Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter characters and the Harry Potter world. They all belong to JK Rowling.

Chapter Two

"Is That Your Smile?"

Draco Malfoy was grinning like a Cheshire cat as he followed his ex-girlfriend slash soon-to-be-girlfriend-again through the outskirts of Hogsmeade.

She looked beautiful strolling around the picturesque village of thatched cottages and shops. She was stunning in her vintage autumn dress, with lace stockings and lace-up boots. Her hair was playfully braided to the side, with classic pashmina scarf around her neck.

She had greeted a few people along the way, smiled to strangers even. She was glowing and she looked… happy.

"No. She was happier when she was with me," Draco whispered to himself, shaking his head, trying to push his mocking subconscious away. It was telling him that his Hermione was really better off without him just like his subjects and Blaise kept telling him.

He hated them at that moment.

He'd fought with Blaise last night. His best friend even had the gall to ask him to leave Hermione alone.

"She seems happy now, mate. She's getting married, for pity's sake. Just let her be. I know she and I weren't exactly that close before, but she's a nice girl, okay? Just stay away. Stop fucking her life up again."

Draco was beyond angry. He was practically seeing red. He was so livid that he started breaking whiskey bottles inside the bar, shouting at Blaise and placing all the blame on him. He was a bit tipsy. Okay, maybe he was really drunk, but he felt so betrayed that night. After all, if Blaise hadn't invited him to that reckless weekend getaway at his bachelor's pad then he could have kept his girl until now.

He had the best, most reassuring four years of his life with Hermione. She was perfect for him. He was perfect for her. They were perfect for each other. But his best friend ruined it. Yes, he might have done the damage himself as well, but really, Blaise had started it. Draco refused to acknowledge that it was his entire fault. He was a victim too, you know.

He was just a man, beautiful, but weak.

They just didn't know what was best for his Hermione. He knew that no matter what she did, she'd still come back to him. He, alone, could really make her happy. All the rest could try. But in the end, he knew she'd still come crawling back to him. Take Viktor Krum for example. It wouldn't make that much of a difference with her current fiancé now.

She was his, and no one else could ever have her. It was proven over many times now. No matter how fucked up he was, she'd still forgive him anyway, because she loved him. He knew she was just too hurt, which was why, maybe, she had said yes to the proposal. But he knew his Hermione above all. He was the only man for her. All the rest could fuck it.

He walked furtively behind her, just close enough to catch a glimpse of her braided hair and far enough so as not to be caught. She smelt of jasmine and vanilla… Fuck, he missed her.

She sauntered inside Tomes and Scrolls which was a specialist bookshop in Hogsmeade. He tried his hardest not to trip as he hastily bounded for the door she had left open. She frowned and looked around when the door took too long to close behind her. She shook her curiosity aside when the door finally shut closed.

Draco grinned mischievously behind a bookshelf just beside the door. He managed to creep inside when she wasn't looking. Oh, he was getting good at this stalking stuff. Well, he was a Malfoy, dammit. He was good at everything.

He'd been in denial from his subjects' information about Hermione. It appeared that she was actually engaged with none other than Theodore Nott. The bastard.

They said Theo and Hermione had been together for about a year now. Of course he wouldn't know since he was too busy touring the world; womanizing and probably ruining all his brain cells and liver in getting drunk and dallying on different clubs almost every night for two years.

But, really? Theodore Nott? He hadn't seen it coming.

He and Theo weren't exactly friends, but they weren't enemies either. Back in school, Theo had always been such a loner and he didn't exactly feel the need to join popular groups such as the one headed by Draco. He was quite intelligent and was pretty good at everything he did. He didn't need anyone and was probably the most independent student at school.

Theo was daunting and dominant as well, which was probably the reason why he was respected even if he didn't belong to any set of friends. In popular Slytherin night parties, Theo was always invited despite his solitary attitude; it was maybe because of his fairly good looks, mature build and exemplary abilities. He wasn't a bully like Draco was, but everybody feared him enough to know that crossing him was a bad option.

Despite his calm and composed behavior, Draco never really thought that Theo would be interested in Hermione. Yes, his Hermione was gorgeous, smart and the kind of girl that guys could never really ignore. He had had enough experience trying to shoo away those bastards at the Ministry who wanted to be near her and peep under her pencil skirt, not that he could blame them, of course.

