Disclaimer: Gosh, I hate putting these things. I forgot to put it in the last chapter so I'm putting it now. I do not own anything but the plot.
I would like to thank WannaBArtist, Lucivar, Wolfie-chan18, xoKaSsleox, cutie1789, chinkerchickchu, bananabrain94, o.Hermione.o, Hannah-901, Tiarwen, teterstator, bellartix-voldielocks0o, moonshine07, krzychic14, dannyizhott88, villainvalkyrie, doublelily, for reviewing.
WannaBartist-Oooh! Jelly beans!
Lucivar- I'm sorry, but I can't guarantee anything because there will be many twist and turns. Maybe not this story…but you'll have to read on to see if there will be. Hint hint.
Cutie1789-I wasn't planning on it, but just for you, I'll change something's around just for you. Neither have I, but I will try to give a better description. Promise.
Bananbrain94-oh gosh, I made you cry again? Well, I don't know if that's good or not. I know that when I cry in a story that it a really good one. I am so sorry, but I can't guarantee anything.
o.Hermione.o-Omg. You, along with others, are such a sweetheart! Omg. You're one of the kindest people I have ever met. Thank you!
Hannah-901- Don't worry, I didn't take it in a bad way. I hope you didn't cry that hard. Was it really that sad?
bellartix-voldielocks0o- I don't hate you. Yeah, those are clichéd things, but they make everything work and come together. But I don't really care about that, but more about my plot. But thanks for pointing that out. It helps me sort something's out later.
Moonshine07- I don't exactly want to but this is the way the cookie crumbles hun. Lol.
KrzyChic14-Grr. Zilram. You take the fun of giving a preview is you assume things. Lol.
Villainvalkyrie-Thanks! I love your predictions. Read on and you'll see if they are right. ;)
Chapter Seventeen
The Lost and Found
"I know, I can't believe it either. I mean, I know she isn't liked but I mean come on. Shoot her off a broom? How low can people go?" whispered someone near me.
This caught my attention as I looked ahead, pretending to pay attention to Flitwick's lecture, but it was hard to contain my urge to whip around and curse their lips off, thus leaving them nothing to gossip with.
"She's such a know it all. But who would go that far. Oh, and did you hear Lav? They found her. She was like four miles into the forest."
What! They found her! They really found her!"Really? Four? How did they find her?"
"They used Fang. Oh my gosh, I saw her when she was coming in. She looked horrible."
"I know. All the blood. She was covered in it. It was so sad. Her hair was an absolute mess. It's so sad to see that happen to Herms. Who would hate her so?"
"I think that it was Lenora. She's nice to your face, but she's a real bitch inside. I heard she had a tattoo. On her upper arm."
"She said she loved Malfoy. Do you think she's for real?"
"Shh! He's right there. But who wouldn't? He's a heart throb Pav!"
"More like heartbreaker! He broke Hermione's heart remember. He knocked up Lenora."
"Not the case. She lied about that. But they say that she pretty beat up. I didn't get a good look. Did you?"
"Yeah, unfortunately. Her face was covered in dry blood and her head was still bleeding. She was bruised and she had so many cuts Lav! She was bleeding all over and she wouldn't stop. I almost lost my breakfast. Her clothes were barely hanging onto her body. She definitely lost weight."
"Miss Brown, Miss Patil. If you would please join me with the lesson instead of indulging yourselves in gossip, I would greatly appreciate it."
"Sorry Professor." They said in unison.
"Now as I was saying, the movement of your wrist has to be precise. Full rotation, half a circle, then a snap of the wrist with the right pronunciation will cast this difficult spell. Now…"
His voice faded away as the image of Hermione appeared in my head.
Bloody, bruised, scratched…She's dead. I know it. I shook my head as I closed my eyes, fighting back the strong urge to cry. All that I had left was gone. The image of her sweet face began to fade from head. I rubbed my temples as if that would bring her image back, but it kept on fading.
Hermione…I'm sorry…please don't leave me…I'm so sorry…I sprinted out the door before Flitwick could even give us the homework as the bell rang. Deciding to skip lunch, I continued to run past the groups of students.
Hermione…I skidded to a halt in front of the doors, out of breath, beads of sweat sliding down the side of my face. Taking a few deep breaths outside the wing, I stood there as I waited for my heart to return to a normal beat before stepping inside.
"Madam Pomfrey! Where is she?"
