Yes hello! Thank you all for your reviews! I will add that there were as many as I had hoped…I thought the last chapter was good. I put a lot of time into it…-*sigh*
Ah well there is always next chapter!!! :D
Chapter 10~Their Loss
~*~*~*~*~
She had avoided him. She did everything in her power to not see him, but it was like avoiding oxygen. She couldn't stop thinking about him. Ever since she let herself be discovered…She knew he wouldn't give her up. He had always loved her too much; at least that's what she thought. It had been two days since she last saw him. She had busied herself with her new found skill, medicine, and worked with her patients.
She was the royal Healer though, not to mention the soul mate of the king. She felt his pull now and she had to go to him. Damn you Mundus for using the link. She went to him. She blazed and ended up in a garden…their garden. She saw him out towards a field of gardenias, which is where she had given birth to Hermione. She walked up to him, waiting to be spoken to.
He turned and saw her. His heart filled again and he suddenly felt like he was younger, when he was first courting Celesta.
"Good of you to show. I wanted to see you again," he said walking up to her now. She kept her head bowed, but still felt his strong presence. He smelled like all of the flowers of their garden.
She made sure that her voice did not quake. "Why milord? Are you in pain?" She asked now feeling her head being lifted. Mundus had put a finger under her chin and lifted her head so it was no longer bowing. He slipped one of his strong arms around her waist and brought her closer. He traced her lips with his finger.
"You have no idea. Everyday it being torture and now that I have found you and not able to be with you…it's excruciating," he said in a low husky whisper.
She wanted to leave his grip, get away from the one thing she denied herself. "Please majesty…I thought we cleared this up," she answered while letting herself indulge in his touch. She felt herself slipping away and she didn't want to fight it. Mundus also felt her starting to break.
He cupped her face with both his hands and caressed her cheeks with his thumbs. "We did. I'm your husband and you are my wife," he said as he lifted her hood from her head. He gasped. She was more beautiful than what he remembered. (Finally we get to know!!)
She had an oval shaped face and beautiful long brown curls. Her eyes were almond shaped and honey colored. Her skin was also honey colored and she had full plump red lips with a nose that fit her face.
In an instant he enveloped her. By seeing her face and feeling her again in his arms, he felt whole. No longer did he have to live a half-life. He had her back and this time he would not let her slip away. Too long had he been without her and too long had he felt dead.
She melted to him. She had let herself fall into a bottomless pit of bliss. She was again in his arms feeling his warm lips upon hers. She knew by the force of the kiss that he had missed her and planned on making up for the time lost…big time. She loved him when she first saw him and even now after twenty years of marriage and seventeen of them lost.
He was the first to part. He rested his forehead on hers and looked into her eyes. They seemed to come alive just by seeing him. "Why?" he found himself asking the question that he needed answered. She closed her eyes and slipped out of his grasp. She had her back to him and tried to speak.
"When I was taken I heard the men say that I was just a witch. They didn't know that I had converted. I played along with them until one day I was introduced to Voldemort. When I first saw him I knew he wanted to kill me. At the moment I didn't know why, all I knew was that I need to get me and Hermione out of there," she said shuddering at the memory.
"He went me back to the chambers he had arranged for me. I knew that the next time one of his lackeys was to fetch me, it would be for death. Voldemort also thought that I was pure witch s I used that to my advantage. When a man came to get me, I stunned him. I transfigured him to look like me and then put him under the Imperius and sent him to Voldemort.
"I had left the door to the room where Hermione was closed and when I came back to open it, it wouldn't budge. I tried to blaze but that didn't work either. I left. I knew that for some reason he wasn't going to kill Hermione so I came to the palace to try and find you. You were gone and I felt weak because of all the magic I pulled.
"I went to the Healers. I decided to stay hidden there until you came back…but you never did. Ten months did I wait," she said now shaking with tears. Mundus got up and went to hold her.
"You knew didn't you? About the prophecy?" Mundus asked quietly as he massaged her back.
Celesta's face was leaning on his chest and she nodded. "Yes I did. I found out about it anyway. When I saw you come back you didn't have Hermione. After a while I thought she was dead. That is until her mate sought me out," Celesta said now a bit more calm.
Mundus put a finger under her chin. "Celesta that is in the past now. You are here with me again and that is all I care about."
With her eyes down cast she responded. "So you aren't mad? I mean I left and I could've come back, but I didn't." she said softly.
"Look at me woman," Mundus said firmly. "You came back to me now…and I am never letting go this time."
Celesta looked up with round eyes. "You don't have to worry…I won't be leaving this time." Her eyes held that promise and Mundus saw it. She sealed her promise with a kiss. Mundus blazed into their bedroom. Celesta felt the change and parted from him. She eyed the bed that made them one the first time on their wedding night.
She sent him a knowing look. "Excuse me majesty, but were you expecting to get lucky?" she asked with a soft smile.
