Chapter 7

Hermione's POV

**

The tumble I took when I landed back into my house really should have hurt more than it did. I think that is how shock is. When you agree to meet up with someone that you just recently rediscovered you might have feelings for, well a nasty landing doesn't seem so bad after all.

I can't believe this she thought. I really need to just get a few hours of sleep and hash this out when I wake up. With a sleepy smile on her face she drifted off to sleep.

She was awakened 7 hours later by a tapping on her window. She looked over and saw the owl. She could have recognized that owl anywhere. That was Draco's owl. She took the letter off of its leg and watched it fly out the window before she opened it.

Hermione,

I know you're probably still in shock, but believe it or not I'm very nervous about seeing you. I mean that in a good way. How about you meet me at my house at 7 and we can talk. You can ask me anything that you have inside that curious head of yours.

Waiting to see you again,

Draco

He still makes his D's the same way, she thought reminiscently. She shook her head to get out of her reverie. There are so many things she wanted to ask him. Tonight can be here chance…maybe her only chance.

So with that she started getting ready. Finally at 6:50 she grabbed her cloak and headed to the fireplace. Looking around and sighing since Ron wasn't there, (What a surprise she thought sarcastically) and disappeared.

Draco's POV

**

It should be illegal to feel this nervous. I mean look at me, I'm basically pacing a hole through this Oriental rug. Sighing, he walked over and plopped into a chair, only to jump to his feet moments later by the sound of his fireplace whooshing.

She couldn't look better if she tried, he thought. Her curls were loose and flowing around her face. They were shorter than he remembered but it suited her. She was dressed casual but it was also classy. He then looked up to her eyes and saw those whiskey orbs looking back at him expectedly.

"Where are my manners? Come in let's go sit down."

He could have smacked himself. Way to look like a dumbass the voice in his head said.

"Your place still looks the same," she said smiling as she sat down.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Now I believe you had some questions for me?"

She turned to face him on the couch. "Yes, firstly I would like to know if you knew why Ron was shitfaced this morning and practically living with his head in the toilet."

"He was hungover, I thought that was obvious," Draco smirked. He then smiled at the irritated look on her face. Even irritated she was adorable.

"I mean what was the reason."

"You were actually."

She looked aghast. "Why me?"

"He seems to think that you are starting to have second feelings about being married with him. Can't say I blame you." She was starting to look a little uncomfortable. She was even chewing on her lip. She only did this when she was guilty of something. "Is it true Hermione?" I whispered.

"It's hard to explain. I really don't think I should be telling you about it at all."

"It's ok, I'm not fragile. Anything you want to tell you can. I will listen and only give you my opinion if you ask for it." I even held up my hand in solemn vow.

She giggle slightly then nodded.

"it is true I suppose. I mean I do love him, (I winced inwardly), but I'm not so sure if it's passionate love anymore. He's never around enough for our lives to be passionate together." She was starting to get angry. "I mean I never see him! Half the time I have the notion to tell him that I have waited around on a man that was a lot better than him!"

She clamped her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide in shock. I don't think she meant to say that out loud.

"Was that man me Hermione?" I asked softly. The way she held my eyes told me all I needed to know. Is there anything else you would like to know?

She was silent. It seemed like an eternity passed before she whispered something.

"What did you say Hermione? I couldn't hear you."

"Do you regret it?" she said it so quietly I had to strain forward to hear her.

"Regret what?"

She looked up at me and said, "Us. Me. Do you regret loving me? Even when I know I have caused you pain. You have every right to." She then looked away. I could see a tear glistening on her cheek, so I scooted closer and turned her head towards me.

"Hell Hermione I regret a lot of things in my life. They range from the war to not being able to see you when I please, but I can tell you this now and from the bottom of my heart. I've never regretted loving you."

It was like an invisible hand pushing me toward her. I saw her face getting closer and she had closed her eyes. I could feel her breath on my lips and just as I was about to close the gap, she sprang up like she had a fire underneath her.

"I – I shouldn't be here right now. I'm so sorry Draco." Tears were pouring down her face now. She reached up and cupped my face. "I'll send you an owl tomorrow," she said softly. She turned and ran toward the fireplace and vanished.

I touched my cheek where she had caressed it. It felt like it was on fire from her touch. I could still smell her breathe on my face. Like a mixture of mint and berries. It brought back so many memories and it was just too much to bear. I sat down on the couch with my head in my hands and did something that I hadn't done since the war….I cried.