Chapter 9
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot.
Draco stopped the car in front of Hermione's house. Hermione hasn't spoken ever since they left the restaurant. Draco touched Hermione's shoulder, she seemed unaware that they were there. "Hermione, we're here."
Hermione came to her senses and looked around. "Uh, thanks." Hermione was about to open the door when Draco stopped her. "What is it?"
"I want to give you something," Draco pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and reached for a pen from inside the drawer. He wrote something on the paper, folded it, and handed it to Hermione. "This is the address of my apartment. If in case you need to talk, you can visit my there, anytime."
Hermione finally smiled, though tears were still evident on her eyes. She moved forward and kissed Draco on the lips. "Thank you."
Draco didn't move. He just stayed there, eyes still closed. Hermione had almost reached the front door when he opened his eyes. He started his engine and left while beaming widely.
***
Hermione opened the door and found her parents waiting for her at the sitting room. "Mom, Dad, what's up?"
"Hermione, honey, we need to talk to you," her mother spoke, with a tone of authority Hermione had never heard before.
Hermione sat on the long couch, at exactly the same place Draco had sat down. Her parents were also seated on each of the side couches. "What is it about?"
Her father spoke first. "This is about that Malfoy kid. Hermione honey, we don't want you to---"
"Then we have nothing to talk about," Hermione cut him in. She was about to stand up when her mother reached for her arm and motioned her to sit down.
"Hermione, please just listen to us. As your parents, we are concerned of your welfare. We don't want to see you get hurt," her mother said.
"I know that. But what's Draco got to do with this?" Hermione looked from her mother to her father.
"We don't trust that kid. He's always hurt you in the past and we know he will hurt you again. You shouldn't go anywhere near him," her father responded.
"Draco's not the person you knew before. I know you are worried with what he might do to me, but I am telling you myself, he's not going to do anything that might hurt me. He's my friend now, and he cares for me," Hermione said, trying her best to make her parents understand.
"Still we don't want you seeing him," Mrs. Granger told her seriously.
"What do you mean? Haven't you heard anything I've said?"
"We heard everything Hermione. But as your parents, we have to protect you," Mr. Granger added.
"What are you trying to say then?" Hermione was starting to feel bad about this.
"We. we forbid you to see him again. ever," her mother finally answered.
Her words made Hermione feel uneasy. She couldn't believe her parents would go this far in trying to manipulate her life. "You just can't control my life like that! I'm eighteen and I know how to make my own decisions. You can't do this to me!"
Her father tried to calm her down. "We're not trying to control you. We are just looking out for you. Hermione, you have to understand, we are doing this for you."
"I don't understand any of this! You're acting like Harry! You're all trying to manipulate my life and rob me of my free will! I am not a prisoner!" Hermione was as infuriated as she was a while ago outside the restaurant. Tears were rolling down her cheeks again, but her voice didn't quiver as she spoke every word.
Hermione ran towards the door. Looking back at her parents, she didn't hesitate to leave.
"Hermione! Where are you going?" her mother cried out loud. She was about to run after her daughter when her husband stopped her.
"Let her go. She'll come back."
Hermione ran as far away from their house as possible. She didn't know where to go but she kept on running anyway. She was afraid they would catch her and keep her locked in that life forever. It wasn't her home anymore; it was just a prison cell where people tell her what she has to do and dictate her life for her. She's not coming back; she's had enough.
***
Hermione had reached the end of their neighborhood. She had rounded every block and she had nowhere else to go. Until she remembered the paper Draco handed him. She pulled it out of her pocket and read the address. Hermione smiled. She knew where this place was, which means she could just apparate there. Hermione slid inside a dark alley and made sure no one was there. And with a pop, she was gone.
Hermione appeared on another dark alley, and from there she could see the apartment where Draco supposedly lived. She emerged at a quiet street, which was very much different from their neighborhood. It was cleaner and more peaceful here. She crossed the street and knocked on 8-D, Draco's apartment. No one answered. Hermione tried again but still no response. She looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds forming, slowly blocking the prominent sunlight. Then she saw a flash of lightning, after which she heard the sound of thunder. Hermione knocked again. She searched for a door bell and pressed hard on it when she found one. She could here the sound of the bell from the outside, and after a few minutes of no answer, Hermione decided Draco really wasn't home.
