It's been a long time coming, but Draco has finally admitted he'd like to be more than friends with Hermione. Much more. She has softened towards him, and things look promising. However, getting past Hermione's remaining barriers, would take some work. Something Draco was willing to try. Unless unforeseen matters stop him. Dramione. AU/T/OC/OOC. Two chapters.
Is anybody out there? Is anybody listening?
Does anybody really know? If it's the end of our beginning…..
It's everything you wanted, everything you don't
It's one door swinging open and one door swinging closed…
Holding On and Letting Go…..by Ross Copperman
The Ending Had Already Been Written: Chap 1
Hermione sat at a small table in the Muggle coffee shop dangling the one leg that was crossed over the other. A quick look at her Wonder Witch Watch told her Draco was running late. His being late would have perturbed her three or four weeks ago. But now she realized his position as Head Healer at St Mungo's sometimes made it necessary he stay a few minutes outside of hours.
Fifteen minutes later, he was coming through the door holding a small bouquet of six, pure yellow roses which he held out to Hermione. "For you."
Hermione broke into a wide grin as she reached for the lovely bundle. "Yellow roses Mr. Malfoy? You do know that giving me yellow roses signifies that I bring you joy."
"Yes Hermione. I do know that." Draco responded with a subtle smirk. "I am almost as well read as you. In fact, my first choice was six pure orange roses, but I had second thoughts. I feel it is too early for me to give myself away by the color choice of roses I present you. You do bring me joy."
Hermione made a production of uncrossing her leg to cover the blush she knew had crept across her face. "I'd say you are being either overly solicitous, or overly complimentary."
"Neither." He replied giving a quick answer before turning the conversation back to her. "Do you always watch yourself uncross a leg, or is that just for my benefit? That lovely blush tells me I have embarrassed you." Reaching out to lay his hand on top of Hermione's, Draco gave her a sincere smile. "I won't apologize because what the roses denote are my true feelings."
A further embarrassed Hermione gently pulled her hand from under Draco's.
/*/
As Hermione was pulling her hand from under Draco's, and thanking him for her gift. A dowdy looking brunette witch with beady eyes and dressed in house maid's attire was paying close attention to what was going on at Hermione and Draco's table. In fact, she was scrutinizing Hermione so closely the takeaway cashier had to call the witch's number three times. The third time, the cashier raised her voice when she called the number. Which caused most of the patrons to look around to see who was so dense they didn't know their own number. Included in those who turned to look was Draco. As he turned to look, the witch carefully turned away, but not before Draco caught a glimpse of her face.
"How odd."
"What's odd?" Asked Hermione rolling her fingers over the soft, yellow roses with one hand while sipping her coffee with the other.
"That house maid over there." He turned pointing to where the dowdy witch was standing, or had stood. The spot was now empty.
Hermione looked at Draco over her coffee cup. "Was she someone you know? Although I doubt you would know a house maid by sight. Malfoys are built for speed. Not recognition. Why is that strange?'
"Ha, ha, ha. Built for speed. Am I? You'll find out this Malfoy is built for more than speed." Draco added suggestively. Leaning back in his chair, Draco gazed steadily at Hermione before voicing his thoughts about the witch. "It's strange. She is magical, but shopping in a Muggle shop. No mistress or master of a wizarding home would send the help to a Muggle shop. Besides, she looked familiar."
"Maybe her head of house got a craving for Muggle cinnamon buns, or something. It's not that important. Is it?"
Shrugging, Draco moved his head from side to side. "No. It's not that important. I've probably mistaken her for someone else. Anyway, nothing is as important as you. It seems you have set some sort of timeframe for us. Will I receive a positive answer if I ask to take you out on a real date now? It's been weeks. I understand the hesitation, but Astoria has no bearing on us. She and I are over. We've been separated for almost two months. And I am looking forward to more than a few quick kisses at your door. Much more."
/*/
At that moment, it came to Draco. That house maid witch belonged to the Winston household. Namely Adriana Winston, confidante and friend to Astoria. What the hell was she doing in Muggle London? In the back of his mind, Draco wondered if Astoria had put her friend up having someone follow him.