"May I help you Mister Malfoy?"
"Hermione, where is she? They found her. I want to see her."
"And what connection do you have to her?"
"I'm going to marry her."
"I don't think that it is your place to see her. You are no longer her fiancé."
"She is pregnant with my baby. I want to see her now."
My voice caused attention to shift towards us. I could see the aggravation on her face.
"Mister Malfoy, my office, now."
I followed her from the small front desk to an adjoining room scattered with potion bottles, folders, and pieces of parchment.
"Have you ever seen someone that has been mutilated?"
"Yes."
She raised her eyebrows having expected a different answer, but continued.
"That is what she look like. A bloody, mutilated, punching bag, and I will not permit anyone to see her in such a condition.
"What's the damage?"
"You want me to list them all? May I ask again what connection you have with her?"
"I love her and that's all that matters. I want to be with her."
"The real question is, 'Does she want to be with you?' The only thing I will say is that she has sustained heavy damage from her fall. You may leave now."
"Madam Pomfrey, please. I really do care about her."
"Then you had best start acting like you do."
"Why are you so angry at me?"
"Because I have never lost a student. If I loose her, I blame you! You are the one that has caused this all!"
"Could you please just tell me what happened to her?"
"You want to know her damage? I'll tell you. Let's start form the top shall we?"
I nodded as I took a seat. She shuffled around with a few papers until she finally found a folder with a large sticker with her name stuck across it. I gulped as I straightened up and prepared myself for the worse. I heard mumbling nearby but disregarded it, concluding that it was just some visitors for a patient.
"I just finished taking down all of her injuries, so you are lucky. Her head was slightly cracked, but no brain damage. She did loose a lot of blood from her head wound. Her shoulder blades are dislocated along with her left knee. Her collarbone is fractured. Her arm is broken along with her ankle, the left wrist, and a few fingers. She has nine broken ribs, three of which barely missed puncturing her lungs."
"What would have happened if they did?"
"Liquid would fill the lungs and she would drown if not taken care of immediately. She is very lucky."
"Anything else?"
"A sprained ankle, a dislocated jaw, and a bruised tailbone. There are numerous bruises along with deep cuts. Another point of blood loss. Along with external bleeding, she has major points of internal bleeding as well."
There it was again. The murmuring…mumbles…it was nearby. I looked around and noticed the intensive care until behind Madam Pomfrey's desk. Shadows lined the walls. I craned my neck to get a better look, but she stood up, blocking my view.
"That's all that I have recorded. She just came in before the first period. Now, I think lunch is just beginning. You still have time. Have a nice day Mister Malfoy."
"Did you clean her up already?" I asked curiously, peering over her shoulder.
"No, she is not even changed yet. I had to take down her ailments right away. Why do you ask?"
Suddenly, McGonagall came out along with Snape, both looking very sick and disturbed.
"Madam Pomfrey, we're done. Dumbledore will be coming later to see her."
Her. That's her. That's Hermione. Without thinking, I ran past the teachers into her room.
"Hermione!" I screamed.
A wave of shock made me stagger back as I looked upon her beaten body. Her chest was barely rising. Her face was covered in dry blood and dirt. Her hair was matted with more blood and sweat. There were multiple large gashes across her body, probably the biggest was the one slashed across her stomach continuing up across her chest, deathly close to her throat. I placed my hand over her mouth as I sat next to her. There were bruises across her face. Her arm looked tender and there something sharp protruding from her arm…the broken bone. He breathing was ragged. There were little red spots that were scattered around her body, points of internal bleeding was my best guess.
"Hermione?"
I touched her hand gently and I brushed a few strands from her face. I looked longingly upon her face, wishing that she would open her eyes. I slightly shook her, wanting her to wake. Nothing.
"Hermione? Please say something…"
"Mister Malfoy. She won't say anything."
I felt tears well up in my eyes. All this? Because of me?
I'm sorry Hermione. I'm so sorry…The tears that were in my eyes fell slowly down my cheeks. I've never cried before. Ever. Her blood was seeping through whatever clothes she had left, for she barely had enough to cover her. Her lips, which were busted and purple, were barely open. Her eyes were shut tightly, a bruise below her left one.
"Why won't she answer me? Madam Pomfrey? Is she…is she dead?"
"No."
I looked down once more at her beaten body.
"What's wrong with her? Why isn't she waking up?" I asked shakily, trying my best to hide my emotions.
