Song lyrics are those of Natalie Cole – I miss you like crazy.
Please, talk to me before you kill me
The Head's common Room was dark, quiet.
Hermione Granger sat still, gazing into the fire. She couldn't believe how horrible the last twenty four hours had been.
She felt tears begin to slide down her face once more; she tried to hold them back. She couldn't understand how it had happened, but if she thought about it long enough, she supposed it was going to happen in the end.
But Merlin she loved him! She loved him so much she was sure she'd go crazy if she thought of him anymore! How could he do that to her? How could he pierce her with those words? They'd been together for a year, she'd thought they were so in love and now…
How had it all changed so quickly? She knew his father wanted him to be one of them, but she hadn't expected it to end the way it had the night before.
Flashback.
"Granger?" Said Draco quietly, as he came up behind her. "We need to talk."
Hermione didn't like the sound of this at all.
"Where, Draco?"
"By the lake, nine."
With that, he'd walked away.
Hermione headed down to the lake that night at nine, to find Draco already waiting for her. Draco didn't even touch her.
"It's over, Mudblood."
For a split second, Hermione just stood there, shocked.
"What?"
"It's over, Mudblood," Draco repeated. "I don't know what I ever did dating filth like you! Mudblood, don't you understand? The next time we see each other, we will be in battle, against each other! Fighting to kill! You have your path, I have mine! It was fun while it lasted, but now it's over! I never truly loved you, ever! Goodbye, Mudblood!"
He strode into the darkness, leaving Hermione standing there, tears rolling down her face.
End of flashback.
Now, Hermione just sat there, feeling utterly depressed. She didn't care what Draco said to her, she still loved him and always would! She could never get rid of her love for him, no matter what!
Luckily, she had found Ginny pretty quickly afterwards and cried into her friends shoulder. Harry and Ron had also been there and had not said I told you so. They had also comforted her the best they could.
Suddenly, there was a tap on the Portrait. Hermione shivered. She got up quickly and opened it.
It was Ginny.
"Oh thank Merlin," Hermione cried, hugging her friend tightly.
More tears came to her eyes, but Ginny just held her close and led her to a chair.
"It was nearly a year, Gin! I love him, I always will! Oh damn it! I can't live without him Ginny, I can't! I'd forgive him calling me Mudblood; I'd forgive every bloody thing he's done!"
Ginny hugged her friend tight to her chest.
"He said the next time we'd meet would be in the final battle! Fighting to kill! He said he never truly loved me, ever!"
Personally, Ginny wanted to pound the little ferret into oblivion. As it was, she tried to remain calm, for her heart broken friend.
"I don't care, Ginny! I've fallen in love with him and miss him like crazy!"
"Hermione, we will all be here for you, we will not leave you! We will help you in any way we can! That is a promise!"
"I know, Gin, thanks! But… But I don't know if I can go on without him! Maybe I'll find him in the final battle and just let him kill me!"
"Hermione, no! You can't let him win over you like that! He's stolen your heart; don't let him take your life too! You'll get over him, you will!"
"No I bloody will not!" Hermione shouted, standing to face her friend. "You do not understand! It's alright for you, you've got a happy relationship as has Ron, and you haven't just had your heart broken!"
"Hermione," said Ginny also standing.
"Harry could very probably die in the final battle, I could easily lose him! Or, we could lose Ron, Lavender, or any of our family friends! You think that's good? None of us know our future past the battle! I may have a relationship right now, but who can say it's going to last? No one!"
"At least Harry hasn't broken your heart, and then stolen the pieces!" Shouted Hermione, glaring at Ginny. "Ron and Lavender are so happy; they're not going to break up, no one fucking cares!"
With that, she stormed to the door and left. Ginny ran after her.
Suddenly, Harry appeared.
"They're coming, guys! It's time! Voldemort's going to attack the school! All the younger students have been evacuated; it's just us left, plus the order members and teachers. Ginny, your mum wants you to leave."
"Hell fucking no!" Shouted Ginny, running up to Harry. "Dream on, Potter!"
Suddenly, all of Dumbledore's Army joined them, with Fred and George in the lead.
