A/N: Hey people… well as I write this I have just put up Chapter Seven… so I haven't got reviews yet. Anyway… onto the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: You all know!
Chapter Eight: Coming Clean
Hermione sat starring out the window of her room at her Aunt Cassie's later that night. Her mother's house was completely packed up thanks to the hard work of her two bestfriends and family. Dakota was sound asleep and Merle wasn't home. Her Aunt Cassie had gone out to bingo with Kirra and a group of friends. Hermione was glad her family wasn't dwelling on the fact Anne had passed away. She was missed terribly, but all knew Anne wouldn't want people to mope over her forever and a day.
Hermione turned away from the window and looked down at her quilt. Guilt was sweeping through her body as she knew it was her actions that caused Draco to be in the state he was in, yet she didn't have the guts to admit it too him. It was hard to admit to someone you love that you caused them to be in so much emotional pain and that you sent them spiraling downwards to rock bottom.
"Hermione!" cried Merle as she entered the bedroom grinning broadly.
Hermione looked up in surprise and forced a smile onto her face, "Hey. I heard you were out with Ron."
Merle's face fell into a dreamy grin as she sat on the bed, "I was. I had fun. He makes me so happy."
"Merle… you aren't falling for him yet are you? It's only been one date!"
"Oh I know that Hermione. Ron is just so different from all the other guys I've ever dated. He is down to earth, has political opinions and doesn't just want to constantly kiss me or you know… he likes to talk and hug… we are going out tomorrow night… I think he might be my Mr Right."
Hermione nodded and sighed, "Well my Mr Right has every right to call me Miss Wrong. You should have seen him Merle… I know I should never of left with out telling him I was pregnant with our daughter… but how do you admit that to someone you love and have caused so much pain?"
Merle placed a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder, "You have to be honest to him Hermione. If you keep holding back from him how do you expect him to heal himself? I know it must be hard, but if you love Draco the way you say you do you will admit it too him."
Hermione sighed, "I have to tell him now."
"Hermione it's past 9. Visiting hours ended two hours ago."
"I know. But it's now or never. Check Dakota before you go to bed please." Without another word Hermione left with a crack.
O
Quarralia closed her office door and tapped her wand on the handle to lock it. She turned around and waved goodbye to a cute Doctor from America just as Hermione ran around the corner, her eyes wide.
"Hermione!" cried Quarralia in alarm, "What's the matter?"
"I need… I need to see… Draco… now," panted Hermione catching her breath, "I have to… tell him someth…ing important… or I… or I won't do it."
Quarralia nodded, "Will it help Draco?"
"I think so… please, I have to see him."
"Okay, follow me."
Hermione let out a deep breath or relief and followed Quarralia towards Draco's ward in silence.
"He may be asleep," spoke Quarralia softly as they stood outside, "I allow my patients to shut their verticals as they sleep. So," Quarralia paused as she unlocked the door, "if he is asleep… wake him at your own risk."
Let's go back,
Back to the beginning…
Back to when the earth, the sun, the stars all aligned,
Hermione walked into the dimly lit room hearing the door click shut behind her. The curtains around Draco's bed were closed but Hermione could faintly see his shadow, showing him changing into his sleeping gear. Hermione stood still and looked away from the curtains, though she had seen him naked and getting dressed before Hermione didn't feel she should watch him.
Cos' perfect…
Didn't feel so perfect,
Trying to fit a square into a circle of my life…
I defied…
The curtains pushed back making Hermione brace herself for Draco to begin screaming at her; instead her looked at her in surprise.
"Visiting hours are over," said Draco simply turning his back to her as he pulled his bed covers back, "And I'm tired.
Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams,
Let it wash away my sanity,
Cos I wanna feel the thunder,
I wanna scream,
Let the rain fall down…
I'm coming clean…
I'm coming clean… oh yeah…
"I'm sorry for everything," blurted Hermione, "I'm to blame. I shouldn't of left without telling you about being pregnant. I should have let you be part of her life as much as you wanted. I know I'm a terrible person because I caused you all these problems. I should be in your position, not you… I should have been the one nearly beaten to death… every terrible thing that has happened in the world should be aimed at me."
