DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR THE CHARACTERS. THE BOOK BELONGS TO J.K ROWLING.
That's great.
That's. . .great.
"Hermione?"
Her fingers clenched around the handle of the cup as tightly as she could. Her face showed too much of unbearable pain that refracted on the surface of the tea. From outside she can hear the children laughing as they play in the snow. She heard Ginny sighed heavily and Hermione felt nothing when she took her hand and squeezed them. Her voice called out her name, so soft yet there's pity in them. She wises it was him calling her out.
"Let yourself go," Ginny urged, almost begging her. Her eyes remained on the surface of her cold and untouched tea. This remind her of her heart now; very similar. Cold and untouched.
"Isn't five years not enough?," her voice rings to her, begging and pleading her to stop her nonsense.
Cold and untouched.
Let go. . .
"He's getting married," Ginny whispered gently as if the news would break her best friend into pieces right in front of her. Hermione's heart clenches, it ached and wishes to stop beating. Though she feels nothing but ache and numbness. Not even the Cruciato curse can defeat the kind of pain she's feeling. Five years. This news was the slap of reality she needed; that even the slight hint of hope she had, burned down.
That's great.
Hermione sat up straighter from her seat, her head slowly lifting to make eye contact with her best friend. It still hurts for her to look at Ginny because she sees him in her even if she keeps reminding herself that they are not the same.
"That's great," the surface of the tea moved slightly, its ripple shaky just like her breathing. "Really. That's great,"
"Mione," she flinched at her nickname and the young woman noticed this. Her shoulders sagged. Hermione forced out a smile that tired her out the second she let it out.
"That's great. I mean, really. He's settling down now, he's happy. He's no longer the player I fell in love to,"
000
Sophisticated floral lace lines his bride's figure as she gracefully walk down the aisle with so much effort. The back of the gown drifts behind the bride's back at each steps she takes. Traditional wizardry version of the Wedding March filled the chapel into a happy ending in a fairytale. With her hair straighten down and a fishtail braid that acts as a crown around her head that matches her aqua-seafoam bridesmaid dress, she silently followed along; her heels clicking behind. The colour theme of the wedding was light red and aqua coloured; the couples thinking that they should be the colour of their houses. She thought it was utterly disturbing for the colour doesn't match at all.
She neared the end, her heart beating feverishly as she continue to walk down the aisle where the man she loved or still love stands with the widest smile as he waits for his bride. But sadly, it isn't her. She watches as she placed her hands on the hands of the man she knew well ever since. Reality hit her as they smile at each other, their eyes filled with joy and loving that she didn't find when he was with her. She took the space beside Ginny and watches the couple confess their true love in front of the God. There was once when she thought it would be her standing there. Not her.
"Ronald Billius Weasley, do you take Astoria Greengrass as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do,".
Her breathing became haggard, her eyes glazing as a new fresh of tears threaten to spill from her. He had sounded so happy, almost like she wasn't even important or part of her life.
That's great. . .
"Astoria Greengrass, do you take Ronald Billius Weasley as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do,".
The whole crowd erupted in gleeful tear and cheers as the couples upon them declared husband and wife. She bit the inside of her cheek, despite the tears threatening to burst, she held her chin up and smiled with content. The bridesmaids all followed the newly wed at the front of the church where the traditional throwing of the bouquet would happen. She watches her twirl around, the edge of the gown flowing around her, before the bride tossed the bouquet in the air. Her bridesmaid all ran for it and she caught Ginny amongst them and Hermione felt a tinge of betrayal in her heart.
Her eyes then followed to the couple, who again stare into each other's eyes with happiness. She was supposed to feel dead but seeing him smile widely made her corner lips lift upward slightly; forming a genuine smile.
He found his happiness. I should start-
There was gasp everywhere and she looked up, the bouquet loop-slidingly lower towards her arms. Everyone around her, witch or wizard, congratulated her. Ron's eyes turned to hers but she stare at the bouquet in shock. He patted Astoria's shoulder before walking to her best friend. Or used to be best friend. The mere thought of him talking to her shocked her and hearing his voice had almost made her faint.
