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A major flashback, decisions and conflicted emotions.
Enjoy Chapter Twenty Six!
Let me know your thoughts so far! Trust me, it helps loads! :) Stay safe beautiful people!
HAPPY READING! :)
The alarm cut through the peaceful silence.
Sighing, Draco rolled Hermione to her side of the bed and reached for the small enchanted clock on his bedside.
The device rattled intensely.
He grabbed it and it shut off.
Making a mental note to take the charm off the Muggle contraption, he laid down next to the warm naked body.
Looking over at his witch, Draco sighed in content.
She was asleep on her stomach, her leg snugly thrown across a pillow.
Her face was barely visible beneath the mess of brown curls.
The sheets twisted around her naked body, exposing her smooth arse.
Moving closer, Draco pressed a kiss to her shoulder and gently massaged her buttocks.
Hermione murmured but did not wake.
Moving his lip to her exposed behind, he bit down gently.
When she didn't wake, Draco ran his fingers through his hair, stretched and got to his feet.
Struggling to stay awake, Draco reached for his discarded boxers and pulled it up covering his morning wood.
He moved around the room silently, washing his face, he pulled on a pair of tight black gloves and track pants.
With a glance at Hermione, Draco went down the hall to the training room.
He did a few exercises to warm up and started his daily routine.
Punch, punch, kick, kick, high kick and repeat.
Sweat dripped steadily off his firm back, it felt good to let off some steam.
He attacked the bag viciously.
Swiftly, Draco worked his way through the kata routines.
Warm rays of sunshine flooded the flat by the time he finished and walked back into the room.
Hermione was still fast asleep, Draco grinned mischievously.
He needed a shower, but he needed her more.
Slowly turning her sleeping body over, Draco spread her legs.
She really was dead to the world today.
He bent his head to her cunt and licked it.
Her eyes flew open and she sat up in surprise.
"Draco, oh…Merlin…," she whimpered falling back down.
Reaching up, he cupped a breast and twirled a nipple hardening it.
"Good morning," he muttered between licks.
Her fingers found its way into his hair, "Why are you sweating?"
She squirmed under him, her moans getting louder.
Getting off, Draco quickly discarded his pants and lowered himself between her glistening wetness.
Claiming her lips, he guided his cock into her.
"So tight," Draco groaned.
Her walls closed around his cock and took him in.
Once he was buried to the hilt, he started to move against her walls.
Slowly, stretching her to accommodate his girth.
Pulling his head to hers, Hermione kissed Draco fervently, slipping her tongue into his mouth.
The sounds of his hard thrusts bounced off the walls of the room.
She pushed against him, matching each thrust with her own.
"Please…harder baby," Hermione pleaded.
Smirking, Draco plunged in mercilessly.
She was so close, pulling him to her again, she kissed him passionately and moaned into his mouth as her clit raptured and her orgasm tore through her spent body.
Putting his arms around her, he held her firmly and with a hard thrust, he pushed in deep and released his load down her tight hole.
"Fuck that feels good," he growled in her ear.
Completely spent, they held onto each other.
Draco moved to Hermione's side, taking her along with him.
She snuggled against his chest.
"That is one way to wake up," she mused.
Laughing, Draco kissed the top of Hermione's head, "You better move your arse if you don't want to be late for work."
He showed her the time and she jumped off the bed, "Fuck, so late."
Teddy slouched in his seat.
Morgan walked in with Paul and stood by his desk.
They were looking at a Muggle car magazine and Morgan looked at the pages wide-eyed with interest.
Teddy saw a flashy red sports car out of the corner of his eye.
He opened his mouth to ask what it was when Miss Thompson walked into the classroom hurriedly and started scribbling on the board.
"Good morning," she greeted, her back to the class.
Once she had written the days assignment on the board, smiling broadly she faced her students.
Taking her seat, she declared, "Career day is next Friday."
