CHAPTER 8: A FEW ANSWERS….REUNION PART 2
Saturday dawned rather dim for both Mishka and Draco, though their reasoning was a bit different. Up on the second floor Draco sat on the edge of his bed thinking back over his conversation with Mishka. In his mind he knew there was more to her story, he needed to keep that hope alive in his heart that Hermione disappeared for a reason, that there was going to be an amusing story there. They went through so much together that there is no way she could have just decided she didn't love him and she wanted to disappear. There was more to the story; he just needed to know what it was.
"Damn you Mishka, why won't you open up to me?" Draco pushed himself up and walked to the bathroom; half way there he heard a knock at his door.
(POV Mishka)
"Who the hell is it?"
"It's Mishka; can I come in for a minute?" Please don't be difficult Draco.
"Yeah?" He said it quickly as he opened the door. I was lost for words; I didn't expect to find him just getting out of bed. His hair was looking a bit shaggy hanging around his face and the only thing he wore was a pair of black sweat pants. "What do you want Mishka?"
"Please don't be difficult Draco, I just want to talk, can I come in?" I just walk in without an answer, "Great, thanks."
"Go ahead, make yourself at home." I could hear the sarcasm in his voice; he's annoyed with me, probably upset that I never gave him any answers last night. I sat down on the end of his bed, cursing Dumbledore for not putting a chair in the guest quarters.
"Look I just want to talk a bit about last night." And would you mind putting a shirt on, you don't know what you're doing to me. Of course I can't say this to him, but oh I want to kiss him.
"There's nothing left to talk about, you don't want me, you don't want to talk to me, you won't even make an attempt to help me find my mystery woman as you so eloquently called her; so what the hell is there left for us to talk about?"
He stood about 4 paces from me, his scent overwhelmed me, before I could stop myself I responded in typical Hermione fashion, "I knew you would be like this, you have always been so fucking hard headed you never could listen." Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that!
"What the hell are you talking about; I've known you for like 3 months and you act like we've known each other for years," he took a step closer to me, Oh Draco please don't do this, don't get close; he took another step and continued ranting, "what the hell have I ever done to you that I don't know about?" I can't tell him, I can't answer that, how do you tell the man you love that you were hiding right in front of his face for the last 10 years? "Answer me damn you!" He's getting pissed; that was easy to see when he loomed right over me, it was written in his eyes and the tone of his voice.
"You are a Malfoy, your reputation precedes you, of course I would think that you are stubborn and pigheaded, most purebloods are. Snot nosed bastards all of you!" I pushed him away from me and stood up from the bed, I should have known this would be a bad idea!
"I suppose because you are a half-breed, a mudblood, you think you're better than us purebloods? You are just as stubborn and pigheaded!" My eyes blaze fire, and my ire rises, we were past this once!
"I should have never come here, I knew you wouldn't listen to me, I should have stayed gone, I never should have come back, you know what Malfoy after tonight you will never have to see my mudblood face again, because I'll be gone!" I walk out his door slamming it behind me, I knew this would never work, I don't know why I let Dumbledore talk me into coming back here; I knew it was a mistake. I make my way back to the dungeons with a scowl on my face that could rival Snape's, guess I did learn a thing or two from that man. Not everything turned out bad, "Damn you Malfoy!" I scream as I kick my foot flat against the wall, it was a better choice than breaking my knuckles!
"Have you had another fight with Draco, Mishka?" I know that voice…
"Hello Remus, how are you?"
"I'm fine, but you are avoiding questions again."
"Why don't we go to my office, I'll explain there."
"After you." Remus points to my door and I take lead, wouldn't want him to run into my wards, though I'm sure he could probably sense them anyway. Instead of staying in the office, I just lead us straight into my sitting room where a fire is blazing in the hearth.
"Would you like a drink Remus?" Let's see if I can divert your attention…
"No thank you, but I would like for you to explain why you were stalking the halls cursing Malfoy with a look that rivaled Severus', oh and taking out your frustration on the walls."
"I was so hoping that you would forget, but I can see I'm not getting out of it, am I?"
"I'm afraid not Mishka, now please."
I sit down on the settee next to my dear friend, There are times in my life I regret cutting myself off from everyone, now is one because Remus always understood me so well, he was like a surrogate father after I lost my parents, him and Tonks both were always there for me.
"I see that look in your eye, you're sad but you are also angry, what happened?"
"What doesn't happen when Malfoy and I get together? We fought Remus, about the same old shit, he's a pureblood, I'm a mudblood, we don't mix, I've always known that but it has never stopped me from loving him. So much happened between us 10 years ago that I though hiding was my best option that Draco would forget about me and he would move on; but he hasn't. He has held onto our past and dwelled on it like it's what keeps him alive. I don't understand Remus, why he is still looking for Hermione, why does he still wants me around. Would he accept me if he knew that Mishka was really Hermione, would he still love me, knowing that I have become a rebel in the wizarding world. I mean look at me, I'm in jeans, a halter top, and a leather jacket, I haven't worn actually robes in I don't know how long, I have a dragon as a familiar and I'm anything but your average witch."