"Congratulations Mione," he said, his voice sincere and sweet.
Hermione slowly lifted her heads up to meet the eyes of the man she may or may not still love. Their gaze held and she wishes for it to stay like that. But reality always chases her and she knows he belongs to someone else now.
Is this finally the closure you could have given me years ago?
Her heart ached; anger, betrayal, jealousy and pain. She noticed that the bouquet was flowers and she wonders, if she hold onto it deeper, that the thorn would hurt her; that it would dig inside her skin. Hermione doesn't want this fate. She had everything planned out. Now it's a mess.
"Be happy," he wishes her before walking away from her, away from their friendship that they built for seven years. Now it's all gone and she couldn't take it back.
"You too," she whispered, her heart slowly breaking into pieces. A tear flows down the corner of her eye but she quickly wipes it away. At the far distance, Harry watches her best friend breaks inside. He sighed and regretted choosing his side.
"Hey congratulations! Maybe few years from now I'll be your Maid of Honor too!" Ginny said excitedly as she joined with Hermione. She looked up and handed the bouquet of flowers to her.
"You keep it. You'll have more chance of marrying than me," she said and stare at her hands were marks of the thorns are visible on her skin. She sighed and stare out in the distance.
000
Hermione isn't the type to party or any kind of formal gatherings. She was never a fan of social gatherings for she is not much of a social butterfly. And today was no exception at all. But she's going to change that starting now.
"Would you care for some?," a waiter asks her, his tray filled with varieties of alcohol ranging from Muggle wine to the strongest Firewhiskey. Ginny tried to wave off the waiter, telling him that Hermione doesn't drink. Hermione frowned and took the glass of Firewhiskey. She then thanked the waiter and faced the scowling Ginny.
"Hermione listen-,"
"Save it Ginny. I'm going to have fun tonight and no can stop me. Not even you," and with that, she took a big gulp of the Firewhiskey. Her throat burns for a while but she still took one more glass from a passing waiter. She stumbled towards the dance floor and soon, an upbeat song was being played and she swings around with the music. Tonight, she will chase of happiness instead of waiting for it.
Two glasses then changes to seven and the next thing she knows, she's bent over the toilet and letting the alcohol out. She sighed and stood up, flushing the toilet before heading to the sink to wash her mouth. She stare at the mirror and took note that she looked like a mess and she scoffed, trying to smoothen her undone hair due from dancing. Hermione walked out of the bathroom, noticing Ginny isn't there anymore.
Ginny had promised to stay beside her and wait her for her but now she sees her in Harry's arms; smiling and laughing. She sighed and scan the room and she knows she doesn't belong here. She headed out the door and a strong, cold gust of wind almost knocked her out of her feet.
She start walking down the sidewalk of Las Vegas, her face illuminated different shades of colour coming from the lights at some nearby stores. It's way past eight o'clock and she noticed the young adults heading to the nearest club, cars and taxi honked on the street. Then suddenly, she felt the soft raindrops that hit her skin; causing her to shiver in coldness. She felt her phone rings on her small purse and she went to retrieve it.
"Mione? Oh thank Merlin. Where are you?! You suddenly disappeared," Ginny's worried voice asked at the other side of the phone and she sighed; wishing she never taught her how to use Muggle technology.
"Hmm? What does it look like I did? I left the party," Hermione said in plain voice like Ginny should've known the answers.
"Why did you leave? Are you okay?" Ginny's voice soften and Hermione sighed. She hated when her best friend does that. Anger builds up inside her that soon turned to jealousy. Why did Ginny agreed to be Astoria's Maid of Honor? Why did Ginny have to be close to her? Is she not worth it anymore? Harry chose Ron's side and she lost her two best friend already. The only reason she stuck by the Weasley's and in contact with them was because of Ginny. And she felt like she'll be losing that soon. Her only family for her parents cannot come back. What is done and in the past cannot be changed.
