Here is chapter six. Thank you for reviewing ^_^ I hope you're enjoying it so far.

~          *           ~

Hermione quietly shut the door behind her, bags in hand. Draco had fallen asleep on the sofa, not wanting to disturb her, still waiting for an answer. She had left a message with Twinkle for Draco and had sent an owl to Professor Snape, asking for a day off.

"I need advice," she whispered, apparating to Ginny's house. "Ginny! Gin! Wake up!" She sent a shower of red sparks up to outside Ginny's bedroom window. "Ginny!"

Minutes later, the door opened and Ginny stood there, her wand pointed at the door. "Who is it- Hermione? What are you doing here?"

"Ginny, can I stay for a few days?" Hermione pointed a trembling hand at her bags. "I need to clear my head."

"Of course." Ginny stepped aside and let Hermione in. "What's happened?" She picked up Hermione's bags and shut the door, locking it behind her.

"I, I've been having doubts. I don't know what to do, whether I'm doing the right thing," Hermione said carefully. "I need to get away from Draco for a few days. I've explained everything. He'll understand."

"Well, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you need to," smiled Ginny comfortingly. "I'm sure that you'll do the right thing." She wasn't sure of what to say. Hermione was obviously very distressed. "Just transfigure a bed wherever," she added as a wail came from upstairs. "Trinity's woken up. I'll go check on her, and then I'll go back to bed. If you need me, shout." Ginny hurried upstairs to Trinity's room.

Hermione sat down and curled up, pulling a tissue from her pocket and wiping her tears. What am I going to do? I don't love Harry, do I? If I really didn't love him, I wouldn't do this. Draco knows I don't love anyone else. So why do I feel so guilty? She stared at a spot on the floor. Harry really wants this date. But, I can't believe I agreed. Why didn't I obliviate him? I wouldn't feel guilty, even though he is my friend. I want to marry Draco. But, a part of me, a part of me enjoyed it when Harry kissed me.

She put her hand over her mouth, trying not to cry. I can't believe it. I shouldn't be thinking like this. I shouldn't be here. I should go back home. I should go to Draco and tell him it's just wedding nerves.

So why am I feeling so awful? Why am I still here?

Why does a part of me want to go on the date?

She held out her left hand and stared at her ring. It was still the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. It symbolised what she had wanted, everything she hoped her future would contain.

Now, did she still want to wear it? Of course she loved Draco, but part of why she was so afraid was because she had, once, felt something for Harry. She was afraid that the eighteen year old Hermione would emerge, taking form as an infatuation with Harry. She was afraid of her life falling apart because of one kiss, stolen from her.

What am I going to do?

~          *           ~

Ginny and Neville walked downstairs the next morning, Ginny with a sleepy Trinity in her arms. She walked into the room where Hermione had spent the night and paused, a frown on her face.

"Nev? Do you know if anything's happened between Hermione and Draco? Can you find out for me?" she asked, opening the window for the owls to arrive with any post. Hedwig flew in with a letter for Hermione.

"Oh, Neville! Wake up Hermione!" Ginny put Trinity down and ran into the kitchen, returning with extra Owl Treats. "Here, Hedwig." She gave the treats to Hedwig and removed the letter. Hedwig hooted her thanks and flew off, passing Neville's owl with the mail.

"Hermione?" Neville shook Hermione gently. "'Mione? There's an owl for you." He kept shaking her until she stirred.

"Draco," she mumbled as she opened her eyes sleepily. When she remembered where she was, and why Neville was waking her up, she closed her eyes again.

"Don't wake me up until it all goes away," she mumbled, curling up tighter. Neville sighed and shook her again.

"Hermione! There's an owl for you!" he repeated. Hermione lifted her head slightly to give him a glare.

"I want to sleep," she muttered, annoyed, and stretched out. Ginny was bustling around, in and out of the kitchen making breakfast, and also sorting through the mail that had arrived.

"Here," smiled Ginny gently, tossing the letter over. One look told Hermione it was from Harry. She unfolded the parchment nervously, waiting for Ginny and Neville to take Trinity into the kitchen for breakfast. She lowered her eyes to the letter.

