Disclaimer: I don't own anything aside from the plot. Characters are created by the brilliant J.K Rowling. Harry Potter A/U Fanfiction. Enjoy! :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Weasley was sitting inside his Muggle car while waiting for her fiancé to get off work. He was browsing through his phone when he heard a loud tap on his window. He turned to look at the side of the door and frowned; he then lowered his window and asked, "Yes?"
"Miss me?"
Ron's eyes widen when he recognized the voice; he quickly stepped out and turned his head to look around. "What are you doing here?" he hissed.
"You've been ignoring me, you didn't show up last night!"
Ron grabbed the woman's arm and dragged her toward the back of his car; "You should not have approached me here, Hermione might see you. This is very careless and irresponsible! You need to go home, I'll call you when the coast is clear!" he said.
The woman pulled her arm free from his grip and frowned; "Why do we have to hide it in the first place? I'm tired of hiding Ronald! I was not brought up my parents to be a kept woman! It's either you tell her now or we should end this!" she hissed and turned to leave.
Ron grabbed her arm again; "Let's talk later okay?"
The woman pulled her arm again and walked away.
Ronald watched her leave as he clenched his fists into tight balls.
"Ron? Who was that?"
Ron turned around and faced Hermione standing right next to his car. He pasted a smile on his face and padded towards her; "No one love, she's just offering flyers" he replied.
Hermione smiled brightly and lifted the box that she was holding; "I bought Strawberry Cream Cake, do you think the kids will like this?" she asked.
Ron nodded; "They eat almost everything. Let's go?" he asked.
Hermione smiled; "Lets" she replied.
Ron opened the passenger door and pulled the box away from his fiancé's hands; "I'll put it in the back" he offered.
Hermione smiled and nodded.
Ron closed her door and opened the one at her back; he placed the box on top of the leather seat and closed the door. He let out a huge sigh and padded towards his seat.
oOo
"Where are you going?" Hermione mumbled as she snuggled deeper into the covers.
"I just remembered that I forgot to lock my drawers inside my office, my top secret assignment is in there. Kingsley will have my hind if someone reads it" Ron explained nervously.
"Come home soon" Hermione replied sleepily.
Ron let out a sigh of relief and padded towards Hermione's side; he planted a soft kiss on top of her curls and tucked the comforter closer to her slumbering form. "Will do love...sleep now" he mumbled.
Hermione replied with a smile.
Ron walked towards the door and pulled it open; he turned off the light and closed the door behind him. He leaned back and felt guilt eat his heart again; "I'm sorry love, I would end it tonight...I love you..." he murmured to himself.
oOo
"Didn't think you would still show up"
Ron slumped down on a loveseat and buried his face in his palms; "Please stop it Millie..." he said.
"Did you tell the Mudblood?" Millicent Bulstrode asked.
Ron's head snapped up and glared at the woman standing right in front of him; "DO.NOT.CALL.HER.THAT" he hissed.
Millicent studied his face and laughed; "I thought so," she said bitterly. She then walked towards her door and pulled it open; "Get out then, I don't want you soiling my house anymore" she said.
Ron's ear turned red and he hastily stood up; he walked towards her and grabbed her arms. "Let's talk, I don't want to end it like this..." he said.
Millicent stared at his blue eyes and felt her eyes tearing up; "I can't do this anymore..." she said stonily.
Ron squeezed her arms comfortingly; "I know, I don't think I can too. Please let's...let's end this the right way..." he pleaded.
Tears began falling down her cheeks as her resolve began to crumble; she felt her knees buckle so she slumped down the ground unceremoniously; she let out a sob and buried her face in her palms.
Ron felt his heart ache as he watched Millicent collapsed right before his eyes; "Millie, don't do this..." he half whispered.
Millicent wiped her eyes as she sniffed; she raised her head towards the man she loves and studied his pain ridden face. She felt a tiny spark of hope and decided to grasp her final straws; she half crawled towards him and kneeled; she boldly wrapped her arms around his calves and pressed her breast to him. She then lined her face into his waist and braised her chin on top of his bulging belt buckle.
Ron gasped as he felt a part of his body stir; he cleared his throat and began untanggling Millicent's arm away from him.
Millicent held tighter and bravely brushed her mouth below his belt buckle; strategically leaning her cheeks on top of his groin.
Ron moaned as he stilled his movement.
Millicent smiled and let out a soft moan; "Please don't leave me..." she groaned seductively.
Ron closed his eyes as he unconsciously began rubbing his front into Millicent's face; "Hmmmnn..." he moaned.
Millicent lifted her cheeks slightly and planted a soft kiss on top of his bulge and pulled away.
Ron's eyes snapped open.
Millicent threw him an innocent look and began snaking her idle hands towards his legs; when she reached her destination she began unbuckling his belt.
Ron let out a loud moan and decided to give in; throwing the caution into the wind.
Millicent smiled widely and hastily pulled down his pants. "I guess I won again Mudblood" she thought triumphantly.
oOo
The next day:
"Harry?"
Harry stopped riffling through his parchments and stared at his best friend; "Yes?" he asked.
Hermione furrowed her brows and sat down on the chair right in front of his desk; "Can I ask you something? It's about Ron..." she said.
Harry sat on his chair; "What about?" he asked.
"Do you know if Kingsley assigned him to a top secret assignment?" Hermione asked.
Harry's brow furrowed as he leaned on his chair; "I'm not sure, but as far as Kingsley is concerned, he's out of the country since last month. He's been in France, as far as I know, why?" he replied.
Hermione gasped; "Oh..."
"Is something the matter Mione?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed; "It's just, he was—never mind" she said as she hastily stood.
Harry frowned; "Sit down Mione and tell me what's wrong" he replied.
Hermione bit her lower lip and sat down again; she then tucked her loose curls behind her ear and cleared her throat. "It's Ron, he left last night...he told me that he need to get back here to lock his drawers because of Kingsley's assignment and he never came back..." she said nervously.
Harry stood up from his chair and padded towards Ron's desk; he pulled the top drawer open and began looking thru the parchments. He then took a deep breath and faced his best friend.
Hermione looked aghast; "That's supposed to be locked! He came here last night just to lock it. What's inside Harry?" she asked.
Harry slumped on Ron's chair and cleared his throat; "There's nothing here Mione, all of these stuff are old Auror notes, flyers and nothing's new..." he said.
Hermione frowned.
Harry then stood up and padded towards his best friend; he then grasped her shoulders and squeezed it comfortingly. "Maybe it's nothing Mione, we don't know why he came here last night, we both know Ron and his quirkiness..." he soothed.
Hermione thought for a moment and nodded; "I'm just being paranoid I guess..." she relented.
Harry smiled; "Do you want to grab lunch?" he asked.
Hermione smiled back; "You're treat?" she asked.
Harry rolled his eyes; "Who else? Malfoy's?" he teased.
Hermione slapped his arm and laughed; "Who knows!" she replied.
oOo
Ron groaned as he sleepily opened his eyes; he scratched his chest and took a deep breath.
"Morning sunshine!"
Ron's eyes widen as he stares at Millicent standing near the door frame; he then lifted the duvet off his body and took a peak. He let out loud groan and sat up; "Buggering hell" he said.
Millicent ignored his reaction and smiled widely; "Do you want lunch?" she asked.
Ron frowned; "What do you mean lunch?" he asked.
Millicent raised her brow and crossed her arms on her chest; "Errr...the food you eat when its noon?" she replied.
Ron's eyes bulged out and began panicking; he ripped the covers off his body and hastily stood up. "Where is my pants and shirt?" he asked.
"It's in the laundry, it was...dirty" Millicent replied with a knowing smile.
Ron snatched his wand from the side table and summoned his clothes; he then began dressing in a fast pace and ignored the witch who's throwing him curious looks.
Millicent walked towards him and stood right in front of him; she grabbed his frantic hands, halting his movements. "What's the rush? You just woke up, you have time to---"
"I don't have time! I should not have slept here! Hermione will gut me for this!" Ron replied, cutting her off.
Millicent instantly dropped her hands and clenched it into tight fists; "It's Hermione again..." she said.
Ron continued buttoning his pants and looked her in the eye; "I left her last night with a stupid excuse, I need to see her and explain where I have been" he said.
Millicent's eyes brightened as she smiled widely; "You're finally telling her about us?" she asked excitedly.
Ron immediately stilled his movements and looked away.
"Oh..." Millicent gasped.
Ron bit his lower lip and pocketed his wand; he then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lover's lips. "Thank's for last night love, we'll talk about this next time" he said.
Millicent sighed and kept silent.
Ron threw her an apologetic look and began walking towards the door; leaving her alone.
Millicent felt tears cloud her eyes as she collapsed on top of her bed.
oOo
Ron softly opened the office door and peaked in; he let out a sigh of relief when he saw that it was empty, he then entered and slowly walked towards his desk.
"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in"
Ron's head nervously snapped towards the voice and let out a smile when he saw his best friend; "Oh, it's you, I didn't see you there. Good Afternoon mate" he said.
Harry stared at him and frowned; "Where have you been? Mione told me that you went here last night because you have to lock your drawer?" he asked.
Ron's face paled as he scampered towards his desk; he pulled his chair and sat. "I was out..." he replied vaguely.
Harry fixed his glasses as he leaned forward, braising his elbows on top of his desk; "It's curious you know, because she also mentioned that Kingsley left you a top secret file when he's not even here since last month..." he said suspiciously.
Ron avoided is gaze and chuckled nervously; "I was just making excuses, I needed to go out and I know that if I tell Hermione she would not let me so I lied..." he rambled.
Harry pretended to accept his best friend's explanation and nodded; "So where did you go?" he asked again.
"Eerrrr...I was at The Leaky Cauldron, drinking" Ron replied.
Harry nodded again; "Oh I see, didn't know that drinking in that pub creates huge hickeys" he said darkly.
Ron felt his face ashen as he silently cursed Millicent; he then cleared his throat and began riffling thru his drawer. "It's not a hickey! It's was an allergic reaction to the nut's I ate last night, it's just rashes" he replied.
Harry fixed him a gaze and stood up; he walked towards right in front of his best friend's desk and leaned forward. "If I ever find out that you are cheating on Hermione with some slag, Merlin Forbid, I will kill you, best friend or not. I already stood by your side when you cheated on her with Lavender but I won't stand for it if you're making that stupidest mistake again. Do you understand me clearly?" he said seriously.
Ron swallowed hard and met his best friend's gaze; "I---I'm not cheating on Hermione, these are just rashes...really" he said.
Harry eyed him for a couple of seconds and relented; "Just be sure about what you say, because if I ever catch you, you'd be living your life as a monk" he threatened.
Ron cleared his throat and nodded; "It's clear and I couldn't do that to Hermione...she's my fiancé after all" he explained.
Harry eyed him for a couple of more minutes and nodded curtly; he then walked towards the door and grabbed the knob. He was about to pull open but he suddenly stopped; "Oh, before I forgot," he said.
"What?" Ron asked nervously.
Harry turned to face him and fixed his crooked glasses; "Don't be daft with your excuses, Hermione is not called the "brightest witch" of our age for nothing" he said.
Ron chuckled awkwardly and began fixing the books on his table; "Okay..." he replied.
Harry said nothing and stepped out of the room.
Ron let out a huge sigh of relief as he watch the door closed; he then braised his elbows on top of his desk and buried his face in his palms. "Stupid, stupid, stupid..." he croaked.
oOo
"Had a rough day?" Astoria asked as she stood from couch.
Harry let out a surprised look as he stepped out of the fire place; "I thought you were in Paris?" he asked.
Astoria smiled widely as she walked towards her husband; she then snaked her delicate hands around his neck and pressed her petite body to his. "I missed you..." she pouted.
Harry grinned and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist; "Oh sweetling, I miss you too" he cooed.
Astoria giggled and planted a soft kiss on his neck; "How was your day? You seem early and gloomy?" she asked.
Harry pulled her closer and buried his face into her neck; "It's been a long day and Ron is driving me nuts" he said.
Astoria chuckled as she pulls away; "What happened with Ron?" she asked.
Harry sighed and began walking to the couch that her wife vacated; he then sat down and pulled Astoria on his lap. "I think he's having an affair" he said bluntly.
Astoria's eyes widen as she turned to face Harry; "Does Hermione know? What happened?" she asked.
Harry leaned back; "She's suspicious, I spoke to her during lunch and I think she feels that's something going on" he said.
Astoria bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath.
Harry studied her wife's reaction and furrowed his brows; "Do you know something?" he asked.
Astoria pulled away and stood up; she then began pacing as she crossed her arms on her chest. "I'm not sure but I heard something while I was at Daphne's...it's just hearsay..."
Harry sat straight and stared at his wife; "What did you here?" he asked.
Astoria stopped and sat on top of the coffee table right in front of the couch; she gathered her hands on her lap and clasped it together. "The day I was at Daphne's, Pansy was also there. They were both talking in the tea room when I passed by. I was about to bypass them when I heard Pansy shriek so I decided to listen to what their talking about...They mentioned that Millicent---"
"Whoah! Did you say Millicent? Millicent Bulstrode? The giant Slytherin student who woman-handled Hermione back in Hogwarts?" Harry asked, cutting Astoria off.
Astoria rolled her eyes; "Yes, that's her. And for your information Millie has turned into a beauty after graduation. If you can see her now I bet you wouldn't recognize her. Now, do you want me to continue?" she asked.
Harry nodded; "I'm sorry love, go on..." he said.
"Pansy mentioned that Millicent was deluded, that she's seeing someone she wasn't supposed to. Pansy was indignant because the person she's seeing is...engaged to someone else...Then my sister calmed her down saying that she shouldn't spout out nonsense because it might cause damage. Pansy shrieked again and stated that she was not spouting nonsense because she'd seen Ron at her house last night..." Astoria said.
Harry was silent.
"Harry...." Astoria called out.
Harry still kept silent.
Astoria stood and kneeled right in front of her husband; she grasped his hands in hers and squeezed it. "Love, please speak...Like what I said before, it's just hearsay, nothing is definite. Pansy might be wrong..." she pleaded.
Harry took a deep calming breath and gritted his teeth; "You know what I'm afraid off?" he asked seriously.
"What?"
"I'm afraid that Parkinson might be right and I might end up killing the weasel" Harry said darkly.
"But Harry I don't think that he's capable of that, they're engaged for Merlin sake!" Astoria reasoned out.
Harry shook his head; "He is capable, he already did it once and he will do it again. If I catch him I don't know what I'll do with that sodden bloody arsehole!" he hissed.
Astoria bit her lower lip; "Don't do anything drastic, he's still your best friend..." she said.
"He stopped being my best friend when he decided to let his fly down for another woman aside from my other best friend!" Harry said stonily.
Astoria sighed and began rubbing his hand; "Let's think this over hmmn?"
Harry kept silent.
oOo
Hermione got off work early so she decided to drop by her fiancé's office; she padded merrily towards the door but instantly stopped when she heard him speaking. She felt a huge smile creep into her lips as she moved closer; she leaned head on the door and listened.
"We should stop this, Hermione is getting suspicious and Harry won't get off my back" Ron said frantically.
Hermione froze as her heart started to beat loudly inside her chest; she willed herself to step away and leave but her brain is not sending the right signals for her muscles to move.
"No, I'm not breaking up with you over the phone. I already went there last night to set things straight but you coerced me to have sex with you instead!" Ron hissed.
Hermione felt her body shake involuntarily as tears began clouding her eyes; she let out a soft sob as she felt her world crumble.
"I did not promise you anything! I already told you that I'm getting married but you still insisted that she wouldn't know but she already has an idea! I can't do this to her, she's my best friend and I owe her that much" Ron replied.
Hermione's knees buckled so she collapsed on the floor ungracefully; she buried her face into her palms as uncontrollable sobs escaped her lips.
"Granger?"
Hermione's head instantly snapped towards the voice and felt her body ran cold; she quickly wiped her face from tears as she stood up. Her knees are still shaking but she leaned on the wall; she sniffed and cleared her throat. "M-Malfoy" she croaked.
Draco studied her appearance and raised his pale brow; "Are you alright?" he asked.
Hermione fixed her blouse and grasped her bag tighter to her body; "Errr..Yes I am. I better go..." she said while scampering away.
Draco watched her leave and furrowed his pale brows; "What in Merlin's pant's was that..." he asked himself. He stood there for a couple of minutes and shrugged his shoulders; he then proceeded to walk away.
Bust the windows of your car
Hermione ran towards the lift and pressed the down button repeatedly; when the doors opened she yanked the railings forcefully and waited for the doors to close. When it started to descend she moved to the corner and leaned back on the wall; she rubbed her face with her palms furiously as she let out a groan. “I’m so stupid....very stupid...” she told herself over and over. When the door opened she bolted out the elevator and paced towards the Atrium; she padded towards the floo network when she heard a distinct voice calling her name.
“Hermione!”
Hermione bit her lower lip as she stopped in her tracks; she sniffed and hastily wiped her face free from tears.
“Hermione!”
She then took a deep calming breath and pasted a smile on her face; “Ginny...” she greeted.
Ginny threw herself at her best friend and hugged her tightly; “It’s been months! I missed you!” she gushed excitedly. She then pulled away with a huge smile and grasped Hermione’s arms; “How have you---why is your face is blotchy and your eyes are swollen?” she suddenly asked with a frown.
Hermione pulled away and patted Ginny’s hand; “I’m just tired. I missed you too” she replied with a weary smile.
All traces of humour instantly left Ginny’s face as she studies her best friend’s expression; “Something’s wrong with you...” she said seriously.
Hermione’s felt her chin wobble so she bit her lower lip to control her emotions; “I’m fine Gin, I’m just feeling a little bit under the weather, don’t mind me” she answered nervously.
Ginny shook her head; “I know you Hun, tell me what happened...” she insisted.
Hermione was about to speak when she saw a familiar ginger haired man exiting the lift; her heart jerked with pain as memories of his conversation flooded her mind. She felt her whole body stiffen as her lungs began to burn with loss of oxygen; she grasped Ginny’s hand in panic as tears run down her pale cheeks. Dark spots began dancing right in front of her eyes so she decided to bow down to take a breather; it was a wrong move, because instantly her knees buckled and she fell on the ground, unconscious.
“Hermione!” Ginny screamed in horror.
oOo
St. Mungos
“What the hell happened?”
Ginny’s head snapped towards the door; “Harry!” she exclaimed.
Harry walked towards the red haired woman and stood beside the bed; he studied his best friend’s face and turned towards Ginny; “Gin, what happened?” he asked.
“I really don’t know. We were talking for a couple of minutes and then she collapsed...” Ginny explained worriedly.
Harry sighed and sat at the foot of the bed.
“Do you know if she has any problems? Because when I saw her this afternoon, her face was blotchy and her eyes we’re swollen” Ginny asked.
“I also don’t know. We just had lunch earlier and everything seems to be alright...” Harry replied. He then surveyed the surroundings and frowned; “Where’s your brother? He’s supposed to be here” he said.
Ginny rolled her eyes and crossed her arms on top of her chest; “I don’t know where that prick is! I already sent him an owl hours ago and he’s still not here!” she replied.
Harry stood up and began pacing back and forth; he then threw Hermione a look and stared at Ginny. “Can we step out for just a minute? I need to tell you something” he said.
Ginny frowned and stood up; “Sure, what’s this about?” she asked.
Harry padded towards the door and pulled it open; “After you,” he said.
Ginny stepped out and waited for Harry.
Harry stepped out as well and closed the door behind him; “Do you want to grab some coffee?” he asked.
Ginny nodded; “Let’s go...” she replied.
Harry led her towards the cafeteria and asked her to find them a table; he then proceeded to the counter and asked for two cups of cappuccino.
Ginny searched for a table and saw a vacant one near the windows; she padded towards it and pulled a chair. She then sat down and waited for Harry.
Harry walked towards Ginny, carrying two cups of coffee; upon reaching the table, he placed the first cup right in front of her and sat down.
Ginny pulled the cup closer to her and began stirring; “So, what’s this about?” she asked.
Harry took a sip from his cup and sighed; “I think Ron is having an affair” he said bluntly.
Ginny stopped stirring and frowned; “What do you mean he’s having an affair?” she asked.
Harry leaned back on his chair and eyed his best friend’s sister; “It’s not yet confirmed but I will find out” he answered.
Ginny averted his gaze and lowered her eyes on the table; “How can he do this to Hermione again? I mean, their engaged!” she said.
“I know. I already spoke with him this afternoon, I already told him that if he’s cheating he should stop now because if I ever caught wind of what he’s doing, best friend or not, I will decapitate him” Harry said.
Ginny huffed; “You’re too kind Harry, if it was me, I’ll threaten to murder him” she said.
Harry smiled; “Still fiery, aye?” he teased.
Ginny laughed and began stirring her coffee again; “That won’t change. By the way, how’s Astoria and Candice?” she asked.
“She took Candice to Daphne’s because won’t stop bugging us for a week that’s why Astoria gave in” Harry replied.
Ginny chuckled; “Candice is a bit handful if she wants to, I guess she got that from Daphne’s side” she said.
Harry smirked; “Now, don’t let Daphne hear you” he said. He then leaned forward and took another sip of his coffee; “How’s Anthony?” he asked.
Ginny beamed; “He’s doing fine. He’s out of the country as of the moment, some Healer conference” she replied.
Harry nodded; “You two are good together, you’re both jet setters. We hardly see you around” he complained.
Ginny chuckled; “We love exploring other countries Harry, you should try it with Torry” she suggested.
Harry thought for a couple of seconds and smiled; “That’s a brilliant idea, I will make plans for our next anniversary” he said thoughtfully.
Ginny eyed him a couple of minutes and smiled sincerely; “I’m really glad that you’re happy Harry...” she said.
Harry smiled back; “I’m glad you are too” he replied.
oOo
Hermione opened her eyes slowly and studied her surroundings; she then sat up from her bed and groaned.
“You’re awake”
Hermione turned to face the door and let out another groan; “Please tell me I didn’t collapse in the middle of the Atrium?” she asked wearily.
Draco smirked and padded towards the bed; “I didn’t know I had that affect on you Granger. If I knew you’d faint like that, I should’ve avoided you” he teased.
Hermione leaned back on the headboard and chuckled; “You wish” she replied.
Draco moved closer and fished out his pen-light from his pocket; “I know you fainted from seeing me but please contain yourself because I need to touch you” he joked.
Hermione rolled her eyes and pouted; “Of all the Healers in St. Mungo’s, I end up with you” she murmured.
Draco feigned shock and placed his hands on top of his chest; “You hurt my feelings Granger, I happen to be on duty for your information” he replied. “Now be a good girl and move closer so I can check you properly” he added.
Hermione sighed and moved towards him; she pulled the blanket off her body and sat sideways of the bed, facing Draco. “Better?” she asked.
Draco smirked and clicked his pen-light open; he gently cupped her chin and raised it upwards. He pointed his pen light towards her eyes and studied her pupils; “Do you still feel faint?” he asked as he switched off the light.
Hermione shook her head; “No” she replied.
Draco then took the chart notes from the footboard of the bed and began scanning it; “You’re vitals are good and your blood pressure is normal. Have you been under stress lately?” he asked.
Hermione swallowed hard and felt her palms sweating; “N—nooo” she replied.
Draco stopped looking at the chart notes and studied her face; “Okay...well, if that’s the case then you can leave as soon as you’re feeling up to it” he said.
Hermione nodded.
Draco then proceeded to walk towards the door; he was about to pull it open when he stopped. “Granger?” he said.
Hermione’s head snapped towards him; “Yes?” she asked.
Draco grabbed the knob but he turned his head to face his patient; “Whatever your problem is, I know you’ll get through it. You’re not the brightest witch of our age for nothing. Keep your head held high” he said. He then pulled the door open and stepped outside, leaving her dumbfounded.
Hermione felt tears clouding up her eyes as she clutched her hands together; she then took a deep calming breath and sniffed. “You are right Malfoy, I will keep my head held high but I won’t let this go easily, Ron Weasley will be sorry” she said.
oOo
At the Nurses Station:
“Please change Mr. Robinson’s potion to the new one I just brewed and don’t forget to take it to him in time okay?” Draco instructed the nurse standing right in front of him.
“Draco?”
Draco turned and let out a huge smile; “Hey, hey, hey Mrs. Goldstein, it’s nice to see you” he greeted. He then turned towards the nurse he’s talking to and nodded; “That’s all Katie, thanks!” he said.
Ginny laughed; “I’m not Mrs. Goldstein yet, he hasn’t put a ring on it” she replied.
Draco walked closer to his friend and smiled; “I’m sure he will, just give it time” he assured her.
“If he doesn’t then I’ll put a ring on his” Ginny said while winking.
Draco laughed loudly.
“Err...Malfoy, are you Hermione’s Healer?” Harry asked.
“Potter I didn’t see you there, as a matter of fact, I am” Draco replied.
“How is she? Is she alright? Can she go home?” Harry asked.
“Slow down there, yes, she is alright and she can go home. Everything seems to be normal, but, do you know if she’s under any stress? It’s not normal for a person to collapse when everything is average you know” Draco said.
Harry cleared his throat; “I’m not sure, but we’ll talk to her. Can we go to her room? Is she awake?” he asked.
“She’s already awake, you can take her home now” Draco said.
“Thank you” Harry said. He then turned towards his other friend; “Gin?” he asked.
Ginny smiled at Draco; “It was nice seeing you Draco, I’ll tell Anthony that you said Hi” she said.
“You do that, it was nice seeing you too” Draco replied.
Ginny smiled again and pulled Harry towards the lift; “Let’s go see Hermione” she said.
Harry followed.
oOo
“I’m already here, let’s get this over with. I still need to go to St. Mungo’s” Ron said irritably.
Millicent wiped her face with stray tears as she stared at the man standing in her living room; “So that’s it? You want to finish this because she already knows? What do you think I am? A slag that opens’s her legs for any man willing?” she shrieked.
Ron rolled his eyes and huffed; “Come on, Millie! We both know from the start that this will not last because I’m getting married” he said.
Millicent sobbed and buried her face into her palms.
Ron eyed her for couple of seconds and sighed; he walked towards his lover and kneeled right in front of her. “Please don’t make this harder that it needs to be...” he whispered.
Millicent cried harder; “How---how can you say that? Do I mean so little to you?” she asked.
“You are special to me Millie; it’s just that I love Hermione and I can’t leave her...” Ron explained.
“Love?” Millicent laughed bitterly. “How can you tell me you love her when your fucking me every chance you get? Wake up Ron, you don’t love her! Because if you do we wouldn’t be in this situation! You don’t know how to love Ronald Weasley!” she added harshly.
Ron hastily stood up and felt his face redden with anger; “Stop being a bitch!” he hissed.
Millicent stood up and wiped her face angrily; “Get out of my house” she said coldly.
Ron frowned; “With pleasure” he hissed. He angrily padded the door and slammed it shut when he stepped out.
Millicent grabbed the closest vase and threw it on the door; “You will be pay you stupid weasel! Even if it’s the last thing I’d do!” she shrieked.
oOo
Harry knocked and called out his best friend’s name; “Hermione?”
Ginny threw Harry and questioning look and frowned; she moved closer towards the door and pushed it open. She peaked inside and felt her heart felt into her stomach; “She’s gone” she said.
Harry pushed the door wider and padded inside; he walked towards the loo and knocked. “Mione are you there?” he asked. When he received no response, he pulled the door open and peered inside. “She’s not here as well” he said.
Ginny collapsed on the couch and groaned; “I will murder Ronald” she said seriously.
“Let’s go check if she went home” Harry suggested.
Ginny stood up and sighed; “I hope she’s there” she said.
oOo
Hermione sat on a wooden bench, in the park near her house; she stared at the couples walking and felt her eyes heating up with tears for the millionth time. She sniffed and clutched her hands into tight fists; she felt her engagement ring weighing her left hand so she wrenched it away. She stared at the offending diamond ring and suddenly her tears gave away.
**Flashback**
“Ron, what are we doing here? It’s midnight and I’m cold” Hermione complained.
Ron chuckled and sat on the wooden bench; “Nothing love, just needed some air...” he said nonchalantly.
Hermione glared; “You want air? We have lots of air outside my cottage!” she huffed while rubbing her arms back and forth.
Ron rolled his eyes and ignored her complaints; “Isn’t it a lovely night?” he asked.
Hermione studied her surroundings and let out sigh of defeat; “It is” she relented.
Ron eyed her for a couple of minutes and smiled; he then fished out a small velvet box inside his coat and kneeled unceremoniously on the ground.
Hermione felt her heart thud wildly as she stared wide eyed at her beau; she then felt her eyes moisten with tears as her hands fell limply at her side. “Ron...” she whispered.
Ron cleared his throat nervously and raised his open hand towards her; “Hermione, love, I’m not good with words, I love you, please marry me?” he asked lamely.
Hermione felt a pang of disappointment with his proposal but let him off the hook; she smiled widely and fell on her knees as well. She wrapped her arms around her long time best friend and whispered. “Yes, I will marry you”
**End of Flashback**
“Stupid, stupid, stupid! Even his proposal sucks!” Hermione whispered to herself. She then clutched the ring tightly in her fist as she stood up; she then paced back and forth angrily. “How can you do this to me! I’ve been loyal to you, you bastard! You’ll see! You don’t get to mess with Hermione Granger and get away with it!” she hissed. She then slumped on the wooden bench and thought hard; she ran random ideas inside her head and after a couple of minutes she smiled, she know now what to do.
oOo
Ron stormed inside of St. Mungo’s with a frantic look in his eyes; he paced towards the front desk and braised his hands on the desk. “Where is my fiancé? Where is Hermione Granger?” he asked.
The witch at the front desk was taken aback with his panic-stricken face and began riffling thru the parchments; “She’s in room 301-B but---“
Ron did not let the witch finish her sentence and ran towards the stairs, not catching the last sentence.
“---she already checked out...” The witch trailed off.
Ron reached the floor and began searching for the right room, he turned to the next corner and immediately bumped into someone.
“Bloody Buggering Hell! Watch where you’re going!”
Ron steadied his bearings and instantly felt relief when he recognized who he bumped into. “Ginny! Where is Hermione?” he asked.
Ginny snapped her heads towards the man she bumped into and felt rage seeped into her veins; “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HAVE OWLED YOU A COUPLE OF HOURS AGO BECAUSE YOUR FIANCE FAINTED RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES! AND DON’T TELL ME YOU WERE AT WORK BECAUSE I CHECKED YOUR OFFICE AFTER THEY CARTED HERMIONE HERE!” she shouted.
Ron’s eyes bulged as he felt heat creep into his neck; “CALM DOWN GINEVRA!” he shouted back.
Ginny moved closer and pushed him; “DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?” she asked.
Ron took a deep calming breath and took a step back; “I was out on duty. We have received some complaints about some store in Knockturn Alley that’s why I headed there, alright. Now, please tell me where my fiancé is” he replied.
Ginny eyed him for a couple of minutes and huffed disbelievingly; “I didn’t know your work is more important than your soon-to-be-wife!” she hissed.
Ron groaned exasperatedly.
Ginny threw him a dirty look and began walking away, leaving him without any answer.
Ron clenched his fist as he watches his sister fading back.
“She’s not here”
Ron’s head snapped towards the voice and felt his body stiffen; “Harry...where is she?” he asked.
Harry walked towards his best friend and stood right in front of him; “She already left so I suggest you find here because we don’t know where she went” he said coldly.
“But why did she leave? What---“
“If ever find out that your indiscretion has something to do with her fainting spells” Harry cut Ron’s questions’ off and let his statement hanging. He then fixed his glasses and walked away.
Ron felt his knees buckle so he slumped on the nearest bench; he buried his face into his palms and let out a loud groan. “Bloody hell!”
oOo
Hermione appeared in a dark alley and began studying the neighborhood; she then let out sly smile when she noticed that no one is around. She then walked casually towards her ex-fiancé’s parked car and grasped her wand tightly in her wand hand. She stopped beside the passenger door and ran her fingers on it; “I’m sorry baby but your owner is a scumbag. I know you can still be fixed but I just have to do this to make me feel vindicated” she said. She then peered inside the window and frowned; she pointed her wand at the door and muttered “Alohamora”. She pulled the door open and sat on the passenger seat; she bent towards the glove compartment and fished out the paper that’s stuck in between. She read the fine prints and felt her heart drop into her stomach; “The Savoy?! He checked in last week? That son of a bitch!” she muttered angrily as tears cloud her eyes. Placing the receipt on her lap, she took out her engagement ring from her coat pocket and pointed her wand at it; she whispered “Ferrum Vectis“. She stepped outside the car and slammed the door shut. She casted a “Muffliato” charm and weighed the crowbar in her hands; anger flared inside her chest as she lifted the heavy metal bar and smashed it hard on the windshield, creating a hug crack across. She lifted the crowbar again and slammed it repeatedly on the broken panel. Shards of glass were flying in every direction as tears pour down her pale cheeks. She paused for a couple of minutes and moved towards the front of the car; she heaved the crow bar against the smooth hood and engraved her initials with it. Once satisfied she placed the metal bar on top of it and yanked her wand from her pocket; she flicked her wand once, transfiguring the crowbar back into her engagement ring. She then pointed her wand towards the car and accioed the receipt she found. The frilly paper flew straight from the broken windshield and landed gracefully on her waiting hands. She then casted the strongest sticking charm on both paper and ring and stuck it on top of the hood. She studied it for a couple of seconds and took a deep breath; she wiped tear-stain checks with the back of her hand and took a step back. She glared at the offending items again and flicked her wand; dissaparating with a loud crack.
oOo
Theo opened his front door and studied the weasel’s ruined car; he whistled loudly and braised his hands on his waist. “I didn’t think you had it in you Granger, you put a shame to the saying, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” he mused. He took out his phone and snapped a quick picture, he chuckled to himself as he padded inside his house.
Already gone
Hermione apparated outside her cabin with a loud crack; she walked briskly towards her doorstep when she immediately stopped. She closed her eyes for a couple of seconds and let out a loud groan; “I know you’re there Harry” she said.
Harry stepped out of the dark and smiled; “How did you know it was me?” he asked.
Hermione threw him a disbelieving look and huffed; “I have wards as well you know,” she replied.
Harry walked towards his best friend and stood right in front of her; he eyed her for a couple of seconds and frowned. “You left the hospital without waiting for us, you know” he chastised.
Hermione winced as she scratched her nape; “You were there?” she asked.
Harry raised his brow as crossed his arms on top of his chest; “Of course I was there. Ginny sent me a patronus after she took you to St. Mungos” he answered.
Hermione froze; “Ginny? Oh Merlin! Where is she? I forgot about her!” she stammered.
Harry shook his head and chuckled; “You forgot about her alright! She was scared to her wits did you know that? That poor woman didn’t know what to do when you collapsed right in front of her eyes” he said.
Hermione bit her lower lip as she fumbled with her hands; “I—I was just feeling under the weather Harry, if you see Gin, please tell her not to worry about me” she said.
Harry studied her face again; “What really happened Mione? We just had lunch and you were fine, so please, don’t lie to me...” he pleaded.
Hermione felt her eyes heating up again so she opted to turn around and walked towards the door; she swished her wand and instantly the locks on her door clicked open. “Do you want to come in?” she asked.
“Yes, we need to talk” Harry replied.
Hermione pushed the door open and walked towards the couches; she flicked her wand once again and instantly bright lights illuminated the whole place. She then padded towards the couch and sat down unceremoniously. “Please sit down” she said.
Harry followed and slumped beside her.
Hermione leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
Harry waited for Hermione to speak but was only met with silence; he turned his head towards her and saw that her eyes were closed. He let out a huge sigh and sat straight; he was about to stand up to leave when he heard her mumble. “Did you say something?” he asked.
Hermione still did not open her eyes when she repeated what she said; “He’s having an affair...” she said loudly.
Harry froze.
Hermione opened her eyes and stared at her other best friend; tears immediately ran down her cheeks so she hastily wiped it. She bit her lower lip and sniffed; “I—I came to your office this afternoon to surprise him but I guess I was the one who was surprised” she laughed bitterly.
Harry’s face darkened as anger started bubbling inside his chest; “What did you see? Is he with somebody else inside our office?” he asked.
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat as she looked away; “No, he was not with her. But he was talking with her...” she replied.
Harry clenched his fist tightly; “What were they talking about?” he inquired.
