A/N-Well well well my dear readers! We have finally come to the end of what was supposed to be a much shorter fic. I hope you liked it. And I hope you were able to check out A World Apart by lolagirl. If not, now that my story has ended what else will you do with your time? Read her fic of course! To answer your question, yes I am considering a epilogue and possibly a sequel but I say that with every fic...We'll see. Thank you for reading!
Chapter Twelve
Fallen
Hermione sniffled at her plate as she saw Draco saunter over to the Slytherin table and sit for dinner. He didn't steal a glance at her like in the past. He seemed to have returned to his usual stiff composure and arrogant strut. He gave Pansy a baffled once over as he noticed her trying to hide her facial injuries. Hermione noticed him whisper something to her causing Pansy to throw down her napkin and storm out of the Great Hall. He had been eating at the Gryffindor table for some time now and his presence at the Slytherin table was crushing her. She hadn't shown up for breakfast or lunch that day so she hadn't even known how he had spent the entire previous night with Ron and Harry. She sniffled again as he seemed to be enjoying a story Blaise was telling. He laughed along with his cronies and wiped his eyes in amusement. He seemed confident, well rested, and poised.
Hermione on the other hand was fatigued and miserably depressed. Ginny smiled encouragingly at her who pushed her plate away and placed her head in her hands. "He hates me." She whispered.
"No he doesn't Hermione. He'll get over it. He has to." Ginny said as she rubbed Hermione's back.
"No Ginny, he hates me and he doesn't even seem the least bit put out by it. He's having a marvelous time over there and I feel like jumping off the top of the quidditch stands. Better yet, I feel like plunging into the lake to enjoy a nice long drowning."
Harry and Ron exchanged uneasy looks and took one last bite before they stood.
"We'll see you girls later." Ron said nervously.
Ginny glanced up at her brother. "Why? Where are you going?"
Ron shrugged. "Eh, nowhere. We'll just see you later alright?"
Ginny noticed that Draco had also stood and glanced over at them. She looked down at Hermione who was still hiding her face and mouthed her words sternly. "Don't kill him."
Harry smiled and nodded as they both headed for the exit. After a few minutes Hermione looked up at the Slytherin table and then scanned the Great Hall. "Did you see Draco just now? Did he leave?"
Ginny nodded. "You knew he was going Hermione."
Hermione shook her head. "I can't believe it! This is absolutely horrible! How did I let things turn out this way?"
"Oh Hermione, it will all work out in the end. You'll see." Ginny smiled at her desperate friend.
Hermione perked up with a grin. "I think you're right Ginny. And I think I know how to work it all out….Tonight at the World Cup."
"What are you talking about? Draco went without you. You'll never get in!" Ginny said.
Hermione smiled evilly and raised an eyebrow. "I happen to still have the tickets Ginny. How would you like to go with me?"
Ginny shook her head in disapproval. "No, we have no reason to go. They'll handle it."
"Who's they?"
"Uhhh. Harry and Ron sort of tagged along with Draco."
Hermione covered her eyes. "Oh good grief!" She shook her head as she pressed her lips together. "You know what Gin? It doesn't matter. I need to tell Draco how I feel about him. He needs to know and I've got to tell him tonight. I don't care if he laughs his bum off and spits in my face. I just have to with me Ginny…Please?"
She sighed in defeat. "Well let's get ready to go then. But I'm warning you! If I get within reach of Krum he'll wish he had never laid a hand on you." Ginny said as she stabbed her sausage viciously.
Hermione pat her on the back. "I know bruiser, I know." The girls giggled as they left the Great Hall and proceeded to their rooms to change.
Outside the entrance of the stadium, Ron and Harry fidgeted nervously in line as Draco looked calm and collected. They had no tickets but Draco arrogantly reminded them that it didn't matter because they had him. There was only a trickle of snow falling around them with not even a hint of wind. The night air seemed peaceful and almost calming.
When they reached the front, a short and skinny young ticket taker tipped his hat nervously at Draco. "Master Malfoy! How long has it been sir?"
"A while Timothy, a while. We'll be sitting with the Minister tonight." Draco said casually.
All the color drained from Timothy's face. He tugged at the collar of his shirt nervously and stammered as he looked at Harry and Ron. "The-the Minister s-s-sir?" He returned his fearful gaze on Draco. "The uh M-m-minister's box is full tonight sir."
Draco spoke with a sinister tone as he stepped closely to him. "How unfortunate Timothy. How unfortunate indeed."
Harry and Ron's hearts were pounding as they exchanged nervous glances behind Draco. They were fearful that Draco may pull out his wand and hex poor Timothy into oblivion. Timothy swallowed loud and hard as beads of sweat formed on his forehead and nose. "The uh Minister wasn't expecting you sir." Suddenly a weak smile formed across Timothy's face. "B-b-but I was sir. I saved you and your guests seats. Better seats in fact. Follow me Master Malfoy. Gentlemen?"
