Disclaimer: As much as I love playing in Harry's world I still own none of it.
Thank you to Patty cake rocks, guest, ElizaLane, LadiePhoenix007 and LanaLee1 for being lovely enough to leave me reviews on the last chapter.
Chapter 29
Standing in Harry's fabric walled bedroom or neutral ground as it currently was Hermione aimed Ron's own wand at him while he sat uncomfortably on his friend's unmade bed. The boy who lived might've thought himself clever by not giving her wand back, but he'd not been smart enough to stop her from tricking Ron into handing his over willingly. He sat outside his private space on a wooden stool borrowed from the kitchen area, his silhouette flickering in the dim lights. She didn't know what to say to the man perched on Harry's bed who refused to make eye contact with her, honestly she'd be happier if she never had to say a word to him again.
Not being able to stand the awkwardness any longer Ron broke the silence first, looking for the words to stop a killing curse flying in his direction. '' You've every right to hate me Mione, I'm not trying to repair our friendship I know I've done too much damage for that to ever happen. I'm not even looking for forgiveness, I just want you to feel safe around me without worrying I'm going to pounce. I'll never touch you again I promise.''
Throwing her head back Hermione sent her curls cascading down her back as roaring laughter spilled from her lips, true laughter not a mocking insult. '' That's funny Ronald because you made a similar promise to Dumbledore, Harry and myself before we set off on this hunt, you broke it, why should I believe you now?''
Squirming in discomfort Ron felt tense in his own skin, he knew the true reasons behind his acts, but voicing them wasn't easily when mentally he'd not fully accepted them. '' It was never about you I didn't and don't want you Mione, Merlin knows what I'd of done that day in the common room if you'd kissed me back.''
Hermione couldn't deny her intrigue, she expected him to say something along the lines of not being able to handle his feelings for her blah blah blah, not a denial of having any entirely. '' I don't understand Ronald, if it wasn't about me and you didn't want me then why did you keep coming after me?''
Sighing Ron pushed a quivering hand through his thick mane of hair before covering his face with the same hand unable to believe he was about to voice his deepest secrets to a woman who could ruin him. '' Ever since we met as kids people have told me you had a crush on me, deeper feelings as we got older, I know my mum thought we'd eventually get together. Since our fifth year I've being having these thoughts, feelings of my own I guess that I shouldn't have been having. That morning in the common room I'd had enough I woke up feeling so guilty I couldn't stand it, I wanted no needed someone to chase them away. I didn't think you'd say no to me when I kissed you I thought you'd been waiting years for it to happen. It enraged me when you said no I thought it meant you knew my darkest secrets and didn't want me because of them, having you became an obsession. For some fucked up reason I thought if I could make you want me it'd make me a man, a straight man.''
Hermione stared down at him in shock, her mouth slightly open in the way her mother described as trying to catch flies. Her mind reeled from his admission, had Ronald Weasley just admitted he was gay? What are you supposed to say to a man who sexually assaulted you when he comes out to you.'' Are you saying what I think you are Ronald, that you're gay and were trying convince yourself otherwise?''
'' Please don't make me say it again Mione I can't do it, it's too hard when you can't even say it out loud to yourself.'' Turning away from her Ron didn't want to see his secret plastered across her face, he couldn't even look at himself in the mirror yet it was too raw.
His jealously before he left made a lot more sense to her now it all slotted into place. She thought he'd hated Harry being alone with her, but it's the other way around the jealously was about Harry not her. '' Its Harry isn't it, you love him it's him you truly want isn't it?''
Rapidly Ron spun around on Harry's sheets that smelled far too much like his friend for his liking, he had to shush her to stop her from saying the worst of it out loud. '' Please Mione I'm begging you stop don't say it out loud, he can't ever know it'd change everything, I won't be acting on how I feel I'll let it fade away.''
Shaking her head Hermione couldn't believe his naivety when it came to love. '' Your feelings won't fade away not if you really are in love with him, he's around you and your family all the time I'd imagine if anything they will only intensify. Can you live with keeping that to yourself?''
Desperately Ron pleaded with her, fear shone brightly in his eyes now he'd given her the key to destroying his world. '' I have to because Harry isn't gay, I'd rather have him in my life as a friend and keep my love in the dark than lose him entirely.''
If anyone understood fearing the loss of the one person who love more than anyone it was Hermione, in that moment she was thankful her love's returned tenfold.'' I won't tell Harry or anyone else anything you've said to me in this room, but don't mistake that kindness as a thaw between us. I won't and can't forget the things you've done and said to me and nor will Draco yet from a psychological point of view I understand slightly. I'm not your friend, but that doesn't mean we have to be enemies either as long as you keep your god damn hands off me.''
