AN: I've been so caught up attempting to finish Glamoured I completely forgot to post new chapters on Pieces! Ugh! So, sorry for the delay! *kisses*
Chapter 12 - In Pieces
When Charlie Weasley awoke in St Mungos, he thought he was going mad. The last thing he remembered was having a bit of fun with a woman he met in his favourite underground haunt. He'd never made love to a woman before. Sure, he'd shagged them. He'd played their games and come away feeling completely unsatisfied but Susannah was different. She asked him what he wanted and let him.
He vaguely remembered falling asleep nestled into her pillowy breasts, in the wee small hours of the morning and then there was pain. Blinding pain. He didn't understand where it was coming from, until he spied Susannah using his wand while he was trapped on his stomach. He remembered disarming her. One doesn't spend years working with dragons without becoming adept at wandless magic. Charlie closed his eyes, wishing he could roll over. He wondered what she had done to him. She was a brilliant dueler, of that much he was certain.
"Charlie!" Molly sobbed as she rushed into his hospital room, gripping his hand so tightly he almost wished Susannah was carving into him again.
"Mum. I'm fine."
"You're NOT fine! Some vile murderer decided to use you as parchment! You're lucky you're not dead Charles Weasley!" Charlie groaned, knowing he was going to be subjected to days of Molly's coddling. She was the only witch he'd ever known who could berate someone lovingly.
"Mum. I'm not the first nor will I be the last bloke to pick up a witch in a club and wind up a bit worse for wear." Charlie sighed, burying his face in the hospital issue pillow.
"Wait. It was a woman? That's the first solid lead we've had, besides the runes themselves of course."
Charlie hadn't expected to spy a bright eyed Harry Potter at his bedside.
"Harry? Did mum call everyone then?"
"We were already here, sort of. Hermione got blown up. She'll be alright. At least that's what Luna says. Bill's a bit beside himself. We sent him home the moment Malfoy emerged and told us she'd live. He keeps mumbling to himself but he won't let us get near him or her for that matter. It's been three days, when d'ya think he sleeps?" Harry flounced into an uncomfortable chair and slapped Charlie on the shoulder.
"Potter."
"Oh Merlin, sorry Charlie."
"What's this about Hermione?"
"Yeah, she had a bit of an accident on an enchantment she was working for Bill. She's a bit banged up and she hasn't woken up yet, but everything's fine."
"Not everything." Molly mumbled having an idea of what was causing Draco Malfoy to be so completely out of sorts.
"What's wrong then mum?" Charlie sighed heavily, wishing the Healer would hurry with the salve.
"Don't you worry your pretty little head about it, Charlie. I have your father fixing your room up for you. It'll be so nice to have my boys back home. Bill's going to be staying for a few days. Ron's moved back in as well and now Charlie." Molly sniffed, wiping her watery eyes with the corner of her peasant blouse.
Harry rolled his eyes, shaking his head slightly. Charlie, on the other hand, groaned loudly, which sent his mother hurrying from his room to track down a competent Healer.
"Charlie. You said it was a woman. D'ya think you could identify her?" Harry asked the moment Molly disappeared.
"That woman Ron was drooling over. Hot, sexy, best shag I've ever had, apparently also a bit psychotic. Remember her then? The blonde."
"Merlin's beard."
Hermione was aware of whisperings around her, yet she couldn't force her eyelids to lift. They were so incredibly heavy. Every part of her body ached and she seemed incapable of forcing her limbs to cooperate. If she concentrated, she swore she could feel warmth and pressure in one of her palms.
"...shocking loss.."
"...have other children..."
"...severe concussion.."
Internally, Hermione was panicking. She didn't recognise most of the voices at her bedside. At least, she believed it was her bedside. Something had happened, something horrible, yet she couldn't piece together the small bits of conversation. She remembered standing in the Auror Training Hall with Bill. She remembered rearranging the scrambled runes and then...
"Get Healer Zabini! Her heart rate is severely elevated!" If Hermione was capable of cringing at the sound of things crashing to the floor and a booming voice shouting beside her ear, she would have.
"Hermione. It's alright." Hermione felt the smooth cool hands on her brow, over her heart and was filled with a sense of peace and calm. "There, now, isn't that better?"
"W-what happened? Is s-she..alright?" Hermione's forefinger twitched into those soft cool hands which were covering hers. She knows that voice. That silky, deep, soothing voice.
"Draco, why don't you sit here and hold her hand for a bit. You really should be home, at least refreshing yourself. I know you won't though. You should let your parents sit with you a spell. They're quite worried." Hermione felt the pressure on her hand change. Instead of the soft cool hands of Luna Lovegood Zabini, Hermione knew Draco Malfoy was gripping her flaccid palm between his large, warm hands and felt her body sigh.
"She has to wake up. I can't...if she doesn't...I..."
"Hermione Granger is one of the strongest women I've ever known. She's almost there. If she happens to wake before my next round, let me tell her about the baby, would you?"