I'm shedding,
Shedding every colour,
Trying to find a pigment of truth beneath my skin,
Oh er oh,
Draco slowly turned around, "You are right Hermione. You should have told me. I should have been part of her life. But where I am right now… I made the choice to drink myself stupid. You didn't tell me too."
Cos different,
Does it feel so different?
When going out is better then always staying in,
Feel rain…
"But because of me not telling you and leaving… I led you to be where you are through my actions!" cried Hermione tears in her eyes, " I hate myself for this happening to you. I'm a horrible, horrible person!"
Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams,
Let it wash away my sanity,
Cos I wanna feel the thunder,
I wanna scream,
Let the rain fall down…
I'm coming clean…
I'm coming clean…
Draco watched as Hermione turned away wiping her tears away. He didn't hate her. Regardless of everything that had happened he loved her. She'd admitted her mistakes to him and he could see she really did regret everything and hated herself for landing him where he was. But didn't he know it was because of her that he was getting over it.
(Rain fall down)
I'm coming clean… (Rain fall down)
Oh yeah… (Rain fall down)
Let the rain fall,
Let the rain fall,
I'm coming…
"I love you Hermione," said Draco softly, "Quarralia is going to try this potion on me… and if it works I could be out of here within days. She's sent a letter to my parents… if she has their okay… everything will be the same as it was four years ago."
Hermione turned around and looked at Draco with a tear stained face, "No it won't."
Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams,
Let it wash away my sanity,
Cos I wanna feel the thunder,
I wanna scream!
Let the rain fall down,
I'm coming clean…
"What?"
"It won't be the same Draco. We've changed."
"So? That doesn't mean I don't love you."
(Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams)
Oh, coming clean,
(Let it wash away my sanity)
Oh, coming clean,
(Cos I wanna feel the thunder)
"You love the me from four years ago! You hardly know who I am today. You see me and see the Hermione from four years ago!"
Draco grabbed Hermione by the shoulder and pulled her towards him so their bodies were touching, "Look at me and tell me you don't want us to have another chance."
Hermione looked Draco in the eyes. She stared it him with the same intensity that he looked at her with.
"I don't want to give us another," her eyes dropped away from his, "chance."
Let the rain fall,
(I wanna scream)
Let the rain fall,
(Let the rain fall down)
I'm coming clean
(Let the rain fall down)
"I can say the same thing over again Hermione. I love you and always will. What has happened will never change my feelings for you."
"I have to go," replied Hermione pulling away, "I'll see you around Draco."
Draco reluctantly let Hermione pull away and watched her leave his ward with the door snapping shut behind her. Regardless of what her facial expressions said Draco knew Hermione loved him and would do anything to have him back. Even admit what her mistakes had done.
Mmm, oh whoa,
Let's go back…
Back to the beginning,
O
"That one sounds nice," said Ginny as her, Hermione, Merle and Cassie sat around Cassie's dining room table and read the for sale ads in the Daily Prophet, "Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large kitchen with a separate dining area, spacious wooden floored sitting room with a study room behind it, 15 hectares, large veranda, lake that freezes solidly during winter. It is only 540,000 galleons and it says… oh. Located two miles away from the Malfoy Manor."
"That's perfect!" cried Hermione, "Dakota is able to get from my place to her father's easily. Living close by is a great idea!"
"But Hermione… it means you'll have more of a chance at running into a lot of Slytherin's not to mention Draco," replied Merle.
"Yes but Dakota should live near her father's. And the property is big like the one in Australia and I can teach her how to ice skate."
"Well it says lots of people will want this one. You should go to the real-estate agency now," said Ginny.
"Alright. I won't be long," grinned Hermione leaving with a crack.
"She seems eager to be getting on with life," said Cassie before sipping her coffee, "Before I left last night she seemed to be down in the dumps."
"I think it might have something to do with her late night meeting with Draco last night. She admitted all her mistakes," replied Merle causing Ginny to sit up straighter.
"Do I hear Wedding bells?" asked Ginny.
"No. Just… truce bells."
O
Dear Mr and Mrs Malfoy,
I recently found out about a potion that can cure Alcohol Addiction with one dose. Draco has made a large improvement since being admitted and is the perfect candidate to be tested on. He has said he is willing to try the new discovery except your agreement is needed before I can use it on him. The dose is in no way lethal and is already having great success in Germany, France, Ireland, all of Asia and America. If you wish for Draco to try the new cure out please reply with your agreement form filled out attached to the back of his letter.
