A/N: Hey all! Yes well last chapter revealed a lot about Harry and Ginny's relationship and if all goes to plan I may do a spin off from this story about them after everything that has happened in this story… anyway, onto the chapter! –finishes eating piece of chocolate-
DISCLAIMER: You all know!
Chapter Fifteen: Love and Heartache
"You forgot about the difference, huh?" laughed Hermione into the phone, "Well I'll just have to ring you in the morning, won't I… tell Ron to be quiet! Okay, okay… I will… you take care… miss you… alright… bye."
Hermione hung up the phone smiling. Finally after the past ten days of work, Hermione could relax. It was a chilly Christmas Eve now and Draco was putting Dakota to bed. Hermione flopped down on the lounge and flicked on the television to watch the movie Santa Claus Two. Seconds later Draco entered the room smiling.
"She is really excited," he said sitting down beside Hermione and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"She loves Christmas. This one she will remember for a long time… her first white Christmas and her first one with a real family," sighed Hermione looking away from the screen to Draco's face, "Only if Harry could have a happy Christmas… and Ginny. I went over there yesterday to show Ginny the review on how great the magazine is and things are so tense between them."
"How is the unpacking going?" asked Draco.
They had moved into Hermione's old place, making yesterday the first time Hermione had been there since she had to pack things up.
"Good… you can tell its' their home."
Draco nodded, "Are they sharing a room still?"
Hermione shook her head, "I don't think so. Harry was making up the spare bedroom when I arrived… I guess it is just a matter of days now."
Hermione sighed and Draco squeezed her arm gently. Hermione leaned her head on his chest turning back to watch the movie. At least for her, Christmas would be complete- her, Dakota and Draco together.
O
Harry walked from the bathroom to the spare bedroom next to what should have been his and Ginny's bedroom. Ginny was in there going over the sales from the magazine. She glanced up at Harry, grabbed her wand and waved it to shut the door. Harry sighed and entered his room. He dressed into his pajamas and exited his room. Without even knocking he opened Ginny's bedroom door and shut it behind him.
"There is a such thing a knocking," said Ginny focusing on the work in front of her.
"When do we end it? Boxing day?" replied Harry bluntly, "I'm not spending the rest of my life in the guest room."
Ginny looked up, her face pale, "Do we have to discuss this now?"
"Yes we do."
Ginny sighed and put away her work. She looked up at Harry, a serious look upon her face, "Do you love me?"
"What?" asked Harry caught off guard.
"Do you love me? It's a simple question."
"I love you as a friend… I'm not in love with you anymore," said Harry knowing it was the truth, "I will always care about you. You are the mother of my children."
"Least I'm not alone in that part," mumbled Ginny, "But why does it still hurt?"
Harry walked over to the bed and sat down beside Ginny. He took hold of one of her hands and squeezed it gently, "Because we are facing up to the truth."
"I guess… I guess four years of marriage isn't too bad."
"We've done better then Hollywood couples. Plus we have children to show what we once shared."
Ginny smiled, "I guess. I'm sorry for being such a bitch these past few weeks."
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "I was a jerk back… so… Boxing Day?"
Ginny nodded sadly.
"You stay here… I'll go back to the old house."
"What about the children?"
"Well… this place is big enough… and I know you would rather have them."
Ginny nodded, "You can see them any time… and have them from Friday to Sunday."
Harry smiled, "That's perfect. Goodnight Ginny."
"Night," replied Ginny as Harry stood and left the room.
Ginny sighed and bit her lower lip, who knew she could really fall out of love with someone she thought was so right for her?
O
"SANTA HAS BEEN! SANTA HAS BEEN! WAKE UP MUMMY, DADDY!" screamed Dakota bouncing up and down on the bed continuously.
Hermione heard Draco groan as she sat up and grabbed Dakota around the waist and pulled her down between her and Draco. Dakota smiled up at her mother, their grins matching.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" asked Hermione tickling Dakota on the stomach causing her to giggle.
