Fade Into You
Chapter 1 - A Malfoy Monday Morning
A/N: So, this is based on the American TV show 'Nashville'. It's quite loosely based, because I can't see Hermione as a singer, but she is in the entertainment business.
This is set in the year 2014, and it follows a NextGen timeline I use for all my fics (that's in respect of the Weasley's apart from Ron, and also excluding Harry & Hermione who are AU). The story in general is VERY AU POST-DEATHLY HALLOWS. But pretty much canon up to that point, give or take something happening in the tent between Harry & Hermione in the war.
I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading!
It is a typical Monday morning in the Malfoy household, it is positively hectic.
"Cassie! Are you awake yet?" Hermione calls up the stairs as she shoves her feet into her high heels.
A mumble from upstairs is her only reply.
Hermione rolls her eyes and rushes up the stairs, pushing open the door to her daughter's room and seeing her lying in bed, "Cassiopeia!" Hermione barks, "Your tutor will be here in 5 minutes! Do you want him to see you like this, hmm?"
In seconds Cassie is up and moving, and Hermione is smirking. This has only confirmed her suspicion that her 10-year-old daughter has a crush on her tutor. Cassie will be turning 11 at the start of August and starting Hogwarts this coming September, Hermione fears it is making the girl a little too bold.
"Scorp!" Hermione calls a little quieter now she is upstairs.
"Yeah, Mum?" Comes the answer from a room a few doors down.
"Mr. Gilbert is going to be here in 5 minutes, have you had breakfast?" Hermione asks, ducking into her room and grabbing her favourite cloak.
"Uh-huh," Scorpius says as he emerges from his room, fully dressed and wide awake, unlike his sister. He is 8 years old and still bright eyed and bushy tailed in the mornings.
"Good," Hermione says with a smile, "Now, have you seen your Father anywhere this morning?"
Scorpius nods as he makes a beeline for the stairs, "He's in the conservatory reading the paper."
"Of course he is," Hermione mutters as she follows her son down the stairs. She chuckles as Cassie darts past them into the bathroom. At the foot of the stairs Hermione strides through the kitchen into the conservatory where Draco looks quite relaxed sitting with his feet up reading the paper.
"Draco Malfoy," Hermione says with slight amusement.
He looks up and smirks, "Yes, dear?"
"Why do I always have to be the one to get those two up and moving while you sit and read your bloody newspaper?" Hermione asks with a shake of her head as she pulls on her cloak.
"You know fine well they don't listen to me," Draco says, putting his paper down and getting to his feet.
"That's because they think you're the fun, cool one, and I'm the mean one," Hermione says with a pointed look.
Draco smiles slightly but says nothing. Hermione knows that he can't bring himself to be harsh on the children because of his own upbringing. She knows the way his Father treated him has scarred him and because of that, he's a total pushover.
"Big day today," Draco says with a smile as he walks towards his wife, "It's the renewal news for the show, right?"
"Yep," Hermione says, exhaling a deep sigh, "I feel sick just thinking about it."
"Don't be nervous, I'm sure it will be fine," Draco says, pulling her in and wrapping his arms around her. He kisses her lightly on the forehead and rests his chin on her forehead. Neither of them have changed much over the years. Hermione's hair is curly and controlled now, rather than the bushy mess it had been when she was younger. Draco had stopped slicking his hair began years ago but his hairline is starting to recede, although he will never admit to that. They both have a few more bags under their eyes and wrinkles on their faces, laugh lines as Ginny likes to call them.
Hermione lets out a breath and pulls away, "I have to go or I'll be late," she says. already moving towards the door, "Remember the kids tutor is leaving early tonight so-"
"I've already cleared it with work, I'll be home early," Draco calls after her as she leaves the house.
Hermione thinks to herself as she heads to work. When Cassie was born Hermione had been adamant that she didn't want their children to be raised by house-elves. Draco had heartily agreed and they had never employed any help around the house.
She pulls herself out of her reverie as she appears in a dank alley in central London. She quickly walks down it and knocks out the 'secret' rhythm on a metal door on the side of the building. It opens and she walks into an equally miserable concrete corridor. At the end of the corridor is a desk, and at it is a woman who Hermione knows well.
"Morning Rebecca," Hermione says with a smile as she hands over her wand, "I'm not late, am I?"
