Chapter Eleven: The hardest part of letting go
"The hardest part's not breaking up its picking up what's left of us and piecing back a life, a life that I once knew. The hardest part's not crying but wiping off the tears, the tears that can't seem to stop falling thinking of the years we could've been. We loved, I bruised, you go, I lose, and the hardest part of letting is when your heart says no..." (The hardest part of letting go by Ricci Chan)
oOo
The Burrow - Ottery, St. Catchpole - Devon, England – 4:05 P.M.
Leila stood from the couch and smiled; "Thank you for the tea Molly and Arthur but Lav and I needs to go home" she said.
Arthur stood from his perch and offered his hand; "Thank you for visiting Leila, it's our pleasure" he said politely.
Molly also stood and smiled awkwardly; "We'll talk soon" she said.
Leila nodded, she then turned towards her pale daughter; "Come on now love, your father will be arriving any minute now" she said.
Lavender stood up and nodded; she then turned her gaze towards Ron's parents and smiled shyly. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for having us" she said.
Ron huffed and averted his gaze.
Molly's head snapped towards her son and frowned; "Ronald" she said sternly.
Ronald cleared his throat; "Have a safe trip" he said.
Lavender nodded and turned towards her scowling mother; "Let's go now Mum, we need to go home" she said.
Leila ignored Ron's insolence and began walking towards the door; "Again thank you for having us" she said.
Lavender followed her mother awkwardly.
Leila pulled the door open and exited the threshold with a huff; she then began walking away.
Lavender threw an apologetic look at the Weasley's and followed her mother out; closing the door behind her.
Arthur let out a relieved breath and fell back on the couch; "That went well enough" he said.
Molly patted her husband's hand and turned towards her son; "I'm disappointed in you Ronald, I know that your situation with Lavender is not ideal but I expected you to at least act cordial" she reprimanded.
Ronald sniffed with disdain; "She's trying to pin the blame solely on me when her daughter is also clearly at fault. I don't know why she's insisting that I marry Lavender when everybody knows that she's not a woman of virtue herself" he said.
"That's the consequence of your irresponsibility and we can't blame her if she feels that way, Lavender is still a woman and their only child. Won't you feel the same if Ginny was in the same situation?" Arthur asked.
Ron looked abashed and averted his gaze.
"We've manage to calm Leila down for now but the storm hasn't passed yet. I'm sure she's still expecting a wedding, so I suggest you to think about what you will do if that's their decision" Molly said.
Ron let out a defeated sigh and bowed his head; "But I don't want to marry Lavender...I still want to marry Hermione..." he murmured.
Arthur frowned and stood up; "Then you should've thought about that before you got involve with somebody else. Hermione's ship has long sailed, I don't think she'll still consider you after everything that has been said and done" he said.
Ron buried his face into his palms.
Molly threw his son a pitying look and stood up; she grasped her husband's arm and squeezed it comfortingly. "Come on dear, help me make supper" she said.
Arthur nodded and pulled away from her grasp; he then turned and began walking towards their kitchen.
"Your father is still grasping the situation Ronald, give him time" Molly said.
"I know Mum..."
"Stay for supper," Molly said before walking away.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 12:30 A.M.
Draco opened his eyes sleepily when he felt a gentle prodding on his arm; he let out a tired yawn and eyed the woman sleeping soundly on his lap.
"Young Master?"
Draco turned towards the elf standing a few steps away from the couch; "Yes Didi?" he asked lowly.
Didi began fumbling with her hands nervously; "Didi wants to know if Master wants Didi to levitate Mistress Hermione to her room?" she half whispered.
Draco raised both brows and moved his gaze towards Hermione's curly hair; "Don't worry about Didi, I'll take her to her room, you can rest now" he murmured.
Didi bowed and began padding towards the kitchen quietly.
Draco watched as the elf sauntered away; once it's out of sight, he began patting Hermione's arm gently, coaxing her to wake up. "Granger? We have to move" he said.
Hermione groaned and began stirring.
"Come on now love, you have to wake up so we can move you to your own room" Draco murmured.
Hermione moved again but instead of waking up, she buried her face further into the crook of his neck and almost instantly she's back into a deep slumber.
Draco watched her subtle movements and let out a defeated sigh; "Well, I guess I'll have to carry you then" he said decidedly. He pulled her sleeping form closer to his chest and sat up straight from the couch; gently, he slithers his left arm at the back of her knees and moved his right arm to support her back, carrying her bridal style. Wordlessly he stood up from the couch and began walking towards the corridors; once he reached her door he muttered a wandless unlocking charm and pushed the door open. He padded inside the semi lighted room and began moving towards the 3 steps stairs; he climbed up with no difficulty and approached her bedside. Slowly he leaned forward and lowered her limp body on top of it; he carefully pulled the comforter at the foot of the bed and began covering her up to her waist. "There you go" he said while watching her intently. After a couple of minutes of silence he decided that its time for him to go to bed too; lazily he walked towards the stairs and descended it, he continued his path towards the door and exited it, closing the door behind him quietly.
oOo
The Burrow - Ottery, St. Catchpole - Devon, England – 8:06 P.M.
Molly was washing the dishes when Arthur settled himself on one of the chairs inside the kitchen; "Why are you washing the dishes with your hands?" he asked.
Molly began running the plate she's scrubbing under the running water and turned her head towards her husband; "I need to do something that will take my mind off of things" she replied.
Arthur nodded; "Things has been crazy lately" he said.
Molly turned her attention back to the dishes and huffed; "More than crazy, I daresay" she said.
Arthur leaned back on his chair; "Do you really think that Mrs. Brown will push our son to marry Lavender?" he asked.
Molly placed the plate on the dish rack and switched off the tap; she then turned towards her husband while drying her hands with the hem of her apron. "I wouldn't blame her if she does, if I was in her position; I would've done the same thing if Ginny is in the predicament"
"You're right"
Molly braised her back on the sink; "It's still hard for me to accept that Hermione will not be part of this family officially, I badly wanted her to be..." she said sadly.
