A/N: wow, I cannot thank you all enough for your lovely reviews and responses to this story. It makes my day, and makes me want to update as quickly as possible.
Chapter 6
The second we walked through the doors a sudden wave of loud cheers stunned my ears. A large glimmering banner danced from the ceiling, reading:
Welcome Back, Hermione!
Ron holds my hand roughly. I cannot get over how different his touch is to Draco's. Callused and... sweaty. I suspected it was just nerves. Well, I know I'm nervous. So many smiling faces, so many Weasley's. Oh I cannot even fathom how happy I am to see them... or so I wanted to feel.
Not that I have anything against the family personally, it's just... I've gotten used to it being just Draco and me, that it's just strange and... a bit overwhelming. I didn't even notice Molly was near me until I felt her take the flowers from me.
"I'll go put these in some water,"
And then my eyes caught sight of my parents.
Using this excuse to leave Ron's side, I made a b-line toward them, wrapping my arms tightly around my Mother and then my Father.
"Oh my baby girl, it's so good to have you home," she says, stroking my hair. I smile at her and then turn to my father.
"Still beautiful,"
I feel the tears in my eyes, the odd one escaping and trailing down my cheek. He looked just like he did when he saw me in my wedding dress. Happy eyes, bright smile. But the thing that's different is... Ron's my fiancé. Ron is the man he approves me to marry.
"Don't cry," he says cupping my face.
"I'm not, these are happy tears," I say, and really they were. It's just... sad.
"It's a miracle you didn't end up paralyzed. Those doctors knew what they were doing, alright."
I released a giggle, "Healers Dad, in the magical world, they are known as Healers"
"Right," he said, kissing the side of my temple. I proceeded down the line, hugging each of the Weasley's and Harry. I noticed one was missing. Fred. Trying to search my mind of why... only to realize it was him that died not... not Ron. It been Fred the family were weeping over. It's all coming together now that I have a clear head about it all. The dreams... the memories. It doesn't hurt as much, but there's still this emptiness in my heart.
It's still weird seeing him and Ginny side-by-side and holding hands.
"Good to see you up and walking about Hermione," Harry says hugging me tightly. Ginny strokes my arm and I hug her.
"But you should relax, you don't want to have any setbacks in your recovery."
"Thanks for your concern, Ginny, but it's okay. The Healer actually suggested that I have a lot of frequent walks,"
"Yeah," Ron said coming up beside me, setting his hand upon my lower back. The familiar gesture feels odd to me. It doesn't cause any electric shocks to shoot through my body, rather it feels like a brotherly sort of touch.
"We were actually planning on taking a walk shortly after we've settled in, you can join us if you want"
Actually, I hadn't known we were doing that. It just started to rain before we came in to our apartment, and I don't quite fancy walking in the rain, Heated Charms or not.
"Alright, now that we're all settled in," Arthur began, rubbing his hands, "Let's cut in to the cake and celebrate, Hermione's return home!"
Home...
I glance around the small living space of the apartment, this could easily pass off as the size of my Master Bedroom back at the mansion.
Ron now wraps his arm around my shoulders.
It felt comforting, listening to all their stories of the month I've been away. George with his success of his store, Bill with his adjustment after his transfer from Egypt back to London, Fleur... works as a Healer in St Mungo's. That surprised me the most, really, I didn't peg her as the working type, let alone helping the sick and injured! Charlie is still studying dragons in Romania, but took a holiday so he could be here. But then Percy joined in talking about being with the Ministry, and working along with his wife, Penelope Clearwater. Ron and Harry were well underway with Auror duties. Ginny... Ginny is a Professional Quidditch Player, for a name I couldn't catch. Mainly because I never really followed Quidditch, didn't see the appeal really, and I started to feel... awkward. Like I didn't belong.
And then I started to notice how... cautious everyone acted around me, like they suspected I would snap like I did when I woke up as the day went on. Lunch had been quiet, with Ron giving me cautious looks, Harry and Ginny gave me awkward smiles. It was... getting annoying really. Perhaps I should go for that walk!
"You know, it's... um, getting a bit stuffy in here," I murmur, "I think I will go for that walk,"
"Hold on, I'll get my coat-" Ron says, going to the side.