Tears began falling down Hermione’s cheeks again as she stifled a sob; she stood up from the couch and turned towards the fire place. “He—he was with her the night he left and—and they had...” she choked out, cutting off her sentence. She sniffed loudly again and cleared her throat; “They’ve been at it for Merlin knows how long and I’m so so stupid not to see it. He made a fool out of me again Harry, I’m so stupid!” she shouted brokenly.
“Hermione...you’re not stupid! Ron is just---“
“NO!” Hermione bellowed. She turned towards her best friend with tear stricken face and shaking hands; “You don’t get to defend him Harry! He cheated on me for the second time! For the second fucking time!” she yelled.
Harry immediately stood up and walked towards Hermione; he pulled her into his chest and hugged her tightly. “No Mione, I’m not siding with him. I’ve already made that mistake once and I won’t do it again. That son of a bitch doesn’t deserve you and I swear to Merlin, he won’t get off that easily!” he whispered.
Hermione cried harder as she buried her face into his chest; she encircled her shaking arms around his waist and whimpered like a lost child.
Harry began rubbing her back comfortingly as she continues to cry.
After a couple of minutes, Hermione pulled away. “I’m sorry Harry...I didn’t mean to lash out on you like that...” she croaked.
Harry moved closer and began wiping the stray cheeks on her face; “It’s alright...please don’t cry anymore, that git doesn’t deserve it” he said.
Hermione let out a small smile; “I know Harry. I also left him a big remembrance that he will never forget” she said slyly.
Harry fixed his glasses as he moved to sit down again; “What do you mean?” he asked.
Hermione also sat down and faced him; “Let’s just say that he won’t be using his car for a couple of months” she replied.
Harry’s eyes widen as his jaw hang open.
Hermione chuckled; “Close your mouth Harry, it’s not charming”
Harry snapped his mouth closed; “What did you do?” he asked.
Hermione flicked her wand and instantly a tea set levitated towards them; she leaned towards the table and began fixing them a drink. “Do you want a little fire whiskey in your tea?” she asked.
“Yes, thank you” Harry replied, still eyeing her curiously.
Hermione swished her wand again and summoned a bottle of Ogden’s finest; she carefully uncapped it and began pouring a hefty amount on each cup. She placed the whiskey on the table and carefully lifted the first tea cup and handed it to Harry; “There you go” she said.
“Thank you” Harry said after accepting the drink; he started stirring it for a couple of seconds and took a small sip. “Errhhh...is this tea with fire whiskey or fire whiskey tea?” he asked while grimacing.
Hermione took a sip of her own cup and smiled; “It’s good” she replied.
Harry shook his head and placed his cup on the table; “So, what did you do?” he asked again.
Hermione took a generous sip and sighed contentedly; “I love fire whiskey, it relaxes my nerves” she said.
“Hermione” Harry whined.
Hermione rolled her eyes and placed her cup on the table; she leaned back and crossed her arms on top of her chest. “Ishatteredhiscarswindshieldwithacrowbar” she mumbled.
Harry furrowed his brows and leaned forward; “What? Please speak clearer” he said.
Hermione sighed; “I shattered his car’s windshield with a crow bar!” she shrieked.
Harry just stared at her, dumbfounded.
Hermione averted her gaze and stared at the furnace instead; “I also scratched my initials on the hood and glued my cheap engagement ring on it...” she added.
Harry then let out a loud laugh as he clutched his tummy.
Hermione’s head snapped towards him and raised her brow; “What’s funny?” she asked.
Harry kept laughing as tears began forming in the sides of his eyes; he then took off his glasses and leaned back on the couch. “Oh dear!” he exclaimed between deep breaths.
Hermione huffed; “Harry!”
Harry took a deep breath again and shook his head; “That was—that was brilliant!” he said while wiping his eyes.
Hermione bit her lower lip as she tried to stifle her smile; she leaned forward and made a grab for her cup.
Harry perched his glasses on top of his nose and cleared his throat; “YOU ARE AN AWESOME WOMAN” he said proudly.
Hermione took a sip of his tea and winced; “You are right, too much whiskey” she said.
Harry shook his head and grabbed his own cup; he took a sip of his tea and smiled. “Not that bad now” he said.
Hermione laughed; “Do you think he already saw it?” she asked.
“I doubt it, because if he did, I’m sure he’ll be banging at your door by now...” Harry replied.
Hermione nodded; “You’re right, I bet he’s still with that slag that he took to The Savoy last week” she said bitterly.
Harry furrowed his brows as he places his cup on the table again; “What do you mean he took to The Savoy?” he asked all traces of humour gone.
Hermione huffed; “That arsehole think he’s sneaky and all! I bet he didn’t think that I would find the stupid receipt inside his glove compartment!” she replied.
Harry closed his eyes tightly and clenched his fist; “I think it’s time that I pay him a visit” he said while standing up.
Hermione’s eyes widen as she hastily stood up as well; still holding the cup she threw Harry a pleading look. “Harry, please don’t—“
“No! I will not keep quiet Hermione! He’s an arse and he deserves to know it!” Harry hissed.
Hermione sat down and placed the cup on the table; she then braised her elbows on top of her knees and buried her face in her palms. “I just don’t want to complicate things between you and him. This is our issue Harry and as much as it pains me, you cannot hate him in behalf of me. He’s still your best friend, you know” she said.
Harry huffed; “He lost that title the moment he opened his fly for another woman” he replied coldly.
Hermione peeked from her fingers and sighed; “Oh Harry, don’t be like that...” she said.
Harry shook his head; “It’s my decision Mione, I’ll be friends with whomever I want to be friends with and he’s not on my list any longer” he said.
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but was cut off when there’s a loud crack outside her doorstep; she felt her heart thump wildly as her body began to shake.
Harry’s head snapped towards the door and popped his knuckles; “I guess I didn’t have to wait long then,” he said darkly.
Knock...Knock...Knock
“Hermione love, are you there?”
Harry huffed; “Love? That arsehole has the nerve to call you love? I’ll wring his freckled neck!” he hissed. He then proceeded to walk towards the door with resolve when he suddenly felt a hand holding his arm tightly.
Knock...Knock...Knock
“Harry, please...Let me deal with him first, then, you can have him after...please?” Hermione pleaded with tears in her eyes.
Harry eyed him for a couple of minutes and sighed; “Will you be alright?” he asked.
Hermione nodded furiously; “I’ll be alright, I won’t murder him don’t worry” she said with a tight smile.
Harry took a deep calming breath and conceded; “Make sure he gets it. Don’t fall for his stupid reasons Mione, please, please, use your head this time” he said.
Hermione nodded; “Okay...I’ll owl you after...” she said.
Harry padded towards the fire place and scooped a heap of floo powder; he threw it on the fire place and shouted his destination. He then turned to face Hermione and asked; “Are you sure you will be okay with him alone?” he asked.
“I’ll be alright Harry, thank you. Please say Hi to Torry and kiss Candice for me” Hermione said.
Harry nodded; “I’ll see you then” he said. He then stepped inside the fire place and was gone almost instantly.
“Hermione! Are you there?”
Hermione closed her eyes tightly and began rolling her shoulders; “You can do this, you can’t cry in front of that bastard, he’s not worth the tears” she said to herself.
“Hermione!”
Hermione’s eyes snapped open; “I’m here! Can you bloody wait!” she shouted. She then walked towards the door and yanked it open; “What the hell is wrong with you that you cannot wait?” she snapped.
Ron’s eyes widen as he took a step back; “I—I was worried...” he replied.
Hermione glared at his ex-beau as she leaned on her door frame.
“Aren’t you letting me in?” Ron asked.
Hermione crossed her arms on top of her chest and raised her brow; “Why should I?” she asked defiantly.
Ron furrowed his brows and moved closer; he then leaned forward and placed his palm on her forehead. “Are you alright?” he asked.
Hermione slapped his hand away; “Don’t you dare touch me with your dirty hands” she spat.
Ron’s face redden with anger as he took a step back; “What the hell is wrong you?” he demanded.
Hermione’s face darkens as she stood stiffly; “How long?” she asked.
Ron felt his heart drop to his stomach; “What—what do you mean?” he asked nervously.
Hermione gazed at him for a couple of seconds and instantly burst into mirthless laughter; “Come on, Weasley. Are you that dumb? Do you want me to spell it out for you?” she hissed.
Ron leaned forward and grabbed her arms; “What is wrong with you? I don’t know what you’re saying!” he said.
Hermione shook his hands off her arms and took a step back; “I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH ME WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS!” she yelled.
Ron was taken aback with her anger so he kept silent.
Tears ran down Hermione’s cheeks as she clenched her fists at her side; “Did you think that I won’t find out that your fucking someone else? Do you think I’m that stupid?” she asked coldly.
Blood drained from Ron’s face as he struggled with his words; “Hermione...love” he said lamely while moving forward.
Hermione took a step back again and instantly snatched her wand from her back pocket; she pointed it at Ron with a shaking hand. “Don’t call me love, I HATE YOU! I never want to see your face near me nor my house ever again! You are a bastard and meeting you is the most unfortunate day of my life!” she yelled with so much anger.
“Hermione—let me explain...please” Ron pleaded.
“THERE’S NOTHING LEFT TO EXPLAIN! YOU DON’T GET TO HAVE THAT PRIVELEGE AFTER YOU CHEATED ON ME TWICE!” Hermione screamed wildly.
Ron took a step back as he felt his knees buckling; he grabbed the nearest iron chair and leaned on it.
“WHAT? YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ME TO FIND OUT?” Hermione said harshly.
Ron sat on the chair and braised his elbows on his knees; he lowered his eyes on the floor as he kept silent.
Hermione eyed his slumped form as her heart struggled with so much pain; she took a deep calming breath and wiped her cheeks. “Just tell me one thing...” she half whispered.
Ron’s head snapped towards her and nodded dejectedly.
Hermione hugged herself tightly as she mentally prepared herself; “Was I not good enough for you?” she asked.
Ron closed his eyes tightly as he clenched his fist; tears ran down his freckled cheek as he sniffed. “You were always enough Hermione, I was just stupid...” he said.
Hermione bit her lower lip and nodded; she averted his gaze and stared at the starry night sky. “I guess—I guess it never would have worked out right if we stayed together, yes? Perhaps, we we’re always meant to say goodbye...” she said sadly.
Ron’s eyes widen as fear starts to grab his heart; “What—what do you mean?” he asked fearfully.
Hermione turned to face Ron; “I can’t do this anymore, you can be with whomever you want to be with” she said.
“Please don’t do this...We can still fix this...Please Hermione...” Ron pleaded.
“No” Hermione replied.
Ron fell down on his knees and bowed his head; “Please love, don’t do this...I LOVE YOU...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH...I’m so stupid, all of them don’t mean anything to me. You are the one I want...please...” he pleaded desperately.
Hermione shook her head; “No...You should go home” she said. She then moved towards her door and stepped inside. “Go home Ron...there’s nothing left for you here...” she said while closing the door shut.
Ron hastily stood up and moved towards the door; he began knocking fiercely as he screamed his lungs out. “OPEN THIS DOOR HERMIONE AND LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS! PLEASE DON’T DO THIS, PLEASE!”
Hermione let out a sob as she leaned back on the closed door; she shakily flicked her wand and whispered, “Silencio”. She then moved away from the door and padded towards the couches; she sat down with a sigh and grabbed the fire whiskey bottle on top of the coffee table. She uncapped it hurriedly and took a swig straight from the bottle; she closed her eyes as swallowed a heaping mouthful.
Ron leaned his forehead on the closed door as he heard her mutter a silencing spell; he felt his whole world crumble down his feet as realization sunk in. He hit his head repeatedly and only stopped when he felt dizzy; he staggered a bit but he was able to find his bearing. He then took his wand out from his robe pocket and began walking away; when he reached her porch he swished his wand to dissapparate.
oOo
“Hey guys!” Draco greeted jovially.
Theo, Gregory and Blaise’s head all snapped out towards the cheery voice; “Hey” they chorused together.
Draco sat on the vacant seat right in front of his friends and furrowed his brows; “What are you guys looking at?” he asked curiously.
Blaise smiled widely as he took a swig of his beer; “You’ll never guess what Theo saw this afternoon” he replied.
Draco opened a beer and leaned back on his seat; “What did you see Theo?” he asked.
Theo grabbed his phone from Gregory’s hand and offered it to Draco; “Take a look” he said.
Draco grabbed the phone and stared at it; he eyed the picture and let out an appreciative whistle. “That’s nasty! Whose car is that?” he asked.
“You’ll never guess” Gregory snickered.
Draco rolled his eyes; “That’s the purpose of me asking mate” he replied.
Blaise laughed loudly.
Theo snickered as he took a swig of his beer.
Gregory shrugged his shoulder as he looked away with a very red face.
“So? Who murdered the car? And whose car is it?” Draco asked.
“It’s the Weasel’s car and the murderer would be his fiancé” Theo said.
“It’s ex-fiancé mate, she left his cheap engagement ring on top of the hood” Blaise pipped in. “Granger is HOT!” he added.
Draco’s mouth hangs open as he digested everything he heard.
Gregory threw Draco a look and snickered; “Close your mouth Drake, it doesn’t look good on you” he said.
Draco immediately closed his mouth and cleared his throat; “Err, so you mean to say, Granger murdered Weasley’s car? When was this?” he asked.
Theo started playing with his beer bottle as he furrowed his brows; “It was just today, around noon, I think” he replied.
Draco leaned back on his chair and whistled again; “Oh, really? It’s curious because Granger was just my patient this afternoon. I didn’t know that she recover’s fast...” he said absentmindedly.
Gregory huffed; “She is a mud—“
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, I don’t want to hear that word” Draco snapped, cutting his friend off.
Gregory raised his hand in defeat; “I’m sorry man, it’s just a habit” he said.
Theo threw Gregory a warning look and turned to the blonde man sitting right in front of him; “Granger was in the hospital?” he asked.
Draco nodded; “Yes she was. Based from the nurse who tended to her before they paged me, she collapsed in the middle of the Ministry” he replied.
Theo nodded.
“Well, that’s that. Let’s talk about something else, shall we?” Draco said. He then turned towards his best friend and smiled; “How’s Daphne?” he asked.
Blaise smiled widely; “She’s fine, she’s always around kids lately. Torry, brought Candice this morning and Daphne is overjoyed because she gets to play dress up with her” he replied fondly.
“Why don’t you give her a daughter mate, I’m sure Daph is dying to have a daughter” Theo pipped in.
“We were planning to, but knowing Daphne, she thinks she’ll never get her figure back” Blaise said.
Draco rolled his yes; “Woman these days” he said.
Theo, Blaise and Gregory sniggered.
oOo
Ron apparated in the middle of the street with a loud pop; he was still in a daze when he passed by his car so he didn’t saw the wreckage. He was about to climb towards his porch when he stepped on something that crunched under this foot. He frowned and carefully lifted his boot; he bent forward and studied it carefully. Understanding dawned on him so he immediately turned to face his car; he felt his heart drop into his stomach for the second time when he saw the rubble. He willed his legs to move so he was able to walk slowly towards his car; he stopped at its front and felt his knees buckle. He perched himself at the hood and gently traced the initial that was engraved on it; he then moved his hands towards the ring and paper on top and snatched it. He fisted the ring in his left hand as he scan the paper on his right; he then felt tears ran down his cheeks as he bowed his head in defeat. He crumpled the offending paper and let out a deep guttural sob.
Don't speak
“Ronald”
Ron’s head snapped up and fixed his gaze towards the voice; “Dad” he said weakly.
Arthur walked towards his youngest son and sat on the adjacent couch; he studied his bruised face and gestured towards it. “Why didn’t you let your Mother heal it?” he asked.
“I deserved it” Ron replied.
Arthur leaned back on his couch; “I will not apologize for hitting you because we both know you earned it” he said.
Ron nodded.
Arthur sighed; “Can you be honest with me?” he asked.
Ron leaned forward and braised his elbows on top of his thighs; “Of course Dad, what do you want to know?” he asked.
“Why did you cheat on Hermione?” Arthur asked upfront.
Ron cringed; he buried his face into his palms, rubbing his face.
Arthur kept silent and waited for his son’s response.
Ron groaned and sat straight; “To be honest, I really don’t know why. I love Hermione...I love her so much...” he said helplessly.
Arthur furrowed his brows and crossed his legs; “Then why did you do it? How many times?” he asked.
“Do I really have to answer that?” Ron groaned again.
“Yes you do! Answer me truthfully!” Arthur snapped.
Ron looked away.
“Ronald” Arthur said sternly.
Ron sighed; “Three...” he murmured.
Arthur’s eyes widen; “THREE? THREE TIMES??” he roared.
Ron closed his eyes and raised his hands in defence, but blow he anticipated did not come. He peered behind his hands and stared at his Father.
Arthur’s fist was closed tightly as he forced himself to calm down; “When did all of this happen? You need to tell me with whom” he said through gritted teeth.
“Dad...I---“
“NO! YOU WILL ANSWER ME BEFORE I LOOSE MY TEMPER AND BEAT YOU AGAIN!” Arthur bellowed.
Ron cowered so he avoided his Father’s intense gaze; “The—the first one was with Lavender...it was w--way back in Hogwarts---I didn’t cheat per se because...because Hermione and I we’re never official...” he trailed off.
“Tell me the most recent...philandering” Arthur said stoically.
Ron swallowed the huge lump in his throat; “The second one was with Millicent Bullstrode...she was---she was helping me find a house that---that Hermione and I can move into after we got married...it happened unexpectedly...we we’re drunk and the next thing I know is that I—I woke up in her bed...” he said.
Arthur kept silent.
“The—the last one was completely an accident—it was with Lavender...it was the day that Hermione broke up with me—I was drunk and she was there...it just happened...” Ron said shamefully.
“So you’re telling me that all of it started because you were drunk?” Arthur concluded.
Ron avoided his father’s gaze and nodded.
Arthur stood up and shook his head disappointedly; “I think you should leave...” he said.
Ron’s eyes widen and turned his gaze towards his Father; “But Dad---“
“No. I think you should leave and think about what you have done. You broke the heart of the woman who you claim you love because you simply cannot hold you liquor. You did not only do it once but multiple times, with different women. You’re Mother and I cannot tolerate it, you should be ashamed of yourself” Arthur said resignedly.
Tears began clouding Ronald’s eyes as the gravity of what his Dad said began sinking in.
“I am ashamed of you and you should be ashamed of yourself” Arthur said. He then turned his back and walked away.
Ron buried his face into his palms as sobs rocked his entire frame; his heart was breaking and he knows he’s got nothing to blame but himself. It’s too late now, even he, will not forgive himself for what he’s done. He ruined the only thing that’s right in his life and he deserves every bit of pain he’s feeling but somehow he can’t help but hope that someday his Hermione will forgive him and they can still live their happily ever after.
oOo
“Do you think we should change the colour of the drapes Fifi? I think robin egg blue is much better, it makes the room brighter” Astoria said while tapping her wand on her arm.
The elf stared at the drapes calculatingly; she then turned towards her Mistress and beamed. “You are right, Missus!”
Astoria smiled brightly and pointed her wand on the drapes; with one quick swish, all of the drapes turned into the colour she desired.
“Redecorating, I see”
Astoria turned towards the voice and beamed; “Do you like it?” she asked.
Harry padded towards his wife and planted a soft kiss on her lips; he then turned towards the drapes and furrowed his brows, studying the changes.
Astoria bit her lip nervously as she waited for her husband’s input.
“It does make the room happier” Harry said. “I like it” he said.
Astoria giggled; “Really? I thought so too!” she gushed. She then turned towards the elf; “You can go now Fifi, we can continue redecorating later!” she said.
The elf bowed and vanished with a loud crack.
“Where is our little munchkin?” Harry asked. He then padded towards the couches and sat; “I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages” he said.
“Mum flooed over a couple of hours ago, it seems like their also in Paris visiting Daph, they’ve asked me if they can keep Candice for another night and I said yes, I hope you don’t mind...” Astoria replied.
“Oh okay...” Harry replied.
Astoria smiled; “We’ll have her back tomorrow love, I also miss her” she said.
“I’m sure you do” Harry replied.
Astoria then walked towards the couch and sat beside her husband; “How’s your day?” she asked.
“It was okay, I ran into Malfoy this morning and he told me some interesting news” Harry replied.
“Oh, what did Draco say?” Astoria asked curiously.
Harry sighed as he leaned his head back; he then turned his face towards his wife. “He told me that Hermione was admitted to St. Mungo’s again...they found her unconscious inside her car” he said.
Astoria gasped; “Is she alright? What happened?” she asked.
Harry took off his glasses and began rubbing his eyes tiredly; “It seems like she visited Ron yesterday to talk things through but she caught him having a go with another woman instead” he said darkly. “That bastard will be sorry if I ever see his philandering arse” he added.
Astoria shook her head in dismay; “Poor Hermione...I still can’t believe that Ronald can do that to her...” she said. “Good thing that Draco found her, I cannot imagine what might have happened if she wasn’t found...” she said while shivering.
Harry reached for his wife’s hand and clutched it firmly; “Me too...” he said.
“I wish there was a way that we can somehow help her...she has always been there for us...” Astoria said.
Harry smirked; “I think there is a way we can help her...” he said.
“Really?” Astoria asked.
Harry nodded; “Yes, really. I’ve talked with her this morning and she mentioned that she wants to go away for awhile” he said.
“She wants to take a vacation?” Astoria asked.
“Yes and I’ve thought about Narcissa’s offer about their beach house in Maldives” Harry said.
Astoria’s eyes brightened; “That’s a good idea love! I can floo Narcissa to check if her offer is still available!” she said excitedly.
“I think we should do it now. I’m not sure if Narcissa will take it kindly if we tell her that we’re sending Hermione there instead of us” Harry said.
Astoria waived her hand dismissively and stood up; she walked towards the fire place and scooped a handful of powder from the bowl. She threw it on the grate and waited for the green flames to engulf the fire place, once satisfied, she called for Narcissa’s private quarters.
“Astoria?”
Astoria kneeled down in front of the fire place and smiled widely; “Hello Aunt Cissy” she greeted.
“It’s nice seeing you again darling, it’s been weeks since we last talked. Tell me, how are you and Harry?” Narcissa asked.
“We’re doing great, thank you for asking. How’s you and Uncle Lu?” she asked.
Narcissa smiled; “We’re both fine. Lu is currently in Paris attending a conference so I’m left to my own devices. Where’s Harry?” she said.
“I’m here Narcissa” Harry said as he kneeled beside his wife.
“Looking good as usual!” Narcissa complimented. She then eyed the couple in front of her; “So, how can I be of help?” she asked.
Harry’s cheeks burned bright red and began stuttering; “Errr—“
Astoria rolled her eyes with her husband’s shyness; “Aunt Cissy, we’re just curious if your offer about your Maldives beach house is still open?” she asked casually.
Narcissa beamed; “Of course it is! Are you planning on your second honeymoon then?” she asked enthusiastically.
Harry cleared his throat; “Err—that’s the thing Narcissa...we’re not the ones whose planning on going there...” he said.
“Oh” Narcissa said. “Who are you sending then?” she asked curiously.
Before Harry can open his mouth and blabber further, Astoria took the initiative to explain it. “Aunt Cissy...we’re planning on sending Hermione there for a short vacation. I know you are aware of her current situation and we just want her to have some time to herself...” she said.
Narcissa’s face instantly fell.
Harry saw Narcissa’s reaction and felt uneasiness; “But if the offer does not extend to Hermione then we’ll just think of another—“
“Of course Hermione can stay there for as long as she likes” Narcissa said, cutting Harry off. “Don’t misconstrue my reaction as rejection. To be honest, I feel bad for her, she doesn’t deserve what Mr. Weasley did to her” she explained.
“She has indeed gone through a lot...” Harry replied.
Narcissa nodded in agreement, she then shook the depressing thought off of her head and smiled; “When are you planning to send her?” she asked.
Astoria beamed; “I actually don’t have any idea,” she then turned to face her husband; “Did Mione tell you?” she asked.
Harry scratched his chin while in thought; “I’m also not sure but I’ll go talk to her tomorrow” he replied. “She cannot leave the country without settling her affairs first so it’s safe to say that we have time” he added.
Narcissa smirked; “Wonderful! I’ll have one of our house elves pop in the beach house to make sure that everything is in perfect condition! I’m sure Hermione will love it there!” she said excitedly.
Harry smiled; “Thank you so much for helping us Narcissa, this means a lot to me” he said sincerely.
Narcissa waived her hand dismissively; “Don’t mention it Harry. I’m glad that I can help. Just let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with” she said.
Harry nodded; “Thank you again” he repeated.
“Thank you Aunt Cissy, you’ve been a great help. I’ll try to drop by anytime within the week” Astoria piped in.
“That would be lovely, I’ll look forward to that darling!” Narcissa said.
“See you soon!” Astoria said, she then leaned forward and severed the connection. She sat on her haunches and turned towards her husband; “That was easy!” she said.
Harry chuckled; “I was scared there for a second” he admitted.
Astoria giggled.
oOo
After a week...
“I can see that everything’s packed” Harry said as he leaned on her bedroom door.
Hermione quickly turned around and stared at her best friend; she let out a tired smile as she sat at the foot of the bed. “Packing makes me tired” she complained.
Harry chuckled; “Have you settled everything with your job?” he inquired.
Hermione nodded; she then grabbed her suitcase from the side of the bed and dragged it in front of her. “I already filed for an indefinite leave and my boss was kind enough to approve it” she said.
Harry nodded; “Well that’s good to hear, you can take all the time you need then...” he said.
Hermione chuckled; “I just hope I don’t go bonkers with all the “me-time” I have” she joked.
Harry laughed heartily; “Astoria and I can always come with you if you need company” he offered.
Hermione raised her brow; “And what? Have you two hover around me all day? I don’t think so Harry Potter” she replied. She then furrowed her brows and peered behind her friend; “By the way, where is that blonde wife of yours? I thought she’d see me off...” she pouted.
“She’ll come by, she just fetched your portkey” Harry replied mischievously.
Hermione frowned; “Something tells me that you’re both up to something...” she said suspiciously.
Harry fixed his glasses; “You’re being silly Mione” he replied.
“I’m not being si---“
“HAAARRRYYYY....HERRRRMIOOONNNEEEEE, where are you?”
Harry winced.
“We’re here Torry!” Hermione hollered.
Astoria peered behind Harry’s back and let out a huge smile; she pushed Harry aside carelessly and bounded inside the room. She padded towards Hermione and sat beside her unceremoniously; she threw an arm around the brunette’s shoulders and hugged her. “Are you excited?” she asked.
Hermione laughed; “Would you hate me if I say that I’m more nervous than excited?” she teased.
Astoria pouted; “You shouldn’t be nervous! Harry and I thought about this very carefully and we both think that you will enjoy this place!” she said jovially.
Hermione winced; “That makes me more nervous!” she said.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” Harry whined.
“Shush!” Astoria said to her husband.
Hermione shook her head; “Well, everything is already set, I can leave anytime” she said. She then turned towards Astoria and hugged her; “Thank you for doing this for me Torry...I really appreciate it...” she whispered.
Astoria returned the hug and patted Hermione’s back soothingly; “You are always welcome Herms...” she replied.
Hermione felt tears cloud her eyes but she quickly wiped it; she pulled away from Astoria and threw Harry a grateful smile. “You too Potter, thank you for doing this...” she said.
Harry smiled; “It’s nothing Granger” he replied.
“Oh! I almost forgot!” Astoria piped in. She then stood up and began rummaging her pocket; she pulled a small object from it and presented it to Hermione. “Here you go”
Hermione furrowed her brows and stared at the object dangling from Astoria’s hands; “Really? A teardrop diamond earing for a portkey?” she asked incredulously.
Astoria giggled; “It’s a 24 carat diamond Herms, so please don’t lose it or the owner will have our neck” she said.
Hermione’s eyes widen; “It a real diamond???” she asked.
Harry chuckled; “It’s a real diamond, it costs more than this whole cabin” he teased.
Hermione swallowed hard as she accepted the small jewel, clasping it tightly in her hands.
“We are serious though, please don’t lose it. It’s a two way portkey, only that, can take you back home” Astoria said seriously.
Hermione frowned; “What do you mean it’s the only way?” she asked.
Astoria sat beside Hermione again and faced her; “It’s just for exclusivity Herms, the owner of the place you’d be staying at values their privacy very much that’s why they designed that portkey as such” she explained.
Hermione opened her hand and stared at the jewel in her hands, uncertainty marring her face.
Astoria nudges Hermione; “Don’t be scared love, you’d have the place to yourself and if you want to come home you can just use the portkey...” she promised.
Harry padded towards the bed and sat on Hermione’s other side; “Astoria is right, don’t you trust us?” he asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes; “Of course I trust you two...it’s just that—“
“No buts! You are going and you will enjoy yourself. You cannot have second thoughts when all your bags are packed, you are a brave Gryffindor so act like one” Astoria chastised.
Hermione winced; she then turned towards Harry and asked; “How can you stand her again?”
Harry laughed while Astoria pouted.
“Okay...okay! I’ll go!” Hermione blurted out.
Astoria smiled triumphantly; she then hugged Hermione briefly and hastily stood up. “Off we go now Harry!” she said.
Harry rolled his eyes as he threw his arms around his best friend; he hugged her tightly and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “Enjoy your time alone and don’t talk to strangers” he said.
Hermione chuckled as she nodded; “I will enjoy and I won’t talk with strangers” she promised.
Harry stood up and padded towards his wife; “The portkey will activate anytime you want it to, so it’s up to you” he said.
Meow...
Hermione eyes widen; “Oh no! I forgot Crookshanks!” she exclaimed worriedly.
“Don’t worry about good old Crook, we’ll take him with us” Harry said.
Astoria then turned towards the feline and began cooing; when the cat padded lazily towards her, she kneeled and gathered it in her arms. “We’ll take care of your kitty cat Herms, I’m sure Candice will love him” she said.
Hermione smiled; she then stood up and walked towards Astoria. She kneeled down and began scratching her pet’s ears; “Be good kitty cat, I’ll be home soon” she said.
Crookshanks purred.
Astoria then stood; “Well, we better go” she said.
Hermione also stood and hugged Astoria one last time; “Thank you for taking care of him for me” she whispered.
“You’re welcome” Astoria replied.
Hermione then pulled away and faced Harry; she threw her arms around her spectacled best friend and hugged him too. “Thank you again for doing this for me...for understanding...for staying by my side” she murmured.
Harry returned the hugged and began rubbing her back; “I’ll always be here for you love, don’t think about that arse anymore, you don’t need him in your life...now please don’t cry...” he replied.
Hermione pulled away as she sniffed; “See, no tears?” she said bravely.
Harry smiled; “That’s my girl, now, we better be off” he said.
Hermione nodded.
Harry then turned to his wife; “Lets?” he asked.
Astoria nodded; “We’ll see you soon Herms!” she said.
Harry plucked his wand from his coat inside pocket and wrapped his arm around his wife; “We’ll see you around, have a safe trip!” he said. He then swished his wand and apparated out of his best friend’s house.
Hermione watched as the two figures vanished; she let out a sigh as she sat down on her bed.
oOo
Millicent apparated inside Ron’s backyard and felt triumphant when the wards accepted her without a hitch; she then walked briskly towards the back door and lifted her hand to knock. She lifted her hand but froze midway when she heard footsteps approaching her; she slowly turned around as she grasped her wand tightly in her hand.
“Bullstrode? Millicent Bullstrode?”
Millicent eyed the witch standing a few steps away from her and furrowed her brows; “Who are you? And what are you doing here?” she asked.
Lavender braised both of her hands on her waist and raised her brow; “What AM I doing here? What are YOU doing here?” she returned the question.
Millicent crossed her arms on top of her chest; “I’m here to visit Ron, how about you?” she replied.
Lavender scowled; “I’m here to visit MY boyfriend” she replied coolly.
Millicent frowned; she then walked towards Lavender and studied her from head to toe. “YOUR boyfriend? Now, don’t make me laugh Brown” she said sarcastically.
Lavender’s cheeks began to redden; “Do you have a problem with it?” she snapped.
Millicent began tapping her wand on her arm; “As far as I know, Ron is GRANGER’s fiancé and not anyone’s boyfriend” she cajoled.
Lavender instantly brandished her wand and pointed it at Millicent; “HE IS NO LONGER WITH GRANGER YOU STUPID COW! GRANGER ALREADY BROKE UP WITH HIM BECAUSE SHE CAUGHT US HAVING SEX IN THIS VERY HOUSE SO SHUT YOUR FAT MOUTH BECAUSE YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!” she shouted hotly.
Millicent’s facade crumbled; “What—what do you mean Granger caught you?” she asked.
“Are you deaf? I just told you” Lavender spat.
Millicent took a step back as she shook her head in denial; “Ron wouldn’t—you’re lying” she mumbled.
Lavender furrowed her brows; “I’m not lying Bullstrode, we slept together! What is it to you anyway? You’re not—“ she cut herself off when realization dawned on her. She staggered a bit but stood her ground; “Don’t tell me...don’t tell me you also slept with him?” she asked disbelieving.
Millicent tightened her hold on her wand and composed her face; “It’s none of your business Brown” she said.
Lavender’s eyes widen; “YOU DID! THAT SLIMMY BASTARD!” she roared.
Millicent sniffed; “Well I better go” she said coolly. She then began walking towards the other direction; when she reached a spot, she vanished with a loud pop.
Lavender stomped her foot as she let out an ear piercing scream.
oOo
Knock...Knock...Knock...
Hermione tore her eyes away from the novel she’s reading and stood up from her bed; she padded towards the living room and stopped right in front of her door. She furrowed her brows and leaned forward; she peered through the peephole and almost instantly she felt herself reeling back.
“Hermione...please open up, I know you’re in there...”
Hermione stood still as she continues to stare at her door; she felt her palms sweating as her heart started thumping wildly inside her chest.
“Hermione...please...”
Hermione leaned her forehead on the door as she tried to calm herself down; she tried pushing away the contempt and the hurt she’s feeling at the back of her mind but it just keeps on resurfacing. She fisted her hands tightly as she tried to control her breathing; after a couple of minutes of silence, she finally spoke. “What are you doing here Ronald?” she asked coldly.
Ron moved closer to the door; he also leaned his forehead on it and began talking. “I just want to talk to you...” he said honestly.
“We have nothing to talk about Ronald, please leave” Hermione said through gritted teeth.
Ron closed his eyes; “Let’s talk about this Mione...I---I love--...”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence Ronald” Hermione threatened. She then felt angry tears clouding her eyes as emotions started swirling inside her chest like an incoming storm.
“But I do...Merlin I do...” Ron said desperately.
“I don’t bloody care about what you feel so don’t tell me!” Hermione replied.
Ron began twisting the door knob; “We need to talk Hermione...please don’t be that way” he begged.
Hermione clenched her fist tighter; “We have nothing to talk about! You’re disgusting actions already told me everything I need to know so please stop this and go away!” she snapped.
“Let’s talk...please Mione...please...I’m sorry love...” Ron sobbed; he then began pounding on the door frantically.
“No! Go away!” Hermione yelled angrily.
Ron kept pounding at the door with his fists; “Please...I love you” he begged.
“Stop it already! You’ve already done enough damage...stop lying, stop bloody pretending!”
“No no no...I’m not lying Hermione...”
“Please go away Ronald, don’t make me hate you more than I already do...You’ve already broken my heart into tiny pieces, don’t step on it too...Goodbye Ronald” Hermione rasped through tears.
“Hermione...” Ron sobbed again.
Tears kept running down her cheeks but she wiped it furiously; she plucked her wand from her pocket and pointed it towards the door, “Silencio”, she muttered. Instantly, the loud banging stopped, she then walked towards her room and slammed her door shut; she padded towards her bed and grabbed her suitcase. She walked towards the center of her room and stood on top of her worn out rag; she instantly plucked the portkey from her breast pocket and pointed her wand on it, “Portus”, she said.
oOo
Narcissa smirked widely when she saw the jewel in her hand emit a faint blue colour; she quickly dropped it inside a small black velvet drawstring bag and pocketed it.
Lucius raised his pale brow as he watched his wife; “Is that the portkey to our beach house?” he asked.
Narcissa quickly turned towards her husband and schooled her face into nonchalance; “Of course not, whatever gave you that idea” she said too innocently.
Lucius closed the book he’s reading and leaned back on his ottoman; “Why do I feel that you’re up to something...” he said suspiciously.
Narcissa chuckled and waived her hand dismissively; “I’m not up to something love, you’re just over thinking” she replied.
