Author's Note: Thank you for all of your reviews! Although I am really
sorry that I had to end chapter 10 there, all without any action at all!
Therefore, the next few chapters will be so full of action (both in the
romantic sense and otherwise) that I really hope that you'll forgive me for
chapter 10. Anyway, I think my friend (AK Waters) and I are going to put
out a story soon, please watch out for it as well! Thank you again and now,
on with the story!
Chapter 11: Coming Home
Hermione woke up with a start. It was still that same night and it was very late at that. Something was not right, she thought to herself. She quickly sat up in bed and listened closely.
Nothing.
But something woke her up. She knew that for a fact. Hermione threw off the blankets and got out of bed. She didn't mind the initial wooziness that she felt; instead, she went out of her room and went downstairs. It was maybe out of habit that when she woke up in the dead of night that she would make herself a soothing cup of tea. She didn't mind the coldness of the floor beneath her bare feet or the chill of the night air as she didn't put on anything over her nightgown.
Once she reached the landing of the first floor, she went directly to the kitchen. The torches were never put out, as they still burned gaily, making shadows with the other objects and countless Christmas decors along the whole first floor of the castle. But she didn't mind that either.
The kitchen was darker than the other rooms, and so Hermione had to light a candle she got from one of the baskets to keep from stumbling in the dark. Once the candle was lit, she quietly took out a kettle and placed water in it, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Having been quite comfortable working in the kitchens, she knew the place of everything she needed. Soon, the water was boiling and she soon settled into a seat in one of the benches. While waiting, she ran her hands through her hair, still thinking what could have woken her up at such a time.
Meanwhile, a few yards outside the barbican gate, a hundred or so men, all clad in chain mail and heavy woolen cloaks were making their way home. Soon, the guards of the castle raised the iron portcullis and the men entered. For most of them, they made a turn to their sleeping quarters and their horse stables, thankful that they were able to get back to the castle without too many injuries.
For two men, however, they simply stopped in the middle of the inner bailey and got off their horses. Two other men came up and led the horses to the stables. Together, they made their way towards the kitchen entrance, as they knew that the main entrance would be barred.
Sir Goyle was incredibly tired. After riding for a few or so days nonstop complete with the victorious battle in Touraine, he was looking forward to getting a good night's sleep. Lord Draco looked at his friend and clapped him on the back, quietly telling him that he had better go directly to his room, lest he might fall on the hard ground. Goyle nodded his head, no doubt half asleep.
Draco shook his head as he pushed open the door to the kitchen... and noticed dim light seeping into the shadows.
Hermione was sipping her hot tea, her thoughts idling to some matter which she was only thinking about subconsciously. Then, she heard a strange noise. It sounded like something heavy being eased open then quietly slammed shut. She froze. What was she going to do now? What if those were robbers? Her mind raced and her breathing quickened as she heard two pairs of heavy footsteps. Hermione started to stand when she whipped her head towards the sound... and her mouth went agape.
Draco and Goyle were walking from the kitchen entrance of the bailey. Goyle had his head down, his eyes almost closed. Draco was walking beside him; his hair was now tied into a low ponytail. Both had woolen cloaks with a sprinkling and a dash of snowflakes which were slowly melting. Draco turned to the source of the light and his eyes came in contact with Hermione's.
After a month and a half, the woman he'd been dying to see was now right in front of him.
Goyle stirred and looked sleepily at Hermione, who was now staring at him in awe and shock. "Oh, a good night to you, Lady Hermione." Before Hermione could even muster up a greeting, Goyle continued to walk towards the stairway beyond the dining hall. She followed him with her eyes, her mouth still gaping open. Realizing that must have looked like a fish out of water, she quickly closed her mouth and slowly turned back her head towards Draco.
Draco's breath caught, as it usually did when she looked at him. The dim light from the solitary candle made her eyes wider, her skin a deeper in color and her hair more silky. Ever since leaving, all he wanted to do was look at her and possibly, if she'd ever let him, touch her.
Hermione was staring at him. She took in his handsome face, a few wisps of blond hair were resting on his forehead and somewhat shielding his gray eyes. The light too, played shadows on his façade, making his features softer yet the hardness could not be masked. When she'd finally realized that the man she'd been waiting for forever to come was right there, she immediately came to her senses.
"Draco!" She gasped, as a full smile came upon her face and she half- ran to where he was standing. Then, without warning, she came up to him and threw her arms around his neck and held on like she was drowning. Tears began to escape from out of the corners of her eyes and she shuddered as a sob escaped her lips. "I'm so glad you're home!" She said pressing her cheek to his.
And he didn't know what to make of it. His hands limp at his sides and he was at a loss for words. He could feel the hot tears slipping from her to him, but he didn't mind. Her soft cheek pressed to his made him tremble slightly and for the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do. But she continued her tirade of relief and worry.
"I was so, so, scared when you didn't come home two weeks ago... I feared that something bad had happened during the battle or during the ride home..." Hermione said, crying freely now. All the emotions she'd held bottled up inside were released from her body as she cried. Her whole body trembled as she still held onto him.
Draco, still feeling helpless, did the only thing he could do at that time and tentatively placed one hand on her back. Instantly, her trembling stopped. He felt it even when she couldn't. Taking a deep breath, he ran his hand up and down the length of her back, slowly as to give her the comfort he could not give through words.
