Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original Harry Potter characters.
Chapter 3: A tale well told.
Hermione dropped her tooth brush on her tiled cobalt blue floor and turned to Draco. He was leaning against the door with his arms crossed over his broad chest, smirking his world famous smirk.
He still had the Malfoy charm, Hermione supposed. She was pleased to see that he already grew out his boyish looks but the dark, dangerous aura surrounding him, was still present.
Hermione wanted to hex him, so that he was deprived of his manhood, but yet make essence of their reunion. The joyful feeling of having him back soon started to bubble up inside her but submersed as the hurt surfaced like hot lava.
"You can't be serious?" Hermione said finally finding her voice. Draco simply nodded a gesture that seemed to push Hermione over the edge. She push past him and stamped down the hall to retrieve her robe.
"Hermione I believe we need to talk." Draco stated calmly still following his wife as she buzzed up and down her room. Hermione stopped fixing her bathrobe and looked into his face, her eyes blazing.
"NO Kidding." She growled. "Follow me." And Draco did just that. It surprised him that his sudden appearance was taken this lightly. He half expected Hermione to cry tears of frustration, not act as though they had a minor argument.
Hermione on the other hand struggled to subside her anger as she led Draco into her well furnished kitchen. She didn't want to show herself, not yet at least.
As Draco stood in the door way, looking at ease, Hermione dug in her pinewood cabinets for a bottle of Fire Whiskey and one glass.
"It's very nice of you to offer me a drink Hermione, but I don't think I'll be drinking tonight." he stated.
"This is not for you Draco. This is for me."
"Oh right. Let's carry on then." Draco rejoined, following Hermione out to her living room. He attempted to sit next to her on the sofa but she kicked her feet on the other side. Draco took a seat in the large armchair opposite her.
Before starting he took a good look around the room, looking at the photos of a happy Athalie and Hermione, together, with out him. Instead of missing for three years, Draco felt like an eternity had passed. Cautiously, he picked up a framed photo of Athalie.
He looked at his daughter and the guilt he had been ignoring began to surface. She is truly a stunning child; there was no other way to put it. That beautiful smile made him regret his departure in the first place. Draco couldn't help at get angry with himself for missing so much. Hermione eyed him like a hawk, which didn't make him feel any better.
He moved his eyes from Hermione to their wedding picture. He reached out to investigate further. When Hermione cleared her throat very loudly, he decided against it.
"So, How have you been?" he started in a whispered hush. The house was deadly silent and he didn't want to wake Athalie. It would be much harder to retell the story with her around.
"Well, let's see. My Husband picked up and left me in the delivery room about three years back." She started in a sarcastic voice. "I spent the rest of the time wondering why he left and where had he been. Also I got to raise my child by myself, which wasn't so easy. See, after a while I couldn't help at hating his very existence." Hermione said, her voice now taking on a bitter tone. "So yeah Draco, I guess I can say I've been well." She finished opening her fire whiskey and pouring herself a glass.
Draco didn't seem perturbed by her bitter reaction at all. He continued to smirk as though he was enjoying himself, which was quite odd being that Hermione made it pretty obvious that he was not a welcome house guest.
"I see you've done well on your own. You even sold our old house. Am I right?" He continued.
"No I just left it." she answered curtly.
"Is that so? And you stop using your marriage sir name."
"Yes." Hermione answered her voice still toneless. She began to wonder where this small chat was really going. Honestly it was getting a bit annoying.
"Why?" Draco questioned Hermione like she was a criminal on trial.
"Oh come of it --." She was interrupted by Draco's slightly harsh voice. He had no right to get angry, Hermione thought. Furthermore he was in no position to ask any questions. She was the one awaiting an explanation.
"I just want to know."
Hermione looked down into her glass of whiskey, swirling it slightly. It would take all the self control she could muster from inside her self not to explode. To do so she took a moment to calm herself.
"When you left, the marriage went with you. I felt that the name kept me binded to you. I didn't want that so I stop using it." She answered. Draco didn't seem moved by this statement either.
"I see. So you're saying that our relationship is no longer husband and wife."
"Only lawfully."
"Right," Draco paused to gather his thoughts and string his sentences together, because at the moment he was at a loss of words. Hermione never hurt him like this, but what else should he expect?
"If I may, let me ask you. Why are you still wearing your ring if this means nothing to you?" He asked.
Hermione glowered at him, as though she resented him asking such a forward question. It was her business what she did with her wedding ring, not his.
When she didn't answer, Draco spoke up. "Just as I thought. Give me your wedding band."
"I beg your pardon." Hermione seemed slightly bewildered. Surely he wasn't going to take back the ring, or so she hoped. The ring was lavishly beautiful, yes. The best that a Malfoy could afford, but it symbolized much more than wealth and that's why she wore it.
"Just give it to me."
Grudgingly Hermione handed him the platinum band encrusted with traditional white diamonds. Draco looked at the inside of it. He remembered the three Latin phrases that he had bewitched on the inside of the ring. He wasn't even sure Hermione knew it was there.
"Me amator." He said smiling as he twisted and turned the ring.
"My love?" Hermione whispered.
"Me uxor."
"My wife?"
"Me Immortaliatas."
"My Immortal?"
Draco rose out of his seat and knelt down beside Hermione. He grabbed her chin and brought it closer to his face. They were so close he could feel the unsteady rhythm of her breathing. Looking deeply into her eyes he asked,
"I'm going to ask you again, Hermione. If our marriage means nothing to you at all then why are you still wearing this ring?"
