CHAPTER 19
He gripped her hands tighter as he shook her, "Why won't you listen! Just walk away Hermione!" his voice sharp and cold. Hermione felt her skin crawl as his fingers dug into her skin. She felt the cold of the fridge against her back.
"Let go!" she cried trying to pry her hands away. "You're hurting me!" she cried out. Hermione looked up, hoping to see who had such a strong hold on her. Yet with the evening sun streaming in through the curtains, his face was nothing more than a blur.
"This isn't how it ends for us Hermione," he forced on ignoring her complaints, "You're mine. Always and only mine." His voice sounded familiar, but as he spoke to her now, laced with a vicious snarl; Hermione had no hopes of recognising it.
"Let me go!" Hermione cried pushing the stranger off her. There was shuffling and then she felt a sharp pain along her right hand. As she brought her now injured hand up to inspect, the scene around her dissolved and she was no longer in the kitchen. The lounge was eerily quiet and for a moment Hermione was able to breathe easily in believing the attacker had gone. The sun too had disappeared, and the lounge was plunged into darkness. Despite being alone, Hermione felt the need to leave the apartment. She moved towards the fireplace, but before she could get far enough to grab a handful of floo powder, a dark shadow emerged behind her.
The figure reached out and with cold fingers grabbed her hand. "You can't leave Hermione," he spoke calmly yet nothing about his voice soothed her, "You can't leave me. I love you… please understand that."
There was a yearning in his voice, to be understood. But a powerful fear ran through her body and it overwhelmed her senses. She heard herself whisper "I'm sorry" before turning her back to the stranger. Her vision blurred and the images in front of her jumped and then she felt herself collide with the table. She felt the blood trickle down the side of her face, wet and cold. Looking up, Hermione saw the strangers face bending down to hers. Blurred by her woozy head and the pain, his features melted together and Hermione could barely recognize him. He was speaking again, softly this time.
"Oh god… what have I done?" he said panicked, "Mione I'm so sorry… this is all my fault." He reached behind him for a moment before bringing his wand to the light. "No one can know I was here. I'm so sorry Mione. I promise you're going to get help… but you can't know I was here."
"No! please," Hermione begged as the darkness slowly took over, "Don't do it… plea –" she fell silent as the spell left his lips, his face looming over hers. Hermione tried not to let herself succumb to the darkness but it dulled the pain. She felt herself falling into it and tried desperately to reach out and pull herself out, but as she fell deeper, the less it hurt…
She gasped in shock as she felt herself being jolted from her nightmare. Her breathing was erratic as her eyes frantically searched the room trying to find her orientation again. She shivered as the morning chill washed over her bare arms. But before she could seek out the warm blanket, it was being draped over her and a strong arm was pulling her close. Looking up, she saw Draco looking down at her with concern.
"You okay?" he asked softy. Hermione didn't trust her voice so she simply nodded and lay her head on his chest. "Hermione you can tell me…" Draco said tentatively.
She fidgeted with his shirt for a long while before speaking, "It was just a dream."
"What did you dream about?" but again Hermione didn't reply. "Was it about what happened to you?' Draco prompted.
She nodded slowly and was surprised when she felt her eyes tighten at the need to cry. Pushing her tears away she said, "It was like I knew him Draco. He felt so familiar but so different at the same time." despite her best efforts, Hermione couldn't stop the onslaught of tears, "It's all so confusing, at first he told me to walk away from something… I can't remember what." as she spoke Draco gently ran his fingers through her hair, "But then he said that… that I was his and only his." Draco frowned and his arms tightened around her as she said this. "Then he reached out for me and I think I fell… and hit my head on the table."
"Did you see his face?" Draco asked with small hope.
"No it was all so blurry. I don't remember anything about him." Hermione replied in a small voice. "Why would someone do this to me?" she asked hopelessly.
Draco pressed a kiss to her forehead as he held her firmly and soothed her worries. "It's going to be okay. I promise."
"How can you promise that? Draco I don't even remember who attacked me!" Draco scowled at this. While the thought of Hermione being rough handled angered Draco beyond the point of reason, it was the words that Hermione had just repeated to him that truly scared Draco. He saw through the chaos of it all to formulate a reasonable suspect. Though that alone made Draco nervous, as he wasn't sure Hermione would accept or appreciate his suspicions very much.
"It doesn't matter right now. All that is important is that you're okay." He said attempting to push her worries away.
"Draco he said that I was always going to be his. What if – "
"I don't care what he said," Draco replied firmly, "He's not going to be able to even look at you. You're safe now. I promise you that." He said emphasising the last part. Seeing Hermione so panicked, Draco decided then that he would save his suspicions for when she was feeling a little stronger. Hermione calmed down at Draco's reassuring words. She believed him now much like she did last night. He was here and she knew there was no safer place she could be. She nodded slowly to show Draco that she understood and was considerably calmer now.
Looking over her shoulder to the other end of the bed, she saw something that vanquished all her fears and worries. A smile crept in as she noticed that Scorpius was sprawled out over much of the other half of the bed. In fact Draco and Hermione had been confined to just a small portion of the bed that had been big enough for the both of them, while the little blonde was dreaming happily across the soft sheets. Following her line of sight Draco too smiled and leaned in closer.
