Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. J.K.Rowling does. Boo hoo.
Chapter 13: Killer
When they woke up, it was late in the morning. It was Sunday and they were going to Hogsmeade after lunch, even though Hermione didn't know it yet. Draco had gotten special permission from Dumbledore.
When Hermione opened her eyes, she could feel Draco moving beneath her and she smiled. He was obviously awake but must've been enjoying her laying on him, because hadn't pushed her off yet. "Morning," she mumbled, letting him know that she was awake.
"Good morning," he replied. She began to stand up but he protested. "Why are you getting up? Stay here. I'm comfortable."
She giggled but continued to stand up. "I know but it's eleven o'clock. We are wasting the day. I want to go shower, then go to lunch. Then, I have so much homework to catch up on from when I was in the Hospital Wing and..."
"Do you have time to go to Hogsmeade?" he asked, following her into her room.
"Why would you ask that? It's not a Hogsmeade trip today," she replied distractedly while searching for an outfit for the day.
"Because we need to get decorations for the Graduation Ball so Dumbledore said you and I could got to Hogsmeade together, being Head Boy and Girl and all that. It is our privilege."
"What Graduation Ball?"
"I thought it would be a good idea for the seventh years to have their own little going away ball right after we graduate." He saw her face light up at the idea.
"Oh Draco, that's wonderful! Why didn't I think of that? You are a genius! The seventh years will love it!" she said, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Let me shower and get ready. Then we'll go to Hogsmeade and eat lunch there."
"Okay, but hurry, 'cause I'm hungry," he said, heading to his own room to get ready.
One half hour later, they set off for Hogsmeade. Once she was sure no one was around to see, Hermione entwined her fingers with his and squeezed his hand lovingly. "So how long do we have before the ball? I've lost all track of time lately. I don't even know what month it is."
He laughed. "We graduate in two weeks and the ball is that eve." He saw the panic in her face. "Don't worry. We can handle planning a ball. I've already got most of the preparations being taken care of by the sixth year prefects. All we need to do is announce it to the seventh years, pick out a theme, get the decorations and find a place to have it I even though it's a bit last minute. I think we could rent out a room in the Eiffel Tower. It's a lovely restaurant in Hogsmeade. Usually one only goes there for occasions such as weddings but it would be perfect for the ball. Don't worry. With your smarts and creativity and my planning skills, this ball will be the hit of the century." She smiled at him and stopped walking. Her arms wrapped around him, embracing him in a hug.
"You're amazing," she said into his shoulder. "How can you do it? How can you just say a few words and suddenly calm me down. Your smile makes me peaceful. How do you do it?"
He kissed her lovingly and held her close, "I do not know, but I could ask you the same question. I love you dearly, maybe that is how you bring me peace, through your love. You're my angel. I would die if anything were to over happen to you."
They continued walking to their destination in silence, for no words were needed in order to show how much they loved one another. They already knew.
The day went well for the two. They ate lunch at the Three Broomsticks and then bought loads of decorations. They decided that the theme of the dance would be magical Paris considering the restaurant would be the Eiffel Tower, and everyone would dress in muggle attire. They booked the hall in the restaurant from eight o'clock until one in the morning. That would make for a lovely evening. Then, everyone would have a choice of staying in a Hogsmeade Inn for the rest of the night or going back to Hogwarts. There would not be a curfew that evening.
After this was all planned, Hermione sent Draco off on his own for an hour or so while she bought her gown. She wanted to surprise him so he couldn't be with her while she shopped for it.
While he was sent away, he bought himself a tuxedo and made arrangements at an inn for after the ball. He paid for a carriage to pick them up at one a.m. and then, drive them to the inn.
He and Hermione met up a while later and walked back to school. They were both very excited for the ball until it hit Hermione like a ton of bricks. "Draco," she said worriedly. "Who do we go with? We can't very well go together. Then the Death Eaters will know and that wouldn't be good, right?"
He stopped walking and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I didn't even think of it." They both just stood there for a while, before he came up with a way that they could be together at the ball. "We could make it a masked ball! No one will know who anyone is and you're not allowed to take off your mask!"
"But then... how could WE be together?"
"Sweetheart, do you honestly believe I wouldn't be able to tell it was you just by looking into your eyes?" He kissed her cheek and they kept walking hand in hand. When they reached the school, they split up, so no one would see them together.
Hermione headed up to the Gryffindor Common Room to see Harry and Ron. As soon as she entered, a swarm of seventh years surrounded her, asking her questions about the ball. "All of your questions will be answered by the Head of House!" she shouted, praying that they would soon leave her alone. "Ask Professor McGongall. No definite decisions have been made as of yet except that there will in fact be an actual ball. Now leave me be! I have my own business to attend to." She pushed her way past and saw her two best friends sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"Hey you two," she greeted them, kissing them both on the cheek. "I haven't seen you two since before the game yesterday. Are you doing all right? I hope your ego's aren't TOO bruised after that."
Harry laughed. "No, we're okay. I think that if we could survive Voldemort, we can survive losing." Ron looked at him with wide eyes.
"LOSING? Yes, we may be able to accept losing, but losing to SLYTHERINS?!? That's just down right upsetting. We lost the house cup, Harry. We were so close, too. We were tied up in the game up until Malfoy caught the bloody snitch."
Hermione just giggled. "I'll never understand you guys and your passion for riding a broom which is typically used for cleaning in the muggle world, and playing a game of catch in the air. I don't think I could ever play Quidditch. Not that I despise it, but I still don't care for it either."
Ron hugged his friend tightly. "You'll never change, 'Mione. I love you so much for that. You're so predicatable. Will you do me a favor?"
"What is that?"
"Don't ever change." She nodded her head and they stayed in their embrace until Parvati came in and yelled at him in jealousy. Hemione quickly backed away, not wanting to get in the middle of it when clearly, she already was. She was slightly disturbed by the accusations Ron's girlfriend was making. Rude curse words were being shouted at her and she didn't like it very much but she kept her mouth shut, not wanting Ron to be angry with her later for retaliating against the woman he claimed to love. To Hermione's surprise, and Parvati's as well, Ron began to defend her and their friendship.
