Chapter 14

All I Want

Hermione was facing a moral dilemma.

She knew violence was not the answer, but it seemed to be the only appropriate response to Ronald's jumping down her throat. The moment she stepped into the room, he started bombarding her with questions. Harry and Ginny were sitting in the background wearing expressions of concern mixed with the guilt of telling Ron what had happened. Hermione had tried to escape to her room, but Ron had grabbed her wrist to stop her.

It had been a long night, and she had enough. "Ronald Weasley, I suggest you get your hand off of me before I break it," she hissed.

"Not until you answer my question! What the bloody hell have you been doing with Malfoy?" he demanded.

She yanked her arm free. "Keep your voice down, you're going to wake the whole tower!"

"What? Afraid everyone in Gryffindor will find out you've been running around with Malfoy?"

"No, I am not afraid of that, considering I told everyone at Slughorn's party that he was supposed to be my date! Like I said, I don't want you to wake all the others, you inconsiderate prat!"

"So you're dating Malfoy now? Didn't know you'd ever sink so low," the redhead spat.

"As a matter of fact, I am, not that it's any of your concern! And it just so happens that Draco is one of the best people I have ever known! He's kind, funny, and intelligent – everything that makes a good boyfriend."

"He's spent the last five years tormenting you!"

"And you've spent the last five weeks tormenting me, Ronald! This isn't about you having your silly girlfriend – I couldn't care less – but you've ignored me and insulted me, purposely trying to hurt me! You hurt me! And Draco's been there for me through all of it."

"Hermione, five weeks of good can't just erase all the damage he's done," Harry interjected quietly.

"Harry's right, Hermione," Ginny agreed. "No one changes that quickly. He has to be up to something else."

Hermione straightened, "Well thank you for your opinions, but the decision is mine. It is my relationship and I won't hear anything else about it. Now, I am tired and am going to go to bed. I suggest you all do the same."

"She's gone mad," she heard Ronald comment as she approached the foot of the staircase.

"And you are mad," she whirled around, "in the sense that you're angry. That, Ronald, is no longer a right you have. You have your little girlfriend. You chose her. Stop being so petty and let me have the happiness that you took away when you started treating me so coldly."

As she made her ascent, Hermione felt very proud of herself. She would not allow Ronald Weasley to hurt her anymore. He wouldn't be letting go of this any time soon, but that didn't matter.

She quickly undressed and crawled into her warm welcoming bed.

She now had another dilemma which she had to consider. What in the world was she going to do about Draco?

She couldn't allow Death Eaters into Hogwarts. She had already decided that she would help him by making sure he stays afloat in his classes, and that he can properly defend himself. She would teach him everything they learned in the DA the previous year. Hermione felt guilty about telling him that she would help him repair the cabinet when she knew she couldn't. She couldn't put everyone in jeopardy like that. Draco hadn't told her by when he was supposed to complete his mission, so she just hoped by that time she would be able to devise another plan which would keep the Death Eaters out whilst still keeping Draco safe.

If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she had to keep him safe. That's all she wanted.

The following morning Hermione arose early. She knew Harry and Ginny were leaving for the Burrow early in the morning and wanted to say goodbye to them. And Ronald too, she supposed, depending on how he acted.

She and Draco had also agreed to make their first public appearance together at breakfast before they both had to head home. It was a little surprising that she was not more anxious than she was. After all, Draco was depending on her. They needed to be convincing or else he could be facing a lot of trouble. The whole school would undoubtedly be watching them.

But the witch supposed that all they really had to do was act the way the already did in the Room of Requirement. They already had an established friendship. All they would need to do was hold hands occasionally. Draco wasn't exactly known for public displays of affection, so she was sure no one was expecting them to snog or anything of the sort. In fact, he was supposed to be convincing his Slytherin friends that he still hated her, so there was no way any of them would be expecting that from them. It would be okay.

Hermione gave herself a once over in the mirror then headed out to the common room.

Harry and Ginny were sitting on chairs while Ron was exchanging a very heartfelt goodbye with Lavender. Hermione didn't miss the dirty look the blonde shot the brunette witch.

Hermione rolled her eyes as Ginny stood to embrace her.

"Are you sure you won't stop by the Burrow over the holiday?" the younger witch asked.

"I don't think that would be a good idea, Gin," Hermione shook her head.

"You're right… Look 'Mione, Harry and I are sorry about telling Ron. About Malfoy. We're all just concerned."

Hermione nodded as Harry stood. "Yeah Hermione, we're sorry. You know how I feel about him. I don't trust him."

"I understand that, Harry, but you all have to trust me. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Harry gave a heavy sigh and a small smile. "Happy Christmas, Hermione. I can't wait to see you after the holidays."

She gave him a hug then another to Ginny while wishing them both a happy Christmas. Before Harry could go sit back down, Hermione pulled him off to the side.

"Harry, I just have a quick question. Do you know what your mother's Patronus was?"

He nodded but gave her a curious look. "Sirius told me about it. Hers was a doe. To match with my dad's. Why?"

The nervous witch laughed and shook her head. "I just ran into a text I found about the Patronus Charm while I was packing. I remembered it said something about how people – soul mates – could have matching Patronus animals. I know your parents really loved each other so if it were true, I thought they might have had that experience."

Harry broke into a bright smile. The one he usually wore when talking about his parents. "Yeah, they really did love each other."

It was at times like this when Hermione noticed Harry's boyish charm. She couldn't stop herself from messing his hair as she gave him a warm smile.

"Right. Well, I've got to be going. Enjoy the time away. I'll miss you, Harry."

She made her way out of the common room and headed toward the Great Hall. Draco had agreed to meet her at the bottom of the staircase.