"Let's go, all!" Shouted Fred. "Give the Order a hand and show Voldemort he's a bastard while we're at it!"
Ginny ran to Hermione's side.
"Hermione, go back to your Quarters! That way, you won't have to fight him, or even see him!"
"No damn way!" Shouted Hermione, rushing to catch up with the twins and the rest. "I'm still fighting; he's not stopping me fighting!"
Quickly, they all ran out into the grounds, towards the gates. Voldemort was on the outside, surrounded by Death Eaters.
"Give up now," came Voldemort's voice. "Do not make me kill you, I don't want that."
"You lying piece of shit!" George yelled, skidding to a halt right behind Voldemort, with the gates between them. The teachers were all standing there, their wands up. Hermione managed to look through and her heart nearly stopped. There he was, Draco.
Voldemort laughed.
"Trying to act brave before we've even started?" He sneered. "Fine, let them have it!"
Hogwarts had no chance. Instantly, Death Eaters stepped forward and blasted the gates apart. Even with all the protective charms, there was no way they would stand. Soon, the final battle had begun.
Voldemort had over a hundred Death Eaters with him, plus a load of dark creatures.
Hermione and Ginny both dueled Bellatrix Lestrange, who sneered at them. They managed to injure her, but could not kill her. They got her to a point where she was unable to fight.
The losses on the light side were huge. All the Order members died, along with eight of the Weasley's only one remained. Hermione fell to the ground beside George's body, who had become one of her best friends along with Harry and Ron. She cried her tears filled with anger and hatred.
Why the hell do I love a Death Eater? She thought.
Suddenly, the thing she had been dreading, happened. Draco Malfoy appeared. Hermione stood up and tried to run, but her legs would not support her. She was shaking too much.
She tried to raise her wand, but her heart was begging her to stop. She was in love with this man, whether she liked it or not. She could not hurt him. In a flash, Draco had his wand on her. Hermione felt herself being raised to her feet.
"It's alright, Mr. Malfoy," she said faintly. "I'll come with you quietly."
She didn't know why she'd slipped into formal address, but like it or not, here they were. The final battle, fighting to kill.
Lucius Malfoy sniggered.
"So sorry, Mudblood." He drawled. "Sorry I broke your heart."
Hermione did not fully register what Lucius Malfoy had said. He hadn't broken it, it was his damn son! The man she loved beyond all question. The man she could not be without!
Draco kept his wand on her as she followed him into the Forbidden Forest. It grew dark and Hermione pulled out her own wand and lit it. She didn't dare raise it too high; there was a Death Eater in front of her, with his wand on her heart.
Eventually, they stopped. Draco faced her.
"Please," Hermione began quietly. She found herself falling to her knees at his feet. "Just one thing, Mr. Malfoy. Please, talk to me before you kill me? Tell me you love me even if you're lying? You broke my heart, but I can't let go! I love you so much, you may not have truly loved me, but I love you so fucking much it hurts! Please, talk to me before you kill me?"
Draco took a step closer. Slowly, he lowered his wand.
"Get up," he said quietly.
Hermione tried, but couldn't. She knew she was begging for her life and she was too weak.
"I can't," she muttered. "I'm hurt."
She had been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse a lot by Bellatrix and other Death Eaters.
Instantly, Draco was at her side.
"What is it?"
"The Cruciatus Curse," Hermione managed faintly. "I somehow ended up dueling your Master, before Harry appeared."
She couldn't continue. Harry and Voldemort were dueling as they spoke. Hermione had no idea how it was going.
Draco slowly knelt down beside her.
"Please, Mr. Malfoy, I only want to know one thing. Please, tell me you love me, even if you're lying? I'm crazy about you, please; just lie to me before I die!"
"Why do you keep calling me Mr. Malfoy?"
"Because you are right. Here we are, in the final battle, fighting to kill. You've won, Sir. I can't fight anymore, I'm dying. Please, tell me those three words, even if you're not telling the truth? Even if you put Mudblood on the end of it?"
Draco didn't move.
"I have to tell you this before you kill me, I'm defeated. I can't fight hell I can't even stand. I know the way I want to put it isn't exactly right, but it's the only way I can. Please, before you kill me, will you at least listen to my last words?"
