Here's my crack at Draco/Hermione. It's post-DH, so post epilogue as well… I'll explain more on about what happened between then and now throughout the story. Hope you like, thanks for reading and please review!
These characters are all the wonderful work of J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing them for the time being…
Chapter 1- The Beginning
I had thought the war was over. I had thought the pain was gone. I had thought all of the losses had been counted. But I suppose evil never rests does it? I had known that taking the job, becoming an Auror, was dangerous work, but we had all made it through so much together. I never let myself believe something could tear us a part, something that was so small compared to everything we've been up against.
But here I sit, awake on a stormy night, near 2 a.m. I keep glancing over to my left, thinking I might see him again. It's been this way for months. Hugo still awakes at night screaming for him, screaming for Dad. It pains me to hear his shrill voice, gasping from his nightmares. Rose hasn't said much; she tries to hide her grief, for my sake. But I know she misses him, I can see the tears behind her eyes.
I've tried to busy myself, like all of the books about coping say. I can't run from the night though. I can't run or hide from the ache I feel ever night when I lay in bed, alone, with nothing to busy my mind. It's the worst at night, so empty, so cold.
I miss him more than words could ever say. I miss our heated arguments and our passionate apologizes. I miss his laugh, his lop-sized grin, and his powerful hugs. I try to be strong though, for them. If it wasn't for them, I would be broken completely. I've found comfort in them, in Rose's familiar expressions and Hugo's ability to make me smile no matter how much I want to cry.
They constantly remind me of what we had, and what we brought into this world. And I will do anything for them. It's my job now to protect them, for the both of us.
Meanwhile….
Years ago I would have gotten pleasure from their grief. I would have laughed at their misfortune. This time it was different. The war was supposed to be over. It started slow, but Dumbledore got his wish. Perhaps I have switched sides after all.
After he was born, I couldn't help but feel guilty. Guilty for everything. I did not want to be the father I had. I never wanted to thrust such a horrid world on my son. And after Astoria was taken, I was his only hope.
Back at Hogwarts I felt prideful of my father's connections and powers, but now I wish they'd disappear. I wish he'd disappear. He had finally gone too far. Years after the Dark Lord had been destroyed, evil still remained, an evil that I'm ashamed of. I knew what they were planning, just as I knew that the ideas of the Dark Lord would never truly vanish. My father had gotten to me again. Their source of power was building, their need for revenge was unnerving. That night, when Father came home, my son asked him where he had been. He had responded with a sly smile, "Starting up where we left off, my boy." The moment I saw Scorpius looking at him with bright, curious eyes, I knew something had to change. My father had patted my back, and told me I missed a good show. Scorpius looked at me and smiled, he told me next time, he wanted to go too.
I would do anything to keep him from that treachery. So that is why I am here, on this stormy night, waiting for someone I wished never to see again.
The house I stood in front of was dark, but that was to be expected at 2 in the morning. I'd have to find a way to wake her up. There had to be protection charms all over that could serve my need. Gryffindors may be brave, but they aren't stupid, at least not this one.
I take a step firmly on the stone path ahead of me. Just like clockwork, a light bursts from the upstairs window. I see her shadow moving fiercely throughout the room. She nears the window and the curtain peels away. I know she can see me; my hair stands out in the darkness. I can't make out her expression, and in an instant, she is gone.
I take a deep breath, hoping she'll let the past go… at least for him. I continue to the door, completely set on ringing the bell when I hear the bolts unlocking from behind. Light spills outside, blinding me temporarily. I have to hold my hand over my face to regain focus. "Blimey, Granger, you could warn a bloke." I shout, not being able to control the glare that flies in her direction.
She snorts with cruel laughter. After a few moments, I'm able to see her. She was clearly annoyed. Her messy hair proved she was in bed, but the dark circles under her eyes tell me that she hasn't been sleeping. Neither have I. For different reasons.
"You better have a bloody well good reason for showing up here, Malfoy." She sneered. Her wand was at the ready in front of her; while the other was clamped on the door, ready to slam it in my face. I stare at her wand and the vicious look in her eyes for what seems like minutes, unsure if I should actually ask this woman for a favor.
She grows annoyed, raising an eyebrow and her wand at the same time. Quite impressive, really. "I suggest you explain yourself." She speaks through clenched teeth.
