fervere

Chapter Nineteen

Draco cheered with his team as they were congratulated by Madam Rosmerta with another round of butterbeer. The smell of spilt beer and warm cinnamon sugar filled the air as food and sweets were present on every available table. 

Most of Slytherin were stuffed inside the Three Broomsticks celebrating their victory with what felt like the entire Ravenclaw house who shared their same excitement. 

Draco could lie and say that it was an easy match that they won but Hufflepuff proved to be a team that had nasty hidden claws. If it wasn’t for Draco finding the snitch early on in the game, Hufflepuff would have certainly had a real shot at winning.  

Some of the Ravenclaw team hung around them, discussing the game with Montague who explained his tactics to them over a cup of spiced wine. Crabbe and Goyle sat back and quietly enjoyed their own pints of butterbeer that they occasionally clinked and cheered in appreciative silence between them. 

Both Crabbe and Goyle had worked tirelessly during the match to follow Montague’s orders and even if they were fighting off sleep, they had a proud loopy smile on their thick faces as victorious beaters. 

It only took one example of the sickening aim that Hufflepuff’s beaters had to make sure that Crabbe and Goyle never gave them another opportunity.  

Draco’s arm was in a protective sling for that same reason.  

He was sure his left forearm would be fine within the week.  

Perhaps even days.  

Hair line fractures was all it was. It was honestly no big deal. 

Was he in pain? Absolutely.  

Was there a gross looking bruise forming that throbbed with its own pulse? Sure was. 

Still there was no cause for concern. At least Draco didn’t want to make it seem like a big deal and have his father receive word of his injury. He would be here in a heartbeat wreaking havoc and Draco would be restricted to the hospital wing all to prove a point to Dumbledore who had been very absent this year. 

It didn’t go unnoticed by Draco, nor the entire student body, that Dumbledore had not been in attendance at the school’s first quidditch match.  

One could assume that his care of students was slipping. How could Dumbledore be adequate as a headmaster if students, such as Malfoy, were getting banged up in such a manner? 

Draco knew his father would use his injury as way to spin the lie of jealous half bloods and mudbloods taking out their inferiority complex out on Draco during a game. 

That was the kind of argument Draco was sure to be embarrassed about if his father marched down to Hogwarts right now. 

Draco didn’t want to give his father any reason to do so plus, he wanted to go out and celebrate their win. He knew his left forearm was not in the best conditions but Madam Pomfrey was quick to straighten his shattered arm after he had caught the snitch.  

It took about fifteen minutes of going through searing, blinding pain during his flight before Draco spotted that damn gold nugget of a ball. He caught it in a spinning dive, that looked death defying to most.  

Draco had a lot of thanking to do when he caught the snitch at a last minute pull up. His former flying instructors would have been so proud of the maneuver that he was harshly trained too early on in his life.  

Draco couldn’t deny the effectiveness of their instruction. Because of hard hours Draco had endured as an seven year old, Draco simply hopped off his broom in a bit of a jog before presenting the snitch to the crowd.  

He could have walked off the pitch, unscathed but his throbbing injury from the bludger would soon overpower his own adrenaline. 

Apparently, Draco was dragged out soon after he presented the crowed with the snitch. He couldn’t remember much from blacking out from the pain but he heard that Madam Pomfrey was promptly called after many saw the grotesque state of his arm.  

“Hair line fracture”, Draco repeated, when he woke up an hour later at the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey was blanched in shock when Draco attempted to jump out of his hospital bed.  

“Mister Malfoy!” She gasped out, nearly dropping vials of medicine to aid his side, “You must rest.” 

“My team will be celebrating at Hogsmeade,” He insisted, “And I intended to join them. Merlin knows I need some firewhiskey.” 

“I cannot allow-” 

“It’s a minor injury,” Draco repeated lowly, staring into the aged witch’s eyes, “That is what you will tell my father, understood?” 

“But-” 

“Is a small injury out of your scope of profession?” Draco challenged. He didn’t mean to be rude but he needed to be direct. He knew he should be resting but he had all of tomorrow to rest, even if it was at the detriment of some homework needed to be completed.  

“No.” Madam Pomfrey pressed her lips in a thin line, “Your bones were cracked back into place and well mended.” 

She was not at all happy that she was being coerced into withholding information from his father, a common practice for all families. She was expected to pass on an emergency owl if a student had concerning injuries inflicted on them during their stay at Hogwarts.  

“Then I’m fine,” Draco insisted, finally standing up content to be getting his way. There was a bit of dizziness from standing up to fast but he ignored it and gave Madam Pomfrey an assured smile.  

“Your body still took quite an impact. I cannot stop it from wanting to heal itself if it detected an injury. Your arm be tender and swollen.” She advised, “You must not move it.” 

“Then it’s perfect you gave me a sling,” Draco’s eyes shifted towards the tray of vials she had next to his bed, “And that you also gave me enough medicine to numb me. I'm sure I'll be able to enjoy the festivities with my house.” 

Madam Pomfrey was not at all happy to allow Draco to go but it also meant that she didn’t have to tend to Malfoy in her Wing, pointing out all the ways that she was mending incorrectly.  

Draco was happy he was released and soon hiking up to Hogsmeade with Montague and Warrington who had stayed behind with him.

"Did she give you enough tonics?" Warrington asked, looking at his sling like it was a foreign entity.

Montague snorted, "Who cares about that. Was she able to fix you up, mate?"

Draco smirked and took out another three vials he had swiped before he left. It was the same vials that Madam Pomfrey nearly dropped. Draco was sure that she would figure out that a few of them were missing, but would chalk it up to her clumsiness.

Montague and Warrington egged him on as Draco flicked off the stoppers and knocked back all three vials at once.