Mundus pulled her closer to him and smiled. "No. Just hoping," he said before Celesta kissed him. Mundus led her to the bed and she pulled him down with her.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione had packed and decided that she would go with her father. She didn't want to stay anywhere that reminded her of Draco. She was still in shock. Everything that happened, what Draco had asked of her, and the fact that she would probably be experiencing parenthood alone. She was afraid of this the most. She didn't want her kids to become fatherless…
She left this train of thought and glanced over her room once more. No I don't think that I forgot anything. Hermione had packed everything that she would need to stay at her father's palace. She had talked to Dumbledore and requested to stay at her father's. She would be here during the day and sleep over there at night.
When she decided that everything was ok, she grabbed her luggage and blazed to the palace. When she got there she figured that she would have to talk to her father about living here….and why. She wasn't in a hurry to do so, so she just walked around the palace.
It truly was a wonder to behold. She walked outside and she was in awe when she reached the garden. Her father had told her once that he had built a garden for her mother. He very seldom spoke of her even though she had been dead for seventeen years it still hurt him. When she looked around she saw a big area with a small waterfall. Around the pond where the waterfall drained out of, there were bundles of gardenias.
She smiled. How she loved this flower. Whenever she smelt it, it gave her a warm feeling. She ad not put the maternity spell on as she was in the Underworld; she could be free here. She looked over at the small pond and debated whether or not to take a dip. Just as she decided to get up and strip, she felt a sharp stabbing pain in her gut.
She in no time summoned the Healer. She appeared as always with her face shrouded. The Healer rushed over to Hermione and helped her to sit down.
"Healer is…my…are my children alright?" Hermione bit out. The pain was hitting her hard on the left side.
"I don't know. Ulrio Sonus!" The image of the two children appeared above Hermione's tummy. The boy on the left side looked like he was in real distress; the girl looked fine. The Healer muttered some incantations and the pain subsided. The boy looked fine again and Hermione let out a breath of relief.
"My dear how long has it been since you and your husband were one?" the Healer asked critically.
Hermione blushed scarlet.
"About a week, why?"
The Healer almost dubbed over. "Celes why?! When-" she stopped in mid-sentence. This was not for her to discuss with. Mundus had to talk to her. She couldn't believe that Hermione didn't know about the monarchy. Had Mundus not told her? If so, why? He had no right to hide this from her. She has a right to know being the next in line to the throne. The Healer suddenly got very angry.
Hermione noticed her frown and remarked on it tactfully. "Healer what it the matter? Why does me not being with my husband disconcert you? I mean I guess I should tell you that we have decided to…" Hermione cut off the memory to horrible to bring up and to grotesque to utter. The Healer got closer to the Hermione and put a hand on her upper arm.
"Child you need to speak with your father you know that right? I will be honest with you…It seems to me that he has not told you everything that there is to the Devilian Monarch. I hope to Alastor that I am wrong. Come let's go," the woman said leading Hermione out of her relaxing place.
~*~*~*~*~
She walked in front of Hermione rather rushed and vexed. Why hasn't that oaf told her that she can't wield the throne without Draco? Celesta's mind whirled with thoughts of torturing her husband. She finally reached his room and knew for a fact that Hermione could not come in. She turned to face Hermione and told her gave her a small smile before knocking on Mundus' door and blazing.
Mundus heard the knock and got up thinking it was Celesta. Before he opened the door half naked, Hemrione's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Dad are you awake? I need to speak with you. It's me Hermione," her voice muffled by the door. Mundus quickly made went back to his closet and shouted back to his daughter.
"Alright Hermione! Meet me in the study! I'm not really decent now!"
"Alright hurry!" came the reply of his daughter. Mundus quickly changed into his royal garbs and headed out to the study. Upon coming in he saw Hermione browsing some books that were on the shelves. He smiled. Celesta was the same way when he met her. Always reading and always the smart one. He cleared his throat and Hermione whirled to face him with a smile.
"Alright what is the matter that you pulled me out of bed for?" he asked as he walked over to the chair behind his desk and sat down. Hermione went over the chairs that were in front of the desk and sat down. She fidgeted with her skirt as she contemplated the best way to tell her father. Why am I worrying? I think he'll be happy if I devote more time to the people by not having…distractions. She breathed in a helping breath and looked up at her majestic looking father.
"Well first of all I decided that I wanted to stay here for the rest of the year. I talked to the Headmaster and he says it is ok. I will be over there all day and come here to sleep. I knew I had to ask you first, but I thought that maybe you wouldn't throw me out if I came to stay here for my vacation," Hermione said cheerily. She thought her father would be happy upon hearing that he would be able to spend more time with her, his face however told a different story.
He shook his head in exasperation and stood up from his chair. He put his hand so that it was holding the bridge of his nose in thought. "Hermione why? How could you decide this without asking for my consent first?"
Hermione was a bit abashed. "Well-I I thought that you would be happy to spend time with me. I didn't know that you didn't want me to come. I just…couldn't stay there anymore," Hermione said with a faraway look.
Mundus sighed. "Its not that I didn't want you to stay its just that…well I have my reasons. Now tell me why you didn't want to stay there anymore and why you want to change your living arrangements."
Hermione dreaded this part. She gulped and stood up with her back to her father. "Well me and Draco…we had a rather immense row. I don't know if we…I don't think that you'll be seeing him anytime soon," Hermione said in a low voice.
