Again, I am not being rude by not replying to reviews but I still haven't fully caught up with them so thank you to everyone who did review (big smile) it's really appreciated.
Oh, before I start apologies if I repeat myself in the next few Chapters by stating things that have been said, decided, revealed etc. in previous Chapters but, realising how close I am to the end I thought I had better start to wrap things up and realised there's a few things I still haven't explained and a few more things that I'm not sure if I've explained or not. I did read through a lot of my previous Chapters but couldn't find what I was looking for so I'm going to steam ahead and write what I think needs filling in.
Chapter 27-Counting the Losses
Draco sat opposite the wizened Headmaster of Hogwarts, listening to himself tell, for the fourth time, the tale of his confrontation in the Chamber of the Gods. If he admitted it, which of course he never would, he was getting extremely tired of hearing his own voice repeating the same words. He was beginning to contemplate adding a few dramatic effects to the story; maybe fighting past a Norwegian Ridgeback, or a duel with Asriel; anything to stop the monotony of the story. True, it was a very good story, but having had to tell it to Hermione, Snape and then Potter and Weasley (who, it seemed, had an inbuilt radar, linking them to Hermione so they knew the second she was awake and so came running to her side), and now once again to Dumbledore, the whole thing was becoming tedious to the extreme.
As of yet he hadn't mentioned the bargain made between him and the Gods; the thought that he may have lost his magical abilities was too hard a concept to grasp at the moment, and he hadn't even told Hermione or Snape about it. He'd tell them in his own time and was simply shrugging the arrangement off as him having to convince the Gods of his undying love for Hermione and once the believed him they returned her.
So far everyone had fallen for it.
So far.
"...and then there was a huge white light that swirled around Hermione," Draco began to finish, "and when it had cleared she was back to her old self; well, the way she looked was. The black hair's gone and her eye's a brown again."
"I see." Was all Dumbledore said, and Draco could sense that the Headmaster was aware that he had not been told the full story, but Draco refused to back down just yet; he needed time to adjust.
The Headmaster did not press the matter though; he simply infuriated Draco further by not mentioning the event any more and proceeded to take of his half-moon glasses and polish them on his robes.
"And is Madam Pomfrey quite sure that Miss Granger is back to her full health?" He asked, never meeting Draco's eye.
"Yes." Draco responded through gritted teeth.
"And you're sure that there's nothing else you wish to add?"
"Positive."
"Well then Mr Malfoy, thank you for brining the situation to my attention. I am very grateful for your update. I will talk to you soon, regarding the end of year ceremony."
"Yes sir." Draco muttered. He wasn't sure why, but the fact that Dumbledore had not mentioned that he was aware there was more to Draco's tale irritated him slightly and he was in a foul mood as he left the Headmaster's office.
He stormed through the corridors and up to the infirmary, resisting the almost overwhelming temptation to slam the doors open as he entered; he may be pissed off but there were ill people around and he didn't feel much like being public enemy number one at the moment.
He marched over to Hermione's bed, only to find that the hangings were open, the bed made and the array of wonderful flowers, cards and chocolates that had adorned her bed area had been removed.
"Madam Pomfrey!" He bellowed down the hospital room, "Where is she?"
"Draco Malfoy, keep your voice down this instant. You sound like a banshee with a Sonorous Charm." Madam Pomfrey called, bustling up the wide aisle of the room, "I have sent Miss Granger back to her rooms. There was no logical reason for her to stay in my care any longer. She is a most remarkable young woman and I feel that she is fit to take of herself. She has a few issues to sort out within herself; such as the loss of her friends and coming to terms with the trauma she has had to endure, but there is nothing severe enough for me to keep her here, unless she relapses."
"Relapses?" Draco panicked.
"Yes Mr Malfoy; it is fully possible, considering what the child has been through. Incidentally, I know that she will wish to see you as soon as possible, in order to discuss a few issues."
Draco nodded mutely and left the infirmary, heading straight to Hermione's rooms. The possibility that she may relapse and still be a danger to the world hadn't occurred to him and he contemplated it as he walked along.
He had simply assumed that the Gods had done a straight deal; his power for protection of Hermione and the world from her. But now it seemed that Madam Pomfrey was suggesting there had been no change in Hermione, other than she had once again entered their realm. But could the school medi- witch really know better than the Gods? Draco's mind began to ache as he tried to understand what was going on. He sighed and gave up.
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Draco knocked tentatively on Hermione's doors, not wishing to disturb her if she was resting. The door opened within seconds and he found himself smothered in cinnamon curls and slender arms as she wrapped herself around him.
"Oh, I've missed you so much." She sighed into his ears, pulling him inside the door and closing it gently behind them.
"I've missed you too 'Mi." Draco answered, but as he pulled away his mood became curious and concerned as he saw her wipe away a silent tear that had fallen from her large eyes. "What's wrong love?" He asked, reaching his hand to hers and taking it gently.
"Nothing, nothing, I'm just being silly." Hermione answered too quickly.
"Hermione, you are one of the least silly people I have ever met. I know you wouldn't get upset over something trivial so tell me; what's wrong?"
"Oh Draco, I'm sorry!" She suddenly burst out, clinging to the front of his robes.
Draco held her closely to him, allowing her to cry herself out as he led her over to the bed and sat her down on his knee, holding her tightly and soothing her as best he could.
