A/N: I'll admit, this chapter is kinda weak, compared to the previous ones...

I am, of course, very thankful for all the reviews/faves/follows I've received so far!

**again, year is 2004, so dates are different to present day**

Chapter 14

Ron's harsh words dug deeper into me. Cutting and piercing away at my heart and my limbs. My hands are over my face, digging into the skin and rubbing my eyes to rid them of remaining tears.

Slag.

Bitch.

He pretty much said I wasn't worth fighting for. That I've forever ruined our relationship. That there's no hope or chance of us ever reuniting. I'm tainted.

The door opens, but I didn't see who entered.

"Hermione!" Cries Mum as she sprints over to my side, her hand on my back, "What's happened?"

She helps me get back to my feet, but I do not dare to lift my head. I just feel so ashamed. I know I am so much stronger than this, but I just... don't have the energy.

"Ron..."

My eyes catch Draco's coat sprawled on the floor just outside of the cupboard.

"Um... we had a fight,"

Dad comes in next and closes the door, and spots the coat.

"What's this about a fight?"

I close my eyes, steeling my nerves before I drag myself away from Mum.

"Don't worry, I've got it," I take Draco's coat from his grasp, and holding it close. His woodsy scent is just as strong as it been last night when he first wrapped it around my shoulders.

My knees shake and my heart speeds up.

"Hermione?" Dad says firmly, as though through clenched teeth. "What happened to your face? Did he... " his face changed into something ugly and menacing, "Did this Ron person, hit you?"

Instantly I shake my head, "Oh God no Ron wouldn't dare-"

"Is that blood?!" Mum whimpered, taking a hold of my chin to inspect me closely.

"Mum..." I winced from her unexpected strength, I glance down to my hands, and see the dry blood on my fingers. Ron's blood from when I punched his nose.

"That's it! No man can hit my daughter and get away-"

I knock Mum's hand away, and reach over to stop Dad from leaving the house in a rage, "But Ron didn't hit me! It was I who hit him for insulting me!"

I then show them my hand, covered in blood, "See? The blood must've come off my hand when I touched my face"

"Oh Hermione, your hand..." Mum joins my side, "It's all bruised!"

"Better bruised than broken," Dad sighs, pushing Mum away, "Let me see it,"

He takes a hold of my hand. I wince and whimper from the sudden pressure.

"Here let me hang up this for-"

"No" I implored, rendering my mother still. "I uh... it's not mine. I borrowed it from a friend and should return it to him as soon as possible."

Not that I am lying I am just not giving out his name.

"Well not now you're not," Dad frowns, "It looks like you've sprained something, you should get this checked out,"

"Or I can just use my-"

"Now Hermione, you know how your Father feels about using magic for everything"

"It's not everything. Fixing an injured hand will mend in seconds"

"Perhaps," Dad said folding his arms, "but isn't this your wand hand? The only hand that will allow you to perform the spell?"

Grinding my teeth as he inspects the bruises further. It didn't start hurting until he starting touching it. I release a sigh of defeat, "Right. All right, I'll go to the Hospital. Just let me clean up first, and put this one ice..."

I make my way to our powder room, with Draco's coat in hand, to wash my face of the dried blood and even fixed up my hair before making my way to the kitchen for the ice pack. Once I returned to the foyer, I accidentally caught the tail-end of my parents conversation.

"I don't care what she says, Monica, that Ron character hit her and I won't stand by and let-"

"We've met Ron, Wendell dear. He was at her side all throughout her stay at the Hospital. He would never hurt her like that..."

"Oh no? Need I remind you, when she woke up, she... she'd been infatuated with that other boy! I know what jealousy can do to a man, Monica, and I won't stand by and let my daughter to fall victim to some low-life-"

"Wendell!"

I closed my eyes and brought Draco's coat closer to my nose.

"Don't give me that look, Monica, I know she still loves that boy... that... David something"

"Draco actually. And you're wrong. Hermione's Healer told us her feelings for him were only temporary."

"Bollocks! That Ron knows different or else he wouldn't have scratched her! And I swear when I get my hands on that monster-"

I clear my throat and shuffle my way toward them.

"Oh Hermione listen you-"

"Don't." I wave my hand at the two of them, "Just don't."

Really, there wasn't anything I could say to help the situation.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Mum wallop Dad right in the arm.

"Now Hermione, you know your Father means well-"

"Mum-" I say with a roll of my eyes. "And Dad, I told you already Ron didn't hit, scratch, or even bite me. Ron laid no hands on me whatsoever! And yet here you are, talking about me behind my back, thinking that I am some victim to an abusive relationship! I told you already Ron didn't physically hurt me!"