She looked sadly upon my face as she closed the door.
"Draco. I know you love her. But you hurt her really bad. There's not a doubt in my mind that Lenora did this. I asked around. People saw her come down from the tower. She has no perfect alibi. I'm sorry Draco. I really am very disappointed in you. Of the all the people to suffer such damage, she had to be the one. She had to be the one to fall in love with the enemy. Look at her Draco."
I glanced back down at her. A mutilated punching bag was an understatement. She looks as though someone whipped her, then beat her with a bat.
"How high was she?"
"Higher than she should've been, especially since she was pregnant. It is to be expected that she be in this state."
I closed my eyes my eyes once more, not wanting to see her in such a way.
"Tell me the truth Madam Pomfrey. Is she under a curse?"
"No, but she will not wake up."
"Why not? Can't you give her anything?"
"You can't give anyone anything when they're in a coma."
Coma. The word hurt more than seeing her beaten like this. She's in a coma and she may never wake up. I nodded my head in understanding but I really didn't. How could she be in a coma? Did Lenora really do this? But why? I reached out and held her hand delicately.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I'm so sorry." I whispered as I kissed her head as gently as I could.
"Mister, Malfoy. Before you leave. Could you please see me outside?"
I nodded her outside, but before I left, I looked back at her. I hung my head low as I closed her door gently. I ran a hand through my hair as I continued to walk.
"I need to ask you a favor Mister Malfoy."
"I don't have time for a favor. I thank you for telling me this, but I can't deal with an errand."
I began to walk away, but her words caused me to come back.
"It has to do with your baby."
-HGDM-
"Don't go too far Kate! Stay where I can see you." I yelled after her, a smile playing across my lips.
"She's beautiful Hermione." He whispered in my ear before kissing my cheek tenderly.
He placed his hands on my shoulders, rubbing them.
"She looks just like you." I said, turning around kissing his lips lovingly.
He wrapped his arms around my small waist as he deepened the kiss. I felt his tongue enter my mouth as my fingers laced around his silky hair.
"Mommy! Tristain went in the woods! I have to get him! Tristain! Come here boy!"
I broke the kiss hurriedly as I ran to get her. I sighed as I she entered the woods.
"There she goes Draco. Your daughter. She never listens. She gets that from you, you know." I joked.
I turned around, expecting him to be laying on the blanket, but he was gone.
"Draco? Draco? Where did you go? She's in the woods you know!"
No response.
"Fine. Be that way. I'll get her myself."
I huffed as I began walking towards the edge of the woods. A high-pitched shriek filled the air.
"Kate? Katelyn!" I screamed, running faster into the woods.
I ran past the trees, sharp branches scratching my face as I brushed past them.
"MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY HELP ME!" she screamed
"I'm coming Katelyn! Where are you!" I yelled, looking around me frantically for a swish of her long blonde hair or a flash of her light green dress.
I heard another scream to my left, followed by cackling. Following the noise, I pushed past the bushes that blocked my path. Then I saw her. On the ground. I rushed over to her, praying that my baby girl was still alive. I turned her over and held my hand to my mouth as I fell to the floor. I curled up into a ball as I rocked back and forth on my heels, tears falling from my eyes like rivers. There on her neck was a large gash across her throat. She's dead. I cried softly to myself as I hummed softly. I eventually stopped rocking as I picked up her limp body. But then I stopped as a shadow hovered over me. I spun around but the light blinded me. I shielded my eyes from the bright dazzling radiance in front of me. I blinked once and when I opened my eyes, I was in a black void. I turned around, facing an open window where I saw her.
Katelyn…"She's beautiful Hermione. But is that really her?" asked a voice.
"Yes that's her. See her leg, see that scar behind her knee, she got that from riding Draco's broom." I replied, staring out the window.
I sighed in relief as she jumped into Draco's arms smiling brightly.
"That doesn't mean anything Hermione. That is not your daughter."
"What are you talking about!" I asked angrily, turning around.
No one. Confused, I turned back to the window, pressing my hand against the glass.
"She's not your daughter. You never had her. You lost her. She's gone. Out of your reach." They mocked in my ear.
"Where am I? I want to get out!" I yelled at the darkness.
"There is no out Hermione. You're not there. Out there, with her. You're out of the picture. That's where you are. In this void. That right there, is not your daughter."
"No! That is my daughter! That Katelyn Diane Malfoy and I am her mother." I stated defiantly.