One helped him with his raging headache and pulsing pain in his arm. The other seemed to freeze his arm so that he didn’t accidentally use it and bumped it. The best one he took was a muscle relaxer, that released the tension in his back and shoulders he didn’t know he was holding. 

By the time Draco arrived to the Three Broomsticks, he felt a bit too good about his day. What could have gone wrong? He was glowing with the win. They started off their celebrations with firewhiskey and a Slytherin chant.  

“Quidditch Cup is our aim.  
Slytherins will stake our claim.” 

The late evening was weening, darkening the skies of this marvelous Saturday.  

Throngs of people came up to the Slytherin team to congratulate their win. Even Neville Longbottom had wedged himself through the thick crowd of students to congratulate Draco for a fantastic play he had done to catch the snitch.  

"It's all Gryffindor can talk about," Neville excitedly said, "Wicked move!"

Draco was about to thank his potions partner for the kind words but it was then when he noticed that most of the tables and clutter of the Three Broomsticks had disappeared. Even Neville, who was about to reach for a nearly empty bowl of buttered rolls, was shocked that their table had vanished.

It was now wide and open, making more room for more bodies to partake in the joyous affairs.  

There were even flashes of red and yellow in the crowd indicating that more than Ravenclaws and Slytherins were in attendance. A fact which surprised Draco but nonetheless added to his good mood.  

"Brought your friends over Longbottom?" Draco smirked and Neville shrugged. 

"Hogshead was just ummmm," He trailed off, "Nevermind. It was something different."

Draco was sure Warrington mentioned that Hufflepuff had planned their own gathering at the Hogshead but it seemed like it was slowly spilling over to celebrate all together.  

It’s not that Hufflepuff wasn’t welcomed but when Draco shook himself out of the firewhiskey and medicine, he realized that it was a lot of people and what felt like not a lot of space. Surely this was the busiest Draco had even seen the Three Broomstick ever look, and there must have been at least two hundred students crawling around, socializing and in good spirits. 

“Extendable Charm,” A voice piped up answering the question that hadn’t even been formed in Draco’s head as he scanned around. 

Draco was genuinely bewildered that there was a sea of students here enjoying a bit of respite from the rule of Umbridge. He turned to the voice who answered his unformed question.  

Mildred Clearwater. 

The Ravenclaw in his year and in his History class. Draco was aware they also shared Transfiguration together but Draco had always choosen to sit close to the back of the class to avoid Professor McGonagall’s critical eye on his work.  

Draco had to be honest, he hardly paid any attention to any Ravenclaws in his classes so, he hardly could recall a time he noticed Mildred in his classes. 

Up until recently, that is. 

Draco had found himself leaning against the staircase railing and looking up at Clearwater who was hovering two steps over him, throwing him a mischievous look. The steps she had on him only gave her an inch of advantage over Draco. 

“Clearwater... Millie, I mean,” Draco bowed his head slightly, “Fancy seeing you here.” 

Her delicate hands were cupping a pint of half drunken frothy butterbeer, “Likewise. Surprised you’re even here.” 

Then her eyes darted over to Neville and her brows hiked up a slight millimeter. 

"Longbottom," She greeted. 

Neville cleared his throat, "I'll see you around Malfoy."

Millie's eyes were fixed on Neville's back as he was swallowed up by the cheerful crowd as if she were amused by him. 

"Didn't know you and Longbottom-"

"Potions partners," Draco explained. 

Millie opened her mouth as if she understood, "Ah, I have Hannah Abbott. Kind of insane for Snape to subject us to partners."

Draco shrugged it off. He didn't mind it as much nor did it seem like it was even a big deal anymore between Slytherin and Gryffindor.

She pointed her delicate hands towards his sling and Draco raised one of his shoulders. 

"You got beat up pretty good out there," Millie smirked. 

“I’ll be fine, I’ve got enough medicine and alcohol running through me that I’m practically numb. Think Madam Rosemerta will kick us out?” Draco licked his lips, “It is a lot of us.” 

“No,” Mildred sighed, “She won’t turn down a profit like this. Plus, she’s sympathetic to our cause.” 

Draco blinked stupidly up at her, “W-what cause?” 

They had a cause? Draco tried to think of something students were upset about or protesting and then it hit him. The cunningness of the entire thing.  

“Umbridge?” He cocked his head, breathing out how surprised he was. Millie took a sip of her pint and gave a single nod.  

“She can’t cancel Hogsmeade trips because, technically, there is a friendly agreement between our school and Hogsmeade.” She explained, “And it’s possibly the only place where she can’t shove her nose in or make the next decree on it.” 

“I see,” Draco raise his brows. 

“She could maybe terrorize a few at Hogwarts but she can’t extend that power over a self governing town.” Millie smiled, “Who does she think she is trying to rule beyond her means?” 

Nervously, Draco took an obvious look around as if he almost expected her to be hidden amongst the students. He never knew what Umbridge was capable of doing. 

Millie smiled, “We have a look out to warn us if there’s a professor down the street but it really isn’t necessary.” 

“What do you mean we?” 

Millie rolled her eyes up coyly, “Oh well, some of the Seventh Years in my house rushed over here to make a deal with Madam Rosmerta. They sort of casted a few silencing charms to deter any attention and the extendable charm is undetectable so...” 

“We won’t get caught.” Draco finished. 

“I think it goes without saying that if we did this in our common rooms, it would only take a moment for it to be shut down by Umbridge. So, for the sake of celebrating a well deserved win,” Mildred smirked, “Secrets must be kept.” 

Draco let out an appreciative laugh, “I don’t know whether you truly belong in Slytherin for the slyness of this plan or in Gryffindor for the mere grit of pulling it off.” 