When she finally pulled away from him, brushing stray hairs from her eyes, Draco could see the full extent of her upset; her eyes were red-rimmed and her chest heaving in great sobs as she tried to control herself enough to tell him her worries.
"What is it that's got you like this?" Draco asked carefully, gently taking her cheek in his hand and stroking away each tear as it fell.
"Madam Pomfrey did a full check on me after I woke up and she...she, she said that...that the curse Voldemort hit me with has done severe internal damage and that I...I can never have children."
Draco sat uncomprehending her words for a few moments; her words had no meaning, they were a shock to his system. He had never really contemplated children. Did the world really need any more Malfoys? True, he had wondered what it would be like, but never fully. He loved Hermione with all his heart but had been sure she would realise she deserved someone better. Yet she had stuck by him with all her might and had decided to tell him of her condition. Did that mean that she had considered their future? And that it had children in it?
"Draco?" Her gentle voice broke his train of thought. "Are you OK? I know this is a bit of a shock, but I thought I should let you know then you can...then you can decide what you want to do about us."
"What do you mean?" He asked, finally finding his voice.
"Well, could you be with someone who can't have your children?"
"'Mi, do you want to have my children? Surely the fewer Malfoys in it better."
She recoiled from his words, looking shocked and slightly upset.
"I just thought that you would want to..." She didn't finish the sentence, "That you and I were..."
"Only if you want us to be." Draco told her.
"Of course I do, but doesn't this change everything?"
"Not a thing." Draco answered honestly, "If it's possible, I love you even more now than I ever have."
She smiled and enveloped him in a huge bear hug.
"I love you too." She giggled, pushing him to the sheets.
He held her for a few minutes, thinking; she had told him how all of this had affected her. Shouldn't he be completely honest with her too? He took a deep breath;
"Hermione," he began, "I didn't tell you the whole truth about what happened in the Chamber of the Gods."
She looked at him, puzzled.
"The Gods weren't as easy to bargain with as I've told everyone. They did want me to prove how much I love you, but I had to give something to them in order to have you returned to me."
"What?" She asked, her eyes wide and questioning.
"My magic. So now it's my turn to ask you; can you be with someone who doesn't match you in every way?" He asked, turning away from her, afraid of her reaction.
The response was not at all what he had expected.
Her laughter was rich and rang through the rooms like a hundred bells as she fell onto her back, giggling.
"I don't see what's so bloody funny." He snapped hotly.
"Oh Draco you are an ass." She managed through peals of laughter, "don't you ever read?"
"Of course I read." He responded sharply.
"And you've studied the Gods?"
"Of course; you know I have."
"Then you should know better than anyone the rules of ability."
Draco looked at her, utterly lost and still failing to see the humour in his predicament.
Hermione took a deep breath in order to regain her composure before giving him a full explanation;
"When the Gods created man they chose to hand out the ability of magic to a chosen few. Lilqueth and Megorian would grant the ability to those they deemed worthy, and Asriel and Meroviel were in the same situation. However, if one set of Gods felt strongly about the choosing of the others they were likely to take away any abilities granted by them to humans; Gods get like that apparently and can be quite spiteful. So between them they created a rule that bound the magic to each person given the ability, meaning that it could never be removed by anyone, not even themselves. Tell me, have you actually tried to do any magic since you left the chamber?"
"No." Draco muttered, looking at the floor and feeling ashamed of his own stupidity.
"Well, try something then." Hermione said sternly.
"Accio wine." Draco murmured with little feeling.
The bottle of wine sat on Hermione's worktop flew through the air and into his hand within seconds. He looked at Hermione; she looked satisfied...and smug, he noticed.
"Convinced now?" She smiled.
"Know-it-all." Draco smirked, placing the bottle on Hermione's night stand, grabbing her with both arms and laying her down onto the sheets that covered her bed.
It felt so good to hold her and know that it was truly her. He had been wary at first, not sure if maybe it was the darkness about Hermione that had first drawn him to her, but as he held her now, kissing her lightly across her face, he knew that it was everything about her. He knew that she would never be free of the darkness that had enslaved her for so many months; just as nobody was ever free of the evil within them, but for the time being that darkness had diminished and it was now the pure and light side of the woman he loved that he held in his arms.
He kissed her passionately, allowing her velvety tongue into his mouth and caressing it with his own as her long fingers became entwined in his hair and his hand slid around her slender waist, pressing her closer to him. He caressed the creamy smooth skin of her cheek as they became lost in the passion of their embrace and their love for each other.
Eventually, although it pained him to do so, Draco pulled away from her and looked deeply into her eyes;
"Are you sure you want this now?" He asked.
She nodded.
"I need this." She said, "I've been someone else for too long and now it's time for ME to be happy."
He smiled at her and captured her lips once more as he began to slowly undress her, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips and kissing each section of newly exposed flesh. She moaned slightly and a smile played around her lips as she closed her eyes in happiness.
Removing her robes his hands slid over the red silk of her underwear. He released her breasts from their hold and took one of her rose tipped nipples in his hot mouth. She gasped sharply as he worked the peak, all the time his hands sliding up and down her side, heightening her pleasure. He hooked his thumb beneath the elastic of her underwear and eased it slowly down her long legs, replacing the material that had covered her with his hand, teasing her with his fingers. Again she moaned and he smiled to himself.
