Chapter 18
Hermione stepped out and jumped out of fright when she saw someone was pacing her living room. She was immediately relieved when she saw who it was.
"Are you ok?" asked Draco.
She shook her head no. He went over to her and wrapped his arms around her pulling her close.
"You were right," she said through tears.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to be," he said kissing her hair while he continued to hold her in his arms.
"You didn't?" she asked looking up at him.
"Of course not, Hermione. I want you to be happy. I've already told you, you deserve the best," said Draco.
"Thanks. I'm really glad you're here," said Hermione pulling herself into Draco again.
Draco smiled and enjoyed the feeling of just holding Hermione. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her and prove to her that he could be the one to love her, but he knew now was definitely not that moment. It had to be just right.
"How long have you been here?" asked Hermione finally breaking away. Draco reluctantly let her go.
"Not that long. I was pacing my house because I thought I screwed earlier today with you. I couldn't wait any longer so I had to come see. Then when you were gone I knew you had gone to see… him," said Draco.
"Yeah. I did," she said.
"And?" asked Draco, "Wait, no. Only tell me if you want to."
Hermione took a deep breath before telling him.
"It was exactly like you said. You were completely right about him. He couldn't give me an honest answer, he hadn't even told Lavender, and it was just a mess," said Hermione. Unconsciously she grabbed her wrist where he had grabbed her. This of course alerted Draco to the growing purple and blue colors on her wrist.
"Did he hurt you?" asked Draco trying to contain his anger.
"He… well… maybe," she said guiltily, "But don't worry about it. Please don't overreact. He grabbed my wrist as I was leaving, but soon after Harry and Ginny walked in and he stopped. It'll be fine."
Draco just shook his head.
"I'm sure it will, but I hope you don't think that's ok for him to do," said Draco.
"Of course not. You know me, if you were to do that to me I'd hex you into an oblivion," said Hermione smiling at him.
Draco ignored her humor.
"Why didn't you hex him?" he asked.
"I don't know! Why are you being so forceful about this?" asked Hermione.
"Just… because. So what now then?" asked Draco.
"Nothing. I'm done with him," she said.
"For good?" he asked.
Hermione nodded her head.
"Well, good for you. I'm sure you'll find someone who loves you more than he ever did," said Draco.
"You think so?" asked Hermione.
"Oh… I know so," said Draco.
"Thanks," said Hermione smiling at him again, "Until then. I'm glad you're here. You're amazing, Draco."
"I know," said Draco with his smirk.
"You are ridiculous," said Hermione rolling her eyes at him.
"So have you eaten at all?" asked Draco.
"No actually," said Hermione.
"Can I take you out to get something?" he asked.
"Sure. I'd love that," said Hermione with a smile.
Draco took her by the waist, holding her close and apparated them to the nearest 'Malfoy approved' restaurant.
"Draco… I think this is a little too nice for just grabbing something to eat," said Hermione.
"Of course not. I'm a Malfoy remember? I have a reputation to uphold. I don't just go anywhere," said Draco.
"Ok, well I do. I'm sure it won't kill you to go somewhere else," she said.
"It might," he said.
Hermione rolled her eyes again.
"Come on. After all you've been through, please let me treat you to a nice dinner," said Draco.
"Fine, but only because I don't see any way out of this," said Hermione.
"Good. Glad you figured that out," said Draco with his smirk.
He took her by the hand and dragged her inside.
By the end of the night Hermione was glad she let Draco take her out. He was just so safe and he made her feel that much better. She really was lucky to have him.
Short chapter... and I'm not even sure that I really like the way that I took it. What do you guys think? And sorry it's been forever! It's mostly I've been stuck on this chapter because I couldn't figure out whether or not I even wanted to post!