Something Familiar
"Who is that man?" Hermione asked the man with jet black hair and green eyes. He was nice to her; Hermione decided she would trust him when they first met. He always made sure she ate her food, slept properly, and the healers were taking care of her. Harry. That's what his name was. She wondered what he meant to her before the accident. Most likely someone close to her heart.
"Hmm, which one?" Harry said, he was opening get well presents for her.
"The blonde one? He stands outside the room when I'm awake. But he comes in, when he thinks I'm sleeping." She replied, adjusting the covers around her. Hermione didn't want to tell him that sometimes the blonde man took her hand and tears would fall from his eyes. She thought it was a personal moment between the two of them and kept it safe within her. Harry froze for a second but quickly recovered though Hermione didn't notice.
"He's a friend of ours."
"Oh? Why doesn't he come in?"
"He… he's having a hard time coping." Harry said softly. Hermione nodded understanding perfectly. That made sense. Why wouldn't it be hard for him? Obviously if they were friends, he was taking this very hard. Hermione sighed. She wished she knew what this man was to her as well but as always her mind drew a blank. He looked familiar to her.
The man was in her room again, sitting on the uncomfortable chair and holding her hand. You think they give you a comfortable chair knowing you'll be there for a long time, Hermione thought. She could feel his salty tears on her hand and she had the urge to wipe his tears away. Lightly, she squeezed his hand and he started. Making eye contact with him for the first time, Hermione thought this man was handsome. With blonde hair, stormy gray eyes, and a strong jaw, he looked like those Wizarding models Harry's wife always showed her from the magazines. She blushed in the dark; surely she would remember this face? Hermione tugged his hand until he was sitting next to her and pulled him closer. He even smelled familiar. Something dark, manly, and musky, a smell she could definitely get used too.
"What's your name?" He looked at her again and it seemed like he was trying to engrave her face in his mind.
"Draco. Draco Malfoy." Hermione nodded, repeating the name in her head so she would remember next time.
"Hermione. Hermione Granger." She replied shyly, knowing he knew her name or else he wouldn't be here. For the first time, he gave her a small smile and Hermione liked it instantly. It suited him.
"Granger." At this she frowned. If they were close, surely he would call her by her first name? But somehow this sounded right as well. She didn't know how or why, but she liked it when he called her by her surname.
After that night, Draco visited her every day.
oOo
When a knock was heard and the door opened, Hermione glanced up restless and excited, she was waiting for Draco to come back but he hasn't visited her in almost two weeks. Noticing the people coming in, her face fell though she quickly masked it with a smile. It was Harry and his best friend, who had very bright red hair. She forgot his name once again. Hermione knew that his sister who had red hair too was married to Harry.
"Harry! Hello! Hello to you too." She said to both of them. Harry saved her just in time.
"Hi Hermione. Ron, here, wanted to come visit again."
"Come, come. Sit down." For the next hour or so, they chatted about everything like her condition so far, the weather, and daily news. When the boys started talking about something called Quidditch, her attention wavered and she realized this was probably something she wasn't too fond of. Flying on broomsticks? Please! Hermione liked her feet on the ground, thank you very much. The things people came up with, she thought, shaking her head.
This time when another knock was heard, Hermione wasn't too concerned however when she looked up she saw the person she most wanted to see.
"Draco!" She exclaimed, hopping off the bed and making her way over to him. The look of surprise on his face pleased Hermione. He didn't expect her to remember him. Before she changed her mind, she gave him a hug. Another thing he definitely was not expecting. After a few seconds, his arms closed around her, holding her tightly. When Hermione turned back around, Harry had a smile on his face but Ron… Ron looked furious, she wondered why. Didn't he want her to remember everyone?
"I think it's time we left. Don't you think so Ron?" Harry asked.
"What?" Ron said back, surprised.
"Come on. Draco, nice seeing you again. Hermione! Be good. I'll be back tomorrow." With that, Harry pulled a flabbergasted Ron with him and out the door.
Secretly glad they left; she led Draco to the vacant seats. Draco had sunflowers in his hand and handed them over to her.
"Flowers for the lady." Blushing, she took it to her bedside table, throwing the old flowers out and putting in the new. Sunflowers. Harry said those were her favorite, now she knew why.
"Thank you. Come sit. Where have you been?" Hermione asked, she tried to keep the concern out of her voice.
"My apologies Granger. I had to floo out for some business meeting, didn't know I was going to be missed. I would have definitely come back earlier." He said, with a slight smirk on his face. Hermione knew her face was turning red.
