A/N: I know, I know. I am beyond late with this update. I've been trying to juggle a lot of things, but I know thats not an excuse. I apologise guys, and hope this makes up for it. Thank you for all your wonderous reviews, enjoy.
Chapter Twenty One
These past few days have been an unpleasant blur. Bellatrix had thrown a knife that struck Dobby just as we were escaping, the impact was fatal. I watched Hermione sob all throughout the funeral, and couldn't comfort her. I too felt an immense sadness, Dobby had been in my family until the time I was almost thirteen. Sadly, I never really cared for the creature, and thus refused to cry. All throughout the funeral I couldn't help but wonder what may have happened to Selena's body; I doubt she received anything humane and civil, and it was that thought that nearly brought me to tears.
After the funeral, we returned to Bill Weasley's cottage, where I learned that the goblin's name was Griphook and the stranger who had been captured alongside Weasel and Hermione was in fact Potter. Lupin had actually heeded my warning when I said Potter would slip Voldemort's name and get them captured, now that it's tabooed. They were able to warn Potter, and thus Hermione turned his hair long and copper and cured him of his glasses. He was the old Potter now, short and dull raven hair, with those ridiculous glasses. Potter's 'return' was not the only dramatic event after we laid Dobby to rest.
The Weasel had then decided to raise hell with my cousin and Lupin. He was ungrateful to the fact that I had assisted in saving Hermione, and instead was demanding to know how I escaped. Hermione had quietly begged me not to intervene, but the fact that he was idiotically yelling at the only people who had really treated me warmlym, bubble a strong fury within me. My knuckles were pale, and I could feel the blood rushing to my face. I lost control of my temper; I apologized to Hermione with all my heart and stepped forward.
"Does this conversation look like it involves you ferret?!" He turned and snapped at me.
"To hell with you Weasley!" I shouted back, "I've done more to try and protect Hermione then you ever have! You're no longer the only one who's trying to fight for the cause! Accept the fact that I'm here to help and I'm not going anywhere!" I failed at resisting a smirk, "Oh, and no matter how hard you try, no one will remember your name over Potter's. Stop being jealous, and get over yourself."
What came next was no shock; Weasley lunged at me, the fire in his eyes burned fiercely. I felt his body shove my own to the ground with a lot of force. I honestly didn't want to hit him, for Hermione's sake, but as soon as his fist made contact with my jaw all bets were off. I felt one of my teeth crack from within my mouth, but I ignored the pain and pushed Weasley off of me. It became a tangle of us both throwing fists, hitting the floor, standing back up, shoving each other into walls, pure chaos. He managed to bust open my lip, and possibly even break my nose. I threw his head into a wall, and ended up cracking his skull a little, and then even managed to hit him in both eyes. Finally, Shacklebolt and the Weasel's brother Bill intervened; Bill held his brother back effortlessly just as Shacklebolt had no trouble holding me.
"LET GO OF ME!" Weasley bellowed, kicking his legs up, but his brother held tight.
I didn't fuss; personally I was tired of fighting anyway. I merely glared at my opponent, a thin line of blood trickled down his tomato red face, his eyes were getting puffy and he was breathing heavily. I could feel blood seeping from my lip and nose, now that my adrenaline was dying down, the pain was beginning to peek. I looked to the spectators, all of whom seemed to be baffled by what they just witnessed. Mrs. Weasley appeared both angry and stunned, Potter, Griphook and Ollivander, and Dean Thomas were speechless, Lovegood even looked more surprised then usual, which is saying something, and Tonks and Lupin seemed shocked and troubled. I hesitantly gazed in Hermione's direction, her eyes were glistening with unfallen tears, her hands balled into tight fists and her eyes narrowed at both Weasel and I. Her emotions ranged from hurt to furious to sad, and I immediately felt horrible.
"I'm so sorry." I said to her, she glared at me even harder.