"Don't ever do that to me again, please, Draco..." Hermione continued, still sobbing. "Don't ever let me worry about you that much. A few more days of you not being here might drive me crazy, or even Rose and Mathilde crazy. Don't ever do that to me again..."
"I won't..." Draco said, finding his voice. "I'll never do that again." He bent down further, almost burying himself in her hair as he held her closer than before. His other hand went to her hair and his fingers slipped through it.
"Promise me, you'll never do that to me again..." Hermione pleaded.
"I promise... please stop crying, Hermione." Draco replied.
And after a few more moments of simply holding each other and Draco gently stroking her with all the tenderness he possessed, Hermione stopped crying. Once Draco knew that she stopped, he gently released her as she did him. They drew back and looked at each other. Then Hermione gasped suddenly, causing Draco to raise his eyebrows slightly on what could possibly be the problem now.
"Draco, you didn't tell me." Hermione scolded, lifting her hand to touch his face. There were a few minor and shallow cuts here and there, as well as a few bruises. But he caught her hand.
"I'm fine." He said.
"But-"
"I'm fine." Draco repeated, lowering her hand and dropping it, but not before squeezing it gently. Then, Hermione began to wipe the remnants of her tears. "You must be tired, you'd better get some sleep." Draco said. "Come, I'll accompany you to your room."
Hermione tried to protest that he was more tired than she was but he was already guiding her across the dining hall. "Draco..." She called meekly.
Draco looked at her and saw that she was having a hard time walking and despite his hand on her back and part of her waist, she was swaying like she had too much wine. Acting quickly, he stopped and carried her.
He shook his head. "What is it about you and fainting spells, Hermione?" He asked, starting up the stairs.
Hermione had rested her head against his strong chest, one hand was placed just above his heart. "I'm sorry..."
"Have you not been eating well?"
"No... I was busy worrying about you that I lose my appetite every mealtime."
"And what about walking these halls in the middle of the night, barefoot and clad only in a nightgown?" Draco asked.
"I..." Her speech drifted off into a slur and so Draco decided not to ask anymore. Soon, he reached the landing and carried her to her room. Carefully, so as not to wake her, he laid her down on the soft bed and drew warm and heavy blankets over her small form.
When he was through, he straightened up and began walking towards the doorway. Once he was there and was about to close the door, he stole one more glance at her... and a hint of a smile crossed his features briefly before it was gone.
* * *
Over the next week, everything went back to normal.
Hermione was up and eating well, continuing on with the festive mood of the nearing Christmas day. She'd even continued to write her story. And whenever Sir Goyle had the time, they would get into fights in the snow.
Draco had watched those snow fights from a distance in wonder as to how Hermione could get well so soon. He'd talk to her when she was alone. He would be asking her what she was doing while he was gone and she'd been more than happy to show him all the things she'd been up to (save for the story she was writing). Draco accepted the changes in his castle; after all, all he wanted right now was her happiness.
But what about actually loving her?
He refused to even think about it. Even though Goyle would keep dropping hints that all Hermione ever talked about was Draco... and she did get sick because Draco wasn't around at that time.
And so, he contented himself to simply watching her smile and laugh and play... even though he so desperately wanted to smile and laugh along with her.
But, as all tales must proceed, Fate once again intervened.
A week before Christmas day, the sound of trumpets and horns were heard from beyond the walls of the castle. Draco was in the inner bailey, training his men, but then he suddenly stopped and listened.
The sounds certainly didn't sound like that of battle or any warning, but they were triumphant and joyous. Draco quickly went up the snow-covered walkway to look at the scene. A score or so of men on horseback, led by a dark-haired man in chain mail, were making their way across his outer bailey. Behind the men were half a dozen horse-driven carriages.
He shook his head, full knowing what the scarlet and gold colors of the flag symbolized. The family de Gervais. On his mother's side. And what were they doing wreaking havoc on his countryside? He looked closely at the emblem of the flag and found that to be of his cousin, Lord Emil de Gervais of Aquitaine. Draco started down the stairs of the walkway to meet the troop and whoever had joined Emil in the inner bailey after ordering a guard to raise the iron portcullis.
Damn. He thought. Emil was of good character and was a just lord. He and Draco used to ride together during some of the battles that waged before. They'd seen many places together and Emil was a loyal friend. But there was one other thing that made Draco more apprehensive to the fact that Emil's troop was slowly nearing his castle gates. Emil could woo any maiden with a single glance. He had the raven hair, the piercing green eyes and the charm that could make any woman melt right on the spot.
Draco usually didn't mind that part of Emil, having been used to his cousin's conquests and such. But trust him with Hermione? Not a chance in holy hell. Draco sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched as the troop entered his gates and stopped a few yards before him.
"Malfoy." Emil greeted curtly as he got down from his horse in one graceful swoop.
"De Gervais." Draco said just as curtly and Emil walked right up to his cousin. What looked like to be a full-out brawl in the middle of the inner bailey to some onlookers was soon proved wrong when Emil smiled his famous sunny smile.
"Well met, Draco." Emil said, chuckling and giving his cousin a clap on the back. He continued to smile while Draco simply nodded his head.
