A/N: Hey everyone. I am back with another chapter. Thanks for the reviews. I love em all! Anyway onto the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: Only the plot.
Chapter SixHermione looked over at her empty bed. Oliver had left before she'd woken. She was, however, rather hurt that he had forgotten to wake her to inform her he was leaving. With a sigh Hermione dressed into her work robes. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and collected her wand and moneybag. Exiting her room she placed the locking charm on her door once more.
Heading down stairs she could hear laughter tinkling up the staircase from the kitchen. Walking in, the laughter stopped. She looked around at the occupants in curiosity. Luna focused on her coffee cup; Ron buttered his toast carefully while Draco merely looked at Hermione in slight annoyance.
"Good morning to you all as well," snapped Hermione collecting her mail to take with her, "It's quite rude you know? Not being wanted in your own house. I guess I might see you all tonight. Not being wanted though, doesn't exactly make coming home from work appealing."
"Hermi-" started Ron looking guilty.
"Forget it Ron! You made your point clear enough all of yesterday. And just maybe you are right… and maybe I am being used," said Hermione with a lump in her throat before turning away, "I have to go."
Before anyone could stop her, Hermione left with a crack. Draco looked at Ron who was gripping his knife tightly.
"You don't think Oliver used her do you?" asked Luna curiously.
"He left at 5am," said Draco softly, "I saw him leave."
"Quidditch training normally begins at 9am," said Ron, "I know because Harry has been offered to join the England team next year. He got all the information yesterday. Plus, Oliver doesn't have any training today or tomorrow."
Luna sighed with sadness, "And we gave her such a hard time… poor thing."
"I know where she has gone," said Ron with a nod, "The two people who never judge her actions- her parents."
HD
Hermione knelt down in front of her parent's grave and ran her fingers over the engraved letters of their names. Tears of sadness rolled down her cheeks before she wiped them away. In her mind she was hoping that Oliver hadn't used her for sex only and that he truly did like her. But her heart was speaking the truth – she was one of Oliver's rebound quests. She, Hermione Granger, had been used, a one nightstand. And she, Hermione Granger, had been willing to give her tattered heart to him with her entire being.
"S'not fair Mum… Dad," mumbled Hermione, "What did I do to deserve this?"
Hermione wiped her tears away again and looked around at the cemetery. Muggles were beginning to arrive and she was dressed in work robes. Checking they couldn't see her, she said a goodbye to her parents and apperated to Diagon Alley. It was early, but stores were opening. Hermione brought a coffee to go from a café and headed to Flourish and Blott's. The Parkinson's still owned the successful store with Pansy in control of it. Hermione walked in and smiled at Pansy who was fixing the till for the day. Whenever Hermione was down she would come here to buy a book and a shoulder to cry on.
She wandered up the isle selling tragic romances with Pansy joining her few seconds later.
"Hey… what's happened?" asked Pansy curiously seeing Hermione's tear stained face.
"I think I was used," said Hermione turning to Pansy, "Obviously Narcissa has come see you?"
"Yeah. She told me everything. I would come and visit but work has been hectic."
"Right, well then you know about Oliver."
"Yeah. Its in the paper as well… he used you?"
"I think so… buttered me up, shagged me and took off."
"Oh Hermione! Are you sure?"
"I hope not but I think I am… he left early, didn't wake me."
Pansy gave Hermione a hug as she sobbed. She stepped back and Pansy handed her a tissue. Hermione wiped her face clean of tears and sighed.
"You'll be fine alright? Oliver is a wanker on rebound. What he doesn't realize is Angelina is over him completely. Anyway, you'll find a hunk in no time."
Hermione gave a small smiled and looked away. Pansy looked at her curiously before smiling.
"Already?" cried Pansy in pleasant surprise.
"It's always been there… only it recently flared up again in its own twisted way."
With realization Pansy gave an "Oh" before fixing some books on the shelves.
"I can't help it… I know I should hate him for the past four years but I can't. I don't think I can be with him though."
"Why?" frowned Pansy turning to Hermione confused.
"I just… I can't. He has caused me to much pain for me to forget."
Pansy nodded in agreement before speaking, "And has he apologized?"
"Well yeah."
"Then that should be enough."
Hermione looked at Pansy stumped. The only reason she was stumped was because Pansy was right. Hermione shook her head, no, she couldn't be. It wasn't right.
"I have news for the Order," added Pansy turning to Hermione, "Lucius is plotting against them. He is aiming to take an Order member. They are a key to something in his battle. I don't know what but that is what I have heard. Many dark followers still believe I am on their side."
