Chapter 24
"Chasing Cars"
"Is everything alright," It was Sunday afternoon and Padma and Hermione had just checked out of the hotel, they were walking to the clearing where everyone was waiting to go home.
"Yes, why would you think something is wrong?" Hermione played with her hair nervously.
"The puppy dog eyes Ron was giving you through breakfast and the way you did everything in your power to avoid them," Padma pointed out as if it was obvious.
"You don't miss a beat do you?"
"Stop avoiding the question"
"I told Ron that he and I are not the perfect fit right now," Padma stopped walking and Hermione kept going, she stopped and turned around, "what?"
Padma looked shocked, "this is a big deal!"
"You're the one who told me I should move on," she raised her eyebrow.
"Yes and you should, but you just cut him out, how are you feeling?" She pressed.
"Quite calm," she turned and continued to walk.
Padma caught up with her, "are you sure you're okay?"
Hermione looked down, she thought about Ron, but he thoughts twisted to Draco, "I'm great," she smiled at Padma.
When they made it to the clearing part of the group had already left, "Where did everyone go," asked Hermione.
"They left because Ron and Malfoy have to work tonight and they wanted to sleep," Answered Harry holding out the toothbrush, "Shall we?"
The remaining group each placed a finger on the toothbrush, with a tap of Harry's wand they began to whirl around and landed right back in Little Whinging.
"Totally wicked trip, we'll have to do it again," George waved and turned, CRACK!
"It was great fun and I'm sure my listeners are missing me, better be getting back to the wireless," CRACK! Lee followed George.
"Yes, it was fun, thanks for letting me tag along," said Hannah smiling warming.
"We'll see you guys later," Neville took her hand they waved, CRACK!
"Are you sure you're okay," Padma asked Hermione one last time
"Why wouldn't she be alright, what happened?" interrupted Harry
"I'm just going to go," Padma waved CRACK!
Ginny looked from Harry to Hermione uneasily, "I'll let you two talk, bye Hermione, see you at home," CRACK!
"What's going on?" Hermione walked over to the swings and took a seat. Harry followed her and sat on the one next to her.
"Nothing out of the norm, just Ron," she began to swing back and forth.
"What about him."
"I just informed him that… he and I will not be in fact… he and I for quite some time," she looked up and sighed, "seems like we've had this conversation before."
"We'll probably have it hundred times over as long as Ron's involved," Harry noticed Hermione didn't seem all there, "what else is going on?"
"Hmm?"
"You seem distracted"
Hermione grinned, "I'm just thinking that's all," Harry raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Let me ask you something," he nodded yes, "why Little Whinging?"
Harry looked down at his feet, "I'm going to see if the Dursley's moved back."
Hermione's eyes widened, "really?"
"Yeah, I figured I should explain a few things, maybe tell them I'm getting married," Harry chuckled, "like they care."
"Would you like me to go with you?"
"Yes… I would love that" They got off the swings and walked down the path out of the park, down the street and through the alley that connected with Privet Drive. When they got to number four the Dursley's car was in the driveway, "I guess they came back."
They advanced up the path and Harry rang the door bell, the door swung open and a pleasant looking Vernon answered the door or at least he was pleasant until he saw Harry.
His eyes slanted, "Harry Potter," sneered Vernon.
"Hello," Harry smiled at his misery.
"You've got bags you're not trying to move back in are you?" Questioned Vernon heatedly
"No," Harry laughed, "just came back from Holiday in Argentina, thought I'd drop in an say hello before I head back to my lavish town house in London," Vernon's eyes were slanted so much that it looked as if they were closed, his face was as red as a cherry.
"Vernon who's at the door," Petunia called from the sitting room.
Vernon grunted and stepped aside to let Harry and Hermione in, he looked curiously at Hermione who glared at him. They went into the sitting room. Petunia was having a glass of Lemonade and at the sight of Harry dropped it…
"Harry!"
"Aunt Petunia," Harry sat down on the couch and pulled Hermione down next to him.
Vernon inched along the wall as Hermione's glare followed him over to the chair next to his wife, "I just wanted to see if you moved back in alright and I see that you did."
The door from the hall opened, Dudley walked in he was playing a hand held video game, he glanced over at his parents and turned to look at what they were gaping at.
"Harry! Good to see you're alive," Dudley said in a sincere tone, "what have you been up to save any more lives?"