Hermione,

I am truly sorry about what I did last night. It was unforgiveable. I hope you can forgive me. But, I took your advice. And so I am grateful that you finally know. May I invite you out? There's a new club opened in London, a Wizard one. I'll meet you outside the Leaky Cauldron on Friday at seven.

Once again, I really am sorry.

Love,

Harry.

Hermione's hands, now shaking, tightened around the parchment. A tear fell, smudging the ink.

Why is he doing this to me? Why am I falling apart after one kiss?

"Hermione!" Ginny called from the kitchen. "Come and have something to eat!"

Hermione crumpled up the letter. She had to go, or else Draco would know. But she didn't have to reply.

"I'll be through now!" she called back, standing up and walking to the fire. The crumpled letter was thrown into the flames, and she watched it burn angrily. Harry, you won't ruin this for me. You're my friend. Nothing more.

~          *           ~

Draco stirred, expecting to wake in his warm bed, with Hermione next to him. His hands, which usually stayed wrapped around her waist, were brushing the floor. His eyes slowly opened and he stared at the ceiling.

"'Mione?" he mumbled tiredly, turning over to see if she had got up. When he rolled over too far and hit the floor, he came to his senses and sat up to look around. His tired eyes took in Hermione's study of sorts, and he realised he had fallen asleep on the sofa.

"'Mione? Hermione?" he called, hearing someone outside. Twinkle appeared in the doorway, instead.

"Twinkle? Where's Hermione?" he asked, climbing to his feet. The blanket that had covered him while he slept fell to the floor. It was one of Hermione's.

"Master Draco, Miss Hermione has gone to stay with Miss Ginny, sir." Twinkle walked forward slightly. "Miss Hermione asked Twinkle to tell Master that Miss needs to think."

"Thank you Twinkle," smiled Draco. He had first been made to treat House Elves as humans by Hermione, and he had, surprisingly, enjoyed seeing their faces as he treated them kindly.

"Will Master Draco be wanting to visit Miss Hermione?" asked Twinkle. Draco shook his head.


"I'm not going to see her. If she needs to think, I'm the last person she wants to see. I'll send her an owl. Can you fetch Euphrates for me?" Euphrates was Draco's eagle owl.

Twinkle bowed and scuttled off while Draco sat down to compose a letter to Hermione. His elegant writing soon filled a piece of parchment.

Hermione,

Twinkle has passed your message on to me. I understand. I must confess I'm feeling nervous too. Perhaps it would be better if you remained at Ginny's until the wedding. I hope she doesn't mind. But you must do whatever you think is best. After all, I don't want you to feel that I am pressuring you into it. I am nervous, that is true, but I have never been more sure of anything. I love you with all my heart, and hope my vows will prove that. I'm sending this with all of my love for you, and am hoping your doubts will pass.

Love always,

Draco.

When Twinkle returned, Draco attached the letter to Euphrates' leg and led him to the window. He opened it and gave the orders.

"Take it to Hermione. She's with Neville and Ginny," he ordered. Euphrates hooted once before flying off.

Please let Hermione be okay.

~          *           ~

Hermione had finished breakfast when Euphrates flew through the still-open window and into the kitchen. He landed on the kitchen table and hooted at length to Hermione.

"It's from Draco," she said with a small smile. Taking the letter and giving Euphrates some Owl Treats, she watched him go, deciding to read the letter in private and tucked it into her robes. Besides, Trinity was trying to eat her doll again.

"Gin, will she grow out of thinking everything's edible?" asked Neville, taking the doll away. Loud wails filled the kitchen as Trinity started rocking back and for, determined to get her doll.

"Ginny, do you want me to babysit today?" asked Hermione noticing how Ginny was dressed smartly. Ginny looked up and smiled, relieved.

"Would you? Oh thanks 'Mione. I've got to go to the Ministry." Ginny hugged Hermione, kissed Neville and Trinity, and then ran into the other room. They heard her shout, "Ministry of Magic!" into the fire.

"I'd better get off to work too. If you need anything, owl us." Neville kissed Trinity, gave her back the doll, waved to Hermione and left. Hermione's gaze travelled from the doll in her hands to Trinity, who was sticky from breakfast and still wailing.