There was a sudden eruption of excited chatter and for once Teddy joined in and smiled along with his peers.
Miss Thompson felt her eyes drift to one of her more gifted students, usually quick to sulk at any activity that involved parents, today there was a distinct difference in the boy's attitude.
Hermione knocked on the door and leaned against it.
Harry raised his head and smiled, "Good morning darling, what can I do for you?"
Walking in Hermione closed the door behind her.
Leaning against his chair, Harry looked over Hermione.
She looked stressed and disturbed.
"Are you ok?" he asked concerned.
"Kingsley offered me a job in America," Hermione replied getting straight to the point.
Harry widened his eyes in surprise.
It took him a few seconds to compose himself.
Once he did he asked, "And you turned it down?"
Hermione shook her head, "I said I would think about it."
Harry sighed, "Are you seriously considering it?"
"Yes, I am, I want to get away from here," Hermione retorted.
He had to give her that. The last two years had not been kind.
Malfoy being the one saving grace.
"That's not all…" Hermione said.
His interest peaked, "What do you mean?"
Sighing, she explained, "Lord Canterbury and the other pureblood families want me to stay away from Draco."
Harry wanted to act surprised but he heard the gossip that circulated.
"I am aware but they are a bunch of fools stuck in the past Hermione," Harry responded truthfully.
"They can make life uncomfortable for Draco and Narcissa," Hermione stated sadly.
Harry laughed, "I would love to see someone go against Narcissa and Malfoy can hold his own Hermione, what is this really about?"
"The job in itself sounds interesting and I want a fresh start with Draco, is that so wrong?" Hermione asked pleadingly.
Reaching across, Harry covered Hermione's hand with his, "No it's not, I'm guessing Malfoy is not onboard."
She crossed her arms across her chest, "He refuses to entertain the idea."
"Can't say I blame him, love, it does seem rather extreme," Harry answered.
Hermione frowned, "You're taking his side again."
Harry shrugged.
She leaned forward, playing with her fingers, "I can't bear the harsh comments about Theo, those gut me more than anything else."
"None of those hurtful words means anything Hermione," Harry advised firmly.
Hermione looked away resentfully.
Brenda knocked on the door, "I'm so sorry to disturb, Miss Jones, is here to discuss her permit, Hermione."
She got her feet at once, "Let's talk later Harry."
"Think about it some more, please don't make any rash decisions," Harry told her sternly.
Hermione nodded, "I'll see you later at the party."
Harry's eyebrow creased in worry, the look on Hermione's face worried him.
He had always known it was a matter of time before the whispers behind her back caught up with her and despite her tough exterior, Hermione had a soft heart and the awful and untrue comments targeting her love for Theo were penetrating that exterior one hard push at a time.
Sarah had a dog, and during their time together Blaise had gotten attached to the mutt and missed the greeting and wagging tail.
When Parvati expressed an interest in getting a dog, he jumped at the opportunity to surprise her.
He stood outside a Muggle pet shop, staring at the many cages of birds and other animals.
Braving it, he dusted his feet on the welcome mat with dog paws and stepped inside.
A tiny bell chimed and Blaise looked at it, wondering what the fuck?
Speaking to the closest assistant, Blaise requested to be shown to the dogs.
The young boy gave him a funny look but said nothing, instead led him to a pit full of black, brown and beige puppies who were falling over each other in eagerness to lick his hand.
Picking one up he let the squirming puppy lick his hand, his attention deviated and he knew that was exactly what he wanted.
The piercing black and blue eyes caught his attention first.
Carefully placing the puppy back inside the enclosure, Blaise walked over to the next one.
Beautiful, majestic and mesmerizing.
Scanning for the right one he picked up a gorgeous Husky pup from the lot.
It looked like a wolf cub, the puppy reminded him of Draco's Patronus minus the full white.
The puppy licked his hand and whimpered.
"I'll take this one," Blaise told the assistant confidently while cradling the puppy lovingly.