"Hermione, you are the brightest witch to come out of Hogwarts in a hundred years, you have never been average. Just because you don't look the part doesn't mean you aren't bright and it certainly doesn't mean you aren't a witch. You have managed to combined both of your worlds and make it work towards your advantage, there is nothing wrong with that. As for Draco, I've spoken to him many times over the last 10 years, he has never given up on finding you and I know that he doesn't understand why you left. He wants answers and you are the only person that can give that to him."
"Excuse me one moment Remus," I go to my bedroom, there is something I need, damn it's not here, "Kalila, go to my shop find the box buried in the back and bring it to me please." She nuzzles my arm a bit, "Thank you my sweet." She exits through the upper window that was enhanced especially for her. "Thank you Remus, there is something I want to show you, but I need Kalila to bring it back for me."
"Quite alright, now are you going to tell me what started the fight between you and Draco, because I know it can't be about the past, he doesn't know about that."
"Actually, it was, the way I spoke I talked about how he used to be, made him think that we have known each other for years that he was just like he always was. He's going to figure things out Remus, I know he will, and I don't think I'm ready for that. He can't know, it would hurt him too much." I can feel tears stinging my eyes, I take a deep breath and brace myself for the questions I know are coming.
"Can't know what?"
At that moment Kalila flew back in, I knew it would only take her a few moments. "I'm going to show you something Remus that only three other people know." From the box I pulled out a piece of parchment deeply yellowed by age, I handed it to Remus, unsure of how he would react.
"Why did you never tell me Hermione? Tonks and I would have helped you through that." I handed him a second parchment. "I'm so sorry, and this all happened when your parents died." I nodded, thinking back it was still to painful to remember.
&&&FLASHBACK&&&
Hermione entered the Hospital Wing clutching her stomach, "Madame Pompfry, something's wrong it hurts so much real low in my stomach."
"Here child, get up into bed." Madame Pompfry helped Hermione up into one of the beds and immediately noticed a great deal of blood coming from Hermione. "Oh dear."
"What is it? Is my baby okay?" Hermione was in tears, the cramps getting worse. "Ahhh" a strong cramp hit Hermione hard, almost as if it was a contraction.
"Here Hermione, I need you to drink this."
"What is it?"
"It's a sedative, I need you to relax for me."
"I don't want to hurt the baby."
"Hermione, your baby, she's…"
"She, how do you know it's a girl, oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god, no, no, no, no, no, no, it can't be true, tell me it's not true."
"Hermione, please drink." She drank down the potion and within minutes was asleep."
Hours later…
Hermione awoke to find Draco by her bed.
"Hermione are you okay?" But she never answered him, she rolled onto her side and cried into her pillow, Draco leaning next to her trying to comfort her, though he didn't know why, Madame Pompfry didn't tell him what happened to Hermione when he came looking for her, she only pointed to the bed she lay in, gave a solemn look and headed back towards her office.
"Hermione, talk to me, what happened to you?"
"I can't Draco, I can't talk about it."
"Why, did someone hurt you? Love, please tell me." Draco's voice was pleading, she wanted to tell him, needed to tell him, but she didn't, she decided it was better for him to keep her secret, he would never know of the baby she carried and lost.
Across the Hospital wing another voice was heard calling for Hermione, two sets of feet were drawing closer and Draco wasn't leaving, he wasn't going to abandon Hermione whether he knew what happened or he didn't.
"What the hell do you think you are doing here Malfoy, get away from her!" It was Harry's voice, an angry Harry at that.
"I'm comforting my girl, what does it look like I'm doing? She's upset and I won't leave her."
"Ever think you were the reason she was upset? Now leave her alone and maybe she would feel better!" Harry was angry at the thought of Draco being near his friend, he knew that Hermione was friends with Malfoy, but not that she was his "girl" as he put it.
"I'm not leaving Potter so get over it."
"Why you little…" at that moment Harry pulled his wand on Draco, "you have caused her this pain, and you will leave now or I will hurt you Malfoy, so help me god I will!"
"Mr. Potter put your wand away at once, I will not have fighting in my infirmary!" Madame Pompfry had come out of her office at hearing Harry first yell. "OUT, all of you, Hermione needs her rest, she does not need you fighting around her, now out!"
Draco kissed Hermione's forehead before leaving, she hadn't said a word through the entire confrontation, Draco knew there was something she wasn't saying, but he would wait for her to tell him. "Just remember I love you," Draco whispered to her as he left.
Hermione decided at that moment, after everyone left, that she would leave Draco for his own safety, Harry wanted blood and he didn't care how he got it. He was going to go after Draco, logically she thought that if she left him that Harry wouldn't have any reason to go after Draco again, that he would be safe. If only she had known then what she knew now.