Rebecca laughs as she scans Hermione's wand and clocks her in, "No, 5 minutes early," she says as she hands Hermione her wand back.
"Thank Merlin," Hermione sighs.
"Good luck," Rebecca says as Hermione begins to walk past her towards another metal door, "With the renewal!"
"Thanks!" Hermione calls back, opening the second metal door and emerging into the grand foyer of the official WWN building. This is where she works, this unassuming building where she had spent so many happy days. She has her own radio show, which basically happened by accident after the war. She interviews wizarding celebrities, occasionally hosts musical programs and often covers big news events. She loves it even though she's in the public eye. It works pretty well because people only hear her voice and it is her appearance that she has always been self-conscience about.
The foyer is almost as grand as the atrium in the ministry. It is decked out in black marble with gold furnishings. The golden elevators look like they are right out of the ministry itself. Hermione gets into one and smiles and says hello to a few colleagues she sees on a daily basis. But as the elevator begins its ascent towards the 6th floor where her office and studio are, her nerves kick in.
This renewal news is driving her crazy, her show has been going down in the ratings for the past few months and if they got the renewal this would be the 9th series. At the start they had said they'd be lucky to get two, and a couple of years ago they'd said it would be great if they could make it to 10 series, a good, rounded number.
BEEP.
Hermione takes a deep breath and steps out of the elevator. She holds her head up high as she walks into her office where her manager (and subsequently the manager of her show), Sebastian Goodwin, is waiting for her.
His face tells her everything she needs to know before he has even opened his mouth.
"The show hasn't been renewed," He says quietly, "They've axed it."
Hermione feels like every ounce of composure she has just vanishes as she sinks down into the sofa in her office, "Why?" She asks quietly.
"That new show that got launched? Chelsea Clifton's Lunch Time Bite? It's killing us in the ratings even though we're primetime Saturday night. They're giving her our spot," Sebastian says with a sigh, "You're older now Hermione, you're no longer a fresh talent...and Chelsea is."
Hermione is back on feet and she is fuming, "Fresh talent? I've done enough to capture the public, there is no way I'm stepping down and letting this become the end of my career!"
"Well for the moment I'm not saying step down," Sebastian reassures her, "What I am saying is the show is done which means for now you don't have anything to work on. Take some time out, spend it with the kids. I need to consider our options now."
Hermione nods, deflated once more, "We have to tell the crew."
"They're waiting in the studio," Sebastian says miserably.
Hermione nods and walks numbly towards the door, "Right," She says, opening it and walking across the hall to the studio she has spent so much time in over the last 15 or so years. Sebastian is at her heels but she feels so alone because she is the one who has to tell them, she is the reason they had failed.
They are all sitting around waiting for the news. The studio is essentially a large square shaped room decked out with comfortable armchairs and sofas. The people in the room are all looking at Hermione expectantly. She catches the gaze of one person in particular.
His green eyes lock onto hers and she swallows. He knows her well, probably better than her own Husband does. He knows what she is about to say, he can see it in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry to have to tell you all this," Hermione begins, her voice a little shaky, "But we have just found out that we didn't get the renewal news we were hoping for. The show has been cancelled."
There is a shocked silence and then all the chattering begins. Hermione is glad that everyone has stopped staring at her. Harry crosses the room practically silently and very quickly, "You okay?" he asks.
Hermione sighs, leaning against the doorway, "As okay as I can be considering I'm out of a job."
"Hey, we all are," Harry says with a shrug.
"I know, I'm sorry Harry," Hermione says apologetically.
Harry smiles slightly, "You put everything you had into this show, don't be sorry some arsehole up high has cancelled it to make way for some blonde bimbo."
"So you know about this Chelsea Clifton then, huh?" Hermione asks as they cross the hall into her office which is blissfully quiet and empty.
Harry nods, "I've seen her in the building. She can't be long out of Hogwarts, they're obviously trying to appeal to a younger audience."
"A younger audience?" Hermione asks in disbelief, "Harry, I'm only 34!"
"And she can't be older than 20," Harry says, "She appeals to the kids in Hogwarts who are all listening to the radio all the time these days. You're still popular Hermione, but to people our age who remember you and have listened to your show for years."