"I'm tired. I need to be alone. Goodnight," she replied in an annoyed tone before hanging up. Then she decided to turn her phone off so she doesn't have to worry about Ginny's frantic and constant calling.
Hermione continued to walk down the street of Las Vegas. She noticed famous vacation spots that she had only watched in the news. There was the miniature version of Paris' Eiffel Tower, New York's Statue of Liberty and Egypt's Sphinx with the Pyramid Hotel. She spent all her hours walking around, her heels clicking against the concrete ground and she mesmerized the beauty of Las Vegas. It felt like a fairytale to her that her mum would read.
She stop in the centre, where a wishing well is visible. Hermione smiled sadly and looked up at the sky before taking out a penny from her purse. She sighed and pecked it, closing her eyes and made a wish.
Tonight, I will be selfish and wish for my own happiness.
She threw the penny on the well and watches it go down. She took a step back slightly and stayed there standing and not listening.
"Get out of the way!" an angry yell surprised her and she looked up, her eyes widening at the biker zooming past her. She stumbled back and he glared at her before pedalling away. She almost landed on the ground when a man caught her by the waist using his strong arms.
"Whoa there. Be careful," the man warned her as he help her back up. Hermione's heart beat feverishly against her chest as she regain control of her mind. She didn't look up at the man but muttered a small and meek apology before saying her thanks. Before the man can reply a 'you're welcome', she was walking away from him.
He sighed and followed his eyes to her. He watches her walk inside Caesars Palace Casino before deciding that he should follow her.
The modern interior design of the casino made her feel rich and it felt like entering Hogwarts all over again; except this was nothing like Hogwarts. There were poker tables everywhere and rich people wasting their money on gambling. At the side of her was a bar where winners celebrate their victory. A waiter walk pasts her and smiled charmingly before walking towards the nearest poker table.
"You there! Young lady, I'll give you this poker chip," a gambler said the her and she raised her eyebrow, eyeing the poker chip.
"Take it. I won a lot today," he smiled and took her hand, placing the poker chip on her palm. He turned to look back at the man but he was already long gone. Hermione sighed and eyed the poked chip again.
"Well, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," she muttered before walking to a nearby poker table. She slides the poker chip on the green coated surface. She sat on the chair, regret overwhelming her already as the game starts.
"What will it be miss," the poker dealer asked and she bit her bottom lip.
"Er. . .,"
"Geez hurry up already," the person next to the poker dealer said.
"Call. I'll call," she said with doubt in her voice.
"Fold," the person beside her answered.
The dealer began another round, and the players around her table blurted out words that she couldn't understand. What's a Flush anyway? Does that mean flushing your card in the toilet?
All eyes turned to her when it was her turn.
"Uhm," she began and the other girl player rolled her eyes at Hermione. She blushed in embarrassment.
"How about this, if you lose, which will happen soon, you can spend your night with me," the same person who told her to hurry up the first round stated and she widened her eyes in panic.
"Well?" even the poker dealer began losing his patience at her actions.
"I-,"
"Bet," her eyes widened as she recognize the owner of the voice. She felt the same strong hand that help her up outside the casino, as he rest it on her shoulder.
"Ah. Lover boy's here to save his damsel in distress. Alright then, let's get this game going," the player said and the dealer nodded. As the dealer begins another new round, she look up to meet familiar pair of silver eyes. He wore his familiar smirk but this time, she noted that it wasn't anywhere menacing. She let out a small smile, unsure of what to say or do. He looked different somewhat and she doesn't know what it is but she finds him somewhat attractive. She shook her head at the thought for this man in front of her called her cruel names during their school days.
He bent down, his lips close to her ear and his breath sending shiver down her spine.
"You either Bet, Fold or Check right now," he said - his voice husky. He squeezed her shoulders lightly, calming her slightly as he began explaining the rules to her. He looked around the table then at Hermione who kept her eyes straight ahead. He took note of the tint of red on her cheeks and he couldn't help but be smug about it.