Draco looked into Hermione's eyes. Hell, he loved her so much this was killing him! However, he had chosen his path, his Master, hadn't he? He would kill her tonight, wouldn't he? Even though his heart was breaking in two? Yes, Avada Kedavra would come from his lips tonight. He had hardly fought at all up until now, but soon, he would say those words.
"Speak, Mudblood," he said quietly.
Hermione looked into his face and could have sworn Draco Malfoy was trying to hold back tears! Could she really see love in his eyes? No way! If she could, it was directed to his Master. Not her, never her again! She knew it.
Hermione raised her wand and flicked it. She looked around, they were completely alone. Suddenly, music came out of the end and Hermione began to sing, her voice shaking. She was on her knees at the feet of the man she loved, who had a wand on her heart. However, she had to tell him the truth. She had to talk to him before he killed her. For the most part, even though her voice shook slightly, she managed to keep it steady for most of her words.
Even though it's been so long, my love for you keeps going strong
I remember the things that we used to do, a kiss in the rain
Till the sun shined through, I'd try to deny it, but I'm still in love with you
I miss you like crazy; I miss you like crazy, ever since you went away
Every hour of every day, I miss you like crazy, I miss you like crazy
No matter what I say or do, there's just no getting over you
I can see the love shining in your eyes, and it comes as such a sweet surprise
If seeing's believing it's worth the wait, so hold me and tell me it's not too late
We're so good together, we're starting forever now, and I miss you like crazy
I miss you like crazy, ever since you went away, every hour of every day
I miss you like crazy, I miss you baby, a love like ours will never end
Just touch me and were there again
Just one night and we'll have that magic feeling like we used to do
Hold on tight and whatever comes our way we're gonna make it through
If seeings believing it's worth the wait, so hold me and tell me it's not too late
We're so good together, we're starting forever now
And I miss you like crazy, I miss you like crazy
No matter what I say or do there's just no getting over you
And I miss you (baby); I miss you (baby), all the tender love you gave me
When a feeling gets this strong, you know the real thing's come along
And I miss you; I miss you like crazy baby, only you're sweet love
Can save me, I miss you like crazy, a love like ours will never end
Just touch me and were there again,
Miss you like crazy, I miss you like crazy
At the end of the song, Hermione tried again to stand. Her whole body shook. She clung onto a tree and eventually managed to stand. She was swaying dangerously. Quietly, Draco approached her.
Suddenly, Ginny appeared, running flat out towards them. She saw Draco standing beside Hermione, his wand still up. Hermione was clinging to the tree.
Ginny was near tears.
"We've lost, Hermione." She said faintly. Hermione gasped.
"What?"
"All my family… they're… dead! All of them! I'm the only one left!" At this, Ginny did break down.
"We're at the Death Eater's mercy! They might as well kill us all!"
Cautiously, conscious of Draco's wand, Hermione moved to hug her friend close.
"I love you, Hermione." Ginny sobbed. "In the end, Draco was right. The final battle, fighting to kill. Well he might as well take me!"
"Won't you still fight?" Hermione was in tears herself, tears of fear. The man in front of them was going to kill her, she knew it.
"I've lost my whole fucking family!" Ginny wept. "What the fuck's the point?"
Suddenly, Harry broke through into the Forest. Hermione and Ginny gasped.
Harry was standing, but looked very badly hurt.
"Harry!" Ginny yelled, running to her Fiancé's side. She hugged him, hard. Harry weakly hugged her back.
At that moment, Hermione fell back to her knees. Ginny and Harry ran to her.
"Go," said Hermione weakly. "Ginny, you can apporate now, get out of here, both of you!"
Then, she looked at Harry.
"Voldemort?"
"He's dead," said Harry weakly. "Nearly took me with him."
Hermione looked at them.
"Listen, I love you guys so much, get out of here. Don't look back at me, just go! Please, go! I am going to die tonight; there is nothing you can do."
Ginny raised her wand.
"Ginny no! Don't fight for me, just go!"
"No," said Harry and Ginny together. "We'll do what we can, Hermione!"