My hand's started to throb from mentioning Ron.

"Denial is the first sign to abusive relationships Hermione," Dad hollers, his fists tensing, "And I swear-"

"But Ron isn't abusing me!" My throat burns and the tears are now returning to my eyes. My gaze shifts over to Mum, "I was only crying because Ron called off the engagement!"

A broken sob passes my lips, "He... he wants absolutely nothing to do with me!"

Dad swallows hard, and Mum clasps her hand over her mouth.

"I told you, it was I who hit him" my voice has grown quieter now, I nervously run my tongue over my teeth, "Cause he... he insulted me..." I didn't wait for them to respond, "To be specific, he called me a... bitch and then a slag,"

My heart is racing now and I find myself holding on to Draco's coat even tighter. "Because I betrayed him in the worst way..."

Mum sucks in a breath, "You mean you told him... what you did?"

Dad turns to Mum, "What do you mean, what she did? What happened, Monica? What are you two keeping from me?"

I chew on my lip, telling my Dad about my infidelity is so much harder than when I told my Mother. I ease the ice bag off my knuckles, curling and stretching them to alleviate the lingering pressure.

Mum reaches over and squeezes my hand, "It's okay Hermione. It'll be... okay,"

Funny, she seems much more understanding then when I told her the first time.

"I..." my voice cracked with nerves, "I've cheated on Ron, Dad." I meet his gaze and willed my heart to stay put. To keep the rising bile at bay.

"I... I broke his trust and coincidentally, his heart."

Dad studies me for a moment and then the coat in my grasp, "The coat,"

Mum looks to over to me as well, and frowns, Dad walks over to me, "That coat was Ron's trigger wasn't it? It belongs to that... that... boy doesn't it?"

He looks over to Mum, "And here you said she was over him!"

"Wendell..."

"Tell me true, Hermione, whose coat is that?"

I really didn't want to divulge into that story, so I just skimmed it and gave them the ultra-abbreviated version.

"I left dinner because something came up, and then on my way over to the Apparition Point, that's when I bumped into Draco. He uh, wasn't busy and offered to walk me home, because it was so dark and it being downtown and everything. I uh, accidentally left my coat inside and well, he gave me his. By the time I was back here and settled, he already left before I could return it to him"

Gaining more confidence, albeit slightly, my lip is still trembling but I won't allow it to deter me from finishing.

"Today, Draco... came by to get it back, but before he could get it for him, Ron showed up."

The tears are streaming down, "He... he wanted to know why Draco was here, and... well... essentially he accused me of cheating on him, and well, I didn't want to lie to Ron. The guilt was eating me up as it is."

"So that Draco person is the one you... " Dad leaves the comment unsaid. Not that it makes me feel any better.

"I see," he runs a hand through his hair.

"Dad listen, it wasn't my intention to hurt Ron. I really-"

"I know, Hermione," He runs his hand over his face, "It's this... situation you've fallen into I... I hate it," and then leaves the room.

"Dad..."

Mum slips her hand to my back and begins to rub it gently. "Let him go, dear,"

My chest is starting to hurt, and more tears are falling, "He's... disappointed in me, isn't he? You know, for destroying my relationship with Ron, in the worst possible way. No Father wants a cheating daughter..."

"No one is blaming you Hermione, your Father said so himself, your situation is just... complicated. He's not mad at you specifically...just what you're going through. Just give it time to let it sink in"

I scoffed, settling my hand down on the ice bag, "I'm sure hearing your own daughter is some harlot is hardly something to just settle on..."

Mum sighs and then gives me a sideways hug, "Well I'll make him understand."

I doubt it.

"Do you want me to accompany you to the Hospital?"

"Mum..." I groan.

"I know I know you're twenty-four not ten, but I am your Mother and I always will worry about you, no matter what your age is. The sun is almost about set now so it will be dark soon,"

"Yes I know, but I... need to think."

I make my way over to the door, but Mum halts me before I turn the knob.

"Wait Hermione, before you leave, I owe you an apology."

"Whatever for?"

She turns me around to face her properly, "My reaction when you told me about cheating on Ron."

The words make me cringe, and I drop my gaze to the floor.

"Okay, I must admit I was a little taken aback when you told me about this. Saying that you've fallen out of love with Ron and really like this other boy, and I must say after these past few days, I could've handled it better. I should've been more understanding to your feelings for both boys and your situation. I had no right to lash out at you the way I did... and with that, I'm sorry Hermione."

