I own no characters in this story I am simply borrowing this world for my own plot.
To DracoHermionelover98 I hope this update is quick enough for you? :p
Chapter 11 – The running gnomes.
The next 24 hours vanished in what felt like a blink of the eye. It was Saturday evening and Hermione was preparing to leave Draco until tomorrow. They had spent the last day or so trying to make their small amount of stuff fill a big house. Realising they both owned more books than anything else. Draco had insisted on a new bed and a few other small furniture items. They agreed not to sleep in the new house till the wedding night. Sunday really was the start of everything for them.
The day before, Friday afternoon Hermione had written to Luna. It was tradition not to see the bride the night before the wedding. Which meant she was after another big favour.
Dear Luna,
You're going to hate me but I want to ask another favour of you. I was wondering if I could stay with you the night before the wedding. It's just well tradition not to see the bride or groom the night before. There isn't many people left I can ask but you were the first that sprung to mind. If it's too much to ask please just say no, ill understand.
Love always,
Hermione.
It wasn't even an hour after sending the letter that Hermione got a reply.
Dear Hermione,
You're more than welcome to come stay here with us for the night. I'd love having you. It would be like old times except we have never done this before. Don't worry I won't paint your nails with pixie dust. I did that to a girl in ravenclaw, she wasn't very happy about it. We are connected to the floo network so feel free to pop in when you're ready.
Sending happy thoughts,
Luna.
Now here she was, stood in a jungle of stacked books. Saturday evening had come to fast. Excitement for tomorrow spread through her veins but the idea of being away from Draco for a night was painful.
'' I was thinking Draco, maybe we should forget all this silly tradition nonsense. I'll just come stay with you in the flat. Our last night there together.'' Her voice raised, yelling to Draco who was in the hallway.
'' Where is all this coming from darling? These little traditions hold meaning to you, we both know you would regret giving them up.'' The warmth of his voice wrapped around her heart.
'' The idea of being away from you for just one night leaves a pit in my stomach. I've spent so many nights in the past sleeping without you, I was always ok with been alone before. It just feels wrong now. I don't like the idea of sleeping in a bed you're not in. I'm been silly I know I am. '' Hermione tried to shake sense into herself.
'' Get here woman.'' Draco's broad frame cradled her close to him. '' One thing you could never be is silly. What you're feeling is normal, you will miss me. And the feeling is very much mutual. One night of missing you is worth it though. After tonight we'll never have to be apart again.'' That idea brought peace to his mind.
'' I'll be taking my new favourite pyjamas with me though.'' A flash of mischief settled in her eyes.
'' Oh will you now? It's such a coincidence isn't it, that you have a new pyjamas and I have a missing shirt. Maybe I should demand compensation for the loss.'' His mouth swooped down to capture hers. Hermione surrendered to the forceful domination of his lips. Letting him freely devour her. Draco wanted her to feel the lingering effects of his kisses for hours to come.
'' Now little witch have you got everything you need?'' His voice filled with tenderness for his soon to be bride. Their hands grasped each other's tightly on the walk to the fireplace. '' That was a stupid question. It's you, of course you have. You're the more organized person I've ever met.''
'' There is only one thing I don't have silly man. But I get that tomorrow. '' Traces of tears could be seen lurking in her eyes.
'' I'll miss you Hermione but I will be waiting for you in church tomorrow. I'll be the one in the suit.''
'' Nowhere near as much as I'll miss you Draco. And if you don't recognise me, I'll be the one in the big white dress.'' Even in a sad moment they couldn't help but make each other laugh.
After one last embrace Hermione stepped into the fireplace and was gone. Landing rather ungracefully in the Longbottom's kitchen or so it looked like.
''Hermione is that you? Why are you on the floor?'' Luna's blonde hair flowed and swished as she glided over to help.
'' I never was very good at traveling by floo.'' She admitted slightly ashamed. The pair of young witches pulled each other into a warm hug. '' Luna you're pregnant.''
