Summary: Hermione caught Draco having an intimate moment with another woman. Devastated, she broke up with him and locked her self up in her room all day. But then an owl was sent to her one day and little did she know that, that owl would change her life forever.
Author's note: Oh my god, I'm so sorry I haven't updated for such long time. School work is just a nightmare! We just had our term finals it was horrible! And another thing I can't write when all of my family is questioning me what I'm doing! (Yeah I know, excuses..excuses!) Well here's the second chappie so don't sue! This chap focuses more on Draco this time. Hope you all like it!
Disclaimer: No profit is being made from this. All of them are sent directly to JK! The characters you don't recognize are mine and all the ones you recognize belongs to the one and only JK Rowling.
The Secret Kept
By: villainvalkyrie
Chapter 2- Talks and Letters
Unbeknownst to Hermione, Draco was thinking the same thing. This is the only thing that occupied his mind since that dreadful day. He was often seen in his office perched in his chair lost in thought. Sometimes staring blankly at the busy muggle London street through his black ebony window.
He's been in this state the whole week since that certain incident, thus neglecting his work and position as Junior Head.
Whenever the people in his department have a chance to peek in his office, not even one of them turn around without shaking their heads or at least throw him a pitiful look. They really do want to help, but somehow they can't seem to do anything. And because being witnesses of the almost 'Break-Up of the Year' they decided its best to just leave him alone for a few days for him to think and clear his mind.
Like Hermione, he was hurting as much as she was. He obviously didn't want this, well who would? Who would allow a simple blasted will ruin your life forever? But for Draco, he has no other option, no other choice.
Even after death his father still managed to control over his life. That's why he completely despises his father after everything he has done and gave him.
It's a beautiful Thursday morning. But no matter how perfect it is, it is not enough to cheer Draco up.
It's been exactly a week since their break-up, and as much as he tried to convinced himself not think about it and it's all not worth the bother, his brain just can't cooperate with him. And what annoys him terribly is its continuous chanting of Hermione's melodious voice. "I think its best to give your happiness to someone else. I know you'll be much happier with her than you were with me…you'll be much happier with her than you were with me… much happier with her than you were with me" It's like a mantra and he's getting sick of it!
Somehow he can't seem to get rid of those words out of his mind. And every time those words pop into his head, it never once fails for him to feel guilt, sadness and anger all of the same time. It's like echoing in the walls of his mind that ricochets to his entire body causing it not to work properly or even think properly.
Getting too tired of letting his mind wander off in thought, he released a long heavy sigh as he sat in his chair. He hesitated for a moment but reached in the right bottom drawer of his desk and fished out a small green velvet box. He opened it, revealing the most exquisite diamond ring that would make any woman say 'I Do' right on the spot. Its simplicity made it more elegant and pleasing to look at. That's how Hermione would want it, the way she really is, simple but elegant.
Draco didn't notice the man who just entered. He was watching him intently then his gaze traveled to the ring. He smiled knowingly but then his smile faded as the realization hit him. That thing used to have full of meaning, such passion, such adoration, but now…its means nothing. "Pity she'll never know how much he loves her and all of this is just a grand facade." he thought. The man fought all his thoughts and produced a smile. "My, my, a little bitsy ring can sure make you forget about me huh?"
The blonde man looked up and saw Blaise coming towards him. Draco grinned good-naturedly as he gestured his good friend to sit down.
"Pleasant surprise." Said Draco
"Yeah, it's been awhile since we've met so I'm here." said Blaise.
Draco knows it's not about that, they often don't see each other for months yet he never came to see him. He produced his 'Oh really?' look.
"Okay you caught me!" said Blaise throwing his hands in the air. "It's not really my thing to do a surprised visit, and I know you're dying to know why I'm here?"
"You're exactly reading my mind." Said Draco and for the first time since that dreaded day he permitted himself to smile. "So what's the reason of your impromptu visit?"
"You." He simply said. "And the event that happened a week ago." Draco's smile faded and he tried hard to replace it by a puzzled look but Blaise knew him too well to be fooled. "Oh, don't give me that look. You know what I'm talking about. I received an owl from your secretary Halley the other day, and she told me everything. So here I am." Draco mumbled a few words and he swore he heard the words 'nosy' and 'bitch'. He laughed a little and said "She was just worried and concerned about you. I'll be too if I were on her shoes. So, what's this thing about Pansy being here? She still has this jinx of being in the right place at the right time eh?" He smirked "That whore, she still hasn't changed." He said shaking his head.
Draco half smiled. "Yeah, she hasn't. Still the slut we know. Can you believe that she walked in here saying how I finally came into my senses and how I decided to marry her?" Draco grinned and shook his head. "You know that she's the first option for the arrange marriage right?" he sadly grinned. "I think mother informed her that's why she barged in here like she owned me or something."
Blaise just remained silent, waiting for his friend to continue.
"But you know what Blaise," he said facing his friend. "Its weird cause' I'm kinda' glad Pansy was at the right place and at the right time. I don't think I have the guts to tell Hermione personally about it. I know she'll understand and all but I can't bear seeing her fall because of what my father had done. I decided its best if I let her think that all of this was my fault so other people wont be involved."