Millie chuckled, “How about Ravenclaw for the genius of it all?” 

Draco had to give it to them, if they had planned this all in secret without having anyone know until they crossed into the Three Broomsticks then perhaps the superior house had to be Ravenclaw.  

“How’s your arm?” Millie asked. She reached out, her fingertips ghosted over the sling where Draco’s arm protectively hung.  

“It’s seen better days.” He shrugged, “Didn’t want to miss celebrating with my team so here I am. I could rest it off tomorrow.” 

“Did you finish the book work for Professor Binns?” Millie asked, leaning towards him when the chatter of the crowd proved to be a small barrier to communicating clearly.  

"Huh?"

"Professor Binns," Millie repeated, leaning closer to him, "History of Magic."

“History?” Draco asked to confirm. 

Millie nodded only a few inches away from him.

“I- uh, I haven’t thought about homework if I’m honest.” Draco shrugged pulling away from her gaze. There was a sort of intensity that he didn't know what to make of it.

Crabbe and Goyle walked past them, handing out fire whiskey drinks from a platter they had gladly taken from Madam Rosemerta. Millie was fast to down her butterbeer to replace it with the glass of fire whiskey.  

“Well,” She winced at the taste of the warm butterbeer, “If you need any help. I’ll be at the library tomorrow.” 

“Uh, sure, why not?” Draco nodded, "Might be a bit groggy and hungover but sure."

“I'll be there all day so don't feel the need to rush. Obviously you should rest,” She pointed teasingly at his face, “You don’t understand how gross your arm looked when that bludger got you.” 

There was a rise of volume of chatter. Draco leaned closer in.  

“Well I didn’t need this arm to win,” He pointed out.

Millie smirked, "Good to know your wand arm is still in use."

There was a distinct change in the murmur of the party and there was an obvious parting the crowd toward the entrance as it allowed more people in. It seemed like the walls of the Three Broomsticks inhaled and then exhaled, making for more room. There was suddenly room between people and it didn’t feel so stuffy.  

Millie’s eyes glanced down for a fraction of a second, “Let's just say that wizards can do much more magic with their wand arm... without their wand."

There was something in her tone of voice that Draco couldn’t quite catch or decipher but it certainly intrigued him. 

There was a scuffle and cheers that seem to be heading their way. It pulled Draco’s attention away from Millie’s amber eyes only to connect with the soft brown ones that could bring him to his knees without a single word.  

Hermione.  

Her eyes were wide in surprise bumping into him and glued to her side, clutching her hand with his big meaty ones was Viktor Krum, kindly greeting the mass of students that he had met the year prior, worshipping him and doting over his attendance.  

Draco’s heart sunk, a special type of pain and disappointment filled his voided chest.  

Millie smiled at Hermione. 

“I see that you got in touch with Krum.” She cocked her head catching Hermione’s, “Were you able to sneak out of the castle yesterday?” 

Draco didn’t know it was even possible but his heart sank even more.  

Hermione flushed, flashing an uncertain look at Draco for a very brief moment, exactly when the information crossed his mind.

Yesterday? 

“Oh well, no.” Hermione admitted, red deepening on her already pink cheeks, “I- I thought about it and decided maybe perhaps it wasn’t worth the risk of getting caught.” 

“Sneaking out?” Draco slowly pieced together. Hermione’s nervous eyes darted towards him. Draco’s cheeks tensed up and he pursed his lips trying his best not to looked bothered.

Mildred flipped her long hair over her shoulder and rolled her eyes playfully as if she knew exactly what was going on.  

“Relax,” Mildred groaned out, “I was the one who gave her the idea.” 

Draco glared at the girls as if he had been betrayed by both. 

Hermione nervously laughed at Draco’s tense silence, “Why do I feel like I’m being punished for something I didn’t technically do?” 

She was using his own words as defense from the night that had given him so much peace. 

“Sneaking out.” Draco slowly repeated, forcing himself to look at Mildred, swallowing another reality that he was torturing himself with, “Funny, do you do that often, Granger?” 

A flash of summer of them together at the playground late at night crossed his mind. Hermione glowered at his tone immediately sensing something like the jealousy that Draco felt pitiful about. 

He had been wrong about yesterday. Hermione hadn’t been out in search for him like he assumed. She didn’t go out of her way to see him because they happened to have the same night patrol. She was off to see her meathead of a boyfriend and didn’t have the heart to leave Draco.  

How desperate did Draco look for Hermione to take pity on him? 

“She sent a late owl telling me she had to patrol,” Krum grumbled, “Thankfully, I vas arriving at the Inn when the Owl came. The train was quite enjoyable but a long trip.” 

Draco was coming to terms that Hermione might have ran off to the owlery to send that message after she left him at his House. There was a twinge of betrayal that pulled at his heart. He wanted desperately to believe she had gone straight to her dorm and tossed and turned, regretting not taking Draco up on his offer. Thinking late at night about him. 

But she didn’t.  

More than likely Draco had pulled her away from her plans to see Krum that late at night and what an hour to secretly rendezvous with a boyfriend off Hogwarts ground.  

Draco gulped, refusing to look at Hermione now. He knew his eyes would betray him as well. There was no hiding the etched pain in his grey eyes. He felt it was so obvious she would probably see and laugh at the absurdity of it all.  

Draco? Hurt? Jealous even? 

His hollowed-out chest couldn’t fathom how his fantastic day turned and ruined him like this. Thankfully Hermione and Krum were pulled away into a new circle of admirers, alleviating Draco of any more crushing realizations that she was not interested.  

Whatever had happened was possibly just the yearning of his heart fabricating lies to keep him from the truth, even when it was abundantly clear.  

Draco knew Krum was visiting.  

