"You don't deserve any of this, Granger," he says to her very gently, and then crosses the distance between them with two quick steps to her, cupping her face in his large, thin, warm hands. His bones press to hers and her eyes flutter shut, and then a breath she didn't know she was holding gusts softly out of her as his lips press to her forehead. It is a benediction, an apology, a comfort – so much more than mere lust, and for just a moment Hermione relaxes and forgets, as Malfoy's words wash over her, soothing and calm. "You deserve so much better than this."