"Good choice sir," the assistant beamed. Huskies were his favourite breed too.
Noticing Blaise had not bought anything else the assistant offered his expert advice.
An hour later, Blaise loaded his SUV with a large bag of pet food, bowls, leash, vitamins and various toys.
The minute he placed the puppy on the seat, it peed.
Blaise groaned.
This might not have been his brightest idea.
Ministry farewell party for Justin and Ryan.
"Do we have to go for this shit?" Draco asked annoyed.
"You can stay home if you want love," Hermione replied fixing her hair.
Without another word, he pulled out his tailored black robes.
She smiled out of the corner of her mouth.
Hand in hand they stepped out of the Floo network onto the ground floor of the Ministry building.
Hermione coughed and fought the urge to vomit.
Brushing the dust off his robes, Draco straightened to his full height and frowned.
Taking Hermione's hand firmly in his, he pushed open the doors and stepped into the party.
They were greeted at once by the many witches and wizards that had gathered.
Ryan looked up at Hermione, they locked eyes and he raised his drink in her direction.
He followed her movements, the little black dress she wore suited her well.
It hugged her figure and fell to the ground in soft folds.
A pair of silvery orbs watched his movements, moving his eyes to Draco, Ryan sneered.
Draco returned the look with more ferocity.
Kingsley came towards them and Draco took his hand in a firm handshake, "Malfoy, good to see you."
He looked at Ryan pointedly and then Hermione, "I have not been to one of these Ministry affairs in a while."
Hermione smiled at Kingsley and told Draco, "I'm going over to speak to Harry."
Draco dropped a kiss to her forehead and waved at Harry, "Of course love."
Kingsley watched Hermione's retreating figure and seriously requested, "Malfoy, a word if you don't mind."
Draco raised a questioning eyebrow and replied quickly, "After you Minister."
He led them inside his dimly lit office and opened an ages-old cabinet carved in a deep black wood.
Kingsley took out an ancient-looking bottle and pulled out the cork.
Inhaling the rich aroma of whiskey that filled the room, he said, "I keep the good stuff here."
Taking two intricately curved tumblers, he poured them each a generous portion.
Handing one to Draco, he raised the glass, "Cheers."
Draco returned the gesture enthusiastically, "Cheers."
The black and silver of his family ring glistened against the soft light of the room.
Taking a sip, he savoured the taste and twirled the rich liquid before taking another sip and sucking on his bottom lip.
"That is good scotch," Draco told Kingsley impressed.
Smiling, the Minister took his seat and asked curiously, "Granger told you about the offer?"
Without hesitation, Draco replied darkly, "She did."
Kingsley nodded, "She wanted some time to think about it."
In the dark light, Kingsley could not see Draco's surprised expression or the anger that flashed across his face.
Letting it sink in, Draco sipped on his drink.
Moments later, he locked eyes with Kingsley and asked sternly, "What is this about? Is this that American fuckers doing?"
Kingsley laughed, "He did push for it, yes. But the offer is based on her skills. Granger is bloody good at her job."
Draco narrowed his eyes, "What the fuck is really going on?"
The Minister narrowed his eyes in distaste, "Canterbury is not keen on your relationship."
Banging his glass on the table, Draco laughed, "Like I give a fuck, he is Theo's uncle from his father's side. He tried the same shit when Theo wanted to marry her."
Kingsley raised a quizzical eyebrow.
Deep in thought, he refilled his glass and offered the same to Draco.
Leaning forward, Draco retorted menacingly, "I will not run away from these prejudiced fools."
Kingsley nodded, "I understand Malfoy, but he is an influential man and I would hate to see any harm come to Hermione. It isn't you facing the fire."
When Draco tried to speak, he silenced him and continued, "She is taking the heat from all sides and I think she has suffered enough."
Draco got to his feet, "We are not leaving Kingsley, I plan on marrying her and staying right here."