But then Theo was… well, Theo. Despite his silence about it, Draco knew that Theo was still proud of his blood and ancestry. He was a Pureblood supremacist. His father was once a Death Eater and he proudly died being one. His family lineage was one of the things he valued the most and even if the war and prejudiced era was long gone, Theo was one of those Purebloods who still held on to his blood's purity.

But then again, Theo was probably the only one of his housemates who never teased Hermione about her blood or her looks during her younger, awkward days. Draco had always thought it was because it wasn't really his thing. He was usually more mature than the rest of his housemates. But then looking back, somehow, it probably wasn't the only reason why.

He was pretty good at Potions and he progressed to the N.E.W.T. level together with them, but Draco remembered that he'd usually ask Hermione for help, or just casually ask her about an ingredient or so. He'd always been more conciliatory towards her than the others. Draco really didn't mind at that time. He knew that Theo and Hermione somehow shared a comfortable passing acquaintance because Theo was occasionally paired up with her during Potions and she was generally an excellent partner. But then, that was it. Hermione was too busy with her blooming relationship with Draco and Theo was too busy being the freaky loner that he was. It suited everyone just fine.

Until you decided to become such an asshole to her!

Draco frowned and shook his head in desperation. Even his subconscious hated him now. Urgh! It must be the alcohol last night. He had woken up at noon with an earth-shattering headache because of it. When would everybody realize that he's sorry and that it wasn't really his fault?

Well, it was mostly his fault, but surely not entirely!

Last night, his subjects had confirmed the reason why she couldn't remember him. According to the sources close to Hermione, it was because of Hermione's reckless use of the Memory Charm. It was said that she had obliviated herself after an irresponsible drinking on the night of their supposed anniversary, during the first year after Draco broke up with her.

To say that he was shocked was certainly an understatement. He didn't believe it, saying it was all bullshit. It actually made no sense at all. He knew he had hurt Hermione but she was never one to do such a thoughtless thing.

But then again, she was drunk…

His Hermione never really got drunk. She was always the sober one. Whenever he got carried away by his drinking, she was always the one who would ask him to stop. She was always the one who'd take care of him, plead him to go home and give apologies to the manager of the bar for his behavior of clumsily breaking some glasses. Hell, she'd even pay for it even if he didn't want her to. She'd take him out of his work clothes and just listen to his endless rambling about his shitty day. She was always the one who'd ask him to calm down, to face his problems in a more rational way. She'd kiss him even if he smelled of alcohol and cigarettes, which she hated so much.

No one could really calm him down. Not even his mother. It was always Hermione. She'd touch him and everything's suddenly bright and well. She'd kiss him and suddenly, he could smile.

She'd taken him to his deliverance.

She was his only sunlight. She was always so smart, so strong…

But then… there she was, brutally snatching her memories away to forget about him, to forget all the hurt he had caused her.

What happened, Hermione? What have you done? Why? I'm an asshole. I'm not really worth it. Why did you do this to yourself?

He didn't know she would even go this far. But then, maybe he had gone too far in hurting her… his beautiful, strong Hermione. He was an idiot.

Last night was pretty hard for him. He didn't know what to do. He didn't even know what to think of himself, of what he did, of the damage that it had caused her.

So he did what he does best. He dragged Blaise with him into this bar they'd often visit during weekends. He ended up getting drunk that he started on breaking some whiskey bottles, glasses… hell, even the bar's tables were all speckled helplessly into the floor by the time they were kicked out of the bar. Once outside, he started a bloody brawl. It was pretty nasty. And last thing he knew, he was in bed, at noon, groggily calling Hermione's name over and over again. He was crazy as shit.

"You have got it bad, mate."

He vaguely remembered Blaise chastising him. His best friend was also sporting some nasty bruises on his tanned, chiseled face; no doubt because of the brawl he'd started last night. But then the stupid git deserved it. He just wouldn't stop reminding him over and over again about how it was his entire fault when partly he had also had a part in it. Blaise was the one who took him at his Bachelor pad with those tempting devilish minxes two years ago.

