LAST TIME:
"Eric, I'm not in love with you. I've always had Draco in the back of my mind. And you just... aren't him." He nodded gravely, and went inside the apartment thinking about what I just told him. I never wanted to hurt him
**********************************
Road to Remembrance Chapter Two: Which One?
I woke up on the porch, soaking wet. It rained during the night. I sat there for a while, remembering the dream I had just had. I always loved lying there in Draco's arms thinking about anything. No on knew about us then and we couldn't care less.
I sighed as I stood up, stretching my legs and looking out over the bustling city. Draco would have loved it here. I tried to persuade him to come here once, but we never got to.
I walked into the bathroom for a towel and saw Eric wasn't in the bed. The apartment was eerily quiet. I saw a note taped to the nightstand.
'Hermione- I went to Houston for a while to stay with my mom. You have the number if you want to call. Love, Eric'
I didn't blame him for being cold. I deserved that. I know I should never have married him, not when there would always be someone else in my heart. Eric was a good guy. He ought to have someone amazing, someone completely different from me. I wouldn't call him at his mom's house. I had to leave.
I packed a single suitcase with clothes, an extra pair of shoes, and my Draco box. I left a note to Eric. I apologized for treating him so horribly, for being so closed off, for leading him on, and mostly for not loving him. I told him I was leaving, but I didn't say where. I told him not to worry, I would be fine. I would call in a few weeks after I was settled in. I told him to move on, see other people, whatever he wanted to do. I didn't want to hold him back anymore.
I emptied my bank account, but didn't dare touch our joint account, even though some of that money was mine. It was Eric's now. I bought a plane ticket to London, and prepared to relive everything I was running from. I called ahead and told Ginny I was coming. I would stay in her guest room for a while.
The plane started its ascent and I started my journey towards everything I tried so hard to forget.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
"Hey Hermione, are you OK?" I snapped out of my reverie and looked into Harry's eyes. He was concerned. I had started 'burying myself in studies' and I hardly ever saw my best friend anymore.
"Yea, I'm fine. I was thinking, that's all." I replied monotonously. He nodded, delving back into his potions homework.
It wasn't a lie; I had been thinking. Draco and I were falling in love. Obviously no one knew, it would be far too scandalous. His mother probably wouldn't be happy. My parents wouldn't be happy simply because they couldn't be there to monitor us. If they knew some of the things we had done... Well, I didn't like to think about that.
And even though we were happy, I still felt lonely sometimes. We couldn't have any PDA, and I couldn't tell Ron or Harry or Ginny. Normal couples got to walk down the hall holding hands. Normal couples walked each other to class. Normal couples got to talk in the hallways without having their friends glaring over their shoulders. But not Draco and I. We would never get to be a normal couple at Hogwarts. We came from two different worlds, and no matter how much we tried to fight that, it was true nonetheless.
**********************************
"Ginny! What on earth are you doing here? I told you I was taking a cab." She shook her head, embracing me. It had been nearly a year since I saw her last.
"Don't be silly. I couldn't wait to see you."
We got my bag and went through lord knows how many security checks. Finally we were out on the street. Ginny beckoned me to follow her, and we reached our destination about 2 blocks away. An apparating point.
"Oh dear. I haven't apparated since..." I bit my lip. She nodded. She seemed to be thinking, and then finally an idea came to her.
"There's a floo station around the corner. Come on, that's much easier." I nodded and she took my bag as we reached the giant fireplace. She went first and then I followed. We ended up in her kitchen. She lived in a small flat about 20 minutes outside the city. I sighed. It was good to be home again, here in London where all my friends and family were.
"Hey so lets get you settled, and then we can talk or eat or go visit some of the old alma mater. Your choice." Ginny led me into my room that I had stayed in so many times before. Ginny wasn't married, despite constant pressure from her family to settle down. That just wasn't my Ginny. She was fun and spontaneous, but not the settling down type.
I folded my clothes and put them in drawers and set the box on a shelf in the closet.
"What's in the box?" Ginny asked over my shoulder.
"Letters, newspaper clippings, other papers." I said quietly.
"About him?" She asked. I knew who she was talking about, and she knew I knew.
"Yes." I whispered. She walked up behind me, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"We could go see-"
"No. I don't want to. Not yet anyway." She nodded, she knew not to pressure me.
"So what do you wanna do today? I'm sure the twins or mum and dad would love to see you." She said cheerily.
"I notice you didn't include Ron in that list." She sighed.
"He wasn't thrilled that you were staying here. You know how he is. But if you guys got to talk, I'm sure he'd see that it's still the same you. He always has been stubborn." I nodded. The last time I saw Ron was at my wedding to Eric, and he and I didn't talk much.