Getting to his feet, Kingsley frowned, "Don't let your ego and arrogance influence your decisions. Hermione is a headstrong woman. Talk to her."
Placing his hands on the desk, Draco leaned forward and firmly said, "I will protect her."
"I have no doubt you will Malfoy, but you might lose her in the process," Kingsley advised goodheartedly.
Stepping back Draco let the Minister's last words take residence in his mind.
Lose her? Not again, not ever.
With a curt nod, Draco drained his drink, "Thank you, Kingsley. I appreciate you speaking with me."
"Think nothing of it," came Kingsley's reply as he finished his drink and followed Draco out of the room.
"Hermione," Harry called out cheerfully.
Justin was standing with Harry smoking a cigarette.
She gave them quick hugs and with a hint of sadness to her tone asked, "What time are you leaving Justin?"
He looked down at his watch and replied solemnly, "In a few hours, taking a Portkey direct to Washington."
"We will miss you," she told him truthfully.
He smiled weakly, "It was good to be back and er…hopefully we can work together in New York."
Hermione stiffened, "I haven't decided."
Harry frowned and watched his best friends face intently.
The Aurors called them over and Hermione excused herself.
She wandered onto the open terrace.
The cool air was crisp and smelled heavenly.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione leaned into the wind.
The light breeze swept over her making her skin come alive and tingle.
A husky voice behind her, made the skin at the back of her neck stand on end, "Why are you out here? It's fucking cold."
She turned around, he was too close, stepping back, she replied, "I needed some fresh air."
Ryan cocked his head to a side and studied her, "Are you ok? You look lost and disturbed."
Hermione looked to the sky and managed, "I'm fine."
His eyes not leaving her face, he asked earnestly, "Have you given the offer any thought?"
Looking deep into his eyes, she laughed softly, "It's only been a couple of days, it's a lot to think about."
Smiling warmly, Ryan replied, "I understand. You would fit right in, I have no doubt."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione replied sarcastically, "I appreciate the vote of confidence."
His tone changed, he tried to move closer, "Justin once told me you were different."
She could smell the faint aroma of Firewhisky, "I mocked him but now I see he was right."
His voice barely a whisper, "Everything about you is...special."
Ryan went to touch Hermione, alarmed she stepped back, her back to the railing.
His fingers almost cupped her face when long white fingers grabbed his fingers and bent them back almost breaking them.
Losing balance, Ryan buckled and knelt before Draco.
Draco sneered, "Don't fucking touch her."
Breaking out of Draco's grasp, Ryan got to his feet and fixed his robes.
He snarled, "I didn't know she belonged to you like a fucking toothbrush."
Draco took a step forward but Hermione stopped him.
"Please darling, let it go," she pleaded with Draco.
Looking at Hermione longingly, Ryan blurted out, "Think about what I said, we will wait for your answer."
"She's not taking the fucking job so back off," Draco growled threateningly.
Ryan laughed, "Really? Because I think she wants too. Being with you will only bring her down."
Turning to Hermione, his gaze softened, "Granger, I meant what I said, you were the best part of this trip."
Unconsciously Draco grabbed Hermione's wrist and she winced in pain.
She opened her mouth to answer but no words came out.
They watched the retreating American.
Rounding on Hermione, Draco glared furiously, "What the hell is he on about?"
Conscious of the people around her, Hermione muttered, "Please let's go home, there's a lot of people here."
Taking her hand, he led her through the corridors to one of the apparition points. Holding her firmly he took them to his flat.
Hermione lost balance on landing and fell onto the couch.
Turning to face his girlfriend, Draco bit out a curse and said, "Spit it out, Granger."
Getting to her feet, she let her hair down, "What do you want to know?"
The anger in him was steadily rising to a boiling point, his fingers twitched with pure rage.
His eyes mere slits, "Were you ever going to tell me that you were considering the bloody job?"
Hermione looked away, she had the good grace to look embarrassed.