"Really? Then who's that? Because I believe that is her mother."
I looked back out the window at the group. Now holding onto her hand was another woman. She ran ahead, laughing as the new woman hugged Draco tightly, leaning her head against his chest. He kissed her forehead affectionately, as she smiled up at him.
"That girl you claim is your daughter is really Aimee Lyn Malfoy. Her father is Draco Malfoy and her mother is Lenora King. You lost your daughter. You're no longer in the picture. He moved on. So should you."
Tears surged to my eyes as I watched them laugh together. I allowed the tears to fall from my eyes as I fell to my knees, sobbing against my arms.
"But don't feel bad Hermione, you're no the only one he has deceived. Think of yourself as another casualty."
I banged against the window with no avail. I shook my head as I continued to smash my fist against the window.
"Why are you doing this to me? That's my baby! I'm supposed to be with Draco! Not her! I was pregnant first! He was mine!" I screamed between sobs.
"You need to understand Hermione. You are nothing. She has the power. Your daughter is dead. She died in the woods. You saw her. Understand dear child…the sooner you do, the sooner you can forget. Because to forget the pain is to feel nothing. And feeling nothing is worth not having him. Believe me child."
I spun around where I came face to face with the clerk from the shop.
"Why are you doing this? Why do you toy with my mind?" I asked, coming closer.
"I have told you. With beauty such as yourself," he started, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes with an aging hand.
"Comes terrible pain. That," he said pointing to the window where Draco, Lenora, and Aimee were playing.
"Is the truth. That is their child. It is time you moved on! Forget him Hermione! Forget! Let your memories be lost to this void! The sooner you do, the sooner the pain will go. But as long as you hold onto him, sorrow will be there along with grief. Because to gain is to loose! Your memories of him, times you had together are tied to the chains of regret and agony. They go hand in hand Hermione."
"Why are you telling me this? Why do you speak such lies?" I whispered to him, facing my back to him.
"Because I feel that someone as innocent and as unaware as you should be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Face it Hermione. It is over."
"…"
"Lenora has his baby now."
"No…" I said softly.
"Draco has moved on."
"No." I stated firmly.
"You and him are not meant to be."
"No!"
"You need to let go!""NOO!" I screamed.
"Your daughter is dead!"
"NOOOOO!" I shrieked, sitting up.
I was panting heavily, forehead covered in little beads of sweat and my cheeks with fresh, salty, tears. My body was shaking frenziedly as I sat on a white plastered bed.
The hospital wing…what am I doing here? My baby…I held my hand to my stomach, waiting for anything…nothing. I shivered slightly as a cool night breeze came in through my side window. The curtains billowed against the early wind.
Three in the morning…"MISS GRANGER!" yelled Madam Pomfrey, barging in.
I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly, trying my best to forget his cold words but my attempt was futile. They were just too real…everything he said seemed so true. I couldn't forget them, whether I wanted to or not.
"Dear Merlin! You're finally awake! Okay, tell me the last thing you remember before this." She said hurriedly, gabbing a quill and parchment.
"I was in the woods I fell after something shot me down. Um. I woke up, it was night. There was a lot of blood. A lot. My own blood. I couldn't breathe, so I rolled over and that's all."
She nodded as she wrote down the time and everything I just said. She placed the paper on her desk along with her quill before sitting next to me, holding my hand gently.
"You had so much damage done to you Hermione. There was a long list of problems. All your bones are almost done being healed. You may have to stay here a few weeks before I can let you out because I want you to be better. Emotional, mentally, and physically. Now, you were in a such a state, I wouldn't let anyone see you except Mister Malfoy, he insisted he be your side. And he was. Hermione, you were in a coma for three weeks. Its now March."
It was hard soaking in everything that she was telling me. I was in a coma for three weeks because I got shot off my broom from someone in the astronomy tower. Draco has come almost every single day to be by my side…why?
"Why was he here?"
"Who? Malfoy?"
"Yes. Why was he in this room?" I asked bitterness painted over my words.
"He was here because he loved you Hermione. He cared about you. He came and helped me take care of you."
"Since when did you need help Madam Pomfrey? If I was such a hassle that you needed help, then you should have left me for dead in the forest." I spat.
"Hermione! Why do you say such things! He loves you!" she said firmly, squeezing my hand.