"Listen to me, Parvati!" he shouted. "Hermione's is my best friend. It's been that way for almost seven years. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING, is worth losing her friendship over. I love you, but she's my best friend. You can't ask me to choose between you two because it would prove to be a very awkward situation for us both. She has saved my life time and time gain, led the wizarding world into a victory against he-who-must-not-be-named, sat paralyzed in St. Mungo's for months on her own and still she is here, standing before you and taking all of your crap. I'm sorry, sweetie, but nobody insults my best friend." He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Now, why don't you apologize to 'Mione and you and I will take a walk around the school, hand in hand. It's a lovely day for a walk. Please?"
Parvati looked from Hermione to Ron and then back to Hermione with daggers in her eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I guess I overreacted just a bit." She quickly took Ron's hand and dragged him away as fast as possible.
Hermione sat down and began talking to Harry. "So Harry, how have you been? How's that girl you were dating... what's her name again? I'm sorry. I seem to have forgotten."
"Her name was Darla, but we split up. She was very... I guess you could call her very immature. It just seemed to me like she was always wrapped up in her own little world, never caring about anything that happened in mine. And she wore so much make-up, I once thought she was a clown!"
They both began laughing hysterically until Neville came and sat down in the chair right across from them. "What's so funny?" he asked.
"Oh it's nothing really," Hermione answered. "So Neville, how's Luna? Are you two okay?"
"Well... not really. You see, she had this crazy idea that Trevor was actually Prince Charming and that if she kissed him, he wouldn't be a toad any longer."
Hermione was confused. "So you broke up with her merely because she was a little too into fairy tales? That's not very nice."
"No! I didn't break up with her! SHE dumped ME! You see, it turns out that Trevor really WAS Prince Charming and after she kissed him, he turned into the handsome prince and they're in love now."
"Oh... I'm sorry Neville. That's tough," Harry replied. "But hey, at least you're not the only in the school that just ended their relationship. Darla and I just broke up last week."
"Yeah, Ron told me. I'm sorry, Harry, but she wasn't right for you anyway. You need a more mature woman. NOT a sixth year superficial blonde. No offense of course."
They were both shocked by Neville's boldness. Was this not the same Neville who cowered at the mere sound of Professor Snape's voice? When did he become so outspoken. "Neville, if you don't mind me asking," Hermione began, "When did you get so bold?"
"You mean, when did I grow a spine?" She nodded. "Seamus did a confidence spell so I could say what I wanted if wanted to say it or I could do a potion without being so afraid of messing it up so that way Snape couldn't take off as many house points all the time for my lack of confidence."
"Good idea, Neville. Brilliant!" Hermione said, applauding his intelligence.
After speaking with them for a while, it was late and time for Hermione to go spend some time with Draco before bed. She gave the boys a hug and then left to go to the Head Tower. When she got there, she found Draco standing on the balcony, gazing at the stars. It was late at night so the sky was pitch black and all of the stars were visible.
She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his shoulder blade. That was as high as she could reach considering how tall he had become. "What are you thinking about?" she asked
He spun her around so she was now in his arms. "You," he replied with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"What's wrong?" she questioned, noticing how his eyebrows were furrowed, making him appear afraid.
"Hermione, I need you to do me something. Promise me something."
"Last time you made a promise, you never followed it. Why would I?"
"Because this is very important to me, 'Mi. This is crucial. I need you to stay away from any battle to come. You can't become an auror and you can't work in the Order. You'd be their main target."
"Baby, has someone sent you more nightmares?" she asked with a smile, as if she had found out what might be the cause of his worry but she was wrong.
"Potter isn't who they would want anymore! The only reason, the one and only reason, he was ever significant to them was because of that damned prophecy. Now that prophecy has been fulfilled and a new one has come. Hermione, I AM the Dark Lord and I WILL fall. I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, EVER, you will let it be. I need you to do this for me, 'Mi. I need to know that if I died, you would keep on living. Never go looking for trouble."
"I usually don't go looking for trouble. Trouble always finds ME," she replied glumly.
"Whichever way you put it, try as hard as you can to stay away from trouble. I'm serious, Hermione. Just stay away from any battles you see or hear about. I told them you were off limits, that they were not allowed to go after you but the thing is, if you attacked them, they would bring you to me. When they bring you to me, I may not be the same as I am right now. I may be evil and cruel, like Voldemort and Slytherin. That is what I become when I am near the Death Eaters. They take over my body and I will not be able to control them. I fear that I would kill you if they thought that you were a danger to the dark side. I can't have that happening. But I need to know that when I'm gone, you will stay away from them. They will kill you, make no mistake about it. "
"But someone will kill you, won't they?"
"Yes, my equal."
"Then why can't I ask the same thing of you? I want you to stay away from all of the battles. They will kill you and I can't bare to see that happen!"
"IT IS INEVITABLE!" he shouted.
They stayed there in silence for a while, neither one pleased with the others responses. "Draco... do you know who your equal is?"
He rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed. "I have a good idea."
"Who do you think it is?"
He backed away from where they were standing and headed back into the common room, sitting on one of the large chairs and kicked his feet up on the coffee table in front of him. When he spoke, his words were quiet. "I don't want to say it. I'm afraid then it will come true."
She sat down on his lap, burying her face in his shoulder. "You can't leave me!" she cried out.
He wanted to tell her that would never happen and that he would always be there for her, but he couldn't stand to lie to her. He knew that one day, his life would come to an end and she would be alone again. "Look at me," he ordered her. She looked into his beautiful gray eyes and smiled. He smiled as well. "Even if I am killed, sweetheart, I will never leave you. I'll be watching over you from wherever the Gods decide I belong. I will be with you in your heart and in your soul. Love never dies."
They fell asleep in the chair but neither one could say that they really slept. Thoughts of the future plagued their minds. When they both woke up, it was time for school.
The next weekend was a Hogsmeade trip so everyone could buy their outfits for the ball, but Hermione and Draco stayed back, because they had already been there the week before. The school was practically empty so Hermione and Draco took this as their chance to spend a day outside the confines of the Head Tower. They decided to go to the lake and spend the day with their feet in the water.
Hermione sat in front of him, her back resting against his chest and his legs were on either side of her. They didn't say anything to each other, knowing that they both had a lot on their minds. In two days, they would be taking the N.E.W.T.S. and she was terrified. He was more concerned with the attack that they were going to make during the ball.
They were so wrapped up in their own thoughts that they didn't even notice a mermaid flopping around in the water, trying to get their attention.
"HELLO!" the mermaid shouted.
Hermione and Draco both snapped out of their daze and stared at the woman in shock. Hermione was the first to respond. "Hello," she said. "Who are you?"
"My name is Elizabeth. I live in this lake. Who are you?"