"Do you think we could go to Diagon Alley? I would love to see that place again."
"Vamos!" She shouted.
"I beg your pardon?" She laughed.
"I dated this fine young Spanish man for about a month and picked up on a few things. Vamos means 'lets go'. That's how he wooed me into his bed." I couldn't help but laugh. Ginny was so young. She had obviously never had a broken heart.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
I sat in potions late one Monday afternoon, half asleep, writing notes off of the blackboard. Ron and Harry were on either side of me, tossing notes back and forth between each other. Finally I got sick of it and grabbed one while it was en route to Harry. He tried to prevent me from reading it, but he wasn't exactly successful.
'Harry, mate, I don't know what to do.'
'Look, it's not that big of a deal. Even if the feeling isn't mutual, she won't hold it against you.'
'Yea yea. It's just... she's been so distant lately. Do you think maybe she's avoiding us on purpose? Or perhaps just me? What if she knows and she just doesn't want to hurt my feelings?'
'You know she wouldn't do that Ron.'
'Yea, I suppose. But I still don't know what to do. She's incredible, why on earth would she go with someone like me?'
'Don't sell yourself short now. You're a bloody good friend, that's for sure. I'm sure she would agree, too. But I think you just have to tell her. She'll come to terms.'
'Thanks Harry. You know, I think I will tell her. You think you could give me a minute after class?'
And that is where the note ended. What the hell was I supposed to do now? It was obvious that Ron was talking about me, and my suspicions were confirmed when I glimpsed him avoiding my glance and going bright red from ear to ear. I sighed and wrote one last note and slid the paper over to Ron.
'I suppose we need to talk, eh? After class?' He read it and nodded, looking quickly away. I guess this wasn't the way he planned on me finding out either.
We sat in a tense silence for the rest of Snape's lecture. I was staring into the back of a blonde head when the bell rang and he quickly sprang from his seat, his eyes landing on me. He gave me a questioning look and I sent a meaningful glance in Ron's direction. I guess he got the picture because he looked as though he wanted to beat the pulp out of Ron (not that that was different that any other time he looked at him). I shook my head and he left, following his cronies out the door. I hoped no one had seen our exchange.
Everyone had vacated the room except for Ron and me now. I motioned for him to come outside and when we stepped out we stood in silence for a long moment.
"I guess I should start with the basics. Ron, was the person you were talking about in that note me?" He nodded. "OK, then second... I guess maybe you should explain exactly what you meant."
"Well I... you... We've been friends for a long time now right?" I nodded, waiting for him to continue. He took a deep breath. "Well lately I've been noticing that my feelings toward you have changed a bit. Well what I mean by that is... I have MORE than friendly feelings for you."
"Ron, I don't know what to say. Harry is right, you are an incredible friend, and I hope we'll always be the best of friends. But I think you should know I don't feel the same way about you. I have someone else now, and even if didn't, I look at you as more of a brother than a boyfriend. Do you understand?" Of course he understood. He wasn't THAT dense. But seeing the look on his face I was beginning to wonder...
"What do you mean 'you have someone else'?" So that was the odd look. I knew I should have chosen my words more carefully.
"Oh it's nothing really." I brushed it off, feeling the panic rise inside me.
"I think it is something Hermione. Are you saying you already have a boyfriend?" I clenched my jaw, mulling the words over in my head. Finally I nodded. "Why didn't you tell Harry and I? Who is it? Does he go here? Do I know him?"
"I have a very good reason for not telling you two, which is why I regret to inform you I can't answer the second question. And yes he goes here and yes I do believe you know him."
"Why can't you tell us?" He asked.
"You wouldn't approve. And we just don't think it's a good idea."
"So he's ashamed of you? Hermione you deserve much better than that. No one should ever be ashamed of you. You're beautiful, and smart, and funny, and- "
"He's not ashamed of me!" I went into defensive mode. But Ron's words struck a chord with me. Was Draco ashamed of me? Is that why he didn't want me to tell Harry and Ron? How did I suddenly become so doubtful?
"I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just a bit distressed and obviously so are you. Maybe we should just talk later OK Hermione?" I nodded as he walked away. As soon as he was out of sight I sprinted up to the head dorms. I knocked loudly and obnoxiously until Draco came to the door.
I was winded and I'm sure I looked upset. He welcomed me in and as soon as the door was shut I began to yell.
"Are you ashamed of me?" He was obviously taken aback.
"No! Of course not. Where did you get such a ridiculous idea?"
