"Have you ever been in love with someone so much that it hurts?"
She lay against his chest, her hair sprawled about; shining dully with the moonbeams.
"Yeah."
"What happened?"
"She was in love with another man."
He stroked her arm gently with his fingertips. His lips pressed against her forehead.
"Did you ever get over her?"
"No, I don't think I ever will. But all I want is for her to happy."
Hermione swallowed hard. How dare she be jealous? She had no right.
"What's her name?"
Ron smiled once more; "You know her well."
"Is it lavender?"
"No, much more beautiful."
"Is it Parvati?"
"No."
"Then who is it?" she pouted; it reminded him of when they were younger and she wasn't getting her way.
"I can't tell you that."
She decided it would be best not to push the subject.
"Have you ever been in love with someone that much?"
Ron's heart dropped within his chest as if a heavy stone were laid upon it. He didn't want to hear her answer in fear of what she would say, but he needed to know. He needed closure.
"Yeah, once."
"What happened?"
"I broke his heart."
"Do you still love him?"
She stiffened, inhaling sharply. "No. I'm in love with you now."
Ron squeezed his eyes shut, a pathetic attempt at caging the tears. He pulled away from her gently.
"You've always been a horrible liar you know."
He picked his trousers from the floor, pulling them on swiftly before kissing her on the forehead and exiting the room. Hermione Granger slumped against the bed. She hated what she was doing to the people she loved.
Its you, its always been you, he had wanted to say.
...
He was sitting at the bar, finishing off his third shot. She hadn't seen him in months, and she felt like a school girl; butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. His hair was smoothed back, black dress robes finely creased. He looked his best just like he always did. She grabbed her husband's sleeve nervously.
"What's wrong?" He asked, following her gaze.
"Malfoy", he spat. "Don't worry. He's not daft enough to start something here."
She nodded quickly. Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as Ron pulled her away to meet some of his colleagues. He felt her presence as soon as she walked into the room, as did she as he approached them. Her heart skipped a beat as she inhaled his signature scent.
"Mr. Malfoy", one of the older ministry officials cheerfully exclaimed.
His shoulder brushed against her own sending shivers up her spine as he leaned in to shake the man's hand. She didn't dare meet his gaze, there were too many turbulent emotions coursing through her, and she feared they would all be exposed the instant their eyes met. She played with her ring as he greeted the other men.
"Mr. Weasley."
Ron reluctantly offered his hand in a firm handshake. "Malfoy."
"Mrs. Weasley", he greeted softly, extending his hand for her own. She offered it, shivering once his lips made contact with it.
"Mr. Weasley, would you care to join me for a drink so we can catch up on that new proposal of yours?" The jolly man properly known as Goodall began walking before the red-head could respond.
"Of course sir."
He was beside himself with eagerness; pecking Hermione on the lips before he sped to catch up with his employer. Draco brushed the back of her hand with his own, carefully slipping a piece of paper into it. She closed it tightly, afraid someone would see the exchange. He then immediately excused himself, and after engaging in polite conversation she did the same. 'Meet me in the hallway' it read. It was a simple note, but to her it meant so much more. It meant that he hadn't forgotten about her. It meant that she still held some significance in his life. She even went as far as to think it meant that he still loved her.
No, she corrected herself. No god, let alone a human being could put themselves this much pain.
Chapter 14 will have some sexual content so beware. If you don't like it, don't read it. Two chapters left, guys. Now would be a great time to whore out my next fanfic. Be sure to read it. Oh, and review. They are never forced, but always appreciated. Thanks for reading!
In response to a recent review, the reason behind the marriage will be explained in the next chapter. I was deliberately keeping it for the last chapters. On a different note, I will update tomorrow. Guess who has another research paper? Yup, its me. I will not dissapoint. I never do. :) Thanks for reading once more!