Chapter 14

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A week later, Harry and Ginny were back from their holiday.

Harry outright refused to take time off from work, especially with the Death Eater issue at hand.

After much deliberation, Kingsley finally snapped and ordered him to take the damn holiday.

Harry needed the break, everyone could see the toll the situation was taking on the man.

Grudgingly, he finally agreed and Ginny had been ecstatic at the revelation of a much deserved holiday.

Hermione sat across a star-struck Ginny, she couldn't place it but there was something different about her friend and even Harry seemed fidgety.

Ginny excitedly filled her in on all the places they visited, "It's so beautiful, Mi, you have to visit."

She sighed and hugged herself, "The weather was so amazingly warm and toasty."

Harry gave his girlfriend a small nudge.

"We have some news Mi," she announced timidly and completely out of character.

Ginny was straight to the point, fuck it if you don't like it, type of woman.

Hermione took in Ginny's honey kissed skin, her bright red flush, twinkling eyes and blurted out excitedly, "YOU'RE PREGNANT."

Harry widened his eyes in horror and Ginny roared with laughter, "Are you barking mad, Hermione?"

She turned to face Harry and she patted his hand reassuringly, "I'm not pregnant Harry, calm the fuck down."

Harry took a deep breath, clutched his chest and exclaimed, "Oh thank Merlin."

Ginny frowned, "But good to know where you're at Potter."

Harry mouthed incredulously, "What?"

Hermione started to lose her patience, "Come on, tell me, tell me."

Ginny brought out her hand from under the table and squealed excitedly displaying a dazzling diamond engagement ring. "TADA!"

Hermione shrieked and jumped up to hug her best friends, "OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS, I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU."

Ginny blushed bright red and asked timidly, "One more thing, Mi, will you be my maid of honour?"

Another high pitch squeal and Hermione was hugging Ginny again, "OF COURSE!"

Harry cleared his throat, "We are having a low scale engagement party at The Burrow and you and Malfoy are welcome to join us, Hermione."

Ginny added fiercely, "You have to be there, please! Ron will be on his best behaviour or so help me, I'll kill him in his sleep."

Harry shot her a frightened look.

Hermione shifted in her chair uncomfortably and, "I would love to, you know that but Ron hasn't accepted that it's over and that I'm with Draco."

She reached over and squeezed Ginny's hand, "I would hate to be the cause of tension on your special day."

Ginny cried indignantly, "You're my maid of honour!"

Hermione sighed in defeat, she knew it was useless arguing with the fiery redhead, "Of course, I'll be there."

Harry grinned and added, "Don't forget to bring Malfoy."

Hermione groaned, "Come on, you guys, Ron is going to go round the bloody twist."

Ginny crossed her arms over her chest and made her typical, fuck it if I care face, "It's our engagement, he can fucking suck it up."

Hermione perked up, "Also, how about I organize a night out at Draco's club for us, just the girls and guys?"

Ginny jumped to her feet, "That sounds better than this sodding engagement, let's do that."

Harry coughed and reminded his fiance, "Your mother will have your head if you don't have the engagement party at home."

Ginny frowned, "Fuck, we can do both then."

The three friends laughed loudly and the Muggles around them turned to stare at the trio.

They ordered food and Ginny took out pictures of their vacation next and Hermione filled them in on her visit to Malfoy Manor.

"What was his mother like?" Harry asked, curiously.

He was concerned for his friend but Harry was well aware of Narcissa Malfoy and how she played her part in saving them all.

Hermione beamed, "Narcissa was wonderful, she really supports our relationship."

Ginny softened her gaze, "I'm so glad things are working out for you Mi, it's obvious Malfoy's crazy about you."

Hermione let out a low sigh, the mention of his name was like euphoria to her.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione composed herself enough to share the news she was most upset by.

Despite Draco's indifference to Astoria, the woman's flirtatious behaviour lingered in Hermione's mind, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

She played with her fingers and tried to gather the right words.

