CHAPTER 16~ A Last Goodbye
Hermione was awoken the next morning by a tap on the window. She carefully crawled out of Draco's arms and brought the owl into the room. It was the owl her parents used when they sent mail, and that hardly happened unless it was around Christmas.
Dear Hermione,
I am terribly sorry for having to tell you this, but I don't think it will be a great idea for you to come home once you graduate. Your father has been acting a little strange lately, and I do not want you to have to be around him. He has gotten into alcohol and comes home drunk most every night. He has become abusive, and I don't want you around that. I am terribly sorry that I will not be seeing you for a while, but I fear for you safety. You are probably much safer around your friends. I know they will take care of you. I love you and we will see each other again, just maybe not too soon.
Love, Mom
Silent tears rolled down Hermione's cheeks. Her home life had always been so perfect. What had happened to her father? He had always loved her and her mother so dearly. She tore up the piece of paper and threw the pieces in the fire. She dressed quickly and walked out of Draco's room and sat on a couch in the common room.
Draco awoke shortly after and found that Hermione was not in his bed where she had fallen asleep the night before. He threw on boxers and a pair of pants then raced out of his room and into the common room to be met by the sight of Hermione sobbing on the couch.
He instinctively went over to her and put his arms around her. She pushed him away and continued to sob into her hands. A shocked expression crossed his face, and he asked, "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"I don't wanna talk about it," she managed to choke out between sobs. "Just leave me alone."
"Please tell me? I just wanna help you."
"I don't want help! I just wanna be able to see my parents, but I don't think that will be happening anytime soon, and unless you can change that I do not want to talk to you!" She raised her voice slightly and glared at him.
"Just tell me what happened?" he begged.
She didn't answer him. Her sobs stopped, but the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Her body was shaking, and she leaned into Draco's chest.
"I can't go home again," she whispered.
"Why's that?"
She took a few deep breaths before she looked up at him. "My mother owled me this morning. She told me that my father has become an abusive drunk. She doesn't want me to be around him, yet she won't leave him. I'm afraid for her, Draco, but there's nothing I can do. I'm not safe anywhere anymore."
He rubbed her back gently. "You'll be okay, Hermione. I'll take care of you no matter what happens." He could fell her tears soaking his bare chest, but he didn't dare push her away. She was too fragile. He knew what it was like to have an abusive father, and he didn't want her anywhere near hers. "Hermione, if your mother would permit it, I don't think I'd let you go home with your father being in the state he is in. They are terrible when they are just plain abusive, but it is worse when they are drunk and abusive. Until your mother gives you an okay, I will not let you anywhere near the Muggle world."
She nodded. "I just don't want my mother to be hurt from this." She sighed as she snuggled closer to him. "Why is this happening, Draco? Why is everything falling apart for me?"
"I don't know," he sighed as he gently stroked her hair. "You'll get through it though, you're strong. I know what you're capable of. You are a very bright witch and can handle just about every situation you get into."
"Right, except when I come face-to-face to the Death Eaters or Voldemort and I freeze up. There is no hope for me."
"Don't say that. You are much better than anyone out there! How can you think so little of yourself when you are one of the best people I have ever met in my life?"
She snorted in response, and a sarcastic smile appeared on her lips. "Uhhuh. And I'm supposed to believe that. Because of me two people have died. I'm a great person."
"You can't blame that on yourself, Hermione. It's no one's fault that that happened. It would've probably happened anyway because I wasn't about to join Voldemort. My father is an evil, power hungry bastard who wants me to follow in his footsteps. That would've never happened."
"How can you say it's not my fault?!" she almost yelled. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in so much trouble. Why do you even bother with me?"
"'Cause I love you, Hermione. If I didn't, do you think I'd go through all this trouble? I have never done anything for anyone but me.until you," he finished softly and his eyes were downcast. It was true. He almost felt guilty telling her this even though she already knew.
Hermione watched him for a few moments. The way his hair fell across his eyes, the way he looked at her, she knew that he meant everything he said. "Draco, I love you too, but am I really safe here? Are you really safe here?"