"Way to make me feel old Harry," Hermione says with a sad sort of smile, "My show has been axed because I'm 'dated', and my daughter is going to Hogwarts this year."
"Merlin, she's that age already?" Harry asks with a shake of his head, "Time flies, doesn't it?"
"Yes, it does," Hermione agrees, sitting down on her sofa and leaning her head back against the wall.
"Do you ever wish you could just go back?" Harry asks quietly. Hermione feels the sofa sink as he sits down next to her, "And do it all over again?"
"Sometimes," Hermione says honestly, without opening her eyes.
"What would you change?" Harry asks and Hermione can feel his gaze on her.
"Everything," Hermione says, opening her eyes and catching his gaze. His green eyes seem to sparkle when he is happy, or when he is upset. They just look dimmed at the moment, "But then sometimes I think nothing. I've got the kids, and I've got Draco."
Harry nods stiffly, "And you wouldn't want to change that."
Hermione just nods.
"What are you going to do now?"
"Go home," Hermione says honestly, "Seb says I should spend some time with the kids while he considers our options. What are you going to do?"
Harry shrugs, "I'm a researcher, I guess I'll have to find something to research," he says with a small smile.
Hermione smiles back and gets to her feet, "Want to grab lunch?"
"I, uh, can't," Harry says sheepishly.
"Why?"
"I sort of have an interview," Harry mutters.
"As in a job interview?" Hermione asks in disbelief.
"Look Hermione, this isn't a huge surprise. We've wondered if the show was gonna get renewed for a while, so yeah, I have a job interview."
"Where?" Hermione asks, dreading where this is going.
"On Chelsea Clifton's lunch time show" Harry says, guilt flooding his eyes.
Hermione scoffs, "You have fun working with all those teenagers then Harry," She says bitterly, "I've got to get home to my kids."
"Hermione-"
Hermione does not wait for Harry to finish that sentence. She leaves the office, slamming the door behind her as loudly as she possibly can.
Chelsea Clifton grins broadly at Harry when he walks into her office. Hermione's office is simple, decorated with family pictures and drawings the kids have done for her. Chelsea's office is decked out with sparkly sofas and armchairs, the walls are covered in pictures of her and various celebrities.
She rises from the desk to greet him and he has to fight the urge to raise an eyebrow. She is dressed in a black miniskirt, killer high heels and a pink blouse. Chelsea can only be 25 max, her white-blonde hair flows down her back in waves and her piercing blue eyes study Harry carefully.
"I'm honoured to meet the Harry Potter," Chelsea says in a thick Irish accent, she holds out her hand to him.
Harry smiles weakly and shakes it, "The Harry Potter is just a researcher."
Chelsea smiles, "Take a seat, Harry. Can I call you that?"
"Sure," Harry says, sitting down across from her.
"I doubt I'd call you just a researcher. You have an excellent talent for research, you could do anything you want to, not just in the entertainment business. Why don't you do Potions research or Department of Mysteries work?" Chelsea asks curiously. Harry has to admit; she is smarter than he had originally thought.
"Well, I had some problems," Harry says, "And when I got over them my friend gave me a job on her show."
"That was years ago, Harry," Chelsea says, leaning forward on her desk, "You didn't have to stay in that show for years. So why did you?"
"That's none of your business," Harry said shortly.
Chelsea smiles knowingly, "There are more women in the world than Hermione Granger you know."
Harry swallows. Hermione still goes by her maiden name even though she has been married for years now. She hadn't want to change it because it was how she was known in the entertainment world.
Chelsea got up from her chair and strutted around the desk. She sat on the edge of the desk, very close to Harry. "I can show you exactly what another woman can offer you, if you want," She says suggestively.
Harry is on his feet in a flash, "You're not a woman," he says coolly, "You're a girl, and frankly if that's the way you treat your employee's I don't think I want to be one of them."
Leaving Chelsea standing in her office in shock Harry swiftly leaves and stalks down the corridor into the nearest elevator.
"Mum!"
Hermione smiles as Scorpius rushes up to her and hugs her when she walks into the house around lunchtime.
"Are you home for lunch, Mrs Malfoy?" Josh Gilbert, the kids tutor asks.
"No," Hermione replies with a sad sort of smile, "I'm home early Josh, you can go home. Don't worry, you'll still get a full day's pay."
