CHAPTER 14

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Graduation was upon them in two weeks, and the older students were eager to have it end and take that all-important step into adulthood.

Draco and Hermione focused on their budding relationship.

They were in a constant state of bliss. She was the one thing that gave him hope and redemption from his past deeds.

The woman was so genuinely good. It rubbed off on him. She made him want to become better.

They fell into a healthy pattern around each other. Draco had never known the selfless love and wanting Hermione offered him so ardently.

He drank it up eagerly, getting lost in her.

Despite all odds, they were in love, and he had no intention of letting her go and planned to tell his parents soon.

He knew it wouldn't go well, but they would face that hurdle together.

Come what may, as long as they were together, they would be strong.

He hugged her close and tried to cuddle, but she pushed his arm aside and made a mad dash for the bathroom.

Sleepy eyed, he woke up perplexed and worried.

What the hell just happened?

Following his beloved to the bathroom in concern, he saw her doubled over the commode vomiting.

He walked into the bathroom without hesitation, crouched down next to his girlfriend, and gently stroked her hair.

Another wave of nausea tore through Hermione, and she used her free hand to shoo him away, "You don't need to see this."

Draco smiled and touched her temple; she didn't seem to have a fever.

He went back into the room, sat on the bed and anxiously waited for her to come out.

"Why don't you get some rest? I'll copy the notes for you," he told her reassuringly.

She hated to miss class, but she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep.

He dressed quickly and looked over her in concern, light snores came out of her, and he sighed.

What he wanted to do was crawl in next to her and take her to Madam Pomfrey.

Slowly closing the door, making sure not to disturb his sleeping witch, Draco went towards their shared common room and pulled out a mug.

There was a sharp nip at the window, and he looked up in alarm to see the Malfoy family owl at the window.

Surprised, he opened the window, and the magnificent owl flew in, stretching its wings.

It did a small circle around the dorm before landing on the table.

Draco offered some snacks to the tawny owl, who accepted them happily. He took the message and stared at it.

He recognized the handwriting at once.

He frowned at the piece of paper, his father never wrote to him, and Draco preferred it that way. He wanted nothing to do with the man.

Son,

Your presence is requested at home this weekend.

Father.

He narrowed his eyes. His father did not mince words.

His quill hovered over an empty parchment, he tried to think of a suitable excuse to get out of it, but none came to mind.

Balling the piece of paper, he tossed it away and decided on meeting with his father.

He thought of meeting McGonagall before heading to class. He needed her permission if he was to head home for the weekend.

His heart dropped at the realization. He avoided going home as much as possible.

Kicking a small stone in frustration, he stood outside the Headmistresses office and stared at the statue.

He quickly muttered the password, and the Gargoyle moved to grant him access up the stairs.

"Come in, Mr Malfoy," McGonagall beckoned Draco forward while reading a few papers on her desk. She pushed them aside and gave him her undivided attention.

He handed over the note from his father, and McGonagall frowned. Lucius Malfoy was a barbaric and vile human being. He was an absolute horror of a man.

She looked back at the young man standing before her, "I do hope it's nothing serious, Mr Malfoy. You have my permission to visit home during the weekend."

Draco nodded miserably and turned to leave when McGonagall asked, "How is Miss Granger?"

He smiled brightly, "She...we're good, Professor."

Giving an encouraging nod, she dismissed him.

The portraits around her watched the retreating boy's figure.

"Making Draco Head Boy was an excellent decision, Minerva," said the portrait of Dumbledore happily.

Thoughtfully, he continued, "He has come a long way, and he seems to care about Miss Granger genuinely."

McGonagall pressed her lips together and hissed her displeasure, "It's not Mr Malfoy, I'm worried about, Albus."

She added sadly, "We both know his father will never accept Hermione and will go to any length to separate them."

The portrait of Severus Snape watched in surprise at the difference in his Godson.

Albus was right. The change in the boy was remarkable.

He hoped Lucius would not stand in the way of his son's happiness.

It was a long and boring day. Draco draped his body over the chair lazily, wishing time to go by quickly.

He sat with Blaise and got ready for the last lesson of the day.

The olive-skinned boy nudged him for the tenth time.