Timothy whispered something to another ticket taker and escorted them away. He looked back at Draco warily as if he were going to be hexed at any moment. He continued to lead the way as Harry whispered to Draco. "I thought you were channeling your Father's spirit there for a moment."
Ron chuckled and whispered as well. "Yeah, I think you made the poor bloke wet himself." Ron looked down at his pants with a smirk. "I think you made me wet myself."
Draco nodded with a smile. "Sometimes you have to use fear to your advantage. To tell you the truth though, I honestly don't know why he acted that way. I've never done or said anything to him. It must have something to do with my Father."
"Yeah it must." Ron said and snuck an obvious glance at Harry who laughed.
As they proceeded further into the stadium they heard cheering and booing getting increasingly louder from the stands. Spotlights were shining everywhere and tiny pixies selling programs flew all around them. As they passed different wizards and witches Ron pointed at a souvenir counter. "Look Harry! The new Nimbus 2006's! They're even autographed. Let's go and-"
Harry and Draco shook their heads in disbelief as Ron groaned. "Never mind."
They noticed Timothy turn his head to the left and cup his right hand over his eye but continue forward. They laughed curiously at his awkward stride as a group of girls passed by.
Ron took one look at them and suddenly slid on his knee with both arms extended and broke out into song. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine; you make me happy, when skies are gray!"
Harry and Draco gasped at his behavior and looked at the girls giggling and pointing. Harry marched right up to them and began to tap dance. He flailed his arms around and stomped his feet with a smug look. "Bet you've never seen moves like this have you ladies?" He said slyly as he continued to groove. "You should see me when I-"
Draco pushed him to the side and shouted loudly with his hands raised in the air. "I AM THE RICHEST WIZARD ALIVE! I HAVE MORE MONEY THAN MERLIN HIMSELF! WHO WANTS AN ISLAND? I'LL BUY YOU AN ISLAND! HOW ABOUT A COUNTRY GORGEOUS? YOU LOOK LIKE YOU COULD DO WITH A COUNTRY!"
Timothy jumped in front of them and scurried the Veela's away with his eyes closed. They stomped away and shouted at him. "I wanted an island Timothy! You're not fair!"
As soon as the Veela's were out of sight the three of them shook their foggy heads confusedly. Ron stood up and brushed off his knees and whispered. "I hate that song."
Harry was panting from all the tap dancing and removed his cloak. "I think I'll need to soak my feet when we get back. Stupid Veela's."
Draco ran his hands over his face in embarrassment. "I hate those things. They're pure evil. I would have spent my entire fortune just now if one of them had agreed to speak to me. Next time I flaunt my money like that you have my permission to Avada me straight to hell Potter."
Harry nodded and Ron burst out into laughter. "If I dress like a Veela will you buy me an island Malfoy?"
Draco clenched his fists and followed Timothy who was beckoning them over. "I'll buy you an island if you promise not to repeat what just happened Weasley."
"Fair enough." Ron said jokingly.
Timothy beamed as he gestured for them to enter. "You may recognize this private box Master Malfoy. I sat you and your Father here on occasion." Draco nodded in approval as Timothy bowed. "The changing rooms are just around the corner if you're looking for autograph's sir. I'm glad you decided to attend."
Timothy swept away from the box as they sat and peered out onto the pitch. Ron leaned over the edge and breathed in deeply with his eyes closed. "These are the best seats in the entire world. I think I'm falling in love with you Malfoy. If you decide not to get back with Hermione-"
Draco waved his hand in the air with irritation. "Great you can sleep with me later Weasley! Now let's get to the changing rooms and do what we've come to do."
Harry nodded and headed out. "He's right Ron. Let's go."
As they stepped out of the box they noticed the Bulgarian team walking out of the changing area. "Damn!" Draco yelled as he took off in a run towards the team. Just before the team kicked off from the ground Viktor caught sight of Draco and bowed his head. He looked around curiously for Hermione but was distracted by his coach who shouted for them to take off. He didn't even notice Harry and Ron standing a few feet away. "Krum!" In a flash the entire team whizzed by and out onto the pitch. "Bloody Veelas!" Draco yelled and stomped back towards the box with Harry and Ron behind him.
"If we weren't busy showing off for those revolting beasts we would have caught him in time!" Draco crossed his arms as he sat furiously. Ron and Harry took their seats with glee as they truly had wanted to watch the match. As the ref blew his whistle they saw Viktor take off searching for the snitch. Draco glared evilly over at Harry. "I bet you fifty galleons that I can spot it first Potter."
"You're on!" Harry said as he sat up straighter and scanned the pitch excitedly.
