A/n: Hey!!! Wow. Am I late again? (Duh. YEAH.)

Anyways, here's the next chappie.ü I hope you enjoy this one too.

Heck, I'm also feeling stressed in this story. It's just getting me to a broody state always.

Anyways, hope my brooding time because of this was enough. Haha.ü

Here goes.ü

(Oooh, and to make up for my stupidity of not submitting updates anymore, this is a triple-Chapter-marathon.ü See next chapters and indulge.ü)

By: Aningme

Refresher:

Hermione had this weird attack again with her memories due to her throwing away the potion that protected her from continuous flashbacks, and she was brought in the infirmary for Madame Pomfrey's care. She's all right now and all, and she had this talk with Draco, which was also a roller coaster, and now, this is the Chapter after she woke up.ü This is kind of weird as well, having me in this "weird state". So enjoy, and see if this is favorable to your taste.ü

Enjoy!!!


Chapter 29

Dilemma: The Sequel

She felt dizzy and exhausted as she opened her eyes, waking to a greeting of the blinding sunlight. She tried to shield her eyes and looked around her, forgetting that she was still in the infirmary. Her head spun, her eyes throbbed, letting her remember of her fit last night. She remembered it quite well, weeping and crying in front of Draco, breaking apart so deliberately. And, remembering all of that, felt the pang of embarrassment creeping in her. She turned around, cautious to see him. But, as she studied the room, felt the mild disappointment of not finding him. She only found a note beside her, and a small purple wildflower with it. She smiled at this, and tucked the flower behind her ear after indulging herself with its fragrance. She took the note and noticed the familiar handwriting neatly inscribed on it. She stared at it at first, not reading a word, just studying the graceful strokes and lines written on the small piece of parchment. She remembered feeling a terrible dread every time she sees a note like this, or if ever she sees this particular handwriting on anywhere. It would always contain insults, or even ransoms for stolen things, which of course were important enough for them to pay without any choice.

But now, reading the words formed by the graceful lines, they were anything but a threat.

She read it carefully, her heart seemingly hitching in a delightful dance.

Couldn't wake you. You look so peaceful when you sleep.

If you need anything, anything at all, just tell Lowry and he'll get them for you. I'll be back before noon. I had to deal with some small things.

And also, don't work yourself too much. You need to rest and sleep. It's my turn to play doctor on you, so just listen when I say you should rest. I'll tranq you if it's a must. And you know that wouldn't be pretty.

I love you.

I'll be back.

Draco.

She smiled, a crooked one, trying to put the memory of ransoms and curses at the back of her head.

It just annoyed her to always be reminded of who he was every single time. It's making everything complicated for her, having the memories of her Hogwarts years alone, and nothing more.

She wanted to remember how Draco Malfoy became the person he is now, the one who always stood by her side---not to torture her or insult her----but to just actually…. Take care of her…

And… damn all demons to hell… he told her he loves her.

He loves her.

She knew how they met again, after seven long years of separation due to graduation from Hogwarts. But, it still is different from actually experiencing it than hearing it in a form of a story.

She could still see his face when he told her their story, both of them sitting in his limousine, anxious to be here. It was such a beautiful story…

If only she could remember it.

"Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy asked me to be of your service while he is gone. Shall I bring you some tea? Perhaps breakfast?"

Hermione smiled at the small house elf so eager to serve, slowly folding the piece of parchment in her hand for safe keeping. She glanced at her robes and found a pocket, slipping the note in it. "No, Lowry. I'm quite fine."

"You haven't eaten anything yet, Madame. Perhaps a little bread and some soup would be good? There are also eggs and buttered pancakes and fresh pumpkin juice in the kitchen. I prepared them by myself. There are also a few cheese muffins and cabbage rice if you have any interest for them--"

"No thanks, really. I---" She paused, her hand quickly reaching for her mouth at the sound of food, nausea slowly creeping in. "I-I think…" She cringed, feeling whatever food left in her stomach climbing up her esophagus in a slow crawl. "I need to puke."


He was on his way back to the infirmary when he heard his link beep, signaling a caller.

He picked it up and was relieved to see Harvey's face on the screen, staring back at him with his usual stoic face. It would have been stoic to strangers. But Draco knew what was glazing in those intent brown eyes.

Pure worry.

"Harvey." He smiled, suddenly feeling he'd been away from home for a long time. It only had been two days, but he felt like he'd been away for years. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you, sir. I was expecting a call from you after what happened last night—"

"She's alright now, Harvey. She's still asleep in the infirmary."

Harvey let out a breath, as if he'd been holding it in anticipation of the news. "Alright. That's good. Are you going to stay there for the rest of the week?"

Draco thought for a while, considering. "Perhaps. I think it would be the best for her."

Harvey nodded, studying him. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm good."

It was plainly said, but Harvey noticed something in his eyes… something he'd never seen in his master before. But, looking again, he thought he was mistaken. He was sure he'd seen that look on his face a long, long time ago.

Something along the lines of… serenity.

Peace.

Draco raised a brow at Harvey's heavy stare. He grinned at him and spoke in a whisper that is almost inaudible. "I feel lighter."