"Full House beats the Flush," he whispered against her ear, making Hermione stiffen from this. He almost let out a chuckle before continuing to explain the rules.
"Did you get all that?" he asks, tilting his head to look at her. Hermione didn't noticed this so when she looked up to ask him a question, she found her lips centimeters away from his. He noticed her cheeks reddened more before she gasp, pulling away. He chuckled at Hermione as she continue to stay in silent.
"Which Flush is better?" Hermione asked, her voice quiet but he heard her perfectly. He chuckled and she felt him move closer to her.
"Royal Flush is better," he answered and eyed the dealer before turning to look at her. She can feel his eyes on her and she dared to take a look at him. He raised an eyebrow at her and she blushed more.
"But seriously. No one can beat the flush of your cheeks," he teased and she couldn't help but reddened even more. She stare at him for a while, his gaze holding hers and she noticed the playful look in his eyes. At the corner of his eyes, he saw the dealer motioning him to say his move.
"We bet," he said and the dealer nodded. He began flipping the cards and soon Royal Flush revealed in their position. Hermione's eyes widened at the result and watches him toss another poker chip on the pile. This starts a whole new other game.
Royal Flush. Again.
"Do you want to continue?" he asks Hermione and she nodded, indicating him to go on. He tossed another poker chip and she watches him. She admired his sharp jawline, his nose and his lips. She noticed how much his face has grown throughout their years and puberty has been good to him. She took note on how broad his shoulder is and how his hair is not slick back anymore, showing no sign of gel. He looked so much better with messy hair. It almost look. . .sexy.
"Your call next," he said and she snapped from her thoughts. She shook her head and focused her mind on the game. She's smart enough to know the basics but she can never be a poker expert like him.
"I think that we should bet for this one," she said and he chuckled, nodding his head. He pushed more chips on the table and called out her move. He watches the player and then swiftly grabbed two glass of fine from a passing waiter and handed Hermione one. She thanked him and took a sip, the liquid calming her mind. He placed the glass down near their side of the table and pointed at the man who told Hermione that if she loses, she'll have to bed him.
"See that guy? He looks so smug like he has great cards but in reality he's actually just making the others fall for his trick and give their card up," he stated and Hermione nodded, watching the guy. She wonder how he's so good at this.
As another hour of playing, their poker chips stack up in front of them like a wall. She bit her bottom lip, wondering if it would all soon fall apart and everything they worked so hard on would come crashing down. She shook her head as the man push another chip on their file. She sucked in a breathe, her body stiff as he carefully placed another chip. Hermione caught his arm and he stopped, tilting his head to look at her in wonder and confusion. She leaned in closer.
"I think we should stop. What if we all lose this? What's the point of going forward," she whispered on his ear and he sighed. They held each other's gaze before picking up the poker chip he was about to put.
"You started with one. Just this one poker chip," he took her hand and opened her palm. He places the chip on her hand and he smiled at her.
"In life, you have to be willing to take a risk and let go of everything that is holding you back in fear," she watches him take the chip back and looked at it, playing with it before setting it back on her palm.
"What do you have to lose. . ., if it wasn't yours to begin with?"
Her eyes widened, her hand wrapping around the poker chip.
Not mine to begin with. . .
A sigh. Hermione let her hold from him go and let out a light smile at him. Memories of Ron burn her mind.
"Would you rather just own the one chip and let it show its full potential instead of not, forever?" he asked, causing Hermione to stay frozen on her seat.
The man sighed, looking at the dealer and was suppose to call out his move when she stops him. He looked back at her and noticed her eyes glisten with tears.
"You're right. Why am I still holding on? When it wasn't mine to begin with," she pulled her gaze away and placed the chip on top of the table. But the man has another idea. He took it back and gave it to her.
"Keep it. That's yours. Treat it as your good luck charm," he said and she nodded, holding onto the chip tightly throughout the game.
Another two hours passed and she watches the wall of poker chips became a fort. She remembered the dynasty she had read how they built a high dynasty before they collapse right away. Go big or go home.
