Chapter 28 – Icarus
A/N: Song recs: "The Permanent Rain" by The Dangerous Summer and "Icarus" by Bastille. As always, all errors are my own. – delphicpigeon
Draco awoke in a cold sweat following a particularly brutal night of tossing and turning. He had dreamed of a stark cliff face, the distinct feeling of being on the edge of a precipice he'd never return from. He had gazed out upon that endless gray as wild winds whipped around him. He knew he was running from something. Or someone. He could feel it in his chest, his worst fears realized as he plunged forward.
Frowning at the sunshine that filtered through the window, he angrily tossed off the cover and raked a hand through his messy hair. Of course the sun would decide to grace them with its presence after weeks of grim and rainy skies. He cursed the brightness and stumbled over to the kitchen to fix some tea. He would have much preferred some coffee to stave off the tension growing behind his eyes. Or better yet, a large tumbler of Ogden's Finest. He hadn't had a sip of alcohol since…
He cringed recalling the last time he had drank. It had been right before he brought Granger to the altar. Pinching the bridge of his nose with a deep sigh, he poured the steaming water from the kettle. Today wasn't any better. It was his damned birthday. At least he wouldn't be subjected to stuffy galas because they had rarely involved actual celebrations. Mostly, they had been aristocratic networking events held by his father or an endless parade of potential blue-blooded brides. Or, he considered bitterly, spent being cattle branded by deranged megalomaniacs. Staring down the curls of steam rising from his mug, he wondered when his frame of mind had shifted to such an opinion of the Dark Lord. Not that he had respected the snake-faced tyrant, but rather feared immensely and had only done so for the sake of his family. He had lost count of the many times the Dark Lord had vehemently sworn to decimate the Malfoy line following any minor delay or imagined slight. Any reaction less than complete subservience would have resulted in swift beatings, which had eventually morphed into torture towards the end of his short career as a Death Eater. He dreaded the day he'd have to reunite with his former master. He shuddered recalling the deep restlessness of that steep rock shore. Coughing lightly, he pushed the dark thoughts behind a mental wall and brought the cup to his lips.
Granger came bounding down the stairs with a bright smile on her face, despite the tired lines written across her features. He lifted a pale brow at her expression. Even her clothing was cheerful. She was dressed in a soft sky-blue satin, draped softly on her form. A deep purple ribbon weaved in her curls. The color selection triggered something inside his mind, but he wasn't sure of what the significance was. His eyes wandered briefly, tracing over the angles of her body, the strength of her stature, and the curve of her arse. Draco choked on his tea when the thought entered his mind. Concern gently creased her features as he thumped at his chest, struggling to regain any semblance of dignity.
"Morning Granger." He coughed out, setting the cup down with a thud.
"You alright there?" she quipped, hiding her amusement poorly.
"Never better." He finished with snort, giving her mild scowl.
"Fantastic, because I've got plenty of activities planned for your birthday!" She sang out, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Draco groaned internally. He had hoped that she had somehow forgotten the mention of his birthday, but unfortunately that had not been the case. Knowing Granger, it would be stuck in her brain for the rest of their natural lives and probably even beyond that. Blowing out a breath, his gaze shifted to hers.
"I'm not going to get out of this am I?" he murmured, giving her a mildly exasperated glance.
"Nope!" she smirked playfully, putting a popping emphasis on the last syllable.
He gave one final groan and let himself be lead away for whatever Granger had planned. As it turns out she had planned a quiet breakfast under the gazebo. He had narrowed his eyes in suspicion when Hugo made a guest appearance, much to her delight. He still didn't quite belief her denial of being able to speak with animals on some level. Following was a meandering walk through the woods that led, most surprisingly, to hidden pond. The pond itself sat calmly, fed by a nearby stream, in the midst of a golden meadow. The sunlight filtered softly through the trees and was surrounded by tall green brush and several white-tipped flowers. They rustled in the soft breeze as several chirps echoed from the trees. He took a deep breath, reveling in the peaceful place. He walked the circumference of the pond's edge, his hands trailing above the wild growth. She had grinned at when he had sputtered at her suggestion of "taking a dip".
"Malfoys do not 'take dips'." He scoffed, throwing a haughty glare at the murky water.
"Oh, come on Draco!" she urged as she slipped of her shoes, "You just might enjoy yourself."
"I seriously doubt that." He snorted, watching as she transfigured her dress with a shorter hemline.