Harry placed his hand on top of hers, "What's the matter, Hermione?"

Her voice cracked, "Astoria is in love with him."

Ginny scowled, "She's a stupid cow, Malfoy loves you."

Hermione visibly relaxed, Draco had never given her cause to worry.

She supposed her friends were right.

Hermione exchanged a solemn look with Harry and knew he understood her anxiety at having visited Malfoy Manor and her growing fear of losing Draco.

She was completely in love with him and a life without him looked bleak.

Five months into their relationship, the press had died down and they stopped being their favourite couple to pursue and annoy.

They were still featured but seldom and only at notable events, especially Ministry functions or Narcissa's fundraising events.

They fit perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle, that void they had both felt was filling up steadily.

Hermione was convinced that this was it, there would be no other man for her but Draco.

She kept her flat but she hardly spent more than a few days there.

Their current living arrangement worked well when it came to projects they were working on together for the Ministry.

Her room was only a namesake, she never slept in it.

Every night she crawled into the arms that held her tightly to his chest.

Since Hermione began spending nights at Draco's flat, his nightmares seemed to lessen.

He still had them, but the intensity reduced, and he hardly felt them anymore.

Hermione's flat...

They were in her flat lazily watching a Star Wars movie.

Now that was a Muggle movie franchise he loved. The force was very much like their magical abilities but heightened and more devasting.

Draco casually brushed his fingers along her arm when Hermione sat up at once and smacked her forehead, "Oh gosh, I don't believe I forgot to tell you."

He looked at his witch curiously.

She clapped her hands together and said excitedly, "Harry proposed to Ginny."

Draco mused, "Poor Potter."

Hermione punched him playfully, "He loves her and they've been together for ages."

Draco smiled fondly at how excited Hermione was, "Okay, okay, good for old Pothead."

She eyed him sceptically.

Did marriage scare him?

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage to tell him the rest of the details.

She faked a cough and mumbled almost inaudible, "Ginny and Harry are having an engagement party at The Burrow."

Draco leaned closer, reduced the volume of the TV and asked, "What did you say, Granger?"

Hermione cleared her throat, "I'm her maid of honour, and they are having an engagement party at The Burrow."

His eyes scrunched up perplexed, "What exactly is The Burrow?"

She smiled and explained cautiously, "It's what everyone calls the Weasleys' house."

He paled if that was even possible.

Draco scowled, "Right! So, obviously Weasel Shit will be there."

Clearly unhappy with the news, he waited for her to continue.

Hermione hesitated and reached for his hand, "Yes, of course. But you'll be with me."

He laced his long fingers through hers and brought her closer to him, "When is it?"

She cuddled up to him, "On the fifteenth."

It was nearly a month away.

Hermione felt Draco stiffen, she peered into his face concerned.

He closed his eyes and bared his teeth, "Ah Shit, I've got to be in Paris for a meeting with Blaise. I was hoping you would come with me."

His hold on her tightened and he kissed the top of her head.

Draco mumbled at the disappointing turn of events, "So much for that surprise."

Hermione's heart sank, "Paris? Really?"

He broke free and headed towards the kitchen, "It's okay babe, we can go some other time, besides Potter and Ginny need you here."

A smile spread across her face and she retorted affectionately, "Aww...You called her Ginny."

Draco narrowed his eyes, "For fuck sake, don't you dare tell her!"

His tone turned deadly serious, "But stay the fuck away from lover boy, he's still hung up on you and I don't want to come back and kick his arse again."

Hermione stared at him confused, again?

When had he kicked Ron's arse in the first place?

She let it go and replied confidently, "I have no intention of being around Ron unless absolutely necessary."

The month passed by fairly quickly...

Hermione folded Draco's trousers and clothes the Muggle way, mainly because of the distraction it offered.

He watched her closely and zipped up two suits inside their protective casing.

She finished her task, plopped down on the bed and sat cross-legged.