"I don't know." He shook his head sadly. "Dumbledore seems to think we are, but I'm not so sure with everything that's been happening lately."
Draco held Hermione close to him. He didn't want her to be away from him ever. He knew that it was his job to protect her, and he would do just that-protect her from whatever harm might cross their path. There was nothing he wanted more than for Hermione to feel safe within the confines of his arms.
Hermione didn't move away from Draco. She felt safe when he was near her, even if there was danger lurking. She knew that he would protect her from every evil of the world even if it meant giving his life. It wasn't comforting to think that, but she had him for the time being and would do anything for him.
~
The weeks passed slowly as the weather was becoming warmer. Birds were beginning to chirp again and leaves filled the bare trees. It was three months until graduation. The school was buzzing with excitement, especially the seventh years. They all talked about what they wanted to do once they graduated.
Hermione originally wanted to be an auror, but that job didn't seem to appeal to her all that much anymore, so she decided that she would just get a job in the Ministry of Magic.
Draco wanted to be a professional Quidditch player for the longest time, and although it was still something he'd like to do, he felt that he needed a plan incase he wasn't signed and decided that it was best to work for the Ministry. That way he'd be close to Hermione and have a decent-paying job.
Classes became harder as the professors prepared their students for end of year exams, which no one was particularly keen on taking. Except maybe Hermione, who loved exams almost as much as she loved Draco.
Voldemort was keeping a close watch on everything that was occurring at Hogwarts. Especially things involving Hermione and Draco. He had Blaise and Jeremy sending owls everyday about what was occurring between the two. It was usually nothing, but Voldemort just liked to make sure that nothing seemed out of line.
Hermione and Draco usually made sure to steer clear of Jeremy and Blaise so as not to arouse any trouble. They had suspicions that they were in contact with Voldemort and didn't want to chance anything so close to graduation.
They paid extra special attention during classes so they would pass every exam with flying colors and receive high-paying jobs in the Ministry. Draco didn't want to just inherit the family fortune, he wanted to make his own. It's one thing to have everything handed to you, but it's so much better when you make your own life. That was something Draco picked up from watching Hermione. She made things happen. Nothing had ever been handed to her. She worked for everything and earned what she deserved.
~
It was finally time to take the exams the students had been studying for for so long. Every class had a final. During their normal class periods, they took the tests and they would receive their grades the day after.
Both Hermione and Draco scored near perfect on everyone. They ranked one and two in their year-Hermione of course was one. This was good because it would land them both great jobs in the Ministry.
Once all the exams were finished, Draco pulled Hermione out to the grounds. There was something he needed to talk to her about.
They stood by the lake and kissed for a long time. Draco broke the kiss gently and looked into her eyes. "Hermione, we've been through so much this year. We have overcome our differences and worked together on everything. I know that if we can survive this, we can survive anything. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone in my entire life and I know that if we ever become separated I would die. There is nothing more I want than to spend the rest of my life with you." He dropped to one knee and pulled a small, black box out of his pocket. "Hermione Granger, will you marry me." He opened the box slowly to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.
Hermione didn't even look at the ring, just at Draco. A large smile spread across her face, and a tear of joy ran down her cheek. "Yes!" was all she could say.
Draco stood, slipped the ring on her finger and swooped her up into a kiss that was filled with all the passion and love they felt for each other.
They remained by the lake until after the sun was long set before heading back into the confines of the building they had each called home for seven short years. The place where they fought. The place where they overcame their differences. The place where they loved.
~
Graduation dawned on them. The seventh years were the most excited out of everyone. As their names were called and they received their diplomas, everyone cheered. Mostly everyone cried as they headed inside for their final dance.
Hermione and Draco swayed evenly to the soft music that filled the Hall. A few tears slid down Hermione's cheeks as she realized it would be the last time she ever danced in the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was happy that she was spending her last moments there with the man she loved.
Draco held Hermione close to him as they danced slowly to the beat. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he would really miss Hogwarts, and it saddened him that he would be leaving so soon. It felt like just yesterday he was riding the Hogwarts Express for the very first time. He was happy that he was spending his last moments at his home for the past seven years with the woman he loved.