"Both of you are the most savage people I have ever met." She spat angrily, then shook her head and stormed off.
"Hermione wait!" I called after her, pulling from Shacklebolts grasp.
Potter stepped in front of me and shook his head, I tried to argue but he continued to shake his head. I watched form over his shoulder as she disappeared to the garden. I wanted to comfort her, but Potter insisted that I should leave her be for awhile. I knew he was right, they hadn't been best friends for nearly seven years for no reason. I quietly asked if he would please go talk to her, on both Weasel's behalf as well as my own. He was momentarily blown away by my request, but complied nonetheless.
I turned back to the others; Mrs. Weasley and her eldest son were quietly speaking with Weasel. Shacklebolt had taken up a discussion with Mr. Ollivander as Lovegood was more talking towards an uncomfortable looking Thomas, and Griphook seemed to be in serious conversation with Tonks and Lupin. I knew what I would have to do, even though I wasn't the one who threw the first punch.
"Um, everyone?" I spoke up loudly, everyone faced me with raised brow's, "I would like to uhh, apologize for what just happened. Especially to the Weasley family, I shouldn't have acted like that, especially since you've graciously allowed me to stay in your presence." I looked to the floor shamefully, and wished for all of their forgiveness, even Weasel's, anything to make this easier on Hermione.
"Ha! Ha!" I looked up to see Bill Weasley laughing, "Do my ears deceive me? Or did a Malfoy just admit to being wrong and apologies?"
The entire room, minus the Weasel, was chuckling a bit, even myself. I think I just discovered where the Wonder Weasley Twins get there humor from. The laughter was almost enough to ease the tension that had built in the room.
Mrs. Weasley approached me with a weary smile, "You've been quite a bit of trouble dear, and I honestly don't appreciate the fact that you've cracked my son's head open." She looked to Weasel's direction, "However, as I have informed Ronald, it was very wrong of him to throw the first punch. And he is lucky I don't lock him up in his room for the remainder of the year."
"I'm seventeen mom, I'm not a child anymore." He grumbled back, she ignored him.
"The both of you are going to either play nice-"
"I'll be damned if I 'play nice' with that slimy prat!" Weasel interrupted Mrs. Weasley, I felt bad for him.
Mrs. Weasley was fuming, I even think the entire room took a huge step back to avoid whatever Weasel had in store for him. Bill Weasley was at his mothers side, whispering soothing words to her but I don't think it was working very well.
"Mrs. Weasley," I tried to sound as polite as possible, but she didn't take her eyes off of her son, "Perhaps your son and I could simply just avoid each other. That would save arguments and fights." I offered.
She was still in a terrifying silence, so her eldest answered on her behalf; "That should work."
"Whatever." Weasel glared at me before stomping upstairs.
An awkward silence filled the room, I felt very guilty for Mrs. Weasley's embarrassment from her son. After all, I had been the one to provoke it. Each of us were looking at one and other nervously, waiting for someone to have enough courage to break the silence. Of course, Luna Lovegood went to Mrs. Weasley's side with a goofy smile.
"Boys will be boys, they have very odd ways of showing dominance. It's rather silly in my opinion, but then again at least you can take comfort in knowing that Ron will obviously be a disobedient husband, and therefore won't be devoured by a Bicorn."
I held my breath, I didn't want to laugh because I knew she was serious. I quickly glanced around to see everyone else either staring at poor Lovegood with concern, or trying not to laugh.
From behind me I could hear the goblin whispering, "Is she serious?"
"Yes." I heard Thomas reply with a sigh.
Tonk's hair was turning a bright pink, as she too appeared to not be breathing. But it was Bill Weasley's face that was almost as red as the hair on his head. Mrs. Weasley was dumbfounded, eyes locked on Lovegood as if trying to decode a puzzle. Finally, Mrs. Weasley erupted with laughter, and those who had been trying to contain it, including myself, could no longer. Lovegood's grin widened, as she seemed satisfied with herself.