Turning on his best friend, Draco hissed, "What the hell, Zabini?"

Blaise pointed the cause out of the corner of his eye.

Draco followed his gaze and grimaced. Astoria was staring at him with a smitten puppy dog look over her pumpkin juice.

He smiled at her sweetly and showed her the finger.

The woman just would not take no for an answer.

The Slytherin girls cheeks turned bright red, she hurriedly turned around, and Blaise chuckled.

They got to their feet and hurried to class.

Ron had Lavender pressed up against the wall, and his hands roamed hungrily under her shirt.

Disgusted, the ice blonde glanced over his shoulder at the couple and said, "Ten points from Gryffindor for indecent behaviour."

Ron broke the kiss and took a step towards Draco with his wand raised.

Draco stood his ground and grinned, "Let's make that thirty points from Gryffindor for trying to hex the Head boy."

Ron stopped dead in his tracks and glared, "I don't know what the fuck she sees in you."

Lavender tugged urgently on his arm, "Come on, let's go, Ron."

Blaise smirked, "That's it, Weasley, listen to Brown and fuck off."

Draco walked into the dorm, dropped his bag near the door and yawned.

Hermione glanced at him over her book and smiled.

Walking over, he felt her forehead and kissed her gently, "How are you feeling, love?"

Hermione put aside the book in her hands and replied thoughtfully, "I feel much better. It was probably something I ate."

He kicked off his shoes, joined her on the couch, and kept his head on her lap.

Hermione absentmindedly ran her fingers through his platinum blonde locks.

She asked curiously, "Did I miss anything important?"

Draco closed his eyes, savouring her touch and smell, "Mmmm...nothing really."

His eyes flew open, and he told her bitterly, "I have to go home this weekend. My father sent a letter."

Hermione bit her bottom lip nervously, "Oh, any idea why?"

Draco, "Salazar knows why that man does anything."

He added thoughtfully, "Maybe to discuss my options after graduation. It's in less than a month, and he's been hinting about the family business."

Hermione cleared her throat nervously, "What do you want to do after graduation, Draco?"

He thought hard for a bit and replied, "I will join the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I think being an Auror is pretty cool."

She was pleasantly shocked, "An Auror? But you're a Malfoy."

He grimaced, "Please don't say it like that, I am not my father, and I think I've proved that by being with you."

Reaching over, she squeezed his hand, "I'm sorry, truthfully, I think you would make an amazing Auror."

He smiled and kissed her, "What about you?"

She gave it some thought, "I would love to join The Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

Draco grinned. He could definitely see her fighting for elf rights and some other mistreated poor soul.

He cleared his throat and nervously addressed the more pressing issue of their relationship after Hogwarts, "We could move into our own place and see where this takes us."

Merlin, he hoped it was the right fucking thing to say.

Hermione stared at him with her big brown eyes lovingly, "I would really like that."

Draco got to his feet and pulled her up with him, "Let's go get some dinner. I'm guessing you haven't eaten all day."

At the mention of food, her stomach churned unpleasantly.

Playfully shoving each other, they rushed out of the dorm and towards The Great Hall.

Draco woke up early. He did not want to wake Hermione until it was time for him to leave.

Dressing in a casual white shirt and black jeans, he let his hair spike up wildly.

He glanced over at his girlfriend; she had thrown up twice during the night, and he was worried that it might be more than a stomach bug.

Stroking her bareback, he sighed and thought back to the promise he made her make. She had to see Pomfrey first thing in the morning.

He stated firmly, "No excuses, Granger."

She hugged him close, "Okay, I'll go see her in the morning."

Draco kissed her clammy forehead. It broke his heart to leave her, especially when she was feeling sick.

One more kiss and he would leave, she stirred, and he whispered, "I'm leaving. I'll see you tonight."

Wide awake at once, Hermione flung herself at him and held him close.

She choked back a sob, "I love you, Draco."

He broke away, rubbed her cold hands with his, stared deep into her eyes, and took in her petrified state.

He cupped her face and reassured her, "Everything will be fine."

Kissing her forehead, he whispered, "I love you too, Granger, always!"

Reluctantly Draco turned to leave, gave her a warm smile and picked up his wand.

She heard the door close. Hermione hugged herself and let the tears fall freely, "I love you so much."