There was suddenly a loud BANG! as the doors to the Great Hall flew open. Two hooded figures came through the doors and the Great Hall turned into a place of mass chaos. People were screaming, running, ducking under tables, anything to get out of the way.
Draco and Hermione were the two who stood their ground along with some of the teachers, including Dumbledore.
"We meet again, Mr. Malfoy, Ms Granger," Voldemort hissed as he stepped up to the couple. "I see that Ms Granger here has acquired a new ring. Is that your doing, Mr. Malfoy?"
"As a matter of fact, it is," Draco answered coolly.
"That is no way to talk to the Dark Lord," Lucius Malfoy stepped up to his son and smacked him across the face. Draco didn't move at all. He held his ground and stared into his father's grey eyes.
"Don't ever touch me again," Draco hissed menacingly.
A smirk spread across Lucius' face. "A duel then, Draco? How 'bout it?"
Draco nodded once, and unlaced his fingers from Hermione's. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Draco's lips brushed hers gently. "I love you," he whispered. "I promise you, I will win."
"I love you too."
Everyone in the Great Hall watched as Draco Malfoy prepared to duel his father, Lucius Malfoy. It was a duel that had been brewing between the two for years, and everyone knew not to interfere, even Voldemort.
Curses were thrown wildly from father to son and from son to father, with little damage being done. Finally Draco hit Lucius with a dark curse that sent him flying into a wall and left him lying unconscious on the stone cold floor. He refused to kill him, however, and said that it would be best if Lucius were sent to Azkaban.
The Hall was silent except for the clapping of one, Lord Voldemort. "I have always seen great promise in you, Draco Malfoy. It is a shame you refuse to join me. For this you will die." Voldemort pointed his wand at Draco's heart. "Avanda Kedavra!"
The curse hit Draco, and left him to crumple to the floor, but the whole effect hadn't hit him. It rebounded and hit Voldemort. Voldemort died instantly, but there were a few last breaths in Draco.
Hermione rushed over to him. She was crying harder than she ever had in her life. She took Draco in her arms and showered his face with kisses. "Shh, Hermione, it's okay," he said soothingly, even though his voice cracked a little. "Remember that no matter where you are, I will always be with you in here." He pointed to her heart. "Never forget what we have been through or how far we have come since first year."
She shook her head. "No, Draco, you can't go. We haven't even started our lives together yet. He's gone, Draco. You can't leave me here."
"I promised I would protect you, even if it meant giving my life. Here I am. I am giving my life so you can go on and love another. I love you, Hermione Granger."
"I love you, Draco. I will never love another. You are the only person who means anything to me." Tears streamed down her face as she looked into Draco's warm, grey eyes. "Please don't leave me yet. You're too young."
"I have to Hermione. There is no strength left in me. This is my final goodbye." He leaned up and kissed her lips gently, then let his head fall back into her arms.
"NO!" she wailed out long and loud. She laid her head on Draco's chest and sobbed. She would have stayed there for hours, even days, if Harry, Ron, and Dumbledore hadn't pried her away from her lifeless fiancée. Her kicks and screams were useless against the three men's arms. They held her steady and drew her out of the Great Hall.
~
The next day, a memorial was held for Draco by the lake. Everyone who attended Hogwarts was there. Few were crying, since no one really knew him. Hermione had managed to hold back the tears as she listened to Dumbledore and Snape spoke of what a wonderful person he really was and how more people should have had the opportunity to know him as well as Hermione did.
They had asked her to speak, and weren't surprised when she refused saying that It would be too hard on her.
Once everyone had left, and Hermione was all alone, she knelt down next to the memorial that had been built with magic, and she wept again for her lost love.
"Draco," she whispered. "I love you so much, and I can't live without you. I know you told me to go on with my life, but I can't. I can't go on without you there. You fueled me. You kept me going. Please forgive me for what I am about to do. I am doing it out of my love for you." She closed her eyes and pointed her wand at her heart. "Avanda Kedavra!" She slumped forward onto the warm grass and her spirit drifted away to join Draco's and Narcissa's in the land of the great beyond.