Arthur sighed; "Things doesn't really pan out the way we thought it would be" he said. He then frowned; "Have you heard anything from Hermione? I haven't seen her since this whole issue grew out of proportion" he asked.
"I went to her house the other day but it looks like nobody's been there for quite some time" Molly said.
Arthur's frown deepen; "Did you try asking Ginny? I'm sure Hermione would've told her if she's leaving" he suggested.
"That's actually a good idea dear, I'll owl Ginny tomorrow" Molly replied.
Arthur nodded.
oOo
Brown's Cottage - Surrey, England – 9:45 P.M.
"Do you know what's wrong with Lavender? She's been quiet and pale all evening" Steven Brown asked his wife while fluffing their pillows on their bed.
Leila that's sitting right in front of her vanity mirror turned her face towards her husband; "We went to the Weasley's today, I guess she was just overwhelmed" she replied nonchalantly.
Steven sat on the bed and frowned; "What did you do there, pray tell" he asked while crossing his arms on top of his chest.
Leila returned her gaze on the mirror and began lathering moisturizing potion on her face; "I just talked with them that's all" she replied.
"What did you talk about?"
"I just told them that their son needs to marry our daughter" Leila replied.
Steven's frown deepen; "Why did you do that Leila?" he asked appalled.
Leila's head snapped towards her husband; "What do you mean why I did that? That man needs to marry my baby! He dragged our innocent daughter into this mess and he needs to take full responsibility!" she hissed.
Steven began massaging his temples, warding the incoming headache; "Is this about what's written in the Prophet?" he asked.
"What do you think?" Leila asked sarcastically.
"It's not even a scandal Leila, It was just a sensationalize speculation of a measly reporter who happens to see our daughter together with that man. It's not enough reason to have them jump into marriage for Merlin's sake!" Steven said exasperatedly.
Leila kept silent but maintained the defiant look in her eyes.
Steven studied his wife face and shook his head in disappointment; "I'm not arguing with you tonight" he said as he lay down on the bed.
Leila turned her gaze back to the mirror and continued her nightly ritual.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 10:00 A.M.
Hermione woke up with the sun shining brightly at her face; she crinkled her nose and opened her eyes sleepily.
"Good morning Mistress" Didi greeted cheerfully.
Hermione swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and pushed the comforter away from her body; "Good morning Didi" she croaked.
Didi walked towards the sliding doors that's adjacent to her Mistresses bed and pulled the drapes, effectively shutting the sun outside her balcony.
Hermione smiled thankfully at the elf and sat up; "What time is it?" she asked.
Didi turned towards her; "It's 10 in the morning Miss, does Miss Hermione want Didi to bring her breakfast inside her room?"
Hermione shook her head and began inching towards the edge of the bed; "It's okay Didi, I'll eat at the kitchen, where's Draco?" she asked.
"Young Master is lounging in the Jacuzzi Miss" Didi replied.
"Did he already have breakfast?" Hermione asked.
"Yes Miss"
"Oh, okay" Hermione said while standing up.
"What does Miss Hermione wants to eat?" Didi asked.
Hermione stared at her dress and wrinkled her nose; "I'll just have toast and tea, I'll just fix myself" she said.
Didi bowed and disappeared with a loud crack.
Hermione then faced her bed and began fixing it; after straightening the comforter and aligning the pillows, she walked towards the bathroom. Once inside, she closed the door behind her and began padding towards the sink, she stood right in front of it and studied her face in the mirror. She then let out a loud sigh as she studied her pale tear stricken face; "You already cried enough tears Hermione, it's time to really start moving on and bury the past behind you, you're done with it" she said to herself. She then let out a bright smile and grabbed her toothbrush; "The life after Ron starts today" she murmured.
Meanwhile...
Draco sat inside his Jacuzzi deep in thought; he mulled about all that happened within the days he spent in their island and he shook his head in disbelief. He still cannot bring himself to believe that the perfect "Golden Couple" already called it quits and now he's partly nursing the golden girl's broken heart. He still couldn't believe that after all the animosity and shared history between them, she'd learn to trust him and let her guard down during her most hurtful moments. It still surprises him every time she speaks to him about her feelings and situation freely, though she may not give the full detail away, she still makes sure that he grasps where she's coming from. After hearing the story he can't help but feel unbridle fury towards the weasel and his indiscretion. He may have had his fair share of lays but never it come to a point that he cheated on them with another woman.
"Enjoying your dip?"
Draco's head snapped towards the voice and felt the sides of his lip turning up into a smile; "Hey" he said.
Hermione walked towards one of the recliners and sat at the edge; she then gathered her hands on her lap and clasped it together.
Draco studied her gesture and raised his pale brow; "Is something the matter?" he asked.
Hermione bit her bottom and lip as she felt her cheeks flush; "Err..."
Draco stared at her.
"Err...I just want to say thank you for last night..."
Draco smirked slyly; "You're welcome, just be sure that you'll go soft on me next time, I don't like it rough you know" he teased.
Hermione's gaze widen as she felt her jaw drop.
Draco stared at her for couple of seconds and let out a loud laugh.
Hermione felt her face redden with embarrassment and mortification; "You're being an arse!" she spat.
Draco shook his head as he tried to stifle his mirth; "You're so gullible Granger" he said.
Hermione took a deep calming breath; "I'll ignore your pun and still thank you for last night" she said.
Draco smiled warmly at her; "Don't worry about it, I understand" he replied.
Hermione returned the smile and stood up; "Well, I guess I'll leave you to your own devices again," she said.
"Don't you want a dip?"
Hermione scrunched her face; "I think I'll pass, it's too hot for me to swim, maybe later" she said.
Draco nodded.
Hermione began walking away.
"Granger?"
Hermione paused and turned towards Draco; "Yes?" she asked.
Draco stared at her seriously; "I'm serious about what I said last night, it's time for you to stop crying and start moving on. That arsehole doesn't deserve a single tear from you, you're too good for him" he said.
