Dramione - Hate Is A Strong Word

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

~Hermione’s POV~

     After Ron left, I sat on the couch, staring at the flickering flames of the fire, lost deep in my thoughts, trying desperately to comprehend the day’s events. Hours passed by, as I sat motionless, using the time within which to ‘grieve’ for losing Ron.

At nightfall, Draco walked into the common room. “Hey Hermione.” He said, relaxing into the couch. I didn’t respond, so he looked at me closer.

“Hermione what’s wrong?” he took hold of my hands. I prised my eyes away from the fire and turned to him. Suddenly a powerful surge of emotions engulfed me, as I uncontrollably flung my arms around him. He was as surprised as I was, but quickly wrapped his around me. I snuggled into him, my head on his chest; the gentle pulse of his heartbeat lulled me into a dreamless sleep.

     When I awoke the next morning, I was in my own bed, so I got up and crept into Draco’s room. He was sleeping, and still looked gorgeous. He was lay on his front with his arms sprawled across the pillow, around his head. His breathing had a rhythm to which his whole body slowly moved to. Sliding into bed next to him, I took his hands into my own. At my touch, his strong arms enclosed around me, hugging me tightly. Beaming, I nestled into his warm embrace.

When Draco eventually woke up, he was extremely disorientated. He saw me in his arms and grinned goofily.

“When did you come in here?” he asked.

“No idea.” I shrugged playfully. “How did I manage to end up in my own room last night?”

He shrugged, mimicking me, “No idea.”

Stroking my cheek, he spoke gently “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what was the matter last night, when I came in the common room?”

I closed my eyes and shook my head, “Ron.”

He tensed, “What has he done.” he almost growled.

I opened my eyes and quickly said, “No, no, nothing like that.” He relaxed, but waited for me to continue, “We broke up.” His eyes flashed to mine, “He could tell I was still afraid of the person he was under the imperious curse.”

He held my hand and stared into my eyes, looking genuinely upset, “Hermione, I’m so sorry.” I shook my head again.

“No, it’s better really, without him, we couldn’t have carried on much longer like that.” He stayed silent, “I only got back together with him, because I knew he needed me and his needs were stronger than mine, after everything he’s been through.”

He shook his head. “Hermione, you are too nice.”

I ignored his comment and carried on, “I suppose Ron eventually came to the same conclusion as me, and put my needs before his, when he saw that he no longer made me happy.”

“I’m confused.” I smiled, he added, “Yeah, I know I’m terrible with feelings.” He paused, “Are you upset or happy?” I smiled again at his question.

“Both, I guess. Ron was one of my best friends for many years. But do feel much happier away from him, I feel safer and relaxed.”

He stroked my arm, “If you need anything-“

“-I know where you are.” I grinned and got up. He looked surprised at my sudden change in mood. I grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. “New day, new start.” He nodded.