Thirteen. 13. It's my favorite number, so this has to be a good chapter, right? Lets find out.

Chapter 13

Owen threw his hands up, "I'm sorry Mr. Malfoy. I really don't know how to contact Ella."

"Are you not her manager?"

"No. I mean, yes. I was, but she is retired now. She doesn't need a manager anymore."

"And you haven't heard from her?"

He rubbed his temple, "I told you yesterday...and the day before. I haven't heard from her."

"How can she just disappear!"

He took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes, "She does, as she likes. I've never been able to control her."

"I know the feeling. If you hear from her-"

"I will let you know."

"Okay," was all Draco could reply.

"..Mr Malfoy, if she said she would be there, she will."

Click

Draco closed his eyes, "Please Mia."

/

Sapna looked at herself in the mirror. Pansy's gift was amazing. It was a one of a kind, made especially for her. The dress hugged her every curve beautifully. Her makeup was spot on. She felt like a princess. This was the day she had been waiting for. Her engagement day. Today she would officially be engaged to Draco Malfoy.

She was glad they had agreed to move the party to her home. She felt comfortable being in a place she knew so well. She spun around one more time, just to make sure everything was perfect. She smiled. She had guests waiting downstairs and they had waited long enough.

She descended stairs as soft music started. Mr. King was waiting for her on the last step. Sapna took his elbow. Gasps filled the air as the crowd took in her appearance. He led her to the middle of the room, where they took the first dance. She looked around. It was beautiful. Chandeliers hung above them, the orchestra played behind them. She was in a fairytale.

Mr. King led her to where Draco was standing. He placed her hand in the younger man's. Draco smiled acknowledging her. She really did look beautiful. He nodded, approving of her appearance. She wasn't wearing an over the top dress, as he expected. It was simple, elegant. Her makeup was light and her hair was in a simple bun.

She took his hand, noting that he looked very handsome. His hair, newly cut, looked perfect. She thought the black tuxedo and bowtie were the perfect finishing touch.

They spun around the floor as onlookers ooohed and awed at them. For just a second, she could believe that he loved her. He held her so close, she could feel his heart beating. Sapna laid her head against his, taking in his cologne. Yes, in this moment nothing else mattered. Sapna wanted to freeze time, to stay like this forever, but the song ended and he let go.

/

Draco sat at a table with Pansy and Harry. His best friend and the boy who wouldn't die. Harry was telling a joke, but Draco had tuned out. He was scanning the crowd looking for her. Where was she?

"She'll come."

Draco looked at Harry, "How can you be sure?"

Harry smiled, "It's Hermione. If she said she would, then she will."

Draco shook his head, "Why didn't you tell me? Why did no one tell me?"

Pansy grabbed his hand, "Because she didn't want us to."

"What about what I wanted?"

Pansy hugged him, "Have you even figured that out yet?"

Harry continued, "We really didn't know... at first. We didn't find out until...well, until after you stopped asking."

"Someone should have told me. I acted so stupid. Ugh! The things I said!"

Pansy chuckled, "To Hermione or Ella?"

He put his head down and closed his eyes, "Both."

The lights dimmed, but he didn't noticed. Until...

Sometimes I see you,
Standing in the light of a thousand moons.

Sometimes I feel you,
Like a thousand needles in my veins.

Sometimes I hear you,
A thousand voices scream your name.

But it's different now,
I'm different now,
And so are you.

Sometimes I cried
A thousand tears falling like rain

Sometimes I screamed
The thousand nights of endless pain

Sometimes I died
For a thousand times inside

But it's different now,
I'm different now,
And so are you.

I want you to be happy
Do you want that for me
I need you to be happy
So that I can be free

Because it's different now
I'm different now
And so are you.

He let the tears fall. Her eyes never leaving his. It was like she sang only for him. Only to him. Applause erupted around him, snapping him back into reality. He quickly wiped his cheeks.

Ella smiled and bowed, taking her eyes off him. She knew he wouldn't approach her. Not in front of his guests. She walked over to Sapna and hugged her, "Congratulations to the lovely couple. I'm sure you both will be very happy together. Have you guys ever seen a more perfect match?"

Sapna blushed, "Thank you, Ella. You look beautiful and you sounded amazing."

The crowd applauded again.

Ella put the microphone back on the stand and stepped off the stage.

Sapna pulled her over to one side, "I've never heard that song before. It was amazing."

Ella blushed, "Thanks. I just wrote it."

"Oh, I was under the impression that you had retired."

"I did, but I promised your fiance that I would make an appearance. He can be very persuasive."

"Yes, he can. Will you stay?"

"No, I really should go. Congratulations again." Ella hugged her again and walked away.

She slipped through the crowd, occasionally stopping to meet a fan. Ella walked as fast as she could towards the front door. Harry nodded at her and she smiled, nodding back. She made it to the front lawn before-

"Not even going to say hello?"

She cringed and turned around, "Hello Draco."

He stalked up to her, "'Hello Draco'? Five years and all I get is a 'Hello Draco'?"

She shrugged, "What do you want me to say?"

His hands were balled up in fists, "You. You. YOU!-"

"Careful now, Mr. Malfoy. Your guests might hear."

He grabbed her hand and apparated.

/

They landed inside Malfoy Manor.

She pushed him away, "Why did you take me here?"

Draco turned and walked over to his armchair. "You were worried about the guests."

She laughed, "I couldn't care less. It wasn't my engagement party."

He took off his jacket, placing it over the armchair. "It could have been."

"Ha, I'm sure Mommy and Daddy would've-"

"Change." He took off his bowtie and laid it on top of his jacket.

"What?"

He uncuffed his cufflinks and unbuttoned his sleeves. "I said change."

"Change what?

He unbuttoned the top of his shirt. "Change back."

"Why?" She stuttered.

He walked towards her. "I wanna know who I'm talking to."

She took a step back, "If you haven't figured it out yet. That's-"

"CHANGE NOW!" His face was in hers.

Ella pushed him backwards, "Why should I? This is who I am now. This is who you made me."

He stumbled a few steps, but recovered quickly. "Change or I will do it for you." Draco pulled out his wand and pointed it at her.

She smiled, "Go ahead."

He shot a spell at her. Nothing happened. He shot another. Nothing. He tried again. Nothing.

"Did you forget who I am? Brightest witch of our time, remember?"

"Have you looked in the mirror lately? You are not Hermione Granger. You are an imposter."

His words hit her hard. He was right. She was so hurt that she ran and hid, like a child. She had forgotten who she was. Who she really was. She was Hermione Granger. Hermione Granger didn't run. She didn't run from Voldemort. Hermione Granger didn't hide. She didn't hide from anyone.

"Since you asked so nicely." She tapped her wand to her head.