Mundus was speechless. Could it be of that caliber? Alastor forbid. Mundus was still in a slight state. He couldn't believe what his child had just told him. Maybe it can still be renovated….
"Hermione please tell me just of what magnitude your quarrel was. I need to know and now," Mundus said tightly.
Hermione turned to face him with her face full of tears. "Divorce…that is how powerful the fight was."
Mundus looked at Hermione with an angry face. He was clenching his fists. How could this have happened?
"Please explain Hermione, how this happened. I need to know why the hell you just gave up your protection!" Mundus said through clenched teeth. Hermione flinched. She knew that her father would be mad, but to actually say things to her in such an acid tone…
"Well, about two months ago Draco received a letter from his father telling him that on December 20th Draco was to receive the Dark Mark. I had no idea that he had gotten the letter. I knew that someday this would happen, but I always figured that he would tell me," Hermione said turning her back again on her father.
"Well the bastard decided to tell me a week ago. We came down here because I was due for an appointment with the Healer. I found out that I am having twins," Mundus face softened at this, "and then afterwards to celebrate he took me to a restaurant in Hogsmeade. When we were eating, he figured that since I was happy it would be a good time to break the news to me. Well he did and I ended up blacking out," Hermione stopped to take a drink of water from the pitcher on her father's desk.
She put the cup down and returned to her anecdote. "He must have taken me back to the school because that is where I woke up. I was still so devastated and angered with him that I didn't want to talk to him. He wouldn't leave me be so I went to my room and left him in the infirmary.
"About five minutes after I arrived in my room, I heard someone come in. I thought it was Draco, but it turned out it was my teacher, Professor Krum. He came into my room to discuss…some business. Well me being angered with Draco and my condition, I kissed him. Viktor didn't push me back, which I thought he would, but he didn't.
"To make matters worse, I not only wanted him to kiss me, but Draco had overheard our whole conversation. He came in and Viktor left. Draco accused me of having an affair with Viktor, which is false. It really looked that way though. He would always hold me after class, find me in hallways, and request my help for many things; it did look suspicious. Well we had a fight and then we talked…we decided that the best thing for us was divorce," Hermione finished taking another drink from the cup.
Mundus looked defeated. Why did so many complications have to occur? First the divorce, then Draco becoming a Death Eater, now with Voldemort having a link with my daughter! Mundus was still confused. This was a silly type of fight except for Hermione's transgression; they could still settle this.
"Why did you both decide this so abruptly? Couldn't there be a possibility of working this out?" Mundus asked in a tired voice. Hermione shook her head.
"No. Don't you see? There was no trust in our marriage. Had there been then Draco would have told me sooner, I wouldn't have kissed Viktor, and we would be spending our vacation together. I mean, you and mother must have courted before you wedded. Me and him were so hurried…and it was for protection not for love. There was no time to build everlasting trust," Hermione said looking at her hands.
Mundus sighed. "Yes I guess you have a point. Celesta and me did court for two years before our union and then had three years to live as a pair before you came along. I guess this was all dumped on you. Forgive me Celes."
Hermione shook her head. "There is no reason for you to apologize. Tell me something though…why did you get so worked up over what I told you? Why did you want me to remain married?" she queried. Mundus looked away and was pounding his fist against the desk.
"Hermione there are things…that I have not told you…that I did not want you to know," Mundus said with a sigh. Hermione furrowed her brows.
"Why? What things? About the throne?"
Mundus nodded. "Yes. I didn't show you certain things so that inquiries would not arise. I did it so that you would be oblivious."
"Oblivious to what?" she asked now concerned.
Mundus looked her in the eye. "About how your mother really died."
~*~*~*~*~
Draco walked into the Ministry of Magic. He walked into the elevator and pushed the button labeled 'MD'. He was packed into the tiny elevator and felt himself doubting his actions. No she deserves this. I will not yield. Draco had been feeling haphazard every since he had seen Hermione and that bastard in her room and since he had gotten the Dark Mark.
Draco profoundly regretted taking the mark for he only did it out of spite. He knew that he didn't want to devote his life to being on someone's beck and call. Yet all of this he had done and decided because of the woman who made his life hell, who now how turned it upside down.
A soft ding brought him back to reality. He noticed that it read 'MD' and he walked out. He read the signs that told him where the Department of Marriage and Divorce. He came in and saw a secretary. She looked up at him and smiled professionally.
"Hello sir. Where are you designated?" she asked with her white teeth flashing. Draco smiled in return and answered.
"Divorce," he said smirking at her. She breathed raggedly and pointed down a hall to the left. He smiled and gave his thanks.
He walked down the hall of many doors and finally came to one that read 'Divorce Of Marriages Under a Year'. He walked in. He saw a portly man sitting in his chair looking over some papers and waved over to Draco.
"Please sit down," came his voice gruffly. Draco quirked a brow and sat down. The man put aside the papers and took his cigar that was in the ashtray and connected it to his lips again.
"Yes what can I do for you Mr…?"
"Malfoy. Draco Malfoy," he answered. The porkish man seemed to straighten up at hearing the name.
"Yes well now…how may I be of service Mr. Malfoy? By the way the name is Sanders, Mike Sanders," the man said releasing a puff of smoke from his large mouth.