"Uh, it's not that. I was just wondering. Not many people visit me."
"Granger, the entire population came and visited you." He drawled, taking a biscuit from the table and looking over at the stack of gifts visitors had left her. Flowers, chocolate, get well cards were piled high.
"Well you know what I mean." She mumbled, looking at her hands. Goodness, he knew how to get her all undone.
"I have something for you. Something I thought you like to pass the time." Slipping his hand, into his cloak, he withdrew a tiny rectangle shaped parcel. Hermione eyed his cloak, noting it was expensive and the finest quality. Draco always dressed his best. Pulling out his wand, he enlarged the package. "Here you go." Sliding the parcel over to her, eagerly, like a small child, she scooped up the package. She shook it but that didn't give it away.
"What is it?"
"Open it and see." Quickly ripping open the packaging, her eyes fell on a beautiful cover. Hogwarts, a History, it read. "You remember Hogwarts right?" He asked, leaning over her. Again, she could smell his wonderful smell.
"Hogwarts. That's where we all went to school right? How we all met each other?"
Draco nodded, satisfied with her answer. Smiling, she opened it and was immediately hooked. The word, the pictures, the story, everything about the book was perfect. How did Draco know she would like this? He obviously knew her better then she thought he did. What else did he know about her?
When she looked at the time, she realized an hour passed since Draco came and they barely spoke. Glancing at him, she noticed the thoughtful expression on his face.
"What is it? What are you thinking about?"
"You."
"What about me?"
"You used to sit like that when you used to read. Feet tucked under you, bangs all over your face, eyes wide with amazement."
"Seems like you know me very well. Did we see each other a lot?" At the mention of this, Draco's eyes got darker.
"Yes." With that, Hermione knew their conversation about this topic was over. Draco was a quiet and reserved man, and only spoke when it was necessary. Another hour passed and she was getting tired. She tried to hold back a yawn, but failed. Damn, she knew Draco heard that yawn and would bid her goodbye. Right on cue, he stood up. Putting his cloak back on and buttoning it up, he looked at her. "Get some sleep. I was talking to the healers and they said they can release you soon."
"Soon? How soon?" Hermione's excitement grew.
"Soon." He said, with a smile.
oOo
Harry and the redhead came to visit her. Why she couldn't remember his name, she didn't know. They were finalizing the plans for her departure while she packed the few items she had at St. Mungos. Hermione was more than ready to leave. She was stuck there for months and this was freedom for her. She was finally going home. Wherever that was. Hermione was anxiously twisting her hands together when she began examining her hands. Funny, her ring finger on her left hand was paler then the rest of her hand. A ring. There was supposed to be a ring on her finger. Where was the ring? Before she could process this new information, Harry came up to her.
"Okay Hermione. We decided that you're going to live with Ron for a few months while…" Harry started.
"What! Why? Why can't I live at my own place?" She shot back. Both Harry and Ron gave each other a look which she didn't miss.
"We think it's best for now. Just a few months. Your place is going through renovations." Harry said swiftly.
"Why can't I live with you?" She asked. Harry sighed but Hermione knew it was impossible. "What about Draco?" At this Ron's eyes popped open.
"You rather live with him then me? This is ridiculous! Even losing her memory…"
"Ron!" Harry shouted. Ron immediately shut his mouth, realizing he spoke too far. Her eye's narrowed suspiciously. "Look. It's just for a while Hermione. It'll be nice living with someone you know." Hermione nodded. Oh well, at least she was getting out of this prison.
Soon, Draco joined them. Making sure everything was correct and perfect. Standing next to him, she muttered, "I wish I was living with you." If he was surprised this time, he hid it well.
"Why would you want that?"
"I'm not sure. All I know is I rather live with you then the redhead. Whatever his name is." She said, sighing. Hermione knew she was being unfair, but they didn't even ask what she wanted! Draco gave another one of his rare smiles.
"Maybe you can visit."
"Does he smile often?"
"Who?"
"Draco?" Hermione asked. Harry laughed.
"Draco never smiles Hermione. Anyways… are you ready Hermione?"
"Ready. One condition." Harry sighed and nodded.
"Okay, what is it?"
"I want to visit Draco's place today."
"Hermione… I don't think that's-"
"You agreed Harry!"
"Fine, you stubborn witch. I'll go talk to him right now."
"Thank you Harry. Really. For everything." She replied, sincerely.