The atmosphere slowly eased into a more back-to-business type state. Lovegood and Thomas began to talk about returning to Hogwarts in order to help their friends; I was instantly pulled into their conversation.
"I want to go back too." I confided, Dean Thomas looked at me skeptically.
"One Slytherin against his entire house?" Lovegood asked nonchalantly.
"I-I hadn't thought of it that way." I replied honestly, she sighed.
"You very well can't stay in any of the other common rooms, no offense Malfoy. You may have turned over a new leaf, but only a few of us have seen the proof." Thomas made a good point.
"I want to help there too though, if I can find a way back in-"
"Draco," Lovegood cut me off, "I honestly am not sure if you can pull it off that easily."
I was silenced, I felt defeat sinking into me and I didn't like it. I wanted to return to Hogwarts and do anything I could to help restore order there. And it seemed as if Dean Thomas and Luna Lovegood were a good opportunity to get back into Hogwarts. . . An opportunity I would have to let pass by me.
"Fine," I breathed, "I'll stay behind for now."
Fleur Delacour, well Fleur Weasley now, came down stairs looking a bit pale. Her husband rushed to her side to help her sit down, apparently she had been very ill the past few days. Watching Bill Weasley tend to his wife with a worried look reminded me of Hermione, and whether she was okay. I decided to slip out of the cottage, and head toward the garden. I didn't know if Hermione will still be too angry to speak with me or not, but it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't seen her for four months. I missed her terribly, and I didn't know how much time I had until she left again.
I could smell the salt in the air, blowing in the wind from the near by ocean. There was no snow here, not so close to the beach. Therefore the grass was bright green, the trees not so bare, and the wind only slightly icy. I avoided the freshly dug grave that lingered close to where I walked, and could hear the muffled voices of Hermione and Potter. When I was close enough, I could see his arm around her; I tried not to acknowledge the sting of jealousy that spread through me. They were best friends and Potter had the Weasley girl, I needed to remember that.
"Excuse me?" I spoke up when I was close enough for them to hear me, they both looked at me, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Hermione I really need to speak with you." I gave a pleading stare, "Please."
I held my breath, waiting for her to answer. In my head I chanted 'please' over and over again, praying that by some odd chance she could hear my thoughts. Her stare fixed over the cliff in front of her, but she hesitantly nodded. I felt slightly relieved, but more sad that she really didn't want to see me at the moment. Potter gave her one last tight squeez; I tried to ignore the hint of envy that quickly fluttered in my chest, and the thought of 'Doesn't he get to see her enough?' He briefly met my eye, and gave me a curt nod before walking back toward the cottage. I waited until he was completely out of sight, then joined Hermione at her side.
"Wow." I gasped, the cliff was over looking the glittering ocean; the sun half below the horizone casted rays into the sky, streaking it orange and pink.
"It's lovely, isn't it?" Her voice was hardly audibale; I was no longer looking at the scenery, "I've seen lovlier."
A weak smile made its way across her lips, but was gone before I could blink. I slowly slipped my hand into hers; hurt when she didn't hold it back. I pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and began whispering my deepest apologies to her, repeatedly until finally her fingers laced with my own.
"Okay, okay." She half laughed; I smiled victoriously, I knew what could seal the deal for me from here.
"I want to tell you something funny that your friend Luna said to Mrs. Weasley." I said casually, Hermione turned toward me with a raised brow.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard."
With that, I beheld an infamous smirk before preparing the airy and a bit dim-witted voice that was Lovegood's; " Boys will be boys, they have very odd ways of showing dominance. It's rather silly in my opinion, but then again at least you can take comfort in knowing that Ron will obviously be a disobedient husband, and therefore won't be devoured by a Bicorn."