Lucius studied his wife and felt a small smile tug on his lips; “He’s not going to like you meddling again, Cissa” he said.
“I’m not meddling! I just want him to find a respectable wife---“
“I got you!” Lucius cried. “You DID do something! Now tell me, what did you do?” he asked.
Narcissa pouted; she then walked towards her husband’s desk and sat right in front of him. She clasped her hands together and placed it on top of her lap; “I haven’t done anything...yet” she said.
Lucius rolled his eyes; “Who did you pick this time?” he asked.
Narcissa averted her husband’s eyes and bit her lip.
“Narcissa...”
“Hermione Granger...”
“WHAT?” Lucius roared.
Narcissa winced; she then turned her face to her husband and furrowed her brows. “Don’t tell me you’re still into that rubbish blood superiority Lucius?” she asked apprehensively.
Lucius frowned; “Of course not! Don’t be silly Cissa!” he snapped.
Narcissa let out a sigh of relief; “Then why the violent reaction?” she asked.
Lucius crossed his arms on top of his chest; “I trust you’ve heard what happened to that poor woman?” he asked.
“Of course I know!” Narcissa said. “That’s the reason why I’m doing this” she added.
Lucius huffed; “We both know she doesn’t need this now. What she needs is to grieve and to move on” he said.
“She also needs someone to be there for her...” Narcissa replied.
Lucius sighed as he shook his head; “Just don’t tell me that I didn’t warn you” he said.
Narcissa smiled; “I won’t blame you, I promise” she replied.
Lucius nodded; “Okay then...” he said.
“So...you’re really okay with this?” Narcissa asked.
Lucius furrowed his brows; “What do you mean?” he asked.
Narcissa moved closer to the desk and leaned her arms on top of it; “Draco and Hermione...you’re not against it?” she asked carefully.
Lucius eyed his wife for a couple of minutes; “I don’t see anything wrong with it because I am long past my prejudice Narcissa if that’s what you’re really asking” he answered tiredly.
Narcissa kept silent.
“I’ve dealt with Ms. Granger multiple times and I can see that she’s a fine young woman; she’s smart, very talented and has good breathing, she fits our son perfectly, if I daresay. But I’ve also learned that your son is independent and he won’t take it lightly if we pry, he would think that we’re controlling him again, and you know how that goes” Lucius explained.
Narcissa pouted; “But I’m not really interfering, I’ll just let them spend time together, if it doesn’t work out then I’ll back out...” she said.
“Would you really?”
Narcissa look affronted; “Of course I will. I won’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do...like you, I also learned my lesson...” she said.
“Okay then, I won’t breathe a word” Lucius said.
Narcissa smiled; she then leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her husband’s lips. “That’s all I ask” she said.
Lucius smiled back; “Have you already set the wheels in motion then?” he asked curiously.
Narcissa smirked; “Not yet, but soon love, soon” she replied mischievously.
oOo
“You’re next appointment has arrived Healer Malfoy”
Draco tore his eyes away from the reports his reading; “Oh, please send them in Cindy, thank you” he replied. He then stacked the parchments and placed it inside his in tray; he then took off his glasses and hooked it inside his healer robes.
The door instantly burst open as a little girl bounded inside excitedly; “Uncle Dwake!”
Draco smiled widely as he moved away from his desk; he gingerly padded towards the little girl and kneeled right in front of the toddler; “Hello sweetie, this is such a pleasant surprise” he greeted.
The little girl flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly; “I missssss yoouuuu!”
Draco hugged the little girl in return; “I miss you too Candice!” he said.
Astoria padded inside his office and closed it behind her; “She’s been raving about seeing his Godfather ever since I picked her up” she said.
Draco cradled Candice in his arms as he stood up; he planted a soft kiss on her sticky cheek and smiled. “Hi Torry...” he greeted.
Astoria smiled; she then padded towards the chair right in front of his desk and sat down. “How have you been? You seem so busy, I had to schedule an appointment to see you” she complained.
Draco chuckled as he padded towards his chair; he then sat down and placed his God daughter on his lap. “Don’t exaggerate Torry, I’m not that busy” he replied. He then turned towards Candice and nuzzled her hair; “Right Munchkin?” he cooed.
Candice started giggling as she began fumbling with his robes.
Astoria rolled her eyes; “So, how have you been? I haven’t seen you lately?” she asked.
“I guess, I have been busy, I’m always on call nowadays” Draco replied while prying out his Goddaughter’s hand away from his glasses.
Astoria frowned; “Why are you always on call?” she asked.
Draco successfully plucked his glasses away from Candice hand and placed it on top of his desk; he then started bouncing her on his lap, making the toddler giggle. “Because I’m the only one who doesn’t have a social life, I guess?” he replied nonchalantly.
Astoria shook her head; “You should go out often you know, you’re single, you should mingle!” she said.
Draco immediately stopped bouncing Candice and studied his friend carefully; “Did Mum sent you?” he asked suspiciously.
Astoria raised her brow; “Why would Aunt Cissy send me?” she asked.
“Because she’s been on my case since last week” Draco replied.
Astoria huffed; “She wouldn’t be in your case if you’re doing something about it”
Draco gently lifted Candice off his lap and sat her on top of his desk; “I can see nothing wrong with being single Astoria, it’s not like I’m sleeping around” he said.
“But it’s been years!”
“And I’m still counting! I don’t really have time for mingling and relationships are complicated and I already have a complicated life”
Astoria sighed; she then eyed her friend. “Is this still about...Daph?” she asked hesitantly.
Draco scowled; “Seriously!” he huffed.
Astoria averted his gaze; “Well...ever since you two separated it seems like you haven’t been into a serious relationship...” she said.
Draco sighed; “It has nothing to do with Daphne, I’m long past that heartache. It’s just that I haven’t found the one who’s worth risking and that’s without lack of trying, if I daresay” he answered truthfully.
Astoria’s face brightened; “Aha! So you are searching! That’s what I want to hear!” she said triumphantly.
Draco shook his head in disbelief; “I can’t believe you used your sister in prying information out off me!” he huffed.
Astoria laughed loudly.
Draco mumbled.
oOo
“I already blocked his schedule for a week Aunt Cissy, he can already leave anytime”
Narcissa smiled widely; “Thank you so much love! I thought it would be a problem” she replied.
“Draco has tons of unused leaves, he’s superior is quite excited to let him off quickly. Seems like he’s the only healer who’s always on call”
Narcissa shook her head; “He seldom takes a break, this would be good for him then” she said.
“I just hope he doesn’t hex me to bits when he finds out”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let him do such thing” Narcissa guaranteed.
“Well...when do you want him there?”
Narcissa smirked; “Tomorrow I guess? I’ll just let her settle down then I’ll send him right in” she replied.
“Oh...”
Narcissa stood up; “Well...I think I better go, so many things to do, so little time. I’ll keep you posted about the developments, thank you again for doing this” she said.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you soon!”
Narcissa swished her wand and disapparated with a loud crack.
oOo
Hermione landed in the middle of the living room with a loud pop; she hastily dropped her luggage and began studying her surroundings. She felt her jaw drop when she saw the vast beach landscape outside the glass sliding doors; hastily, she walked towards it and pushed it open. “Where am I?” she asked to herself. Gingerly, she stepped into the balcony and smiled widely when she felt the warm salty sea breeze caress her face; she plucked her wand from her pocket and casted a location charm.
“NORTHWESTERN SOUTH ASIA, MALDIVES ISLAND, UTC/GMT 5”
Hermione gasped in awe; “I am in Maldives...WOW...” she said in wonder. She then cancelled the charm and stared out to the ocean; she felt lightness inside her chest as she bathed in her warm surroundings. “I’ll no longer think about you Ronald Weasley...I’ll find my true happy ending and this is the start...” she muttered to herself.
Strange and Beautiful
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 5:00 P.M
After a couple minutes of staring at the ocean, Hermione felt that it’s time for her to explore her temporary home, so she went back inside. Once she stepped into the threshold again, she began to admire the things that she wasn’t able to appreciate when she first arrived; like the large pristine white sofa-bed in the middle of the room with cloud-like pillows, the large flat-screen LED television on the wall and the modernized light fixtures that gives the room an ethereal glow. Gingerly, she moved towards the sofa-bed and sat down; she ran her fingers on top of the cushions and let out a smile when she felt how soft it was. She then turned her gaze towards the other side of the partition of the room, with curiosity peaking, she stood again; she leisurely padded towards the other side and realized that it was the dining area that she stepped into. She marvelled at the exquisitely carved dining table and the fine detailing on each chairs; “Everything seem so fancy here, Merlin!” she said to herself.
Crack!
Hermione immediately snatched her wand from her back pocket and turned towards the sound, with her wand hand raised, she asked; “Who’s there?”
“Miss!” A tiny creature yelped.
Hermione furrowed her brows and tried searching for voice; “Show yourself!” she said.
Slowly, a tiny elf appeared behind the other side of the dining table; the creature moved away from it and began to bow. “My name is Didi Mistress, I is here to serve you...”
After lowering her wand, she moved towards the elf and kneeled right in front of it. “Hi Didi, my name is Hermione, it’s nice to meet you” she said with a smile.
The elf stared at her with its huge beady eyes; “Mistress is right, you is different” the elf said.
Hermione chuckled; she then furrowed her brows and started thinking. “Are you allowed to tell me who your Mistress is?” she asked.
The elf began playing with the hem of her floral dress; “I is not allowed Ms. Hermione...” the elf replied.
Hermione sighed; “Well...we can’t do anything about that...” she said.
The elf straightened itself and stared at her Mistress; “Is Miss hungry? I can fix you something to eat” she offered.
Hermione stood up; she leaned her side on one of the chairs and bit her lower lip. “I’m not hungry, I just had lunch before I left, but, a fruit shake would be lovely” she said.
The elf beamed; “Yes Miss, what fruit does Miss want?”
“What fruit do you have here?”
“We have fresh coconut and mangoes” Didi replied.
Hermione thought for awhile; “I think I’ll try the coconut, I haven’t tried that yet” she said.
The elf smiled; “I’ll make your shake Miss but where is you having it? Do you want to have it in the Lanai? The sun is about to set and you’s can watch it there” she offered.
Hermione thought for a couple of seconds; “Yes, I’d like to have it there, but can you point me where the Lanai is? I’m quite lost” she admitted bashfully.
The house elf beamed; “Of course Miss, please follow me”
oOo
Potter Manor - London, England – 1:00 P.M
“Do you think Hermione has already left?” Astoria asked while playing with her sleeping daughter’s hair.
Harry tore his eyes away from his book and took a peek on his wrist watch; “I’d like to think so” he replied.
Astoria nodded; “I’m just wondering...” she replied.
Harry just smiled.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire, England – 1:15 P.M
“You’re wearing off the carpet dear” Lucius drawled.
Narcissa stopped pacing and turned towards her husband; “Why isn’t he here yet? He’s supposed to be here!” she said petulantly.
Lucius took off his reading glasses and placed it on top of the book his reading; “Did you owl him?” he asked.
“Of course I did! I even told him to come by! He needs to eat those cherries you bought!”
Lucius frowned; “Did you do something with those cherries dear?” he asked suspiciously.
Narcissa scowled; “He won’t die” she replied vaguely.
Lucius brought his hands on top of his desk and clasped it; “You laced it with something then?” he asked casually.
Narcissa waived her hand dismissively.
“You’re planning on acting now, aren’t you?” Lucius asked.
“The sooner the better” Narcissa replied.
Lucius smirked; “You work fast love, I’m impressed” he complimented.
Narcissa smiled brightly; “I work with aim, that’s why” she boasted.
Lucius chuckled; “Well, I bid you goodluck then. Let’s just hope that your son doesn’t get suspicious” he said.
“Mum? Dad?”
“Looks like your victim is here” Lucius observed.
Narcissa glared at her husband; “Don’t you dare breathe a word!” she hissed.
Lucius threw both hands in surrender.
Narcissa let out a sigh of relief; she then composed herself and pasted a huge smile on her face. “We’re in the Drawing Room love!” she bellowed.
Draco’s head peered behind the door and smiled; “Hi!” he greeted. He then pushed the door open and padded inside. “I’m here” he said.
“It’s nice to see you again, son” Lucius replied.
Narcissa gingerly walked towards her son and flung her arms around him; “What took you so long?” she asked.
Draco wrapped his arms around his Mother’s waist and returned the hug; “Err—I’ve been working?” he replied.
Lucius sniggered.
Narcissa pulled away and pinched her son’s both cheeks; “Don’t be cheeky with me young man!” she said.
Draco pried his mother’s hands away and began soothing his cheeks; “That will cost you another box of my precious cherries!” he said.
Narcissa laughed; “You can take them all love” she replied.
Lucius stood from his chair; “Why don’t we go to the dining room and eat lunch, it’s almost time anyway” he said.
Draco smirked; “Let’s, I’m starving, I haven’t eaten all day!” he said.
Narcissa turned towards her husband; “Good, after our lunch we can eat some of those delectable cherries” she said while smirking triumphantly.
Lucius rolled his eyes; “Lead the way then” he said.
oOo
Millicent appeared inside her living room with a beet-red face; she threw her clutch bag on her settee and began stumping her foot. “That sodding prick! I can’t believe I wasted my time with him! Argh!” she shrieked. She angrily padded towards her fire place and scooped a copious amount of floo powder; she threw it on the grate and waited for the green flames, once satisfied, she shouted her friends address.
Pansy Parkinson’s face appeared on the other side of the flames; hair wrapped in a fluffy towel and body enfolded with a silk robe. “Millie?” she asked confusedly.
“Pansy!” Millicent cried.
Pansy kneeled right in front of the fire place and furrowed his brows; “What’s wrong with your face? Why is it...red?” she asked.
Millicent sat on her haunches as tears began welling in her eyes; “You are right...” she said.
Pansy frowned; “What do you mean I’m right?” she asked.
Tears began running down Millicent’s cheeks as she struggled to speak; “That—that fucking arsehole...he—he...oh Pans, I can’t even say it!” she cried.
Pansy’s face softened; “What do you want me to say Millie?” she asked.
Millicent sniffed; “Can you—can you come here? I don’t want to be alone...” she pleaded.
Pansy stared at her friend for a couple of seconds and sighed; “Alright, I’ll be there. Just give me 10 minutes and I’ll floo through” she said.
Millicent wiped her tears and forced out a smile; “Thank you Pans, I’ll be waiting” she said.
Pansy nodded and severed the connection; she then stood up and padded towards her vanity. She plucked her mobile phone on top of it and began scrolling; once she found the number she dialled it and waited for the other person to pick up.
“Hello”
“Theo? I can’t make it”
“Why? But we already planned this a week ago? Please don’t bail on me Pans” Theo pleaded.
Pansy padded towards her bed and sat down; “I really want to go out with you but I can’t. Millie fire-called me awhile ago, crying, she asked me to come over and I wasn’t able to say no” she explained.
Theo sighed.
“I’m really sorry T, I’ll make it up to you. I’ll try to leave her place early so I can drop by your house, would that be alright?” Pansy bargained.
“Alright...just let me know, okay?” Theo said.
Pansy smiled; “I will, talk to you later! Ciao!” she said.
“Bye” Theo replied.
Pansy clicked off her mobile phone and placed it on top of her side table; she then took off the towel from her hair and began drying it.
oOo
“There under the shrub, catch it!” Molly exclaimed.
Ginny ran towards the shrub her Mother was pointing at and crouched down; she was pushing some leaves away when she felt a sharp pain in one of her fingers. “Ouch!” she yelped. She hastily pulled her hand away and brought it right in front of her face; “The bugger just bit me!” she said.
Molly padded towards her daughter; “What happened?” she asked worriedly.
Ginny showed her bleeding thumb to her Mother; “The bloody gnome bit me!” she said disbelievingly.
Molly chuckled; “Of course it will bite you dear, you’re throwing them outside our yard” she said a-matter-of-factly. She then pulled her wand from her pinafore pocket and pointed it at her daughter’s finger; she casted a cleansing charm and sealed the wound. “All better” she said.
Ginny smiled at her Mother; “Thanks Mum!” she said. She was about to turn towards the shrub again but stopped when she noticed an owl flying towards their house; “Do you recognize that owl?” she asked.
Molly turned towards the incoming owl and furrowed her brows; “I don’t think I ever saw that owl before” she said.
Ginny straightened her stance and stood beside her Mother; “It might be Anthony’s but I’m not sure, he always used his own owl in sending me letters” she said.
The owl flew towards Molly and began flapping its wings wildly in front of her. Molly immediately raised her hand; allowing the owl to perch its claws on her arm. Once settled, she reached for the letter attached to its foot and almost instantly the bird flew away.
“Looks like it for you and Dad” Ginny observed.
Molly shrugged her shoulders; “Let’s see who this is from then,” she said. She tore the seal open and began straightening the paper; once pleased, she began perusing its contents. After a couple of seconds, her face lost its colour.
“Mum? What’s wrong?” Ginny asked worriedly.
Molly folded the paper; “It’s from Mr. and Mrs. Brown” she said.
Ginny furrowed her brows; “Lavender Brown’s parents?” she asked.
Molly nodded.
“What do they want?” Ginny asked.
Molly hid the letter inside her pinafore’s front pocket; “They want to talk to your Father and I, they did not say why but it looks to me that it’s about what’s written in the paper last week” she said.
Ginny bit her lip.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 5:15 P.M
Hermione sat comfortably on a large C-shaped settee while gazing at the setting sun; “One loves the sunset, when one is so sad” she said to herself.
“Miss, your shake is here” The elf said while placing the tall glass on top of the square table.
Hermione turned towards the elf and let out a sad smile; “Thank you Didi” she replied.
The elf studied her Mistress face; “Does Miss not like it here?” she asked worriedly.
Hermione shook her head; “No Didi, I like it here...In fact, I think I’m falling in love with this place...” she admitted.
The elf smiled; “This place is most beautiful among my Mistress’s houses, this is Didi’s most favourites!” she exclaimed.
Hermione smiled; she then leaned forward and grasped the shake on top of the table. “You really can’t tell me who your Mistress is, right?” she asked before taking a sip from her drink.
The elf shook its head; “Didi is sorry Miss” she squeaked.
Hermione drank a couple of gulps and threw a huge smile at the elf; “This is delicious!” she exclaimed.
The elf beamed; “I is glad that you like it Miss” she replied.
Hermione took another sip of her shake before placing it back on top of the table again; she began perusing her surroundings and almost instantly her gaze fell on the left side of the Lanai when a tiny movement caught her eye. She furrowed her brows and began moving towards the edge of the settee she’s sitting on; cautiously, she leaned over it and felt disbelief when she felt her fingers get wet. “Is this a swimming pool?” she asked.
“Yes Miss, that is one of the pools in this house!” Didi replied.
Hermione turned towards the elf with huge eyes; “What do you mean one of the pools? How many does this house have?” she asked.
“We only have three Miss”
Hermione swallowed hard; “Three?? Why do you need three swimming pools when you have the beautiful ocean at your disposal? This is insane!” she exclaimed.
“The pools are made based from my Master’s preferences Miss!” Didi squeaked.
Hermione furrowed her brows; “What do you mean?” she asked.
The elf moved towards Hermione and sat on the floor; she then pointed her crooked finger towards the cup shaped pool that framed the back and sides of the Lanai. “This pool is my Mistress’s, she is very afraid of the ocean so Mistress likes this” she explained.
Hermione nodded; “Okay...how about the two other pools?” she asked.
The elf began playing with the hem of her floral dress; “The others two is the Jacuzzi and the infinity pool”
Hermione’s brows rose; “You have a Jacuzzi here? But its Muggle!” she said incredulously.
Didi nodded; “The Masters is liking to infuse both Muggle and Wizard style in this house!”
“Oooookay” Hermione said.
The elf beamed; “Miss should explore the whole house, you should sees the beauty! Oh how Didi will like to guide you!”
Hermione chuckled; “I’m sure I’ll need a tour, I’ll get lost in this house” she replied.
Didi hastily stood up; “Didi will help Miss but first, Didi must fix Miss dinner its almost time!”
Hermione took a peek from her watch; “I haven’t set the correct time in my watch yet, what is the time difference between here and London, do you know?” she asked.
The elf snapped her fingers and instantly the time in London and time in Maldives appeared right on of her.
Hermione smiled at the elf; “Why thank you Didi, I will now adjust the time in my watch” she said.
The elf smiled back; she then snapped her fingers again and almost instantly, tiny fairy lights began lighting the Lanai.
Hermione stood up and began moving towards her original perch; she sat down again and grabbed her shake. “Thank you for lighting this place Didi, it looks lovely” she said.
The elf bowed; “Didi will fix Miss her dinner, it will be ready soon”
“I’ll follow you then after a couple of minutes” Hermione replied.
The snapped her fingers again and vanished with a loud crack.
Hermione took a sip of her drink and let out a huge sigh after; she then turned her gaze towards the descending sun and felt sadness claim her heart once more when its glow gave way to the sapphire night skies.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire, England – 1:54 P.M
Draco patted his lips with his napkin and leaned back on his chair; “That was excellent,” he said.
Lucius began swirling his wine inside his goblet as he stared at his son; “You’re not really kidding when you said you were hungry son” he said.
Draco chuckled; “I take it that you were surprised then” he asked.
Narcissa chuckled; “Don’t mind your Father, he’s just not used to seeing you eat so much” she replied. She then furrowed her brows and stared at her son worriedly; “Have you been eating a proper meal love? It looks to me that you lost a lot of weight ever since you moved out” she said.
Lucius rolled his eyes; “Narcissa stop babying your son, he is a grown man and he can take care of himself” he said.
Draco threw his Father a grateful look; “Dad is right Mum, I’m alright. The work load is just heavy that’s why I lost some weight” he assured.
Narcissa nodded; she then grasped her goblet and took a sip of her wine.
“So, where are my cherries?” Draco asked with a huge smile.
Narcissa’s eyes widen; “You want to eat them now? But I assumed you just had your fill?” she said.
Lucius sniggered; “Your son is a growing man, he has room for measly cherries” he said. He then turned towards his wife and grinned; “Why don’t you let your son sample those delectable cherries darling” he drawled.
Draco took a sip of water from his glass; “I won’t eat that much Mum, just a bite or two” he said.
Narcissa relented; she snapped her fingers and called for her elf.
A tiny elf appeared beside her Mistress and curtseyed; “You summoned Mistress?”
Narcissa turned towards the elf and smiled; “Hi Mimi, can you get the cherries from Paris, please” she said.
“Mimi will get those cherries right away Mistress” Mimi said, she then disappeared with a loud pop.
“Where is Didi?” Draco asked.
Narcissa waived her hand dismissively; “Didi is doing some errands for me” she replied.
Lucius muffled his laugh.
Narcissa opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted with her elf re-appearing; she turned towards the tiny creature and accepted the boxes. “Thank you Mimi, that would be all” she said.
The elf curtseyed again and dissapparated with a loud pop.
“Is that my cherries?” Draco asked brightly.
Narcissa smiled; “Yes it is, its two boxes you see, since you’re Father and I doesn’t eat much sweet, you can both take them home” she said.
“Really?” Draco asked. He then turned towards his Father; “It’s all mine?” he asked.
Lucius gestured for the box with his hand; “Indeed it’s yours son, please don’t eat them all in one sitting” he said.
Draco smiled widely; “Of course I won’t, thank you though” he replied.
Lucius nodded.
Narcissa passed the boxes to her son with a huge smile; “Here you go love, don’t eat too much” she said.
Draco accepted the parcel and opened the first box on top; he studied the chocolate dipped confection and picked the first cherry from the left.
Narcissa turned towards her husband and winked triumphantly.
Lucius rolled his eyes.
Draco plucked the sweet from the box and popped it into his mouth; he chewed it with vigour and swallowed every last morsel of chocolate. “This is excellent but it has a weird after taste” he observed.
Lucius turned towards his wife and raised his brow.
Narcissa cleared her throat; “It’s the same dear,” she said.
Draco popped another cherry into his mouth and began chewing it slowly; he then turned towards his Mum and frowned. He was about to open his mouth to speak but was not able to utter a word because his eyes rolled at the back of his head and his vision blackened.
Narcissa immediately pointed her wand at her son and casted a stasis charm; preventing him from falling face first into the table.
Lucius clapped his hands; “You my dear are excellent!” he said jovially.
Narcissa smirked towards her husband; “He’s such a smart man, he was able to tell that something’s different with the taste” she said.
“He’s our son, of course he’s smart” Lucius said. He then grasped his goblet and took another sip; “So, now that you have your son incapacitated, what is your next step?” he asked.
Narcissa ignored her husband’s question; “Do you want dessert? I think I want some cremebrulee” she said.
Lucius pointed towards his son; “Aren’t you worried that he might wake up?” he asked.
Narcissa grinned mischievously; “1 cherry is for 12 hours of sleep, since he ate 2, it’s safe to have dessert” she said.
Lucius laughed; “You make your house proud” he said.
Narcissa smirked.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 7:40 P.M.
“The dinner was terrific Didi” Hermione complemented while dabbing her lips with a table napkin.
Didi beamed; “Didi is please that Miss like my cooking” she said.
Hermione leaned back contentedly on her chair and sighed; “I’m so full I don’t think I can walk” she said.
“Does Miss want some coffee?”
Hermione shook her head fervently; “No Didi, I don’t think I have space” she said.
The elf nodded; “Does Mistress want to tour around the house then?”
Hermione smiled; “I think that’s a good idea, I still don’t know where to sleep tonight” she said thoughtfully.
The elf beamed; “Didi already moved your luggage to one of the rooms Miss, does Miss want to see the rooms she’ll be sleeping in?” she asked.
Hermione stood up and placed the napkin on top of the table; she then began piling up her utensils on top of her plate. “We can go after I clear this up” she said.
Didi’s eyes bulged as she stares at Hermione’s action; “No Miss, Didi will take care of it!” she cried.
Hermione ignored the elf’s reaction and carried her plate; “Where is your kitchen?” she asked.
Didi hastily snapped her fingers and instantly, the cutlery disappeared from Hermione’s hand; “I is taking care of the dishes Miss, I can show you your room”
Hermione stared at her empty hands and rolled her eyes; “I can help you with those you know” she said. She then turned towards the little elf; “But since your excited, you can take me to that room” she said.
Didi flashed a triumphant smile; she then raised her hand and gestured towards the corridor that’s connected to the dining room. “Didi will show you, please follow me Miss” she said. The elf began padding towards the corridor.
Hermione followed the elf.
Didi stopped on the first door from her left and turned towards Hermione; she began fiddling with the hem of her dress again and stared at Hermione nervously. “This is Missus room, Didi hopes that it is to your liking” she said. She then turned towards the door and opened it with a snap of her crooked fingers.
Hermione walked towards the door and moved closer to it; she pushed it open and peered inside. “Okay...is there any light here?” she asked.
Didi stepped into the room and snapped her fingers; instantly the light fixtures illuminated the whole room.
Hermione felt her jaw drop when she saw the whole room; “Is this—is this where I’d be sleeping at?” she asked.
Didi beamed; “Yes Miss, you’re clothes are already inside the closet” she said.
Hermione took a tentative step inside the room; her eyes began to wander on the small sitting room at the base and the huge king size bed on the elevated platform behind it. She slowly pointed her finger on the sliding door on the right, a few steps away from the bed; “What is that?” she asked curiously.
“That is the walk in closet Miss, you’re clothes are in there” Didi replied.
“Oh!” Hermione said. She then walked further into the room and approached the L-shaped sofa that’s built in into the base of the platform; she leaned forward and ran her fingers on top of the smooth foam. She then began padding towards the two steps stairs and started climbing; once she reached the top of the platform she moved towards the bed. She sat down on top of the comforter and began bouncing up and down; “This is so soft!” she exclaimed happily.
Didi followed Hermione and beamed; “Is it to your liking Miss?” she asked.
Hermione beamed; “It is! I love this room!” she exclaimed. She then fell back on the bed and let out a contented sigh; “I still can’t over the fact that you have Muggle stuff in here” she said while studying the airconditioner that’s perched on the wall on top of her bed.
“Mistress had that installed because sometimes the weathers here is extreme even cooling charms don’t work” Didi explained.
Hermione sat up; “Really?” she asked.
The elf nodded; “Yes Miss, the climate here is erratic” she said.
“I see” Hermione replied while stifling her yawn.
The elf noticed; “Didi will leave Miss to rest” she said.
“But we still need to tour the house” Hermione said.
“We still have tomorrow Miss, you should rest”
Hermione conceded and fell back on the bed; “Thank you Didi” she said sleepily.
“Miss is welcome” Didi squeaked. She then pointed her hand on the airconditioner and zapped it on, she dimmed the lights and dissapparated with a loud crack.
Hermione sat up again and began taking off her ballet flats; she crawled up the headboard and pushed the comforter at the bottom of the bed. She pulled one of the fluffy pillows and hugged it closer; she found her most comfortable spot and closed her tired eyes.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire, England – 7:00 P.M
Narcissa zipped the last bag; she then padded towards her sons bed and leaned forward. She gently stroked her sleeping son’s cheek and smiled; “I hope you’ll forgive me for this love, I just want you to be happy...” she whispered.
Lucius pushed the door open and peered inside; “Are you sending him off now?” he asked.
Narcissa sat on the bed and turned towards her husband; “I will” she replied.
Lucius padded towards his wife and furrowed his brows; “Are you crying?” he asked.
Narcissa sniffed and waived her hand dismissively; “Of course not! Don’t be silly” she replied.
Lucius shook his head; “How are you sending him?” he asked.
Narcissa stood up and began rummaging her robes pocket; she plucked the small velvet drawstring bag and pulled out a diamond earring.
Lucius raised his brow; “You are aware that if you send that with him, he can use it to comeback first thing in the morning?” he asked.
“Of course I am! That’s why I have Didi there, once Draco arrives, she will hide the earring from him” Narcissa replied smugly.
Lucius crossed his arms on top of his chest; “He can always order Didi to return it to him” he challenged.
Narcissa grinned; “I already ordered Didi not to follow any of his commands pertaining to leaving the place” she replied.
“How about Ms. Granger then? I’m sure she is aware that the other earring is in her disposal, she can leave anytime she pleases” Lucius asked.
Narcissa winked; “I already tinkered with the other earring, she won’t be able to leave alone” she replied slyly.
Lucius raised his hands in defeat; “You are the queen of scheming my love” he said.
Narcissa laughed; “Of course I am,” she replied. She then turned towards her son; “Should we send him off?” she asked.
“You get it over with, we don’t want your son waking up here, Merlin knows there would be hell to pay!” Lucius said.
Narcissa nodded; “Mimi?” she called.
A tiny elf appeared with a loud pop and curtseyed; “Yes Mistress”
Narcissa pointed towards the luggage’s; “Bring that to our Beach House in Maldives, Draco will be staying there” she said.
The elf bowed; “Yes Mistress, is there anything else?”
“Once you deposited all of his things inside his room, have Didi tend to him and apparate back, okay?” Narcissa said.
“Yes Mistress” The elf curtseyed and began padding towards his young master’s luggage, she held it in her crooked hands and dissapparated with a loud pop.
Narcissa turned towards her son and perched herself on the side of the bed; she leaned forward and pried Draco’s hand open. Gently, she deposited the diamond earring on one of his open palms and clasped it closed; she leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her son’s forehead. “See you soon love, have a wonderful trip” she said. She then pointed her wand on his closed fist and muttered; “Portus”
A faint glow erupted from Draco’s closed fist and in a matter of seconds he disappeared from his bed.
Narcissa turned towards her husband and smiled; “It has been done, let’s hope for the best” she said.
Lucius nodded.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 11:12 P.M
Didi sat on the floor, waiting patiently for her young master’s arrival; “Master should be here any seconds!” she said.
Blue light erupted in the middle of the room as Draco’s body appeared out of thin air.
Didi hastily pointed her finger on Draco’s slumbering body, gently, laying him on top of the huge sofa bed; “Young Master is here!” she said excitedly. She then padded towards Draco’s sleeping form and silently pried his hands open; gingerly, she plucked the diamond earring and hid it inside her dress pocket. She pointed her finger on her young master for the second time and began levitating him towards his own room; “Didi will take you, to your room Master” she said.
Just give it time
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything aside from the plot. Characters are created by the brilliant J.K Rowling. Harry Potter A/U Fanfiction. Enjoy! :)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 10:00 A.M
Hermione woke up with the fresh scent of coffee wafting inside her room; she yawned sleepily and stretched her arms upward. Once the kinks are gone, she threw her blankets off her body and sat up; her eyes wandering inside her room, looking for the culprit of her awakening.
“WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!”
Hermione’s eyes widen upon hearing the voice; she hastily scampered towards the side of the bed and snatched her wand from the side table. “Didi?” she called out.
The tiny elf appeared right at her side and bowed; “Miss is awake, did Miss have good sleep? Did Miss see the breakfast that Didi made?” she asked brightly.
“Didi, I—I heard a voice—“
“MOTHER!!!”
Hermione stop mid-question and turned her gaze towards her bedroom door; she gripped her wand tightly in her hands as she stood up.
Didi winced and tried to pull on Hermione’s left pant leg; “Didi is sorry Miss, but young master seems to be in a bad mood” she said apologetically.
Hermione frowned; “What do you mean young master? I thought I was alone here?” she asked suspiciously.
Didi immediately began hitting her head on the bedpost; “I am sorry Miss...Didi was not supposed to tell!” she wailed.
Hermione crouched down and pulled on the elf’s shoulder, keeping her from bashing her head further.
“Stop that Didi, I forbid you to hurt yourself!” she said.
The elf stopped struggling; she turned her tear-stricken face to Hermione and sniffed; “Didi is a bad elf. Didi should punish herself” she sobbed.
“Well I am your Miss for now so you better follow what I say”
Didi sniffed again and started to look at her feet.
Hermione sat on her haunches on the floor and crossed her arms on top of her chest; “Now Didi, as you’re Miss, I want you to tell me who are you referring to as young master? And how did he get here? I thought I only have access to this place for the time being?” she asked.
Didi began fumbling with her hands; she was about to answer when a loud bang resounded inside the house.
“IF THERE IS ANY ELF HERE OR GOBLIN OR WHATEVER MOTHER EMPLOYED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BLASTED HOUSE I COMMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF TO ME!”
Hermione scowled; “The young master you’re referring to is quite a character, aye?” she huffed.
Didi winced; “Didi must show herself to young master, Didi is suppose to answer to her master. Please Miss, don’t leave this room. Didi will go to young master” she pleaded.
Hermione stood up; “I can’t let you do that alone! What if he hurts you?” she said.
Didi let out a little smile; “Don’t worry for Didi Miss, young master won’t hurt me. He is good” she said.
Another door slummed shut inside the house; “If that’s your only basis of good, I doubt your judgement!” Hermione snapped.
“IS ANYBODY HERE?? I COMMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF!”
Didi threw Hermione a pleading look and snapped her fingers, disappearing right in front of her eyes.
Hermione huffed; “I better see who this young master is!” she said. She then padded towards the edge of the bed and began searching for her flats.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire, England – 6:10 AM
Lucius groaned and turned towards his wife; he moved towards her side of the bed but found that it was empty. He sleepily opened his eyes as he struggled to sit up.
“You can still have a lie in, it’s still early”
Lucius turned towards the window and saw his wife standing beside it; “What are you doing up so early?” he croaked.
Narcissa turned towards her husband and smiled; “Nothing...just thinking” she replied.
Lucius yawned and leaned back on the head board; he threw a look at his wrist watch and yawned again. “Your son must be up by now” he said.
Narcissa chuckled; “I wonder what happened” she asked.
Lucius sniffed; “I’m quite sure he’s throwing a hissy fit by now and sparks are flying everywhere, I just hope they won’t damage our furniture’s beyond repair” he said.
Narcissa grinned; “Oh how I want to see the both of them together” she gushed.
Lucius shook his head and closed his eyes.
oOo
Pansy was picking up her things in a hurried phase; she was about to open the door successfully when strong arms enveloped her waist. “Leaving without saying goodbye?” Theo asked while nuzzling her neck.
Pansy instantly stiffen; “What are you doing Nott?” she asked.
Theo stopped and pulled away; “What got into your knickers? It’s still early and you’re already fretting” he asked.
Pansy sighed and turned towards him; “I’m sorry Theo...I’m just not used to...use to this” she admitted.
Theo studied her face, after a couple of seconds; he pulled her towards his chest and hugged her tightly. “Well you better get used to this because I like cuddling in the morning” he said.