Then the first drops of rain came falling. Hermione was considering going back home, but she knew it wouldn't be okay to go back, for her life would still be the same. Hermione decided to wait. But the rain was getting harder by the minute, and there was no cover for Hermione to hide under. There were no large trees nearby that would at least give her shade. She frantically searched for somewhere to cover herself from the rain but had no luck. She even tried apparating inside Draco's apartment but realized that Draco had cast a protection charm on it. Already wet, Hermione gave up and sat in front of the apartment, resting her back on Draco's door. Feeling pity for herself, Hermione began to cry. She never realized this would happen to her. She felt very homeless, weak, and alone. She needed someone to comfort her. And the only person whom she thought would be there, wasn't available.
It was getting cold and Hermione started to shiver. *Ron* She remembered Ron. What if she just apparated to the Burrow? Surely, the Weasleys would take her in and she could definitely stay there as long as she wants. But Hermione hesitated when she remembered how hard Ron was working to be able to feed his family. Mr. Weasley was now retired, and it's Ron who buys their food and pays for the other expenses to maintain the Burrow. Hermione quivered more. If she stayed there, then she would just add to Ron's problems. She knew Ron would never hesitate to let her in, but she also should think about his and his family's welfare first.
Hermione could feel her temperature starting to rise despite the coldness. *No! I can't get sick now.* Hermione tried to fight her shivering, but she was getting weaker and weaker. The rain wasn't stopping, and she had no defense and barrier whatsoever from it, only her clothes, which were now dripping wet. Hermione tucked her body and buried her face on her knees. She then began collapsing slowly as her fever began to rise. She's been under the rain for so long, and she was very cold. Hermione was already oblivious of her surroundings when Draco's car pulled over the side of the street. Upon seeing her, Draco rushed to her and tried to wake her up.
"Hermione! Hermione wake up!" Draco held her tightly and blamed himself that this happened to her. If he hadn't left, he would have been there to let her in. Instead, she was here, her life at stake, waiting for him. Draco quickly opened the door of his apartment and carried her inside. He carefully dropped her in the couch and frantically searched for a towel inside the cabinet. He quickly undressed her and dried her whole body. He then changed her into a t-shirt and jogging pants. Draco was so upset that he swore he would never forgive himself if anything happens to her.
After making sure that she was dry, he then approached the sink to get the basin and pour onto it some warm water from the thermos. He dipped a face towel onto the basin and squeezed it a little to make sure that it was only damp enough to absorb her heat. He folded it properly and placed in on her forehead. He then covered here with a bed sheet as a comforter. All he can do now was wait for her fever to drop and pray that she'll be alright. Draco looked after her for hours, not leaving the chair he has set up beside the couch. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep beside her, his head rested on the back of the chair.
***
Hermione woke up, feeling a little bit uneasy, but better. She sat up when she realized she was already inside Draco's apartment, seeing Draco snoozing on the chair. She smiled at him, appreciating what he had done. She definitely felt better now. She reached her his golden blonde hair and brushed her fingers on it. It was smooth and silky, and was apparently well taken care of. By her move, Draco woke up and beamed widely when he saw her looking at him.
"You're awake," Draco said.
"I am, and I feel better now," Hermione responded.
"That's nice. Hey, you need to eat. I can prepare some porridge if you like, and you still have to drink some medicine to make sure your fever won't go back," Draco muttered, standing up and moving towards the kitchen.
Hermione felt special because of the way Draco treated her. He was really making sure she was okay. This meant she had said the right thing to her parents, telling them that Draco cared for her. She stood up and the bed sheet dropped to the floor. She then realized that she wasn't wearing her clothes, but different ones. Draco saw her reaction and quickly approached her to explain.
"You were so wet that I needed to change your clothes. There's nothing else I could have done. These clothes are clean if that's what you're worrying about," Draco explained.