Unbuttoning his robes, he frustratedly bellowed, "I had to find out from Kingsley."
She remained quiet, listening to him unleash his anger.
"Lord Canterbury is a meddling old fool," Draco informed her sharply.
Walking around hurriedly, he spoke harshly, "Why do you let it bother you? It's baseless gossip, Granger."
Slowly, Hermione raised her head to look at Draco.
Her voice sharp, it cut through his anger, "Everyone thinks we were having an affair. That I cheated on my husband."
Cocking her head to a side, she scoffed, "Do you have any idea what that feels like?"
Clutching her chest, Hermione felt the tears build-up, "My Theo! I loved him."
Draco failed to hide the contempt in his voice, "I know you loved Theo."
She stood her ground and pressed, "If I can get away from the judgement and live peacefully, why the fuck shouldn't I take it?"
"Because we aren't doing anything wrong, Hermione," Draco defended firmly.
"I want a fucking break," she retorted exhausted by the turn of conversation.
Draco went behind the bar and fixed himself a drink, "You sound like you have already made up your mind to take the job,' and painfully, he added, "whether I agree to it or not."
Hermione eyed the aquarium, the brilliantly coloured fish swam without a care in the world.
"I haven't decided," she told him unwaveringly.
Scowling, he sipped his drink, "I? This is no longer about you Granger, I get a say too."
Closing the distance between them, she lovingly touched his cheek, "This isn't about leaving gossip behind, the job it's appealing. It is something I can do well."
He cupped her face and kissed her, "It's not that easy. To just pick up and leave everything."
His eyes clouded over in anger, "That American fucktard will be hovering over you, ready to pounce at any moment."
Letting go, Hermione stepped back and replied frustratingly, "This has nothing to do with him."
Draco laughed manically, "Yet, he has gone to great lengths to offer you this job."
Her eyes widened in surprise.
Taking in her look of bewilderment, he sneered, "I have my ways, Hermione. Why the fuck is he sniffing around you?"
Her small hands balled into fists, the nails digging into her palm, "Are you looking for a more sophisticated answer than trying to fuck me?"
The patience she had held onto was slowly disappearing and in its place red hot anger surged to the surface.
Undeterred by her irritation, Draco accused, "It might have started like that but he wants more and you seem willing to run to New York for him.
Hermione threw her hands up in frustration. Her anger peaked and she glared at the equally angry blonde pacing before her.
"Did something happen between the two of you?" Draco asked abruptly, his voice cracking with emotion.
Throwing her head back, Hermione let out a sarcastic laugh, "Yes, something happened Draco, is that what you want to hear? Would that pacify you?"
Draco flinched at her harsh words; he knew he crossed the line.
The temper she desperately tried to control consumed her and angry tears bubbled to the surface, "Are you listening to yourself? Can you hear how pathetic you sound?
He hung his head in shame.
Her voice cracking, she continued, "I am standing right here with you, we are trying to have a child and you think I would cheat on you?"
Draco opened his mouth to reply but she cut him off, "You are no better than the pureblood bastards who try to tarnish my name for loving both of you."
"Hermione…." Draco whispered, trying to take her hand.
Taking her hand out of his, she fired, "Don't Draco, you can't fuck me and make everything go away."
Stepping back, he fixed her with a stern glare, "We are not going to New York, make your peace with that."
Of all the arrogant...
She stood her ground and met his glare with her burning fire and defiantly replied, "That is not just your decision to make."
They stared at each other.
Reaching for her clutch, Hermione pulled out her wand.
"What the hell are you doing?" Draco demanded impatiently.
"I'm going home Draco," she retorted harshly.
His breathing rapid, he asked trying to keep calm, "Why?"
Wiping the tears, Hermione shot back, "Because I want space. You're giving me a headache,"
He barely got a word out. She left him standing in the middle of the room with his robe half undone.
The minute her feet touched the carpet in her flat, she ran to the fridge and grabbed a large bottle of Firewhisky.
