DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
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A/N:
Thank you for the wonderful reviews. Regarding the INCONSISTENCIES, please let me know what they are.
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Regarding Harry traveling with Hermione: No, she didn't want him to come. Please re-read Chapter 2.
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CHAPTER 10: ANSWERS
An hour after her best friends left, Mrs. Granger arrived from work and she helped her daughter in preparing dinner while Draco and Mr. Granger were still talking about games. Mr. Granger talks about baseball and Draco, about Quidditch.
"How's your day, sweetheart?" her mother asked warmly while slicing carrots.
She's peeling potatoes and looked up. "I'm fine, Mum; had some catching up with my best friends. You?"
"Same, as usual," she answered. "How are they? Your friends, I mean."
"Good," she answered hesitantly. Her mother didn't talk about her best friends since they got home from The Burrow. "Harry and Ron will be starting their Auror Training by August First. Ginny will be going back to Hogwarts for her final year. We'll be sharing most of the classes."
"Well, I'm glad you have a girl friend. I mean, Harry and Ron are loyal friends, but it still feels good to have someone for a girly talk, you know," she said casually.
"Yeah, I know Mum," she smiled. "I am really glad that I have Ginny."
"How about Draco?" Mrs. Granger asked, rather inquisitive.
"Draco?" she asked nervously. Damn, why does he always make her nervous? She felt her cheeks flush. "We-we're friends, Mum. He's going back to Hogwarts, too."
"Yes, he told us already. I mean, he has feelings for you," she teased.
"Mum!" she shrieked and Mrs. Granger laughed.
"Sweetheart, don't you feel the same way for him? Then, why do you still let him come here?"
"Mum, I… I like him," she admitted sheepishly, tugging her curls behind her ears.
"Yes, I know. The feeling is mutual. You're in love, Hermione! The glow in your eyes when you look at him; the flush on your cheeks when he's around and teases you; and when your argue most of the time you look like a married couple… So, what's wrong? Why are you still just friends?"
Hermione bit her lip and looked at her mother intently. "Mum, how can I give an answer if he hasn't asked me any question?"
Mrs. Grangers eyes widened. "Oh?! He hasn't? I wonder what he's waiting for." She paused and thought for a while and gazed at her intently. "But, did you tell him anything about your preference when it comes to relationships?"
Hermione paused to think too. She remembered their conversation in Australia, when Draco asked about Ron. "I told him that I don't enter a relationship if I know it won't last."
Mrs. Granger raised her eyebrows and it reached her forehead. "I guess it's either he's waiting for something to happen—something that will give him a hint that you're ready… or he's preparing himself for the kind of relationship you want."
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July 30th came; Draco and Hermione made it to Harry's birthday dinner. Her parents didn't ask any details about the event after Draco asked for their permission to let her come with him.
Only the Weasleys were there and Draco and Hermione. Harry didn't invite other friends for some reasons. Draco didn't socialize with them. Instead, he stayed where Hermione left him—by the parlour, drinking firewhiskey and sometimes speaking with Ginny. She reckons that Draco is starting to like Ginny for defending him against her brother and boyfriend. They talked about Quidditch.
"I am confident that Slytherin will win the Quidditch Cup this year. With me as the Captain, I'll never let my team mess around," Draco said.
"Hey! I'm Quidditch Captian and Seeker too!" Ginny shrieked.
Hermione looked at the two of them with wide eyes. "Merlin… you'll be playing against each other!"
"There's a big chance. Gryffindor always plays against Slytherin," Ginny said firmly. "And I expect you, Hermione Granger, to support me. You know, sister first before boyfriend."
"Well, if I am Granger's boyfriend, I'll make sure I get her full support… If I'm her boyfriend," Draco said positively.
Though she can't see herself, Hermione knew that her cheeks flushed. She nervously glanced back at Ginny who raised her eyebrows. "What, you're not in a relationship yet?" Then she turned to Draco. "May Salazar Slytherin forgive you, Malfoy! What happened to 'will do everything to meet their ends' crap?"
Hermione laughed at Ginny's telling-off to Draco. He looked back at her firmly. "I refuse to answer your question, Captain."