"I am Draco Malfoy, and this is Hermione Granger. We are seventh year students here at Hogwarts. We are also the Head Boy and Girl."
"Figures," Elizabeth responded. "The Head Boy and Girl always fall in love. It's like Dumbledore just knows who should end up together. You two look very much in love. It's weird though. I've heard of both of you. Malfoy..." She said his name as if trying to figure out where she had heard of it. "Ah yes! I know who you are." She bowed her head in respect to the DarkLord. "But wait... that's weird. She's a muggle born. How could you love a mudblood?"
Hermione winced at hearing these words. 'Even mer-people can be prejudice?!?' she thought to herself.
"I will do as I please," Draco said. "And you will do well not to tell anyone what you have seen here today or this lake will dry up quicker than you can say mudblood. Understood?"
Elizabeth backed away in fear for her precious lake. She nodded her head and swam off, 'unintentionally' splashing them with water when she flipped her fins back and forth.
"Don't dwell on the opinions of others," Draco told his fiancé. "They do not know anything beyond bloodlines and hatred. Prejudice makes others blind to the truth about people. They hate you merely because you are not a pureblood and your beloved friends hate me merely because I am a Malfoy."
"No. They don't hate you MERELY because you are a Malfoy. They think you're a death eater as well."
"That's because I'm a Malfoy. My name entitles me to certain obligations. Being a follower of the dark arts is synonymous with being a Malfoy; therefore, they hate me merely because I am a Malfoy."
"I guess that makes sense." She rested her head back against his chest and they retreated back to their own thoughts. At one point, Hermione literally made herself sick over worrying about the exams and thinking about bloodlines that she threw up in the bushes.
"Let's get you upstairs," Draco suggested. "We'll take a walk around the lake, then we'll go in. Okay?"
She stood up in agreement. They walked silently, hand in hand, around the entire lake. Draco knew many creatures would watch them if they walked around holding hands so he placed a disillusionment charm on himself so no one would recognize him besides Hermione.
They went back inside the school and headed up to their room. They spent the rest of the day playing wizards chess and laughing at how bad they both were.
But in truth, Hermione never took her mind off of the days occurrences. The mermaid had stated the obvious, that was for sure, but it stung Hermione more than she would've expected. Hermione was strong and thought that insults could not hurt her. 'Sticks and stones...' But the fact was that Elizabeth had just pointed it out and Hermione was blown away. No one ever ceased to amaze her with their rudeness and comments.
The worst part of it all was that Hermione knew she was right. Hermione was a muggle born, dirty blood ran through her veins. Draco was a pure blood and his bloodline was untainted. These two didn't mix. To add further to their differences, he was the Dark Lord and she fought for the light. It was an odd combination and for the first time, Hermione realized it.
She had always just put it out of her mind before, knowing that the fact that he was the Dark Lord did not affect his love for her in any way shape or form. But now... now everything changed inside her. He was exactly what she was supposed to hate and the same went for him. They were enemies by blood and she knew that it wouldn't last long, so long as he was still the Dark Lord.
She tried to act normal but he could see through her in an instant. He saw her making horrid plays in chess and knew that even SHE couldn't be that bad at the game. "Hermione? What are you thinking about? Because it surely can't be the game."
She only smiled. "I was just thinking about the ball," she lied.
"You're a horrid liar, pet. Now please tell me the truth," he begged.
She only stood up from her seat and walked over to the balcony, where they had stood not too long ago. "I've been wondering about the future. I can't help the feeling that it doesn't look good for us. I've been trying so hard to just let things work themselves out," she said, allowing her voice to strain while tears rolled down her cheeks. "But it's not working. Nothing's working out the way it should. You had to threaten someone today to keep our love a secret! That should never have to happen! I love you, but I don't love fearing the next day to come. Why should I fear tomorrow? Why must I dread the day you leave." A song popped into her mind then that she had once seen in a Muggle movie. The move was called Moulin Rouge and the song was Fly Away. "Why live life from dream to dream, and dread the day when dreaming ends?"
Draco took her hands in his and kissed each one of them. "You never cease to amaze me. I love you so much and I don't blame you for fearing tomorrow. It's a scary thought, but things will happen anyway, whether we are together or not. Do not fear us, though. Death eaters, they are to be feared. War, it is to be feared. But us, together, we will bring each other the peace we need in order to survive. Can't you just trust what we have?"
She backed away from him, knowing that all he wanted to do was kiss her, but she felt that if he did, they would drop the discussion and she didn't want that. "I don't know anymore, Draco. I love you but I just don't know anymore. I don't know if love is all we need. I don't know if love will keep us together. Things just make no sense. When will it all get better? We can't even leave the room, for Merlin's sake! We have to sit up here and hide our love. The only way we can be in public together is at a MASKED BALL for crying out loud!"
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her almost forcefully, trying to remind her of their love and how good they could make each other feel. When he pulled away, she was smiling. "It will get better after school ends. I promise you." He knew that no matter what happened, graduation night would change everything. Either he would be dead, or he would no longer be the Dark Lord. He preferred the latter, but knew it was impossible. Either way, things were going to change.
"Don't lie to me, Draco," she said exhaustedly. "Don't lie."
He didn't know what to say to give her the assurance that she needed so instead he just picked her up from where she stood and brought her to her own bed. "Sleep. Let the night wash your fears away. In the morning, I will be here for you. But sleep now."
He tucked her in and then left, going down to the common room to do some light reading. He wasn't tired in the least.
While he was reading, there was a knock on the door. Draco opened it with a flick of his hand and saw Blaise Zambini standing right in the doorway. Draco merely continued reading his book, hoping Zambini would get the hint that he was busy and just leave, but it was no use. Blaise obviously wanted to talk.
"What are you here for, Zambini? I'm not in the mood to talk," he said with boredom evident in his voice.
"My Lord, we haven't seen much of you lately and many of us were questioning if you were still ill. How are you feeling?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. You can go now."
"We were also wondering what brought about the idea for a graduation ball?"
"Well I was talking to Granger during our patrolling duties and she mentioned this muggle tradition called the prom. It's an end of the year dance for students in their final year of schooling. I thought it sounded interesting so I decided we should have one. She suggested that it be a Masked Ball to give it a more magical effect and I agreed."
"How is it, working with her?"
"I hate her, she hates me. What more do you want me to say?"
"Is there a lot of fighting? Do you often get into verbal spars?"
