunately, I don't think Headmaster Snape or Professor Carrow are going to be willing to brew him the potions he needs during the school year," McGonagall said. She glanced at Madam Pomfrey who nodded. McGonagall stepped away from Draco and walked over to where Hermione was standing. "You are very skilled at potions, Miss Granger, and the only one who would willingly brew the Wolfsbane potion for Mr. Malfoy."

"I'll do it," Hermione said immediately. She didn't want to think about what would happen if she didn't and if she were honest, she didn't need convincing to help Draco. "I've never brewed it before, but if Headmaster Snape would at least lend me some notes, I'm sure I can do it privately."

"Good," Professor McGonagall said. She glanced back at Draco and Madam Pomfrey and Hermione couldn't help but look over too. Even unconscious, Draco's face was scrunched up in pain.

"Is he going to be alright?" Hermione asked quietly. Professor McGonagall put a hand on Hermione's shoulder, but Hermione didn't look away from Draco.

"He should be," she promised. Hermione nodded numbly and stayed silent until Madam Pomfrey stepped back. She turned to look at both Hermione and Professor McGonagall and smiled grimly.

"It's going to scar and he'll transform at the full moon, but he should wake up by morning," she said. Hermione walked forward and gently rested her hand on Draco's arm. "You're welcome to stay with him, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey said, "I'm sure he could use a friend when he wakes up."

Hermione nodded and pulled a chair over to the side of Draco's cot. She could tell he was already healing quickly, but she didn't want to leave just in case something happened while she was gone. Instead, she made herself comfortable in the chair and conjured a blanket to wrap up in.

"I'll be in my office in case he needs anything," Madam Pomfrey promised. Hermione didn't respond, but she listened to Madam Pomfrey's and Professor McGonagall's footsteps fade away. When she was certain they were gone, she grabbed Draco's hand to reassure herself he wasn't dead like he looked.

"You better wake up, Malfoy," she muttered, laying her head on his cot and holding his hand tighter. "You don't get to duck out of this War any earlier than I do."

* * * * *

Hermione woke up in the morning to a crick in her neck and a sore back. She groaned as she sat up, letting go of Draco's hand so she could stretch a bit. She'd barely let go of him and reached upwards when his eyes snapped open and he snatched her hand back quickly. Hermione yelped in surprise, stopping mid-stretch to look down at Draco who was wide awake. His eyes were darting around the room, but he didn't release his hold on her hand even when his gaze finally settled on her.