Hermione stared at me for a moment, and then in the next, she was laughing hysterically. I realized that I adored her laughter, to me it was a musical sound. I smiled as she tried to calm herself, and waited until we drifted into a comfortable silence. The sun was sinking lower and lower beneath the horizone. The sky a mixture of illuminesent twilight and a sparkling stary night, it was perfect. I sat down on the cool grass, bringing Hermione down with me. Without a second thought she sat in between my legs and snuggled her body against my chest. I was positively ecstatic that she was acting on her own, without me needing to ask or anything. I wrapped my arms around her waist, and held her tighter against me.
"I have missed you more then I can ever possibly begin to try and describe." I whispered into her ear.
She sighed, "It's been far too long since we've last seen each other."
I quietly agreed, the months had gone by so agonizingly that I am stunned I haven't gone mad. Than, looking at the beautiful girl I held in my arms made everything more clear; she was why I had my sanity. Together we watched the sun take its last moments above the surface, I gently squeezed her just as it slipped under the vast water. It's rays just barely peeked into the sky now, as the beaming moon began to make help create the night. We lightly conversed back and forth as the night grew darker. She shared all that Golden Trio had managed to accomplish in their absents, I recalled a few Weasley Wizard Weezes that the twins had managed to pull, which of course made Hermione giggle, and finally we spoke about the fact that Hermione would have to leave again. Her and Potter had agreed that, with Griphook's assistance, they would have to break into Gringott's and into Bellatrix' vault for a Horcruxes. I tried to be supportive, but my tone swiftly gave away my sorrow.
"I'll be back to see you right after that, I have the strongest feeling that we are almost done." She made an attempt to assure me, but I couldn't ignore the pain.
"You do whatever it is you need to do," I kissed the top of her hair, "I wish I could be of more help though. I want this war over quickly, anything so we may be together sooner and the world at peace."
She twisted out of my arms, and turned to face me. I watched her curiously as she seemed to be searching my face for something. A few minutes passed, and the more she stayed this close to me, the more I wanted to kiss her. Suddenly, a small smile spread across her face.
"What?" I asked, she leaned forward and gave me a chaste kiss that was too short for my liking.
But we were both grinning as she pulled away; "I really missed you Draco."
I was feeling that familiar high of infatuation springing its effects onto me. Hermione to me, truly was the most intriguing and amazing creature I could ever be privilaged enough to be near too. Her face remained in front of mine, I took the oppertunity to slip my hand behind her neck and rest my forehead against hers.
"Hermione?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know how many stars are in the sky?" I asked in a soft voice, her eyes flickered to the sky for a moment before returning to me.
"Enough to make one feel insignificant?" She replied with a smirk, I recalled the very conversation where I had said that. It seemed like so long ago. . .
"Not exactly," I smiled, "Take another guess."
"Hmm," She pretended to be deep in thought, I wanted to kiss her for how adorable she looked there, but I resisted; "Possibly millions? I'm honestly not sure, it is a very vast amount."
"Yes it is," I took a deep breath, knowing what I wanted to say next. The waves crashed in harmony against the shore beaneath us, the wind blew icy winds all around, and the moon was now near center sky, the stars illuminesent around it. "I want you to know that as many stars as there are in the sky, is how much I love you."
I could have sworn that she was staring into my very soul, trying to find any sign of doubt. I was so confident that she would find nothing. She closed her eyes, and with the gentlest effort, pressed her lips against my own. I kissed her back softly at first, carefully bringing her body closer to mine. We didn't seperate as I slowly rolled her underneath me into the cool grass. I kissed her again, and again; each little kiss shorter each time. I thought of every moment I had to spend away from her, every time I missed her, every worry, very fear, but she was here with me now. I loved this girl more then I could have ever thought I could anyone. She was the most perfect angel, everything about her worth loving. A small thought dawned on me then, I really didn't deserve her. With each kiss after that, the thought increased more and more; untill finally I broke apart from her.
She opened her eyes confused, I averted her gaze; "What's wrong Draco?"
I sighed, " I'm sorry, I don't really deserve you."