Hermione was awoken the next morning by a tap on the window. She carefully crawled out of Draco's arms and brought the owl into the room. It was the owl her parents used when they sent mail, and that hardly happened unless it was around Christmas.
Dear Hermione,
I am terribly sorry for having to tell you this, but I don't think it will be a great idea for you to come home once you graduate. Your father has been acting a little strange lately, and I do not want you to have to be around him. He has gotten into alcohol and comes home drunk most every night. He has become abusive, and I don't want you around that. I am terribly sorry that I will not be seeing you for a while, but I fear for you safety. You are probably much safer around your friends. I know they will take care of you. I love you and we will see each other again, just maybe not too soon.
Love, Mom
Silent tears rolled down Hermione's cheeks. Her home life had always been so perfect. What had happened to her father? He had always loved her and her mother so dearly. She tore up the piece of paper and threw the pieces in the fire. She dressed quickly and walked out of Draco's room and sat on a couch in the common room.
Draco awoke shortly after and found that Hermione was not in his bed where she had fallen asleep the night before. He threw on boxers and a pair of pants then raced out of his room and into the common room to be met by the sight of Hermione sobbing on the couch.
He instinctively went over to her and put his arms around her. She pushed him away and continued to sob into her hands. A shocked expression crossed his face, and he asked, "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"I don't wanna talk about it," she managed to choke out between sobs. "Just leave me alone."
"Please tell me? I just wanna help you."
"I don't want help! I just wanna be able to see my parents, but I don't think that will be happening anytime soon, and unless you can change that I do not want to talk to you!" She raised her voice slightly and glared at him.
"Just tell me what happened?" he begged.
She didn't answer him. Her sobs stopped, but the tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Her body was shaking, and she leaned into Draco's chest.
"I can't go home again," she whispered.
"Why's that?"
She took a few deep breaths before she looked up at him. "My mother owled me this morning. She told me that my father has become an abusive drunk. She doesn't want me to be around him, yet she won't leave him. I'm afraid for her, Draco, but there's nothing I can do. I'm not safe anywhere anymore."
He rubbed her back gently. "You'll be okay, Hermione. I'll take care of you no matter what happens." He could fell her tears soaking his bare chest, but he didn't dare push her away. She was too fragile. He knew what it was like to have an abusive father, and he didn't want her anywhere near hers. "Hermione, if your mother would permit it, I don't think I'd let you go home with your father being in the state he is in. They are terrible when they are just plain abusive, but it is worse when they are drunk and abusive. Until your mother gives you an okay, I will not let you anywhere near the Muggle world."
She nodded. "I just don't want my mother to be hurt from this." She sighed as she snuggled closer to him. "Why is this happening, Draco? Why is everything falling apart for me?"
"I don't know," he sighed as he gently stroked her hair. "You'll get through it though, you're strong. I know what you're capable of. You are a very bright witch and can handle just about every situation you get into."
"Right, except when I come face-to-face to the Death Eaters or Voldemort and I freeze up. There is no hope for me."
"Don't say that. You are much better than anyone out there! How can you think so little of yourself when you are one of the best people I have ever met in my life?"
She snorted in response, and a sarcastic smile appeared on her lips. "Uhhuh. And I'm supposed to believe that. Because of me two people have died. I'm a great person."
"You can't blame that on yourself, Hermione. It's no one's fault that that happened. It would've probably happened anyway because I wasn't about to join Voldemort. My father is an evil, power hungry bastard who wants me to follow in his footsteps. That would've never happened."
"How can you say it's not my fault?!" she almost yelled. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in so much trouble. Why do you even bother with me?"
"'Cause I love you, Hermione. If I didn't, do you think I'd go through all this trouble? I have never done anything for anyone but me.until you," he finished softly and his eyes were downcast. It was true. He almost felt guilty telling her this even though she already knew.
Hermione watched him for a few moments. The way his hair fell across his eyes, the way he looked at her, she knew that he meant everything he said. "Draco, I love you too, but am I really safe here? Are you really safe here?"