Harry smiled when he thought about how Dudley had changed after the dementor attack and how he mistook his kind gestures as badly thought out torture attacks, "not single handedly no, but yes, anything new with you?"
"Just University," he said nonchalantly, "who's your friend"
"Oh, I'm so sorry, this is Hermione Granger," she reached her hand out and shook Dudley's, "this is my cousin Dudley, Uncle Vernon, and Aunt Petunia."
Hermione smiled polite at them across the room, "hello, it's nice to meet you."
Dudley looked over at his parents who looked petrified, so he decided to respond for them, "It's nice to meet you too. What's going on are we in danger again?"
"No nothing like that, I wanted to tell you that I'm getting married," Harry said cheerfully.
Uncle Vernon laughed, "Who'd want to marry you? This girl right here," he pointed to Hermione.
"No this is my best mate," he dug around in his bag and pulled out a picture of Ginny, she was laughing, she was covering an uncovering her face, she had just woken up and didn't want Harry to take her picture but he thought she looked radiant and she did, "This is who I'm marrying," he held up the picture.
Petunia clasped her hand over her mouth, she resembled Lily. Vernon's eyes went wide, "She's very pretty," commented Dudley. Vernon shot him a look, "you know you're thinking it too," he said in regards to his father's look, Vernon's mouth opened and then closed.
Harry smirked and put the picture of Ginny away.
"Harry," Petunia spoke as if it was hard for her to get the words out, "I need to tell you…" she took a deep breath, "that I am… sorry," Vernon quickly turned to look at his wife he was stunned by her words, she refused to look at him an kept looking forward. He wasn't alone in his reaction Harry was amazed as he looked his Aunt in the eyes she seemed truly sorry.
"Every time I look at you…" she struggled to continue trying to hold back tears, "I see your mother… she was my best friend… I see her staring at me when I look into your eyes." She looked down, "I was upset that she left me and went off to that school… I asked Dumbledore if I could go too…"
"What!" Vernon finally spoke and he wasn't happy
"Dad, shut up," Dudley warned.
Vernon gasped in horror, "how dare you, remember I'm your father!"
"Vernon please…" Petunia continued on, "I knew about Voldemort and how deranged he was, I was furious when I heard about my sister and James. I told Vernon that we would raise you to believe that magic wasn't real… I never wanted you to have to deal with Voldemort! I had no idea that you would had to be the one to stop him…That night we left to go into hiding there were so many things I wanted to say. I was shocked that it was you who had to take down Voldemort and I was scared because of what happened to my sister... There were so many unspoken words between us… Having you here gave me the chance to get back at her. I was wrong… I should have never taken out my aggression on you! I shouldn't have told Vernon that witches and wizards are dangerous people! Lily was very kind and so was your father, he was always good for a laugh… whether I wanted to admit it or not," she smiled at the thought.
Harry didn't know what to say, he knew about the jealousy from Snape's memories but they never told of how Petunia felt. He had come to the Dursley's to make them uncomfortable but the tables had turned. Harry stood up, he thought he was going to leave or something but instead he walked over to Petunia, he kneeled in front of her. She looked into her eyes they were glazed over, she stared back at him. She reached out and pulled him into a hug and he hugged her back. Never in his entire life did he expect to get a hug from his Aunt.
_HERMIONE'S HOUSE_
Hermione lay in her bed tossing and turning, the tapping noise the rain was making on her window was driving her insane. It didn't normally affect her this way, it was usually calming and soothing but tonight it was driving her mad. She kicked off her covers and rolled over to look at the clock it was almost midnight, Draco's at work now, she pulled the covers back over herself. It's Malfoy… there is no possible way… I could never… he did say he loved me. He was probably just kidding and I'm sure he thinks I didn't even hear him… what if he wasn't kidding? What if I do have feelings for him? Hermione turned over and buried her face in her pillow; "I do not like Draco Malfoy!" She said muffled into her pillow. She screamed and rolled over again, she turned to look out the window, it was pouring, and the tapping wasn't bothering her it was something else… I like him. She threw off her covers. She put on her sneakers and threw a sweater on over her pajama's. She crept as quietly as she could from her room and down the stairs so she wouldn't wake her parents. She opened the front door and stood on the porch. The rain was coming down in thick sheets. She turned on her heel disapparated.