"What? W-why would you say that?" I could see the hurt in her eyes, as if she thought I just didn't want her anymore.
"I love you Hermione Granger, with all my heart." I assured her.
"Then what is the problem?"
"I've done horrible things, I've said horrible things. . ." I paused, shaking my head, "I'm
not a good person for you Hermione."
"Don't be-" I cut her off, "I'm not being ridiculous, I don't think I am at least. Look at you Hermione, you are such a good person. You do amazing things, and you're such an angel. Me? Not so much."
We drifted into silence, both of us induldged into our thoughts. I could still hear the soothing waves crashing into the shore, it was a bit calming. The moment had been a perfect cliche romantic scene, but I couldn't stop my insecurities. I realized i was still on top of her, and made an attempt to get off. But she quickly grabbed my arms, and asked me to please not move. I didn't argue in the slightest, I don't think it's really in me to deny her much.
"Draco Malfoy," she said half-laughing, "Everything you've done recently, does that count for nothing?" The question was rhetoricle, "You're silly little fears shouldn't exsist, I think you're a good person. In fact, I believe that you can do even more good things then what you already have done, which is a lot by the way. The point here being that I believe in you, and I believe in the person that I know you really are, which is a gloriously good one."
"But-" She placed her finger over my lips when I tried to talk back.
"No buts; if you weren't anything but decent, do you honestly think I would be here with you?" She asked in a very Hermione-tone.
"No." I answered, trying not to grin.
"Draco," She was beaming, "I do love you, that has to count for something."
I thought I was falling, but not just falling, more like drifting. Drifting into something pleasant; Hermione had said the magic words, the words I had longed to hear. I wanted to stand up and jump around like an idiot, but I wouldn't care, because she loved me. I knew she did, but the fact that she had said it had me feeling as if I had just rocketed over the moon. I was so happy, that was just it, happy. But more then that, it was hard to put the feeling into words; I did know that I was the happiest I had ever felt in my entire life. I found myself feeling that way more and more with Hermione, and that was exactly what I wanted.
I could feel a foolish grin on my face as I replied; "It counts for everything."
I moved to lay beside her as we both gave a quiet laugh. We settled into a comfortable silence, fingers entwined. I stared into the stary night, listening to Hermione's soft hums as her gentle fingers traced circles on the back of my hand. The sky appeared to be lit by a plethora of diamonds, a few flashed a rainbow of colors brilliantly. I tried not to think about how the scene slightly reminded me of the Hogwarts Astronomy Tower, luckily a shiver from Hermione shifted my complete attention to her comfort.
"It's dreadfully cold out, and it may be getting late." I whispered to her.
"Is that suppose to be by hint to get and go back to the cottage?" She spoke in an amused voice, I nodded as I squeezed her hand.
She let out a disappointed sigh, I smiled apologetically and helped her to her feet. Her eyes were peeled on the dark ocean, watching each wave as it tumbled to shore. I slowly cupped her chin, her gaze pulled away from the peaceful water and met my own. I pressed my lips against her own for a brief moment, then led the dazed looking Hermione back toward the cottage.
"When do you suppose you all will be off then?" I tried not to sound as upset as I actually was.
Hermione frowned, "The day after tomorrow."
I did my best to muster a small smile, "Then I should consider myself fortunate that I get you for two more nights."
"Mhm," Her features still bore sorrow, "Bill and Fluer had insisted on it, and of course Harry agreed. He could never do anything to insult anyone, I swear." She lightly chuckled, "He'd be kind towards the Death Eaters as well, I reackon."
We were both chuckling this time, mostly because Hermione had spoken the absolute truth. If Potter wasn't the proclaimed Chosen One, I would put a serious amount of money on the fact that he would be the reason for the Death Eaters complete take over. He is too lenient and niave for his own good. You would think the apparent leader of such a huge effort, would be more forceful. However, if Potter weren't the way he is, my current situation would be a whole hell of a lot more difficult then it already is.