Popping the lid open, she kept the cool bottle to her lips and drained it.
Stripping Hermione padded into the bathroom chugging from the bottle at intervals.
In her underwear and bra, she opened the bedside cupboard and took out the picture of Theo.
Her fingers traced the outline of his smiling face, "I miss you."
"I don't know what to do Theo," she pleaded into the darkness.
Silent tears fell down her face, "Why did I fall in love with both of you?"
The last thing she wanted was to hurt Draco.
Crawling between her sheets, she fell into a disturbed sleep.
Draco paced around the room, glancing at the time and then his phone.
Unable to control his rising emotions, he apparated in Hermione's flat.
There were no lights she had gone to sleep.
Careful not to wake her, he quietly pushed the door open and stepped inside her room.
Sudden coldness gripped him, the wind rustled around the room, she had forgotten to close the balcony
Slowly closing the doors, Draco went to stand over Hermione.
Lovingly he watched her breathe.
She shivered, he pulled the cover over her semi-naked body and noticed the frame clutched in her hand.
He could make out Theo's happy smile and Hermione's loving gaze.
Draco stared at it, his breathing increased, and pain creased his face.
Tearing his gaze away from the picture, he threw her one final look and left.
Collapsing onto the couch, he let out a frustrated groan.
It was his actions that set them along this destructive path.
A sudden urge to see Theo at his happiest overpowered every other feeling.
Getting up, he searched through the shelf and pulled out Theo and Hermione's wedding tape.
Grabbing a drink, he plopped it into the player and settled on the couch.
The picture came to life...and his memories of the day and before bled into the video.
He was Theo's best man. In a twisted fate of circumstances, he would have to stand by Theo and watch him marry Hermione.
A front-seat view into what he had given up.
Draco gingerly knocked on the door.
There was no answer, he slowly turned the knob and stepped into the bright room.
Hermione turned around to face him.
A flash of pain swept across her face.
Her eyes darkened in sorrow.
He felt like someone punched him in the gut
She looked beautiful. The dazzling, sleeveless wedding gown fit her across the waist and fell to the ground in delicate folds.
"Hermione," he whispered breathlessly.
She returned to adjusting her veil, "What are you doing here?"
Unable to look away or break out of his trance, Draco stared at her…
"Draco," her soft voice pierced his thoughts.
Snapping to attention, he looked at the delicate bouquet of pink and white roses clutched firmly in his hands.
Coming closer, he muttered, "Ginny was busy with James, I volunteered to bring it to you."
He had practically grabbed it from Ginny and sprinted up the staircase of Nott Manor.
Reaching for the bouquet, Hermione mumbled a quick, "Thank you."
Their fingers brushed; his breathing hitched, and she stepped away quickly.
Smoothing her gown, she asked shyly, "Do I look ok?
Draco took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes, "You look breathtaking my love."
Her eyes went to his hand, "What happened to your hand?"
Eye widened, they pleaded with him for an answer.
He backed away, "It's nothing."
His hand on the door handle, he quipped, "I guess I'll see you up there."
She did not answer.
Hermione pulled the veil over her face and looked at him agonizingly through the mirror.
Walk away Draco, his inner voice screamed
But...
Ignoring his conscience, he went to stand behind her.
Her pull was magnetic.
Reaching out he shut the door and locked it using the magic that simmered at his fingertips.
Gently, he placed his hands on her arms rubbing them soothingly.
Giving in to a weak moment briefly, Draco wanted to take Hermione and run away.
To a place, their love would thrive, where he could love her in the open.
He should have.
Hermione leaned against his new suit
Bending he kissed her neck memorizing her taste for the last time.
A quiet moan left her lips.
She threw her neck back and her fingers tangled themselves in his hair.
Turning in his arms, she kissed him on the lips putting all their love and misery into it.
Draco knew it was wrong, everything about their situation was wrong.
His hands on her were wrong…
She was Theo's future wife..
