Chapter 7
Draco was more aware of Where Hermione was than ever before her falling apart in front of him twice caused him to be extra sensitive to her appearance. The trousers and sweater she was wearing were definitely not bought for her, Her admitting to him that she had been gifted hand me downs from her girlfriends had him confused by the obviously male trousers and sweater. He grew jealous thinking she wore another man's clothing, while they were tailored to fit her smaller body they were still visibly cut for a man.
He watched as she sat eating, he watched her serve herself a small plate of food; and began picking at the offerings on her plate. No wonder she was so thin she hardly ate anything she picked at her food like a bird bite here a bite there just enough so the people around her would not see.
They were blind to her but he wasn't if she Chose him, He would take care of her. She ate quickly and sat for a moment; politely refusing desert bidding her friends goodbye she left the room quickly. She rarely stayed around people unless in class she closeted herself in the Head dorm only stopping for a handful of people, the young girl who had been afraid of the boats, Luna Lovegood, Harry and Pansy seemd to be the only people she would stop and interact with. The few classes that they Shared he also saw her withdrawing,No longer volunteering information to the Teacher only answering when called on; Just quietly taking notes. He had written to his mother hoping for a clue as to what's going on in Hermione's head.
But his mother, true to form, had told him to mind his own business, his mother pulled no Punches with him. No it Was the Upbringing of the Black family in his mother, she may be loyal but there were some things that she would never give up, especially something shared in confidence.
No she’d let him dangle and let him get the information himself, He sighed finishing his own dinner, and exiting the Hall himself making the trek to his dorm room. Entering the living area he headed for the Balcony that opened out into the pitch black night. He leaned on the Rail overlooking the dark lake.
“Evening Draco.” Hermione’s soft voice called behind him, he turned to look at her. She was looking at him but not quite in the eyes.
“Evening Hermione I trust your day went well?” Draco Asked softly.
“Yes quite well Thank you uneventful even ,But I wished to Pass on the Information about the first Study Hall for Firsties. Apparently there were many students who have never been instructed in Quill usage. She and Ron had to demonstrate how to prep and use a quill; many did not even have a penknife. Ron volunteered to buy the children one this weekend if they brought the money by Friday.” Hermione sighed.
“I assume you're inferring that not all of the Children are Muggle-Borns; the sad part is that as proud as we are, most purebloods are rubbish as parents we hardly know how to function as people.” Draco sighed walking back into the living area.
“I’m sorry I didn't mean to mean it like that.” Hermione said shyly, head tipping down.
“ I know you didn't, I'm the one saying it out right Hermione. Sucky parents are sucky parents, it doesn't matter what type of blood. I was lucky I had Mum And Uncle Sev, Kept me almost decent.” Draco replied Softly running one hand through his thick hair with a bitter laugh.
“We can't help everyone but we can try.” Hermione’s lips tipped up slightly.
“Yeah it’s late though Granger, how about you save the world tomorrow?” He smiled at her; she blinked up at his face briefly, the soft Silver/grey eyes dancing.
Hermione smiles softly,shaking her head at him.
"Good Night Draco."She replied softly waking into her bedroom and closing the door behind her.
"Goodnight love." He whispered as her door closed. Closing the balcony door behind him he disappeared into his own room. To wait another agonizing night awake looking up at the canopy of his bed.