"No," laughed Dakota squirming as Hermione continued to tickle her.
"Half past six," mumbled Draco rolling onto his back.
Hermione leaned closer to Dakota and whispered, "Tickle Daddy on the ribs… softly."
Dakota grinned cheekily and raised her small hand to softly tickle Draco on the ribs. Instantly Draco squirmed causing Dakota to laugh out loud. Hermione quickly sat up and slid out of the bed. She raced over to the far side of the room and pulled on her dressing gown.
Dakota stood up as well and bounced on the bed, urging her father to get up.
"Okay I am up!" cried Draco standing up, "Presents or breakfast?"
"Molly invited us over for breakfast seeing as we are having lunch with my family and dinner with your family. So lets get dressed first," replied Hermione, "Come on sweetie let me help you get dressed."
Dakota skipped over to her mother and left the bedroom with just Draco yawning and rubbing a hand over his stomach. His muscles weren't as toned as they were back when he was younger, thanks to his boozing time, but he could still feel his abs.
But his body look wasn't what was on his mind as he opened the bedside draw and pulled out the deep, blue velvet box. He opened it and looked at the silver ring with three separate jewels arranged diagonally across from each other, one red ruby, one white diamond and one deep blue sapphire. All were small and cut in a small oval shape. During the week Draco had taken one of Hermione's rings for the right size. Today was the day… he knew it.
O
Molly hastily mixed the pancake mix as Fluer began slicing the muffin buns. Arthur, Charlie, Bill, Fred and George were in the lounge room arranging it too place the table and chairs for Breakfast. The family had expanded to being too big for the whole lot to fit in the kitchen. The guest list included: Molly, Arthur, Bill, Fluer, Jonathon, Charlie, his fiancée Emma, Fred, George and his girlfriend Alicia Spinnet, Ginny, Harry, James, Rianna, Hermione, Draco and Dakota, bringing the total too 17. Molly had hoped maybe Ron and Merle would come back for Christmas but Ron said he wanted to experience the Australian Christmas.
"How is the bacon coming along?" asked Molly as she turned to mix the scrambled eggs.
"Very good. Would you like me to check on the hash browns?" asked Fluer as a cracking noise came from the hall, "Oh Harry is here with Ginny and the children."
Molly nodded, she had rarely talked to her daughter, as it was Harry who dropped and picked the children up. Ginny entered the kitchen smiling, dressed in a red robe with ruby earrings in her ears, a gift from Harry.
"Mum… I'm sorry for everything," said Ginny standing beside Molly, "I never meant for things to get the way they have. You are my mother and I love you."
Molly looked back at her youngest child and only daughter with tear filled eyes. She reached out and embraced Ginny tightly, showing she too was sorry for how things got. Ginny pulled away smiling and handed her mother a wrapped thin, square gift.
Molly unwrapped it and gasped, "Is this the original?"
Ginny nodded, "The original picture of our family trip to Egypt. It's for you and Dad because I know he asked to get it but they wouldn't let him."
"Arthur! Look what Ginny gave us!" cried Molly running from the kitchen to the lounge room where Harry was helping now.
Ginny turned to the stove and began stirring the scrambled eggs as Hermione, Draco and Dakota arrived.
"Merry Christmas!" called Hermione her arms full of gifts, "Fluer the top one is for you and Bill, and Ginny this one is for you… Merry Christmas Harry, this is for you… Molly, for you and Arthur… Fred, for you… George for you and Alicia, Charlie – long time no see! Any one else?"
"Me and Ri-Ri and Jonathon," said James looking at Hermione with a puppy face.
"Here!" cried Dakota running over with three gifts, "These are for you, Ri and Jon."
James smiled and gave Dakota a hug, "Thankyou Dakota!"
The morning passed with gift giving, eating and lots of laughter. Throughout the morning, Hermione observed Harry and Ginny but found that they were putting their issues aside for the day. Dakota spent her morning playing with James, like two bestfriends.