Astoria having someone follow him. As if. The asinine thought caused Draco to laugh out loud. Which in turn caused Hermione to glance at him with a raised eyebrow.
"You're laughing out loud to yourself Mr. Malfoy. Shall I call St Mungo's fourth floor and have someone come pick you up? I'll do it you know." Hermione added with a laugh.
"Stray thought love. Nothing more." Looking around, then lowering his voice. Draco returned to the subject at hand. "So what is your answer? Shall we step out in public as two people who enjoy being with each other? I'm not being presumptuous when I say I recognize you have needs much like myself. I plan to be the wizard who fulfills your needs, but we must start somewhere. I don't want to do anything in secret. Let me take you out to dinner in our world, and we'll go from there."
/*/
Hermione stared over Draco's shoulder as she contemplated his question. While it was true Draco and Astoria had parted ways after being together for four years. She wasn't foolish enough to believe everyone…. Everyone in this case being Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, or Astoria herself. That everyone was happy with the split. Astoria had been hand picked for Draco. She was to be the Pureblood bride to the Pureblood wizard before Draco broke it off citing he wasn't in love with her.
Draco had mentioned several times how all hell had broken loose at Malfoy Manor when Astoria reported he had broken up with her because he didn't love her.
Even back then. Draco had been sending her signals. But Hermione wasn't some silly witch. After Draco's third attempt to woo her, she had pulled him aside to tell him to fuck off. In very genteel terms.
Draco had responded like a wronged suitor astounded that Hermione didn't believe he was interested in being with her. Hermione's last words to him at that time had been, find someone else Malfoy. You won't put me on your, to be shagged list. Draco walked away in a huff, but hadn't stayed away. Two weeks later, he had sent the first bouquet of roses. Until this evening, he had kept to generic roses that really weren't classified as having meaning. Tonight he was pushing.
Even though all the madness concerning him and Astoria had been months ago. Hermione was uncomfortable about getting any closer to Draco. In her heart of hearts, she knew Draco was sincere. She just didn't want to be branded some kind of home wrecker.
Not to say she wasn't torn. She wasn't a slag, but she certainly did have those needs Draco spoke about. There had been several times outside the door to her flat where she wanted to pull him inside and jump every last one of his bones. But, she hadn't. Now she was faced with should I, or shouldn't I.
Hermione's attention was pulled back to Draco when he cleared his throat. "You're staring off into space. Shall I ring up St Mungo's to order up a room on the fourth floor for you?"
"That was my line thief." Hermione replied trying not to laugh. "I'm going to the Ladies, but I'd like another coffee. I'll be right back."
/*/
Draco let out a resigned sigh. It seemed that tonight was going to end like any other night he and Hermione were together. A few kisses then him Apparating home with a dick as big and hard as a steel beam. He wanted Hermione badly, but he couldn't push any harder, or he'd send her running for the hills. Which was something he didn't want to think about.
Raising a hand in the air, Draco summoned a server to order another coffee for himself and Hermione.
/*/
Hermione was quick getting through her business in the Ladies. The part that kept her the longest was her staring contest with herself in the mirror over the sink. What did she want to do?
Hermione didn't realize there was anyone else in the Ladies, so she was surprised when a witch left an adjacent stall commenting how it looked like Hermione had a lot on her mind.
Hermione had been about to use a quick spell on her hair before the witch spoke. Shite, she thought. I forgot I was in a Muggle bathroom. That could easily have been a Muggle. Instead of the spell, Hermione gave her hair a little fluff with her hands. She washed her hands, gave the woman a small smile and headed back to the table.
It wasn't until she was back at the table sitting across from Draco that Hermione remembered Draco mentioning the house maid witch. Including herself and Draco, there had been four magical people visiting a small, out of the way Muggle shop with eight tables. Totally strange.
Hermione didn't mention the phenomenon to Draco, but she did keep an eye on the Ladies door waiting to see where the witch was sitting. After a few minutes, Hermione stopped paying attention to the door. Her thought being. The witch must have come out immediately behind me and left the shop.
/*/
There was still a question on the table. Did she want to go public with Draco Malfoy? This time her mental answer was immediate. She wouldn't go public, but she would go private.
