
Call it impulse, but whatever it was that caused Hermione Granger to propel herself into Malfoy’s shaking arms, it was definitely out of character. He stumbled, still weak on his legs. She couldn’t even bring herself to care that his blood was stuck on her shirt.
Nobody knew what to make of this new development. The surprised silence that followed was evidence of that.
She couldn’t explain the inexplicable warmth that spread through her as his arms wrapped around her slowly and hesitantly. She could feel his breath, could feel his pulse fluttering beneath her lips.
“You’re OK,” she whispered hoarsely. ”You’re OK, I just-” she pulled back, blushing heavily.
“You’re OK too, Granger,” he mumbled back, his eyes searching hers. ”We’re alright.”