"Come on, I’ll –" She broke off – Draco wouldn’t appreciate her offers of protection. That would only make him feel weaker, more pathetic. "Come on," she repeated lamely instead, and he followed Hermione unresistingly to the stairs. They started up, Hermione leading him by the hand still, and then she stepped into the light and stopped. Looked down at him, two steps below her and still in the shadows; linked by their outstretched arms and clasped hands.