"Ron. He thinks you're ashamed of me!" Draco laughed.
"Weasley? What does he know? Did you decide to tell them about us?"
"Why do you hate my friends? You are such a PRAT!" I took a breath. Then closed my eyes and shook my head. "Wait... 'decide' to tell them."
"Well yea. If he thinks I'm so ashamed of you I think maybe I should have a talk with him myself. A talk with my fists... They have great conversation skills." I didn't even listen to what he said. He really didn't care if I told them or not. I collapsed into him, squeezing him close.
"I'm sorry."
"Hermione, are you OK? One second you're yelling at me and the next you're telling me you're sorry? I feel like I should be the one apologizing. What exactly were you mad about in the first place?" I laughed.
"I didn't tell Ron who I was going out with. He assumed it was because 'he' wouldn't let me tell anyone. And he kept saying that 'he' must be ashamed of me. Then I started thinking about it and I realized that I hadn't told anyone because I didn't think you wanted to. So then I thought maybe Ron was right. And I was just strung out and you were my first stop."
He kissed the top of my head, standing silently in our tight embrace.
"Now I get to apologize. I'm so so so so sorry that you would ever think I was ashamed of you. I could never be even remotely close to ashamed. And I didn't mean to pressure you about not telling people. I thought we both thought it was easier to stay a secret for a while. But I think the while is up. We should tell people."
I nodded excitedly. This is what I had been waiting for. We would be official soon.
**********************************
"Hey 'Mione, what do you think of these?" Ginny called across the store. She was holding up a pair of bright pink high heeled shoes. I personally detested them, I would never be seen in anything like them, but it was very Ginny.
"Those are great! You can wear them with that black skirt you got earlier." She smiled brightly and nodded. I wandered around the shop and saw nothing I couldn't live without. I decided to go visit the twins in their joke shop.
"Ginny, I'm going to Wheezes. See you there in a minute?" She gave a thumbs up and continued her shopping spree. I walked absentmindedly down the streets of Diagon Alley. Finally I reached the bright doors of Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes and swung them open, entering this death trap disguised as a joke store.
"Freddy? George?" I called down the long aisles.
"I recognize that voice, don't you Fred?" George said, suddenly appearing in front of me.
"I most certainly do!" Fred said, next to his brother.
"The one and only Hermione Granger! What brings you to this neck of the woods?" George asked as he gave me a bear hug.
"Can't breathe..." I stuttered. They laughed and George released me.
"It's so good to see you 'Mione. Where've you been?" Fred asked.
"It's good to see both of you. Ginny will be here in a minute. I guess you didn't know I was staying with her?" I asked them.
"Of course we did. We're not completely out of the loop." George said, a crooked grin plastered on his face.
"So how is business?" I asked them.
"Going strong. Really picks up in the summer though. Mischief makers are out of school and stocking up."
"Our followers..." Fred sighed.
"You two are still exactly the same as I remember."
"Au contraire, Freddy here has changed quite a bit." George jabbed him in the ribs. "He turned soft and got a girl."
"What? Are you married Fred?" I asked curiously. He shook his head though.
"No, not yet at least. Engaged. Weddings in a few months. Invitations are in the mail. I suppose you won't be home to get yours though." He smiled as he talked, the telltale sign that he was in love. "Do you remember Alicia Spinnet?"
"You're getting married to Alicia?"
"No. I'm getting married to Alicia's cousin Kelly." We all laughed, things were just the same between us. They didn't hold anything against me.
"Congratulations Fred. Now how about you George, got a lady lined up?" I asked.
"No, I'm single. How bout it Hermione, we could get together sometime." He winked at me, and I winked back, these boys were too much.
"Yea, I'll call you as soon as I get rid of my husband." I said jokingly.
"Which one?" Fred asked. He and George laughed, but I just couldn't. The noticed the look on my face and instantly quieted. "I'm so sorry Hermione. I didn't mean-"
"Don't worry about it. But look I've gotta run, Ginny will be looking for me." I quickly moved to the door and though I heard them calling after me, I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
"So, I'm leaving for the holiday. My mum wants me to come home." Draco said quietly to me in the hallway one day. We couldn't normally talk out in the open like this, but there were only a few first years around.
"I thought we were spending Christmas together." I said dejectedly. He sighed and pulled me into a dark corner, earning a few sideways glances from the younger students.
"I know. But my mother doesn't know about you, and if I say I can't come because I have a girlfriend, she'll tell me to bring her home with me."
"So why don't you?" I asked coyly. "Surely you're mother won't recognize me as Harry Potters right hand girl. Not a chance."