Her hands became tangled in his hair and scraped along his back as she fought back screams of ecstasy. She finally gave into the throws of passion as he kissed her lips, then down to her neck, across her shoulders and back to the base of her neck. He lightly kissed her skin, slowly moving over her breasts, pausing to pay them particular attention as her back arched up in pleasure, before moving over her flat stomach. He paused, looking up and meeting her eyes, grinning devilishly. Her eyes widened and he traced a line up her body with his tongue, from her abdomen to her lips, once again taking her in a passion filled kiss.
Hermione's fingers swiftly undid all obstructions that kept him from her and they both sighed as their hot skin met. Electricity shot between them as their sparks of passions reignited and they re-explored each other.
He smiled at her as she raised her legs, wrapping them around his waist and allowing him full access to her. She smiled back and he urged himself forward, leaning forward and planting soft, gentle kisses along the side of her neck and shoulders. She positioned her head, offering herself to him and he accepted, delicately brushing his lips against her skin, causing her to shiver and moan in pleasure.
As he smoothly worked himself in and out of her small frame he felt Hermione's hands running up and down his back, tangling in his hair and caressing his bare arms. He reached behind her head, wrapping his fingers in her messy curls and pulling her head towards him in an intoxicating kiss whilst his other hand caressed her left hand side, working down from her breast to the tops of her thighs and back up again. She squirmed beneath him and moaned as their tongues danced and their bodies moved together in silent rhythm.
Draco couldn't help but grin when he felt her legs tighten their hold around his waist and, to add to her torment, he pulled out of her body. She moaned and stuck out her lower lip in a small pout. Draco grinned and simply kissed her pouting lip before manoeuvring his shoulders beneath her legs and entering her once more. She gasped as he did so and pulled at his hair, caught between the immense pleasure and tingling pain caused by the position. He smiled at her and repeated his movements again and again, his hands stroking her breasts, then across her stomach and down until they reached her core, where his thumb began to tease and pleasure her to the brink of ecstasy.
He massaged her there and maintained his own constant movement, allowing his free hand to embrace her soft skin until he felt her body tense and relax rapidly and her breathing become shallow and uneven. A look of serenity and satisfaction passed across her flawless face and Draco carefully pulled away, removing himself from her and lowering her legs to the sheets. Hermione made a satisfied noise before once again wrapping her legs around his waist and easing him back towards her.
He happily returned and soon they built up a rhythm that contained all of the love, lust, passion and respect that they felt for each other and that had accumulated over the past months. Draco's kisses became passionate as he showered Hermione's body with them, nibbling at her neck and massaging her body with his hands. He felt her small hands fondly handle the muscles in his shoulders, back and along his arms, her fingers dancing across his skin, savouring the feeling.
All too soon though he felt himself begin to reach his climax as they worked together and as his own body begin to tense and shake he once again wrapped one of his arms around Hermione's waist and pulled her to him, entwining his fingers in her mass of curls and lifting her face towards his, their lips meeting in an ardent kiss. He pulled away from her and placed his head next to hers, in the crook of her shoulder, savouring her scent. She smelt gorgeous; a complex mixture of vanilla and raspberries, fused with soft spices and the smell of sex. He inhaled deeply as they lay, wrapped in each others arms. Hot skin against hot skin, the sweat sticking his hair to his forehead and his skin to the flesh of the woman he loved, reminding him of their passion.
He felt Hermione's chest sigh contentedly and a smile crept over his lips.
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It was early the next morning when Draco awoke and the pale dusky rays of the sun streamed through the windows as Hermione drew back the thick, velvet curtains from the large, ornate windows.
"Time to get up." He heard her voice as she busied around the room.
"Already?" He muttered, wrapping himself in the duvet and peering at her.
"Yes, already. It's Ginny's funeral and I do not intend to miss one second of it. I couldn't be there when she died so I'll be there for every second I can to say goodbye."
"I know what day it is 'Mi." He reassured softly, "Don't worry. I'm getting up."
Hermione had taken the news of Ginny's death better than everyone had expected. Or so they thought. She was obviously grieving deeply but she had sat calmly as Harry and Ron had told her. Draco had been near by of course but he felt it was not his right to give her the news. Harry Hermione, Ron and Ginny had been a close knit group for years and, although he was within that group now, he was definitely not worthy of playing such a large part in their loss as to be the one to break the news. So he had sat, listened, watched and waited as Ron and Harry spoke to Hermione. She didn't say very much, just sat, straight backed, her hands in her lap, staring at them as they spoke. When they had finished she simply said;
"I think I already knew, somewhere, deep inside. Someone already told me." Before allowing herself to be embraced by her two best friends. As of yet though, Draco had not seen her cry.
It didn't take him long to get ready; a simple black robe was the normal attire for men at funerals, and he sat patiently waiting for Hermione as she threw each and every single black garment out of her wardrobe, then tried each one on, looked disgusted at her reflection and tossed it to one side.
"Nothing's right!" She screamed, throwing herself on top of the large pile of dark clothing on her bed. "It's all wrong."
"What's wrong with it love?" Draco asked quietly from his position in the chair.
"None of it's good enough for Gin. She deserves the best and I don't have it."
"Then make it." Draco suggested, surprised she had not thought of this herself; although, when he thought about it, Hermione was prone to forgetting about her abilities in times of great stress. "Picture what you think Ginny deserves and create it."