"You know me. Can't resist a good fight," he joked, knowing that he had no problem lying to the man seated before him. Zambini was an evil, cruel man that Draco loathed and despised. He had half a mind to kill him right there on principal but the other half stopped him.
"Well, that's good to hear. As long as she's not affecting you... and as long as she's not the reason you've missed the past five Death Eater meetings..."
"Why would you think that?"
"Never know with you." Zambini walked around the room and looked into the fire. "So... are you coming to the one tomorrow?"
"Remind me again why we have meetings so often?"
"We're planning strategies. At the last meeting, someone suggested that we strike at the ball..."
"NO!" Draco screamed, knowing that if they did, it would ruin his other plans. "Too many teachers around."
"That is the point, my lord. We want to send them a message. Hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them when they least expect it. Besides, this way we're already in masks so it would be easier to hide our faces so no one will have to worry about being found out."
"Let me think about it. Right now, I feel your plan if foolhardy and too risky. I want to analyze every possible outcome before I make my decision."
"Yes, My Lord. As you wish, but I warn you now that if you decide not to attack, you will have many upset death eaters."
"Is that a threat?" Draco asked with anger. "Because if it is, then I will be forced to find these upset death eaters, and torture them 'til their very last breath. Make sure they know that before they come to me waving their fists and ready to start a fight."
Zambini nodded his head in understanding and then left. The moment he was gone, Hermione appeared in the doorway of her bedroom. Draco looked up at her and frowned. She had heard everything.
"Must everything come down to torture? Surely there are better ways to settle everything rather than violence," she said, knowing it wouldn't effect him in any way other than to make him aware of her feelings towards war.
"Torture and death are the only thing that these men understand, my love. You must see that they cannot comprehend simple things such as love. All they comprehend is killing and blood, and they don't even see the truth about both. They think of killing as fun and they think of blood as either dirty or pure. To them there is no in between and there's no way that one with 'dirty' blood can be beautiful. I cannot get anything through to them without threatening their own lives."
"Have you killed any of them, yet? I mean, I know you killed Professor McGonagall," she said quietly, walking down the stairs to where he sat on the couch. "But have you killed any others besides her?"
Draco stood up and looked deep into her eyes, praying she would understand. "It was not what I wanted. I didn't do it willingly. I was overcome by hatred and evil. I could feel someone lifting my arm with my wand in hand, and I tried to force it down. I really did. But it was no use. The next thing I knew, a nameless death eater was lying at my feet. Apparently, he insulted me and called me a traitor and that is why I killed him, but I still do not see a reason."
Hermione choked back tears and took a step away from her love. She covered her mouth with her hands, trying to muffle her sobs.
"Mi, please. Just listen to me." He took a step forward and reached out a hand to touch her but she backed away.
"No," she whispered. "I... I... I'm scared of you right now. I don't know if I can trust you and that scares me."
"But Mi, I've never harmed you. NEVER!"
"That says nothing about what you CAN or MIGHT or even WILL do in the future. EVIL resides in you, Draco. You can't get it out of you. It's like a plague, consuming your whole body bit by bit. It's only a matter of time before you can't hold it back any longer, and I don't want to be around to see that happen."
"Baby, listen to me," he pleaded, stepping towards her again, but she ran to the opposite end of the room, putting a considerable amount of distance between them. "Hermione, YOU are the reason it hasn't consumed me yet. YOU are the reason I'm still good. YOU will be the reason I make sure no deaths are made in my presence. I love you. Can't you see that? You make me a better man..."
"That's not saying much," she interrupted him. "It's easy to make a killer a better man. All you have to do is have them kill less people. That doesn't mean they'll stop killing all together, just that they'll kill less often."
"I AM NOT A KILLER!" he raged, hoping she would stop saying that he was.
"YES YOU ARE! YOU'VE KILLED, DRACO! You killed McGonagall and you killed a man who you didn't even know. YOU KILLED THEM! THAT MAKES YOU A KILLER!"
"NO IT DOESN'T! A killer has a choice. I DIDN'T!"
"Maybe you had no choice when it came to McGonagall, but the man who merely insulted you, you had a ..."
"I explained that to you. I couldn't stop it. I tried so hard but I couldn't. If you don't want to believe me, FINE, but I refuse to sit here and listen to you insult me."
"Then I'll make it easier for you. I'll leave." She ran up to her room as quick as she could before he had a chance to stop her.
Not that he would at that point. She had said some really hurtful things and he was extremely angry with her. He went to his room and sat on the edge of his bed, but he was restless so he stood up once more, pacing back and forth. He was so upset by the nights events that he punched a hole in his wall. His hand began to bleed but he was numb to the pain.
Hermione was sitting on her bed crying when she heard a loud bang. She ran through their adjoining bathroom and into his room without so much as knocking.
There he was, sitting on his bed, staring coldly at the fire that he had started in his fireplace. His hand was dripping blood and there was a hole in his wall. She sat beside him and ripped off a piece of her knee length skirt. She expertly wrapped it around his hand. When she was done with wrapping it up, she kissed it.
"Forgive me. I do not know what I was thinking. I guess I was just scared of what's to come. I do not question that it was not your choice or that you love me. Please forgive me."
He did not turn to face her, not knowing what to say. She took this as a sign that he was not ready to forgive and was about to leave but then she looked at his face. His expression has become gentler and friendlier.
"I love you," she whispered into his ear. She kissed the back of his neck and saw him smile. "Talk to me," she said to him, hoping to break his silence.
He turned t o face her and thy both just looked into one another's eyes. "You're beautiful," he said to her. "I couldn't imagine my life without you."
"Are you ready to go to sleep?" she asked while stifling a yawn. "It's been far too long of a day."
"You can say that again," he said with a laugh. They laid back in the bed and fell fast asleep, for once ignoring everything that was worrying them.
A/N... Okay so here's another chapter. I hope you liked it. I think it was the longest chapter I've written so far. I was up late last night, trying to get it typed up. My sister was watching Moulin Rouge while I was writing it, so I had to add a line in there.
Please go and review. I didn't get that many responses last time and I was kind of disappointed. Please go and review this time.
Thanks to all of you who DID review. I love you guys so much. You guys rock. I hope you guys are liking this story and where it's heading.
I don't know how much longer it's going to be but I'm guessing a few more chapters. Keep reading and I'll try not to disappoint.
By the way, in case you were wondering, I got A's on all of those tests and papers that I had, the ones that were keeping me from updating. YAY FOR ME! Hehehe... okay... so now go review!