He knew of it and he still thought it a possibility that Hermione would chose him over Krum.  

“Alright?” Millie asked Draco, “You look pained.” 

Draco furrowed his brows and nodded, “Ah, I think some of the medicine is wearing off.” 

"Ah, right," Millie glanced down at his binded arm, “Nothing a bit of spiced wine can’t fix.” 

Draco wished he could have escaped and just gone back to Hogwarts and that it would be the end of his night.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t.

For the rest of the night Draco was pulled here and there with his cup always filled to the top, feigning he was having a great time drinking.  

He hadn’t taken a sip all night after Hermione. He feared that he would be a bottomless hole that beer, whiskey, or even wine couldn’t fill.  

He couldn’t help his own sober eyes track Hermione around the Three Broomsticks as Krum placed a heavy arm around her shoulders claiming her as his. He took a few chances of allowing his hand to roam south, much to her shyness and Draco’s displeasure. Krum would even snog her senseless in the middle of conversations with others while Draco tried to keep up with Millie's conversation.  

Hermione'd pull away giggling nervously like a lovestruck girl and Draco would feel his scowl grow even deeper.

The disapproving faces of Ron and Harry, who had made a quick appearance, were not at all pleased with the sight of Hermione being ravished so publicly.  

Ginny, who had been enjoying the party, directed the two boys to leave before they caused a scene. They glared at Krum like two older brothers before deciding to leave.  

As the hours went on, The Three Broomstick slowly ended its festivities, hemorrhaging students who didn’t want to be out past curfew. Draco was in no rush. He was, after all, a prefect. Even if he wasn’t on his patrolling days, there was a bit of pardon if he was out after hours.  

He could stay out for the entire night if he wanted to but the dullness and dwindling energy was more than enough of a sign for Draco to take his cue. Draco placed the same cup of wine he had been holding for the past three hours and thanked Madam Rosmerta, before leaving her a large tip. 

Heading towards the door, looking for the very person he knew was long gone Draco's eyes settled on the crumpled body bent over a table, fast asleep. Draco's first thoughts was that she looked as pitiful as he felt. Perhaps it wasn't the company Draco wanted but he could relate to needing a little hand. Draco took out his wand.  

“Levicorpus.” He said, causing Mildred’s body to lightly float up. She curled up in the air and, even if his arm was injured, Draco had managed to hook his healthy wand arm behind her knees and she naturally, flung her arms around his neck.  

Madam Rosemerta who was busy flicking her wand to start the massive cleanup gave Draco a stern look.  

“No worries,” Draco smiled, “I’ll be taking her to the Hospital Wing. Promise. Need to get myself some more medicine anyways.” 

With that, Draco (with a little help of magic) carried a tired Mildred from The Three Broomsticks, straight into the chilly fall night. 

Draco ended up making his way down Hogsmeade square feeling completely alone, despite the girl in his arm who was now nestling her face deep into the crook of Draco’s neck.  

He felt quite detached from everything, detached from the warmth of pain in his arm and his heart in pieces. Truthfully, Draco had no clue where the rest of his team had gone to nor did he see Mildred’s friends anywhere near her the entire party.  

The idea crossed his mind that maybe Mildred might have come alone but she also stuck close by him the entire night. He looked down at her, tucking his chin into his neck to get a better view of her.  

Her soft slow breaths on the bare skin of Draco’s neck told him she was fast asleep.  

“Mildred?” Draco whispered, “Millie?” 

Nothing.  

There was a strand of hair on her cheek that Draco lightly blew off her face. Millie’s face involuntarily twitched at the sensation but she still settled back into her deep peaceful sleep.  

“Hospital Wing it is,” Draco grumbled, nodding to himself and trudged on to the outskirts of Hogsmeade, on the winding path back to Hogwarts which was lit up against a dark starry sky that the new moon gifted him with.  

That was perhaps the only enjoyment Draco was getting out of his night. It was an awfully beautiful night one that was meant to be shared with someone special. The ache radiated back in his chest.

Worst of all, as if his heart hadn’t been shattered enough, the Hogsmeade Inn which was situated right at the edge of Hogsmeade was in view and right at their doors Hermione was being attacked by a slew of messy sloppy kisses from Krum.  

His hands were desperately everywhere, beckoning her to go inside with him. 

Draco’s jaw firmed up bracing himself for the stinging that radiated across his body again. It wasn’t something new but what was new was the flaming rage that was ignited. He wanted Krum to fuck off and treat her with some decency. He also wanted to throttle him but Draco couldn’t really see that happening with his injured arm in a sling.  

He did, however, have his wand in his hand ready to send a hex at Krum. 

Except it was still currently in use levitating Mildred at the moment.  

Draco couldn’t imagine any girl swooning over something as sloppy as Krum, let alone Hermione who deserved nothing less than someone who truly valued her.  

Draco closed his eyes in agony and walked on, zeroing on the fact that he had a job to get Millie to the Hospital Wing just like he promised.  

“Draco?” Hermione’s nervous voice called out for him and he was stupidly pulled back to face her.  

It was like a leash she had tugged on to demand him to turn back.  She was rushing toward him, looking breathless, face warm and lips almost swollen. She turned to Krum, half way towards Draco, and waved him off, “Draco will escort me back! Don’t worry!” 

Krum nodded and soon disappeared behind the Inn’s doors.  

Hermione visibly relaxed and gave Draco a hopeless look of gratefulness, before her eyes dip down to the warm body that was curled up against Draco sleeping.  

“Is... are...” Hermione blinked rapidly.  

“It’s Mildred Clearwater,” Draco explained, “I’m taking her to the Hospital Wing.” 

