Thread: Harry Potter and What Really Happened After Voldemort (solvaris & darkangel76)

Hermione took a step back, her muscles relaxing, but only just. She knew Draco would see reason. After all, his life was more in danger than anything now that Voldemort was gone and the Death Eaters scrambling to regroup. He was on 'the most wanted' list by both sides and even his own family was in shambles. He'd have been stupid to remain so isolated and hoping for a miracle. There was one thing the Great Wizarding War taught the intelligent witch...and that was that miracles only happen if you seize the opportunity to make them come to fruition. At that, she watched Draco's patronus head outside into the darkened yard where she knew both Ron and Neville were standing guard. Hmph, as if that was truly why they remained on the other side of the doorstep! But, she wasn't about to get into a row over that. Ron. Stubbon git, but Hermione hardly wanted him to change. A life without Ron would be boring, stale. His wit and humor, the way he stood up for what he believed. Each and every trait made her swoon on the inside. She was glad that the worst of the war was behind them, or so she hoped. Selfish thoughts had flowed through her, fear of losing him forever. She remembered how terrified she was when he had to stay in the Hospital Wing for a few days at school the year before. Anything worse would've been her undoing, though she still wasn't sure if he truly realized that. As the patronus swirled past, Ginny had to wonder just what it was he was doing. Hermione seemed at ease, so she decided his intent wasn't to scare off the boys waiting outside. She let out a tiny breath, a little embarrassed that she'd actually been holding it for a moment. She was still a bit jittery, stunned at the realization of Draco's new life. His entire world was crumbling...no family, hunted and hated and now a vampire. She'd been right to tell him he had no one, but why was she suddenly beginning to feel sorry that she'd said such things? She bit down on her lower lip, her dark eyes watching Draco as he headed toward the window and shifted. For a moment, she could pretend that he was an animagus, only... He wasn't. He was vampire. I think that went rather well, Luna spoke, after Draco had gone. Both Ginny and Hermione turned toward the Ravenclaw and nodded. That was good thinking, Ginny, Hermione praised. She flicked her hair and started to head for the door to see to the boys. Though she appreciated the compliments, Ginny wasn't entirely sure how she'd felt about receiving them. It was clear that she'd hit the mark, triggered something, in Draco. But what? She wasn't used to Draco standing down for anything or anyone. It wasn't his pattern and in many ways, she found it disconcerting, much like she did when he mentioned needing 'food'. The very thought made her shiver, yet made her wonder just how he managed. Still another part was oddly exhilarated at the very notion...just what was wrong with her? And just what happened to him during the war? Somehow, she knew that they'd only begun to scratch the surface. There was more going on than any of them could see. Slowly, she walked toward the window Draco had exited from. Hands gripping the ledge, her eyes peered out into the darkness, focusing on nothing in particular. She tried to find Draco, but he was nowhere to be seen.