Disclaimer : I do not own any of the following characters of Ms. J.K. Rowling.
A/N : Well ..This is almost the end to 'Secrets, choices and the search for an answer'.. -Sniff sniff- I had fun writing this fic cos it's really sad and happy and shows Malfoy in a different light. I might add on an epilogue to it but I'm not sure yet. At the moment, I just want to make sure this chapter ends with a bang ..
Never thought I'd be writing two chapters in one day but it's all Ted's fault!! He stood me up! So.. ever heard of the saying 'three strikes and you're out' ? Sayonara Ted!
Haha .. on with the story ...
The warm sun rays danced on her face.
The birds sounded in the garden and the laughter floated through the windows.
But you never heard any of it. You just carried on, lost in your own little world.
I hear footsteps. I run. I hide.
Until tomorrow.. my love..
"Do you reckon she's ever gonna wake up?" Ron asked Harry as he dangled as long lanky legs from the bed he was
perched on. Harry shrugged and turned over to look at Viktor. Ron's face looked as if he had swallowed something bad as
he sat behind Viktor.
Viktor sat, oblivious to Harry's and Ron's hostile stares as he held Hermione's hand. Harry had also known that Hermione
had remained in close contact with Viktor and he was the one who had sent an owl to him, telling him the news of
Hermione's condition. Viktor had rose to the occasion magnificently, by rounding off an entourage of his team players and
flew towards Hogwarts. It was a sight to behold as 30 Firebolts streaked across the sky that spring day.
10 days had already passed by and Hermione never even flinched. Harry still wondered what was it which made her cry the
way she had that night. When she fell into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably, he thought her heart was going to break. He
thought Cho was the only one who cried in that manner, but now, she was another. It really freaked him out, to see a girl cry.
Viktor let out a sigh as he pressed him face against Hermione's. Ron's raised eyebrows obviously asked the question, "Who
the hell do you think you are mate?" Harry was trying hard not to laugh at the scowl on Ron's face. He looked really comical.
An overripe tomato. And things were made worse by his flaming red hair and freckly complexion.
A moan caught his attention. Everyone in the room had their eyes fixed on Hermione. She turned her head slightly, and her
face caught the sun's rays. Her eyelids flickered.
"Hermione?" Viktor whispered. Apparently, Viktor's English had improved as he was unable to pronounce Hermione's
name before. Ron rolled his eyes. Hermione's eyes slowly opened as she focused her gaze on the three boys.
"Viktor? What are you doing here?" She managed to make out a hoarse whisper. "I was worried about you. Harry sent me
an owl and I came here as soon as I could." He was looking at her. "I missed you so much."
Hermione was taken aback as he leaned over to hug her. Ron and Harry just looked on and suddenly felt like observers to
the sinking of Titanic, a slow and hard journey downwards to the seabed. Harry came to his senses first and pulled a
struggling Ron towards the door. "They need their privacy, you git! C'mon, let's go!" A protesting Ron was caught in a
headlock and dragged out Harry, much against his will. As he closed the door behind him, he was sure that the both of them
were snogging.
Hermione was surprised as Viktor planted a kiss on her lips. This wasn't something she had expected. Especially, not after
she had just woken up. Not after Malfoy anyway. She couldn't help comparing both men. One was so cool, and had
experienced drastic changes in his life in such a short time; the other was as famous as anyone could get, with the world at his
feet. One had won her heart as they had explored the streets of London, while the other had shown her love's wonders and
broken her heart. She will not go back to him.
Malfoy stared as the couple made their way down the Great Hall. Hermione still looked pretty, but frail and extremely pale.
She was leaning against a tall, strong figure swathed in the robes of an outsider. He was Viktor Krum, the international
Quidditch player, the youngest seeker. He had his arm wrapped protectively around Hermione's shoulders and Hermione
had smiled up at him gratefully. Halfway through dinner, Hermione had lifted her head and glanced in Malfoy's direction but
quickly adverted her gaze. Malfoy saw her eyes grow misty across the table and he had to fight the overpowering urge to go
to her.
He had received owls from Danielle from time to time. She would talk excitedly about the impending wedding and plans for
her dress and food. He was tired of her. Hermione never talked this way. She was caring. She always put him before her.
And he appreciated her concern. It made him want to take care of her because she never talked about herself. He couldn't
believe that he had to live with Danielle for the rest of his life. It made him hate his father even more. The stupid pact. It had
ruined his life. And now, his future was bleak. Malfoy sighed and pushed his plate of food aside.
As Hermione stared at him from across the tables, she felt a tug at her heart.
Each day passes and we never exchanged a single word.
Our days are numbered as we have to move on.
Will you not look me in the eye?
I am sorry for not telling you, what I had kept inside.
We are both sorry for not being truthful to each other at first.
And this where we stand now.
Our futures destined. Our pasts buried but not forgotten.
Our feelings kept a secret. Now and forever.
A/N : Sucky ending, huh? Haha.. wait okay? There's still a little bit of dessert.