Hermione felt the tears she'd been holding back starting to surface. She stared into his intense gray eyes before answering. It was just like Draco to ask her those types of questions that required a detailed answer and she knew he wouldn't settle for less.
Draco watched as his wife tried to blink back tears. He took a step back when a hardness that he had never seen before fill her eyes.
"I expect you want me to say that I still love you, right? That's what you want to hear isn't it. You left me ---." The barrier was broken. There would be no more holding back. Draco had to know.
"Let me explain." Draco said with disparity creeping in his voice.
"There is nothing to explain."
"Give me a bloody chance, Hermione. That's the reason I'm here."
"I don't give second chances Draco." Hermione stated with finality lingering in her voice.
"You're being unreasonable."
"I have all right to be." Hermione now began to rise out of her seat.
"Not until you've heard my story. All I want you to do is listen" He pleaded.
"Oh cut the bullshit. I know that me knowing the "truth" is not within your best interest. Why put up the façade." She spat.
Draco sighed heavily and bowed his head in defeat. "I'm not here to argue with you or make a compromise, Hermione. I'm here for one reason and one reason only."
"Mummy?" said a soft voice from the doorway.
"Athalie?" Hermione turned to face her daughter who was dragging a blanket with her. Athalie ran into her mother's arms, buring her face in Hermione's chest.
"Why are you up?" Her mother questioned her. Draco's heart skipped a beat as he watched the site before him.
"The noise woke me." She replied.
"Sorry love. I'll be sure not to make anymore noise."
Athalie lifted her head to her mother's. Hermione pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ears. Draco cleared his throat. A sharp glare was sent as a response from Hermione.
She feared the day that she would have to introduce Athalie to Draco for the first time. She didn't know what to expect from Athalie, but it had to be done.
"Athalie, remember I told you that Daddy went away for a long time when you were very little." Athalie nodded and lifted her gaze from her mother to the man sitting opposite them.
"Well now he's back." Hermione finished, trying to avoid adding any details. Athalie eyes Draco suspiciously. Slowly she dismounted her mother and walked over to her father, who was smiling weakly.
She stopped a few inches away from him and tugged on her blanket nervously. Draco bended down to her level and said, "Hello Athalie."
She didn't respond right away. Instead she stared him dead in the eye. "You've got eyes like me." Athalie said finally. She took a step closer to Draco.
"Yes, just like you." He replied.
Next moment Athalie threw herself into her father's arms. Draco scooped her up and sat next to Hermione.
"Daddy how come you were away for so long?" Athalie started.
"See, Daddy had some important business to handle in a far away country."
"Oh. Where?"
"France." Hermione opened her mouth to say something but Draco waved a hand dismissing her. He could see that Athalie was itching to ask many questions and he didn't want Hermione interrupting.
"How come you never come to see us on Holidays?"
"I wish I could but I can't. I have a lot of work to do even on Holidays." Hermione was surprised see how comfortable Athalie had gotten with Draco, being that she just met him. That shows how much she missed the man she never met.
"Daddy?" Athalie started again, playing with his tie.
"Yes."
"You still love Mummy right?"
Draco looked at Hermione and replied, "I always will."
"I love you too." He added.
"Are you going to leave again?"
"Yes, but I'll be back. I promise."
With this said Athalie buried her head in his chest. She took in deep breaths as though she wanted to inhale all of him, just so that when he was gone she didn't have to be left with nothing.
"I don't want you to go." She declared.
"I don't want to leave either." Draco said patting Athalie's head. A silence followed this statement, in which Hermione turned her head away and stared into the roaring fire. A tear slipped out the corner of her eye. She felt the weight on the other side shift to her side. Someone brushed the hair that blocked her face and a little thumb wiped away the teardrop.
"Mummy don't cry. Daddy's back. You don't have to cry anymore." Athalie whispered.
When Athalie slipped off into a light sleep Draco spoke up. "She gets her good looks from me."
"Why are you lying to her?" Hermione asked.
"I couldn't tell her the truth, yet."
"It's always the same old story, Draco. Give her to me. I'll tuck her in."
"No. I'll take her." Draco protested. Hermione looked reluctant for a bit. A little nagging voice in her head told her to allow him to do so. It'll only be fair.
She nodded and led Draco to Athalie's room. He laid Athalie down, carefully and pulled the blanket over her. As soon as he was nearly out the door, Athalie awoke.
"Daddy wait. Don't go." She said sleepily, stifling a yawn.
"Listen, I can't stay," Draco said approaching her. "But listen to me. You be a good girl for Mummy and I'll see you soon, Alright."
"Okay. Night Daddy."
"Good night."
Draco proceeded to exit the room but Athalie called for him again. When he reached her she stood up on her pillow and kissed him on his cheek then settled back down.
Outside of the door Hermione waited for Draco.
"I want to see you tomorrow." Draco started.
"Draco..."
"No if's, but's, no's, or maybe's, Hermione. I want to see you tomorrow."
"Sure." She added weakly.
"Stop crying, love. It won't do any good." Draco said pulling her into his chest and kissing her forehead. He kissed her lightly on the nose then her cheek, where a tear slid down, moving towards her lips. Hermione pulled away as soon as Draco's feather light kiss reached her own lips.
He let out a heavy sigh and whispered "I should expect that." Then he walked away from his wife disapparating with a pop.