Now he knew what it must feel like for people who hopelessly think of what ifs and maybes and if onlys…

He just really wished he would have had acknowledged it earlier.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Morgan," Hermione greeted pleasantly at the shopkeeper as she reached the bookshop's counter.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Granger." Mrs. Morgan smiled warmly at Hermione. "The new versions of 'Modern Magical History' and 'Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration' we reserved for you last month just arrived. I already have them packed for you."

"Thanks, Mrs. Morgan. I've been waiting for them. And thank you so much for those books you offered to our charity auction. The bids were so high. They contributed well with the funds for the underprivileged dragon breeds in the mountains of Armenia. Hagrid is so pleased about it too." Hermione smiled gratefully at the book keeper.

"Oh dear, it's been a pleasure to help. I admire how you can be so dedicated in your program despite your work at the Ministry. Just keep it up. Oh, God bless you, child," Mrs. Morgan gushed at the younger lady as she smiled at her with wrinkly, welcoming eyes.

Draco smiled lovingly behind the corner where he was hiding. He remembered so well how Hermione had managed to persuade him in joining her little group called S.P.E.W. when they were still at Hogwarts. He didn't contribute much, but she was just so happy that her members were growing, even if there were only five of them, including Weaselbee, Potty and that Loony girl. But now, she had actually fulfilled her dreams. She'd always been so passionate about helping underprivileged magical creatures. She was still his beautiful, compassionate Hermione. This was just one of the reasons why he loved her.

"Oh, Mrs. Morgan, thank you for your kind words. But really, it just so happens that I have the power and influence to do so. I just got luckier and it's important for me to share the blessings that I have. And besides, Theo has done so much more than I have. He's just so amazing, you know, been working twice as hard as I am for these deprived creatures…"

Draco's smile dropped on the spot. In fact, he could swear his jaw could have had fallen into the floor if it wasn't for his hands covering his mouth to stifle a gasp and an unwanted colorful language to get out.

That bootlicking son-of-a-bitch!

"Oh yes, that fiancé of yours, such a fine young man he is." Mrs. Morgan beamed happily at Hermione as she handed her the paper bag that contained two of her ordered books.

"He is, isn't he?" Hermione blushed beautifully at the older woman. "He never misses any of the charity events I host. He's just so supportive of me in everything."

Draco frowned in consternation. Hermione had always asked him before to help with her charity works. He offered a great deal of his financial assistance of course, but he was rarely there during the actual functions. And apparently, Theo never missed any of it. Damn… and he thought he was already such a perfect boyfriend before. What the fuck was Theo playing at?

"Here," Hermione uttered as she placed a good sum of galleons on the counter for the books.

"Oh no, dear, they're already paid." Mrs. Morgan gave her crinkly smile at the younger woman before winking at her. "Mr. Nott was here earlier and I asked him to inform you that your reserved books are already available. He paid for them and told me he'd let you get them yourself, you know, just to surprise you."

"That sounds like Theo, alright," Hermione chuckled while shaking her head in amusement.

"You have a good man, Ms. Granger. I wish you two the best," Mrs. Morgan told Hermione as she beamed sweetly at her. Draco silently vowed never to buy any books from the stupid old woman. In fact, he might buy this ugly shop just so he could fire her.

"I have to go. We're having dinner with our friends and I need to go home and prepare. Thanks again, Mrs. Morgan," Hermione thanked the old lady before smiling kindly at her. She was sporting a very beautiful blush on her cheeks and Draco tried his hardest to ignore the reason why.

"Anytime, dear." Mrs. Morgan waved as she watched Hermione go. Draco followed her shortly, making sure to throw the old woman a scathing, contemptuous look before going out of the bookshop. There. She deserved that.

He followed Hermione along the streets as she toddled along the Hogsmeade grounds. She was friendly to people, smiling back at them as she walked past them. She was always friendly to people, anyway.

He remembered it as if it was only yesterday… the way she would smile lovingly at him, the way she'd frown at him whenever he was being snobbish and cruel to people and the way her little frown would vanish when he'd kiss her.

He'd always been the sinister one, but she loved him anyway. She was compassionate and kindhearted and beautiful. He loved her in every way that she was because he knew just how lucky he really was to have her love back. But then he didn't realize just what he really had before.