“Is she okay?” Hermione peered at the girl cradled so close to Draco. It almost felt so natural to have someone in his arms, even if it wasn’t the one Draco wanted. 

He glanced at Millie, “She will be. Nothing a good night’s rest can’t help with. Maybe some hungover tonic too...” 

Hermione licked her slightly swollen lips and looked over her shoulder as they continued down their path to Hogwarts. She was scouting around for any curious eyes.  

“How are you-” 

“Levitation charm,” Draco explained. 

“Oh,” Hermione breathed out looking intently at Draco and Millie. He figured there was no threat of being caught, other than the girl in his arms that was contently sleeping peacefully, like a damsel in distress.  

“Did you have a good night?” Hermione asked, kneading her hands together. Draco gave her a curt smile.  

“We did win,” Draco answered before clearing his throat and glancing at Hermione, “I don’t think I need to ask about your night.” 

Hermione winced and there was a bit of hesitance that twisted her features. 

“Krum wanted me to stay. He didn’t want me to walk alone,” Hermione winced at Draco’s incoming reaction. One she knew was bubbling inside of his head, “That was... alot. He was alot, wasn’t he?” 

“Which part of it?” Draco bitterly teased. 

She pouted in thought before glancing cheerfully at Draco who kept his sights straight ahead of him, “He’s... handsy.”  

“I’m aware.” Draco cleared his throat, “I think we all are aware of that, actually.” 

Hermione let out a strained giggle. It came off as uncertain. As if she needed the approval of someone to tell her it was fine that she was dating a world famous quidditch player, something that he was sure she was not getting from her own friends.  

And for once, Draco would have to fully agree with them.  

Draco tried not to think of how much of Hermione Krum had touched. It wasn’t his business despite his heart screaming at him that it was.  

Millie let out a soft sigh and Draco carefully watched her, fearing that she might stir. Having someone witness Hermione and Draco’s friendship was something he didn’t want to deal with at the moment.  

“I didn’t know you and Mildred were close,” Hermione pointed at the girl in his arms and immediately kneaded her hands around nervously, “You were with her all night, right?” 

Draco couldn’t say yes or no. Millie was certainly around him and his team mates, and they exchanged a few words here and there during the night. He couldn’t bring himself to say that he was exclusively with her all night.  

So he didn’t say anything.

They continued walking in silence with only the crunch of the dirt road filling the still night, the sound of the occasional wild owl hooting off in the distance.  

“I think she likes you,” Hermione whispered as if she was afraid Millie would wake up. 

Draco’s grip on his wand tightened.  

“Does she now?” He gulped.  

Hermione nodded once, slowly, “I don’t blame her.” 

Draco snapped his sights back at Hermione who gave him an earnest shrug.  

“I mean you care enough to carry her back to the castle,” Hermione said, and somehow her smile was strained, almost as if she was trying not to scowl, “She’ll be elated to know that you were a complete gentleman.” 

“There was no one else,” Draco dryly pointed out, “She would have gotten in trouble if I left her behind.” 

“And that’s the exact kindness that made me change my mind about you.” Hermione gently bumped her side against his right shoulder, “Every now and again, I see it and I...” 

Hermione clamped her mouth shut and gave Draco a wild look, as if she was about to reveal something terrible.  

“What’s with the inquisitive look, Granger.” Draco sighed, his energy depleting as he accepted that Hermione was with someone else.  

“N-nothing,” She shook her head and huffed, looking over her shoulder as if she expected someone to be behind them. “You know Viktor isn’t so bad. He’s decent when he’s sober.” 

“That’s quite the low bar isn’t it?” Draco snorted.  

“Well, I can’t put all the blame on him. I must admit I wasn’t exactly put together tonight as I hoped I would be.” Hermione blushed furiously. 

“Publicly as well,” Draco nodded, “Bold.” 

Hermione licked her lips and stared up at Draco who refused to look at her. The tension was clearly there. It was as obvious as the crisp fall air. It was simply hard to point it out because then it would bring forth a question Draco wasn’t ready to answer.  

Why was there tension in the first place? 

“Padma and Patil told me that’s how men in Bulgaria are when they date.” She admitted, “I didn’t think too much of Viktor’s affections when I went to visit... plus we were out in the countryside with not many people. He wasn’t as forward...” 

Draco desperately wanted this conversation to end. It was like fingernails on a chalk board.  

Hermione sighed, “I’m not sure how I feel about being so public.” 

Draco hummed out a bitter response, knowing exactly how he felt about it.  

“Seems like you felt fine with it,” Draco calmly pointed out.  

Hermione shot him a quickly glare as if she were trying to figure out if he meant it as a dig at her. Draco gave her a side look, as if he was daring her to question him. Draco has known Hermione for a few years, he knew how headstrong she was even when they were eleven. He doubted anyone could make her do something she didn’t want to do.  

He was being sincere. 

“Truthfully, I didn’t think it would be a vast difference...” Hermione trailed off, “I’ve seen my muggle friends date in school and it was just a lot of hand holding and a snog once in a while but this. This is different. Draco?” 

“Hmm?” 

“How do wizards date?” Hermione asked, “Here, I mean, in the wizarding world.” 

This was torture. It had to be. There was no way Draco had to go through such agony witnessing Hermione in the arms of someone else only to be asked about relationships moments later.  

“I don’t know.” Draco nearly hissed out through a clenched jaw, “I only know of what I’ve been told.” 

Hermione huffed, “Oh come on how different can it- You used to snog Pansy all the time second year! And you know about the nook in the library! Everyone knows what that space is used for. If not to snog then to-” 

Draco closed his eyes gingerly, “For fuck’s sake.” 

“Don’t you dare deny it Draco.” She warned, pointing a finger at him, “Girls talk about everything we hear and I’ve heard a lot.” 