Reaching across the table, Hermione touched Draco on the hand. "Would you like to get some takeaway which we can take to my flat?"
Draco lifted her hand to his mouth. "Is this a pity invite? If so, I want you to know I plan to make the most of it regardless. Grab your roses. We will leave as soon as I can get the attention of the bloody server. There ought to be a law about servers trying to chat up women while working." He complained a bit loudly.
The server rolled his eyes at Draco, but cut his conversation short to bring the bill.
"Draco." Hermione called out softly. "Slow down okay. We still have to decide where and what we'll order for takeaway."
Draco looked at Hermione like she'd lost her mind. "After weeks of putting me off, you have invited me to your flat. I will eat hard bread, if that's all you have. I just want to be with you."
Since Draco didn't have an opinion. The consensus of one was to have some greasy fast food. Luckily, there was a McBurger three doors down. They could order burgers, fries and maybe a side of chicken sticks.
/*/
Hermione didn't eat fast food often. Too fattening. However, it was the fastest meal to order and the fastest to eat. There was no way she was going to sit and dawdle over some three course meal when Draco Malfoy was sitting across the table as hot for her as she was for him.
Hermione told Draco the plan once they were outside.
"Let me re-it-er-ate." He answered enunciating very clearly. "As long as I'm in your company, I'll be satisfied with whatever is at hand. McBurger you say. I can see it from here. Shall I stop at the liquor shop?"
"That would be great. I'll order the food. Why don't we meet at my flat?"
Draco stopped in mid stride to tell Hermione he wasn't about to leave her alone with the Muggles. She should wait for him, and they would Apparate to her flat together.
"Fine." she said out loud. "Git." She remarked under her breath. Secretly, she was glad Draco wanted her to wait for him. It was a witch thing.
/*/
Less than fifteen minutes later. They were seated comfortably at Hermione's table enjoying the greasy, yet tasty food.
"This is very good. Shall I pour you more champagne?"
"Yes. More is good. If you would be kind enough to bring the champagne through to the living room, I'll clear away in here."
/*/
After they were settled in the living room, Hermione raised her glass to Draco thanking him for the champagne, with a caution. "The champagne is lovely Draco, but a simple wine would have been fine. You don't need to do extravagant things to impress me. You are impressive by yourself."
Those words were the right words.
Draco placed his glass on the table in front of them. Then he removed Hermione's glass from her hand and placed it on the table as well. Moving closer, he kissed both her palms one at a time. Then he gazed into her eyes recognizing in her what he was feeling in himself. His hand found its way to Hermione's hair. Still gazing into her eyes, he whispered softly. "We are here Hermione. May I kiss you?"
Hermione moved even closer to Draco offering him her lips.
Taking her face between his hands, his kiss began like a soft whisper. They kissed as though too much pressure would bruise their lips. When they pulled apart, Draco whispered in Hermione's ear. Whatever he said, changed the temperature from normal to heated.
Draco began to run his hands up and down Hermione's back while she hesitantly placed her hand between his legs rubbing gently. Her touch inflamed Draco to the point where his dick began straining to get out of his trousers. Unzipping his trousers, Hermione took him in her hand. It was too much for Draco who asked the question, and received an affirmative response.
"I want this as much as you do Draco. My answer is yes."
Hermione tried to pull him on top of her, but Draco pulled back to tell her he wanted their first time to be in a proper bed.
With his manhood still hanging out, Draco followed Hermione to the bedroom where he undressed her then immediately undressed himself. Their naked bodies came together like a heat suction. Their next kiss was so sexually charged it was like a bolt of electricity hit them both.
Pulling Hermione down on the bed on top of him, Draco lifted her so she was sitting on his upright member. The sexual force between them was so powerful and intense. They achieved orgasm in ten strokes.
It had been fast, but it had been the perfect first coupling. Like the ones they write about in Muggle romance novels. Draco tried to keep the connection by holding Hermione tightly against his chest and on his now flaccid dick.
"Thank you." He whispered, leaving kisses across the back of Hermione's shoulder. "You are amazing. We are amazing together. I would have said magical, but you already know that part."