"Yes Mr. Sanders I have been wedded for about five months and wish to be relieved. Now I don't want to fill the paper work out for she will have none of equities and I hers. Mail the letters when you can…although the sooner the better. Good day," Draco stood up and without shaking the man's hand, walked out.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione looked confused. "What do you 'how she died'? She died giving birth to me!" Hermione said sounding a little angered at the thought of her father still holding secrets from her. Mundus sighed.
"No Hermione she didn't. Voldemort captured you both. I came to him in hopes of bringing you both back alive. Voldemort lied to me and told me that Celesta had died during the capture.
"Voldemort had tricked me saying that he had the man who killed your mother. Well…I was blinded by rage and hate. I didn't think twice and I executed the person," Mundus said avoiding Hermione's gaze. She sat there taking all of this in, hoping that her father would not confirm her suspicions.
Mundus' baritone voice brought Hermione back to his story. "I went to see who the person was that killed your mother…when in fact I saw her face. It was her! I thought I had killed your mother," Mundus said now rubbing a hand over his face. Hermione's temper was rising. Not at the fact that her father was tricked, but that he didn't trust her.
She rose from her chair with fists clenched. She didn't face her father. She was no getting so angry that she actually felt that her mother's death was his fault. It was he who put her in that danger for not keeping a closer eye on her…
"Damn you," she whispered with her back now turned. Mundus sighed and thought of a way to explain.
"Hermione please-"
"NO! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP SECRETS WITH ME?" Hermione snarled, her anger fueling her power. "Why must you keep hiding things from me? If…if you would have told me, I would have been fine."
Hermione calmed down and silent tears started to roll down her cheeks. She closed her eyes tightly to try to purge herself of the anger. "Fist Draco…now you. Why didn't you trust me?…Why?" She was now on the floor weeping.
Mundus quickly started making his way to her, but was pushed back. He was sent flying across the room and slammed into a shelf. She got up groggily and recovered, trying to figure out where that powerful blast of power came from. He looked at his daughter and saw the remains of red I her eyes dissipating. He got up and quickly composed himself.
Hermione had seen him try to come to her. She didn't want him near her. First with Draco's lack of trust…which she could understand, but it still hurt. Now her father…He should have told her. She would have been fine. Now she was feeling this pain and hate; rage that was building up within her. All she wanted to do right now was hit something, take her anger out on the whole world.
"Hermione for years did I mourn her death thinking that I would never be able to see her again. I thought I lost her-"
"YOU DID LOOSE HER! IT'S YOUR FAULT SHE'S GONE!…One thing still puzzles me though…why can't I remember her? She died when I was at least a few months old," Hermione said icily.
Mundus felt he was digging himself into a whole he could not get out of. Each question she asked was worse to respond to. "I blocked your memories. If you would have had them you would have become suspicious."
Hermione got up off the floor and looked at her father with cold eyes. "So you killed her and you didn't want me to know…why? Again to my question: why were you so mad when I told you that Draco and I would be getting a divorce?"
"Because you would be endangering the Devilian race; you also have or will resign to the only means of protection you have against Voldemort," Mundus said sitting back down in the chair of the desk.
Hermione forgot her sudden rage for a second and focused on what her father had just revealed. "What do you mean that I would endanger the people? They would be fine."
Mundus shook his head. "The Devilian race placed a king and queen to hold their power. Think of the monarchy as a bank; the entire Devilian power rests on the queen and the king. If you don't have a king, the people will die. If you don't have a queen, the people will die. You see the royal family was gifted with the power to carry this heavy burden, that is unless it is a princess…then it rests on the soul mate of the either person," Mundus said sounding more tired as he explained it.
Hermione tried to break it down. "So you are saying that if only half of the… 'bank' is in service….One person it not powerful enough to carry with all of the power?" Hermione said now sitting down.
Mundus nodded. "Exactly," he said giving Hermione a look. She saw a familiar twinkle in his eyes like she saw in her headmaster. There was something more he needed to say.
"Well then let me ask you; how is that you were able to rule? You didn't have mother with you?" Hermione asked with a quirked brow. Mundus smirked.
"Well there is a simple explanation to that…Celesta is not dead. Please Celesta come up, she knows," Mundus said leaning back in his chair. To the right of him pink flames came up and there stood…the Healer? Hermione thought quickly. NO! It couldn't possibly be. Is the Healer my mother? Just as Hermione thought this, the Healer lifted the hood and Hermione found herself looking into a mirror.
"He-Healer?" Hermione choked out. Celesta nodded.
"Yes Hermione. I am your mother. I am so sorry dear about all of this. I overheard what you said about Draco…you are right. But you have to talk with him. Please don't divorce him Celes. You are doing something very dangerous if you do that."
Hermione got over her shock and blinked. She is right. But no. He made his decision and I made mine.
"Please before we talk about all of that…please show me who you are," Hermione pleaded to her mother.
Celesta put on a soft face and smiled. "Of course darling."