_THE SIGHLER_
Draco yarned as he was resting his elbows on the bar, with his head in his hands. It was a slow night, I suppose the rain is keeping people in, it was so thick all the people who hurried by were just blurs. Only one couple sat in a booth in the corner chatting, they had finished their food hours ago and were waiting for the rain to slow up. Ron was in the back playing cards with Mike and Daphne, Sid had left early. Draco sighed deeply. He was bored out of his mind. Watching the blurred people scurry past wasn't even entertaining anymore, there was only person out there standing across the street not moving, what an idiot, don't they notice it's raining, Draco rolled his eyes and looked away. He pushed himself off the bar and cleaned already clean glasses. He glanced back out the window and noticed them still standing there, are they watching me, he moved to the side and watched their head move. The person pulled at their wet hair nervously, Draco looked down to place the glass back on the shelf, Granger pulls at her hair like that, he thought. His head shot back up, Granger!
"TIM!" he shouted removing his apron
Tim stuck his head out of the kitchen door, "yes"
"Do you really need me to stick around," Draco was already making his way to the door
"Seems like you weren't going to wait for my response anyway but I suppose you can…"
"Thanks," he didn't even wait for Tim to finish before pushing open the door he was too caught up in the thought that Hermione maybe standing in the rain.
The moment he stepped outside he was completely drenched. He waited for a car to pass and then crossed the street. It was Hermione. She was in her pajamas they were stuck to her showing every curve on her body. Her hair was surprisingly not frizzy. Every curl was perfectly intact and sticking to her head.
He stood right in front of her, "why are you standing in the rain? Are you mental? You're going to get sick!" He spoke loudly over the sound of the water slapping the pavement.
"I was deciding if I should come in and talk to you!"
"Would have been better then standing out here… and your still in your pajamas, what could have possibly been so import…"
"I heard what you said on the roof," she interrupted.
Draco thought he was about to fall over he never expected her to bring that up.
"I just wanted to say that…" she looked down, she was getting ready to say the words but she couldn't, she looked back up into his light grey eyes. The water was flowing smoothly down his face. She had the courage to say it when she looked him in the eyes, "I think I might love you too."
Draco eyes widened, "you think?"
"Well maybe… possibly…" Hermione thought she had made a big mistake as he stared at her blankly.
"Maybe works for me," is all he said before he pulled Hermione into a kiss. She was shocked by it initially, her eyes wide open, she felt them crossing and was forced to close them. She relaxed into what seemed to be the most passionate kiss of her life. She had to use all her might to not break the kiss to pull off all her clothes in an attempt to cool down. She gasped when she felt him pull her in harder, but she went with it, she couldn't breathe and felt as if she was floating, but she didn't let go when she felt the ground once again and heard Draco whisper something against her lips.
"What?" she mumbled, she couldn't breathe again, "Whoa!" She was still clinging to Draco as they plopped down onto his bed.
"I had to remove the anti- apparition spells off the flat," he gazed down at her. She ran her hand threw his wet hair. He smirked and leaned in and kissed her again.
"So Mr. Malfoy, what gave you the idea that I would allow you to bring me here," Hermione smiled devilishly as she pulled away from Draco.
"You know you find me irresistible Granger," he smirked
She laughed, "Ha! I think you've got it backwards, I find you resistible," she pushed him off of her and stood up.
"Is that so," Draco rolled over onto his back and placed his hands behind his head.
"Yes that's so," She fidgeted with her clothes awkwardly. They were wet sticking to her uncomfortably.
Draco got up from his bed, he went his dresser he pulled out a t-shirt and sweat pants. While Hermione watched him she noticed how incredibly toned his upper body was. His t-shirt was sticking to him exposing his perfectly chiseled chest. She tried to hide the blush that was forming on her cheeks but she knew it was no use.
"Here, you can change into these," he smirked when he saw her face and then chuckled when she turned bright red. He stroked her red cheek with his hand and leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "I think it's sexy when you blush."
His warm breathe on her ear sent chills down her spine, he kissed her on the cheek and lingered there a moment before he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Hermione changed into the sweats as she was pulling the t-shirt over her head she breathed in Draco's scent. She smiled and pulled the shirt close in around her, she felt like she was being hugged by him. When she finished changing she opened up the bedroom door, there was a light coming from the living room. She went into the the living room Draco had started a fire. He looked up from his seated position on the floor in front of the fireplace. He snorted at the sight of Hermione in his clothes that were too big for her. Her hair was still damp and had started to frizz out back into its normal unruly state.