'' Oh yes I know, didn't I tell you?'' A dazed look crossed Luna's face.
'' No, I think I'd remember is two of my dearest friends where having a baby. Congratulations Luna I'm so happy for you. If id of known id never of asked to stay, I don't want to get in your way. ''
'' You're not in the way. I love that you're here. It's been years since I've had longer than ten minutes with you. Neville will be back in a few minutes. He went looking for herbs in the garden but the gnomes have taken a dislike to him. So he has to take the long way back to the house or they chase him.''
Hermione knew she was serious but couldn't help struggling not to laugh. The side door opened briefly but shut with an almighty slam. Neville slumped against it, panting for breath. A second thud was heard. '' That will be my basket.'' The words managed to form a sentence between gulps for air. '' I accidentally dropped it on a gnome on the way back, they chased me all the way around. Some of them are bloody quicker than me.''
'' Don't worry Nevie I'll leave a few treats for them in the garden to make peace. They really like jam doughnuts you know. ''
'' What would I do without you my angel?'' Neville worked his way to the chair his wife sat on. His hands skimmed over her shoulders, they rested on her ripe belly. A kiss placed in the wilderness that was her mane of golden hair.
'' It's good to see you Hermione or do I have to call you Mrs Malfoy now?'' He teased as only an old friend would.
'' Very funny Neville. It will always be Hermione to you. Congratulations by the way as well. I can't believe you're going to be parents I'm so happy for you.''
'' It was a bit of a surprise for us but the best one I've had since finding you at Aberforth's.''
'' Well aren't we all nicely avoiding the topic of Draco.'' Luna had a knack of saying what everyone was thinking.
'' How's that going then Hermione? You and Draco, isn't it strange for you. Been part of the golden trio and him been a death eater.'' Neville tried but couldn't hide the hate in his voice.
'' We're very happy actually. I know you don't like him Neville and I don't expect you ever will but please respect my decisions. I'm not going to spend all night defending him. But I will say this, there are two sides to every story and you don't know the truth about him. You do know me though. And if he wasn't a good man I'd be screaming it to the roof tops. So trust me a little ok?''
'' I trust you Hermione.'' He spoke with all sincerity.
'' Opposites attract Nevie. Hermione and Draco are like magnets, you would have always ended to together. Fate does everything for a reason. Maybe you are meant to heal each other.''
'' You're such a romantic angel.'' Neville couldn't help but smile at his wife. To him she was the world.
'' Oh not about this I'm not. I saw it happening years ago. Lost a bet with myself though I thought it would happen sooner but oh well.'' Dreaminess crept into Luna's voice.
'' What are Draco's plans for tonight Hermione without you been around.'' Neville meant it to sound like an innocent question. Old habits die hard though and suspicion waded in.
Hermione decided to have a little fun with Neville's readiness to think the worst. '' Don't worry I've cracked the whip. Obviously I left him chained up at home so he can't get out. Actually I'll need you to go unchain him in the morning.'' It took all her self-control to keep her voice steady.
''What?!''
'' I'm joking Neville calm down.'' The two witches could barely contain their amusement. '' Draco is staying at the flat for the night. I've left him with packing to finish.'' Just talking about him made Hermione start to miss him. She couldn't help but wonder what Draco was doing now.
Draco was exhausted by the time it came to going back to the flat. The look on Hermione's face would be worth it. All afternoon he worked like a man possessed. Bringing the last of the things from the flat over to the house. He had even managed to leave a small surprise in the bedroom for her. Lavender candles and rose petals.
Idly strolling into the hallway, making sure the doors were locked for the night. With a wave of his wand he added a few temporary wards for the night. After grabbing a book from the library he apperated back to the flat. Something felt wrong but he couldn't put his finger on it. The voice in his head told him it was because Hermione wasn't there with him.
''GET HIM!''
Draco didn't have time to draw his wand before a spell hit him.
'' Stupefy.'' His unconscious body fell to the floor.
Authors note: You didn't really think it was all going to be plain sailing did you? Kisses xox