After the large and very filling breakfast Hermione walked over to Harry, who was checking out his gift from Hermione, a book about famous Aurours.
"Sorry if you don't like it," said Hermione standing beside him drinking a hot chocolate.
"No, it's great. I heard about it and looked for it but couldn't find any place with it in stock," replied Harry, "How did you get it?"
"Got it sent to me from Salem, where it is published."
Harry nodded with a smile.
Hermione looked over at James and Dakota and chuckled, "Do you think they'll grow up and marry or remain bestfriends?"
Harry looked over at the two children and smiled, "Who knows? They have a lot of years ahead of them and James goes to Hogwarts before Dakota does."
"When was he born again?"
"October."
"Ah, my birthday was in September but I had to wait another year… so Harry our children will be going to Hogwarts together!" grinned Hermione.
Harry laughed, "Look who is excited."
"Well aren't you? They can be bestfriends forever!"
"Umm, Hermione?"
Hermione turned from Harry to see Draco looking at her nervously, "What's wrong Draco?"
"Can we go for a walk outside?"
"Sure," nodded Hermione wondering why Draco wasn't acting like himself.
She followed Draco outside into the cool breeze with snow falling all around them landing in Hermione's brown locks. Her and Draco walked along in silence until they were in the field where the Weasley's played Quidditch when they were younger.
"James and Dakota will be going to Hogwarts together," said Hermione to break the silence.
Draco nodded and turned to face Hermione letting out a breath, "Hermione… I love you right?"
"Yeah… I love you too," nodded Hermione.
Draco smiled with a little nervous laugh, "We have been through a lot… in life… together and alone… but you know the love we discovered is one that has proven to be one that we know will last forever… I want to spend my whole life with you… I want to have brothers and sisters for Dakota, with you… I can't imagine a day without you."
Hermione smiled but looked at Draco in pure shock as he knelt to the snow covered ground.
"Hermione Jane Granger… I have asked Arthur and Harry for there blessing… will you be my wife?"
O
"He is what?" gasped Molly as she looked from Harry to her husband, "Right now?"
"He came and asked us both when she was giving out the gifts and helping with the food," said Harry seriously, but with a smile, "This is what she has wanted for a long time."
Molly smiled, "She deserves it… they both do. And what a perfect time to ask her! On Christmas Day… outside with snow falling… oh how romantic."
"He was so nervous asking us though," chuckled Arthur, "Poor guy… he was shaking from the nerves, but you should see the ring… 3 different jewels."
Molly smiled and walked over to the window, "Oh look… they are walking towards the Quidditch field."
Harry and Arthur walked over to see Draco turning to face Hermione.
"What is going on?" asked Fluer walking over and looking out the window to see Draco kneel down, "Is he asking her to marry him?"
Suddenly everyone rushed too the window, except for the children. James looked at Dakota and smiled at her.
"I want to marry you when we are growed up," he said.
"Good," grinned Dakota, "We can marry here."
O
Hermione looked at the ring and gasped at its beauty. Draco looked up at her with a worried face. Suddenly Hermione let out a happy sob and nodded.
"That a yes?" asked Draco just to make sure.
"Yes!" cried Hermione.
Draco stood up and pulled the ring out of the case and slid it onto her finger. Hermione laughed happily in between sobs and hugged Draco tightly. Draco smiled and hugged his now fiancée back before leaning back to kiss her tenderly.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," grinned Hermione before she kissed him again.
O
"She said yes," whispered Molly before crying out, "She said yes!"
All the adults screamed out happily, but quickly moved from the window as they saw Hermione and Draco running down from the field towards the house.
"Everyone!" cried Harry, "Act like we don't know a thing!"
Quickly they all moved to do something, with Molly and Arthur looking at the gift from Ginny, Harry sitting down to read a book, the twins and Alicia chatting about the store, Bill, Charlie and Fluer talking about France and Ginny sat down with Rianna to help her with the Little Witch Kit from Molly and Arthur.
