Exposure
He was lost in his memories. Memories of a world, completely different from the world Hermione lived in right now. A world of war and darkness. She shivered. He noticed, took his jacket off and put it around her shoulders with a smile.
"Thanks." she whispered, caught in his gaze. He just nodded.
"It's late. I guess you should go back." His voice was velvet again, calming, attractive.
Hermione nodded and stood up. She bit her lip, not sure what to do. She didn't want him to be alone, but she knew very well that she couldn't simply stay. And there was still a question she wanted to ask him, but she didn't really know how…
"Just ask, Hermione." he suddenly said, as if he'd been reading her mind.
She blushed and he just smiled, not a bit angry or confused. She took a deep breath.
"What will happen to you if we succeed?" she whispered curious.
He smiled brighter now.
"I'll return to my Hermione."
Hermione gulped.
"You think that's possible? I mean, everything changed. Even if we can't prevent the war, your future still changed. Our future. What will happen to your future self if you return to your time? Will it vanish?" she frowned, pondering.
He shook his head, still smiling.
"I didn't say I'd return to my future. Just to my Hermione."
Hermiones eyes widened in comprehension and she gasped.
"No!" she shouted and he stood up sighing.
"Hermione, my story already happened. My present self will probably never have this scar. He will never develop the way I did, because he'll live another life. He will have different experiences. He won't have to see his parents and friends die, or the love of his life. That's why I'm here. That's why I am what I am. Draco will never be like me. Well, that's actually what I hope."
Hermione shook her head disbelieving, angry, desperate.
"It's not fair."
He smirked, put his hands on her shoulders and looked at her in his confusing, hypnotic way.
"Life's never fair, love. But don't worry about me. We made a promise. I said I'd find you, no matter where you are. I said we'd meet again. I'm always true to my word." he said squinting.
She sobbed. It was incredible how different they actually were. Hermione asked herself for one short moment what would happen to her feelings if Draco would actually never become this kind and selfless man? She knew the answer right away and smiled a bit. No matter how he'd develop – she'd always love him.
"Will you do me a favour?" he suddenly asked longing.
Hermione nodded.
"Could you just hold me for a while?"
She smiled and hugged him firm. He put his arms around her and sighed. Hermione didn't feel guilty anymore. He loved her, but it wasn't really her he was longing for. He loved the Hermione he'd married in another time. And even though she was the same person in a way, she was nevertheless completely different. But in the darkness of the greenhouse, in the close embrace of two lovers, she felt the salty tears of a man on her cheek, who'd lost his soul mate.
ooooo
Hermione went back to the dormitory, lost in her thoughts. There had to be a way. A way to make him happy as well. A way to create a happy ending for everyone. She decided to spend some time in the library. But first she needed to sleep. It was nearly midnight and nobody had seen her sneaking through the empty corridors so far. Hermione said the password and entered the common room. She winced and took a deep breath.
"You scared me to death Lavender!"
The blonde Gryffindor was standing in front of her with a serious expression Hermione had seldom seen on her. She frowned.
"Are you ok?" she asked worried and Lavender snorted.
"We have to talk, Mione."
Hermione was surprised about her cool voice but nodded. Lavender wasn't her best friend, but she'd never been that hostile before.
They both sat down and Hermione felt uneasy. She had a bad feeling about this. Lavender's next words made her shiver.
"So you're actually a bad girl, Mione. Who would have thought that?"
Hermione tensed but her voice was friendly as ever.
"What are you talking about, Lavender?"
The blonde girl sneered.
"I saw you."
Those three words were enough to let Hermione turn pale. She couldn't help it and her roommate noticed of course. Hermione pondered about everything she'd said or done in Lavender's presence, but she couldn't remember anything that would justify her statement. What had she actually seen? The answer followed immediately, as if Hermione had asked aloud.
"I never thought you were that kind of girl, Mione. When Viktor Krum paid some attention to you, I was worried you could think every guy would suddenly like you. I'd have never imagined you could fancy Draco Malfoy, though." Lavender shook her head, still surprised.
Hermione snorted.
"What are you talking about?"
Lavender narrowed her eyes.
"Oh come on Mione, don't be that dishonest. You act all innocent but in fact you're just nasty. Does Ron know that you broke his heart because of that scumbag?"
Hermione clenched her fist but appeared calmly.
"So the real problem is Ron, right?" she concluded, her eyes as cold as her voice.