*Baby, what baby? Whose baby?* Hermione felt the darkness encompassing her once more and wished to shout no! not yet! and yet her body rebelled against her.
Draco refused to relinquish his station at Hermione's bedside. He constantly tucked her knotted curls behind her ears and kissed her forehead. He held her hand and slept with his head on the edge of her bed. He argued with the Healers who demanded he allow them to do their jobs and growled as if he were a beast. His only saving grace was Luna of all things.
Luna kept the other Healers away, especially after Draco sent a particularly nasty hex flying toward Healer Goldstein. The Healer had made an untoward comment concerning Hermione, which snapped the last remnants of Draco Malfoy's patience. She had forced Draco to drink the strong coffees she thrust into his hands and set up a cot for him to slumber. She'd kept Harry and the Weasley's from badgering him when she forced him to give them an update on Hermione's condition. Draco decided perhaps Loony Lovegood wasn't especially Loony and perhaps he quite liked her.
Draco pulled the uncomfortable chair as close as he was physically able to Hermione's bedside and was unable to resist standing over her. He studied the constant furrow of her brow and the gentle curl of her dark eyelashes. He ran his thumb across her pink chapped lips as they parted. He cupped her face tenderly, watching her chest rise and fall, until finally, the tears fell.
"Give him a moment Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. He's understandably distraught and.."
"We're well aware of our son's distress Ms Lovegood. I hardly think you are qualified to.."
"Lucius Malfoy you behave yourself. You are well aware I married Draco's best friend. You will give me the respect I deserve or I will ban you from the premises. Don't think I won't do it." Luna's blue eyes were filled with fire while confronting the man who once allowed her to be held prisoner in his dungeon.
"Healer Zabini, I apologise for my husband. He forgets himself often. We've been home and haven't heard a word. We'd like to check on them." Narcissa smiled slightly at Luna, perplexed by her sudden mood changes.
"As I was saying, Mrs. Malfoy, simply give him a moment. He's held it together until now. Considering the circumstances, I believe the least we can do is allow him a few moments to succumb to the range of emotions flickering in his aura. He's completely unsettled." Lucius harrumphed loudly, tapping his cane against the tiles, yet remained silent.
"Is Hermione awake yet?" Luna quirked her head to the side; eyeing the aristocratic witch. She'd never heard Narcissa Malfoy refer to Hermione as anything other than a Mudblood. Perhaps things had managed to change in the face of tragedy.
"Hopefully in the next few hours. She's in a lighter state of slumber and we're weaning her off the Sleeping Draughts. We've instituted some Muggle technology to administer Potions to comatose witches and wizards. It's been quite enlightening and allowed us to free up our magic for the more severe cases." Luna smiled brightly, her radish earrings swinging as she tossed her dark blonde hair over her shoulder.
Without waiting for a reply, Luna motioned for Lucius and Narcissa to follow her. She led them down the corridor to the last room on the right and motioned for them to enter before her.
"Please baby." Narcissa Malfoy's heart broke into a thousand pieces as she spied her son.
His eyes were closed, yet it was obvious he was crying, with his forehead resting against his wife's. He stroked her face with a tenderness his mother was unaware he possessed.
"Draco?" Narcissa took a tentative step forward, clutching her dark purple robes in trembling hands. Draco turned toward his mother slowly, still wrapped around Hermione.
"Collect yourself. Malfoy's do not cry." Lucius sneered, stalking toward the window before his wife could reprimand him.
"Get out." Draco hissed, kissing Hermione's forehead before settling into his chair.
"Draco, darling. Your father and I are concerned for your well being. Surely you don't wish Hermione to awaken and see you in such a state." Narcissa stood across from her son, gazing down at her daughter-in-law. She stroked Hermione's arm lightly, waiting for Draco to acknowledge her.
"I'm not leaving her."
"Draco, listen to your mother. You're a fright. I'll have a meal sent up for you and I expect you to eat it. I don't relish the idea of you becoming my next patient. There's an adjoining bath. Please use it." Luna left the room with a bit of a skip in her step.
Draco snarled and stalked into the adjoining bath. Narcissa sighed in obvious relief as the sounds of water flowing seeped through the walls.
"Lucius, be kind to him. He loves her." Narcissa implored her husband, settling into Draco's vacated chair.
"Of course he loves her, he's weak. He's always been weak and now.."
"She was carrying our grandchild." She interrupted him, stroking Hermione's hand.
"I'm aware! It's simply…why would she put herself in such peril?" Narcissa was surprised to see Lucius rush to Hermione's bedside, staring down at her without malice.
"She didn't know." Hermione stirred slightly, her fingers twitching with a soft moan.
*Pregnant? I was pregnant? I couldn't have been. I would have known. Wouldn't I? I'm not ready to be a mother. Am I?* Hermione's thoughts tumbled while absorbing the inadvertent information.
"I'll try, Cissa." Lucius escaped into the adjoining bath with a swish of his robes.