"Alone," I say in a firm tone, Ron stills his motions, staring at me like I slapped him.
"I... I'm sorry, but I need this. Please?"
"But Hermione, you just got out of hospital, I don't think-"
"I don't have amnesia!" I groan, "I know my way around the town,"
"It's not that, you could faint from the over-exertion."
"Then I'll send off my Patronus. Really Ron, just... give me space. I need the space"
I didn't give him the chance to respond, I just grabbed my things.
"Wait, Hermione!" Ginny hissed, "You need your w-"
SLAM
Finally. Some peace. I fixed my coat and then marched off down the street.
It stopped raining, but it was still cloudy. And a bit of a chill in the March air. I know I handled the situation badly... but I just reached my tolerance limit. No wonder the Healers were so adamant about having those psychiatric talks with me. My mind and actions are... off the wall.
Raking a hand through my hair, I found myself at the nearby park. The garden, glistening from the rainfall. I walked along the paths and to find a bench. I reached for my wand, only to find the pocket empty.
It registered then, I left in such a hurry I forgot to collect my wand. Is that what Ginny had been hollering at me? If I go back now, everyone will be up on me with such concern. And I really don't want to endure that. Not yet anyway.
I released a breath and leaned back on the bench, staring up to the grey clouds. What I would give to go back to that happy place. To see the wedding in its entirety. The gazebo surrounded by the flowers I picked out. My Father... walking me down the aisle toward Draco...
.
.
The birds are chirping. The instruments humming in the background as everyone got to their seats. My Mum... Mum is at my side, playing with my hair. I cannot contain my excitement. She lowers my veil and Dad links his arm around mine. Everyone's watching me... Draco is watching me.
The butterflies in my stomach make their return as I slowly take a step forward down the pink rose-pedal covered aisle. The Ministry Official stands between Draco and Ginny with my sea of bridesmaid's.
I feel my heart pounding, as I stand about a foot away from Draco. He walks over to me, offering my hand.
No words exchanged between them. Dad just offers my hand to Draco, giving me that bright smile. I kiss him on the cheek and then turn back to my soon-to-be-husband... only to see Ron.
Everything changes. My dress, my bridesmaids vanish, leaving only Ginny and Luna behind. The groomsmen only consists of Harry and Neville. No Seamus and Dean, or Parvati and Lavender...
The atmosphere changes to an ivory tent, waving itself in the wind, the kind that Bill had for his wedding with Fleur. I... I am in a frilly and puffy white gown with no veil. I see the Burrow in the background.
"You may now, kiss the bride," says the Ministry Official.
Ron smiles at me, leaning in to kiss me...
.
.
"NO!" I snap open my eyes. I'm panting and scared. Had I just fell asleep? My eyes moved all around the garden before me. The clouds have grown darker now, the raindrops are starting to fall. A semi-loud squawk came from my side.
A beautiful Snowy Owl stood right beside me. His bright yellow eyes burrowing into me. He reminds me of Hedwig. My eyes drop to the pale-yellow envelope resting at its feet. One that had my name scratched on it, in dark-green ink.
I snatch it to open it.
Hermione,
Good that you're out of St Mungo's with flying colours! Parvati and myself are doing the best we can with the shop, a lot of our customers are expressing concern of your absence, and wish you the best recovery!
Hope to see you soon,
Lavender
A shop? I own a shop with Parvati and Lavender? Well at least my friendships of them stayed true.
"Hello Hermione,"
I know that voice! Luna!
I turn around, watching as she pat the owl before he took off. She held a bouquet of posies and an umbrella.
"It's good to see you out and about," she beamed. "But aren't you a bit lonely, being out here by yourself?"
"Well actually, I just... needed to have time to myself," I'm drawn to the flowers in her grasp, "Pretty flowers,"
Luna picked at the stems, "I was going to stop by your room at the Hospital, but the Healers told me of your release. They had your house on record, so I thought to pay a visit. But it was my wand which directed me here,"
"That's very nice of you, Luna,"
I watch Luna tilt her head, "Something troubling you? Your voice has changed into a higher octave just now."
"Just thinking about a dream I had... it was a bit...um..." I tried to search for the correct word to use, but my mind couldn't get over the image of Draco standing before the altar. "Shocking,"
"Was it not pleasant?"