Hermione was lying there trying to regain her strength. Because contrary to what witches say when someone is listening. She intended to have Mr. Malfoy one more time before he left her bed. He was right. They were amazing together. It was as though they'd been lovers forever.
Brushing back the hair that had fallen over Hermione's shoulders, Draco asked what she was thinking.
Raising up a little to look him in the face, Hermione was absolutely truthful. "If I told you what I was thinking, you'd go blood red. Suffice it to say. I'm hoping you don't have any appointments scheduled for this evening."
"Now that sounds promising." Draco said as he turned Hermione on her back and began kissing her breasts. "I couldn't leave you right now even if Dementors were after me. Maybe I won't leave at all. Maybe, I'd rather live within your knickers than anywhere else. Although I'm sure you can tell. This….us is more than I could have hoped for. My question to you. Where do we go from here? Will you consent to date me? Will you accompany me out in public? We've started something tonight I hope will continue."
Draco's head was leaning on Hermione's chest, so he could feel her breathing slow down, but he waited.
Several minutes passed in which Draco thought Hermione wasn't going to answer. But she had.
"I don't want to discourage you, but I'm not ready for that next step just yet. We'll continue to have coffee or tea in Muggle London. Like colleagues. For now, our dates will have to be at my flat. I'm sure I'll be able to find something to entertain you. I'm not giving you a no. I'm giving you a, let's wait a few more months before going public. I'd rather be safe than killed by your father or mother."
Draco sat up. He tried not to show it, but he was a bit put out. They had fantastic chemistry, and had finally come together (no pun intended). He had hoped for a different response.
It wasn't as though there was some kind of timeframe on them declaring themselves a couple. Draco knew Hermione was the woman he should be courting even before he and Astoria split up. Months before. He couldn't do anything about it at the time, but now he was free and wanted to get his life started. He wished he could convince Hermione that Astoria had no bearing on anything. She was old news.
Hermione snuggled up to Draco, and wrapped herself around him from the back.
"This was my milestone." He remarked listlessly. "I figured if we made love, you would be able to feel the truth in my words."
"Listen. You are making more of this than need be. I recognize and respect your feelings about us. All I'm asking for is time. It costs nothing, nor will it change anything. Please give that to me."
"I have you, so I'll do what needs to be done to keep you. I'll give you your time. Three months from today we will make our public debut as a couple. Agreed?"
"Agreed my handsome wizard. Now. I'm hoping you will consent to rub up against me one more time before leaving."
"Leave you? I've only just got here. With your permission, I plan to spend the night in the place I'd most like to be. Your arms."
Hermione jumped up. "And that is what I'd call a date."
"Really? That's what you call a date?" Asked Draco. "I don't think I'll ever have to spend a Galleon on you." He jokingly replied touching his now stiffening member. "All I'll have to do is keep you occupied with this."
Hermione rolled her eyes telling Draco he had another think coming if he expected her to be a cheap date once they became public. "I'm going to use up every Galleon, Sickle and Knut you have. Then I'll clear out the Malfoy vaults. Still want to date me?"
Draco grabbed Hermione pulling her back down on the bed. All joking stopped when he began running his hand between her legs.
Once again, they came together straining, grunting and pushing until they reached their climax.
/*/
After the lovemaking, Draco explained in detail how he wanted to approach her months ago, but couldn't because he was still in his joke of a relationship.
"I'm a prideful man, and wouldn't normally share information such as this, but since I expect to hound you until we are happily married. I'll make an exception."
Hermione interrupted Draco with a kiss. "You do not have to share personal information. Besides, you might want to hold off mentioning marriage. At least until we have our proper, first date. We really, really don't want polite society accusing the Muggleborn Hermione Granger of stealing a handsome, Pureblood wizard away from his betrothed."
"You keep saying that." Draco replied a bit irritably. "My answer remains the same. No man or woman can accuse you of anything. Astoria Greengrass no longer has anything to do with my life. We've been over this on numerous occasions Hermione. We've made a decision to wait three more months. We don't need to discuss this matter anymore. Please."
Shrugging, Hermione inquired about the personal matter he wanted to discuss. Draco had changed his mind. So, he changed the subject.