Pansy shyly wrapped her arms around his lean torso and buried her face into his chest; “Well I’m glad, I like cuddling too” she replied.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 10:18 A.M
Crack
Draco stopped pacing and turned towards the sound; “Didi?” he said disbelievingly. He padded towards the elf and crossed his arms on top of his chest; “What is the meaning of this? Is this the errand that Mum is talking about? Why am I here?” he asked frantically.
Didi lowered her head; “I is don’t know Master” she replied.
Draco eyed the elf for a couple of minutes and felt his temper flare; he was about to lift his hand in defeat and exasperation when he felt a spell hit his back, making him topple over the sofa bed.
Hermione lowered her wand and began moving towards the stiff man; she crouched towards the elf and began checking her body for injury. “Are you alright Didi? Did the man hurt you?” she asked worriedly.
Didi’s eyes widen as she began to shook her head; “No Miss, Didi not hurt. Master did not hurt Didi” she squeaked.
Hermione felt guilt gnaw at her chest when her eyes fell on the man laying face first into the sofa; she hastily pointed her wand at his back and began levitating him. She felt her jaw drop when she recognized the face of the wizard who’s floating stiffly in front of her. “Malfoy?” she asked.
Draco just moved his eyes.
“Oh Merlin!” Hermione exclaimed. She gently moved him towards the sofa bed and pointed her wand at him again. “Finite Incantatem” she said.
“Granger?” Draco asked confusedly. He then felt his temper flare again so he clenched his fist tightly; “What are you doing here? What the bloody hell is going on here?” he asked furiously.
Hermione felt blood rising into her cheeks as embarrassment and indignation began pounding into her ears; “I don’t know what’s going on here so don’t you shout---!” she yelled.
“You stupefied me! You cursed me in my own house!” Draco said cutting her off. He then stood from the sofa and began pacing; “I can’t believe you have the audacity to pull your wand at me after I saved your life!” he said.
Hermione’s eyes widen; “IT WAS YOUR BLOODY JOB MALFOY! I DON’T OWE YOU ANYTHING! AND WHY ARE YOU MAD AT ME? I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO YOU! I DON’T EVEN BLOODY KNOW WHY YOU’RE HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE” she spat.
Draco stopped pacing as her words began to sink in; he turned towards the red faced Hermione and furrowed his brows. “That’s what puzzles me too, how did you get here and WHY are you here? This our beach house” he said.
Hermione sniffed and crossed her arms on top of her chest; “Harry and Torry sent me here because I told them that I needed to leave London after what happened” she said.
Draco’s angry face softened; he then padded towards the sofa and sat down. “Oh I see...” he replied.
Hermione took a deep calming breath; “I can leave you know...I didn’t know that this place was yours” she said.
Draco shook his head as he leaned back on the sofa; he began rubbing his eyes tiredly as ire left his body. “You don’t have too, I’m sorry that I screamed at you, you are welcome here” he said. He then opened his eyes and stared at her; “I was just so furious because I was sent here without my permission or my knowledge” he said resignedly.
Hermione moved towards the sofa and gestured towards the space; “Can I?” she asked.
Draco nodded.
Hermione then sat down and gathered her hands on her lap; she turned towards Draco and stared at him. “You mean you don’t know how you got here?” she asked.
Draco nodded again.
Hermione furrowed her brows; “That’s curious...I used a portkey to get here and I don’t think there’s any another way of travelling here aside that...” she said.
Draco huffed; “That’s also why I’m raving mad. The last thing I remember is eating lunch with my parents and voilla, I’m here!” he said.
“Oh...” Hermione gasped.
Draco was staring pensively at the coffee table when realization dawned on him; his eyes widen as he shoot up from his perch. “The cherries! Those bloody cherries! Oh Mum just wait till I get my hands on you!” he hissed.
Hermione was taken aback by his reaction; “What do you mean cherries?” she asked.
Draco began pacing again; “My mother gave me some chocolate dipped cherries from Paris last night. When I finished the first one, there seems to be a weird after taste so I told her, but she dismissed me! I popped another one in my mouth to see if it’s the same but before I even got the chance to speak my world blacked out” he said thru clenched teeth.
Hermione stared at Draco confusedly; “So, you were duped by cherries?” she clarified.
Draco stopped pacing and stared at Hermione sternly; “I was not duped by cherries, I was duped by my meddlesome Mother!” he said.
“Oh!”
Draco resumed his pacing; “I just don’t understand why I’m here! If she let you use this house, why did she send me here in the first place” he asked.
Hermione began fumbling with her hands; “I really don’t know the answer Malfoy...” she replied.
“I didn’t think you would” Draco replied.
Hermione thought for a couple of seconds; “If portkey is the only way to come here then you must have it with you. Did you check if you have it, because Torry explicitly told me to not lose it because if I do, I can’t leave” she said.
Draco stopped pacing; he turned towards Hermione and let out a wide grin. “Granger.You.Are.Brilliant!” he said. He then dashed towards his room in a flash, leaving Hermione.
Hermione smiled triumphantly; she then turned her gaze towards Didi and asked. “I wonder why Narcissa sent his son here, do you know anything about this Didi?” she asked suspiciously.
Didi frantically shook her tiny head; “Didi doesn’t know anything Miss” she replied.
Hermione was about to reply but was cut off with Draco appearing in the living room again; he glumly walked towards the sofa and sat down.
“Did you find it?” Hermione asked.
Draco frowned; “Mother must have planned this thoroughly, I can’t find anything inside my room aside from my luggage” he said. “Luggage! She had the audacity to pack my things!” he said indignantly.
Hermione’s eyes widen; “Looks like she did plan it after all!” she replied.
“I know!” Draco said. He then turned towards Didi; “If my Mum planned this all along then there is no means of leaving this place, I know for a fact that there’s no way of asking Didi’s help because she’s my Mother’s personal elf, she is bound to her” he said resignedly.
“How about my portkey?” Hermione asked.
Draco huffed; “Knowing my Mother, she might’ve tinkered with it to not let you leave as well” he said.
Hermione groaned; “But why would she do this!” she exasperatedly.
“I also don’t know” Draco replied.
“What will happen to your job then?” Hermione asked.
Draco sighed and leaned back on the sofa; “My mother doesn’t do things half way, for sure she already settled it with my boss” he replied gravely.
Hermione shook her head in disbelief; “I just can’t understand why Narcissa would do this to you” she said.
“Me too” Draco replied.
oOo
Potter Manor – London, England – 10:34 A.M:
“Fifi is sorry to disturb Mistress but Mr. Weasley is at the door” Fifi said.
Astoria planted a soft kiss on Candice’s head and stood up; she carried her daughter towards the play pen and lowered her down. “I’ll be back munchkin, Mummy just has a visitor, be nice, okay?” she cooed.
Candice let out toothy grin; “Mummy!” she said while giggling.
Astoria gently patted her daughters head and smiled; “I’ll be back” she said. She then towards the elf and furrowed her brows; “Did you let him in?” she asked.
Fifi began playing with the hem of her dress; “Fifi left him outside the foyer because Fifi doesn’t know if Mistress will have him” she replied.
Astoria smirked; “Very good Fifi, I’ll just go to the foyer then” she said. She then began padding towards the nursery door.
“Does Mistress want Fifi to make tea for the visitor?”
Astoria stopped and turned towards the elf; “No need Fifi, he won’t be staying long” she said.
“Ruddy elf! Didn’t even let me in! I’ll have Harry know about this!” Ron spat furiously while pacing back and forth.
The main door flung open as Astoria stepped out of the threshold; she had her chin up as she stared at her husband’s former best friend. “Ronald” she said coldly.
Ron let out a wide smile; “Torry” he greeted. He then began walking towards her and stopped at her front; he was about to hug her but Astoria took a step back.
“What do you want Ronald?” Astoria asked frostily.
Ron read her demeanour and took a step back; throwing her a pleading.. “I take it that you already knew the news then?” he resignedly said.
Astoria crossed her arms on top of her chest and crinkled her nose; “It was splattered on the Prophet, only a blind person won’t see” she said.
Ron’s shoulders fell as he stared at his shoes; “Harry also knows?” he asked.
Astoria sniffed; “Of course he does! He was there to clean up your mess and help Hermione pick up the pieces” she replied acidly.
Ron’s head snapped towards Astoria; “So he knows where she’d gone to?” he asked hopefully.
“And if he does, pray tell, why would he tell you? You’ve already done enough damage, leave Hermione alone” Astoria spat.
Ron’s face turned red as he clenched his fist; “Who are you to tell me to leave Hermione alone? You don’t know what we’ve gone through so you don’t have the slightest right to say those words to me, you’re just Harry’s wife!” he hissed.
Astoria felt her cheeks redden as her temper flare; she pulled her wand from her robe pocket and pointed it towards Ron. “I have ALL the right because I am Hermione’s friend too! I may only be Harry’s wife in your eyes but you are philandering scum in mine! Leave this house Ronald Weasley and don’t you ever come back, you are no longer welcome!” she spat.
Ron laughed manically; “You don’t own this house this is Harry’s house so I will come and go as I please!” he hissed.
“I dare you then” she challenged. “Come back once Harry is here and let’s see what happens!”
Ron huffed; “I will come back and you’ll eat your words!” he said.
Astoria smirked; “Then by all means come back, just don’t forget the fact that Hermione is also Harry’s best friend and you hurt her” she said.
Ron felt a pang in his chest but he chose to ignore her biting words; he sneered at her and dissapparated with a loud pop.
Astoria shook her head in dismay.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 2:14 P.M
Draco walked inside the Lanai and stared at Hermione whose reading a book; he padded towards the couch and sat down. “Granger, you have a beautiful house in your disposal but you chose to read your book” he said.
Hermione tore her eyes away from her book and turned her gaze towards the blond man sitting a couple of inches away from her; “I like this book and I plan to finish it today” she replied.
Draco inhaled and smiled; “I like the smell of the ocean” he said.
“Are you here to make small talk Malfoy?” Hermione asked.
Draco turned his head towards her and crinkled his nose; “You always call me Malfoy” he observed.
Hermione dog-eared her novel and closed it; “Does it bother you? You call me Granger all the time,” she replied.
Draco averted her gaze and began staring at the blue sky; “It doesn’t, it just reminds me off school and I guess that’s what I don’t like” he replied.
Hermione placed her book beside her and turned towards Draco; she crossed her legs as she studied him. “You were a prat then,” she said.
Draco chuckled; “Oh Hermione, you’re too kind. I’m not a prat then, I was worse than that” he said.
Hermione felt a jolt inside her chest upon hearing her name from his lips; she felt her cheeks redden but blamed it on the scorching sun. “You’re right, you’re worst than a prat then Draco” she said nervously.
Draco’s head instantly snapped towards her; staring at her intently.
Hermione uncrossed her legs and sat straight; “What?” she asked.
“I like it” Draco said.
Hermione’s brow lifted; “What do you like?” she asked confusedly.
Draco smiled widely; “Hearing my name from you” he said.
Hermione’s felt her cheeks heating up but she ignored it; she sat straighter and turned her gaze towards the blue horizon. “This place is really beautiful” she said, changing the topic.
Draco shook his head with a small smile painting his lips; he turned towards the vast sky and took a deep breath. “Mum bought it years ago, she always loved beaches” he replied.
Hermione closed her eyes as the warm ocean breeze caressed her face; “Narcissa has good taste” she replied.
“Don’t let her hear that, her head is big enough” Draco joked.
Hermione chuckled as she opened her eyes; “I’ll tell her you said that” she replied.
Draco just smiled.
oOo
Large green flames burst into the fireplace as Astoria’s face illuminated through the fire; Harry’s face turned towards the grate as he recognized his wife’s face.
“Harry?” Astoria called out.
Harry stood from his desk and began padding towards the fireplace; he kneeled right in front of it and let out a smile. “Hey love” he greeted.
Astoria smiled; “Hi love” she replied.
“Is there anything the matter?” Harry asked.
Astoria let out a sigh; “Ron was here” she said.
Harry furrowed his brows as anger began seeping into his blood; “What did the Weasel want?” he asked.
“He knows that Hermione left” Astoria replied.
Harry swore.
Astoria crinkled her nose in disapproval.
“I’m sorry love, I can’t help it” Harry said sheepishly.
Astoria’s face softened; “That’s okay...he was asking where Hermione went” she said while tucking a stray hair behind her right ear.
Harry frowned; “Did you tell her?” he asked.
“Of course not!” Astoria huffed. She then cleared her throat; “In fact, I told him off” she said proudly.
Harry laughed; “You are brilliant” he praised.
Astoria grinned widely and puffed her chest; “I know I am” she replied.
Harry smiled; “Well, serves him right!” he said.
“Err...love?” Astoria said.
“Hmmm?”
Astoria then winced; “He is coming back” she said.
Harry smiled darkly; “Then it’s much better” he replied.
“Don’t do anything that will send you to Azkaban, okay?”
“I won’t” Harry promised.
Astoria let out a sigh of relief; “Moving on to another topic, what would, what would like for dinner?” she asked brightly.
Harry thought for a couple of seconds; “I think I want Indian food” he said. “Do you mind if I just buy us some take outs?” he asked.
“I don’t mind, just don’t forget to buy some extra Naan” Astoria said.
“Alright” Harry replied.
“And oh! Please don’t forget to buy some Khe—“
“Kheer, I know love” Harry said, cutting her off.
Astoria clapped her hands excitedly; “We can eat at the Balcony again!” she said.
“Yes we can dear”
“Oh, and don’t forget to buy Chicken Tikka Misala for Candice, she loves it” Astoria added.
“I won’t forget that” Harry replied.
Astoria then flung out a flying kiss; “Thank you love! See you in a few hours!” she said.
Harry smile; “Okay, love you” he said.
Astoria winked; “Love you too scarboy” she said.
Harry laughed.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 3:20 P.M
“I’m hungry” Draco whined.
Hermione lowered her book and turned towards Draco; “Eat then,” she replied.
Draco pouted; “I don’t know what to eat” he said.
Hermione closed her book and raised her brow; “I’m sure Didi can fix you some stuff” she replied.
“Have you tried any of their delicacies here?” Draco asked.
“They have?” Hermione asked, awestruck.
“You mean, you’ve been here for a day and you haven’t tried any of it?” Draco asked disbelievingly.
Hermione shook her head; “Didi has been preparing me English food” she said.
Draco rolled his eyes and stood up; “Wait for me here” he said. He then padded inside the house, out of Hermione’s sight.
Hermione leaned back on the couch and crossed her legs; “I wonder what he’s up to” she said to herself. She then plucked the book from her lap and continued reading.
After several minutes...
Draco reappeared inside the Lanai with a large grin; he moved towards the couch and sat down.
Hermione tore her eyes away from the book; “What did you do?” she asked curiously.
“I asked Didi to make us some snack” Draco replied.
“Oh” Hermione said.
Crack
Didi appeared inside the room with a huge smile; she padded towards the square table and lowered a tray laden with plates and tea pot. “Didi made snacks and drinks, please enjoy” she said. She then snapped her fingers and disappeared.
Hermione closed her book again and set it aside; she leaned forward and took a sniff. “This smells good...but what is it?” she asked inquisitively.
“This is one of my favourite delicacies here” Draco said. He then leaned forward and began setting up the saucers and forks; he placed one in front of Hermione and began serving her piece. He then lifted the saucer into his hands and offered it to Hermione.
Hermione accepted the food and smiled; she brought it close to her eyes and began studying the crescent shaped confection on the plate.
Draco smiled; he then offered her a fork and a napkin.
Hermione accepted it and began prodding the food; “This looks like a bizarrely folded pancake” she observed.
Draco took his own saucer and began cutting the food into bite size pieces; he stabbed a tiny piece with his fork and began munching it with vigour.
Hermione copied his action and took a small piece; she brought it closer to her mouth and took a sniff before eating it.
“Do you like it?” Draco asked.
Hermione chewed for a couple of seconds and swallowed; “This is good! I like it!” she said brightly.
Draco took another bite; “I thought so” he said.
Hermione began cutting it into bite size pieces; “What do you call this stuff? And I can taste coconut!” she exclaimed.
“It’s called Huni Hakuru Folhi, it’s made of coconut, sugar and flour” Draco explained. “It’s one of their famous snacks here, and Didi makes it best” Draco said proudly.
Hermione took another bite and let out a moan.
Draco turned his gaze towards Hermione and felt his mouth drying; he cleared his throat and placed his saucer on the table. He then began pouring tea on each cup; he plucked his and took a sip.
Hermione didn’t notice his reaction and continued eating.
“Hmmnnn”
“Is that tea?” Hermione asked.
Draco nodded.
Hermione then leaned forward and placed her saucer on the table; she then grasped her tea and took a tentative sip. “It tastes different” she observed.
“It is different, it’s not our normal tea way back home” Draco explained.
Hermione took another sip; “It’s also good, what is it called?” she said.
“Kalhu Sai” Draco replied.
Hermione took a sip again; “It’s good in washing off the sweet taste of the food. I think this could go well with the desserts that Torry makes” she said.
Draco chuckled; “Astoria and her famous desserts!” he said.
Hermione laughed; “Good thing we have potions to stabilize blood sugars because if we don’t, I’d be sorry for Harry” she said.
“Too true!” Draco replied with a smile.
oOo
“What are you doing here?” Ron snapped.
Lavender ignored his question and padded towards the couch; she sat herself without invitation and crossed her arms on her chest. “We need to talk” she said.
“We have nothing to talk about, please leave” Ron said stiffly.
Lavender glared; “I saw Millicent Bullstrode inside your backyard last week, are you sleeping with her as well” she asked.
Ron huffed; “It’s none of your business” he hissed.
Lavender felt her face turning red as anger started bubbling inside her chest; she slowly uncrossed her arms and placed it on top of her lap, fist tightly closed. “I need to know” she said through gritted teeth.
Ron ignored her rant and took a sip of his whiskey.
“Don’t be a prat, answer my question” Lavender hissed.
“Go away!” Ron replied.
Lavender hastily stood from the couch and snatched her wand from her pocket; “I’M NOT PLAYING GAMES WITH YOU RONALD WEASLEY SO YOU BETTER ANSWER ME BEFORE I SEND YOUR SORRY ARSE TO OBLIVION!” she threatened.
Ron gazed at her for a couple of minutes and burst into mirthless laughter; he then shook his head and stood up. He padded towards Lavender and closed his hands on hers; “Don’t point your wand at me witch, I know you don’t have the guts to hex me” he jeered.
Lavender met his gaze; “Don’t you dare me!” she replied stonily.
Ron snatched the wand from her fingers and threw it at the back of the couch.
Lavender’s eyes widen; she then began hitting his chest with her bare hands. “You are an arsehole!” she yelled.
Ron took several blows to his chest before he was able to get a hold of her arms, seizing it effectively. He then yanked it down, fastening it tightly by her sides. “Don’t you dare hit me” he said menacingly.
Lavender snarled and began struggling again; “No wonder Hermione left you! You can’t keep your prick inside your pants!”
Ron chuckled darkly; “Same as you can’t close your legs love!” he retorted.
Lavender’s eyes widen as tears began building up; “I hate you! I fucking hate you!” she shrieked.
Ron’s grip loosened; “Get out” he said.
Lavender freed her arms from his grip and pushed him roughly; she wiped her tears from her cheeks as she angrily turned her back. She padded away from him and walked towards the back of the couch; she snatched her wand from the ground and continued walking briskly towards the open door. Once outside the threshold, she turned towards the man standing inside the living room; “I hope you rot in hell! You are nothing but a selfish bastard who doesn’t deserve to be loved” she said gravely. She then turned her back once and again and charmed the door to close behind her with a loud bang.
Ron sighed as he clenched his fist; he then walked towards his seat and slumped back.
oOo
Malfoy’s Beach House – Maldives Island – 5:44 P.M
Draco sat with Hermione inside the Lanai for another hour after their afternoon snack; he sometimes asks questions but for the rest of it, he lets her be. Hermione was on the last page of her book when Draco stood up; he walked towards border of the cup shaped pool and towered over it. He then stretched his hands upwards, eyes fixed on the setting sun; “One loves the sunset, when one is so sad” he quoted.
Hermione’s eyes instantly snapped towards him in surprise; “The Little Prince?” she asked.
Draco nodded his head, still not facing her; “That’s my favourite line from the book even though I don’t agree with it” he said as he lowered his arms to his side.
Hermione set her book aside and stood up; she then padded towards Draco and stood beside him. She turned her gaze towards the fading sun and crossed her arms on top of her chest; “Sad people likes watching sunsets, I for one, loves it” she said.
“I know...” Draco replied.
Hermione turned her head towards Draco; “What do you mean?” she asked.
Draco still didn’t turn towards her, his eyes still fixed on the horizon; “I know you are sad, that’s the reason you’re here” he said.
Hermione felt emotions rush inside her chest so she looked away.
“I know what happened but I won’t ask you to tell me. You’re here to give yourself time to heal so you will have it...” Draco said while turning his face towards the woman standing beside him.
Hermione bit her bottom lip as tears began heating up her eyes.
Draco noticed her reaction so he opted to avert his gaze; he faced the sky again and let out a deep breath. “For me, sunset is a sign of new beginnings. During the war, I’ve always anticipated every sunset, you know why?” he asked.
Hermione discreetly wiped the tears that escaped her eyes; “Why?” she asked.
Draco turned towards her again and met her gaze; “Because It’s a promise of a better tomorrow. An assurance that no matter how hard life is at the moment you will eventually get through it, that there is a great chance that tomorrow you will be okay” he said.
Hermione’s strong facade broke as tears began trailing down her cheeks; “Do you think I’ll be okay tomorrow?” she asked brokenly.
Draco felt a pang inside his chest as he watches her cry; he carefully placed his arms on her shoulder and pulled her closer. “We have a couple of sunsets to go Hermione, I can’t promise that it will be tomorrow but I know in time you will be okay” he said comfortingly.
Hermione let him comfort her as tears continue pouring; “It hurts...it hurts so bad...” she whimpered.
Draco began rubbing her arm up and down; “It hurts because what you feel is real...” he replied.
Hermione sniffed; “I don’t want to hurt anymore...” she murmured.
“Just give it time...time is all you need...” Draco replied.
Hermione nodded.
You give love a bad name
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything aside from the plot. Characters are created by the brilliant J.K Rowling. Harry Potter A/U Fanfiction. Enjoy! :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“What goes around comes around and what comes up must come down” has always been the golden rule of Karma and Ron Weasley can attest to that. One upon a time, he was a decent man, a reliable best friend, a loving fiancé and a dotting son. He used to think that he has everything that any man could ever wish for but for some unfathomable reason he manage to lose it all. Now, all he has left is a bad reputation, an ex murderous best friend, an ex fiance who doesn’t want to have anything to do with him and parents that will castrate him if they found out that he’s having a baby out of wedlock. Karma is really a bitch and he’s being slapped at every turn.
“Mom? Dad? I’m here, where are you?” Ron called out loudly.
“Kitchen” Arthur replied.
Ron swallowed hard upon hearing his father’s tone; he squared his shoulders before he made his way towards the kitchen.
“Sit down Ronald, I believe we have a lot to talk about” Molly said seriously upon seeing her youngest son.
Ron stared at his parents for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh; he pulled a chair and sat down.
Arthur leaned back on his chair and clasped his hands tightly on top of the table; “Is there something you want to tell us that we should know about?” he asked too calmly.
“Yes.”
oOo
“Where on earth have you been? I’ve been waiting for you in ages!”
Millicent stepped out of her fireplace and dusted off the soot from her cloak; “Don’t you have work?”
“I do but I called in sick” Pansy replied.
Millicent snorted as she walks towards the couch; “You own the bloody business, pray tell who you called?”
Pansy waved her hand dismissively; “That’s not important” she replied. She then sat straighter and stared at her best friend curiously; “So, what happened? How did the Weasley’s take it?”
Millicent leaned back on the couch and began massaging her temples; “I’m not actually sure how to describe it to be honest. I, for sure managed to screw Ronald up but at the same time I can’t help but feel like I did the same to myself” she admitted with a sigh.
Pansy narrowed her eyes; “Don’t tell me you feel guilty because you still love that poor excuse of a man?”
Millicent threw Pansy an annoyed look; “Do you want me to explain why or would you rather speculate until your mouth foams?”
Pansy looked abashed; she cleared her throat and gestured for Millicent to continue.
“Everything was going according to plan, I was able to make Molly believe that Ronald didn’t want marriage, that he only cares for the baby. I can see it in her eyes that she’s 100% convinced and she’s on my side” Millicent paused and scowled. “That is before Lavender Brown decided to show up and claimed that she’s going to marry him.”
Pansy’s eyes widen in disbelief; “She wants to marry him? Why on Merlin’s name does she want to do that?”
Millicent shrugged her shoulders; “I don’t have the slightest idea.”
“So why do you feel like you screwed yourself too?” Pansy asked.
Millicent resumed rubbing her temples; “Things got a little bit out of hand and wands are drawn” she paused. “I got carried away in taunting that slag that I accidentally blurted out that she won’t be marrying Ron any time soon because I’m carrying his child. Molly seems to take it to heart and now I’m not quite sure what happens next because she told me that she’ll take care of it.”
“You shouldn’t have said that!” Pansy hissed. “What the bloody hell were you thinking?”
Millicent threw her hands up in exasperation; “I was upset okay?! I obviously didn’t think first before I opened my damn mouth! I can’t let that bitch think that she’s better than me!”
Pansy leaned back on the couch as she stared at her best friend grimly; “Well, congratulations, you just manage to land yourself a fiancé.”
Millicent’s mouth hung open as her eyes widen in shock.
oOo
“Where in Merlin’s beard have you been? I’ve been looking for you for hours!” Leila bellowed angrily.
Lavender stepped out of the fireplace; “Ministry of magic” she deadpanned.
Leila narrowed her eyes; “Don’t tell me you still talked to that hideous boy?”
Lavender scowled and met her mother’s gaze; “Of course I’ll talk to him! I can’t let him get away without giving him a piece of my mind” she snapped.
Leila crossed her arms on top of her chest; “What did you do?”
Lavender took off her cloak and threw it on the coffee table; “I confronted him in the middle of the Atrium and screamed my lungs off” she replied while taking a seat on the couch. “I made sure to let everybody know that he’s nothing but a worthless scumbag and he doesn’t deserve me, then I slapped him”
Leila can’t help but smirk; “We’re you able to get him good?”
Lavender smiled vindictively; “Not only was I able to hit him hard, I also made sure that his ex fiancé is watching the whole bloody thing”
Leila threw her daughter an impressed look; “Looks like you didn’t need any help after all.”
Lavender leaned back on the couch; “I’m just getting started mom---just getting started” she said ominously.
“Let me hear it, what’s your plan?”
oOo
“Malfoy just spit it out, I’m not a mind reader, you know” Hermione said.
Draco cringed; “Am I that obvious?”
Hermione chuckled; “You’ve been staring at me like you’re about ready to piss yourself.”
Draco feigned an affronted look; “Language Granger! We’re in a public place”
Hermione rolled her eyes; “Just tell me what got your knickers in a twist” she said before taking a sip of her coffee.
Draco averted his eyes and began playing with the napkin; “Err—I know we haven’t been dating that long but last night I received an owl from my parents---err, they asked me to invite you to have dinner at the Manor Wednesday night” he said nervously.
“That’s it?”
Draco’s eyes snapped up, meeting Hermione’s gaze; “Yes” he replied. “BUT I understand if you don’t want to---err, I can just tell them that you’re busy and we can resched----“
“You will not do such thing” Hermione interjected.
Draco’s eyes widen; “Huh?”
Hermione smiled; “It’s okay Draco, it’s just dinner and I’ve already shared a meal with your parents, it’s nothing new.”
“Really? You don’t mind?”
Hermione reached for her beau’s hand and gave it a soft squeeze; “I don’t mind” she replied. She then pulled her hand away and smirked; “You’ll be returning the favour soon, anyway” she said mischievously.
Draco raised his brow in amusement; “Is that your subtle way of telling me that you’re planning on introducing me to your parents?”
“Maybe...”
Draco grinned; “Tell me the time and date, I’ll be there.”
Hermione smiled brightly; “That’s what I want to hear.”
oOo
“You can’t be serious!” Ron said, his face burning red with anger and disbelief.
“Don’t take that tone with us young man!” Arthur chastised. “You brought this on to yourself and not us”
“I know that but that doesn’t mean that this is right!”
“We can’t do anything about this Ronald and you know that” Molly said, clearly exasperated.
Ron stopped pacing and turned his face towards his parents; “What do you mean you can’t do anything about it?” he asked nervously.
“Exactly what your mother just said, we can’t do anything about it” Arthur said. He then leaned back on his chair and stared at his son; “It’s as solid as an unbreakable vow, you have to marry Ms. Bullstrode”
“But I don’t want to marry her!” Ron shouted.
“Then you should’ve thought about that before laying a finger on her!” Molly snapped.
Ron pulled his chair and plopped down; “I can’t believe this! Who placed that bloody binding charm on us? I didn’t even know it existed for Merlin’s sake!”
“It’s been in place for more than a decade now and every pureblood family knows about this” Arthur replied.
“How come I didn’t know about this?” Ron asked. “How come you never told me? Us?”
“We didn’t feel the need to, we didn’t think we’d ever have to worry about telling you since you’re already set on marrying Hermione at a very young age” Arthur said. He then frowned and threw his son a disappointed look; “We didn’t think you will go on a debauchery spree at your fiancé’s back” he said darkly.
Ron lowered his head, clearly abashed.
“I know this is hard to take but you don’t have a choice, as of today you are officially betrothed to Ms. Bullstrode, we’ll get in contact with her parents so we can meet them formally and start planning your wedding” Molly said.
Ron sighed gloomily; “Her parents doesn’t even know about us---about this.”
“Don’t worry about that, the moment she acknowledged that she’s carrying your child in your mother’s presence, her parents were automatically notified by the charm” Arthur said.
Ron hunched forward and braised his elbows on top of his knees; he buried his face into his palms and groaned loudly. “What the bloody hell did I do?”
oOo
“I don’t believe you!” Millicent yelled between tears.
Pansy huffed; “I’m not lying to you, I wish I was just messing with you but I’m not!”
Millicent buried her face into her palms, bawling loudly.
Pansy sighed; she stood up from her perch and walked towards her best friend. She sat beside her and wrapped her arm around her shaking shoulders; “I’m sorry Millie, I really am...”
“My---my life is over...I don’t want to marry him...” Millicent wept.
Pansy squeezed the distraught woman’s shoulder; she was about to open her mouth to say encouraging words but wasn’t able to do so when she heard a loud crack of apparition.
“Miss?”
Millicent pulled her face away from her hands and stared at the tiny house elf standing by the fireplace; “Kiki?” she asked in surprise.
The house elf bowed lowly; “Kiki is sent by Master and Mistress, I is sent to tell Miss that Miss is to go to the Mansion.”
Millicent turned her horror stricken face towards Pansy; “Bloody hell”
Pansy cringed; “Yeah, bloody hell”
oOo
Draco apparated directly into the living room with Hermione in his arms; “We’re home” he announced.
Hermione can’t help but grin at his statement; “We are”
Draco wrapped his arms tightly around Hermione and planted a soft kiss on her forehead; “I don’t want to leave”
Hermione giggled; “As much as I want you here, you have to go, your Mum and Dad are waiting for you”
Draco pouted; “Can’t I just owl them?”
Hermione shook her head; “Nope, you promised to meet with them for dessert”
Draco pulled away; “But you’re better than any dessert in this world” he said while wiggling his brows suggestively.
Hermione laughed; she then pushed her beau away and made her way towards the couch; “Even better than chocolate dipped cherries?” she teased while sitting down.
Draco grinned widely; “Way better than that”
Hermione chuckled; “Your sweet talking won’t take you anywhere Malfoy, go now.”
Draco stared at Hermione for a moment before rolling his eyes; he moved towards his girlfriend and planted another kiss on her forehead; “I’ll see you tomorrow, goodnight” he murmured sweetly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow too, tell them I said Hi, goodnight”
Draco smiled back; “Will do” he said before disapparating with a loud crack.
Hermione leaned back on the couch and smiled dreamily; “This day is not bad after all” she mused.
oOo
Astoria slipped under the covers; “I just put Candice into bed”
“No temper tantrums?” Harry asked.
Astoria shook her head; “No, she’s unusually compliant tonight”
Harry smiled; “That’s new”
Astoria turned towards her husband and studied his face; “Are you planning on telling me what happened today?”
Harry’s smile faltered, he then flipped to his side and braised his head with his hand; “It’s Ron” he sighed.
Astoria copied her husband’s pose, her brows furrowing; “What did he do?”
“What you heard before was true, he’s been cheating with Millicent Bullstrode all this time”
Astoria’s eyes widen incredulously; “I---I thought it was with Lavender Brown?”
Harry plopped down on his back and stared at the ceiling darkly; “I also thought so...”
“So you mean to say that he’s been going around Mione’s back with two women?!”
Harry sighed; “Yes”
Astoria plopped down on her back too; “That asshole!” she hissed.
Harry turned his head to the side; “My thoughts exactly.”
Astoria turned her face towards Harry; “Does Mione know?” she asked worriedly.
Harry scrunched his face in disgust; “That’s what pissed me off greatly”
“What happened?”
“We had to find out from Lavender, she stormed into the Ministry during lunch time and screamed her lungs off in the middle of the Atrium and slapped Ronald”
Astoria looked thoughtful; “Did she had him good at least?”
Harry cracked a smile; “I have to give it to her, that woman can make a punch look like a slap”
Astoria giggled; “Serves him right”
Harry furrowed his brows; “He deserves way more than that. If Hermione didn’t lock me out of my bloody office I might’ve killed him with my bare hands”
“What did she do?” Astoria asked.
Harry sighed; “She stormed off into our office and locked me out. I didn’t know what happened in there or what they talked about but when she came out she looks at peace”
Astoria thought for a moment; “Maybe she already found the closure she’s looking for”
Harry turned his face to the side; “That’s exactly what she told me”
Astoria smiled; “Good for her, at least now she can move on with Draco”
“Yeah, I hope so. She deserves to be happy after everything that she’s been through” Harry said with a small smile.
oOo
“How nice of you to join us for dessert” Narcissa said jovially.
“Mum, Dad, good evening”
“We thought you’d never come, I’ve been waiting all day to eat that delectable chocolate mousse” Lucius drawled.
Draco rolled his eyes as he pulls a chair.
“So...how’s Hermione? Is she coming on Wednesday?” Narcissa asked excitedly.
Draco turned his gaze towards his mother; “She is,”
Lucius smirked; “Let me guess, that’s the reason why you’re late?”
Draco returned the smirk; “It’s not that it’s any of your business but yes.”
“Good night?” Lucius asked meaningfully.
Narcissa giggled; “Oh dear”
Draco shifted his eyes between his parents before groaning loudly; “I’m not doing this with you”
oOo
The next day:
Hermione was just checking her reflection on her mirror when she heard her fireplace burst into life; she grabbed her bag from the dresser and made her way towards the living room. “Ginny?”
“Good morning Mione” Ginny greeted somewhat glumly.
Hermione walked towards her best friend and furrowed her brows upon seeing the look on Ginny’s face; “I was just on my way to work, is something the matter?”
Ginny stared at Hermione; “I heard what happened at the Ministry...are you alright?”
Hermione can’t help but smile; she leaned forward and squeezed the red head’s arm; “I’m fine Ginny, really, I am.”
“I’m ashamed of what my baboon of a brother did----I’m sorry...”
Hermione pulled her hand away and fixed Ginny with a stern stare; “You have nothing to be sorry for, you didn’t do anything wrong Gin.”
“But he’s still my brother and----“
“Brother is the keyword there Gin” Hermione interjected.
Ginny sighed dejectedly; “It’s just---I don’t know why and how he can do that to you...”
Hermione shrugged her shoulders; “I don’t know and I no longer care, it’s all in the past” she said dismissively. “I’m happy, that’s all that matters to me now.”
Ginny smiled; “Happy now with Draco?”
Hermione felt her cheeks flush but nodded none the less; “Yeah”
Ginny tugged Hermione’s arm and pulled her into a hug; “You deserve to be happy, I’m glad Draco is a big part of it, he’s a good man.”
Hermione returned the hug; “He is a good man” she agreed.
Ginny patted Hermione’s back before pulling away; “We’re still on tonight right? We’re still hanging out with Harry and your delicious cupcakes?”
