Writer Notes: First I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read my little story. It means so much to have people enjoy my writing! (At least I hope you are enjoying it.) Please review so I know how well (or how poorly) I am doing. I do plan on posting a chapter at least once every other week, if not more often depending on how fast I am able to write them out. Thank you again so much for reading my story!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. I am merely borrowing them for my own pleasure.
Farewells
Draco's heart pumped hard in his chest as he willed his legs to quicken their pace. Please…Please don't let me be too late. Only a mere ten minutes ago he was sitting in his office going over some recent evidence acquired during a raid when he heard a familiar voice come from his fireplace.
"Draco…D-Draco…It's too l-late…" Her voice quivered breaking the silence of the room. "They…They've found us…" He rushed over to the fire to see her terrified face looking up at him. He froze as her words hit him, they've found her. It didn't matter how many protection charms that he painfully placed, they still found her. He could faintly hear Potter shouting to the young witch that she needed to run between several counter curses and jinxes. "I guess we knew this couldn't last forever." She half laughed. She forced a smile, but her eyes already started to spill over. He reached his hand out to her as if he could pull her through the fire and into his arms. "I-I love you Dra…" Her face disappeared from the fire before she could finish her sentence.
Without thinking, he snatched his wand from his desk and a handful of Floo powder. "12 Grimmauld Place!" He yelled throwing the Floo powder down. The green flames arose around him, but nothing else seemed to happen. "12 Grimmauld Place!" He repeated desperately. Again nothing happens, the Floo network here couldn't connect to the Potters. Knowing that there was no other way he disapparated as close to the Potter residence he could and started sprinting towards their house.
As the small home of 12 Grimmauld Place came into view, his heart stopped. "No…" He whispered as he stared in disbelief. Parts of the house were blown up as a result of the spells thrown, shards of glass littered the ground, and the door was blasted off from its hinges. No… Behind his eyes flashed images of his lover's big brown lifeless eyes, of her mangled corpse… No! He couldn't think like that! She's the brightest witch of their age. There is no way that she would be captured this easily. He steeled himself against his emotions as he entered the broken home. He was far too late; there was no way she could have escaped this. There was blood splattered over the walls where pictures once hung. A quick scan of the room showed no owner to the blood. At least not in this room…
"Draco?" a voice called pulling him out of his dark thoughts.
Two Years Earlier
Monday August 31st 1998
"Draco!?" Hermione sputtered in disbelief. She did a quick scan of the crowd of witches and wizards to see if she could spot the young blond anywhere. "Are you sure you saw him, Ron?"
"Yeah, I saw him with Zabini yesterday talking to McGonagall. Knowing him, he's only here trying to save face." Ron spat. "It's not bad enough that he got to avoid time in Azkaban, but now he's got to gloat about it." He shot a quick glare at his best mate and girlfriend. "You're both to blame for that one by the way."
"He's not bragging Ron, I'm sure he just wants to help with the school," Harry explained lowering his wand as the final wall of the classroom had been repaired. "Besides, you know we couldn't let the poor bloke go to Azkaban after he helped us."
Hermione sighed, knowing that this conversation was going to go nowhere. This was an old argument between the trio. Ron had been absolutely against Harry and Hermione speaking on Draco's behalf during his hearing a little over a month ago. But they felt like it was the right thing to do, especially after he lied to his father for their sake.
"Yeah, a lot of good that did." Ron rolled his eyes, dropping the subject.
"Reparo." With one last flick of her wand, the smaller items of the room repaired themselves and flew up to their proper place. "It may have taken all of the holiday break, but I do believe that we are all done."
The young witch smiled putting her arms around the two boys. Today was the last day of the reconstruction of Hogwarts. It took roughly all holiday with at least a hundred witches and wizards to do it, but it was finally finished. Tomorrow students would arrive on the Hogwarts Express and the new year will start. Life would continue to go on as if the war had never happened.
"I'll go let McGonagall know that this section is finished," Harry said before he stepped away and disapparated from the room. For once Hermione was unable to lecture them that it was impossible to disapparate on Hogwarts grounds, as McGonagall took away that protection to speed up the reconstruction.