~*~*~*~*~
Draco arrived at his house slightly guilty and slightly satisfied. He knew what he was doing asking for a divorce; he might Hermione in danger. He wouldn't allow that though. He still loved her, even after all that's happened, but she was right when they talked about it…there was not trust. They were rushed into marriage and they had been enemies for the longest time. To change gears like that is no easy. They went from hate to love from day to night. They had no time to build any trust. Maybe it was because the change was so fast that they still harbored that untrusting feeling because of their hate. It didn't matter now…they were going to divorce.
He went up to his room and fell on his bed. He was so tired and achy, particularly on the upper arm where he had received the mark. He regretted that wholly. But was done is done and he couldn't go back. As he tried to sleep he heard his parents' yells up to his room. He went down stairs as the yells increased in volume and was about to march straight in when he heard the theme of their conversation.
"Draco had a right to know! Lucius he has been led to believe something that I will not allow him to believe for another minute! Because of my son is committing the biggest mistake of his life!" Narcissa's voice rang through the small study that her and husband were in. Lucius was getting angered but knew better than to show it. He took in a breath and calmed down.
"Cissa you are making to much of this. Please just calm down!"
"I will not! Lucius I think its time he knew. I believe that he is ready to know with what his wife being pregnant and all…" Narcissa trailed off and Draco had heard enough. They were just fighting as a married couple should. He decided to go back up to his room and make the best he could of it with all the yelling.
Meanwhile…
Lucius didn't flinch at his wife's comment. "What does that have anything to do with this?" she spat. Narcissa narrowed her eyes and gave a him a dangerous look.
"Don't speak to me like that again Lucius and it had every to do with it. If the princess is pregnant then her children will be full Devilian. How could she explain that except with having a Devilian husband?" Narcissa said getting bored quite easily.
Lucius was trembling with rage. "I know that he is not my son, but you don't have to rub it in my face! You know that your marriage to that San is not legal! You cannot tell Draco that! I will not allow it!" Lucius raged. Narcissa again narrowed her eyes, but at the name that her 'husband' hand used. 'San' is a derogatory term wizard's use for Devilians; it is short for Satanist.
"Wow Lucius now I have seen you sink to your lowest. How dare you call my husband, MY SOULMATE, that word? And it is your marriage to me that is not legal. Now I am going to tell my son the truth," Narcissa said with a tone of finality, but Lucius was far from over.
Lucius held his wand up pointing it straight at her heart. "Don't you dare utter a word to him. You are not going back to that…Devil! Draco is meant to stay here and become Voldemort's heir. He has a great destiny in store for him!" Lucius snarled.
Narcissa laughed. "You honestly think that he would take over for that…Mudblood? You are right thought Lucius; he does have a great future in store for him. He is destined to become king! A position much better than that of your Lord. After I tell him everything I am free to leave. That is the only thing that keeps me here; my silence," Narcissa was about to leave when she heard Lucius shout a curse.
She turned and waved her hand sending it now towards her husband. "Don't try that again Lucius or one of these days you'll kill yourself," she said to the withering body of her 'husband'.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco didn't get any sleep. He was thinking of Hermione and their babies. Maybe he should go and revoke the divorce…nah. He heard a knock at his door that made him blink and return to reality. He heard the voice of his mother.
"Honey can I come in?" came her muffled question.
"Yes," Draco responded not bothering to get up out of his bed.
Narcissa blazed inside his room and boy did Draco notice it! How could his mother do that? I thought only Devils could do that. Narcissa gave Draco a very broad smile and went to sit down on the bed next to him. Draco was still gaping at his mother.
"Draco don't do that, it's bad manners. Now I have a few things to tell you alright?" asked Narcissa as she stroked her son's head. Draco nodded.
"Well then first thing's first; I am Devilian. I was told by the king to come up here and find a wizard to marry…out of all the damn wizards…Anyway, well I came up here and waited instructions. They didn't come until you were…well until I was told that you were to marry the princess.
"The reason I am telling all of this to you is that you might have noticed some changes in your powers, correct?" Narcissa asked her nodding son. "Well that is because you are Devilian Draco. Your father is not Lucius. I will not tell you who he is at the moment for I have my reasons. I thought you should know this because your children came out to be full Devilian, correct?" Again another nod. "Well then I wouldn't want your wife to become paranoid!"
Narcissa had stopped stroking her son's head and was just now looking at him. He had a confused look about him. "How did you know that Hermione was even pregnant? I didn't tell anyone!" Draco asked his mother.
"Her mother told me," came her simple reply. Draco again looked confused.
"Ask your wife when you next see her," came another cryptic clue from his mother.
Draco shook his head. "That won't be until we meet for the divorce," he said in a quiet voice. Narcissa looked at him like he had just slapped her.
"WHAT!!? No Draco you can't get a divorce!" she said shrilly.
"Why the hell not?" Draco said angered.
"Didn't Mundus tell you?" Draco looked at his mother in confusion.
She sighed. "No he didn't, did he? Of course not. Well you can' t divorce Hermione or else you put into danger the Devilian people. There needs to be a king and a queen for the people to survive. Draco without a king or a queen there can be no Devilian race!"
Draco looked at his mother like she was crazy. "Why in the world would say that? How do I know this isn't just some trick of yours?"
