Unexpectedly

Chapter 12 - A Glimpse Of Memory

Sunday, 27th August 2001

He took the TV remote from her hand and switched off the television. They had spent the day binge-watching the first season of FRIENDS, a show that Hermione initially dragged him into. However, as the episodes unfolded, Draco found himself amused by Joey's antics, and soon enough, they completed the entire first season. When he proposed continuing to the second season, Hermione nodded off after the first five episodes. Draco gently stroked her cheek as she slept beside him, marveling at the unexpected joy of having Hermione Granger peacefully sleeping next to him.

In reflective moments like these, Draco couldn't help but recall his regrettable treatment of Hermione during their Hogwarts years, when he had used the derogatory term "mudblood" and harbored resentment towards her intelligence. However, their dynamics shifted during their return to Hogwarts for their seventh year, orchestrated by Blaise's intervention. They forged a pact to leave the past behind and start anew. With Blaise becoming the Head Boy and Hermione the Head Girl, Draco soon found himself not only in her company but also developing an unexpected friendship. The animosity that once defined their relationship gave way to civility, laughter, and shared learning, a transformation that Draco vividly remembered. It was during this time that he realized he was in love with her.

On Christmas Eve, Blaise, sensing their family issues, suggested spending the holiday together at one of his stepfather's houses. The group consisted of Draco, Hermione, and Blaise, with invitations extended to the Weasley girl, Pansy, and Theo, though they declined due to family obligations. Draco couldn't help but miss his own family but chose to discard a letter from his mother, urging him to return home. He tossed the letter into the fireplace, watching it burn as a symbol of breaking free from the expectations of his family.

Turning his attention from the flames, he heard Hermione's voice.

"You're not sleeping?"

Shaking his head, Draco confessed, "I can't sleep."

She approached him slowly.

"Having troubles sleeping too?" he inquired.

Seating herself beside him, Hermione nodded in response.

"Why didn't you go to the Weasleys' home with Ginerva?" he questioned.

She chuckled. "You have to stop calling her Ginerva; you know she hates it when someone calls her that."

Draco couldn't help but laugh. "That's why I use it."

"Why aren't you coming home to Malfoy Manor?" Hermione inquired.

"I don't hear you answering my earlier question."

They lapsed into a thoughtful silence, both gazing into the fireplace as the flames danced on their own.

"I need time," Hermione paused and cleared her throat. "I need time for myself."

Nodding, Draco added, "So do I."

"I heard you and Pansy—"

"Yeah, we broke up before the holiday," he cut her off before she could finish.

"I'm sorry," she said carefully.

Draco chuckled. "Don't be, it's fine, really. Pansy and I... We're better as friends."

"Yeah, I know that feeling," she mumbled to herself.

"What?"

"Nothing."