Ron's arms quickly found their way around Hermione's waist as he pulled her into a kiss. Hermione felt the usual flush of her cheeks as she returned his kiss. She still couldn't believe that Ron was really in love with her, but being here in his arms the witch had no choice but to accept it.
"School starts tomorrow," Ron murmured parting from their kiss. "and we'll be a thousand miles apart."
"I don't think that it will quite be a thousand miles." She reassured him before tucking herself under his chin, letting him hold her.
"You never know 'Mione. Auror training could take me to the furthest corner of the country as I dangerously hunt Death Eaters." He said matter-of-factly, though Hermione knew that Kingsley wouldn't let him hunt Death Eaters until he passed his Auror's test. "It's not too late to join Harry and me."
Of course, Kingsley had extended the job to Hermione as well, but she politely declined. She felt that her fighting was done and that her right place was to be here at Hogwarts. After she passed her N.E.W.T.S., she hopes that she can stay at the school and teach the next generation of students. Hermione had already explained all of this to her boyfriend, but he refused to believe it.
"You and I could always get a flat together…" He cooed into her ear when she didn't respond. "Imagine being able to wake up together every morning…"
"You know I can't do that Ron." She sighed breaking his little fantasy. She hated herself for doing this, but it had to be done. "I've already told Kingsley no."
"I'm sure he would understand that you changed your mind." He smiled at her, not understanding what she was saying.
"No, Ron I'm not changing my mind." She said firmly. "I'm staying at Hogwarts."
"Fine!" He huffed harshly pushing her away from him. "I see how you are."
"Ron!" She pleaded seeing the hurt and anger in his eyes, but it was already too late. The redhead had already stormed out of the room. Hermione sunk into one of the nearby desks, burying her head in her hands. He just needs time. She thought, willing herself not to cry. Ever since Fred's death, Ron has been quick to anger over things like this.
"Harry?" A familiar voice called into the small classroom.
"He's already taken off," Hermione responded to her redheaded friend as she quickly wiped the forming tears from her eyes.
"Oh, Hermione…" Ginny breathed already seeing her friend's tears. The ginger rushed over to comfort her friend. "What's wrong?"
"Do you believe that I'm doing the right thing by returning to school?" Her voice quivered on the verge of sobbing.
"Ah, I should have known that this was my brother's doing." Ginny half laughed. "Of course, I think you're doing the right thing. The bloody prat just needs to grow up, and realise that everything can't happen the way he wants it to."
Hermione gave a weak smile and shrugged. "I guess you're right. I just don't want to lose him."
"You won't," Ginny reassured. "Who wouldn't want to be with you? Hell did you forget about all of your fan mail?!"
Hermione laughed remembering the number of owls she got a few weeks after the war had ended. Reporters galore had interviewed the Golden Trio about the defeat of the Dark Lord and of course this brought out a few admirers.
"I know what will help." Ginny sang out. "A good shot of Fire Whiskey and a good snog." That last one sent Hermione's eyes rolling. Although she could do with a good snog from her boyfriend, she doubted that he wanted to after their little spat.
"Don't worry. Ron will come around eventually," Ginny said holding her hand out. "Come on. I'll help you get ready for the party. We'll show him exactly what he'll be missing out on."
Later That Night
"Thank you, one and all." McGonagall's voice boomed throughout the Great Hall. "It has been a long and hard summer for us all. Many of you sacrificed much needed time with your families to be here with us. I thank you again. Let this night be our coming together to mourn those poor souls lost in the battle and the celebration of Hogwarts's return." With that the tables filled with alcoholic beverages and snacks much to the student's delight.
"Really? Minerva? Allowing the students to drink?" Slughorn whispered in shock.
The Headmistress only shrugged. "Why not Horace? Most of them are of age, and they are going to do it nonetheless, may as have it supervised. These kids have already been through enough. Merlin knows that they could use one night of merriment."
Hermione stood awkwardly in the corner of the room as her fellow students partied with one another. It wasn't just the party that made the witch uncomfortable, but the clothing Ginny suggested for her to wear. The little black dress hugged around her slender body, showing off her every curve. Ginny was able to somewhat tame her bushy hair into a simple up-do.