Hermione nodded, "Right… I should go and… go."
Hermione rushed out of the store and apperated instantly opening her eyes to her home. She ran into the kitchen, alarming Ron, Luna, and Draco.
"He is plotting against the Order," said Hermione looking at Ron with wide brown eyes.
"What on earth are you on about?" asked Ron confused.
"Lucius!" cried Hermione before sighing, "I went, and seen Pansy and she told me that someone told her that Lucius was plotting against the Order. He plans on taking an Order member, someone who is the key to his battle."
Ron, Hermione, and Luna looked at Draco who paled.
"We already know that," said Luna with a nod from Ron and Draco.
"If he is speaking about it then that must mean he has something big planned."
They all fell silent once more as a letter flew through the window and landed in Ron's hands. He opened it and sighed.
"I have to get to work," he said looking at Hermione, "But so do you."
"Not really. Not until I get a new project assigned to me. You go. I can stay home one day."
Ron nodded and raced up stairs to get ready. Luna followed him just as quickly. Hermione pulled off her robes showing her muggle clothing underneath of black pants and a pale blue blouse. She made herself a coffee and pulled the Daily Prophet over to her. She turned the page and dropped her mug, sending coffee splashing everywhere.
"Oh Merlin!" cursed Hermione in shock setting about cleaning the coffee, trying to hide the tears spilling down her cheeks.
Draco walked around the bench and pulled his wand out instantly cleaning the mess. As it cleared away Hermione remained on the ground sobbing into her hands. Draco stood where he was feeling rather awkward. As much as he wanted to hold her whilst she cried, he didn't know if that would be appropriate considering how things were standing between them both at that moment. Hermione gave a loud sniffle and a sob. Not being able to hold back anymore Draco knelt down and placed a gentle, warm hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"Ummm… do you want to talk?" asked Draco with a shrug showing his awkwardness.
"He used me," said Hermione looking up at Draco and showing her tear stained face with fresh ones flowing over the tracks of others, "I am so stupid… so naïve!"
Draco frowned, "Oliver do you mean?"
Hermione nodded and reached up to the bench and yanked the Daily Prophet. She pointed to the picture and Draco leaned closer to her to see it. His breath tickled the side of Hermione's arm as he looked at the picture of Oliver snogging his new fling, Alicia Spinnet, another former Gryffindor and Quidditch star of the Chudley Cannons. Hermione ignored the paper as she looked at Draco intently. He was as handsome as ever with tussled hair, shining eyes and chiselled features. As he looked at her, Hermione looked away wiping tears away.
"Well, we all make mistakes," muttered Hermione scrunching the paper up as she stood from the ground, "No point in crying."
Draco gave her an odd look as he too stood. Hermione tossed the paper in the muggle bin and shut the sink cupboard.
"But he played you," said Draco pointedly, "You should confront him."
"How?" cried Hermione spinning around to face Draco her eyes wide in exasperation.
Draco walked past Hermione and pulled the paper out of the bin. He smoothed out the page showing the picture. Peering closely he spotted the date of the photo, two days ago. He grabbed a pen and circled it and turned to Hermione.
"Invite him over… act like you know nothing when he arrives."
Hermione looked pained at the idea but Draco stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I'll be here the entire time. Don't panic."
Hermione nodded and swallowed a lump in her throat. She grabbed some parchment and ink then scribbled a note to Oliver before sending it off with her owl.
"I should tidy up," said Hermione, "Look like I'm happy."
Draco nodded and Hermione ran up stairs to clean her face and brush her hair.
HD
"I knew you couldn't resist me," he slurred running a hand along her pale features, "You never could all those years ago, could you?"
"How can I resist such a man?" she murmured back running her hands through his long, silky locks, "Every thought of you fills me with lust and uncontrollable urges."
He laughed huskily at her comment and pulled her down onto his lap, "Such a playful thing, aren't you? Ah, I have watched you over the years. You have blossomed into a beautiful thing."
"She fell for it, you know?"
He arched an eyebrow at the news and a smirking smile crossed his lips, "Indeed?"
"Yes. She believes you, Lucius, will be after your son. She'll never suspect its her you really want."
Lucius pulled forward his young play toy, "Miss Parkinson, you are so evil… and I like it."
With a smile, Pansy leaned forward capturing Lucius' lips with her son in a passionate embrace.