But...
Everything ceased to exist.
He lifted the veil over her head, lowered eyelids slowly lifted to look at him.
Merlin, help him...
Draco gathered her in his arms and kissed her passionately.
His lips moulded to hers, bringing her body closer to his.
Their need grew urgent.
Backed up against the wall, Hermione pushed against Draco's body.
His suit jacket fell to the floor in a clumsy mess, his mouth placed subtle kisses along her collarbone.
Returning to her mouth, he trailed her luscious lips with his tongue before slipping it inside her mouth, hers rushed to meet his.
Lifting her off the ground, Draco pinned Hermione to the wall, his hands hiking up her dress eager to pull down her thong.
The sound of heavy footsteps cut through the moment and they broke apart breathing hard over each other.
Reality hit him like a ton of bricks.
What the fuck was he doing?
He rested his forehead against hers.
"Hermione..," he whispered through the conflict.
She placed a gentle kiss to his lips, he could taste the tears, "I know..."
Picking up the fallen jacket, he slipped into it.
The last thing he heard was her sobs as he closed the door behind him.
Hurriedly rushing to the bathroom.
He locked the door behind him and banged his head against it.
The pain was unbearable, the battle inside his head raged dangerously.
It was the last time he touched her intimately.
A day before the wedding she had turned up at his old flat
Hearing the thud, Draco had grabbed his wand and rushed head-on into the living room in nothing more than a pair of boxers and t-shirt.
Shocked by the woman before him, he tossed his wand aside and purposely closed the distance between them.
Red-eyed and miserable, Hermione asked, "Tell me I'm doing the right thing?"
"TELL ME!" She screamed clutching onto her head.
Grasping her wrists, Draco pulled her against his chest.
Hermione felt his toned, taut body beneath her fingertips.
He flinched and stiffened at her touch.
Dropping his voice low, he asked, "Do you love Theo?"
"Yes," she muttered against his chest without hesitation and added excruciatingly, "Then why the fuck am I here?"
Draco ran his fingers through her hair, "I don't know."
Her fingers dug deep into his t-shirt, the material dampened with her sobs.
"You need to leave Hermione, Theo will be looking for you," Draco broke free and told her with a heavy heart.
Angrily, Hermione cried, "Stop it Draco, stop talking about Theo for one second."
He looked away unable to contain his feelings.
"What the fuck do you want?" She pleaded with him.
If he kissed her all hell would break loose.
Looking her directly in the eyes, he replied without hesitation, "I want the both of you to be happy."
Hermione scoffed and closed the distance between them.
She could smell his aftershave; he could smell the peppermint on her breath.
"When I touch you, do you feel nothing?" Hermione asked excruciatingly, taking a step closer.
Draco looked down into her flustered face and swallowed hard.
His defences weakened.
He backed away, she pressed herself against him, "When I touch you, do you feel nothing?"
The burning anguish in her voice cut through him.
Fuck being moral and good and whatever that other shit was.
Grabbing her, Draco crushed her lips with his. He could taste the saltiness of the tears.
Things were getting out of hand, urgently he backed her into his room and tugged at her shirt and her hands snaked down to his boxers cupping his cock from the outside.
He groaned into her mouth, throwing her shirt to the floor her legs gave out and she fell onto the bed.
Pulling his t-shirt over his head, he threw it down and stood over her.
He wanted her badly.
Cupping her face, he trailed his fingers down her stomach and pulled at the band of her thong.
The land phone rang, the loud ringing repeatedly stabbed the air.
Ignoring it, he sucked at the base of her throat while his fingers parted her pussy lips and pressed against her clit.
Hermione moaned, pushing herself further into his fingers.
"Draco…please…can we?" she bent forward and breathe into his ear, gently biting down on the earlobe.
The rings ended and the answering machine came to life. - Leave a message at the beep.
Theo's nervous voice echoed through the flat.