"Are you telling me that you're just gonna shield her from the truth?" said Blaise shocked, not believing his ears.
"Yeah, that's the gist of it" said Draco.
"But don't you think it will just hurt her more not telling the truth? Not to mention angry. She will find out sooner or later." said Blaise.
"I've thought about that" he whispered. "And I'm willing to risk it."
Blaise sighed "Why are you acting like this? You know something like this is bound to happen when your father's will was found."
This is true, when the Great War occurred, his father was tragically killed. Nobody knows where he hid his Last Will and Testament except for Godfrey Ligorstale, the Malfoy Family Lawyer. He fled the country together with his family when the war took place, so it took them years to track him down. Once he was found, Draco's mother Narcissa, demanded to read the will immediately.
The will states that the Malfoy Heir (means Draco) must abide by the family's legacy, that he must have a pureblooded marriage by the time he's 22 years old. The thing that really pissed him off is in divorce is not permitted. Only the death of the chosen spouse can fully close the contract.
"I don't know, I guess I'm spending so much time with my work that I didn't stop to think about how it will feel when its actually done" said Draco, never once leaving his sight on the ring as he spoke.
Blaise pitied his friend; he knows how much he loves Hermione and how much he sacrificed to be with her. But certain issues needs to be done, and must be done.
"You'll get through this. I know you will." Blaise said since there's no more to say that would ever cheer him up. He motioned to stand up and grabbed his cloak.
"I hope so." Draco murmured also standing up.
"Oh one more thing, your mother invited me for tea in your Manor and ask me to give you this. You don't have to worry, we discussed other things." He said sensing the thought forming in Draco's mind. He gave a letter to Draco then turned around. But before he reached the door, he faced Draco again and said knowingly "Everything will be okay, trust me."
Draco smiled lightly. "We'll see." And with that, Blaise left his office. He opened the note and it read.
Draco,
Please meet me at the manor this afternoon. Important matters will be discussed. I'll be waiting.
Love
Mother
He sighed and crumpled the parchment. The slightest hint of apprehension climbs into his chest. The 'important matters' would only mean one thing. He places the ring back into his drawer and readied himself. "Let's get this over with." His last thoughts were, and then he grabbed a handful of floo powder from the jar and threw it in the flames. He stepped in the fireplace and called 'Malfoy Manor'. He closed his eyes and let the swirling sensation ran across his body as he reached his destination.
At Malfoy Manor, Narcissa is in her study poring over some parchments when a house elf came announcing the arrival of her son. She instructed the house elf to direct the young master to her study. After a few minutes Draco arrived.
"Draco, my dear." she said hugging her son. "Come, sit down." She gestured him to the nearest chair. "We have so much to talk about; I didn't even expect you to arrive so soon."
"So what do you want to talk about?" Draco asked, ignoring her last comment.
"Its regarding the last testament your father left." He knew it. "Not this again." he thought exasperatedly. Though he's getting sooooooooo sick of this topic he let his mum continue.
Narcissa can sense the battle inside him she hates to do this she had to. "You see Draco, Atty. Ligorstale told me that Lucius made that will after you left Hogwarts and as you may know, that's when the Great War started." 'Blah, blah, blah, blah' "He said, your father personally prepared this himself, like preparing for whatever things that might happen." She glanced at her son before continuing, her voice more serious. "Draco, the will was bound to be read after the war. We're supposed to be informed of what the will said ahead of time. Especially you, since you're the center of the whole thing. Do you understand my point Draco? No one has to be blamed but the terms must be done in time. No matter what it takes."
He nodded wearily. "Yes mother, I understand perfectly"
Narcissa scanned her son, he's trying to be strong but he's shattering inside. She said it herself, no one has to be blamed, but sometimes she ponders, Lucius should be held responsible for all these. If he could only be considerate enough he will let his son be happy and not continue their family heirloom. But it is his family legacy and not hers to amend.
She cupped his face and said. "I know what happened Draco, but you have to let it go. Or else more people will be involved. Listen to me, if you follow this…" she pointed his heart "you'll be happy but other people will suffer. But if you follow this…" she pointed his temple "No one will get hurt, no one will agonize. B—"
"No one other than me, is that it?" Draco whispered his voice husky. His eyes are clouded with mixed emotions.
"Draco, sacrifices must be made. Just what your father always taught you." said Narcissa serenely.
Draco remained silent for quite sometime. Then he blurted out suddenly "Have you found a suitable girl for me yet?"
Narcissa smiled "I'm working on it, but I found the one and I assure you, you won't be disappointed." She kissed his head as she stood up and gathered the rolls of parchments in her desk. "I'll leave you here alone to think okay? Though I know you've think about this loads of times."
Draco smiled lightly as he nodded and before her mother close the door he said "Oh, and mum? Thank you."
And as Narcissa closed the door, Draco was left again with his thoughts.
In her bedroom, Narcissa faced a portrait of a little girl dressed in a pink sun dress with matching umbrella and bow playing with her cute little puppy.
"So how did it go?" the little girl asked merrily.