After Draco's departure, Hermione checked on Athalie for the last time then retreated to her room. As she slipped under her cover she heard little footsteps coming down the hall. Next Athalie was scrambling her way into the bed.
"Ally?"
"Mummy hold me." Athalie requested snuggling closer to her mother.
"Sure honey." Hermione pulled Athalie closer to her and put her arms around her.
"Mummy. I miss Daddy already."
"Me too, Hun. Me too." Hermione replied truthfully before slipping off into a deep sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** *
Next morning Hermione awoke to the sound of pots and pans banging. She felt the absence of Athalie beside her and rushed downstairs to see weather she was making a mess or trying to burn the house down.
When she reached the kitchen doorway, she observed that it wasn't Athalie, who was standing in the center with a pot on her head, in fact it was a certain red head, searching her cupboards.
"GINNY!" She cried incredulously.
"Morning Hermione. Hurry now, breakfast is almost ready." Ginny said pushing Hermione out the kitchen. "Off you go. Get cleaned up."
Hermione rushed upstairs to brush her teeth and straighten her self out. When she returned, breakfast was waiting for her on the dining room table. She took a seat across from Ginny. Already, Athalie was gladly tucking in.
"I sent word with Harry that you wouldn't be coming in today." Ginny piped up.
"What brings you here so early?" Hermione asked.
"What, I have to have a reason to stop by now?" She replied smiling innocently. Hermione chuckled at this comment and continued to make lazy conversation.
After an hour of leafing through the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly, Ginny made a drastic subject change.
"So are you going to see him?" Hermione choked on the remainder of her coffee which was highly amusing to Athalie.
"What?" she sputtered.
"Draco, are you going to meet him and talk things over?" Ginny replied calmly.
"How do you know?"
"He stopped by last night. We had a nice little chat. He said to me that he saw you and that the pair off you were going to talk things over. I tried asking where he's been but he mumbled something about Harry telling me soon enough." She paused to wipe up a speck of invisible dust.
"When did those two get so close...I ask you.."
"What else did he say?"
"I don't know. The both of them retreated to Harry's study so I didn't hear anything after that."
"I wonder. What is it that he's hiding that he can't tell me about?" Hermione questioned.
"So, are you going to go meet him?" Ginny asked again.
"I should, shouldn't I?"
"Well you seem very interested in what he's been hiding. Go and hear him out." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"You should see how fast Athalie got attached to him." Hermione whispered excitedly.
"For her sake Hermione, Do it?" Ginny replied.
"Alright."
The morning went by fairly quickly and by afternoon Draco had sent word that he would be arriving at half past six. Unfortunately, six thirty came too soon and Hermione was still not ready. When Draco arrived, Hermione was still trying to tame Athalie's thick hair into a ponytail.
Hermione abandoned her attempt to comb her hair when she ran towards Draco, giving Hermione the chance to jump into the shower. She was dressed and ready by seven o clock, which didn't annoy Draco at all.
"Ready." Hermione announced walking into the living room, while digging in her purse. Ginny gave Hermione the thumbs up for her casual but classy outfit. Her beige of-the-shoulder sweater went nicely with her coco colored ankle length leather skirt.
On her feet were her black crocodile-printed boots with a three and a half inch heel. Her hair, which had been straightened earlier, was pulled into a nice bun. A strand of hair fell into her face.
"Okay Daddy and Mummy are going to go out for a little while." Draco said putting Athalie down. "You be a good girl for Auntie Ginny." Athalie nodded and Draco kissed her on the forehead.
"Bye Ally." Hermione said kissing Athalie. She looked at Ginny and said "Gin, please see what you can do with this hair, will you?" Ginny nodded and walked Draco and Hermione to the door yelling "Go on you two. We'll be alright."
Hermione closed the door behind her but Draco stopped her. He pulled out his wand and transformed himself into the irresistible, sexy, French man by the name of Marcel Valentin.
Draco approached Hermione and bent down to kiss her hand and in a sweet French accent he said "Marcel Valentin, very pleased to meet you." Hermione looked at him inquisitively.
"I'll explain later." He said, switching back to his native accent, upon seeing her expression.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
"The usual place." Draco simply replied.
"You don't mean.."
Next Hermione and Draco apperated to Hogsmeade, which wasn't very busy during the evening times. They both walked past the joke shop and up the hill toward a huge building. From the window they could see the candlelit tables and young couples talking to each other inside a newly build restaurant called "Potion Nine."
Hermione turned to Draco and he smiled widely. It had been a while since she'd been to this restaurant. At the end of their seventh year, Cornelius Fudge, ordered for a new restaurant to be built to entertain anyone seeking a quiet dinner. Hermione and Draco often visited this place. It was their favorite. The waiters had become so accustomed to seeing them there they became V.I.P guest.
Once seated, Hermione and Draco ordered their meals. Hermione was greeted by many people, especially the waiters and the restaurant owner. Draco, new and improved as Marcel Valentin, received odd stares.
He heard a few female waiters who were well acquainted with Hermione whisper to her, "That one's a looker, I must say." She laughed and smiled each time the comment came.
After hearing this Draco asked the question he was itching to ask.
"So how many were there after I left?" His tone sounded accusatory.
"Don't be ridiculous. I haven't been sleeping around if that what you're trying to say." Hermione said more forcefully that she intended to. "I would never bring another man in my bed. Athalie would get ideas. She knows what's wrong and what's right."