"Well kiddo, it's just you and me today," she smiled, walking around to the child and picking her up. A quick spell later and Trinity was clean again.

"Come on," she said gently, picking Trinity up and soothing her. "Here's your doll. Don't go eating it." She walked back to what she now thought of as 'her' chair, and put Trinity down on the rug. Trinity cooed happily and started playing with her doll.

"Stay there and be good," ordered Hermione, digging in her robes for the letter. She sat down to read it, trying to keep an eye on Trinity too.

"Draco," she sighed as she read the letter. "He always knows what to say to cheer me up," she informed Trinity, who stared at her with big brown eyes.

"Trinity, come here." Hermione picked the girl up and sat her on her lap. "What would you do? Would you go with Harry or Draco?"

"Unci Hawwy ga' me dowwy," Trinity said carefully. "Unci Dwakie gi' me dowwy too."

"As long as you get your doll, you don't care, do you?" asked Hermione, a part of her not believing that she was having a conversation with a two year old.

"Dowwy fun!" smiled Trinity. She could talk better than that, but needed encouragement.

"Trinity, who do you like best? Uncle Harry or Uncle Draco?" Hermione decided to go for the direct approach. Trinity simply clapped her little hands happily.

"Tini love Unci Hawwy an' Unci Dwakie!" she cheered. Hermione couldn't help but burst out laughing at this. The small girl started laughing too, and then bit her doll's head.

"Trinity! Don't go eating that! What would Uncle Harry say if he saw you eating that?" scolded Hermione. Trinity took the doll out of her mouth.

"Unci Hawwy say Tini bad," she said forlornly. Hermione nodded sternly.

"That's right. And what about Aunty Hermione? What would Aunty Hermione do?" asked Hermione. Trinity smiled.

"Auty Miney wi' Unci Dwakie!" beamed the toddler. Hermione stared in shock.

"Yes, Aunty Hermione is with Uncle Draco," she said slowly. To this two year old, everyone was either Aunty or Uncle. It simply added to her charm.

"Tini wan' Unci Dwakie an' Auty Miney to stay! Tini no' wan' Unci Hawwy an' Auty Miney 'getha." Trinity looked up at Hermione anxiously, waiting for her to say something.

"Thanks Trini!" Hermione hugged the girl, who had a pleased smile on her face. "I'll remember that." She put Trinity down and re-read the letter from Draco.

I know what I have to do. I'm not going to put this in danger by not going with Harry. I can make up memory potions easily. Harry won't remember a thing, I won't remember a thing, and in two weeks I can become Mrs. Hermione Malfoy.

~          *           ~

A soft tapping shook Hermione from her reverie. Trinity was asleep on the sofa, and Ginny and Neville were still in work. She glanced around, and then saw Harry, tapping gently on the fireplace.

"Harry! What are you doing?" she gasped, staring at him. He smiled.

"Gin and Nev told me to just floo any time I wanted to drop by. You were miles away," he added, teasing her. She smiled, and then wondered why she had.

"Harry?" she asked as he walked across to the sofa and gently moved Trinity enough for him to sit down.

"Yeah, 'Mione?" He looked up at her, locking his eyes onto hers.

"Why, why did you do that? Last night?" Hermione stared back for a second longer than she liked, and looked down at her hands, admiring her ring again. I don't know why I want to know. But I need to, I need to know what is the right thing to do.

"I thought I made it pretty clear, Hermione," said Harry seriously. "I hated to do it. You know how much I care about you. I hated seeing you last night. And I hate blackmail."

"So why do it?" Hermione bit her lip to keep her anger and tears in check. "Why?"

"So you'd give me a chance. I've spent the past five years making sure that I can give you a comfortable lifestyle, the type you always wanted. I came back for you. And someone else had taken you. I was, angry I guess, and I wanted you to give me a chance."

"We wrote to each other every week. You're one of my best friends, Harry. I would have listened, and I would have given you a chance. But now I want to marry Draco. I know it's the right thing to do, it's the best thing for me." Hermione was still avoiding Harry's eyes.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me that," he said. Hermione looked up.