Sincerely,
Dr Q. Knox.
Lucius handed the letter to Narcissa and watched her read it carefully before she placed it on the table. She looked at Lucius and nodded slowly.
"I think we should let him have it. Dr Knox has said he has made a lot of improvement and this will cure him completely," said Narcissa slowly.
"But if he has made so much improvement I don't see why he needs the potion," replied Lucius logically.
"But Lucius… this one is cure him completely! This will stop him from relapsing and returning to drinking! It has had success all over the world! I agree too it."
"He should learn the hard way."
"He has learnt the hard way and Hermione has been helping him along. Or didn't you read the letter Poppy sent yesterday?"
"No I didn't. In case you didn't notice I was at the Ministry for my trial to see whether I was allowed to work again. The Malfoy's may be rich but we do not have a never-ending pile of galleons anymore. Draco lost a lot of it drinking and paying for hookers. Plus his Rehab isn't cheap."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I saw no need too."
"Lucius… my father left me his money."
"Narcissa I am using that to pay for Draco's Rehab."
Narcissa paled, "We are poor?"
"No… we are heading towards middle class at this rate. If I can get a job at the Ministry I am sure I can bring us back to being wealthy."
"What if no one hires you Lucius?"
"Then you will have to work."
Narcissa's eyes widened at the thought, "But I have never worked a single day in my life."
"Maybe Hermione will hire you."
"I'm not working Lucius. You are! And Draco is getting that potion!" snapped Narcissa signing her name on the approval form.
Lucius sighed as Narcissa stormed out screaming unfriendly words at Lucius, who signed his name and summoned his owl to return the form to Quarralia.
O
Hermione slid the key into the front door and pushed it open. Her mouth dropped open at the view. White tiles were formed in a square at the front door. Hermione walked in and looked at the wooden floor in awe. At the far end of the room was a marble fireplace. The walls were a crème colours with oak wooden edgings. Hermione walked across the room and into the hallway. Directly across from Hermione was the dining room. Like the lounge room and hallway the floor was wooden and the walls crème with oak wooden edging. Hermione walked across the large dining room and into the modern styled kitchen with marble green benches, sea green tiles and white walls. She exited the kitchen and dining room and walked up the hallway. Just before the marble white staircase was a door. Hermione opened it and entered the downstairs bathroom. It was nothing grand, just like every other bathroom… except for the fact the taps and showerhead were made of gold. Hermione walked out and went up the staircase. The hallway was like the downstairs one. Hermione walked along the hallway and entered three bedrooms. All looked the same, just different colours: pale blue, pale yellow and baby pink. She exited the pink room and walked across the hall to the bathroom. It was exactly like downstairs only bigger. She then walked into the bedroom next to it – the master bedroom. The floor was wooden like every other room but one of the walls was a feature one painted aqua with the rest plain white. Hermione smiled and exited the room.
"I missed a room!" mumbled Hermione walking quickly down the hall and stairs, through the hall and into the lounge room. Sure enough, beside the tiled area and front door was another door. Hermione walked over and entered it gasping. All the walls were lined with bookcases, except for a gap where the window was.
"I love it," smiled Hermione glad she had brought it before looking, "Dakota will love it."
O
"Brilliant!" grinned Quarralia reading the signed form. She hurriedly exited her office and ran to the potions development room, "Greg, can you make the Alcohol cure potion?"
"Sure thing Quarralia. It'll be ready by 2pm," replied Greg, "Do you think it will work?"
"It's been successful so far hasn't it?"
"True."
"See you at 2pm then."
O
"It's beautiful!" cried Hermione to her Aunt and Merle, "Everything about it… the benches are marble and so is the staircase!"
"When are you moving in?" asked Merle smiling due to her friend being so happy after a long time of semi happiness.
"As soon as I can get furniture. So I am going shopping tomorrow for more furniture. It shouldn't take long to set up."
"Well I'm glad you are staying Hermione. The entire family is," smiled Cassie hugging her niece, "Now I am going to put the roast on. It's family dinner tonight, so everyone will be here."
Hermione grinned, "Great!"