Hermione felt her heart jolt with his words but she ignored it; she then let out a smile and nodded. "Don't worry about it Malfoy, I'm working on it" she said.
Draco smiled approvingly; "Good girl, now, I'll see you later" he said.
Hermione nodded and resumed her path.
Draco watched her back disappeared from the door; he then slumped back and let the soothing bubbles massage his tired body.
oOo
Goldstein – Weasley's Flat, Birmingham, England - 7:00 A.M.
"Sweetheart, there's an owl for you at window, its Errol" Anthony called out.
Ginny sauntered inside the kitchen while rubbing her wet hair with a big fluffy towel; "Good morning love" she greeted her beau as she walked towards the window. She pulled the shutter open and leaned forward; "Good morning Errol" she said.
The owl hooted happily and offered its leg.
Ginny threw her towel on the nearest chair and began untying the letter for its leg; once she retrieved it, Errol hooted loudly and flew away.
Anthony took a sip of his coffee; "Looks like Errol is not waiting for a response" he observed.
Ginny closed the window and pulled aside some wet hair strands that's covering her eyes; "I guess so, I wonder what Mum wants" she said.
Anthony turned towards the covers and pulled another cup; he poured a hefty amount of coffee and placed it on top of the counter. "Here's your coffee love and your breakfast is warming inside the broiler, I need to go, I'm on call today" he said before draining the coffee in his mug.
Ginny placed the letter on top of the table and walked towards her beau; she snaked her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. "You're leaving now?" she pouted.
Anthony wrapped his arms around her waist and planted a soft kiss on her nose; "As much as I want to stay longer and ravish you silly, I can't because I'm on call today, Draco is on leave" he explained.
Ginny crinkled her nose; "That's new, Malfoy is on leave" she observed.
Anthony chuckled; "The man deserves a time off, he has a month long leave credits, it's about time he uses it" he said.
Ginny nodded as she began playing with her beau's hair; "I was hoping for a little romp before work but I guess we can't do that" she said sultrily.
Anthony stared at her dishevelled form for a couple of seconds and let out a coy smile; "I can spare a couple of minutes..." he said.
Ginny smiled triumphantly; "That's what I wanted to hear" she said before pulling his lips towards her waiting mouth.
oOo
"Do you know where Draco is Theo? I went to St. Mungos yesterday but I was told he's on leave" Pansy asked Theo as she sip her morning tea.
Theo lowered the news paper he's reading; "He's on a trip" he replied.
"Oh, really? That's new" Pansy said.
Theo smiled; "I know, I guess he realized that he has a month worth of leave credits"
Pansy's eyes widen in surprise; "He has that much?" she asked.
Theo nodded; "He's a hard working bloke, never takes unnecessary leaves" he said.
Pansy snorted; "More like, he doesn't have a life" she guffawed.
"True" Theo replied. He then folded the paper and placed it on top of the table; "So tell me, how's Millie? You visited her yesterday I reckon"
Pansy's glee instantly faded as worry marred her features; "She told me she's fine but I highly doubt that..." she said.
Theo's brow furrowed; "What do you mean?" he asked before sipping his coffee.
Pansy picked up her fork and began poking the waffles on her plate; "I think she's planning something, whatever it is, I have no idea" she said.
Theo placed his cup on the table and gazed at Pansy seriously; "Whatever it is that she's planning I want you to stay out of it" he said.
Pansy frowned; "But she's my best friend and I don't want her to be in trouble" she said.
"I'm serious Pansy, I don't want you caught up with her idiosyncrasy"
Pansy opened her mouth to speak but closed it; she then threw a shy smile towards Theo and bit her bottom lip with uncertainty. "What are we Theo? You're making me confused with these statements and concern..." she asked.
Theo looked taken a back for a couple of seconds; "What do you mean what are we?" he asked.
Pansy held the fork tightly in her hands as she confronts the proverbial pink elephant in the room; "Are we in a relationship?" she asked hurriedly.
Theo studied her face; "Do you want to be?" he asked.
Pansy's eyes widen.
Theo stared at her for a couple of seconds and burst out laughing.
Pansy felt her face redden with embarrassment so she hastily stood up; she dropped her fork on her plate unceremoniously and threw her napkin at Theo; "You're an arse!" she hissed. She then pushed her chair away and began walking away.
Theo's eyes widen as he sat rooted on his chair.
Pansy moved towards the fire place and huffed indignantly; "Stupid arse! Argh!" she whispered furiously. When she reached the fire place she petulantly scooped a hefty amount of floo powder from the mantle; she threw it on the grate and shouted her destination; "Parkinson Suites". She then stepped inside the green flames and disappeared instantly.
"What the bloody hell just happened?" Theo said to himself.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 1:15 P.M.
"Mind if I join you?"
Draco didn't open his eyes but he bobbed his head in approval.
Hermione gingerly unwound the sarong from her hips and folded it neatly; she padded towards the recliner and placed it on top of the warm cushions. She then moved towards the Jacuzzi and stood right in front of the steps; she took off her slippers and started climbing up excitedly.
Draco lazily opened his eyes when he felt Hermione blocking his sun; he raised his head from its comfortable perch and stared at the woman standing a few feet away from him.
Hermione carefully stepped up the rim of the tub and balanced herself; once she found her equilibrium she slowly dipped her foot in the bubbling waters.
Draco's eyes raked Hermione's supple legs up to her ample bosom; he felt his breath hitch in his throat when saw how the white floral bikini clung to her luscious curves.
"Err, Draco? Why are you staring at me like that?"
Draco's eyes immediately met her confused gaze as he felt his cheeks redden in embarrassment; he cleared his throat and sat up straight. "You can't blame me, you're full of surprises Granger" he said.
Hermione stepped into the tub and immersed herself waist deep into the bubbling water; "Why?" she asked while sitting down.
"I've known you for more than 10 years and I didn't know you have that body" Draco asked with a salacious smirk.