Again, Hermione tried to stand. This time, it was Draco's wand that kept her down.
Defeated, Hermione lowered her wand back into her pocket.
"I can't fight guys. I'm hurt. Go, please, go! Get out of here! Ginny, please, keep Harry safe! I only want one more death tonight! Mine.
"Hermione, won't you even fight for it?" Ginny asked, tears in her eyes. "Won't you let us fucking fight?"
"No," said Hermione quietly. "No."
She turned to look into the eyes of her friends.
"I have nothing left to live for, nothing. I'm entirely at a Death Eater's mercy, I want to die. He can use the Cruciatus Curse of he wants, I've had enough. It's over."
Harry and Ginny were now both close to tears.
Hermione pulled a small piece of paper from her pocket and opened it so they could all see it, including Draco.
Dear Miss Granger,
We are very sorry to inform you that your parents, Mark and Jill Granger were killed this morning, found dead inside their house. The Dark Mark was over the building.
We think it was You-Know-Who himself.
If there is anything we can do, do not hesitate to contact us.
With deepest sympathy,
Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of Magic.
"Oh my God Hermione," Ginny shrieked running to the dying girl's side.
"I've lost my parents, my heart is broken, and I have nothing else to live for. My friends are dead or dying, it's over."
"I'll make it, Hermione." Said Harry weakly, even as he fell against Ginny's shoulder. Please, do not let go."
"It's too late, Harry." Said Hermione quietly. "It's too late."
Ginny gently took Harry close to her chest.
"Hermione, we'll be in St. Mungo's if… When you get out of this, come to us, please?"
"I will," said Hermione quietly. "If someone brings me. I'll be in a box."
Ginny was now crying.
"Don't anger them anymore, Ginny. We're completely at their mercy, it's over. Most of them have left, but they're not stopping even though their Master has gone."
Very reluctantly, Ginny and Harry disapporated. Draco was still kneeling at Hermione's side.
"Kill me, Mr. Malfoy," she said quietly, putting the paper back into her pocket. "You win."
Suddenly, they heard quick footsteps and Lucius Malfoy appeared.
"Aah, good man Draco! Kill the Mudblood once and for all! Well done for doing as I said, we may have lost our Master, but we will not give up! We will keep fighting for his cause! How does it feel, Mudblood, knowing you're going to die at your lover's hand?"
Hermione looked into Lucius Malfoy's face.
"I have nothing to live for, Sir. Death would be a relief. I can't fight, my life is lost."
"Don't you understand?" Jeered Lucius Malfoy. "The whole thing was a trick! Somehow, don't ask me how, my son did fall truly in love with you, but I told him to break it off with you or you'd die! Well, you're going to die anyway, so it makes no difference!"
Hermione felt as though a brick had been dropped straight into her heart. Draco loved her, now he was going to kill her? Well, she'd known it wouldn't last forever. It couldn't. They were too different, on the opposite side.
Draco looked into Hermione's face.
"I love you," he said quietly to her. "But father is right. We're too different, it would never work, I have my path, and you have yours."
Hermione couldn't move she was shaking too badly. She hoped that Harry and Ginny would make it; she was now entirely at Draco Malfoy's mercy and she was going to die. She hoped their wedding could still happen, that Ginny could somehow hold on after losing her whole family, that she and Harry would keep going, for the name of love.
"I know, Mr. Malfoy," she said shakily. She felt herself fall forwards onto the ground.
"Know this, Sir. I love you too, I always will. I should have known it could not last. I can't fight, just kill me. Thank you though; you talked to me before you killed me."
Draco raised his wand and said the words Hermione had been dreading.
"Avada Kedavra!"
She braced herself for death. The peace, the quiet of death. However, nothing happened! A few seconds later, she felt arms take her close! She managed a weak gasp and looked up.
Lucius Malfoy was lying dead on the ground and Draco was holding her close!
Without a word, he leant in and kissed her. His lips met hers as he pulled her closer.
"It's not too late," he whispered, holding her to his chest. "Oh Hermione, I love you!"
Hermione could not move.
"I had to break it off because father was watching me! He said if I didn't he would kill you, as he said. Not me, you! Why do you think I killed him? He's a piece of shit!"