"What?" She stared nervously at him.

"Look me in the eyes," he insisted, "and tell me that you don't want to try this, tell me you'll marry Draco in two weeks. Look into my eyes and tell me that. Then I'll leave you alone."

"Harry, I," Hermione looked into his eyes. "I, I." Her voice trailed off and she looked away from his piercing stare. Somehow, his eyes always did that to her. They always saw right through her.

"You can't do it, can you? Hermione, I hate putting you through hell like this. I care about you too much. But you can't do it, and that's all I need to know." He stood up and walked over to her. "You can't do it, so you're not sure." He leaned over and captured her lips, stealing another kiss. "I'll see you Friday, 'Mione." He strode over to the fire and flooed out, leaving Hermione to think over what had just happened.

I couldn't do it. Why? I couldn't look him in the eyes and tell him that I was going to marry Draco? Do I really want this? Am I just going to sit back and watch him destroy what I have with Draco? Why do I feel so helpless? He's just playing on my insecurities, and yet he says he hates it. Does that mean he really does love me? Harry's not vicious like this. He's gentle, and kind. I love him for that.

I love him? But I love him like a brother.....don't I?

~          *           ~

Draco paced the house. Without Hermione, he was lost. He had come home hoping for company, hoping to talk with her, make sure she was alright. She was still at Ginny's, and Twinkle was all the company he had.

"Twinkle? I'm going to see Ron for a game of chess. If Hermione comes home, tell her I love her," he called to the house elf, who was dusting in the library. He grabbed a cloak and a scarf. The nights were still cold.

"Twinkle will do that for Master Draco!" she called. Draco walked outside, clear of the wards, and apparated to Ron's garden. He wrapped his cloak tighter around him and walked up the path, his senses tingling as the wards on the house did their work. As an Auror, and a powerful one, Ron took no chances. Although he was not as paranoid as Mad-Eye Moody had been.

Draco knocked on the door, and waited for Ron to open it, shivering. Ron took one look and didn't say anything, just stood aside.

"Thanks Ron," smiled Draco gratefully as he walked into the house and headed for the lounge. Ron closed the door and followed.

"Having doubts?" he asked, sitting down at the chess set and inviting Draco to do the same.

"No, but Hermione has gone to stay with Ginny. Pre-wedding nerves. The house is lonely without her." Draco took off his cloak and scarf, and smiled. "Want to play a game?"

"Sure. Prepare for a beating," grinned Ron. "Pawn, forward one space." Draco smiled and got absorbed into the game for a little while.

"Have you spoken to Harry?" asked Ron as his knight took Draco's pawn. Draco nodded.

"Yes, but not for long. He seems well. Rook, two spaces left." Draco looked up into Ron's freckled face. "How about you?"

"Yeah, he popped by earlier. Seemed very pleased about something. We talked for ages, and played chess." Ron frowned at the board. "Bishop, three spaces left." The piece moved diagonally three places, capturing a pawn on the way.

"I'm glad he's come back. Hermione will be so happy to see him at the wedding. I was hoping he could come, too. It's nice to have everyone reunited again." Draco paused and tilted his head to stare at the board. "Pawn, take bishop."

"Good move," grinned Ron. "Yeah, it's great to see Harry back. He said next time Oliver mentions World Tour, he'll kill him. He seems really glad to be back."

"He's missed so much," commented Draco as his queen moved forward and wrestled a knight off the board. "Ginny said he really missed Trinity."

"Trinity's missed him too," grinned Ron. "Most of my days off are spent babysitting. All she asks is where her 'Unci Hawwy' is."

"Why Unci Hawwy?" asked Draco curiously as yet another of his pieces was taken.

"Oh, she can talk much better than that. She prefers not to. She has trouble producing Hermione's name too." Ron gave an order to his queen and grinned. "Checkmate."

"What?" Draco looked at the board disbelievingly. "How did you set that one up so quickly?"

"Many years of playing with you, mate." Ron got up and walked over to a cabinet, returning with two Butterbeers. "Fancy a drink?"


"Why not?" Draco took a bottle and smiled. "I love this drink."