'' Thank you oh bloody hell thank you, I'll never be able say that enough time for it to mean as much to me as it does. I swear I won't do anything to make us enemies again.'' Rising Ron thought about going to hug her, thinking better of it he took a step backwards instead.
'' I'd get a goodnights rest if I were you Ronald tomorrow we visit Mr Lovegood now I have your vote swinging in my favour.'' Hermione threw his wand down on the bed, turning on her heel to saunter out of Harry's space now she felt a little safer about the red-head being back.
Pacing around the tents musty smelling living room Harry looked for the tiniest of reasons not to visit the Lovegood's. Sure it made sense to go Hermione's reasons were valid and seeing Luna's an added bonus, but ever since the night at Godric's hollow a place he should've been safe in he'd been more cautious. '' Are you sure you want to go to Luna's? You're 6 and ½ months pregnant maybe you should take it easy instead of traveling all over the place, me and Ron could go without you.''
From across the room Hermione stared him down clutching Dumbledore's copy of the tales of Beedle and the Bard in her free hand, bringing it along for reference. '' Thank you for your concern Harry, but I'm having a baby it isn't an illness I feel perfectly fine to travel. Plus no offence the two of you aren't exactly great at picking up the small details or reading between the lines. This symbol keeps popping up and there must be a reason, I know Krum said its Grindelwald's sign yet it can't be because I saw it on a grave belonging to a man long dead, so yes I'm coming.''
'' Fine let's go.''
The trio landed in a tangled pile of limbs within the safety of their wards, once again they'd barely escaped death eater's clutches. Ron moved to help Hermione to her feet, pulling his hands away at the last second to give Harry the honours. The dark-haired young man then turned to his friend and tugging him upright before he had chance to object, clumsily stumbling over a branch Ron ended up in his friends arms, smelling the earthy woodland aroma clinging to his skin before he could stop himself. Harry laughed and said something to him before striding into the tent with Hermione to rake over what just happened. He'd not heard a single word though he was too busy focussing on pushing away the mental images that'd caused a rush of blood to his suddenly swollen crotch. Breaching the warmth of tent Ron walked in while Harry was in the middle of a rant, quickly sitting down he hid his growing problem under the table out of view.
'' We should've known something wasn't right from the start, when has Mr Lovegood ever looked so unhappy to see me? Usually I can't get rid of him he always wants to chew my ear off about something, I can't believe he'd sell me out.'' Abruptly halting at Hermione's feet he glared down at her with sad eyes as if asking her to make sense of it all for him.
'' You can't blame him Harry the man's desperate, Luna's all he has and it's loyalty to you that got her kidnapped in the first place, it's not fair to expect people to choose you over their loved ones. It wasn't an entirely wasted journey we still found out the meaning behind that symbol even though our little visit ended badly.'' She tried to make sure she washed away all Harry's anger toward Mr Lovegood the poor man had only been trying to save his daughter, Harry needn't hold a grudge.
Rushing towards the table Harry eagerly sat himself next to Hermione, his eyes held a mix of excitement, determination and curiousness. '' I wanted to talk to you about that I mean those the deathly hallows that is.''
'' You can't possibly believe Mr Lovegoods story Harry, it's nothing more than a fairy-tale told to children the same way muggles breathe life into king Arthur or Robin Hood.'' She'd dismissed them half way through the quibbler editor's rendition, the symbol hadn't turned out to be a clue after all, but at least the mystery surrounding it was over.
'' I think there's some truth in it, all myths, fables and legends start out as an event that happened and just get exaggerated, altered over time. Dumbledore believed or he wouldn't have left that clue, you know who believes too he's searching for the elder wand in my dreams.'' Harry looked to Ron for support, but found only speculation written across his face. '' You don't think they exist either do you?''
'' I'm not sure mate, you got a point about Dumbledore not leaving the clue for no reason and I don't doubt what you see in your dreams I just think horcrux's should come first. One wild goose chase at a time.'' Ron hated being the reason for the frown sat across for him, internally a voice screamed at him to agree to anything that lit up Harry's face with thrill.
'' I know I know I just can't help shake the feeling that everything's connected and I feel stupid for not seeing how.'' At times like these he could usually turn to Hermione for answers, he daren't ask now she'd deemed them non-existent.
'' Don't let stories from a children's book distract you Harry, if there's really any substance to the deathly hallows rumours then don't you think a witch or wizard by now would've researched them deeply? Wouldn't someone who owned one of them have come forward?'' They didn't have time for him to take on yet another quest, no matter how appealing seeing your parents again might be.