O
Draco sat in his ward expectantly. Quarralia had come by earlier that day telling him the great news about the potion. His parents had agreed to it, which surprised Draco because he believed his father would have persuaded his mother to make him do it the hard way. If this worked, Draco would be out of rehab in days and could finally prove to Hermione they were still meant for each other regardless of how much each had changed over four years.
But doubt was creeping into Draco's mind. He knew Hermione was very independent. Was she too independent for him? Would she give them another shot or not?
"Draco!" It was Quarralia grinning broadly and holding a vial full of lime green liquid, "Here it is!"
"It's looks disgusting," replied Draco uneasily, "Are you sure it will work?"
"Drink and see."
Draco took the vial and breathed in a deep breath. He looked at the ugly green contents before swigging it down in one single gulp. A rush of coldness flowed through his body as though somebody had doused his body in ice. He shivered and dropped the vial, milliseconds later hearing the vial smashing on the ground. Draco wrapped his arms around his body before having a hot flush rush through his body making him break out into a sweat. He would literally feel all of the alcohol seep out of him through his pores… and this was only the beginning. Next came the shivering even though his body was burning hot. Sweat dribbled down his face and salvia fell from his mouth as if he were a baby.
Quarralia could do nothing but stand and watch. Her friend had listed the effects of the potion to her and stated they last for five to ten minutes depending on the seriousness of the person's condition.
Minutes past and slowly the symptoms came to a stop.
"Draco?" said Quarralia calmly.
Draco looked up, his face flushed but a smile on his face, "I feel… clean… calm… no cravings coming… the thought of drinking alcohol makes me sick."
Quarralia gave a cry of joy and hugged Draco, "It worked! I mean I'll have to keep you in a day or so to see if it really has worked! By Merlin Draco! This is brilliant though! Oh… wow!"
Draco smiled and smelt his clothes, "Argh… I need a shower."
"I'll send a nurse in to take you to the bathroom… oh Draco this is going to give you a second chance at life."
O
Two days later Hermione waved her wand to straighten the photo's hanging above the television cabinet. Dakota was busy exploring the house in awe with her bestfriend James. Merle did help but Ron arrived to take her to Hogsmeade for lunch. At the moment Molly was fixing things in the kitchen, Harry was moving empty boxes to be recycled at a muggle place, Ginny was un packing Hermione's books, Cassie was making beds, Kirra was helping Matthew in the bathroom and Jerrell was helping Simone straighten a mat in the same room as Hermione.
"How does that look now, Simone?" asked Hermione.
"Straight as straight can be," replied Simone, "I am famished."
"Sandwiches everyone!" cried Molly's voice, "Come on, come on, before they go stale!"
Everyone, upstairs and downstairs raced to the kitchen and dove into Molly's sandwiches. Dakota, James and Rianna, who had been trying to help Ginny, sat on the floor with their own sandwiches: jam for James and Rianna and Vegemite for Dakota. Hermione had made sure to bring a jar of the Australian spread for Dakota who loved it.
"Hermione… what is that black stuff on Dakota's sandwich?" asked Molly curiously.
"Vegemite. It's an Australian spread. They absolutely love it on everything… from Sandwiches to eating it on a spoon. I hate it. Too… tangy," replied Hermione as Dakota smiled at her with a vegemite smile.
"I love this place Mummy! My room is pink too!" grinned Dakota, "Can James sleep over?"
"Once we are settled in. And if Harry and Ginny say it is okay."
"Oh, of course it will be," said Ginny, "So Herms, when are you returning to work?"
"On Monday. I have found a daycare for Dakota-"
"Hermione!" cried Molly, "No grandchild of mine is going to daycare. Bring her to my place. She can play with Jonathon, James and Rianna."
"But Mum… James and Rianna are at home with me. I don't work remember?" replied Ginny uneasily, "I wish I could… but you know they fired me and all."
Harry put a loving arm around Ginny, "It's okay sweetheart."
Hermione smiled and looked at the Daily Prophet's fashion session, "Argh… that wedding dress is horrible. The colours clash. Who did that woman's wedding?"
"The amateur business trying to copy yours in Knockturn Alley," said Molly, "Attracts all the … dark wizards and witches."
"Gosh, they need a magazine about weddings," said Cassie seriously.
Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at Ginny in awe, "Ginny… I have a job for you!"
"What?"
"A job! Why not expend my business to publishing a magazine on weddings? You can be the head editor and be completely in control. Publish top weddings in England and Australia, the latest styles and trends, I can even write a monthly letter on my opinion of the recent weddings and trends… we could make a monthly edition and you can make most of the profit. 90 to you and 10 to me. It's flawless!"
Ginny's mouth hung open and everyone looked at her in expectation, even the children although they were trying to work out what the sudden silence was about.
"I don't k-know… I mean… it's a big thing… I-I… Wow… Herms this is sudden."
"Say yes!" urged Harry smiling, "Think about it Ginny. Your own magazine, you are in charge of it! This is will totally make the Daily Prophet realize what they lost and Hermione gained."
"I'll… I'll do it!" laughed Ginny-hugging Hermione, "I'll do it!" Hermione squealed with joy as she hugged Ginny back smiling but suddenly stepped back with a shocked look.
Everyone turned around and gasped. There standing in the doorway was Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.
O
Draco picked up the packed bag and walked out of his ward never wanting to return. Quarralia met him outside smiling cheerfully and led him to the reception desk.
"I want us to remain friends Draco," smiled Quarralia, "We were when we worked together and you know you can trust me to support you through any hard times."
"Thanks Ralia," grinned Draco half hugging her as they walked.
Quarralia laughed, "Only you got away with calling me that!"
Draco shrugged, "I know it's sudden. But do you think Pompfrey would hire me again?"
"I'll go ask. You are a brilliant Doctor Draco. She can't deny you that."
They reached the reception desk and Quarralia signed Draco's release form and cut his identification band.
"You are finally a free man from this place and your demons," smiled Quarralia, "I'll be seeing you soon… as a friend and workmate. Not your Doctor."
"I hope so. Bye Ralia… thanks for everything."
O
"Lucius… Narcissa… I mean Mr and Mrs Malfoy," stammered Hermione in shock, "W-what are you doing here?"
Narcissa's eyes zoomed in on Dakota and her mouth fell open slightly. She brought her gaze back to Hermione and smiled a little, "We were told someone had moved into this place and came to say hello… we knocked but no one answered. Then we heard laughter and came in… to say hello."
"I-I see… how is Draco doing?"
"He gets released today."
"Oh."
Silence filled the room for a few moments, until Lucius cleared his throat.
"Lovely place you have Miss Granger," he said smiling, "Hello Molly."
Molly gave a tight, forced smile, "James, Dakota and Rianna, let's go play in Dakota's room, shall we?"
The three little children and Molly left the kitchen and footsteps were soon heard going up the marble staircase. Harry and Ginny followed suit, followed by Hermione's relatives.
"Dakota is beautiful," whispered Narcissa, "I'm so sorry for tearing you and Draco apart… it wasn't about blood… completely."
Hermione shrugged her shoulder's not knowing what to say. She busied herself by staking the plastic plates everyone had used for their sandwiches.
"He does love you very much."
"Four years have passed," said Hermione turning around to Narcissa, "People change in four years."
"I understand that. But that does not change the love you have shared and still do. Change means nothing. You both will still understand each other in ways no one else will."
Hermione sighed, "I'm glad you came… really I am. Perhaps tomorrow you both can come visit again and I'll introduce Dakota to you both as who you really are to her."
"What about Draco?" asked Lucius softly.
Hermione swallowed a lump in her throat, "H-him too… if he comes."
The Malfoy's nodded and Hermione led them to the front door. The three said goodbye and once the door closed Hermione leant on it breathing deep calming breaths.
She wasn't ready for tomorrow… but tomorrow had to come.
A/N: So… I bet you all want the next chapter? Well you'll have to wait because I haven't written it! It's the 3rd of December… so you all know what that means? I SAW HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE! Yes… I did! And I loved every single moment! I laughed, cried, got scared, everything! I was hooked through the whole thing and never once got bored. It was brilliantly made for such a big book. It flowed with emotion, action… romance… everything! Better then the third… though to me the third wasn't all that good. Anyway, I want your opinions people! Thanks for the reviews!
SONG: Coming Clean by Hilary Duff from the album Metamorphosis.
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!