"And what brings you to my part of France?" Draco asked after Emil ordered his men to disembark and go to the soldier's quarters. The carriages, as Draco hoped would be false, contained his relatives and some women from his castle.
"Ah, cousin..." Emil said, turning to walk along the bailey. "Mother has been pestering me to liven up your Christmas season. And so, I am here and along with our relatives, we are going to hold one of the grandest balls your Great Hall has ever seen."
"Lord Emil de Gervais, a pleasure once again to see you, friend." Called a voice. The two cousins turned and saw Goyle smiling at both of them.
"Sir Gregory Goyle, of course. Where would Lord Draco be without his friend to watch over him? Tell me, has he been misbehaving?" Emil said cheerily as the two shook hands in greeting.
"No. Of course not." Goyle replied, looking at Draco in a knowing way. Draco rolled his eyes.
Just then, Hermione came running to Draco wearing a royal blue velvet gown and a cloak. Her hair was loose and her cheeks were flushed pink. All conversations stopped and the three men simply stared at the beautiful woman running towards them.
"Draco," Hermione said as she reached them. She laid a hand on Draco's arm and caught her breath. "Why are there so m..." But she'd stopped when she realized how she must look to the three men.
Emil was the one to break the silence. "Draco," He scolded mockingly. "Have you been keeping a wife all this time from the family? You know mother would have loved to come to your wedding. Why have you not-"
"She is not my wife, Emil." Draco interrupted. "Allow me to introduce to you Lady Hermione Granger. She is a guest of my castle."
Hermione smiled at Emil and then shyly looked down. Her hand on Draco's arm slowly drifted back to her side.
"Ah, Lady Hermione..." Emil said, giving her a bow and taking one of her hands in his and kissing the knuckles lightly. "A pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady."
Hermione laughed. "And I'm glad to meet you too, Lord Emil." And he let go of her hand.
Draco was clenching and unclenching his hands. "What was your question, Hermione?"
"Oh... um... I was just wondering why the multitude of people all of a sudden." She replied, turning to him.
"Ah, forgive me, Lady Hermione." It was Emil who answered. "My mother, Lady Robyn de Gervais, has been reminding me of my cousin, Draco, and that he may need some joy and gaiety this Christmas. So, here I am, along with my troop and some women of my castle to give a grand party!"
"Oh." Hermione said.
"My sister has also come with me, I'm sure you two would get along very well indeed." Emil offered. Hermione smiled in anticipation. "Oh, here she comes now."
Hermione turned her head and saw a petite girl walking towards the group. She looked so much like her brother, with her long black hair and creamy skin. When she neared, Hermione noticed that she had bright hazel eyes. Hermione smiled and the girl smiled.
"Allow me to introduce my one and only sister, Kate de Gervais." Emil said then turned to his sister. "You know your cousin Draco, am I right, Kate?"
"Of course." Kate said smiling at Draco and he simply nodded.
"And this is Sir Gregory Goyle, Draco's most trusted friend." Emil continued, gesturing to Goyle. Hermione noticed the Goyle's smile widened when Kate looked at him.
"And lastly, Lady Hermione Granger. She is Draco's guest." Emil said.
"Glad to meet you, Kate." Hermione said as she smiled at the girl.
"And you as well, Lady Hermione." Kate replied.
"Please, call me Hermione."
"Alright then, Hermione."
"I think Kate, that now is the right time to leave these Lords and Sir to their previous conversation before I came and interrupted them. Let's go help Mathilde and Rose, shall we?" Hermione asked and Kate nodded enthusiastically. After linking her arm with Kate's, Hermione bid adieu to the three men and they went on their way. Kate called a good-bye over her shoulder as the two girls went entered the hall.
Emil smiled and shook his head. "A match made in heaven, don't you think so?"
"Hermione and Kate?" Goyle clarified and Emil nodded.
"Wait until later and they'll be driving us mad." Draco added knowingly. Goyle and Emil both chuckled. Draco simply rolled his eyes.
"Well said, cousin... now, what has been happening around this part of France?"
* * *
The party was set on Christmas night. Draco scowled when he learned that Emil had brought with him a priest. Hermione knew exactly what Draco was feeling at that time and so she simply kept her head down and stifled her laughter.
She'd never in a million years thought that Draco would have a priest in his chapel. His warrior skills were known throughout the whole of France and his demeanor was one to not test. But Draco had accepted the priest (much to his chagrin) and agreed for Christmas mass.
Mealtimes were spent with a whole lot of guests each day. It was no wonder that Emil had also taken with him his cook and other servants to help with Draco's household.
And with each day passing, it was possible that Draco grew more tense when Emil would talk to Hermione. Of course, Emil made no outright move... yet. But, ever the observant Goyle, he would notice how Draco would fume quietly when he thought that no one would notice.
Goyle tried to talk to his friend about it but Draco was never the one to talk about his feelings.
"Admit it, Draco. You are jealous." Goyle said one night as they sat in Draco's sitting room in the tower. But Draco would not listen. "You have to do something, Draco. Otherwise you'll lose her to your own cousin."
"What would I lose if I did not gain it first? How can I lose her when I don't have her?" Draco retorted.