'' What if I own one Mione? My father's cloak, Dumbledore had it in his position when he died what if he thought it to be one of the hallows and wanted a closer look. After all he was powerful he didn't need a cloak to be invisible he could do it with a flick of his wand, why else would he have it. If I'm right that'd make the Ignotus Peverell a relative, maybe my parents had several reasons for hiding out in Godric's hollow.'' Harry knew he was right only convincing himself more of that fact as he talked, even if the other two refused to see the links he wouldn't ignore them.
Hermione sat quietly getting more frustrated with each passing second Harry swapped his focus from horcrux's to imaginary objects of power. Even if by some wizarding miracle they existed they didn't have time nor were they important enough to linger on. '' Let's just say you do have one and congratulations on that by the way, we still don't have time or resources to find the other two. You might've have forgotten Harry, but I haven't we're still trying to kill you know who.''
Turning to face her directly Harry found his nose mere centimetres away from hers, he felt her warm breath against his skin. '' Trust me no one understands the importance of finding and destroying horcrux's more than me Mione, but he wants the elder wand and if he finds it then it won't matter what we do because we'll all be dead.''
For six days Hermione listened and watched Harry's fascination with the hallows grow, he didn't waste time attempting to convince her instead he aimed his persuasion skills at Ron. Obediently the red-head listened, to Harry or anyone else it might look as if Ron believed yet in reality she knew he'd listen to him ramble on about plug sockets just to hear his voice. Rather than wasting time she researched possible horcrux's, Dumbledore mentioned once he suspected objects related to Hogwarts used so she'd been combing several copies of Hogwarts history. Her love of intellectual problem solving's no secret however six constant days of it with no change of scene left her needing a break, fresh air. Perfectly timed burning sizzled through her jeans, unseen beneath the lays a poppy red circle formed marking her ivory skin.
Meet me at the station I'll take you somewhere we can be alone. – D
Moving faster than she had in weeks Hermione slipped the coin back into her pocket grabbing the only two things she needed, her coat and her wand. Tugging the grey woollen coat on as she walked, interrupting the boys in-depth fantasy conversation without hesitation. '' I'm going out I won't be long I can't imagine him having much time to spare, he never does.''
'' You sure that's a good idea, you're not exactly as quick on your feet as you used to be and no I'm not suggesting I tag along I learnt my lesson the last time.'' Raising his hands gesturing no ill will Harry smirked at her, testing to see if the ice thawed between them yet.
'' I'll be fine more than fine Draco will take care of me, not that it'll come to that we're very conscious about where we meet.'' Wasting no more time with chit-chat Hermione walked into the January snow that blanketed as far as the eyes could see, disapparating to the familiar station in Danby Wiske.
It hadn't changed, other than the wind blew bitterer and snow laid so thick and undisturbed it filled the abandoned railway tracks making it a level white playing field. Arms circled her rounded stomach, fingers lovingly stroked across the obvious bump, briefly she felt his lips press against the back of her bare neck before magic whisked them away. They landed by the side of a dirt trail in the middle of yet another forest she wasn't familiar with, a long out of use mill rested its aching foundations next to thriving river. Hands holding her hips spun her around to face the man she hadn't seen in four months, her husband, the father of her child, the man she loved Draco Malfoy. '' Happy belated new year Hermione.'' His kiss started gentle or at least he meant it to, but the ferocity that always burnt between them returned with vengeance almost instantly as their lips collided, feeding from each other after being starved for so long.
'' Happy belated new year to you too Draco.'' Hermione parted her lips from his just enough to be able to talk, remaining close enough for her to whisper and still have him feel the vibration of her words.
Wordlessly he playfully pulled her in the old mill's direction, his confident face assuring her of its structural safety. Pausing outside the door that half hung off its hinges Draco turned raising his wand in the process, repeating wards she heard and used before to keep harm from finding them. Once inside he shut the door Hermione repaired with a wave of her wand while he'd been busy, his eyes held so much raw emotion she knew he couldn't decide where to start without blurting everything out. Three times since they last met she'd risked her life hunting horcrux's, each time death eaters getting closer to capturing her, each time driving him out of his mind with worry and ageing him by ten years. Luck only lasts so long and he knew it'd desert her eventually judging by all the near misses. Thinking on the same wave length they charged at each other, closing the small difference that separated them within seconds, entwining their arms and simply holding each other.