Draco glared at her but said nothing. He was slightly pleased to hear that she was faithful to him.
"So who did you leave me for?" Hermione asked after taking a sip from her drink. Draco didn't answer.
Somehow he couldn't bring himself to talk. The anger was making it difficult for him to even respond. If he opened his mouth he might explode and upset Hermione. That was not the object of the meeting.
"Was it Parkinson," Hermione persisted. "Or one of those other Slytherin sluts I never knew about?" Draco's jaw clenched.
"Hermione, I didn't leave you for anyone." He said, through clenched teeth.
Hermione cocked her eyebrow and nodded as though she believed him, but her eyes deceived her. She didn't believe a word he said. This was going to be harder than he thought.
"Listen; there are some people after me." He started.
"What do you mean there are people after you? What type of crime have you committed?"
"Let me finish. Anyway, after I left the Dark Side to join Dumbledore that angered everyone working for the Dark Lord. It angered them even more when we won the war. I got off scotch free while they faced death or imprisonment for life. I betrayed them. In their midst, I'm a traitor who deserves death. I'm the one responsible for their fall." Hermione could not speak. She hardly comprehended what Draco just said.
"Those few that got away set up a little alliance, that'll be responsible for my demise, those few including Blaise Zabini, Crabbe, Parkinson, and Montague."
"Draco.." Hermione whispered. "This is not true. Stop it. Stop lying."
"Hermione," Draco said, slamming his fist down onto the table making her jump and attract a few stares. "For the last time, I'm not lying." Draco reached out and took her hand in his.
"You expect me to believe this, Draco." Hermione said pulling away, getting out of her chair.
"I bet you wouldn't be acting this way of you heard the bit where I was trying to save your ass and not mine." Draco was breathing very hard at the moment.
Hermione slowly sank back into her seat with a questioning stare on her face. "What are you talking about?"
"Well, It didn't sit well with Zabini and crew that I was living well and they weren't. I had a wife and a child on the way. I know them. They were going to try to harm you and the baby if they couldn't get to me."
Hermione was shaking slightly as Draco spoke. She hugged herself to steady the shaking.
"Honestly, I was willing to put my life on the line but when Zabini saw that I wanted nothing more than to spare your life, he made you the target. The first person I told was Harry."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Hermione asked breathily.
"I didn't want to worry you.with the baby coming and all. You didn't need that type of stress." He answered her.
"Didn't need that type of stress.....stress!!! I ask you Draco? Did you really think that your exit with out a word wouldn't stress me out?" Draco held a hand up in the air to silence her.
"I told you I'm sorry about that. I don't know what else you want me to do. Let me finish, will you?" Hermione nodded wearily.
"Well, I knew Zabini wouldn't dare touch you if I made a compromise. I have something that they want. If you were harmed this object of desire was destroyed."
"What exactly is this thing that you're talking about?" Hermione asked
"Never you mind. That's the least of your worries right now. After I made this compromise I devised a plan with Harry."
"What type of plan?" there was a tint of worry in her voice. Draco dismissed her question and continued.
"I ran off to Asia, and they followed me, but of course I got away. I then retreated to Paris, where I changed my identity and appearance. I live in the muggle part of Paris, somewhere they wouldn't dream of searching. I was able to get a job with the ministry and keep my cover for three years.
"One day at work I saw Parkinson. I knew she was searching for me. I figured that this was the perfect opportunity to carry out with my plans, now that they're in Paris." He paused to look at Hermione. "So I came back to England and.."
"Surely you've thought this through." Hermione started.
"Yes, yes. It could be dangerous but it must be done..for our sake. I'm simply tired of hiding. I refuse to miss out on anymore. It's my duty as a father and a husband to always be there. And that's what I intend on doing." He finished looking fixedly at the napkin in front of him.
After a moment of silence in which Hermione held onto Draco's hand as thought he were about to fall as the cool night air circulated all around the room and the candle light seemed to dim a little, Draco spoke up.
"I want you to come back to Paris with me." it was more of a demand than a plea. The words fell softly from his lips and Hermione took a while to soak it in.
"Draco....I can't just leave."
"Hermione you have to come. I need you to carry out the plan."
"Oh. So you want to use me!!" she cried.
"NO, not exactly. If you're willing to help then yes, but if you don't want to it'll just take longer. Also I miss you too much. If I leave you behind and never see you again, I'll never forgive my self."
"What about Athalie? I can't leave her behind."
"It'll only be for a week or possibly more. Ginny will be willing to take her." Draco said squeezing Hermione's hands.
"I don't know. I just don't know.." she trailed off.
Dinner arrived soon after. Draco and Hermione ate in silence. An hour later they were on their way to Hermione's estate in Godric's Hollow. As the reached the door, Draco pulled her closer to him and whispered in her ear
"I know you'll make the right decision." Hermione felt him slip a piece of paper into her palm.
Wondering what it is, Hermione watched Draco walk off, the moonlight illuminating his shape as he glided off and then disappeared in the black midst.
Was she really ready to take such risk? It seemed as though Draco was expecting her to agree to participate in this plan. She didn't want to disappoint him. She'd do anything for Draco, but she wasn't ready to face what lay ahead.
A/n: In this story Blaise Zabini is a man. It would be more appropriate. Thanks again for reading and review chapter 2 and I urge you to do the same for chapter 3. Tell me what you thought about it.