"Then you have to gain her... you have to have her. Take her if necessary!"
"She can be with him for all I care." Draco said, as if not listening to his friend's former reply.
"For all you care? Draco, if you think no one's noticing your state when he even looks at her, then you're sorely mistaken. I see it. You're too blind to your own condition that you refuse to accept that you like her! You may possibly even love her! And she feels the same way!"
"No. She does not"
"Would she have been sick with worry when you didn't come on the appointed day if she didn't feel the same way?" Goyle asked. "I thought that when you separated with the rest of the men during the last days of November that you had been thinking about your feelings about her."
"I wasn't."
"Then where in God's name were you?"
"That's none of your business, Goyle."
"None of my business? I think I'm a worthy enough friend to know where you were during that time. Where were you Draco?"
Draco was silent.
"Where did you go, Draco?" Goyle asked again. His voice rising.
"Fine." Draco said, standing up in exasperation. He ran a hand through his hair and began to pace. "I was getting her a dress."
"What?"
"I was getting her a dress..." Draco repeated. "I was getting her a gown for Christmas."
Goyle was now the one dumbstruck. When he finally found his voice. "You were getting Hermione a gown?"
"Yes!" Draco cried out. He went to a wooden trunk which was at the side of his bed and opened it. He got out a package. With one forceful throw, the package sailed across the room and into Goyle's hands. "There, see for yourself."
The package was light and soft, Goyle then carefully removed the parchment used to wrap it. When he saw it, his eyes went wide and his mouth went agape. He looked at Draco in shock.
"Go." Goyle said.
"What?"
"Go and give it to her."
"When?"
"Right now, you fool! Go and give this to her right now!" Goyle said, wrapping up the dress once again.
"But-"
'No arguing! Go to her room right now and give it to her!" Goyle stood up and handed the package to Draco. "For God's sakes, Draco, it's Christmas Eve! If you don't give it to her now..."
Draco still looked uncertain and so Goyle had to repeat what he said. "Go! Before I lose my temper and drag you to her room!"
Finally, Draco started to walk towards the door. Goyle followed him. And together, they went down in silence. When Draco was in view of Hermione's room, he froze when he saw Emil coming up the stairs and possibly going into Hermione's room.
It was Goyle to rescue again. For Goyle rushed up to Emil before the latter could see Draco.
"Emil!" Goyle boomed and clapped Emil on the back. Emil smiled at Goyle. "What say you to a few drinks downstairs?"
"But I just had my fill of drinks and-"
"Nonsense! There's always room for one more, don't you think?" Goyle insisted. After thinking about it, Emil agreed and both of them descended the stairs. But not before Goyle looking back and giving his encouragement to Draco.
Draco nodded then proceeded walking towards her room. When he got to her door, he paused before knocking and decided that facing a battalion of men with swords and battleaxes alone was easier than doing this. But nevertheless, he was never the one to cower, and so, he knocked on the wooden door to her room.
Hermione was already in her nightgown and was brushing her hair when she heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She called.
"It's Draco."
"Come in." Hermione replied as she continued to brush her hair. The door opened and in went a very uneasy Lord, shutting the door behind him. Involuntarily, Hermione's heart beat faster, much like it always did when he was near her or when he looked at her. "What's up?" She asked.
Draco looked at her, confused.
Hermione giggled. "Sorry... it seems that even after a few months in here, I still have to refrain from using any lingo from the future."
"That's true."
"So... What brings you here?" Hermione asked, tilting her head to one side.
"Well..." Draco started, not really knowing what to say. Hermione found him absolutely endearing. "Here." He said, thrusting the package out to her.
Hermione looked at him closely before reaching out and taking the package from him. "For me, Draco?"
He nodded and watched her as she daintily tore open the wrapper. She had laid the package on her lap and when she removed the parchment wrapper, she grew still with shock and confusion.
Inside was a gown. And not just any gown, this one was made of pure white silk. Hermione picked it up and stood. When the gown flowed down to its full length, Hermione gasped. It was of a simple cut, with a v-neckline and bell sleeves. The skirt flowed like water and when Hermione placed it close to her body, she found out that it was of perfect length and possibly of perfect fit.
After a few moments of simply gaping at the dress, she looked up at Draco who was watching her. A dozen expressions danced around his features - from uncertainty to hope. Then she smiled.
"Draco... you shouldn't have." Hermione began. "This is too much..."
"Do you like it?" Draco asked.
"Do I like it?" Hermione repeated setting the dress on her seat carefully. "Are you kidding? I love it!" She exclaimed and immediately went over to Draco and put her arms around his neck. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Draco, after the shock dissipating from his body from her outburst, simply held her close and wished that they would stay in that position forever. "Wear it tomorrow."
"I will..." Hermione promised, smiling like crazy.
After a few moments, they pulled away from each other, Hermione still had traces of a smile on her face.
"I'd better go." Draco said. "And you'd better get some sleep. Tomorrow's Christmas day."
"I guess so." Hermione said. Draco then nodded and turned towards the door. "Thank you again, Draco." Hermione said before he stepped out.
He turned, looked at her and Hermione could almost swear that the corners of his eyes were softening, probably the closest he's ever been to smiling, she thought wildly.