She strokes my hair, "And I am sure, given in time, your father will feel that way too"

"I don't know about that Mum. Infidelity is such a nasty business and, well I wouldn't be surprised if Dad kicks me out-"

"Not on my watch, he won't!"

Mum kisses my temple again, "Your Father will come around, Hermione. We both love you dearly, through the good and the bad, don't ever doubt that, okay?"

I nod my response and she rubs my upper arm, "Now dinner will be ready in an hour or so," Mum adds, brushing some of my hair behind my ear, "Are you going to do the coat thing now or are you going to wait a few days?"

"Personally I don't think I can handle another confrontation. So I'll ask Harry if I can borrow Lola again."

"Well it is cool out so you should-"

"You're doing it again, Mum."

"Well I can't help it, you're my baby..." she goes over to the cupboard and hands me her coat. Which reminds me, I need to ask Lavender about mine.

I'm about four paces away from the Apparition Point when Draco pops right in front of me. Staring at me like a deer caught in headlights.

Well so much for seeing Harry...

I offer Draco his coat, "Here,"

At first he didn't move, rather his eyes went straight to my injured hand.

"What happened to your hand?"

How is he so bloody observant?

Shoving Draco's coat into his chest, I go to walk around him, but he blocks me. Great, it's just like how it was last night when I wanted to go back into the club.

"What happened... Hermione?" he says, pushing his coat to the side, and it flutters to the ground.

My hopeful heart leaps at hearing my name, and I find myself staring back into his eyes, "Punched Ron in the face,"

I'm surprised when Draco doesn't comment on Ron, rather, he remains focused on my injury, "Let me see it,"

He goes to reach for it, but I turn away from him, "It's fine, just a bit bruised."

Much like my heart.

Draco effortlessly turns me back to face him and carefully takes my hand within his. I shiver once again, they are so warm, but only because I've held it against the ice bag for a while.

"My parents... wanted me to get it checked at the Hospital, you know, being against magic solving all our problems and such..."

He withdraws his wand and points to my knuckles, "Well lucky for you, they're not here, Episkey,"

I jolt from the sudden warmth surrounding my knuckles and fingers, it feels like pins and needles as my bones mend themselves and the bruises fade.

"That's better, isn't it?"

"Thank you..."

His forest scent engulfs me and when his fingers graze against my cheek, my legs weaken.

"You... should go... can't stay here"

"I had to, Weasley..." Draco grits his teeth, "He's told Potter that you... you're no longer engaged. Specifically why you split"

Harry knows?

Panic rises within me. All these visions of him telling anyone and everyone who would listen. Driven by his anger and betrayal, painting me as the bad guy. My hand clasps on to my chest. Oh, I can see the mountains of Howlers now...

From Molly...

Ginny...

Even Harry...

Oh God... how am I going to get through this?

"No need to panic, ginger's only told Potter and only will tell Potter."

I snap my gaze back to him, stunned, "What do you know?" The panic is still evident in my voice, "Ron he's... he's hurt and feels so betrayed-"

"If that tosspot had any regard to your feelings he would keep his gob shut! Or else his arm wouldn't be the only thing I will break."

I closed my eyes and take a deep breath, "Draco..."

"I'm serious, what goes on with us is our business. I certainly don't want to deal with every fucking idiot in that sodding Ministry, over something that is quite obviously, not very easy to explain, just because ginger's pride is sore! And I told him as such,"

I'm once again, stunned by his words.

Told him? He's told Ron?

I swallow thickly, "You... you actually said that to him? To Ron?"

I must admit, I'm unclear of how I feel about it. Certainly not proud, but not exactly disgusted. Draco is and always has been... sneaky. Why he feels the need to get aggressive is beyond me.

"Did you threaten him?"

I hadn't meant for the question to come out as harsh as I did, but I was just so unhinged, I... I couldn't help it.

I catch his brow raising, his lips twitching to a teasing smirk, "As tempting that sounds, I did not. In fact, I didn't even throw a punch that time"

"So what, you just... you asked him to not tell anyone else...?"

Draco folds his arms, "Well, would you want to deal with all those nosy twats? Have a set back or something even worse? Trust me, nothing good would've come out of it, and you sure as fuck, don't deserve that"

I see the teasing smile playing on his lips, "You should've seen their faces..."

If I didn't know he loved me... I... would've definitely took his words into consideration... but I need to get to the bottom of this.

"You didn't answer my question. Did you threaten Ron in some way? Or Harry for that matter?"

