The water landed gently on her skin and ran down her body until it was sucked into the drainage. She felt heavy. Her heart pounded weakly against her chest and she was almost too exhausted to stand on her own feet. This thought. This one maddening thought that could not even be erased by his worried touch. A sob escaped her mouth. Almost as if an invisible barrier had dropped, all her emotions started to pour in. The sobbing became uncontrollable and her salty tears blended into the shower water. Her heart contracted and she fell down on her knees, wrapping her arms around her body. She had to do it. Today.
She looked into the mirror. Her eyes were swollen and her hair was still wet after the shower. She tried to smile, but the plaintive expression in her eyes ruined the picture. She wanted to be pretty. Only today and for him, one last time. A waisted, red Autumn Dress laid on her bed. She dried her hair with a hairdryer and took then two strains of hair and secured at the back of her head. After that she applied a bit of make up. She didn't like to use magic for this procedure, at least not today.
She wanted to prolong the way to the café, so she didn't apparate. A fresh scent was in the air. Water was dripping from the few orange leaves that where still on the branches. Technically a nice day. An inner voice told her to turn around and to be happy again. Could she? He was more important. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to gain strength, but only felt the emptiness expanding inside of her. No, is was not emptiness. Numbness. The numbness tamed the pain. Ok then.
She entered the café and smiled at the waitress. A fake smile.
"Excuse me, but there is a reservation on the name... 'Malfoy'...", she stumbled over his name.
"Oh yes. Follow me."
She immediately spotted his familiar blonde hair in the dark corner of the café. Secluded. Perfect. Again she forced a smile on her face, ignoring her watery eyes.
"Granger, there you are! Everything alright?", he asked while taking her coat.
"Yeah, sure. Everything's alright."
She avoided eye contact. Both seated themselves and studied the menu. He looked at her. He stretched his arm out to touch her hand. She flinched. His touch felt poisonous to her. It was hell. She wanted to kiss, to touch him, but it would only make things worse.
"What's wrong, Hermione?"
She remained silent.
"You asked me to go with you to this Muggle café, although you know it's dangerous and now you won't even look at me?"
She remained silent.
"Did I do something wrong?"
She remained silent. She trembled out of pain and while tears were blurring her view,
she took her wand and faced it at Draco.
His eyes widened and he faltered.
"What are you up to?"
"I love you, Draco..."
"Why are you saying this?"
"...and therefore I don't want you to get hurt."
"What are you even talking about?"
"Oh come on! You know precisely what I mean. Through ME you're in constant danger!"
She swallowed and several tears fell on the table.
"Hermione, stop it!"
He figured what her plan was.
"No, I've already made up my mind!"
"Run away with me!"
"Don't be foolish."
"Put the wand down."
"I have to do this!"
"I will never forgive you..."
"You won't even remember that there was something to forgive."
He cried without noticing. She closed her eyes.
"Obliviate!"