"That's something I suppose." Narcissa sighed. She was unable to resist the urge to smooth the furrowing of Hermione's brow. "Really dear, you shouldn't frown so much. You'll wind up with premature wrinkles. Draco is in quite a state. I've never seen him…love anything, until you." Hermione took a deep breath, willing her body to respond to her demands. She felt her hand closing around Narcissa's and squeezed.
"Oh. Oh. Draco!" Hermione listened to the chair scrape against the linoleum tile. She could feel beads of sweat raise on her forehead and she wished to wipe them away, yet her arms were still so heavy.
"Mother." Draco emerged from the adjoining bath in fresh slate grey slacks and a navy dress shirt, which Narcissa assumed Lucius had brought for their son. He looked exhausted, yet clean.
"She…Hermione, she squeezed my hand." Narcissa's free hand fluttered at her chest. Gently she pulled her hand from Hermione's and walked to the window.
Draco was vaguely aware of shoving past his mother to reach Hermione. She inhaled deeply and the furrow of her brow dissipated. She smiled slightly at the sensation of Draco tucking her hair behind her ear and managed to turn her head into his hand.
"Get Luna." Narcissa flung open the door and the clip of her heels could be heard echoing down the corridor as Lucius hurried after her. He had no desire to witness anymore intimate moments between Draco and Hermione.
"Baby? Can you hear me? Please wake up, love." Hermione squeezed his hand, struggling to open her eyes. "Hermione, I love you."
She never loved her name as much as she did in that moment. Hermione felt his lips brush across her forehead and her cheeks, his hair tickling her nose. She felt his cheek press against hers as he repeated the personal mantra, willing her to wake.
"Please, wake up. You know I hate to beg. I love you, Nee. I love you, do you hear me?" He whispered it over and over, holding her head in his hands, his breath kissing her ear, her neck and finally her lips.
Hermione's brown eyes flew open with a gasp as Draco's head lowered to her chest. He sighed, listening to her heart pound within her chest. She was having trouble adjusting to the bright light of her hospital room yet still she managed to focus on her free hand. With sheer determination she forced her fingers to slide across her body until they were buried in Draco's silken locks. He pulled her fingers away from his head and stared at them for a moment before locking gazes with her.
"Oh baby." Hermione wiped away the singular tear on his cheek. Draco leaned forward and kissed her, quick and soft.
"Hi." She whispered. Draco laughed teasing her lips with the sweetest of kisses.
Draco buried his face in her neck, discarding the notions of dignity and cried with relief. He hadn't expected to love her as deeply as he did. He hadn't known it was possible until the moment he was faced with losing her.
"Look who's finally awake. Wonderful." Luna glided to Hermione with a bright smile and whipped out her wand. "Draco, I do need to examine her."
Draco sulked, furiously wiping the tears from his cheeks. His parents hadn't returned to the room and he was grateful. He didn't wish to endure another reprimand for expressing emotion by his father. He tuned out the majority of Luna's pleasant voice while she manipulated Hermione's limbs.
"I...I heard you." Draco's head snapped up at Hermione's raspy whisper.
"They do say patients are perfectly capable of hearing their environment while in a comatose state." Luna held a glass of water to Hermione's lips.
"I..I was..I was pregnant?" Hermione gulped the water gratefully, lacing her fingers with Draco's.
"Hermione. I'm not going to lie to you. I thought about it for a moment, quite honestly, but I never relished the idea of the Blibbering Humdinger's attacking my psyche. They're very disruptive to those who intentionally lie. It's not your fault. You didn't know. If you had known you wouldn't have.."
"H-how did I not know?" Draco kissed her temple, never taking his eyes off her.
"I expect you were a bit more tired than usual but other than that? The symptoms of pregnancy appear at different times with every witch. Considering the levels of stress you've been under, I'm sure an errant cycle or two would have gone completely unnoticed."
"H-how far.."
"Hermione." Luna sighed, "If I had to hazard a guess, which is what I suppose you're asking, I'd say you were about two months gone. It's the best guess I can give you. You were a right mess. I'm going to remove the splint on your arm and give you a Pepper-Up-Potion. If you can manage to keep down a light meal, we should be able to release you tomorrow. Healer Perkins suggested administering the Skele-gro through Muggle intravenous means and it worked perfectly." Luna patted Hermione's covered foot and left.
"I-I'm s-sorry. I'm sorry." Hermione burst into tears, covering her eyes. Draco pulled his wand from his back pocket and transfigured the narrow hospital bed into a double. Without asking permission, he climbed in beside his wife and pulled her to his chest. Hermione sobbed, yanking on his shirt until they were flush against each other. Draco shushed her, rocking her slowly, until she calmed.
"We didn't know, love. It was an accident, they do happen. Surely you know that after being friends with Potter and the Weasel for so many years."
"I didn't know...I wanted a child, until...until it was gone."
"Hermione, love, we'll have as many as you like. Girls, boys, I don't care. A dozen, half a dozen, it's not as if we haven't the money. And if by some cruel joke of Merlin, we can't have any? We'll buy some. Muggles do it." Hermione laughed through her tears at his declarations.