Chapter 3: A tale well told.
Hermione dropped her tooth brush on her tiled cobalt blue floor and turned to Draco. He was leaning against the door with his arms crossed over his broad chest, smirking his world famous smirk.
He still had the Malfoy charm, Hermione supposed. She was pleased to see that he already grew out his boyish looks but the dark, dangerous aura surrounding him, was still present.
Hermione wanted to hex him, so that he was deprived of his manhood, but yet make essence of their reunion. The joyful feeling of having him back soon started to bubble up inside her but submersed as the hurt surfaced like hot lava.
"You can't be serious?" Hermione said finally finding her voice. Draco simply nodded a gesture that seemed to push Hermione over the edge. She push past him and stamped down the hall to retrieve her robe.
"Hermione I believe we need to talk." Draco stated calmly still following his wife as she buzzed up and down her room. Hermione stopped fixing her bathrobe and looked into his face, her eyes blazing.
"NO Kidding." She growled. "Follow me." And Draco did just that. It surprised him that his sudden appearance was taken this lightly. He half expected Hermione to cry tears of frustration, not act as though they had a minor argument.
Hermione on the other hand struggled to subside her anger as she led Draco into her well furnished kitchen. She didn't want to show herself, not yet at least.
As Draco stood in the door way, looking at ease, Hermione dug in her pinewood cabinets for a bottle of Fire Whiskey and one glass.
"It's very nice of you to offer me a drink Hermione, but I don't think I'll be drinking tonight." he stated.
"This is not for you Draco. This is for me."
"Oh right. Let's carry on then." Draco rejoined, following Hermione out to her living room. He attempted to sit next to her on the sofa but she kicked her feet on the other side. Draco took a seat in the large armchair opposite her.
Before starting he took a good look around the room, looking at the photos of a happy Athalie and Hermione, together, with out him. Instead of missing for three years, Draco felt like an eternity had passed. Cautiously, he picked up a framed photo of Athalie.
He looked at his daughter and the guilt he had been ignoring began to surface. She is truly a stunning child; there was no other way to put it. That beautiful smile made him regret his departure in the first place. Draco couldn't help at get angry with himself for missing so much. Hermione eyed him like a hawk, which didn't make him feel any better.
He moved his eyes from Hermione to their wedding picture. He reached out to investigate further. When Hermione cleared her throat very loudly, he decided against it.
"So, How have you been?" he started in a whispered hush. The house was deadly silent and he didn't want to wake Athalie. It would be much harder to retell the story with her around.
"Well, let's see. My Husband picked up and left me in the delivery room about three years back." She started in a sarcastic voice. "I spent the rest of the time wondering why he left and where had he been. Also I got to raise my child by myself, which wasn't so easy. See, after a while I couldn't help at hating his very existence." Hermione said, her voice now taking on a bitter tone. "So yeah Draco, I guess I can say I've been well." She finished opening her fire whiskey and pouring herself a glass.
Draco didn't seem perturbed by her bitter reaction at all. He continued to smirk as though he was enjoying himself, which was quite odd being that Hermione made it pretty obvious that he was not a welcome house guest.
"I see you've done well on your own. You even sold our old house. Am I right?" He continued.
"No I just left it." she answered curtly.
"Is that so? And you stop using your marriage sir name."
"Yes." Hermione answered her voice still toneless. She began to wonder where this small chat was really going. Honestly it was getting a bit annoying.
"Why?" Draco questioned Hermione like she was a criminal on trial.
"Oh come of it --." She was interrupted by Draco's slightly harsh voice. He had no right to get angry, Hermione thought. Furthermore he was in no position to ask any questions. She was the one awaiting an explanation.
"I just want to know."
Hermione looked down into her glass of whiskey, swirling it slightly. It would take all the self control she could muster from inside her self not to explode. To do so she took a moment to calm herself.
"When you left, the marriage went with you. I felt that the name kept me binded to you. I didn't want that so I stop using it." She answered. Draco didn't seem moved by this statement either.
"I see. So you're saying that our relationship is no longer husband and wife."
"Only lawfully."
"Right," Draco paused to gather his thoughts and string his sentences together, because at the moment he was at a loss of words. Hermione never hurt him like this, but what else should he expect?
"If I may, let me ask you. Why are you still wearing your ring if this means nothing to you?" He asked.
Hermione glowered at him, as though she resented him asking such a forward question. It was her business what she did with her wedding ring, not his.
When she didn't answer, Draco spoke up. "Just as I thought. Give me your wedding band."
"I beg your pardon." Hermione seemed slightly bewildered. Surely he wasn't going to take back the ring, or so she hoped. The ring was lavishly beautiful, yes. The best that a Malfoy could afford, but it symbolized much more than wealth and that's why she wore it.
"Just give it to me."
Grudgingly Hermione handed him the platinum band encrusted with traditional white diamonds. Draco looked at the inside of it. He remembered the three Latin phrases that he had bewitched on the inside of the ring. He wasn't even sure Hermione knew it was there.
"Me amator." He said smiling as he twisted and turned the ring.
"My love?" Hermione whispered.
"Me uxor."
"My wife?"
"Me Immortaliatas."
"My Immortal?"
Draco rose out of his seat and knelt down beside Hermione. He grabbed her chin and brought it closer to his face. They were so close he could feel the unsteady rhythm of her breathing. Looking deeply into her eyes he asked,
"I'm going to ask you again, Hermione. If our marriage means nothing to you at all then why are you still wearing this ring?"