Hermione chuckled; “Yep, we can’t keep Harry away from my cupcakes”
Ginny giggled.
oOo
“Get up Ronald” Molly said while shaking her son’s shoulder.
Ron groaned and burrowed further into his pillow; “I’m not going to work mom, I asked for a time off” he grumbled.
“I know that, I’m waking you up because the Bullstrode’s will be here by lunch time to discuss everything” Molly replied.
Ron sprung up from his bed, his eyes wide in panic; “What?”
Molly sat herself at the side of the bed and placed her hands on her lap; “We received an owl late last night from Irina and Marcus, they requested to formally to speak with us regarding your predicament.”
Ron felt the blood leave his face; “This is really happening? There’s nothing you can do?” he asked desperately.
Molly shook her head sadly; “I’m afraid not, like what your father said, it’s as good as an unbreakable vow.”
Ron collapsed back on his bed and covered his face with his hands; “Bloody buggering hell!” he groaned.
“Ronald!”
oOo
“Don’t forget to remind Hermione about our dinner on Wednesday and tell her not to bother with anything, I’ll take care of it”
“Yes Mum, I wouldn’t forget” Draco drawled while rolling his eyes.
Lucius folded his news paper and stared at his wife; “Your son is not daft Cissy, I’m quite sure he’ll remember it”
“I know that Lucius, I simply want to remind him”
“For the nth time” Lucius and Draco said in unison.
Narcissa pursed her lips in annoyance; “Fine.”
oOo
Hermione unlocked her office and stepped inside; she closed the door behind and her and made her way towards her desk. She placed her bag on top it and pulled her chair; she was about to sit down when the door burst open.
“Hermione!”
“Good morning Harry” Hermione chirped.
Harry closed the door behind him and sauntered towards Hermione’s desk; he stood right in front of it and eyed her intently. “Are you okay?”
Hermione rolled her eyes as she sat down; “Of course I’m alright, what kind of question is that?”
Harry copied his best friend’s action and sat down; “I just want to make sure that you’re---you know okay...”
Hermione smiled; “I’m really fine, don’t worry about me” she said. She then shifted her chair closer to her desk and began perusing the papers on top of it; “Ginny came by this morning, we’re still on for tonight right?”
Harry grinned widely; “Of course, I wouldn’t cancel it for the world”
Hermione lifted her eyes from her work and raised her brow in amusement; “You just want my cupcakes” she teased.
“Damn right you are” Harry said.
Hermione chuckled; “Well Mr. Potter, if you want me to make those yummy cupcakes for later you have to leave me alone so I can do my work”
Harry thumped his hands on his thighs and stood up; “I’ll go away now”
Hermione shook her head.
oOo
Theo blinked a couple of times, his mouth wide agape.
“Say something!” Pansy shrieked.
Theo shook his head to clear his thoughts; “Wow, just wow” he breathed out.
Pansy leaned back on her chair; “I know. Everything is so screwed up right now, if I only knew that this would happen, I would’ve gone with her, I feel guilty.”
Theo leaned forward and placed his hand on top of Pansy’s; “It was not your fault love, you didn’t know that she doesn’t have an idea about this, hell I didn’t even know it still existed!”
Pansy sighed; “Her parents summoned her last night, I’m quite sure they’ll be meeting up with the Weasley’s today.”
Theo squeezed Pansy hand comfortingly before pulling away; “She’ll be fine, Millie is a strong woman, she’ll get through this.”
“I hope so Theo, I hope so...”
oOo
“Are you really sure you want to do this Lav?” Parvati asked nervously. “Really sure?”
Lavender frowned; “Of course I’m sure about this! I wouldn’t be here if I’m not” she snapped.
Parvati leaned back on her chair and sighed; “I just want to make sure this is what you want because Merlin knows that there’s no turning back after this.”
“I know that” Lavender replied. She then turned her face towards Parvati and let out a small smile; “Thank you for coming with me, I appreciate it” she said.
Parvati smiled back; “You’re my best friend, of course I’ll come with you.”
The door burst open as Rita Skeeter sauntered inside her office; “Well, well, well---Merlin must’ve been looking my way right now, what do I owe this pleasant visit?”
Lavender sat straighter; “I’m here to give you an exclusive scoop, are you interested?”
Rita sat down on her chair and braised her elbows on top of the desk; she clasped hands together and rested her chin on top of it. “Pray tell Ms. Brown, a scoop about what?” she asked while staring at Lavender curiously.
Lavender grinned slyly; “The real reason behind the Weasley-Granger break up”
Rita’s eyes sparkle with mischief; “I’m all ears then”
Parvati shifted her eyes between the two; “Oh Merlin” she mumbled to herself.
oOo
“Why do I feel like I’m seeing less and less of you as days goes by?”
Draco tore his eyes away from the parchment his writing on and smirked; “Is that your way of saying that you miss me?”
Anthony leaned sideways on the door frame; “No, it’s my way of asking if you’re putting a ring on Hermione’s finger any time soon.”
Draco’s eyes widen as his mouth turn agape.
Anthony stared at his friend for a moment before bursting out in laughter.
Draco blinked a couple of times; “You arse!” he yelled before throwing his quill towards the other man.
Anthony deflected the quill with his hands, still chuckling; “You should’ve seen your face there mate, it was hilarious!”
Draco leaned back on his chair and stared at Anthony; “Not funny” he said petulantly.
Anthony pulled away from the door frame and made his way towards his friend’s desk; he sat on the chair and smiled at Draco. “I’m just messing with you, stop pouting”
Draco rolled his eyes as a response.
Anthony threw Draco a curious look; “Don’t tell me it hasn’t crossed your mind yet”
Draco crossed his arms on top of his chest; “Aren’t you just dying to know” he drawled. “Tell me, did Ginny put you up to this?”
“Of course not, why would you think that?”
Draco huffed; “Is that a trick question?”
Anthony shook his head; “You’re thinking way too much about my question.”
“And you’re way too nosey” Draco quipped.
oOo
Millicent was pacing anxiously when her mother stepped inside her room; “Why aren’t you dressed yet? We’re supposed to leave in 10 minutes” Irina Bullstrode said.
Millicent turned her gaze towards her mother; “You can’t do this Mother---this is insane!”
Irina narrowed her eyes at her daughter; “We didn’t do this to you, you did it to yourself” she snapped.
Millicent halted her pacing; “But I don’t want to marry him! You can’t make me marry him!” she pleaded.
“Well you have no choice! It’s either you marry him or you’ll both die! How many times do we have to explain to you that the enchantment you activated is as good as unbreakable vow?”
Millicent threw her hands up; “I can’t believe this!”
“Believe it. Now get dressed and meet us by the grand fireplace in 10 minutes” Irina said before walking towards the door.
Millicent closed her eyes as she clenched her fists close; “What the bloody hell am I supposed to do?”
oOo
“I never thought reading can be sexy”
Hermione tore her eyes away from the reports she’s reading; “Hey, I didn’t hear you come in” she said with a small smile.
Draco walked towards his girlfriend and stood beside her; “It’s because your too absorbed with what you’re reading” he replied before planting a kiss on her head.
Hermione tilted her face towards her beau; “What are you doing here? Don’t you have work?”
Draco crossed his arms on top of his chest; “Well, I was indeed working but then I remembered promising my girlfriend that I’ll have lunch with her today...”
Hermione shifted her eyes towards the clock on the wall, her eyes widening in mortification; “Oh Draco, I’m sorry! I didn’t even notice the time!”
Draco chuckled; “It’s okay love, don’t fret”
Hermione grabbed her bag from her drawer before standing up from her chair; “Do you mind if I choose where we’ll be eating today?”
Draco raised his brow; “We’re not eating here?” he asked curiously.
“Nope” Hermione replied. “Do you trust me?”
Draco hopped off the desk and returned the smile; “What kind of question of that? Of course I trust you.”
Hermione offered her arm and grinned widely; “Grab on to me then, I’ll apparate us there.”
Draco rolled his eyes; he snaked his arms around Hermione’s waist and pulled the brunette towards his chest. “Apparate away”
Hermione giggled before closing her eyes and imagining their destination; “Hold tight”
Draco closed his eyes and held Hermione closer.
oOo
“It’s almost time, are you ready?” Arthur asked while eyeing his son intently.
Ron closed his eyes and took a deep breath; “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready” he murmured.
Arthur shifted towards Ron and clasped his shoulder; “If there’s anything I could do to stop this I would but we all been backed up in a corner, we just have to learn to deal.”
Ron opened his eyes, tears rolling down his ashen cheeks; “How can I be so stupid Dad? What the bloody hell is wrong with me?”
Arthur pulled his hand away and fell into step with his youngest son; he shoved his hands inside his trousers and stared at the orchard before them. “You are not stupid but your choices are.”
Ron wiped his cheeks and followed his father’s stare quietly.
“Ron? Arthur? They’re here” Molly announced as she stepped out of the back door.
Arthur sighed before turning his face towards Ron; “Come on son, we can do this.”
Ron turned towards his father; “Yeah,” he replied glumly.
oOo
“Thank you Ms. Brown, it has been a pleasure talking with you” Rita Skeeter said while shaking the young woman’s hand.
Lavender smirked; “It’s my pleasure” she replied. “The article will be published when, again?”
Rita pulled her hand away and fixed the perch of her glasses on her nose; “I’ll have it ready by Wednesday, it should be front page by then” she said with a large evil grin.
“Perfect” Lavender said. “Well, we should be going then”
Parvati didn’t even spare Rita a look before making her way towards the door silently.
Lavender nodded towards the journalist before following her best friend’s lead.
Rita waited for the young witches to exit her office before leaning back on her chair; she rested her elbows on the armrest and clasped her hands together. “Well, I’ll be damned, who would’ve thought that Ron Weasley has it in him, too bad he got caught” she said gleefully.
oOo
“I forgot to tell you, I’ll need to drop by Muggle London after work” Hermione said before taking the last bite of her pasta.
Draco patted his lips with a napkin; “Why?”
“I need to buy more chocolates for the cupcakes I’ll be making for tonight” Hermione replied.
Draco took a sip of his drink; “Can I tag along?”
Hermione raised her brow; “You want to go with me in Muggle London?”
Draco rolled his eyes; “We’re eating in a Muggle Bistro right now Hermione, going there wouldn’t be different.”
Hermione thought for a moment; “Good point.”
Draco took a peek on his watch; “Are you done? We have to get back” he said.
Hermione emptied her glass and nodded; “Yep” she said. She then turned to her side and hailed a server; she signalled for their check before rummaging through her bag.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting my wallet”
“For what?”
Hermione plucked her wallet triumphantly; “Tadah!” she said cheerfully. “To pay for our meal of course”
Draco threw Hermione an affronted look; “You would not do such thing! I’m the man here, I’ll pay for our meal.”
Hermione smirked; “Pray tell, how will you do that? Do you have Muggle money?”
“Damn it!” Draco muttered lowly. “This is the first time that a woman will be paying for my meal and it’s my girlfriend none the less! My mother and father will strangle me if they knew!”
Hermione giggled; “Oh hush! It’s the 20th century Draco and not the 1800’s, don’t be so dramatic”
The server arrived and politely placed the check book on the table; he smiled at the couple before placing his hands behind him.
Hermione grabbed the check book and began perusing it; she pulled some notes from her wallet and handed it back to the server. “Here you go and thank you” she said.
“You are welcome, you both have a great day” The server replied before walking away.
Hermione shifted her gaze towards her beau; “Shall we?”
Draco pursed his lips before standing up; “You’re lucky I like you” he said.
Hermione smiled widely; “Stop pouting or I’ll be forced to not to like you, I hate pouty guys”
Draco offered his arm towards the brunette; “Is that so?”
“Yep”
oOo
“Millicent darling, why don’t you and Ronald take a walk, you look really pale sweetheart” Marcus said while eyeing his daughter with concern.
Molly stared at the young witch before turning her gaze to her son; “Marcus is right Ronald, why don’t you take Millicent for a walk along the orchard?”
Ronald was about to protest but held his tongue when he saw his father staring at him pointedly; he let out a defeated sigh before standing up. “Come on Millie, let’s take a walk”
“I don’t want to take a bloody walk!” Millicent hissed.
Irina turned her gaze towards her daughter and glared; “You will take a walk with Ronald, you two need to talk. We will finalize everything here, we don’t need you here, so go.”
Millicent eyed her mother for a moment, when she didn’t see any compromise in her eyes, she sighed. She stood up from her perch and glared at the red head; “Lead the way” she said with disdain.
Ron rolled his eyes before turning on his heels; “Bloody witch” he whispered.
“Bloody Weasel” Millicent murmured.
oOo
“So---the article will be out by Wednesday?” Parvati asked while organizing the rack of clothes right in front of her.
“Yep” Lavender replied gleefully.
Parvati moved towards the stacks of boxes and braised her hands on top of it; “I can’t believe that Ronald is capable of doing that...”
Lavender’s face instantly turned sour; “He’s nothing but a philandering weasel, I can’t believe I wasted my time with him and now he will pay for it.”
Parvati turned her eyes towards her best friend; “He really did cheat on Hermione with Millicent Bullstrode?”
“He did, that’s why Hermione broke up with him” Lavender explained. She then sighed and shook her head; “If I only knew that he’s that big of an arse, I wouldn’t have jumped into bed with him”
“Speaking of that, what really happened?” Parvati asked.
Lavender pulled a chair and sat down; “I think you should sit down, this will be long”
Parvati didn’t need to be told twice, she grabbed a chair and plopped down unceremoniously; “Don’t leave anything behind, give me all the details.”
oOo
Draco apparated them directly inside Hermione’s office; “I told you we won’t be late” he said smugly.
Hermione chuckled as she pulls away; “Well, I’m not late but you will be if you don’t leave now.”
“Cheeky witch” Draco said. He then leaned forward and planted a chaste kiss on his girlfriend’s lips; “I’ll go now, I’ll pick you up by 4” he said.
Hermione nodded; “See you” she said.
Draco smiled before disapperating with a loud crack.
Hermione stared at the spot where Draco stood for a couple of minutes before walking towards her desk, a smile painted on her lips.
oOo
Ron turned around and stared at Millicent; “How are you?”
Millicent crossed her arms on top of her chest; “You know bloody well how I am” she snapped.
Ron sighed; “Can you stop that? I’m tired of fighting...”
Millicent raised her brow; “That’s new.”
Ron shifted his eyes away from the witch and fixed his gaze on the orchard before them instead; “I assume that you are aware that we can’t do anything about this.”
Millicent followed Ron’s gaze and sighed; “Yeah.”
Ron shoved his hands inside his pockets; “We’ll have to get married”
“I know.”
Ron turned his face towards the witch; “I’m sorry”
Millicent’s eyes widen in shock, clearly taken aback with what she just heard. Slowly, she turned her face towards the red head standing beside him; “Did I hear you correctly? You’re apologizing?”
Ron shifted towards Millicent and faced her fully; “Yes I am. I’m sorry for everything---for hurting you, for treating you like you never mattered, for being an arse...I’m sorry” he said sincerely.
Millicent felt her eyes sting with tears; “Don’t say that if you don’t mean that...”
“I mean it, I’m sorry...”
Millicent couldn’t hold it anymore; she burst into tears. “Stupid hormones!” she thought.
Ron’s eyes widen in panic; “Shit! Don’t cry, I didn’t mean to make you cry”
Millicent ignored Ron’s words and continued bawling her eyes out.
Ron moved towards the distraught witch and tugged her gently to his chest; he wrapped his arms around her and patted her back awkwardly. “Shhhhhh....stop crying....it’s bad for you and the baby....calm down”
Millicent buried her face into Ron’s chest and grasped his shirt tails with her hands.
oOo
“Will you look at that” Irina said while staring at the couple from the window.
Molly smiled; “They’re getting along just fine.”
Irina turned her face towards Molly and returned the smile; “Let’s start planning the wedding then,” she said somewhat excitedly.
Molly chuckled.
oOo
“Something smells wonderful here”
Hermione closed the oven door before walking towards the counter; she placed the hot cupcake trays on top of a metal rack and took off her oven mitts. “Hey you, you’re early”
Draco sat on one of the high chairs and smiled; “I have nothing to do in my flat so I decided to go here”
Hermione plucked her wand from her back pocket and swished it towards the tiny cakes, cooling them instantly. “You want to help me with frosting?” she asked.
“Sure”
“Thank you”
Hermione began preparing the frosting; “You’ll be hanging out with Blaise and Theo tonight, right?” she asked.
“Yep” Draco replied.
“Where are you guys going again?”
Draco leaned forward and rested his arms on top of the counter; “Theo’s place, we’ll just grab some drinks and play some poker.”
Hermione paused and raised her brow; “Poker?”
“Yes, poker, why does it seem like a surprise to you?” Draco asked.
Hermione resumed her mixing; “Nothing, it’s just weird hearing you guys play something Muggle”
Draco rolled his eyes; “Times have changed Hermione, we’re no longer those ignorant boys we used to be”
Hermione chuckled; “That I can attest to”
“Damn right you can” Draco said with a smirk.
oOo
“Harry, we’re leaving” Astoria called out.
Harry stepped out of the bathroom and stared at his wife; “I really don’t understand why you have to leave”
Astoria chuckled; “We’ve been through this Harry, I want you three to spend some quality time together---just like the old times and it won’t be like the old times if your wife and daughter are here.”
“Hermione and Ginny won’t mind having you with us” Harry said with a pout.
Astoria walked towards her husband and wrapped her arms around his waist; “I know that love but next time, okay? And besides, my sister is expecting us tonight, I promised to stay with her while Blaise is out with Draco and Theo.”
Harry pulled Astoria closer; “Draco won’t be coming tonight?” he asked.
Astoria shook her head; “Nope, like what I said, it’ll only be you Hermione and Ginny”
“What time will you be coming home? You’ll be home before they leave right? Ginny would want to see you and Candice”
“Of course, well be home before 10”
Harry planted a kiss on Astoria’s lips; “Okay then”
Astoria pulled away from Harry and smiled; “Make sure to leave us some cupcakes, okay?”
Harry grinned; “I’ll save you both a piece”
oOo
Harry was sitting on the couch in the living room when the fireplace burst into life; he shot up from his perch and grinned widely. “It you look enough”
Ginny stepped out of the fireplace with a big smile; “Harry!”
Harry walked towards the red head and engulfed her into a bear hug; “How are you?” he asked.
Ginny patted Harry’s back before pulling away; “I’m good, how about you? Where’ Torry and Candice?” she asked.
“She went to Daphne’s for a few hours but she’ll be here before 10” Harry replied.
“I see, where’s Hermione? Is she here already?”
“Nope but I’m sure she’ll be here in a few, she’s always punctual. Why don’t you take seat first? I’ll grab us some snacks and drinks”
Ginny walked towards the couch and plopped down; “You prepared snacks?”
Harry smirked; “Nope, Torry did” he replied while walking towards the kitchen.
“Thought so” Ginny replied. She was about to tease him further but wasn’t able to do so when the doorbell rang loudly; “I’ll get it” she said before hopping off the couch.
“Thanks!” Harry called out.
Ginny skipped her way towards the door; she pulled it open and smiled widely upon seeing her best friend standing on the other side. “Why on earth did you not just apparate inside like any normal witch”
Hermione smirked; “I’m not your average witch ginger, you should know that by now”
Ginny burst out laughing; “Oh Hermy, you’re still a bucket of laughs”
Hermione rolled her eyes before lifting the box of sweets on her hands; “Can I come in now?” she asked.
Ginny side stepped; “I’m sorry, come in” she said between giggles.
Hermione entered her best friend’s home and closed the door behind her; “Where’s the-boy-who-lived?” she asked.
“He’s fetching us some snacks and drinks, he’s the-boy-who-lives-to-serve-us tonight” Ginny said.
Hermione wrinkled her nose; “Snacks? Did he cook or something?” she asked as she places the box on top of the coffee table.
“No I did not cook, Astoria made these for us so it’s safe” Harry said as he walks towards the ladies, his hands laden with a tray. He placed the tray on top of the coffee table and plopped down on the floor; “Here you go”
Hermione leaned forward and stared at the food with amusement; “French Fries?”
Harry grinned widely; “Just like what they have in McDonald’s”
Ginny cocked her head to the side; “McDonald’s?” she asked confusedly.
Hermione and Harry shared a look before laughing.
oOo
Theo took a swig of his fire whiskey; “It’s not that I don’t like hanging out with you guys but what the hell are you two doing here?” he asked.
“Hanging out, what else” Blaise replied.
Theo raised a brow; “On a weeknight?”
Draco shrugged his shoulders; “Yeah, why?”
Theo shifted his gaze between Blaise and Draco, a smirk curling on his lips; “I get it, you two have been ditched by your other halves aren’t you?”
Draco scoffed; “Of course not”
Blaise scowled; “Whatever gave you that idea”
Theo’s smirk grew wider; “You guys have been ditched! Ha! I knew it!” he said triumphantly.
“Shut up Theo!” Draco hissed.
Blaise leaned back on the couch and took a swig of his own drink; “Where’s Pansy?”
“She’s with Millie, I think”
“Speaking of Millie, have you heard what happened?” Draco asked.
“That Weaselby knocked her up?” Blaise drawled.
Draco grimaced; “Yeah” he replied before taking a sip of his drink.
Theo sighed; “Pansy has been over the roof over that, Millie is driving her nuts with her bawling and incessant temper tantrums”
“And let me guess, Pansy is passing the stress to you?” Draco asked.
“Hell yeah” Theo replied. “It’s annoying”
“Well, it’s her fault” Blaise said.
“True” Draco replied.
Blaise turned his gaze towards Draco and smirked; “How’s Granger? You guys made it to front page yesterday, how did that go?”
Draco smirked; “We’re doing quite well actually, everything is good”
“You thinking about putting a ring on it?” Theo asked curiously.
“Why do people keep asking me that?” Draco asked with a sigh.
“Picture speaks louder than words mate” Blaise said.
“Exactly my point” Theo chirped.
Draco ignored his friends and began thinking; “Are we ready for that?” he thought.
oOo
“Oh Merlin! I still can’t believe you did that!” Ginny wheezed between giggles.
Hermione smirked; “She deserves it! If I had my way, I would’ve squished her to death”
Harry chuckled; “You squished her career, that’s for sure”
“She got off easily” Hermione said.
Ginny nodded; “I agree with Mione, she got off easily.”
Harry popped the last bite of cupcake into his mouth; “Fine, I wouldn’t win against you two anyway.”
Hermione grinned; “Good boy”
Harry rolled his eyes.
Ginny smiled at her best friends; “I will miss you both very much” she said.
Hermione turned towards the red head and smiled; “Then come back soon”
“I will, don’t worry” Ginny replied.
“Where are you off this time?” Harry asked.
Ginny pursed her lips in distaste; “Moscow, I hate it there, it’s so cold”
“I’ve always wanted to visit that town” Hermione said wistfully.
“Want to come with me?” Ginny asked with a grin.
Hermione giggled; “I wish it was just that easy Gin”
“It is, take another time off” Harry suggested.
Hermione rolled her eyes; “I just came back Harry, my boss will go nuts if I tell him I’m taking time off again”
Harry wrinkled his nose; “Your boss is a moron, you should take his place”
“Harry! Mr. Digby is a nice man” Hermione said.
Harry guffawed; “I didn’t say he’s not a nice man Hermione, I said he’s a moron, its two different things”
“I can’t believe you just said that!” Hermione said indignantly.
“Hey hey, no arguing, this is my day!” Ginny intervened.
“Fine. Mr Digby is not a moron, happy?”
Hermione raised her chin haughtily; “Fine.”
Ginny rolled her eyes at her friends; “Why don’t we play exploding snaps? It’s been a long time since I played that game”
oOo
Wednesday:
“MILLIE!!! WHERE ARE YOU?” Pansy yelled frantically.
Millicent peered behind her bathroom’s door and scowled at her best friend; “It’s too loud for screaming Pansy”
“Have you read the Prophet?” Pansy asked.
Millicent pulled the door open and stepped out of the bathroom; “Do I look like I have done anything yet?” she asked sarcastically.
Pansy narrowed her eyes; “Drop the attitude”
“I haven’t read the bloody Prophet, what’s wrong?”
Pansy flicked her wand; “Accio Prophet” she said. She caught the news paper with her hand and stared at Millicent gravely; “Sit down” she instructed.
Millicent rolled her eyes before sitting down on her bed; “Now what?”
Pansy threw the news paper on Millicent’s lap; “Read”
oOo
“Good morning love” Lucius said as he enters the dining hall.
“Good morning to you too”
Lucius pulled a chair and sat down; “Excited for tonight, I assume” he said.
Narcissa smiled brightly; “I am.”
Lucius chuckled; he then grabbed his morning paper and unfolded it. He took a sip of his coffee before turning his gaze on the front page.
oOo
“Love gone awry: The truths behind the Golden Couple’s infamous break up”
It has always been a big mystery why the golden couple decided to call it quits after years of what seemed to be a perfect relationship, but ponder no more readers because a very reliable source shed a light and gave an insight about what really caused the rift between the formidable couple (Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley). Below, you will be able to read the exclusive interview and I promise that it will blow your mind away, so hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen because it’s a tale that’s worth telling.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Tell us what you know, why did the relationship between this two war heroes end.
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Hermione Granger was the one who called it quits because she found out that her fiancé has been cheating on her for years.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Cheating? With whom?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Several women actually, but Millicent Bullstrode was the straw the broke the camel’s back, if I daresay.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Millicent Bullstrode? The heiress to the Bullstrode fortune?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Yes, the bulky Death Eater wanna be from Slytherin.
RS (Rita Skeeter): A Slytherin? Who would’ve thought!
VRS (Very Reliable Source): I know right? And oh, he impregnated her too.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Let me get this straight, Ms. Bullstrode is pregnant with Mr. Weasley’s child?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Yes, she is.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Does Ms. Granger know? Is that the reason why she severed all ties with Mr. Weasley and jumped into the Malfoy train?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Hermione already kicked him into the curb a month ago, I doubt that. Maybe she was just fed up with her ex fiancé’s philandering ways and like what I said, he didn’t only do this once but several times. Any woman in their right mind will do the same thing, he’s just not worth it and I personally think that Hermione is better off with Malfoy.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Any idea who the other women are?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): (chuckles) I’m not at liberty to give out names.
RS (Rita Skeeter): I see, so what prompted you to come forward with this information?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): Justice. I want to use Ronald Weasley as an example to the whole Wizarding World. A simple reminder that no matter what your stature in life is, it does not exempt you to any rule, cheating is still cheating and there’s no bloody excuse for it.
RS (Rita Skeeter): Is there anything you would like to say to the Golden Couple by chance?
VRS (Very Reliable Source): To Hermione Granger, you made the RIGHT decision, you deserve much better than that lying scumbag. Draco Malfoy is one hundred times the man Ronald Weasley could ever be, so good for you. To Ronald Weasley, Karma is a bitch and I hope your being slapped every step of the way, you only reap what you sow, too bad your too dumb to realize that.
After the long wait, we finally have the answer to the biggest conundrum that took us by storm. Cheating is the main reason why the perfect relationship fell apart. The brightest witch of our age was simply deemed not good enough to sate our war hero’s expectations, hence, falling into another witch’s arms, a Slytherin none the less.
As you all know, I’m not Ms. Granger’s biggest fan, not even by long shot but even I feel bad for her plight as a woman. I firmly believe that nobody deserves to be treated as such, so let me tell this straight to you Mr. Ronald Weasley, you give love a bad name and oh, congratulations on your new baby.
- Rita Skeeter
oOo
“Are you alright dear?” Narcissa asked her husband upon seeing the creases on his forehead.
Lucius folded the paper and met Narcissa’s gaze; “I don’t think it’s wise to have dinner with Hermione tonight.”
Narcissa frowned; “Why?”
Lucius offered the paper to his wife; “Read this”
Narcissa pulled the paper from Lucius grasp and unfolded it; she fixed her gaze on the front page, her eyes widening upon reading the headline. “Oh my Merlin” she gasped.
oOo
Astoria was arranging the food on the table when an owl swooped in; she waited for the bird to deposit the morning paper on top of the table before feeding it with a piece of bacon. The owl hooted happily before taking off again. “Harry! Breakfast is ready!”
Harry sauntered inside the dining room with their little girl in his arms; “Look munchkin, Mommy made you sausages for breakfast”
Candice clapped her hands together; “Yey!”
Astoria walked towards her husband; “Give her to me so you can eat.”
Harry shifted Candice into his wife’s waiting arms before taking his seat; “Breakfast looks wonderful love” he complimented.
Astoria sat down and positioned Candice on her lap; “You can thank Fifi for that”
Harry smirked; “Too tired to cook?” he teased.
“And whose fault is it, hmmmm?” Astoria quipped.
Harry chuckled jovially; he loaded his plate with food before plucking the Prophet from his side. He unrolled the news paper before taking a sip of his coffee; he felt the warm beverage go down the wrong pipe upon reading the headline, causing him to cough and sputter.
Astoria hastily snatched a napkin and handed it to her husband; “Here you go, what’s wrong?”
“Bloody hell!” Harry said before wiping his mouth. “Have you read the news paper?”
Astoria was about to tell him no but wasn’t able to do so when Candice repeated Harry’s words loudly before dissolving into fits of giggles.
Harry winced; “Don’t ever repeat those words munchkin, it’s not nice.”
Candice ignored her father and continued munching on her sausage.
Astoria threw Harry a chastising look; “What’s on the news?”
“See for yourself” Harry said before turning the paper towards Astoria.
Astoria leaned forward and began perusing the front page; her eyes widen in disbelief before shifting her eyes back to Harry. “What in the world is that? Who told that cow about that?”
Harry furrowed his brows; “The only person who has the biggest grudge on him aside from me and Hermione.”
“Lavender Brown” Astoria breathed out.
“The one and only.”
oOo
“Good morning!” Lavender chirped cheerfully.
“Morning poppet” Leila replied. “Why are you such in a good mood?”
Lavender pulled a chair and sat down; “Have you read the Prophet?”
“Not yet, why?”
Lavender smirked slyly; “Let’s just say that I have a little input on today’s headline.”
Leila threw her daughter a curious look; she brandished her wand and summoned the paper. She caught it deftly with her right hand and unfolded it; she focused her attention on the front page and almost instantly a chuckle escaped her lips.
Lavender grinned widely; “Told you I can handle it.”
I choose you
Draco was drinking his morning coffee when he received an unexpected visit from his mother; he wasn’t surprised in the least because he knew that she will find a way to remind him about the impending dinner at the Manor in the evening. “Mother, what a pleasant surprise” he drawled.
“Have you read the Prophet?” Narcissa asked urgently.
Draco noticed his mother’s worried expression; “No, why?”
Narcissa pulled a chair and sat down; “I think you should read it first” she replied.
“I don’t have time to read the paper Mum, I’ll be leaving in 10 minutes to pick up Hermione and apparate to work after. Just tell me what’s written in the paper that dragged you all the way here.”
“Rita Skeeter wrote an exclusive about Hermione and the Weasley boy”
Draco felt the coffee go down the wrong pipe, making him sputter and cough.
Narcissa cringed and handed her son a napkin; “Here you go”
Draco accepted the napkin and wiped his lips; “W---what?”
“The evil wrench didn’t write much about Hermione, it was mainly about the boy and his philandering ways” Narcissa said. She then paused and wrinkled her nose; “Looks like he impregnated Irina’s daughter---Millicent, if I’m not mistaken.”
“It was on the paper?” Draco asked.
Narcissa nodded; “It was” she replied. “That’s actually the reason why I came here, your Father and I would like to let you know that we will understand if Hermione does not want to come over for dinner.”
“I would have to ask her” Draco replied. He then stood up and placed the napkin on top of the table; “I better go ahead and check on her” he said.
Narcissa also stood up from her perch; “Go on right ahead, let me know what you two decide, okay?”
“I will” Draco replied. He then leaned forward and planted a kiss on his mother’s cheeks; “Goodbye Mum” he said.
oOo
“Hermione! Where are you?” Harry called out loudly.
“Kitchen!”
Harry made his way towards the kitchen and saw his best friend reading the Prophet; he mentally cursed and cautiously approached the brunette. “Err----“
Hermione lowered her paper and stared at Harry with a raised brow; “I know why your here at this hour Harry” she said dryly.
Harry adjusted his glasses and studied Hermione’s face; “How are you feeling?”
Hermione folded the paper and placed it beside her plate; she grabbed her morning tea and swivelled her chair towards her best friend’s direction. “Would you believe me if I tell you that I’m alright?”
“It depends actually” Harry said. He then walked towards the breakfast bar and braised his hands on the counter; “If you’re telling the truth or not.”
Hermione cracked a smile; “You’ve been my best friend for more than a decade, I’m quite sure you can tell my fibs from my truths” she challenged before taking a sip of her drink.
Harry cocked his head to the side and stared at Hermione intently; after a moment, a look of relief crossed his face. “Damn, I was worried for nothing”
Hermione giggled as she placed her cup on top of the counter; she then tapped her fingers on top of the folded paper and smiled. “For once in my life, Rita Skeeter didn’t demonize me----it’s a little bit disconcerting but I can’t say that I’m not thrilled.”
Harry chuckled; “True”
“I feel a tiny bit bad for Ron though”
Harry scoffed; “He deserved it, it’s about time somebody called him off of his ways” he said. He then narrowed his eyes; “Don’t tell me you still care for that bloody oaf?”
Hermione shrugged her shoulders; “Truth be told, I don’t give a rat’s arse about him anymore but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel bad for his situation---in general.”
Harry threw Hermione an astounded look as a response.
Hermione rolled her eyes before hopping off of her chair; “Don’t you have work to get to?” she asked she grabbed her plate and made her way towards the sink.
Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts; “Yeah, I guess I’ll go now.”
Hermione opened the tap and began scrubbing; “You should”
“I can wait for you”
“That won’t be necessary Harry, Draco will be here in a matter of minutes”
Harry nodded; “Okay then, I’ll just see you there then, have a good morning Mione”
Hermione turned her face towards Harry and smiled; “You too”
Harry plucked his wand from his pocket and disapparated with a loud pop.
Hermione closed the tap and shook off the excess water of the plate; she grabbed a dishrag and began drying it.
“Hermione love, where are you?”
Hermione smiled widely upon hearing her beau’s voice; “I’m in the kitchen!”
Draco peaked from the hallway and smiled; “Morning”
“Morning” Hermione chirped. She then pulled the cupboard open and began putting away the dishes she used; “Just give me a sec I’m almost done.”
“Take your time” Draco said. He then walked towards the counter and noticed a copy of the Prophet; he took a deep breath before moving his eyes towards his girlfriend; “I take it that you already saw the paper---are---are you alright?” he asked carefully.
Hermione closed the cupboard and turned towards Draco; she leaned back on the sink and cocked her head to the side. “It’s funny that you ask that because Harry was just here a couple of minutes ago, asking me the same thing.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That I’m okay, of course”
Draco stared at Hermione intensely; “You sure about that?”
Hermione pulled away from her perch and threw the dishrag haphazardly on the sink; she made his way towards Draco and stood right in front of him. She placed her hands on his hips and met his eyes; “I’m really okay, like what I already told Harry, I don’t care about Ron anymore---whatever is written in the Prophet does not concern me anymore” she said seriously. “And besides, I have you and everyone knows your already handful” she teased.
Draco smirked; “Is that so?” he asked as he slid his arms around her waist.
“Yep”
Draco pulled her into his chest; “Does that mean you’ll still want to go to dinner?”
Hermione tilted her head; “Of course, don’t you want to go?”
“Of course I want too, I only asked because Mum and Dad want to make sure that your still up to it----you know, after the Prophet thing.”
Hermione smiled; “That’s very sweet of them but tell them I’m okay and I’ll be happy to have dinner with them”
Draco leaned forward and pecked her lips lightly; “Okay, you ready to go to work?”
“Let’s go.”
oOo
Molly was rubbing her temples when her youngest son saw her; he descended the stairs and made his way towards her. “Mum? Are you okay?”
Molly’s eyes snapped open and lifted it to meet his; she gestured towards the news paper on top of the table and sighed in defeat. “Read it.”
Ron furrowed his brows; “Why?”
“Just read it Ronald, I don’t have the strength to argue with you today”
Ron shifted closer to the table and grabbed it; he unfolded it and felt his blood run cold when his eyes fall on the front page.
Molly leaned back on her chair; “You have to check on Millicent, this news isn’t good for her”
Ron felt his knees give in so he hastily moved towards nearest chair and sat down; “I---I can’t believe this---who would do this?”