"Muggles do not buy children, Malfoy. They adopt them. I don't want a dozen children. That's ridiculous."
"Whatever Muggles do, we'll do it. How many would you like then?"
"Let's start with one."
"We've got to have more than one. I was an only child, quite horrid." Draco nibbled her ear, distracting her effectively as she dried her tears.
"You called me Hermione."
"That's your name, love. Did you forget?" Draco smirked, tugging on the curls beside her ear.
"No," Hermione spoke breathlessly, lost in the storm of his eyes, "I-I heard you as well." Draco stiffened slightly, his arms tightening around her before relaxing.
He decided it didn't matter. He tilted her head, his thumb grazing her jaw and kissed her. He toyed with her lips, nibbling her bottom lip, his tongue teasing her upper lip until she opened her mouth under his ministrations. Hermione gasped, threading her fingers in the overgrown hair at the base of his neck until he pulled away.
"I love you, Hermione Malfoy." He didn't wait for a reply or a rebuff; he kissed her soundly and laid her back in the transfigured bed. Hermione curled into his chest, her leg thrown over his and she smiled as his breathing slowed. She pulled the thin blanket over them and while she had slept for days, it wasn't the same as sleeping beside her husband. When Narcissa snuck into Hermione's room, she smiled at the sleeping couple entwined around each other and slipped out.
"What do you mean she doesn't exist? She bloody exists. I shagged her." Charlie glowered at Harry while another Auror took photographs of the carvings on his back.
"I'm simply telling you there's nothing in the records of International Portkeys or even International Floo Access. It's as if she doesn't exist."
"Did you check my place for a magical signature? She was a bloody right good dueler. She was quick and silent. Most witches and wizards shout a bit but not her."
"Charlie, there were so many people scouring the area it was impossible to pick up anything besides the Ministry entourage." Harry wished he could turn to Hermione.
She'd give him a bit of insight; point him in the right direction. He didn't have that luxury. Draco refused to allow Harry or the Weasleys to visit her. It irked him, but he understood. He supposed he'd be much the same way if it were Astoria.
"Yes but, isn't there a way to sift through it all? How many people could have possibly been there? I never had visitors before Susannah. If you traced the signatures you did find back to Ministry officials then whatever one remained would obviously be hers and it would give you somewhere to start. Have you seen Ginny? I heard she got dosed with Imp." Charlie hissed while an inexperienced Medi-witch applied a healing salve to the carvings on his back. "You better have enough sodding evidence, Harry. I can't take another inept.."
"You can leave now." Harry interrupted Charlie, cringing as the young Medi-witch slapped salve onto Charlie's back. Harry knew it had to be excruciating and reminded himself to ask Luna if someone else could be assigned. She scurried from the room with tears in her eyes and Harry shrugged.
"Why must they torture me? Haven't I been tortured enough?" Charlie struggled to roll on his side with hisses and groans. Harry helped Charlie to sit up and handed him an amber bottle filled with a Pain Potion.
"It's Goldstein. He's a right prick. Malfoy hexed him the other day. It was fantastic. I didn't know Goldstein could run that fast." Harry snickered.
"You haven't told me anything about Ginny or Hermione. Are you hiding something from me? They're family."
"Ginny checked out alright. There were trace amounts of Imp in her system and after that raid at Nox, we have a load of wizards in custody but no one seems to know the origin of their supply. Kingsley's less than pleased as I'm sure you can imagine, but that's not my case. Thank Merlin. This Runamator case is kicking my arse and without Hermione I don't think I can crack it." Harry punched the wall, wincing as the skin of his knuckles broke yet he found some peace in the pain.
"Without Hermione it's hopeless mate. I'm surprised you and Ron can take a piss without her telling you how." Charlie laughed, until he couldn't laugh anymore and Harry let him. He had a point.
"Blimey, Charlie, if I'm not mistaken, you're the one who found yourself on the wrong end of a kinky witches wand.."
"Hey! If she hadn't carved me up, the sex would have been worth it."
"Hermione was pregnant." Harry sighed.
He hadn't promised Draco he would keep it to himself, but it hadn't felt right to speak of it. Astoria was so angry with him for staying in Romania after the Quidditch Training Camp she wasn't speaking to him. She didn't care if it was work related; he had been inconsiderate, yet again. He couldn't even blame her irrational pregnancy hormones, she was right.
"Why are you telling me this, Harry?" Charlie closed his eyes, willing himself to forget.
"You cared about her once. You still care about her; at least I believe you do. She's the closest thing to a sister I ever had and I needed to tell someone who loves her as much as I do." Harry tossed his glasses on Charlie's bed, rubbing his eyes with a heavy sigh.
"You're talking to the wrong person. She married Malfoy. You should be talking to him. He loves her."
"He's a right mess and.."
"And what Harry? You thought because for about half a minute she and I had a thing or whatever, that I'd be the best person to burden? That's not bloody fair, Potter." Harry gulped guiltily. Charlie's bare chest was covered with a heavy sheen of sweat, his breaths laboured and his eyes squeezed shut tight.