She gave a strangled sound of surprise when the spell backfired, the hemline refusing to cooperate til it reached mid-thigh. Draco hastily averted his eyes as most of Granger's legs came into view. He twisted his head so she couldn't see the flush creeping onto his cheeks but he could still feel her eyes upon his back. A sharp inhale sounded and he whipped around to face her. His eyes widened at the sight of her standing waist deep in the water. Draco's mouth went dry.
She was an exact replica of the vision he had seen of Cerridwen all those months ago. Only this time, instead of a ferocious storm, she was dappled in sunlight. Her long hair swaying in the breeze, a content smile upon her face as she smiled towards the sky. Slowly, her head dropped and focused on him. Her fingers lifted from the water's surface and reached out to him, inviting him just as Cerridwen had. Draco nearly pinched himself at the sight of her. He felt his feet move disconnected from his brain, towards her beckoning hand. She released another laugh.
"It might help if you take your shoes off." She reprimanded playfully.
He merely nodded, awkwardly kicking off his shoes, still too dazed by her. It was as if the surrounding woods were bending to her. He walked towards her cautiously, reaching out to place his hand in hers. She beamed at the contact, watching him with a searching look. He inhaled deeply, stepping forward to place a single toe into the cool water. Then he took another step, unsure at the sensation of thick mud oozing beneath his steps. He stopped when he was knee deep. His eyes met hers and for a moment, everything was still. She fixed his with yet another brilliant smile and he felt himself begin to smile in response. Then, without warning, she yanked him forcefully into the water with amused laughter.
Draco fell forward unceremoniously, bobbing in the greenish-yellow water, before he re-surfaced and fixed her with a heated glare. He simmered as she doubled over in uncontrollable laughter, tears squeezing from her amber eyes. She made the mistake of lifting a mocking finger in his direction, a distraction he took full advantage of. With his Seeker reflexes, he snatched her wrist with his hand and pulled her forward. With a small shriek, she crashed into the water and Draco smirked in satisfaction when she resurfaced, looking like drowned rat. She peeled her wet curls from her face with an annoyed air.
"Serves you right Granger." He snapped, crossing his arms with as much dignity as one could muster standing waist deep in pondwater.
However, he had not expected her next reaction.
Her lip began to tremble and he feared he had made a terrible mistake when suddenly, her demeanor shifted and a bubble of laughter rang out. Draco stared at her in confusion. Wasn't she angry? Why was she laughing? When he realized something, it truly was amusing. And, somehow, thought he would never admit it out loud, he was genuinely enjoying himself. Both of them stood, soaking wet with strands of hair plastered to their faces, as the sun shone brightly above.
After several hours alternating between lazy swimming, sunbathing, and lounging with a good book, the sun began to set and a chill began to rattle their bones. They set back towards the cottage. Draco had cast both a Drying and Warming spell over the both of them, but the chill remained the same. Luckily, Hermione had planned for this and had prepared a small bonfire to warm them up. What Draco had not expected was the small object she presented to him once the fire was burning brightly.
"What is this?" he asked somewhat irritably, staring at the box she had placed into his hands.
"A birthday present." She responded rather pointedly, as if it was obvious.
He gave her a piercing look, refusing to touch the wrapped item. She stood opposite him, hands on her hips, staring expectantly. He was tempted to be amused at her show of belligerence but knew her better than that.
"What could you possibly get me out here?" he emphasized, "I don't imagine you went to the local market and scooped up some trinket for me."
"Obviously not," she blushed, shifting uncomfortably.
Well, that is interesting, he thought, what could Hermione Granger, bold Gryffindor and as "noble as they come witches" be unnerved about?
"Oh…just open the blasted thing!" she urged, picking nervously at her fingers.
Draco rested his hands on the object, giving her a knowing smirk. With a nonchalant air, he picked at the edges of the outer fabric. At an excruciatingly slow pace, he peeled back the cover with unbroken eye contact. She began to wring her hands together, ripping her eyes from him.
Curious…
As the fabric fell away, all breathe left his body. The rectangular item before him was extraordinary. Very few Malfoy heirlooms surpassed the sophistication and extravagance of the box that existed before him. It was sumptuous, opulent, and highly suspicious. Every inch of it sparkled in the firelight. He tore his gaze from the box and stared hard at Granger. She shrank under his withering scowl.
