Theo Nott asks the question Hermione has been avoiding, why Draco, and the answer forces her to confront what is real, what is biology, and what she actually wants. A sharp conversation reveals Draco believed probation made him the safe choice, while Hermione chose him because he listens and stops at no.
When hall politics turn cruel, Hermione pins on a prefect badge, walks straight into a clash with Ginny over duty and justice, and vows to protect the boy in the Hospital Wing who will not fight back. A solitary, private moment underscores how deep the bond already runs, and a midnight visit becomes the softest scene of all, you came back, and two people finally sleep.