"You're welcome. Good Night." Draco said and continued on his way, shutting the door behind him.
Hermione looked again at the dress and shook her head in utter disbelief. Who knew Draco could be so thoughtful? She said to herself.
Chapter 11: Coming Home
Hermione woke up with a start. It was still that same night and it was very late at that. Something was not right, she thought to herself. She quickly sat up in bed and listened closely.
Nothing.
But something woke her up. She knew that for a fact. Hermione threw off the blankets and got out of bed. She didn't mind the initial wooziness that she felt; instead, she went out of her room and went downstairs. It was maybe out of habit that when she woke up in the dead of night that she would make herself a soothing cup of tea. She didn't mind the coldness of the floor beneath her bare feet or the chill of the night air as she didn't put on anything over her nightgown.
Once she reached the landing of the first floor, she went directly to the kitchen. The torches were never put out, as they still burned gaily, making shadows with the other objects and countless Christmas decors along the whole first floor of the castle. But she didn't mind that either.
The kitchen was darker than the other rooms, and so Hermione had to light a candle she got from one of the baskets to keep from stumbling in the dark. Once the candle was lit, she quietly took out a kettle and placed water in it, intending to make herself a cup of tea. Having been quite comfortable working in the kitchens, she knew the place of everything she needed. Soon, the water was boiling and she soon settled into a seat in one of the benches. While waiting, she ran her hands through her hair, still thinking what could have woken her up at such a time.
Meanwhile, a few yards outside the barbican gate, a hundred or so men, all clad in chain mail and heavy woolen cloaks were making their way home. Soon, the guards of the castle raised the iron portcullis and the men entered. For most of them, they made a turn to their sleeping quarters and their horse stables, thankful that they were able to get back to the castle without too many injuries.
For two men, however, they simply stopped in the middle of the inner bailey and got off their horses. Two other men came up and led the horses to the stables. Together, they made their way towards the kitchen entrance, as they knew that the main entrance would be barred.
Sir Goyle was incredibly tired. After riding for a few or so days nonstop complete with the victorious battle in Touraine, he was looking forward to getting a good night's sleep. Lord Draco looked at his friend and clapped him on the back, quietly telling him that he had better go directly to his room, lest he might fall on the hard ground. Goyle nodded his head, no doubt half asleep.
Draco shook his head as he pushed open the door to the kitchen... and noticed dim light seeping into the shadows.
Hermione was sipping her hot tea, her thoughts idling to some matter which she was only thinking about subconsciously. Then, she heard a strange noise. It sounded like something heavy being eased open then quietly slammed shut. She froze. What was she going to do now? What if those were robbers? Her mind raced and her breathing quickened as she heard two pairs of heavy footsteps. Hermione started to stand when she whipped her head towards the sound... and her mouth went agape.
Draco and Goyle were walking from the kitchen entrance of the bailey. Goyle had his head down, his eyes almost closed. Draco was walking beside him; his hair was now tied into a low ponytail. Both had woolen cloaks with a sprinkling and a dash of snowflakes which were slowly melting. Draco turned to the source of the light and his eyes came in contact with Hermione's.
After a month and a half, the woman he'd been dying to see was now right in front of him.
Goyle stirred and looked sleepily at Hermione, who was now staring at him in awe and shock. "Oh, a good night to you, Lady Hermione." Before Hermione could even muster up a greeting, Goyle continued to walk towards the stairway beyond the dining hall. She followed him with her eyes, her mouth still gaping open. Realizing that must have looked like a fish out of water, she quickly closed her mouth and slowly turned back her head towards Draco.
Draco's breath caught, as it usually did when she looked at him. The dim light from the solitary candle made her eyes wider, her skin a deeper in color and her hair more silky. Ever since leaving, all he wanted to do was look at her and possibly, if she'd ever let him, touch her.
Hermione was staring at him. She took in his handsome face, a few wisps of blond hair were resting on his forehead and somewhat shielding his gray eyes. The light too, played shadows on his façade, making his features softer yet the hardness could not be masked. When she'd finally realized that the man she'd been waiting for forever to come was right there, she immediately came to her senses.
"Draco!" She gasped, as a full smile came upon her face and she half- ran to where he was standing. Then, without warning, she came up to him and threw her arms around his neck and held on like she was drowning. Tears began to escape from out of the corners of her eyes and she shuddered as a sob escaped her lips. "I'm so glad you're home!" She said pressing her cheek to his.
And he didn't know what to make of it. His hands limp at his sides and he was at a loss for words. He could feel the hot tears slipping from her to him, but he didn't mind. Her soft cheek pressed to his made him tremble slightly and for the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do. But she continued her tirade of relief and worry.
"I was so, so, scared when you didn't come home two weeks ago... I feared that something bad had happened during the battle or during the ride home..." Hermione said, crying freely now. All the emotions she'd held bottled up inside were released from her body as she cried. Her whole body trembled as she still held onto him.
Draco, still feeling helpless, did the only thing he could do at that time and tentatively placed one hand on her back. Instantly, her trembling stopped. He felt it even when she couldn't. Taking a deep breath, he ran his hand up and down the length of her back, slowly as to give her the comfort he could not give through words.