"How is it that such a little body gets that much space on the bed?" Draco said softly in her ear glad to see her smiling again.
Hermione chuckled softly as she reached out and pushed away a few blonde locks from Scorpius' face. Draco leaned over Hermione's body and gently tickled Scorpius on his tummy. Hermione laughed softly but batted his hand away, "Draco! Don't wake him up." She scolded.
"Oh come on Hermione," he said lightly, "You know you want me to wake him up so you can actually spend time with him." he said with a knowing smirk. "He missed you so much you know." he added, his lips brushing over her shoulder. She shivered at his actions as a blush crept on her at his comments but didn't deny him any further. Instead she shifted slightly so that Draco could better reach his son. Scorpius wriggled slightly at his father's interference but didn't wake immediately.
"I see he's just as stubborn as you are," Hermione commented quietly after a few minutes of Draco's unsuccessful attempts.
"It's a Malfoy thing I'm afraid." Draco said smirking. His intentions towards his son were momentarily forgotten as he looked into Hermione's eyes. In their current position, Draco's body was practically covering Hermione's as his one hand lay still on Scorpius' tummy. The other supported himself so he didn't end up crushing the witch beneath him. Hermione took this opportunity to look at him carefully. Reaching up she ran her fingers along his cheek and jaw. He was in need of a shave, as she felt the slight stubble beginning to form on his aristocratic features. His hair was even further in its stage of dishevelment; his eyes though showed her just how tired and worn out he felt. Her bandaged hand gently moved his hair away from his face as he moved his hand away from Scorpius towards her face. He looked at her with an expression Hermione just couldn't seem to read.
"What is it?" she asked worriedly.
"Nothing," he murmured, "Just glad that you're here."
She smiled, and as he leaned in closer to her, ready to claim her lips, they felt movement on the bed. Both froze and looked to the small figure on the bed. Scorpius squirmed slightly before his eyes flew open. Draco swore under his breath as he ducked his head into the crook of Hermione's neck before rolling off her. Hermione laughed and smiled brightly at the little boy as he blinked and found his bearings.
"Mione," he said sleepily, "You're awake."
"Of course I am. Didn't I tell you that I was all better?" she said smiling. Scorpius pushed the covers off him and crawled towards them. Wasting no time Hermione pushed herself up on the pillows before taking Scorpius in her hold. Once in her lap, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Draco lay on the pillows beside them, smiling up at the pair as he twirled a lock of Hermione's hair around his fingers. Scorpius looked intently at Hermione for a moment as if gathering the courage to ask her something.
"Is something wrong sweetheart?" she asked noticing his suddenly serious demeanour.
Scorpius looked between Hermione and his father before leaning down towards his father. He held his tiny fingers around his mouth as he whispered something into Draco's ear. Draco frowned for a moment listening to his son before he smiled and nodded his head slowly. Scorpius looked at his father with earnest eyes, "Only if you want to son." Was all Draco said.
Hermione couldn't help the puzzled look she gave Scorpius when he righted himself in her lap again. But she avoided questioning him any further as he kept his head bowed. Her fingers instinctively went to his face and flicked the hair away before gently lifting his tiny face so she could see his grey eyes. "Sweetheart?" she questioned.
"Mione," he started slowly, "Would it be okay if… if I called you mum now?" Scorpius asked with all the innocence he could muster.
Hermione stilled her hands that were running through his hair. Despite him calling her mum last night, his question still shocked her. It was almost like Scorpius was asking her to make it official to them. By asking this small thing of her, Scorpius was unintentionally telling Hermione that he loved her and now wanted her to officially become a part of their family.
"Are you sure you want to do that sweetheart?" she asked looking only at him. Perhaps he didn't fully understand what he was asking.
He nodded furiously, "Yes. I love you and if I call you mum… then maybe you won't leave us. Please."
Hermione felt tears well up in hers at his small request. She knew that she had already loved Scorpius like he was her own. This was just one small step to further cementing that. "Oh sweetheart, I would love nothing more than for you to call me mum." She said bringing him closer and hugging him close to her. "You're okay with this?' she asked Draco over Scorpius' shoulder. He had pushed himself up and was now leaning against the pillows looking at them contently.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." He replied honestly and this time without hesitation claimed her lips.
"Eeeewww daddy!" Scorpius cried covering his eyes with his hands. Both Hermione and Draco laughed as they broke apart. Hermione tickled Scorpius before placing a quick kiss on his forehead. He responded by reaching forward and wiping away her tears. "Can we have waffles for breakfast mum?" he asked smiling broadly as he addressed Hermione by her new title.
"I think that sounds like a good plan!" she replied as her stomach grumbled slightly.
Draco laughed, "Why don't you go wash up and help Ippy with that and we'll join you just now."
"Okay," he said smiling before shifting on the blankets in an attempt to get off the bed. Worried for Hermione's still healing body, Draco picked him with up with practiced ease and placed him gently on the ground. He all but ran out of the room as Draco pulled Hermione to him. He folded his arms around her waist as he pulled her flat against his chest.
"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Hermione asked again.
Draco placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder before he spoke, "Do you think I would have said yes if I wasn't?" Hermione considered his answer knowing it to be true. This was a matter that concerned his son after all. And nothing Draco ever did in regards to Scorpius was done lightly. "Come on, let's get you some food." He said a moment later.
