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I've been so busy recently.
I hope you are still enjoying even with the long space.
Same warning as ever, you have been warned
Chapter 38
Hermione paced backwards and forwards around the basement kitchen, glancing at the fireplace every few seconds hoping that her husband would appear. She had sent an owl straight away to Ron to return home immediately, then a letter to Draco explaining that Harry was rather unwell, she had sent him to bed. She had regretted sending the message soon as the owl had left the window. Such a weak excuse would not wash over Draco, he would demand an explanation. She looked at the fireplace a second longer before returning to pacing.
How did it get that bad she thought to herself? Why had she not recognised the signs again. Harry had been under a lot pf pressure with Draco being in hospital because of what happened at her wedding. She felt awful that she had been too wrapped up her wedding and her child that she had lost sight of the other important person on her life. Harry was practically her brother she been as close to him as a brother for 10 years now.
She had been the first to noticed what was happening last time. She had come around to Harry's house to find him still drunk from the night before and on a come down from drugs. She had spoken to Ron about her worries to be told that Harry was just having a good weekend and Weed wasn't a big deal, he and Harry had both done it before. This had caused one of Ron and Hermione's biggest arguments to date. She did not agree with any drugs that were not prescribed by a healer.
Hermione had also fire called Ginny a week later finding him hung over once again, (Ginny was away with her quidditch team for a few weeks). She has given the same sort of answer as Ron, she was happy for him to be going out and living a little while she was away with her quidditch team, as along that he would never cheat. That he never had a chance to act young and free and enjoy life due to Voldemort constant attacks of trying to kill him.
Hermione had been very reluctant to let the issues drop; she had carried going around trying to stop his drinking that was getting out of control. Eventually after another row between herself and Harry, he had thrown her out of the house while he was drunk. Ron asked her to take a step back and allow Ginny to sort the issues out. Ginny and Harry had many arguments about his drinking while she was there, Ron just liked to bury his head in the sand and pretend it wasn't happening.
She turned to pace in the other direction to see the fire's flame turn bright green and a Ron land on the hearth. He quickly jumped up in alarm, His red hair was sticking up all over the place, (He must have run his hand through his hair as he was reading his letter). He turned around looking around the room. He caught sight of Hermione standing there and reached her with a couple of strides within seconds he had her in his arms. After a longer hug than normal he pulled away holding her within arm's length and asked,
"What's Wrong, is it Rosie?"
Hermione manage to murmur,
"She's fine, she is with your mom."
Ron asked,
"Are you okay?"
Hermione nodded again as Ron asked,
"And mom and everyone?"
Hermione nodded again.
Ron's blue eyes went from wide and worried to confused as he asked,
"What's the big emergency then?"
Hermione sighed and said in a shaky voice,
"Sit down."
Ron stood routed to the spot still and asked,
"Why?"
Hermione replied.
"Because I've asked you to sit down, it about Harry."
Ron took his seat opposite Hermione at the old wooden table. He looked at Hermione waiting for more information. Finally, she burst out with tears running down her checks,
"He's started drinking again."
Hermione told Ron everything, how she had come back to find Harry who had almost drunk a full bottle of whiskey, that he had had fight with Narcissa before kicking her out, He had cut off all contact with Ginny and then couldn't find Narcissa to apologise, he knew Draco would never forgive him.
Ron rested his arms on the table and didn't speak for a long time after Hermione stopped talking. He finally answered,
"He sure knows how to pick his battles doesn't he."
Hermione nodded and sprung up from her seat immediately. Ron looked up and asked,
"Where are you going?"
Hermione replied,
"The hospital, you stay with Harry till I get back."
Ron sprang up at theses and words and grabbed her arm and told her,
"You can't go."
Hermione turn around and aruged,
"Why not?"
Ron explained,
"It not our fight."
Hermione argued back,
"Harry is our family!"
Ron retorted,
"Draco is Harry family, which makes Narcissa Harry's family."
Hermione narrowed her eyes missing the point completely waiting for Ron to explain,
"You don't get involved in family matter same as you and Harry didn't comment on Percy and dad's arguments."