"Me too. So, Draco, are we going out before the big day? I know Ginny and Lavender are taking Hermione somewhere. Don't know where, though."

"Wherever it is, I hope it clears Hermione's mind like she hopes to do." He took a swig of his drink. "It's amazing how much I miss her, even though she's only been away a day."

"Hope I can find someone like that," said Ron enviously. "Draco mate, you are one lucky git."

"I know," smirked Draco. They both took another swig, and settled into a comfortable silence, each thinking about the upcoming wedding, hoping everything would go smoothly.

~          *           ~

Hermione stared into the fire as Ginny and Lavender chattered happily from next to her. She was only half aware of her hair being pulled back, dropped, and pulled back again.

I have no idea what is going on here, she thought as her head was jerked sharply to the side.

"Oh sorry 'Mione!" Lavender cried. "We're trying to decide how you should wear your hair." The three girls were sitting cross-legged on the rug, discussing the wedding.

"I definitely think she needs it up," insisted Ginny. Lavender glared at her.


"But you can get so much elegance and beauty from simply curling and letting it flow around the shoulders."

"Ladies, ladies, let her breathe," came a voice. They turned to see Ron, Neville, Draco and Harry standing in the doorway, amused. Hermione turned and gave a half-hearted smile.

"Look, you've worn her out." Draco smiled at Hermione. "We came to, what was it Ron?" he asked again. "Refresh my memory."

"We're going to be planning his night out. We need more Butterbeer and can't be bothered to go to Hogsmeade," grinned Ron. "Neville said you've got a couple of bottles here." Neville had already disappeared into the kitchen to fetch the drinks.

"Hi Draco, Harry, Ron," said Hermione softly. Ginny and Lavender smiled briefly before returning to their argument.

"Up is more classy."

"Down is better because her shoulders will be bare."

"But she'll have her veil covering her entire face and resting on her shoulders. I vote up."

"Who is the model here? You? I think not! Me? Why yes, I do believe it is! I say down!"

Hermione held up her hands impatiently as Neville returned and all four men watched them, amused.


"I have an idea. A compromise." She gently took the ends of her hair away from them. "Have the sides up, and the rest down."

Ginny and Lavender glared at each other before grinning.

"Perfect!" they chorused. Lavender produced a brush from her robes.

"Gentlemen, would you please leave? Nev, don't be late and make sure you replace the Butterbeer tomorrow," said Ginny. Neville nodded and ushered the others out the door. Draco cast a last loving glance at Hermione before the door was shut.

"Lav, give me the brush. We'll start experimenting," ordered Ginny.

"Gin, it's my brush. I'll do it." Hermione sighed as yet another argument ensued.

"Ginny, Lavender, please, my head hurts," she complained. Ginny grinned.


"Alright 'Mione. Sorry. What you need, my girl, is a few nights out to relax you. Just what the doctor ordered."

"Yeah. We're going out before your wedding. No arguments," agreed Lavender. Hermione made up her mind.

"Actually, I'm going out on Friday. I need to clear my head, so I'm going to be on my own," she said firmly, indicating that there were to be no protests. Ginny and Lavender nodded happily.

"Great! And next week, my stylist said she'll come and fix up your hair!" Lavender sighed. "And Ginny and I will stop fussing around like we were fifteen."

"Oh to be eight years younger and fifteen again," sighed Hermione with a smile. Girly nights in made her feel much better.

"Ooh, do you remember when you were dating Viktor Krum? 'Hermy-own'. I cracked up hearing him say that!" giggled Lavender as a memory hit her. Both Ginny and Hermione burst out laughing as they remembered this.

Hermione, the first to calm down, watched her two friends sadly. If only they knew, knew how close I am to going insane, knew what Harry had done. And he doesn't like it either. How can it be right if neither of us like it? How can I get out of this? This thought struck her, and she stared at a patch on the rug as Ginny and Lavender discussed their Hogwarts days.

Harry's my best friend, one of. He always will be, no matter what he does. We've been through too much together, Harry, Ron and I. This isn't going to spoil our friendship for long. Maybe, maybe on Friday I can make him see that we are better off as friends.