"I wish I could. I want to show you the manor, you'd love it." I shook my head however. "No of course not. House elves."
He knew me all too well.
"What am I gonna do for two whole weeks without you?" I asked sadly. He pushed a strand of hair out of my face and kissed me gently.
"I suppose we will have to make these last three days count, eh?" He said suggestively. I nodded, pulling him closer, kissing his lips. His eyes were enchanting. Not quite gray, but not blue. They were all his own. I could get lost, simply staring in those eyes.
"I'll miss you." He smirked that famous Malfoy smirk and I knew some snide remark was coming.
"I'll miss you too." He said sincerely. Sometimes people surprise you...
**********************************
"Hermione are you OK?" Ginny asked as we walked into the diner. I shook my head.
"Fred and George said something that got to me. We were all joking around; I know they didn't mean it. But it made me upset thinking about it."
"Did they say something about him?" Ginny asked. I nodded. "How many times I've told them never to mention Draco around you. But do they listen? Of course not."
"It doesn't matter Ginny. I have to deal with this. Otherwise I'll just be wallowing my whole life."
"Yea, I suppose so. But it never hurts to have someone else on your side. You know I'm always here for you." I nodded.
"I know Gin. That's why I called you when I decided to come back. I know I'll eventually need someone to talk to. I just... can't yet."
"No pressure. We have all the time in the world."
We ordered out food, ate, and paid the check. We talked about the many guys Ginny had dated, about what different people from Hogwarts were doing, the different jobs Ginny had over the years. Then finally we got onto the subject of Eric.
"You could say I left him. I snapped the other day, told him I didn't love him. I had to tell him the truth; I lied to him for too long. He was too good for me." I finally said.
"He wasn't too good for you babe. He just wasn't the one." I took a long swig of my beer, the first I'd had in a long time.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
"Hey there, Orion. You have a letter for me?" The owl hooted and dropped the parchment into my open hand. I petted it and then sent it on its way. I hadn't heard from Draco for the entirety of break and now, with only 4 days left, I finally get a letter. I opened it up and began to read with a smile on my face.
'To my drunken princess Hermione, Hello sweetie. I've missed you so much. It's been absolutely dismal in the manor. Mother is more out of it than usual. I wondered why, but then my father came home. I have some bad news, and I don't really know how to tell you this. Actually I can't tell you in a letter; it will have to wait until I get back to Hogwarts. I hope your holiday was wonderful, and I'll see you tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I'm coming back early. I'll be dreaming about you tonight, my love. I love you. -Draco'
I sighed, thinking about what he wrote. Bad news was never good. At least I didn't have long to wait. I followed Draco's lead, and went off to dream about him long into the night.
The next morning I awoke relatively early for a holiday, around 8:30. I put on some clothes and went down to have breakfast. There was hardly anyone there. Even most of the teachers were still asleep. I ate quietly, counting the minutes until 11 o'clock, when the early train was supposed to arrive.
But 11 came and went and still no Draco. I knocked on his door, but he was obviously not here. The afternoon train arrived at 3, and again, no Draco. Finally, the last train of the day arrived at 7. I waited with baited breath as people climbed out of the compartments. Finally the doors closed and it began to pull away. He wasn't coming home today.
'Draco aka STUPID OAF, Where are you? You told me you were coming home today, and I've waited all day for you. I miss you too much, I need you to come back. Write me back and let me know everything is OK. I love you (times infinity!). XoXoXo, Hermione'
I sent the letter with a school owl. I didn't get a reply the next day, nor did Draco arrive on any of the trains. I was worried. Why would he say he was coming home early is he wasn't?
I cried myself to sleep. I dreamt of Draco. I wondered if he was in danger, or if he was warm in his bed, I couldn't stop worrying.
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(A/N) Thank you soooooo much to my wonderful reviewers! I appreciate each and every one of you! I hope you all like this chapter. I had a different version originally, but I re-wrote it to keep a few things a mystery a little longer...
THANKS TO:
Evillizzy89
a-gothic-romance
Nicole
Frozen Darkness
Darkmonkey
Lexx822
Theone
Please review!!
*SHAMELESS SELF-PLUG* Please read Re-offender (it's a SAD one shot by me obviously lol). It is one of my best works (if I do say so myself) and the few readers I had liked it apparently. I guess I should have put it in Romance instead of angst, but whateva! I worked far too hard on that story for it to only get like 4 reviews. I'll love you FOREVER if you read/review!!