Lavender cringed and Hermione knew that she'd hit the mark.
"You don't even know how lucky you are! He loves you and you go around and make out with Malfoy! I mean, it's bloody Malfoy, Mione! How can you give up Ron for someone like him?" she finally spit out angry, her cheeks heated, her eyes filled with tears.
Hermione recognized with surprise that she'd hurt Lavender.
"You want me to be with Ron out of pity?" she finally asked slowly.
Lavender had calmed down a bit and her eyes widened.
"No!" she nearly screamed and Hermione bit her lip.
"Then what should I do, Lavender? I love Ron as my best friend. He's very important to me, more than you can even imagine. I hurt him very much and there are not enough words to describe how sorry and guilty I feel. You're right, I am nasty. I'm worse than everything you said. But I can't change my feelings. I don't love him the way he's worthy of."
Lavender shook her head.
"Why doesn't he love me? I'd have never treated him like that."
Hermione felt the pain in her chest again, but didn't protest. She was right after all.
"Why you? You're not even that pretty. I mean, you're smart, ok, but I never thought that would be actually attractive for guys. The way he looked at you! The way he talked to you. It made me crazy. And it's not only Ron. Malfoy as well. Malfoy! The way he watches you, as if you're something to eat. When I saw him dragging you along, I was sure he'd kill you. I wanted to help, I even thought of calling Ron or Harry. But then I saw the two of you kissing. Hermione Granger, kissing Draco Malfoy! Who would ever believe that story?" Lavender asked with a derisive smile.
"Why didn't you tell anybody?" Hermione finally asked and looked at her roommate.
She shrugged.
"First I couldn't really believe it. I even considered that I'd just imagined everything. But then I watched you and noticed the glances you exchanged, the tenseness when you were close to each other, the way your movements suddenly changed when he was nearby. And before I could do more than wonder, you suddenly broke up with Ron and I knew of course why. I'd wanted to force you to do so anyway. I was determined to tell Ron about everything if you'd have planned to continue like that. But then you broke up with him and I saw his pain… I didn't want him to suffer like that. I really like him Mione. He's a good guy."
Hermione had a lump in her throat.
"I'm sorry." she just whispered and Lavender looked at her sadly. Her nasty smile was gone, as well as her anger. She sighed.
"I even believe that. I'm also sorry, by the way. I shouldn't have said those things, Mione. I was just bloody angry. I feel helpless, you know. Ron is suffering and I know that it'll hurt him even more if he ever finds out who your new boyfriend actually is…" Lavender sobbed and was interrupted by Hermiones gasp and her shocked expression.
The blonde girl turned around and faced Ron, standing on the stairs to the guy's dormitory, wearing boxer shorts and a shirt. His brown eyes were narrowed, his face pale and his body tensed. Hermione felt her heart break into pieces and Lavender seemed to feel nearly the same way.
"So that's the true reason for our break-up. Who is it?" he said coolly, his face a mask of scorn.
Hermione and Lavender exchanged a glance and Ron snorted.
"You don't have to make up a story for me, I don't want to hear any more lies." he hissed, turned around and disappeared.
Lavender sighed.
"Oh damn, he'll definitely freak out."
Hermione closed her eyes and bit her lip. She could hardly hold back the tears. Lavender watched her worried.
"I'm sorry, Mione. I really didn't want that to happen." she whispered ashamed and Hermione shook her head.
"It's not your fault. It's mine. Everything I did was wrong. Now I have to take the blame…"
Lavender grimaced and Hermione took a deep breath.
"Will you tell anyone what we talked about?"
Hermione knew that Lavender was a gossip. But far worse was her best friend Parvati. If Parvati would ever find out, then the whole school would know immediately.
Lavender shook her head slowly and Hermione couldn't help feeling surprised.
"I don't want to hurt Ron anymore. And besides, I think it's your task to tell him." she said with a gleam in her eyes.
Hermione understood very well. This was her punishment. She was ready to accept it and nodded. Lavender stood up and left to the dormitory.
Hermione sighed. She was tired. Very, very tired. And she really wanted to be with him right now. She knew that his closeness could make her forget everything else. And she really needed some distraction.
ooooo
Hermione didn't sleep well and she woke up much too early. She was lying in her bed, thinking about all the things that had happened last night. It felt like ages since she'd been happy to return to Hogwarts. She'd have been with Harry and Ron and wouldn't even have thought of Draco. Everything would have been that easy. And now, everything was different. Ron was angry, Harry and Ginny were a couple, Lavender kept a secret for more than an hour and Draco was her boyfriend. Not to mention the war she needed to prevent. Even though Dumbledore had been inducted into the future problems, it was not over yet. Things had changed dramatically in one month – who knew what would happen until the end of the year?
