When it finally ends Malfoy is still and silent, and Hermione cannot help but wonder if he is dead. Her palms have been bloodied by the gouges of her ragged, broken nails, and her body is knotted with tension. It runs out of her when Malfoy lets out a whimpering, hacking cough and twitches on the floor; her shoulders slump and she exhales heavily. He is alive. Thank Merlin.