The Snake And His Lion Princess

Chapter 3

Draco's POV

I wake up to soft cries and whimpers. Looking at my watch beside my bed I see it is only 2 am. Quietly I get out of bed and out of my room. The cries getting louder as I get closer to Hermione's door. I open it to find this brave girl wrapped tightly in her sheets, flailing and crying in her sleep. She is having a nightmare. I quickly rush to her, trying to untangle her from her sheets. "Hermione, you need to wake up. It's not real, you're dreaming. Hermione!" I yell as I unwrap her and she shoots up, her eyes as wide as can be. Tears still pouring from her eyes. My heart sinks at this sight. Wait what? Why did I get that feeling? Stop it Draco. Wrapping my arms around her I sit on the bed, holding her close to my chest. "It's alright. You're okay. You're safe," I slowly rub her back as she cries into my chest, her breathing slowly evening out.

"Th-thank you, Draco. I'm sorry I woke you." She lifts her head and looks up at me, my eyes find hers and I wince at the pain that lies in them. I reach up wiping the last few tears from her face with a smile. I do notice that her eyes aren't just brown. They are soft and bright, like caramel.

"It's alright. I have them too." I watch her reach and cover her forearm. That terrible word still etched into her skin. I slowly inhale knowing that if I am ever going to apologize, now is the best time to do it. "Hermione, I am so sorry. For everything that happened. I should have stopped Auntie Bella and I didn't. I just stood there watching. I need you to know that that was the worst day in my life. I still hear your screams when I close my eyes. It kills me knowing I didn't stop her," grabbing a hold of her wrist, turning her arm over I place my other hand over the word. "This never should have happened. And it never should have left my mouth these last years. Please know I am so sorry for it all." By now I am crying and looking in her eyes searching for anything I can find.

Quietly, almost barely a whisper, her voice breaks the silence. "Draco.. I never blamed you. I was angry with you and hurt by all the times you've called me it, but I never blamed you for what Bellatrix did. If you tried to stop her you would have died too. And those years of torment," she stopped for a moment and I looked at her pleadingly, fully expecting her to lash out. "You were brought up to think that way. That was all Lucius, that wasn't you. But this," I smiled and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. But quickly took in a sharp breath again when she placed her small hand on my chest. "This is you. Sitting here consoling a muggleborn after her nightmares. This is you Draco. And I'm glad I've finally been able to meet you."

My mind is spinning and I am so thankful she is alright with me now. I hug her to me tightly. Burying my face in her now messy hair, breathing her in. She smells like coconut and roses. After a moment when I am about to let go she finally wraps her slender arms around my torso, resting her head against my shoulder. "Is there anything you need? I'll get it for you." I whisper these words, afraid if I speak too loudly this moment will break and the fragile girl in my arms will shatter. When I don't hear her reply I pull away slightly to look at her and find she has fallen back to sleep. I smile as I lay her down in her bed again, looking down at her I notice she is only in a shirt. Her long, thin legs fully on show and I can't help but feel my boxers tighten. Sighing quietly I stop my thoughts and put the duvet over her.
I conjure a glass of water and leave it on her bedside table. Standing up I walk over to the dresser and pick up the pacifier, still many questions form in my head. Looking over at the girl I notice her mouth moving ever so slightly. A thought pops in my head and I'm curious to see if it is accurate at all. Walking back over, I gently put the pacifier near her mouth, brushing it against her lips. When she opens her mouth more I place it in. She stirs for a moment but sucks on the small object contently. With a nod of satisfaction, "Goodnight Hermione" is all I can say before I leave the room, closing the door softly behind me and going back to my own room.