My most sincerest apologies, everybody, I know I haven't updated in nearly 10 days - I've just had so much school work. On the bright side, I think this chapter came out pretty darned good :]
"Calm down, let's think about this rationally!"
"Calm down? You want me to calm down? Do you even realize what I'm going through right now? She's getting married; I don't want her to get married with that Slytherin Prince," he spat, "I want her to marry me; when we met lips during that annual ball, I just," he stopped for a moment, remembering the moment, "I just knew she loved me like I loved her, Harry, which is the reason I will not allow her to get married to someone whom she doesn't even have mutual feelings for!"
I sat down on the comforter as I watched Ronald pace back and forth in front of me, his arms crossed; back and forth he went – furiously. I always knew Ronald was a fickle, a bit stubborn, and quite assertive, but this was jut too much for me to handle. How exactly was Ronald supposed to stop a marriage that could change life as we know it? For all he knows, this is history; Princess Hermione and Prince Draco are the tokens to the four kingdoms' peace. Perhaps I'm looking at this too much from a bird's eye view; I know Ronald loves Hermione dearly, but in reality, does she love him back? Was it a mere spur of the moment kind of action? – It could've been anything, and only Hermione knows the truest answer. Of course, I could go and question her, but that would be quite rude, yes? Even though the three of us had been dear friends in the past up 'til now, it's still a bit of an awkward question. Does she, perhaps, just maybe, love Draco? – Well, not love, I should never say love, but does she – can she – tolerate him? Can she actually be willing to love him? They are getting married after all; there should be some emotions of love. Then again, it's an arranged marriage, but who's to say those two can't love each other? No one knows the future in it's accuracy, I mean, look at Ginny and I – personally, I never really liked Ginny 'til a while ago when I saw her in the stands during a Quidditch match; I don't know, I just felt an attraction to her – right before I nearly fell off my broom stick – luckily, I didn't fall; it would've been a bloody mess, alright.
"Harry? Harry? Good grief, Harry! Snap out of it!"
"Ronald, I think you should snap out of it," I retorted.
Yes, he was – and is and forever will be – my dearest friend, but jeez, he was getting on my wand too much. Despite my desperate attempts to calm him down, he was simply uncooperative, sadly. Good goblins, I should just knock him out – No, Harry, don't. I sighed; I always did have a good conscience, despite my ravaging mind.
"But, Harry!" Ronald whined, "She doesn't love him! Isn't that what marriage is about?! – Love?!"
Ronald was still pacing back and forth across my carpet; let's hope the friction won't cause a fire – that is the last thing I need now. He stopped temporarily to look at me, and I couldn't help but feel pity for him. Dearest Ronald, he does not deserve this type of agony. He's always so chipper and full of jokes – it's just not fair, but I suppose, it is fate, perhaps.
"It's for the best," I murmured, "There will be peace in the kingdoms at last, Ronald; it's history in the making. The kingdoms need Princess Hermione and Prince Draco's engagement to be successful."
"No! They don't need Hermione; I need Hermione. The king and queen can just find another bride for that Slytherin! I don't care; I," he paused and fell onto my bed, "just want her to be mine, Harry," he whimpered miserably, "You don't understand how long I've loved her from afar and how much misery this engagement has cost me emotionally, Harry –"
Slap. The sound echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls, but the pain inflicted hurt much more.
"Don't be so selfish!" I shouted, "This isn't your decision to make, Ronald! If Hermione really loved you, she would cancel the engagement!" I paused, and saw the pain I caused him, "I'm sorry, it's just that … I'm sure she loves you, Ronald, I'm positive, but I'm also positive she's doing this for her kingdom – she has priorities as the princess. Please, understand, Ronald," I soothed, "I know you love her, but sometimes, it's not enough."
The walls were coated with a placid color – cream white. There were no windows, no doors, nothing – just walls and a black curtain hanging from the ceiling at the middle of the room. I could hear a voice humming from behind it – it was faint, but I could feel the melody sounding its way below my feet and enticing my senses; it was the most beautiful melody I've ever heard. Without a second thought, I began walking towards the curtain and humming the song. Whomever could this be? Oh, how I could just reach out and open the curtains, just to see this mysterious individual.
"I love you, Hermione Granger," the voice whispered ever so softly.
I stopped, my arm outstretched towards the curtain. It was a man, I just know it, a woman's voice would not be that deep. Ronald Weasley? Oh, please let it be so! I've so desperately wanted to see you, Ronald.
"Ronald? Dearest Ronald, is that you?" my voice spoke, barely audible, but I knew he heard me.
He continued to hum. Why won't he answer me? Should I open the curtains? Would I be disturbing him? What am I to do? I stepped forward and I heard his foot step onto the ground; I immediately froze once again. I was so close, just a foot away from the curtains; why is this so difficult?
"Don't move, stay where you are, Hermione," the voice spoke.
It was tempting, how I just wanted to lunge for him – whoever it was, his voice was alluring, much too alluring.
"I want to see you," I replied.
I heard him shift, the heel of his shoe moving across the floor.
"My love, do you love me?"
What? What a silly thing to ask – I don't even know who's behind this curtain. My heart thumped of a thousand beating drums; I melted at his voice, his presence. I was intoxicated by his simple being; I didn't know who it was, but I knew, somewhere in my heart, I loved him. Oh, how cliché I must sound – honestly! He stepped toward, his hands resting on the curtains, palms forward, "Do you, my love?"
I approached him and placed my own palms on the curtains, resting them on his own. I could feel his fingers – long and stern, but yet so gentle as they touched my own. He was taller than I was, just by half a head or so. My heart fluttered as our hands touched, though separated by this black curtain. I stepped a tad bit forward; my forehead met his shoulder as I leaned against him. My arms rested on his chest, well built from what I could feel, as his arms slid down to my waist, holding me lovingly. If my heart could stop beating, I think it would've stopped; if time would be able to stop, it would've stopped at this moment. I inhaled his scent and my legs nearly melted. I felt his arms tighten around me as his cheek fell onto mine, his lips trailing the coven between my neck and ear. I felt the tip of his nose against mine and I could feel his stare on me – I wanted to see him.
"My dearest love, do you love me, Hermione Granger?" he whispered in my ear, resting his cheek against mine.
Did I love this man? This man who I can't even see?
"My love, I love you much more than anyone else can. My love for you is far too intense for anyone to attempt to break. My love for you can withstand any obstacle, and if you accept my proposal, I will promise to love you, and only you, forever 'til time's death. I love you, Hermione Granger, my love for all eternity," he spoke poetically.
I smiled, and I know he felt it through the fabric, "I love you," I paused, "Draco Malfoy."
I shut my eyes and let my arms twine around his neck, resting on his shoulders nicely; we fit.
"Another night, my love," his voice drifted off.
I opened my eyes; what? What did he mean? Where? –
My vanity, the door leading to the toilet, the moon shining from the windows, and the royal red coating on the walls faded into place slowly. What was happening? I looked in front of me; the black curtain was fading away and I could see him, my beloved. He trailed his slender pointer finger along my jaw line, gazing into my eyes gently and lovingly. I raised my hand to place atop his own.
"My love, 'til another night," his voice said one last time before everything turned black.
It's a cliff-hanger, oh, my goodness. I will leave everything up to your wild imaginations :] I already have part of Chapter 10 nearly completed, I just want to add some finishing touches. For all of you who are analytical readers, I would like to point out my use of symbolism - the black curtain; I will also leave this up to your own discussion. Muaha, what do you think just happened, hm? Hehehe, stay tuned and review. Thanks, again! :D