Ginny laughed and stood up. "Harry and Ron will be glad to know that you're still a friend, you know… But I'm not telling them anything," she said to Draco, then turned to her. "After we left your house, Hermione, they flooded me with questions about your relationship with him. But I'll always be on your side because you did the same for me when I was head over heels with Harry."
Hermione grinned and nodded. "Thanks, Gin."
Ginny gave her a wink. "Well, I should leave you two. You might… er—want to work on some things," she teased.
But what was on Ginny's mind for leaving them purposely didn't happen because Fleur came just a minute after and bored her with the British cuisines she learned. She was also keen on asking Draco about his ancestors, because of Draco's surname, being French. While Fleur kept on talking, though she doesn't want to be rude, Hermione's thoughts drifted. When will Draco ask her to be his girlfriend?
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SEPTEMBER 1st came and Hermione's parents insisted on giving her and Draco a ride to King's Cross. So, early morning of that day, Draco Apparated to the Granger residence with his trunk. Hermione's things are ready since the previous night and they're just waiting for her parents to finish their breakfast.
Hermione and Draco were in the living room, sitting on the lovers' seat near the fireplace, exchanging glances. She is organizing her thoughts. She's wanted to tell Draco these things since last night. Now is the time.
"Did you tell your parents that you're coming here today?" she began tensely.
"Yeah," he answered. "I let them know every time I visit you."
"Is you father okay with this?" They didn't talk about his parents for the past four months. Draco doesn't mention them.
"Not really. But I am saved from telling-off by my mother. She insists that we should all forget Pureblood crap and treat everyone equally."
Hermione smiled. "That's good. Did they insist of coming to King's Cross with you?"
"Mother did, but I told her that your parents offered a ride, much to Father's dismay," he chuckled.
"You can always say 'no', you know. You really don't have to please my parents all the time."
Draco's eyebrows furrowed. "Who says I'm doing this to please them? I'm doing these things because I want to."
"Why?" she asked in almost a whisper.
He turned to face her and his right hand took her left, while his left cupped her face gently. "Because I love you," he whispered.
Hermione's brown eyes met his gray ones and she couldn't help but smile. Her heart leapt with joy at his confession. "I love you too."
"Does it mean that you're mine now?" A crooked smile flashed on his face.
"Call it whatever you like, as long as I'm allowed to call you my boyfriend."
Draco's crooked smile slightly turned to a smirk and he slowly leaned to plant a kiss on her tiny lips. It was a very gently kiss—no lust but full of love and respect. It wasn't like the intense kisses she got from Viktor and Ron, but Draco's kiss is the best. She felt his hands left her face and hand; Draco snaked them around her tiny waist to give her an embrace. She hugged him back and she felt very comfortable; it's as if she could melt in his arms.
That moment, while she contentedly snuggled in her boyfriend's arms, Hermione sang a familiar song on her mind.
**For the first time, I am looking in your eyes
For the first time, I'm seeing who you are
I can't believe how much I see
When you're looking back at me
Now I understand what love is,
Love is, for the first time…
Can this be real?
Can this be true?
Am I the person I was this morning,
And are you same you?
It's all so strange, can it be?
All along this love was right in front of me.**
"Hermione," he whispered behind her ear.
"Hmmn?" she responded.
He pulled away gently and cupped her face with his both hands. She looked directly into his gray eyes, as if he will disappear if she breaks the eye contact.
"You know that I love you, don't you?" he asked. "Even if I don't say the words."
Hermione nodded with the sweetest smile she can give. "Yes, and I won't expect you to tell me all the time."
"Well, that's a relief, because I'm not really that type of person who expresses my feelings in words. I'd rather put it into action. I don't want to mess up; I want to make this right and in order. And I know there'll always be a time when Potter and Weasley would steal you from me—"
"Draco," she protested.
"Pleas, hear me out first," he pleaded. "I know that there'll be certain events when I have to be a fourth-wheel or tag-along of 'The Great Gryffindor Trio', and you perfectly well know that I can't be friends with Potter and Weasley. As much as I love you, they're still idiots in my eyes. But I will do my best to behave and avoid starting an argument, especially with Weasley."