Hermione felt her cheeks pinken with his veiled compliment but she ignored it; "Because I don't display it like other women" she replied nonchalantly.
Draco spread his arms and braised it on the rim of the tub; "Well you should, you have a body that other women will kill for" he said.
Hermione lowered herself further into the water, sinking neck deep; "After what happened? I don't think so, people will think that I've gone mad after I was cheated on" she huffed.
Draco furrowed his brows; "Why do you care about what other people will think?" he asked.
Hermione sighed as she braises her nape on the rim of the tub; "I just don't want people talking about me...that is the reason why I left London..." she said before closing her eyes.
"People will always talk Hermione, that's our nature. If their talking about you then give them something good to talk about, get out of your shell, you're a smart, sexy, pretty and available lady" Draco said.
Hermione open her left eye and smiled; "Careful there Draco, I might think that your starting to fancy me" she teased.
"Are you scared that I would?" Draco countered slyly.
Hermione opened both of her eyes and gazed into his eyes; "Why would I be scared?" she asked.
"Oh Hermione, you wouldn't say that if you know me" Draco replied.
Hermione angled her face to the side and stared at him; "You're right" she said.
Draco raised his pale brow in question.
Hermione sat up straight and crossed her arms on top of her chest; "We've been here for a couple of days already and all we talk about is my predicament, you haven't told me anything personal, just your professional side" she said.
Draco brought his arms down and began playing with the bubbling water; he averted her speculative gaze and thought for a while.
Hermione's curiosity was piqued with her companion's silence; "I'm not trying to be nosey and all but your statement is telling" she said.
"Curiosity killed the cat"
Hermione rolled her eyes; "Too bad I'm not a cat then," she replied.
Draco's face snapped towards her, his face lined with mirth; "Are you trying to be funny?" he asked.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"Don't think about it, it's nothing" Draco said.
Hermione eyed him sadly as she stood up; she turned her back to him and began climbing up.
Draco was taken aback with her reaction; "Why are you leaving?" he asked confusedly.
Hermione turned her head towards him; "It just a little bit unnerving that I shared most of my personal life with you but you wouldn't even give me a glimpse of yours but don't worry, I won't take it personally, I understand if you don't trust me that much" she said before hefting herself up from the tub.
Draco frowned; "You're not taking it personal but your leaving?" he said.
Hermione descended the steps and began moving towards the recliners; "I just need to think, is all" she replied.
Draco crossed his arms on top of his chest petulantly; "Okay" he said.
Hermione plucked her sarong from the cushion and tied it to her waist; she turned her back to him and began walking towards the house.
Draco uncrossed his arms when his previous companion is out of sight; he then leaned his head back at the rim of the tub, his gaze piercing into the vast blue sky.
oOo
"That's your plan?" Pansy asked.
Millicent turned towards her best friend and let out a triumphant smile; "Brilliant, isn't it?" she asked proudly.
Pansy shook her head as she burrowed deeper into her duvet; "I don't want to burst your bubble Millie but that's a little bit loony" she said.
Millicent looked appalled as she sauntered to the nearest couch; she slumped on it and pouted. "What do you mean its loony? I think it's brilliant!" she replied.
Pansy sighed; she then sat up and leaned back on her headboard; "Well for starters, you can't just tell the press that you are pregnant with the weasel's child no one will believe you because he was just spotted with Brown in St. Mungos. You also cannot pretend to be pregnant Mill's, what will you say if your stomach does not expand the way it should be when you're carrying his spawn? People will just laugh at you love and I don't want that to happen" she said.
Millicent huffed and crossed her arms on top of her chest defiantly; "You have a valid point Pans but I'm running out of ideas here! I can't let that weasel get away unscathed! He broke my heart and made me look stupid!" she sulked.
"Tell the press that he has a sexually transmitted disease that will knock him off his high horse"
Pansy and Millicent's head snapped towards the door.
Theo pushed the door open and sauntered inside the room.
Millicent thought about his suggestion and almost instantly a smile bloomed from her lips; she bolted up from her perch and moved towards Theo. She pulled him into a tight hug and patted his right cheek affectionately after; "YOU ARE BRILLIANT!" she gushed. She then turned towards her best friend and winked; "I'll be going now Pans, too many plans to make, so little time!" she said.
"But you said you'd keep me company!"
Millicent smiled; "I did but Theo is here, I'm sure you'd prefer him than me, so I'll just see you later love! Cheerio!" she said before disappearing with a loud pop.
Pansy let out at defeated sigh as she slumped back into her bed; "Go away Theo, I don't want to talk to you" she said.
Theo moved closer and stood beside her bed; "We need to talk, I think you misunderstood me" he softly said.
Pansy pulled the duvet over her head; "I understand it perfectly so please go away, I want to sleep" she replied under the covers.
Theo sat at the edge of her bed and began tugging it away; "If you understand it perfectly then why are you acting this way?" he asked.
Pansy held the covers tightly; "What do you want me to do? Jump for joy? Let go!" she hissed.
Theo shook his head and pulled the duvet away with one powerful tug.
Pansy yelped but she turned her back on him.
Theo crawled up the bed and spooned her; he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face into her neck. "You clearly misunderstood me love, well just to set the records straight, I want you to be my girlfriend" he murmured.
Pansy hastily pulled his arms away from her waist and turned towards Theo; "Do you mean that? Or are you just saying these things so you sleep with me again?" she asked.
Theo placed his arm back at her waist and pulled her closer; "You wound me witch, you think of me that low?" he asked.
Pansy lowered her face and bit her lower lip; "It's not that and you know it..." she replied.
Theo gently moved his hand and tilted her face towards his; "I know I haven't been forthcoming with my feelings for you and it might seem that I'm only playing around but Pansy I'm not. I'm in love with you, I've always been in love with you, I'm sorry if I haven't been clear about that" he confessed.
Pansy's eyes widen as she digests Theo's words; she felt her eyes prickling with tears so she hastily moved closer to him and buried her face into his chest.