Ron was watching the keeper intently and groaned when the Spaniards scored against Bulgaria. Ron shouted furiously and threw his hands in the air. "Did you see that? He wasn't even in position! Booooooo!"
"Like you could do better Sunshine?" Ginny asked from behind. The three whipped their heads around to find Ginny and Hermione holding back their laughter. "My my Harry. I didn't know you were such an impressive dancer." Harry lowered his head in embarrassment. "And you Malfoy….How come Hermione hasn't got an island yet?"
Ron gritted his teeth. "They were Veela's little Miss Know It All!"
Ginny nodded as she pulled Hermione into the box. "Then you must have one hidden in the shower at home dear brother. I swear I've heard you sing that song before."
Draco stood in anger. "What do you think you're doing here?"
Hermione winced. "I'm sorry Draco. I just had to see you." She looked around at Ron and Harry tensely.
"Yes well once again, you made the wrong decision. You shouldn't be here. You'll only make it more complicated." Draco spat.
Ginny grabbed him by the arm and pushed him out. "Put a bludger in it Malfoy! Go and talk to her!"
Draco pulled away. "Don't think you can toss me around like your precious little tap dancer!"
"Sod off!" Ginny said before she guided Hermione over to him. "Now go take your seats. We'll be waiting."
Hermione swallowed hard and looked up at Draco. He scoffed and took her hand in his. "Come on you."
They walked a short way to where their original seats were. It was another private box with only two seats. Draco sat down heatedly and crossed his arms. "What's this about? What couldn't possibly wait until I got back?"
Hermione sat down timidly next to him but didn't make eye contact. She folded her hands neatly in her lap and breathed deeply. Draco shifted uncomfortably in his seat and sighed. "Stop it Granger!" The use of her last name was like a dagger through her heart. "You don't need to cower in front of me like you do him. It's not as if I'm going to throw you over the railing for Merlin's sake! Out with it!"
Hermione finally looked up at him with tear filled eyes. The wounded expression on her face made Draco's breath rattle inside his throat. She swallowed hard again and whispered. "I came to tell you-" The crowd around the pitch cheered loudly as Bulgaria had just scored their first goal. Hermione dropped her head and clutched her hair fretfully. "I just needed you to know-" Cheers and applause erupted all around them again.
Draco moaned in irritation as he sat back in his seat. He crossed his arms again and propped his foot up on his knee. He began to tap bounce his knee impatiently and gestured for her to speak. Hermione looked up at him as tears streamed down her face. "I love you Draco. I love you so much. You're the most decent, honest, and brave man I've ever known. I made a terrible mistake by hiding what happened. I should have trusted you with it. I was just afraid that you would do something that would get you thrown in Azkaban. I can't be without you Draco. I won't be without you. You're everything to me and call me selfish but I want it all. All of you, your love, your affection, your future…I want to spend every waking moment with you. I want start the rest of my life right here. Right now. I don't want to live with anymore regret, what ifs, or should haves. From this moment on I'm yours. Nothing else matters but you."
Draco was listening intently with a raised eyebrow. He almost looked comically amused with her words. Hermione waited with bated breath for him to laugh in her face and stomp away. But he didn't. He grinned and leaned closely to her. "I love you Hermione. I could never live without you. And you're not being selfish. But you will be spoiled…Spoiled beyond belief. You can have it all and I can't wait to give it to you." He grasped her chin and pulled her into a soft but passionate kiss. She interlaced her hand in his and softened her posture at his touch.
As Draco gently ran his fingers up and down her back Hermione moaned softly as it had been too long since he had touched her. Draco attempted to deepen the kiss but Hermione yelped as her head was jerked backwards violently. She screamed as Viktor ripped her away from Draco's grasp by her hair. Draco jumped up trying to grab hold of any part of her but she slipped right through his fingers. Viktor floated away just far enough out of Draco's reach with a look of rage and pure shock. Hermione had a hold of Viktor's fingers that were ripping out pieces of her hair. He flung his free hand around her throat and yelled as the crowd nearby gasped at the sight. "You evil whore! You seduced him! You vill pay!"
Hermione began to scream and kick her legs in fright as Viktor carried her higher causing more people to notice the commotion. Draco took off desperately towards the souvenir counter and yelled at the man working it. "Give me one of those!"
The man shook his head. "World Cup rules sir. You pay for it now and pick it up after the match."
Draco kicked the display case, pulled out his wand, and shouted. "Fuck that! Accio broom!"
The broom shattered through the glass, darted off, and stopped directly in front of him. Draco jumped on it immediately and took off towards the pitch with rapid speed. He placed his hand over his forehead and squinted at the spotlight passing by. He heard screams coming from a far side of the pitch so he rushed in that direction. He quickly noticed horrified onlookers pointing above and covering their mouths in shock.