"Right," she smiled. "Thank you. But you will understand if there are things about the three of us which I really can't tell you, right?"
Draco closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Of course, as long as they won't put your life in danger again."
"That will do," she said tenderly and this time, Hermione initiated a kiss. He responded intimately; the kiss was more intense she doesn't feel like pulling away. They only broke the kiss when Mrs. Granger called from the kitchen, announcing their departure.
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IT'S THE happiest day of her life after the war. Her parents finally forgave her and they're just the same: a happy family. And she has Draco, whom she can now call her boyfriend. He didn't label her as his girlfriend, not yet.
She contentedly leaned her back against Draco's chest as the Hogwarts Express started to move. They're not speaking much, just looking outside the window, enjoying the different scenes. Draco's arms were wrapped around her; her hands were on top of Draco's.
They met Ginny earlier with the Weasleys and Harry. She approached them just to say 'hi' and made her way to the train with Draco. Ginny decided to sit with Luna and Dean in the other compartment. Hermione and Draco didn't feel like being with others yet, but Ginny is welcome to join them later if she likes.
Hermione noticed the other students were shocked upon seeing her walking hand-in-hand with Draco Malfoy. And she's aware that people are purposely passing by their compartment to take a look, to see if the rumours are true: Granger and Malfoy are dating—Mudblood Gryffindor and Pureblood Slytherin.
"Can we help you?" Draco suddenly said sarcastically. Hermione startled and turned around to see Draco glaring at the students outside their compartment, looking at them intently.
The students outside gave a jolt and left hurriedly. "You don't have to be rude, you know?" she said gently.
Draco sighed. "Well, they're looking at our compartment like they're watching a romantic TV series."
Hermione laughed at his choice of words. "So what are we, TV stars?"
"We're both too good looking to become TV stars," he sniggered.
Lunch trolley passed by and Draco bought cauldron cakes and pastries for the two of them. They ate while laughing at and talking about anything under the sun. By mid-afternoon, Ginny entered their compartment, frowning.
"Those people kept on asking me about the two of you!" she complained.
"Why would they ask you?" Hermione asked.
"Rumour has it, you're now an item. I told them I don't know, even if we're best friends."
"Of course you know!" Draco smirked.
Ginny raised her eyebrows at Draco. "Of course, I know. Though Hermione didn't tell me, I know that finally, you're her boyfriend."
"So smart of you," he teased. "Now you know that I'll have Hermione's full support if we play against each other."
"Bugger!" Ginny frowned, in which Hermione and Draco just laughed.
Finally, the Hogwarts Express arrived in Hogsmead Station and there's the familiar voice calling "First years, follow me!"
Hermione cheerfully waved at Hagrid before she made her way to one of the carriages with Draco; the carriages pulled by Thestrals—which Hermione believes can already by seen by most of the students who fought during the Battle. Ginny joined them in their carriage, leaving Luna with her fellow Ravenclaws.
This is weird, she thought. I used to ride the train and carriage with Harry and Ron. I miss them already.
When they arrived at the castle, Hermione and Draco walked hand-in-hand to the Great Hall and before making their way to their respective House tables, he gave her a peck on the cheek and in return, she squeezed his hand lightly.
Hermione settled herself beside Ginny. They chose to sit on the side of the table facing the Slytherins. Draco did the same: he's facing the Gryffindor table. Headmistress McGonagall welcomed them briefly before the Sorting. Hermione immersed herself with the Sorting Hat's new song and applauded for every student sorted to Gryffindor. She and Ginny enjoyed the feast and, thinking that it'll be their last September 1st in Hogwarts. From time to time, Hermione and Draco exchange glances and she noticed he's sitting beside Blaise Zabini and the two of them are speaking occasionally.
Then, McGonagall's speech came. She reiterated some school rules and revealed some new ones, such as: all seventh years are free to leave Hogwarts grounds from Friday night until Sunday afternoon, to let them explore as career opportunities as early as now; to be able to promote house unity, they are free to eat with students from other houses, as long as they stay on their House Tables during special occasions.
