He Was There When the Other Wasn't
A/N: Hermione tells Draco everything! And Draco helps her .
Chapter 4: Three Hours Later
Three hours later, Hermione was curled on the couch with her fifth cup of coffee; Draco was sitting parallel to her, listening intently. She had started the story by telling him about the abuse that started a year ago, went on to tell him about her confessions to Harry and Ginny and how Harry had given her his address, and about all the problems she was having with Ron, how he would yell at Rose and sleep all day, unless he was working.
"I don't understand Draco, before a year ago we were fine, happy. Now, he thinks I'm having an affair with someone. I don't know what changed. That's why I ran away today, to you."
"He doesn't know you're here, right?"
"He has no idea."
Hermione watched Draco as he lolled her words over in his head. His fists were clenched so hard his knuckles were white. Finally, he spoke. "He has no right to do that to you. If he ever does it again, Hermione, I might have to kill him. You don't deserve that." His eyes were clamped shut in concentration.
Hermione's face reddened. "What if… What if he finds out I'm here Draco?" she said, fear was evident in her voice and her eyes were wide as she looked at him expectantly.
Opening his eyes Draco said darkly, "If he does, and if he lays a finger on you or those kids, his life ends right there. Either that or he will be very badly injured. I promise." At this, the tears that Hermione had been holding began overflowing, streaming down her cheeks.
"Hermione? I'm sorry but…"
"No! Thank you Draco, thank you so much," she cried, hiding her face in her hands. She no longer cared what happened to Ron, he had done too much to her that she no longer loved him.
To her astonishment, Draco wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay. You can cry," he murmured into her hair.
They stayed like that for another maybe thirty minutes or so. Finally, her sobs subsided. The whole time, Draco had gently traced circles on her back.
"Thanks again, Draco. This means a lot to me and to them, even though Hugo doesn't know we're here yet," she quietly laughed, rubbing her eyes.
"It's alright. Anything I can do to help Hermione. But, I wonder how Scorpius will take all of this in when he wakes up and sees Rose and Hugo," he replied, more to himself than to her.
"You know Draco? You've changed. I like this new Draco more than the one from school," she said, smiling broadly.
Draco chuckled. "Wait 'til you meet my son. He's nothing like I used to be. Better, actually."
"I'm sure. Now I have to go to bed, lest you want me to sleep all day," Hermione laughed.
"You can sleep as long as you want Hermione, just no being depressed or reserved. Scorpius doesn't people like that."
"I promise. Good night Draco," she said and turned, soon disappearing up the steps.
Draco watched her as she went. He had a feeling he was going to enjoy Hermione and her little family being here, in his house. He turned toward a book case, chose a book, sat back down on the comfortable couch, and began reading. He was too awake to go to sleep.