Hermione finally got up and took a shower. It would definitely be a long day. She went down to the common room and was glad to meet Ginny alone. The redhead saw her relieved sigh and frowned.
"Did something happen last night? Ron seemed to be halfway ok, but this morning he didn't even want to stand up. He told Harry he'd stay in bed all day. He was really pissed…"
Hermione gulped.
"He found out that I have another boyfriend." she finally said as calm as possible.
Ginny's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to say something, but didn't seem to know what.
"Oh damn, Mione. He'll go nuts. Does he know who it is?"
Hermione shook her head and told her about Lavender. Ginny sighed.
"Stupid hag… Well, it was just a question of time anyway. You can't expect to be able to have such secrets in a school full of teenagers. Mione, you'll have to tell them anyway. Harry is suspicious as well. Ron is down anyway, maybe it's even better to tell him now. If you let him recover he'll freak out again when he finds out later."
Hermione nodded. Ginny was right, no matter how she looked at it.
"And how should I tell him?" she asked overstrained.
Ginny shrugged.
"I personally think the direct way is the best. Kick him out of his bed and tell him what's going on."
"He'll definitely hate me." she whispered and Ginny snorted.
"Sure he will. But he'll get over it. It will take some time, but he'll forgive you. Definitely."
Hermione tried a little smile and wished she'd be back to bed as well. She wasn't too sure about Ron's reaction.
ooooo
Class was exhausting and Harry didn't stop asking questions. Hermione finally sighed and glared at him.
"Harry, if you don't stop, I'll go sit next to Hannah!"
He looked at her surprised and was obviously angry. Hermione felt sorry and irritated. Draco glanced at her and she ignored it. She knew she'd probably react in a strange way if she'd look at him right now. Harry was still watching her.
"What happened, Mione? Why are you suddenly that different?"
Harry's worried voice made her feel terrible. She bit her lip.
"I told you I broke up with Ron because I don't love him the way I should, right?"
He nodded expectant.
"Well, that's because I love someone else." she finally said blushing and tried to concentrate on her work again. Harry didn't say a word, so she decided to look at him. His expression was motionless.
"Harry?" she asked worried.
He just frowned.
"Who?"
Hermione had a feeling that he was kind of pissed.
"I don't want to talk about that. I promise to tell you, but not now." she said determined. She first had to tell Draco.
He gulped and the way he suddenly looked at her made her shiver. It wasn't scary, it was simply intensive. It was close to the way Draco and Ron sometimes faced her. Hermione frowned, not sure what to think.
"Mione, we are best friends. We never had secrets. Why do you suddenly hide things?"
Hermione gasped.
"I don't want to have secrets, Harry! But there are things I can't talk about. Did you ever tell me details about your relationship with Ginny? Or with Cho? I feel terrible because of Ron. I don't need you to reproach me as well. Can't you just trust me?"
Harry's eyes narrowed and Hermione shook her head. It was impossible to tell them. They'd never understand.
"Are you happy? I mean…, with him?" he suddenly croaked.
Hermione snorted.
"Do you think I'd hurt my best friends, if he wasn't even able to make me happy? Harry, I really like him. And I swear to introduce you to him. But not now." Not as long as you'd probably try to kill him right away… Not before I didn't talk to him. Not before I don't know how to explain.
"Ok." he just replied, his face again completely motionless. Hermione felt that familiar pain in her chest again. Harry was already too grown-up. His face didn't look like that of a 16 year old boy right now. She glanced and Draco and bit her lip. His face was as motionless as Harry's. Hermione had a strange feeling that things should be different. She couldn't really say how, but this didn't seem right.
ooooo
Hermione entered the dungeon and sat down next to Draco in potions. Harry had to work with Pansy now that Ron was absent. He didn't seem too happy.
"Are you ok?" Draco suddenly asked without looking at her.
Hermione sighed. He'd understood instinctively that he had to act inconspicuous today. It was still surprising how easy it actually was to get along with him.
