Chapter 42 : We need to talk . . .

"Luna? Ah, what are you doing?" Teddy Lupin asked, as he walked up to the blond woman standing waist deep in the lake.

The rest were still having fun dunking each other and playing chicken, although Sirius and Remus were giving Fred and George a run for their money. Ron and Rupert, Dan and Harry, Tom and Draco were in their own little struggle against Emma and Hermione who were backed up by Ginny and Tonks. Neville had given it up, after he and Teddy had been dunked twice by Teddy's Mum. Neville was now acting as referee.

"Oh, just visiting with the squid," Luna replied, indicating the placid stretch of lake in front of her.

"Squid? Where?" Teddy tried to peer into the depths, but saw nothing unusual. "I don't see . . .YIKES!" he yelled, as a tentacle wrapped itself around his lower leg. He knew better than to try and pull away, but it was a creepy feeling, all those suckers working independently to explore and climb up from his ankle to his knee.

"She's quite friendly, you know," Luna said, as she reached into a pouch hanging from her shoulder, extracting a small fish. "Here you go, sweetie."

A huge black mass rose from the depths of the lake, as another tentacle daintily reached out and plucked the tidbit from Luna's hand. The limb bearing the snack disappeared under the surface, but returned, reaching toward the bag of goodies Luna had brought.

Smacking the waving tentacle, Luna wagged her finger at a bright eyeball that Teddy could see on the side of the squid's head ?. . body? whatever part of its anatomy was floating just below the surface. Luna had taken a second fish out and given it to the lake's resident 'monster'.

"I come and visit her as often as I can," Luna informed Teddy. "She gets a little lonesome, I think, since I graduated . . . I used to come and see her almost every day when I was a student here at Hogwarts."

"Well, when I come back in September, I promise to try and get down here and say hello, at least once a week," Teddy replied, sincerely.

"Oh, that would be lovely." Luna smiled at him. "But, don't spoil her . . . two maybe three fish, if they're small, each time. We can't have her getting fat, now can we?"

"Certainly not," replied Teddy, as seriously as he could manage, although he was grinning.

Luna gave the squid the third fish and then patted the cephalopod on its head and turned to walk to shore, tentacles patting her arms and back in farewell. Teddy received a pat on his arm as the other tentacle released his leg. He waved and then followed Luna to the lawn, where everyone was using 'Drying' spells and 'Transfiguring' their bathing suits back to street clothes and doing the same for the non-magical members of the crowd.

"That is the most peculiar sensation," declared Rupert. "One minute, I'm standing here in wet trunks and now that my clothes are back, I'm dry and ready to go. Bloody amazing!"

"Yeah, dead useful, especially when you're as clumsy as I am, always spilling stuff," laughed Tonks. "Also came in handy when Teddy was young, as he was always wet, muddy or both!"

"Mum! I was just an adventurous kid," exclaimed Teddy.

"Still are, come to that," Remus added, ruffling Teddy's hair which turned a bright pink, then flashed back to brown.

"Remus, it must be like living in a neon light factory around your house," Dan laughed.

"Neon light?" Ron asked. "Sounds like something we should keep secret from Dad."

"Merlin, yes," agreed Hermione, as everyone chuckled and nodded agreement.

"Well, boys and girls," Sirius stood on a tree stump to get everyone's attention. "As much fun as this was, it is getting late and if we want to be able to give you four a comprehensive tour tomorrow morning, we'd better head up to the dorm rooms and get some beauty sleep."

"Too late for you on that score, Padfoot," Remus remarked, to the laughter of all.

"I was speaking of all of the lovely ladies we have here with us, you realize, don't you?" Sirius growled at his best friend.

"What about a quick midnight snack while we're on the way," asked Rupert, with Ron nodding agreement and Hermione shaking her head in resignation to her husband's gastronomic tendencies.

"That's right," Draco smiled. "I'm supposed to lead our Miss Emma to the kitchens, but you all may as well come along and learn the way; just in case you wake in the night and feel a little peckish."

"Constant reality in the our home," mumbled Hermione, while Ron tried to look innocent.

Draco laughed, took Emma by the hand and started off in the direction of the front doors, as the rest fell in step behind them.

Emma stole a sideways look at Draco, and, because the others were chatting amongst themselves, took a swallow and spoke to the tall, blond man leading her up the lawn and across the bridge to the school.

"Draco?" Emma said in a low voice.

"Yes?"

"Umm, well, I don't know how to say this . . . except to just spit it out." Emma took a deep breath. "I saw your face, when Professor Trelawney was saying her Prophesy, which is why I tried to make light of it, about who in the movie might be my 'secret admirer'. But . . . . I know she meant you . . . ow!"