"What's so funny?" She asked
"Nothing, you look perfect," he wasn't lying he liked her when she didn't care how she looked.
She shifted her weight from foot to foot, "come on I look ridiculous in your oversized clothes."
He stood up and walked over to her, "no… you look beautiful."
She looked into his eyes, she believed him. She never thought that she would be able to see anything sincere in Draco Malfoy's eyes besides hatred. But his normally cold empty eyes sparkled when they looked at her. He really thinks I look beautiful. She couldn't help but smiled, he gave a quick peck on the lips, "I'll be right back."
Draco left the room and Hermione sat in front of the fire trying to warm up, Draco returned to the room, he was changed and carrying a blanket. He sat down next to Hermione and wrapped the blanket around both of them, Hermione wiggled closer to him, he wrapped his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I would never have pictured us like this in a million years," Hermione said gazing into the fire.
"Definitely not a million… but maybe two million," Draco said
"We could always blame it on the Nargles," Hermione laughed
"Yes, I'm sure they had something to do with this."
"What are we going to tell Ron," Hermione's tone became serious as she lifted her head off Draco's shoulder to look at him.
He looked over at her he tilted his head down and rested his forehead on hers, "we'll tell him whatever you want to tell him."
She swirled ideas around in her head, "we could tell him so he can have a fit now…" or I could spare his feelings and wait and see where this goes.
"I'm okay with whatever you want to do."
Hermione thought about this, he was understanding and Ron would definitely not be, there's no point and upsetting him until I see what happens with Draco, "I suppose its best that we don't tell him just yet."
"Okay"
"Whoa!" Hermione laughed as Draco suddenly pushed her down and started kissing her neck.
_12 GRIMMAULD_
Harry and Ginny lay in bed at 12 Grimmauld Place. She was staring at the ceiling, while Harry was watching the rain falling outside the window. Ginny twirled her engagement ring around on her finger. She smiled at the thought of marrying Harry, she couldn't wait. She was disappointed when he asked if they could not get married at the burrow. She wouldn't listen to him, that's where she wanted to get married and that was that. She knew the request was because of Ron and she thought he should just suck it up or not come at all. But Harry explained to her how Ron was feeling and she reluctantly agreed. So they will be getting married in the small yet charming backyard of Grimmauld Place. It was perfect to start their life together as husband and wife at the place where they decided to spend the rest of it or at least that's what she told herself when she thought about not getting married at the burrow. But what was really concerning her the most right now was leaving Harry for a month of training with the Holyhead Harpies.
After August when the season started she would be at home Monday through Wednesday. She didn't like being away from Harry but she knew they could do it since they maintained a relationship while she was away at school. Yet she didn't want to leave him, she knows how he lets things get to him and how he over reacts. She giggled when she thought back to the day when she watched him from the window of the Three Broomsticks making sure every stone was taken down of the statue of him that was being built in Hogsmead.
"What's so funny?" Asked Harry turning over on his side to look at her
"Nothing," she smiled
"I'm going to miss you," he said taking Ginny's hand in his, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you."
"You'll be fine. We did it before we can do it again. Just promise me one thing," she said looking him straight in the eye.
"Yes I won't look at another woman," he smiled
She laughed, "I know you won't because I will hex you into oblivion if you do. But what I was going to say is don't let the pressure of being Harry Potter get to you."
"I don't let it get to me," he turned to look at the ceiling
Ginny turned his head back towards her, "ignore the lies and the rumors but be courteous to your fans or whatever you want to call them… Harry worshipers, just keep calm, okay?"
Harry rolled his eyes and ran his hands over his face, "I don't understand why I have fans or whatever. I'm sure there are lots of people who would have done the same thing."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that. Not everyone is willing to run head first into danger without thinking," Ginny smirked.
"Hey! Everything I did was fully planned out," retorted Harry.
"Yes I'm sure it was," she said sarcastically and dismissing the topic, "just promise me you'll keep a level head." He didn't say anything, so she grabbed the bottom of his chin and turned his head towards her, "okay?"
He sighed "Okay. But I still don't know how I'm going to live without seeing you," he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him.
"You can come visit and of course every free chance I get I'll be here making sure you're not screwing our wedding into the ground."
Harry snorted, "I wouldn't do that."
"I know, but I still made detailed lists of everything that needs to be done and how they should be done," she said seriously as Harry laughed.
"Chasing Cars" Snow Patrol