Hermione gave him a grateful smile and her brow creased slightly in concentration as she formed an image in her mind. She scowled and shook her head vigorously; Draco assumed to get rid of the image that she deemed still not suitable, and then concentrated again before once more shaking her head and starting from scratch. It took a full fifteen minutes before a small smile played on her lips and she nodded slightly, taking out her wand and waving it through the air. Draco excused himself and waited outside whilst she dressed.
When he entered the room he too smiled. The dress was perfect. It was a full length, black dress made of soft material with a full skirt that rustled as Hermione moved, the shoulders were cut away but not so low as to make the dress unrespectable. Strips of lavender silk crossed over the bodice of the dress and the arms of the dress fell into wide sleeves, edged in the same lavender. Hermione's russet curls were arranged in a simple style that cascaded over her shoulder and were fastened in place with a simple lavender clip. Draco crossed the room and kissed her lightly. She took his arm and together they left.
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Ginny's funeral was to take place in the grounds of Hogwarts as Molly and Arthur had wanted it to be in a place where non-family members and school mates would be able to say their goodbyes. Draco and Hermione turned up together to see that the small, secluded area in the grounds was almost filled with students and teachers. There were more than a few horrified gasps and angry whispers as they sat down next to each other holding hands. It appeared that the school were not fully aware of everything after all, and certain things had, inexplicably, remained secret. He shrugged it off; it didn't matter any more. The fact that he was still alive and the only Slytherin in Hogwarts should surely put their minds at ease, but obviously the shock of seeing the Know-it-all with the King of Slytherin was a large shock to the adolescent system
Dumbledore stepped forward, dressed in deepest black robes, the twinkle gone from his eyes; it appeared that he was to conduct the ceremony.
"Dear friends, we are hear today to pass our sister Virginia Molly Weasley into the hands of our beloved Gods, as she travels into a realm where we may not follow."
He paused slightly and turned to look at Ginny's coffin. Draco also looked; the love that had gone into the coffin was apparent in it's beauty. Purest white and set with ornate silver handles and small, pink roses around the bottom, it looked peaceful and innocent in the sun's rays.
"Ginny was taken from us in the worst circumstances possible and her untimely departure has no doubt stricken each and every one of you in different ways. However, I feel that it is those who knew her most who should speak for her. Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger; would you care to step forward."
Hermione squeezed Draco's hand and elegantly stepped forward. Draco knew that it was Harry who was actually going to speak about Ginny but, as they were a group, Hermione and Ron had refused to let him do it alone.
Harry and Ron's faces were streaming with tears as he stood at the front yet Hermione looked calm and together. She stood between them, holding each of their hands as Harry opened his mouth to pay eulogy to his dead wife.
"Gin...Ginny was, and always will be, one of the most incredible women to ever have existed." He stuttered, choking back his tears as best he could, "She and I were...were" He took a breath but the tears would not stop and he looked at Hermione and Ron helplessly as he tried to speak.
Hermione squeezed his hand and smiled, nodding slightly before beginning her own, improvised tribute;
"Ginny gave everyone a chance. She had virtues that some of us can only wish to have for a second of our lives. We can learn from Ginny the graces that we should have towards one another. She loved everyone who deserved her love, and even those who did not. She respected everyone, spoke the truth and had a temper to match her hair; no doubt some of you have been on the receiving end of her anger from one time or another? I know I have and it was an incident I wouldn't care to experience again. Although it took a lot to get her annoyed. She was calm and intelligent beyond her years and to have her taken from us is the greatest unjust I could ever think of. She has left behind a lot of people who loved her dearly, and who will continue to love her for the rest of eternity. I know she's safe though, and somewhere in a great nirvana, resting in the peace that she deserves. I know the Gods will take care of her and she will watch over the people she has had to leave; husband, mother, father, brothers and friends."
Hermione fell silent and the congregation bathed in her words whilst the trio returned to their seats. Draco felt the sharp tang behind his eyes as tears built up and fell down his cheeks. Hermione returned to her seat, eyes still dry and composure still calm. She felt for his hand and he took hers, softly stroking the back of it as Molly and Arthur, then Ginny's brothers, and finally Dumbledore each stepped forward, speaking of that which they had lost so unfairly.
As the last of the tributes came to an end Dumbledore stepped forward once more and soft words were spoken. From the ground gentle, pink flames began to lick at the coffin, before consuming it. In the distance a phoenix broke into sad, mournful song as the mourners wept and the coffin became ashes.
The ashes were gathered into a delicate vessel and it was Harry who stepped forward to scatter them. Draco watched as the ashes were thrown into the gentle breeze, allowing Ginny to forever roam the magical grounds of the school and world that she loved and belonged in.
The mourners wept and walked away, holding onto each other for support and speaking softly, as if not wishing to disturb the serenity of that small grove. Soon only Draco and Hermione were left in the clearing. They stepped forward and walked towards the grave that had been made for Ginny; a cherry blossom tree that would bloom its delicate pink flowers all year round in the small clearing in Hogwarts grounds. At the base was a plaque which read;
"Virginia Molly Weasley; Loved since the beginning and lost in the Great War. Forever a wife, daughter, sister and friend. Forever in our hearts. Find peace where your spirit flies free."
It was reading those words that finally allowed Hermione to grieve and she fell to the floor crying great heart wrenching sobs as she wept her tears. She cried for everything and everyone she had lost; her innocence, her light, her family and her friends. All that which had been taken from her in the past year. Draco fell beside her and encased her in his arms, allowing her to finally grieve.