HD
Draco looked up, acting surprised at the arrival of Oliver as Hermione walked into the kitchen behind him. Draco saw a flash of pain followed by anger cross Hermione's face. Oliver nodded at Draco and turned to Hermione smiling as though nothing was wrong between them at her. Hermione plastered a fake, glowing smile on her face and reluctantly pecked him on the cheek, catching Draco looking away at the moment gripping a pen in his hand tightly.
"So, you wanted to see me?" asked Oliver stepping back from Hermione.
"Yeah. Although I wasn't expecting you to come so soon," replied Hermione walking slowly over to the bench before turning to Oliver, "After all… you said you would have training all day and wouldn't be able to see me until… oh… tomorrow night."
Draco watched discreetly noticing Oliver wince at Hermione catching him out on lie one.
"But perhaps," sighed Hermione picking up the paper, "You were on your way to visit Alicia Spinnet, the same Alicia whom it was rumours you had a fling with back at Hogwarts… right?"
Oliver looked at Hermione confused causing Hermione to stride over to him and hold the paper up to his face, letting him see the hard evidence.
"What is it you said? You thought you had nothing but now you have me… hmm, well it seems to me you have plenty. More than you realize."
"Hermione, please… she kissed me-"
"Ha! Look at it Oliver! You have your hands up her shirt; I think you are lying – yet again. Another Oliver Wood specialty. Well I am so not sorry to say this. But get out of my home and life. I will not be a mans bed buddy!"
Oliver looked at Hermione stunned.
"Didn't you hear her clearly?" asked Draco from where he sat, "She said leave. Not stand there like a gaping fish out of water."
Oliver glared at Draco then at Hermione, "You'll regret this. Big time."
"I think you will when you wind up having five kids you never wanted," replied Hermione coolly before he left with a crack.
Hermione sighed and closed her eyes raising a hand to her forehead.
"You did good," nodded Draco pleased with how Hermione handled herself through the scenario.
Hermione turned to Draco and smiled warmly at him, "Thanks… for being here when I needed someone."
Draco smiled and Hermione placed the paper in the bin. She leant on the bench and gazed around the kitchen and laughed.
"What?" asked Draco confused as he looked around the room for something amusing.
Hermione walked closer to Draco and sat on the bench stool beside him, "You were there all the time, you know?"
Draco shook his head confused.
"Well at the Manor, when I was stressed and tired you helped out by letting me sleep… you healed me when I was injured and even when I thought you were dead, the thought of you kept me sane during all the really hard moments. Corny or whatever, I know, but it's the truth."
Draco smiled a little at Hermione and shrugged, "I can be a good guy."
"You are a good guy and probably the best guy I'll ever meet," replied Hermione standing before walking out of the kitchen to take of her shoes and find a book to read.
HD
"Hello!"
"Upstairs!"
Feet thundered up the stairs and Hermione looked up from the mail she was sorting through later that afternoon too see Ginny flopping on her bed grinning.
"What?"
"When I arrived I saw Draco looking rather… dreamy. So I am assuming something happened," said Ginny giving Hermione the gossip eye.
"Ginny, I just broke up with Oliver. I merely told Draco he is the best guy I'll ever meet."
"Oliver is old news and Draco no longer isn't," Ginny sighed when Hermione rolled her eyes and signed a muggle check for the electricity bill, "Come on Hermione! You've never gotten over him."
"Doesn't mean I'll ever get back with him, now does it?"
"You want too though."
Hermione didn't reply and Ginny made a pleasing sound. Hermione placed the check in an envelope.
"Oliver was just a shag test," announced Ginny causing Hermione to look at her in alarm, "Well… a test drive. Hear me out before you become Miss Prim and Proper. You mainly did what you did to see if he was better then Draco. If Oliver was it would mean you were over Draco… so, was Oliver good?"
"Ginny, sex is not a topic I like to discuss."
"He sucked," nodded Ginny figuring it out from Hermione's answer, "Oh well. So, that means you and Draco will be back on soon."
Hermione rubbed her forehead in frustration from Ginny's chatter.
"Harry saw Oliver this afternoon when he went to sign the contract for the England team. Anyway Oliver was fuming and bitching about you to one of the teammates. Harry overheard and went right off at him, telling Oliver he was lucky you or Harry didn't hex him to Timbuktu. He also reminded Oliver that to Harry you are a sister and should Oliver do that to you again, then he will be cursed to Venus, not Timbuktu."
Hermione chuckled and placed her mail aside and sighed, "I do love him."
"Who, Oliver?" cried Ginny.