Chapter 13: Killer
When they woke up, it was late in the morning. It was Sunday and they were going to Hogsmeade after lunch, even though Hermione didn't know it yet. Draco had gotten special permission from Dumbledore.
When Hermione opened her eyes, she could feel Draco moving beneath her and she smiled. He was obviously awake but must've been enjoying her laying on him, because hadn't pushed her off yet. "Morning," she mumbled, letting him know that she was awake.
"Good morning," he replied. She began to stand up but he protested. "Why are you getting up? Stay here. I'm comfortable."
She giggled but continued to stand up. "I know but it's eleven o'clock. We are wasting the day. I want to go shower, then go to lunch. Then, I have so much homework to catch up on from when I was in the Hospital Wing and..."
"Do you have time to go to Hogsmeade?" he asked, following her into her room.
"Why would you ask that? It's not a Hogsmeade trip today," she replied distractedly while searching for an outfit for the day.
"Because we need to get decorations for the Graduation Ball so Dumbledore said you and I could got to Hogsmeade together, being Head Boy and Girl and all that. It is our privilege."
"What Graduation Ball?"
"I thought it would be a good idea for the seventh years to have their own little going away ball right after we graduate." He saw her face light up at the idea.
"Oh Draco, that's wonderful! Why didn't I think of that? You are a genius! The seventh years will love it!" she said, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Let me shower and get ready. Then we'll go to Hogsmeade and eat lunch there."
"Okay, but hurry, 'cause I'm hungry," he said, heading to his own room to get ready.
One half hour later, they set off for Hogsmeade. Once she was sure no one was around to see, Hermione entwined her fingers with his and squeezed his hand lovingly. "So how long do we have before the ball? I've lost all track of time lately. I don't even know what month it is."
He laughed. "We graduate in two weeks and the ball is that eve." He saw the panic in her face. "Don't worry. We can handle planning a ball. I've already got most of the preparations being taken care of by the sixth year prefects. All we need to do is announce it to the seventh years, pick out a theme, get the decorations and find a place to have it I even though it's a bit last minute. I think we could rent out a room in the Eiffel Tower. It's a lovely restaurant in Hogsmeade. Usually one only goes there for occasions such as weddings but it would be perfect for the ball. Don't worry. With your smarts and creativity and my planning skills, this ball will be the hit of the century." She smiled at him and stopped walking. Her arms wrapped around him, embracing him in a hug.
"You're amazing," she said into his shoulder. "How can you do it? How can you just say a few words and suddenly calm me down. Your smile makes me peaceful. How do you do it?"
He kissed her lovingly and held her close, "I do not know, but I could ask you the same question. I love you dearly, maybe that is how you bring me peace, through your love. You're my angel. I would die if anything were to over happen to you."
They continued walking to their destination in silence, for no words were needed in order to show how much they loved one another. They already knew.
The day went well for the two. They ate lunch at the Three Broomsticks and then bought loads of decorations. They decided that the theme of the dance would be magical Paris considering the restaurant would be the Eiffel Tower, and everyone would dress in muggle attire. They booked the hall in the restaurant from eight o'clock until one in the morning. That would make for a lovely evening. Then, everyone would have a choice of staying in a Hogsmeade Inn for the rest of the night or going back to Hogwarts. There would not be a curfew that evening.
After this was all planned, Hermione sent Draco off on his own for an hour or so while she bought her gown. She wanted to surprise him so he couldn't be with her while she shopped for it.
While he was sent away, he bought himself a tuxedo and made arrangements at an inn for after the ball. He paid for a carriage to pick them up at one a.m. and then, drive them to the inn.
He and Hermione met up a while later and walked back to school. They were both very excited for the ball until it hit Hermione like a ton of bricks. "Draco," she said worriedly. "Who do we go with? We can't very well go together. Then the Death Eaters will know and that wouldn't be good, right?"
He stopped walking and looked thoughtful for a moment. "I didn't even think of it." They both just stood there for a while, before he came up with a way that they could be together at the ball. "We could make it a masked ball! No one will know who anyone is and you're not allowed to take off your mask!"
"But then... how could WE be together?"
"Sweetheart, do you honestly believe I wouldn't be able to tell it was you just by looking into your eyes?" He kissed her cheek and they kept walking hand in hand. When they reached the school, they split up, so no one would see them together.
Hermione headed up to the Gryffindor Common Room to see Harry and Ron. As soon as she entered, a swarm of seventh years surrounded her, asking her questions about the ball. "All of your questions will be answered by the Head of House!" she shouted, praying that they would soon leave her alone. "Ask Professor McGongall. No definite decisions have been made as of yet except that there will in fact be an actual ball. Now leave me be! I have my own business to attend to." She pushed her way past and saw her two best friends sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"Hey you two," she greeted them, kissing them both on the cheek. "I haven't seen you two since before the game yesterday. Are you doing all right? I hope your ego's aren't TOO bruised after that."
Harry laughed. "No, we're okay. I think that if we could survive Voldemort, we can survive losing." Ron looked at him with wide eyes.
"LOSING? Yes, we may be able to accept losing, but losing to SLYTHERINS?!? That's just down right upsetting. We lost the house cup, Harry. We were so close, too. We were tied up in the game up until Malfoy caught the bloody snitch."
Hermione just giggled. "I'll never understand you guys and your passion for riding a broom which is typically used for cleaning in the muggle world, and playing a game of catch in the air. I don't think I could ever play Quidditch. Not that I despise it, but I still don't care for it either."
Ron hugged his friend tightly. "You'll never change, 'Mione. I love you so much for that. You're so predicatable. Will you do me a favor?"
"What is that?"
"Don't ever change." She nodded her head and they stayed in their embrace until Parvati came in and yelled at him in jealousy. Hemione quickly backed away, not wanting to get in the middle of it when clearly, she already was. She was slightly disturbed by the accusations Ron's girlfriend was making. Rude curse words were being shouted at her and she didn't like it very much but she kept her mouth shut, not wanting Ron to be angry with her later for retaliating against the woman he claimed to love. To Hermione's surprise, and Parvati's as well, Ron began to defend her and their friendship.
"Listen to me, Parvati!" he shouted. "Hermione's is my best friend. It's been that way for almost seven years. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING, is worth losing her friendship over. I love you, but she's my best friend. You can't ask me to choose between you two because it would prove to be a very awkward situation for us both. She has saved my life time and time gain, led the wizarding world into a victory against he-who-must-not-be-named, sat paralyzed in St. Mungo's for months on her own and still she is here, standing before you and taking all of your crap. I'm sorry, sweetie, but nobody insults my best friend." He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Now, why don't you apologize to 'Mione and you and I will take a walk around the school, hand in hand. It's a lovely day for a walk. Please?"