"Did you see everything?" Hermione asked.
"What do mean I saw--- oh, that. I'm sorry but we both know it's unavoidable," Draco replied.
"I guess it was either that or I would have died, so I have no right to complain," Hermione said, picking up the bed sheet and tossing in onto the couch.
They were quiet for awhile until Draco came back to the kitchen and Hermione followed her. Hermione then kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "Thank you."
Draco smiled, looking at her. "Why do you keep on thanking me whenever I do something for you?"
"Because it's proper to say that, and besides, you really deserve it," Hermione explained.
"You know I will never let anything bad happen to you," he said, touching her on the shoulders and looking straight into her eyes. "If I do something good for you, it's because I choose to do it," Draco added. He looked down, then up again. "Hermione, are you happy now?"
"Well, besides the fact that Harry and I have an unofficially ended relationship, my running away from home and my parents not understanding how I feel. and these clothes of yours that I'm wearing, I'm happy because I'm here with you," Hermione answered, smiling at him.
"You ran away?" Draco said, surprised. He reached for a bowl on the counter and then for a spoon.
"Yes, I did. And guess who the person my parents and I fought about is?" Hermione said, teasing him.
Draco pretended to think hard while transferring some porridge into the bowl. "Uh, Harry?"
Hermione imitated the sound of a buzzer. "Sorry, wrong answer!" They both laughed out loud, until Hermione asked him, "Draco, why were you asking if I'm happy?"
Draco stopped laughing and gave Hermione a concentrated look. "Because if you're happy, then that means I'm able to make up for what I did."
"You did take my words seriously!" Hermione said, grinning.
"Of course I did," Draco responded. "Because you are special to me."
Hermione moved forward Draco and he did the same. He dropped the bowl of porridge he was holding on the kitchen table. He touched Hermione on the shoulder and felt her smooth skin. Hermione reached for Draco's hair and brushed it with her fingers. Finally, Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, the closest he has ever been to her, their lips touching and finally closing the gap between them.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot.
Draco stopped the car in front of Hermione's house. Hermione hasn't spoken ever since they left the restaurant. Draco touched Hermione's shoulder, she seemed unaware that they were there. "Hermione, we're here."
Hermione came to her senses and looked around. "Uh, thanks." Hermione was about to open the door when Draco stopped her. "What is it?"
"I want to give you something," Draco pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and reached for a pen from inside the drawer. He wrote something on the paper, folded it, and handed it to Hermione. "This is the address of my apartment. If in case you need to talk, you can visit my there, anytime."
Hermione finally smiled, though tears were still evident on her eyes. She moved forward and kissed Draco on the lips. "Thank you."
Draco didn't move. He just stayed there, eyes still closed. Hermione had almost reached the front door when he opened his eyes. He started his engine and left while beaming widely.
***
Hermione opened the door and found her parents waiting for her at the sitting room. "Mom, Dad, what's up?"
"Hermione, honey, we need to talk to you," her mother spoke, with a tone of authority Hermione had never heard before.
Hermione sat on the long couch, at exactly the same place Draco had sat down. Her parents were also seated on each of the side couches. "What is it about?"
Her father spoke first. "This is about that Malfoy kid. Hermione honey, we don't want you to---"
"Then we have nothing to talk about," Hermione cut him in. She was about to stand up when her mother reached for her arm and motioned her to sit down.
"Hermione, please just listen to us. As your parents, we are concerned of your welfare. We don't want to see you get hurt," her mother said.
"I know that. But what's Draco got to do with this?" Hermione looked from her mother to her father.
"We don't trust that kid. He's always hurt you in the past and we know he will hurt you again. You shouldn't go anywhere near him," her father responded.
"Draco's not the person you knew before. I know you are worried with what he might do to me, but I am telling you myself, he's not going to do anything that might hurt me. He's my friend now, and he cares for me," Hermione said, trying her best to make her parents understand.
"Still we don't want you seeing him," Mrs. Granger told her seriously.
"What do you mean? Haven't you heard anything I've said?"