"I actually want to shower first if that's okay." Hermione said. She felt grubby and grimy. There was a distant smell of medicinal ointment and disinfectant that Hermione yearned to get rid of. She had no idea how Draco had managed to ignore it.
"Of course," he said. They reluctantly removed themselves from the warm bed. Draco showed Hermione the bathroom and told her that he'd leave a set of clean clothes on the bed for her. He placed a chaste kiss on her lips before leaving her alone in his bathroom.
Alone for the first time since waking up from the incident; Hermione took her time in the bathroom. She removed the clothes she was in and stood facing the mirror in nothing but her underwear. The bandage looked out of place as did the tail end of the plaster on her neck. Turning slightly she picked her tangled hair up and saw that it extended further down than she initially imagined. She looked at the 'mudblood' scar on her arm, which looked even bolder against the odd pale of her skin. Before memories of that night could resurface, Hermione jumped into the shower with no hesitation. The hot water felt like heaven as it gently washed away the grimy feeling. Luna had cleverly placed a charm on the bandage and plaster so she didn't have to worry about them getting wet. Instead she allowed herself to be relieved by the water. She scrubbed at her skin vigorously, as if she could wash away the fact that the attack ever took place. Hermione only stopped when she realised how red her skin had become under all the scrubbing. Standing underneath the shower, Hermione allowed her guard to drop momentarily as the events of the past two days hit her. The attack on her; Draco and Scorpius finding her; getting Luna to save her; and then Scorpius, sweet little Scorpius asking for something she didn't realise she had always wanted.
Once she had scrubbed herself clean, and managed to untangle and wash her hair, she stepped out of the shower, wrapping a fluffy towel around her now pristine but slightly red body. As promised Draco had left clean clothes on the now tidy bed. She blushed as she noticed that someone had left her some clean underwear as well; probably Pansy judging by the amount of lace on the knickers. Despite this Hermione made a note to thank her later and gingerly put them on. To her surprise they were oddly comfortable. She managed to find her wand to shrink the sweatpants that had been left for her. Once the pants were comfortably on, she pulled on the t-shirt. It was Draco's old Quidditch shirt with 'Malfoy' and the number 7 printed boldly on the back. Though Hermione didn't seem to notice that as she was too busy trying to make her hair more presentable. Using her wand to dry her hair, she wasted little time in heading down to the kitchen to join everyone else.
"So are you going to tell her about Potter's visit?" Blaise asked nervously. "He's going to come back Draco."
"I know," Draco sighed running his hand through his hair. "We'll tell her after breakfast." He offered. Blaise nodded and was about to turn and leave when Draco stopped him, "Thanks… you know for yesterday and well… everything I guess." He said realising the extent of things Blaise had done for him went beyond any gratitude he could express. Luckily his friend seemed to understand well enough.
"You're welcome mate," Blaise laughed. "Anything for family right?" and then looking at Draco closely he continued, "Speaking of family, when are you going to make it official and make Hermione a part of this little family?"
Draco couldn't help the laugh that escaped him. "Actually Scorpius beat me to it." Though his vague answer only prompted more questions from Blaise. As they sat in the kitchen, both with coffees in hand, Draco explained to Blaise all about Scorpius asking Hermione if he could call her mum.
"He actually asked her that?" Blaise asked shocked. Draco nodded with a big grin, "Bloody hell that's one smart kid." Draco laughed in agreement. "So what are we going to do about this attacker?" Blaise asked a moment later.
"I told Hermione that it's nothing to worry about at this time." Draco answered.
"But that's not what you're thinking," Blaise stated knowing his friend all too well.
"Of course not," Draco said with all seriousness. "I intend to find out who did this and why, but I can't have Hermione all caught up in this. She's already far too upset by all this." Draco looked like he was considering something for a moment before he told Blaise, "She… uh she had a dream about the attack."
"Did she remember who attacked her?" Blaise asked though he knew the answer already.
"No, she doesn't. She said it was all too blurry to remember who attacked her."
"But there's more," Blaise said sensing Draco's unspoken words.
"She said he felt familiar, and that he told her she was his and only his." As the words left his mouth, Draco felt his heart tighten uncomfortably.
"Bloody hell," Blaise said barely able to contain his shocked expression. "So it wasn't Astoria?" he asked tentatively a moment later.
Draco sighed heavily, "I don't know. But it doesn't seem like it."
Blaise looked carefully at his friend, "But you have other suspicions." He stated plainly.
Draco nodded slowly, as if the burden of such suspicions were too much for him to bear. "Hermione said that he told her that she would always be his. That sounds a lot like someone who once maybe loved her." He explained slowly, "Someone that once had a relationship with her."
Blaise's eyes widened in understanding at what Draco was implying, "Weasley," he muttered. Draco solemnly nodded, "Bloody hell Draco, that's a… that's a serious accusation."
"I know!" he said exasperated, "But it makes sense. They did break up and he's got quite a temper. And he would be furious if he found out about Hermione and I."
"But he's also her best friend and one third of the bloody Golden Trio!" Blaise argued.
"I know Blaise," Draco sighed running both his hands through his hair, "But… what if he did?" Draco challenged.