"How about we discuss how many nights a week I'll be welcome at the House of Granger? Mind you. Do not reply if the answer is less than seven."
Hermione didn't offer any reply.
Pulling Hermione towards him, and nipping her on the neck, Draco suggested that the answer was supposed to be seven.
"I'll have to think about it," Hermione retorted saucily as Draco gently pinched her nipple in retaliation.
"As far as I'm concerned. It's seven. I want more sex."
Hermione laid back opening herself to Draco's ministrations. "Have at it Mr. Malfoy."
/*/
One day, as the three month mark approached for Hermione and Draco. A secret meeting was held in a very private room of Malfoy Manor. Astoria Greengrass, Adriana Winston and Narcissa Malfoy spoke in hushed whispers.
"Draco is being stolen from me by a filthy Mudblood," whined Astoria. "I've heard he will announce their relationship in the very near future. I need your help."
"Muggleborn Astoria." Narcissa replied crisply. "They are known as Muggleborns. No wizard can be stolen. You obviously weren't keeping my son interested. Why have you come to me whining now? It would have been prudent to see to his needs when he was interested."
Astoria began crying in earnest trying to win the sympathy of the one witch who could help vanquish the enemy. "Tell her Adriana. Tell Mother Malfoy what you told me."
/*/
Narcissa took a deep breath. Astoria irritated her, but she was a Pureblood who would make an excellent match for Draco if she would use her brain instead of her arse. Which obviously was not that exciting.
"My name is Narcissa, she snapped at Astoria. "Save the endearments until such a time you are married to Draco."
Turning to the other addled brain in the room, Narcissa ordered Adriana to speak then leave.
Adriana relayed to Narcissa everything her house maid had found out without revealing how Astoria had put her up to spying on Draco. She and Astoria smirked at each other as they watched Narcissa rant about Hermione Granger. The revelations had had the desired effect. Narcissa was angry enough to give Astoria all the help she needed, if it meant getting her only son away from the Granger witch.
/*/
Narcissa had advice alright and did not hesitate to lay it out before the other witches.
"First thing. Get Draco back in your bed. Anyway you can. Take a potion that aids in getting pregnant. Then let him have his way with you."
Adriana and Astoria glanced uneasily at each other.
Pregnancy? Astoria needed Narcissa's help. Not some far fetched pregnancy scheme. Her body was her temple. Pregnancy would be her very last resort.
"Do you understand what I've told you?" Asked Narcissa.
"I do Narcissa. I just don't want an ugly protruding stomach, nor do I want some mewling child I'll have to care for. Can't we just curse Hermione Granger? Lucius must know someone who….."
Narcissa went even more livid, shrieking at the pretty, but simple witch before her.
"You couldn't hold Draco's interest. Now you want Lucius to curse a witch revered by the Minister of Magic and most citizens as well. What is wrong with you? Are you mad? Don't even breathe a word of that garbage idea. You don't want a child. Fine. Don't use the potion. Just get Draco back in your bed and pretend to get pregnant. If he is rolling around with Hermione Granger, it will stop if she thinks he is still sleeping with his ex. I know her. Pathetic as I find her. She's forthright and honest. She will hate Draco if she thinks he lied or is lying to her."
"Draco is done with me. How will I get him into my bed?"
Narcissa grabbed her head. "Merlin help me. You figure it out Astoria. And do not approach me with this matter again. You've given me a headache. Please leave the Manor. Do not return until Draco invites you."
The two witches scurried down the hall then down the stairs, wanting to get as far away from the irate Narcissa as possible.
/*/
Narcissa had given her advice, but quickly removed all evidence of the meeting from her mind. As self righteous as Lucius was over some things. In this new world order, he might actually see Hermione Granger as an acceptable partner for Draco. Considering all that had come out of Adriana Winston's mouth. It might come down to that anyway.
Narcissa hoped Astoria was smart enough to keep her out of it. She was not about to go against both husband and son over a silly witch who hadn't been able to hold on to her fiancé. Narcissa had her beliefs, but didn't want those beliefs to bring carnage down on her head in the form of her only child.