It was bloody early, but he needed to speak to Ginny.

Draco stopped by the owlery and quickly scribbled a letter and sent it.

Weasel girl,

Hermione has been feeling sick for the past two days, and please take her to Pomfrey. I will be back tonight.

Thanks!DM

The owl took off at once.

He watched it disappear and made his way into Hogsmeade.

Ginny heard the tapping on the window closest to her. She covered her head with a pillow and willed the annoying noise to go away.

When the noise steadily increased, she swore into the fluffy pillow, rubbed her eyes and pulled herself up.

She yawned openly and glared at the owl tapping on her window, and cursed under her breath.

Who the bloody hell would send her a letter this early on a bloody Saturday?

She opened the window and sneered at the owl, who reluctantly handed the letter and quickly took off.

Ginny rubbed her eyes again and tried to focus on the blurry letters in front of her.

She read the letter and sighed. No wonder Hermione wasn't in class yesterday.

Keeping the letter on her bedside cupboard, she slipped between the covers to get a few hours of sleep before going to the Heads dorm to check up on Hermione.

Draco appeared on the outskirts of Malfoy Manor and stared at the imposing building in disgust.

It didn't feel like home. It felt like a fucking prison he couldn't escape from.

He hated the sight of it. So much evil had taken place inside.

Taking his time, he smelled the fresh red roses that blossomed and made his way to the large, ornately carved front door.

He knocked once and at once was greeted by one of their many house-elves.

The little elf bowed low, her nose almost hitting the ground "Master Malfoy."

Draco glanced at the elf, "Where's my father, Dotty?"

The elf didn't look up. She kept staring at her large feet nervously.

Dotty squeaked, "He's in Master's study, and Dotty has your room ready."

Draco waved his hand coolly, "That is not necessary. I am not staying long."

He smiled, "Thank you, Dotty."

The elf looked at her young master in utter disbelief.

Did he actually thank her?

Without bothering to knock, he pushed the large oak doors that led to his father's study and strode in confidently.

Lucius sat at his large desk. Behind him, the cupboard held ancient artefacts and scrolls.

The Malfoy fortune, he had told Draco in his younger days.

None of that mattered anymore. He was ready to give it all up.

"Ah, my son," Lucius greeted coldly.

Draco put his hands in his pockets and stared at his father in contempt, "What do you want?"

Lucius sneered and reached for his wand, "Such insolence."

He twirled it between his fingers, and sparks flew out of the tip, "We have much to discuss."

Draco widened his arms and hissed, "I am here as you commanded, so let's talk."

Lucius looked at his son intently. There was something different about him, something disconcerting and defiant.

Refusing to be baited by his child, he glared, "We will discuss these matters later. Retire to your room and get some rest."

Draco frowned, "I was not planning on staying long."Fuck this. He was leaving.

Lucius let out a cruel laugh and taunted, "Eager to get back to your filthy little Mudblood?"

Fuck!

Draco stopped dead in his tracks. A cold shiver ran down his spine.

His breathing was erratic. He slowly turned to face his father.

He stood his ground and hissed darkly, "Don't you dare call her that!"

The anger he suppressed rose to the surface and grabbed hold of his being, "She is better than all of us!"

Lucius narrowed his eyes and raised his wand threateningly. Draco reached for his wand, but he was too slow. He flew across the room and crashed hard into the door.

His father stood over him with his malign presence, "We will discuss this later."

Stepping over his bleeding son, he exited the study and went in search of his wife.

Draco paced up and down in his old room.

It was only a matter of time before his father found out, but he hadn't thought it would be so soon.

The connected older Malfoy had spies everywhere.

Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his black dress shirt and made his way down to dinner.

When he entered, his parents were already seated, awaiting his presence.

His mother rose to hug him enthusiastically, and he kissed her lightly on the cheek.

They took their seats, and Draco placed the napkin on his lap but barely touched his food.

Narcissa smiled through the obvious tension, "I have missed you, dear."

She turned to look at her son and asked, "How is school?"

Lucius sneered, "Indeed, tell your mother how school is."

Draco pushed back his chair and defiantly rose to his feet, "School has become tolerable since I fell in love with Hermione."