“I don’t know Ronald and at this point I really don’t care” Molly replied tiredly.
“I will kill that bloody bug! This is---this is wrong!”
Molly raised her brow; “Are you telling me that what’s written there is not true?”
Ron snapped his mouth close.
“I thought so” Molly said. She then stood up from her perch and shook her head; “I don’t know where your Father and I went wrong but there’s no sense in dwelling in things we can no longer change. What we can only do now is to move on and hope for the best. Go check on your fiancé, she needs you now” she said before walking away.
Ron’s hands shook as he slowly crumpled the paper in his hand; he gritted his teeth before standing up from his perch.
oOo
“This is preposterous Marcus---is there anything you can do to break the charm?” Irina huffed indignantly.
“I already told you multiple times Irina, there is nothing I can do about it” Marcus replied calmly.
“So you’re just letting our daughter---our only daughter marry that scoundrel?”
“We don’t have a choice and you know that. And besides, why are you so opposed on marrying those two?”
“Have you read the paper?” Irina asked.
“Yes” Marcus replied.
Irina threw her husband a disbelieving look; “And you don’t care?”
Marcus sighed; “As much as it pains me, it’s the truth. Millicent did have an affair with Ronald and now she’s carrying his child, it’s not as if we don’t know this.”
“But---but---“
“No buts” Marcus said sternly. “Your daughter made a mistake and it’s about time that she owns up to it.”
Irina sighed in defeat.
oOo
Ron flooed inside Millicent’s flat and saw the witch slumped on her couch; “Millicent?”
Millicent opened her eyes and turned her head to the side; “What are you doing here?” she asked tiredly.
Ron walked towards the couch and furrowed his brows; “Are you alright?”
“I’m tired---really tired. I’ve been puking my guts out since 5 a.m.”
Ron cringed; he sat on top of the coffee table and stared at the witch; “Morning sickness?”
Millicent rolled her eyes; “You haven’t answered my question yet, what are you doing here?”
Ron placed his palms on top of his thighs and began rubbing it nervously; “Have---have you read the Prophet?”
“No, why?”
“Just don’t read it...you don’t need more stress”
Millicent sat up and frowned; “What happened?”
Ron sighed dejectedly; “We made front page---Rita Skeeter wrote an article about us---err---I’m quite sure that the whole Wizarding world already knows that you’re pregnant...”
Millicent’s eyes widen in shock; she opened and closed her mouth but no words seem to escape her lips.
“I don’t know how it happened or who gave that bloody interview but I will find out” Ron said with determination.
Millicent stared at Ron for a second before bursting into tears; she buried her face into her palms as sobs escaped her lips. “My---my life---is----is ruined”
Ron cringed; he leaned forward and began patting Millicent’s knee awkwardly. “Calm down, crying is bad for you...”
Millicent pulled her hands away from her face and stared at Ron with anger; “This is your fault!” she said heatedly. She grabbed a throw pillow and began hitting him repeatedly; “My life is ruined!”
Ron snatched the pillow from Millicent’s grasp and threw it far away; “Bloody hell! Stop hitting me” he growled.
Millicent wiped her tears angrily; “Get out of my house!” she yelled.
Ron shot up from his perch; “With pleasure!” he hissed. He hastily pulled his wand out and disapparated with a loud crack.
“Arsehole!” Millicent cursed loudly.
oOo
“Mmmmmkay----you really have to go now or you’ll be late” Hermione said as she pulled away from the kiss.
Draco pecked Hermione’s lips once more before smiling; “Okay...so we’re still on tonight, right?”
Hermione wiped Draco’s lips with her fingers; “Yep”
“Mum will be thrilled”
Hermione giggled; “You’ll be picking me up at 7, right?”
“Yep” Draco replied.
“Okay then, see you later” Hermione said with a smile.
Draco pulled his arms away from Hermione’s waist; “See you later love” he said before disapparating.
oOo
“What happened?” Pansy asked as she stepped out of the fireplace.
Millicent sat up and wiped her nose; “Bloody Weasley happened” she croaked.
Pansy made her way towards the couch and sat down beside her distraught best friend; “I take it that you read the paper?”
“I’ll bloody murder that two faced bitch!” Millicent seethed.
“Rita Skeeter? Why?”
Millicent turned her head to the side and glared; “Are you really asking me that question?! She dragged my name into the mud and I won’t stand for it!”
Pansy rolled her eyes and leaned back; “For once in her life she wrote the truth.”
Millicent scowled; “Which side are you on?”
Pansy turned to face Millicent; “I’m on your side, don’t be stupid” she replied. “It’s just don’t get why you’re so worked up about this---you made mistakes, this is one of the consequences, you just have to deal it with it.”
“It’s not that easy!”
“Nothing is easy Millie, you can’t just expect to get a free pass after what you have done” Pansy paused and wrinkled her nose. “I’m not the mudblood’s fan, not by long shot---but I hardly think she deserves what you guys did to her.”
Millicent pursed her lips; “Well it happened already, I can’t do anything about it!”
“Exactly my point, you can’t do anything about it so just deal it with and move on. You have a new life within you, focus on taking care of yourself and your baby---it’s a start.”
Millicent leaned back; “Ronald was here a couple of minutes ago...”
Pansy raised her brow; “Really?”
“He was checking on me” Millicent replied meekly.
“Let me guess, you bit his head off?” Pansy asked dryly.
Millicent sighed dejectedly.
“Last time we talked, you told me that you two found an amicable way to co-exist for the sake of your baby and your sanity, what happened to the truce?”
Millicent leaned her head at the back of the couch and fixed her eyes on the ceiling; “It was actually my fault, I was so upset when I read the article so I blew a gasket” she replied. She then turned her head to the side; “Pregnancy hormones and all” she added as an explanation.
Pansy can’t help but chuckle; “That’s a good excuse”
Millicent cracked a smile; “I know”
“Are you planning on apologizing?” Pansy asked curiously.
Millicent turned her gaze back on the ceiling; “I haven’t thought about it yet but I will consider it, he will be my husband after all.”
“True.”
oOo
Ron apparated directly inside his room and began pacing; he’s still seething from what’s written on the news paper but having Millicent throw a bitch fit about it made it much worse. He halted his steps and plopped down on his bed; he braised his elbows on top of his knees and buried his face on his palms. He knew for a fact that he got what he deserved but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to digest; he pulled his face away from his palms and shook his head to clear his thoughts. “There’s no sense wallowing in self pity, I need to get to the bottom of this, Rita Skeeter it is.”
oOo
Draco plucked his wand from his desk and turned his chair to the side; “Expecto Patronum” he muttered while swishing his wand. He leaned back and watched as his patronus take shape; he let out an appreciative smile upon seeing the majestic creature materialize before him. “Tell my Mum that Hermione and I will be at the Manor by 7:15 sharp”, the creature nodded once before dissipating into thin air.
“Impressive...”
Draco’s head snapped to the side and saw one of his best friends standing by the door frame; “Don’t you have work or something?”
Theo stepped inside Draco’s office and closed the door behind him; “I can spare my best mate a few minutes” he said as he walks towards the chair. He plopped down and smirked; “Really Drake? A dragon?”
Draco rolled his eyes; “It’s not as if I can choose”
Theo leaned back; “Good point” he said. “So...how are you and Granger?”
Draco smirked; “Aren’t you just dying to know”
“It was splattered all over the paper, of course I want to know.”
Draco scrunched his face in disgust; “Bloody Skeeter.”
“What gives? Are you guys alright?” Theo asked curiously.
Draco leaned back on his chair and stared at Theo; “We’re good, I spoke with Hermione this morning and she’s taking it well”
“That’s good” Theo replied with a smile.
Draco smiled back; “Thanks mate” he replied. “Where’s Pansy by the way?”
Theo’s face turned sour; “She left to check on Millicent”
A baffled look crossed Draco’s face; “At this early?”
Theo studied Draco’s face for a couple of seconds before understanding dawned on him; “You don’t know...”
“Don’t know what?”
“Millie screwed up and now she’s betrothed to Weasley”
Draco’s eyes almost bulged out of its sockets; “What?”
Theo wrinkled his nose in distaste; “Her plan backfired, based from what Pansy told me, she managed to set off an old dormant pureblood binding enchantment when she acknowledged that she’s carrying Weasley’s spawn right in front of his mother.”
Draco chuckled; “I can’t believe this! How stupid can she get?”
Theo sniggered; “Pregnant hormones?”
oOo
Narcissa was trimming her rose bushes when she noticed a wisp of smoke sweep in; she turned to her side and watched as it took form.
The majestic dragon opened its mouth and Draco’s voice rang loudly; “Mum, Hermione and I will be at the Manor by 7:15 sharp” the creature said before vanishing into thin air.
“Is that your son’svoice I heard?”
Narcissa turned around and saw her husband walking towards her; “It is” she replied.
Lucius stood right in front of his wife and chuckled; “Even his patronus is ostentatious” he joked.
“Says the man who has a huge stallion as a patronus”
Lucius rolled his eyes; “So, what did your son want?”
Narcissa smiled brightly; “They’re coming over for dinner”
“Really?”
“Yes. I guess the news didn’t deter Hermione---it’s actually good you know, it shows that she’s moving on with her life”
Lucius smirked; “With the help of our son, of course”
Narcissa nodded; “Indeed” she replied. She then took off her gloves and beamed; “I better get started now” she said excitedly.
oOo
“You can’t go in there!”
Ron ignored the secretary’s plea and made his way towards Rita Skeeter’s office; he slammed the door open and pointed his wand at the unsuspecting witch. “Give me 10 reasons why I shouldn’t Avada your arse”
Rita’s eyes widen in shock, her face paling by the second; “Mr. W---weasley this is a pleasant surprise” she stuttered.
Ron kicked the door close and made his way towards the desk without lowering his wand; he stood right in front of Rita and leaned forward. “I will only ask you one thing and you will answer me truthfully.”
Rita swallowed hard before nodding; “O---okay”
oOo
Lavender was arranging the clothes on the rack when she heard the front door of their shop open; she pasted a smile on her face before turning around. “Good after---what the bloody hell are you doing here?”
Ron glowered; “Cut the crap, I already know that you’re the one behind the bloody article”
Lavender leaned back on the rack; “Brilliant, right?” she asked with a smirk.
Ron plucked his wand from his pocket and flicked it; the door instantly shut close and the clear windows began to fog, obscuring the view from the outside.
Lavender felt fear settle inside the pit of her stomach; “W---what are you doing?”
Ron stuffed his wand inside his pocket and stared at the witch seriously; “I’m here to talk”
“We don’t have anything to talk about”
“I beg to disagree” Ron said. He then made his way towards the nearest chair and sat down; “Sit down, we have a lot to talk about.”
Lavender crossed her arms on top of her chest petulantly; “What if I don’t want to talk?”
Ron leaned back and crossed his legs; “Then you’ll listen”
“What if I don’t want to?” Lavender challenged.
“Tough luck love, because we’re not leaving this blasted place without talking. So I suggest you sit down because I won’t take bloody no for an answer”
oOo
“You done for the day?”
Hermione lifted her gaze and saw her best friend by the door; “Yep and you?”
Harry let out a puff of air and shook his head; “Nope”
“Why?”
Harry crossed his arms on top of his chest as he leans sideways on the door frame; “Stupid Weasley didn’t show up today so I have to do his work.”
Hermione cringed; “Ouch”
Harry rolled his eyes; “I know” he replied. “Are you going home?”
“I am” Hermione replied. “And oh, I’ll be having dinner at Malfoy Manor tonight, just so you know.”
Harry grinned; “Meeting the parents already?” he teased.
Hermione chuckled; “I already met them Harry, this is not the first time”
“Oooohhhh...Do I hear wedding bells?”
Hermione’s cheeks flushes bright red; “Harry James Potter!”
Harry chuckled; “No need to look so flushed Mione, I’m just messing with you”
Hermione stood up and squared her shoulders; “Well it’s not a funny joke!” she huffed.
Harry raised his brow; “You don’t want to marry the ferret?”
Hermione’s cheeks flush even brighter; “Err---well---not yet and he---he hasn’t asked----and it’s too early for that!” she replied. She then cleared her throat as she grabbed her bag; “And we just started dating...I don’t think we’re taking that step any time soon” she rationalized.
Harry just smirked; “If you say so”
Hermione stepped away from her desk and began walking towards her best friend; “I’m not kidding Harry, so stop it”
Harry pulled away from his perch and shrugged his shoulders; “Fine.”
oOo
Lavender stared at Ron in shock, her mouth agape.
“Say something” Ron said.
Lavender cleared her throat, her mind still reeling with what she just heard; “You’re----you’re apologizing?” she asked in disbelief.
Ron nodded fervently; “I am.”
Lavender peered into the red head’s eyes and saw remorse and guilt; “W---why?”
Ron sighed; “Because you deserve it; because I’ve been an arse and took advantage of you.”
Lavender bit her bottom lip as she tries to digest his words.
Ron took it as a sign to explain; “I was distraught and pissed drunk the day you found me but that doesn’t excuse what I did to you. I dragged you into this and been extremely rude to you---I shouldn’t have blamed you because you just tried to comfort me the best way you know how---I don’t know what else to say but I’m sorry...I’m really am Lavender” he said sincerely.
A tear escaped the blonde’s eyes but she hastily wiped it; “I---I don’t know what prompted you to do this but I can no longer take back what I already told Rita Skeeter---what are you expecting from me?”
“Nothing---just your forgiveness” Ron admitted.
Lavender bit her wobbling bottom lip; uncertainty evident on her face.
Ron let out a small smile; “I’m not expecting you to give it right here and right now Lav, I know what I did and I know it will take time.”
Lavender let out a sigh of relief; “Err---good.”
Ron stood up from his perch; “Well, I better go...I’m taking too much of your time already” he said before waving his wand, revoking the charm he placed.
“Okay...”
Ron made his way towards the door and pulled it open; “See you around Lav”
“Ron?”
Ron paused and turned his face towards his old flame; “Yes?”
“Thank you for apologizing and----I’m sorry too” Lavender said with a small smile.
Ron smiled back; “You have nothing to be sorry for and you’re welcome” he replied.
Lavender nodded as a response.
Ron stepped out of her shop and vanished within seconds.
Lavender leaned back on her chair as she contemplates on what just happened; she always thought that she’d never find it in her heart to forgive the red head after everything he’d done to her but hearing him say it out loud changed that. She knows that she’ll learn to forgive him eventually because she’s very much aware that she’s at fault too but she guess for the mean time, she’ll just make a vow to herself; she won’t intervene with his life anymore, she won’t waste more time on him and she’ll definitely avoid him as much as she can. For her, Ronald Billius Weasley is just a familiar face from Hogwarts and nothing more; “Time to move on...” she whispered to herself before standing up.
oOo
“Do I smell roast beef?” Lucius asked as he steps inside the kitchen.
Narcissa turned around, a big smile lighting her face; “Indeed”
Lucius made his way towards the counter and began perusing the variety of dishes on top; “Wow”
“Do you think it’s too much?” Narcissa asked as she worried her bottom lip.
“Do you have anything else cooking aside from this?”
Narcissa shook her head; “No---just the éclairs and that’s it.”
“Then it’s not too much” Lucius replied.
Narcissa let out a sigh of relief; “Thank Merlin”
Lucius raised his brow; “You are aware that this is not the first time that Ms. Granger is dining with us, right?”
“I know that but this the first time she’ll have dinner with us after that dreadful article from the Prophet...I just want her to be comfortable”
Lucius leaned forward and squeezed Narcissa’s arm; “I’m quite sure everything will be fine love, she won’t be joining us if she’s really not up for it” he said with a small smile.
Narcissa mulled on her husband’s words before nodding; “You’re right” she replied.
Lucius pulled his arm, a smirk playing on his lips; “I’m always right.”
oOo
Hermione was putting on some lip tint when she heard a loud pop coming from her living room; she stuffed the tube inside her purse and hastily made her way towards her waiting beau. “Draco, is that you?”
“Yes love”
Hermione peered from the hallway and saw Draco standing near the fireplace; “I hope what I’m wearing is alright...” she said timidly.
Draco turned around; he stared at her for a couple of seconds before smiling widely; “You look gorgeous”
“Thank you, you are gorgeous too”
Draco chuckled; “We sound like teenagers on their first date”
Hermione nodded; “We do.”
Draco walked towards Hermione and wrapped his arms around her waist; “Are you ready to go?”
Hermione threw Draco an awkward look; “I know your Mum insisted that I shouldn’t bring anything but I feel bad going there empty handed...”
Draco leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on Hermione’s forehead; “Don’t worry about it, I’m quite sure my Mum cooked enough food to feed a whole battalion”
Hermione giggled.
“Shall we?” Draco asked.
Hermione pecked Draco’s lips; “We shall”
oOo
“Is that you Ronald?”
“Yes Mum” Ron replied as he steps out of the grate.
“You have a visitor and we’re in the kitchen”
Ron furrowed his brows; “Who could it be?” he asked himself. He dusted off the soot from his clothes before making his way towards the kitchen; he peeped from the hallway and almost instantly his eyes widen in surprise. “Millicent?”
Millicent turned from her seat and let out a small conciliatory smile; “Hey...”
Ron stepped inside the kitchen and studied the witch’s face; “What are you doing here?”
“Ronald! Be nice!” Molly chastised. She then stood up from her perch and smiled at her future daughter in law; “I’ll leave you two to talk” she said.
Ronald sat down on the chair that his mother vacated; “Look if you’re here to fight---“
“I’m sorry” Millicent blurted out.
Ron clamped his mouth shut, stunned with the witch’s unanticipated apology.
Millicent took a deep breath; “I didn’t mean to bite your head off when you came this morning---I was just stressed---err pregnancy hormones...”
“O---okay...”
“So---are we alright? Are we still in truce?”
Ron let out a small smile; “Yeah, I guess so...”
Millicent let out a sigh of relief; “Good” she replied. “Err---since we are okay...can I ask a favour?”
Ron raised his brow; “It depends”
“Can you get me salted caramel apples?” Millicent asked with a small smile. “With pickles on the side...”
Ron blinked a couple times before bursting out laughing.
oOo
The dinner was far from what Hermione expected and she had fun; talking with Draco’s parents in a relaxed environment made her see a different facet of the couples personality---even Lucius made her laugh a couple of times and that is saying something.
“Thank you for inviting me, dinner was lovely” Hermione said politely.
Narcissa beamed; “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself dear”
Lucius smiled; “Feel free to join us anytime, you’re always welcome here”
Hermione smiled back; “That’s very gracious of you Mr. Malfoy, I’ll keep that in mind”
Lucius threw the young witch an amused look; “Don’t you think we’re way past formality, Hermione?”
Hermione felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment; “Err---right”
Draco pulled Hermione to his side and wrapped his arm around her waist; “Stop making my girlfriend blush Dad, that’s my job.”
“Draco!” Hermione shrieked, her cheeks burning even brighter.
Narcissa chuckled; she then looped her arm around her husband’s and smiled at the couple right in front of her. “Why don’t you take Hermione for a walk around the Rose Garden before you take her home? My roses are in full bloom, I’m quite sure she’ll love that” she suggested.
Draco smiled; “That’s actually a good idea Mum”
Lucius smirked at his son; “Of course you’ll think that it’s a good idea, you’ll have Hermione all to yourself” he teased.
Draco winked at his Father; “True”
“I’m standing right here, you know” Hermione mumbled.
“We’ll take our leave now” Narcissa announced. “You both have a good night”
Hermione turned towards Narcissa and Lucius; “Good night and again, thank you for having me here”
“You are very much welcome” Lucius replied. He then placed his hand on top of his wife’s hand; “Let’s go now love, let’s leave this two alone”
Narcissa nodded; “Lets”
“Night Mum and Dad” Draco said.
“Night love” Narcissa replied.
Lucius nodded towards his son as acknowledgement before turning around and steering his wife away.
Draco waited for a couple of seconds before shifting his gaze towards the witch in his arms; “You’ll love Mum’s garden”
Hermione threw her beau a curious look; “How big is her garden exactly?”
Draco grinned widely; “I’ll let you decide, come on” he said before guiding her towards the French doors.
oOo
Hermione stared at the roses with awe; “This is beautiful”
Draco smiled; “It is, Mum takes her roses seriously”
Hermione nodded; “She does” she replied. She then squinted and fixed her gaze on the bushes near the gazebo; “Are those fairy lights? As in, real fairies?”
“Yep”
“Wow”
Draco stepped behind the brunette and hugged her from the back; he rested his chin on top of her head and let out a contented sigh.
Hermione leaned back on Draco’s chest and placed her hands on top of his.
“Thank you for spending time with my parents, it means a lot to me...”
“You are welcome” Hermione replied. “I had fun, your Dad is hilarious and your Mum is charming as always”
Draco chuckled; “Runs in the family.”
Hermione pulled away and turned around to face her beau; she placed her hands flat on his chest and met his eyes. “I know I’ve said this multiple times but I will say it again, thank you...”
“For what?”
Hermione let out a small smile; “For making me believe in something again---for making me this happy...” she admitted shyly.
Draco felt myriad of emotions surge inside his chest upon hearing Hermione’s admission and before he can stop himself, he’s blurting out the words he never thought he’d ever say again. “I love you”
Hermione felt her heart stop, her eyes widening in shock.
Draco realized what he just said and felt his face redden in embarrassment; “Oh Merlin...”
Hermione seemed to snap out of her stupor; “Did you just---”
Draco internally winced; “I did...too soon?”
“Do you mean it?” Hermione asked quietly.
Draco pulled Hermione closer and gaze into her eyes; “Yes” he replied. “I know we haven’t been dating that long and it’s too early for me to say the L word---I know it might scare you away but Merlin, I do Hermione...I really do love you.” He then took a deep breath and continued; “I never thought I’d ever utter those words again after everything that happened to me but you---you make me feel again, you made me believe in something too---you made me believe in love...”
Hermione felt tears cloud her vision as overwhelming happiness flood her chest; “Draco...”
Draco shifted his hands towards her face and cupped it; “You make me love you Hermione Granger and I’m the luckiest bloke in the whole wide world because I get to say those words to you...”
Tears fell down Hermione’s cheeks; “I love you too Draco...I’ve been wanting to tell you that for a very long time now---I just didn’t have the courage to...” she admitted.
“You mean that? You’re not only saying that because I said it?” Draco asked cautiously.
Hermione smiled through her tears; “It’s true. I’m in love with you too...”
Draco’s face instantly lit up; he pulled Hermione’s face and captured her lips into a passionate kiss.
Hermione snaked her trembling arms around Draco’s neck and hugged him tightly; she let her emotions seep through her lips, trying her best to make him feel the love that’s consuming her whole body.
Draco kissed Hermione for a couple of minutes before pulling away; he rested his forehead on hers before speaking. “You have no idea how happy I am now Granger”
Hermione smiled as she closed her eyes, obviously savouring the moment; “The feeling is mutual Malfoy---it’s always has been.”
Draco hummed contentedly; he was about to suggest that they should go home when a thought hit him. He didn’t want to ruin the perfect moment but he needs to know if this knowledge will change things for them; he braised himself before speaking again. “Love?”
Hermione opened her eyes; “Yes?”
Draco pulled his face away and cleared his throat; “I don’t want to ruin the moment but I need to tell you something---I think you deserve to know this before it hits the news...”
“Know what?”
“I spoke with Theo this morning and he told me something that has to do with---the Weasel and Millicent...”
Hermione raised her brow; “What about them?”
Draco took a deep breath; “They’re betrothed--- Millicent accidentally set off an old dormant pureblood binding enchantment when she acknowledged that she’s carrying Weasley’s spawn right in front of his mother. It was not supposed to go that way but her devious plan backfired so now she’s stuck with him...”
Hermione blinked a couple of times before bursting into fits of giggles; “Oh Merlin!”
Draco threw his girlfriend a worried look; “Err----“
Hermione covered her lips with her hands, stifling her mirth; after a couple of seconds she managed to control herself. “That was hilarious!”
“So----you’re not upset?” Draco asked testily.
“Merlin no!” Hermione replied.
“You are not angry or anything?”
Hermione shifted closer to Draco and let out a reassuring smile; “I’m not” she said firmly. “Karma is really a bitch, eh?”
Draco cracked a smile; “Karma is only a bitch if you are.”
“Good point”
Draco tightened his hold on Hermione’s waist; “So---you’re really not upset” he asked seriously.
Hermione shook her head; “I’m not. Thank you for telling me though...I appreciate it” she replied.
Draco pulled Hermione into a tight hug and buried his face into her curls.
“Draco?” Hermione whispered.
“Yes?”
“Ronald is just someone from the past and I no longer feel anything for him” Hermione said.
“I know...” Draco replied lowly.
“You’re the one I want and if someone will ask me who I want spend forever with---I’d choose you. I love you...”
Draco felt his heart soar; “I’d choose you too and I love you...”
Ever after
Chapter Twenty One: Ever after
"And now we're slightly weathered, we're slightly worn. Our hands grip together, eye to eye through the storm, yet I still believe in ever after with you. Coz life is a pleasure with you by my side and there ain't no current in this river we can't ride, I still believe in ever after with you..." Ever after by Bonnie Bailey
oOo
"What the bloody hell are you still doing here?! You're supposed to be at Rose Cottage!"
Hermione tore her eyes away from the parchments she's perusing and stared at her best friend; "I know but I forgot to sign this."
Harry crossed his arms on top of his chest, his brows furrowing; "Did Digby put you up to this?"
"Of course not!" Hermione replied. She then turned her attention back to the last parchment and signed it; "There, I'm done."
Harry moved towards the desk and grabbed the parchment from Hermione's hands; "I've got this, I'll take this to Digby's office. You should get back before Torry and Ginny starts hunting you down with their wands drawn."
Hermione let out a shudder; "Don't remind me"f
Harry cracked a smile; "By the way, how did you manage to escape them?" he asked curiously.
"Err-I locked them out of my room, I'm quite sure they're still trying to break through my wards."
Harry laughed jovially; "Good one Mione, good one!" he praised.
Hermione smirked; "Well, I have to go. I don't want them barging in here-"
"HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER! I can't believe you!"
Harry cringed; "Too late, they managed to track you down"
Hermione sat on her desk and groaned.
Ginny stood by the door, her hands on her hips; "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" she yelled.
Astoria threw her husband a dirty look before shifting her eyes to the brunette; "It's your wedding day in case you have forgotten."
Hermione rolled her eyes; she then stood up from her perch and grabbed her satchel from her chair. "Calm down ladies, it's only 10-we still have 7 hours."
"That's the point! We only have 7 hours left and you bolted!" Ginny exclaimed.
"And you locked us out of your room" Astoria said with a pout.
Hermione felt guilt eat at her chest upon seeing her friend's faces; "I'm sorry...I didn't leave just to hide, it's just that I forgot to sign some important documents before I took my leave yesterday."
"Cut Hermione some slack, I'm sure she didn't mean to make you worry" Harry said. He then let out a smirk; "Though if I was marrying Malfoy, I'd think about bolting too" he teased.
"Harry James Potter!" Astoria shrieked, obviously mortified with her husband's statement.
Ginny cocked her head to the side; "What's wrong with marrying Draco? He's hot, he's rich, he's smart and not to mention he's head over heels in love with Mione."
Hermione threw the red head a smile; "I'm one lucky witch, eh?"
"He's lucky too-you're both lucky" Astoria said firmly. "Now, why don't you move your pretty little arse so we could get a move on?"
Hermione pulled away from her perch and made her way towards the door; "Make sure Mr. Digby receives the documents Harry, he's waiting for that."
"I'll hand deliver it" Harry replied.
Hermione stopped beside Harry and planted a kiss on his cheek; "Thank you and please don't be late on my wedding."
Harry pinched his best friend's cheek; "I won't, now go before Gin and my wife decides to drag you by the hair."
"Alright" Hermione replied before walking towards her friends. "Let's go"
"Finally!" Ginny and Astoria said with relief.
oOo
It has been a year since Hermione and Draco expressed their undeniable love for each other and they're ready to start the next chapter of their lives. The past year has not been easy for them, mainly because they still have a lot to learn about each other but amidst the countless fights and pseudo break ups, they made it-LOVE is stronger than their petty squabbles after all. So now, here they are, both knee deep in preparing for the most important day of their lives, the beginning of their forever so to speak. Today will be that fateful day when they join their hearts and bind their futures together; the day when Hermione Jean Granger and Draco Xavier Malfoy proves to the world that happily ever afters does exist-even for the mostjaded and most broken ones.
Malfoy Manor - 10:15 A.M.
"You look really relax for someone who's getting married in a couple of hours" Blaise said as he enters his best friend's room.
Draco tore his eyes away from his book and stared at the new comer; "My Mum's nerves are palpable enough to make this Manor explode, I don't need to add my own."
"That explains the weird feeling I had when I stepped into the foyer" Blaise replied somewhat solemnly.
"I'm not imagining things after all."
Blaise chuckled; he then made his way towards Draco and sat on the opposite chaise longue. "I still can't believe your finally tying the knot"
Draco smiled; "I still can't believe she agreed to marry me."
oOo
*Flashback*
"Are you 100 percent sure that she doesn't suspect any of this?" Draco asked while pacing nervously.
Astoria rolled her eyes as she crosses her arms on top of her chest; "I'm 100 percent sure."
Draco stopped pacing and stared at Astoria; "What if something goes wrong? What if-"
"We've already gone through the plan MULTIPLE times Draco and its perfect" Astoria replied. She then moved towards the agitated man and reached out to squeeze his arms; "Calm down for Merlin's sake."
Draco met Astoria's gaze and saw the truth in her words; he let out a sigh and nodded. "Alright, I'm sorry"
Astoria let her hand drop and smiled; "That's better" she said. "Now, will you sit down? You're wearing out my carpet and I just bought that."
Draco shifted towards the couch and sat down; "It's just-I don't want anything to happen, I don't have the best track record with proposing you know..." he said lowly.
Astoria felt a pang inside her chest upon hearing her best friend's warranted woes; it has only been 6 months ago since he came clean to her and told her about his "almost fiancé" and she still can't make herself believe that it actually happened to Draco. She plopped down beside him and met his eyes; "Everything will be alright, Hermione is nothing like Ireland-Iris or whatever her is name is. She loves you, really loves you and I'm sure that nothing would make her happier than to spend the rest of her life with you" she said seriously.
Draco cracked a smile; "You think so?"
Astoria smiled back; "I know so"
"Is he still panicking?"
Astoria turned around and saw her husband lurking by the door; "Nope, he's calm as the sea" she said.
"Good" Harry said as he stepped into their living room. He adjusted his daughter in his arms as he made his way towards the two; "Everything is set, I just spoke with Hermione and she just got home- she'll be here in an hour" he said while eyeing Draco.
Draco let out a sigh of relief and nodded; "Okay...thanks"
Harry smirked as he took his seat on the couch; "You don't have to be nervous you know, we all know that she'll say yes" he said.
"Yes!" Candice shrieked.
Draco can't help but smile at his god daughter; "You think Aunt Mione will say yes munchkin?"
Candice nodded gleefully; "Yes!" she repeated.
Astoria giggled; "Even my daughter thinks so"
Harry adjusted Candice on his lap; "You better get going Malfoy, Merlin knows you take hours to pimp yourself"
Draco thumped his hands on his thighs before standing up; "You're right-I guess I better get a move on"
Astoria also stood up and pulled Draco into a hug; "Remember what I told you Dray-everything will be alright" she whispered. She then pulled away and grinned; "Don't forget to owl us what happened okay? I want to know every detail!" she gushed.
"That's what girl talk is about-you'd have to ask Hermione" Draco said.
"I will definitely ask her"
Draco then shifted away from his perch; "Thank you again for helping me with this, I owe you both a lot" he said.
Harry waved his hand dismissively; "Just make my best friend happy and we're even"
Draco nodded; "I will Pot-Harry, thank you again"
Harry smirked; "Now that's something new, you calling me by my first name" he teased. "You're welcome Draco"
Draco chuckled; he then spun on his heels and made his way towards the fire place.
Harry waited for Draco to disappear through the green flames before turning his gaze towards his wife; "I still can't believe that he's asking Mione to marry him, I know it's been 6 months since they started dating but I still can't seem to wrap my mind around it" he said with amusement.
Astoria chuckled as she made his way towards her husband; she then plopped down beside him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "They're made for each other love, just like how we were meant to be"
Harry smiled; "Proposals makes you a tad hopeless romantic, I see"
"I've always been hopeless romantic, that's why I married you-remember?"
"That I can't refute"
oOo
Hermione just got off the shower when she heard her floo go off; she grabbed her wand on top of the sink and wrapped her towel tightly around her body. She pulled the door open and peered out; "Who's there?" she called out.
"Hermione? Where are you?"
Hermione let out a relieved sigh upon recognizing the shrilly voice; she stepped out of her bathroom and made her way towards the living room. "I'm here Ginny"
Ginny spun around and smiled brightly upon seeing her best friend's form; "I'm just right on time!"
Hermione threw the red head a confused look; "Err-I'm sorry?"
Ginny made her way towards Hermione and turned her around; she then urged her to walk and steered her towards the bedroom.
"What are you doing?"
Ginny rolled her eyes; "I'm here to help you prepare of course"
Hermione dug her heels on the carpet, halting their steps; she then turned her face to the side and met Ginny's eyes. "Why?"
"You're going on a double date with the Potter's and Draco right?"
Hermione raised her brow; "Yeah"
Ginny began pushing her again, making her resume her steps; "I'm bored to my wits end and I have nothing better to do with my time. So here I am, offering my services to you-you do want to look good for your man, right?" she baited.
"Yes" Hermione replied as they reached her room.
"Hook-Line-Sinker" Ginny thought gleefully. She then stepped inside and closed the door behind her with a snap; "Now, why don't you let me see what you're wearing tonight?"
oOo
"Mum! Where are you?" Draco called out loudly as he stepped out of the grate.
"I'm here love" Narcissa replied.
Draco dusted off the soot from his suit before making his way towards his mother; "Is it ready?"
Narcissa plucked a small velvet drawstring bag from the coffee table; "Yes it is" she replied. She then smiled widely as she stood up; "Didi just came back and everything is already in place" she said.
Draco stood right in front of his mother and smiled, albeit anxiously; "That's good to hear."
Narcissa proffered her hand; "Here you go"
Draco accepted the small bag; "Well...I better get going then-it's almost time."
Narcissa cupped her son's face and ran her thumb along his pale cheek lovingly; "You've really grown up, my baby boy is finally getting married..." she said tearfully.
"Mum..."
"Now is not the time Cissy, your son has a place to be" Lucius drawled as he walks towards the pair.
Narcissa pulled her hand away and sniffed; "I know, I know-forgive me, I didn't mean to be emotional."
Draco pulled his mother into a tight hug; "I love you Mum and thank you for helping me with this..." he whispered.
"I love you too" Narcissa replied. She then pulled away and wiped the stray tear that escaped her eye; "You should go now, the portkey will be activated upon wand touch" she said.
Draco let out a small smile; "Okay, wish me luck?"
Lucius wrapped his arm around his wife's waist and smiled at his son; "I hardly think you need it but good luck son, bring over our new daughter in law after, we would like to welcome her officially into the family."
"We'll both be here if everything goes according to plan" Draco said.
Narcissa chuckled; "Go now before you lose your nerves"
Draco nodded; he then opened the drawstring bag and gently plucked the familiar earring. He held it between his fingers and brought his wand tip towards it; "Bye!" he said before disappearing with a loud pop.
Narcissa brought her hands to her lips to stifle a sob; "My baby boy!"
Lucius pulled Narcissa to his chest and hugged her from the back; he planted a chaste kiss on her head before resting his chin on top of it. "We're not losing our son Cissy, in fact, we're getting a new daughter"
Narcissa leaned back on her husband's chest and placed her arms on top of his; "I know...I'm just overwhelmed and you are right, we're getting a daughter-" she paused, her body freezing in place.
Lucius felt the change in Narcissa's demeanour so he pulled away; he turned his wife around and furrowed his brows. "What happened? Are you okay?"
A small smile tugged on Narcissa's lips before it slowly bloomed into a full grown grin; "I'm getting a daughter-a DAUGHTER Lucius! I've always wanted one!" she said giddily.
Lucius blinked a couple of times before letting out a full belly laugh.
oOo
"Red is really your colour Mione, you look fabulous!" Ginny gushed.
Hermione turned her face towards her best friend and smiled somewhat awkwardly; "Really? I don't look silly?"
