Chapter 5 - Forgiveness

They landed in front of Sempiterna Amor River. Harry turned to look at Hermione. Regret was written all over his face.

"Hermione," he began. "I have to get back now. Ginny's calling for me and she's all annoyed. Can you get back yourself?"

Hermione groaned inwardly. Why now? she thought. Can't he bring me home before attending to his girlfriend? Instead, she said, "Sure, Harry. You better hurry back."

Little did she know Harry was lying. He just wanted her to have a good talk with Draco. Besides, they were in such a romantic place. The sun helped too. It was just about to set. They would not fight here, would they?

Harry nodded and bid farewell before going off.

Hermione glanced at Draco. What could she say to him? She started to walk to the main road when Draco stopped her.

"Hermione, why don't you ride with me?" he offered.

She turned back but did not look at him in the eye. "I don't think it's a good-"

"Come on, Hermione," Draco pleaded. Well, as much pleading as he could do. He was Draco Malfoy after all.

"I can hail a taxi," she said, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her pants.

"I'm sorry..." he said, letting go of the broomstick. Both of them watched as it fell to the ground with a thud.

"So am I," Hermione replied. The brunette took a deep breath. "I forgive you, Draco-"

A relieved smile spread across his face. "Thank God," he said softly as he moved to hug her. "I love you, Hermione." Draco felt his beloved stiffen. "Hermione?" he questioned as dread seized him.

Hermione searched his grey eyes. She saw the love he held for her in those eyes. But she also saw his need to be in control. Hermione did not think she could handle his jealousy. He was too god-damned overprotective.

"I forgive you, Draco," she repeated, looking away as tears formed in her brown eyes. "But I will not forget." She paused to swallow the lump in her throat. "Maybe we should spend some time alone. Wait until we've both cooled down."

Draco stared at her. W-was she breaking up with him? He voiced that thought aloud. "Are you breaking up with me?" he asked quietly. He wanted her to deny everything. He wanted her to smile playfully and tell him she was just kidding. But she did no such thing. She simply looked at the cloudy sky and said nothing.

Draco stepped back. "I see." A tear fell from Hermione's eye. "On the count of three, we turn our backs and walk away from here." He saw Hermione shut her eyes and bite her lip. Her shoulders heaved in defeat. "If you mean what you say, then don't look back."

"One..." Draco heard Hermione drew in quick breaths.

"Two..." Tears started to flow from the brunette's eyes.

"Three."

Hermione spun around and took her first step. Once the first step was taken, the rest seemed easier.

Draco stood his ground. He watched Hermione walk away, further and further with each step. His arms itched to hold her. His legs desperately wanted to run over. But he made no move to go after the brunette.

He watched Hermione disappear into dusk.

][ A u t h o r 's N o t e ][

In the next chapter... (1) Hermione sees Draco with Ginny and recalls what she said the day before. (2) The brunette receives a letter from the police that her mother was missing.

* I told you so. A very short chapter eh?

** Sempiterna Amor means Eternal Love. I made that place up. Lol.