AND THANKS FOR REVIEWS ON Re-OFFENDER
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Thanks a bunch everyone, hope you enjoyed! *DiM*
"Eric, I'm not in love with you. I've always had Draco in the back of my mind. And you just... aren't him." He nodded gravely, and went inside the apartment thinking about what I just told him. I never wanted to hurt him
**********************************
Road to Remembrance Chapter Two: Which One?
I woke up on the porch, soaking wet. It rained during the night. I sat there for a while, remembering the dream I had just had. I always loved lying there in Draco's arms thinking about anything. No on knew about us then and we couldn't care less.
I sighed as I stood up, stretching my legs and looking out over the bustling city. Draco would have loved it here. I tried to persuade him to come here once, but we never got to.
I walked into the bathroom for a towel and saw Eric wasn't in the bed. The apartment was eerily quiet. I saw a note taped to the nightstand.
'Hermione- I went to Houston for a while to stay with my mom. You have the number if you want to call. Love, Eric'
I didn't blame him for being cold. I deserved that. I know I should never have married him, not when there would always be someone else in my heart. Eric was a good guy. He ought to have someone amazing, someone completely different from me. I wouldn't call him at his mom's house. I had to leave.
I packed a single suitcase with clothes, an extra pair of shoes, and my Draco box. I left a note to Eric. I apologized for treating him so horribly, for being so closed off, for leading him on, and mostly for not loving him. I told him I was leaving, but I didn't say where. I told him not to worry, I would be fine. I would call in a few weeks after I was settled in. I told him to move on, see other people, whatever he wanted to do. I didn't want to hold him back anymore.
I emptied my bank account, but didn't dare touch our joint account, even though some of that money was mine. It was Eric's now. I bought a plane ticket to London, and prepared to relive everything I was running from. I called ahead and told Ginny I was coming. I would stay in her guest room for a while.
The plane started its ascent and I started my journey towards everything I tried so hard to forget.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
"Hey Hermione, are you OK?" I snapped out of my reverie and looked into Harry's eyes. He was concerned. I had started 'burying myself in studies' and I hardly ever saw my best friend anymore.
"Yea, I'm fine. I was thinking, that's all." I replied monotonously. He nodded, delving back into his potions homework.
It wasn't a lie; I had been thinking. Draco and I were falling in love. Obviously no one knew, it would be far too scandalous. His mother probably wouldn't be happy. My parents wouldn't be happy simply because they couldn't be there to monitor us. If they knew some of the things we had done... Well, I didn't like to think about that.
And even though we were happy, I still felt lonely sometimes. We couldn't have any PDA, and I couldn't tell Ron or Harry or Ginny. Normal couples got to walk down the hall holding hands. Normal couples walked each other to class. Normal couples got to talk in the hallways without having their friends glaring over their shoulders. But not Draco and I. We would never get to be a normal couple at Hogwarts. We came from two different worlds, and no matter how much we tried to fight that, it was true nonetheless.
**********************************
"Ginny! What on earth are you doing here? I told you I was taking a cab." She shook her head, embracing me. It had been nearly a year since I saw her last.
"Don't be silly. I couldn't wait to see you."
We got my bag and went through lord knows how many security checks. Finally we were out on the street. Ginny beckoned me to follow her, and we reached our destination about 2 blocks away. An apparating point.
"Oh dear. I haven't apparated since..." I bit my lip. She nodded. She seemed to be thinking, and then finally an idea came to her.
"There's a floo station around the corner. Come on, that's much easier." I nodded and she took my bag as we reached the giant fireplace. She went first and then I followed. We ended up in her kitchen. She lived in a small flat about 20 minutes outside the city. I sighed. It was good to be home again, here in London where all my friends and family were.
"Hey so lets get you settled, and then we can talk or eat or go visit some of the old alma mater. Your choice." Ginny led me into my room that I had stayed in so many times before. Ginny wasn't married, despite constant pressure from her family to settle down. That just wasn't my Ginny. She was fun and spontaneous, but not the settling down type.
I folded my clothes and put them in drawers and set the box on a shelf in the closet.
"What's in the box?" Ginny asked over my shoulder.
"Letters, newspaper clippings, other papers." I said quietly.
"About him?" She asked. I knew who she was talking about, and she knew I knew.
"Yes." I whispered. She walked up behind me, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"We could go see-"
"No. I don't want to. Not yet anyway." She nodded, she knew not to pressure me.
"So what do you wanna do today? I'm sure the twins or mum and dad would love to see you." She said cheerily.
"I notice you didn't include Ron in that list." She sighed.
"He wasn't thrilled that you were staying here. You know how he is. But if you guys got to talk, I'm sure he'd see that it's still the same you. He always has been stubborn." I nodded. The last time I saw Ron was at my wedding to Eric, and he and I didn't talk much.