"Well, no, at first it was, but then... well it changed unexpectedly. People disappeared... it was just strange,"
If I start to dream about Draco without him being around me, then... then I don't think... I will take my Dreamless Sleep Potions. Despite the fact he changed into Ron.
Luna takes a seat next to me, "Well as long as it's not nightmares..." and smiles at me, handing me the flowers.
We moved from the park to a nearby café shop to get out of the rain and the cool air for some hot chocolate. Her treat.
Then proceeded to have a nice long chat. She and Neville are together. Neville will be teaching Herbology starting this September. Luna over took her Father's Quibbler Magazine after his passing in the war. We apparently like to go to lunch every Friday to catch up on things.
Still, quite the interesting pairing, but it's still better than Pansy! Arranged Marriage or not!
Just saying her name, reminded me of the cold look she gave me in the Hospital by the elevators. Shrieking that horrid word, which obviously had no effect on me. Draco... Draco actually hugged me back. He gave me flowers, my favourite flowers.
My heart rate picks up and I feel the heat rising. Shaking my head I pay attention to the here and now with Luna.
"And I heard the news of you and Ronald." She beamed. "Can I see the ring?"
I run my fingers along the band before lifting my hand to show her.
"It's lovely,"
It really is a nice ring, but I am just so used to looking at the ring from Draco, I felt... awkward. Like it didn't belong to me.
"Anyway I should head off," She reaches for her umbrella. I give her a hug and then made my way back home. According to her watch, we talked for almost an hour, and I know I've been in the park for at least a half and hour before that. I should head back before they start out with a search party.
I got two steps before I spot another owl flying over to me. A large Black Eagle Owl with large orange eyes this time. He even held a single pink rose in its beak.
There had been only one person I knew to own such a beautiful owl... and would send a pink rose with it.
Draco. My heart dances as I take the rose, bringing it up to my nose. I stuffed it into the bouquet Luna gave me.
I have to admit I am rather surprised, and a bit... excited to read it. I certainly didn't expect a response so soon. I open the letter somewhat eagerly, watching as the bird take off into the grey sky.
Granger,
Don't let what Pansy said get to you. She's just... Pansy. She learned absolutely nothing after the War. Anyway, my Restorative Potion works wonders, you will be in full health in twenty-four hours after consumption. Enclosed is the ingredients and the steps to make it.
My eyebrows shoot right up. He... he sent me how to make his potion? Wow... he just is full of so many surprises...and the potion will only take two days!
There's still the side-effects to figure out though, so if you experience anything else besides the list below, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am curious to know if the potion differs to male and female, not that I'm making you into a lab-rat, I'm just helping you get better. I doubt you would want to loaf around home when you've already spent almost two weeks bed ridden in St Mungo's.
Malfoy.
PS, Also enclosed are the dates I am able to meet.
Gosh, he really doesn't skip a beat, does he?! I read the side-effects and became relieved to only see four: nausea, fainting, dizziness and tenderness in limbs. Not bad for a potion that effects your entire nervous system. Well not that I am really surprised, Draco had Snape growing up, I wouldn't be surprised if Snape gave him his collection before he died...
Man, reading his note only made me miss him even more, but I know I'm in no fit state to see him, no matter how much I want to. Tucking the letter into my robes, I swiftly make my way back ho- um, to my party.
All the elder Weasley siblings had left. Everyone else remained, making my little home still look rather small.
They all greeted me almost in the same way when I first walked in the door, glad that nothing happened to me because I left without my wand. Yes, I am rather fortunate in that case.
I explained to them I ran into Luna, and we got talking had some cocoa in the café shop and then parted ways. They were all happy of this information, like they finally believe me to not having amnesia...
I didn't mean to, but I accidentally stumbled upon Harry and Ginny conversing right in the corner of the kitchen.
"You're joking!" Harry cried.
"I know, it's crazy, but it's what the Healer told me,"
What does she mean by that? Did... he tell her my dreams about Draco? Knowing it's Theodore Nott, I wouldn't put it past him. So much for patient-Healer confidentiality!
"Do you have any idea what this could do to Ron?"
"I know which is why she told me, Harry."
She? So... so what, Theo told Bridgette?! Why because she was the Healer before him? Well that's just swell.