Oh, before I start apologies if I repeat myself in the next few Chapters by stating things that have been said, decided, revealed etc. in previous Chapters but, realising how close I am to the end I thought I had better start to wrap things up and realised there's a few things I still haven't explained and a few more things that I'm not sure if I've explained or not. I did read through a lot of my previous Chapters but couldn't find what I was looking for so I'm going to steam ahead and write what I think needs filling in.
Chapter 27-Counting the Losses
Draco sat opposite the wizened Headmaster of Hogwarts, listening to himself tell, for the fourth time, the tale of his confrontation in the Chamber of the Gods. If he admitted it, which of course he never would, he was getting extremely tired of hearing his own voice repeating the same words. He was beginning to contemplate adding a few dramatic effects to the story; maybe fighting past a Norwegian Ridgeback, or a duel with Asriel; anything to stop the monotony of the story. True, it was a very good story, but having had to tell it to Hermione, Snape and then Potter and Weasley (who, it seemed, had an inbuilt radar, linking them to Hermione so they knew the second she was awake and so came running to her side), and now once again to Dumbledore, the whole thing was becoming tedious to the extreme.
As of yet he hadn't mentioned the bargain made between him and the Gods; the thought that he may have lost his magical abilities was too hard a concept to grasp at the moment, and he hadn't even told Hermione or Snape about it. He'd tell them in his own time and was simply shrugging the arrangement off as him having to convince the Gods of his undying love for Hermione and once the believed him they returned her.
So far everyone had fallen for it.
So far.
"...and then there was a huge white light that swirled around Hermione," Draco began to finish, "and when it had cleared she was back to her old self; well, the way she looked was. The black hair's gone and her eye's a brown again."
"I see." Was all Dumbledore said, and Draco could sense that the Headmaster was aware that he had not been told the full story, but Draco refused to back down just yet; he needed time to adjust.
The Headmaster did not press the matter though; he simply infuriated Draco further by not mentioning the event any more and proceeded to take of his half-moon glasses and polish them on his robes.
"And is Madam Pomfrey quite sure that Miss Granger is back to her full health?" He asked, never meeting Draco's eye.
"Yes." Draco responded through gritted teeth.
"And you're sure that there's nothing else you wish to add?"
"Positive."
"Well then Mr Malfoy, thank you for brining the situation to my attention. I am very grateful for your update. I will talk to you soon, regarding the end of year ceremony."
"Yes sir." Draco muttered. He wasn't sure why, but the fact that Dumbledore had not mentioned that he was aware there was more to Draco's tale irritated him slightly and he was in a foul mood as he left the Headmaster's office.
He stormed through the corridors and up to the infirmary, resisting the almost overwhelming temptation to slam the doors open as he entered; he may be pissed off but there were ill people around and he didn't feel much like being public enemy number one at the moment.
He marched over to Hermione's bed, only to find that the hangings were open, the bed made and the array of wonderful flowers, cards and chocolates that had adorned her bed area had been removed.
"Madam Pomfrey!" He bellowed down the hospital room, "Where is she?"
"Draco Malfoy, keep your voice down this instant. You sound like a banshee with a Sonorous Charm." Madam Pomfrey called, bustling up the wide aisle of the room, "I have sent Miss Granger back to her rooms. There was no logical reason for her to stay in my care any longer. She is a most remarkable young woman and I feel that she is fit to take of herself. She has a few issues to sort out within herself; such as the loss of her friends and coming to terms with the trauma she has had to endure, but there is nothing severe enough for me to keep her here, unless she relapses."
"Relapses?" Draco panicked.
"Yes Mr Malfoy; it is fully possible, considering what the child has been through. Incidentally, I know that she will wish to see you as soon as possible, in order to discuss a few issues."
Draco nodded mutely and left the infirmary, heading straight to Hermione's rooms. The possibility that she may relapse and still be a danger to the world hadn't occurred to him and he contemplated it as he walked along.
He had simply assumed that the Gods had done a straight deal; his power for protection of Hermione and the world from her. But now it seemed that Madam Pomfrey was suggesting there had been no change in Hermione, other than she had once again entered their realm. But could the school medi- witch really know better than the Gods? Draco's mind began to ache as he tried to understand what was going on. He sighed and gave up.
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Draco knocked tentatively on Hermione's doors, not wishing to disturb her if she was resting. The door opened within seconds and he found himself smothered in cinnamon curls and slender arms as she wrapped herself around him.
"Oh, I've missed you so much." She sighed into his ears, pulling him inside the door and closing it gently behind them.
"I've missed you too 'Mi." Draco answered, but as he pulled away his mood became curious and concerned as he saw her wipe away a silent tear that had fallen from her large eyes. "What's wrong love?" He asked, reaching his hand to hers and taking it gently.
"Nothing, nothing, I'm just being silly." Hermione answered too quickly.
"Hermione, you are one of the least silly people I have ever met. I know you wouldn't get upset over something trivial so tell me; what's wrong?"
"Oh Draco, I'm sorry!" She suddenly burst out, clinging to the front of his robes.
Draco held her closely to him, allowing her to cry herself out as he led her over to the bed and sat her down on his knee, holding her tightly and soothing her as best he could.
When she finally pulled away from him, brushing stray hairs from her eyes, Draco could see the full extent of her upset; her eyes were red-rimmed and her chest heaving in great sobs as she tried to control herself enough to tell him her worries.