He hadn't taken her for granted, but he hadn't done enough as well.

Did he even tell her enough just how much he loved her? He knew that he didn't have to say it often to her because she already knew that he did anyway. But then again, she had been very vocal to him, telling him how much she loved him every moment she could. He recalled telling her he loved her in some instances, but not as often as she did to him. His answer would usually just be a kiss or so, always rationalizing the idea that actions speak louder than words.

But then, would she have liked it better if he told her that he loved her more often? Maybe he should have been more romantic, or maybe he should have attended those boring charity functions she hosted. He really thought that contributing large amounts of galleons for her charity was enough. She told him so. She would always tell him how much she appreciated his help whenever she'd kiss him goodbye as she left to attend those functions alone. But, what if she just told him that because she didn't want to bother him? What if she was just waiting for him to have the initiative to do so instead of pushing him to do it?

There were just so many things he had forgotten to say and do.

He assumed it was all enough for her, just like how he had assumed that she would be alright the time he left her. She was a strong woman, but he actually forgot that she's a girl as well. He'd been travelling the world, doing everything he wanted to do, enjoying different girls when she was here, all alone, crying and trying to obliviate herself from his memories. Thinking about it made him feel like the cruelest person in the world. But then again, maybe he was.

She had showed him so much, helped him in every way.

They were soul mates, she told him once.

She trusted him enough to let him go out that weekend with Blaise even if she knew just how much of a man-whore his best friend was. Before he went, she had kissed him and told him to have fun and that she loved him. He wasn't able to tell her that he loved her back because he was too busy being too excited for the weekend getaway.

She called him when he arrived at Blaise' bachelor pad but he ignored her calls, too drunk to call back and too busy snogging some random slut whose name he didn't even remember. He really thought it was okay that time, because the random girl didn't mean anything to him. He often prided himself in the fact that loyalty was better than faithfulness. Both values could have been synonymous but he knew there was a huge difference between the two.

In their years together, he had never cheated on Hermione. There might be some occasional harmless flirting here and there, but he never cheated. The night on Blaise's flat was a mistake. It was an act of injudiciousness and impulsiveness. He was too drunk to see any reason which was why it happened.

But that night also proved him that his nightmares might be true. He tried so hard to step away from his irresponsible life before for the sake of his love for Hermione but it seemed that he really couldn't do it. He couldn't forgive himself and he couldn't trust himself to not do it again which was part of the reasons why he decided to end it with her. He loved and respected her, and he'd rather lose her than lie to her and hurt her more. He knew he was one fucked-up mess.

At that time, he just felt like the most confused and conflicted man in the world and Hermione was just too innocent and pure to ever be tangled into his sullied issues.

He may be called a cheater the moment he shagged that unnamed girl. He may have been unfaithful that night, but he knew deep down, he was still loyal to her. He knew he loved and adored Hermione and he was loyal to that aspect. His devotion to her would never be in question. He had loved no one else before her and he knew that he would never love anyone else but her. He had vowed to himself to love her forever and he knew it would never, ever change. He cherished and treasured her no matter what and he knew that even if he was dallying around flirting with other girls, Hermione was the only girl who truly owned his heart.

He was also a man and he was weak. And at that time, he was too young to have learned the value of faithfulness. But he had always thought that it was alright because everything he had with those girls were all just passing fancies, anyway. They were nothing.

It was all physical.

He knew he'd been unfaithful to her but he had stayed loyal to her by his heart. No one had touched his heart but Hermione. He had kept it for her. It could only beat, breathe and function for her and not for anyone else. It made all the difference in the world for him.

Until now…

Maybe it's really true what people say, about only truly realizing the worth of something when it's finally gone. He had never felt so low all his life.

He missed her… badly. He remembered the smell of her hair, of her skin as he'd slowly skim his nose and lips over every inch of her body. He remembered those beautiful halos of light dancing along her figure as she'd wake him up every morning. She had the most soothing voice, like a gentle lullaby at the brink of his consciousness. He loved the ticklish, softest feel of her curly mane tangled around his fingers. He loved staring at her, wearing his own oversized white shirt, knowing that she was his. He loved how soft her face could feel against his facial stubble whenever he'd forget to shave.

