CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

'You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you. That's where I'll be waiting.'
~J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan~

Dear Ginny,

Ron and I have broken up. It was the last thing I was expecting, but it's over now. We had a fight right before the debate and it seemed like we worked it out. I told him I loved him and he didn't say it back, so I ended things. I don't really know what to do now. I haven't been single in over a year and either way, the passed eight years of my life have been lived around Ron. I cried all night, but I made a decision to let him go and move on. Maybe it's because all those fairy tales I grew up loving, I recently learned, were morphed from what they really are.

Either way, Ron doesn't love me. There's no reason to keep waiting around and going through all this angst and grief. The truth is, we've been fighting for a long time and maybe our relationship has run its course. Maybe one day we'll be able to get back to some semblance of friendship, but I can't think about that now. It's time to focus on myself and move forward. Hopefully I'll get into uni and be able to focus on my studies.

In the mean time, I have my job at the shop and the show to channel all my time into. Harry's planning on coming over today and then I have plans with the Malfoys in the evening. I was planning on taking them to see the fireworks. There's something special on the Thames tonight. Maybe we'll even ride the Eye. I doubt they ever have since it's muggle. We'll see.

I hope your astronomy class is going well and the Tower isn't too hot. I miss you a lot, Gin. I'm counting the days until you get back. My mum keeps looking at me like I'm going to shatter into a million pieces. I'm not. To make things worse, that stupid camping trip is coming up. Mum had wanted to bring Ron, but he'd said no because it fell during auror training. Not that if he had said yes, I'd want to go. I don't know where I was going with this. Anyway, I miss you and can't wait to see you again.

I realise this is a long letter. And I should be wrapping up now, but I can't quite yet. I wasn't just writing to you to tell you about my current relationship status and moan about how much I don't want to go camping. I also decided to give you all the juicy details you asked for about Draco.

Not that there are any smouldering details, but since I'm officially single, I feel no shame in writing you this. Draco Malfoy is smoking hot and you were right to say he was a man.

You were right, Draco does have it going on upstairs. He's very smart. He's interested in politics, even though he tries to cover it up by saying he only cares about sex scandals. He loves to read, his head is usually always in a book. I mean it. He hardly even looks at me since he's too busy reading.

This is probably nothing, but the other day when we watched 'Chicago' his leg brushed mine and he didn't move it the whole show. It felt... I don't know. Good, for sure. Maybe it's because your brother always looked so bashful when he'd touch his knee to mine, but Draco was so confident.

He's always confident.

I had a great time with him at the dinner at the Greengrass'. He stayed with me the whole night and didn't even want to talk to Astoria. She tried, boy did she try. But he kept trying to bring me into the conversation and even told her I was going to university- almost like he was proud or showing me off.

He also said I was beautiful.

Anyway, is that enough detail for you? I have a good time with him and I guess I'd consider him my friend. He's easy on the eyes, so that's a fantastic plus. He understands me- he took me to the room where I was tortured during the war and understood exactly what I needed.

Merlin. I wish I knew what this meant. Because really, why would Draco Malfoy ever like me- and I'm not saying I DO like him. Even though he's changed since the war and is obviously much more open and intelligent and better, he's still Draco Malfoy and he was still raised to believe certain things and he's always hated me. There's no way he'd ever put all that behind him. But it's enough to have him as a friend.

Cheers,

'Mione

She sent the letter off from Diagon Alley during her lunch break. She wasn't going over to see George. It wasn't just because she was worried George would be on Ron's side, but because she'd have to talk about the break-up and that wasn't something she wanted to do. She was wondering if George would pop over and make her talk, but he didn't and she wasn't sure how she felt about it.

Harry had assured her he wasn't going to dump her now that she and Ron were done. But that was easier said than done. And there was no telling how the Weasleys would react to her now. Ginny was a different story. Ginny had made it very clear she on board with Draco- not that it mattered since neither Hermione or Draco were on board that train. Either way, she'd always have Ginny.

It was mid July, which meant there wasn't a mad rush for school books yet, and there was no book signing going on, so the store was relatively quiet. Joy, her boss, needed some help at the cashier, so Hermione spent most of the afternoon there.

When she got home, Harry was already waiting for her. He wrapped her in a fierce hug and she knew he'd make it work, somehow. It didn't matter if he lived with her ex-boyfriend and ex-friend. Harry was Harry and he valued their friendship. She'd always have Ginny, but she'd also always have Harry. And since Harry and Ginny were together, it would be impossible to shake either of them.

She hugged him back, forgetting about the cameras. Harry was her best friend and the only friend that had been around to hug her since the fall out. He was warm and he held her tightly, like he was trying to mend her just by holding her. She was grateful for him and it did help, even though she still didn't feel whole yet.