"Draco you are not listening to me! I know these things I have been in the Devilian kingdom all of my life. The females of the kingdom get their power from the queen and the males from the king. The throne is our power source."
Draco looked at his mother who seemed really disconcerted. He believed her. But there was nothing he could do now. He had already asked for the papers and he knew how proud him and Hermione were; neither of them would yield.
"I feel for you mother, but I…we have made our decision. I don't think that we can easily turn from it. Maybe in the future if we still are around each other…Not now though, not so soon. Please now go to my father. I am sure that he wants to see you," Draco said to his mother who now had a prideful look about her.
She gave him a big bear hug and Draco just held her. "You are so much like your father. He to is stubborn, but noble. If you are still thinking about going through with this just remember that you can't part from Hermione. Your father tried that with me once while I was still dating him and one hour later he just ended up…well we were together again."
Narcissa looked her son over in approval and then blazed down to her beloved.
~*~*~*~*~
Their two weeks of vacation went by fast. They had arrived again at Hogwarts and were happy. At least Hermione was. She learned all about her mother; how she grew up and how she had met her father. She was so happy about finding her mother that she had forgotten her ordeal with Draco. When she saw the school again though, her memories came back.
She got off of the horses and went up to the Gryffindor tower. There she saw Harry and Ron. She didn't see Ginny however. The two boys saw her enter and tackled her at once.
"Wow guys get off you have put on a couple of pounds while we were gone," she said as the two boys climbed off of their friend. Hermione smiled at the two of them and looked around.
"Hey guys where is Ginny? I thought she would be here."
"Well she is with Seamus," Ron said quietly, turning a little pink as he did so. Hermione glanced over at Harry and nodded.
"Oh well then I guess I'll go find Seamus. Bye." Hermione waved good-bye and exited. Ron returned to playing wizard's chess with Harry.
"First he takes Ginny, now Hermione. For all I know you're next!" Harry said exasperated. Ron rolled his eyes.
"Harry SHUT UP!"
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione had found Seamus, but he had told her that Ginny went back to her room to unpack. She went back up into the Gryffindor common room and found Harry sulking and Ron looking angry. She went up to girl's stairs and into Ginny's room. She found the red head unpacking her clothes and saw that she had a smile on her face.
"Gin why are you smiling like a fool?" Hermione asked, startling the red head.
"Hermione! You could have at least knocked! And well….Seamus told me he loves me!" she squealed. Hermione grinned.
"Do you reciprocate?"
"Well I don't know…I mean yes, I do. It's just it came as a shock and I didn't know what to say!"
Hermione sighed. "At least you still have your man Gin. I'll be loosing mine soon."
Ginny sympathized. "Haven't you talked to Draco? I mean maybe he was just really upset," she offered. Hermione shook her head.
"Not since we agreed on the divorce…And I'm afraid to see him Gin," she said quietly.
"Why?"
"Well you don't know what it's like to be the soul mate of a devil. There's a passionate connection between them. Almost one of hunger for the other; it also increases the farther time apart you are."
Ginny nodded. "Well did you at least ask for dorm change? I mean if what you said it true…"
"Yes I have. I live with my father now. I sleep there at least, during the day I am here. I love him so much Gin. I fear the next time I see him, I'll pounce on him!"
Ginny giggled. "Well do you know when the date is for the divorce?"
Hermione fell on a bed next to her. "Let's not talk about it k?"
The red head nodded. "What do you think I should do? I mean I am year younger than him since I was skipped over to seventh year. What should I say?"
Hermione lay on her belly. "I don't know. You said you love him, tell him."
Ginny was about to respond when the door to the room opened. Professor McGonagall went through. She came with a smile on her face.
"Ms. Granger, Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak with you."
Hermione nodded. "Bye Gin."
Hermione followed McGonagall to the gargoyle statue and stepped onto the first step.
The deputy headmistress said the password and Hermione proceeded upwards. She reached the oaken door again. Her hand trembled as she reached for the knob. She recalled the last time she came to his office; she had agreed to marry Draco. She opened the door and found Dumbledore with a smile similar to McGonagall's. She walked in and took a seat.
"I ask that you wait as there is another I must speak with as well," he said. Hermione nodded.
About five minutes later the door opened and Hermione stiffened. "I'm sorry that I'm late Professor I…" Draco glanced slightly at Hermione," I was just told by Professor Snape."
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes well please take a seat. Now I must talk to you about your applications for the internship."
Hermione temporarily forgot about Draco. She was suddenly very anxious. Draco reciprocated the feeling. He too was feeling nervous now.
"You have both been accepted. You are to come back this September. Mr. Malfoy you are to shadow Professor Snape for potions and Ms. Granger you are to shadow Mr. Krum for the Defense Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore said cheerily.
"Thank you Professor! Really this means a lot to us!" Hermione squealed. Draco had a frown about his face. The idea of his soul mate working with the man who stole her away…
"Yes thank you Professor. We appreciate it," Draco said in a more mature tone.
Dumbledore smiled broadly. "Alright then off you go."
Hermione quickly glanced up at Draco and at that instant wanted to take him. She felt her body ripple with need as she waked out of the door. Draco had met her eyes and felt warmth grip his loins. He was afraid of this. He had been feeling the need for her touch, to have her since they last spoke.