"What is it that's got you like this?" Draco asked carefully, gently taking her cheek in his hand and stroking away each tear as it fell.
"Madam Pomfrey did a full check on me after I woke up and she...she, she said that...that the curse Voldemort hit me with has done severe internal damage and that I...I can never have children."
Draco sat uncomprehending her words for a few moments; her words had no meaning, they were a shock to his system. He had never really contemplated children. Did the world really need any more Malfoys? True, he had wondered what it would be like, but never fully. He loved Hermione with all his heart but had been sure she would realise she deserved someone better. Yet she had stuck by him with all her might and had decided to tell him of her condition. Did that mean that she had considered their future? And that it had children in it?
"Draco?" Her gentle voice broke his train of thought. "Are you OK? I know this is a bit of a shock, but I thought I should let you know then you can...then you can decide what you want to do about us."
"What do you mean?" He asked, finally finding his voice.
"Well, could you be with someone who can't have your children?"
"'Mi, do you want to have my children? Surely the fewer Malfoys in it better."
She recoiled from his words, looking shocked and slightly upset.
"I just thought that you would want to..." She didn't finish the sentence, "That you and I were..."
"Only if you want us to be." Draco told her.
"Of course I do, but doesn't this change everything?"
"Not a thing." Draco answered honestly, "If it's possible, I love you even more now than I ever have."
She smiled and enveloped him in a huge bear hug.
"I love you too." She giggled, pushing him to the sheets.
He held her for a few minutes, thinking; she had told him how all of this had affected her. Shouldn't he be completely honest with her too? He took a deep breath;
"Hermione," he began, "I didn't tell you the whole truth about what happened in the Chamber of the Gods."
She looked at him, puzzled.
"The Gods weren't as easy to bargain with as I've told everyone. They did want me to prove how much I love you, but I had to give something to them in order to have you returned to me."
"What?" She asked, her eyes wide and questioning.
"My magic. So now it's my turn to ask you; can you be with someone who doesn't match you in every way?" He asked, turning away from her, afraid of her reaction.
The response was not at all what he had expected.
Her laughter was rich and rang through the rooms like a hundred bells as she fell onto her back, giggling.
"I don't see what's so bloody funny." He snapped hotly.
"Oh Draco you are an ass." She managed through peals of laughter, "don't you ever read?"
"Of course I read." He responded sharply.
"And you've studied the Gods?"
"Of course; you know I have."
"Then you should know better than anyone the rules of ability."
Draco looked at her, utterly lost and still failing to see the humour in his predicament.
Hermione took a deep breath in order to regain her composure before giving him a full explanation;
"When the Gods created man they chose to hand out the ability of magic to a chosen few. Lilqueth and Megorian would grant the ability to those they deemed worthy, and Asriel and Meroviel were in the same situation. However, if one set of Gods felt strongly about the choosing of the others they were likely to take away any abilities granted by them to humans; Gods get like that apparently and can be quite spiteful. So between them they created a rule that bound the magic to each person given the ability, meaning that it could never be removed by anyone, not even themselves. Tell me, have you actually tried to do any magic since you left the chamber?"
"No." Draco muttered, looking at the floor and feeling ashamed of his own stupidity.
"Well, try something then." Hermione said sternly.
"Accio wine." Draco murmured with little feeling.
The bottle of wine sat on Hermione's worktop flew through the air and into his hand within seconds. He looked at Hermione; she looked satisfied...and smug, he noticed.
"Convinced now?" She smiled.
"Know-it-all." Draco smirked, placing the bottle on Hermione's night stand, grabbing her with both arms and laying her down onto the sheets that covered her bed.
It felt so good to hold her and know that it was truly her. He had been wary at first, not sure if maybe it was the darkness about Hermione that had first drawn him to her, but as he held her now, kissing her lightly across her face, he knew that it was everything about her. He knew that she would never be free of the darkness that had enslaved her for so many months; just as nobody was ever free of the evil within them, but for the time being that darkness had diminished and it was now the pure and light side of the woman he loved that he held in his arms.
He kissed her passionately, allowing her velvety tongue into his mouth and caressing it with his own as her long fingers became entwined in his hair and his hand slid around her slender waist, pressing her closer to him. He caressed the creamy smooth skin of her cheek as they became lost in the passion of their embrace and their love for each other.
Eventually, although it pained him to do so, Draco pulled away from her and looked deeply into her eyes;
"Are you sure you want this now?" He asked.
She nodded.
"I need this." She said, "I've been someone else for too long and now it's time for ME to be happy."
He smiled at her and captured her lips once more as he began to slowly undress her, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips and kissing each section of newly exposed flesh. She moaned slightly and a smile played around her lips as she closed her eyes in happiness.
Removing her robes his hands slid over the red silk of her underwear. He released her breasts from their hold and took one of her rose tipped nipples in his hot mouth. She gasped sharply as he worked the peak, all the time his hands sliding up and down her side, heightening her pleasure. He hooked his thumb beneath the elastic of her underwear and eased it slowly down her long legs, replacing the material that had covered her with his hand, teasing her with his fingers. Again she moaned and he smiled to himself.
