Disclaimer: This really seems silly to have to place at the beginning of every chapter. Hermione, Draco, Ron and Ginny all belong to the great and powerful J. K. Rowling. Happy?
She had successfully apparated. Thank the gods. She knew she shouldn't apparate when emotionally distressed, but she had to get out of there fast. And I'm safe… With that thought, Hermione lost all the remaining part of her self-control and burst into tears. Her knees gave out and she sank to the ground, curling up in a semi-ball as she did so. You had to do that, Hermione. It's for the best. He has to know that he can't walk all over you anymore. He has to accept that. Otherwise, you're just stepping back into a life that's not yours. Tears continued to pour down her cheeks. But if that's the truth, why does it hurt so much? For her heart ached as it had never ached before – more than when Harry died, more than when Ron cast the Ianitor Compescor spell on her, and, amazingly enough, even more than when Ron didn't recognize her at Aria's. She gave up on rational thought, she gave up on reason, she gave up on thinking at all, and just cried.
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The first thing she was conscious of was the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The next thing that invaded her over-drawn senses was the feel of sea spray dancing across her bare arms and neck. It felt nice, almost as if the ocean itself was comforting her. She could recall one of her muggle friends telling her something like that about the ocean once. What was it again? It bugged her that she couldn't recall it.
As she calmed down and her tears began to slow, she regained more and more of her composure. I can handle this. After all, I do have people I can go to. This is not the end of the world.
*Then why does it feel like it is?*
She sighed and buried her head deeper into her arms. Although the ground was hard, she wasn't inclined to get up. She rolled over onto her side, and took in her surroundings.
The water splashed up along the rocks, carrying out the ancient dance between the two elements earth and water. The sea spray sparkled in the moonlight, before dropping back down to rejoin it's family in the ocean again. The moon, majestic in all her beauty, gazed impartially down on the earth below her, casting no judgment on the girl as the sun would.
However, even the regal moon could not be entirely impartial, for instead of showing the red cheeks and eyes of the girl lying on the rocky beach, she focused on the lingering tears, making them drops of precious crystals instead of common tears.
The beauty that she had thought cold on her last visit – on her only other visit here – was now welcoming. What has changed? She pondered this for a second, then changed her mind. What difference does it make? All that matters is that it's not cold now.
Footsteps behind her made her look up, wary. Who could be coming here now? The answer materialized in front of her. Indeed it was the one person that Hermione should have considered might come here, since it was he who had shown her this place. In front of her stood Draco Malfoy.
Clearly, he was as surprised to see her as she was to see him. She sat up, aware that she had been crying just a few minutes before, and afraid that he would be able to see that instantly. She turned her head away from him. "I didn't think you'd come here tonight. I'll leave so you can be alone." She stood suddenly, and was dismayed when she swayed unsteadily on her feet. Traitors. She thought, a blush rising to her cheeks.
"I could say the same for you, Hermione." He said quietly, while gesturing for her to sit again.
She remained standing, however. "Well, let's just say that my talk with Ron didn't go as well as it appeared it would. Which leads me to ask a favor…" She sighed; then continued before her nerve gave out. "Can I stay at your place for a little while? I'd stay at my old flat, but the new owners took it over this afternoon…"
He moved closer to her. "Hermione, I asked you once to come to me if Ron ever hurt you. Do you honestly think I'd say no?" She didn't answer, and avoided his eyes, for that was exactly what she had thought. He sighed, and gathered her into his arms. "Hermione, honey, you are always welcome at my manor." He held her for a second longer before releasing her.
How could Draco have ever been my enemy? Right now, it feels more like Ron was my enemy than Draco. She sighed again. When did life get so confusing?
Draco took a seat on the same rock he had sat on last time they were here. "Did she wash off some of your grief?" At her puzzled look, he explained further. "The ocean. Did she help to make you feel better?"
Hermione looked at him like he was crazy. He shook his head. "You see, 'Mione, she takes away regret and distress and helps to clear your head." His eyes traveled out to the water, which had calmed some while they were talking. He continued quietly, as if to himself, "No matter how hard or bad things get, she always washes away the sorrow and soothes the troubled soul." He looked up at her again. "Why do you think people can fall asleep listening to the waves lapping against the shore? It's because her song eases our anxious hearts, and we can find reprieve in her."
Not knowing what to say in response to this, she placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to offer a little comfort to the man who sat in front of her. How is it that I never knew anything about Draco before now? For all the comforting he's given me, I don't think I can honestly say that I've given him any in return. Hesitantly, unsure of how her actions would be received, she placed her arms around him, gingerly hugging him.
It was like a tide burst inside Draco. That was the only thing she could compare it with. Suddenly, his arms were around her, holding her tight, burying his head into her shoulder. No tears came from this man, which added to the mystery that already surrounded him in her head. What is it that is so bad that Draco can't even cry about it?
A/N:
Crazy-chica: I know, it's Ron, which is why it was so hard to finally commit to. Have you ever gotten to the point where knowing that the person cares about you just isn't enough of an excuse for being walked on and over all the time? That's where her reasoning comes from. Will the friendship be lost forever? Gods, I hope not. We'll see what Hermione thinks…
MoonTrail: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Draco and Hermione interplay is always hard to get right… it helps when I have one of them in my head to help me grin
The conversation at Hogwarts (from book 4) is one of my favorites. It's like a light bulb suddenly went off in Ron's head, but he opens his mouth and inserts his foot (he seems to do that a lot, doesn't he? raised eyebrow grin)
Draco's change… yes, he'll get through all of the explanation SOME time. It comes from him being in Slytherin… he can't tell everything at once, it HAS to be told piece by piece.
Seth is actually based on a friend of mine by that same name. He was the drummer for my high school Jazz Band, (for which, I was the singer) and we still keep in touch. smile So he's an easy character to write, because I can bug the real one for his responses if I need to. wink
I've added your vote to my list. However, it comes down to Hermione in the end. After all, it's a story about her.
Mistri: Never fear, it will all work out sometime. Hermione had to get "a bit of her own back" from Ron. And, as you can see, she ended up with Draco, but she's still independent enough not to run to him to begin with. wink
Phailin: Here's the next chappie for you. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Give Me Stitchez: Glad you enjoyed the argument. It was a hard one to write. It actually swept me away by the time I was done. And Hermione added the poetry. Said it was "a fitting conclusion" to her arguments. shrug Are you happy? Draco's back! grin
enoimreH: I'm actually working on two other stories that share this frame-work, one in Draco's point of view, and the other in Ron's pov. When I'm satisfied with them, I'll send them your way, so you can beta them. Deal? smile
Laura-Grace: Sorry I didn't wait for you to reply before posting. If you noticed anything that needs to be changed, I'll re-update, I promise. smile
LOVE TO YOU ALL.