Harvey blinked for the first time since he called. "I beg your pardon, sire?"

Draco smiled, a smile that amazed Harvey entirely. "I think I lost some weight, after all that dallying…"

Harvey's eyes widened at this, a bent smile blooming on his lips, apparently stunned. "That's… that's wonderful."

"Yeah." Draco nodded, staring at particularly nothing. "I think we must contact Clint and cancel our lodgings arrangement. We're staying here for the week. Our luggage is already in the house. He could arrange a trip back here so we could settle in."

"Alright. I'll give him a call then."

"He's forgiven me."

"Hm?"

"He's forgiven me a long time ago." Draco muttered, his voice drifting far away again. "He never blamed me."

"No one was blaming you, sir. No one did," Harvey smiled, a lump growing in his throat. He never thought he'd live to see this…

He's finally free.

"By the way, I need to contact the Ministry. I have a few things to arrange with them."

"I'll send you the code numbers to contact them. Or, perhaps, would you like to use a portal?"

Draco grinned, nodding in approval. "Portal is better. It's about time I have a little chat with the new departmental head of the Ministry."

"Alright , sir. I'll arrange a portal to Sir Blaise Zabini."

"Thank you, Harvey."

"It's my pleasure. Oh, and another thing…" Harvey added before they both disengaged.

"What is it?"

Clearing his throat, he stared back at his master and smiled. "It's about time you realized."

Draco smiled back. "It's not yet over, Harvey."

"Oh, but it will be easier." Harvey nodded, accentuating his point. "It would be heck of a lot easier."

Draco stared at the man before him and felt great reprieve. He couldn't say how thankful he was to have him.

He knew he could trust him even if all else failed…If he failed...

"I hope it is." Draco muttered before he disengaged and walked to the doors of the infirmary.

Entering the room, he expected to see Lowry standing by Hermione's bed, and Hermione silently sleeping. But the moment he saw the rumpled sheets empty and a house elf nowhere to be found, his feet bolted and was already running. The note he left wasn't there, and the wildflower he placed with it was also gone.

He couldn't help but feel his heart suddenly halt in beating, as if skipping one beat, and then fasten again in a very painful pace. He didn't know what he'll do if something happened to—

"It's alright, Madame. I'll get you some water…?"

His head whipped at the voice he heard, recognizing it was Lowry's. He was already running to them and found them in the bathroom adjoined in a corner, Hermione sitting by the toilet and Lowry standing by the door.

He stood there for a moment, only staring at her, gathering his bearings. His knees wanted to give out with the sudden relief smothering him.

Seeing the shadow hovering near him, Lowry turned, and suddenly cowered in fear. "Sir Malfoy!"

"What happened?" Draco breathed, regaining his breath, calming his jittery nerves.

"Sir, she… Madame Hermione… she suddenly felt sick… and I didn't know what else to—"

"It's alright, Lowry." Draco interjected, walking towards them. "Is she okay?"

"Draco. I'm…" Hermione suddenly cringed again and puked, bowing over the toilet seat. When she was done, she heaved out a sigh and wiped her mouth with a tissue, frowning in desperation. "I hate this."

Draco smiled at her and took the glass of water Lowry handed him. "Here. This might make you feel better."

Hermione gratefully took it and sipped a little, then put it aside, still feeling unable to let anything enter her stomach.

"Is there anything else I could do?" Lowry eagerly asked, cautiously standing near the door, away from them---well--- away from him.

Draco turned to him and shook his head. "Thank you, Lowry. You're dismissed now."

Lowry glanced at Hermione and then at his master. "Would you like me to bring in something?"

"No, thank you. We'll be fine." Draco assured, kneeling beside Hermione. "I'll let you know if we need you."

"Alright, sir. Have a nice day." He muttered, then scurried away.

Hermione watched him and slowly shook her head at Draco. "You're scaring him, you know."

Draco tilted his head at her, studying her, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear where the wildflower rested. "I know."

Hermione sighed heavily and closed her eyes, her fingers slowly pressing her throbbing temples. "Your child is a mean one. Just like his father."

"What?"

Hermione chuckled, weary, and yet humorous. "He wouldn't let me wake a single morning without a morning sickness."

Draco grinned at that, all of him suddenly swelling, just like a proud father. "He?"

Her head whipped to him, her eyes widening in shock, her hands suddenly slapping her mouth to cover it.

He only stared at her, waiting for an explanation.

"Well…" She suddenly frowned and groaned, bewildering him. "Darn it. I can't even keep a good surprise from you."

"What?" He raised his brows, disoriented. "What surprise?"

Hermione stared at him and let out a breath. She blew up another good surprise. She had no choice but tell him. "Well… you see, after Madame Pomfrey checked me up after the… you know… I asked her if our child was alright. I know that it still has to reach its third month to determine a child's gender---sometimes it's even the fourth month--- but Madame Pomfrey, she---"

"Are you saying…" Draco's eyes popped in shock. "Good bloody Merlin."

She grinned at his reaction, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Yep. You're going to father a son."