Hermione bit her lip and realised Ron was right, Narcissa was Harry's family now, Draco was carrying his baby and they were engaged. Hermione told Ron,
"I've already wrote to Draco to tell him Harry's unwell and I'd go in place for today."
Ron growled in frustration at her. His ears were starting to go red, this happened when he was getting angry. He said sounded rather annoyed,
"We shouldn't be involved at all. All you should have done is put Harry to bed so he can sleep it off.
Hermione told Ron,
"That why I'm going. I must fix this, He's going to know it's a lie."
Ron asked,
"Moine you are one of the worst liars I know. You can't tell him about Harry's drinking that is up to Harry to tell him."
Hermione looked up at Ron her face bold and trying to show she could be emotionless,
"I won't mention Drink, Just that he's in bed asleep due to illness."
Rom muttered,
"Harry would hate us involved."
Hermione nodded wiping tears from her face and answered,
"This is my mistake, I will put it right I promise and I'll pick Rosie up on the way home."
Hermione could see that Ron was far from happy or impressed with her choice, but she couldn't sit here and wait for an explosion off Draco that was clear to come if they left him with no information. She was certain that Narcissa would be informing Draco of the incident between herself and Harry only hours ago. She knew she had made it worse by giving no detail and trying to make the letter as plain but close to the truth as possible.
Sher kissed Ron on the lips to say goodbye. She turned to the fire and threw powder in and stepped into the green flames. Her whole body began to swirl ad turn in the journey. The roaring of fireplaces became louder as she closed her eyes tightly. She and Harry had always less preferred this method of traveling. She landed on all fours in the traveling fireplace at St. Mungos' entrance hall.
Draco was positively fuming. He been denied access outside, he had been told he was too vulnerable now. He had also been told there was a possibility of him still miscarrying. He was getting very sick of these stuck-up healers with perfect lives.
He had been visited by his mother, who had told him the news that she had gotten into a rather bad argument with Harry and as a result Harry had thrown her out. He had promised his mother that he would have this issue sorted by the end of the day.
He thought Harry would have most likely come to his senses before he came to visit Draco. Instead of coming to face Draco about the situation he had decided to hide behind Hermione. He never felt so angry. What was he playing at throwing his mother out, the last black kicked out of her house. It belonged to her more than it did him no matter what a piece of paper said.
There was no way that a simple, illness such as a sickness bug or common cold would keep Harry away from visiting Draco, did they really think he was that stupid. The chance of infection or not Harry would have still made the effort. Hermione had thought she was writing him a get out of jail but really, she was just getting herself thrown in jail with Harry and Weasley was in there anyway because he was a Weasley, especially if the weaslette was anything to go on!
Draco huffed could this day get any worse. He was having one of the worst days he had in a long time. He had tried to explain the situation to two different healers to receive the same response. Did they not understand what was at state here. Hs family were practically falling apart at the seams.
Moments later a barn owl flew in a landed right in front of him. The bird didn't hoot or show any recognition. It quietly turned it beak up at him looking in the other direction and it held it leg out but showed it wanting nothing to do with it. He slowly removed the scroll and dropped the letter see the handwriting and the seal on the letter.
The owl quickly flew off again without a backwards glace, Draco sighed with relief. They were not expecting an immediate response. The person who had written this letter was enough to make his chest hurt. He picked the letter up and with shaky hand he broke the seal and began to read:
Draco,
I hope this letter find you and your child in good health. I have recently found out about the incident at Malfoy manor, that happen a matter of days ago. I would like to inform you that I don't agree with the actions of either party. I do not agree with fighting and violence, especially in Malfoy grounds. Those grounds have now been magically tainted and will been to be cleansed magically. I also disagree with using Malfoy manor for functions such as a wedding venue for anyone getting married that is not a Malfoy or planning to become one. Malfoy manor is a very rich and powerful historical and magical building that has stood for something since medieval times. It should be respected and treasured, not shown to everyone as not everyone is cultured enough to apricate the finer thing to life.