Her hands became tangled in his hair and scraped along his back as she fought back screams of ecstasy. She finally gave into the throws of passion as he kissed her lips, then down to her neck, across her shoulders and back to the base of her neck. He lightly kissed her skin, slowly moving over her breasts, pausing to pay them particular attention as her back arched up in pleasure, before moving over her flat stomach. He paused, looking up and meeting her eyes, grinning devilishly. Her eyes widened and he traced a line up her body with his tongue, from her abdomen to her lips, once again taking her in a passion filled kiss.
Hermione's fingers swiftly undid all obstructions that kept him from her and they both sighed as their hot skin met. Electricity shot between them as their sparks of passions reignited and they re-explored each other.
He smiled at her as she raised her legs, wrapping them around his waist and allowing him full access to her. She smiled back and he urged himself forward, leaning forward and planting soft, gentle kisses along the side of her neck and shoulders. She positioned her head, offering herself to him and he accepted, delicately brushing his lips against her skin, causing her to shiver and moan in pleasure.
As he smoothly worked himself in and out of her small frame he felt Hermione's hands running up and down his back, tangling in his hair and caressing his bare arms. He reached behind her head, wrapping his fingers in her messy curls and pulling her head towards him in an intoxicating kiss whilst his other hand caressed her left hand side, working down from her breast to the tops of her thighs and back up again. She squirmed beneath him and moaned as their tongues danced and their bodies moved together in silent rhythm.
Draco couldn't help but grin when he felt her legs tighten their hold around his waist and, to add to her torment, he pulled out of her body. She moaned and stuck out her lower lip in a small pout. Draco grinned and simply kissed her pouting lip before manoeuvring his shoulders beneath her legs and entering her once more. She gasped as he did so and pulled at his hair, caught between the immense pleasure and tingling pain caused by the position. He smiled at her and repeated his movements again and again, his hands stroking her breasts, then across her stomach and down until they reached her core, where his thumb began to tease and pleasure her to the brink of ecstasy.
He massaged her there and maintained his own constant movement, allowing his free hand to embrace her soft skin until he felt her body tense and relax rapidly and her breathing become shallow and uneven. A look of serenity and satisfaction passed across her flawless face and Draco carefully pulled away, removing himself from her and lowering her legs to the sheets. Hermione made a satisfied noise before once again wrapping her legs around his waist and easing him back towards her.
He happily returned and soon they built up a rhythm that contained all of the love, lust, passion and respect that they felt for each other and that had accumulated over the past months. Draco's kisses became passionate as he showered Hermione's body with them, nibbling at her neck and massaging her body with his hands. He felt her small hands fondly handle the muscles in his shoulders, back and along his arms, her fingers dancing across his skin, savouring the feeling.
All too soon though he felt himself begin to reach his climax as they worked together and as his own body begin to tense and shake he once again wrapped one of his arms around Hermione's waist and pulled her to him, entwining his fingers in her mass of curls and lifting her face towards his, their lips meeting in an ardent kiss. He pulled away from her and placed his head next to hers, in the crook of her shoulder, savouring her scent. She smelt gorgeous; a complex mixture of vanilla and raspberries, fused with soft spices and the smell of sex. He inhaled deeply as they lay, wrapped in each others arms. Hot skin against hot skin, the sweat sticking his hair to his forehead and his skin to the flesh of the woman he loved, reminding him of their passion.
He felt Hermione's chest sigh contentedly and a smile crept over his lips.
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It was early the next morning when Draco awoke and the pale dusky rays of the sun streamed through the windows as Hermione drew back the thick, velvet curtains from the large, ornate windows.
"Time to get up." He heard her voice as she busied around the room.
"Already?" He muttered, wrapping himself in the duvet and peering at her.
"Yes, already. It's Ginny's funeral and I do not intend to miss one second of it. I couldn't be there when she died so I'll be there for every second I can to say goodbye."
"I know what day it is 'Mi." He reassured softly, "Don't worry. I'm getting up."
Hermione had taken the news of Ginny's death better than everyone had expected. Or so they thought. She was obviously grieving deeply but she had sat calmly as Harry and Ron had told her. Draco had been near by of course but he felt it was not his right to give her the news. Harry Hermione, Ron and Ginny had been a close knit group for years and, although he was within that group now, he was definitely not worthy of playing such a large part in their loss as to be the one to break the news. So he had sat, listened, watched and waited as Ron and Harry spoke to Hermione. She didn't say very much, just sat, straight backed, her hands in her lap, staring at them as they spoke. When they had finished she simply said;
"I think I already knew, somewhere, deep inside. Someone already told me." Before allowing herself to be embraced by her two best friends. As of yet though, Draco had not seen her cry.
It didn't take him long to get ready; a simple black robe was the normal attire for men at funerals, and he sat patiently waiting for Hermione as she threw each and every single black garment out of her wardrobe, then tried each one on, looked disgusted at her reflection and tossed it to one side.
"Nothing's right!" She screamed, throwing herself on top of the large pile of dark clothing on her bed. "It's all wrong."
"What's wrong with it love?" Draco asked quietly from his position in the chair.
"None of it's good enough for Gin. She deserves the best and I don't have it."
"Then make it." Draco suggested, surprised she had not thought of this herself; although, when he thought about it, Hermione was prone to forgetting about her abilities in times of great stress. "Picture what you think Ginny deserves and create it."
