9Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling
"Here, have some water. Are you hurt?" Again and again Hermione repeats this query in the Great Hall after the Final Battle. Walking around broken stone, broken glass, broken lives, Hermione continues to comfort and heal who she can.
As she turns from her latest patient, she catches a glimpse of platinum blonde in the corner of her eye. Turning fully she spots the Malfoy family sitting away from everyone else, huddled in a tight circle. Taking a deep breath, Hermione walks towards the family. Coughing slightly, Hermione is quickly granted the attention of the three Malfoys. They look at her with hesitation, with curiosity, with fear.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but is there anything you need? Food? Water? Medical help?" She is answered with bafflement but continues on, "Mr. Malfoy, I can heal that cut if you would like."
Looking into her eyes, Lucius gives a slight nod as Hermione points her wand to his wound. Reciting the incantation, a blue glow appears and within seconds the cut is gone.
"Thank you, Ms. Granger."
Giving him a small smile Hermione says, "You're welcome." Not knowing what to do, Hermione begins to fidget with her wand.
"Ms. Granger," Narcissa begins, "you mentioned some food and water? May we perhaps receive some?" she timidly asks.
"Oh. Of course. I'll get you something right away."
"Thank you."
Hermione turns and takes two steps before she feels someone lightly grab hold of her elbow. Following the hand up the arm and to the face to whom it belongs, Hermione is met with the blue eyes and pale face of Draco Malfoy.
"Granger, you're hurt," he says pointing to her face.
Reaching up she feels dried blood on her cheek and flinches when her fingers find a large wound on her cheek.
"May I?" he asks hesitantly, looking from her wand to her face.
Looking deeply into his eyes, Hermione nods her assent and passes Malfoy her wand. Holding it with ease, Malfoy focuses his energy on the cut across her face and with barely a whisper he heals her wound before casting a scourgify to remove the blood. With a satisfied look, Malfoy hands Hermione back her wand.
"Thank you, Draco," Hermione says with a small smile.
Trying to mask the shock in his eyes Draco replies, "You're welcome, Hermione," a half-smile forming on his lips.
Hermione feels her smile grow at Draco's response. "I'll go get that food and water for you and your parents now. I'll be right back."
As she walks towards the other side of the room Hermione can still feel the loss of loved ones, the loss of innocence, the loss of home. But now, now she can also feel the spark of hope, of happiness, of new beginnings. Hermione smiles to herself. A new beginning sounds just about right.