Hermione felt the tears she'd been holding back starting to surface. She stared into his intense gray eyes before answering. It was just like Draco to ask her those types of questions that required a detailed answer and she knew he wouldn't settle for less.
Draco watched as his wife tried to blink back tears. He took a step back when a hardness that he had never seen before fill her eyes.
"I expect you want me to say that I still love you, right? That's what you want to hear isn't it. You left me ---." The barrier was broken. There would be no more holding back. Draco had to know.
"Let me explain." Draco said with disparity creeping in his voice.
"There is nothing to explain."
"Give me a bloody chance, Hermione. That's the reason I'm here."
"I don't give second chances Draco." Hermione stated with finality lingering in her voice.
"You're being unreasonable."
"I have all right to be." Hermione now began to rise out of her seat.
"Not until you've heard my story. All I want you to do is listen" He pleaded.
"Oh cut the bullshit. I know that me knowing the "truth" is not within your best interest. Why put up the façade." She spat.
Draco sighed heavily and bowed his head in defeat. "I'm not here to argue with you or make a compromise, Hermione. I'm here for one reason and one reason only."
"Mummy?" said a soft voice from the doorway.
"Athalie?" Hermione turned to face her daughter who was dragging a blanket with her. Athalie ran into her mother's arms, buring her face in Hermione's chest.
"Why are you up?" Her mother questioned her. Draco's heart skipped a beat as he watched the site before him.
"The noise woke me." She replied.
"Sorry love. I'll be sure not to make anymore noise."
Athalie lifted her head to her mother's. Hermione pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ears. Draco cleared his throat. A sharp glare was sent as a response from Hermione.
She feared the day that she would have to introduce Athalie to Draco for the first time. She didn't know what to expect from Athalie, but it had to be done.
"Athalie, remember I told you that Daddy went away for a long time when you were very little." Athalie nodded and lifted her gaze from her mother to the man sitting opposite them.
"Well now he's back." Hermione finished, trying to avoid adding any details. Athalie eyes Draco suspiciously. Slowly she dismounted her mother and walked over to her father, who was smiling weakly.
She stopped a few inches away from him and tugged on her blanket nervously. Draco bended down to her level and said, "Hello Athalie."
She didn't respond right away. Instead she stared him dead in the eye. "You've got eyes like me." Athalie said finally. She took a step closer to Draco.
"Yes, just like you." He replied.
Next moment Athalie threw herself into her father's arms. Draco scooped her up and sat next to Hermione.
"Daddy how come you were away for so long?" Athalie started.
"See, Daddy had some important business to handle in a far away country."
"Oh. Where?"
"France." Hermione opened her mouth to say something but Draco waved a hand dismissing her. He could see that Athalie was itching to ask many questions and he didn't want Hermione interrupting.
"How come you never come to see us on Holidays?"
"I wish I could but I can't. I have a lot of work to do even on Holidays." Hermione was surprised see how comfortable Athalie had gotten with Draco, being that she just met him. That shows how much she missed the man she never met.
"Daddy?" Athalie started again, playing with his tie.
"Yes."
"You still love Mummy right?"
Draco looked at Hermione and replied, "I always will."
"I love you too." He added.
"Are you going to leave again?"
"Yes, but I'll be back. I promise."
With this said Athalie buried her head in his chest. She took in deep breaths as though she wanted to inhale all of him, just so that when he was gone she didn't have to be left with nothing.
"I don't want you to go." She declared.
"I don't want to leave either." Draco said patting Athalie's head. A silence followed this statement, in which Hermione turned her head away and stared into the roaring fire. A tear slipped out the corner of her eye. She felt the weight on the other side shift to her side. Someone brushed the hair that blocked her face and a little thumb wiped away the teardrop.
"Mummy don't cry. Daddy's back. You don't have to cry anymore." Athalie whispered.
When Athalie slipped off into a light sleep Draco spoke up. "She gets her good looks from me."
"Why are you lying to her?" Hermione asked.
"I couldn't tell her the truth, yet."
"It's always the same old story, Draco. Give her to me. I'll tuck her in."
"No. I'll take her." Draco protested. Hermione looked reluctant for a bit. A little nagging voice in her head told her to allow him to do so. It'll only be fair.
She nodded and led Draco to Athalie's room. He laid Athalie down, carefully and pulled the blanket over her. As soon as he was nearly out the door, Athalie awoke.
"Daddy wait. Don't go." She said sleepily, stifling a yawn.
"Listen, I can't stay," Draco said approaching her. "But listen to me. You be a good girl for Mummy and I'll see you soon, Alright."
"Okay. Night Daddy."
"Good night."
Draco proceeded to exit the room but Athalie called for him again. When he reached her she stood up on her pillow and kissed him on his cheek then settled back down.
Outside of the door Hermione waited for Draco.
"I want to see you tomorrow." Draco started.
"Draco..."
"No if's, but's, no's, or maybe's, Hermione. I want to see you tomorrow."
"Sure." She added weakly.
"Stop crying, love. It won't do any good." Draco said pulling her into his chest and kissing her forehead. He kissed her lightly on the nose then her cheek, where a tear slid down, moving towards her lips. Hermione pulled away as soon as Draco's feather light kiss reached her own lips.
He let out a heavy sigh and whispered "I should expect that." Then he walked away from his wife disapparating with a pop.