"What's happening?" whispered James to Dakota as he placed a 'Minimal Exploding Snap Card' on top of the pile.
Dakota looked around, "Strange things because they are all acting not normal."
James nodded as the card pile gave a small bang causing the two too giggle and begin the game again.
O
Hermione pulled Draco too a stop outside the Burrow. She peered in the curtains to see everyone in small groups, or alone. She turned to Draco grinning.
"They know I said yes," said Hermione, "Harry and Arthur told Molly, no doubt and everyone found out and watched from the window."
Draco peered around Hermione and frowned, "But they are all quiet."
"Precisely… when has the Burrow ever been quiet?"
Draco raised an eyebrow nodding.
"So, we walk in like nothing has happened… act completely normal."
Draco grinned and kissed Hermione on the lips, "Very Slytherin of you my dear."
"Indeed," replied Hermione in a snooty tone.
She turned around and led Draco back inside the warmth of the Burrow. Everyone glanced up at them expectantly but Hermione just headed to the kitchen, as though she was preparing to leave, which they actually had to do. Draco walked over to Dakota and told her to pull on her coat, scarf and mittens' as they had to get home to open presents before going to her Aunty Kirra's and Uncle Matthews.
"Okay, that is everything," smiled Hermione holding a bag full of presents, "Ready Draco, Dakota?"
"Yes Mummy!" said Dakota as she pulled on her coat, "When are we going to Aunty Kirra's?"
"After we open gifts at home."
"Did you say yes?" blurted out Ginny, unable to be quiet any longer.
Hermione acted confused, after glancing at Draco who looked as though he was trying to be serious and not laugh, "Too what?"
"The question! Oh let me see that!" cried Ginny finally seeing the stunning ring on Hermione's finger.
She sprung up from the ground and ran over to Hermione and grabbed her hand with the ring, "So you said yes!"
"Yes!" cried Hermione happily, "I'm going to become Mrs Hermione Malfoy!"
All the women in the room screamed and ran over to Hermione to examine the ring, whilst the man walked over to Draco to congratulate him.
The congratulations, hugs, kisses continued for another ten minutes before Hermione and Draco finally found the chance to leave for home.
OThe rest of the day passed with present openings, lunch with Hermione's family who were thrilled with the exciting news and celebrated with a bottle of champagne. After the filling lunch of roast chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, other vegetables, followed by dessert of warm apple pie, ice cream, whipped cream and fruit salad, Hermione, Draco and Dakota headed straight to the Malfoy Manor.
"We are here!" called Draco in the entrance hall, "Mum, Father?"
"Merry Christmas!" greeted Narcissa warmly as she entered the room dressed in a deep green, silk robe, "Isn't it lovely? Your Father got for me for Christmas."
"Lovely Mum," smiled Draco hugging her.
"Merry Christmas Narcissa," smiled Hermione hugging her.
"You too dear," smiled Narcissa before she saw the ring, "Wait… is that? Are you both? Really?"
Hermione and Draco grinned, nodding.
"Oh darlings!" cried Narcissa embracing them both while Dakota looked at them confused. Hermione and Draco had explained to her what was happening and Dakota was thrilled that they were getting married, but all the fuss was a bit beyond her.
"Something good happening?" asked Lucius entering the room.
"Yes!" cried Narcissa dragging Hermione over to her husband by the hand, "Look! They are getting married!"
"Wonderful!" smiled Lucius embracing Hermione, "Now I can finally say to everyone I have a beautiful, intelligent and wise daughter in law."
Hermione smiled as she pulled away, "Thanks Lucius."
"Well, shall we celebrate?" asked Narcissa, "Nothing alcoholic… how about some simple hot chocolate with marshmallows? Does that sound nice, Dakota?"
"Yes! Do you have pink ones?" asked Dakota skipping alongside her grandmother holding her hand.
