Disclaimer: still not mine…

The Million Dollar Question

My heart dropped one-hundred miles a minute. He left. He left. HE LEFT! I held on to the bed post and closed my eyes. He was there behind my eyelids, and if it weren't for it being the second major shock I would have began sobbing right then and there with a vision of him in front of me.

As every woman tragically in love, I had envisioned this day with the utmost horror, waiting on bated breath for the person I couldn't live without to realize he could live without me. Here it was. I had pictured how I would handle the heartache-bringing event, I would be strong, I would not cry, and I would prevail. I hadn't known then how monstrous such a feat would be. Trying to steady my breathing alone was proving difficult, seeing as each time I inhaled, his scent came with it.

I tore my eyes open trying to keep them from blurring so I could focus. As if I hadn't enough pain, my hand grasped the folded parchment waiting to read Draco's own 'it-was-great' and 'time-to-move-on'.

Hermione,

I know you don't understand. I never expected you to, that wouldn't be fair. Things are happening quickly, things that I can't explain to you yet, especially not at Hogwarts. I know that you know I would never purposely lie to you, and I know that I'm making it hard for you to trust me, but I need your trust now. Everything will reveal itself after you arrive. I promise that I will tell you nothing but the truth after it's safe. The ring stuck to the bottom of this note is a portkey, and also my way of asking you to be mine. I'm sorry I couldn't do something so important in person, but as I've said, time is of the essence. The portkey will expire at three a.m., so pack quickly. Please don't be earlier than 2:30 I have some things that require my attention. Oh and do not touch the ring until you are fully ready to leave. I love you, and await you anxiously.

Yours faithfully,

DM

Relief.

I released my painfully restricted lungs. 'Yours faithfully', he still loved me. So much so that he wanted to make me his wife! How could I have ever doubted him? In a euphoric daze I rushed to gather my things. The pure excitement of it all made it so that I could hardly contain myself! Mrs. Hermione Malfoy, Mrs. Hermione Jane Granger Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy…I allowed myself the girly pleasure of thinking of how nice the name sounded, it definitely had a certain ring.

I checked the grandfather clock, almost wishing it were later, or earlier I should say. Eight in the evening had never seemed so annoyingly slow in passing. I began to busy myself by packing.

Speaking of packing, should I travel lightly? How long will we be away? Maybe I should pack heavily. Where are we going anyway? What does he mean 'time is of the essence'? Questions floated across my mind while I accio-ed my toothbrush. Why does he have to wait until after I'm away from Hogwarts to explain? I caught my favorite book as it zoomed towards me. What don't I understand? My packing halted.

Why does he need to lie?

There it was, the million dollar question blaring at me, tempting me to walk away from it and act as if it wasn't there.

'I need your trust now…' I put the book in my bag and reached for a picture on my nightstand deciding that I needed at least one. I didn't choose a picture of my family, or one commemorating an achievement. I looked closely at the moving scene in my hands. Harry, Ron and I stood in front of the Christmas tree in the Weasley's house all wearing our specially knit sweaters. They were not my blood that was for sure, but they were close enough to be considered brothers, and loving brothers at that. If I was honest with myself, they meant more to me than my parents by far; after all I spent more time at Hogwarts.

"..I'll explain everything after its safe…"

"..Especially not at Hogwarts…"

What wasn't safe here? Harry, Ron and I were still laughing in the picture. Harry… "..After its safe…" My heart began pounding and a vague foreboding settled in my stomach. I tried to calm myself down by thinking of all the possible things Draco would mean by saying it wasn't safe at Hogwarts, but only one came to mind. I told myself not to be rash and jump to conclusions, but nothing besides an attack on Hogwarts would add up.

I slowly got up and made my way to the door of the head's dorm, sick reality sinking in at molasses speed. "Sugar quills" and the gargoyle stepped aside.

A/N: Okay so I'd appreciate some feedback. Hate it? Love it? Like it? Let me know!

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