Parvati looked from Hermione to Ron and then back to Hermione with daggers in her eyes. "I... I'm sorry. I guess I overreacted just a bit." She quickly took Ron's hand and dragged him away as fast as possible.
Hermione sat down and began talking to Harry. "So Harry, how have you been? How's that girl you were dating... what's her name again? I'm sorry. I seem to have forgotten."
"Her name was Darla, but we split up. She was very... I guess you could call her very immature. It just seemed to me like she was always wrapped up in her own little world, never caring about anything that happened in mine. And she wore so much make-up, I once thought she was a clown!"
They both began laughing hysterically until Neville came and sat down in the chair right across from them. "What's so funny?" he asked.
"Oh it's nothing really," Hermione answered. "So Neville, how's Luna? Are you two okay?"
"Well... not really. You see, she had this crazy idea that Trevor was actually Prince Charming and that if she kissed him, he wouldn't be a toad any longer."
Hermione was confused. "So you broke up with her merely because she was a little too into fairy tales? That's not very nice."
"No! I didn't break up with her! SHE dumped ME! You see, it turns out that Trevor really WAS Prince Charming and after she kissed him, he turned into the handsome prince and they're in love now."
"Oh... I'm sorry Neville. That's tough," Harry replied. "But hey, at least you're not the only in the school that just ended their relationship. Darla and I just broke up last week."
"Yeah, Ron told me. I'm sorry, Harry, but she wasn't right for you anyway. You need a more mature woman. NOT a sixth year superficial blonde. No offense of course."
They were both shocked by Neville's boldness. Was this not the same Neville who cowered at the mere sound of Professor Snape's voice? When did he become so outspoken. "Neville, if you don't mind me asking," Hermione began, "When did you get so bold?"
"You mean, when did I grow a spine?" She nodded. "Seamus did a confidence spell so I could say what I wanted if wanted to say it or I could do a potion without being so afraid of messing it up so that way Snape couldn't take off as many house points all the time for my lack of confidence."
"Good idea, Neville. Brilliant!" Hermione said, applauding his intelligence.
After speaking with them for a while, it was late and time for Hermione to go spend some time with Draco before bed. She gave the boys a hug and then left to go to the Head Tower. When she got there, she found Draco standing on the balcony, gazing at the stars. It was late at night so the sky was pitch black and all of the stars were visible.
She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his shoulder blade. That was as high as she could reach considering how tall he had become. "What are you thinking about?" she asked
He spun her around so she was now in his arms. "You," he replied with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"What's wrong?" she questioned, noticing how his eyebrows were furrowed, making him appear afraid.
"Hermione, I need you to do me something. Promise me something."
"Last time you made a promise, you never followed it. Why would I?"
"Because this is very important to me, 'Mi. This is crucial. I need you to stay away from any battle to come. You can't become an auror and you can't work in the Order. You'd be their main target."
"Baby, has someone sent you more nightmares?" she asked with a smile, as if she had found out what might be the cause of his worry but she was wrong.
"Potter isn't who they would want anymore! The only reason, the one and only reason, he was ever significant to them was because of that damned prophecy. Now that prophecy has been fulfilled and a new one has come. Hermione, I AM the Dark Lord and I WILL fall. I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, EVER, you will let it be. I need you to do this for me, 'Mi. I need to know that if I died, you would keep on living. Never go looking for trouble."
"I usually don't go looking for trouble. Trouble always finds ME," she replied glumly.
"Whichever way you put it, try as hard as you can to stay away from trouble. I'm serious, Hermione. Just stay away from any battles you see or hear about. I told them you were off limits, that they were not allowed to go after you but the thing is, if you attacked them, they would bring you to me. When they bring you to me, I may not be the same as I am right now. I may be evil and cruel, like Voldemort and Slytherin. That is what I become when I am near the Death Eaters. They take over my body and I will not be able to control them. I fear that I would kill you if they thought that you were a danger to the dark side. I can't have that happening. But I need to know that when I'm gone, you will stay away from them. They will kill you, make no mistake about it. "
"But someone will kill you, won't they?"
"Yes, my equal."
"Then why can't I ask the same thing of you? I want you to stay away from all of the battles. They will kill you and I can't bare to see that happen!"
"IT IS INEVITABLE!" he shouted.
They stayed there in silence for a while, neither one pleased with the others responses. "Draco... do you know who your equal is?"
He rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed. "I have a good idea."
"Who do you think it is?"
He backed away from where they were standing and headed back into the common room, sitting on one of the large chairs and kicked his feet up on the coffee table in front of him. When he spoke, his words were quiet. "I don't want to say it. I'm afraid then it will come true."
She sat down on his lap, burying her face in his shoulder. "You can't leave me!" she cried out.
He wanted to tell her that would never happen and that he would always be there for her, but he couldn't stand to lie to her. He knew that one day, his life would come to an end and she would be alone again. "Look at me," he ordered her. She looked into his beautiful gray eyes and smiled. He smiled as well. "Even if I am killed, sweetheart, I will never leave you. I'll be watching over you from wherever the Gods decide I belong. I will be with you in your heart and in your soul. Love never dies."
They fell asleep in the chair but neither one could say that they really slept. Thoughts of the future plagued their minds. When they both woke up, it was time for school.
The next weekend was a Hogsmeade trip so everyone could buy their outfits for the ball, but Hermione and Draco stayed back, because they had already been there the week before. The school was practically empty so Hermione and Draco took this as their chance to spend a day outside the confines of the Head Tower. They decided to go to the lake and spend the day with their feet in the water.
Hermione sat in front of him, her back resting against his chest and his legs were on either side of her. They didn't say anything to each other, knowing that they both had a lot on their minds. In two days, they would be taking the N.E.W.T.S. and she was terrified. He was more concerned with the attack that they were going to make during the ball.
They were so wrapped up in their own thoughts that they didn't even notice a mermaid flopping around in the water, trying to get their attention.
"HELLO!" the mermaid shouted.
Hermione and Draco both snapped out of their daze and stared at the woman in shock. Hermione was the first to respond. "Hello," she said. "Who are you?"
"My name is Elizabeth. I live in this lake. Who are you?"