“About?” Draco pressed. He was certainly surprised that Draco’s past devilish romps were something that Hermione would take interest in. Sure, the school was reasonably small and gossip, no matter who it was about, always got around but it still impressed Draco that Hermione was firm in her knowledge of Draco, through the means of rumors.  

“A lot about you.” Hermione cocked a brow up as if to intimidate him into admitting. It only made him smirk because Draco wasn’t oblivious about the kinds of rumors that had floated around him since their first year. Who hadn’t bragged about their first proper snog or when hands started to actually explore to friends? 

“And?” Draco smirked. Millie nuzzled her face into the crook od Draco’s neck. Hermione carefully watched Draco as if she was assessing his reaction.  

Hermione gulped, “Well Pansy.” 

Draco pressed his lips together hoping that it would stop his snort from bubbling up to his nose.  

“You can’t be serious,” Draco breathed out. 

“I’m just telling you what I heard.” 

“That we snogged a few times?” Draco raised his brows. 

“And that you...” Hermione clamped her mouth shut and a fierce blush reddened her cheeks to divulge what she actually heard from the rumors. Draco couldn’t be certain to what Hermione was about to say but if it was anything more than just snogging... she wasn’t exactly wrong in assuming. 

“I never dated Pansy or... anyone else.” Draco quietly admitted, a bit ashamed to think of his younger years. He was very young if he thought about it but Pansy had been so willing and he wasn’t exactly sure how else to get rid of the ache in his pants. 

“But then how-” 

“Merlin’s, Granger,” Draco sighed out earning a playful glare from Hermione, “I was having fun. We both were.” 

Hermione huffed, red dotting her cheeks, “Then why did everyone say you were together-” 

“The rumors? As in dating?” Draco guffawed, “People can do stuff without having to slap a label on it..” 

Hermione clamped down on her bottom lip, her face turning a violent shade of red.  

“Please don’t tell me that you’re that naive,” Draco scoffed, “People don’t have to be in relationships to have fun.” 

“I didn’t see you as the type to-,” Hermione began but was quickly interrupted by Draco once more. 

“It’s not about types,” Draco shook his head carefully, doing his best not to wake Millie, “We didn’t officially date but, I don’t know how else to explain this to you Granger, but it’s just meant to be fun. Not at all serious. Now if you want to know how I would seriously be in a relationship, not dating around or having fun, but seriously establishing a bond with a girlfrie-” 

“That is exactly what I’m asking!” Hermione jumped, Hogwarts now slowly coming into view. They had about another ten minutes of a walk before they reached the castle. Draco almost wished he could run out of this if it wasn't for the sleeping girl he had to task himself of carrying.

“Why?” Draco whined.  

“Because!” Hermione shrugged, “I want to know if Viktor is normal.” 

“For the love of Merlin, he’s famous ‘Mione! Anyone would tell you he’s far from normal.” Draco retorted almost whining, unsure how she didn’t understand. Did she not like the attention? Draco would have assumed she was used to her name being attached to remarkable wizards. Her best friend was a near legend after all.  

“What’s fame got to do with anything?” She argued back.  

“You’d think having a famous friend like Potter would help you understand-” 

“Harry isn’t...” Hermione trailed off and Draco was immediately intrigued to know how Hermione was going to down play Harry as normal. As far as Draco could tell none of them had been a threatening baby to a Dark Wizard. Draco cocked a brow up, amused that Hermione’s gears were visibly grinding in her head. 

“Well he- he's got a lot going on, yes,” Hermione admitted, “But aside from that he’s just a student, like both of us. He’s not like Viktor.” 

“Right,” Draco rolled his eyes, “And I’m sure Krum without all his fame and trophies is just another quidditch player.” 

Hermione pouted in annoyance, as if she couldn’t quite put the pieces of what she really wanted to say together. Perhaps that was the point of her confusion. She just didn’t know what to make of Krum and Draco wasn’t sure how he was supposed to help her.  

It didn’t mean he wouldn’t try, even if every part of him was protesting not to. 

“You’re asking if the labels justify public displays of affection?” Draco jumped back to her original concern, whatever that maybe. He assumed that’s what was truly on her mind. Hermione had grown silent, only leading Draco to assume he was on the right track.  

“Sincerely, it doesn’t matter,” Draco answered, trying his best to withhold his frustration, “Just because I had fun without labeling what Pansy and I had, doesn’t mean your boyfriend isn’t taking you seriously. It only matters if you’re comfortable with it.” 

In fact, Draco wanted to add that it seemed like Krum was trying to claim Hermione publicly and it was something she definitely was struggling with.   

“Is that so?” Hermione narrowed her eyes but didn’t hold that fiery stare she usually gave Ron when they were fighting. She was analyzing him, as if she wanted to detect if he was bluffing. 

“Everyone is different.” Draco sighed, “Even new relationships are different. You might be reserved with someone and with another... completely yourself.” 

“Is that how do you date then?” Hermione furrowed her brows, “Unrestrained with a certain kind of girl and with s-” 

Draco let out a bitter chuckle, “I’m not going to talk about that.” 

“And why not?” Hermione asked, “All of Hogwarts knows the intimate details of your past affairs.” 

Draco had had enough at this point. He hadn’t completely forgotten that he had another girl in his arms but he couldn’t help himself from spilling. If she really wanted to know, then he’d tell her.  

“If you really want to know if there’s a difference ‘Mione. Fine, there is. At least for me, there is,” He sighed, hinting at his pureblood upbringing, “I’m not sure about Bulgarian beefheads but if I was in a serious relationship especially one I really wanted, I would prefer to not let anyone see much of the physical intimacy.” 