Lucius sipped his wine and glared at his only son.

He laughed maniacally, "Do you hear that Cissy, my heir, has chosen to taint my bloodline by bedding a Mudblood."

Narcissa pressed her lips down and avoided looking at her enraged husband.

Draco banged his fists on the table and hissed, "I warned you not to call her that."

Lucius laughed, got to his feet, drew out his wand and didn't hesitate, "Crucio!"

The young wizard fell to the floor, his body writhing with jolts of pain.

He saw his mother reach for her wand, but Lucius slapped her across the face, sending her spiralling across the room and into the carved ages-old cabinet.

Narcissa winced in pain and slid to the floor. Fresh blood seeped through her trembling fingers.

"Mother," Draco whispered desperately.

Lucius stood over Draco, his face dark and angry, "I will not take it this easy with the Mudblood."

His eyes sparkled with malevolence, "I won't waste my time with torture."

He knelt and peered into his sons bloodied face, "If you want to see Granger die slowly, then, by all means, continue this affair, and you will watch as I bathe in her blood."

Draco gathered his strength, limping as he got to his feet.

He quickly looked at his mother. She held a fast dampening cloth soaked in blood over her deep cut.

Narrowing his grey eyes in disgust and contempt at the creature that was his father.

Dravo wiped the trickle of blood that snaked its way down his chin with the back of his hand.

He narrowed his clear grey eyes and snarled, "You're a fucking bastard, Lucius Malfoy."

Closing his eyes, he came to a decision that ripped his heart in half.

His eyes flew open, and the grey orbs blazed with fire. "To keep Hermione safe, I will do anything you ask."

Defeated, he stared at his mother and blocked out everything else.

The one thing he could not risk was either of their lives.

Lucius sneered triumphantly at his son, "Good, I knew you would see it my way."

Hermione changed after throwing up again. The constant feeling of nausea was making her weak and tired.

Making up her mind to keep her promise to Draco, she was about to head to the hospital wing when a loud knock on the door cut through her thoughts.

Ginny smiled brightly and handed her the note Malfoy sent her.

Hermione read the note and felt a pull at her heartstrings. He was the one.

Ginny took in Hermione's appearance and frowned. She looked awful.

They made coffee and sat down on the brightly coloured bean bags.

Ginny popped a biscuit into her mouth and asked in concern, "How long have you been sick?"

Hermione thought back, "About two days, why?"

It was about the time they had potions, and the slippery frog's heart made her almost vomit all over her books.

Thank Merlin, she controlled herself.

Ginny sighed and leaned forward, "I am not trying to scare you, but you and Malfoy use protection, right?"

Hermione laughed incredulously, "Of course we do!"

But as the words left her mouth, she paled. Her new skin colour put Draco's colour to shame.

She wracked her brains, trying to remember her last period.

Fuck, she was very late. Very late.

Fear and unease consumed her.

Oh, Merlin, how could she have been so stupid?

Leaving Ginny to stare after her, stunned, Hermione rushed to her room and returned quickly with three unusual-looking packages.

Ginny threw her a curious look, and Hermione explained with a quivering edge to her voice, "Muggle pregnancy strips, I got them when I last visited my parents."

She added nervously, "You know, just in case."

Taking a deep breath, Ginny gave her a reassuring smile and handed her a test.

Hermione took the strip with trembling hands and slowly walked to the bathroom.

She didn't know how her legs carried her.

The feeling of nausea and dizziness slowly consumed her and threatened to engulf her whole.

Ginny waited patiently, absentmindedly she picked up a book off the floor and flipped through it.

Seconds turned to minutes. It felt like fucking hours.

Ginny looked up and got to her feet as Hermione came out of the room.

She knew from her friend's distorted face. The worst had been confirmed.

Hermione placed her hand on her abdomen and burst into tears.

Narcissa cupped Draco's face. Her eyes searched his for any kind of emotion or reaction.

Her son stared into the distance, defeated and miserable.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure Miss Granger is a wonderful girl.....," Narcissa started to say, but Draco pulled away from his mother's touch, not wanting to talk about Hermione.

Leaving his mother, he apparated to Hogsmeade and headed directly to the Hogshead.

The bartender approached him cautiously, "Malfoy."