Josh nods and goes to collect his things. Cassie walks out of the study into the entrance hall. Their house is grand but it is no Malfoy Manor. Hermione had not had many 'condition' when she and Draco had agreed to marry. She had told him outright that she would never live in Malfoy Manor though. Narcissa lives there with her army of house-elves to keep her company and Hermione and Draco live in a house that Draco had built for himself after the war. It was small and homely; Hermione loves the house.
"Why are you home so early?" Cassie asks.
Hermione smiles sadly at her daughter. She should have known that Cassie would spot something straight away, the girl was incredibly perceptive, "Because the radio show didn't get renewed sweetheart. I don't have a job at the moment, not until Uncle Seb finds me a new one."
Cassie frowns, "So does that mean Mr. Gilbert won't be coming around?"
"No, he will be," Hermione says with a chuckle, "You still need an education but I'll be around more too. That's good though isn't it? I've not been around enough lately."
Cassie nods thoughtfully and Scorpius says, "It's great Mum!"
"So since I'm here and Mr. Gilbert is going home," Hermione says, "Who wants to go out and get ice cream?"
"Mum, it's March!" Cassie exclaims.
Hermione scoffs, "It's not too cold outside. If you're good, we might even go shopping in Diagon Alley…"
When Draco walks through the front door of his home he hears laughter. He smiles as he walks into the living room, expecting to find the kids with their tutor. Instead he finds Hermione sitting with them while they listen to a kids show on the radio.
"Hey," Draco says in surprise as he stands in the doorway.
"Hey," Hermione says with a smile.
"Aren't you supposed to be on a late tonight?"
"No," Hermione says, untangling herself from Scorpius and leaving the living room, "I don't have a job at the moment."
Draco's eyes widen, "You didn't renewed?" He asks as they stand in the kitchen together.
Hermione shakes her head, "The show got cancelled so I'm out of a job, and Harry has an interview with Chelsea Clifton."
"The kid who used her Daddy's power to land herself a radio show?" Draco asks with a raised eyebrow.
"That's the one," Hermione says, sitting down on a barstool.
"I thought Potter had more taste," Draco remarks.
Hermione rolls her eyes, "Don't start this. Look Draco, the point is that I'm out of a job for the moment. Seb is trying to figure something out but that could take time."
"Well in that case, maybe this is a good time to tell you something I've been keeping quiet for a little while," Draco says, sitting down next to her.
Instantly Hermione is worried, "What have you done?"
"I haven't done anything," Draco says in amusement, "You know I like working in the Ministers Office, but I'm ambitious Hermione and it would mean a huge pay rise-"
"No way," Hermione says darkly, "You cannot be thinking of running for Minister of Magic."
"Why are you so against the idea?" Draco asks in an angry undertone so as not to worry the kids.
"Because I don't think the power will treat you well!" Hermione says hotly, "You don't cope well with power Draco, you let it get to your head."
"I won't this time," Draco assures her, "And the pay rise will help at the moment with you out of a job."
Hermione can't deny that he's right about that but she is still incredibly wary of the idea, "Whose idea was this anyway? Oh, let me guess, your Mothers?"
Draco shoots her a glare, "Yes, it was my Mother's idea. But this is her world Hermione, she understands it and she knows I'll be a good Minister-"
"Of course she says that!" Hermione hisses under her breath, "She's your Mother!"
"And you're my wife!" Draco remarks, "You should support me. I supported you in your radio show, I even supported you when you hired Potter after all that happened!"
"Grudgingly," Hermione says, narrowing her eyes at him.
"I still supported you," Draco says coolly, "I'm doing this, Hermione. But it would be nice if you believed in me for once."
Hermione opens her mouth but finds that no words seem to want to come out. She sighs and shuts it without uttering a single word.
Draco's grey eyes look into hers, "I've put my career on hold since Cassie came along. I've let you have your career so I can be around for the kids. You've had a really good run Hermione, isn't it my turn?"
Hermione nods weakly. She can't say no, she can't tell him that he can't have a career when he has always put her career first. He has been a doting Father and he has put his dreams on hold for her, she knows that he has. So she simply says, "Yes."
"It won't go to my head," Draco assures her, but he can tell from the look on Hermione's face that she doesn't believe that for one second.