The match was still in full swing around him. He ducked just in time as a bludger whizzed by his head. An angry Spaniard shouted words Draco couldn't understand as he flew by with the quaffle. Draco even caught sight of the snitch that was floating nearby. The referees didn't even realize that the famous seeker, Viktor Krum was violently choking an almost limp Hermione Granger at the top of the pitch and out of sight of the spotlights. "I vill kill you Hermioninny! You vill die tonight!" Viktor yelled as Hermione silently protested and tugged at his fingers.
She wasn't kicking her legs anymore. She was staring fearfully into Viktor's ragingly infuriated eyes. She felt his grip tighten and felt his fingers crushing her throat. She started to see spots around his angered face as the sound of the crowd died down. She began to hear a loud buzzing in her ears as she let go of his hands slowly. It didn't hurt anymore. Her surroundings were turning a blinding white and Viktor's face was slowly fading away. She suddenly felt as if she was floating softly upward. She landed in a soft field of tulips and bounced amongst her favorite flowers before her body finally settled. She sat up and squinted at the blinding light of the setting sun. Through her narrowed eyes she caught sight of him. She smiled as she watched him strut with his hands in his pockets and a confident grin across his face. She knew he would come. He knew she needed him.
A few moments earlier
Draco caught sight of them at the top of the pitch near a strobe light. He zoomed over and reached for Hermione who wasn't moving. Her eyes were closed and her arms and legs were flapping lifelessly at her sides. Viktor gave a sinister smile and whipped Hermione's body out of Draco's reach. "You're too late Malfoy. She has been taught a lesson."
Draco flew closer and punched Krum in the cheek and then caught hold of Hermione's waist. "Let go of her!" Draco shouted as Krum started to fly in the other direction pulling Hermione with him. Draco was sure she would split in half at their harsh tugging. "Let go of her Krum!"
Viktor raised an evil eyebrow at him and moved his hands back onto Hermione's hair and held onto her from her scalp. Draco let go slightly to prevent him ripping her scalp open but flew close enough to get a hold of Viktor's throat. Viktor let go with one hand and started swinging at Draco who dodged easily. Draco swung and connected with Viktor's nose which started gushing immediately from the old injury. He grasped at his nose but still shifted one hand on Hermione's head. Draco started punching him further and flung them both into the stands.
Viktor hit the wall harshly and let out a gasp as Draco elbowed him in the ribs. Viktor released his grasp on Hermione and flung Draco into the other side of the stands. Draco now had one hand on Hermione and one on his broom. Viktor darted up to him and attempted to knock him off his broom but crashed himself into a strobe light that began to explode and shatter around him. Draco tried to hold onto the Hermione and the broom but her dead weight and the impact Viktor had just caused was weighing on his decreasing strength. Viktor somehow pulled himself from the strobe light and flew uneasily back at Draco. He reached out and gave a harsh tug pulling her from Draco's grasp and dropping her with a laugh.
Draco lunged forward and dove dangerously at her rapidly plunging body. His eyes were watering and his face was stinging at the hazardous speed he was flying at. He dove past her and caught her just before she hit the ground. He slowly touched down and laid her out onto the pitch. "H-h-hermione? Hermione please! Hermione!" He began to shake her frantically but she wasn't responding. She was cold and lifeless. Draco cried out as he embraced her. "HERMIONE!"
"Let me take her son. Let go. Let me help her." A witch said softly in his ear. Draco sobbed and released her allowing the witch to try and heal her.
Draco closed his eyes and prayed….Something he had never done before in his entire life. As he listened to the healer mumble incantations and work frantically around Hermione he looked up into the sky. "Please don't leave me Hermione. I promised I wouldn't let you fall. I'm begging you Hermione, please help me keep that promise."
Something in the sky caught his eye. He suddenly realized Ron and Harry were flying back and forth taking swings at Krum as Ginny was cheering them on. What appeared like wizards from the ministry, were trying to pull Harry and Ron away from Krum. Draco blinked his eyes and looked down at Hermione. The witch shook her head as another witch attempted to revive her. He whispered to her with a frown. "You said you wanted it all Granger. I can't give that to you unless you stay with me. Stay with me Hermione. Don't leave me here without you. I love you."
Her eyes didn't open but she began to gasp for air. Draco let out a loud chuckle and looked at the witches in disbelief. They smiled encouragingly and started trying to revive her further. "That's it Hermione. I'm here. I've got your favorite tulips just waiting to give them to you. Open your eyes and take them." Her eyes fluttered open weakly and she glanced around. "Thank Merlin!" Draco said as he kissed her gently. "You scared me! I thought my life was over."
Hermione shook her head and coughed harshly. She whispered barely loud enough for him to hear. "I knew you would come."
Draco smiled. "I knew you needed me."