Blaise remained quiet as he accepted the challenge for a moment. Then another thought occurred to him, "You haven't told Hermione about this have you?" Draco shook his head as he avoided eye contact with his best friend. "She's not going to accept this."
"I know." He said, "Which is why I'm not going to tell her just yet."
"So now what?" Blaise asked with all seriousness as he tried to plan for the next step. Draco shrugged unsure what to do next. "Well Hermione's going to need a place to stay for the time being." Blaise said, "If this wasn't Astoria… and it is who you think it might be then she could be in even more danger than before. She can't stay alone."
"I know," Draco said, "I just don't think she's going to like that."
"No mate, Hermione is going to bloody hate it." Blaise countered.
"What am I going to hate?" she asked walking into the kitchen. Hermione walked around to the counter and poured herself some coffee. Draco forgot about all the current chaos around them as he saw her. As she turned her back, he smiled into his coffee while Blaise all but chocked at the sight of Hermione in a Slytherin shirt with 'MALFOY' stamped across the back.
"You okay Blaise?" Hermione asked setting her coffee down on the counter.
He stuttered for a moment before trying to regain some dignity back. "Yeah… I'm uh great." He said clearing his throat, "how are you feeling?"
"Much better," she said with a smile. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Hhmm? Oh yes! I'm fine," he answered waving her worries away. "Just trying to get used to you in Slytherin colours I guess. Not to mention in a Malfoy shirt no-less" he said the last part under his breath but Hermione heard it nonetheless. She laughed at this before giving him a smirk of her own. "Bloody hell." He said again before picking up his coffee, 'I'm going to go call Scorpius down for breakfast," he said and walked out of the kitchen.
"You enjoy this game of 'tease-and-torture-Blaise' way too much." Hermione said leaning on the counter.
"He's a good sport," Draco said laughing, "Come on." He reached across and took her hand leading her to the table. But before they could leave the kitchen Hermione tugged at his hand, pulling him back. He turned back and looked at her with worry in his silver eyes.
"What is it? Are you in pain?" he asked quickly, "I knew you shouldn't be walking around. Why don't you go back up and I'll call Ippy to bring you breakfa –" he was cut off in his nervous ramble as Hermione tugged the front of his shirt and gently pulled him down to her; as her lips stole the words from his.
There was no delay in his reaction as Draco's arms instinctively wrapped themselves around the petite witch in front of him, drawing her as close to him as possible. His hands wandered over her body as one sneaked up into her mass of curls, the other tugged at her hips gently. Draco felt the rough of her bandage on his face as her hands found his hair. It jerked him to his senses and he tried to pull away but Hermione wasn't having any of that. She tugged harder on his hair and he unwillingly moaned against her soft lips. Hermione smiled against his lips and tugged again at his hair, knowing it drove Draco crazy.
Proving this point, he used both hands to cup her face delicately, his lips running amok over her senses. He dragged his lips away from hers and moved them to her jaw and then down her neck. His lips left a hot trail down her neck and when he reached the tail of the plaster on her neck he paused and then kissed that too. Reluctantly he pulled his lips away from her body and his now molten silver eyes flicked up to meet her rich chocolate ones. They stood in silence for a long time, as Draco pushed the hair away from her face, and Hermione saw that unreadable expression in his eyes again. Before she could question him, he kissed her again, more softly this time. She smiled as he pulled away and brought her bandaged hand to rest against his cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked gently, "Not that I mind at all…"
She chuckled, "For saving my life." she simply said. "Draco," she said softly after a moment, "What is it that I'm going to hate?"
He furrowed his brows slightly at her question hoping that she had forgotten. "It's nothing Hermione… really."
"Draco, please." She begged softly. And in that moment he couldn't deny her anything.
He groaned knowing how much Hermione would hate what she was begging him to share. He didn't want to be right about this but he couldn't ignore the fact that he might be. Especially considering it was a matter of Hermione's safety. Running a hand through his hair again he sighed with downcast eyes as he asked, "Hermione what did the attacker say to you?"
She frowned at this reluctantly drawing back to those memories, "That I should walk away and that I was his… and his only." She answered slowly.
"Can you think of anyone who would want you all to himself?" Draco asked hesitantly. He didn't want to come right out and suggest that her best friend might have attacked her and left her to die in a pool of her own blood. Hermione shook her head sharply and then winced as pain shot through her. Instinctively Draco reached out and cradled her face in his hand, his thumbs running over her cheeks delicately. "Think Hermione," he begged of her softly.
"No Draco… I already told you that I don't know who would –"
"What about someone who… who had loved you?" he asked tentatively hoping Hermione would catch his train of thought, "Someone that perhaps believed that you belonged to him and him alone. And that perhaps… wouldn't be so happy about us?"
He watched her with careful eyes and she finally came to realise what he meant, "NO! Draco how could you think it would be… No! Not Ron!" she cried aghast. I can't believe you would think Ron would do this to me!"
"Hermione!" he called gently taking her hands, "I don't want it to be Weasley… but you have to consider it's a possibility." He tried to explain. "He hates the thought of you helping Scorpius just as much as he would hate the thought of us being together."
"But he's my best friend Draco," she said slowly. "Ron would never hurt me in that way. He may have a temper and an incredible dislike for your family I agree, but Ron is not so heartless to do something like this."
