The Portrait's Secret
Chapter 8: Memoirs of a Lost Daughter
&&&&&
Hermione slept the night through the night without ease. She had nightmares, maybe flashbacks of her younger days.
"Mummy!"
A elegant young lady turned around and opened her arms. She ran into them and hugged her tight. Behind her, a young an smiled appreciatively. Then a young boy around her age tugged at her skirt.
"Come on, everybody's waiting!"
"Alright alright."
Hand in hand, they ran into the backyard. A huge birthday cake stood in the middle of the garden. Balloons decorated the trees and the other children were gathered around the cake with smiles on their faces.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Hermione, happy birthday to you!"
Hermione giggled and ran over to the cake. It towered over her. Then, a hand pushed her head into the cake. She gasped and stuck her hands into it, and threw it behind her. She heard Draco yell and then threw some more onto the other kids.
"Food fight!" Someone yelled.
Everybody started screaming and running. Hermione and Draco were smearing cake all over each other. Her white dress became yellow and his black suit had bits of cake all over it.
They collapsed in a fit of giggles and stared into each other's eyes.
"Happy birthday Hermione," Draco said and kissed her on her cheek.
Hermione woke up that moment. She rolled over and saw Draco sleeping soundly. She stroked his face, and kissed it.
Draco's eyes fluttered open. They focused on her and he smiled.
"I had a memory."
Draco sat up straight and replied, "What was it?"
"My 6th birthday," she whispered. Hermione absentmindedly touched her cheek where Draco had kissed her.
"You remember it, don't you?" Draco said pointedly at the kiss.
She nodded. Draco leaned forward and kissed her at the same spot.
"I love you and I'll always do."
"I love you too, Draco."
He smiled and said, "There was more to it."
He left the bed and opened his top drawer.
He placed the stone basin on the bed, and held her hand.
"Ready?"
Hermione took a deep breath, and nodded.
They dived into the pensive. A plethora of colours swirled around them and finally stopped.
Tiffany Evans laughed and picked Hermione up, while Narcissa picked Draco.
"Time to bathe now," Tiffany said as she headed towards the Manor.
They followed her into the room. Her room had peach walls and a single four-poster bed. A white rug sat in the middle of the room, and a toy box stood beside it. The cupboards were made of oak wood and her vanity was made of teak. Tiffany brought her to the bathroom, and closed the door.
"This is beautiful." Hermione said as she studied the vanity. There were pictures of her and her family, and one with Draco. They seemed so happy then.
"I can't believe in four months time all of these will be gone."
Hermione stroked the vanity, and tears came to her eyes. Draco noticed them and wrapped his arms around her waist, turned her around, and kissed her softly on the cheek.
Draco slowly brought them back to the real world. As they stood in the bedroom, Draco comforted her as she cried into his strong chest.
So this is what it's like to lose both parents.
&&&&&
Draco ordered a house elf to bring dinner up. Hermione sat at the window ledge, staring listlessly out of the window. Draco sighed and started towards her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them lightly.
"Dinner will be here shortly."
Hermione turned around and gave a weak smile. She gave a small sniff. Draco snaked his arms around her waist and lifted her. She squealed softly and held on to his neck for support. Draco dropped her on the bed, and lay beside her. He propped up his head on the bed, facing her.
Hermione stared into those deep grey orbs. They were swirling with emotions; love, care and sadness. Hermione went closer, their noses almost touching. Neither of them blinked. Slowly, Hermione tilted her head and brought her lips to his. She melted at the contact. Draco wrapped a strong arm and pulled her close. The intimate contact did wonders to their bodies. As Draco explored her mouth, he rolled over her. Hermione held on to his neck, and let herself sink into paradise.
Once they had their fun, Draco pulled away, and gazed at her. She opened her eyes, and smiled.
Oh, I live for these moments.
&&&&&
Draco decided that he would bring Hermione for a walk in the gardens. He held her delicate hand as he lead her to a secluded part of the garden. A huge Weeping Willow stood in the centre of the field. Draco transfigured a rock into a mat, and they sat on it. As they looked into the forest, fairies came.
Hermione's features lit up at the sight of the tiny creatures. As she held out her hand, one landed on it. Hermione brought her closer, and realized that she was wearing a purple gown. Hermione glanced at Draco, who said, "Evening, Your Majesty". Draco inclined his head slightly forward. The fairy flew from Hermione's hand to the front of her face.
"Young woman, you face an impending death. Your loved ones will suffer along with you. However the whole world will know what happened to you, for you are a great woman," the fairy prophesized in a mature, yet gentle voice. Hermione was stunned.
An impending death?!?
&&&&&
Cliffhanger! As I told you guys, this is a tragedy after all, so a death is inevitable. Sorry! I'm a Draco and Hermione fan, as you all should know, but it's what brings out a good story. Thanks guys, read and review please!
whenitallfallsapart