He loved her gentleness, her love, her affection.

He could have the shittiest day at work but whenever he'd go home, she would make him forget all about it. He loved her warmth on a rainy day, loved her playful giggles every time he'd tickle her, loved the way she'd circle her fingers on his chest on a lazy, cozy afternoon. He remembered the soft droplets on their skin as they made love under the cascading warm shower. She tasted of sweet ambrosia, of charming vanilla and roses… of Hermione.

She was, without a doubt, beauty in its entire splendor.

He'd been looking at her for so long that he didn't realize she was actually looking back at him now.

He almost stumbled down the alley. Suddenly, everything was switched into slow motion. She was standing by the side of Honeydukes candy shop; he was standing by the street across it. People from here and there were all busy scuttling around, going to their own destinations and distorting his gaze, like trees along the moving terrain during his travels.

But then, there she was, standing and looking back at him.

He couldn't figure her emotions out. She looked scared, confused… terrified maybe? He didn't know.

Suddenly, she looked puzzled. She turned to look and check at the passing people behind her, frowning in confusion like she was thinking that he was looking at somebody else and not at her.

Why?

Of course she'll think that you're looking at somebody else because she obviously doesn't recognize you, Draco. She took you away from her memories. She doesn't know you anymore. You're nothing to her anymore.

His subconscious was trying to pierce him to death. The thought almost made him sick. He almost vomited on the street right then. It was too much. His heart was trying to pound out of his chest, crawling painfully up his throat.

And sure enough, she looked at him again. She nodded shyly and smiled an uncertain, courteous smile. It was a kind of smile only given to strangers. A polite and impassive smile, it was the only smile she could offer him now.

There was no hatred, no feelings, and no emotions… just a simple decorous smile.

Because you are nothing to her now. You're just a stranger.

"H-Hermione," he breathed, unaware that his trembling hand had suddenly went towards his chest to splint the nagging ache that his ribcage was nursing inside.

And as if the pain wasn't enough, a tall, fine-looking man suddenly walked out of the store and mischievously covered Hermione's eyes from behind with his right hand, his left hand hiding something behind his back. Hermione gasped in initial shock and suddenly burst out laughing when she realized who it was.

It was Theodore Nott, her fiancé.

Theo laughed as he took his right hand away from her eyes. He scooped her waist to turn her around and brazenly kiss her in the middle of the crowded place. Hermione snaked her arms around his neck as they deepened the kiss, unaware of the stares from the people because of their obvious display of affection. Hermione giggled and kissed him again when he showed what he was hiding in his left hand. It was a beautiful bouquet of white flowers, with a decorative bag of Sugar Quills and Toffee Eclairs from Honeydukes.

They were Hermione's favorites. Draco knew, because he was the one who taught her how to love those sweets in the first place. Sugar Quills and Toffee Eclairs were their thing. He bought her those sweets on their very first date at Hogsmeade. How could she let this guy just take it all away?

But then again, she couldn't remember him anymore.

In that moment, when she was so close to him but so far away, he felt like he was coming undone. He was slipping away. He didn't know what to do. The pain was excruciating to even take hold of.

But of course she didn't understand. She just had no emotions to spare for him.

She didn't know. She would never know.

Because he was nothing to her now.

The pain of the realization pounded him to pieces. He felt sick to the core.

It would be better if she had run into him and slapped him in front of all those people. It would be better if she was angry at him. She could have just called him degrading names and he wouldn't care. It would be better if she hated him. But not like this. The hurt had doubled a thousand times. It was as if she had just killed him, right there. Maybe it was really better if she actually literally killed him. It would be better if she'd stab him nonstop. It would be better that she'd spit on him, or maybe tell him over and over again how much of a shit he was, but hell, not like this.

Please…

"Not like this, Hermione… please," he whispered, unaware of his goaded lacrimal glands. Fuck. These stupid dusts on the street were really starting to irritate his eyes.

Theo held her waist lovingly as she nibbled shyly on her Sugar Quill and inhaled the white roses he had given her. It was obvious that she was completely head-over-heels with him. It was all too much for Draco. He had never seen her like that, not even with Krum. She had always been his and he wasn't used to this. All her emotions, even hatred or hurt, were all meant for him alone before.