"Not better than I thought it would, but I think it went well." Narcissa replied.
"If you ask me, I think he understands the situation quite clearly, just having troubles accepting and if I say so myself, forgetting." the little girl grinned knowingly. "Anyway, want to peek in again?" She smiled.
Narcissa just smiled and spoke the password "Toujours Pur" The portrait opened and revealed a small compartment. There laid a white envelope with black and silver emblem. She opened the letter and carefully read again. Written in pearly green ink the letter read:
My dearest Narcissa,
If you are reading this, you know that I'm gone and I expect you already read my last will. I hope you will understand my decision, continuing my family heirloom by letting our Draco abide by those rules you know so well. Let's just say this is my way of punishment to him joining Dumbledore. However, this is not the real reason, I have greatly stained our family's reputation to this world and though I'm hesitant about making this choice, Draco must take back that reputation I have once lost in every means possible. Even if that means forcing him to marry in such an early age.
Narcissa my dear, I'm counting on you. I gave him everything he asks for, and now I'm asking him to do this favor. Just always remind him of what I always tell him 'Sacrifices are indeed needed in life and we have to let go to attain something superior.' I know he will be livid at first because I'm sure certain issues are greatly affected especially his personal life. It will take him time to comprehend but I trust him to do this for our family cause if not, you know what the consequences are.
Take care of yourself my love.
Lucius
A tear fell before she knew it, even though Lucius was a cruel man she still loves him. "Lucius, you know I hate things that get in the way of Draco's happiness, but your reasons are crucial. I just hope you know what you're doing when you decided this." she thought.
She had just put the letter back in the compartment; a head emerged from the flames in the fireplace. She smiled lightly as she approached the visitor.
"Monsieur Le Clerc" said Narcissa bowing lightly. "I'm glad you're sparing me some of your busy schedule"
The old man is obviously in his mid 50's and sporting an almost balding head. He looks tired and exhausted but tried his best to smile politely. "Ooh Narziza anyzing for a old friend." He said with his thick French accent. "I 'Ope I'm not bozering you."
"Oh no, your timing is impeccable." said Narcissa. "I presume you've already receive my urgent owl."
"Yez, indeed." said the man. "I underztand everyzing. And az a friend I acczep your propozal and so do Gabrielle."
"Thank you Benedict, Draco will be pleased." said Narcissa happily. "I knew you'll understand. Now that's settled, there are many things to arrange, Minister."
Authors Notes: So there you have it! My 2nd chappie. Its quite confusing because of the sequencing and I don't feel too confident about it. But I hope y'll like it!
Sorry for the French thingy language. I don't how to emphasize his thick accent. And, I'll let you know a little secret; the little girl in the portrait is Narcissa's mother (when she was little of course! Lol). That's why the password is 'Toujours Pur' the Black Family motto, means 'Always Pure'. I didn't include it there because I fear it might confuse you. Anyway, I hope Lucius' will is clear to all of you. Oh and about the letter Hermione received, that will be shown in the 3rd one or not in the 4th. I'm not sure cause'I keep changing my story line.
As usual REVIEW! Tell me what you think! Because it's you guys that make me go on. Thank you so much!
Special thanks to these guys! Love you all!
Serlene: Thanks for being the one who first reviewed!
RedWitch1: Thanks for liking my first chap not to mention my first fic, I was hesitant to post this because I didn't think its good but I gave it a shot. For the letter, wait for the 3rd chap or not the 4th one.
Harry4: Thanks for liking it! Wait for the 3rd or 4th chap to learn what the letter says.
Christi-Lynn: I'm flattered you're impressed with my fic. Thanks for reading!
CherryDragonz: You are a cruel person, you just guessed my outline! But its ok, it's a common storyline anyway. Thanks to you I got to change it a little bit, and I think it's much nicer. To see whatever I change in my outline, continue reading and reviewing! Lol (by the way, love your name!)
Slyswan28: Here's the 2nd chappie! Hope you like it!
Prillygirl: Thank you for urging me to continue! You helped a lot!
Draco 4 Eva1: Hi! Well here it is! Sorry for the long wait.
Intoxicated-pen: Thank you for liking my fic! It's heart whelming!
Gyrlfrend: Yeah I know! That's why it took me forever to the 1st chap. Well, thank you for reviewing anyways! Enjoy the 2nd chap.
Wrc q-rp: Sorry but I didn't include the letter Hermione received in this chap. Originally, I was going to, but I change my storyline because CherryDragonz guessed my outline. But I promise it will be more fantastic that my original outline! So watch out!
Hey: It is kinda sad, and usually I hate sad stories especially D/Hr. I don't know what put me into this. But now that I'm an author, it excites me to write what will happen next. Lol. Keep reviewing! ;)
I own u eddie stack: You my friend is one hell of a reviewer, you actually talk me into this! I hurriedly wrote this chap cause of you! But thanks to you, I could never have finished it sooner. Thank you again!
SycoCallie: I know what you mean! I can't find any decent fics nowadays, unlike two years ago when HP fanfictions are spanking good. So here I am trying my best not to be one of those authors. And thank you so much for reviewing! Your review made me smile!