As she made her way down she felt a mixture of relief and curiosity wash over her. She was happy that she had confirmed her suspicions about the doe Patronus that Snape had cast – it was the same as Lily Potter's. Knowing what she already knew about the charm, it meant that her professor loved Lily Potter. The curly-haired witch wanted to know what exactly transpired between them. It was hard for the young witch to imagine Snape loving anyone.

But really, who was she to think that? She was about to walk into the Great Hall on the arm of Draco Malfoy. A few weeks prior that also would have been unimaginable.

Speaking of said wizard, she could see him waiting at the bottom of the landing.

He seemed to be fairly relaxed as she greeted him. "Good morning, Draco," she smiled.

He returned it with a smirk. "Good morning, Hermione."

"So tell me, were you ambushed by a group of your housemates when you returned last night?" she asked curiously.

"Pansy threw a fit. But they all seemed to buy that I'm just using you to get to Potter and Weasley."

"That's a good sign. Once we return from the holidays we'll make sure everyone in Hogwarts believes it."

The blonde boy didn't even seem to be paying attention to her until he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "It looks like our show begins now. Grab my hand and we'll make our entrance."

Hermione did as he asked, then she noticed Ron, Harry, and Ginny walk by. Harry looked distrustful. Ginny looked distraught. Ron looked so angry that his face almost matched his hair. Off to the side Hermione heard the hushed voices from a small crowd that had gathered without her even noticing.

The couple made their way to the doorway leading into the Hall where Draco paused once more. "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

He gave her hand a small squeeze as the stepped forward. Immediately all eyes were on them. The Gryffindor goody-two-shoes and the Slytherin son of a Death Eater. There was a heavy silence for a few moments before it was broken by a roar of whispers. Most at the Slytherin table either had bored expressions or knowing smirks. All of the other houses had a mixture of reactions: curiosity, bewilderment, disgust, alarm, concern, excitement.

Draco seemed to be amused. "We'll finish breakfast in ten minutes then meet for our goodbyes?"

"Agreed."

Hermione made her way to the Gryffindor table, careful not to rush but to maintain a confident stride. She wouldn't allow any of the reactions to make her feel badly about her fake relationship.

After fixing herself a plate, Hermione heard a voice that made her jump.

"I'm sorry, Hermione, I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh, it's quite all right, Luna. I just hadn't expected you to still be here." It was then that Hermione realized many had already left for the holidays. Despite that fact, she knew there were far too many eyes on her.

"I just wanted to say congratulations," the airy blonde said with a soft smile. "I think it's wonderful that you've finally gotten together."

"What do you mean by that, Luna?" Hermione thought Luna was trying to imply something.

"Well, Draco is rather cruel. But at the same time, it makes sense, you two being together. He's the second in our class, so he is a match for you intelligently. I think that's one of the most important things about being in a relationship with you, Hermione. Not that your partner would have to be a genius, but you need someone you can have great discussions with. He seems to be really strong. He'll challenge you. And if he can date you, that means he no longer cares about blood status. He'll become a better person."

Hermione started hesitantly, "I suppose that's true…"

"I've seen the way he would look at you. He really seemed to care. And just now – you two walking in together – it was the happiest you've been in weeks. I think it's a great thing, Hermione. I know he isn't the best person, but I think that he can work to deserve you."

Something about Luna's words moved Hermione deeply. "Thank you, Luna. That really means a lot to me."

"You're welcome. I've got to get going. Dad's been having a nargle problem so I've got to finish packing for home. Happy Christmas!"

"Happy Christmas, Luna," the Gryffindor smiled warmly as her friend made her way out of the Great Hall. Luna was truly a remarkable person.

Hermione quickly finished her breakfast and made her way to the Room of Requirement.

"So what are you expecting for Christmas, Hermione?"

"Nothing really. I expect I'll be getting clothing and books. It will be nice just to be home. What about you, Draco?"

"Mother likes to go overboard, so I'm not sure. I know she will be trying to make me happy and make me forget that Father isn't there."

"I'm so sorry, Draco," she moved to place a hand on his shoulder.

"I would love to see my father, but I don't think that's what I want most."

"What do you want most?" Hermione asked.

"I just want this all to be over." She nodded in understanding. That's what they all wanted. The terrifying part was that it would be over soon enough. The blonde wizard touched her hand still on his shoulder and turned to face her. "What do you want most?"

Hermione thought it over for a moment. "I want my loved ones to remain safe. We all know what's coming and all we can hope for is to protect as many people as possible," she paused for a moment. "All I want is to keep you safe."

Their eyes locked for a moment.

Hermione felt herself becoming anxious, so she looked away. "I'm going to miss you, you know?"

"I do know. It'll be difficult for you to live without me, but I promise you, Granger, you will survive," he smirked.

She snickered, "Oh just barely, but I'm sure I will as well. I have to in order to see you again!"

They laughed.

Finally they exchanged a hug.

"Happy Christmas, Draco."

"Happy Christmas, Hermione."

A/N: So I blinked and October was gone. That is seriously what it felt like. And November hasn't been any better in regard to time slowing down. I am so sorry for taking such a long time to update. This chapter is mostly a filler to tie up the the Christmas party debacle and in the next chapter we'll get more into dealing with Draco and Hermione, and Severus and Lily.

Also, I have a bit of exciting news. I am a secondary education major, and I had to take a certification test for my content area, which I passed! I am just really excited about it because I had been so stressed. My content area is English, by the way. I know, right? I can't even proofread my own work and I'm supposed to teach my kids how to do it? Oh well, "do as I say, not as I do".

Anyway, thank you all for reading, lovelies! I promise the next update will come much sooner. Probably in a couple of weeks rather than months!