Chapter Six

Stunned , Draco stared into Dylan's glass-like eyes.

"If this is the result of being sentenced to life in Azkaban, I would have gladly committed a massacre grander than that of Sirius Blacks'." Draco quirked a gentle smirk.

The corners of Dylan's mouth twitched slightly, before his brows furrowed in concentration, processing his father's statement.

"I don't know what we'd do if we lost you again. It's been thirteen long years, Dad."

I fought to leave this earlier today. I will fight even harder to stay.

The two made their way back to the manor.

000

Upon seeing Dylan's tearstained face, the fright that had resided within her throughout those painful thirteen awoke once more.

Too anxious to say a word, Hermione stood still, eyes fixed on the man who has caused her great pain and the younger man who has eased it.

Shutting her eyes tightly… the darkest memory fazed her.

(Hermione's flashback)

"Do you know how much I love you?" Draco whispered, the nauseating odor of liquor overpowering her.

"Draco? What's the matter with you?" Hermione responded frightened. If Draco were to inflict pain upon her, there was not a soul in the manor to save her. Dylan, by request of his grandfather, was at the Malfoy Estate with, of course Lucius. Hermione did not hesitate to allow her only son to be in the care of his grandfather, the man was a saint in comparison to her husband.

"Nothing at all my love." Draco replied, a menacing gleam in his silver orbs.

Slowly, Hermione backed away from him. Her attempt was unsuccessful, she felt her bed halt her retreating steps.

"Granger, that's why I chose you. Always thinking ahead." Draco unzipped his pants, displaying a smirk that shook Hermione down to her core.

"Don't do this." Hermione whimpered.

"Don't tell me what to do, Mudblood bitch." Draco growled, tearing her tattered nightgown.

"Draco…" She sobbed as he shoved her onto the bed.

"My mistress is unable to relieve my urges tonight. Your services should be sufficient." Draco croaked, eagerness apparent in his voice, and actions.

Each painful thrust, Hermione was left breathless. She bit her lip to keep from shrieking. Draco laughed at the sight of her tears, and punished her--brutally shoving himself deeper within her. His hipbones roughly colliding with hers, he cackled as she finally yelped. Unable to withstand the pain anymore.

"And they say you're so strong." Draco spat revolted as he dismounted.

(End flashback)

Hermione took a sharp intake of air, the threatening sting in her eyes present yet again.

"The festivities are to commence soon. Go wash up son." Draco put an arm around Dylan.

"We'll talk more about my…err, situation later on tonight okay?" His father added in a guarded whisper.

Nodding obediently, Dylan did as he was told.

Grateful that either of the two heard her finally exhale out of sheer relief, Hermione smiled tenderly. Draco was a changed man. The scene before her, occurrences earlier during day, all provided evidence to support the theory that Draco Alexander Malfoy was indeed no longer the man he once was. Or, is now the man he once was years ago. He was not the coldhearted tyrant he was a day ago. Though, no matter how many the times he's inflicted damage upon her, Hermione chose to love him unconditionally. Through her example of strength, her children followed. Knowing that somehow, Merlin would mend their shattered family portrait. She thought she would pass on before hearing him utter the three words that had won her heart those years ago. Yet, Merlin kept his promise, upon her rousing from her slumber- there laid the man beside her…changed.

Their eyes met. Draco cocked an eyebrow lightheartedly.

"Were you yearning for me as I for you?" Draco flashed a marvelous smile as he approached her slowly.

"I do not think I have anticipated your return so much in the entirety of this union between us." Hermione enveloped the handsome man before her.

(Draco's flashback)

"HERMIONE! Tell them you were with me! I couldn't have killed my own father that morning! We were together! HERMIONE! Say something!" Draco pleaded.

Earlier that morning...

Worried about Draco's well-being since becoming informed of the vicious murder of his father, Hermione prepared to visit her other half. He was bombarded with media, funeral arrangements, murder suspects--Hermione truly did pity him. Now, being the considerate girlfriend that she was, Hermione decided to give Draco some space. He was rather distraught at the news of the death of his father. Though she was also a very concerned girlfriend, therefore she was paying her wizard a visit.

She grabbed her wand, preparing to apparate to Draco's estate, but..."Hermione Granger. Going to see poor little Draco are we?" A sinister voice filled the room.

"W-who are you?" Hermione looked around suspiciously.

"Shut up Mudblood. I didn't come here to be interrogated." A hooded figure revealed itself.

The voice was so familiar, but to whom it belonged to evaded Hermione.

"Draco will pay." Came a deadly whisper.

"What are you talking about?!" Hermione shouted, losing her patience.

"LISTEN. I will not harm you. Your blood is not what I seek, it is filthy and disgusting. I want nothing to do with it. Draco is the assassin of Lucius Malfoy, at least that's what the Ministry is going to think." The hooded figure cackled lightly, as fear stained Hermione's beautiful face.

"That's not possible. He and I were together that morning. He has an alibi." Hermione smirked.

"True, that is…only if you say something. Which you won't. Because if you do, Draco will receive Dementor's kiss. I can have that arranged." The figure replied.

"…Either way he is going to receive it. At least I can make an attempt to save him." Hermione spat.

"Wrong again. The plan, as of now, is just to have Draco sentenced to life in Azkaban-- which is far worst than being a soulless being. But at least he'll be alive, correct? As long as you keep your Mudblood mouth shut, he will be saved, somewhat."

"I- I can't do that." Hermione felt the tears fall.

"You do not have a say in this." The hooded figure whispered an incantation, pointing his ebony wand at the weeping woman.

Later on that day...

In a daze, Hermione arrived at Malfoy Estate as Dementors escorted Draco out of his home. His angry eyes fell upon her, and softened.

"HERMIONE! Tell them you were with me! I couldn't have killed my own father that morning! We were together! HERMIONE! Say something!" Draco pleaded.

Numbly, biting her tongue, and silencing his pleas mentally, Hermione stood within the crowd and said nothing.

'I am saving you Draco. Find it in your heart to forgive me…'

"HERMIONE!!! How could you betray me! How?! Fucking Mudblood! It's over, you hear! OVER!" Draco hollered , hot tears rolling down his pale face.

What did you think readers? That was a very difficult chapter for me to write, emotionally and mentally. I hope you all are not confused! Lol.

I edited some of it so it is less confusing. The flashbacks I mean-- sorry for the confusion! I hope this helped.

Chapter Six

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.