Hermione gave him a grateful smile and her brow creased slightly in concentration as she formed an image in her mind. She scowled and shook her head vigorously; Draco assumed to get rid of the image that she deemed still not suitable, and then concentrated again before once more shaking her head and starting from scratch. It took a full fifteen minutes before a small smile played on her lips and she nodded slightly, taking out her wand and waving it through the air. Draco excused himself and waited outside whilst she dressed.
When he entered the room he too smiled. The dress was perfect. It was a full length, black dress made of soft material with a full skirt that rustled as Hermione moved, the shoulders were cut away but not so low as to make the dress unrespectable. Strips of lavender silk crossed over the bodice of the dress and the arms of the dress fell into wide sleeves, edged in the same lavender. Hermione's russet curls were arranged in a simple style that cascaded over her shoulder and were fastened in place with a simple lavender clip. Draco crossed the room and kissed her lightly. She took his arm and together they left.
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Ginny's funeral was to take place in the grounds of Hogwarts as Molly and Arthur had wanted it to be in a place where non-family members and school mates would be able to say their goodbyes. Draco and Hermione turned up together to see that the small, secluded area in the grounds was almost filled with students and teachers. There were more than a few horrified gasps and angry whispers as they sat down next to each other holding hands. It appeared that the school were not fully aware of everything after all, and certain things had, inexplicably, remained secret. He shrugged it off; it didn't matter any more. The fact that he was still alive and the only Slytherin in Hogwarts should surely put their minds at ease, but obviously the shock of seeing the Know-it-all with the King of Slytherin was a large shock to the adolescent system
Dumbledore stepped forward, dressed in deepest black robes, the twinkle gone from his eyes; it appeared that he was to conduct the ceremony.
"Dear friends, we are hear today to pass our sister Virginia Molly Weasley into the hands of our beloved Gods, as she travels into a realm where we may not follow."
He paused slightly and turned to look at Ginny's coffin. Draco also looked; the love that had gone into the coffin was apparent in it's beauty. Purest white and set with ornate silver handles and small, pink roses around the bottom, it looked peaceful and innocent in the sun's rays.
"Ginny was taken from us in the worst circumstances possible and her untimely departure has no doubt stricken each and every one of you in different ways. However, I feel that it is those who knew her most who should speak for her. Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger; would you care to step forward."
Hermione squeezed Draco's hand and elegantly stepped forward. Draco knew that it was Harry who was actually going to speak about Ginny but, as they were a group, Hermione and Ron had refused to let him do it alone.
Harry and Ron's faces were streaming with tears as he stood at the front yet Hermione looked calm and together. She stood between them, holding each of their hands as Harry opened his mouth to pay eulogy to his dead wife.
"Gin...Ginny was, and always will be, one of the most incredible women to ever have existed." He stuttered, choking back his tears as best he could, "She and I were...were" He took a breath but the tears would not stop and he looked at Hermione and Ron helplessly as he tried to speak.
Hermione squeezed his hand and smiled, nodding slightly before beginning her own, improvised tribute;
"Ginny gave everyone a chance. She had virtues that some of us can only wish to have for a second of our lives. We can learn from Ginny the graces that we should have towards one another. She loved everyone who deserved her love, and even those who did not. She respected everyone, spoke the truth and had a temper to match her hair; no doubt some of you have been on the receiving end of her anger from one time or another? I know I have and it was an incident I wouldn't care to experience again. Although it took a lot to get her annoyed. She was calm and intelligent beyond her years and to have her taken from us is the greatest unjust I could ever think of. She has left behind a lot of people who loved her dearly, and who will continue to love her for the rest of eternity. I know she's safe though, and somewhere in a great nirvana, resting in the peace that she deserves. I know the Gods will take care of her and she will watch over the people she has had to leave; husband, mother, father, brothers and friends."
Hermione fell silent and the congregation bathed in her words whilst the trio returned to their seats. Draco felt the sharp tang behind his eyes as tears built up and fell down his cheeks. Hermione returned to her seat, eyes still dry and composure still calm. She felt for his hand and he took hers, softly stroking the back of it as Molly and Arthur, then Ginny's brothers, and finally Dumbledore each stepped forward, speaking of that which they had lost so unfairly.
As the last of the tributes came to an end Dumbledore stepped forward once more and soft words were spoken. From the ground gentle, pink flames began to lick at the coffin, before consuming it. In the distance a phoenix broke into sad, mournful song as the mourners wept and the coffin became ashes.
The ashes were gathered into a delicate vessel and it was Harry who stepped forward to scatter them. Draco watched as the ashes were thrown into the gentle breeze, allowing Ginny to forever roam the magical grounds of the school and world that she loved and belonged in.
The mourners wept and walked away, holding onto each other for support and speaking softly, as if not wishing to disturb the serenity of that small grove. Soon only Draco and Hermione were left in the clearing. They stepped forward and walked towards the grave that had been made for Ginny; a cherry blossom tree that would bloom its delicate pink flowers all year round in the small clearing in Hogwarts grounds. At the base was a plaque which read;
"Virginia Molly Weasley; Loved since the beginning and lost in the Great War. Forever a wife, daughter, sister and friend. Forever in our hearts. Find peace where your spirit flies free."
It was reading those words that finally allowed Hermione to grieve and she fell to the floor crying great heart wrenching sobs as she wept her tears. She cried for everything and everyone she had lost; her innocence, her light, her family and her friends. All that which had been taken from her in the past year. Draco fell beside her and encased her in his arms, allowing her to finally grieve.