"Oh, sorry," gasped Draco, releasing the pressure on Emma's hand, which he had reflexively grasped harder as she spoke. "I . . .Emma . . . how . . . we . . . "

"I know . . . we need to talk . . . maybe we can find a corner of the common room, later." She looked up into his eyes, as they had reached the doors and the rest had caught up with them. She saw hope, terror, longing, stubborn pride and a twinkle that reminded her of Albus when he was being 'naughty'.

"It's a date," he leaned over and whispered in her ear, as he grasped the brass handle and tugged the tall wooden door open. Everyone filed through and headed for the stairs leading toward the Hufflepuff section of the lower floors, near which the kitchens were located.

They all stopped when they arrived at the huge painting of the bowl of fruit. Draco led Emma forward.

"Let's see if you have the touch, shall we?" he teased, pointing to the pear. "Give it a tickle."

"I don't think this is going to work, Draco, but okay . . ." Emma reached out and tickled the pear. There was silence for a second or two and then the pear shook and a small chuckle was heard, along with a 'click'. The picture frame swung open, revealing the entrance to the kitchens.

"Whoa! How did that happen?" Teddy gasped.

"I believe," ventured Hermione. "That whomever put the spell on this door never imagined a Muggle would be inside of Hogwarts, so just made the spell 'when the pear is tickled, the door will open'. They didn't specify Magical people only, just that the pear needed to be tickled."

"Oh, my!" a small voice was heard. They all turned to find Tykey standing there, a wide-eyed, surprised look on his face. "Can Tykey do something for Master Draco and his friends?"

"Actually, Tykey," Emma replied, kneeling down to be on Tykey's level. "I wanted to come and thank all of the House Elves for the delicious dinner we had this evening, but if it's too late, perhaps I could come back tomorrow."

"Oh, no, Missy Emma, we House Elves are up at all hours, some of us to do the cooking during the day and some of us to do the cleaning while everyone be sleeping. But right now, we is all here, so please, come in," Tykey asked, as he backed out of the way, bowing the whole group into the cavernous kitchens.

"Master Fred! Master George! Master Ron!"

Half of the Elves surrounded the three Weasley brothers, who had, obviously, been here quite often during their school days. There was a bit of a noisy period of hellos and introductions before Ron called for quiet.

"And true to our habit, it's midnight snack time! So, Tykey, my good elf, what do you all have on hand for us to nibble?"

Before five minutes had passed, everyone had put in their order and were assured that their choices of food and beverage would be waiting for them in the Gryffindor Common Room when they arrived. Waving good bye, the former students and their guests headed upstairs, laughing and pointing out various statues, classrooms and portraits on the way.

X X X

"This room never changes," Ginny grinned, as she led the others up the stairs and into her old dorm room.

"Oh, it looks just like our set . . . well, the boys set, we never had a scene in the girls dorm. Which bed was yours, Ginny? " Emma asked.

"This one," replied the former Quidditch player, as she launched herself onto the mattress, giggling as she bounced.

"I'll take this one as it corresponds to the position of my bed in my dorm room," Hermione said, swinging on the bed post.

"I'll take the one next to the window," Luna stated, as she walked over and gazed out. "The view up here is different than in the Ravenclaw rooms, higher and different direction; that makes a nice change."

"Which leaves these two." Tonks pointed to the remaining beds. "Take your pick, Emma."

"Ah, this one, I think," she replied, indicating the one closest to the door.

"Alright, now, how about I conjure up some pjs for everyone," Hermione pulled out her wand.

"Do you remember the ones Tonks wore at Grimmauld place?" Emma inquired.

"I do! I thought they were adorable!" Hermione smiled and with a whirl of her wand, Emma was standing there in jersey-knit Tigger sleepwear.

Looking down, Emma started laughing, then looked around at the others and gasped, "So help me, if I find out Tigger is real, when we go to see Hagrid tomorrow, they'll have to take me to hospital, I'll be laughing so hard."

X X X

Emma slid out from under the covers and headed for the door.

"Anything wrong, Emma? " Ginny asked, propping herself up on her elbow.

"Oh, Ginny! I didn't mean to wake you. I have to go to the loo." Emma whispered.

"Oh, okay. And you didn't wake me. It's a mother's subconscious reflex to noises in the night; pitter patter of little feet and my eyes pop open."

"I'll second that," mumbled Hermione, as she rolled over.

Emma smiled, waved and let herself out of the room, silently closing the door behind her.