"Do you think we could go to Diagon Alley? I would love to see that place again."
"Vamos!" She shouted.
"I beg your pardon?" She laughed.
"I dated this fine young Spanish man for about a month and picked up on a few things. Vamos means 'lets go'. That's how he wooed me into his bed." I couldn't help but laugh. Ginny was so young. She had obviously never had a broken heart.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
I sat in potions late one Monday afternoon, half asleep, writing notes off of the blackboard. Ron and Harry were on either side of me, tossing notes back and forth between each other. Finally I got sick of it and grabbed one while it was en route to Harry. He tried to prevent me from reading it, but he wasn't exactly successful.
'Harry, mate, I don't know what to do.'
'Look, it's not that big of a deal. Even if the feeling isn't mutual, she won't hold it against you.'
'Yea yea. It's just... she's been so distant lately. Do you think maybe she's avoiding us on purpose? Or perhaps just me? What if she knows and she just doesn't want to hurt my feelings?'
'You know she wouldn't do that Ron.'
'Yea, I suppose. But I still don't know what to do. She's incredible, why on earth would she go with someone like me?'
'Don't sell yourself short now. You're a bloody good friend, that's for sure. I'm sure she would agree, too. But I think you just have to tell her. She'll come to terms.'
'Thanks Harry. You know, I think I will tell her. You think you could give me a minute after class?'
And that is where the note ended. What the hell was I supposed to do now? It was obvious that Ron was talking about me, and my suspicions were confirmed when I glimpsed him avoiding my glance and going bright red from ear to ear. I sighed and wrote one last note and slid the paper over to Ron.
'I suppose we need to talk, eh? After class?' He read it and nodded, looking quickly away. I guess this wasn't the way he planned on me finding out either.
We sat in a tense silence for the rest of Snape's lecture. I was staring into the back of a blonde head when the bell rang and he quickly sprang from his seat, his eyes landing on me. He gave me a questioning look and I sent a meaningful glance in Ron's direction. I guess he got the picture because he looked as though he wanted to beat the pulp out of Ron (not that that was different that any other time he looked at him). I shook my head and he left, following his cronies out the door. I hoped no one had seen our exchange.
Everyone had vacated the room except for Ron and me now. I motioned for him to come outside and when we stepped out we stood in silence for a long moment.
"I guess I should start with the basics. Ron, was the person you were talking about in that note me?" He nodded. "OK, then second... I guess maybe you should explain exactly what you meant."
"Well I... you... We've been friends for a long time now right?" I nodded, waiting for him to continue. He took a deep breath. "Well lately I've been noticing that my feelings toward you have changed a bit. Well what I mean by that is... I have MORE than friendly feelings for you."
"Ron, I don't know what to say. Harry is right, you are an incredible friend, and I hope we'll always be the best of friends. But I think you should know I don't feel the same way about you. I have someone else now, and even if didn't, I look at you as more of a brother than a boyfriend. Do you understand?" Of course he understood. He wasn't THAT dense. But seeing the look on his face I was beginning to wonder...
"What do you mean 'you have someone else'?" So that was the odd look. I knew I should have chosen my words more carefully.
"Oh it's nothing really." I brushed it off, feeling the panic rise inside me.
"I think it is something Hermione. Are you saying you already have a boyfriend?" I clenched my jaw, mulling the words over in my head. Finally I nodded. "Why didn't you tell Harry and I? Who is it? Does he go here? Do I know him?"
"I have a very good reason for not telling you two, which is why I regret to inform you I can't answer the second question. And yes he goes here and yes I do believe you know him."
"Why can't you tell us?" He asked.
"You wouldn't approve. And we just don't think it's a good idea."
"So he's ashamed of you? Hermione you deserve much better than that. No one should ever be ashamed of you. You're beautiful, and smart, and funny, and- "
"He's not ashamed of me!" I went into defensive mode. But Ron's words struck a chord with me. Was Draco ashamed of me? Is that why he didn't want me to tell Harry and Ron? How did I suddenly become so doubtful?
"I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just a bit distressed and obviously so are you. Maybe we should just talk later OK Hermione?" I nodded as he walked away. As soon as he was out of sight I sprinted up to the head dorms. I knocked loudly and obnoxiously until Draco came to the door.
I was winded and I'm sure I looked upset. He welcomed me in and as soon as the door was shut I began to yell.
"Are you ashamed of me?" He was obviously taken aback.
"No! Of course not. Where did you get such a ridiculous idea?"
"Ron. He thinks you're ashamed of me!" Draco laughed.
"Weasley? What does he know? Did you decide to tell them about us?"