During that two hours, crowds of players gathered around the table, watching the two players dominating everyone in the table. The dealer gave them their card and the man slowly reveals the card.
Red.
Jack of Hearts.
Hermione's gripped tightened even more around the chips, her breathing becoming slow.
Ace of Hearts.
He placed the two on the table, the whole crowd practically leaning in closer to see the next cards. Hermione's heart pound even more, adrenaline pumping her veins. She watches him flip out the next card.
King of Hearts.
10 of Hearts.
Hermione bit her bottom lip, her eyes slightly shuts and even the opponent players shows fear on their faces. She noticed a hint of red on the card and she gasp slightly.
"Merlin," she mumbled.
Go big or go home.
Her heart feels like it's going to burst from her ribcage and she can hear the chanting of the crowd but they seem so far away. They all chanted "Queen" at the same time.
Go big or go home.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her grip on the chip didn't loosen. Lucky charm, he had called it. Her eyes snapped open, her grip still tightened around it and she exhaled, letting go; of everything.
Let go. . .
Go big or go home. . .
She watches him then the card and exhaled another breath.
Let.
Go.
Ron's voice rings on her mind along with the roaring of the crowd.
Be happy.
Queen of Hearts.
Hermione stilled for a while before gasping, the cards shows a complete Royal Heart Flush. She couldn't take it anymore. She stood up and wrapped her arms around the man's waist, hugging him tightly. His arms hold her waist tightly, embracing her back.
"We. . .we won right?" Hermione asked him, doubtful and still thinks this was all a dream. He smiled widely and nodded his head.
"Yes we won! We won Hermione!" her name had sounded so sweet coming out of his lips; it's like honey coated with sugar and maple syrup all in one. She noticed this was the first time he had called her name. Her real name. It sounded so right, so perfect.
He grinned widely and she noticed how it reaches his eyes and he looked so handsome. Not that troubled men she worried during 6th Year. He picked her up and twirled her around. She squealed, holding onto him tightly.
"Wow. Look at all these American money. I wonder how many this will all be in British pound," she murmured, her fingers counting the money fast. He watches her with content, a glass of strong Firewhiskey mixed with Schletters Fine Whiskey in his hand.
"All yours," he said, startling Hermione. She looked up at her and widened her eyes. It doesn't seem right at all to her.
"No. We half it. Besides you did all the work while I just sat there," she said, putting the money back on the table. He placed the glass down and stretches, his eyes on Hermione.
"Don't worry too much about it," he replied, his head tilting to stare at her. She stood up, her bottom lip in between her teeth again, chewing them as she pace back and forth.
"Draco," his head snaps to look at her, his eyes widening at the mention of his name. She eyed him with determined look and he chuckled.
"We split the money. That's only fair," she said and Draco sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knows just how stubborn she is coming from the Gryffindor Princess.
"Alright alright we half it," he replied and she sighed in relief, sitting down on the couch. There was an awkward silence in the air; Hermione curious why Draco's here. Actually, she's just confused why, out of all people, have to be Draco Malfoy that helped her.
After Hermione split the money and put them safely in a conjured briefcase, she handed Draco's half of the money. He took it and smiled, pulling something at his back pocket.
"I have something for you," he said and Hermione looked up at him, curiosity in her eyes. He took her hand and placed it on her palm. She recognized what it was right away. Queen of Hearts.
"For you." he said and she blushed, holding onto it. She smiled and he opened his mouth to continue.
"The winner. The Queen is valued less than the Ace and the King, but she's the ultimate winner. I want you to take it out whenever you feel like you are stuck in difficult situations," Her eyes widened, lifting her head to look at Draco who hold onto her gaze.
She felt it. The way her heart pound in a way she can't explain as they continue to stare at each other. She asked for her own happiness. Could it be? That this was the answer? It couldn't be. . .could it?
Hermione shivered and Draco noticed this. He took off his blazer and wrapped it around her shoulder. She smiled at him gratefully.