X X X

As she walked slowly down the stone stairs Emma scanned the Gryffindor Common Room, trying to see if anyone was there. The only light was from the flickering flames in the huge stone fireplace. She reached the bottom step and then spotted him, sitting in an armchair angled toward the hearthside window. Emma realized she'd been holding her breath and when she let it out in a sigh, Draco heard the sound, turned his head and saw her.

He stood and walked over, stopping right in front of her. Draco took Emma's face in his hands, looking at her intensely, seemingly trying to memorize the moment and then slowly lowered his lips to hers, giving her a chance to draw back, if she didn't feel comfortable with his boldness.

Emma felt a chill run down her spine as Draco's hands gently cradled her cheeks. 'Oh my sweet Lord, we're really doing this!' she thought, as his lips touched hers. She hesitated for just a fraction of a second and then returned the pressure his lips were putting on hers. As the kiss lengthened and deepened, Emma's arms found their way around Draco's chest, as his followed suit, encircling her body, pulling her closer.

Finally, after Merlin only knows how long, they both came up for air, just holding each other, trying to catch their breath and slow their pulse rates. Draco recovered first and pulled back to look down into Emma's eyes.

"I hope I wasn't too . . . impulsive . . . just grabbing you and kissing you like that," he whispered.

"You did not grab me, Draco . . . and it was . . . well, I put my arms around you to keep my knees from giving out," she admitted, burying her head in his chest.

Reaching down, he lifted her chin, smiling. "I do have that effect on women."

"Draco!" She smacked his chest, but giggled. "Well, it wasn't as if I didn't know your reputation . . . I had been warned."

Draco suddenly looked stricken. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that you're just another . . . I didn't kiss you to . . . it's just . . . "

Emma put her finger on his lips to shut him up, even as she took his hand and led him over to the sofa. "Sit!" She pointed and Draco did as he was told. " 'Silencing spell', please, just in case someone heads for the loo."

Draco pulled out his wand and waved it in a circle over his head. "We can hear, but no-one can hear us."

"Good." She sat down, facing him, leg tucked under her. "We don't want anybody coming to my 'rescue' if we get into an argument."

"Argument? Why should we argue?" Draco asked, truly surprised at Emma's words.

" You might not like some of what I'm going to say, but we'll see. So, when you showed up at Dan's." Emma looked thoughtful and then shrugged. "Whenever that was, I've totally lost track of time." She waved her hand, dismissing that train of thought. "Anyway, you were this age, married, but still flirting with me, I surmised, as proof you'd changed. That was fine, because I had always liked you, as a character in the books and movies. Then, when I found out you were a real, live person, I was so glad your life had turned out the way it had."

"You liked me? The Slytherin jerk who tormented you so mercilessly?" Draco asked, with a lopsided smile.

"You never did anything to me, Draco; that was Hermione. She and you have come to terms with all of that old baggage and that's wonderful."

"But, you liked me? Even knowing what I was capable of doing? I was a Death Eater! I have done some really bad things."

"That was your past, not mine, because now you aren't the Draco I knew from the books . . . a fictional character. It was a small, but pleasant shock to realize you had changed, even though you were still Draco at heart, once a Slytherin . . . "

"Always a Slytherin." Draco smiled and nodded his head.

"But, I think you did, at one time, have a 'thing' for Hermione." Draco started to open his mouth to protest, but Emma held up her hand. "No, hear me out. You have to admit, you did, reluctantly, admire her brains and resourcefulness when faced with any challenge, either to herself or with Harry and Ron. But, your personal 'agenda', thanks to your family and Voldemort, put any kind of relationship with any Half-blood or Muggle-born out of the question. Most especially, Hermione. Even as a friend or study partner in the library . . . admit it, you were tempted many a time to ask her about something in your homework, or her opinion on some detail of a potion. You two had the top grades in the entire school the whole time you were students, didn't you?"

"Yes, we did. She's bloody brilliant, come to that . . . 'the smartest Witch of her age'," Draco agreed, turning his gaze to the fire. "I'll admit I did have mixed feelings about Hermione, at some point back then, but she belongs with Ron. That much I'm sure about, even if things had been different between us, she'd have gone with him, in the end . . . and that's okay." Draco smiled, turning to look at Emma, so she could see he was sincere.

"That's what I think, too. But, the first time, when you got the idea for using the 'Time Turners', you hadn't met me, so you really did all that research and work for a noble cause . . . very Gryffindor of you." Emma teased.

"No need to be insulting," growled Draco, trying to look menacing, but not doing a very good job, if Emma's giggle was any indication. Smiling, he shook his head.