"We heard everything Hermione. But as your parents, we have to protect you," Mr. Granger added.
"What are you trying to say then?" Hermione was starting to feel bad about this.
"We. we forbid you to see him again. ever," her mother finally answered.
Her words made Hermione feel uneasy. She couldn't believe her parents would go this far in trying to manipulate her life. "You just can't control my life like that! I'm eighteen and I know how to make my own decisions. You can't do this to me!"
Her father tried to calm her down. "We're not trying to control you. We are just looking out for you. Hermione, you have to understand, we are doing this for you."
"I don't understand any of this! You're acting like Harry! You're all trying to manipulate my life and rob me of my free will! I am not a prisoner!" Hermione was as infuriated as she was a while ago outside the restaurant. Tears were rolling down her cheeks again, but her voice didn't quiver as she spoke every word.
Hermione ran towards the door. Looking back at her parents, she didn't hesitate to leave.
"Hermione! Where are you going?" her mother cried out loud. She was about to run after her daughter when her husband stopped her.
"Let her go. She'll come back."
Hermione ran as far away from their house as possible. She didn't know where to go but she kept on running anyway. She was afraid they would catch her and keep her locked in that life forever. It wasn't her home anymore; it was just a prison cell where people tell her what she has to do and dictate her life for her. She's not coming back; she's had enough.
***
Hermione had reached the end of their neighborhood. She had rounded every block and she had nowhere else to go. Until she remembered the paper Draco handed him. She pulled it out of her pocket and read the address. Hermione smiled. She knew where this place was, which means she could just apparate there. Hermione slid inside a dark alley and made sure no one was there. And with a pop, she was gone.
Hermione appeared on another dark alley, and from there she could see the apartment where Draco supposedly lived. She emerged at a quiet street, which was very much different from their neighborhood. It was cleaner and more peaceful here. She crossed the street and knocked on 8-D, Draco's apartment. No one answered. Hermione tried again but still no response. She looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds forming, slowly blocking the prominent sunlight. Then she saw a flash of lightning, after which she heard the sound of thunder. Hermione knocked again. She searched for a door bell and pressed hard on it when she found one. She could here the sound of the bell from the outside, and after a few minutes of no answer, Hermione decided Draco really wasn't home.
Then the first drops of rain came falling. Hermione was considering going back home, but she knew it wouldn't be okay to go back, for her life would still be the same. Hermione decided to wait. But the rain was getting harder by the minute, and there was no cover for Hermione to hide under. There were no large trees nearby that would at least give her shade. She frantically searched for somewhere to cover herself from the rain but had no luck. She even tried apparating inside Draco's apartment but realized that Draco had cast a protection charm on it. Already wet, Hermione gave up and sat in front of the apartment, resting her back on Draco's door. Feeling pity for herself, Hermione began to cry. She never realized this would happen to her. She felt very homeless, weak, and alone. She needed someone to comfort her. And the only person whom she thought would be there, wasn't available.
It was getting cold and Hermione started to shiver. *Ron* She remembered Ron. What if she just apparated to the Burrow? Surely, the Weasleys would take her in and she could definitely stay there as long as she wants. But Hermione hesitated when she remembered how hard Ron was working to be able to feed his family. Mr. Weasley was now retired, and it's Ron who buys their food and pays for the other expenses to maintain the Burrow. Hermione quivered more. If she stayed there, then she would just add to Ron's problems. She knew Ron would never hesitate to let her in, but she also should think about his and his family's welfare first.
Hermione could feel her temperature starting to rise despite the coldness. *No! I can't get sick now.* Hermione tried to fight her shivering, but she was getting weaker and weaker. The rain wasn't stopping, and she had no defense and barrier whatsoever from it, only her clothes, which were now dripping wet. Hermione tucked her body and buried her face on her knees. She then began collapsing slowly as her fever began to rise. She's been under the rain for so long, and she was very cold. Hermione was already oblivious of her surroundings when Draco's car pulled over the side of the street. Upon seeing her, Draco rushed to her and tried to wake her up.
