Chapter 13: Chapter 13

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Answers and Tricks

I looked long and hard at the ring. Tom's face became angelic with that look of utter rapture. I could see the love in his eyes. How many times had I dreamt of this moment? The only man I had ever truly loved was asking me to marry him. I could do it, marry him have his children, see them grow. It was all I ever longed for, at the reach of my hand.

I felt a flash to my right. Antoine was there with a magical camera, a broad smile on his mouth.

"This is a moment to treasure. You are perfect for each other and that ring is perfect for your small hand."

Saying this he disappeared.

I was baffled.

"Wasn't he seething a while ago? What's with his mood changes?"

I didn't hear a reply. Tom was still kneeling waiting for my answer.

My features softened, " Tom, you've always known I love you. If things were different I would've said yes."

I left the railing and sat in front of him. "Take a deep look into my eyes, this once I'll be honest with you. I would love to be your wife, but my answer is no."

A single tear escaped his eyes.

I expected anger, once more he proved me wrong.

"I knew you'd refuse. This will be the only time I ask you to marry me, Hermione. The day will come when you will beg me to accept you as my wife."

With a flick of his wand all the petals vanished. He's face was impassive.

I shuddered. That face meant only one thing, pain.

His gaze drifted to the forest.

"What else could I have expected from you?"

His comment angered me.

I rose to my full height and passed him by. I'd retrace my steps back to the mansion.

As I passed him he added. "Have you become Draco's whore?"

A searing pain ripped my heart.

"Says the man who enjoyed Bellatrix all those years we were in a relationship."

"So you heard about that. I did that because I love you."

I spun on my heel. My lip was quivering in rage.

"Please oh darling Tom, explain to me how that sentence makes sense."

"You do realize I am a man. I took Bellatrix as my lover because she was a twisted woman. I never wanted to harm you, I wanted to have you. But I could never force you. I loved and respected you too much. Every time I lay with her, you were out of harm's way. I don't want to think what I would've done had I not taken her."

I snorted, and grabbed his cheek.

"You are so sick, Tom," A bitter sweet smile appeared on my face.

"I don't want your pity, love. I guess you'll have to wonder for the rest of your life if you could've saved the Wizarding World from what is to come had you accepted my offer," his words were chilly.

I felt the sharp ebb of foreboding at his words, but smiled nonetheless.

"You are mistaken Tom. I won't wonder about could've beens, I tried to redeem you. Do you really think I didn't have more than one opportunity to kill you while you were still in Hogwarts? I had plenty of chances. A drop of poison on your juice would've sufficed, but I have tried to make you change. From the beginning I knew it was an impossible task, but proud as I was, I thought I could do it. My curiosity got the best of me; from there to love was a small step. That is why we stand here today. I am truly sorry I didn't kill you all those years ago."

His eyes were the eyes of a rabbit facing a lamp.

"Truth hurts doesn't it? I've got a question for you, had someone offered you a life with me, a single lifetime by my side at the cost of your immorality knowing what you do today, which one would you have preferred?"

His silence was answer enough.

Tears formed in my eyes, "All those times I refused to kill you or backed down of a plan I asked myself if I would sacrifice everyone I had ever known to have a lifetime with you. Since you are still breathing my answer is pretty obvious. That is the difference between you and me, Tom. I loved you above everything else. All those years I lied to myself, saying he will change; but deep down I knew you'd never change."

I left him there. He didn't follow me.

Upon returning to the house I found Antoine sitting all by himself in his library.

"Hermione, I'm sorry about earlier. That was uncalled for."

His eyes were alight in compassion for my tearful face.

"Don't worry. Let me tell you a secret. I also love him best."

I grabbed a book, any book and headed back towards the door.

His musical voice followed me, painted by a slight tremor.

"So you will marry him?"

"No, I won't."

He appeared in front of me, his voice ripped by guilt. "Will you kill him? If I were to sedate him this night, and if I allowed you to use your magic to kill him, would you do it?"

The look of utter desolation in his violet eyes, made me realize here stood the only being who truly understood me.

"No. I can't."

Neither one of us would lift our hands to kill him, even though we were both aware he was a monster who needed to be slaughtered. I hugged him, and sobbed.

After I was done, he gently pushed me away.

"Little one, I think you must rest. That book has a great chapter on the use of Ancient Runes to cure curse provoked madness. I bet you'll love it."

At his dismissal I made my way back to my room and instantly fell asleep.

I heard the noise of a door opening, in an instant I was awake and ready to cast.

"Who's there?"

The person came to stand just in front of my bed, where the moonlight caught his face. Even in his pj's Tom could make a greek god jealous. His dark hair and silver eyes contrasted in painful beauty with the black silk.

I had never thought about, but both Tom and Draco fancied the same sort of pj's. I smiled at the thought.

"What are you doing here? It's late and I have no desire for your company."

He sat at the edge of the bed.

"Antoine spoke with me."

So that wretched Veela had told him I wouldn't kill him, I guess deep down Tom had always know.

He stretched and grabbed my cheek. "Let's have this night, with no names, and no past, just you and me. This is the only way we'll be free. For there is no other way, no one needs to know. It'll be our secret."

Tears formed in my eyes.

"But what of tomorrow? For I will continue to fight."

He smirked.

"So will I, but this is our only chance. Let's have this one moment in time."

He kissed me and I allowed him to.

If fate was granting me one night with the man I loved, I'd take it.

He caressed my face, "You know I've always loved you? From the moment we met I felt the strongest attraction to you."

My eyes simmered.

We made love. He was tender and sweet. I had expected something quite different from him.

The next morning there was a knock on the door.

"Give me a second!"

As I rushed to put my clothes on, I saw a note on the bed stand.

"My dear girl,

I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me, but one does what one must. Last night I cast a conception spell. You are pregnant. I guess congratulations are in order.

Love,

Antoine."

I fell back on the bed. My insides felt as if they were pushed to the bottom of my stomach. I took long steady breaths. I couldn't think.

The banging on the door increased.

I sobbed.

The banging got stronger. Why was Tom not waking?

Then my world collapsed, for I heard a distinct call of "Hermione!" It was coming from outside of the door, and it was Tom's voice which was calling me.

I threw up.

I didn't have to look back to know Draco was sound asleep on the bed. Bet Antoine made sure he wouldn't wake till latter today.

He had set us up.

With trembling hands I opened the door.

This was for the best.

Tom looked at my cheeks full of tears. His eyes filled with concern.

He took a look into the room and I saw the saber of betrayal and anger pierce his gaze.

He apparated on the spot.

I fell to the floor in uncontrollable anguish.

I knew why Antoine had played us. By being pregnant I would have to defend my baby's life, Tom would be out for blood. I'd have to kill him. Tom might let me have a baby, but he'd never allow him or her to live after that.

Antoine was forcing my hand.

Hours later when my eyes would spill no more tears, Draco woke and helped me get to my feet.