"I don't know." He shook his head sadly. "Dumbledore seems to think we are, but I'm not so sure with everything that's been happening lately."
Draco held Hermione close to him. He didn't want her to be away from him ever. He knew that it was his job to protect her, and he would do just that-protect her from whatever harm might cross their path. There was nothing he wanted more than for Hermione to feel safe within the confines of his arms.
Hermione didn't move away from Draco. She felt safe when he was near her, even if there was danger lurking. She knew that he would protect her from every evil of the world even if it meant giving his life. It wasn't comforting to think that, but she had him for the time being and would do anything for him.
~
The weeks passed slowly as the weather was becoming warmer. Birds were beginning to chirp again and leaves filled the bare trees. It was three months until graduation. The school was buzzing with excitement, especially the seventh years. They all talked about what they wanted to do once they graduated.
Hermione originally wanted to be an auror, but that job didn't seem to appeal to her all that much anymore, so she decided that she would just get a job in the Ministry of Magic.
Draco wanted to be a professional Quidditch player for the longest time, and although it was still something he'd like to do, he felt that he needed a plan incase he wasn't signed and decided that it was best to work for the Ministry. That way he'd be close to Hermione and have a decent-paying job.
Classes became harder as the professors prepared their students for end of year exams, which no one was particularly keen on taking. Except maybe Hermione, who loved exams almost as much as she loved Draco.
Voldemort was keeping a close watch on everything that was occurring at Hogwarts. Especially things involving Hermione and Draco. He had Blaise and Jeremy sending owls everyday about what was occurring between the two. It was usually nothing, but Voldemort just liked to make sure that nothing seemed out of line.
Hermione and Draco usually made sure to steer clear of Jeremy and Blaise so as not to arouse any trouble. They had suspicions that they were in contact with Voldemort and didn't want to chance anything so close to graduation.
They paid extra special attention during classes so they would pass every exam with flying colors and receive high-paying jobs in the Ministry. Draco didn't want to just inherit the family fortune, he wanted to make his own. It's one thing to have everything handed to you, but it's so much better when you make your own life. That was something Draco picked up from watching Hermione. She made things happen. Nothing had ever been handed to her. She worked for everything and earned what she deserved.
~
It was finally time to take the exams the students had been studying for for so long. Every class had a final. During their normal class periods, they took the tests and they would receive their grades the day after.
Both Hermione and Draco scored near perfect on everyone. They ranked one and two in their year-Hermione of course was one. This was good because it would land them both great jobs in the Ministry.
Once all the exams were finished, Draco pulled Hermione out to the grounds. There was something he needed to talk to her about.
They stood by the lake and kissed for a long time. Draco broke the kiss gently and looked into her eyes. "Hermione, we've been through so much this year. We have overcome our differences and worked together on everything. I know that if we can survive this, we can survive anything. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone in my entire life and I know that if we ever become separated I would die. There is nothing more I want than to spend the rest of my life with you." He dropped to one knee and pulled a small, black box out of his pocket. "Hermione Granger, will you marry me." He opened the box slowly to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.
Hermione didn't even look at the ring, just at Draco. A large smile spread across her face, and a tear of joy ran down her cheek. "Yes!" was all she could say.
Draco stood, slipped the ring on her finger and swooped her up into a kiss that was filled with all the passion and love they felt for each other.
They remained by the lake until after the sun was long set before heading back into the confines of the building they had each called home for seven short years. The place where they fought. The place where they overcame their differences. The place where they loved.
~
Graduation dawned on them. The seventh years were the most excited out of everyone. As their names were called and they received their diplomas, everyone cheered. Mostly everyone cried as they headed inside for their final dance.
Hermione and Draco swayed evenly to the soft music that filled the Hall. A few tears slid down Hermione's cheeks as she realized it would be the last time she ever danced in the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was happy that she was spending her last moments there with the man she loved.
Draco held Hermione close to him as they danced slowly to the beat. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he would really miss Hogwarts, and it saddened him that he would be leaving so soon. It felt like just yesterday he was riding the Hogwarts Express for the very first time. He was happy that he was spending his last moments at his home for the past seven years with the woman he loved.