"Are you cold?" he asked and she shook her head, wrapping the blazers around her shoulders. His scent lingers on her mind and she smiled voluntarily. He smiled back and she felt her body shook at the overwhelming feeling. Her eyes darted to the glass and she reached for it, bringing it to her lips and drinking it all. Draco widened his eyes.
"That's mine-"
Hermione fell into a coughing fit and Draco sat beside her, patting her back gently. A waiter passed by and asked him for a glass of water.
"Are you okay? I thought you were choking," he said and she shook her head, her throat burned at the drink. She accept the glass of water and drank it, her eyes glancing at Draco.
Draco continue to watch her, his mind filled with questions. Why did Ron have the heart to do that to her? Why wasn't she the bride that married that git? Why does she look far apart from the two thirds of the Trio?
"You caught the bouquet," he said simply after she finished the water. Her eyes widened, snapping her head to look at him.
"How did-. . .how. . you were there?" she asked, furrowing her brows. He was there. Because. . .because of - her eyes widened.
"Astoria," the way she said it left bitter taste on her mouth and Draco nodded.
"I was supposedly arranged a marriage with her. But I couldn't do it. She and I dated for a bit. She wanted a normal life you know, she wants to be happy. She wanted a family. I couldn't give that to her honestly. I broke it off, we part ways and next thing I know, the Daily Prophet announced Ron's engagement with her. I was surprised because well you know, I thought and and him," he trailed off and Hermione caught her breathe. She nodded.
"How long?" he asked and she bit her bottom lip again, her eyebrows furrowing.
Be happy.
"Five years," she replied and Draco frowned, balling his hand into a fist. Five years and she's still like this. Broken hearted and betrayed. Draco moved closer to her and asked for a glass of rum. He hands it to her.
"Tonight. Just for tonight, let's forget about all the past things that happened. Let's be happy," he said and Hermione smiled, taking the glass.
One drink. Two drinks.
They drank their hearts away, laughing away their sadness and pain and regrets.
"Want to play rock paper scissor?" she asked and Draco shrugged, grinning drunkenly. Why not right?
Rocks against paper.
Third drink turns to seven.
Paper against scissor.
Eight. Nine. Ten.
Draco laughed at her, pouting because she lost again. She whined and crosses her arms, her drunken state not helping the situation.
"Tell me another secret. Come on Granger," he said in a sing song voice, resting his head at the back of the couch. Hermione poked her bottom lip out and thought about it.
"6th Year. You were very out of it and I would notice that you look tired during Potions Class and you may not notice it but I would glance your way to make sure you're okay," she confessed, mimicking his posture. He widened his eyes, tilting his head to meet hers.
"Really?" he asked, his voice thick with hope. Could it be? She nodded and she slightly sit up, their face inches from each other.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?" she asked, her eyes darting to his lips then to his eyes. They held so much passion for her and she wants that. Wants to be taken care off. He nodded, his hand placing against her cheeks gently. Voluntarily, she leaned in against his touch.
"I do now," Draco whispered and she smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist. They stayed there, staring each other.
"Usually, the ones who get abandoned falls in love, get married, have kids before the couples who broke their hearts," she whispered and Draco nodded, closing in the gap.
"Lets try it," he said as he kissed her passionately. She kissed him back with the same passion, holding onto him tightly.
One moment from another, she remembered walking back and forth lazily against Draco's side on the street of Las Vegas. Then next thing she knows, Draco's on top of her, kissing her neck. Her dress unzipped and flung on the floor. She moaned his name as they made love.
"Draco Lucius Malfoy, do you, take Hermione Jean Granger as your lawfully wedded wife?
"I do."
HI THERE EVERYONE~~! THANK YOU FOR READING THE FIRST CHAPTER. I'M NEW HERE IN AND THIS IS MY FIRST EVER FANFIC. I'M HAPPY TO RECEIVE 13 FOLLOWERS IN A DAY AFTER THIS WAS POSTED. ANYWAYS, PLEASE ENJOY THE UPCOMING CHAPTERS.
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