"He can shove his love for me up his arse cause I don't want it! Madam Pomfrey, don't you get it? I had a dream, a nightmare. I was with my daughter and I was with him."
"Why would that be called a nightmare?"
"Because nightmares are evil things that scare us. In my dream, Katelyn died. Something or someone slashed her throat. Then I find myself in a void with a window. Out that window I see Draco and Lenora and their daughter."
"Hermione, about that-"
"Save it. I don't need whatever you have to tell me about their baby. A voice is telling me to give up on him. In my dream, I don't want to, but now I understand. He said that the sooner I forget about Malfoy, the sooner the pain ends."
"You cannot base your emotions on a dream! Dear girl! Where is your right sense! He loves you! Love Hermione."
"Love is just a bloody word. A word that I will never use in the same sentence with Draco Malfoy unless it's 'I do not love Draco Malfoy'. I speak the truth Madam Pomfrey and nothing but. I do not love him. He hurt me bad and pain with such velocity as that is not forgiven. I am sorry. But I feel no love for him."
She sighed as she patted my hand and walked away.
"He'll be coming in the morning to see you. He has something he needs to tell you." Were her final words.
Before I could say anything, she shut the door and I was left alone in my dark room. I wiped the tear that formed in my eyes. I swung my legs over as my feet touched the cold tile floor. I balanced myself against the bed as I walked to the window. I stitch of pain ran up my body as I stood upright. I used my arms to support me as the pain slowly worked its way up my body. I leaned against a chair for support. Sighing, I stared into the night sky. A veil of inky darkness dotted with little diamonds. I sat back down and lay back against my pillow. I inhaled the fresh morning air as I closed my eyes.
Why bother lying to them all? Why bother telling them that you don't love him when everything in your body is telling you that you do?Because I want to forget. The clerk was right. I need to forget about him…raise Kate on my own.
But he is her father. You cannot keep this from him.
He kept a secret from me, so it's only fair that I do too.
But you know that it hurts telling people that you don't love him when you really do.
Don't you think I know that? It pains me to even see his face. The memories of him are all too familiar. I do love him, but I won't let anyone see that. I will never let anyone know that I do. I just can't deal with the pain right now.
You can't run forever. Everything will catch up to you. Your feelings for him, Kate will want to know where her father is. You can't hide.
But I want to. I want to hide away from everyone.
We don't always get what we want.
I felt the sun shine upon my face as I opened my eyes. I marveled at the time, seeing as it was already seven.
He should be coming soon. What are you going to do?Send him away. I don't want to see him.
I sighed inwardly as I allowed myself to be blinded by the setting sun. I tried my best to soak in the radiance of it all, but it was hard. His voice was still ringing in my ears. I placed my hands over my ears, trying my best to forget his harsh words.
Your daughter is dead!You're no longer in the picture!
Forget!
"Forget…" I mumbled, dropping my hands from my ears.
Hermione, don't forget. Your best memories are with him. You can't forget those.
My most painful times are also with him. The clerk is right. I need to forget about the past. I need to start again…start a new page.
The jiggle of the knob brought me from my thoughts. I put my hands to my side and looked ahead, trying my best to look as emotionless as possible.
"Hermione? He's here." She said calmly.
No response.
"He has some important things to say to you Hermione."
Still no response.
She sighed as she moved away from the door and allowed him to come in. He came already suited in his robes. He walked in, expensive American shoes clicking against the white porcelain tiles. He pulled the squeaky chair at the foot of my bed. He turned the chair around as sat down, back of the chair facing me.
"I'm glad your okay. I was worried about you." He said, staring into my eyes.
I clenched my jaw as I stared back into his slate blue-gray eyes, eyes that showed no emotion whatsoever.
I picked up a few tricks along the way Draco…your eyes don't fool me anymore…"How are you doing?" He asked, spinning the chair around and sitting in it properly.
I remained silent as he swiveled to my side, gently placing my hand in his.
"Hermione, say something." He said gently, massaging my knuckles with his thumb.
"Something." I spat, taking my hand back.
He sighed in aggravation as he continued.
"I know Hermione."
My heart began beating wildly within my chest.
"I know Hermione. Why didn't you tell me? I had the right to know." He said, voice slowly rising.
"What do you want with me? To cause more pain? Make me feel guilty? Or perhaps to tell me that you whacked up yet another underage girl? Is that it?" I hissed, looking coldly in his eyes.