"She would have been good for you and vice versa. Maybe if you two had given it half a chance she wouldn't be married to Malfoy and you wouldn't be trolling underground kink clubs looking for whatever it is you think is missing from your life."
"It's not like I didn't try, Harry. It's not like she didn't try. It was bad timing and then with Ron. He's my brother. We both felt an obligation not to hurt him even if he did bloody well deserve it. Is she...happy?" Charlie twisted the sheet in his fist until his knuckles segued from red to white.
"As strange as it is, Charlie, they fit. They're both a little broken but together? They mend each other. They have their issues, like every couple does but they come back together, as if they can't breathe properly. I peeked in on her. I thought Malfoy had gone to the loo, but he had transfigured her bed and they were wrapped together in such a way it was difficult to see where she ended and he began. I've never seen her like that with anyone, not even Ron and we thought she loved him. We were wrong Charlie. That wasn't love." Harry pretended he didn't see the shake of Charlie's shoulders and the dip of his head. Silently he left Charlie's hospital room, wishing he'd never said a word as the sobs broke through the silence, and he hated himself then.
Hermione attempted to stretch as she yawned yet found herself unable to move. Draco was wrapped around her once more, impeding her ability. The moment he felt her shifting his head popped up, searching her face.
"I'm alright. I need to use the loo." Hermione brushed sticky tendrils of blond hair off his forehead, giving him a slight smile.
It was the best she could do under the circumstances. Hermione was thankful Draco had barred visitors. She wasn't up to Molly's weeping and coddling nor Lucius Malfoy's cold indifference or even Bill's apologies. She had decided to send a few owls once she was released.
"I'll bring you." Hermione knew it was futile to argue with him.
Draco hadn't allowed her to set foot on the cool tile from the moment she woke. She didn't have it in her to argue with him about it. She knew normally she'd say something to the effect of him suffocating her, perhaps even coddling her, which was completely unnecessary considering all she'd survived, but it was pointless really.
Hermione was still wrestling with her emotions as far as the loss of their child was concerned and she knew he ached as well. They were both confused. It boggled their minds quite honestly. Neither of them had believed themselves to be ready for parenthood and yet they were mourning a loss, which caused an emotional ache so deep, they clung to each other. Hermione felt an emptiness and still she questioned.
*How is it possible to miss what I never knew existed until it was gone?* Hermione sighed as Draco gathered her carefully in his arms and set her in the loo, waiting beside the door until she called for him. She didn't want to call for him, but he did worry so.
"Hermione!" Came the sing song voice of Luna, her long hair swinging, a skip in her step.
"Can I take her home now?" Draco implored, trying his best to keep the conversation light despite the worry etched in his brow.
"I've a potion for her and I need to go over a few things and then she's free to go. I expect she'll want to visit Charlie first. I also expect you'll make sure she rests plenty, Draco." Luna stood on her toes, waiting while Draco carried Hermione back to the transfigured bed.
"Charlie's here? Why on earth would Charlie be here? What happened then?" Draco's grey eyes narrowed.
Hermione's voice wavered, alternating it's octaves as she inquired about the older Weasley. He vaguely remembered hearing she had dated another Weasley yet hadn't thought it would be the dragon wrangler. She was nervous and he wanted to know exactly why. He was instantly suspicious, wondering if she still harboured feelings for yet another ex. Draco didn't wish to interrogate her, he wished her to want to tell him.
"It's an Auror thing. I suppose Harry will tell you, terrible gossip he is. Charlie was attacked by a woman he brought home and she carved him up a bit with some runes. Harry's with him now I believe, I'm sure they'd love to see you're alright."
"Maybe for a moment, if it's alright with Draco." Hermione pulled her husband down next to her, instantly leaning against him until his arm surrounded her. It helped placate the rampant flash of emotions which toyed with his insecurities.
"Let's get you ready to go home." Luna's bright smile was contagious and Hermione found herself smiling as well. "We have a few Potions which we're recommending. I expect you're feeling a bit of discomfort. That's completely normal of course. If it becomes too much, take a Pain Potion. Now, I expect you'll want a Potion for the bleeding. I had a special brew added to your intravenous concoction to aid with that and I suggest taking a Post-Natal Potion for the next three days until the bleeding abates. When you've concluded with that, a good Replenish Potion will put everything back the way it was before."
"Draco, would you mind..if I spoke to Luna alone for a moment?" With her big brown eyes wide, the corner of her lip caught between her teeth and the soft yet pleading quality which oozed through her words and expression, he couldn't deny her. Draco kissed her cheek and found himself leaning against the wall in the corridor.
"I suspect you wish to ask when you can resume relations?" Luna winked.
"Well, yes but I was also wondering..." Hermione took a deep breath. Part of her wondered if she should have broached the subject with Draco first. She supposed they could also discuss it later and at the very least she'd be informed.