He looked up and said nothing, the look he gave was enough.

A dusty bottle of Firewhisky was placed in front of him. Without bothering with a glass, he kept the bottle to his lips and drained it.

Hanging his head in despair, Draco thought back to his departing conversation with Lucius.

"You will sever all ties with the Mudblood and publicly court Miss Greengrass," he listened in silence as his father droned on.

Lucius pushed his wand tip further into his son's cheek. Draco showed no signs of pain or weakness.

He felt numb at what he had to do.

Lucius threatened cold-bloodedly, "If you disobey me, your precious love will suffer a faith worse than death!"

Stepped away from his son, Lucius played with his wand and continued mercilessly, "She's a pretty thing, isn't she?"

He leered, "I am sure plenty would like to have their way with her before I kill her."

Draco leapt out of his seat. His fist connected successfully with his father's face breaking his nose. Blood spurted everywhere.

Pure rage shook him where he stood, and he bellowed, "I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU TOUCH HER!"

With a flick of Lucius's wand, Draco was back in his seat, writhing in pain.

Lucius wiped the blood off his face and stared at his stained black gloves in anger.

He spat, "Such possessiveness over a filthy Mudblood!"

He summoned a house-elf and instructed, "See that my son is cleaned up."

Looking at Draco in disgust, Lucius commanded, "Get up and get out of my sight!"

By the time Draco finished the bottle, he was drunk and unsteady on his feet. He staggered into the dorm.

Momentarily blinded by a mane of thick brown hair, he held onto Hermione to steady himself.

She held him close to her, and her body shook with the intensity of sobs.

Fuck! What now? Why was she crying?

Draco closed his eyes and thought, one last time, he pulled her close, buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply.

My love...

Hermione sobbed into his shirt, "I was so worried when you didn't return yesterday."

Her fingers dug into the material of his shirt, and she asked in concern, "Is everything okay?"

Draco broke away from her embrace, took a deep breath to compose himself and spat, "Of course everything is okay, Granger. I went to visit my parents."

He glared pointedly, "Get off my fucking back!"

Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. It was unlike him to snap at her over something so silly and trivial.

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I am going to sleep."

She watched him walk away without looking back, and her heart broke to literal pieces.

Hermione touched her stomach, and hot tears rolled down her face.

How could she tell him he was going to be a father when he was so cruel?

She hardly slept, tossing and turning till the early hours of the morning until exhaustion consumed her near dawn.

When Hermione finally rose, she found that Draco had already left.

Something was very wrong. She felt it in her gut.

She got dressed miserably and went down to the Great hall for breakfast.

Ginny, Harry and Ron were already there chatting among themselves.

She slid in next to Ginny, who squeezed her hand gently, glimpsed at the Slytherin table and whispered, "Did you tell him?"

Hermione shook her head sadly, "Something is wrong with him."

They both looked over to the Slytherin table just in time to see Draco grab Astoria and heatedly kiss her in front of everyone.

The Hall stilled with silence, students were staring at the exchange, and some braved a look at the stunned Gryffindors.

He deepened the kiss keeping his eyes fixed on Hermione. Astoria closed her eyes and moaned in pleasure.

Ginny stared at Malfoy in disbelief and disgust. Ron and Harry stared at Hermione, concern written all over their face.

Many students were trying to figure out what happened. Even Blaise and Theo looked over at Hermione in concern.

Hermione got to her feet, ignoring Ginny. She held her head high, grabbed her bag full of books and fled the Hall.

She refused to cry and give him fucking satisfaction. Anger was a better emotion, and she let it take over.

Ron threw Malfoy a look of pure smugness and hurriedly followed Hermione out of The Great Hall.

Draco let Astoria go and pushed her aside roughly.

He was no longer the audience he needed and preferred not to spend a second more than he had to with his so-called betrothed.

Rounding on Astoria, Draco stared her down, "I know what you did, you heartless bitch! You think I will ever love you?"

He spat venomously, looking her over, "I am doing this because I love Hermione. You will never be anything more than an annoyance."

He sneered, "Yes, I will marry you, and we will both be fucking miserable."

Hot tears ran down Astoria's petite face as she listened to him.

Draco watched Weasley run after Hermione, and anger spread through him like wildfire.

