Chapter 10
That night, Hermione tossed and turned. She couldn't sleep after what Harry had done. She should have guessed though. It was something Harry tended to do when he wanted someone he couldn't have… Like when he kissed Cho. Hermione glanced at the clock. It was midnight. She had to go to work at 6:00, but if she didn't get any sleep, she would not make it through the day.
She went into the bathroom a grabbed a small bottle of potion for sleep. Not dreamless though—it was too troublesome to make. She took three sips and as soon as she hit the pillow, she was asleep.
The doorbell rang. It was Harry. Hermione let him in. They sat on the couch. After minutes of silence, Harry kissed her, and she didn't resist. She didn't resist anything at all. Then all that was visible was the throw Harry had pulled over them, rising and falling with their bodies, and the back of the couch.
"Oh, Harry…"
"Herm…"
"I love you, Harry!"
"Aaaaaaaaaah!" Hermione shrieked, sitting bolt upright in her bed. It was the most frightening dream she had ever had.
She was trembling all over and drenched in sweat. How could she let herself dream that? What could she do about it? Try to forget? It was impossible to do. The witch rocked back and forth on the edge of her bed, sobbing.
~*~
Lucius Malfoy sat at his desk recording recent business meetings, when a knock came on his office door.
"Enter," he grumbled.
"Sir!" An out of breath young wizard stood in front of the aging Malfoy. "Have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
The wizard's eyes grew big. "You haven't? But he's your son!"
"What about my son?" Lucius barked.
"He's disobeyed you, boss, sir!"
"How?"
"He's… he's dating a mudblood."
"He's what?!"
"A mudblood, sir. He's dating a mudblood."
"That ungrateful wretch!" Lucius shrieked. "He'll ruin the company! He's fired! Inform him that he's fired!"
"Yessir."
"Do you know the name of this… wench?"
"I… I believe it's Hermione Granger, sir."
"Damn him!"
"Sir?"
"You're dismissed. Go. Fire my son. And get me the girl's address."
~*~
"Fired?!" Draco shrieked. "Why the hell did he fire me?! I'm family!"
"He knows, Mr. Malfoy."
"Knows what, Henry?"
"About your mudblood."
Draco's yes grew as big as saucers. "Does he know her name? Tell me he doesn't, oh God, tell me he doesn't."
"He does, sir."
"Damn!" Draco cursed.
"And may I say something?"
"Sure. Not like this can get any worse."
"Oh, I believe it can, Draco, sir. He's planning something."
"Go, Henry. You've brought the bad news. You've done your job."
"Yes, good-bye, Draco, sir," and he left.
~*~
Harry felt guilty. He didn't care if he hurt Draco, but he didn't feel right to have frustrated and possibly emotionally scarred Hermione like that. He was a horrible person. He picked up his phone and dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Hermione, it's Harry."
"Hi! I was just about to call you! We need to talk."
"Yeah, I know we do. Look, I'm just going to save you some time and get straight to the point. I love you Hermione, but I admit, that kiss was too far. Some of this love is because I think you deserve better than Draco. And I don't think I'm being fair to put so much pressure on you. I guess what I'm trying to say is… I…" he seemed to have trouble getting the words out. "I hope you and Draco are happy. Good-bye, Herm. I love you."
"No, wa—"
The dial tone cut her off.
Harry set down the phone and cried.
~*~
A/N: Just two more chapters to go! Then I'll be DONE! So far it's taken me ten and a half months (including the several weeks and months of breaks I took) to get here! Two more chapters to type! Yay! PLEEEEEASE review!