"We certainly do. What is a hot chocolate without any pink marshmallows?"
Hermione slipped her hand into Draco's and smiled at him, "It's all coming together."
"Just like a puzzle," replied Draco smiling at his fiancée.
O
Ginny rolled onto her back as the sunlight filtered into the room bringing forth Boxing Day, the day her and Harry told everyone they were separating. Next door she could hear Harry moving around, packing his belongings up into boxes. Ginny bit her lower lip. How could things have gotten so bad?
I've been holding on,
To a love gone wrong,
It's true… for too long,
The hurt it left inside,
Has made me wanna hide too much,
And I do.
Ginny sat up and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. This was the right thing to do for both her and Harry, plus the children… right?
I'm not afraid to be alone,
The truth is I'm alright,
But something has been missing from my life,
A soft bang issued from Harry's room. Ginny stood up and pulled on her dressing gown. Hopefully the children wouldn't come running to find Harry packing. Ginny wanted to tell them what was happening. It was only fair to explain it too them, without the shock hitting them terribly.
And maybe tonight,
Maybe I'll fall,
Maybe he'll crash through my walls,
Maybe at last love will come back and take me deep into its arms,
Maybe the heart,
That comes apart,
Will finally mend,
Maybe tonight I'll finally fall in love again,
With a deep breath Ginny left the room. This really was the right thing. Holding onto a love that didn't exist was just plain wrong. There was no spark between them… right? Ginny's stepping faltered as Harry's bedroom door opened.
Cried a lot tears,
Faced a lot fears,
To get right here,
Every chapter ends,
Before the right one can begin again,
In this story of love,
She turned around and gave him a small smile, which he returned as he walked over too her, fully dressed.
"Everything packed?" asked Ginny quietly.
"Everything," replied Harry with a deep breath.
Ginny nodded, "Well um… we should tell them. I think they are down stairs."
And maybe tonight,
Maybe I'll fall,
Maybe he'll crash through my walls,
Maybe at last love will come back and take me deep into its arms,
Maybe the heart,
That comes apart,
Will finally mend,
Maybe tonight I'll finally fall in love again,
The two entered the lounge room where James and Rianna were playing happily with their Christmas presents. Ginny sucked in a deep breath, how was she going to explain to her children that their Mummy and Daddy were breaking up? That they weren't in love… or was that a lie? Ginny looked at Harry, suddenly unsure of her feelings, but Harry didn't look back and walked over to his children.
I'm ready for another chance,
And right now that's enough,
I know I will survive what ever comes,
"James… Rianna," said Harry sitting beside them, "Mummy and I have something to tell you both."
"What Daddy?" asked James with a smile, "Are we going on holidays?"
Harry smiled as he looked up at a pale Ginny who slowly sat down beside Rianna.
"No sport," sighed Harry, "Mummy and I… well we are breaking up."
"What does that mean?"
"Daddy and I don't… we don't… what it means is…" stammered Ginny holding off tears.
"Mummy and I don't love each other has husband and wife… only as friends," finished Harry, "So I am moving out and you and Rianna are living here with Mummy."
James looked confused and looked at his father and mother's bare wedding ring fingers understanding the way a little child only can – his Daddy was leaving him, his sister and his Mummy.
Maybe tonight,
Maybe I'll fall,
Maybe he'll crash through my walls,
Maybe at last love will come back and take me deep into its arms,
Maybe the heart tat comes apart will finally mend,
Maybe this time I'm gonna find love that will never ends,
(Maybe tonight) I'll finally fall in love again,
(Maybe tonight) I'll finally fall in love again,
Oh, yeah,
Maybe tonight I'll finally fall in love again.
A/N: I had a hard time writing that… I got a bit emotional at the end. But you did have a high point right? Hermione and Draco are engaged! Yay! Rejoice for them and sympathize for Harry and Ginny… well review!
SONG: Maybe Tonight by Kate DeAraugo
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!