He cracked his knuckles. Maybe Weasley would give him an outlet to release his pent up rage.

He got to his feet with the rest of the Houses, heading to their last week of classes.

Blaise and Theo tried to speak to Draco, but he stubbornly dismissed them and waved them off.

When they rounded the corner, he saw Ron pressing up flush against Hermione and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Words of comfort and reassurance flowed out of his fucking mouth.

Draco didn't hesitate. That was the outlet he needed.

Before Blaise could hold him back, he marched up to the unsuspecting duo and physically assaulted the red-headed Gryffindor.

Draco's uppercut found its mark and sent Ron flying backwards.

Taking out his wand, he pointed it directly at Ron, trying to inflict more damage, but he heard another familiar soft voice.

A voice that called out his name moaned out his name. He barely had time to turn around.

Hermione hexed him effortlessly, her eyes burning with rage, "Stupefy!"

Blaise helped Draco onto the black leather couch in the Head's dorm.

He asked at once impatiently, "What the bloody hell is going on?"

Draco kept quiet. Blaise was his oldest friend. He knew about his father.

He decided to confide in his best friend.

They had been friends since they were three years old, they both knew each other's families, and if anyone could understand his predicament, it would be Blaise.

Head in his hands, Draco replied miserably, "My fucking father happened. He's threatened to kill Granger if I don't end things with her and marry Astoria."

Blaise let out a slow whistle, "Well, mate, can't say I'm surprised, my stepfather is a fucking lunatic, but he looks like Babbity Rabbity compared to your father."

He shook his head and leaned forward, "You knew this would happen. Did you expect anything else?"

Draco closed his eyes in despair, "I know, but I didn't fucking plan on falling in love with Granger."

Blaise nodded understandably, "I know, mate, I know."

They sat in silence until Blaise asked, "What are you going to do?"

Draco ran his fingers through his hair, "I have to let her go. He's going to kill her and possibly my mother if I don't."

His voice cracked with emotion at the realization of having to let Hermione go.

Blaise nodded and got up to leave, but Draco stopped him and hissed, "This stays between us."

Blaise smiled at his best friend and patted him on the shoulder, "I will keep the best of you secret. I'm here if you need me."

Draco sat back and waited for Hermione.

Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand for the tenth time. She played with a blade of grass and sat with Ginny and Harry by the lake.

The tears fell freely, and she clumsily wiped them away.

She couldn't believe what was happening. Her world was falling apart.

What happened to Draco? He was breaking her heart into an infinite number of pieces.

Harry spoke up confident in his assessment, "You said he went home. I bet all this has something to do with that."

He added bitterly, "His father is a complete maniac, Hermione, we all know that."

She quietly digested what Harry said.

Unable to hold it in any longer, Hermione blurted out, "I am pregnant, Harry!"

Harry stared at his best friend in disbelief and then at Ginny, who purposely averted her gaze.

He sighed. Of course, Ginny would have known. The situation at hand was far more complex than he originally thought.

Reaching over, he put his arm around Hermione's shoulder and gave her a reassuring hug.

He kissed her forehead and advised sternly, "You have to tell him."

Hermione nodded miserably.

Fuck! Life was about to get very complicated.

Hermione entered the dorm to find Draco casually sitting on the couch, sipping a butterbeer.

He looked up as she entered and glared sternly, "Finally, been off with Weasley, have you?"

He mocked sarcastically, "Didn't take you long to fucking move on."

She composed herself and held her head high, "I will not dignify that with an answer."

Narrowing her eyes, she spat, "But maybe I should ask why the fuck you kissed Astoria in the middle of the Great Hall."

Draco grinned, "She's my fiancé. Why wouldn't I kiss her?"

Hermione felt dizzy. She steadied herself and stared at him in disbelief.

She mustered all her strength and yelled, "Don't fucking patronize me, Malfoy!"

She closed the distance between them and poked him in the chest, "You return after visiting your father, and suddenly she's your fiancé."

Her voice cracked, "Where the hell does that leave me?"

He laughed, "Come off it, Granger, I am a Malfoy! Did you really think I would marry you and bring shame to my house?

"I AM A FUCKING MALFOY!" he screamed in her face.