"Welcome home, baby." Hermione beamed lovingly at him as he entered the foyer.

It was a cloudy Sunday night. The stars were absent and the sky was too dark, it almost looked like an empty black hole. Hermione had cooked dinner for him, Spanakopita with feta cheese and scallops in a saffron beurre blanc served with white wine, his favorites.

He didn't know what to think or feel about himself. It was a crazy weekend and he knew he had crossed the line this time. He was so fucked-up; he didn't even know what he wanted at the moment. He loved Hermione but he also wanted… more. Something his impossibly untamed, incorrigible self wanted.

He felt so dirty, so unworthy to even touch her.

"Is something wrong?" Hermione looked worried as she ran her soft hands along his hair.

He couldn't lie to her. He just couldn't. He loved her too much. He didn't even know why he was so unsure now. He didn't know why he had done it in the first place. Fuck, this was confusing.

"Hermione, I-I don't … I'm not sure about…" His words failed him. How the hell was he going to spill this out without hurting her?

"You're not sure about what, Draco?" She looked truly worried now, afraid even. He couldn't blame her. This scenario was too familiar to her. It was something that had happened before and the last time that it did, her heart had been seriously broken.

"Hermione, I care about you, you know that, but…"

"But what, Draco?" She was trembling now. Everything felt like déjà vu. It was painful to witness.

"Hermione, we've been together for four years but… I just-I don't know. I want to be open to possibilities, you know. I mean, you know that I've never really been into exclusivity. You're the only girl I've ever had a long-term relationship with and I think it's been… too long and for years, we haven't really seen other people to explore and—"

"Just state your point, Draco," she whispered hoarsely. She was starting to shake now and he wanted so much to hold her, but he wasn't sure if she would let him.

"I-I think we should try to see other people," Draco told her quietly. How could he do this? How could he even say this? But he was just scared to death. He didn't know what to do. If he kept on being with her, the fleeting lack of discretion he did this weekend would most likely happen again and it would just destroy her in the long run. He just couldn't do that to her. She was too good for a bastard like he was. He didn't trust himself anymore. He was just too fucked-up to be with her.

"Y-You're breaking up with me?" Hermione mouthed the words too quietly, he barely heard it. She was visibly shaking now and her eyes were starting to shed helpless, painful tears.

"Hermione, you don't understand. It's for the both of us, too. I just want, I just—" he breathed hard as he ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. "I just want us to search out our options, you know. Think of this as an enriching experience, something we can grow upon. We both can see other people and test it all out, you know… see if it works out. If it doesn't work out, then we'll go back and keep hold of this relationship." Bloody hell, he sounded like a jerk.

"What the hell are you playing at, Draco? What do you think of me? Some crap you can recycle when you're done with destroying all your toys?" she cried, staring heatedly at him. "Who do you think you are? Do you even hear yourself? Do you even—"

"I cheated on you!" He was mortified of himself. He couldn't even look her in the eyes. He looked down and waited for her slap, because he knew he deserved it. But it never came.

He was just confronted by the deafening silence. He didn't know it could be more painful than the slap.

"When?" Her tone was flat. She was trying to hide her hurt. She was trying to be strong again even if she couldn't this time.

"This weekend. Blaise brought some girls. I got drunk, Hermione." He pursed his lips, looking shameful more than ever. He couldn't continue to explain. He'd never hated himself more than he did at that moment.

"Why?"Hermione whispered, wide-eyed and heartbroken. Her tears were nonstop. They were now falling helplessly on her flushing cheeks. Even in her sorrow, she was so beautiful. And she was so small, so vulnerable, so hurt… He wanted to stab himself in that moment just to make it at least fair. "Why, Draco?"

"Hermione, I…"His tongue was tied. Why, really? He didn't even know. He was a mess. He frankly didn't know what he wanted. She didn't deserve all this shit from him. She was just so innocent and sweet and genuine. He didn't deserve this girl at all. Why wasn't she hurting him? He was so ready for her slap. He deserved it more than anything. Why couldn't she just scream at him and tell him how useless he was?

