Help (Dramione)

Alone

The next few weeks were strange for the both of them. Harry, Ron and Draco would still bicker as usual but no comments were made towards Hermione. Neither of them really knew how to act. Were they still enemies? Were they supposed to forget that night happened? The biggest question on Dracos mind was if she had gone back to that bathroom since then and if he should sneak out each night just to check. Hermione on the other hand was wondering if things were ever going to go back to normal and if malfoy would keep her secret. She was also scared that he might see her differently. Hermione always tried to come off as strong. She wants her class mates to see her as a true gryffindor but the truth was she didnt feel like one at all. She didnt want anyone to see that side of her.

One evening, draco past Hermione on the way to the great hall for dinner. As she hurried past him, he caught a glimpse of her eyes. They were filled with emotion and she was looking down slightly as if she was trying to hide. Her face looked tired and her hair was more out of hand than usual. Some how draco knew exactly where she was headed. He broke off from his friends without them noticing, he would give them an excuse later. He followed far behind Hermione. If she saw him she might turn him away. Draco waited a minute before going through the door. He slowly opened the door and peaked inside. Just in time to see her drag the metal across her skin. He darted towards her. Hermione moved back quickly.

"What are you doing malfoy?" She yelled through tears.

"I dont want you doing that!" Draco shouted back.

"Why do you care?" Her voice lowered back to a normal volume. She was keeping her distance and she didnt really know why. Ever since that night shes wanted someone to hold her again. Draco stood still. He looked away from her and a look of confusion washed over his featured. He stayed like this for a minute.

"I dont really know" he told her. It was the truth. He had no idea why her safety mattered so much to him. He stepped closer to her. "I just dont want to see you in so much pain." The words resonated with Hermione. She walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head into his chest. He hugged her tight. She needed this. Ron and Harry were great friends but they didnt always show they cared very well and they tend not to notice when things arnt right. Hermione was never upset with them for it, she knew it was just how they operated, but she couldn't help but feel a lack of support. Her train of thought was broken by a hushed voice.

"Why are you doing this?" Hermione, still held close to dracos chest, took a deep breath and tried to gather her thoughts. Why was she doing this? It had been so long since she started, she hadn't thought about why in a long time. She searched her mind and only thought of one thing.

"It stops the crying" she told him. He pulled her away from his chest so he could look her in the eyes.

"Why are you crying." Draco thought the question sounded silly but he didnt know what else to say. His face was filled with worry and he didnt bother hiding it as he usually did. She looked up at him with sad, vulnerable eyes; he thought it might be better if she saw all of him just as he was seeing all of her. Hermione looked away from draco.

"My mind races. I cant get a hold of myself. Theres so much going on. So much to do. I feel so lost and empty. Like I've given all of myself away" she had never said this to anyone before. She would have never in a million years thought Malfoy would be the one she reached out to. There was something about how he seemed to genuinely care about her well being, how he held her and let her cry to him, how he's clearly worried for her. It all makes her feel safe.

Draco felt his heart drop at her words. He wanted so badly to take away her troubles. No one should have to feel like that. Not even his worst enemies. Not even mudbloods like her. Whether or not he still thought of her as only potters mudblood friend was still in question. He didnt want to stay quiet for too long. He wanted to make sure she knew he was listening and that he cared about what she was saying.

"Your mind races? What thoughts do you have?" Draco wanted to try and see exactly what was bothering her. He wanted her to tell him everything. Hermione looked him in the eyes again and he could see the tears starting to flow. He reached up and brushed one off her cheek with his thumb. She was back in dracos arms within seconds. He knew the question was too much for her and regretted asking it. Her cries were loud. She was falling apart again. He pulled her down to the ground with him so he could hold her close and run his fingers through her hair. He decided right then and there that he never wanted her to cry alone again.