A/n: Oh man. This is getting close to the end!! Isn't that excitin... hehhe...anyways it's been since I dunno..June since I've started this story and I'm kind've glad it's finally almost done!! Yeah, I agree that other chapter needed more D/H but c'mon LUCIUS HAD BEEN SENT TO AZKABAN! That needs one chapter to celebrate with. Hah..
SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE PEOPLE!!!!!! I'm SO SORRY!!!! I've been SO BUSY WITH HOMEWORK! And School! And things like that!
SECOND LAST CHAPTER!!!
Chapter 32: A screaming infidelity
Hermione gave Draco a day off to be with his mother that next week. She gave him time to be alone to visit his hurted mother... she, too, was also worried about Narcissa. She's only met her once and she's already worried...
Hermione waited at Draco's Manor with Darla, waiting for Draco to get back. Hopefully with some news about her mother... so and so, etc, etc...
Hermione and Darla waited four hours, until Draco finally came home. Pale and speechless, Draco walked in the house.
Nobody spoke...
Hermione walked over to the couch Draco had plopped himself into and hugged him carefully. He hastilly pulled away and walked towards the window. Hermione sighed exasperatley.
"What's the matter?" She asked. Draco glared. Hermione's heart raced...
Still, he didn't reply...
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks. She needn't no hints...
"No..." she whispered. Tears forming in her eyes she rushed up to Draco, whose eyes had turned red and swollen. She hugged him tightly and surprisingly, he returned it. Hermione could tell Draco was having a hard time to breathe...
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry baby... I'm sorry...." Hermione rocked back and forth as she held on to him. Draco was still. He was motionless...
"She's gone..." Draco whispered, "Hermione she's gone..."
Draco couldn't help it, but Hermione wiped the tears from his eyes. "I'm so sorry..."
As they pulled apart, Draco rested himself on the couch. Hermione could see his forming fists and those deadly eyes.... "I'll be waiting... "
---
For the past few weeks Draco hadn't gotten his mind off his mother's death. He loved her... he cared for her... It was Lucius' fault. This wouldn't have happened...
It wasn't fair...
Hermione stayed out of his way, of course. She understood and gave him a break. Although Draco's been doing nothing but stay at home, drinking butterbeer... He hardly even talks to Darla. He hardly even talks anymore!
When Hermione would owl him, he'd owl back saying two or three words. He's got nobody now... but Hermione... He's still got Hermione, doesn't he?
Though Lucius is now in Azkaban, Draco's free. But he doesn't feel free... instead of visiting his mother ... he had nothing.
Nothing...
She always said she wanted grandchildren. But who would know?
Draco was empty...
Hermione was the only one who kept him breathing now. Without her, he'd fall apart for sure. He was thankful for that... maybe it was all part of their fate...
--
Around a month had passed and Draco had recovered a little bit. He still can't forgive his father for what he'd done. God knows what really did happen. He still can't believe that his mother is gone.... gone away and just walked out of his life like that. And he didn't show all the love he was suppose to show his mother... and it's way too late to change everything...
"I love you..." Hermione pulled Draco close for another embrace, as he breathed carefully, clutching her tight.
"I love you too, Hermione..." he said, full of anguish in his eyes. He pulled off and leaned over to give her a soft kiss. Then he sighed...
"But Hermione..." he began, "I'm not worthy enough to be loved by you and I'm not worth to love an amazing girl like you.... when I can't even love myself..."
Hermione was stunned. "W-what do you mean?"
"Just remember I love you and I will never let you go..." Hermione wrapped her arms around his, as they shared this quiet moment, standing at a large mountain rock...the fresh breeze on their faces...
Break.
The one tough word to think about. Hermione gave Draco some time to recover fully... there was no point in a strong relationship if one was feeling so empty.
But no worries. There was only a week before they're little break was over.... There was only a week left until they get back together again... He can hold her back in his arms... Hold her...
Don't let go...
No worries at all...
Draco headed downstairs with a cup of coffee, on to his daily routine that one March morning. With nothing but an undershirt and pants on, he put on his cloak and finally opened the door to check on the mail. Surprisingly, there was only one lying there. He cracked a small smile at the familiar writing in front of the envelope...
Hermione hadn't written for days. Well, sure maybe once every two weeks... but Draco knew she was only giving him time. He knew she wasn't keeping something from him...
He knew ...
He walked back inside his house, letter in one hand and the coffe in the other. He sat down and read....
My Dearest Draco,
I'm sorry. I don't know.... . But I have mentioned this to you... I just didn't make it seem like such a big deal. Do you remember I told you my mother was planning this vacation for me? ... I don't know why I've been so stupid. I guess I was just afraid to tell you... But a friend of my mother's recommended a wonderful job there in America. Although it's Muggle work... I had to take it. I'm sorry... I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I don't know Draco... and I'm crying. It's too late and I didn't tell you any sooner... I was afraid what you're reaction would be. I was afraid Draco... and I thought this was the best way to do it. I'm so sorry.... I love you Draco. Remember that... I will try to keep in touch, but I don't know the Owls system over there. I love you...
-Hermione...
Crushed. Abandoned. The hollow feeling rushed back into Draco's heart...
Unsure. Empty....
Draco's body shook as his hands froze...
... Was she gone?
No. It can't be true...
Why did it have to be him? He didn't deserve it...
Or did he?
His mother gone... his father gone... and Hermione...
...Now?
No. He's dreaming...
This was it.
The letter gently dropped on the floor...