The Trouble With Weddings

A Harry Potter Fan Fiction Story

Chapter 25:

I stayed up all night, until I couldn't take it anymore, I needed to run, and run now. I left earlier than I usually had since I had been here, and felt a little relief when I didn't see Draco waiting for me. Now that I knew how I felt I don't think I could face him today. There was only 3 days now until the wedding and I will be free of Draco. I wont have to wake up and see his face, feel his warm embrace around me, or hear him whisper in my ear. If you were to ask me I was in denial I would just tell you I was being smart, pulling myself away before my feelings get too deep.

The air this morning was cool and crisp. I found myself really loving the smell of the salty waters. I need to convince Ginny to let me come here every once in a while, because I would really miss it when it was all over. It was quieter, running alone, I had grown accustom to Draco, and him talking to me. I kept telling my self it had to be this way.

" Hermione!" I heard my name faintly in the distance but I dint want to stop. It was getting closer, and I soon recognized the voice that was haunting me. " Hermione… wait" I must have slowed down a little, but didn't stop because he soon caught up to me, and out of breath.

" Why didn't you wait for me?"

" You weren't up when I needed to run" Which was true, but I hadn't tried to wake him either.

" What? You know I never sleep, do you not want me to run with you any more?" I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. I just kept staring straight a head and concentrated on what was in front of me.

" Does it matter Draco" I slowed down. " I mean you're hear now" Draco ran in front of me causing me to stop abruptly. " Hey! What's your deal?" He put his hands on my shoulders. It was surprising how just the slightest touch could send shivering waves through my body.

" Why are you acting so funny? Your being really vague." I couldn't look at him in the eyes. I just stood there trying to steady my breathing.

" I.. I don't know" I kept struggling why couldn't I tell him? He put his hand under my chin bringing it up to look at him.

" Did Weasley upset you again?" I looked up instantly, why did he think it was Ron? " God this is ridiculous, I wish I could take away your pain." I felt my eyes swell up and my chest tighten. " I hate that this stupid arrangement of making him jealous is hurting you like this." I bit my lip and I could feel all of my insides tighten up, I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. " I cant do this any more… Pretend to make him jealous, what I want" I couldn't listen any more I knew where he was going with this. I just didn't think It would hurt this much. I quickly pulled my self out of his grasp, and ran back to the cottage. I could feel all of my insides tighten. I was just able to admit how I felt. Who was I kidding any way, Draco didn't feel any thing for me for real.

I left Draco standing there staring at me wondering what was going on. He didn't try to run after me, but maybe if he had I would have known how he really felt. That his feelings matching mine quite well.

When I had gotten back inside I apparated to my room, so I didn't have to speak to any one. I felt like I couldn't breath, But I had to be strong. I was picking up my Dress with Ginny today. After I cleaned up from my run I put on a light blue dress, blue flats, and a light blue head band. I had to hide the pain I felt. It was almost over.

I walked into the kitchen, Ginny was making coffee, Blaise was reading the paper, Lavender sat next to Ron trying to spoon feed him, and Draco looked up when I came in. I tried to ignore him. I grabbed a freshly baked apple cinnamon muffin off of the table, and sat at the end of the table. Every one stayed silent which made it even more awkward than it already was.

" Anyone care for some coffee?" Ginny said ,noticing the silence and wanting to break all of the tension that would could cut with a knife. I looked up and smiled.

" Yes please" Draco couldn't take his eyes off of me and Ron looked up.

" I'll have a cup Gin." Lavender laughed at Ron. He had apparently said something amusing in her ear. I felt like I wanted to vomit. I slowly sipped my coffee, and ate my muffin.

" Hermione , don't forget were picking up our dresses today!" She smiled as she came and sat next to me.

" I know Gin, I'm ready to go when ever you are" She looked at me trying not to look at Draco, and got up patting me on the shoulder.

" Sure just let me finish up here, and we can go" I could feel his eyes on me.

" You look really nice today" I heard his whisper, and I looked up, and tried to force a smile.

" Thank you…" I wanted to say so much more but I couldn't bring my self to say the words. We just stared at each other from across the table. Ron seemed to notice this and kept looking back and forth from the two of us. Lavender kept trying to get his attention, but he was too distracted trying to figure out what was going on between Draco and I. I couldn't take this any more I felt like I couldn't breath. I stood up.

" If Ginny asks tell her I'm waiting for her outside" I said to no one in particular, and walked out side. I closed my eyes as I leaned up against the side of the cottage. I didn't hear the door shut behind me ,and knew some one had followed me out. I was right.

" OK, What is with you? And don't say nothing" Draco stood in front of me. He seemed frustrated. " You have been acting weird since your run." I opened my eyes and looked at him. I was right he did look confused and frustrated trying to figure out what was going on with me.

" Why do you care?" I tried to walk away from him, but he put his arms on both sides of me to block me in.

" Why do I Care… Really?"

" We don't have to pretend any more, you already said you wanted to quit and you wanted out. You cant stand what its doing to Ron so Fine your out. It was your idea any way!" I could see his face go as red as Ron's usually does when he is expressing.. Well any emotion. I knew I had upset Draco. I hated saying the minute that it had left my lips.

" Is that what you think?" He backed up and ran his hands through his hair. I felt tears coming on, so I closed my eyes so he couldn't see.

I wished at that moment that Ginny would come out and say she was ready to leave. Just like magic my wish had come true and There she was standing by the door. I pushed myself past Draco and left with Ginny to get our Dresses for the wedding, now just days away.