"You're crying so I'll take that as a sign that you're happy and you feel the same way for me" Theo said with a huge smile.
Pansy sobbed as she wrapped her arms around him.
Theo closed his eyes as he relish the feeling of unbridled happiness.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 2:00 P.M.
Draco stood outside Hermione's door uncertainly; he thought about what she said and it somehow hit him. He didn't mean for it come out the way she interpreted it; he just doesn't like talking about his past. He let out a loud sigh and knocked on her door; "Hermione, are you in there?" he called out. When he didn't get a response, he knocked again; "It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't like talking about my past, is all" he said. When he still didn't get a response he lowered his hand; "Looks like you don't want to talk yet, I'll just leave you be for now" he said before turning his back on the door.
"Draco?"
Draco instantly turned towards the other side of the corridor; "What are you doing there?" he asked.
Hermione furrowed her brows; "I'm going to my room?" she replied confusedly.
"You mean you're not in there?"
"I'm right in front of you right now so obviously I'm not"
Draco let out a sigh of relief.
"Well if you have nothing to say then I'll be on my way now" Hermione said. She then moved towards her door and twisted the knob; she pushed it open and padded inside.
"Wait—" Draco said.
Hermione paused and turned her head towards him; "Yes?" she asked.
"We need to talk..." Draco said with a grimace.
Hermione studied his reaction; "Malf-Draco...we don't have anything to talk about, don't sweat it" she said.
Draco shook his head; "No, we need to talk. You're right, you've been open with your life and I haven't been forthcoming with mine, we're friends so I guess a little tale or two won't hurt..." he said.
Hermione felt warmth in her chest when he mentioned the word "friends"; she bit her bottom lip to stifle the smile that's tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Are you sure you want to talk about it, I'm not pressuring you or anything..." she said.
Draco raised his pale brow; "Do you honestly think you can pressure me to spill the beans Granger?" he asked.
"I can be very persuasive Malfoy" Hermione replied with a smile.
He then gestured towards her bikini clad body; "By wearing that? I don't doubt it" he said suggestively. "As much as I like seeing your delectable body in those, I prefer you wearing something else when we talk because that will distract me, big time" he said with a smirk.
Hermione felt her face redden with embarrassment when she realized that she's only wearing her bikini because she left her sarong to dry on her balcony. "Go away! I'll see you in the Lanai, just give me 30 minutes!" she said before she hastily closed the door.
Draco laughed heartily; "You never fail to amaze me Granger! I'll see you in 30" he said before padding away.
oOo
Goldstein – Weasley's Flat, Birmingham, England - 8:05 A.M.
Ginny closed the tap from the sink and shook both of her hands from excess water; she then moved towards the counter and wiped her hands dry with a towel. She was about to leave the kitchen when her eye caught the note she received early this morning; she walked towards it and opened it. Her eyes scan the note as her brows furrow; "Well that's a good question, where is Hermione" she said to herself. She then moved away from the counter and began sauntering towards their fire place; once she reached it, she scooped a hefty amount of floo powder and threw it at the grate; when the green flames erupted she called out Harry's house.
"Ginny?"
Ginny kneeled right in front of the fire place and smiled; "Good morning Torry" she greeted.
Astoria kneeled right in front of their fire place and beamed; "Good morning, how are you?" she asked.
"I'm doing great thank you for asking, I'm sorry if I fire called this early" Ginny said.
Astoria waived her hand dismissively; "It's okay, we're already up and going. How can I help you?" she asked.
Ginny sat on her haunches; "I was wondering if Harry is home" she said.
"Harry just left a couple of minutes ago, I'm sorry you missed him" Astoria replied ruefully.
Ginny's face fell; "Well it's alright, I guess I just have to call some other time" she said.
Astoria bit her lip; "Is anything the matter?" she asked.
"Well, I just received a note from Mum and she's asking me if I heard anything from Hermione. Merlin knows I've been trying to reach her for quite some time now but I can't seem to get a hold of her, I was wondering if Harry knows anything" Ginny replied.
"I do know where she is" Astoria replied.
Ginny's eyes widen as she leaned forward; "Really? Where is she? Is she alright?" she asked frantically.
"I'm sorry if we didn't tell you sooner, it must've slipped our minds with all the things that have been happening lately. Hermione is in Maldives, she left a couple of days ago. Harry and I sent her there because she told Harry that she wants to go on vacation to clear her mind" Astoria explained.
"Maldives? Do you have place there?" Ginny asked.
Astoria shook her head; "Heavens no, how I wish we have. She's staying at our friend's house" she replied.
Ginny nodded; "Oh okay, its good to know that she's fine" she said.
Astoria looked crest fallen; "I really feel bad that we forgot to tell you..." she said sincerely.
Ginny smiled; "Don't sweat it Torry, it's totally fine" she replied.
Astoria smiled back; "I hope I helped you" she said.
Ginny winked; "You did love, well I better go, I still need to write a quick note to Mum before I go to practice" she said.
"Alright then, don't be a stranger, please visit us soon" Astoria replied.
"Will do, give kisses to Candice for me" Ginny said.
"I will, see you soon" Astoria said.
"Cheerio!" Ginny said before cutting the connection off. She then stood up from her perch and began walking back towards the counter; "I need to write a quick then," she said to herself.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Whiltshire, England – 8:30 A.M.
"I saw you talking with Didi last night, what is she doing here? I thought she's in Maldives with your son and Ms. Granger?" Lucius asked before taking a sip of his morning tea.
Narcissa sat down on her chair and pulled the napkin off her plate; "Draco just asked her to gather some potions" she said while spreading the napkin on her lap.
"Potions? What kind of potion?"
Narcissa turned towards her husband and let out a bright smile; "Sobering potion and Hang over potion" she replied happily.
Lucius raised his pale brow; "Why are you so happy with it?" he asked.
"Because it means that they're on their way to knowing each other much better" Narcissa replied.