Ginny shook her head adamantly; "You are gorgeous and I'm super sure that Draco will have a hard time taking his eyes off of you"
Hermione felt her cheeks flush so she turned her face away; she then studied her reflection on her full length mirror and began tugging on the hem of her dress.
Ginny leaned forward and swatted Hermione's hands away; "Stop that! You're messing it up" she said. She then pointed towards the black platform stiletto heels; "Get into your shoes, it's time" she said.
Hermione nodded; she obediently walked towards her bed and sat down. She leaned forward and slipped on her shoes; "I don't think I can walk in these without magic, I might break my neck or something."
Ginny giggled; "4 inches is not that high and it makes your legs look longer, it's sexy."
Hermione rolled her eyes; she then grabbed her black purse from her side and stood up. "Time to go"
"Your meeting at Harry's place? Are you apparating or flooing?"
Hermione stared at her shoes; "I think I'll apparate, I don't want to step into the grate wearing these-I'll definitely break my neck"
Ginny nodded in agreement; "Good thinking, I myself don't think I can balance well inside the fireplace"
Hermione opened her purse and grabbed her wand; "Thank you for helping me again Gin" she said with a smile.
Ginny smiled mischievously; "My pleasure Mione, just don't forget to owl me later, okay?"
"Will do" Hermione said.
"Go now, I'll floo out"
Hermione closed her eyes and vanished with a loud crack.
"Good luck Malfoy" Ginny whispered with a grin.
oOo
"Where is she? She's supposed to be here by now" Astoria said.
"Calm down Torry, I'm quite sure she's on her way" Harry replied.
Astoria turned towards her husband; "Are you sure you're acting skills are up to par?" she asked sceptically.
Harry rolled his eyes; "I can handle a little acting, stop worrying!" he replied. "I don't even think she'll check on me after you're through with her."
"Fine."
"Mistress? Miss Hermione is here, she is waiting for you in the foyer" Fifi announced.
Astoria furrowed her brows; "I thought she's flooing?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders; "Maybe she changed her mind?" he said. "Go now and tell her"
Astoria nodded; "Okay, just sit tight, I'll be back" she said. She then walked towards the elf but when she's halfway she turned towards her husband again; "Try to look sick!" she hissed before she resumed walking.
Hermione clutch her purse in her hand as she tried straightening her dress; "Why on earth did I wear you again?" she asked herself.
"Hermione! You look fabulous!"
Hermione lifted her gaze and saw Astoria walking towards her; "Hello Torry" she said. She then cocked her head to the side; "Why aren't you dressed yet? Am I early? I swear Harry told me to be here by 7" she said.
Astoria stopped right in front of her friend and tried her best to look distressed; "Oh dear, I don't think we can join you tonight. Harry has an upset stomach and he's been in and out of the loo a couple of times already. I told him not to eat the left over Treacle tart from last night but you know how hard headed he is."
"Is he alright? Do we need to take him to St. Mungos?" Hermione asked, clearly worried for her best friend's welfare.
"He's alright, I already fed him some potion-he's just resting, he's feeling a little bit woozy" Astoria replied.
Hermione let out a sigh of relief; "That's good..."
Astoria smiled ruefully; "It's such a shame, I'm really looking forward to this double date"
"We can reschedule, I don't think Draco would mind" Hermione offered.
Astoria shook her head adamantly; "No, that won't be necessary, you're already dressed, we can just tag along next time"
"Okay..." Hermione replied. "Speaking of Draco, is he here already? He told me to meet him here"
"He flooed us a couple of minutes ago-he was trying to reach you but it looks like he missed you by seconds. He told me that his meeting ran late so he'll just meet you there" Astoria explained. She then grabbed something from her pocket and offered it to the brunette; "You'll need this, we're supposed to portkey to the location but you'll have to take it alone" she said.
Hermione accepted the pouch; "Portkey? Where are we supposed to go?"
Astoria shrugged her shoulders; "I have no idea, Draco wanted it to be a surprise for the three of us"
Hermione chuckled; "Knowing him, it'll be ostentatious-only the best for a Malfoy"
Astoria smiled widely; "Your statement can never be truer"
Hermione opened the small pouch and tipped it on her palm; she raised her brow upon seeing a sapphire stud earring. "What's with Malfoy's and expensive earrings?"
Astoria can't help but giggle at Hermione's expression; "Maybe Aunt Cissy can't wear them all that's why they just converted it into portkeys?"
"They're so rich it's nauseating."
Astoria gestured towards the sparkling earring; "It's time, you should go. It's activated by wand touch, so just tap it with your wand and you'll be whisked away to the location."
Hermione nodded; "Okay...tell Harry to feel better?"
"I will"
"Give my kisses to Candice too"
Astoria nodded; "I will, now shoo!"
Hermione chuckled; "I'm going!" she said. She then stood straighter and tapped the earring with her wand, activating the portkey.
oOo
Draco shoved his hands inside his pants and tilted his head upwards; he closed his eyes as he took a relaxing breath. "Calm down, you love her and she loves you-everything will be fine." His eyes instantly snapped open upon hearing a distinct sound of someone portkey-ing; he let out a loud gasp as his heart started thudding violently inside his chest. He pulled his hands out of his slacks and stood straighter; he tugged on his suit and made his way towards the love of his life.
Hermione blinked a couple of times, making sure that her eyes are not deceiving her; "What in the world-am I in Maldives?" she asked. She then walked towards the familiar glass sliding doors and peered outside; "I am!" she said, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Draco stepped out of his hiding place and gasped-she's breathtaking. His feisty Gryffindor Princess is wearing a scarlet body hugging sleeveless cocktail dress that's made of fine lace; she matched her sexy and sophisticated ensemble with black high heels that showcases her toned legs. Her curls were styled in a loose pony tail that's being held up by ruby studded pins, stray curls framed her face, giving emphasis to her blood red lips-red is really her colour. He stood straighter and cleared his throat; making his presence known.
Hermione felt his presence even before she heard him; she slowly turned to her side and met his gaze. "Hello love."
Draco felt his body relax so he let out a small smile; "You're gorgeous, red is really your colour."
"Thank you. You give muggle suits justice-you look really good in them" Hermione said while eyeing Draco with appreciation. Her lover is wearing a raven black suite with a white button down shirt inside, sans the tie hence few buttons were popped open; his hair is mused up in a sexy way, making him look handsomer than ever.
Draco walked towards Hermione and offered his hand; "Our dinner waits, shall we?"
Hermione placed her hand in his; "I can't believe were in Maldives again, I've missed this place."
Draco led her by the hand and steered them towards the right direction; "Yeah, it's been a while."
Hermione let her eyes roam the familiar hallways and furrowed her brows; clearly confused where he's taking her. "Err-are we going swimming or something?"
Draco chuckled; "I'd love to take a dip with you but no, we're not swimming."
"Then why are making our way towards the infinity pool? And why is it so dark here?"
Draco threw Hermione a side glance before guiding her to the stairs; "You'll just have to wait and see"
"Okay" Hermione replied before focusing her eyes on her feet.
Draco reached the top landing and helped Hermione on the last step; he swallowed thickly before speaking again. "We're here"
Hermione lifted her gaze and almost instantly her eyes widen is surprise; "Oh my."
"Do you like it?" Draco asked nervously.
"Yes, it's beautiful!" Hermione gasped out.
Draco let out a relieved sigh; "Thank Merlin" he mumbled. He then tugged on her hand and gestured towards the makeshift platform floating in the middle of the infinity pool; "Let's go."
Hermione tore her eyes away from the magical luminescent blue lights rippling under the pool water and tightened her grasp on Draco's hand; "The pathway is suspended on water by magic right? I'm wearing heels and I don't want to fall face first."
Draco smiled; "The pathway is sturdy as the ground, you don't have to worry"
Hermione smiled back; "That's good to hear" she said.
Draco pulled her hand and began ushering them towards the said pathway; he stepped into it and began leading her towards the platform. When they reached the round table; he pulled a chair for his lady and helped her sit down before moving towards his.
Hermione leaned back on her chair and stared at Draco; "What you did to this place is beautiful Draco however I can't help but wonder where your planning on sitting Astoria and Harry in all this?" she asked.
Draco threw Hermione a playful smile; "They can always float around us"
Hermione giggled.
Draco smiled; "Are you ready to eat? I'm quite famished"
"It's almost midnight here, I guess we should"
Draco flicked his fingers and automatically food appeared on their plates; "Bon a petit"
Hermione stared at her plate with amusement; "I have to learn how to do that" she said before picking up her napkin.
oOo
The night has progressed smoothly and it's almost time to set the wheels in motion; the nerves that Draco buried momentarily are making its presence known and it's making him antsy. His hands are sweaty and he can practically feel his heart jump in his throat; he grabbed his glass and took a large gulp.
Hermione who's completely oblivious to her beau's plight continued to enjoy the comfortable silence between them; she took a sip of her champagne as she stares at the starry horizon that the view offered them.
Draco sat straighter as he let his left hand fall to his side; he covertly inserted it inside his pocket and grasped the tiny velvet box inside. He pulled it out but kept it under the table; he took a deep calming breath as he reached for Hermione's left hand with his right. "Hermione?"
Hermione turned her gaze towards Draco and squeezed his hand; "Hhhhmmmnnn?"
"This is it!" Draco thought. He intertwined their fingers together as he leans forward; "I have something to say, will you listen?" he asked seriously.
Hermione's attention was caught with his seriousness; she sat straighter and stared at Draco expectantly. "Go ahead."
Draco took a deep breath before standing up; he made his way towards Hermione without letting go of her hand. He stopped by her side and kneeled on one knee; he opened his left hand and gazed into her hazel eyes.
Hermione's right hand flew to her lips as her eyes widen in shock; her heart was beating wildly inside her chest, making it hard to breath. "Oh my god!" she thought.
"I know we haven't been dating that long but I have known you almost half of my life. We don't have a very promising history but I want to change that. I love you Hermione, I guess I always have-I'd like to think that's the reason why I always pick on you when we we're kids but I'm not saying that it justifies what I did..." Draco paused and swallowed thickly. "I'm a spoiled bigoted brat and sometimes I can be selfish, I can't promise you that we won't fight because that would be preposterous. All I can promise you though is that I will always listen and agree to disagree if we don't meet eye to eye. I promise to always be there for you through thick and thin-even through the times that you don't want to see my face. And lastly, I promise to show you how much I love you for the rest of our lives if you'll let me..."
Hermione felt tears trail down her cheeks; "Oh god..."
Draco flicked the velvet box open with his thumb and presented the large emerald cut diamond ring to her; "Hermione Jean Granger, will you marry me?"
Hermione flung her arms around Draco and hugged him tightly; "Yes!"
Draco felt his heart soar with so much happiness; "I love you...thank you..." he whispered.
Hermione pulled away and wiped her cheeks with her right hand; "I love you too."
Draco gingerly plucked the ring from the box and placed it on her left ring finger; he stared at it with awe before planting a kiss on it.
Hermione impulsively cupped his face with her hands and leaned forward; "Thank you for loving me Draco, thank you for making me believe in ever afters again" she said before capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.
Didi grinned toothily as she snapped her fingers together; she let out an excited squeak before disappearing with a loud pop.
Hermione pulled her lips away from Draco as soon as she heard it; she tilted her face towards the ebon sky, a large smile playing on her lips. "Fireworks!"
Draco followed her gaze and grinned widely; "Yeah, fireworks."
*End of flashback*
"DRACO!"
Draco shook his head to clear his thoughts; "You were saying?"
"Your one love sick puppy!" Blaise accused good naturedly with a chuckle.
Draco ignored Blaise's taunts; "Where's Daphne?"
"She's downstairs, Astoria accosted her as soon as she saw us" Blaise explained. "Where's your wife to be?"
Draco smiled; "Getting ready I hope"
"Where?"
Draco threw Blaise a pensive look; "She's in the property, I think."
"Huh?" Blaise asked, clearly confused.
"Mum and Anne wanted to follow tradition so they decided to separate us for the time being-I haven't seen her in 3 days but my Mum was kind enough to let it slip that they'll be taking over Rose Cottage for the preparations."
"Aunt Cissy's private quarters near the meadows?"
"That's the one."
oOo
Rose Cottage - 12:10 P.M.
"Hermione dear, you might want to eat something, starving yourself before the ceremony starts is not ideal" Anne Granger said while staring at her daughter.
"Your mother is right pumpkin, you don't want to faint even before you get the chance to say I do to your fiancé-we don't want him throwing a temper tantrum after all" Richard Granger said with a wink.
"Daddy!"
"We love that boy dearly but we don't want to witness his infamous Malfoy temper" Anne said with a fond smile.
Hermione giggled.
"Why don't you be a good girl and eat your lunch, yeah? Mum and I will try our best to fend off Ginny and Astoria to give you a few minutes, god knows you need room to breathe."
Hermione smiled widely; "Thank you so much Daddy. I love those two a lot but they're quite handful" she admitted.
Anne leaned forward and patted her daughter's head; "Listen to you father, we'll handle it" she said. She then linked her fingers with her husband's and pulled him out of the room, closing the door behind them gently.
Hermione moved towards the chair near the bay windows and took a seat; she grabbed the napkin on top of the table and placed it on her lap. She then turned her face to the side and caught a glimpse of her wedding gown; "I'm getting married today...for real..." she said ecstatically.
*Flashback*
Hermione leaned her head on Draco's shoulder and lifted her left hand; "This ring is really beautiful...I love it" she murmured while eyeing her engagement ring with wonder.
Draco rested his head on hers; "I'm glad you love it" he replied.
Hermione let out a dreamy sigh and scooted closer to her fiancé; "Ginny is into this, right?"
"Why do you think that?"
Hermione rolled her eyes; "To answer your unvoiced question, Gin didn't rat you out-I didn't expect any of this. When I tapped on that gaudy portkey the last thing on my mind is a wedding proposal."
Draco chuckled; "Gaudy?" he asked, clearly amused.
Hermione pulled away and stared at his face; "What's with Malfoy's and jewellery portkeys?"
Draco shrugged; "I really don't know, perhaps Mum has a lot of spare jewelleries she's not using."
"That's exactly what Torry told me!" Hermione said. She then leaned back and resumed her earlier pose; "I often forget how rich you really are" she mumbled.
"My parents are rich, not me" Draco said. He then pulled her closer and nuzzled her cheek with his nose; "Let's not talk about that, it's not important" he said.
Hermione hummed contentedly; "Okay...why did you choose this place to propose? It's million miles away from home, you could've popped the question on the street and I would've said yes."
"It's just fitting-I mean, this is where it all started."
Hermione smiled; "I didn't know you were sentimental" she teased.
Draco planted a kiss on her temple; "All your doing Granger, you're too blame for this new mushiness"
"You are aware that if you marry me, you can't call me Granger anymore"
Draco grinned widely; "That's right, you'll be a Malfoy but regardless of your new last name-you will always be Granger to me..."
"Hermione Jean Malfoy, it sounds strange" Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Sounds just perfect to me"
Hermione closed her eyes; "You're right, it's perfect-we're made perfectly for each other."
"Now who's sounding mushy?" Draco teased.
Hermione giggled.
"I meant every word I said, I love you and I'll spend my life showing you just how much. Thank you for coming into my life Granger..."
Hermione felt her eyes heating up again; "I love you too Draco, thank you for making my dreams come true..."
Draco turned his face to the side and tipped Hermione's face up; he met her hazel eyes before claiming her lips.
*End of Flashback*
"Hermione?"
Hermione was jarred from her trance when she heard her name being called; she turned her head to the side and saw Ginny peering from the door. "Hey Gin"
Ginny pushed the door open; "Are you done eating? It's already quarter past 1, we should get you ready."
Hermione's eyes widen; "Oh Merlin!" she gasped. She then turned her focus on her plate and began stuffing her mouth; "Just give me 5 minutes and I'll be done" she said through mouthful of food.
Ginny shook her head as she enters the room; she moved towards the foot of the bed and sat down. "Let me guess, you were daydreaming again?" she said with a knowing smile.
Hermione felt her cheeks flush; "I'm not!"
Ginny giggled; "The blush on your cheeks says otherwise love."
Hermione averted her gaze and took a sip of her pumpkin juice; after a couple of gulps she placed it back on the table and wiped her mouth with a napkin. "I'm done."
"That was fast, are you sure you had your fill?"
Hermione placed the napkin on top of the table and nodded; "I can't eat another bite, my dress might not fit."
Ginny rolled her eyes as she stood up from her perch; "Eating a whole sandwich won't make you gain a pound, trust me, I ate 2 and my dress still fits."
"Fine but I'm really full Gin, I had a heavy breakfast-you were with me."
Ginny pursed her lips; "You just had to remind me that eh? Now I feel fat."
Hermione can't help but chuckle; "You're far from fat" she said. She then pushed away from the table and stood up; "Where's Torry?"
"Daphne just arrived, she went to the Manor to pick her up"
"I see" Hermione replied. She then walked towards the bed and grabbed her robe and towel; "I should take a quick shower before she returns, I don't want her berating me again" she joked.
Ginny laughed; "Go now."
oOo
Malfoy Manor - 4:30 P.M.
Draco was fastening his cufflinks when he heard faint knock on his door; "Come in"
The door opened and Narcissa peered in; she let out a wide smile upon seeing her son standing right in front of the full length mirror. "You look handsome love"
"Thank you" Draco replied. He then turned around to face his mother fully; "You're breathtaking as usual."
Narcissa chuckled; she then made her way towards Draco and stood right in front of him. "Everything is perfect."
Draco smirked; "I don't doubt that."
Narcissa placed her hand on his silver tie and began fixing it; "You will be married in a couple of minutes, are you nervous?"
"Will you believe if I tell you that I'm more excited than nervous?"
Narcissa moved her hands on his silver vest and began straightening it; "I believe you, a Malfoy never gets nervous"
Draco let out a full belly laugh.
Narcissa let her hands drop to her side before smiling affectionately.
"Are you ready? It's time"
Draco and Narcissa both turned towards the door and saw Lucius standing by the frame; "Yes we are" the latter replied.
Draco moved towards his bed and grabbed his coat; he walked back towards the mirror and shrugged it on.
Narcissa shifted towards her son and began fussing over him; once she's satisfied, she took a step back and studied his appearance. "The suit fits you perfectly, you look dashing"
Lucius walked towards his wife and pulled her to his side; "You and Hermione will make a stunning couple" he said with one of his rare smiles. "We'll have smart and good looking grandchildren Cissy"
"Dad!"
Narcissa clapped her hands excitedly; "Just thinking about it makes me so happy!"
Draco averted his eyes, his cheeks flushing profusely; "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, yeah? Let us marry first before you start talking about our fictitious children."
Lucius smirked; "We'll see son, we'll see."
oOo
Wedding Venue - Malfoy Grounds - 4: 45 P.M.
"You're the most beautiful bride I ever laid my eyes on-well aside from my wife of course."
Hermione turned around and saw Harry holding the tent flap open; "You're not late."
Harry released the flap as he steps in; he made his way towards his best friend and stood right in front of her. He studied her appearance before meeting her eyes; "You are one gorgeous bride and Draco is a lucky bloke" he said seriously.
Hermione smiled; "Thank you Harry"
"Am I allowed to hug you?" Harry asked with a smile. "It's just that I don't want to mess up your dress or your hair or something"
Hermione flung her arms around her best friend and pulled him into an embrace.
Harry hugged her back tightly; "Are you happy Hermione? Really happy?" he whispered.
Hermione felt her eyes heating up but she willed herself not to cry; "I am Harry...happier than I've ever been in my entire life."
"That's all I want to hear" Harry replied before pulling away. He then took a step closer to her and carefully planted a kiss on her forehead; "You are my sister and that will never change, I love you and you will always have me" he said. He then met her eyes again and smirked; "Don't hesitate to call me if Malfoy is giving you grief, I'll kick is ferrety arse" he added.
Hermione giggled; "Oh Harry!" she said. "You are and will always be my brother regardless of my surname. I love you too."
"I hope you're not stealing my son's bride"
Hermione and Harry both turned around and saw Lucius standing by the tent's entrance.
"Oh hush! Harry will do no such thing!" Narcissa said. She pushed her husband aside and stepped inside the tent; she then turned her eyes towards her future daughter in law and almost instantly her hands flew to her lips. "Oh my! You look stunning my dear, my son is one fortunate man indeed."
Lucius fell into step with his wife and stared at Hermione; "My wife is right, you are beautiful" he said.
Hermione felt her cheeks heating up; "Thank you..." she replied shyly.
Harry felt awkward while watching his best friend's in laws so he decided that it's time to make a run for it; "Err-I better check on Candice, we don't want her eating the flowers" he said with a nervous chuckle.
"Okay Harry, I'll see you there" Hermione said.
Harry nodded politely towards the Malfoy's before stepping out.
Narcissa waited for the flap to close before making her way towards Hermione; she stood right in front of the blushing bride and smiled. "Are you ready dearest?"
Hermione nodded; "I am."
Narcissa lifted her hands and cupped Hermione's cheek; "I know I have already said this before but I want to say it again-thank you for giving my son a chance in love again, thank you for making him happy."
Hermione smiled; "He gave me that chance too and I can't be anymore happier than I am now."
Narcissa smiled tearfully before pulling the brunette into a tight hug.
"Women" Lucius thought. He waited for a couple of seconds before clearing his throat loudly; "I don't mean to be rude but we have to get a move on."
Narcissa sniffed as she pulls away; "Lucius is right dearest, we should go now."
"I'll go get her parents then" Lucius said. He turned around and made his way towards the makeshift door; he was halfway out when he paused. He turned his face towards Hermione and smiled sincerely; "My son chose well, welcome to the family" he said proudly.
A full blown smile blossomed from Hermione's lips; "Thank you"
Lucius nodded before stepping out.
oOo
The colossal ground of Malfoy estate was transformed into a perfect wedding venue; Narcissa Malfoy was not kidding when she said that everything was done in perfection. The ersatz aisle was made up of light silver carpet that crawls up right to the front; the sides were lined with thin intricately carved posts that held an assortment of large purple cabbage roses, lavender hydrangeas, lily of the valley and yellow green malaysian mumps-Hermione's favourite blooms. Chairs that are wrapped in white gossamer fabric with dark purple satin girdle were placed strategically at each side, mimicking chapel pews. The wide marble like platform dominates the front which will serve us a makeshift stage for the couple; the vast field at the back that has a perfect view of the setting sun will serve as their backdrop when they exchange their vows. The whole place was arranged in a simple yet tasteful manner but it still manage to scream elegance and sophistication-something that the Malfoy family is known for.
"Time to take your place at the front mate" Blaise said.
Draco took a deep calming breath before nodding; "Okay"
Theo smirked; "Nerves finally getting to you?"
Blaise slapped the back of Theo's head with an unimpressed look.
"Bloody hell! What was that for?" Theo yelped as he rubs his head.
"You're supposed to calm him down and not rile him up" Blaise snapped.
"I'm not riling him up, it was just a question!"
Draco can't help but chuckle at his bickering mates; he shook his head as he stares at them with amusement.
"And here I was thinking that you two already matured from your childish antics" Lucius drawled.
Blaise and Theo both turned around; a chastised look both marred their faces.
Draco took pity on his friends so he decided to butt in; "Shall I take my place at the front? Is everything set?"
"That's what Mr. Zabini is here for, did he not inform you?" Lucius asked pointedly.
Blaise cleared his throat; "I just did"
"Very well, let's not waste more time, take your places"
Draco nodded; "Let's go"
oOo
"Are you ladies ready?" Richard asked.
"Almost done Daddy" Hermione said.
"Just a minute dear" Anne replied as she gently tugs the veil down.
Astoria walked towards Hermione's back and began fluffing out the trail of her gown.
Ginny leaned towards the table and grabbed her best friend's bouquet; she turned it towards her and stared at it in awe. "These are beautiful Mione-I'm planning on catching it."
Daphne threw the red head a teasing look; "Looks like someone wants to get married after you Hermione."
Hermione turned her face towards Ginny and winked; "I'll make sure to throw it towards your direction then."
Ginny's cheeks turned bright red; "It's not what I meant!"
Astoria chuckled; "You don't need a bouquet to get married, we all know it's just a matter of time before Goldstein plucks up the courage to ask you."
Ginny ignored her friend's jibes; "Cymbidium orchids, Ranunculus, Lisianthas, Cabbage roses, Hydrangeas and Scabiosa's in different shades of purple, how on earth were you able to get these beautiful flowers?"
"Narcissa's doing" Astoria replied.
Ginny moved towards Hermione and handed her the beautiful arrangement; "Here you go, love"
Hermione accepted the hand tied bouquet and smiled at her friend; "Thank you"
Anne took a step back and studied her daughter's appearance; "Now you're ready" she said with a large smile.
Daphne clapped her hands to get everybody's attention; "I can hear the quartet playing people, time to marry her off" she said before stepping out of the tent.
Astoria blew the brunette a kiss before looping her arm around Ginny's; "We'll see you in a while Mione" she said before dragging her friend away.
"Later!" Ginny called out.
Richard walked towards his daughter and offered his hand; "You look beautiful pumpkin, Draco is a very lucky bloke indeed."
Hermione placed her hand on top of her father's and squeezed it; "I love you Daddy...you'll always be the first man in my life" she half whispered.
Richard lifted Hermione's hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles; "And you will always be my little girl."
Anne sniffed loudly; "You two are making me cry" she said while dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
Richard chuckled; "Come on now pumpkin, we don't want your Mum ruining her makeup-she'll never forgive us."
Hermione laughed.
oOo
"Stop tugging at your coat, you're messing it up" Blaise chastised.
Draco let his hand fall limp to his side as he stood straighter; "Why is it taking too long? She didn't run off or something, right?" he asked anxiously.
Blaise placed his hand on Draco's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze; "Of course she won't, just relax and try to breathe, your turning really pale."
Draco closed his eyes and followed Blaise's instructions; he was on his third breath when heard it. His heart jumped to his throat as his eyes snapped open; "It's starting" he said breathlessly.
Blaise grinned widely; "It is, so smile-you're marrying the girl of your dreams mate"
Draco felt a smile tug on his lips; "I am, thanks" he replied before fixing his eyes on the aisle.
Candice appeared on the edge of the aisle grinning widely; she happily skipped her way towards the front while throwing rose petals on her path, making the crowd smile. Next came Teddy, wearing his finest charcoal suit, carrying a heart shape pillow, bearing the couple's rings.
After a couple of seconds; Daphne and Theo came into view, followed closely by Harry and Astoria. After the pairs made it to the front, Ginny appeared next, a radiant smile painted on her lips. She glided gracefully along the aisle and took her place near the platform; she turned her face towards the anxious groom and winked. "Breathe" she mouthed.
Draco shifted in his feet and followed the red head's advice; he took a deep calming breath as he patiently waited for his bride.
The guests stood up from their perch when they heard the music change; they all turned around, wanting to get the first glimpse of the Malfoy bride.
Hermione was wearing a white strapless "a" line gown with sweetheart neckline and corset closure. An asymmetrical dropped bodice that's cinched towards her left hip helped accentuate her hourglass figure. A large snowflake-like pattern made from a combination of silver threads and diamonds are embroidered intricately to give an illusion that it's holding the skirt up. The airy shimmer of Brescia Organza lends itself to softly billowing waves that gracefully move across the skirt up to her trail, giving it a whimsical look. Her long chestnut curls were tamed and styled in a side swept loose ponytail that's being held by an enchanted purple rose; her makeup was done in earth tones which gave emphasis to her glossy nude coloured lips
Draco can't help but gasp loudly when he caught sight of Hermione for the first time; he felt his heart thundering inside his chest as a large lump formed inside his throat-she is breathtaking and he can't wait to officially call her his.
Her soon to be husband looked dashing in his muggle steel grey suit; he paired it with a white button down shirt with a silver tie. A gray silk handkerchief is inserted in his left breast pocket which accentuated the modern lapel of his coat; his blonde hair was styled in a messy way that gave emphasis to his stormy eyes, making him look years younger.
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat when she laid her eyes on him; it has only been 3 days since she last saw him but she missed him dearly, no words can describe how handsome he looked at the very moment and she can't wait to officially call him hers.
Richard stopped right in front of the altar and turned towards his daughter; he gently lifted her veil and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. "Be happy."
Hermione smiled tearfully at her father; "I love you Daddy..."
"I love you too pumpkin" Richard replied with a smile.
Kingsley Shacklebolt took his place at the front; "Who gives this woman to this man?" he asked loudly.
"My wife and I, do" Richard replied clearly. He then guided Hermione's hand towards Draco's; "Take care of my baby girl Draco, I trust you" he said seriously.
"I will, thank you Sir" Draco replied.
Richard nodded; he then took a step back and made his way towards his wife.
Kingsley smiled; "Let's start the ceremony then."
Draco helped Hermione up the platform and kept her hand in his; they both turned towards the Minister and waited for him start the ceremony that will bind them together for eternity.
"We are all gathered here today to witness the binding of these two souls in matrimony; we are all here to witness the love of these two people and watch them start their lives together. The couple before me will recite their own promise of love to each other but before we listen to them I would still need to ask this question, though I know no one would dare interrupt us" Kingsley said, making the crowd chuckle.
"If anyone present is not at peace to wed this two together please speak now or forever hold your piece"
Silence...
Kingsley smiled; "Draco and Hermione please face each other, it is now time to recite your vows."
Draco took a deep breath before turning towards his lovely bride; he met her eyes and felt a smile tug on his lips. "We're finally here"
Hermione cracked a small smile; "We are."
Draco grasped her other hand; "I gave up on love a long time ago and promised myself that I'll never put myself out there again. In fact, I already made a cover story if somebody will dare ask me why I never married; I'll tell them I was too busy earning more money and simply forgot to find a wife. But then you came, in a very unconventional way, I may add; other people may call it a coincidence but we knew it's pure manipulation-but it's a type of manipulation that I don't mind and forever be grateful for" he paused to wink at his beaming mother, earning a laugh from the crowd. He shifted in his feet before continuing; "I never thought I'll learn to fall in love again after everything I've been through, heck-I never even imagined in my wildest dream that it will be with you but I guess fate has its own plan" he paused again, his face turning serious. "You came into my life and made my dead heart beat again; I was broken beyond repair but you managed to fix me with an unconditional love that I'm not even sure I deserve. You are the light in my tempestuous life-my saving grace and I can't thank you enough for the privilege of being with you." Draco swallowed thickly to clear the lump in his throat; "Today, as we stand right in front of our loved ones, I Draco Xavier Malfoy pledge my unwavering commitment and love to you. I promise to cherish you, to take care of you and to put you first in my life at all times. I may not be the perfect man but I will strive to be the man you deserve. I love you Granger and I will continue loving you until my last breath."
Hermione couldn't hold it together anymore; a sob escaped her lips as tears trek down her cheeks.
Draco squeezed her hand and gave out a comforting smile.
Hermione sniffed; "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to cry...it's just-what you said-it was beautiful and I don't know how to top that..."
Draco rolled his eyes playfully; "And we all know you will anyway" he teased, making the crowd laugh again.
Hermione chuckled; she then sniffed and cleared her throat. "Every since I was a little girl I've always believed that my prince will someday come and he'll be my first and only love. He'll sweep me off my feet with a love so real and we'll ride off the sunset in his big white horse-a love story often portrayed in Disney movies. Never did it even crossed my mind that the first love I dreamed off will hurt me beyond words and break my heart into pieces" she paused to compose herself. "You may have come into my life in a very unconventional way but your timing can never be more perfect; you helped me fix the broken pieces and made me realize that there's more to gain than hate from that experience -you showed me the silver lining that I never thought I'd see again. The road I took to get to you may have been paved with insurmountable pain but I would never regret taking it because it led me straight to you." She stood straighter and stared at him solemnly; "Today, I Hermione Jean Granger, pledge my everlasting devotion and love to you. I vow to never let go of your hand in times of doubt, to cherish you and stay by your side as your confidante, your personal cheerleader, your lover and your wife. You may not be first love maybe because your destined to my greatest, the fairy tale I once dreamed about did come true-only my prince came to me with a portkey and not a white horse" she finished with a tearful smile. "I love you Draco and I promise to love you till our very last breath."
Draco felt a tear escaped his eye but he wiped it hastily; he cleared his throat and smiled affectionately at Hermione. "I love you" he mouthed.
"I love you more" Hermione mouthed back.
"I say you two are even" Kingsley joked, earning a laugh from the crowd. He then shifted in his feet and smiled at the couple; "Please bring the rings" he instructed.
Blaise walked towards Teddy to retrieve the rings; he then moved towards Kingsley and offered it to him.
Kingsley waved his wand on top of the pillow and the rings automatically appeared on his open palm; "We will start the binding ceremony now-Draco please get the ring and place it in Hermione's left ring finger."
Draco plucked the ring and gently inserted it on Hermione's finger; "With this ring I thee wed" he said.
"Draco, do you take Hermione as your loving wife, for better or worse, through sickness and in health and till death do you part?" Kingsley asked.
"I do."
"Hermione please take the other ring and place it on Draco's left ring finger."
Hermione seized the ring and inserted it into Draco's finger; "With this ring I thee wed" she said.
"Hermione, do you take Draco as your loving husband, for better or worse, through sickness and in health and till death do you part?" Kingsley repeated.
"I do."
"Now both of you please hold each other's hand, aligning your wedding rings together" Kingsley said.
Draco grasped his wife's hand and caught her gaze.
Kingsley began waving his wand in an intricate pattern and began chanting the binding spell; thin silver light began erupting from its tip as it began looping around the couple's wrist. The light began weaving a chain as it fastens at both ends; it seeped through the couple's skin as Kingsley ended the spell. "The binding has been sealed and your souls have been intertwined, love each other like you're both destined to."
The crowd all stood up and began clapping.
"It is both my honour and privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs Draco Malfoy; Draco my boy, you may kiss your beautiful bride, congratulations!"
Draco smiled widely and pulled Hermione to his chest; he lifted her veil and wrapped his arm around her tiny waist. "I love you Mrs. Malfoy" he murmured.
Hermione giggled and gently cupped her husband's face; "I like the sound of that, I love you too Mr. Malfoy" she replied.
Draco turned his face sideways and kissed her open palm; he then brought her face closer and kissed her senseless.
The crowd cheered wildly.
oOo
The reception is being held outside the Manor just like what Hermione wished for; Narcissa didn't shirk away from that idea and took her daughter in law's words to heart-some might say she may have gone overboard but for her, it was just right.
A grand silver marquee was erected in the same place the couple took their vows; several chandeliers hung from the ballroom like ceiling which gave out a very warm yet intimate feeling. Large round tables with comfortable chairs were scattered around the carpeted floor; it was adorned with tall crystal vases that held different blooms, emitting subtle fragrances that perfumes the night air. A large dance floor was crafted in the middle of the room to give way for the string quartet and of course for some dancing.
"This place looks awesome" Harry said with awe. "I didn't know a simple marquee can look like this."
Astoria turned towards her husband and smiled; "It's what we call magic, love."
Harry chuckled; "I know love-it's just amazing" he said.
Astoria followed Harry's gaze and nodded; "It is"
"Let's find our seats? I think we share the same table" Daphne said.
"We do, I already checked with Narcissa" Ginny replied.
Astoria turned around to face the red head; "Where's your beau?"
Ginny gestured towards the tent's entrance; "He's waiting for their boss"
Harry adjusted Candice on his arms; "Let's go, I'm excited to find out what's on the menu. I'm quite sure Narcissa went all the way with it as well."
"She did, it's a 7 course meal" Daphne piped in.
Harry's eyes widen in shock; "7 course?!"
Astoria laughed; "It was supposed to be more than that but Draco put his foot down for 7."
Ginny shook her head in amusement; "Only the best for Malfoy's, eh?"
Daphne smiled; "He got to marry Hermione, right?"
Harry nodded in agreement; "One of the best indeed."
oOo
"I know you can't get your hands off of each other but I'm afraid you have to or your guests will all starve to death."
Hermione pulled her swollen lips away from her husband and peered behind his shoulder; she felt her cheeks blush profusely when she saw who caught them. "Err-"
Draco turned his face to the side, following his wife's gaze; "Dad."
Lucius smirked; "Ready to eat real food now?"
Draco can't help but chuckle at Hermione's reaction; he squeezed her one more time before taking a step back. "We should go in there love, we don't want Mum freaking out."
Hermione buried her face into Draco's chest as she groaned loudly.