They went to her room, Crookshanks following. Apparently, Harry had been waiting for a bit. He'd been having tea with her mum and took his nearly empty mug with him to her room. The cameras followed them. Crookshanks hopped up on her bed and curled up. Harry sat next to him, rubbing his head.

They didn't talk for a few moments, and Hermione realised Draco wasn't the only one that knew her well. She smiled at Harry and it seemed to make him feel better. "You're smiling," He said, watching her.

She nodded, lying back on her bed. "Thank you for not saying anything."

"You don't like talking," He pointed out, "You prefer to just have silent company."

She nudged him with her foot. "Not everyone knows that. Ron never did."

"That's why we're in this situation." He added dryly. It still hurt, but she knew time healed all wounds. It wouldn't be easy, since Ron wasn't just a simple boyfriend. They'd been friends first. For years, not just months. And a part of her had loved him. But she figured since she was able to eat breakfast and lunch, it wasn't that all consuming love she'd read about and fantasised about having. That's what the stories said anyway and even though she'd recently had some fairy tales shattered for her, she still believed it was out there.

"Will the others hate me? I know Ginny won't, but what about George? When he thought I was going to do something with Draco he cut me off."

"But then you guys made up." Harry told her, "He might be mad at first, since Ron is his brother and he feels protective over him, but eventually you guys will be okay. You're not going to lose everyone. Trust me, Ginny and I won't let that happen."

She was too tired to ponder if he had gotten the grammar correct there. She didn't realise she'd fallen asleep until Harry was shaking her awake. His face loomed over her and he said, by way of explanation, "Your mum said Draco is here."

"What?" She was delirious. She always hated waking up from a nap- she usually always felt sick.

"Did you have plans tonight?" He asked.

"Tonight, yes. But it's the afternoon-" She stopped, seeing Harry's face. "What time is it?"

"Nine thirty," He said, then looked bashful as he explained, "Your mum thought it'd be better if we let you sleep. She told me to stay, so I had dinner with your folks a little while ago. You've been out cold."

"Merlin," She sighed. "Can you tell Draco I need to shower and eat something first?" Her stomach rumbled then, like it was crying out for food. She tried to wipe the sleep from her face, and stop her vision from blurring. It was typical post-nap disaster she was familiar with.

Harry nodded and left the room. She realised too late this would be their first interaction since Hogwarts. She tried to get ready quickly so she could get down there and save them. She felt better after she showered and pulled on a pair of jean shorts and a tank top. Her hair hung down wet and she grabbed a pair of bright red converse.

Downstairs, she smelled chicken cutlets and was pleased to find two sitting on a plate for her. There were voices from the living room and she anxiously crept over to see what was going on. Her mouth dropped as she saw not just her parents, Harry, and Draco scattered around the room talking and with a black and white movie she recognised playing forgotten in the background, but Crookshanks was there- in Draco's lap. Draco hardly spared a look at the orange fur ball in his lap as he stroked him. It was like he was doing it unconsciously while he talked with her dad about his upcoming job in Scotland with dragons.

What was happening? Had she woken up in a parallel universe?

Harry noticed her and she gestured forcefully for him to join her in the kitchen. He excused himself and went over to her.

"What," She whispered, harshly and a tiny bit hysterically, "is going on in there?"

Harry smiled and whispered back, "Malfoy's not that bad. Crookshanks like him."

Hermione shook her head. "What happened while I was upstairs?"

"I told him what you wanted me too," He told her, like it was obvious. "Then your mum told us to sit in the living room. We weren't talking, but then your dad came in muttering about Ron and I told him that Ron was miserable- which he is, by the way. And then Malfoy wanted to know what was going on, and your mum came in with cookies and started telling the story and then somehow your dad was asking Malfoy about what his career path was."

Hermione slapped her forehead. "My dad is trying to set me up with Draco. This is great."

Harry grinned, but then he looked awkward as he said, "Ginny thinks he's hot."

"I know. She has no qualms about telling me about it." Hermione said wryly, turning her attention to her late dinner.

Harry sat across from her. He looked like he was grappling with something and then he finally said, "He had some good questions at the debate."

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. He likes politics." She said, not really paying attention. She was still too blown away by what was going on in the next room.

"He does?" Harry's voice sounded shocked and when she looked up at him, she saw his eyes had gone huge.

"Yeah," Hermione laughed, "and books. He also liked 'Chicago,' but I don't know if that had to do with a real appreciation of theatre or the scantily clad dancing women singing about murder. Either way, he seemed interested at the horses at the museum."

"Blimey," Harry muttered, like he was considering something.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine."

When she was finished eating, she headed into the living room with Harry at her heels. Crookshanks was sitting next to Draco now, purring loudly. His black trousers were covered in orange fur. No one seemed to notice her appearance, both her parents staring at Draco in awe as he talked about all the different breeds of dragons and their mating habits. What was Draco Malfoy doing talking about dragon sex with her parents?