"H-Hermione?" Ron stuttered as he spotted his girlfriend from inside the crowd of people. He quickly pushed his away through the crowd towards her. Clutched in his hands were two unopened Butterbeers. Hermione couldn't help but wonder where he was going before he spotted her.
"Wow, Hermione you look fantastic!" Ron drooled looking his girlfriend up and down. Hermione blushed not used to having Ron look at her this way. Maybe I should have gone with something less revealing…
"About earlier…" Ron ran his free hand through his hair. "You know that I didn't mean that, right? I mean, I love you Hermione, and I hate thinking about us being apart."
"I forgive you." She smiled at her boyfriend's pathetic attempt at an apology.
"Can you believe this?" Ron laughed, relief filling his eyes. He handed Hermione one of the Butterbeer. "If I would have known this is what the school year was going to be like, I would have gladly stuck out another year of bloody classes."
Hermione laughed at her boyfriend's nonsense. "Ron, I highly doubt this will become a regular thing. Just a one-time party to blow off steam." The young witch looked around the room and saw the party had achieved its goal. House rivalries were quickly forgotten. Everyone was just mashed together singing and dancing together. Unable to spot two of her friends, the brunette asked, "Where's your sister and Harry?"
"I think they…uh, went upstairs…" Ron's face flushed as she assumed he did not want to think of what his best mate could be doing to his sister. "Probably saying their goodbyes, seeing that we have to leave after the party." He grinned pulling his girlfriend's body against his. "How about we start saying our goodbyes?"
"You're leaving tonight?!" Hermione choked on her Butterbeer. She thought that she would at least have another night with her boyfriend.
"Yeah, Kingsley wants us back as soon as possible." He cooed into her ear as he planted small kisses on her neck. "So, how do you want to spend your last moments with your amazing boyfriend?"
"Ron…" She whispered as he planted a few more kisses on her neck. "You know how I feel about this. " She placed her hand on this chest softly pushing him off of her. She had to admit that the touch of his lips felt rather nice, but this wasn't the time nor the place.
"What's there to talk about?" He laughed pushing her hand away, closing the distance she put between them. "You are my girlfriend, and I am your boyfriend." He bent down touching his lips against hers. "You can't plan for everything 'Mione. You know what you need? Another drink." Before she could even protest, he was off in search of another drink for them.
Draco felt his stomach turn as he saw the redhead dip down to kiss his girlfriend before taking off into the crowd. He shook off his nausea before turning his attention onto the brunette who was glancing around the room. The outfit she was wearing could make him laugh. What was she trying at? Draco scoffed mentally. Everyone would still see her for the bookworm she is, no matter how skimpy she dressed. Draco took another shot from the bottle of Firewhiskey clutched in his hands.
"Fuck," he cursed to himself. He knew that he would have to face Hermione sooner or later, seeing as both of them would be returning to school. Stop being such a pussy, he scolded himself, Just thank the bloody bookworm and be over with it.
Hermione glanced around the room not sure of what she should be doing. The whole drinking and losing control thing never really appealed to her. She only attended for Ron, who quite enjoyed drinking and partying as of lately. Her eyes suddenly locked onto the very grey eyes she hoped to avoid.
Draco Malfoy was standing on the opposite side of the room with a bottle of Fire Whiskey to his lips. He was donning his usual black suit, with his platinum blonde hair slicked back. Absentmindedly her hand went up and brushed against her scar as memories of her short time in Malfoy Manor surfaced. That was the last time she saw those eyes staring so intently at her. She watched as he took another swig from his bottle before making a beeline towards her.
What the hell is he doing?! Her eyes widen as he came closer. Hermione sure as hell wasn't ready to talk to the man who witnessed her torture, but she didn't have a choice in the matter. Her eyes shifted into a glare as he walked up to her.
"Granger." The blonde greeted crossing his arms.
"Malfoy." She huffed. "So I see that it's true that your back."