Lucius laughed; "Looks like your bride needs a couple of minutes to gather herself."
"Dad!" Hermione shrieked.
Lucius raised his hands in surrender before turning around; "I'll give you kids 5 more minutes, if you don't come out, I'll send your Mother in-she's been looking for you two for a couple of minutes now" he said as he walks away.
"We'll be there" Draco replied.
Hermione waited for a couple of seconds before pulling her face away from its hiding spot; "Is he gone?"
Draco looked down and met Hermione's inquisitive eyes; "He's gone" he replied before planting a kiss on her nose.
Hermione pulled away from Draco's arms; "I can't believe he found us and he caught us kissing!"
Draco chuckled; "He already saw us kiss love, I'm quite sure it's nothing he hasn't seen yet."
"But we're making out like teenagers! You have your hand on my arse!"
Draco reached for her buttocks and pinched it playfully.
Hermione giggled as she swatted his hands away; "Draco!"
"Our guests awaits love, let's not keep them from their food any longer" Draco said as he offers his hand out.
Hermione laced their fingers together and smiled brightly; "Let's, I'm quite famished myself."
"Same here" Draco replied before tugging on her hands.
oOo
The festivities progressed and everyone seems to be having a good time; the little program that Narcissa put together for her son and new daughter was executed efficiently, much to his mother's delight. Now that the night is almost at its end, Draco knew there's only one thing left to do. So having that in mind, he stood up from his perch and turned towards his wife; he bowed like a gentleman and offered his hand. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Malfoy?"
Hermione being caught off guard by Draco's action's let out a giggle; "It will be my pleasure, Mr. Malfoy" she replied as she puts her hand in his.
As if on cue, all eyes turned on them-the loud chattering hushing almost instantly. Ginny stood up from her seat and made her way towards the small stage; she nodded towards the quartet before grasping the microphone.
Draco planted a kiss on her hand before gently pulling her up; he led her towards the middle of the empty dance floor and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Soft music permeated the air as Ginny's voice resounded inside the whole place.
"I know that the bridges that I've burned along the way has left me with these walls and these scars that won't go away. And opening up has always been the hardest thing, until you came..."
Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck as she swayed with the song; "How did you know that this is one of my favourite songs?"
Draco smiled as he tightened his arms around her; "A magician never reveals his secret."
"So lay here, beside me and don't let go. This feeling, I'm feeling is something I'll never know. And I just can't take my eyes off you..."
Hermione gazed into his eyes; "I love you Draco..." she whispered.
"I love you more..."
"And I love when you tell me that I'm pretty when I just woke up. And I love how you tease me when I'm moody and it's always enough. I'm falling fast and the truth is not I'm not scared at all, you broke my walls..."
"Is it just me or this song perfectly describes our relationship?" Draco asked.
Hermione giggled; "Caught on, have you?"
"So you love it when I tease you?" Draco asked mischievously.
"No, I love it when you tell me I'm beautiful without make up on" Hermione corrected.
Draco smiled; "You've always been beautiful to me Hermione, with or without make up on."
"Awwww, you're turning mushy on me again"
Draco chuckled; he then pulled her closer and rested his chin on top of her head. "So lay here, beside me and don't let go. This feeling, I'm feeling is something I'll never know. And I just can't take my eyes off you..."he sang along with Ginny.
"You're singing..."
"I am. You turned me into a big ball of mushiness, so shut up."
Hermione buried her face into his chest and smiled contentedly; "A big ball of mushiness that I happen to love to bits."
oOo
"Here you go Mione, everything you need is in there already" Ginny said.
Hermione zipped her dress and turned towards her best friend; "I can't thank you enough for this Gin, I love you!"
"I love too and you're welcome, just make sure you return the favour in my wedding" Ginny said with a wink.
Hermione laughed; "I'll sing and dance in your wedding if you-wait" she paused when it finally caught on to her. Her eyes darted towards Ginny's hand and saw a huge solitaire diamond ring adorning her finger; "Oh my god!"
Astoria laughed as she stood beside the newly engaged witch; "Do you agree with me now? Telling her right after Anthony proposed will have her foaming in the mouth, Narcissa will never forgive us if that actually happened."
Ginny chuckled; "Malfoy's never foam in the mouth."
Hermione ignored her friend's jibe; "When did this happen? Oh my god!"
"Calm down Mione" Ginny said. "It happened after my song number-Anthony asked me to step outside and led me towards the middle of the fields; he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him."
Hermione couldn't contain herself any longer; she flung her arms around Ginny and pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you Ginny! You're finally getting married!"
Ginny hugged her ecstatic friend back; "Thank you love."
"As much as I love to keep you here longer MIone, I'm afraid I can't. You have a honeymoon to go to and a husband to please" Astoria said.
Hermione pulled away from her friend, her cheeks flushing brightly.
"Oh, she's blushing, isn't it cute?" Ginny teased.
"Oh shut it!" Hermione said.
Astoria chuckled; she then pointed her wand at her friend's suitcase and vanished it. "There you go, one step closer to leaving."
oOo
"Your bag has already been sent downstairs, you're good to go" Blaise said.
Draco grabbed his jacket from his bed; "Thanks man"
"Welcome" Blaise replied.
"Where you two going again?" Theo asked.
"Well be spending a week in Maldives then we're off to Switzerland" Draco replied.
Blaise raised his brow; "Maldives? Again?"
Draco shrugged on his jacket; "Hermione wants to go back-so I'm indulging her."
"You've got to take me there, that place intrigues me" Theo said thoughtfully.
"Sure, just tell me when and I'll send you the portkey" Draco replied.
"Aunt Cissy won't mind?" Theo asked.
Draco rolled his eyes; "Are you really asking me that question Nott?"
Theo looked abashed; "Oh right, sorry"
"You done? Your parents are already waiting for you at the foyer-Hermione is already on her way down" Anthony said.
"Goldstein, you sly dog! Congratulations!" Blaise said jovially.
Draco furrowed his brows in confusion; "What happened?"
Theo smirked; "He proposed to Little Red right after her song number, they're finally engaged."
Anthony cringed; "I was planning on proposing after your wedding but hearing her sing made me throw my plans out of the window, I couldn't hold it off any longer, I'm sorry."
Draco made his way towards his friend and hugged him briefly; "You have nothing to be sorry for, congratulations!" he said while patting his back.
Anthony let out a relieved sigh; "Thank you Drake" he replied.
Blaise coughed; "You should get your arse down Draco, you don't want to make the missus wait."
"Right" Draco said. He then stepped into his loafers and made his way towards the door; "Let's go."
oOo
"Enjoy your time together love" Anne said as hugs her daughter tightly.
"I will Mum" Hermione replied.
Anne pulled away and took a step back; Richard took her place and wrapped his arm around her daughter. "Don't forget to owl us as soon as you reach Zurich, yeah?"
"I promise."
Richard pulled away and planted a kiss on her forehead; "I love you pumpkin and we'll see you real soon."
Hermione smiled widely; "I love you too Daddy and you too Mum" she said.
Richard placed his arm around his wife's shoulders; "Where's that husband of yours anyway?" he asked while looking around.
Hermione rolled her eyes; she was about to open her mouth to respond but wasn't able to do so when she saw him walking towards them. "There he is."
"I can't believe you took longer than Hermione" Narcissa chided.
Draco rolled his eyes; "I had a lot to pack."
"Of course you do, Merlin knows how much hair products you have." Lucius drawled.
Draco threw his father a side glance; "Hair products you also use."
"Touché" Lucius said with a laugh.
Narcissa took a step towards her son and hugged him tightly; "Take care of yourself and your wife" she said.
Draco returned the hug; "I will, stop worrying, we'll be fine" he whispered.
Narcissa pulled away and wiped her eyes; "I will always worry, you are my babies"
"Don't hesitate to let us know in case you need anything, okay?" Lucius reminded.
"Yes sir" Draco replied.
Lucius leaned forward and hugged his son; he patted his back and pulled away. "You should leave now."
Draco nodded; he then turned towards his wife and smiled. "You ready, love?"
"Yep"
"Come on then"
Hermione moved towards her husband and stood beside him.
Draco wrapped his arm around her tiny waist and smiled at their parents; "We'll see you in a month."
Hermione copied her husband's action and gripped his waist tightly; "See you!" she said with a cheerful wave.
A loud chorus of goodbyes were thrown the couple's way.
Draco accioed the portkey earring in his hand and they both disappeared with a loud pop.
Narcissa sniffed loudly; "I will miss them both dearly."
Anne nodded in agreement; "I will too"
"Wipe your tears ladies-they'll both be back before you know it. And besides, who knows, we might get our grandchild by then" Lucius said mischievously.
"That I'm very much looking forward to" Richard said with a grin.
oOo
Hermione opened her eyes and saw her familiar surroundings; she smiled widely before pulling away. "We're here."
Draco grinned; "We are."
Hermione shifted in her feet, clearly not sure how to proceed.
Draco took the initiative and made the first move; he scooped her into his arms and planted a chaste kiss on her lips.
Hermione giggled as she wrap her arm around his neck; "Patience is really not your virtue, eh?"
"I've been patient for a very long time love" Draco growled before he hefted her up and slung her on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Hermione shrieked; "Draco you great big oaf! Put me down!"
"Time to get naked Granger" Draco replied as he made his way towards their room.
Hermione giggled as she hung upside down.
"Liking the view?"
Hermione thought for a moment before following her intuition; she bit her bottom lip hard to keep herself from laughing before slapping her husband's buttocks.
Draco yelped; "Now you're going to get it!"
"I'm looking forward to it Mr. Malfoy."
Draco closed the door behind them with a kick before throwing his wife on the bed; "You'd be the death of me" he said. He then slowly made his way towards the foot of the bed and began crawling up; "Time to take our clothes off Mrs. Malfoy-I believe we have a lot of things to do" he said while wiggling his brows suggestively.
Hermione shrieked as she dove under the covers.
Draco chuckled as he followed her under.
Bless the broken road
After two years:
Draco was doing his rounds when he saw familiar faces standing by the counter; he felt his heart filled with worry as he jogged towards them. “Mum? Dad? What are you doing here?”
Lucius turned around and saw his son standing behind him; “It’s Hermione.”
Draco felt all the air get sucked out of his lungs as dread fill his chest; “What happened?” he asked frantically.
“We don’t know, we just received a floo call from Harry and told us to come here immediately” Narcissa replied.
“Where the bloody hell is he?” Draco yelled.
“I don’t know, we just got here son” Lucius replied.
“There he is” Narcissa pointed towards the hallway.
Draco turned around and saw Harry walking towards them; he didn’t wait for the other wizard to reach him, he met him half way. “What the hell happened to my wife? Where is she?”
“She’s gone into labor and Luna is examining her----“
Draco didn’t wait for Harry to finish his sentence as he disapparated right on the spot.
Narcissa gasped; “She’s having the babies!”
Lucius didn’t seem to hear his wife as he stared at Harry; “She’s supposed to have the babies next week, why did she go into early labor? What happened?” he asked sternly.
“Trust Lucius to be the one to figure it out---here goes nothing” Harry thought. He adjusted his glasses; “She went into labor because she spoke with someone and I think she got upset” he explained.
Lucius narrowed his eyes menacingly; “Spoke with whom?”
“Ron...”
“Ronald Weasley?” Narcissa clarified.
Harry swallowed thickly; “Yes” he replied. “Ron approached me this morning and told me that he wanted to talk to Hermione because he wanted to apologize.”
“And you let him?” Narcissa asked.
Harry shook his head adamantly; “I didn’t. I specifically told him to stay away from Hermione because that wouldn’t bode well.”
“Let me guess, he went against your wishes and still went to see her?” Lucius said dryly.
Harry nodded; “He did.”
Narcissa sighed; “He should’ve known better” she said. “Well, there’s nothing we can do now, let’s just hope that everything will turn out alright.”
“Where did they take her?” Lucius asked.
“Maternity ward, I’ll take you there.”
oOo
“Draco! Where’s Draco? I want my husband!” Hermione whimpered through tears.
Luna gently wiped Hermione’s forehead; “He’s on his way love, Harry is getting him for you---please try to relax” she said gently.
Hermione closed her eyes as another contraction hit her hard; she let out strangled cry as she clutched her stomach. “I---I can’t do this...it hurts...”
A loud crack resounded just as the door burst open, revealing a frantic Draco; he run towards the bed and began checking on her wife. “Hermione? I’m here love...I’m here...”
Hermione opened her eyes; “Draco...you’re here...it hurts so much...” she cried.
Draco turned his face towards Luna; “How far long is she?”
“Her contractions are only 10 minutes apart and she’s almost fully dilated; we just need to wait a couple of minutes before she can start pushing” Luna explained.
“Did you already give her some pain potions?” Draco asked.
“I did, it should take effect any second now.”
Draco turned his gaze towards Hermione; “The pain should lessen any second now love...just breathe...”
Hermione followed Draco’s instruction; after a few minutes, she felt a little relief. “I feel better...”
Draco can’t help but smile; “That’s the potion kicking in love.”
“I’ll leave you two but I’ll be back, I just need to make sure that everything we need is being prepared” Luna said.
“Thank you Luna” Hermione said.
Luna smiled; “You’re welcome Hermione” she said before leaving.
Hermione shifted on the bed and tried hard to turn to her side.
“Whoa, what are you doing?” Draco asked.
“I feel more comfortable on my side” Hermione replied.
Draco stood from his perch and assisted the struggling brunette; “Comfy?” he asked.
Hermione smiled; “Yes, thank you.”
Draco sat back and stared at his wife; “You’re not supposed to be in labor yet, what happened?” he asked.
Hermione looked sheepish; “Err---“
Draco raised his brow; “Out with it Granger, you’re look says it all.”
Hermione pursed her lips; “That’s Malfoy to you Mister.”
“Fine. Out with it Malfoy” Draco rephrased.
“Promise me first that you won’t get mad”
“Why do I feel like I won’t like this one bit?”
Hermione cringed when she felt a dull ache on her tummy; “Because you wouldn’t” she replied.
Draco sighed; “I promise.”
“Ron saw me today”
Draco tried his hardest to keep his face blank; “Why?”
Hermione reached for Draco’s hand and laced their fingers; “He wanted to talk.”
Draco gritted his teeth to keep his calm; “Did he say something to upset you? Is that the reason why you went into pre-term labor?”
Hermione shook her head so hard that she saw spots; “No.”
“Tell me what happened, what did he want?”
“He just wanted to apologize for all the things he’s done to me and I forgave him” Hermione said softly.
“Oh.”
“It’s been 2 years Draco and time already healed all the wounds. I can’t be friends with him any longer but that doesn’t mean I can’t be cordial.”
Draco lifted Hermione’s hands to his lips and planted a kiss on her knuckles; “That makes you a better person love, a much better person that I am” he said.
“You’re not mad that I forgave him?” Hermione asked.
Draco shook his head; “No, I’m proud” he said with a smile.
Hermione smiled widely; “Come here”
Draco leaned closer; “What?”
Hermione bridged the gap and pecked him on the lips; “I love you Draco Malfoy” she murmured.
“I love you too Hermione Malfoy” Draco replied. “If Weasel is not the reason you went into labor then what caused it?”
Hermione winced when another wave hit her; “Err---I was already having pains when you left this morning but I thought it was just gas...”
“You were having pains and you didn’t tell me?” Draco asked, clearly aghast.
“Like I told you, I thought it was just gas---“
“And you still went to the Ministry! You’re already on Maternity leave, what on earth did you do there? You were----”
Hermione squeezed Draco’s hand hard when another contraction hit, only seconds apart; “Oh Merlin----call Luna, I think they’re coming...”
Draco shot up from his perch and went at the foot of the bed; he gently lifted the blanket and began tugging her gown up.
“W---what are you doing?” Hermione panted.
“Let me check if you’re fully dilated” Draco replied. “Open your legs”
Hermione clamped her legs tightly together; “NO! Call Luna”
“Come on love, I’m a Healer and I’ve seen it a thousands of times, now is not the time to be bashful.”
Hermione shook her head; “This is different Malfoy! CALL LUNA NOW!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.
The door opened as Luna stepped in; “I’m here now Hermione, are you ready to push?”
oOo
“How long does it take to give birth? Do you reckon?” Lucius asked.
Narcissa threw her husband a indignant look; “You don’t know? Where you even there when I gave birth to our son?”
“Of course I was there love but that was more than 2 decades ago, that particular memory is evading me” Lucius explained.
Narcissa huffed; “I for one cannot forget it, I was trying to push a watermelon out of my body after all” she said. “It depends, it’s normally 6 hours up but Hermione is having twins, it might take longer than that.”
Lucius winced.
“I came as soon as I heard, how’s Hermione?” Ginny asked as she entered the waiting area.
“She’s been moved to the delivery room and she’s been there for 6 hours now” Astoria replied.
Ginny plopped down the empty seat beside her friend; “Is that a good thing?” she asked.
“It’s normal, when I had Candice, I labored for 10 hours.”
Ginny cringed; “10 hours?!”
Astoria let out small smile; “It was worth it.”
Ginny was about to open her mouth to respond but wasn’t able to do so when the door to the delivery room opened.
Draco stepped out of the delivery room with a large smile on his face; “They’re all fine, the babies are just being cleaned and Hermione is being prepared for transport” he exclaimed happily.
Narcissa flew out of her chair and hugged her son tightly; “Thank Merlin!”
Draco patted his mother’s back before pulling away; “You’re now a proud grandmother of a bouncing baby boy and girl” he said.
Lucius followed his wife’s lead and pulled the other man into a hug; “Congratulations son” he said jovially.
“What are their names?” Harry asked curiously.
“Scorpius Aurelian Malfoy and Cassiopeia Ariadne Malfoy” Draco said proudly.
oOo
“Where have you been? I thought you’re just bringing your report to the Ministry, it’s been hours” Millicent asked as she stared at her husband.
Ron took off his cloak and draped it at the back of the couch; “I spoke with Hermione” he replied.
“Why? What business do you have with the Mudblood?” Millicent asked snidely.
Ron rolled his eyes; “Stop calling Hermione that word, what are you 12 years old?”
Millicent huffed; “I will call her whatever I want to call her!” she retorted.
“Where’s Maddie?” Ron asked.
“She’s in her room sleeping, she’s been waiting for you for hours.”
Ron took a seat beside his errant wife and leaned his head at the back of the couch, closing his eyes.
Millicent licked her lips as she tries to reign down her emotions; she knew that she shouldn’t feel jealous because she knew for a fact that the Mudblood won’t talk to Ron but she couldn’t help it. “Did she talk to you?”
A small smile crept towards Ron’s lips; “She did and we’re finally good---she already forgave me.”
Millicent clenched her teeth, clearly not pleased; “Really? Is she planning on jumping your bones again? Do I need to file for our imminent divorce?”
Ron’s eyes snapped open before turning his face towards his wife; “Are you jealous?”
Millicent shot up from her perch; “Don’t be stupid! Of course I’m not” she spat. She then straightened her robe and began walking away; “I’m going to check on Maddie” she said.
Ron stood up from his perch and grabbed Millicent’s arm before she had the chance to leave; “Don’t do this, you have nothing to worry about” he said slowly.
“Who say’s I’m worried?” Millicent asked, still not facing Ron.
Ron took a step closer to turn his wife around to face him; “Look at me.”
“What?”
“Whatever happened between me and Hermione is already in the past, I wronged her---we both wronged her and she deserved every bit of apology and more” Ron explained.
Millicent sighed; “I know that...”
Ron stared into her eyes with full seriousness; “I know we started everything with the wrong foot and we made mistakes more than we could count; most people think that we shouldn’t be happy because of what we did so I convinced myself I shouldn’t eventhough I am. But for the first time in 2 years I felt relief; it’s as if a heavy burden was lifted from my chest and I’m finally free from the cage of guilt I built for myself---I can admit it now without being afraid---I’m happy Millie, with you and Maddie.”
Millicent cracked a smile; “You’re happy with us?”
Ron smiled back; “Over the moon happy.”
Millicent flung her arms around Ron’s neck; hugging him with all her might.
Ron wrapped his arms around her waist; “We still have a long way to go but I’m willing if you are...”
“I am...I really am.”
oOo
12 years later:
The years that had gone by has been nothing but fruitful for the Malfoy family; Hermione and Draco had not only been blessed with fraternal twins but two more children. Their identical twins resembled Draco’s features strongly but their two youngest inherited Hermione’s---a perfect combination from the couple as others might say.
“Hurry up Cadey or we’ll be late!”
A petite curly blonde girl with piercing grey eyes stepped out of her room; “It’s not even 9 yet Aurey, don’t be so dramatic”
Scorpius rolled his eyes as he made his way towards the stairs; “It would be if you don’t start hauling your trunk downstairs, Mum and Dad are already waiting for us.”
Cadey huffed as she went back inside her room.
“Where’s your sister?” Draco asked.
“Still fixing her stuff” Scorpius replied before skipping towards the kitchen.
Draco stood at the end of the staircase and braised his hands on his hips; “Cassiopeia Ariadne Malfoy get your pretty little bum down here! It’s almost 9 and your Mum is about to have a conniption!” he yelled.
“I’m on my way Daddy just hold on a sec!”
Draco shook his head as he followed his son; “She’s only 12 years old for Merlin’s sake, what in the world is she packing---is that a scone with clotted cream or clotted cream with a scone? How can you eat that?” he asked while eyeing his son, distaste evident in his tone.
Scorpius took a large bite of his scone before responding; “It’s good, I love clotted cream.”
Draco cringed; “It’s nauseating” he replied. “Stop playing with your food Alex and finish your milk.”
“Draco?”
Draco turned around and saw his wife standing a couple of feet away from him, carrying their 2 year old daughter in her arms. “Yes love?”
Hermione adjusted the sleeping Serena Brielle Malfoy on her hip; “Did Mum and Dad arrive already?” she asked.
“They’re not here yet but they will be any second now.”
The fireplace in the living room burst to life as if on cue; signalling an arrival.
Draco smirked; “See? Right on time”
An excited chubby 5 year old boy with brown hair peered from the kitchen door; “Nana and Piere here?” he asked.
“Yes they are” Draco replied.
Alex squealed happily as he ran towards the living room.
“Orion Alexander! No running inside the house!” Draco called out.
“I’m sorry darlings! We didn’t mean to cut it so close” Narcissa said with an apologetic smile.
“We forgot the time” Lucius said as he fell into step with his wife, his grandson safely tucked in his arms. He then surveyed his surroundings; “Where are the twins?” he asked.
“Aurey finishing his breakfast and Cadey is still upstairs packing Merlin knows what” Draco replied.
Narcissa took a peek at the wall clock; “Oh dear, it’s quarter till 9, you should get going.”
“Aurey, are you done eating?” Draco called out.
“Yes Dad, coming!” Scorpius replied.
“Where on earth is Cadey?” Hermione asked.
Narcissa moved towards Hermione and opened her arms; “Give her here, you should get Cassiopeia or they will miss the train.”
Hermione gently transferred her daughter on her Mother in law’s arms; “Thank you” she replied before briskly climbing up the stairs.
Narcissa shifted Serena in her arms; “She’s gone bigger from the last time I saw her” she murmured. “What have you two been feeding our grandchildren?”
“You should be asking yourself and Dad that question Mum” Draco replied. “I swear every time any of my kid stays with you two at the Manor they come home a stone or two heavier.”
Lucius planted a chaste kiss on his Alex’s chubby cheek; “Spoiling them to bits is our life’s mission, right darling?”
Narcissa caressed Serena cheek; “Right.”
Scorpius stepped into the hallway and made his way towards his Grandparents; “Good morning Nana and Piere” he said politely.
“Good morning love, don’t you look handsome” Narcissa said fondly.
“I’m a Malfoy Nana, it’s given” Scorpius replied smugly.
“Me too!” Alex shrieked.
Lucius let out a fully belly laugh; “Oh Draco, you taught them well---just don’t let Hermione hear it.”
Draco winked at his sons; “I trust you heard that boys, don’t let your Mummy know I taught you that, it’s our little secret.”
“What secret?” Hermione asked as she descends the stairs. “Did Didi send your trunk already Aurey?”
“Yes Mom.”
Hermione turned her face towards her daughter; “I assume yours had been sent as well?” she asked.
“Yes Mum” Cadey replied.
“Say goodbye to your siblings and grandparents now, we only have 10 minutes to spare” Draco instructed.
Cadey moved towards her grandfather as Scorpius walked towards his grandmother; bidding their siblings goodbye.
oOo
Platform 9 ¾: Hogwarts Express
“Look after your baby brother Candice, make sure he doesn’t get into trouble” Astoria said.
Candice hugged her mother tightly; “I’ll keep Liam out of trouble Mum, don’t worry.”
Harry fixed the scarf around his son’s neck; “Listen to your sister Liam and don’t hesitate to owl us if you need anything, okay?”
Liam Potter nodded; “Will do Daddy” he replied with a toothy grin. “Where’s Aurey?”
“I don’t know mate but I’m sure they’ll be here any minute now” Harry replied.
“I think that’s Auntie Mione” Candice said while pointing towards the crowd.
Harry turned around; “Yep, that’s them.”
“Were here, we’re not late!” Hermione chirped when she stopped right in front of her long time best friend.
“Did you have a hard time prying Draco away from the mirror again?” Astoria teased.
“For your information it’s not my fault, it’s your goddaughter’s” Draco quipped.
Cadey pursed her lips, clearly not pleased; “Daddy!”
Liam turned towards Cadey and smirked; “Too bad Andrei already boarded the train Cadey, you have to wait until we reached Hogwarts before he can see you” he teased.
Cadey’s face instantly flushed as red as a beet; “I don’t know what you’re talking about Liam” she huffed.
Draco eyed Liam; “Andrei Goldstein? Your Aunt Ginny’s son?” he asked.
Liam nodded.
Draco threw her eldest daughter a stern look; “No crushes for you yet young lady----not until you’re...you’re 30!”
Hermione pinched Draco’s side before pulling her blushing daughter to her side; “Don’t listen to your Daddy, its okay to have crushes sweetheart---just don’t take it seriously, you’re still too young for that, do you understand?”
“Yes Mum...” Cadey replied.
A loud whistle permeated the air and almost instantly students of all ages started boarding the train.
Hermione turned towards he daughter and hugged her tightly; “I will miss you dearly Cadey, please write to me as much as possible and please take care of each other, I love you” she whispered.
“I will miss you too Mum and I promise to write to you as soon as possible, I love you too” Cadey replied tearfully.
Draco braised his hands on his son’s shoulders and stared at him seriously; “You’re a big man now so I expect you take care of yourself and your sister. Don’t hesitate to owl us if you need anything, okay?”
“I will Dad” Scorpius replied.
Draco pulled his son into a tight hug; “I will miss you son, I love you.”
“I will miss you too, love you” Scorpius replied.
Hermione let Cadey go before engulfing her eldest son into a hug; “Oh Aurey! I will miss you love!” she said through tears.
Scorpius can’t help but smile; “I will miss you too Mum and I promise to look after Cadey” he said while rubbing his mother’s back.
“Look after yourself too” Hermione reminded before pulling away.
Scorpius leaned forward and planted a kiss on his mother’s cheek; “Will do.”
Draco slowly pulled away from Cadey but kept her on arm’s length; “No boys for you yet, you’re still my baby, do you understand?”
Cadey nodded; “No boys”
Draco smiled; he then leaned forward and kissed his daughter’s forehead. “I will miss you terribly Cadey bear, write to your old man often, eh?”
Cadey giggled upon hearing the silly nickname; “I will do Daddy” she replied.
“We have to go” Candice said before steering his little brother towards the train.
Scorpius held her sister’s hand as he trailed behind their friends.
Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione’s shoulders; “You kids behave and we’ll you see you in a few months” he said.
“Don’t forget to owl us once you’ve been sorted!” Astoria said.
“Stay out of trouble” Harry reminded.
“We love you!” Hermione said.
All the doors were automatically closed when the last student hopped in; the train gave out a last whistle before it started departing.
Hermione buried her face into her husband’s chest as tears fell down her cheeks.
Draco pulled her tightly to his chest as he ran his hand on her back in a soothing manner; “Stop crying love, they’ll be home soon” he cooed.
“I know that---I just can’t stop crying, what’s wrong with me?” Hermione murmured.
“It’s okay Mione, I cried a bucket of tears when Candice boarded that train for the very first time—that’s normal” Astoria said.
Hermione turned her face to the side, just enough to see Astoria; “Really?”
Astoria smiled; “Really.”
Hermione sniffed as she pulls away from her husband’s chest; she hastily wiped her cheeks and sniffed again. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cry.”
Draco planted a soft kiss on Hermione’s forehead before smiling; “It’s okay love, no harm done” he replied. He then turned towards Harry; “I haven’t seen Ginny and Anthony, were they here early?” he asked.
“They were but they didn’t linger, Anthony didn’t want Ginny on her feet for too long” Harry explained.
“I see” Draco replied.
“How did Ginny take it?” Hermione asked curiously.
Harry winced; “Not good”
Hermione chuckled.
Harry then moved towards his wife and wrapped his arm around her waist; “We better get going, it’s the first time in almost 20 years that we had the house to ourselves” he said while wiggling his brows.
Hermione raised her brow; “Where’s Albus?”
“With my Mother---in Paris” Astoria replied.
Draco chuckled; “You deported your son to Paris so you can have the house to yourselves? That’s brilliant!”
Harry smirked; “I can see the wheels turning inside your head Malfoy and I say go for it.”
“Damn right, I will” Draco replied.
Hermione threw her best friend and husband a confused look; “Go for what?”
“We’ll see you soon Mione, bye!” Harry said before disapparating with his wife on the spot.
Hermione scoffed; “That randy little bugger didn’t even have the decency to let his wife say goodbye.”
“Cut the boy-who’s-been-deprived a slack, 20 years is a very long time after all.”
“Fine.”
Draco reached for Hermione’s hand and laced them together; “Mum and Dad will be keeping the little munchkin’s till we pick them up, would you got out on a Muggle date with me?”
“Muggle date? In broad daylight?” Hermione asked, amusement evident in her voice.
Draco grinned; “In broad daylight” he confirmed.
“This better be good Malfoy” Hermione warned with a small smile.
Draco laughed as he tug on Hermione’s hand; “No time to waste” he said giddily as he led her along the station.
Hermione shook her head with amusement.
oOo
True to his words, Draco gave Hermione a spectacular Muggle date. He took her for a stroll in Trafulgar Square and rode The Eye; he then bought her to her favourite bookstore before taking her to The Ritz Carlton for dinner. Now, he found himself standing at the lobby of the infamous hotel while waiting for his wife who’s currently busy buying pastries for their parents and kids.
“Draco?”
Draco turned around and saw the person he least expected to see; “Ireland?”
Ireland Montgomery let out a small smile; “It’s been awhile.”
Draco returned the smile reluctantly; “It’s been years.”
“Don’t get me wrong but what on earth are you doing here?” Ireland asked curiously.
“I’m waiting for my wife, she’s buying something from the bakeshop” Draco replied.
“I see.”
Draco shoved his hands inside his pockets; “How about you? What are you doing here?”
Ireland let out another smile; “I’m waiting for my husband, he took Zander to the loo” she replied.
“You’re married?”
“Yes and we have a beautiful little boy too” Ireland said.
Draco’s smile widens; “That’s good to hear, I’m happy for you” he said sincerely.
“Thank you” Ireland replied. “I heard you have 4 kids and a beautiful wife, I’m happy for you too.”
“I do. Our twins just left for Hogwarts today and the other 2 is staying with my parents so we decided to have time for ourselves.”
Ireland chuckled; “Alone time is hard to come by when you have kids.”
Draco nodded; “That statement can never be truer” he agreed.
Ireland peered behind Draco’s shoulder and saw her husband; “Well, I should get going now” she said.
“Okay” Draco replied.
“It was nice seeing you again Draco and I’m happy to see that you’re happy---you deserve it” Ireland said.
“Thank you---you too”
Ireland threw him one last smile before walking towards her family.
Draco turned around and watched her leave; a feeling of relief and happiness wafting through his chest.
“I’m sorry it took me a while---I just can’t decide what to buy and there----Draco?”
Draco turned to his side and saw his wife saddled with paper bags; “Did you buy half of the store love?” he asked.
Hermione wrinkled her nose; “It’s your fault, you shouldn’t have left me alone there---you know it’s my weakness and----”
Draco leaned forward and pressed his lips on hers, silencing her rants; after a couple of nips, he pulled away and grabbed the bags from her hands. “I love you, now let’s go.”
Hermione can’t help but smile; “I love you too.”
oOo
It was almost midnight when Hermione entered their room; she took off her robe before making her way towards the bed.
“Is Serena asleep?” Draco asked as he closes his book.
Hermione pulled the comforter up and slipped under; “Yep” she replied. She let out a loud yawn before burying her face into her pillow; “I’m so tired” she mumbled.
Draco took his reading glasses off and placed it on the side table, together with his book; he scooted towards his wife and pulled her to his chest. “Are you too tired to talk?”
Hermione tilted her face and stared at Draco; “Talk about what?” she asked.
Draco sat up and leaned back on the headboard, dragging Hermione with him; “I just realized something...”
Hermione pulled away and sat down, facing him directly; “Realized what?”
Draco looked pensive for a couple of seconds before speaking again; “That you’re right.”
Hermione smiled smugly; “I’m always right.”
Draco just glared as a response.
Hermione giggled; “I’m sorry, I can’t help it---go on, what am I right about?”
“I saw Ireland today, while I was waiting for you at the lobby.”
Hermione’s eyes widen; “Is she the blonde woman you were talking to?”
Draco raised his brow; “You saw that?”
Hermione nodded; “I did, she’s pretty.”
“You’re prettier” Draco quipped.
Hermione ignored Draco’s statement; “Continue, what am I right about?”
“About forgiveness...” Draco replied.
Hermione threw Draco a confused look; “You haven’t forgiven her?”
Draco cleared his throat as he sat straighter; “I did but I haven’t really felt that I did---does that make sense?”
“Err---I think?”
“It’s just that I understand you more now when you told me that you can be happy for the Weasel” Draco said.
Hermione reached for her husband’s hand and held it; “Are you telling me that you can be happy for Ireland now?” she asked with a small smile.
Draco nodded; “I always believed that she doesn’t deserve to be happy after everything that she’s done to me---I did forgive her when she asked me but deep down I was holding a grudge” he said truthfully. “But after seeing her today with a husband and a kid and she looked happy, I realized how wrong I was and how much your loved changed me.”
“Oh Draco” Hermione said as she threw herself at her husband.
Draco buried his face into her curls; “You made me a better man and I just realized that now” he murmured.
Hermione stayed in Draco’s arms for a couple of minutes before pulling away; she cupped his face with her hands and met his eyes. “Whatever happened in the past should stay in the past. We may have been deeply hurt by them but they are also the reason why our paths crossed again. You once asked me why I was able to forgive and be happy for Ron---the answer to that question is quite simple. If he didn’t hurt me the way he did then I wouldn’t have met you, fall in love with you and married you. There are a lot of reasons to continue hating him but I don’t think it’s worth it anymore, it takes a lot of effort so I decided that I’d rather think of him as my wayward Northern Star, metaphorically speaking of course.”
Draco threw her a confused look; “Northern star? Why?”
Hermione smiled; “He led me to the place where I was meant to be from the start---by your side.”
Draco thought for a moment before he grinned; “If the Weasel is your Northern star then Ireland can be my bloody Polaris---she led me straight to you.”
“See? Not bad at all”
Draco leaned forward and hauled Hermione to his lap; “Let’s stop the star talk this instant, I don’t think I can think of another constellation or whatnot, I have another thing in my mind right now” he said while wiggling his brows suggestively.
Hermione cocked her head to the side; “If you can’t think of another constellation, does that mean I can name our next child with a normal name?”
Draco furrowed his brows; “Next child?”
Hermione cringed when she realized her slip; “Err---“
“Are---are you?”
“I’m---I’m sorry Draco---I didn’t mean to get pregnant! I swear I’m taking my potions---“
Draco didn’t let his wife finish; he pressed his lips firmly on hers before gently flipping them over.
Hermione revelled in the sensation that his husband is giving her but was forced to push him away; “You’re not angry?” she asked breathlessly.
Draco smiled widely; “I’m bloody happy! I love you Hermione, thank you for making me so happy!”
Hermione smiled back; “I love you Draco, you make me so happy too!” she replied.
oOo
FIN
oOo
A/N: And that my darlings concludes this story! :D I hope you liked it :D