/*/
Hermione kept peeking into her closet at the gown she planned to wear the following Friday when she and Draco appeared as a couple. Her heart sped up as she thought about stepping out in public with him. He whom she adored. He who adored her. He is perfect, she thought. In an imperfect sort of way. He sometimes snored. He had no qualms about walking through the flat starkers. He sat on the side of the bathtub while she had a soak. He dropped his clothes in a heap unless she reminded him to hang them, or put them in the laundry bag. But, those were things she somehow found endearing.
Hermione was a bit nervous about meeting Lucius and Narcissa while on Draco's arm. However, during their most intimate moments. Draco assured her she was his choice and no one could change his mind. His parents would just have to deal with it.
/*/
It had been a long time since Hermione looked at a copy of The Daily Prophet. To her, it was even more of a gossip rag than it had been in previous years. So it was a bit surprising to find an owl fluttering about her window with a copy in its claws.
Sending the bird off with a bit of cracker, Hermione threw the paper down on the table. After her shower, she had a bite to eat then settled down with a glass of wine. As she sat there sipping, the newspaper caught her eye and she reached for it. Not expecting anything newsworthy. Hermione turned to the front page and her glass slipped from her hand. There before her was a picture of the Malfoy family with Astoria holding tightly onto Draco's arm.
Tears sprung to Hermione's eyes even before she read the first paragraph. Then she scoured the article looking for clues. The picture was not dated, but Hermione recognized Draco's favorite dark blue shirt. The photo had to be recent. Then Hermione noticed that Astoria was wearing her engagement ring. No one could miss that ring.
Throwing the paper aside, Hermione began to pace. She dialed Draco's mobile, but it just rang and rang. She paced some more then rang his mobile again. By that time, her tears had given away to anger as she read the reporters insinuations.
If the ring on Miss Greengrass' finger is any indication, it appears this power couple has put their difficulties behind them.
While Draco Malfoy could not be reached for comment. Miss Greengrass declined comment except to say troubles often start when other witches interfere, but since she was expecting. She was sure things would right themselves.
Hermione was mortified. Pregnant? Pregnant? You had to shag someone in order for that to happen. Draco certainly isn't shagging anyone but me, but Astoria's little innuendo makes it seem as though a witch had come between her and Draco. Which was a downright lie. Draco had fallen out of love. If he'd ever loved Astoria at all.
Hermione's heart was pumping like mad. Had she not read this copy of the Prophet. The next witch on Draco's arm would have been her. The thought made her physically ill.
The trembling and shaking had snuck upon Hermione. She wouldn't believe any of this until she heard it from Draco's mouth. The article just couldn't be right. Astoria's comments had to have been taken out of context. Either that, or she was telling outright lies.
/*/
Like Hermione, Draco hadn't read the Daily Prophet in a long time. He too felt it had grown into nothing more than a filthy, muck raking scandal sheet. However, after several awkward interactions with fellow healers and a few patients. Draco finally asked a teammate what was going on. The healer had walked away and come back with the Prophet.
Draco looked at the photo, read the article then read it again. He became furious. Hermione would….
"Oh Merlin!" He gasped. "I've got to get to Hermione. Calling one of the Assistant Healers to his office, Draco explained he had to leave the premises and might not return until the following day.
Draco was as furious as he'd ever been. The first place he headed was the Greengrass mansion where the wards let him into the yard, but prevented him from reaching the door. Suddenly two wizards materialized outside the wards calling his name.
"Draco! Mr. Malfoy! Do you think the photo in the morning edition did you justice? Have you and Miss Greengrass gotten everything sorted?"
One wizard shouted while the other took pictures of a harried looking Draco. "Who is the witch that came between you? Will you marry Miss Greengrass before the child arrives?"
What seemed like hours had only been minutes before the wards released and Draco could get through the door. Once inside, he drew his wand on an unsuspecting Austin Greengrass who held his hands up in the air.
"Draco! What is the meaning of this? You dare draw your wand in my home. Put that away before someone gets hurt."
Draco ignored the old man's entreaties telling him to get Astoria down there immediately. "Now," shouted Draco. "Or so help me Merlin. I will go get her. Get Astoria down here."