"Where is Salazar Slytherin's name did you get this!?" he hissed, nearly dropping the item.
She gave no response, surprise written in her wide eyes.
"Is this some sort of joke?" he demanded, refusing to directly touch the box.
It reminded him of the stunning necklace he had enticed Katie Bell to pass along to curse Dumbledore. He felt his insides shake with self-hatred. Bell had been so mesmerized by the sparkling opals that she hadn't even questioned how they came into her possession before Draco had Imperio'ed her to attempt his ill-fated task. Fearfully, Draco wondered if this had been some prolonged revenge plot by Granger to vindicate her fellow Gryffindor. He felt his heart crack under that thought, but refused to let it be plastered across his face.
"W-what?" she stammered out.
"Did someone order you to give this to me?" he seethed, the anger seeping out of his voice. "Are you trying to get back at me because of what I did to Katie Bell?!"
Confusion was etched across her face. He carefully set the box down and stood shakily, his fists clenching while he shook with fury.
"Am I just expected to believe that you had a box made entirely out of gold and precious jewels in your possession this entire time?" he sneered, "Do you think I am some sort of imbecile?!"
Finally finding her voice, her arms dropped to her side.
"What on Circe's green earth are you going on about Malfoy?" she half-shouted, "I made that for you. It's a gift, you complete and utter ass."
He gave a derisive snort.
"Am I really supposed to believe that drivel Granger?" he spat, "People don't just walk around with priceless artifacts that are worth a small fortune. Especially middle class Muggleborns, like you! I've done enough research to know that very few possess this extravagant level of wealth! Can you seriously deny that this box isn't genuine? That the gold isn't of the purest quality, that the jewels aren't without a single natural flaw? This is obviously some twisted sort of revenge you bloody Gryffindors are exacting on me. I just didn't think you would be so obtuse about it."
"How dare you?" she gasped, her voice beginning to break, "I'm not trying to get back at you for anything! I wanted to do something n-nice for you since…"
She wrapped her arms around her trembling frame, her eyes darkening. Despite the initial warning signs, Draco was too caught up in his venom to care. Once the words started he couldn't stop himself. It was as if someone else had taken his place, speaking words that felt foreign to him. It felt like that plunge into the endless gray.
"Do something nice for me? How quaint Granger." He mocked, "So you think we are friends? Just because we are stuck together here doesn't mean we are friends. I don't need your gifts or your help for that matter. I'm not some charity case. So you can save your bloody gifts and your bloody sympathy for someone who actually wants it!"
With those last words, her head snapped up with pure fury blazing. Draco felt his blood run cold, recognizing those eyes. She stood upright slowly, her hands morphed into claws. A sneer marred her face.
"I am an absolute fool." She hissed, "I knew you'd always be an arrogant and pompous brat, but I thought that maybe you had changed for the better. But now I see I was terribly wrong."
She pointed to the box, her features sharpening as a malevolent grin sneaked across her lips. Draco realized that he had made a serious error and once again, he was at the mercy of a destructive goddess. If anyone was a fool, it was him.
"You stupid boy." Came her disconnected voice, "You don't deserve this witch. If our mutual fate didn't rest upon your unfortunate ritualistic connection, I would have destroyed you long ago."
Draco took a step back, hoping to put some distance between himself and the irate witch in front of him. She smirked maliciously at the movement and moved towards him. However, her steps faltered and a dark look flickered across her face.
"Make this right wizard or you will suffer the most." She warned, poison in her voice.
Before he could process her words, her eyes rolled into the back of her head with a final, violent shudder. Draco's heart lurched at the thud of her body crumpling against the earth. Blinking rapidly, he raced to her side and gathered her to his arms. It wasn't the fall he feared, he realized too late, but what had remained in the sky before him.
"No. No. No." he begged, "I am so sorry Gr-Hermione. Please be alright."
He grabbed his wand with shaking hands and attempted to cast several Renerverates with no effect. She laid motionless, her face pale. He racked his brain, trying to recall the Muggle way to revive someone. He cupped her cheek, willing her to move.
"Please wake up." He implored, "I was wrong. So wrong."
After what seemed like a lifetime, she took a deep, rattling breath but remained still. Draco let out a relieved sigh and crushed her against him. He felt her heart beating faintly while he buried his face in her wild hair.
"Please forgive me." He whispered softly, stroking her hair with all the regrets he couldn't speak aloud.