Chapter Forty-Seven:
(A/N. Okay…I don't think people are reading this because I've said had to repeat myself and it's irritating me. GRRR. Alright I shall say it once more. THIS IS NOT THE END. I promise that I will warn you in one of these and put a nice 'the end' at the bottom. Alright? Good. Now PLEASE go and review my story Champion, if you do I might do something special, name your price! K? Sound good?)
The silk of his robes rustled as Dumbledore walked down the hall in St. Mungo's. A deep sadness filled his sapphire gaze. A beautiful bird with fiery wings flew by his side. He turned a corner and stepped up to the window that viewed into Draco Malfoy's room. He expected to see Hermione sitting in a chair, her face unusually grave and deep shadows under her eyes. All week the poor girl had forced herself to meet Draco's ignorance. He had no memories of anything, a mind much like that of a young boy instead of the young man that he was. Forced herself to talk to this Draco, a shell of the person she loved. Every day, Dumbledore could have sworn that he was seeing a small part of her die. Instead, the sight that met his eyes made him smile for the first time in over a week. Hermione lay on Draco's chest both children fast asleep, for if truth be told they would always be children to Dumbledore's wise eyes. He knew that Draco had gotten his memory back by some strange miracle. He had begun to doubt that the young man would ever return and yet Dumbledore was sure that Draco was back by the sleepy half-smile on Hermione's face. The kind headmaster looked up at the phoenix that was now perched on his shoulder.
"Let's leave them be, Fawkes." Dumbledore said. The bird cooed a reply that only Dumbledore could understand. He stroked the bird's magnificent feathers thoughtfully then walked away. The bird turned its head and looked back at the quiet hospital room. A soft song escaped its beak. A beautiful song, and all who heard it felt healed. A blessing for the boy who had defeated the Dark Lord.
The rhythmic rise and fall of Draco's chest had lulled Hermione Granger into a deep sleep, something she hadn't had in what seemed like forever. Slowly she opened her eyes and turned her head to regard Draco's face. He was so handsome. She looked at the clock and realized that it was past midnight. Hermione leaned forward and pressed her lips against Draco's. She had meant for it to be a chaste kiss, but Draco had awoken and he was eagerly kissing her back. There were so many emotions in their kiss. Passion, longing and love. She pulled away slowly and gazed into his aquamarine eyes. All the silver ice in them was gone, warmed by the love and adoration that glowed from them as he gazed down at her.
"I missed you so much." She said, her voice trembling. His brows furrowed and he pulled her closer and she relished in the feeling of safety that being in his arms brought. "Don't ever leave me again." She whispered fiercely.
"I won't." He answered his voice soft yet deadly serious, as he nuzzled her hair tenderly. They clung to each other, both needing the comfort.
"Do you remember what happened?" Hermione asked softly. She felt him tense and she regretted the question but she needed to know.
"Yes." He answered pain filling his voice. He pushed her away slightly so he could see her eyes.
"Lucius…he's…he's dead, Draco. The ring I gave you deflected the spell." She muttered. He kissed her forehead.
"Don't blame yourself." He whispered and she looked at him sharply. How had he known? He smiled wryly.
"Did you think wouldn't notice?" He asked softly. She smiled back resting her head back on his shoulder. No one else had noticed, only Draco. Her Draco.
"I guess not." She answered. Draco chuckled softly then she saw his face somber out of the corner of her eye.
"Hermione, the funereal…"He began but Hermione reached up and placed her fingers to his lips.
"That can wait until morning. Sleep now." She said firmly. He smiled as she pulled her hand back.
"Alright then. Goodnight, love."
"Goodnight, Draco."