When we reentered the cottage, we found Tonks and Lupin sitting at the dining room table. They were deep in conversation, both simulteniously caressing Tonks' stomach. Tonks had selected a gray, border line silver color for her hair; a color I had never seen on her before. But her expression led me to assume it was fear; her eyes near tearful when she looked to me and Hermione. Lupin glanced to us wearily before kissing Tonks on the stomach and standing.
"Everyone is pretty much in bed by now. We should probably get going." He announced as he held his hand out to her. She quickly wiped her cheeks, and took it.
"Oh," Hermione murmered, she seemed conflicted, "It's awefully late though, and Bill and Fluer have invited us all to stay, so I'm told."
Tonks slightly grinned, "There is only one spare room left any way," She looked to me, "Sorry Ferret, it looks like you'll be on one of the couches tonight."
"I appreciate the concern Nymphadora." I taunted back, earning a little wider of a grin.
"Take the spare room, I insist." Hermione pipped up; we all looked to her with confusion.
"And where would that put you, Hermione?" Lupin asked, "I can sleep on the other couch in the living room. I highly doubt Draco needs two couches to sleep."
"Oh 'Mione-," Tonks began to argue.
"No, I said I insist. It's late, there is no need to travel at this hour. You two look exaughsted as it is!" She stuck her nose in the air and walked to the living room, but not before giving Tonks a kiss on the cheek.
I was smirking, "Stubborn, isn't she?"
Tonks' expression now matched my own, "Yes, very much like someone else I know."
She came to my side, and slung her arm around my shoulder," My, my, ferret! You do have your work cut out for you, but personally my bets would be that she has to deal with the bigger pain."
I digested my cousins words, and began to feel slightly alarmed that, she too, was onto what was really going on between Hermione and I. I shrugged her off casually, and pretended as if I were absolutely clueless to what she was insinuating. The entire time Lupin seemed to be watching me with curiousity; which made me realize I had enough of this attention for the night. I demanded they both go to their room and take care of my nephew by giving him the proper rest he required. They both bid me good-night, their spirits a bit higher then when Hermione and I had walked in.
I waited until I was sure they were upstairs, then proceeded into the living room with haste. I stopped as soon as I entered, Hermione appeared to already be sleeping. She was tightly wrapped in a scarlet wool blanket, her arms rested under the pillow, her face peacfully still. I quietly knelt beside her, pushing a curely loose strand of hair behind her ear, then lightly kissed her forehead.
A growing smile quickly gave her away, "I was sleeping."
"Oh, please." I rolled my eyes and playfully teased her, "Sorry love, but you may need to work on your acting skills." I lied, in fact I had thought her to be asleep.
She childishly stuck her tongue out, before pulling the covers over her head, " G'night Malfoy."
I shook my head, chuckling to myself at her behavior. I made my way to the other couch, which was practically on the other side of the room. Someone, I assumed to be Hermione, had placed a forest green wool blanket over it.
I laid down, the couch surprisingly soft and comfortable, and called to Hermione once more; "Night, Granger."
I could hear a clocking ticking near by, each single tick carried me closer to sleep. The floating sensation that was provided by the earliest stage of sleep over came me. The ticking clock was growing harder to hear, but out of the darkness came Hermione's voice.
"Draco, are you still awake?"
I wanted to answer, but the exaughstion of sleep wouldn't allow me. I mentally apologised to her, as my conscious mind drifted closer toward slumber.
"I suppose not, I just wanted you to know that I really do love you."
With that last statement, I fell alseep. Though I was almost damn sure it was with the most idiotic grin plastered on my face.
....................................
A/N: Ahhhh! Summer is in about a week :] Then we can have some serious writing time, probably a co-authored story with my gingery bffl also. Hope you guys were diggin' this lovey doveyy stuff lol. I enjoyed writing it. Lemme know! See ya next time!