"No! I couldn't care less about him. Draco… when I was upset this morning I wanted him to hold me, kiss me… tell me he would never hurt me or leave me again."
Ginny looked at Hermione sympathetically before grabbing her by the hand and pulling her up from the bed. She pulled Hermione out of the room ignoring her protests. At the staircase they ran into Harry pulling Draco by the sleeve.
Ginny and Harry smiled at each other as Hermione and Draco looked at the two confused.
"Right," said Harry smiling at Hermione, "There is no reason why you two can't work everything out. You two… are like Ginny and I, perfect for each other in everyway and just meant to be. The sooner you both see that, the better everything will be."
With that Ginny and Harry left with a crack. Hermione looked at Draco stunned as he looked at her curiously.
"Do you… love me?" asked Draco quietly, his eyes searching her own for an answer.
"This is crazy," whispered Hermione looking at the ground before looking back at him, "I should hate you. You lied to me and everyone… you left me alone and heartbroken… but I can't hate you no matter how much I try too!"
"So you love me then?"
"Yes! I love you with all I have," cried Hermione in frustration.
Draco suddenly stepped forward, unable to hold back any longer. He pulled Hermione into his arms and kissed her passionately. Hermione's hands instantly began running through his hair as she kissed back with the same level of passion. Emotion from them both poured into the kiss. Draco's hand slid down to Hermione's waist his fingers sliding under her shirt, before pulling her up against him. Hermione's legs lifted up and wrapped around his waist allowing him to carry her into his room. He kicked the door shut and fell onto the bed with Hermione. Hermione sat on his waist smiling at him, the twinkle finally returning to her eyes, yet tears of happiness fell from them.
"I have you back," she said, relief flowing with every word.
Draco sat up a bit and wiped her tears away, smiling back at her, "I swear I'll never leave you again."
Hermione leaned forward and kissed him, believing he would keep too his promise and never break her heart again. As the kiss heated up, Draco unbuttoned Hermione's blouse sliding it off her and unclasping her bra…
HD
A month passed with the tension leaving the house. Ron was a lot happier himself, mainly because Luna moved in after accepting his engagement. Harry and Ginny visited a lot more, generally sleeping in the guest room due to Draco literally moving into Hermione's room. Upon hearing of their reunion Ron gave a loud cheer and said it was about time.
Ginny and Harry gloated a little saying they knew the plan would work. Narcissa and Sirius were both pleased with the news and came over for dinner to congratulate the two. Hermione found work even more pleasant as she began working on yet another spell one that would stop basilisk poison from spreading after the fatal bite.
Hermione woke one morning feeling rather ill in the stomach. She slowly dressed for work and avoided using her perfume finding the smell only made her stomach churn more. She headed downstairs and kissed Draco in greeting and pulled out a bottle of water to drink.
"I made you a coffee," said Draco standing behind her as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Since they had gotten back together he had a hard time keeping his hands off her. He found her irresistible.
"I really don't feel like one," said Hermione with a sigh, "I feel sick."
"Oh, maybe you should lay down and rest," suggested Draco worriedly.
"No… work is busy. If it gets any worse I'll come home."
Draco nodded and kissed Hermione on the neck earning a pleasing sigh from her. She turned in his arms and kissed him fully on the lips.
"I should go," she murmured before the urge to vomit came over her.
Untangling herself from Draco's arms she raced to the downstairs toilet and knelt down in time to throw up into the bowl. Draco came in behind her quickly, holding her hair back as he rubbed her back gently.
"How far along?" came a voice behind them.
Draco looked up behind him and saw Sirius smiling at them, "What? Hermione is sick."
"With morning sickness," said Sirius firmly, "She has been having the symptoms all week. Two days ago she said she felt sick."
Hermione leaned up from the bowl and nodded, "Its' true. I can't believe I never realized that until now."
Draco frowned, "Morning sickness? Like when women are… pregnant?"
Hermione nodded as she wiped her mouth. She looked at Sirius, "Can you do a test thing on me?"
"Sure."
Hermione stood with help from Draco and they followed Sirius into the lounge room. Hermione laid on a lounge and lifted her shirt a little. Sirius pointed his wand at her stomach and a pink glow came from her stomach. Sirius lowered his wand and turned to Hermione smiling.
"Congratulations, you are going to be parents."
Hermione sat up smiling but it soon left her face. With a glance at Draco, she left with a crack.
A/N: Oh… can you guess what she just thought of? And I know Pansy and Lucius – eww! But interesting nonetheless. Anyway, please review!
Until next time…Love yas!
Love Coz!