"Hermione, please just think about this rationally," Draco said trying to soothe her anger. "I'm not saying that Weasley is definitely behind this… all I'm asking is that you consider it as a possibility."
"I will do no such thing Draco!" she said firmly, "Ron is my friend and he deserves better than you accusations!" Draco scowled at this and opened his mouth to retaliate but Hermione spoke over him, "Draco think about what you're asking of me," she said gently knowing she had angered him. "Please… Ron won't do such a thing. I know him. Imagine if I suggested such a thing of Blaise."
"He would never harm you!"
"Exactly! And neither would Ron."
"Fine," Draco conceded after a moment. Hermione eyed him suspiciously, "He's your friend and if you believe that he's innocent then I won't say anything further to you on the matter."
Taking a breath to calm herself again, she allowed Draco to take her hand in his. Bringing the bandaged hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers gently before leading them out of the kitchen and towards the table. Blaise and Scorpius were already seated. Hermione wasn't surprised to see Narcissa or Pansy at the table either.
"Morning Hermione," Narcissa greeted warmly, "How are you feeling? Is it wise for you to be walking around dear?"
"Good morning Narcissa," Hermione said with a small smile, "I'm feeling much better thanks. Don't worry, a little walking around is not going to do any harm."
"Good, because I don't think Draco or Scorpius would be able to handle it if anything else happened to you," Pansy said though Hermione could hear the laughter in her voice.
"I'll keep that in mind," she replied now laughing. Once everyone was seated, Ippy snapped her fingers and the table was instantly covered in food. Plates of waffles, eggs, sausages, coffee and pumpkin juice lay before them. Chatter at the table was kept light for the most part and no mention of Draco's suspicions arose much to the relief of Hermione. It was at the end that Hermione brought up the one subject Draco had been hoping to avoid. "Draco," she said softly, "I need to go back home."
Draco froze hoping he'd heard wrong. "I can't hide here forever."
"It's hardly been forever Hermione," Draco argued. "At least heal properly first. It's only been a few days." The thought of Hermione alone in the apartment made Draco more nervous than he had ever been. There was no way to be sure she would be safe by herself, especially if her attacker was who he suspected it to be. But he wasn't going to tell Hermione that again. She didn't take too kindly the first time he had suggested it was Weasley. He didn't want to anger her any further but he wasn't prepared to take the chance and leave her unprotected again. The urge to protect his family overrode all logic and had now set Draco on a slightly different path. He knew that she would not easily accept that he suspected Weasley of the attack but that didn't mean he was prepared for her to leave his sight just yet… just like Blaise had prophesized earlier.
"Draco, I need clothes," she said simply. "I need to check on Padma at the hospital… and well sort out the mess at home."
"But that can wait Hermione," he replied looking at her with an anxious glance. "It's not wise to be alone right now. We can arrange for someone to get your clothes for you but I won't let you go back to staying alone in that apartment."
Hermione looked aghast, "Won't let me?!" she narrowed her eyes at him, "Draco Malfoy I don't need your permission! I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"No you don't need my permission. But you don't really expect me to just accept this do you?" he questioned crossly. The chatter at the table had died down as the quarrel between the two drew the attention of everyone else.
"Yes I do. I'm not some defenceless damsel in distress Draco." She said sharply. "I admit the attack caught me off guard, but from now on I will be more aware and better prepared. Next time they won't ge –"
"Next time?!" Draco almost yelled, "Why in Merlin's name would I let there be a 'next time'?"
"Ohh I didn't mean it like that… ugh forget it, that's not the point." She said frustrated. A slight throbbing had developed around the bandage on her neck, but she ignored it as Draco responded.
"No please enlighten me Hermione, what is the point?" he asked mockingly, "What exactly is the point of you doing something as reckless and stupid as this? You know it's not safe Hermione, why would you think this is a good idea?"
"What am I suppose to do Draco?" she asked frustrated ignoring his condescending tone, "I can't just sit here all day now can I? I have a job I need to get back to… and friends that will want to know where I've been." At the mention of friends, Draco and Blaise shifted uncomfortably but Hermione didn't seem to notice, "I'm not running away from you Draco." She said softly trying to gauge what the real issue was. The pain was becoming more prominent for Hermione but she knew if she said anything Draco would disregard their argument and insist she go rest.
"Hermione, I'm not worried about you running from me. I am worried about what happens to you when you leave this house." He said firmly.
"So what? You're going to find a tower and lock me up there for safe keeping?" she asked sarcastically. "Draco this isn't like you… you're not making any sense! First you think Ron was behind the attack and now you won't let me leave. Blaise please tell him he's being ridiculous." Hermione said looking to the Italian for help. Blaise looked helpless as he was caught between the death glare of his best friend and the pleading looks from Hermione.
"I really don't think my opinion counts for much between the two of you. This is something you need to agree on… together." He said apprehensively.
Hermione rolled her eyes at his far too diplomatic answer, "Draco this is ridiculous! I don't understand why you're making a big deal about this. I'm perfectly fine now and I –"
"How can you not understand? Hermione you don't remember who attacked you, not to mention why" he said and with great effort he managed to hold back a wince as he used those two facts to his advantage. He didn't want to remind Hermione of these things but if it kept her safe then he would be prepared for the consequences. "And the only other suspect we might have, you refuse to accept!"