"I had an interesting chat with Lavender last night. She saw us. Ron appeared out of the blue and heard that I have a new boyfriend. He doesn't know who it is, though. Harry is pissed because I don't want to tell. No, I guess I'm not ok." she stated tired.
Draco tensed and Hermione couldn't help watching him.
"What's wrong?" she whispered and he snorted.
"If Brown knows, then the whole school will know immediately." he said husky.
Hermione shook her head and tried to focus on her potion.
"She won't say a word. She promised."
She could see that he wasn't convinced. Hermione didn't know why, but she felt kind of hurt.
"Would it be that bad? I mean if everyone would find out?" she finally whispered, paying attention to the fire under their cauldron.
"You misunderstood." he simply said and Hermione frowned angry.
"Then explain." she asked tensed.
He sighed.
"Honey, if my friends would find out about us, they'd immediately tell my parents."
Hermione froze. Her eyes widened and she cursed herself. She'd been that occupied with her complicated love-life that she'd completely forgotten about Voldemort. If Draco's parents would find out that their only son was actually dating a mudblood, they'd definitely freak out. Voldemort would find out as well and Draco would be in great danger, just because of her own stupidity. She closed her eyes for one moment.
How could she have been that stupid? Wasn't she supposed to be the smartest witch of her year? Why did she make these kinds of mistakes? Her inner voice answered immediately. You've never been madly in love before.
She snorted. What a lame excuse. She'd always been too mature for her age, too clever, too prudent. Everything had to be thought through, everything planned, everything considered. She'd never made such mistakes. But then suddenly love had happened and her whole world was suddenly upside down. Unforgivable.
Draco frowned and seemed to ask himself what she was actually thinking. Hermione sighed.
"I'm so sorry… I didn't consider that." she finally whispered ashamed and blushed.
He cocked an eyebrow confused and then comprehension flashed up in his grey eyes and his gaze was suddenly soft.
"I didn't reproach you, Honey. It's not your fault."
She couldn't say a word, she just shook her head. He wanted to add something, but then he just remained silent. Hermione could feel Harry's gaze in her back and understood. They'd have to talk later.
ooooo
Class was finally over and Hermione left the dungeon with Harry.
"Parkinson nearly drove me crazy… What did you talk about with Malfoy?"
The question sounded innocent, but Hermione wasn't that stupid.
"Nothing important. We just talked about the potion. Stuff like 'give me the mortar', 'I need the knife', 'you're such a pain in the ass, Granger', well, things like that." she lied unaffected.
"There was one moment I thought he'd touch you…" Harry said confused and Hermione bit her lip.
It was too obvious. No matter how hard they were trying to behave coolly, it was too easy to notice for those who paid attention. And Harry was good in paying attention.
Hermione just shrugged, she couldn't answer. Every word would be another lie and she felt bad about it.
"Oh damn, I forgot my notebook. Go ahead, I'll follow later." she said apologetic and he nodded surprised.
Hermione remembered Draco's last words in potion very well.
"Room of Requirement after class."
ooooo
She opened the heavy wooden door and saw him standing there, already waiting for her. The room had transformed into a comfortable living room with a fireplace, a couch and a bookshelf.
He watched her closely and his gaze made her blush. He smirked.
"Is Potter very suspicious?" Draco asked nearly amused and Hermione nodded with a sigh.
"I don't even want to know what he's really thinking. Sometimes I have a feeling that he knows everything and just doesn't tell."
Draco snorted.
"You think Brown can shut up?" he asked approaching her.
It was hard to concentrate on something else than him getting closer, but she nodded.
"I don't know how long, though. Lavender is kind of… moody. Maybe she'll change her mind."
He grimaced as if he'd expected something like that. Hermione felt insecure.
"What are we going to do?" she asked worried and he cocked an eyebrow, putting his arms around her waist. His closeness confused her. Would it ever stop? This feeling of weakness when he was nearby?
"What do you mean?" he asked husky.
Hermione tried not to look into his hypnotic eyes.
"I mean, what are we going to do to prevent that everybody finds out? I don't know how long Harry will be patient and Ron nearly hates me by now. Lavender will probably change her mind if she finds out that I don't want to tell Ron. And Ginny won't understand as well…"
Draco hugged her firmer and Hermione couldn't finish her sentence.
"We won't be able to keep it a secret forever. Maybe we just have to let them know." he suddenly said and Hermione cringed surprised.
"Are you serious? What about your parents? What about Voldemort?" she asked hysterically.