"Drinking does not constitute to a relationship your hoping for love" Lucius said.
Narcissa huffed and turned her attention to the table; she grabbed a blueberry scone from the platter and began smothering it with clotted cream. "Just so you wait Lucius, just so you wait" she said.
Lucius shook his head as he began eating his bacon and eggs.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 2:35 P.M.
Draco was sitting comfortably on the C-shaped sofa when Hermione arrived; his eyes studied her form and let out an appreciative whistle. "I'm starting to think you're dolling up for me Hermione" he teased.
Hermione rolled her eyes as she moved closer to him; she sat at the sofa and began fanning her face with her hand. "It's too humid to wear baggy clothes" she replied.
"So you opted to wear a barely there shorts and a sleeveless baby doll top?" Draco asked.
"It's denim shorts Draco, it's not barely there" Hermione said, she then grasped the hem of her baby doll top and narrowed her eyes at him; "How do you know that this is a baby doll top...are you gay?" she asked.
Draco stared at her for a couple of seconds and burst out laughing; "Of all the things you can accuse me of, being gay is the least thing I thought you would say" he said while shaking his head.
Hermione smiled; "I know you're not, I just want to see how you'd react" she said honestly.
"Did it meet your expectations then?" Draco asked.
Hermione nodded; "You did" she replied.
Draco gazed at her; "You really do amaze me Hermione" he said.
Hermione crinkled her nose; "You always say that" she replied.
"Because that's the truth" Draco said. "Do you want something to drink?" he asked.
"Good thinking" Hermione said. She then stood up from her perch and turned her back on him.
Draco raised his brow; "Where are you going? I thought were talking?" he asked confusedly.
Hermione turned her head towards him; "I thought you want something to drink?" she asked.
"We can ask to Didi to get some drink you know"
Hermione frowned; "You know how I feel about ordering house elves" she said while fisting her hands.
"Whoa! Stow you're twitching hands Hermione, I know. I'll ask her nicely and I'm quite sure she wants to get us something, she already asked me before you arrived" Draco explained.
"Oh" Hermione said.
"Yes, Oh, so will you please come back and sit here" Draco said.
Hermione relented and began moving towards him again, sitting on her original perch.
"Didi?" Draco called.
Didi appeared with a loud crack; she bowed and stared at her Master excitedly. "What can Didi do for Master?" she asked.
Draco threw Hermione an I-told-you-so look as he smiled at his elf; "Didi, can you please get us refreshments and some snacks" he said politely.
Didi smile widely; "Yes Master, what does you want?" she asked.
"Hermione?" Draco said.
Didi turned towards her Mistress and smiled toothily; "What does Mistress want?" she asked.
"What do we have?" Hermione asked the elf.
"I can prepare anything Mistress and Master wants anything Didi can make"
Hermione pouted; "I don't know what I want, what do you suggest?" she turned towards her companion.
"Since it's hot, I think coke and some crisps" Draco said.
Hermione stared at him with surprise marring her face; "You know what coke is?" she asked incredulously.
Draco rolled his eyes; "Of course I know what coke is, so is that okay with you?" she asked.
Hermione still cannot grasp what she heard so she just nodded.
Draco shook his head and turned towards Didi; "Please brings us coke with lots of ice and crisps" he said.
"Okay Master, I'll be back" Didi said before disappearing with a loud crack.
Draco leaned back on the couch and rested his feet on top of the low coffee table; "Do you want to talk now or do you want to wait for the snacks?" he asked.
Hermione relaxed back on the couch and threw him a thoughtful look; "You really don't have to do this you know" she said gently.
"Alas! But I should".
"I don't want to make you do things that you don't want to do Draco. I've been childish when I said those things to you; you don't owe me anything at all..." Hermione said sincerely.
Draco studied her face; "You were right you know..." he said.
"Oh..."
"I've been a little bit unfair to you and I know you don't mean any harm when you asked me about my past. I've been closed off for years so it's disconcerting for me when somebody asks me about my personal life" Draco explained while staring at the horizon.
Hermione began absorbing his words; she then angled her head and gazed at him intently. "If it's really hard for you to open up, then don't..." she said.
Draco turned his head towards her; "Why the sudden change of heart? Aren't you intrigued?" he teased.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders as she leaned back on the couch, facing the horizon. "I just don't want you to think that I'm prying into your life" she said.
"Don't worry Hermione, you're not. I'm the one who's been prying ever since we came here" Draco said.
Hermione shook her head; "All those things I said to you, I said them because I wanted to. Don't think for a second that you coerced me into it" she said.
Draco nodded; "So what do you want to know?" he asked.
"You can tell me anything you wish to tell me, I'll just ask you if I have any questions" Hermione replied.
Draco smirked at her; "So this will not be a question and answer type of conversation then?" he teased.
Hermione turned her face to him and blew a raspberry; "I'm not a reporter from the Daily Prophet" she said.
Draco chuckled at her antics; "That's mature Hermione, so mature" he said.
Hermione huffed; "Stop beating around the bush, start your story" she said.
"Where do you want me to start?"
Hermione thought for awhile; "Why did you imply that I should be scared of you?" she asked.
Draco closed his eyes and took a deep breath; "Because I'm not a good man Hermione" he said gravely.
Hermione stared at him, confusion mirrored her dark brown eyes; "What do you mean?" she asked.
Draco turned his head towards her and gazed into her eyes; "I killed someone" he said.
Hermione felt her breath hitch in her throat with his confession; her eyes widening in horror.
Draco studied her reaction and averted her gaze sadly; he then leaned back and dropped his head on the back of the couch.
Hermione calmed herself down as she witnesses his reaction; she cleared the lump in her throat as tried to steady her voice. "What do you mean you killed someone? Is it—is it during the war? Because if it is then—"
"It's not during the war" Draco suddenly said, cutting her sentence off.
Hermione clasped her hands tightly and placed it nervously on top of her lap; waiting for him to continue.