"Why, Draco? Am I… Am I boring you?" Her voice was filled with fear. This just killed him. How could she even think that way? This was his fault, dammit!

"No, Hermione! You've been perfect. Please don't think that way."

"Then why? Am I not enough for you? Am I suffocating you? I've never really asked you to stop doing the things you wanted to do. I tried my hardest to support you. Isn't it enough? This is not about my friends, right? You've been conciliatory with each other. Harry and Ron are—"

"Hermione, you don't understand. It's not about you or your friends, it's about—"

"You? It's always about you, isn't it?" She looked angry once again as she looked at him intently. "You promised me you'd never do this again, Draco," her tone was accusatory, but he couldn't blame her.

"Please, Hermione. I just…"

"How can you do this to me? Twice!" She was crying nonstop now that she appeared out of breath. She was clutching her chest with her hand, an act of protecting herself from the pain she was feeling. "I love you, Draco. I have always loved you, but why do you keep hurting me? I've never done anything to give you a reason not to trust me. I've tried my hardest to prove to you just how much I value you! All I ever asked of you is to take care of that! All I'm asking is for you to stop hurting me over and over again!"

"Hermione, baby, please," he started to step closer to hold her but she pushed him away.

"Don't touch me!" Hermione was sobbing loudly, she could hardly breathe. He wanted to do something, to make her understand. But it was all too late. He had hurt her again.

He watched as she ran into their bedroom and collected her things. Hermione left the Manor immediately and he quietly sat onthe couch, drinking his whiskey as he watched her go. He didn't know what to do. What else could he do, really? He had fucked everything up. Things were said and done and he couldn't get them back anymore.

"L-Let me help you with that," he stammered as he stood up and helped her with her things by the doorway.

"No. I can manage," Hermione croaked, trying her best to look stronger than she was at the moment. She always did that. Looking strong and impervious was her defense in everything, even if deep down, he knew she was breaking.

"Hermione, I'm sorry." He didn't even know what to say anymore. It was the most obvious thing to say. What could he say more, really?

She smiled a sad smile and it was something that Draco would never really forget forever. She willed herself to look up at him, still with tears in her eyes.

"I hope you'll see what you're looking for. Because by the time you'll see me walk out of this door, Draco, you're permanently out of my life."

Those words.

He hadn't fully realized the extent of it. Until now…

"H-Hermione," he whispered disbelievingly as he stood there, watching her walk away from him, watching her walk away with the new love of her life.

She was permanently out of his life, but she took with her what he was really looking for.

His heart.

Song for this chapter is dedicated to Draco and to all the hopeless guys who can't face their own demons:

"Face Down" (acoustic version) by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

(Chorus)

Do you feel like a man, when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found.

Face down in the dirt she said, this doesn't hurt she said I finally had enough.One day she will tell you that she has had enough, it's coming round again.

A/N:

Hugs and kisses to my beta reader: EchoDeltaNine!

I'm so sorry for the super late update! I'll try to update more often to make amends with you, yeah? :)

To those who are asking: NO, this is not going to be like the Filipino romantic/comedy movie "My Amnesia Girl". I only got the inspiration of Hermione making Draco believe that she forgot about him, but that is all. And that's the only similarity it will ever get. The flow of the story and the plot is mine. So no, this is not going to be in any way like the movie or how it ends. I love that film though. :)

I have thought really long about Hermione's fiancé and even did a research to get the perfect guy, and it really should have been Anthony Goldstein. He's an open-minded pureblood, from Ravenclaw (Hermione's compatible partner when it comes to brains) and was a Prefect (responsible like Hermione). I was also trying to get away from any Slytherin because Hermione's infamous ex, Draco, was one. Hands down, Anthony was perfect for the character.

BUT then, there's Theo… I think my irrational self is in love with him. Haha. So I don't know what came over me as I tossed all my research away and just got Theo for the role because, urggh, he's perfect! So yeah, I was pretty much biased because my phantom Theo was screaming inside my head, coaxing me to give him another chance on our lovely Hermione. My phantom Draco is actually pissed with me, but he can't do much about it. Haha. So yeah, it's Theo versus Draco once again. Honestly, what's up with those Slytherins? Oh, life is beautiful. Haha.

Have a lovely, blessed day!

Sue