"Anything for you Hermione, you know that." Waiting in the room, she could hear the redhead's voice getting louder. Why was he so against Draco and her? Draco strolled in a few minutes after. He looked troubled and bothered but before she could ask he shook his head.
"Well it seems like you got your wish." He said. She smiled at him. Didn't she always? "One condition though."
"Anything." She replied fast, happy to see his place. Happy to be around him.
"You'll never ask this again." They made eye contact and Hermione knew this was something she couldn't get out of, she nodded.
"You'll go to Weasley's house and settle in. I'll come get you soon."
"How soon?"
"Soon."
oOo
Ron's place felt wrong to her somehow. She felt like she was betraying someone but she didn't know who. The apartment was obviously a bachelor's and smelled like one. She disliked it instantly but faked her enthusiasm. Her room suited her though. Pastel color walls, a bookcase, bed, and dresser. Opening a trunk in front of her bed, she realized it was her personal items. Walking over to the closet, she also realized her things were in here as well. Flipping through her clothes, Hermione saw her clothes were also made from fine material. She wondered how she afforded all these nice clothes though she wasn't complaining.
"Hermione! Draco is here!" Hurriedly, closing the closet door and went out to the living room.
"Ready?" He asked her. The question seemed deeper than what it was supposed to have meant. Looking around she found Harry and he gave her his brilliant smiles. Ron, however, didn't look too happy. As always. Rolling her eyes, she nodded. Draco held his hand out to her and she slipped her hand in his. Pulling her closer, he whispered, "Close your eyes."
Something wonderful and crazy happened then. She felt like she was in a tunnel, a tunnel that was too tight for her and Draco. Opening her eyes, Hermione gasped. She was somewhere else.
"Welcome to Malfoy Manor Granger." Draco said. They were standing in front of the Manor and Hermione looked behind her, there was a large iron gate encircling the manor. In front of her was a beautiful lawn and she took her first step forward. There were peacocks and other exotic birds roaming around, enjoying the sun's heat on them. Walking forward, she eyed something that she would remember forever. Sunflowers. Along the path to the Manor. Smiling, she continued her way to the front door. The second she stepped foot on the foyer, the door opened. Revealing a man in his late 50-60's.
"Master Draco." The man nodded at him, bowing slightly and turned to her. "Miss Granger, a pleasure to have you at Malfoy Manor on this beautiful day. My name is Alexander and I am the butler and whatever else you want me to be of this Manor." Hermione laughed, liking him immediately. He gave out a fatherly vibe which she immediately appreciated. Like Harry, Hermione felt like she could trust this man with her life.
"Please come in."
"Thank you Alexander."
"Dinner will be served promptly at 7. Please enjoy your visit." Nodding and bowing again, Alexander vanished into the thin air while Hermione kept looking at the spot he disappeared from.
"Come on Granger. There is much to see." If asked how to describe the Manor in one word to someone, Hermione didn't know what word she would choose. The old Hermione would have most likely written essays after essays detailing the beautiful place. Everything about it was breathtaking. The rooms were decorated thoughtfully; Hermione felt like there was a feminine touch to each room. It added a sense of warmth and something hit her. She didn't even know if Draco was single or not! Did he have a girlfriend? Was he married? All this time and she never asked him. They always talked about her. Always.
The Manor was too large for them to cover however Draco showed her many rooms. Such as the parlor room, powdering room, ballroom, etc. They finally made their way upstairs and Draco briefly showed her a few guest rooms. Finally they came to a stop in front of two large oak doors.
"The Master bedroom." Draco muttered to her. She was about to proceed but Draco held out an arm.
"Don't you stay there?"
"No." He said. Hermione's eyes grew wide. Draco Malfoy seemed like the type to want the best for himself. So why isn't he staying in the master bedroom?
"Why not?"
"Too many memories." With that, Draco turned around, expecting Hermione to follow. "There's something I want to show you. You'll like it." They took a different route this time. Merlin knows there was too many different ways to get lost in Malfoy Manor. This time they stood in front of even larger oak doors. "Close your eyes." Listening to him, she did. Draco opened the doors and carefully took Hermione's hands. Leading her inside, Hermione wondered where he was taking her. "Open."
Hermione gasped. Books! After books after books! The Malfoy Library seemed like it never ended. Shelves of books as long as… she didn't know what!
"Oh Draco! This is… wonderful. " Kissing him lightly on the cheek, she hurried off to the nearest shelf.
"The shelves are organized by author's last names. I'll leave you here. I'll be back at 6:45." Draco said. He gave her one last look before heading out.