A small frown plastered to her face, she pouted miserably.

Fuck, she wanted to go with him.

His gaze softened, "Granger, I'll be back soon."

He leaned forward to kiss her soft lips.

She shoved him away playfully, "Sod off Malfoy, I want to see Paris not spend time with you."

Grabbing her around her waist, he pinned her down holding her captive.

She struggled valiantly but he was too strong.

Bending over, he placed a kiss to the base of her throat and sucked on the delicate flesh before abruptly releasing her.

Hermione pouted, "Tease."

Draco laughed and pulled up his trousers and buttoned his crisp white dress shirt.

They heard the doorbell and Hermione sprinted towards the sound.

They walked into the living room together chatting about Ginny and Harry's engagement.

Draco met the pair in the middle of the living room.

Blaise grinned, "Shall we get going?"

Hermione reached up to give Blaise a quick peck and said firmly, "Make sure he doesn't go lusting after some French tart."

Blaise laughed, "You have my word, Granger."

Draco dropped his bags and pulled Hermione towards him, "Have fun at the party, I love you."

He kissed her forehead and then her lips, Blaise looked away awkwardly.

Blaise shook his head, "She's taking this better than Theo."

Theo had been monumentally pissed that his best friends were going to Paris without him, Blaise recalled a colourful slew of curses.

Kingsley authorized the Portkey and Hermione placed the old shoe on the table.

Draco locked eyes with her as they touched the Portkey and disappeared.

Her heart sank and she stared at the spot miserably.

Letting out a sad sigh, she decided on taking a long bubble bath before heading to The Burrow.

The bathroom filled with the scent of lavender and hint of rose, warm water washed over her luxuriously and she sank into its bliss.

In Paris...

They checked into the Ritz Carlton Paris.

Draco offhandedly informed Blaise, "I haven't been to Paris in a while."

Blaise put his hands into his pockets away from the cold and replied, "I was here a few months ago, my mom had some business to tie up."

He grinned, "Meet you at the lobby bar in an hour?"

Draco nodded, "Yeah sounds good."

He definitely needed to bring Hermione.

She would absolutely love it.

He could see them walking around the city, taking in the many museums, eating custard tarts and chocolate-filled eclairs.

The bed looked inviting and he daydreamed about making love to her on the smooth bedding.

Draco always thought power was the ultimate aphrodisiac but the feisty Gryffindor proved him wrong.

Fuck, he missed his witch!

Hermione felt thoroughly relaxed by the time she dried herself.

Her tense muscles felt like mush.

She glanced at the clock and cried, "Fuck!"

Time to get ready.

Draco gave her an envelope to give the couple before he left.

He smiled genuinely and pushed the small envelope into her hands, "Engagement gift to the future Potters."

Stunned into silence, she stared at the contents within.

He had given them an all-expenses-paid, three-day honeymoon to Sweden.

Pulling the dress out of the protective bag, she gave it a twirl.

The elegant, light blue dress with small cap sleeves hugged her figure and ended right below her knees.

It was very girly and pretty.

She finished the look with her beloved earrings and bracelet.

Satisfied, Hermione put the envelope in her purse and disapparated to the borders of The Burrow.

Harry and Ginny's engagement party - The Burrow.

It was nearly six months since she ran out of the house in front of her.

Slightly amused by how different her life was now, she made her way up the winding path.

Percy, Charlie and Bill were busy hanging canopies and arranging the chairs.

They all greeted her warmly when they saw her walking up the narrow space that led to The Burrow.

Ron was busy speaking to a reporter who had come far too early, his face split into an awkward but bright smile when he saw her.

Without hesitation, he put his long arms around her and hugged her tightly.

Surprised, Hermione held him gingerly and broke free in seconds.

She rubbed her arms and asked, "Er...is Ginny inside?"

Ron hid his disappointment but managed a smile, "Yeah, she's waiting for you."

When Harry told him Malfoy was away on business and Hermione would be coming alone, he was practically giddy with happiness.

Harry eyed him suspiciously and warned him not to do anything stupid.

Hermione slowly walked through the kitchen,

She sidestepped the hundreds of packages that littered the path when Molly stepped in front of her with her arms wide open.

The older woman hugged her tightly and surrounded her with motherly goodness, "My dear Hermione, I'm so happy to see you."

Ginny came rushing down the stairs, her hair up in a bun and dress flapping around her ankles, "Finally, HELP ME!"

Hermione laughed and allowed herself to be dragged upstairs.

She called out as Ginny pulled her away, "I'll be back Mrs Weasley."

Once inside Ginny's room, Hermione grinned, "Wheres the fire sweetheart?"

It was a Muggle phrase and Ginny didn't get it.

She hurriedly picked up two pairs of shoes and held them up, "Which one?"

Hermione gave it some thought and pointed to the dainty purple heels.

Ginny looked like a beautiful red-headed fairy in her long, flowing, lilac-coloured dress and elegant bun.

Finding the perfect dress had been an utter nightmare.

It had taken the women nearly a week to find it.

Many blisters and tears later, Ginny found her dress hidden deep in Muggle London and they both sighed in relief.

Hermione gushed adoringly, "You look so beautiful."

Ginny fidgeted nervously, it was unlike her to be this nervous

Hermione sighed, "Draco wanted to be here, but he's in Paris."

She said the word Paris with a bit of contempt and disgust.

She handed Ginny the envelope and beamed, "But this is for you guys"

Ginny took it curiously, tore it open and her eyes widened, "Wow, seriously?"

She was in complete awe!

Hermione snickered, "Yup, seriously, he even called you Ginny."

Peals of laughter filled the room and Ginny yelled, "Shut the fuck up! What have you done to that poor soul?"

Hermione chuckled, "You have no idea."

A small cough interrupted them.

It was Ron, he took in the carefree moment and mumbled, "Ginny, mum wants you downstairs, people are bloody apparating from everywhere."

Ginny rolled her eyes, shoved him outside roughly and closed the door on his stunned face.

She let out a deep breath and composed herself, "We might as well go down and face the crowd."

Hermione smiled reassuringly and offered Ginny her hand, she courtesied and took it.

The two women went down hand in hand and Charlie let out a low whistle, "Looking good ladies."

Ginny rolled his eyes in exasperation and fired back, "Sod off, Charlie."

Charlie grinned affectionately, "Attempt to behave like a woman today little sister."

Ginny scanned the room to see if her mother was around.

Satisfied that Molly was nowhere in sight, she smirked and showed her brother the finger.

Bill entered the kitchen to get the last of the decorations when he caught Ginny with her finger raised.

He coughed and frowned at his little sister.

Ginny smiled sheepishly and had the good grace to look ashamed, she deeply respected her oldest brother.

Fleur greeted Hermione, the beautiful French girl elegantly glided towards them and gushed over Ginny, "Oui, so beautiful, ma Cherie."

Her sultry french accent made Hermione think of Draco.

"That's a lot of people," Hermione turned at the nervous shaky voice.

Harry frowned, rubbed his hands and stood behind her looking extremely anxious.

He would gladly face a hundred dementors than the growing crowd outside.

Hermione gave him a reassuring hug, "You will be fine."

Guests were making their way up the small path and some stopped to talk to others, while others sat down.

The reporters were already taking pictures of important people like the Minister and Quidditch players.

Harry Potter, the saviour of the wizarding world, getting engaged was definitely hot news.

Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss and hand in hand they stepped into the limelight.

Hermione waved at Luna who had just appeared, they hugged in greeting and made their way to a table.

The evening was well on its way and Hermione was having a marvellous time.

She had danced with Charlie and George and it was a blast, they were so funny and entertaining.

Exhausted she sat down at the closest table and took off her heels; her feet were killing her.

A familiar smell.

A musty cologne and Hermione felt someone sit down next to her.

A plate of chocolate cake was pushed in her direction.

Hermione smiled, she knew it was Ron.

They hadn't been alone since their disastrous wedding and he had been a perfect gentleman tonight.

Turning to face him, he smiled sheepishly and Hermione couldn't help but smile.

He stared at the dancefloor and asked with interest, "How have you been?"

She replied politely, "I've been good, busy with work and things."

An awkward silence followed...

He sighed, "It's so good to see you," he meant it with all his heart.

Hermione smiled, not knowing what else to do.

Abruptly, he held out his hand and asked her to dance.

She was reluctant but it was such a heartfelt request, she accepted and he led her onto the dancefloor.

Everyone watched with interest, knowing the history they shared.

His hands trembled and in all honesty, she felt nothing but affection for a friend.

He held her at a safe distance and they moved to the music slowly.

Ron missed her so much, her wonderful smell surrounded him.

He wanted to drop his lips to hers and taste her just one more time.

Risking everything, Ron pulled an unsuspecting Hermione closer to his body.

She stiffened momentarily and politely excused herself leaving him alone on the floor while she went to speak to Luna.

Luna rubbed Hermione's shoulders, "Are you okay?"

She shuddered and felt a shiver, "Yes, I'm fine, Luna, I'm just cold."

Hermione looked out onto the dance floor and Ron stared at her with anguished eyes.

She looked away quickly and headed inside.

Paris day two...

Draco and Blaise were having breakfast before their third meeting with the contractors.

They were going on-site to look and inspect the space.

Blaise looked at the paper first and cursed, it was going to be a long bloody day.

The front page had a blown-up picture of the happy couple and few pictures of the guests which included a rather sizable picture of Hermione slow dancing with Ron and Weasley gazing at her completely in love.

It was an intimate picture.

Blaise knew Draco was going to lose his shit when he saw it.

He glanced at his best friend over the top of the paper, he wouldn't have to wait long for Draco's reaction.

The ice blonde straightened and narrowed his eyes angrily.

His face contorted with rage and fury as he stared into the paper.

He turned the paper sideways and scrutinized it from every possible angle.

What the absolute fuck?

Draco fumed, "Did you see? That fuckers got his hands all over my girlfriend."

Blaise put the paper down, "It's just a dance Drake, it hardly means anything."

He tried to be the voice of reason.

Draco threw the paper down in disgust, "The one thing I asked was her to stay the fuck away from him."

He glared at the picture, "Look at him, looking at her like he's fucking star struck."

The next morning...

Hermione saw the front page and groaned, shit!

Her initial reaction had been to contact Draco at once but he remained uncontactable.

Either he was busy or he was avoiding her.

While nursing her fifth cup of tea and nervously tapping her foot on the ground a beautiful white wolf appeared in the middle of her small living room.

She sighed in relief, "Let's talk when I come back tomorrow."

His voice was low and moody.

Yes, he was obviously angry and Hermione didn't need to be the smartest witch of the age to figure that out.

Draco avoided Hermione, he had got all the messages she sent to his Muggle phone device but he glanced at them and tossed his phone away in irritation.

Sending his Patronus had a purpose, it had a deep meaning and that meant you don't fuck with a Malfoy.

He concentrated on the meetings, clearing his mind of all other unwanted crap.

They sealed the deal and Blaise and he celebrated at the hotel bar.

Blaise tried to speak to him about the issue at hand but Draco silenced him with a look.

Ron smiled lovingly at the picture of Hermione and his dancing.

For once, The Daily Prophet had done something worthwhile.

It was such a flattering angel, she looked beautiful and he didn't look too shabby either.

He was sure in the corners of her heart, she still loved him.

Making up his mind to double his efforts, he started to devise a plan.

Hermione hardly got any sleep.

One, she missed Draco's arms around her.

Two, she was anxious at what he was going to say.

The dance meant diddly squat to her. The only reason she had even danced with Ron was to try and salvage the lifelong friendship they shared.