"Hermione. Why are you acting this way towards me? I said I'm sorry. And just so you know, she's not pregnant."
"What?"
"Lenora isn't pregnant. She lied about it to break us up."
"She did a good job at it." I said sarcastically.
"Why didn't you tell me? We could've dealt with this!"
"Tell you what?"
"That you're pregnant with my baby. You should've told me this. Right away!" he said, voice insisting.
"There is no baby." I said through gritted teeth, fighting back the tears.
"Don't you dare lie to me! Madam Pomfrey told me! Three months Hermione! Three! Without telling me! I had the right to know!" he yelled, standing up, pacing my room.
"THERE IS NO BABY MALFOY! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT HARDER THAN IT IS?" I yelled, allowing the tears to finally fall down my cheeks to my trembling chin.
"What are you talking about? It's a girl! What did you name her?" he finally said calmly, looking at me with confusion.
"Katelyn Diane M-" I stopped myself before I could continue.
"Well?"
"Katelyn Diane Granger. That was her name." I said between sobs.
"She's dead Hermione! Your daughter is dead!""Was?"
I could hear the panic in his voice, and that's when I knew. He knew it too. I locked eyes with him and I wiped away my tears.
"Why do you talk about her is past tense?"
"Now who's the one lying? She's dead Malfoy! She's-she's-"
I couldn't finish my sentence before I broke down. I felt my chest tighten as I thought back to the dream. He sat by my side as I cried into my hands. He leaned me into his chest as I rubbed my back.
"Hermione. It's okay."
"NO! IT'S NOT OKAY! SHE'S DEAD DRACO! BECAUSE OF YOU! BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID FIANCE! BECAUSE OF YOU SHE'S DEAD. SHE'S-"
I cried harder as he picked me up and place me in his lap, but I pushed him away.
"No. I can't do this anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Us. There can't be any 'us'. I can't deal with the pain Draco."
"Please Hermione. Just listen-"
"No, I'm tired of listening. I'm tired of feeling pain when I want to love you."
"Then love me! Love me like I love you! Forget about Lenora."
Forget…he wants me to forget…and forget I shall.
"No Draco. I need to forget about you. I need to forget about whatever happened between us. Whatever was left is gone. I can't deal anymore. I can't live like this Draco. I'm breaking apart. And you are the reason why I am."
"No, Hermione no! We can be together again. We can be how it was before! I can love you and you can love me." He said calmly, wiping away the last of my tears.
"It can be how it was before all this! We can laugh and have fun. We can get married." He spoke hopefully, tilting up my chin.
"No. We won't get marred Draco. It's over. Whatever happened between us is gone. Whatever I felt for you crumbled away. I need to forget about you. I need to leave this behind me in the past. I need to move on. Don't hold me back." I said sadly.
Don't do this to him Hermione. You're killing him. He wants to be with you. Let him!
No! I'm drawing the line. He won't hurt me anymore. I refuse to let him get to me.
"Please Hermione. I'm sorry. I don't want it to be over yet! We're just beginning Hermione. I love you, I really do. I never meant to hurt you! Please, give me another chance!"
I looked down at my hands that were folded in my lap. I inhaled sharply as I stood up, pain bolting through my legs. My breaths became quicker as I walked away from him.
"Hermione? Please?"
"I can't Draco. I don't love you. I need to forget. Finding out that you slept with someone else was one thing and I knew I could get over that, but now…Kate's gone. There's nothing left between us."
"How do you know she's dead?"
"I got shot down from my broom and was in a coma for three weeks Draco. I'm pretty sure that she's dead. It's not like you don't know anyways."
"How do you know I don't?"
"Because your eyes tell me otherwise."
"My eyes?"
"I was in love with you remember? I can look past your eyes. Who told you?"
He sighed in defeat as he helped me back to my bed and tucked me in.
"Madam Pomfrey. She told me that you lost the baby."
I blinked away my tears as he pushed my chestnut hair behind my ears.
"So she's really gone?"
"Yeah."
I nodded my head as my heart shattered.
"Don't you have classes?" I asked, voice slightly changing because of my restraint of tears.
"Yeah, but I think I should stay here."
"I think you need to leave. Go to class."
"But-"
"I just need some time alone. Please."
He nodded forlornly as he stepped out. I heard him mutter something to Madam Pomfrey. She entered my room, carrying a tray of food from breakfast.
"How are you doing dear?"