They walked down the hall and Draco was gritting his teeth. Hermione was walking in front of him…sexily. Damn you woman! Draco watched the sway of her full hips and his eyes roamed up and down her curvy body.
He couldn't take it anymore.
"Hermione stop," he said frustrated.
Hermione frowned quickly before turning around. Her face took on an expression of annoyance. "What Draco? I'm in a hurry."
"Well you sure are making my life a living hell as you walk to where you're going," Draco snapped at the thought of her going to find Krum. It damn near made his blood really boil.
Hermione's expression softened. "Oh. I'm sorry I didn't intend to do that."
Draco sighed. "It's alright."
"Congratulations on your internship. Very good of you to take Potions, you are wonderful at it."
Draco nodded. "Don't expect me to congratulate you though," he said stiffly.
Hermione crossed her arms and cocked a brow. "Why the hell not?"
Draco came closer to her unconsciously. "You took on a position that is known to get their holder killed, fired, or imprisoned. Also the thought of you working with Krum…"
Hermione clucked her tongue. "Don't me what I can and cannot do! You no right anymore!"
Draco came nearer, angered. "Like hell I can't! You are the mother of my children! And my mate! I will not have you risk your life!" Draco roared.
Now Hermione was angered. She flashed red eyes at Draco. "They are not your children! You gave away that right when you pledged loyalty to that bastard!"
"You can't take away my right to my children! I know you Hermione…you not that cruel," Draco said quietly since he was now so close. Hermione was loosing her focus due to the their close proximity.
"I don't want our-my children corrupted by your influence Draco. I don't think I would be able to bear it if they too left me," she said as they inched closer.
"You know I just did it because I was angry and spiteful," Draco murmured.
"Which is also why I kissed Viktor…" Hermione said as their lips brushed together. An owl's screech brought them apart. Two large owls were flying right to them. They each took their respective letters and read them.
Dear Mrs. Malfoy,
I am here to inform you that you are to be at the Ministry of Magic at the Marriage and Divorce Department on February 13 of 2001 at 10 a.m. Your hearing and divorce will then commence.
Cordially,
Mike Sanders
Under Year Marriages Department
Hermione looked at her letter feeling numb. She then looked up at Draco and saw him looking at her attentively. Hermione's eyes began to tear up and Draco came forward.
"Hermione…"
She put up a hand. "Don't Malfoy…I'll se you on the 13th."
~*~*~*~*~
They days passed on slowly for Hermione and Draco. They went everyday through torture because they denied what they were feeling. Draco had found out about Hermione living with her father. He was not mad, he thought better of it. He didn't torture himself with her being so near. He knew also that something was physically wrong with her.
He would find her clutching her gut and breathing rapidly. Her face would be contorted with pain and she would then hide the pain the rest of the day. He was worried about her and his children. No matter what would happen, he would always love her. He knew why they were getting a divorce, lack of trust…and pride. Today was the day that Hermione had appointment with her Healer.
Draco would be there. He'd be damned if he wouldn't be there for his kids. Hermione was stanch on getting him away from her and the pregnancy. He did understand her, but he wanted to see his children grow…it was also and excuse to see her. Despite what happened despite what he had said, he still loved her. He would not and could not change that.
He walked down the hall towards the Gryffindor Tower. He needed to talk to Ginny. The Weaselette was the only one he could trust with this. He came up to the portrait of the robust woman and said the password. (Ginny had given it to him if he ever needed her again.) When he came in he got very confused and uneasy glances. He saw her red head and also saw that she was not alone. Seamus was with her…more like on her.
"Ahem," he cleared his throat to get their attention. They both sprang apart from each other's arms and looked wildly around. Ginny was the first to spot Draco.
"Yes? What do you need?" she asked huffily.
"I need t speak with you right now. It's an emergency," Draco responded.
"Fine. Excuse me love," she said getting up and walking up to her dormitory. Draco glanced at Seamus before he followed the Weaselette up; Seamus didn't look happy. Draco reached Ginny's dorm and walked inside. She turned and snapped at him before he even closed the door.
"What the hell do you want?! Do you know how angry Seamus will be?!" she snapped. Draco sighed.
"Calm down! I need you to do me a favor. Hermione is going to have an appointment with her Healer today. I need you to tell me when she leaves alright?"
Ginny looked at him suspiciously. "Why should I tell you?"
"Please Ginny. She can deny me everything she wants, but not my children. I will not have her rob me of my right as a father," Draco said in a sorrowful tone that shocked Ginny. After giving him another glance she nodded.
"Fine, but only because you have a point. Actually she already told me. Her appointment is in an hour. Please Draco don't upset her she's…she's been having complications with her pregnancy. Please be careful," Ginny said as she walked over to the door and motioned for him to exit.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione walked into the Healer's little office area. Her house still looked the same, only a bit more cheerful. She saw her mother walked out with her hood still on. Hermione frowned at this.
"Why do you still wear that thing?" she asked annoyed.