"Well, the fact is, Draco, you're bloody brilliant, too, or we wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation. Don't sell yourself short . . . the Wizarding World got its second chance because of YOU! Even though most will never know how their lives were spared or changed for the better. That's something to be proud of, you know," added Emma, putting her hand over his. Draco lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, then lowered their hands to rest on his thigh, but didn't let go, just rubbing the back of Emma's with his thumb. "When the idea came to you of contacting us, you didn't do it because of me, but because you knew it was the right thing to do.

"My point, Draco, is this . . . . " Emma took a deep breath. "I could almost see the moment when you mentally transferred your attention from Hermione to me, back at Grimmauld Place, when we showed up and started all of this. I wasn't going to do anything to encourage you, as A) you were underage at the time and B) it wasn't the time or place. I didn't think it ever would be."

Draco looked stricken but remained silent.

Emma gazed into his eyes for a moment, before she continued. " I know this sounds strange, but I just know, in my heart, that you fell in love with me sixteen years ago, when you were, what, sixteen? That's half a lifetime ago, for you, Draco. However, it was just a couple of hours ago for me; I'm still processing my feelings about this whole situation."

"Oh, I see," Draco whispered.

"No . . . you don't. I am attracted to you, Draco, but every time I even entertain that thought, alarm bells go off in the back of my brain."

Draco turned and stared at Emma, startled. "I would never hurt you, Emma! You do know that, don't you?"

"Of course I realize that, Draco. I'm not talking about you, it's the whole Magical World that scares the hell out of me; it could be very dangerous for this Muggle. I'm almost relieved that I won't remember this whole adventure, but then . . . in the next breath, my heart is tearing apart because that also means I won't remember. . . you."

Emma watched the emotions flashing in Draco's eyes, those beautiful ice blue eyes, in whose depths she could feel herself getting lost. Draco reached over and bodily picked Emma up, spinning her around to settle her in his lap.

"I'm disappointed," Draco pouted.

"What? Why?" Emma asked, eyebrows arched.

"We didn't argue." Draco replied, frowning.

"And that's a bad thing . . .because?" Emma asked, puzzled.

"We can't kiss and make up," he explained, giving a big, dramatic sigh.

"Ah, I understand," Emma nodded, solemnly . Leaning close, she whispered in his ear, "Sod arguing, let's skip to the good bit," then nibbled on his ear lobe, as her arms went around his neck. Draco shivered, turned to look at her, pulling her close, their lips met.

Suddenly, Draco stiffened, pulled his head back and looked at Emma, her lips parted, face flushed, eyebrows raised in question.

"What?" she asked, totally confused.

"I can't . . . " he gasped, shaking his head.

Draco lifted Emma's legs off his lap and set her on the sofa, stood up and started to pace, back and forth, running his fingers through his hair. Emma watched him silently, waiting. He stopped, turned, came over to the sofa, knelt down in front of Emma and took her hands in his.

"I know you'll think I have lost my bloody mind, but . . . I can't do this . . . I can't go through with it . . . I've waited sixteen years for you and now . . . you're here, you're perfect . . . I wasn't making it all up in my mind, I wasn't dreaming, but . . . " Draco stumbled to a halt, shaking his head.

"Draco," Emma whispered, putting her hand on his cheek. "I know you've spent all those years thinking about me, rehearsing exactly what you'd say to me, hoping it all worked out the way you envisioned it. You did, didn't you?"

Draco nodded. "I'm afraid of doing something that would ruin our . . . this . . . we . . . oh, hell, Emma," he sputtered to a halt.

"I swear, you are part Gryffindor, Draco." Emma laughed when his head snapped up, first looking shocked, then slightly insulted. She leaned forward and kissed him on his nose. "You're too damn noble to try and seduce me, just to have closure to sixteen years of patience, hope, waiting, wondering and . . . .I'm assuming . . . desire . . . before I disappear from your life forever, aren't you?"

Stunned didn't begin to describe the look on Draco's face, as he silently nodded.

"I've wanted to hold you in my arms . . . and make love to you . . . not just have sex, but make love to you . . . and now . . . ," Draco swallowed and continued. " I can't do it! I can't just be the old Draco, who would sweet talk you into my bed, for my own pleasure. I . . . just . . . can't, Emma. I think it would spoil everything between us."

Silence descended. Emma's eyes were brimming with tears and she didn't trust herself to speak. Draco just knelt there, holding her hands, then he silently 'Accioed' a box of tissues from a nearby table, catching it expertly, his seeker skills kicking in nicely and offered it to her. She hiccupped, smiled and taking one, dried her eyes.

"I didn't mean to upset you, Emma," Draco whispered, dropping his head, sighing.