"And I see that you and Weasel are finally a couple." He smirked. "Though I see that a make-over was to change his mind."
"What did you say?!" Hermione pulled her wand from behind her ear and pointed it at the ex-Death Eater.
"Whoa now Granger, I'm not trying to start the next wizarding war!" He put his hands up showing that he was indeed unarmed. "Just some friendly banter, that's all."
"Then what do you want?" She held her glare. Just the sight of the blonde had already brought back the sounds of her screams and the burning pain that coursed her body. She didn't want to converse with him longer than she had to. "Go on, out with it."
"Well, I was going to thank you for what you did for me back in court, "He spat at her, annoyed at her attitude. "But I don't think I will since you're acting like a little prat."
"I'm a prat?!" Her voice raised an octave. "Speak for yourself, yo—"
"Piss off Malfoy!" Ron yell, coming to his girlfriend's rescue. He too had his wand at the ready. "Don't you have some bint to go snog?!"
Draco grimaced turning to Ron. "I don't think I was talking to you, was I?"
"Yeah, but you're talking to my girlfriend," Ron responded puffing out his chest.
Draco scoffed turning on his heel not deeming Ron worthy enough of a comeback. As the blond stalked off, Hermione swore she could hear him mutter something under his breath. Why didn't you let me rot in there?
"What did that bloody git wa—" Before Ron could even finish his question Hermione threw her arms around the redhead, mashing her lips against his. Though the public affection wasn't exactly her cup of tea, she needed anything to keep her thoughts from going back to that dark room in Malfoy Manor and those grey eyes looking down at her.
Fifteen Minutes Later
"Ron!" Hermione yelled breathlessly. She tried her best to keep up with Ron, but girls were not meant to run in heals. "Slow down, do you even know where you're going?"
"Of course," Ron grinned looking back. "You forget that Harry and I practically memorised the Marauder's Map."
After turning down several corridors and up a flight of stairs, they came to a single door. On the door was a sign that read, "Head Girl" and underneath was Hermione's name. Hermione was still surprised that after everything that she was appointed Head Girl.
"The perks of dating the Head Girl." He purred pinning her against the door, his hands already starting to roam her body. "A very private bedroom."
Hermione turned around fumbling with the lock distracted by Ron's roaming hands. How am I going to get out of this? Her mind raced. She had gone way too far when she attacked Ron with distracting kisses. Then when Neville yelled for them to "get a room," Ron took it as an invitation to leave the party. Before Hermione could even protest, he was dragging her by the hand back to her room.
She turned the knob, and the couple stumbled into her bedroom, with Hermione awkwardly landing on her bed. When she looked up, she saw that Ron had already had taken off his shirt and was currently unbuckling his pants. It didn't take long for Ron to close the distance between them, and angle his near-bare body over hers. His wets lips work along her neck as his hands tried undoing her dress.
She laid there on her bed, making no attempt to help Ron with unhooking her dress. Time was running out for her to back out, she knew sooner or later that he would work out the clasp. Was she really ready to have sex with Ron? No, she knew that she wasn't ready yet. They had only just gotten together, and it was much too soon.
Hermione gave a small shriek as Ron started rubbing his hard-on against her legs. I could just tell him to stop, she thought but quickly decided against it. There was no way she could just tell him that she wasn't ready yet with him getting upset again and thinking that she's rejecting him again. She glanced around the room trying to think of something else that could work.
It was then that something silvery sticking out the pocket of Ron's fallen jeans caught her eye, A rubber. That bloody git planned this from the start! How could he when—
"Got it!" Ron cheered as he began unpeeling the dress from her skin, leaving her only in her bra and panties. While Ron stared hungrily at her body, she silently cast Evanesco and watched as the rubber disappeared.
"Oh, before I get too caught up," He said leaning down for a kiss before getting up and walking over to his pants. Hermione watched as he went through every pocket, and even checked around the area where his pants had fallen in search for the rubber. He cursed silently under his breath before looking up at her.
"I…um, I'll be right back." He shyly said pulling his pants back on and running out of the room. Hermione pulled up the sheets around her happy that she was able to avoid the situation. She closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep.