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Chapter Fifteen

Draco didn't waste any time in saying a hasty goodbye to his attentive aunt; her dark gray eyes reminded him too much of Bellatrix. After saying goodbye to his aunt, Draco bid Potter goodbye. He didn't want to intrude and he even if his aunt or Potter's polite manners invited him to breakfast, Draco certainly wasn't going to entertain the idea. What the fuck would we even talk about? Oh yeah scarhead, I'm surely falling for your best mate – you know the one that was tortured in my ancestral home? Oh Aunt Andromeda, mother does not send her regards. Bloody hell. Draco internally thought to himself as he excused himself from the party. He reminded himself that there was no need to reinform Potter what he had come for, he would handle it without answering his entirely private question. Before he could leave the room, he did receive a stern look from Potter and the war hero motioned to the curious child besides him. Draco internally sighed and leaned down to also say goodbye to the small Lupin child. The now blue headed child waved happily back from his godfather's side. All Draco could do is nod back despite Potter's snort and he found the front entrance easily. Instead of flooing back home to St. Anne's, he needed to talk to someone else before he holed himself at home for the rest of the day. He already had enough social interactions for the month if he had any say. Draco wasted no time in apparating to his mind healer's office as soon as he stepped outside. It was in a modern sized brick building in Bristol and he could apparate inside the main lobby instead of trying to find an alley close by since it was in a muggle location. Draco concentrated on the blues and yellows of the office's lobby before apparating from Potter's front door. He had bimonthly appointments with his mind healer – Healer Usa – and he had just seen her last week, but he had to call for an emergency meeting. He felt extremely claustrophobic at Potter's and was blessed for his aunt and her grandson's visit. He probably wouldn't of handled answering Potter's question well at all. Appearing in the familiar lobby, Draco didn't hesitate to walk directly towards the secretary's desk. The small, but welcoming lobby had random shades of blues and yellows scattered as a pattern around the walls which Draco thought was supposed to make patients feel comfortable and welcomed. When he first saw the color pattern, Draco thought the room looked like candy shop. His oxfords made no noise on the gray carpet underneath him. Walking towards the large, white granite desk there sat an older man dressed in business causal. Behind him, there was three framed pictures of random scenery. The secretary always wore a friendly smile which Draco did not return.

"Mr. Malfoy, how can I assist you?"

He asked, his voice soft. Even though he spoke in soft tones, the man's brown eyes sparkled a 'no nonsense' gleam about them – it reminded him of his old transfiguration professor.

"I need to see Healer Usa immediately."

Draco stated. Draco stood for a couple of seconds as the secretary worked about on the odd muggle contraption he had come to known as a desktop. He reluctantly asked the secretary after his third visit here which the man answered kindly back.

"She is in session right now, but she is free after that."

The balding man named Darrien said.

For all the bloody gold I pay her, she better see me, Draco thought to himself, scowling as the secretary told him he had to wait or come back when she was done.

"She's free in 10 minutes, Mr. Malfoy."

Darrien supplied, witnessing Draco's scowl form on his face. Draco quickly replaced his scowl with a mask of indifference, and he nodded, responding,

"I can wait."

Draco said. Darrien nodded and Draco turned to take a seat in one of the two chairs in the lobby. He walked towards the seat that faced the floor length windows staring out into the muggle street. The window was tinted and even though the darkness comforted Draco, he also knew the windows were charmed to show no one inside but Darrien in his desk. Draco tried to relax in the absurdly plush, dark yellow club chair but he knew it was impossible to feel any type of relief at the current state of his mind. Instead, Draco tried to focus on the random magazines he saw laid out on the small, circular table in front of him. Instead of going for one of the random magical and muggle magazines, the usual magical English newspaper he avoided caught his attention. Draco couldn't tear his eyes away from the moving photograph replaying; he saw Hermione Granger smiling up at his friend before appearing shocked and then, Draco's eye twitched at the sudden closeness, Blaise enveloped Granger besides him, wrapping his arm over her smaller frame. He watched the scene displayed in front of him for at least eight more times before tearing his eyes to the description below the picture:

Hermione Granger, Harry Potter's best friend and Ron Weasley's former

girlfriend, seen headed to a cozy lunch with entrepreneur Blaise Zabini.

See pg. 4 for more details!

Draco didn't bother going to page four; he knew whatever trash was published was utter rubbish. There were always stories of his dating life despite being lies so he wasn't going to start indulging the ridiculous paper now. However, he couldn't help his eyes straying back to Granger smiling up at Blaise. Inhaling sharply through his nose, he closed his eyes. He felt the very familiar feeling of jealousy rearing its ugly head once more; Draco wasn't a fan of it and being a raised the Malfoy heir, he was taught if he felt any type of jealousy, to always try and obtain the thing he wanted. Malfoys always get what they want, he remembered his father's words. He hated the ludicrous feeling but it wasn't going to leave on its own despite his best efforts. He felt it when he saw Theo's arms around Granger and he felt it now when he saw Blaise do the same. He knew he was being utterly barmy for someone who didn't technically have any claim on the witch at all. In fact, I would be the last person to have any claim for her at all, he thought sourly remembering his friends' teasing words when they first announce Granger's newfound freedom. This was another reason why he had come seen his mind healer; he needed to know if there was a way to get rid of the awful emotion that made him snap at his best mate. However, despite all this, all he felt was the greatest urge to mangle Blaise.

[-]

After several hours later, Hermione reminded Ginny she already had three new outfits – one that Ginny insisted she buy as a present for her – and they left the cluster of shops they decided to head to after their breakfast. Instead of walking, fully tired from the early morning and shopping, Hermione decided to side-apparate with Ginny. Apparating into her home rather than the alley besides, both witches sighed in relief at being in the comfort of Hermione's home. Ginny slipped her arm from Hermione's and walked towards her couch, plopping down on Hermione's sectional; she closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the soft material underneath her. Hermione wandlessly turned on the lights around them.

"You're coming with me to dinner still, right?"

Ginny asked as Hermione started making her way towards her bedroom to start putting away her new clothing. Hermione sighed softly to herself before responding from inside her room.

"Yes, I believe you threaten me with a jinx – "

"Masterfully persuaded!"

Ginny yelled from the living room; Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at the giggle that left her lips.

"And I do miss your mum."

Hermione finished. Hermione registered Ginny's hum of agreement. Hermione initially turned down the dinner invitation, but Ginny was persistent and she couldn't say no to her best friend – especially when she rarely saw her. Hermione hung the two new blouses, one knee length skirt, one summer dress, and her pantsuit in her closet. Hermione wasn't a materialistic person, especially not with clothes, but she did like well-made clothes. She had seen her mother have a collection of nice clothes and watched her through the years replace clothes when they ran their course. Finally finishing with her closet, Hermione walked back out to see Ginny stroking Crookshanks' chin. Smiling at the pair before heading to feed him before she changed and left once more. The girls hung out for moments longer, Ginny recalling her trip back home last evening, sitting on the floor with a conjured pillow under her while Hermione twisted her ginger hair in an intricate French braid crown. Finally time to leave, Hermione walked back to her room to change into dark, muggle jeans, a tee, and green jumper she favored. She slipped her mobile in her back pocket, turning the sound off to silent, and her wand in her other pocket. Hermione turned off her bedroom light as she walked back out.

"Ready? I'm starving."

Hermione couldn't help but to laugh at her friend's dramatics but nodded. They decided to side-apparate again to Ottery St. Catchpole, close to the Burrow, to surprise Mrs. Weasley. Hermione knew there was a high probability that she'd see Ron there, but at least she had Ginny besides her. It was always a rare occurrence to dine with her friend and family because of her hectic training and game schedule. The witches walked arm in arm, Hermione felt that Ginny hadn't released her yet as so Hermione wouldn't make a last-minute decision to leave, but Hermione didn't say anything as Ginny smiled at her; they made their way up towards the Burrow, walking the familiar dirt path. The usual tall, green grass surrounding the home hadn't arrived as spring was barely beginning. There in the close distance was the home Hermione had grown to love.

"Mum! Look who I've brought!"

Ginny exclaimed as soon as she stepped into the house. As soon as Hermione entered the familiar home the aromas that Hermione could only place with Mrs. Weasley's cooking hit Hermione. She closed the door behind her gently as Ginny walked further in.

"Who, dear?"

She heard Mrs. Weasley ask from the living room. The kitchen-dining room was as Hermione remembered – homey and well used. The yellow checkered pattern tablecloth hid the wooden table underneath and there were eight, mismatched wooden chairs surrounding it. Hermione could see the steaming pots on the stove right in front of her while the dishes washed themselves besides the stove. Hermione was always impressed that Mrs. Weasley could run the home so smoothly. Soon she saw the shorter witch, dressed in her usual warm tone dresses and apron, walking towards them. She watched her curious expression morph to excitement.

"Hermione! Dear!"

She exclaimed as she made her way faster towards her, hugging her tightly as soon as she reached her.

"Oh forget your only daughter you haven't seen."

Ginny teased as she reached from the breadbasket in the middle of the table. Hermione laughed, hugging Mrs. Weasley back before they released one another. Mrs. Weasley held onto her arms, staring up just slightly at the inches difference. Molly Weasley's brown eyes were as warm and welcoming as ever and Hermione chewed on the inside of her cheek to force herself not to tear up. She had missed her.

"You look thinner than usual, Hermione dear. Sit, sit, dinner will almost be ready."

Molly said, squeezing her shoulders before leaving her to continue working on said dinner. Hermione walked towards Ginny as the youngest Weasley took her seat and Hermione followed suit.

"Is everyone coming for dinner?"

Ginny casually asked, taking a bite of the sweet-smelling corn bread.

"I believe so."

Molly answered, concentrating on the mash potatoes on the stove. Hermione glanced at Ginny, Ginny's free, right hand squeezing Hermione's forearm briefly. Hermione knew there was more of a chance of seeing Ron than not, but that didn't help her anxiety building within her. She tried to focus on elsewhere and started counted back from one hundred, concentrating on the numbers and keeping her breath steady. She didn't know how long she had been doing this, the chit chatter of both Weasley witches becoming background noise; she had gotten to eight when Hermione saw the front door opening. She squeezed her hands together and physically slumped in relief when she saw George and Percy walking in.

"What a sight for sore eyes."

George teased, walking towards the girls as they both stood up. He didn't hesitate to hug Hermione tightly before hugging his sister. Hermione felt the reassurance surging through her that she hadn't been entirely exiled from the Weasley clan when she saw Percy reaching for a hug as well. Hermione paused for a second before bursting into nervous laughter, hugging Percy back. The elder Weasley brother was never physically affectionate but Hermione saw him change after Fred's funeral. Percy was still very academic and his ministry career was his main priority besides his current girlfriend, Audrey Quinton; however, he now spent more time with his family than his other siblings and showed affection in small physical contact or small favors for his loved ones. Hermione remembered that Ron told her Percy was going to be also helping George with the joke shop's financial labor – something behind the scene – and always offered to help his mother and father in whatever they needed. The rather stick-in-the-mud Percy, as Ron called him, turned into a loving, attentive brother and while Hermione knew it was mostly due to the death of Fred, she was glad he had changed.

"Good to see you, Hermione."

Percy said, smiling down at her. Hermione smiled back, nodding before he reached for his sister. After more hugs, a couple of tears from Mrs. Weasley, they all began to choose their seats as Mrs. Weasley announced the roast, mash potatoes, the greens, the rolls, and cornbread were all finished. Mr. Weasley came in before Ginny and George were done placing the plates down and he was happily surprised to see a semi-full house. After more hugs, Mr. Weasley didn't hesitate to reach for Hermione after Ginny, they all sat down. Hermione had finished serving herself more mash potatoes and green beans per Mrs. Weasley's instruction when Ron came strolling in, hand in hand with Padma Patil. Hermione felt the blood drain from her face; her first instinct was to run away – she was in his family's home, his family's dinner – but the grip Ginny held onto her hand forced herself to rethink her actions. Ron's bright smile, announcing his new relationship to his family quickly changed to horror and guilt when he made eye contact with Hermione. Hermione couldn't make herself smile, wanting to seem supportive, despite her inner turmoil. She didn't feel her heart shattering at the sight of them; she had felt it when Ron whispered his final goodbye to her months ago, but she didn't feel the same emotion now. All she could feel was the same emptiness she felt when she had witnessed the Slytherins so tightly bound; she couldn't shake the hollowness that resounded within her. They make a rather nice couple, Hermione thought to herself. Despite trying to stay positive, looking at the aesthetically pleasing picture that Padma and Ron made, she couldn't. Here she was, once again, in a room filled with people closer to each other than she would ever be. Stop it, Hermione. That's not true. Hermione tried to reassure herself, reminding herself of the greetings the Weasleys gave her prior to Ron walking in with his new girlfriend. Hermione tried multiplying by two's, eyes glued to her delicious plate before her as Ron sat beside George, forcing Percy to sit in front of her as to not sit Padma in front of her. She was at ninety-six before her breathing had settled and Ron and Padma had settled with their plates.

"Okay everyone, dig in!"

Mrs. Weasley's chipper voice brought her back to reality, but Hermione could see the forced smile on the Weasley's matriarch. Hermione weakly smiled back and did as instructed, bringing the mash potatoes to her lips. She knew Mrs. Weasley's food was amazing to say the least, but the food tasted wooden in her mouth. Hermione concentrated on taking proportional bites of roast, mash potatoes, green beans, corn bread, and repeated until she was done with her plate. Once again, the chatter of the Weasleys' faded into the background as Hermione felt herself dissociate. Hermione was half-way done with her plate when her name coming from Ginny's lips snapped her out of her daze.

" – picture in the Daily Prophet's gossip rag to you actually bringing someone home, Ronald."

Ginny snapped at her brother. Hermione's brows furrowed, looking up at her friend. She was aware that she had missed most of the conversation but didn't think Ginny nor Ron would bring her up while in the middle of dinner. She assumed for the family's sake, and hers, that her friend could wait until after dinner – she was wrong. Hermione's eyes shifted from her friend besides her to Ron; Ron's ears had already turned pink and Padma was looking down at her plate.

"I didn't know she was going to be here!"

Ron half-yelled. Hermione internally flinched as more eyes were looking at her than Ron or Ginny.

"She is always welcomed here, Ron!"

Ginny yelled back and that was enough for Mrs. Weasley.

"George, how's the joke shop going, darling?"

She interrupted loudly, not so subtlety changing the conversation to a safe topic. Hermione looked briefly at Mrs. Weasley as she in turn gave her a smile before looking back to George. Suddenly her mobile started silently ringing; the vibration coming from her back pocket was enough of a distraction and she slipped out the silver, mobile phone. "Harry" was flashing on her screen and she avoided the quizzical stares she received from the wizards and witches before standing up.

"Sorry, I'm receiving a call from Harry. I'll take this outside."

She said before she quickly walked out to the backyard before answering.

"Hiya Harry."

She answered, closing the back door as quietly as she could. Hermione instantly felt better at the fresh air and the open space. While the sun was starting to set and the temperature was dropping, Hermione would rather stay outside than go back into the confines of the awkward dinner.

"'Mione, can we talk?"

Harry said from the other end. Hermione didn't miss the anxiousness from his tone.

"Of course. Do you want to talk on the phone or do you want me to come over to – "

She started asking but was soon interrupted.

"Are you leaving to Yale?"