There was suddenly a loud BANG! as the doors to the Great Hall flew open. Two hooded figures came through the doors and the Great Hall turned into a place of mass chaos. People were screaming, running, ducking under tables, anything to get out of the way.
Draco and Hermione were the two who stood their ground along with some of the teachers, including Dumbledore.
"We meet again, Mr. Malfoy, Ms Granger," Voldemort hissed as he stepped up to the couple. "I see that Ms Granger here has acquired a new ring. Is that your doing, Mr. Malfoy?"
"As a matter of fact, it is," Draco answered coolly.
"That is no way to talk to the Dark Lord," Lucius Malfoy stepped up to his son and smacked him across the face. Draco didn't move at all. He held his ground and stared into his father's grey eyes.
"Don't ever touch me again," Draco hissed menacingly.
A smirk spread across Lucius' face. "A duel then, Draco? How 'bout it?"
Draco nodded once, and unlaced his fingers from Hermione's. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Draco's lips brushed hers gently. "I love you," he whispered. "I promise you, I will win."
"I love you too."
Everyone in the Great Hall watched as Draco Malfoy prepared to duel his father, Lucius Malfoy. It was a duel that had been brewing between the two for years, and everyone knew not to interfere, even Voldemort.
Curses were thrown wildly from father to son and from son to father, with little damage being done. Finally Draco hit Lucius with a dark curse that sent him flying into a wall and left him lying unconscious on the stone cold floor. He refused to kill him, however, and said that it would be best if Lucius were sent to Azkaban.
The Hall was silent except for the clapping of one, Lord Voldemort. "I have always seen great promise in you, Draco Malfoy. It is a shame you refuse to join me. For this you will die." Voldemort pointed his wand at Draco's heart. "Avanda Kedavra!"
The curse hit Draco, and left him to crumple to the floor, but the whole effect hadn't hit him. It rebounded and hit Voldemort. Voldemort died instantly, but there were a few last breaths in Draco.
Hermione rushed over to him. She was crying harder than she ever had in her life. She took Draco in her arms and showered his face with kisses. "Shh, Hermione, it's okay," he said soothingly, even though his voice cracked a little. "Remember that no matter where you are, I will always be with you in here." He pointed to her heart. "Never forget what we have been through or how far we have come since first year."
She shook her head. "No, Draco, you can't go. We haven't even started our lives together yet. He's gone, Draco. You can't leave me here."
"I promised I would protect you, even if it meant giving my life. Here I am. I am giving my life so you can go on and love another. I love you, Hermione Granger."
"I love you, Draco. I will never love another. You are the only person who means anything to me." Tears streamed down her face as she looked into Draco's warm, grey eyes. "Please don't leave me yet. You're too young."
"I have to Hermione. There is no strength left in me. This is my final goodbye." He leaned up and kissed her lips gently, then let his head fall back into her arms.
"NO!" she wailed out long and loud. She laid her head on Draco's chest and sobbed. She would have stayed there for hours, even days, if Harry, Ron, and Dumbledore hadn't pried her away from her lifeless fiancée. Her kicks and screams were useless against the three men's arms. They held her steady and drew her out of the Great Hall.
~
The next day, a memorial was held for Draco by the lake. Everyone who attended Hogwarts was there. Few were crying, since no one really knew him. Hermione had managed to hold back the tears as she listened to Dumbledore and Snape spoke of what a wonderful person he really was and how more people should have had the opportunity to know him as well as Hermione did.
They had asked her to speak, and weren't surprised when she refused saying that It would be too hard on her.
Once everyone had left, and Hermione was all alone, she knelt down next to the memorial that had been built with magic, and she wept again for her lost love.
"Draco," she whispered. "I love you so much, and I can't live without you. I know you told me to go on with my life, but I can't. I can't go on without you there. You fueled me. You kept me going. Please forgive me for what I am about to do. I am doing it out of my love for you." She closed her eyes and pointed her wand at her heart. "Avanda Kedavra!" She slumped forward onto the warm grass and her spirit drifted away to join Draco's and Narcissa's in the land of the great beyond.