"Why do you hate my friends? You are such a PRAT!" I took a breath. Then closed my eyes and shook my head. "Wait... 'decide' to tell them."
"Well yea. If he thinks I'm so ashamed of you I think maybe I should have a talk with him myself. A talk with my fists... They have great conversation skills." I didn't even listen to what he said. He really didn't care if I told them or not. I collapsed into him, squeezing him close.
"I'm sorry."
"Hermione, are you OK? One second you're yelling at me and the next you're telling me you're sorry? I feel like I should be the one apologizing. What exactly were you mad about in the first place?" I laughed.
"I didn't tell Ron who I was going out with. He assumed it was because 'he' wouldn't let me tell anyone. And he kept saying that 'he' must be ashamed of me. Then I started thinking about it and I realized that I hadn't told anyone because I didn't think you wanted to. So then I thought maybe Ron was right. And I was just strung out and you were my first stop."
He kissed the top of my head, standing silently in our tight embrace.
"Now I get to apologize. I'm so so so so sorry that you would ever think I was ashamed of you. I could never be even remotely close to ashamed. And I didn't mean to pressure you about not telling people. I thought we both thought it was easier to stay a secret for a while. But I think the while is up. We should tell people."
I nodded excitedly. This is what I had been waiting for. We would be official soon.
**********************************
"Hey 'Mione, what do you think of these?" Ginny called across the store. She was holding up a pair of bright pink high heeled shoes. I personally detested them, I would never be seen in anything like them, but it was very Ginny.
"Those are great! You can wear them with that black skirt you got earlier." She smiled brightly and nodded. I wandered around the shop and saw nothing I couldn't live without. I decided to go visit the twins in their joke shop.
"Ginny, I'm going to Wheezes. See you there in a minute?" She gave a thumbs up and continued her shopping spree. I walked absentmindedly down the streets of Diagon Alley. Finally I reached the bright doors of Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes and swung them open, entering this death trap disguised as a joke store.
"Freddy? George?" I called down the long aisles.
"I recognize that voice, don't you Fred?" George said, suddenly appearing in front of me.
"I most certainly do!" Fred said, next to his brother.
"The one and only Hermione Granger! What brings you to this neck of the woods?" George asked as he gave me a bear hug.
"Can't breathe..." I stuttered. They laughed and George released me.
"It's so good to see you 'Mione. Where've you been?" Fred asked.
"It's good to see both of you. Ginny will be here in a minute. I guess you didn't know I was staying with her?" I asked them.
"Of course we did. We're not completely out of the loop." George said, a crooked grin plastered on his face.
"So how is business?" I asked them.
"Going strong. Really picks up in the summer though. Mischief makers are out of school and stocking up."
"Our followers..." Fred sighed.
"You two are still exactly the same as I remember."
"Au contraire, Freddy here has changed quite a bit." George jabbed him in the ribs. "He turned soft and got a girl."
"What? Are you married Fred?" I asked curiously. He shook his head though.
"No, not yet at least. Engaged. Weddings in a few months. Invitations are in the mail. I suppose you won't be home to get yours though." He smiled as he talked, the telltale sign that he was in love. "Do you remember Alicia Spinnet?"
"You're getting married to Alicia?"
"No. I'm getting married to Alicia's cousin Kelly." We all laughed, things were just the same between us. They didn't hold anything against me.
"Congratulations Fred. Now how about you George, got a lady lined up?" I asked.
"No, I'm single. How bout it Hermione, we could get together sometime." He winked at me, and I winked back, these boys were too much.
"Yea, I'll call you as soon as I get rid of my husband." I said jokingly.
"Which one?" Fred asked. He and George laughed, but I just couldn't. The noticed the look on my face and instantly quieted. "I'm so sorry Hermione. I didn't mean-"
"Don't worry about it. But look I've gotta run, Ginny will be looking for me." I quickly moved to the door and though I heard them calling after me, I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.
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-FLASHBACK-
"So, I'm leaving for the holiday. My mum wants me to come home." Draco said quietly to me in the hallway one day. We couldn't normally talk out in the open like this, but there were only a few first years around.
"I thought we were spending Christmas together." I said dejectedly. He sighed and pulled me into a dark corner, earning a few sideways glances from the younger students.
"I know. But my mother doesn't know about you, and if I say I can't come because I have a girlfriend, she'll tell me to bring her home with me."
"So why don't you?" I asked coyly. "Surely you're mother won't recognize me as Harry Potters right hand girl. Not a chance."
"I wish I could. I want to show you the manor, you'd love it." I shook my head however. "No of course not. House elves."
