This story is a mash-up of two different worlds. I came up with it while listening to the Love Never Dies soundtrack. In it, think of Draco as the Phantom, Hermione as Christine, and Ron as Raul. I love reviews but if you are not a fan of D and H please skip this story.
Thanks and enjoy!
Hermione's POV
I heard the soft padding of footsteps and the muffled giggle before I felt the weight hit my chest, "Mummy! Mummy, it is time to get up!" Opening my eyes I saw that sweet face...the face of my loving son smiling down at me. His soft caramel colored curls bounced upon his head as he jumped up and down on my bed. "Mummy!" I laughed as I gently pushed him over and began to tickle him. His angelic voice rang out in sweet bell-like chimes as he laughed. He was beginning to tear up from all the laughter, his stormy blue eyes sparkled. They looked so much like his father's. I glanced over to see sky blue eyes peering sleepily at the two of us, followed by the deep rumble of a "morning" emanating from my husbands chest as he tried to wake up.
"Morning, Ron" I whispered back. It had been a long night, I could tell. His hair was matted to his head and he smelled strongly of smoke and fire-whiskey.
As I got out of bed, my darling son lept from my grasp and began to dance around the room (as many 5 year olds would do when they are excited). "Mummy! Mummy, today is the day! Today is the day we get to go to America! And you are going to sing, mummy! Oh, please sing for me now?"
I laughed a little at the sweet boy, "Now my little star, you know we do not have time for that if we want to get to the event on time."
"But mum-" but the sweet sound of my son's voice was cut off by the harsh bark of my husbands, "listen to your mother, Drax."
I looked down to see a storm flash through those perfect icy eyes, "so much like your father" I tutted as a ran a hand soothingly through Drax's curls. He calmed instantly and sighed "fine" before leaving the room to go play with Crookshanks.
I turned to Ron after he left, "must you be so harsh with him this early? I could have taken care of it."
"You need to save your voice," he grunted, "we can't have Mr. G getting upset because you can't hit the high notes. He might not pay us then."
"I can hit the high notes just fine, thank you…"
"Herm, it's been almost 5 years since you sang in public. I'm honestly surprised this Mr. G even knows about you. You never performed in America. Anyways, his assistant said he was very insistent that YOU should be the one to sing that the opening of his new hotel. So much so that he was willing to pay anything…" Ron smirked a little to himself.
"Yes...and thank goodness, what with your favorite pastime and all…" I shot back. He glared but continued to get ready in silence. So did I.
It was no secret that Ron had a problem. So much so that he couldn't keep a job anymore. He started booking gigs, showing himself off as a great war-hero. Selling stories of our personal lives to magazines and newspapers. It had gotten to the point where I had to do something myself, no more stay at home momming...I need to help with the money.
So, here I was traveling to America to perform at the grand opening of a new hotel owned by...well, no-one new. Everything and everyone called him Mr. G.
As I finished clasping my necklace I walked down the stairs to find Ron and Drax waiting for me at the door, our trunks floating behind them. Ron looked me up and down, his eyes landing on my necklace. "Why are you wearing that old thing?" he asked "I got you a perfectly lovely new necklace last christmas."
It was true that he had purchased me a new one last christmas. A very expensive one, an apology. The necklace he had bought was a rather large gold chain peppered with large rubies about the size of a quarter. Each ruby was surrounded by multiple smaller rubies. I had thanked him when I had received it and wore it multiple times, and yes it was 'beautiful' but just not my taste. I looked down at the necklace I was now clutching to my chest as if my life depended on it. The simple platinum chain was long enough to make the pendent fall just between my breast. Most days I was able to wear it and he never noticed, but today my white, low-cut lace gown didn't hide it. The pendent was a small cage like circle that looked like vines spreading free and clasped within those vines was the most stunning black diamond imaginable.
I could feel my breath hitch as I looked at it, my mind drifting back to a different time. Ron cleared his throat, waiting for a response from me. "I packed the one you gave me for later" I managed to choke out. This seemed to appease him, he smiled and grabbed my hand. Like that we apperated to the ministry where a prot-key was waiting for us.
The portkey let us strait into the hotel. The hustle and bustle of the staff swarming around us as the first 5 star wizarding hotel in America prepared for its big opening. We were greeted instantly by gushing hostesses who fawned over Drax and Ron. When they stopped to look at me, however, I could sense something was off behind their painted on smiles. The looked excited and...worried? Either way they rushed us into the heart of the hotel.
"Would the mister and his little guy like to explore?" asked one of the hostess as she ruffled Drax's hair.
"Can we, papa?" Drax looked up, pleading.
"You run off with…" Ron took a second to peer that the badge the blonde witch was wearing, "...Helen, while I go and find a drink."
"The bar is this way, Mr. Weasley. Mr. G has informed us that anything you would like is on the house." said the other hostess as she led Ron out of the room.
I turned back to Helen as she began to address me "the event will be held in the ballroom, just through those doors. Mr. G said you requested a place to practice. He would like you to practice in the space. Your accompanist will be in there shortly. Now, come along, Drax, and lets see what we can find in the kitchens!"
"Not too much sugar!" I yelled after them as Helen rushed to keep up with my son who seemed to be gliding across the marbled floor as he skipped and danced happily away.
As I entered the ballroom my heart leapt. It was breathtaking. Marbled floors. Stunning navy blue wallpaper clung to the walls, the tiniest hint of silver threaded through the almost invisible pattern of vines on the paper. There were large white marble columns throughout the room holding up the large white and cream swirling ceiling. Throughout the room where round tables covered in silk silver table clothes. Velvet navy blue vintage looking sofas were scattered around the walls and the giant white marble fireplace that was so large I am sure Hagrid could stand comfortably in it. In the center of the room was an ornate chandelier. Silver and crystal sparkling in a dazzling effect all round as the lights twinkled from the massive piece of art. Under the chandelier, in the heart of the dance floor was a white grand piano.
It was the most beautiful and perfect place I have ever seen. As I stood there, I heard the giant doors open. I didn't bother to turn and see who it was, certain it was the pianist. As the melody of the song I was to sing tonight filled the air, a shiver ran down my spine. The flourish of the piano was off...not what I had sent. I hadn't heard that version of the song played in…
"...6 years" I deep rumble came from behind me.
I turned, and my eyes locked with those same stormy eyes I see every day in my son "Draco." I breathed.