After Draco's departure, Hermione checked on Athalie for the last time then retreated to her room. As she slipped under her cover she heard little footsteps coming down the hall. Next Athalie was scrambling her way into the bed.
"Ally?"
"Mummy hold me." Athalie requested snuggling closer to her mother.
"Sure honey." Hermione pulled Athalie closer to her and put her arms around her.
"Mummy. I miss Daddy already."
"Me too, Hun. Me too." Hermione replied truthfully before slipping off into a deep sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** *
Next morning Hermione awoke to the sound of pots and pans banging. She felt the absence of Athalie beside her and rushed downstairs to see weather she was making a mess or trying to burn the house down.
When she reached the kitchen doorway, she observed that it wasn't Athalie, who was standing in the center with a pot on her head, in fact it was a certain red head, searching her cupboards.
"GINNY!" She cried incredulously.
"Morning Hermione. Hurry now, breakfast is almost ready." Ginny said pushing Hermione out the kitchen. "Off you go. Get cleaned up."
Hermione rushed upstairs to brush her teeth and straighten her self out. When she returned, breakfast was waiting for her on the dining room table. She took a seat across from Ginny. Already, Athalie was gladly tucking in.
"I sent word with Harry that you wouldn't be coming in today." Ginny piped up.
"What brings you here so early?" Hermione asked.
"What, I have to have a reason to stop by now?" She replied smiling innocently. Hermione chuckled at this comment and continued to make lazy conversation.
After an hour of leafing through the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly, Ginny made a drastic subject change.
"So are you going to see him?" Hermione choked on the remainder of her coffee which was highly amusing to Athalie.
"What?" she sputtered.
"Draco, are you going to meet him and talk things over?" Ginny replied calmly.
"How do you know?"
"He stopped by last night. We had a nice little chat. He said to me that he saw you and that the pair off you were going to talk things over. I tried asking where he's been but he mumbled something about Harry telling me soon enough." She paused to wipe up a speck of invisible dust.
"When did those two get so close...I ask you.."
"What else did he say?"
"I don't know. The both of them retreated to Harry's study so I didn't hear anything after that."
"I wonder. What is it that he's hiding that he can't tell me about?" Hermione questioned.
"So, are you going to go meet him?" Ginny asked again.
"I should, shouldn't I?"
"Well you seem very interested in what he's been hiding. Go and hear him out." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"You should see how fast Athalie got attached to him." Hermione whispered excitedly.
"For her sake Hermione, Do it?" Ginny replied.
"Alright."
The morning went by fairly quickly and by afternoon Draco had sent word that he would be arriving at half past six. Unfortunately, six thirty came too soon and Hermione was still not ready. When Draco arrived, Hermione was still trying to tame Athalie's thick hair into a ponytail.
Hermione abandoned her attempt to comb her hair when she ran towards Draco, giving Hermione the chance to jump into the shower. She was dressed and ready by seven o clock, which didn't annoy Draco at all.
"Ready." Hermione announced walking into the living room, while digging in her purse. Ginny gave Hermione the thumbs up for her casual but classy outfit. Her beige of-the-shoulder sweater went nicely with her coco colored ankle length leather skirt.
On her feet were her black crocodile-printed boots with a three and a half inch heel. Her hair, which had been straightened earlier, was pulled into a nice bun. A strand of hair fell into her face.
"Okay Daddy and Mummy are going to go out for a little while." Draco said putting Athalie down. "You be a good girl for Auntie Ginny." Athalie nodded and Draco kissed her on the forehead.
"Bye Ally." Hermione said kissing Athalie. She looked at Ginny and said "Gin, please see what you can do with this hair, will you?" Ginny nodded and walked Draco and Hermione to the door yelling "Go on you two. We'll be alright."
Hermione closed the door behind her but Draco stopped her. He pulled out his wand and transformed himself into the irresistible, sexy, French man by the name of Marcel Valentin.
Draco approached Hermione and bent down to kiss her hand and in a sweet French accent he said "Marcel Valentin, very pleased to meet you." Hermione looked at him inquisitively.
"I'll explain later." He said, switching back to his native accent, upon seeing her expression.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
"The usual place." Draco simply replied.
"You don't mean.."
Next Hermione and Draco apperated to Hogsmeade, which wasn't very busy during the evening times. They both walked past the joke shop and up the hill toward a huge building. From the window they could see the candlelit tables and young couples talking to each other inside a newly build restaurant called "Potion Nine."
Hermione turned to Draco and he smiled widely. It had been a while since she'd been to this restaurant. At the end of their seventh year, Cornelius Fudge, ordered for a new restaurant to be built to entertain anyone seeking a quiet dinner. Hermione and Draco often visited this place. It was their favorite. The waiters had become so accustomed to seeing them there they became V.I.P guest.
Once seated, Hermione and Draco ordered their meals. Hermione was greeted by many people, especially the waiters and the restaurant owner. Draco, new and improved as Marcel Valentin, received odd stares.
He heard a few female waiters who were well acquainted with Hermione whisper to her, "That one's a looker, I must say." She laughed and smiled each time the comment came.
After hearing this Draco asked the question he was itching to ask.
"So how many were there after I left?" His tone sounded accusatory.
"Don't be ridiculous. I haven't been sleeping around if that what you're trying to say." Hermione said more forcefully that she intended to. "I would never bring another man in my bed. Athalie would get ideas. She knows what's wrong and what's right."