"I am Draco Malfoy, and this is Hermione Granger. We are seventh year students here at Hogwarts. We are also the Head Boy and Girl."
"Figures," Elizabeth responded. "The Head Boy and Girl always fall in love. It's like Dumbledore just knows who should end up together. You two look very much in love. It's weird though. I've heard of both of you. Malfoy..." She said his name as if trying to figure out where she had heard of it. "Ah yes! I know who you are." She bowed her head in respect to the DarkLord. "But wait... that's weird. She's a muggle born. How could you love a mudblood?"
Hermione winced at hearing these words. 'Even mer-people can be prejudice?!?' she thought to herself.
"I will do as I please," Draco said. "And you will do well not to tell anyone what you have seen here today or this lake will dry up quicker than you can say mudblood. Understood?"
Elizabeth backed away in fear for her precious lake. She nodded her head and swam off, 'unintentionally' splashing them with water when she flipped her fins back and forth.
"Don't dwell on the opinions of others," Draco told his fiancé. "They do not know anything beyond bloodlines and hatred. Prejudice makes others blind to the truth about people. They hate you merely because you are not a pureblood and your beloved friends hate me merely because I am a Malfoy."
"No. They don't hate you MERELY because you are a Malfoy. They think you're a death eater as well."
"That's because I'm a Malfoy. My name entitles me to certain obligations. Being a follower of the dark arts is synonymous with being a Malfoy; therefore, they hate me merely because I am a Malfoy."
"I guess that makes sense." She rested her head back against his chest and they retreated back to their own thoughts. At one point, Hermione literally made herself sick over worrying about the exams and thinking about bloodlines that she threw up in the bushes.
"Let's get you upstairs," Draco suggested. "We'll take a walk around the lake, then we'll go in. Okay?"
She stood up in agreement. They walked silently, hand in hand, around the entire lake. Draco knew many creatures would watch them if they walked around holding hands so he placed a disillusionment charm on himself so no one would recognize him besides Hermione.
They went back inside the school and headed up to their room. They spent the rest of the day playing wizards chess and laughing at how bad they both were.
But in truth, Hermione never took her mind off of the days occurrences. The mermaid had stated the obvious, that was for sure, but it stung Hermione more than she would've expected. Hermione was strong and thought that insults could not hurt her. 'Sticks and stones...' But the fact was that Elizabeth had just pointed it out and Hermione was blown away. No one ever ceased to amaze her with their rudeness and comments.
The worst part of it all was that Hermione knew she was right. Hermione was a muggle born, dirty blood ran through her veins. Draco was a pure blood and his bloodline was untainted. These two didn't mix. To add further to their differences, he was the Dark Lord and she fought for the light. It was an odd combination and for the first time, Hermione realized it.
She had always just put it out of her mind before, knowing that the fact that he was the Dark Lord did not affect his love for her in any way shape or form. But now... now everything changed inside her. He was exactly what she was supposed to hate and the same went for him. They were enemies by blood and she knew that it wouldn't last long, so long as he was still the Dark Lord.
She tried to act normal but he could see through her in an instant. He saw her making horrid plays in chess and knew that even SHE couldn't be that bad at the game. "Hermione? What are you thinking about? Because it surely can't be the game."
She only smiled. "I was just thinking about the ball," she lied.
"You're a horrid liar, pet. Now please tell me the truth," he begged.
She only stood up from her seat and walked over to the balcony, where they had stood not too long ago. "I've been wondering about the future. I can't help the feeling that it doesn't look good for us. I've been trying so hard to just let things work themselves out," she said, allowing her voice to strain while tears rolled down her cheeks. "But it's not working. Nothing's working out the way it should. You had to threaten someone today to keep our love a secret! That should never have to happen! I love you, but I don't love fearing the next day to come. Why should I fear tomorrow? Why must I dread the day you leave." A song popped into her mind then that she had once seen in a Muggle movie. The move was called Moulin Rouge and the song was Fly Away. "Why live life from dream to dream, and dread the day when dreaming ends?"
Draco took her hands in his and kissed each one of them. "You never cease to amaze me. I love you so much and I don't blame you for fearing tomorrow. It's a scary thought, but things will happen anyway, whether we are together or not. Do not fear us, though. Death eaters, they are to be feared. War, it is to be feared. But us, together, we will bring each other the peace we need in order to survive. Can't you just trust what we have?"
She backed away from him, knowing that all he wanted to do was kiss her, but she felt that if he did, they would drop the discussion and she didn't want that. "I don't know anymore, Draco. I love you but I just don't know anymore. I don't know if love is all we need. I don't know if love will keep us together. Things just make no sense. When will it all get better? We can't even leave the room, for Merlin's sake! We have to sit up here and hide our love. The only way we can be in public together is at a MASKED BALL for crying out loud!"
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her almost forcefully, trying to remind her of their love and how good they could make each other feel. When he pulled away, she was smiling. "It will get better after school ends. I promise you." He knew that no matter what happened, graduation night would change everything. Either he would be dead, or he would no longer be the Dark Lord. He preferred the latter, but knew it was impossible. Either way, things were going to change.
"Don't lie to me, Draco," she said exhaustedly. "Don't lie."
He didn't know what to say to give her the assurance that she needed so instead he just picked her up from where she stood and brought her to her own bed. "Sleep. Let the night wash your fears away. In the morning, I will be here for you. But sleep now."
He tucked her in and then left, going down to the common room to do some light reading. He wasn't tired in the least.
While he was reading, there was a knock on the door. Draco opened it with a flick of his hand and saw Blaise Zambini standing right in the doorway. Draco merely continued reading his book, hoping Zambini would get the hint that he was busy and just leave, but it was no use. Blaise obviously wanted to talk.
"What are you here for, Zambini? I'm not in the mood to talk," he said with boredom evident in his voice.
"My Lord, we haven't seen much of you lately and many of us were questioning if you were still ill. How are you feeling?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. You can go now."
"We were also wondering what brought about the idea for a graduation ball?"
"Well I was talking to Granger during our patrolling duties and she mentioned this muggle tradition called the prom. It's an end of the year dance for students in their final year of schooling. I thought it sounded interesting so I decided we should have one. She suggested that it be a Masked Ball to give it a more magical effect and I agreed."
"How is it, working with her?"
"I hate her, she hates me. What more do you want me to say?"
"Is there a lot of fighting? Do you often get into verbal spars?"
