Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own any of them. Except Athalie, she is mine.

Chapter 4: Tomorrow……maybe.

A/n: Lots of crying people. I think too much. But if I were Hermione I'd cry too.  Ok just read.

Previously:

"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.

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Hermione walked into the house, which was silent for once. Making the assumption that Athalie and Ginny were both asleep, she tiptoed back to her room. Only thinking about what had just happened.

At the moment, words couldn't explain the confusion she was in. Should she stay, go, give up on him, forgive, or forget? These were questions she couldn't answer alone.

 Realizing she hadn't taken a look at the note yet she dropped it on her dresser, afraid to open it.

For a while she could only stare at the parchment like it was some intangible object she could never dream of getting a hold of. When in reality this paper and whatever information it held might be the solutions to all her problems and the one key to happiness once more.

"So when are you going to open it?" came a soft voice from her open doorway.

Naturally Hermione was startled by the intrusion. She turned to find Ginny in the doorway with her arms folded across her chest, her facial expression weary.

"You look like you just ran a marathon." Hermione voiced.

"Well Athalie can do that to you sometimes."

"How was she? I hope she didn't give to many problems." Hermione started feverishly. Ginny put up a hand to silence her.

"Everything was fine Hermione. Stop worrying your self so much."

"Thanks a lot. I really appreciate this." Hermione said expressing her gratitude while graciously taking a seat on her daybed, leaving the bed free for the pregnant red head. 

"How was your evening?" Ginny asked, waddling towards the large four-poster bed.

"Fine." Hermione replied shortly.

"Really, I don't know how you expect me to believe that dinner was truly fine with so much sarcasm dripping from your voice."

Hermione sighed loudly, taking a seat on the bed next to Ginny, falling backwards, pulling her hands over her eyes.

"Awkward- dinner, I mean." She replied after a short moment of hesitation.

"Well I'd expect it to be. It's been so long and considering the fact that there is this mounting tension between you two." Ginny added. Hermione could only nod in agreement.

"So what's bothering you?"

"What's bothering me?" she reiterated with a light chuckle "There are lot of things bothering me, Ginny?"

"Alright, let me be specific. What is it that happened tonight that's bothering you?"

            Hermione stared up at the Weasley. Her questioning gaze made her very uncomfortable. Her mind was in a daze. So many questions, so little time and answers for them. She ripped her gaze away from Ginny's and stared at the canopy while the silence between the two women became torture.

"He wants me to go back to Paris with him." she replied finally, breaking the silence.

Ginny clapped her hands in delight but was forced to cease her mini celebration when Hermione glared at her. Clearing her throat and changing her cheerful tone to a more serious tone she began,

"Under what circumstances?"

"That I participate in this genius little plan of his."

"A plan?"

"Yes. It also involves your husband. He claims that a band of former Death-eaters are after him and that's why he left… to protect me. Now he's devised some plan to get rid of them."

"Harry! Oh dear god. Why hasn't he told me about this? You just watch when I get home!" Ginny began to rant, sounding similar to her dear mother, but stopped when Hermione glared at her for the second time that night.     

Groaning loudly Hermione rolled out of the bed and began pacing the room.

"What do I do Ginny? If I go I may put myself in a position where I will bring harm to my daughter. Athalie, I just can't leave her alone. She needs me and who knows how long I'll have to be away…or if I'll ever return" Hermione began to choke on tears.

"Think good things, Hermione. Not bad" Ginny whispered, beginning to sympathize for her friend.

"Tell me. What can possibly come from this?" Hermione bellowed.

"You'll find the happiness in which you lost," was Ginny's solitary statement.  

            Immediately, Hermione stop pacing the room and turned to Ginny, fresh tears shining in her deep brown eyes.

            The gates of the black abyss of emotion opened up once more to let Hermione through.  All the emotions she had felt for the past three years engulfed her once more, maybe for the last. She felt pain when she thought she could not be broken any more.

She felt remorse when she thought her conscience had been cleared.

Wounds were reopened and she bled her bitter sorrow.  Being deprived of the love she needed most left her beaten and broken internally, although always appearing strong. For all these years she wrapped herself in a protective layer; only coming out at night, while she lay in her bed alone, or when she peered into Athalie's beautiful genetic eyes. It was almost like a coat, lined with feathers and fill with warmth. But as soon as the feathers come out, the coat is no longer as warm, and therefore loses it full protective sheer.

"Funny how it takes one statement to send you into a state of sudden realization?" she whispered to herself.

Hermione walked over to her dresser and opened the letter she left untouched. In his neat script he wrote:

"It's because you love me, that I know you be here before the strike of 12."   

(M.G. Estate) 

"It can't be." Hermione thought to herself. M.G. estate was their old home. That was one place she wished to never go back to.

Hermione immediately switched her gaze to the clock. It was now ten-thirty.

"I have until twelve to decide." She said.

"No," Ginny retorted, "you have until twelve to pack."

"Ginny, how can you expect me to pick up and go like that. I have a child to take of."

"Hermione there was never any doubt that you weren't going to go. You just feigned doubt to find a reason for you not to face what you need to."

The silence was loud.

"I'll get your things, then."

"Wait…Athalie ---."

"I'll take her for the time being." The red head said and started packing Hermione's bags for her trip. Hermione left Ginny alone and walked out to Athalie's room. She opened the door as quietly as she could.

            There, Athalie lay fast asleep in her baby blue cotton nightgown, her hair untamed, and a slight smile upon her face. Hermione took a moment to admire her. It was hard enough telling her she was leaving, but to see her reaction was going to be heart braking.