Draco took a deep breath.
"Calm down, Honey, you'll have a heart attack if you continue like that."
Hermione frowned confused.
"Aren't you worried or afraid? Can you imagine what will happen if…" she started but he interrupted her.
"I guess I can imagine even better than you." he said sneering. "We can't keep Brown from telling and we can't keep Potter from asking. And Weasley…, well, we can't make him forget, Honey. What should we do? Curse them? Manipulate their memories? Our hands are tied. If anyone tells my parents, then I'll simply lie."
"You'll deny it?"
He nodded with a smile.
"I'd do everything to keep you safe. If any Death Eater ever believes that I'm seriously interested in you, they'd immediately kill you. And I'd follow soon after. So if anyone finds out, I'll lie."
"What if they won't believe you?" she asked worried.
"I'm pretty good at lying." he replied with a little smile.
Hermione didn't feel much better now. She frowned and tried hard to find a solution, but then she felt his finger under her chin. He forced her gently to look at him and his lips finally melted with hers. It was so easy to forget everything when he kissed her like that. Much too easy. She entwined her arms around his neck and focused on the sweet kiss. No matter what would happen afterwards, right now, in this moment, she was simply happy.
ooooo
Hermione left the Room of Requirement before Draco did. She went down to the Great Hall for dinner and sat down next to Ginny and Harry.
"Ron?" she just asked and Ginny shrugged.
"He's not hungry."
Hermione nodded. Harry watched her again, but didn't say anything. He and Ginny were kind of strange and Hermione had a feeling that this was her fault as well. She gave Ginny an apologetic glance and the redhead just shrugged again. What a mess.
Hermione caught a gaze from Lavender and she suddenly felt dizzy. How should she explain? What should she do to fix things again? She pecked at her food and pondered. Ginny and Harry were silent as well and Hermione finally stood up, excused herself and left the Gryffindor table. She didn't dare to look at Draco when she passed the Slytherins.
Hermione just left the Great Hall and bumped into Ron. They both looked at each other surprised. Hermione wanted to make a step back, but he suddenly pressed her against his body and his lips crashed down on hers. She'd never forget the way he looked at her. His eyes full of pain, his lips hard and reproachful.
And then things happened very fast. She suddenly felt herself being pulled away and saw Ron falling down. Hermione noticed Ginny's arms around her, Draco, blinded by rage, Ron lying on the floor, his face a mask of shock and surprise and above all – the silence. It had never been that silent in Hogwarts before. Nearly everyone was by now gathered around the two guys, wondering what was actually going on.
Hermione met Harry's gaze, who finally drew the right conclusions. Ron had already understood. He stood up and obviously wanted to take his wand, but he didn't have the chance to do so.
"Is anything wrong?" a familiar voice suddenly asked and Hermione looked into the calm face of her new History of Magic teacher.
"No Professor, nothing." Ginny hissed and exchanged a glance with Harry.
Everyone started talking excited. Ron and Draco looked at each other murderously and Hermione felt as if she'd faint.
"If you ever touch her again, I'll kill you." Draco whispered and Ron turned red and clenched his fists.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Weasley, detention in my office, tomorrow evening 8 o'clock. The same goes for you, Miss Granger." Snape said furious and looked at Draco intensively.
The three of them nodded and Hermione felt everyone looking at her. Pansy's eyes were narrowed and Harry's face was motionless again. Ginny squeezed her hand, but she couldn't think clear. She just felt dizzy and breathless.
"I guess you won't have to tell anyone now." Ginny whispered and their eyes were still set on the two guys facing each other full of hatred.
Draco finally turned around and went towards Hermione. He put forth his hand, his eyes burning. He offered her the choice – take him and live with the consequences, or leave him and return to her old lifestyle.
Hermione didn't hesitate. She put her hand in his and tried to ignore the gasps and muttering around her. The only thing that counted was the gleam in his silvery eyes and the little smile on his face.
Hey everyone! How are you? So sorry that it took so long to update! My computer actually broke down and it's still damaged. Fortunately I got a substitute from my uncle. :-) I got so many great reviews! I was so happy to read all of them! I wanted to answer every single one, but I couldn't of course. Thanks so much to all of you! I really hope you like this chapter as well and I'm looking forward to more reviews of course. ;-) I even have some ideas for new stories, but first I want to finish this one. I hope you keep reading and reviewing and I simply hope you like it!