He stared hard at her belly for a moment, then back at her face. "Are… are you sure?"

"Yes. Pretty much."

He stared down at her belly again, passing a full minute before he spoke. "Is he going to do this to you for 9 whole months?" Draco suddenly asked, making Hermione cringe again.

"Thanks for making me feel better." She hissed at him and rubbed her belly gently, making him laugh. "I think I'm okay now."

As she tried to stand up, Draco quickly held her and swept her off her feet, carrying her off the bathroom. She chuckled at him and wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling her head on his neck. "Thanks for the flower."

He smiled and kissed her brow. She never knew how she makes him happy with such small little things. "It's nothing."

He smiled. She mused, watching him and quietly studying him. He never smiled like that during their travel. He occasionally smiled but… he never smiled like that before.

There still were shadows under his eyes and a certain paleness about him, whether it was from the recent flu he had or because he just never sleeps at all. But even so, the brightness of his eyes contrasted them, and his smile seemed… real. Just seeing it made her feel… happy… as well.

She was still smiling at him as he settled her down the bed.

"I've already decided we're staying here for the week. Professor Dumbledore insists that we… What?" He stared back at her. "What are you smiling about?"

She shook her head. "Nothing." And smiled again.

"Okay." He suspiciously answered and gave her a sidelong glance. "Harvey arranged our things to be delivered here. Professor Dumbledore already prepared a room for us. We could move there if you're ready."

"Okay." She answered, then furrowed her brows at him. "You know what, there's something different about you."

"What?"

She studied him again. "Yeah. There is something different about you."

He just stared at her and didn't answer.

She smiled again, knowing better than to prod. "So… where are we going to stay?"

"There's a room just near the Astronomy tower."

"Really? That'd be nice."

"Yeah." He sat by the bed and studied the room, washed in the warm sunlight. "Hermione. I need to ask you something."

"Hm?"

"The potion… Why did you throw it away?" He asked, not looking at her.

She didn't answer for a moment, as if she didn't know how to answer him. She opted for an excuse, but ended up telling the truth. "I want to remember."

"It's dangerous."

"I know, I'm sorry. But…" She sighed and shook her head. "I know it's stupid that I did it. But… I'm happy."

He glanced at her, watching her as she spoke.

"I am happy… with Harvey, Ginny, Ron, Seamus, Relina, our family…" She never called both of them a family before. It seemed easier now. And… it seemed that they are one.

Deep in thought, she didn't see the smile that crept up at his face when she said it.

"I mean… everything's perfect. Everything was perfectly fine before this…" She took the wildflower from her hair and played with it. "I just wanted to remember everything and be the Hermione I was before. It seemed… easier to achieve that without the potion holding me back from remembering."

Draco nodded in understanding. "I'm working on it, Hermione. Leave it to me."

"We talked about this. You promised." She held his gaze, her eyes hard against his. "You promised you wouldn't push me away."

"I'm not pushing you away." He pointed out, matching her gaze with his. "Let's put the odds and weigh them. I know more about Dark Arts more than anyone. It was my life and I grew up with it."

She was shaking her head at him. "That's not fair."

"No, it is. I know what I'm doing and I'm not risking anything more than myself. I can't risk you, Hermione. No—" He shook his head, silencing her before she debated against him. "I can't risk you again, and our son. I won't."

She turned away from him, breaking their gaze.

He reached out and held her hand. "Remember what I told you yesterday? Before any of this?"

She glanced at their joined hands, tightening her grip.

"I'll take care of you. Both of you. I need you to trust me on that." He whispered, kissing her hand. "Just trust me."

"I do." She nodded. "I do trust you."

He smiled, staring at her. "You're still the Hermione I know. Then and now."

Her lips jerked into a smile before she even knew it. "We're doing fine, don't we?"

"Yes." He agreed. "We're doing just fine."

She remembered the first day she went into their humungous house. She remembered it quite well, when he danced her around the parlor, his voice sweetly singing near her ear. He said then that he'd do anything for her… anything to bring her back.

He also said that he'd even make her fall in love with him all over again if he needed to…

Well, it was already a given that Draco Malfoy was a man who always gets what he wanted.

She only confirmed that now again, now that she stared at his face, hold his hand…

… and fall in love with him… again.


A/n: I must say this is a way lighter chappie than the previous one.

Lol.

I just hope it's sufficient enough.

Anyway, I must say my thanks to Queen of Duct Tape.ü

I entirely missed your reviews.ü

And your previous one just made me entirely so happy.ü

I'm glad to hear from you again.ü (And I don't mind if you couldn't review that much these days.ü As long as you keep in touch.ü) I just really love your stories about yourself.ü

Looking forward to more.ü

And to my other reviewers, I still thank you for always reviewing even if it takes a while for me to update.ü

queenofthelamoes, xmisundazt00d, Erytha, Zarroc, SpiritWell-chanü, sweet-ghyny13, blondiexoxo, Litl Angel, and Gin-Ryuu.ü

THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS!!!ü

Next two chapters, then...?ü

TC!!!!!!