"Because he's my friend Draco!" she said crossly. "I can't accept something like that! I thought you understood that."
"Hermione, please, just stay here until we know more?" he asked softening his tone. "Whether it's Weasley or not, just stay until you're stronger and ca –"
""I'm not some weak witch who can't handle herself Draco!"
"I didn't mean it like that!" he said raising his voice slightly in frustration. "All I meant was that you'd be under better care here, with everyone to make sure that you're healed properly." He tried explaining, softening his voice again.
"I can't… it's not fair for me to disrupt your lives any further." She said slowly. "I won't do that to you… to any of you," she said looking around the table to the rest of the occupants, remembering that they weren't alone. "It just isn't fair. I'll be fine, really I will be. I've survived much worse than this." she said attempting to appease their worries, but seeing Draco clench his fists at this, Hermione knew there wasn't much she could say to Draco without him getting angrier.
Draco had heard enough. Her reasoning was beyond him and all he could think was that it was his fault Hermione had been hurt in the first place. His guilt further drove his urge to protect her and he wasn't going to allow anyone to say otherwise to him on the matter. "You're staying here until we know more. Until we know who attacked you or why, you're staying here so we can protect you." Hermione crossed her arms and attempted to interrupt him to object but Draco simply spoke over her, "And I am more than prepared to lock you in this damned house myself if it means you'll be safe because clearly you've lost all sense!" he replied hotly. As he stood, Draco all but kicked his chair away from him as he marched up the stairs and disappeared from sight.
Hermione sat shocked at Draco's outburst. Looking around the table she saw that Narcissa, Pansy and Blaise were equally shocked; though the Malfoy matriarch masked it better than the rest of them. She excused herself as the pain became worse and ducked away into the privacy of the kitchen. With shaking hands, she filled a glass of water and seated herself at the island. Hermione drew in a heavy breath trying to calm herself as she tried to make sense of Draco's puzzling behaviour. It felt like Draco had no faith in her capabilities as a witch. Granted the attack had taken her by complete surprise, but she couldn't very well hide away in Draco's house while he ran around attempting to fix everything. It wasn't fair on him; especially considering their attention should be on trying to save Scorpius. Hermione was startled from her thoughts when she heard angry voices drift from the beyond the kitchen walls.
"You have no bloody patience!" she heard Pansy say angrily, "You're just going to have to wait. Like we told you yesterday! She's still recovering and you need to wait."
"I'm getting tired of this Parkinson!" a familiar male voice called out, "You said to come back today, and this time I am not leaving without seeing Hermione!" he cried enunciating the last part slowly.
"Harry?" Hermione called re-entering the room. She saw with great surprise, him standing in the lounge as Blaise and Pansy stood blocking his entrance further into the house.
"Hermione!" he said looking relieved, "Oh Merlin you're awake! And walking around… should you be doing that?" he asked concerned.
"I'm fine," she answered, "Harry what are you doing here?"
"I'm here about your case." He said simply.
"What case?" she asked confused.
"Oh they didn't tell you?" Harry asked narrowing his eyes at the two Slytherins in the room. "Mione, the Ministry was contacted about your attack. The world thought you were missing!"
"What?" Hermione asked disbelievingly, "Who contacted you and told you that?"
"We… uh, we don't know. It was an anonymous tip. When we got to your apartment we found everything in a big mess, blood all over the place and you gone." He said solemnly.
"But Harry I've been here the whole time," she said as she walked towards him. He guided her to the couch and threw a glance over his shoulders to see Blaise and Pansy still watching over them.
"Yes well Zabini messaged me a short while later to let me know that Malfoy had found you and brought you here. I had insisted on taking you to St. Mungo's but they thought it wasn't safe enough." Harry said scoffing slightly at the memory. "Anyway I came to see you yesterday but those two didn't want me to disturb your secret affair with Malfoy." he finished somewhat bitterly.
"Harry!" Hermione chided. She reached for his hand but he moved it away. Hurt flashed through her eyes and she saw the look of anger and betrayal that her best friend wore. "It's not like that."
"Oh really? Because it feels like you've been keeping a lot of secrets from me lately. First you're helping save Malfoy's son, then you're dating Malfoy and you lied about your trip to Scandinavia! What the hell were you doing in Russia Hermione?" he asked angrily.
Hermione gasped in shock, "How did you know about that?"
"It is my job to know when someone is lying to me. Besides we had to retrace all your steps once we realised you were missing. I called the hospital and they told me that they knew nothing about your research trip. I did find a lot of letters in your apartment and after sometime with the curse breakers we were able to establish that the letter's came from a private residence in Russia." Harry explained not looking the least bit pleased. "Why didn't you tell me about this Hermione?"
"Because just as your job requires a certain amount of secrecy, so does mine." She said firmly. "I'm sorry I made you worry Harry. It truly wasn't my intention." she said a moment later. "But you have to understand that I can't always tell you everything that happens in my life Harry."
"Well only the things that concern Malfoy apparently." He retorted.
"Harry please!" Hermione scolded, "It's not like that at all. I don't intentionally want to keep you in the dark… it's just better this way. It's safer if the less people know about what's going on. We barely know ourselves. We can't risk people hearing the wrong thing."