I have been informed that a certain Weasley is dead. Can you please confirm this this is the truth that the blood traitor Arthur Weasley was in fact killed at Malfoy manor defending and stepping in front of a curse that I been thought to believe was aimed directly for your mother.
I am more relived that your mother is safe and well more than word can describe. I have found out at least two of the culprits that made this possible are Mr Blaise Zabini and Miss Astoria Greengrass. I have spoken to both about their actions won't be tolerated and I've asked them to leave my presence at once and not return. Astoria Greengrass it not the respectful young witch she led me to believe she was.
I have no idea of Astoria's whereabouts or where she may be heading. I ask you to make sure you are not making rash decisions. While the wards for Malfoy manor are down and you are with child which makes you vulnerable. You and your heir safety are important.
I do believe I have made very poor judgment with the company I have been keeping and I lost track of what was important in life. You and your mother are the most important things and I let other things cloud my mind. I ask for your forgiveness as asking you to forget would not be acceptable.
I would like to ask one more thing of you two. I would like to arrange a visit if you could accept. I would like to show you in person how sorry I am and that I want to change my life choices. It would be a pleasure for your presence in this big empty house. I am currently living in our other manor in the south of France.
I have sent the same letter to your mother explaining my part in the attack on Malfoy manor and how sorry I am. I do hope you will find forgiveness in your heart and I will get to hold my grandchild and your future heir at least once in this lifetime. I seem to continuity make mistakes in this lifetime, but I am human and is a flaw that cannot be helped.
I ask that you are be aware of your surroundings and people around you. I have no idea what mind set Astoria is in and maybe decided to vent her anger of loosing me in your direction. I need you to take extra precaution and being close to Potter would help you.
I hope to hear off you very soon.
Your Father,
Lucius.
Draco had screwed up the letter before opening it back up and reading the whole thing again. It was now on his bedside table along with very short note Hermione had sent:
Draco,
Hope you are feeling better and on the mend. Unfortunately, I came back to find Harry rather unwell and I made him go to bed. I'm sure he just rundown and will be ready to see you again tomorrow after a good night sleep. I will come and visit shortly.
Hermione x
He lay back of his pillows, he would very much like to scream in frustration. Why would Hermione now lie to him? He thought they had moved on from this stage. His father was doing with usual screw up, feel sorry for me act that his mother fell for every time. The man might be his father, the only one he would ever have but merlin black butt plug he was a fool. He loved the man even after everything he put him through with the war, his drinking problem and the betrayal of getting Astoria pregnant but trusting him again would not be so simple.
There was a soft knocked at the door that Draco ignored. He was sick of being poked and prodded and told he need to eat this or drink this. He just wanted to get out of this hell hole and bang his mother's and Harry's head together. He understood why Harry would never be able to give Lucius another chance again and he himself would struggle to trust him again, but he needed Harry to grit his teeth and bare it with his mother. His mother was a big part of his life. She had put his life on the line for him countless times and even for Harry on the odd occasion. They needed to be at least civil. Narcissa was soon in a mere few months going to be helping them raising a baby with them. From what he been told about raising a child they were going to need all the help they could get. They weren't just going to be raising their child but Harry's twins from his relationship with Ginny while she recovered from mental break down and Teddy, Harry's godson.
There was a fake cough from the doorway. Without moving his head and in a bored voice he spoke,
""Go away unless you're telling him I can go home."
Hermione answered,
"Well unfortunately, I don't have the power to send up home as I'm not a healer but I have brough some clothes and soap so you can have a shower."
Draco recognise the voice straight away and sat up quickly making the world spin for a few moments and a pain shoot through his stomach. He placed a hand to his stomach and breathed through the shooting pain and in subsided.
Draco wasn't sure if he wanted one third of the golden trio here especially the brains of the operation and not Harry. He thought he new all three of them well enough to trust his life in their hands that he have to more than once thanks two assassin attempts from an ex who had a breakdown and someone who always been a little but recently had up thier game to bat shit crazy level. Hermione had clearly lied in that short letter about Harry. He knew his Harry would never hide away unless it was a life or death matter. He hoped he knew her just well enough to get the truth out of her.
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