I'll Walk With You

I'll Walk With You

Chapter One

Hermione paced through the corridors checking for signs of any students out of bed. She decided to head over to the East Wing before turning in for the night.

However, when she reached the East Wing, she discovered that someone was already there.

"Hello? Who's there?"

There was no answer.

Then came a voice that she knew all too well.

"Is the Mudblood scared now that Potty and the Weasel aren't here to protect you?"

"Oh, it's you Malfoy," she spat, loathing in every syllable.

"Such a clever Mudblood. Tell me, what gave it away?" he drawled.

"Just leave me alone," she said.

"Well, that wouldn't be any fun, would it? What are you doing here in the first place?"

"I'm a prefect."

"I am too. You can leave now, this hallway is clear."

"No."

She moved to the other side of the tower and peered out the window staring at the stars. She stared for ten minutes, before he spoke again.

"Didn't know you enjoyed my company so much - "

"I don't."

" - But then seeing how you hang around Weasley and Potter, it must be nice to have civilized company for a change."

"Don't you ever get tired?"

"Of what?"

"Being so cold all the time."

There was silence, as if Malfoy was actually contemplating this question. He turned and looked at Hermione, and was surprised at what he saw. There was the same bushy hair, the same mess that he'd looked at every day, but something was different. Maybe it was the way the moonlight reflected in her eyes, or how peaceful she looked. He brushed these thoughts away quickly, reminding himself that this was Granger, a Mudblood.

Suddenly, there was a rustling of cloth and he saw her move away from the moonlight, the window, and that moment of peace.

"Are you leaving?"

"What does it matter to you?"

'It doesn't. I hate you."

"I'm glad to know that the feeling is mutual."

"Mudblood," And as he talked, he felt himself moving closer until he was right behind her.

He heard her sharp intake of breath and he wasn't sure that was because of how close he was, or what he had just called her. He felt her start to walk away, and for reasons that he was unsure of, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Let go. I don't think you'd want to tarnish your good name by touching a Mudblood."

And yet, he didn't let go, but only held on tighter. He stood there wondering what had come over him. She started tugging to pull out of his grasp, but he wouldn't let go.

Then, suddenly, in the blink of an eye, he strode forward and placed his lips over hers. He lifted her chin with his hand, and put the other on the small of her back, pushing her closer. She didn't struggle, just stood there, as if struck with shock. Then, she put her hands on his chest, and instead of pushing him away as he expected, ran her hands up his chest, and wrapping them around his neck. He pushed her against the wall, and, like waking up from a trance, she pushed him away.

He heard her quick, frantic footsteps as she hurried away, and wondered what had just happened between them.