Draco closed his eyes as memories he once buried deep began seeping into his mind; he felt his heart beating faster as he welcome the pains of his past. "I loved her, she was the only woman I ever loved and I killed her..." he said sadly.
Hermione bit her bottom lip as panic began to set in; she clasped her hands tighter as she braised herself with his admission.
"I was in Healer Training in Ireland when I first met her; she had eyes in the deepest hue of caramel and skin as smooth as silk, she was the prettiest girl I ever laid my eyes on" Draco said.
Hermione began to relax as she listens to his words.
Draco was about to continue when Didi re-appeared with a loud crack; Didi bowed again and turned towards her Master. "Didi brought your snacks Master, Didi will serve it now" she said. She then snapped her fingers and instantly a huge tray laden with the snacks they requested appear on top of the coffee table; Didi moved towards it and began serving.
Hermione thanked Didi; she then leaned forward and grasped the tall glass of coke that Didi placed in front of her. She took a tentative sip of the icy beverage and felt her queasy stomach settle.
Draco sat straight and leaned forward; he plucked his glass and swallowed a mouthful.
"Do Master and Mistress need anything else?"
"No Didi, that's all. Thank you" Draco said politely.
Didi bowed again and disapparated with a loud crack.
Hermione leaned forward again and placed her glass on top of the coffee table; she leaned back again and crossed her legs. "Go on..." she cajoled.
Draco took another mouthful of coke and swallowed; he then leaned back and resumed his original position. "I immensely disliked her at first because she wouldn't succumb to my charms, she frustrates me and drives me up to the wall but somehow I still find her attractive" he said. He then let his face fall onto the side and gaze into Hermione's eyes; "She's also witty and headstrong, she reminds of you sometimes" he admitted.
"Oh..."
"It took me a year to win her friendship, I had to make her see that who I really am and not who I used to be..."Draco explained. He then moved his head back, staring at the roof again; "She explained to me that the reason why she's aversive to my advances is because she heard what my family did during the war"
Hermione cleared her throat; "Is she from Ireland?" she asked.
Draco bobbed his head; "Indeed she is," he replied.
"Okay...go on,"
"We became closer and I get to know her more, she taught me a lot of things that I never thought I'd learn to embrace. You asked me a while ago why I know what coke is, well, she's the one who showed me Muggle stuff" Draco said.
Hermione's eyes widen in surprise; "Is she—is she Muggleborn?" she asked aghast.
Draco turned his gaze towards her and grinned; "As Muggleborn as you can be" he confirmed.
"Wow..."
"She was proud of whom she is and just like you, she proved me wrong on every turn" Draco said. He then sat up straight and stared directly at the horizon; "As we became much closer my feelings for her began to deepen, I was scared because I didn't want to her to be tainted with my past. She's was my best friend and I can't risk her being dragged into my life, she's too good for that" he said.
Hermione followed his gaze and kept silent.
"Everything changed one afternoon though, when she accosted me..." Draco said pensively.
Hermione's head snapped towards him; "She accosted you?" she asked disbelievingly.
Draco chuckled; "She did because I was avoiding her like plague" he replied.
"What did she do?" Hermione asked curiously.
"She pulled me into an alcove and dug her wand on my throat; she shouted and threatened that she'll hex my balls off if I don't tell her what crawled up my arse and died. She told me she was sick of my attitude and demanded I tell her what she did that caused me to act as such, it made me nervous you know" Draco said.
Hermione snorted.
Draco smiled wistfully; "I was worried not because she had me at wand point, I was nervous because I know that she'd force me to admit what caused me to act that way. I played it cool and told her that I was just busy with school work but she told me that I'm full of Manticore crap" he said.
Hermione smiled.
"I expected her to curse me after all the bull I told her but she kissed me instead. I was so caught up with my feelings that I uttered the words I've been dreading to say...I admitted right there and then what I felt and miraculously, she told me she felt the same. I was in cloud nine after the incident and since then we became inseparable" Draco said.
Hermione nodded; "That was lovely..." she said with a sigh. "You seem to be taken with each other, why did you tell me that you...that you killed her?" she asked softly.
Draco's jaw tightens as pain etched his face; "It was our second year anniversary and I planned a private cruise for the both of us as a gift. She told me once before that it was her dream to sail across the Mediterranean Sea and because I love her so much, I want to cater to all her heart desires..." he said. He then placed his hands on each thigh and closed into a tight fist; "I was proposing to her that day, I wanted to ask her to be my wife. I was so excited to pop the question that I didn't see the signs of a brewing storm..." he said.
Hermione felt a lump in her throat.
Draco closed his fist tighter that his knuckles almost turned white; "We were in the middle of having dinner when the raging wind started bashing our yacht. Since I was the one sailing it I left her on the deck so I can drop the anchor and disapparate with her home..." he paused. He then bit his lip as he tried to rein his emotions; "When I-when I came back to the deck...she's no longer there and the table that's we're sitting at was thrown at the side..." he croaked as tears began slipping down his cheeks.
Hermione felt her heart break as she watch Draco bare his heart; she wanted to move closer to hold his hands but she restrained herself.
Draco hastily wiped his tears and cleared his throat; "Water was lapping at the deck as the wind continued howling. I looked for her and used everything I have in my power to find her...I was searching the deck when I...when I found her wand lying precariously at the side of the railing and but she's not there...she's gone..." he said brokenly.
Tears fall from Hermione's eyes; she couldn't fight it anymore so she moved closer. Gently she placed her trembling hand on Draco's arm, giving him a comforting squeeze; "I'm so sorry Draco..." she said.
Draco didn't seem to notice her hand; "I killed her...I'm responsible for her death...If only I'd taken proper precaution and have someone navigate the yacht for us then I wouldn't have left her all alone on the deck..." he said vacantly. "If only I wasn't cocky and self assured then she would still be with me...It's my fault..." he said.
Hermione bit her bottom lip; "Did you find her—her body?" she asked hesitantly.