Celesta smiled. "Because nobody can know that I am alive. Now forget about me, we have to see how your children are." Celesta walked in front of Hermione and she followed. She was led inside of a room and laid down on the bed. Celesta pulled out a chart and was reading it over.
"So I understand that you are eight months pregnant? Yes alright. Well let's see shall we? Ultrio Sonus!" Hermione saw the image of her children come up above her belly and saw that there was a faint red glow to it. Celesta was looking at the image intensively.
"Hermione have you had any pain or blood leaks?"
"Yes both actually. Why is there a red light around the image?"
"Well it means that your children or child is in distress. Have you consummated yet?"
Hermione blushed. "No. I actually found out that the date for my divorce is the 13th of this month."
Celesta tutted. "I already told you what I think about that. I fear that if you go through with this…you may suffer heavy losses. It's your choice though. Now let's fix you up yes?"
Celesta muttered a few incantations and the red glow was gone. Hermione replaced the maternity spell and looked at her mother concerned.
"Mother I know what you think and I appreciate your worry, but Draco and I just don't belong together…right now. I promise I will be careful. Bye and thank you," Hermione kissed her mother bye and exited.
Celesta looked at Hermione's retreating form and couldn't help but feel that the divorce will cost Hermione something precious. Just as she was about to prepare for the next patient, Draco walked in. He spotted the Healer and walked up t her.
"Just tell me how my children are doing?" he said in a harsh tone.
"Your children are fine, but as I have warned your wife, if you both don't give into your love there will be consequences. Mr. Malfoy please convince your wife before it is to late. Now please if will I have other patients to attend to," Celesta dismissed Draco and he nodded.
My kids can't be in too much harm can they? No they will be fine. Or so he thought…
~*~*~*~*~
February 13th came and Hermione was nervously walking down the halls of the Ministry. She went into the elevator that would take her to the Department of Marriages. She was nervous about having to do this. She didn't want to give up the man she knew was destined for her, the man she loved. A soft ping told her that she was on the right level. She walked out and into the hall of the department. She came to the door that read 'Under a Year Marriages' and walked in.
There she saw Draco and a portly man. She took a seat and waited patiently. The man who she guessed was Mr. Sanders, took out two long contract-looking papers and looked them both over.
"Now here are your divorce papers. By law it is customary that I step out and leave you to five minutes of time to think this over. I will be back in five minutes when you will tell me whether you need more time or if you want to start the paperwork. Good day," he said as he got up and walked out.
Hermione looked over at Draco who was also looking at her.
"Well? Do you have any reason why us two should not be divorced? Please speak now or forever hold your peace," Draco humored. Hermione as a pose to snapping at him, laughed.
"You dumb butt! To answer your question…no I see no reason to not."
"I don't either. Hermione why didn't you tell me that you were having complications with the pregnancy? I went to talk to the Healer yesterday and she told me that you were quite critical."
Hermione looked down. "I know I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. You can see your children. I hate that you know me so well. I can never keep up a threat!"
Draco smirked. "It's your Gryffindor side! You all have weak hides!"
"At least our hides aren't scaly like you Slytherines!"
They both laughed and then calmed down. Draco had taken her hand and was caressing it.
"Hermione…do you think we should still do this?" He whispered.
KNOCK KNOCK!
Mike had poked his head in. "Do you need more time?"
Hermione grabbed her hand back. "No please continue."
Mike came in and sat back in his desk. He went over all of the legal crap and explained to them both what that meant. When the time came to sign, Draco was first. A sharp pain was hitting Hermione's left side and she pushed it back. She was next and took the quill. She signed her name on the line with the pain increasing with every letter. When she was finally done, she fell to the floor limp.
~*~*~*~*~
She felt a soft bed under her. She opened her eyes to find herself back in her palace. She looked around and saw Draco with a tear stained face sitting on the end of the bed. His shoulders were moving with his sobs. She saw her father and mother in chairs and cleared her throat.
"What happened?" she asked with her voice raspy. Draco looked up with bloodshot eyes and looked over to the Healer and the king. She saw her mother nod. What the hell is going on?
Draco came closer to her and pushed her back down on her bed. "Hermione…when you…" he trailed off as he looked away from her eyes.
"How long have I been out?" she asked.
"A day. You fell unconscious when we were signing the divorce papers. Hermione the pregnancy…." Draco trailed off.
She was now feeling hysterical. She clutched the bed sheets in anticipations. "What about my babies? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?"
Draco pushed her back down. "Calm down Hermione! Please or you'll make it worse."
"What happened to my babies?" Hermione was now crying.
Draco sighed as a new wave of tears poured from his eyes. "You lost the boy Hermione. The girl is alright, but the boy died." He said quietly.
Hermione couldn't believe it. Her baby boy….dead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yes well there you have it! Please don't kill me for this last part. It had to happen. Like I have previously warned: THINGS WILL ONLY GET WORSE BEFORE THEY GET BETTER!
Thank you all for your fab reviews!
Note one: ONLY FOUR MORE CHAPTERS!!!!
Note two: From here on out ANGST. YOU ARE NOW WARNED.
Note three: Please I want a least 7 more reviews before the next chapter. You never know I might not update!
Thank you all for reading….
Flamewriter008