She felt herself blushing- which was stupid and she promptly tried to shake it off. She reached down to her wrist where she usually drew courage or strength from Ron's bracelet. It was gone.

Her body felt cold as remembered. She'd need to find another security blanket.

Draco turned around, like he sensed her. "Granger," He grinned, "Pleasure of you to join us."

"Ready to go?" She asked, playing with her hands.

He nodded before turning back to her parents. Her mum hugged him and her dad shook his hand. "It was great catching up," Draco said pleasantly. For a moment, she stared transfixed. He looked like the perfect, respectable young man picking her up for a date doing the typical be nice to your parents and play with your pets. "Still out of it, Sleepy Head?" He joked when he caught her staring.

She scowled.

When they were outside, she realised his parents were supposed to be with them. She asked him where they were.

"They're meeting us there," He said easily. After a moment he added, "Or maybe we're meeting them there."

Hermione's family home wasn't too far from the river Thames so they walked. She could tell Draco wanted to Apparate, but he didn't say anything as they walked in silence. There were cars on the street, driving passed them and lights on in the houses on either side. She glanced over at Draco, seeing his face lit by the street lights. He almost glowed. She looked away.

"So," Draco asked, "did you and Weasley patch things up?"

She couldn't help herself from looking over at him. His face gave nothing away, it was a perfect mask. She rolled her eyes, "I know you know. Harry told me."

"Are you..." He seemed to struggle with the words, "well... okay?"

"I'm walking here with you now, aren't I?" She muttered wryly.

She saw Draco smirk out of the corner of her eye. He didn't push the subject and she wondered if it was because he didn't know what to say or because he really did understand her preference of silence. After a few moments of it, she couldn't help herself from saying, "It was unavoidable. We'd been fighting for months and Ginny and Harry kept telling me we were too different. Something like that, I can't remember the actual words. So I shouldn't have been surprised. The Paris Incident was the first sign."

"The Paris Incident?" Draco asked, his eyebrows raised. "Care to elaborate?"

"No. I don't even know why I said that. The point is, I'll be fine. People break up all the time. And yeah, Ron was more than just a boyfriend- he was my friend. It doesn't just feel like I lost a boyfriend, I feel like I lost part of myself."

Draco didn't look like he understood what she was saying, but he also looked like he was trying. It was sad actually, that he'd never met anyone that he cared about that much. She looked over at him, seeing him in a new light. He was probably very lonely. He'd probably always been lonely. It was obvious he'd had no affection for Crabbe and Goyle, the two minions he'd busied himself with at school.

He didn't say anything, so she took it upon herself to keep going. "Sometimes you need to let go of toxic relationships no matter how hard it is. That's the only we can grow. I was scared of losing the familiarity of Ron, but it was time to move on."

"You're incredibly smart, Granger." Draco murmured, looking at his feet.

There was a crowd up ahead which told her they were nearby. "I don't think we're going to be able to find my parents." the boy next to her said, eyeing the crowd.

"Your dad is probably having a seizure." Hermione grinned, thinking of Lucius surrounded by so many muggles.

Draco smiled and it caught her off guard. It was breathtaking and she felt stunned, but somehow kept walking. What was she doing, swooning over Draco Malfoy's smile? No. No. She looked away and pushed her way through the crowd, Draco right behind her. They stood side by side just as the fireworks started.

"Have you ever seen fireworks?" She asked, over the boom. She had to move closer to him, and her arm brushed his. She didn't know why she was dying to know so bad. Maybe because she'd grown up seeing this spectacle and she had just recently started wondering if Draco was lonely.

He leaned even closer to her, making her catch her breath. "Should I have?"

She knew it. She couldn't believe someone had lived for eighteen years and never seen fireworks. She nudged him, "It's the most beautiful thing ever."

"Yeah, it is." He said back. Her eyes weren't on him, they were focused up in the sky, watching the explosions of colour. She didn't know his eyes weren't on the same thing as he agreed with her.

"Look at that one!" She pointed, as the smiley faced fireworks started to fade. "Oh, that's amazing."

His arm was still brushing hers and it reminded her of the afternoon they spent in the dark theatre, his leg brushing hers. Tonight they were underneath the cover or the night sky, watching fireworks, touching arms. She didn't know which was better.

A/N Hi! Happy Thanksgiving, my American readers. I'm so FULL! And this Jets game is hilarious! In a very sad way, but I'm just gonna laugh at all the mistakes. Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing :D

Thank you to: Taylor F, ILoveSiriusBlack4, Guest, FuryPossessed, edwardsoneandonlylove, CresecentMoon12, Guest (yes, those are the real fairy tale stories. Gruesome, huh?), Loveable Leo, and arabellagrace.