"I always recommend that witches attempting to conceive should take a daily Pre-Natal-Potion. It tastes terrible, but Draco is quite adept at Potions, I'm sure he could do something about that. As for relations, with Muggles they need to abstain for six weeks after a loss and after giving birth, however, the Replenish Potion is designed to aid the body in using your magic to heal you at a faster rate. You should be in tip top shape in seven days. If the pain from your injuries lingers, which I don't expect it will, take a Pain Potion twice a day. As your Healer, I'm ordering you to rest. If I discover you've been at the Ministry aiding in another ridiculous case I'll bloody hex you." Luna smile sweetly and patted Hermione's cheek.
"Draco will make sure I rest. I'll doubt he'll allow me to walk, let alone work. I quit, Luna. Kingsley's going to have a fit if he hasn't already, but I don't care. I'll freelance from home. I'm never going to another site."
"You'll find something else. You weren't particularly happy there anyway. Blaise is looking for a pastry chef. He's looking for a lot of things actually. He has a tendency to fire...well everyone." Luna laughed and for once Hermione didn't think it strange. It was comforting.
"I do love to cook. Draco swears by my macaroni and cheese. Luna? Would you...like to have tea with me? Not today of course, but one day soon perhaps?"
"I'd love too. As much as people have changed, they stay the same and I often find myself alone. Besides Blaise of course, he's wonderful. It would be nice to have a friend." Luna hugged Hermione tightly before skipping away without another word.
Begrudgingly, Draco escorted Hermione down the corridor to Charlie Weasley's hospital room. He wanted to take her directly to Forest Lake and alter all the wards to disallow anyone through. Instead he helped support his wife as she took unsteady steps. Draco had offered to carry her but Hermione being Hermione had adamantly refused as he knew she would.
"I don't understand why we have to do this now. Why can't you send him an owl?"
"Draco, we're here. He's only down the hall. I promise we won't stay long." Hermione wanted to be frustrated with him yet found she couldn't. He loved her and was being his protective, possessive self.
"I wouldn't drag you to visit Daphne." Draco was petulant and completely unashamed.
"You dated Daphne? That's just vile."
"It was a lapse in judgement."
"Obviously."
"As if you've never had them?"
"I don't wish to argue with you, Malfoy." Hermione sighed, stopping their progress to rest against the pale yellow wall.
"I don't either. I want to take you home. I don't want to visit Charlie Weasley. I don't want to feel as jealous as I do." Hermione's ire softened at his unintentional confession. She curled into him, inhaling his dress shirt deeply. She forced him to look down at her, holding tight to his face.
"Draco Malfoy you listen to me." He almost smirked at her stern tone, yet the light in her eyes stopped him. "I married you. It doesn't matter whose idea it was in the end. I'm yours as much as you're mine. I didn't expect it. I didn't think it would happen. I mean, I've always cared about you but.."
"Granger, I'm losing you." Draco smirked, tapping her forehead with his finger. "What are you saying?"
Hermione huffed before closing her eyes and taking an unsteady breath.
"Merlin help me, I love you." Draco thought his heart would burst.
He hoped, he wished but he wasn't sure if he'd ever win her heart. Hermione's eyes opened and before she could go off on another of her tangents, he kissed her. In the middle of the ugly yellow corridor of St Mungos, he kissed her. Draco held her as if she would break, as if she would disappear and he would wake from a dream he wished to be reality. He gripped the soft fabric of the long, flowing, navy blue dress his mother had sent, in order to keep himself from gripping her too tightly. Hermione fingered the silk of his shirt on his biceps as they lost track of the moments between lips meeting lips and the sighs as tongues entwined.
"Er uhm, sorry. Glad to see your better." Harry Potter skirted around the corner and found himself caught between watching his best mate snog her husband and interrupting them. He opted for the interruption for the sake of his sanity.
They didn't jump away from each other as if they were teenagers caught by their parents in the moments before curfew. Their lips came together once, twice, three times before Hermione glanced over her shoulder at Harry.
"Luna told me about Charlie. Thought we'd stop in before heading home." Harry didn't want to tell her he made Charlie cry. It hadn't been his intention, not really, yet it had been his fault just the same. Instead, he smiled and embraced her lightly, despite the glower he received from Draco.
"I'm sure he'd like that. Perhaps it would give me the opportunity to have a chat with Malfoy. Kingsley wants me to.."
"No, I don't think so Potter. I quit." Hermione wasn't surprised by Draco's declaration, not really. She had assumed he would vacate his position the moment she fully recovered. He didn't love his position anymore than she had loved hers and in the face of constant danger, it was pointless to continue.
"Malfoy! Quit? Really? That's a little drastic don't you think?" Harry was completely gobsmacked.
"No, Potter, I don't believe it is. My wife was bloody well blown up for all intents and purposes. I don't think she'd appreciate it if I continued in such a dangerous line of employment considering she's quit as well. It's not as if we need to work. We're bloody rich, remember?"
"Hermione, you quit as well? How am I supposed to solve this sodding case?" Harry groaned, yanking his Muggle jeans up by the waistband.