Draco glared at her but said nothing. He was slightly pleased to hear that she was faithful to him.
"So who did you leave me for?" Hermione asked after taking a sip from her drink. Draco didn't answer.
Somehow he couldn't bring himself to talk. The anger was making it difficult for him to even respond. If he opened his mouth he might explode and upset Hermione. That was not the object of the meeting.
"Was it Parkinson," Hermione persisted. "Or one of those other Slytherin sluts I never knew about?" Draco's jaw clenched.
"Hermione, I didn't leave you for anyone." He said, through clenched teeth.
Hermione cocked her eyebrow and nodded as though she believed him, but her eyes deceived her. She didn't believe a word he said. This was going to be harder than he thought.
"Listen; there are some people after me." He started.
"What do you mean there are people after you? What type of crime have you committed?"
"Let me finish. Anyway, after I left the Dark Side to join Dumbledore that angered everyone working for the Dark Lord. It angered them even more when we won the war. I got off scotch free while they faced death or imprisonment for life. I betrayed them. In their midst, I'm a traitor who deserves death. I'm the one responsible for their fall." Hermione could not speak. She hardly comprehended what Draco just said.
"Those few that got away set up a little alliance, that'll be responsible for my demise, those few including Blaise Zabini, Crabbe, Parkinson, and Montague."
"Draco.." Hermione whispered. "This is not true. Stop it. Stop lying."
"Hermione," Draco said, slamming his fist down onto the table making her jump and attract a few stares. "For the last time, I'm not lying." Draco reached out and took her hand in his.
"You expect me to believe this, Draco." Hermione said pulling away, getting out of her chair.
"I bet you wouldn't be acting this way of you heard the bit where I was trying to save your ass and not mine." Draco was breathing very hard at the moment.
Hermione slowly sank back into her seat with a questioning stare on her face. "What are you talking about?"
"Well, It didn't sit well with Zabini and crew that I was living well and they weren't. I had a wife and a child on the way. I know them. They were going to try to harm you and the baby if they couldn't get to me."
Hermione was shaking slightly as Draco spoke. She hugged herself to steady the shaking.
"Honestly, I was willing to put my life on the line but when Zabini saw that I wanted nothing more than to spare your life, he made you the target. The first person I told was Harry."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Hermione asked breathily.
"I didn't want to worry you.with the baby coming and all. You didn't need that type of stress." He answered her.
"Didn't need that type of stress.....stress!!! I ask you Draco? Did you really think that your exit with out a word wouldn't stress me out?" Draco held a hand up in the air to silence her.
"I told you I'm sorry about that. I don't know what else you want me to do. Let me finish, will you?" Hermione nodded wearily.
"Well, I knew Zabini wouldn't dare touch you if I made a compromise. I have something that they want. If you were harmed this object of desire was destroyed."
"What exactly is this thing that you're talking about?" Hermione asked
"Never you mind. That's the least of your worries right now. After I made this compromise I devised a plan with Harry."
"What type of plan?" there was a tint of worry in her voice. Draco dismissed her question and continued.
"I ran off to Asia, and they followed me, but of course I got away. I then retreated to Paris, where I changed my identity and appearance. I live in the muggle part of Paris, somewhere they wouldn't dream of searching. I was able to get a job with the ministry and keep my cover for three years.
"One day at work I saw Parkinson. I knew she was searching for me. I figured that this was the perfect opportunity to carry out with my plans, now that they're in Paris." He paused to look at Hermione. "So I came back to England and.."
"Surely you've thought this through." Hermione started.
"Yes, yes. It could be dangerous but it must be done..for our sake. I'm simply tired of hiding. I refuse to miss out on anymore. It's my duty as a father and a husband to always be there. And that's what I intend on doing." He finished looking fixedly at the napkin in front of him.
After a moment of silence in which Hermione held onto Draco's hand as thought he were about to fall as the cool night air circulated all around the room and the candle light seemed to dim a little, Draco spoke up.
"I want you to come back to Paris with me." it was more of a demand than a plea. The words fell softly from his lips and Hermione took a while to soak it in.
"Draco....I can't just leave."
"Hermione you have to come. I need you to carry out the plan."
"Oh. So you want to use me!!" she cried.
"NO, not exactly. If you're willing to help then yes, but if you don't want to it'll just take longer. Also I miss you too much. If I leave you behind and never see you again, I'll never forgive my self."
"What about Athalie? I can't leave her behind."
"It'll only be for a week or possibly more. Ginny will be willing to take her." Draco said squeezing Hermione's hands.
"I don't know. I just don't know.." she trailed off.
Dinner arrived soon after. Draco and Hermione ate in silence. An hour later they were on their way to Hermione's estate in Godric's Hollow. As the reached the door, Draco pulled her closer to him and whispered in her ear
"I know you'll make the right decision." Hermione felt him slip a piece of paper into her palm.
Wondering what it is, Hermione watched Draco walk off, the moonlight illuminating his shape as he glided off and then disappeared in the black midst.
Was she really ready to take such risk? It seemed as though Draco was expecting her to agree to participate in this plan. She didn't want to disappoint him. She'd do anything for Draco, but she wasn't ready to face what lay ahead.
A/n: In this story Blaise Zabini is a man. It would be more appropriate. Thanks again for reading and review chapter 2 and I urge you to do the same for chapter 3. Tell me what you thought about it.