“You’d rather hide than to show her off?” Hermione let out a light scoff; her arms crossed her chest defensively, “Quite the opposite of what you're known for.” 

“I think it’s special to know that only I know the peculiarities of what it is to be alone with her.” Draco explained, his jaw tightening, “She would be mine and mine only and make no mistake that she won’t have to ask for the attention because she would have an abundance of it.” 

Draco could see the entrance door of their school coming into view and he could feel a sense of relief, yet he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. It was as if it had a mind of its own and desperately needed to let it be known the kind of partner he wants to be. Even when the warm lights of Hogwarts began to waken their eyes and stir Millie in her sleep, Draco didn’t stop.  

"It’s probably an outdated way to date but that’s what pureblood families do, they court. Arranged or not, I was taught that whoever I chose, they will have all of me. All the vulnerabilities I have are hers to know. That is best kept behind the secrecy of a relationship. The core of it. What everyone else will get to see is nothing but the utmost respect I have for her, my unwavering love. Shower her in attention and gifts and spend myself obsessing on how to make her happy the next time I get to spend time with her, no matter if it’s a fleeting moment or for the rest of my life.” Draco blurted, finally reaching the door, “Love is not always physical. Love is action and intent...” 

Draco cleared his throat, feeling his face pulsate in anger and... something else he can’t place a finger on. Millie nuzzled her nose into Draco’s neck before a sweet sigh escaped her lips. Draco gulped when Hermione’s face contorted into confusion.  

Her eyes were wide and analytical as if she were trying to process the dump of information Draco had regrettably spilled. Her eyes suddenly were focused on Millie who was hanging on to his neck as if she saw something she hadn’t seen before.   

Draco felt a punch in the gut for cracking under pressure.  

He could have gone off the deep end and just hooked up with as many girls as he could have the moment Draco found out that Hermione was with Krum. He could have nearly two months of an outlet to get her out of his heart yet he didn’t, because he was deranged. As if he needed Hermione to break him over and over.  

Hermione smiled bitterly and then nodded as if she accepted his complete honesty as criticism against her very public relationship. Then Draco felt like a complete jerk for making it seem like his way of love was the best way, especially because it was a stark contrast to Hermione's currently relationship. 

“I don’t mean it like that,” Draco sighed, apologizing, “Honestly Hermione, that’s why I said it differs with different people. It’s just how we figure things out. Maybe you don’t see that you might like the way Krum is, even if you find it unexpected. But maybe you'll see that...” Draco gulp a knot in his throat, hating himself for what he was about to say next. "You'll see you don't actually mind Krum's ways. Perhaps even love his love." 

Her wide dazzling eyes stared at him. That much Draco could tell from the corner of his eyes as they reached the doors. Hermione whipped her wand, letting the heavy set doors creak open for them. The two of them (really three), were finally inside the safety of school, walking towards the Hospital Wing.

"That is possible," Hermione blinked, tearing her eyes from him. She scanned the corridors carefully since the usefulness of the map was not at her disposal, "But you know what I do see?"

Draco mumbled out a soft what.

Her brows knitting together, “I see you.” 

Draco's feet paused and his heart squeezed in confusion, earnestly looking at Hermione hoping for answers. She struggled to come up with something as they approached the Hospital Wing abd before they were even able to knock Madam Pomfrey swung the door open looking maddening. She was not at all happy to receive yet another student who was seemingly head sick.

"What do you suppose I tell Umbridge once she gets news of the many students that happened to come down with the same 'sickness'." She huffed at them as if Draco and Hermione were the sole reason why many students had drank to their hearts content.

"The truth?" Draco joked, which earned him a stern look. 

"And YOU carrying this girl with that arm of yours?" She scoffed, reaching for Millie and unraveling her from Draco's neck.

"Nothing a bit of magic couldn't do," Draco explained away, "Is it possible to get a bit of pain relief? A tonic would be nice."

Draco grinned brightly at the witch when she gave another look of disapproval when he asked for more medicine.  

Madam Pomfrey, not at all happy with Draco’s defiance, thrusted a few more vials into his hands and shooed both of them off, taking a stumbling Millie into the nearest bed available.

Draco huffed out a satisfied breath as if he was relieved his good deed was completed. Pocketing his wand, he used his good hand to fiddle with his sling to take a look at his arm. He undid the knots with help of his mouth and soon enough, his healing arm was out in the open. Colorful and deep bruises bloomed deep into his pale skin. It looked quite grotesque but to Draco's relief, he could move his fingers. 

Before the thought even crossed his mind, Hermione had slipped her delicate hand into his cloak pocket and read off the vials that Madam Pomfrey had given him. 

"May I?" She asked, pulling off the stopper of a thick almost mucus consistency potion. It was a healing essence. She repocketed his other medicines and shook out the essence onto the tips of her fingers. Hermione gave him a weak smile before she gently pulled him closer as she took a step in. Her fingers grazed his warm skin, her touch was precise and slow as she worked the essence into his bruised skin. He frowned watching as she tended to him.

“I have to be honest," She began in a whisper, "I’d never in a million years thought we’d be... cordial.”

She shook out a bit more of the essence and went back to work on Draco's arm. Although the bruise wasn't an immediate improvement, the aching muscles underneath were certain feeling a release of tension. Draco could be upset that he spent his entire night sulking that Hermione was with Krum but at this moment, she was here with him. And she was tending to his injury. 

“I don’t blame you,” Draco held back a foolish smile.

“There were a few moments last year that planted a seed of doubt about you and,” Hermione paused, “I’m glad it took root.” 

Draco stilled. Hermione was watching him intently with those very eyes that sprouted the intrigue that got him to where he was today.