He sounded strange, strained and upset, "Drake, have you spoken to Hermione? She's been missing for hours. I am worried shitless."
Their bodies stiffened and Draco pushed himself off Hermione.
Theo….
Fuck….
No….
He backed away completely and roared, "I WON'T DO THIS TO HIM."
Hermione hurriedly got off the bed and tried to reach out but he purposely stepped away.
The blood in her veins turned cold, she fell at his feet crying uncontrollably.
Draco joined her on the floor, "He is the right man for you. I could never give you the life you deserve."
Wiping her tears, she stared at him, he watched her eyes change into a fiery brown.
Anger…
Taking her elbow, he offered softly, "Let me take you home,"
Angrily, Hermione shook herself free from his grasp, "Let me go, I'm sorry for coming here."
His eyes clouded over with tears, "Never apologize to me."
With one last desperate look, she apparated.
Draco turned his flat upside down.
He groaned aloud and put his hand through the ornate glass mirror his mother gave him.
The mirror shattered and fell to the ground in pieces.
The blood dripped down his knuckles to his feet.
The pain felt good, he welcomed it.
Everyone was seated, the soft hum of music pleasantly filled the space.
"Fuck, I'm shitting bricks," Theo cursed wiping his brow.
Leaning forward, Draco hissed, "Calm the fuck down Theo."
The music changed and everyone got to their feet
Hermione appeared holding onto her father's hand. Mr Granger held onto his daughter protectively.
Theo froze, they locked eyes and Hermione smiled shyly at her future husband.
His face broke out in a big smile and he stepped down to receive his bride.
Hermione gave her father a quick kiss and took Theos hand enthusiastically. He kissed her hand and led her to the top.
"You look beautiful," Theo whispered.
Draco heard him and concentrated on his feet.
Hermione smiled and winked through heavy eyelashes.
Theo was hers. She loved him. He was warmth and love.
She felt Draco stare at her, purposely she ignored him.
To look at him broke her heart.
It was over. She was marrying Theo.
Draco gave Theo the ring.
"With this ring, I pledge to eternally love you and protect you through sickness and health, till death do us part."
Ginny handed Hermione the ring, "With this ring, I swear to be by your side in sickness and health till death do us part.\
The priest beamed and declared, "Wonderful you may kiss the bride."
Theo gathered Hermione in his arms lovingly and kissed her deeply.
Blaise placed a hand on Draco's shoulder. He managed a halfhearted smile and Blaise looked at him in concern.
Formalities over, the wedding party died down.
"A dance with the bride?" Draco asked offering his hand.
His grey eyes were calm
Without hesitation, Hermione took it.
He twirled her before reaching the middle.
She melted into his arms, Draco smiled and whispered, "Mrs Nott, it sounds good."
Hermione smiled, "I feel good, it feels..er…different."
"I'm leaving," he announced abruptly.
Her eyes widened, she stared at him, "What?"
He tipped her chin, "For a few months, I will be in New York for business and then head to meet my Sensei afterwards."
Hermione nodded understandably.
It hurt just the same.
She knew why he had to leave, he was running away from their memories and love.
Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "My work here is done Hermione, the rest is up to you."
The video ended with Theo driving Hermione away.
It was a beautiful wedding.
Afterwards, Blaise and he apparated to the nearest bar and drank themselves into a stupor on whiskey.
He drowned his sorrows and Blaise kept him company.
Neither spoke. Words were not necessary.
Switching the TV off, Draco threw the remote across the room in frustration.
In a second he could have changed everything.
She would have been his.
Her coming to him was her last resort.
Theo, mate….
Why did he have to die? He had everything to live for...
The stabbing pain he felt after seeing his friend's happy face lingered in his consciousness.
He felt sick after reliving the memories they had shared.
Theo...miss you mate...
He ached for his witch. Why had he let his temper get the better of him?
Surrounded by conflicting emotions, Draco fell onto his bed and demanded sleep.