Hermione wasn't quite sure she was ready for that. She was not even sure she was ready for what was yet to come. Building up enough courage, she woke her daughter.

"Athalie, Hon, wake up."

"Mummy?" she answered. Athalie slowly rose yawning slightly.

"Yes, it's me."

"Where's daddy?"

"Not here right now."

"Oh." The disappointment in her voice was evident. That was one of two disappointments she had to endure in one night. Athalie crawled into her mother's arms and curled herself into a ball.

" Listen, Mummy's going to have to go away for a little while." Hermione whispered; her voice quivered slightly.

"NO, no. Mummy don't go!" the little girl protested.

"Honey I have to."

"Mummy. No!" By now she was crying pounding her fist into Hermione's chest. It broke her heart to see her daughter this way. She would gladly stay, but some invisible force compelled her to go.

"Mummy," Athalie sniffled in between. "What if you go and never come back…just like daddy."

This statement sent hermione into a fit of silent tears. She bit her lip and sighed heavily several times before she could answer.

"If that's what's scaring you, you have nothing to worry about because I will always be there for you. It's only for a few days. I promise." She finished. She tried to put her down, but Athalie clung to her as though she was permanently attached.

            Walking to the back to her room, she hummed softly into her daughter's ear trying to quell her. As she entered she saw Ginny had already packed her things. With a simple levitating spell she carried her bags down the steps while Athalie still clung to her.

Once they were in the living room, Hermione set Athaile down on her favorite couch. She turned to Ginny.

"Take care of yourself." Ginny said pulling Hermione into a strong embrace.

"I will. I'll be seeing you soon." She replied. Then looking over her shoulder, she winked at Athalie.

"Come here" she commanded in a jovial tone trying to lighten the depressing mood. Gladly Athaile ran to her and into her arms.

"Listen to Mummy, do everything Auntie Ginny tells you and be a good girl for Mummy alright." Athalie nodded and a stray tear fell out of her eyes, quickly she wiped it away.

"Bye Mummy."

"Goodnight Sweetie." Hermione said, kissing Athalie's forehead, preparing to Apparate.

She landed in the living room of her old home, M.G. Estate. For a house that was abandoned for three years, it was in great shape. Everything was in the exact spot she had left it in. the house was clean, but poorly lit with candles.

            The living room was empty, as well as the kitchen. Slowly and quietly Hermione walked up the marble staircase towards the old master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar and the room was completely dark except for a few lit candles.

            She opened to door to find Draco standing by the window, wearing only his black trousers. He seemed dazed and lost in thought, for he did not hear Hermione enter. Hermione stood back a moment to admire him. The soft moonlight caught his skin and hair and his face devoid of any emotion.

            Hermione walked up to Draco, stepping in front of him to catch his attention. He continued to stare straight ahead as though no one were there. When she touched his chest she felt him breathe in. How she longed to fell his smooth alabaster skin again.

Suddenly, she forgot all her worries and captured his lips with hers. Draco let Hermione take control. Lightly, she ran her tongue over his bottom lip, sucking on it slightly, and then moving upward to explore every crevice of his mouth. Draco's soft lips made her insides flutter. Her temperature rose and her knees became weak. It's been a while since someone had been able to do that to her. Only Draco had that gift.

            Pulling away slowly, trying hard not to meet his eyes, she ended the kiss. As she attempted to walk away, Draco pulled her back, not wanting to let her go. Slowly she ran her hand down his chest and stopped in the center. Draco put his hands over hers.

            Hermione looked up into his eyes. "They are so blue," she thought. She remembered missing those blue eyes but yet hated seeing them day to day in her own daughter. Draco pulled Hermione closer placing his lips slightly onto hers. Hermione closed her eyes and inhaled his heavenly scent.

"Stay with me tonight. I want you near me, always." she heard him whisper. She wanted to but she couldn't. Somehow she felt that if she got to close to him he might hurt her again. The only way to avoid what she went through the first time is to not make the mistake again.

"I wish it were the case three years ago." Came Hermione's reply.

Draco backed away slowly. He showed no sign of hurt or anger. This reaction did not surprise Hermione. She knew better. He was hiding, just like he used to do in Hogwarts. It made no sense hiding anymore because Hermione knew what he felt.

Draco emitted a shaky breath before saying "I don't think you understand, Hermione. You just don't." He finished and turned to walk away, sending Hermione on a guilt trip.

"Draco, I'm sorry." she said running after him, reaching out touch his shoulder. "I didn't mean to--." Hermione paused in mid sentence as he ripped his shoulder away from her touch. Tears began to surface as they widened with fright.

He turned to look at Hermione, disappointment etched in his sharp features. He did not utter a word of consolation. Instead he said, "We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Get some rest."

With that said he proceeded down the hall to his study, without looking back. All the energy in her diminished drastically, causing her to drop down in the middle of the hall, crying.

If she weren't so attached she'd get up and leave. Hermione did not know how much more pain she could endure. When would it all stop? There was no definite answer for this and she knew it. She could only hope that tomorrow things would start to take a turn for the better………..maybe.

A/n: please don't be upset. I beg for forgiveness a thousand times. I'm sooooooooooo sorry. I meant to update sooner. I know you're like "yeah excuses, whatever." But really, hear me out. It's been a tough two months. Geez, has it been that long? Please continue to read and review and I'm thankful to all those who continue to read. If you know anybody who's been reading my story, be a sweetie and tell 'em I updated. Thanks. Chapter 5 and 6 should be coming soon. It definitely won't be two months before I update again. After I post those next two chapters I'll go back to Bleeding Hearts. Also I have another fanfic in the making. Hopefully by next year I can start it.