"Astoria is not here," huffed a clearly frightened Austin. "She fell ill last night and had to be taken to hospital. My wife thinks Astoria is about to lose the baby. Now get the hell out of my house. You cad."
"There is no baby. You fucking wanker. At least not a Malfoy baby. Astoria wasn't admitted to St Mungo's. Where was she taken?"
"I won't tell you a thing. Get out of my home before MLE gets here."
"MLE?"
"Yes MLE. Do you think your shouting and posturing has gone unnoticed by my house elves? Get out while you have a chance."
"This is not over," shouted a livid Draco as he strode out the door. "Not by a long shot."
/*/
Draco knew his next stop had to be Hermione. As embarrassing as it was, the article had no truth to it. He and Hermione would be fine. She would understand, or so he hoped. They were only days away from announcing their relationship. Then he wondered how Hermione would understand something he didn't understand. The photo. The news that Astoria is pregnant, and a witch had come between them. All lies. It was a nightmare.
/*/
Draco recognized something was wrong as soon as he Apparated into Hermione's flat. The first thing he laid his eyes on was the copy of the Prophet. The next was Hermione's dress. Her lovely, coral colored dress was in tatters on the floor. Bending over to pick up the shredded garment, Draco felt the panic set in. Hermione loved this dress. She had made him look at it every night since she had purchased it. What was going through her mind to make her do something like this?
Draco chastised himself for his thoughtlessness. Hermione had to be barking over the article. He positioned himself on the couch to wait for her. They would get everything all straightened out.
Then he saw the letter.
Draco,
I tried you numerous times on your mobile today. I initially thought we should talk, but after a bit of thinking. I decided it was probably best we didn't. At least not right now. I'd embarrass myself because all I seem to be able to do is cry.
The article in the Prophet was enlightening. Enlightening and strange. I thought because you were lying with me most nights. You weren't lying with Astoria. How wrong was I? Even a trusting simpleton such as myself knows a wizard has to be fucking a witch for her to get pregnant.
I realize I'm lashing out, but it's the best I can do at the moment. Imagine. If some kind soul hadn't sent me a copy of the Prophet, I would have been the slag, harlot, whore, wizard stealer on your arm next week. That would have been priceless. There I was being so careful with our relationship so as not to appear in public with you until a decent amount of time had passed. And what happens? A variation of bull shite comes out anyway.
Thank Merlin my name didn't get out there, or I could kiss everything I've worked so hard to achieve goodbye. What's even more depressing is the fact there's a child involved in this.
Why pursue me Draco? Why make me promises? Why lie? And that thing with the roses. Classic. Made this witch spread her legs faster than you could say tosspot. Are you really that arrogant, self centered and deceitful? I'd have to say yes.
I suppose the only thing on your agenda right now is to make all this go away by marrying your witch and giving your child the Malfoy name.
London is fairly large. We can stay out of each other's way. I really don't want to feel any more foolish than I feel at this moment. So let's plan to do that.
Trust is so hard to build, and so easy to break. I'm willing to admit. I'm broken.
I'd wish you well, but at this moment in time. I wouldn't mean it.
Hermione Granger
The letter sounded so final. Knowing Hermione, that's the way it was supposed to sound. He had to at least speak to her. No matter how angry she was with him. He had to explain that he hadn't touched Astoria after they broke the engagement. How he would explain Astoria's pregnancy. He didn't know, but he would have answers before he approached Hermione.
Draco got up from the couch to take a walk through the flat. He'd spent the most time in the bedroom where he and Hermione had some of their sexiest and best times. He'd had the witch he wanted. Where he wanted her. And it all had come to nothing. He'd been taught from birth that Malfoys didn't get emotional. This moment in time was proving that to be a lie.
/*/
Draco knew what he knew. He hadn't touched Astoria in any way in months. They weren't back together, and any baby the despicable witch was carrying wasn't his.
Fuming, Draco growled at the air around him. "Whomever has started this load of bull shite will not like what happens when I catch up to him. Someone has interfered in my life. In the life I was going to have with the witch I love. I don't know who or why, but I certainly plan to find out. And as soon as I do. I'll find Hermione and we will pick up where we left off. This isn't over by any means. The bloody, lying bastard will never see me coming."