Sinking to his knees he lifted the burgundy top that fitted snuggly against her tummy, caressing taught skin with his finger tips and grazing his lips tenderly above her belly button. '' You've gotten so big little witch I can't believe your nearly 7 months pregnant already, I'm sorry I've missed it all, even sorrier you're going through this alone.'' Fluttering rippled under his fingers, shock caused him to pull away though not for long after it registered mentally what just happened.
Waves of laughter and sadness found Hermione at once, his reaction priceless and one she'd never forget, but it pained her knowing he'd not felt the baby kick until today. '' I think that's mini's way of saying hello daddy, you haven't missed anything major yet Draco only morning sickness, raging hormones and weird cravings, you can make up for that with the next one.''
'' We'll be lucky if you survive long enough to have this one Hermione, you've had two close calls within a month of each other.'' From the ground he looked up at her with nothing except love and worry shining in his eyes, his words a plea for her safety edged with desperation. '' I've seen first-hand how they torture prisoners, we're called to watch and be spectators as various death eaters extract information in the most creative yet painfully horrific way they can. Please I can't watch that happen to you, we both know I'd die trying to save you and you'd follow me not long after, that can't be our fate.'' Hiding tears for his unborn child he buried his shaken platinum covered head against the swell of her stomach.
'' That isn't our fate I promise you, I'm strictly on research duty now I don't leave our safe place and Harry knows when I reach 8 months I'll be leaving, I'll be going home knight.'' Her gloved hand found his face and stroked away the tears that streaked across his pale cheeks.
'' Merlin I've missed you woman, when I'm without you the darkness chokes me I can feel it's hands around my neck and yet as soon as you're near your light chases everything away allowing me to breathe again.'' The world outside Rockingham's forest mill vanished around them, floating away, discarded by gazes who saw nothing but each other.
'' You can't look at me like that Draco my bodies been craving you for months, uncontrollable hormones and missing you so much it physically hurts isn't a good combination.'' Her desire her need for him affected her subconscious, every time she slept she'd find him in her dreams and sated herself using his toned form yet it's never enough, more she woke wanting more.
'' I can't look at you like what, how am I looking at you little witch?'' Each word drawn out slowly rolling off his tongue in a seductive drawl, he'd seen the spark of need in her eyes and planned on stoking it into a bonfire.
'' You're looking at me as if you'd never seen a more beautiful woman, I can plainly see you hunger for me as I do you. Please don't tease me Draco I've been on edge for too long yearning to jump off with you, every fibre of me is starving without you I can't stand the wait.'' Eager to feel his skin against hers in any shape way or form Hermione stroked her fingertips across the smooth skin of his neck, knowing exactly how sensitive to touch he is.
'' That's because I haven't, to me there's only one woman in this world of ours and it's you just you and it always will be. Trust me I'm in no mood for teasing, my ache for you grows stronger daily.'' Lost in lustful confessions, panting heavily at the mere thought of touching one another the spell broke and words became actions. Once again towering above her Draco claimed his wife's mouth in purely passionate display of dominance, forcing the surrender of her tongue with his own. In unison they worked at freeing their bodies from binding articles of clothing that kept their flesh from meeting, flinging shreds material to the floor in a frenzied wanton haste. Joyous moans erupted from Hermione flushed lip as she felt her breasts rub against the solid wall of Draco's chest, her peaked nipples getting harder from the lightest of grazes. '' Am I still beautiful now you see me naked? I'm a little fatter and more rounded than you're used to seeing me, the silvery stretch mark lines on my hips are permanent as well.''
'' You're stunning, your bodies glowing because you carry my child as a result of our love-making, when I look at you I'm reminded of all the ways I've intimately touched your body and brought it pleasure with my own. What's more beautiful than that?'' Hermione didn't use words to answer him instead she smiled as he rolled head back muttering to god as she stroked his rigid cock, using her thumb to massage drops of pre cum. Draco sank two fingers into her pussy, wetness coating them thickly, she protested when they left her neatly shaven mound then watched as he licked them clean not wasting a drop as if thirsty. '' Get on all fours for me.'' Dropping to her knees Hermione couldn't resist flicking her tongue across the moist head of his unyielding hard dick, his body shuddering from the sensation put a pleased smirk on her face as she turned her back on him. Cloaked by his shadow she felt the full weight of his gaze then she just felt him, he'd plunged down to the ground behind her and settled himself between her parted thighs. Savouring the moment he eased himself inside her casually, making sure she felt every single inch of him filling her. Months of being without the pleasure of each other had taken its toll he couldn't be gentle with her and she didn't want him to be. His hands gripped her hips his fingers clawed at her soft skin as he swiftly changed the pace, becoming merciless in his thrusts. Arching her back Hermione dug fingers into the blanket of discarded clothes, pushing back on his throbbing cock, meeting each fulfilling thrust. Throaty groans and moans mixed in the chilled air forging together until you couldn't tell one ecclesiastical prayer to god from another. Bending forward pressing his bare chest to her curved line of her back Draco kissed a trail down her spine, reaching to strum her aching clit. Tidal waves of decadent pleasure hit her at once like a ton of bricks, stilling her body as orgasmic shocks took over. Spasming that tightened around his dick urged on his own orgasm, still slumped against her body as he came wildly inside with a final sharp thrust.
