T R A I N E D T O S I N | dramione

Six

"What did you do?" Ginny had shaken Hermione awake, intensely staring at her from the side of the bed. A million thoughts ran through Hermione's faulted head.
"I haven't done anything." The witch groaned, turning to the other side of her bed in hopes to resume her slumber. By the time Hermione had settled down in her new position, Ginny had strutted around the bed and yanked the other curtain open. "Have you seen the state of Ron?"

Hermione snapped her eyes open, sitting bolt upright in her bed and glaring dangerously at Ginny. All anyone ever seemed to worry about was Ron. Ron's feelings, Ron's problems or any minor inconveniences at that matter.
"He is making things up in his head. Delusions. Perhaps to make himself feel better, I really don't know, Ginny. But do not continue to blame me for things that I cannot control." Her breath was heavier, becoming shorter as Ginny swallowed. "Hermione I didn't blame you for anything."

"Ginny, you have just burst into my room at who knows what time, woken me from my sleep which I had spent hours to achieve and then asked me what I had done. Like all of Ron's problems lead back to me. I bet you didn't even consider the fact maybe Harry had done something or even yourself. So do not tell me you haven't blamed me for anything when that's exactly what you have done."

Ginny was stunned. Speechless as she watched her friends chest rise and fall.
"Hermione I-" Ginny paused, watching her for any indication of what to do next but coming up short, she decided herself, quickly wrapping her arms around her neck, pulling her closely and to her relief, Hermione's arms slid around her waist.

"I just want things to go back to how they were before." Hermione's voice had softened, muffled by Ginny's jumper. They released each other, the red haired girl resting her hand on the back of Hermione's neck. "I know. And it will, just talk Ron and everything will return to normal." Ginny smiled.

As she spoke, Hermione quickly realised she didn't understand. No one would ever understand. Too wrapped up in the fantasy idea that was meant to be hers and Ron's relationship. Hermione had told her, direct and upfront and yet Ginny still couldn't understand.

"Thanks Gin."

-

Later that night, Hermione was restless. It had taken so long for her to manage some sleep before Ginny's interruptance that attempting it now, would be useless. Her mind was well awake, swarming with thoughts and worry and so she slipped on her shoes, careful not to wake Ginny, and headed out of her dorm. It wasn't yet light and the witch scolded herself at the fact she had completely forgotten to bring a candle or her wand. Her eyes soon adjusted and she found herself nearing the library, often shivering at the odd breeze that slithered under her loose pyjamas.

Much like the halls, the library was empty: no distractions. Hermione smiled, heading towards a shelf that held muggle books. She sat herself down in a corner she considered to be the warmest, leaning against the bookshelf behind her and opening the book. Her eyes skimmed the pages but she failed to register them like she was watching the words but not listening to them. Her head really was a mess. She slammed the book shut in frustration, the dust misted around the cover, proof of its rejection.

"And they say you're the smartest witch of our age. Can't even read." Draco was leant sideways, cross armed against the bookshelf opposite her. His eyes remained on the page he held open by his thumb and middle finger, occasionally stroking the spine with his pointer. Hermione huffed, "are you sure you're not going to run away from me again if I talk to you?" She raised an eyebrow at him as he adverted his gaze to her. Abruptly, he closed his book.

"Was that an attempt to mock me, Granger?" He tilted his head as he pouted and then reset his face so it was untelling, all except from a raised eyebrow. "You're pathetic." He smirked, watching her below him, appreciating the difference in height.
"What is it you're reading, or trying to read."