"We have to treat this... delicately. She said that her feelings for Ron should return... "
"Should, oh sure, like it's that simple...she's only in love with the git, but yeah that'll be a piece of cake to change her heart. Not even Love Potion will-"
I would've gasped, if I had a voice. Harry... is actually thinking about drugging me to love Ron again?
"Don't you dare lace Hermione with Love Potion, Harry James Potter! The change needs to happen gradually! Any potions to aid her process could be extremely fatal to her recovery! She could resent Ron and well, we certainly don't want that, to happen do we?"
Harry muttered away, I was too far to actually hear what he said. Ginny's glare had been a good sign that it wouldn't have been good.
"Listen, Bridgette said as long as Hermione is around Ron a lot, her... er, infatuation with Malfoy will end. It's just the after-shock of the dream...and you know how it is, dreams will soon end."
"That's what gets me, is the fact she dreamt about him! It doesn't make sense, we haven't seen him since the War!"
"Actually he's here now. Luna mentioned about attending his Valentine's Party..."
Harry sputtered. "What?!"
"For her Quibbler article, and actually Malfoy didn't shut the door in her face. Which is so weird. I thought he would always be a slimy git until the day he dies!"
Obviously she hadn't read the article about him being tortured by his own Father. I cringe from the memory and the way she spat the words about him... Normally I would confront them about it, but I just... I didn't have the energy. And really, I couldn't take their... weird actions anymore.
So much for my walk calming my nerves...
I need to get out of here. I don't... like being around them anymore.
"What are you two bellowing about?!" I hear Ron say, but that's all I hear because before I know it, I am reaching for my things again, making sure to take my wand, which Ginny had kindly put by the door.
"Hermione?!" Calls Mum, but I don't turn around to face her.
"Sorry," I whisper, "This was a mistake. I cannot be here anymore," even though this is my apartment with Ron, I just... I couldn't stay.
"Well let us take you home then," Dad replies, joining my side. Going home with them would be nice too, but I need him... I need Draco.
"I'll leave a note then," Mum says using one of the many pens and paper on the same table. Even upside down, I catch the words she wrote.
Our girl is too upset from the commotion, we're taking her home. Please give her space until she is ready to face you all.
Monica
"Actually," my voice catches, once they both look at me. "I need to collect some things first. Um, ingredients for a potion the Healer wants me to take, so I'll just tell everyone in person."
I hate lying to my parents but telling them the truth of how I came about the potion would just raise concern.
I sprint off to the far hallway, suspecting this would be my bedroom and search the room, spotting the tiny cabinet on the side.
There.
Reading the list again, surprised to know I have most of the ingredients, except for the Crushed Unicorn Horn.
I will just have to make a trip to Diagon Alley then...
"Where are you going?" Ron said, and I still my packing.
"Away," I whisper in return, "I'm sorry Ron, but I... I can't live with you right now,"
"Right." His voice as gone very small, "Right, I'll... I'll help you pack then,"
"I've got it," I say, slugging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my beaded bag with the ingredients. I looked at his face, even though I didn't want to, and offer him a small smile, which he doesn't return.
"It was a bit much, wasn't it?"
I tilt my head. Yes is was too much having his entire family here, but obviously he knows his mistake and thus it is pointless for me to discuss it. Besides, I don't want to make Ron feel even worse than he already does.
"Sorry, it's just... everyone was so excited on seeing you again, they all just... well, they showed up,"
"I'm not faulting you Ron, so stop making that face, okay?" I dread to think, what Ginny and Harry told him... I hoped they lied, given how much they wanted to protect him.
My heart winces, as I give Ron a loose hug, "Just... give me a few more days okay?" He smells like some sort of mint mixed with... chocolate? The kind from Chocolate Frogs...
He doesn't say anything though. I pull back. "I'm sorry,"
I left without looking back, with my parents at my side.
In twenty minutes, I informed my parents that while we were out, I needed to pick up the last remaining ingredient of my potion. Mum wanted to go with me, but I said the shop is only feet away from the Leaky Cauldron. So the both of them decided to wait for me in the pub, which had greatly improved its look from the War. No mold on the walls, or dingy chairs and tables... it looked like a real nice place to eat and mingle at.