Fresh batch of tears cloud his gray eyes as he bowed his head; he let out a soft sob as he shook his head slowly.
Hermione gasped.
Draco sniffed but didn't lift his head; "I—I tr—tried to-find her...because - I—I couldn't accept the fact that she was gone...I—I searched and searched for her for months but I found nothing—" he replied.
Hermione felt her heart drop to her stomach; she impulsively threw her arms around the broken man and hugged him tightly. "No more...please..." she murmured.
Draco kept silent as tears continue to pour.
oOo
Potter Mansion – London, England – 11:45 A.M.
"Hey love" Harry greeted his wife as he stepped out of the grate.
Astoria lifted her eyes from the book she's reading; "Hey..." she replied.
Harry walked towards the loveseat she's occupying and leaned forward; he titled her face and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
Astoria's arms automatically snaked around her husband's neck and pulled him closer; she deepened the kiss pulled away after a couple of seconds.
Harry smiled; "Wow, I think I should come home early if that's how you'll be greeting me" he said cheekily.
Astoria grinned as she pulled her arms away; "Pervert" she teased.
Harry stood straight and winked at her; "Your pervert" he replied.
Astoria giggled; she then dog-eared the book she's reading and stood up. "Are you hungry? We can have an early lunch" she said.
Harry took off his cloak and hung it on his arm; "That will be great, I'm famished" he said.
Astoria rolled her eyes as she began moving; "You're always famished" she said. She then paused when she remembered Ginny's fire call this morning; "Ginny called this morning, she's asking about Hermione" she said.
"Oh shit" Harry said.
"Language!" Astoria chastised.
"I'm sorry love" Harry said sheepishly.
Astoria waived her hand dismissively; "We forgot to tell her that we sent her on vacation, I feel bad..." she said.
Harry sighed; "Don't worry love, she'll have my head not yours" he said.
Astoria chuckled; "Well good luck with that Mr. Potter" she said slyly.
"I take it that you won't be with me when I call her back?" Harry said.
Astoria winked; "I already spoke to her love, now, it's your turn" she said.
Harry rolled his eyes; "Well there's no better time than now I guess" he said.
"Lunch will be ready in 20 minutes, I'll see you then" Astoria said.
Harry nodded glumly; he then padded towards the fire place and scooped a heaping amount of powder from the mantle. "Here goes nothing..." he said.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 3:13 P.M.
Hermione threw Draco a culpable look; she still couldn't believe what she learned about him today. If she only knew that talking about his past would cause him so much pain then she wouldn't have forced him to talk about it. She felt bad and sorry for the man who seem so happy and strong; she feels his pain and she's still trying to absorb everything.
Draco stopped crying after a couple of minutes of silence; he pulled away from her arms and wiped the tears that marred his face. He's still reeling from the pain that her memories brought back; after all these years he didn't think that the pain will still be as sharp as the day he lost her forever.
"I'm sorry Draco...If I knew that it would cause you so much pain I wouldn't have forced you to tell me anything..." Hermione said lowly.
Draco took a deep breath; he then turned his sullen face towards Hermione and let out a small smile. "You didn't force me to speak Hermione, it was my decision. I will not lie, talking about it hurts like hell but keeping all those feelings to myself is much painful...Thank you for listening" he said.
Hermione sighed; "I guess talking about it lessens the weight of the burden" she said.
Draco nodded in agreement; "You're right" he said.
"I'm glad we talked...Now, I can say that I know you better..." Hermione said with a kind smile.
Draco returned her smile; "We can say that we're really friends now..." he replied.
Hermione beamed; "Friends" she repeated.
"Who would've thought that two jaded people will find companionship in an island thousand miles away from home" Draco said thoughtfully.
"We're two unique people, what can I say?" Hermione said.
Draco leaned forward and plucked a crisp from the bowl; "All this talking and crying made me hungry" he said before popping it into his mouth.
Hermione plucked her glass from the table and took a sip; "It made me thirsty" she said.
Draco chuckled.
After a couple of minutes of silence, Draco spoke again. "We've both been cheated on Hermione but that doesn't mean that we should stop living. Ron cheated on you with another woman and I was cheated by death, it may have been two different circumstances but it has the same results, your heart was broken into pieces and so was mine" he said seriously. "I hope that with my story you'll realize that life is too short to dwell on the things that cannot be changed. Things may not have turned the way we want them to but it doesn't mean we should stop believing that tomorrow maybe a better day" he added.
Hermione stared at Draco like she was seeing him for the first time; she felt warmth inside her chest as she listens to his words.
Draco turned his gaze towards her and smiled; "If I got through it, I'm sure as hell that you can do it, you're not the smartest witch of our age for nothing" he said.
Hermione's lips curve into a smile; "You also amaze me you know...thank you..." she said sincerely.
Draco returned her smile; "You are welcome" he replied.
"Oh..." Hermione gasped.
Draco raised his brow.
"I—I forgot to ask her name..."
Draco smiled; "I thought you'd never ask...her name is Iris..." he replied.
"Iris...a beautiful name for a beautiful girl..." Hermione said.
Draco felt a pinch in his chest but he chose to ignore it; he turned his gaze into the horizon and smiled. "A beautiful heart too" he trailed off.
oOo
A/N: Did I do justice? Is the wait worth it? I hope so! It took me a while to write this chapter because I had to find emotions so I can write from the heart and I tell you, it's taxing! Hahahahah! well again, tell me what you think, I love hearing from you guys! Thank you for reading and don't forget to leave me a review! Cheers! :)
P.S.
Platinumdhooni: Maldivian girl, yey! I'm so thrilled that my description is kinda right, I had to consult google alot! Hahahah! The Kaliya dish is from the menu I perused in google, it sounds right so I used it I'll also endeavour to research further so I can pinpoint the correct location of your country, I do apologize . And lastly, for your other question, nope, Malfoy Beach house is not in Rangali Island, it located in an island near Rangali but its one of those islands that disappeared, i'll update soon, so I can provide the exact name. Thank you for the review!