Nothing more and nothing less!

Damn her need to see the good in everything and everyone.

Stupid bloody goody two shoes!

The sun had just about come up when Hermione heard the loud thud that came from her living room.

Hurriedly, reaching for her wand, she pointed it at her room door.

Draco walked into her room, cool as ice and instructed through clenched teeth, "Put that away, Granger."

Replacing her wand on her night cupboard, she studied the blonde Slytherin.

He played with a snow globe that she kept on her dresser, watching the snow float around and descend within the glass orb.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione made the first move, "Did you just get back?"

Still eyeing the falling fake snow, he nodded curtly.

Hermione smiled with a slight nod.

She piled her messy curls on top of her head and went towards the kitchen with him in tow.

She elegantly waved her wand and the appliances came to life with purpose.

"Do you still love him?" Draco hissed not bothering to mask the hurt and pain he felt.

He locked eyes with her and pleaded, "I just want the truth, Granger."

Please stop this pain.

An unfamiliar tightness gripped his heart.

I gave you my life Granger.

His question cut through her and seared her heart.

The pain and anguish were so raw.

Hermione closed the distance between them quickly and cupped his face, "I love you so much, Draco, you have no idea just how much I do."

I would die for you.

She placed her hand on his chest and whispered tenderly, "I'm so sorry I ever made you doubt that."

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

His stormy eyes were pools of despair, they stared into her warm golden brown.

Draco had trust issues, considering everything he had suffered, it was a miracle he got out with only trust issues and not years of therapy.

Usually a confident man, he lay in her arms broken and helpless.

Sensing his urgent need for reassurance, Hermione pulled Draco to her and crushed her lips to his.

The haze lifted and he responded desperately holding onto her tightly.

He wanted to speak but she silenced him with another kiss, "Later! I want you to make love to me."

She whispered between kisses, "I'm yours, always yours."

Allowing himself to be led into her small bedroom, he sighed as she lovingly stripped him of his clothes and surrendered to his will.

He was exhausted from the trip and dealing with his emotions but he could see he had nothing to worry about.

Granger loved him, they belonged together.

She slept soundly tucked into her side of the bed, completely naked.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder and reached for his boxers, pulling it up he headed for the kitchen.

He threw open the cupboard, grabbed a tea bag and cup and poured the hot water.

There was a loud knock and Draco glanced at the clock, it was barely nine o'clock.

Intrigued and grabbing his wand, he answered the door curiously.

A stunned Ron stood outside with a bunch of flowers staring at the semi-naked Slytherin.

Draco wasted no time, he wiped his wand around and pointed it at Ron, "What the fuck are you doing here, Weasley?"

Ron took advantage of the golden opportunity and sneered, "You already know the answer to that question, Malfoy."

Hermione came into the hall wearing the sheet toga style and stared at Ron in shock.

She quickly rubbed her sleepy eyes, held onto her boyfriend's arm and asked sternly, "Ron, what are you doing here?"

Ron smirked, "Just came by to see how you were doing."

Hermione stared him down in disbelief.

Her eyes travelled over Draco longingly, "Well, thank you but as you can see, I'm more than fine."

Ron replied with a slight edge to his voice, "Yes, I can see that."

He turned on his heel and left, a satisfied smirk plastered on his lips.

Malfoy did not look happy and that pleased him immensely.

The second Ron left, Draco rounded on Hermione in fury, "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?"

He yelled, he was beyond fucking angry.

She cowered and stepped back, "Draco, please calm down! He never comes by."

Hermione tried her best to explain but he wouldn't listen.

She was beginning to lose her patience.

Draco bared his teeth and hissed, "I fucking told you to stay away from him, because I know how his mind works."

He spat viciously, "The fucker is still in love with you. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

Hermione tried to touch him, "Draco, please."

He brushed her off and moved away, "Don't fucking touch me, I'm leaving."

He got dressed in a hurry and disapparated without another word.