He knew me all too well.
"What am I gonna do for two whole weeks without you?" I asked sadly. He pushed a strand of hair out of my face and kissed me gently.
"I suppose we will have to make these last three days count, eh?" He said suggestively. I nodded, pulling him closer, kissing his lips. His eyes were enchanting. Not quite gray, but not blue. They were all his own. I could get lost, simply staring in those eyes.
"I'll miss you." He smirked that famous Malfoy smirk and I knew some snide remark was coming.
"I'll miss you too." He said sincerely. Sometimes people surprise you...
**********************************
"Hermione are you OK?" Ginny asked as we walked into the diner. I shook my head.
"Fred and George said something that got to me. We were all joking around; I know they didn't mean it. But it made me upset thinking about it."
"Did they say something about him?" Ginny asked. I nodded. "How many times I've told them never to mention Draco around you. But do they listen? Of course not."
"It doesn't matter Ginny. I have to deal with this. Otherwise I'll just be wallowing my whole life."
"Yea, I suppose so. But it never hurts to have someone else on your side. You know I'm always here for you." I nodded.
"I know Gin. That's why I called you when I decided to come back. I know I'll eventually need someone to talk to. I just... can't yet."
"No pressure. We have all the time in the world."
We ordered out food, ate, and paid the check. We talked about the many guys Ginny had dated, about what different people from Hogwarts were doing, the different jobs Ginny had over the years. Then finally we got onto the subject of Eric.
"You could say I left him. I snapped the other day, told him I didn't love him. I had to tell him the truth; I lied to him for too long. He was too good for me." I finally said.
"He wasn't too good for you babe. He just wasn't the one." I took a long swig of my beer, the first I'd had in a long time.
**********************************
-FLASHBACK-
"Hey there, Orion. You have a letter for me?" The owl hooted and dropped the parchment into my open hand. I petted it and then sent it on its way. I hadn't heard from Draco for the entirety of break and now, with only 4 days left, I finally get a letter. I opened it up and began to read with a smile on my face.
'To my drunken princess Hermione, Hello sweetie. I've missed you so much. It's been absolutely dismal in the manor. Mother is more out of it than usual. I wondered why, but then my father came home. I have some bad news, and I don't really know how to tell you this. Actually I can't tell you in a letter; it will have to wait until I get back to Hogwarts. I hope your holiday was wonderful, and I'll see you tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I'm coming back early. I'll be dreaming about you tonight, my love. I love you. -Draco'
I sighed, thinking about what he wrote. Bad news was never good. At least I didn't have long to wait. I followed Draco's lead, and went off to dream about him long into the night.
The next morning I awoke relatively early for a holiday, around 8:30. I put on some clothes and went down to have breakfast. There was hardly anyone there. Even most of the teachers were still asleep. I ate quietly, counting the minutes until 11 o'clock, when the early train was supposed to arrive.
But 11 came and went and still no Draco. I knocked on his door, but he was obviously not here. The afternoon train arrived at 3, and again, no Draco. Finally, the last train of the day arrived at 7. I waited with baited breath as people climbed out of the compartments. Finally the doors closed and it began to pull away. He wasn't coming home today.
'Draco aka STUPID OAF, Where are you? You told me you were coming home today, and I've waited all day for you. I miss you too much, I need you to come back. Write me back and let me know everything is OK. I love you (times infinity!). XoXoXo, Hermione'
I sent the letter with a school owl. I didn't get a reply the next day, nor did Draco arrive on any of the trains. I was worried. Why would he say he was coming home early is he wasn't?
I cried myself to sleep. I dreamt of Draco. I wondered if he was in danger, or if he was warm in his bed, I couldn't stop worrying.
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(A/N) Thank you soooooo much to my wonderful reviewers! I appreciate each and every one of you! I hope you all like this chapter. I had a different version originally, but I re-wrote it to keep a few things a mystery a little longer...
THANKS TO:
Evillizzy89
a-gothic-romance
Nicole
Frozen Darkness
Darkmonkey
Lexx822
Theone
Please review!!
*SHAMELESS SELF-PLUG* Please read Re-offender (it's a SAD one shot by me obviously lol). It is one of my best works (if I do say so myself) and the few readers I had liked it apparently. I guess I should have put it in Romance instead of angst, but whateva! I worked far too hard on that story for it to only get like 4 reviews. I'll love you FOREVER if you read/review!!
AND THANKS FOR REVIEWS ON Re-OFFENDER
Ashlitamalfoy
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Snapes Gryffindor goddess
Thanks a bunch everyone, hope you enjoyed! *DiM*