"I'm not happy about it," Hermione tells him with a sigh, "But I'll do it, I'll support you."
"I know you hate politics, but it will be good for us and for the kids, I promise," Draco says, gently gripping her shoulder.
Hermione nods numbly. She has now been designated the role of housewife while her Husband runs for the office of Minister for Magic. She loves her children more than anything else in the world but she has never been good at sitting around twiddling her thumbs.
The following month drags by. Hermione attends press releases with Draco, she talks to the Prophet about him, she appears on the radio to discuss how happy she is that he is finally taking the opportunity to run for Minister. The whole thing is tedious and pointless because she fails to see how anyone could vote a former Death Eater for Minister. She puts on her best face and forces her way through it anyway, to support him like he has supported her for all of these years. She knows that she owes him that, as much as she hates to keep spewing this bullshit to the media.
March becomes April and the daffodils in Hermione's garden begin to sprout. She wastes time pottering around outside, trying to avoid the April showers that are growing more common. She misses the flurry of press releases and media attention because without it she finds that she is bored senseless. She does love being around for the kids, especially because Cassie is going to Hogwarts this year. But the trouble is, the children spent the majority of the day with their tutor and Hermione is seriously sick of the house and the garden. It's the first time she has really experienced anything akin to cabin fever.
It is for this reason that Hermione decides, on a particularly dry day towards the end of April, to venture out into Diagon Alley alone. All she has planned to do is browse the alley without children there to ask for things every 5 minutes. The morning shower has passed, the sun is warm and she feels slightly less fed up than she has done for the rest of the month. She is so lost in thought that she doesn't pay attention to anything walking down the alley until she walks directly into something, or rather someone.
"Hermione!"
Hermione's head snaps up, "Oh, hey Harry," she says somewhat awkwardly.
They have not spoken since their argument in her office. Ever since Hermione had married Draco and had Cassie and Scorpius, she hadn't been as close with her childhood friends. Ron is an Auror who is married with four hyperactive children, Harry saw him on a weekly basis but Hermione only saw her friend every few months these days. It had always been easier for Hermione to stay in contact with Harry because they both work in the entertainment business. However, Draco still doesn't like Harry and he has never pretended to either.
"How are you?" Harry asks as they step to one side of the alley so they do not get in people's way.
"I'm okay," Hermione lies.
Harry smiles slightly, "Staying at home is driving you crazy, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Hermione admits, "I hate doing nothing. Don't get me wrong, it's great that I'm home with the kids but I'm not cut out for being a housewife."
"You're restless, Hermione," Harry chuckles, "You always have been."
"I guess so," Hermione says awkwardly, "How is Chelsea Clifton's show treating you by the way?"
"Oh, it isn't," Harry replies offhandedly.
"You didn't pass the interview?" Hermione asks in surprise, "I know you're not young per say, but surely your experience-"
"No, I could have gotten the job," Harry says honestly, "But she tried to seduce me. I guess I just didn't like the sound of that work environment."
Hermione is taken aback, "She tried to seduce you? What is she, 19?"
"21 apparently," Harry says, shoving his hands into his robes pockets, "So I'm out of a job now too. I don't need one mind you, I have more money than I know what to do with. I just feel like I'm moping around doing nothing all the time."
"I know that feeling," Hermione admits.
"So nothing from Seb then?"
Hermione shakes her head, "He did say it might take a couple of months."
Harry nods, "Well if you get anything, owl me."
Hermione simply nods and Harry adds, "If you're not too busy with your Husband that is. I saw that he's running for Minister."
"Yeah," Hermione say, shifting from foot to foot. She hates feeling this awkward around Harry, they have known each other forever, it just isn't right.
"No offence, but I'll be backing his opponent," Harry says, that opponent was Percy Weasley.
"I would be too if Draco hadn't decided to do this. But I didn't have a choice, his Mother talked him into it and he guilt-tripped me saying he'd put his career on hold for the kids and my career," Hermione says quietly, "I could hardly say no after that, could I?"
"He's still the slimy Slytherin git he always was then," Harry says darkly.
Hermione shoots her friend a glare, "Don't."
Harry shrugs, "I'm just saying."