“What exactly do you see?” Draco asked going back to that question that was fresh on his mind, “Aside from charming and handsome?” 

Hermione rolled her eyes but her own betraying smirk played on her lips. 

“I see the things you deem weak,” She softly said and Draco hung on to every syllable as if his life depended on it.  

“Well, the maybe its the things that your father would hate to see in you,” She corrected and she had Draco in a trance, wanting to desperately know more, “I think it's a mistake to think these are weaknesses when I see it as the things that I like about you. I don’t think it is unfavorable at all to be curious and different from his expectations. You’re actually really witty and kind, when you want to be. And there’s this softness about you, I can’t place my finger on it. But I see it when I see you. When you allow me to see you.” 

Her dark velvet eyes bore intensely into his, as if she was seeing that thing right at that moment, his softness. Her own face was placid and soft as she stood there in the middle of an empty corridor, watching him. Draco gulped.  

“I should get going, ‘Mione,” He frowned, feeling his heart panicking that if he didn't get out of there sooner, he'll do something completely stupid, “Pomfrey gave me a sleeping tonic and she usually makes them strong for me.” 

“I’ll walk-” 

“It’s fine,” Draco pathetically interrupted, “You don’t have the map and I won’t like it if you got in trouble for me.” 

“How do you know if I have it or not?” Hermione blinked curiously at the towering boy.  

“You would have been eager to use it already,” Draco shrugged, “Get an extra hour of sneaking around.” 

Hermione frowned, as if she picked up a sense of Draco’s disappointment.  

“I’m off,” He announced before turning on his heel and walking in the complete wrong direction.

“Good Night,” Hermione called out, her voice wavering a bit. Draco lifted his free hand up as to confirm he received her farewell, but he didn’t want to turn around the moment he realized his mistake. He ventured on until he found a special room to soak up his intense thoughts. 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

Draco was able to move his fingers by dinner the next day. It wasn't one hundred percent healed. It was now sore and he needed a bit of help here and there, but it was nothing he couldn’t accomplish without his wand (or the help of Crabbe and Goyle). He felt the drawbacks of sleeping the entire morning off but at least his stomach was satisfied that he was able to fill two heaping plates of food to make up for skipping breakfast and lunch.  

His body softly ached as he got up, mentioning to Crabbe that he was going to head over to the library to pick up a book. Draco was aware that the more he had on his plate the less time he had to think about Hermione.  

Prefect duties were a grey area if he had to bump into her once in a while.  

Classes, especially potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, were out of the question when they were stuck together in the same room for hours.  

Homework and Quidditch didn’t feel like enough so Draco fell back on the one thing he should have been doing since his return to Hogwarts.  

Helping Dumbledore and shoving all the new Hermione memories into his heart.  

Draco mustn’t forget that if the graveyard was a huge hint, then suspicions of an infiltration at the Ministry would also be credible considering it was been months in the making. He just needed more information about the Department of Mysteries. Draco felt like there was something of worth he could bring to the table. 

Should be easy enough, he sarcastically thought as he transported himself straight into the Library scanning the aisles for any book title that would even hint at something worth cracking open.

Draco stared at the bookshelf for a solid five minutes, his mind miles away. Finger tips and skin.

“Draco?” 

A voice anchored him back to Earth, facing a pleasant smile framed by straight dark auburn locks. 

Millie. Of course, she had offered to help him with his homework. 

“Oh,” He breathed out, “Millie, hi.” 

“Surprised to see you here,” She pointed out, her face withholding a dam full of teasing she wanted to unleash. 

Draco cocked his head, “But you offered?” 

She shrugged, “Didn’t think you’d take me up on it.” 

Draco nodded, “Yeah, I didn’t think so either.” 

She crossed her arms and gave him a quizzical look, “What brings you here then?” 

There was something about how Millie didn’t take an immediate offense that made it easy for Draco to admit to what he was looking for.  

“Ministry.” He sighed out. 

Millie made a face, “Did Umbridge invite you to that club thing as well?”  

Draco snorted, “No. I mean yes, but that’s not the reason why I'm looking into the Ministry.” 

“What then,” Millie leaned her side into the sturdy bookshelf, studying Draco freely as if she was lucky to be spending time with him. Even having him share information about himself delighted her. 

“It’s, uh, OWL year right?” Draco slowly pieced together, "I may have an interest in the Department of Mysteries.” 

“Oh?” 

Draco strained a smile, “The only problem is, I don’t know much about it.” 

“You know enough to be interested in a whole career.” Millie pointed out, smiling proudly at him. 

It might have been a lie but Draco needed to play along. He wasn’t going to show his hand to anyone much less a stranger like Millie.  

“Yeah,” Draco nodded slowly, “Maybe it’s just the fact that it's shrouded in secrecy that makes it appealing.” 

Millie cleared her throat after a pregnant pause, “You’re interesting Draco Malfoy.” 

The declaration certainly caught him off guard and he certainly didn't haven enough time to process it by the time Millie had jumped to the next question.

“Finished your essay?” She asked.  

Draco sighed, “Actually, yeah but...” 

Millie smiled, holding out her hand. It was as if she was pleased that she was actually needed for something.  

“Give it here,” She lightly ordered, “There’s no shame in having another pair of eyes looking over your work.” 

“You don’t have to,” Draco insisted.  

Millie held her hand out, waiting for Draco to cave.  

“It’s the least I could do,” She smiled, “After you helped me last night.” 

Draco froze, staring up at the boldness of this girl to bring up something Draco thought she’d never find out about. 

“Madam Pomfrey told me everything,” She raised her brows, watching Draco slow realization in amusement, “Now scoot over and give me your essay, Draco. Let’s not be stubborn.” 

And that’s how simple it started with Millie.  

Their friendship.