Refusing to back down, she answered slowly, "I heard you, but are you trying to convince yourself or me?"

Hermione looked deep into his conflicted eyes. They never ceased to amaze her.

She placed her palm on his chest, felt the rapid beating of his heart and pleaded, "Please, tell me what happened? Is it your father? Let me help you."

He slapped her hand away and took a deep breath, "It's over!"

Draco turned to walk away. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the tears fall down her whitened and stunned face.

His heart broke, and he itched to take back every word he uttered, but he reminded himself of the greater danger that loomed over her.

He collapsed against the door inside his room and banged his head over and over against the hard frame.

He repeated the same words, "I will always love you."

Hermione didn't know how she made it to the Gryffindor common room, but she stood there like an emotionless statue as everyone moved around her.

They watched her in caution and concern.

Blurry images moved around her. Were they even real?

A shrill voice cut through the animated chatter of the girls' dorm. Ginny heard her name being called and Parvati rushing towards her in panic.

Parvati came to a halt, struggled to catch her breath and wheezed, "It's Hermione, somethings wrong with her."

Dropping her things at once, Ginny hurriedly ran after Parvati to the common room.

Hermione stood there with a vacant expression. Ginny approached her slowly and placed a hand on her shoulder.

The broken girl turned to face her. "It's over Gin. He left me. I couldn't tell him!"

To say it out loud made the bitter realization of the situation sink in.

Unable to hold back the violent surge of emotions, Hermione broke down in sobs and fell to the floor.

Ginny hugged her friend's broken frame tightly, "It's going to be alright darling, you have us, we're going to get through this."

Harry and Ron entered the common room covered in mud after Quidditch practice.

They saw Hermione; first, she was hunched over a mug of hot chocolate.

Discarding their equipment, they curiously approached the girls, and it was fairly obvious that something was out of place.

Ginny locked eyes with Harry. Her eyes were strained with concern. Glancing momentarily at Hermione, she shook her head.

Harry felt pure rage as he dropped everything, rushed out of the portrait and headed straight for the Heads dorm.

He heard Ginny call after him, but he didn't care to stop.

He banged on the dorm door until a completely broken-down Malfoy opened the door, looking a mess.

He left the door open for Harry to enter, returned to his bottle of Firewhisky and mocked, "What took you so long, Potter?"

Harry stared at Malfoy. His appearance, his behaviour was not of a man who willingly ended a relationship.

He looked, if possible worse than Hermione.

Harry felt his anger die. He rounded on the blonde Slytherin, "What the fuck have you done, Malfoy?"

When he didn't answer, Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at him.

Draco eyed the wand with no interest. He just stared at it.

No smug expression, Malfoy didn't even attempt to take out his wand.

Instead, he drank from the bottle and spat, "It's over, Potter. Take care of your friend."

Harry felt the anger return. He demanded, "Did she mean so little to you?"

Draco flinched at the harshness of Harry's words but replied callously, "She was just a good shag; it was good while it lasted, but a Malfoy can't be with a Mudblood."

"That's your father talking, not you!" Harry replied coldly.

Draco threw the empty bottle at the wall. It smashed and fell to the ground in pieces.

He rounded on Harry and bellowed, "Don't you fucking get it, Potter? I am letting her go so she can live."

He pointed at the door, "Get out before I fucking throw you out. I am done with Hermione Granger."

Harry wanted to curse Malfoy into oblivion, but his last words were disturbing, and it struck him as odd.

There was definitely more to the story.

He was more convinced than ever that Lucius Malfoy had gotten to his son.

Harry entered the Gryffindor common room and knelt next to Hermione. She smiled at him weakly.

He cupped her face tenderly, "We love you, and we will get through this together."

Ron walked over and took in Hermione's defeated figure. He couldn't bring himself to say anything but agree with Harry.

She smiled at them gratefully and felt her eyes close.

"Malfoy is a fucking git," Ron hissed as he took off his dirty Quidditch robes.

Harry looked over at his friend. "I don't think this was easy for him to do."

He pressed urgently, "There's something else going on."

Ron ignored him and said in relief, "It's good she got away from him before things got worse."

Harry nodded solemnly; Ron had no idea about Hermione's current predicament.