"Don't ever do that to me again, please, Draco..." Hermione continued, still sobbing. "Don't ever let me worry about you that much. A few more days of you not being here might drive me crazy, or even Rose and Mathilde crazy. Don't ever do that to me again..."
"I won't..." Draco said, finding his voice. "I'll never do that again." He bent down further, almost burying himself in her hair as he held her closer than before. His other hand went to her hair and his fingers slipped through it.
"Promise me, you'll never do that to me again..." Hermione pleaded.
"I promise... please stop crying, Hermione." Draco replied.
And after a few more moments of simply holding each other and Draco gently stroking her with all the tenderness he possessed, Hermione stopped crying. Once Draco knew that she stopped, he gently released her as she did him. They drew back and looked at each other. Then Hermione gasped suddenly, causing Draco to raise his eyebrows slightly on what could possibly be the problem now.
"Draco, you didn't tell me." Hermione scolded, lifting her hand to touch his face. There were a few minor and shallow cuts here and there, as well as a few bruises. But he caught her hand.
"I'm fine." He said.
"But-"
"I'm fine." Draco repeated, lowering her hand and dropping it, but not before squeezing it gently. Then, Hermione began to wipe the remnants of her tears. "You must be tired, you'd better get some sleep." Draco said. "Come, I'll accompany you to your room."
Hermione tried to protest that he was more tired than she was but he was already guiding her across the dining hall. "Draco..." She called meekly.
Draco looked at her and saw that she was having a hard time walking and despite his hand on her back and part of her waist, she was swaying like she had too much wine. Acting quickly, he stopped and carried her.
He shook his head. "What is it about you and fainting spells, Hermione?" He asked, starting up the stairs.
Hermione had rested her head against his strong chest, one hand was placed just above his heart. "I'm sorry..."
"Have you not been eating well?"
"No... I was busy worrying about you that I lose my appetite every mealtime."
"And what about walking these halls in the middle of the night, barefoot and clad only in a nightgown?" Draco asked.
"I..." Her speech drifted off into a slur and so Draco decided not to ask anymore. Soon, he reached the landing and carried her to her room. Carefully, so as not to wake her, he laid her down on the soft bed and drew warm and heavy blankets over her small form.
When he was through, he straightened up and began walking towards the doorway. Once he was there and was about to close the door, he stole one more glance at her... and a hint of a smile crossed his features briefly before it was gone.
* * *
Over the next week, everything went back to normal.
Hermione was up and eating well, continuing on with the festive mood of the nearing Christmas day. She'd even continued to write her story. And whenever Sir Goyle had the time, they would get into fights in the snow.
Draco had watched those snow fights from a distance in wonder as to how Hermione could get well so soon. He'd talk to her when she was alone. He would be asking her what she was doing while he was gone and she'd been more than happy to show him all the things she'd been up to (save for the story she was writing). Draco accepted the changes in his castle; after all, all he wanted right now was her happiness.
But what about actually loving her?
He refused to even think about it. Even though Goyle would keep dropping hints that all Hermione ever talked about was Draco... and she did get sick because Draco wasn't around at that time.
And so, he contented himself to simply watching her smile and laugh and play... even though he so desperately wanted to smile and laugh along with her.
But, as all tales must proceed, Fate once again intervened.
A week before Christmas day, the sound of trumpets and horns were heard from beyond the walls of the castle. Draco was in the inner bailey, training his men, but then he suddenly stopped and listened.
The sounds certainly didn't sound like that of battle or any warning, but they were triumphant and joyous. Draco quickly went up the snow-covered walkway to look at the scene. A score or so of men on horseback, led by a dark-haired man in chain mail, were making their way across his outer bailey. Behind the men were half a dozen horse-driven carriages.
He shook his head, full knowing what the scarlet and gold colors of the flag symbolized. The family de Gervais. On his mother's side. And what were they doing wreaking havoc on his countryside? He looked closely at the emblem of the flag and found that to be of his cousin, Lord Emil de Gervais of Aquitaine. Draco started down the stairs of the walkway to meet the troop and whoever had joined Emil in the inner bailey after ordering a guard to raise the iron portcullis.
Damn. He thought. Emil was of good character and was a just lord. He and Draco used to ride together during some of the battles that waged before. They'd seen many places together and Emil was a loyal friend. But there was one other thing that made Draco more apprehensive to the fact that Emil's troop was slowly nearing his castle gates. Emil could woo any maiden with a single glance. He had the raven hair, the piercing green eyes and the charm that could make any woman melt right on the spot.
Draco usually didn't mind that part of Emil, having been used to his cousin's conquests and such. But trust him with Hermione? Not a chance in holy hell. Draco sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched as the troop entered his gates and stopped a few yards before him.
"Malfoy." Emil greeted curtly as he got down from his horse in one graceful swoop.
"De Gervais." Draco said just as curtly and Emil walked right up to his cousin. What looked like to be a full-out brawl in the middle of the inner bailey to some onlookers was soon proved wrong when Emil smiled his famous sunny smile.
"Well met, Draco." Emil said, chuckling and giving his cousin a clap on the back. He continued to smile while Draco simply nodded his head.
"And what brings you to my part of France?" Draco asked after Emil ordered his men to disembark and go to the soldier's quarters. The carriages, as Draco hoped would be false, contained his relatives and some women from his castle.