He took a deep breath, exhaling harshly his fringe fluttered, "We took a Wand Oath actually"

At first, I didn't think I heard him properly.

"You... what?"

I... I'm extremely surprised at this. The Wand Oath works very close to the Unbreakable Vow, just not with such severe consequences. For Draco to do it with both Harry and Ron... well... wow.

"Well I didn't quite like the way he kept running his mouth. Same goes for Potter, so I took it upon me to have them swear not to mention it to anyone aside from you,"

Well that solves the issue of Ginny or Molly ever finding out...

Draco raises his hand to brush back my hair, "Now that almost turned ugly. But I was a good boy and restrained." and then Draco drags me in firmly against his chest. "Can't say the same for Weasley though"

"Draco..."

My heart is pounding even faster. His forest scent is just... so delicious, I can't... I don't want- I feel his arms tighten around me, his fingers igniting the electric jolts in my spine. My own arms belt around his waist. I'm trying so hard to keep a level head. Then he flinched.

"What happened?"

Draco shakes his head, "It's nothing,"

"No it's not... you... I've hit something."

Just then there was a loud screech. We both look up to the sky, seeing Lola swooping down to a nearby tree. But just ignored her, "Did Ron attack you again?" Slowly I ran my fingers over his ribs through his shirt, and he flinched again.

"I told you, it doesn't matter now."

Lola screeched again.

"Draco..."

"Answer it, I'll be alright. It's just a bit tender, so go on"

Reluctantly, I part from Draco's hold and I stroll over to the owl.

Gulping once and then twice, I brave a glance back to Draco. He's busy dusting off the dirt from his coat that fell to the ground.

Then I turn back to the letter.

It's from Harry.

Taking another deep breath of air, I opened the letter and used the nearby street lamp to read it.

Hermione,

I cannot tell you, how difficult it was for me to write this to you. I am not going to yell at you or anything to that extent, as it would be greatly unfair. Your situation is quite complicated. Your Healer stressed to us time and time again your feelings for... Malfoy would only be temporary, that they weren't strong enough to act on...how wrong he was. But again, I am not pointing any fingers.

I guess this tells you that Ron told me why you broke up and then Malfoy actually showed up. Ron... well you can only guess what happened next. Ron attacked him. For what he did to you and for... listening in. Then Malfoy had the gall to suggest a Wand Oath, and well, you know how I am keeping things from Ginny, but... he brought up a fair point. It came down to your needs and how you would feel and... gave in.

Draco's hand grips on my shoulder, but he is not close enough to read the letter. Just as well, Harry won't let up about him.

It's just... I hate Malfoy so bloody much. For what he did to Hogwarts, to us over the years at Hogwarts... which is rather shocking of how well he does here at the Ministry. If it were up to me I would've knocked him clear off his arse. Especially when it came to this Wand Oath, but well... I've already said my piece about that.

Ron... didn't like it anymore than I did, but again, for you, we did it.

I'll leave it up to you to tell Ginny the truth though.

Not that I ever plan on telling her the truth any time soon...

However, I am not going to let this destroy thirteen years of solid friendship because of that arse. It's neither right or fair. And so I strongly believe we all can over come this, Hermione. You are my best friend, and I intend to keep it that way no matter what, and I believe, given time, Ron will too. We all will reach an understanding and work something out, much like we always have in the past.

Trust and love and be rebuilt, Hermione. We all just need the will to try.

I am willing to try.

Harry

The tears are flowing down my eyes. I cannot believe how moved I felt from Harry's words. Well the end of the letter more so than the former.

Draco moves his hand and I nearly jump in my skin. I had completely forgot he was with me.

Lola squawks and ruffles her feathers, but doesn't leave the branch. Is she expecting an answer?

"He doesn't actually expect you to respond straight away does he?"

I fold the letter and pocket it.

"I'll do it when I get home. Speaking of which, I should go... my parents are probably mad with worry..."

"Hermione..."

My heart leaps. That is the second time he's called me by my first name. He takes a hold of my arm and curls a finger under my chin.

"Listen, I'm sorry," I shake my head to get away, my skin is still stinging, "I really should go,"

"Don't... don't push me away."

I don't think I ever could.

"Draco..."

"I'm serious Granger," he cups my cheek once again, "From what we've been through don't let this be the breaker..."

"I won't"

It's just going to take a long while to get back to normal... whatever that entails.

He smiles at me, "Good,"

And just like yesterday, he lifts up my newly mended hand and kisses the knuckles. Wincing slightly, Draco brushes his thumb against the tender flesh. "Anyway, I'm going to head out of country for a bit."