"You're The-Boy-Who-Lived, I'm sure you'll figure it out just fine. I'm not against consulting on an as needed basis however field work is completely out of the question." Draco drawled drawing Hermione into his side.
"Would it...be alright then, if I sent you the photographs of the runes? I have to track some magical signatures and we have our first solid lead but I don't know if it will get us anywhere and I could use the help." Harry was a step away from getting on his knees and begging, which he knew he'd never heard the end of, yet drastic times called for drastic measures.
"I'm sure we can work something out. Kingsley sent me an owl. There's an Auror from the Magical Congress and he's relocating here. Why, I haven't a clue, but I've heard good things of him. Request him."
"An American Auror? Really? What's his name then?"
"Nick Moretti. The transfer papers have been done for a bit. Kingsley said his International Portkey will activate sometime this evening. It's imperative he be here tomorrow. I don't know why." Draco shrugged, draping his arm around Hermione's shoulders.
"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...bugger."
"Fantastic."
"I don't want to think about that now. Draco, can we visit Charlie and go home? I'm getting a bit tired. I just want to see how he's fairing and we can leave. Promise. You can stay here and chat with Harry if you like. I'll only be a minute." Draco nodded, even though it was against his better judgement, if only to please Hermione. She smiled brightly and hugged him tight, which made it all worth it.
Charlie Weasley swallowed hard, wiping his face with the stark white sheet the moment he heard Hermione Malfoy speaking outside his door. The pang in his heart as he heard her soft spoken words of love to her husband, almost made him weep. Instead he concentrated on shoving the remnants of emotion to the deep recesses of his soul. He knew he'd lost her. He knew he'd never truly had her, yet it didn't hurt any less.
"Charlie, it's been too long." Hermione smiled as she swung open his door, her movements slow and stilted.
It was obvious she was in pain yet pushing through, like she always did. Charlie's returning grin didn't reach his eyes, but she didn't notice as she concentrated on every step until she sat beside him.
"Heard Bill blew you up." Charlie teased trying to lighten the tension between them.
"It was an accident. He was simply excited. He didn't do it on purpose. I suppose he's a right mess as well. I'll have to send him an owl. I'm f-fine." He didn't comment on the tremble of her fingers, nor did he reach for her hand even though he'd held her hand numerous times throughout the years. It didn't feel right anymore.
"I know." Hermione searched Charlie's brown eyes, quickly looking away.
She had always suspected he had continued to harbour feelings for her long after they had parted ways. She always thought it was a bit silly honestly. They had never really begun, the way she and Ron had never truly begun. It was a few errant kisses, innocent hugs goodnight and a few conversations that lasted until morning before they both came to their senses. At least she believed they both had. Hermione hadn't wanted to jump from one relationship to another, with her ex's brother no less. She didn't want to be the wedge that drove them apart. Charlie had understood, at least he convinced her he understood. The longing in his eyes, laced with hurt told her otherwise.
"Harry says you're the only survivor thus far. That's a pretty fantastic feat."
"I'm a Weasley. We're nothing if not resilient." Hermione twiddled her thumbs, unsure what to say to him. Charlie sighed, leaned over and touched her shoulder. "You love him then?" The forlornness in those words was enough to make her cry, yet she didn't.
"Yea Charlie, I do. I really do. He's a good man and he loves me and he's good to me. Really good to me. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I didn't mean too."
"I know. It was silly wasn't it? I never understood why you went back to Ron after we..." Charlie sighed in frustration. "He was never good enough for you. He's my brother and I love him, but you would have been miserable. I can't say I would have made you happy either, but you seem happy now. I'm glad. I hope you catch the twat who did this to me." Hermione stood slowly, with a bit of difficulty and tucked a long red hair behind Charlie's ear.
"I went back to him out of guilt. Even though we were apart at the time, I felt as if I betrayed him with every moment I spent with you. I know that sounds a bit harsh, but I'm nothing if I'm not honest. You're a good man Charlie. You'll always be a good man, but we never would have worked. I would always feel guilty for choosing you. It doesn't make a bit of sense really. Ron was never really good to me. I think I attached myself to him because of how much I love your family. I am happy now. I didn't think I would ever be happy. I didn't think I deserved to be happy, but I was wrong. Everyone deserves a bit of happiness and Malfoy is mine. You'll find yours too." Hermione adjusted the blankets draping over Charlie's lap with a small smile. Charlie glanced up and cracked a smile.
"Take good care of her, Malfoy. She's worth it." Hermione spun on her heel with wide eyes. Draco propped the door open, casually leaning against it with his arms crossed and wary eyes. They brightened considerably spying the blush on Hermione's cheeks as she made her way to him.
"Always." Malfoy inclined his head at the older Weasley before bending to lift his wife into his arms. She was obviously exhausted and welcomed it.
"Take me home." Hermione whispered into his neck, kissing him soundly.
"Tell me again."
"I've already told you."
"So? Tell me again."
"You're quite demanding aren't you?"
"Of course I am. I'm a Malfoy."
"That's not going to work on me anymore. I'm a Malfoy too."