Emma reached out and lifted his chin, making him look at her. "Draco, I didn't mean to upset you, either . . . and I want to tell you I understand what it took for you to say all of this to me . . . and I appreciate it more than you know. . . I am a twenty-three year old virgin and proud of it . . .but." Draco looked startled and slightly apprehensive, until Emma finished. "If it helps . . . I think I am falling in love with you."

Draco gathered her into his arms and kissed her, then stood, pulled her to her feet, stepped around her, threw himself down on the couch and then motioned her to lay down beside him. Emma handed him two pillows to put under their heads and then settled down into Draco's embrace.

"I give you a 'Wizard's Oath', I will not try and seduce you or force you to have sexual relations with me against your will."

"Is that anything like 'Cross my heart and hope to die'?" Emma whispered, trying not to giggle.

"I believe that it is about the same, but my oath has very real, very dire consequences if I break it . . . you don't want to know," Draco replied, soberly.

"Oh, I see," Emma said, Then, frowning, she started to squirm and wiggle around.

"What in the . . ?" Draco looked down at her.

"Draco . . is that your wand jabbing my thigh or are you just glad to see me?" Emma asked, then started laughing hysterically as Draco, beet red, dug his wand out of the side pocket of his lounge pants and put it on the end table.

"Sorry," he mumbled, then gave in to the whole silly situation and roared with laughter.

Eventually they calmed down and got comfortable, Emma spooned against Draco's chest, his arm over her, protectively.

"We've got a big day tomorrow, so we should get some sleep," Draco reminded her, reaching for a quilt to have handy in case they got chilled.

"But, ah, shouldn't we go back to . . ." Emma started to say, innocently, pointing toward the stairs but ruined it by bursting into a fit of giggles, when Draco halfway sat up , looking down at her in utter amazement..

"You, young lady, are bloody well NOT leaving my arms tonight!" he huffed, shaking his head, then smiling.

"I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be," she whispered.

"Emma," Draco gave her a quick kiss. "My love." But before she could answer, he lowered his lips to hers and all he heard was her sigh of contentment.

X X X

Draco lay there for quite a while, thinking, after Emma's breathing slowed and she drifted off to sleep. He had been sexually active since his teens; it was expected of Death Eaters to go on 'hunting trips', where they caught and raped Muggles, then wiped their memories so that they hardly realized anything had happened. At least he had always made sure the victims' of the group he was with had their memories altered . . .some Death Eaters didn't bother or just killed their 'prey' for the fun of it.

Draco shuddered at the guilty memory of how he felt the first time, overpowering the girl and then, with other Death Eaters cheering him on, raped her. He'd managed to avoid most of those 'trips', being at school; the whole thing sickened him.

He'd had girls at school, too. Willing and eager, loving that they'd be able to boast that Draco had been the one to 'take them'. Pansy was especially willing to go to bed with him, any time, any place. That lost its appeal, too. Especially after Tom, Emma, Dan and Rupert had shown up. He'd found a way for his world to have a 'do-over' and he became very adept at avoiding the 'hunting trips' during his second trip through the war with Voldemort. He had a reason, a hope for his future that sustained him.

It had been the thought of Emma that had drastically changed his mind set; the hope, however faint, that when those four re-appeared in his future, that she'd return his feelings. And it had happened! He looked down at the woman lying in his arms and watched as a smile formed on her lips. She was dreaming, her hands twitched and then she muttered something and smiled again.

"I love you, Emma, my darling," Draco whispered in her ear.

"Emmm . . . Draco," was the soft reply, followed by her snuggling closer to him.

Draco felt a tear slide down his cheek; the hardest thing he would ever have to do was happening in less than a day . . . letting this beautiful, wonderful love of his life be taken out of his life, by his own Magical device. But it had to be, there was no way for her to retain her memories of him, or the Magical World; it would be too complicated and possibly dangerous for her. He couldn't risk it . . .Emma had to go back to Saturday morning, never knowing he was alive and in love with her . . . and that she loved him.

Or was there? Draco's brows were furrowed, he was thinking furiously, then his famous smirk appeared. He looked at Emma and smiled, then as he relaxed into the soft cushions, he closed his eyes and joined her in a deep restful sleep.

X

There is an alternate ending to this last scene with Draco and Emma, it's my one shot called "Do you trust me?" It's the x-rated version, for those would were disappointed the Draco wasn't his usual self - and that Emma wasn't willing to 'have a little fun'. Enjoy

By the way, it doesn't change the outcomes of the story, just gives their later scenes more depth, if you'll part the double meaning there. HE!HE!HE!