I feel my brows shoot up, "How come?"

He smiles, "Business... going to spread the word of my new potion,"

"You have another potion? What for?"

He shakes his head, "That love, is going to stay my secret"

He lifts my hand and kisses it again. "Good night Hermione,"

"Yeah... night"

He returns to the Apparition Point, "Look for my owl,"

And then disappears.

"Yeah... sure."

Two weeks later...
Saturday, May 1st

It's May now and spring is in full swing. For my day off from the store, I've decided to help Mum out in her garden, planting the new flowers she bought at the shop the other day.

It's been two weeks since Ron broke off our engagement, and only twelve days since I took it upon myself to collect all my things from his place to move into my own, purchased only seven days prior. Lavender and Seamus are excited for me, but Parvati... not so much. She didn't blame Ron for acting the way he did and said I deserved what I got. And further blamed me for her fights with Dean.

"She's just sour because she and Dean are having issues conceiving," Lavender would often say. Still... it hurt. At the time I wasn't even in love with Ron. I planned on breaking it off! But I suppose in their world, that is just as evil...

At least, with Dean things were a little easier to handle. He shared the same thoughts as Seamus: it's just a one night stand. An incident that happened in the heat of the moment, with no regrets.

Except no one knows that was the... second time I was with Draco. No one will ever know! They don't need to.

Even my Father.

Actually, it was only yesterday when Dad and I sat down and talked through our concerns, the same day I had my appointment with Theo. He gave me my congrats on finding a place so close to the Ministry for such a cheap price. Really, it's Harry who he should thank, he'd been the one to get me the deal in the first place. And he sympathized with what I went through with both Ron and Draco, but kept mum about the Wand Oath.

Things were still rather tense, with Harry but it's expected. Ginny... she did not understand nor get why Ron and I called it quits only after two months. She got mad at Ron for not trying hard enough, and at me for buying another place when I could've just moved back in with Ron. Harry then felt the need to explain Ginny's been more agitated now that her nausea has become a twenty-four hour occurrence, disrupting her sleeping patterns and eating habits.

Yikes.

And for the most part, he's not pressuring me to telling her the truth.

Yet.

But putting that aside, things are more or less, back to how it was. I just wished I heard from Draco... I am rather anxious to know what his potion was for... and he did say to keep watch for his owl. But it's been fourteen days and I'm starting to wonder... could something have happened to him?

"I say, is that sun ever warm," Mum says dusting off her hands, "I feel like some lemonade. Would you like some too, Hermione?"

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I reach over to plant the yellow tulips. "Yes, that would be lovely,"

After a few more plants and arrangements, a large Black Eagle owl swooped down right in front of me. Holding a pink rose in its beak.

Just like the first time he sent me an owl...

Draco...

Well that solves that problem!

I reached over, and opened it.

Dress fancy. Reservation is for eight. See you at seven-thirty.

Was all it said.

Does this mean what I think it means?

The owl blinked its orange eye several times before spreading its wings and taking off, dropping the rose into my lap in the process.

I can feel the smile pulling at the corner of my lips. This could only mean one thing.

His potion was a success.

And he's... asked me out on a date!

"What's that you have, Hermione?"

Jumping, I quickly shove the rose under my shirt.

"Oh... it's nothing important" I'm not comfortable in lying, but it's just too soon to tell them. I look over my shoulder, and help myself to the lemonade.

The rest of the day I've been on edge. I couldn't stop thinking about Draco's note and our date. He's actually set up a date. He's going to pick me up for the date!

I had no idea he even knew where I lived...

Theo must've told him. It's the only reasonable way for Draco to know!

I stand before my floor length mirror, inspecting myself for the evening. I've decided to go with a navy blue gown I've worn to Harry's New Year party two years ago.

There's a soft knock at my door and the butterflies in my stomach dance like crazy. It's exactly seven-thirty.

Nervous. I'm just so bloody nervous. My palms are sweaty, legs are weak, heart is pounding like mad.

Taking a deep breath, I somehow find my way to the door.

Opening it, my breath catches. He's... before me in all black, and sporting a winning smile, "You look... absolutely amazing," he greets, side stepping so I could leave.

I step out and locked my door.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see, soon enough..."

Draco and his bloody secrets!

He extends his hand to me. "Shall we?"

Once I take a hold of it, he Apparates us away, to... God knows where.

E/N: bad part to leave it at, I know, but... the next part belongs with what I have planned.

According to harrypotter wiki, Episkey is used for minor injuries as well as mending broken bones.