"Ah, cousin..." Emil said, turning to walk along the bailey. "Mother has been pestering me to liven up your Christmas season. And so, I am here and along with our relatives, we are going to hold one of the grandest balls your Great Hall has ever seen."
"Lord Emil de Gervais, a pleasure once again to see you, friend." Called a voice. The two cousins turned and saw Goyle smiling at both of them.
"Sir Gregory Goyle, of course. Where would Lord Draco be without his friend to watch over him? Tell me, has he been misbehaving?" Emil said cheerily as the two shook hands in greeting.
"No. Of course not." Goyle replied, looking at Draco in a knowing way. Draco rolled his eyes.
Just then, Hermione came running to Draco wearing a royal blue velvet gown and a cloak. Her hair was loose and her cheeks were flushed pink. All conversations stopped and the three men simply stared at the beautiful woman running towards them.
"Draco," Hermione said as she reached them. She laid a hand on Draco's arm and caught her breath. "Why are there so m..." But she'd stopped when she realized how she must look to the three men.
Emil was the one to break the silence. "Draco," He scolded mockingly. "Have you been keeping a wife all this time from the family? You know mother would have loved to come to your wedding. Why have you not-"
"She is not my wife, Emil." Draco interrupted. "Allow me to introduce to you Lady Hermione Granger. She is a guest of my castle."
Hermione smiled at Emil and then shyly looked down. Her hand on Draco's arm slowly drifted back to her side.
"Ah, Lady Hermione..." Emil said, giving her a bow and taking one of her hands in his and kissing the knuckles lightly. "A pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady."
Hermione laughed. "And I'm glad to meet you too, Lord Emil." And he let go of her hand.
Draco was clenching and unclenching his hands. "What was your question, Hermione?"
"Oh... um... I was just wondering why the multitude of people all of a sudden." She replied, turning to him.
"Ah, forgive me, Lady Hermione." It was Emil who answered. "My mother, Lady Robyn de Gervais, has been reminding me of my cousin, Draco, and that he may need some joy and gaiety this Christmas. So, here I am, along with my troop and some women of my castle to give a grand party!"
"Oh." Hermione said.
"My sister has also come with me, I'm sure you two would get along very well indeed." Emil offered. Hermione smiled in anticipation. "Oh, here she comes now."
Hermione turned her head and saw a petite girl walking towards the group. She looked so much like her brother, with her long black hair and creamy skin. When she neared, Hermione noticed that she had bright hazel eyes. Hermione smiled and the girl smiled.
"Allow me to introduce my one and only sister, Kate de Gervais." Emil said then turned to his sister. "You know your cousin Draco, am I right, Kate?"
"Of course." Kate said smiling at Draco and he simply nodded.
"And this is Sir Gregory Goyle, Draco's most trusted friend." Emil continued, gesturing to Goyle. Hermione noticed the Goyle's smile widened when Kate looked at him.
"And lastly, Lady Hermione Granger. She is Draco's guest." Emil said.
"Glad to meet you, Kate." Hermione said as she smiled at the girl.
"And you as well, Lady Hermione." Kate replied.
"Please, call me Hermione."
"Alright then, Hermione."
"I think Kate, that now is the right time to leave these Lords and Sir to their previous conversation before I came and interrupted them. Let's go help Mathilde and Rose, shall we?" Hermione asked and Kate nodded enthusiastically. After linking her arm with Kate's, Hermione bid adieu to the three men and they went on their way. Kate called a good-bye over her shoulder as the two girls went entered the hall.
Emil smiled and shook his head. "A match made in heaven, don't you think so?"
"Hermione and Kate?" Goyle clarified and Emil nodded.
"Wait until later and they'll be driving us mad." Draco added knowingly. Goyle and Emil both chuckled. Draco simply rolled his eyes.
"Well said, cousin... now, what has been happening around this part of France?"
* * *
The party was set on Christmas night. Draco scowled when he learned that Emil had brought with him a priest. Hermione knew exactly what Draco was feeling at that time and so she simply kept her head down and stifled her laughter.
She'd never in a million years thought that Draco would have a priest in his chapel. His warrior skills were known throughout the whole of France and his demeanor was one to not test. But Draco had accepted the priest (much to his chagrin) and agreed for Christmas mass.
Mealtimes were spent with a whole lot of guests each day. It was no wonder that Emil had also taken with him his cook and other servants to help with Draco's household.
And with each day passing, it was possible that Draco grew more tense when Emil would talk to Hermione. Of course, Emil made no outright move... yet. But, ever the observant Goyle, he would notice how Draco would fume quietly when he thought that no one would notice.
Goyle tried to talk to his friend about it but Draco was never the one to talk about his feelings.
"Admit it, Draco. You are jealous." Goyle said one night as they sat in Draco's sitting room in the tower. But Draco would not listen. "You have to do something, Draco. Otherwise you'll lose her to your own cousin."
"What would I lose if I did not gain it first? How can I lose her when I don't have her?" Draco retorted.
"Then you have to gain her... you have to have her. Take her if necessary!"
"She can be with him for all I care." Draco said, as if not listening to his friend's former reply.