"When did I become people to you Hermione?" he challenged. "You didn't see what I saw yesterday Hermione! You have to understand that it's a little difficult for me to see you suddenly so comfortable with… with Malfoy and not know how this happened!"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you Harry," she said soothingly. She reached for his hand but again he moved it away. "I didn't mean for all of this to happen like this. It… just sort of happened and honestly I didn't even realise it."
"You've never kept secrets from me Hermione. You're like a sister to me… and suddenly you're taking secret trips across continents and I have to find you in bed with Draco Malfoy!" Hermione blushed furiously at his wording of the situation, but Harry chose to ignore it. "You've changed and I don't know how much more of your secrets and lies I can put up with."
"Oh for Merlin's sake Harry!" Hermione cried with frustration. She got up off the couch and started pacing in front of Harry, "This is one little work secret that I couldn't tell you. It's hardly a matter to get all worked up about. Yes I did lie about going to Scandinavia but that's it. I didn't lie about my relationship with Draco but mostly because it's been a more recent development. It's not what you think and really I couldn't lie about something I wasn't sure about myself. "
"And you're sure now?" he challenged, but she simply nodded. He was silent for a moment before questioning her again, "Malfoy, Hermione?" he questioned his voice harsh with betrayal, "Really, of all the people to get involved with, it had to be Malfoy? I completely understood when you said you wanted to help his son. I know because the healer in you would never let an innocent boy suffer and you asked me to trust you on that… and I did. But this is something different… this I just don't understand." He explained as the images from the previous night of Hermione sleeping in Draco Malfoy's embrace danced wickedly around in his mind. Tormenting him about truths he did not know. About truths that had been kept from him. Most of all his life people had kept important truths from him, and he lost a lot of people he loved because of it. The thought that Hermione was doing the same both angered and scared him. He didn't want to lose another part of his family again.
Hermione waivered for a moment in Harry's silence, "Yes I am sure." She answered as firmly as possible. "Look Harry I know you think I owe you explanations about what's been going on. And you're right I do. I will fill you in on Scorpius' case and what discoveries we've made. But as far as my relationship with Draco goes, I don't owe you or anybody else any explanations. I won't justify my happiness to anybody because I don't need to." she said authoritatively hoping to end Harry's interrogation. Her emotions were all over the place as she felt her eyes sting with unshed tears at Harry's questions.
"You really have changed," Harry said quietly, saddened by what he was seeing. He couldn't help feeling like he was losing her to Malfoy and that made him want to fight more aggressively for her. To see sense perhaps, or for her to feel like she could trust him again.
"Maybe it's for the better," a voice called out to them. Hermione stopped her pacing and looked to see Draco standing at the bottom of the stairs with his hands in his pockets. He aristocratic features were void of any emotions though his eyes narrowed ever so slightly when he took notice of Harry sitting on his couch. Blaise stood a little behind him but it seemed that Pansy had disappeared. He walked towards them slowly and stopped not too far from the couch. His eyes found Hermione's and it stayed there.
"I highly doubt that," Harry scoffed his reply. "Look Hermione now that you're awake we're going to need a statement from you, and I suppose from you too Malfoy." Harry said tight lipped.
Draco didn't respond but instead just looked at Hermione, as if waiting for her to say something. He wondered if she would share his suspicions of Weasley with Harry, but he knew better than to doubt their Gryffindor loyalty. The throbbing in Hermione's head delayed her response. And when she didn't reply at all, and the air around them grew thick with tension he finally muttered, "You can come back tomorrow for your statements."
"Look I have a job to do here. Now you and your friends have already delayed this investigation long enough. If you don't want to cooperate then I'll just have to take Hermione down to the Ministry myself. We need to know what happened so we can catch the guy who did this."
"Well considering that Hermione doesn't remember much about the attack, I highly doubt dragging her all the way to the ministry is going to help. Now why don't you stop looking for excuses and actually do your job Potter." He nearly spat out as he walked further into the lounge closer to Hermione. As if he almost sensed that Harry might jump up from the couch, grab her and run if he denied him any longer.
"Look Malfoy, your friends were able to spin a pretty story yesterday that kept me from seeing Hermione but that's not going to work any more." Harry said glaring at Draco. "I need answers!" He all but shouted. Harry was visibly annoyed and had stood up from the couch to confront Draco.
Hermione had forgotten her pain in her shock at seeing Harry, but now it was back and at full force. Her vision blurred for a moment as the colours melted together and she felt like the carpet moved from under her. She heard a shout, someone calling her name and then she was falling. Draco moved quickly and caught her before she could make impact with the floor. Ever so gently he placed her on the couch as Blaise rushed towards the fireplace. She was aware of Harry swearing his shock beside Draco, as Draco tried to get her to talk. But her vision soon became filled with black spots and the pain paralysing her from responding. Finally she gave in and allowed the darkness to numb pain.
Angry voices. That was the first thing Hermione was aware of when she finally regained consciousness. She recognised Draco and Harry's voices as they argued between themselves. She heard Blaise suggesting they take their conversation to their offices. There was an odd shuffling of feet and then quiet. Hermione looked around and saw that she was in Draco's room once again. She was even more surprised to see Narcissa sitting in a chair beside the bed. She attempted to sit up on the bed, and her shuffling caught the attention of Narcissa. Quickly she laid her tea cup down and helped Hermione.