Hermione clung to Draco as hard as she could.
"I could never kill you, oh my darling Hermione Granger! I love you with my whole heart and I'm so sorry about your parents! Oh Hermione, what can I say?"
"Draco," said Hermione quietly. "Draco." She leant in to capture his lips.
"I'm here for you Hermione Granger, forever! The Death Eaters will not last long without Voldemort, trust me. I wouldn't be surprised if the Ministry is capturing them right now."
"What about you, Draco?"
"I haven't cursed or killed anyone. They've got no charges against me."
Hermione clasped him tight to her chest.
A few minutes later, she spoke.
"Draco, please, would you do something for me? I really need this!"
"Name it, Hermione! Anything!"
"Technically, I'm still at your mercy, so please, will you do this for me?"
"Hermione, I love you! Unless it's hurt you, I'll do whatever you ask!"
He kissed her long and tenderly once more.
"Draco, please, I need help. Please, take me to St. Mungo's?"
Draco took her close and helped her to stand. His wand was back in his pocket.
"Can you apporate?" Asked Draco, his voice filled with concern and tenderness.
"Not without help," said Hermione truthfully.
Draco held her tightly to his side and in a flash, they vanished.
A few seconds later, they landed in St. Mungo's hospital.
Two weeks later.
Hermione and Harry were both bed bound in St. Mungo's and had been for the last fortnight. Draco and Ginny refused to leave their sides. The Healers had conjured up beds beside theirs.
Eventually however, they were able to get up. They both felt a little weak still, but were fast improving.
One day, the Minister of Magic entered the ward.
"Aah, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley. I have these for you."
He handed both women letters.
Hermione and Ginny both read them and tears came to both their eyes. Harry reached for Ginny, just as Draco did with Hermione."
"It's from my family," Ginny sobbed. "It's as if they knew they were going to die! It says they want us to marry, be happy and live for them, for the name of love."
Harry clasped her tightly to him. Hermione read hers and managed to weakly smile through her tears.
"Mine's from my parents, it must have been found in the house. It says they want me to be happy, to live life as best I can and to follow my heart. They say they one day want me to marry, even though they won't be there!"
Draco held her tenderly against him, as Harry was doing with Ginny.
"My darling Ginny, as soon as I get out of here, I will marry you! I promise you!"
Ginny managed a weak smile, even though she was still crying hard, as was Hermione.
"Shhh," said Draco tenderly, kissing her and stroking her hair. Harry was doing the same to Ginny.
That night, the Healer's said that both Harry and Hermione could leave. Draco told Hermione he would be right back and asked her if she'd be alright. Hermione nodded, as Draco disapporated.
Hermione stood with Harry and Ginny, just outside the hospital.
"Where are you two going now?" Hermione asked.
"Grimold Place," replied Harry quietly.
"I thought so," said Hermione.
"Hermione, are you alright? You look really down, what's the matter?"
Ginny walked forward and hugged Hermione as tears came from her eyes.
"I'm just so insecure," she muttered. "I really want Draco to marry me, after all, it would not be fast, we've been together for over six months, but oh God I'm desperate for it! He's broken off with me once, what if…"
Ginny held her close as Hermione cried into her shoulder. A few minutes later, Draco returned. Hermione had managed to calm down a little and wiped her eyes.
Ginny released her as Draco gently took her close.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?"
"Yes," Hermione lied. "I'm fine."
Draco looked straight into her eyes. Hermione tried to close her mind, but it was too late.
I'm so insecure, I want to marry him, he's broken it off once already, and I need that security.
She desperately tried to push the thoughts back, but it was too late. Draco was a skilled mind reader.
Gently, he took her close and they disapporated, as Harry and Ginny smiled.
Soon, they were standing on a cliff top. Hermione gasped. The scene was breath taking. Here, was where they had started dating over Christmas. Draco had taken her there on a romantic date.
"Do you know where we are?" Asked Draco gently.
"Yes," said Hermione faintly. "How could I not?"
Draco held her close to his side.
"This was where I asked you to be mine," he said softly into her ear. "Remember?"
She nodded, smiling slightly.
"As a result, here is where I want to take the next step."