"Not too good. Why did he have to tell me? Why couldn't you?"
"Because I thought he had the right. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for." I said shakily, pressing my lips together.
"Hermione. I can't say that I know what you're going through because I really don't. But you have to forgive him. He didn't mean to do it. He was drunk and he wasn't in his right mind."
"Madam Pomfrey, did I tell you what happened after Kate's throat was slashed in my dream."
"How you were in a void and that there was a window and you saw Draco, Lenora, and their daughter?"
"Did I tell you I wasn't alone?"
She shook her head as she placed the tray of food on my stand before sitting on the stool that he sat in.
"Tell me about it."
"There was this man. A clerk that I bought a necklace from. He was there. He was telling me that I need to forget about Draco. And the sooner that I forget about him, the sooner the pain will go away. I believe him Madam Pomfrey. He's right."
"Hermione. Dreams can mean a lot of things. But I don't think that you're taking it the right way."
"I think I am. This man was different. I was getting a different vibe from him. I feel that I can trust him. I feel that I really do need to forget about him."
"No, Hermione. He cares, he really does. Please, give him another chance."
"For what?"
"For love! Dear child, for love!" she exclaimed, grasping my hands.
"I don't love him. Kate was the only thing that kept me attached to him. Now she's gone. There's nothing left."
"I'm not going to argue with you anymore about this. I just want you to know that you will be staying here until all of your wounds have healed, and that may take a little longer since you keep standing up. It might be a week or two until you're able to leave."
"What about my classes? My work? My grades?"
"Your grades have remained the same and you have been excused from all assignments while you have been in a coma and have been missing. You are still being excused. Only when you are out of here will you continue your work."
"I can't work in bed?"
"Not after the news you just received. You need to cope with it."
"I am coping! I'm past it!"
"Believe what your heart is telling you, not your head. Make decisions on your own, not on what figments of dreams tell you. Then, you will be ready to leave." She said, finality in the air she spoke.
I scoffed as she closed the door on me. I hugged myself as I stared out the window.
Why do I feel as if I'm doing something wrong? Why do I feel as if I'm betraying myself?
Because you are. You're ignoring what your heart is telling you to do. You're not listening to the voice of reason. You don't want to love him but you do!
I cried silently to myself, wishing on that single star that shone in that sky for strength. I was supposed to live through the pain. I beat out Voldemort with Harry damn it! But if I was so strong then, why do I feel so helpless? Why do I feel such pain that shouldn't be there? Was it the sight of seeing Draco with someone else other than me that made me tear? Or was it the thought that I have nothing to live for? I rocked back in forth as the sun rose higher and higher in the sky, but that star remained there, still visible. Maybe the star was my light. Maybe that star was my light through the darkness…the darkness that enshrouded my eyes. Maybe that single star was the warmth that would melt the ice away from my heart. Maybe, that single star was my only hope.
A/N: Hmm. Something doesn't feel right. Hmm. Well, no biggie right? What do you think. So she really did loose the baby. How sad. What did you think of her dream/nightmare? I thought it was a good touch. Tell me what you think. And for the preview:
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT SLIPPED!" I roared at her, causing her to wince.
"WHO ELSE DID YOU TELL!"
"Hermione! I'm sorry! Just please, calm down! I didn't mean for them to know."
"SO WHO DOES KNOW?"
"Hermione, please! Lower your voice!"
"NO! I TRUSTED YOU! YOU WERE MY BEST FRIEND!"
"I know Hermione! I still am!"
"I don't think that's your decision to make if you still are or aren't."
She looked at me, pain-ridden.
"How could you say that? After all this time! I protected you! And this is my thanks!"
"You can shove your thanks up your bloody arse! You never protected me! You bloody told Parvati and Lavender for Merlin's sake!"
"I'm glad they know! I don't have to hide it anymore. I can shout out now!" she hissed, looking around at the amount of people.
I looked to the side of me frantically as she sucked in a large breath.
"EVERYBODY! HERMIONE GRANGER IS PREGNANT WITH DRACO MALFOY'S BABY!" she screamed, glaring angrily at me.
Then, as fast as I could blink, I slapped her. It was by far the hardest slap I have ever given. Harder than when Draco told me that he banged up Lenora, harder than when Ron called me a slut. She staggered back, tears sliding down her cheeks as her back slammed against the wall.
A/n: Oh Shiz man! Catfight! Can you guess? R & R