&&&END FLASHBACK&&&
"Do you understand now Remus why I had to leave, why I couldn't stay here?"
"No, I don't understand why you left, why you hid from your friends. Explain it to me."
"Harry wanted blood, he was going to go after Draco no mater what I did, so I left him, thinking that if I did that Harry would leave Draco alone, but it didn't work. After loosing the baby I couldn't handle them fighting anymore. I knew that Draco didn't hurt me that he didn't hurt my parents, but Harry was so blinded by hate that he couldn't or wouldn't see that. I asked Madame Pompfry when I left Hogwarts the first time for those pages out of my medical file; she, Dumbledore, and now McGonagall are the only ones that know about my baby. It was my plan to tell Draco about the baby the same night I lost her, but I never made it that far." I pulled my knees in close to me, huddled up like I used to in the Gryffindor common room, I never wanted to think about these memories again, they hurt so much, but it seems that the time has finally come to face my past. "You have to understand Remus, I had to leave, I couldn't stay here, couldn't stand the memories."
"I understand now Hermione, and I'm sorry you left, I wish there was something we could have done to help you through that."
"I know Remus, but I'm glad that you are here now, and when I leave again, I promise this time I will stay in touch."
"I'll let you get ready now Hermione, trust Draco with the truth." I only nodded as I embraced my dear friend. Trust Draco with the truth, could he really handle it? There is only one way to find out.
(A/N: I thought about ending it here, but decided I'd continue, you hall have waited so long as it is!)
GREAT HALL 4PM, START OF REUNION:
It was time to face the music as they say; I'm standing outside the Great Hall hesitant to enter, inside I know there will be Draco, Harry, and Ron, it's time to reveal everything that I have ever kept hidden. I had let my hair go back to its curly state, so that it cascaded down my back, it's a change from how I normally wear it; and unfortunately a dead give away at who I am. Finally I work up the courage to enter; I open the door and step inside. At once my appearance is noticed and everyone stops, it seems that they are all seeing a ghost. My eyes drift right and I catch a glimpse of Draco, he looks dumbfounded, I still look like Mishka, but I also now look like Hermione. Over the years I suppose I became both. I look towards the front of the hall and see Dumbledore and that incessant twinkling of his, should have known he was setting me up, meddling old man, but I love him just the same, wouldn't be Dumbledore if he didn't meddle! I continuing scanning the room, looking towards my left and see Harry and Ron stalking towards me; well that didn't take them as long as I expected. Oh shit, Harry looks pissed, not at all what I was hoping for, but I'm stronger now, I know I can stand up to him and not be pushed around.
"HERMIONE!" Harry's tone is demanding, you would think that he was the one that was wronged.
"I'm Mishka."
"Bull shit, you are Hermione and I know it."
I held my head high and my stature showing I wasn't backing down, "I promise you I am Mishka, Apothecary and Potion's Mistress. I have not been Hermione for ten years, nor do I intend to start now!" I heard a startled gasp from everyone in the hall, just like I thought they all figured that Hermione vanished and I was a damn ghost. Well fuck the lot of them.
"It was Malfoy wasn't it, you disappeared because of him. I'll kill that little rat."
"You will do no such thing Harry James Potter! I disappeared because of you," I poked him in the chest emphasizing every point I said, "I was driven away because of you, you want to know why I left, why I changed my name and why I don't wear wizarding robes, but black jeans and halters? Well God Damn It all I'll tell you. You Harry were so blinded by your hatred of Draco that you couldn't see past your own nose," I poke him in the nose to emphasize this point, "You figured just like everyone else that Draco was evil, that he helped his father kill my parents. Guess what you were wrong, ALL OFYOU WERE WRONG!" I gestured towards the crowd now listening in to our argument.
"We wanted what was best for you Hermione, nothing more." Ron decided to chime in.
"Oh and the sidekick speaks, you never could make up your own mind Ron so you just went along with whatever Harry said, whether it was wrong or right it didn't matter to you." I stop for a moment I need to regain my bearings, I can't loose it, there is too much that has left to be said. I see Draco from the corner of my eye coming closer to us, he is still in shock, disbelieving that I was right in front of him the whole time. I pray that he can forgive me. "Do you remember that night in the infirmary Harry when you and Ron came bursting in while Draco was trying to comfort me?"
"Of course I remember, he's the reason you ended up there in the first place, you spent three days there doing nothing but crying and sleeping you hardly ever said a word to us."
"I wasn't there because of Draco, I was there because of you, all the bitching that you used to do about me spending time with Draco, whether it was related to school or not, you hated that I had finally become his friend, so you always had to bitch and create stress and hostility, guess what all of that stress caused me to lose my baby! That's right, I was 3 months pregnant with Draco's child, I wanted that baby Harry, I wanted my little girl but you stole her from me!"