"Draco!" She called. He stopped without turning around. "Thank you. For everything."
"Anything for you Hermione. Anything." He replied back, before continuing. Hermione skimmed through the shelves, not knowing where to start. Before she knew it, Draco was back exactly at 6:45. "Ready for dinner?"
She nodded hungry as anything. As they walked out, Hermione noticed something she didn't before. A book missing from the B section. Funny, she thought. No books were missing from the other shelves. Dismissing it, she trailed behind him, looking at the magnificent library one more time. For the last time.
If the library was that impressive, dinner was even more impressive. They started with appetizers. A light chicken Caesar salad and Thai soup on the side with garlic bread. Draco and her small talked while Alexander brought out the second course. Chicken Alfredo pasta, vegetables, and a baked potato.
"Thank you so much Xander." The empty silver platter fell to the floor with a clang. "Oh!" Hermione exclaimed, startled. Looking up, the butler's face was as pale as a ghost. He quickly picked up the silver platter.
"Apologies Master Draco. I was startled. Xander…"
"Oh dear. I am so sorry Alexander. I didn't know you would be offended!"
"Offended? Oh goodness no, Miss Granger. Surprised and glad to hear that old nickname again. It's been a while since it's been used." Alexander said, with wink, he bowed and left the room. Turning to Draco, Hermione saw his jaw was tensed and he looked troubled. She decided to leave him be and continue.
"Let me guess. That was my favorite dish for dinner?" Hermione asked Draco as he led her to another room after dinner. Draco smirked.
"Not everything is about you Granger. That was my favorite dish." He said, amused. Hermione blushed. Of course it was, it was his Manor after all! "It was your favorite dessert though." He said after a pause, giving her a wink. They stopped in front of the fireplace.
"Well… I guess this is it." Hermione said. "Thank you so much Draco. Your Manor is beautiful. Everything about it is."
"Thanks Granger. Be good now." With that, she flooed back to Ron's place.
oOo
4 months passed and Hermione was ready to murder Ron with her bare hands. How they were friends, she had no idea! He was a slob…worse. A pig! He was loud, obnoxious, and dirty. On top of that, Harry clearly did not see this or he was so close to Ron, he didn't mind at all. Well she did! One thing Hermione did mind was Ron was an alcoholic. From Thursday night until Saturday night he was beyond drunk, thus leading her to lock herself in her room. Ron was getting too friendly for her. He was bringing her little gifts which at first, she thought was nice of him, now it was just annoying. She heard the door bang open. Groaning, she realized Ron was home. Before she could leave and lock herself in her room, he sat down next to her. Reeking of alcohol, Hermione held her breath, closing her eyes and counting to 5. It helped her deal with his drunk ass better.
Before she could say a word to him, he grabbed her face and smothered his lips all over hers. Hermione froze until she got herself together.
"Ron! What the hell!" She yelled, pushing him off.
"Hermione… it's okay." He tried again. This time, she was too quick and got up. Turning fast, she ran to her room, barricading herself in. "Hermione?" Ron was at her door, knocking. "I'm so sorry Hermione. Please, open the door."
"Leave!" She shouted. After a while, she heard the front door open and close. Hot tears rolled down her face. Oh how she wished you could remember! All this was wrong. So wrong. Wiping her tears, an idea came to her. She walked to the living room, eyeing the floo powder. Grabbing some floo she threw it in the fireplace, watching the fireplace erupt with green flames. Stepping in, she shouted "Home!" Arriving, she stumbled onto the floor. Wiping the floo powder off her clothes, Hermione glanced around. She definitely knew where she was. This was home? It was dark in the house. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she made her way upstairs and into the hallway that led her to the bedrooms. She had no idea where she going but she knew this was right. Hermione stood in front of the Master bedroom, Draco would be not happy if he found out she went in here, especially after he didn't let her before. Though for some reason she felt it was okay. This felt right. Something about this room was familiar to her. Reaching out and grabbing the brass knob, a jolt went through Hermione. A sign she should continue. Harry told her she was in the Gryffindor house at Hogwarts and that house symbolized bravery. Open it, she told herself. Opening it abruptly, Hermione stepped in, looking around the room. The room itself was beautiful.