He dropped to one knee on the rock and Hermione gasped.
"Hermione, one day I will teach you to close your mind, but for now I'm glad you don't know how. I love you so much; this last year has been the best of my life with you. Please, allow me to make sure we never lose each other again. Please, will you become my wife?"
Hermione gasped again, as Draco pulled a small leather box from his pocket, containing a beautiful diamond ring.
"Yes," Hermione whispered. "Oh Draco yes I will!"
Draco leapt up and placed the ring on her finger, as they began to kiss.
A further two weeks later, Harry and Ginny Potter and Draco and Hermione Malfoy were married. It was a double wedding and although it was obvious to all of them that loads of people should have been there that weren't, they tried to make it happy to honor their memories and what they'd asked in their letters.
Draco took Hermione to a beautiful island his parents had owned. They were away for six months, as they had no time limit to their Honeymoon.
Harry and Ginny went to Australia, also for six months, to try and do as Ginny's family had asked which was being happy.
With their lovers, Hermione and Ginny were happy, but they could never get rid of the grief that was with them at the loss of their families. Draco and Harry understood this and therefore were there for them when it was especially strong.
That wasn't to say they didn't have arguments. Sure they did. Draco and Hermione in particular. One night, they had had a very bad argument and Hermione had stormed out, furious.
At two in the morning, she was desperate for her husband's love. She arrived back at Malfoy manor, having just apporated from a pub, where she'd thought about drinking herself stupid, then decided against it.
She let herself in with her key, and then walked quietly towards the bedroom. Draco was sitting in a leather armchair. Hermione slowly approached her husband.
"Draco," said Hermione quietly. "I'm so, so sorry! Please, forgive me, I was bang out of line, I love you so much, I need your love, please Draco, please…"
That was as far as she got. In a second, her husband had her in his arms, kissing her passionately, but tenderly and lovingly. The next second, Hermione and Draco were back in their bed, still kissing. Draco had managed to undress them both with a flick of his wand.
"Draco, I'm so sorry," Hermione said again.
Draco continued to kiss her, but his kisses slowed down and became a lot more gentle.
"Oh my darling, I love you so much! I'm just glad you're safe!"
Hermione completely surrendered into her husband's arms. Their kisses deepened.
"Oh God Draco I was missing you so much, I need to be with you, I love you I…"
Again, Draco cut her off by kissing her gently.
Hermione looked into her husband's eyes.
"Please, can we let this go? Please Draco, please, forgive me?"
Draco didn't answer, just held his wife close with utmost tenderness. Hermione clung to him as though her life depended on it.
Gently, Draco pushed her onto her back and commenced kissing and tenderly touching her whole body.
Hermione responded to her husband and soon, Draco was on top of his wife.
"I love you," they whispered, at exactly the same moment.
"I love you too," they both answered, then smiled.
Gently, Draco began to make love to his beautiful wife. It was so gentle and tender. Hermione moved with him and their love making showed the other their whole heart.
"Oh Draco," Hermione said passionately, as she lay in her husband's arms.
"Dearest Hermione," he whispered right back.
"Darling Draco, I'll argue with you again if that's what happens," Hermione cuddled into her husband.
"No," he said gently. "No, please don't, I nearly died with grief and worry."
"Me too," she whispered into his ear.
Before they knew it, one kiss had turned into another and for the second time that night, they made love.
After it was over, they held each other tightly and kissed yet again.
"Oh God Hermione I love you so much, I could never lose you!"
"I love you too, Draco! I could never let you go!"
"In spite of tonight?"
They grinned at each other.
"Hermione, I had a whole speech planned out for when you returned I knew exactly what I wanted to say, but…"
Hermione cut him off by kissing him.
"Oh and what was that, dear husband of mine?" She smirked. "I bet it was some eloquent well thought out speech of love and affection, right?"
"I wish," he smiled at her. "Actually no, it was just one sentence."
"Do tell me, oh wise one."
Draco held his wife close and smiled, as again they kissed. Just before they fell asleep, Draco whispered the words into her ear, which caused them to fall asleep in each others arms, both smiling.
"Please, talk to me before you kill me."