"Well don't just say,'" Hermione says quietly. She knows that Harry's vote does count. He is on the Wizengamot, and in this not-quite democracy of a world, it was the members of the Wizengamot who elected the new Minister for Magic.
"As long as he doesn't get involved in all of the dirty crap his Father was involved in," Harry says quietly, "The bribes and all of that because his Mother is a piece of work. You know if he does Ron will have to arrest him."
"He won't," Hermione says under her breath, "Now, I need to go. I have shopping to do."
Harry nods stiffly and on that slightly awkward note, they part ways.
When Hermione gets home later that afternoon Sebastian Goodwin is sitting in her kitchen drinking tea. She smiles slightly, "You look quite at home."
"The kids tutor let me in," Sebastian says with a warm smile.
"Please tell me you have good news," Hermione says, Merlin she sounds desperate.
"I have news, it's not exactly good though…" Sebastian says as he shoots her a shifty glance.
Hermione rolls her eyes, "Come on Seb, what is it?"
"Well you have options, two to be precise. Option number 1 is that you cover the Quidditch World Cup. The broadcasters like you covering news and sports events," Sebastian begins.
"Well that's okay, what's wrong-"
"They want you to be a co-host," Sebastian says quickly.
"With who?" Hermione asks, narrowing her eyes at her manager.
"Chelsea Clifton," Sebastian replies.
Hermione scoffs, "No way. What's the second option?"
"I somehow doubt you're going to like it anymore," Sebastian admits.
"Just tell me it," Hermione says impatiently.
"A new radio show, every Friday night at 6pm," Sebastian says, "Harking back to the old days...with you and Harry co-hosting it."
Hermione is silent for a moment, "Me and Harry?"
"It could work Hermione. People liked it, you and Harry had a natural chemistry-"
"Of course we did!" Hermione snaps, "We were in love! We can hardly do that now, I'm married, I have children!"
"It's that or the Quidditch World Cup with Chelsea. I'm sorry Hermione, but there really are no other options," Sebastian says quietly.
Hermione sighs and lets her head fall into her hands, "Fine, I'll talk to Draco about this and let you know either way what I'm doing."
Sebastian nods sympathetically, "Good luck."
By the time Draco gets home from work it is late and Cassie and Scorpius are both in bed. He jumps when he sees Hermione sitting in the living room waiting for him.
"You waited up?"
Hermione nods, watching him carefully as he takes his cloak off and hangs it up in the hall.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Draco asks, instantly sensing she is uneasy.
"Sebastian came by today and made me a couple of career offers," Hermione says.
"That's good," Draco says, sitting down on the armchair opposite her, "But I thought you were going to give it a rest for a while so I could run for Minister?"
"I can't completely give it up," Hermione says honestly, "I can't be a full-time Mother and housewife Draco. You know I love the kids, but I'm not cut out for staying at home all the time."
Draco sighs, "I know."
"We can both have our careers and have time with the kids," Hermione promises, "We've balanced it for years, and Cassie will be at Hogwarts soon."
"That makes it all the worse," Draco says quietly, "Don't you want to spend time with her while you can?"
"Of course I do, but I have to take the offers when I get them," Hermione says simply.
"I always knew you were ambitious," Draco says with a slight smile, "And I always thought you would put your career first, but you have balanced it out well with family life."
"I guess that's the Slytherin side of me," Hermione says honestly, "I'll never be content to just sit at home."
Draco nods, "So what are the offers?"
"Well, the first offer is to work on the Quidditch world cup with that new girl Chelsea Clifton, the one who stole my shows spot," Hermione says a little bitterly.
"So I'm guessing you're against that option?" Draco asks in amusement.
Hermione nods, "Extremely, it would take me away from the kids for long periods of time too. I'd be far away, all over the world."
Draco nods, "So what are the other offers?"
"There only is one other offer," Hermione says cautiously, "It's rekindling the old show, with the co-presenting aspect."
"No," Draco says quietly, "You can't work with him again, Hermione."
"I know it's not ideal, Draco, but-"
"No!" Draco snaps. Hermione catches his eye and swallows. His grey eyes are not icy, they are not warm either, they are on fire, "Do you remember the mess you were in when I found you, Hermione? Do you remember how much he had devastated you?"