These announcements brightened Hermione's day. She could eat meals with Draco on the same table and they could go to Hogsmead and even Diagon Alley on weekends. After the dinner, Draco met her at the entrance of the Great Hall.
"Pleased by the news, aren't you?" he asked.
"Pleased? Blissful is the right word," she beamed. "We can eat together in one table, and we can go to Hogsmead or Diagon Alley on weekends." They also agreed to eat alternately both on Gryffindor and Slytherin tables.
"Hey, mate!" came an unfamiliar voice.
Hermione looked over Draco's shoulder. Blaise Zabini is walking towards them. Draco turned to face him. "Blaise."
"Hey, Granger," he greeted. "I can see you're with my best mate now."
Hermione smiled coyly, not knowing how to greet Zabini. They haven't spoken before even if he didn't bully her and they're both members of Slug Club in sixth year.
"Hermione, I assume you know Blaise Zabini," Draco said. "But one thing you don't know, unfortunately for me, he's the only person whom I can call 'a friend'."
"That's right, 'cause I'm not like Crabbe or Goyle," Blaise Zabini smirked.
"Oh, shut up and leave Crabbe out of this," Draco warned.
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed. It's the first time Draco mentioned Vincent Crabbe who died during the Battle in the Room of Requirement.
"Well, I guess I'll get to see you around more often," Hermione said.
"Yeah and listen," he almost whispered, "maybe you can introduce me to your Ravenclaw friend… you know, the prefect."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock. "Luna?"
Draco seems to be surprised too. "Bloody hell, Blaise! I don't know you fancied Loony Lovegood!" he said in a low voice.
"Draco!" Hermione gave her boyfriend a stern look. Luna may be weird sometimes, but she doesn't like when people call her 'Loony'. "She's my friend, you know!" She turned to Blaise. "Maybe Ginny can help you. She's closer to Luna."
"Sure. I don't mind being friends with Weaslette, too. If Draco can stand being with Gryffindors, maybe I can, too."
"Sod off, Blaise!" Draco growled. "I'll walk Hermione to the Gryffindor Tower."
"Thanks, Granger." Blaise Zabini smirked and walked away.
"Can you believe that?" she said as they made their way to the Gryffindor Tower hand-in-hand. "Zabini likes Luna. Oh, this is just unbelievable!"
"Like our relationship," he muttered and looked around. "Well, I'm glad that we're the only ones left here."
Hermione looked around too. Draco's right. Students already made it to their respective houses and they're the only ones walking in the deserted corridor. Just few feet away from the portrait of the Fat Lady, Draco took back his hand from her and snaked his arm instead on her waist, pulling her to the side of the corridor.
"Draco, what the—"
"Shhh," he said and pinned her to the wall. He wrapped both of his arms to her waist, giving her a pleading look and Hermione's heart leapt. It's clear that he wants something. She clung to his neck and studied his face carefully. "I want you so badly, Hermione," he said in a hoarse voice.
"I want you too, Draco," she whispered.
"It's been four months since I held you like this. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me?" He never breaks off their eye contact.
She chuckled rather nervously. "Anything I can do to make it up to you?" she teased.
Draco gulped and slowly kissed her jaw line. "Yes. Kiss me."
Without further ado, Hermione leaned closer and gently pressed her lips against his. She felt Draco's tongue on her lower lip, asking permission to enter. She let it in and their tongues played against each other. Hermione's whole body shivered and she felt something unusual between her thighs.
Both of them were breathing very fast. "Hermione," he moaned when their lips parted. "I want you so badly."
"Draco, I want you too," she whispered. "But we have to wait… Tonight, we have to go back to our dormitories, or else, we'll be in trouble."
"Right," he agreed, still giving her chin small kisses. "We have to wait for the right time. I don't want to mess up; I don't want to rush things and regret in the end. I promise, I won't do anything to damage you."
"Thank you. I know you won't mess up. We'll make our relationship work. Let's go somewhere this weekend," she proposed.
"Perfect," he mumbled and pulled away.
"Really, I have to go," she giggled, stroking his shoulder blades with her two thumbs.
Draco walked her to the portrait hole and gave her another kiss before leaving for Slytherin house.