"Amazing." She muttered. Like the other rooms, she's been in; this room also had a feminine touch to it. Striding to the closet, Hermione yanked it out. Draco's clothes. Of course this was his room; however he said he didn't stay here. Hermione walked in further seeing women's clothes as well. All categorized by colors, patterns, styles, etc. Stepping back out she walked to the king size bed in the middle of the room. Egyptian cotton sheets, silky to the touch, obviously the best for a Malfoy, Hermione thought. She saw a glimmer and turned her head. A ring. On the bedside table, picking it up Hermione examined the ring. It was definitely a man's ring, way too large for her tiny fingers. Draco's perhaps?
"Having fun?" A voice said behind her. Jumping, Hermione let out a small shriek.
"Draco! Goodness… you scared me! Don't do that!" Hermione said, trying to calm her uncontrollable beating heart.
"What are you doing here Granger?" He asked. Hermione took a good look at him. Draco looked…weary and worn out. Malfoys were always collected and composed but Draco looked like he hadn't slept in months. His eyes were sunk in and there were dark bags under his eyes.
"I…Ron… he…" For some reason, Hermione couldn't get it out of her mouth. She felt violated especially since Ron was supposedly a friend to her.
"What did he do? Hurt you?" Draco asked sharply, his voice getting louder.
"No! He…"
"What Granger? Spit it out?" Draco replied. He looked livid. For some odd reason, she didn't want to tell him knowing he'll get mad, but felt like he had the right to know.
"He kissed me! I'm sorry! I just… I needed to leave."
"He what?" If Draco looked livid before, he looked ready to murder someone now. "Come here Granger." She walked to him, nervously. When she came near Draco put his arms out and Hermione walked into them.
Safe.
She felt safe.
"Let's get you warm and something to eat. What has Weasley been doing…?" Draco said, shaking his head. Ten minutes later, Hermione was in front of the fireplace, all warm and full thanks to Draco and Alexander. Draco was sitting next to her, staring at the fireplace. He looked content and deep in thought.
"Granger… what are you doing here?"
"I… It brought me here."
"What do you mean?"
"The floo. I said home because I wanted to go home and it brought me here. I used to live here right? Before…before…before what happened."
"Yes." Draco said, after a pregnant pause.
"Why couldn't I live here again?"
"I thought it was best." Hermione scoffed, rolling her eyes. Living with Ron was?
"No wonder…" She started. Draco glanced at her, wanting her to continue. "See… living with Ron just…seemed wrong. Like something wasn't right. Like I didn't belong there. And when he kissed me…" At this part, Draco's jaw tightened. "When he kissed me… well that felt very wrong. So wrong. I felt like I was betraying someone." Right when she said that, everything clicked into place. Turning to Draco, she shifted closer. "When I'm here with you. It feels…"
She kissed him. No wonder she was in Gryffindor because Hermione didn't know where she got the guts to kiss Draco.
"Right. That felt right." Draco lifted his hand putting it in the back of her neck and bringing her closer. This time he kissed her.
"I missed you. So much." He mumbled, his forehead against hers. Hermione's eyes brimmed with tears. She lifted his left hand and took out the ring she found. Forever and Always, I love you –HM. The ring read in the inside. Hermione slipped it on his left finger, kissing his hand and bringing it to her face.
"Well? Where's mine?" She asked a smile on her face. Smiling, he let go her hands. Taking out a chain out of his shirt, Hermione saw it had a ring on it. Unclasping the chain, he took the ring out. She took it from his hands and read the inside. To My bookworm. Forever isn't enough. I love you. –DM. Choking back a sob, she handed it back so he could slip it on her finger. When he did, Hermione couldn't stop staring at the wedding ring. It was beautiful. Something simple yet elegant.
"Come on. Let's go to bed." Draco said, leading her upstairs. This time, he went straight to the Master bedroom. Sliding up right next to Draco felt right as well, Hermione knew she didn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
"Good night Draco..." She mumbled, attempting to hold back a yawn. Draco put his arms around her, pulling her closer and kissing her forehead.
"Good night love."
oOo
Alexander was so cheerful the next morning, Hermione couldn't resist smiling. The Manor looked more alive and warm. She knew she should enjoy this moment before Harry and Ron come bursting through the doors, with torches. The imagine made her laugh out loud.
"Alexander, cancel all my meetings for today." Draco said, reading the Daily Prophet.
"Already did sir. Actually I canceled them for the entire week. Your secretary is handling them all."
Suddenly a banging could be heard; Hermione and Alexander both glanced up, wincing at the ruckus. Draco didn't even look up.
"There would be no guests. I want my wife to myself." Draco said to Alexander. With a curt nod, Alexander silenced the front doors as Hermione and Draco continued to eat.