Hermione feels the tears she has been holding back threatening to spill as Draco walks towards her, "Because I do! I remember building you up from the start, you had no self-esteem, you had nothing. You gave up everything for him, you lost your family, you were tortured. You gave your life to him, and all he did was try to throw his away!"
Draco stands inches away from her, his chest heaving and his breath ragged, "And you have no idea how much it hurt seeing him do that but you were in love with him so what was I supposed to do?"
"I understand," Hermione whispers as the tears spilled down her cheeks, "I do Draco, but it's different this time he's-"
"He's sober?" Draco spits, "He was sober 4 times before that 5th time you chucked him into St. Mungo's Hermione. What makes you think he won't go back to his old ways?"
"It's different this time because of you, Draco," Hermione says, her voice strained with emotion, "I'm married, Harry and I-"
"I don't know what you and him are," Draco says quietly, tearing his eyes away from Hermione, "Because you can't seem to shut him out of our lives. He's been here at our kid's birthdays, and on Christmas every damn year!"
"We went through so much, I couldn't just shut him out," Hermione says weakly, this was one old argument that they hadn't had for years and years all coming back up again.
Draco shakes his head angrily, "You can't do this show, Hermione. You know what will happen if you do, you know it will just start all over again and I pulled you from the brink of destruction the first time. But I can't do that again."
Hermione fixes him with a long, cold look, "Draco, I know you did a lot for me. I know you saved me from…a lot. But I can handle myself and I am telling you Harry is different now, I am different now."
"But whatever is between you isn't different," Draco says coolly, "And I know you keep him at arm's length for obvious reasons, but he cannot come back into our lives Hermione. You know that."
"Draco, it's a radio show," Hermione says, trying to control her voice, "It's business and nothing more. I won't let it become anything more, all these years I've been faithful to you. I have kept him at arm's length, but I need to keep him as a friend. Please, trust me on this one."
"Is anything I say going to convince you otherwise?" Draco asks angrily.
"Probably not," Hermione admits, "I know Harry, and I know things will be fine. I'm secure enough in our relationship to know that I won't cheat on you!"
Draco scoffs and shakes his head.
"It would be right here in London, and it would be one night a week, I'd have plenty of time for the kids," Hermione adds, "There would be some promotion, but it's a damn sight better than the world cup. I could even help you promote yourself for Minister, I'd have the time."
Draco shakes his head in disbelief, "Are you sure you weren't a hat-stall destined for Slytherin?" he asks angrily.
"Whats that supposed to mean?" Hermione asks hotly.
"It means you are a sneaky, manipulative bitch sometimes," Draco says under his breath, "You hate politics, you hate the idea of me becoming Minister! But you want to do this show with Potter so badly that you are offering to help promote me!"
"I want you to be happy," Hermione says, "And you aren't happy right now. If becoming Minister will make you happy, then yes I'll help."
"All for your own gain at the end of the day though," Draco says, he is now pacing the room, "Do you think it's been easy for me all of these years? I love you Hermione, but the baggage that has come with that…having Potter and Weasley at my house every Christmas, having to act like I like them. I've changed my world for you."
"And I haven't changed mine for you?" Hermione asks in disbelief, "Our children have a private tutor, they are taught about their family history and its purity. They got bullied when we sent them to an ordinary tutor because their Mother is a Mudblood! Marrying you hasn't exactly made my life easy Draco."
"At least I don't get drunk and beat you up," Draco says coolly, "Would that have been a better life?"
"That's not what I said," Hermione says, tears burning in her eyes, "I love you Draco, but none of this has been easy on me either. We've both had to change our entire lives for each other. There are just some parts neither of us could let go of, like Harry and Ron for me, and your Mother for you."
Draco blows out a breath, "I understand Hermione, and I won't ever tell you that you can't do something. If you want to do this show, then do it but I'm saying now that I don't think it's a good idea."
"It's going to be fine," Hermione says confidently, "I'll prove it."
Draco doesn't look convinced but he nods, "If you're serious about this promotion work then you can give me a slot on your show, to talk about running for Minister."
Hermione nods with a weak smile, "You can be our first guest," She promises, crossing the room and wrapping her arms around him, "And I'm sorry it had to come to this."
"So am I," Draco says quietly, so quietly that Hermione doesn't even hear it.
TBC :)
A/N: So opinions? What do you guys think? I like feedback! :D