A/N: Alright, so some of you are a bit mad with Ron. Well, we will see what exactly he has been doing with all of Draco's letters. Hope you enjoy it!
------------
Chapter 16: Missing Letters
Hermione woke suddenly from her dreams. She looked around, not knowing where she was at first. It was strange being in her old bed, but she was glad to be back. She stretched her arms out and swung her legs over the bed. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes remembering the previous day's events. Draco was gone. She yelled at Harry. She cried on Harry's shoulder. She asked Ron on a date, "Oh," she whispered to herself. She was so upset about Draco, but why not give Ron a chance? The man she really wanted was gone. She didn't know if he would ever come back. Why should she spend the rest of her life waiting for something that may never come?
She got dressed and made her way out to the kitchen. The aroma of fresh brewed tea filled her nostrils. She entered the kitchen to see Ginny and Harry cuddling on one of the kitchen chairs, "Good Morning," she said with a smile.
Ginny looked over and shrieked, "Hermione!" she lept out of Harry's laup, causing him to form a slight look of pain. Ginny ran and embraced Hermione, "OH! I am so glad you are back! This is so wonderful!" Ginny pulled back and wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist, "You must tell me all about Italy. Is it absolutely gorgeous? I bet the men are as well, huh?" she winked at Hermione.
She smiled back at Ginny. She didn't realize just how much she missed Ginny, "The men were very good looking. They were very generous, and romantic."
"Romantic, huh," smiled Ginny, "Any of them try anything with you?"
Hermione laughed, "Not really, Gin? So, how bout some tea?"
Ginny gave her a puzzled look, "Hermione, don't you dare think you can avoid this subject. We will go to dinner tonight and discuss it."
Hermione's eyes flickered over to Harry who shrugged his shoulders. He hadn't told her about Ron, "Well, Ginny, I kind of have dinner plans already."
Ginny looked intrigued, "Really, already. You've just gotten back."
"Yes well, when I got back here. Ron came over and well," Hermione felt the tears in her eyes, "I asked Ron to dinner. To catch up."
Ginny took Hermione into a slow, comforting hug, "I am sorry he left Hermione. If only he had waited on more day. Well, it's not a problem really. At least Ron wrote to you while you were gone. I mean, you got, what, one letter from Draco?"
Harry choked on his tea at Ginny saying this. The girls looked at him curiously, "You alright darling?" asked Ginny.
Harry nodded, "Mm, yes, fine, sorry."
Ginny turned back to Hermione, "We are here for you, no matter what you decide," she moved in to whisper, "I know you want Draco, but, Ron loves you and will do anything for you," she pulled back and smiled.
Hermione smiled back, "Some tea? How bout some tea?" she squeezed Ginny's hand and turned to the kitchen.
Ginny watched as she poured herself a cup. She looked over at Harry who gave her a look that told her not to take it any further. She lowered her head in defeat and returned to her spot on Harry's lap.
----------
That afternoon, Ron was pacing nervously in his room at The Burrow. He would be going to dinner with Hermione, but his conscience was getting the best of him. How could he do that to her? If he truly loved her, he would want her to be happy. But, he wanted so much to be with her. He did the right thing. They were destined for each other. Draco was just a speed bump on the way.
He was wrestling with his thoughts when he heard a knock on the door, "Ron dear," came Mrs. Weasley's voice, "Harry is here to see you."
"Harry? Let him in, mum," shouted Ron.
The door creaked open and Harry walked in the room, "Hey Ron," said Harry in a monotone voice.
Ron didn't like the serious tone. Something was up, "What's up, Harry. What's wrong?"
Harry took in a deep breath, "Ron, I need to ask you something, and you need to be honest with me, alright?"
Ron was confused, "Sure Harry, of course."
"Ron, do you know what happened to the letters that Draco wrote to Hermione when she was gone?"
Ron's face gave him away, but tried to deny it, "No-no Harry. What- what do you mean?"
Harry rolled his eyes, "Ron, I have a feeling you do. Did you have those letters intercepted?"
Ron fumbled around abit, "I-uh-I"
"Ron don't be stupid, just tell me."
Harry watched as Ron collapsed onto his bed in defeat, "Yes, Harry I did. I have all of them. Over in that cupboard," she pointed to a wooden case in the corner.
"Why, Ron? Why would you do that to her?"
"I knew she would pick him, Harry. It was inevitable. I thought maybe, if she thought Draco didn't give two shits, she would give up and come running to me. Guess it worked, but, Harry, you have to believe me. I feel absolutely horrible about it. I saw the pain in her eyes last night Harry. I don't want to be the cause of that. I want her to be happy."
Harry sat next to Ron on the bed, "Well, maybe you should tell her that, Ron. If you love her, you will. She deserves to know the truth."
"I'm sorry, Harry, I just-"
Harry cut him off, "Don't apologize to me, Ron. I believe you have a dinner companion you need to say that to."
-------------
"Mister Malfoy! Wake up, please!"
Draco was jostled out of sleep by several medi-witches, "What? What is it?" he jumped out of bed.
"Your mother sir, she..."
"She what?" asked Draco frantically.
"Follow me sir," said a medi-wizard.
Draco threw his robe on and followed the man through the corridor towards his mother's room. They reached the door and the man stopped him before they entered, "this may be a bit difficult to see, brace yourself."
At that point, he knew what he was about to see. He walked in, to see his mother lying on her bed. Eyes wide open, yet with a peaceful look. He walked over to her slowly. He brushed his hand along her face and closed her eyes.
The med-wizard spoke quietly, "She was able to sneak a wand from one of the nurses. Mr. Malfoy, I will be sure, to sack her once I leave this room."
Draco raised his hand, "There is no need. She did nothing wrong. This is what my mother wanted."
The wizard nodded, "There was a letter sir," he moved forward and handed Draco a slip of parchment;
Dearest Draco,
I am happy now. I am with Lucius. Don't be sad for me. I ask of you one thing. Be happy. Be truly happy. Mend your heart. Go for what you truly want. I am truly proud of the man you have become. Take care, my dear son.
Your Mother,
Narcissa
Draco read the letter once. He crumpled it up and stuffed it in his robe pocket. He turned to the med-wizard. "She will want to be buried next to her husband in England. If you can have your staff take her to the mortuary, I will take care of the rest of the arrangements."
The wizard nodded to Draco. Draco turned to his mother, "Goodbye mother," He turned back and walked out of the room. Once he was out of everyone's sight, Draco let a single tear fall from his eye.
----------
A/N: yes that was short, but I didn't have much time. I wanted to get something out to you guys. This will be ending soon. Be ready for it. Please read and review!