"Then you should understand."
"Fine. I love you."
"Well that hardly counts. Doesn't sound like you meant it at all."
"You're going to miss your Portkey if you keep this up." Hermione sighed, trying to keep the stiff smile on her lips yet knowing it fell flat.
She'd been home from hospital for a week and it hadn't taken long for the continuous owls to disrupt their peace and quiet. Hermione had adamantly refused to take a second glance at the rune photographs. In a rare fit of rage, Draco had found her tossing her rune translation books into the fireplace. He was quite glad he'd stopped her before she'd destroyed the older texts. He knew she'd regret it eventually. Draco had to give her credit, she really was trying and while he himself had moments of sadness, he knew Hermione was practically consumed by it. He knew she blamed herself and there wasn't anything he could do to stop it.
Hermione hadn't browsed through the accumulation of owl posts on the foyer table. She'd incinerated a Howler before it had the chance to shout at her. She'd cut off communication with everyone and her conversations with Draco were severely lacking. He didn't want to push her, but something needed to be done. He was hoping the unexpected trip to Italy would allow Hermione the solitude to come to terms with everything and move forward.
"I thought you weren't doing field work anymore." Hermione knew better than to protest. They both knew she didn't really mean it anyway.
"It's not field work. The new guy is taking care of everything quite well actually but Harry asked me to visit Yuri. Funnily enough, Yuri refuses to respond to Harry's owls. Apparently Yuri Blishen is quite fond of my wife and since my wife is out of commission it has fallen upon me to beg him of his expertise." Draco buttoned Hermione's tatty gray cardigan. He didn't understand her attachment to it, yet he knew it comforted her in ways he could not.
"Send Yuri my regards of course. How long will you be gone then?" Hermione tied her curls loosely at the base of her neck while slipping on a pair of gray sweats.
"It's only an overnight trip, just to establish relations. Perhaps I can convince Yuri to connect his Floo. It would make things so much easier. Mother will stop in later. I tried to convince her it wasn't necessary, but you know how she is." Draco sighed dramatically while pulling on a pair of Muggle jeans.
Despite his reservations, he quite liked them. They were hardier than his dress slacks and cooler than his wizard robes; of course he'd never admit it. He still couldn't be dissuaded from his dress shirts, but that was alright with Hermione. She thought he looked quite sexy in his jeans and button downs. She wasn't quite ready to venture back into a sexual relationship with her husband, but she did quite like to admire him.
"Bring me something pretty." Draco's eyebrow rose at the request.
Hermione was always telling him he shouldn't be so extravagant and yet she was requesting a gift? He wasn't one to question, since it allowed him carte blanche.
"I'm sure I can find something. Alright then, I'll see you tomorrow, it'll be late." Draco caught Hermione in a quick hug, kissed her cheek and was gone.
For the first time in a week, Hermione took a full breath. It was hard to keep up appearances. She didn't want Draco to see her being weak. She didn't want to feel the judgement oozing off him. She didn't want his comfort nor the empty words. Hermione wanted to be able to cry, sob, wail and even scream if the mood struck her and she couldn't do that with Draco's constant presence.
She slid off their bed and trudged down to the foyer, clutching the green cashmere blanket Draco had insisted she keep around her shoulders. She didn't care that it was dragging on the ground. It was soothing, which was exactly what she needed. Hermione snatched the ever growing pile of posts from the small side table and trudged back up the stairs. She'd been spending an exorbitant amount of time in what was deemed the children's playroom.
It was a loft really and Draco had listened to Hermione lecture him about compromising the safety of their imaginary children. The sage green walls, chocolate brown sofa and butter yellow throw rug brought her comfort. Hermione was all about comfort these days. She had insisted the flat screen telly be mounted on the wall and found herself once again, curled on the largest sofa, beneath her blanket, staring at the screen unseeing. It wasn't long before she began rocking, her keening ringing throughout the empty house.
Dink, the tiny brown house elf listened to his Mistress unearthly sounds and shuddered. He knew he shouldn't leave her, but Master would understand. Mistress didn't like to be bothered. She constantly sent him away with demands he not punish himself. He only wished for Mistress to be happy. He wished she would eat. She forbade Dink from telling Master she vanished her meals when he wasn't looking. At first he had refused but Mistress had threatened him with clothes. Dink's oddly proportioned body shook with the memory.
It wasn't healthy for Mistress. Master should not have left her alone. Mistress needed someone and he knew just who she needed. Dink knew Mistress wouldn't like it. Perhaps even Master would make him punish himself, but Master would forgive Dink if Mistress stopped being so sad.
Dink clenched his little fists, his wide mouth set in a grim line. Dink knew more than anyone gave him credit. He'd lived at Malfoy Manor before Master was ever born. He was glad when Old Master gifted him to Master. Master was kind and never made him iron his ears. Mistress always said thank you. Dink didn't want his Mistress to feel sad anymore. It was just a matter of convincing him to come. Finally, with a firm resolve, Dink Disapparated.