Thankfully I had some money already stored in my beaded bag, so all I had to do is make that trip to the Apothecary and make my purchase.
Twenty-One Galleons lighter, I head for the exit, where I met with Lavender face to face.
"Hermione!" She squealed. "Oh is this unexpected! Come," she takes my hand and pulls me out of the store, "Parvati and I were just wondering when you will come back-"
"Oh I'm not, I mean I was just released from Hospital, I had to pick up some ingredients for my potion you see..."
"Your potion?"
I briefly told her that I would require drinking a Restorative Potion.
"So you'll be back to work in a few days then?"
I nodded. Of course, it'll be after my meeting with Draco. But before I could put a voice to my response, Draco actually appeared right before us. Popping out of the Quidditch Supplies store, but he's too preoccupied with the scene around him, he hasn't seen me yet.
Oh my God! He... he's here! In Diagon Alley!
I feel a harsh whack on my shoulder, but I ignore it, instead I just shuffle my way over to him.
"Draco!"
His head snaps right at me and I beam, practically throwing myself into his arms. I hear him grunt, and giggle to myself.
"Sorry, I just... um..." he feels a lot...fuller than the last time I hugged him. Wow. I pull back, but my hands lay firmly upon his chest.
He chuckles, "Like what you feel, Granger?" His voice is deep and husky sounding. Like... like it was when we... um... were... intimate.
"AHH!" I cry from what I just thought about.
I stumble back, not really wanting to torture myself with that particular memory, despite how much my body ached for that connection.
"Hermione!" Lavender scolded half-heartedly as she joined my side, wrapping her arm around my shoulders, "Mind telling me why you just hugged this stranger?!"
"Not a stranger, Brown," Draco says beaming. "There's only one line of wizards with grey eyes."
Lavender released a squeak, taking a step away from me, "Mercy me! You...you're Draco Malfoy!"
What hole did she crawl out of? Isn't she all for gossip? How could she not know who he is?
"Because," Draco said, twirling his wand in his fingers "I've disguised myself with a Glamour Charm, Hermione"
I jump again, did I say that out loud? "Oh," I say quietly, trying to stop the blush rising to my cheeks. It didn't help matters when Draco looked so bloody pleased with himself. Wait, did he just call me 'Hermione'?
"You can see through Glamour Charms?!" Lavender murmured.
I blinked. What? He... he had a Glamour Charm on? Why? Wait, if he did, that makes sense I knew Nathan was Theo! I mean okay so it hadn't been that strong at the time, but I knew his eyes and his hair. But wait, how did I gain such a power? Would being in an accident have something to do with it? Maybe. I mean it was quite fatal, my Magical Aura could've easily dislodged itself somehow...
"Knew who was Theo?"
I jumped again. Okay, that clearly wasn't said out loud, why on earth-
"Cause I can hear your thoughts," Draco said with a smirk.
"WHAT?!" Lavender squealed, nearly directing attention to us. I smack my hand over Lavender's mouth.
"Muffliato!" I hissed so she couldn't hear the rest of this conversation.
I then rounded right on Draco, "What did you say?!"
"I can hear you thinking," he said calmly.
"You...what?"
"Must I repeat everything I tell you, Granger? Yes I can hear what you say to yourself. Go on. Give it a try, think about something."
"This is madness! I can't do this it's-"
"Not ridiculous. It's true. I first heard it when you hugged me, talking about... what was it again? My forest scented cologne?"
Oh bugger. I did say that! I new wave of embarrassment rushed through me, "Wait, let me get this straight, you heard me thinking about how... you smelled?"
God this is really getting ridiculous! But it's so true! I really did say that! But.. it's just... how could he? We were in different accidents, why would he have his...? What kind of potion had he been working on? There were so many questions...
Hold on. That means he... he heard me when I said... oh bugger! He knows that I-
"Knows that you dreamt about shagging me? Yeah, I do,"
My head is spinning, my eyes are blurring. I feel so hot, I feel so light-headed and sick. I think I will be sick. My eyes close and I lose all function in my legs. Collapsing down hard onto the floor.
Fainted.
E/N: ahah, that was fun! :) Don't hate me for "ruining" their images with supernatural stuff... Hermione guessed it right, the accident dislodged her magical aura.