Draco swiftly rolled onto his back without wasting time catching his breath instead of using his pregnant wife as a table. Catching Hermione in his open arms he lay her against his panting chest, letting her silken curls rub against his cheek. Quietly they clung to each other both aware whoever spoke first would throw them back into the reality of parting ways. A thought in the back of his mind niggled at him, getting louder each time he refused to speak it until he couldn't ignore it. '' There's no way the baby felt what we just did right?''
'' You mean did the baby feel your penis?''
''Yes, did it?''
'' No, bit late now anyway even if mini Malfoy could.'' Sitting up on her elbows Hermione couldn't help laughing as she looked down as his face and saw pure relief. '' I never asked how you managed to get away today or do I not want to know?''
'' Severus borrowed me for the day under the pretence of needing help brewing the amount of wolfsbane potion requested, obviously he didn't you know how capable with a cauldron or several he is. I think he wanted to spare me from another day of dungeon back log purging and that you don't want to know about trust me. We should get you dressed before you catch a cold little witch.'' Sliding away Draco stood up first to help lift her from the stone floor, pulling a sock off her back that somehow got stuck there.
'' No maybe I don't, but if you need to talk about it then we will because I can't bare seeing you lock your pain away, I can handle gory details better than you think.'' Smoothly Hermione slid the black cotton shirt he'd wearing over his arms, buttoning it up while waiting for him to share what had happened at the manor.
'' You know the manor has dungeons well they've been full for weeks now with muggle borns, Potter supporters and basically anyone who's pissed off you know who. Another prisoner arrived yesterday morning a goblin and there was no room left for him no matter how small goblins are, so Bellatrix made room. Certain prisoners mainly muggle borns were left at her disposal, she lined them up in the dining room and we all watched as she played with them, killing them when they'd stopped being fun for her.'' Busying himself so he didn't have to meet the sorrow in her eyes Draco yanked blue denim over her ample bum.
'' Oh god Draco that's awful those poor people, I'm out of the loop with the boys I hadn't realised things had taken such a brutal turn, are you still safe there?'' Fastening the knot in his tie Hermione struggled to stop herself from weeping for the death of prisoners whose only crime's being born to muggle parents.
'' I'm safe for now you don't have to worry about me they haven't suspected a thing, I've just never seen so much death in one place the hallways seem to be rife with it. All I could think about the entire time was you and how you'd have been lined up and eventually tortured with the rest of them until every scrap of information had been wormed out.'' Gently he pulled the burgundy blouse over her head the material making her curls bushier than their love-making did.
'' That won't happen to me you'll never see me suffer at the hand of your Aunt, in a month or so I'll be in our cottage and you'll be the only person in the world who knows where I am.'' For the briefest of moments her lips fluttered against his in an attempt to push away his fears and replace them with only her.
'' Don't start fires woman that we don't have time to put out. I've got to let you go being together for too long isn't safe for either of us, but how am I supposed to manage that when you tempt me otherwise.'' Using the black woollen scarf tangled around her neck to pull her close Draco encased his arms around her waist, feeling a flutter against his stomach as Hermione's arms wove around his neck.
'' I think that mini's way of saying we don't want you to let us go.''
'' Sadly I have to no matter how much I don't want to.''
Hermione didn't need to open her eyes to know she stood once again on an abandoned railway platform in Danby Wiske. Even if she hadn't felt the magic pull at her body in wrenching yet floating sensation this was the only place she'd ever heard wind whistle as if the trains of old haunted the platforms. Entwined in each-other's arms their foreheads rested together, their noses mere millimetres from touching, parting is such sweet sorrow.
'' I love you both Hermione.''
'' We love you to Draco.''
As soon as the words were spoken Draco vanished from the station followed less than a second later by Hermione. Separating hurt more each time they put themselves through it and yet in the snow their foot prints remained together as they should be.
Authors note: So… Ron's gay and hasn't handled it well. Trust me I'm not forgetting his past actions and neither is anyone else. Can't wait to see what you guys think of this.
Yay second weekly update, it's so nice to be able to do two again.
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know.
Kisses xox
