Chapter Ten—Couches and Sofas
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, any of the characters in the book, or anything else related to the book.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! The story hit 100 and it made me so happy, thanks to everyone who takes the time to read, review, or both. :)
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"Why'd you come here, tonight?" Pansy asked, resting her head in her hand. The green of the couch matched her attire splendidly. Draco rose his eyebrows in frustration.
"I came because I wanted to take you up on your offer, if it still stands." He tried to be calm and charismatic—to use some of his inherited charm to win her over.
"It will always stand, unless you marry that mudblood, of course." She snarled slightly before getting off the sofa and turning to the fireplace in a huff, staring down at the flames with distaste. "I thought you loved her."
Draco exhaled slightly and avoided her statement with taste, "Currently, I don't plan on marrying her and that is why I came here."
"So you want to marry me?"
"Yes," He spat before walking over to her and gazing down at the fire with annoyance.
"What makes you think I'll agree?" she turned to him with a smirk on her face, as if she was something worth fighting for.
"Well, I wouldn't see why you would agree. I don't understand why anyone would ever consider marrying me at this point, I've lived up to my reputation—a cold hearted, rather attractive, rich bastard. And I suppose, you'll be marrying me for all three of my charming characteristics."
"Ha, Draco, you are quite the charmer."
"People do tell me that often," he recalled while placing his hand beneath his chin playfully and grinning at her.
"So when is your wedding taking place?"
"I do believe our wedding will take place this Sunday."
"Oh, but it's Wednesday already, I'll barely be able to find a proper dress and inform my parents." She stuttered before walking over to a desk and glancing down at a calendar. Draco walked over to her and positioned himself so the desk separated them.
"Is that a no?"
"That, Draco, is a yes. I have been your friend for years. I don't plan on deserting you when your future is at stake."
"I'm glad it's settled."
"So am I, Draco, so am I."
"It is only four days. " Draco warned, before running a weary hand through his messy hair. She just nodded as a reply and then sunk into the depths of her couch. She gestured for him to come sit beside her. He reluctantly did, facing the fire with great disappointment.
"So, since we're getting married," Pansy began, running her hand up and down his thigh. "I figured we could start from where we left off back in school." Her face was inching closer and closer, her hands were going all over, and Draco just wanted to escape. Pictures of Hermione with another man, another man with his child, having to have Pansy's kids, they all overwhelmed him and he pushed her away with disgust.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled graciously, "I'm not ready just yet, but I'll see you Friday night to talk about this some more, alright?"
"Fine, Draco. I'll be waiting. Your house?"
"Yes, mine." He nodded and then said, "Goodbye," before parting tiredly. The comfort of his home was nothing compared to the comfort of a nice reality. And even as the night fell asleep, he could barely join it with terrorizing images of the days ahead haunting his conscience.
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Hermione had woken up Wednesday morning happy and cheerful, but Draco had once again avoided work. The last thoughts that they exchanged were Tuesday night when he walked out, saying he had other plans. He had yet informed her of whether or not the wedding was still on, and to her it was more than rude. So she carried on with her day, she supposed she should carry on with her life.
The night approached fast, Ron had agreed to bring her home after work. They apparated into her house and she dropped her coat on the sofa. She was taken aback when he did the same.
"Staying?"
"I wanted to, if that's alright with you."
"Sure," she mused aloud, "Want something to drink? Eat, perhaps?"
"No, I'm alright."
"Oh," she said meekly before taking a seat on the couch, he followed wearily.
"How was work?"
"Fine," she stated frankly, "Dra—Malfoy didn't come in again."
"Calling him Malfoy, are you? What is going on with you two?"
"Nothing. We aren't getting married, apparently. And I guess my baby is fatherless. I never thought life could turn so drastically in the minimal time of two weeks."
"Well, Hermione. I'm always here for you. I'm sorry for acting like you were mine. And, obviously, I am associating with you even though, I guess, you are still associating with him. It didn't feel right to just cut you out of my life like that. I'm sorry for overreacting."
"It's partially my fault. I was very irresponsible, stupid, foolish, overwhelmed and not to mention utterly confused. I should have thought this thing through. It is Malfoy, what should I have expected?"
"Something better. You do deserve better, Hermione. Don't you know that?"
"I guess, but I can't seem to find better anyway." She shrugged slightly before leaning back and glancing up at the ceiling briefly. "Do you think your mum is upset?" she questioned, facing him once more.
"Just a smidge, you know she had the idea of us together as reality. She probably never assumed you would find anyone else, since we were kind of almost in a relationship."
"Almost," she restated, tilting her head. "almost."
"How are your parents taking it?"
"They've chosen not to respond since I gave them the news. They never said if they were coming to the wedding or not. I don't even know if I'm going to the wedding or not."
"It's alright, it'll be fine. Calm down," he attempted with reluctance, placing a clammy hand on her shoulder for comfort. "It'll all make sense later, when everything has settled down."
"Yes," she started, with fiery eyes, "But when everything is settled I'll have a kid or be five months pregnant or be without a job or having to send my kid to school and buy them clothes and—mmph."
He cut her off with a kiss, cupping his hand around her face gently. She pulled away suddenly and shook her head. "Ron, I'll give you a chance, just give it time. Time to settle down."
He clenched his jaw and rose from the couch, stuffing his pockets with his fists. "Oh," was his simple reply before fetching his coat and going to the door. "I'll wait, you know. I will." But before she could reply to his comforting and un-Ron like words, he had disappeared with a crack, leaving her rather bemused.
It wasn't long before she had another visitor. This one appeared outside of her door and knocked with great precaution. Hermione approached with great tiredness in her steps. She pulled the door open to reveal Narcissa Malfoy.
"Hermione?" she questioned, "May I come in?"
Hermione just nodded, leading her into the apartment with confusion.
"Did something happen to Draco?" Hermione asked when they were seated on the couch.
"No, nothing of that sort, Hermione. I just needed to speak to you about Draco." She began with caution, "A few days ago he told me that he was going to marry Pansy instead of you, the next I know he chose you over a one year extension. I have heard several rumors—one that you're having his kid, another that he's leaving you for Pansy. I just need to make sure you'll stick by Draco."
"Why?" Hermione stated rather brutally.
"Why? Surely you have noticed the internal struggle Draco deals with every day. I fear that if he ends up with Pansy he will once again befriend the art of Dark Magic and become the dark, cold person he once was—similar to how his father has been lately. Please, dear, save him from this mess. I have so much faith in you."
"I-I'll try," she promised softly, feeling the tears well up in her eyes.
"Well, I actually have somewhere to be. Sorry to make this meeting so short, the life of a Malfoy is a busy one." She stood up and adjusted her robes gracefully.
"Oh," and once again before she could reply, Mrs. Malfoy disappeared with a crack and Hermione headed to her bedroom, ready to cry herself to sleep. When she fell back onto the pillow and felt her body relax, there was a sullen mood that progressively caused tension in the room, though no one else was there. But sleep could not come, not when she had promised to save him. Not when someone had faith in her.