"Hermione! Hermione wake up!" Draco held her tightly and blamed himself that this happened to her. If he hadn't left, he would have been there to let her in. Instead, she was here, her life at stake, waiting for him. Draco quickly opened the door of his apartment and carried her inside. He carefully dropped her in the couch and frantically searched for a towel inside the cabinet. He quickly undressed her and dried her whole body. He then changed her into a t-shirt and jogging pants. Draco was so upset that he swore he would never forgive himself if anything happens to her.
After making sure that she was dry, he then approached the sink to get the basin and pour onto it some warm water from the thermos. He dipped a face towel onto the basin and squeezed it a little to make sure that it was only damp enough to absorb her heat. He folded it properly and placed in on her forehead. He then covered here with a bed sheet as a comforter. All he can do now was wait for her fever to drop and pray that she'll be alright. Draco looked after her for hours, not leaving the chair he has set up beside the couch. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep beside her, his head rested on the back of the chair.
***
Hermione woke up, feeling a little bit uneasy, but better. She sat up when she realized she was already inside Draco's apartment, seeing Draco snoozing on the chair. She smiled at him, appreciating what he had done. She definitely felt better now. She reached her his golden blonde hair and brushed her fingers on it. It was smooth and silky, and was apparently well taken care of. By her move, Draco woke up and beamed widely when he saw her looking at him.
"You're awake," Draco said.
"I am, and I feel better now," Hermione responded.
"That's nice. Hey, you need to eat. I can prepare some porridge if you like, and you still have to drink some medicine to make sure your fever won't go back," Draco muttered, standing up and moving towards the kitchen.
Hermione felt special because of the way Draco treated her. He was really making sure she was okay. This meant she had said the right thing to her parents, telling them that Draco cared for her. She stood up and the bed sheet dropped to the floor. She then realized that she wasn't wearing her clothes, but different ones. Draco saw her reaction and quickly approached her to explain.
"You were so wet that I needed to change your clothes. There's nothing else I could have done. These clothes are clean if that's what you're worrying about," Draco explained.
"Did you see everything?" Hermione asked.
"What do mean I saw--- oh, that. I'm sorry but we both know it's unavoidable," Draco replied.
"I guess it was either that or I would have died, so I have no right to complain," Hermione said, picking up the bed sheet and tossing in onto the couch.
They were quiet for awhile until Draco came back to the kitchen and Hermione followed her. Hermione then kissed him on the cheek and whispered, "Thank you."
Draco smiled, looking at her. "Why do you keep on thanking me whenever I do something for you?"
"Because it's proper to say that, and besides, you really deserve it," Hermione explained.
"You know I will never let anything bad happen to you," he said, touching her on the shoulders and looking straight into her eyes. "If I do something good for you, it's because I choose to do it," Draco added. He looked down, then up again. "Hermione, are you happy now?"
"Well, besides the fact that Harry and I have an unofficially ended relationship, my running away from home and my parents not understanding how I feel. and these clothes of yours that I'm wearing, I'm happy because I'm here with you," Hermione answered, smiling at him.
"You ran away?" Draco said, surprised. He reached for a bowl on the counter and then for a spoon.
"Yes, I did. And guess who the person my parents and I fought about is?" Hermione said, teasing him.
Draco pretended to think hard while transferring some porridge into the bowl. "Uh, Harry?"
Hermione imitated the sound of a buzzer. "Sorry, wrong answer!" They both laughed out loud, until Hermione asked him, "Draco, why were you asking if I'm happy?"
Draco stopped laughing and gave Hermione a concentrated look. "Because if you're happy, then that means I'm able to make up for what I did."
"You did take my words seriously!" Hermione said, grinning.
"Of course I did," Draco responded. "Because you are special to me."
Hermione moved forward Draco and he did the same. He dropped the bowl of porridge he was holding on the kitchen table. He touched Hermione on the shoulder and felt her smooth skin. Hermione reached for Draco's hair and brushed it with her fingers. Finally, Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, the closest he has ever been to her, their lips touching and finally closing the gap between them.