"Do be careful dear," she said softly. "Are you feeling any better?"
Hermione nodded slowly, "What happened? I remember being in the lounge with Draco and Harry."
"Yes, well it seems you over exerted yourself just a bit." Narcissa explained. "Luna was here and left a few stronger pain potions for you took take."
"Thanks," Hermione said settling back against the pillows. She felt exhausted and the comfort of Draco's bed seemed to soothe some of her tension. The development with Scorpius in the morning had lifted her spirits no doubt, but the argument with Draco and Harry's surprise visit had proven to be too much for one day. Her tired mind briefly reflected back to Draco's thoughts on her attack. She didn't want to believe it to be true, but Hermione also knew that Draco would never suggest such a thing unless there really was a possibility of if it being true. Nevertheless she cast those treacherous thoughts aside knowing that doubting her friends at this moment would bring nothing but more heartache. Hermione felt a tiny sob escape her as the brutality of the day came back to her.
"Oh my dear," Narcissa said affectionately.
"Oh I'm sorry. This isn't like me to be crying so much. I think I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed." Hermione said trying to rationalise herself to Narcissa.
Narcissa smiled, "It's quite alright dear. You've been through a lot recently." She reached for Hermione's hand giving it a gentle squeeze. "I must apologise for my son's behaviour. I haven't seen that side of Draco in a while."
"It's really ridiculous!" Hermione said exasperated, "I can take care of myself. It's like Draco has no faith in my capabilities as a witch." She explained to the elder woman. "I survived worse than this. And to suspect Ron was behind this is completely ridiculous!"
"Oh my dear, you've mistaken Draco's behaviour for doubt," she sighed, "He doesn't doubt you. He never has."
"Well it didn't sound like he was very confident in me either." Hermione countered. "And now Harry's here and knowing him he's not going to leave until he gets answers. I don't understand why Draco was so against me going to the ministry to answer a few questions. We could have sorted this mess out and perhaps found out who's really behind this. I don't understand why he's being so irrational about this."
"Because he's scared Hermione." Narcissa said simply. She saw the look on Hermione's face and continued, "Draco is not an easy man to love Hermione. But somehow you've managed to open his heart up again. For a very long time, his only concern was Scorpius and that was simple enough for him. He focused all his efforts and energy into being a good father. And as you've seen he's done a remarkable job. Far better than his own father did." Hermione nodded her agreement and was about to comment but Narcissa continued talking, "Up until this point, Draco thought that the only person he could ever lose was Scorpius. The attack on you has made Draco realise that it's not just Scorpius that he feels he needs to protect, but you as well. He cares far too much to even let there be a possibility that something might happen to you. I'm sure his actions over the past few days are a testament to that. Please don't hold his actions against him. He did it because he loves you Hermione, and he's trying to protect you. It might seem a little overbearing, but he feels that your attack is partly his fault and that guilt and blame is killing him. So he's going to do everything to make sure that you're safe because he's not prepared to lose you… again. He loves you and can't stand the idea of seeing you in pain." Narcissa explained slowly.
Hermione was about to respond but another voice cut her off, "It seems Scorp's tired of my company and has requested that his mum" she gave Hermione a cheeky smile, "read him a book, but only if she's feeling better." Hermione smiled as she saw Pansy bring Scorpius into the room. He had since showered and changed wearing a Quidditch shirt that was a little big for him but looked nonetheless adorable; and his griffin was still very much visible against the bright colour of the shirt. He all but jumped out of Pansy's arms and onto the bed dismissing the scolding from his grandmother and godmother. Once he was comfortable on the bed beside Hermione, he looked at her with his silver eyes and smiled.
"What's this sweetheart?" she laughed pointing at the mismatched socks he wore.
He held his tiny fingers against his mouth in an attempt to stop his laughter escaping, "I couldn't decide which one to wear, so Ippy said I should wear them both!"
"Oh how clever of her!" Hermione laughed, "And what's this I hear about a story?"
"I know you are sick, but we never finished the story." he explained pouting dramatically.
"Well I suppose one story won't hurt anyone." Hermione conceded smiling. He cried in delight and then scampered off the bed and out of the room to fetch the book.
"Narcissa is right Hermione," Pansy said breaking the silence of the room, "I have never seen Draco this crazy about anyone. He might be a bit hot-headed at times and he will no doubt drive you insane, but he really does mean well." She said softly as Scorpius came rushing back into the room, book in hand.
Hermione didn't say anything, but merely let their words sink in. Thankfully Scorpius provided a wonderful distraction as he opened the book and Hermione continued reading from where they have previously left off. As she read, Hermione hugged Scorpius close to her, thankful that something had gone right today.
A/N: Hello
Sorry for the long wait on this chapter! But it is the longest chapter I've written so far for this story so do enjoy! I look forward to hearing what you all think about this chapter especially now that Draco and Hermione have had their first big fight. So please don't be shy and REVIEW! Thank you to all those who have been following or have favourited this story.
To my darling Katy, thanks for all the amazing help with this chapter as always. This story is as much mine as it is yours.
Cheers!
xoxo
Immortal Dragon Empress