"You know me. Can't resist a good fight," he joked, knowing that he had no problem lying to the man seated before him. Zambini was an evil, cruel man that Draco loathed and despised. He had half a mind to kill him right there on principal but the other half stopped him.
"Well, that's good to hear. As long as she's not affecting you... and as long as she's not the reason you've missed the past five Death Eater meetings..."
"Why would you think that?"
"Never know with you." Zambini walked around the room and looked into the fire. "So... are you coming to the one tomorrow?"
"Remind me again why we have meetings so often?"
"We're planning strategies. At the last meeting, someone suggested that we strike at the ball..."
"NO!" Draco screamed, knowing that if they did, it would ruin his other plans. "Too many teachers around."
"That is the point, my lord. We want to send them a message. Hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them when they least expect it. Besides, this way we're already in masks so it would be easier to hide our faces so no one will have to worry about being found out."
"Let me think about it. Right now, I feel your plan if foolhardy and too risky. I want to analyze every possible outcome before I make my decision."
"Yes, My Lord. As you wish, but I warn you now that if you decide not to attack, you will have many upset death eaters."
"Is that a threat?" Draco asked with anger. "Because if it is, then I will be forced to find these upset death eaters, and torture them 'til their very last breath. Make sure they know that before they come to me waving their fists and ready to start a fight."
Zambini nodded his head in understanding and then left. The moment he was gone, Hermione appeared in the doorway of her bedroom. Draco looked up at her and frowned. She had heard everything.
"Must everything come down to torture? Surely there are better ways to settle everything rather than violence," she said, knowing it wouldn't effect him in any way other than to make him aware of her feelings towards war.
"Torture and death are the only thing that these men understand, my love. You must see that they cannot comprehend simple things such as love. All they comprehend is killing and blood, and they don't even see the truth about both. They think of killing as fun and they think of blood as either dirty or pure. To them there is no in between and there's no way that one with 'dirty' blood can be beautiful. I cannot get anything through to them without threatening their own lives."
"Have you killed any of them, yet? I mean, I know you killed Professor McGonagall," she said quietly, walking down the stairs to where he sat on the couch. "But have you killed any others besides her?"
Draco stood up and looked deep into her eyes, praying she would understand. "It was not what I wanted. I didn't do it willingly. I was overcome by hatred and evil. I could feel someone lifting my arm with my wand in hand, and I tried to force it down. I really did. But it was no use. The next thing I knew, a nameless death eater was lying at my feet. Apparently, he insulted me and called me a traitor and that is why I killed him, but I still do not see a reason."
Hermione choked back tears and took a step away from her love. She covered her mouth with her hands, trying to muffle her sobs.
"Mi, please. Just listen to me." He took a step forward and reached out a hand to touch her but she backed away.
"No," she whispered. "I... I... I'm scared of you right now. I don't know if I can trust you and that scares me."
"But Mi, I've never harmed you. NEVER!"
"That says nothing about what you CAN or MIGHT or even WILL do in the future. EVIL resides in you, Draco. You can't get it out of you. It's like a plague, consuming your whole body bit by bit. It's only a matter of time before you can't hold it back any longer, and I don't want to be around to see that happen."
"Baby, listen to me," he pleaded, stepping towards her again, but she ran to the opposite end of the room, putting a considerable amount of distance between them. "Hermione, YOU are the reason it hasn't consumed me yet. YOU are the reason I'm still good. YOU will be the reason I make sure no deaths are made in my presence. I love you. Can't you see that? You make me a better man..."
"That's not saying much," she interrupted him. "It's easy to make a killer a better man. All you have to do is have them kill less people. That doesn't mean they'll stop killing all together, just that they'll kill less often."
"I AM NOT A KILLER!" he raged, hoping she would stop saying that he was.
"YES YOU ARE! YOU'VE KILLED, DRACO! You killed McGonagall and you killed a man who you didn't even know. YOU KILLED THEM! THAT MAKES YOU A KILLER!"
"NO IT DOESN'T! A killer has a choice. I DIDN'T!"
"Maybe you had no choice when it came to McGonagall, but the man who merely insulted you, you had a ..."
"I explained that to you. I couldn't stop it. I tried so hard but I couldn't. If you don't want to believe me, FINE, but I refuse to sit here and listen to you insult me."
"Then I'll make it easier for you. I'll leave." She ran up to her room as quick as she could before he had a chance to stop her.
Not that he would at that point. She had said some really hurtful things and he was extremely angry with her. He went to his room and sat on the edge of his bed, but he was restless so he stood up once more, pacing back and forth. He was so upset by the nights events that he punched a hole in his wall. His hand began to bleed but he was numb to the pain.
Hermione was sitting on her bed crying when she heard a loud bang. She ran through their adjoining bathroom and into his room without so much as knocking.
There he was, sitting on his bed, staring coldly at the fire that he had started in his fireplace. His hand was dripping blood and there was a hole in his wall. She sat beside him and ripped off a piece of her knee length skirt. She expertly wrapped it around his hand. When she was done with wrapping it up, she kissed it.
"Forgive me. I do not know what I was thinking. I guess I was just scared of what's to come. I do not question that it was not your choice or that you love me. Please forgive me."
He did not turn to face her, not knowing what to say. She took this as a sign that he was not ready to forgive and was about to leave but then she looked at his face. His expression has become gentler and friendlier.
"I love you," she whispered into his ear. She kissed the back of his neck and saw him smile. "Talk to me," she said to him, hoping to break his silence.
He turned t o face her and thy both just looked into one another's eyes. "You're beautiful," he said to her. "I couldn't imagine my life without you."
"Are you ready to go to sleep?" she asked while stifling a yawn. "It's been far too long of a day."
"You can say that again," he said with a laugh. They laid back in the bed and fell fast asleep, for once ignoring everything that was worrying them.
A/N... Okay so here's another chapter. I hope you liked it. I think it was the longest chapter I've written so far. I was up late last night, trying to get it typed up. My sister was watching Moulin Rouge while I was writing it, so I had to add a line in there.
Please go and review. I didn't get that many responses last time and I was kind of disappointed. Please go and review this time.
Thanks to all of you who DID review. I love you guys so much. You guys rock. I hope you guys are liking this story and where it's heading.
I don't know how much longer it's going to be but I'm guessing a few more chapters. Keep reading and I'll try not to disappoint.
By the way, in case you were wondering, I got A's on all of those tests and papers that I had, the ones that were keeping me from updating. YAY FOR ME! Hehehe... okay... so now go review!