"For all you care? Draco, if you think no one's noticing your state when he even looks at her, then you're sorely mistaken. I see it. You're too blind to your own condition that you refuse to accept that you like her! You may possibly even love her! And she feels the same way!"
"No. She does not"
"Would she have been sick with worry when you didn't come on the appointed day if she didn't feel the same way?" Goyle asked. "I thought that when you separated with the rest of the men during the last days of November that you had been thinking about your feelings about her."
"I wasn't."
"Then where in God's name were you?"
"That's none of your business, Goyle."
"None of my business? I think I'm a worthy enough friend to know where you were during that time. Where were you Draco?"
Draco was silent.
"Where did you go, Draco?" Goyle asked again. His voice rising.
"Fine." Draco said, standing up in exasperation. He ran a hand through his hair and began to pace. "I was getting her a dress."
"What?"
"I was getting her a dress..." Draco repeated. "I was getting her a gown for Christmas."
Goyle was now the one dumbstruck. When he finally found his voice. "You were getting Hermione a gown?"
"Yes!" Draco cried out. He went to a wooden trunk which was at the side of his bed and opened it. He got out a package. With one forceful throw, the package sailed across the room and into Goyle's hands. "There, see for yourself."
The package was light and soft, Goyle then carefully removed the parchment used to wrap it. When he saw it, his eyes went wide and his mouth went agape. He looked at Draco in shock.
"Go." Goyle said.
"What?"
"Go and give it to her."
"When?"
"Right now, you fool! Go and give this to her right now!" Goyle said, wrapping up the dress once again.
"But-"
'No arguing! Go to her room right now and give it to her!" Goyle stood up and handed the package to Draco. "For God's sakes, Draco, it's Christmas Eve! If you don't give it to her now..."
Draco still looked uncertain and so Goyle had to repeat what he said. "Go! Before I lose my temper and drag you to her room!"
Finally, Draco started to walk towards the door. Goyle followed him. And together, they went down in silence. When Draco was in view of Hermione's room, he froze when he saw Emil coming up the stairs and possibly going into Hermione's room.
It was Goyle to rescue again. For Goyle rushed up to Emil before the latter could see Draco.
"Emil!" Goyle boomed and clapped Emil on the back. Emil smiled at Goyle. "What say you to a few drinks downstairs?"
"But I just had my fill of drinks and-"
"Nonsense! There's always room for one more, don't you think?" Goyle insisted. After thinking about it, Emil agreed and both of them descended the stairs. But not before Goyle looking back and giving his encouragement to Draco.
Draco nodded then proceeded walking towards her room. When he got to her door, he paused before knocking and decided that facing a battalion of men with swords and battleaxes alone was easier than doing this. But nevertheless, he was never the one to cower, and so, he knocked on the wooden door to her room.
Hermione was already in her nightgown and was brushing her hair when she heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She called.
"It's Draco."
"Come in." Hermione replied as she continued to brush her hair. The door opened and in went a very uneasy Lord, shutting the door behind him. Involuntarily, Hermione's heart beat faster, much like it always did when he was near her or when he looked at her. "What's up?" She asked.
Draco looked at her, confused.
Hermione giggled. "Sorry... it seems that even after a few months in here, I still have to refrain from using any lingo from the future."
"That's true."
"So... What brings you here?" Hermione asked, tilting her head to one side.
"Well..." Draco started, not really knowing what to say. Hermione found him absolutely endearing. "Here." He said, thrusting the package out to her.
Hermione looked at him closely before reaching out and taking the package from him. "For me, Draco?"
He nodded and watched her as she daintily tore open the wrapper. She had laid the package on her lap and when she removed the parchment wrapper, she grew still with shock and confusion.
Inside was a gown. And not just any gown, this one was made of pure white silk. Hermione picked it up and stood. When the gown flowed down to its full length, Hermione gasped. It was of a simple cut, with a v-neckline and bell sleeves. The skirt flowed like water and when Hermione placed it close to her body, she found out that it was of perfect length and possibly of perfect fit.
After a few moments of simply gaping at the dress, she looked up at Draco who was watching her. A dozen expressions danced around his features - from uncertainty to hope. Then she smiled.
"Draco... you shouldn't have." Hermione began. "This is too much..."
"Do you like it?" Draco asked.
"Do I like it?" Hermione repeated setting the dress on her seat carefully. "Are you kidding? I love it!" She exclaimed and immediately went over to Draco and put her arms around his neck. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Draco, after the shock dissipating from his body from her outburst, simply held her close and wished that they would stay in that position forever. "Wear it tomorrow."
"I will..." Hermione promised, smiling like crazy.
After a few moments, they pulled away from each other, Hermione still had traces of a smile on her face.
"I'd better go." Draco said. "And you'd better get some sleep. Tomorrow's Christmas day."
"I guess so." Hermione said. Draco then nodded and turned towards the door. "Thank you again, Draco." Hermione said before he stepped out.
He turned, looked at her and Hermione could almost swear that the corners of his eyes were softening, probably the closest he's ever been to smiling, she thought wildly.
"You're welcome. Good Night." Draco said and continued on his way, shutting the door behind him.
Hermione looked again at the dress and shook her head in utter disbelief. Who knew Draco could be so thoughtful? She said to herself.