Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Heart and Soul ❯ Chapter Ten ( Chapter 10 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: TassanaBurrfoot 
A Christmas gift
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.7K | Visits: 680 | Status: Completed
A Christmas gift
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Hentai / Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.21.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.7K | Visits: 680 | Status: Completed
Heart and Soul
By: Tassana Burrfoot
Chapter Ten
Hermione sighed as she plopped down on her bed. It felt so good to be home! She had missed her parents so much and they obviously missed her. It had been easy to skip going to the Burrow this year. After all, she was apparently angry with Ron. But, that wasn't true at all.
If anything, she was happy for Ron. He deserved to have someone in his life. She just felt guilty. Though she had tried not to, Hermione knew she had led Ron on so many times. And now, she kept a terrible secret from him and Harry.
She though of telling Harry before they had departed, but decided not to. She had all ready lost one best friend, she did not need to lose Harry, too. Besides, he needed her.
She wasn't even certain this secret would last much longer. She felt betrayed and deceived. She wanted to take the ring and shove it down Draco's throat. To Hell with the Malfoy line!
"I'm not leaving you. I love you, Draco Malfoy. Hell or high water, I will be your wife. Nothing will come between us and our happiness."
Hermione shrunk at her remembered vow. Why did she make such a proclamation? What part of her brain told her, convinced her, that a promise like that was a smart idea? Apparently not the rational part.
She wanted to throw the ring. She held it in her hand and studied it. She remembered all the good things. The passionate kisses tender touches, and romantic dances swept through her memory. The sound of his voice whispering her name was brought to the forefront of her mind. It was like the sweet melody of their song.
"Hermione!" called a voice, causing her to start.
She opened the door and peered down the staircase. Her mother smiled up at her. "You have a visitor."
Hermione stood there a moment, blinking. Who could possibly be calling at this ridiculous hour? Curious, she tucked her ring back into her pocket and descended the stairwell. She hadn't told her parents of her engagement yet, nor was she certain her mysterious visitor would know about it.
Her knees nearly failed her when she saw him. There, waiting by the hearth, he was. He looked so pale, almost sickly. His white-blond hair was slicked back elegantly. His light gray eyes watched her step towards him. He wore black robes and a soft, but weary smile. Judging by his looks, he was exhausted.
"Hermione," he whispered, holding open his arms.
Hearing her name whispered so softly, so invitingly, on his lips almost caused her to forget. She had just about run into his arms. Memories of their days spent together poured over her like rain.
She took a step forward and then stopped. "No," she growled, gaining control of her actions. "We need to talk."
At first he fixed her with a puzzled stare, unsure what she could be talking about. Then, he must have realized she was angry, for his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. "About?" he questioned.
She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms. "There's no need for that tone. If anyone should be angry, it should be me."
Her parents glanced back and forth between the teenagers. She knew they did not know what was going on. Thankfully, they decided to not push the matter. They quietly bowed out, mumbling about taking a walk. When they left, Draco took a step forward.
"No," she commanded. "Just stay there."
"What is your problem, Hermione?" he demanded, frustrated, but he stayed where he was.
"Does Katie Bell bring anything to mind?" she questioned. "What about Slughorn's party?"
Now his face was starting to get some colour. His cheeks were pink in anger, his gray eyes turned to steel. Good. She wanted him to be angry.
"I know nothing..." he began.
"Liar!" she shouted, cutting him off. "Don't lie to me, Draco! You've lied enough all ready. I want to know the truth! And I want to know now. Are you responsible for what happened to Katie Bell?"
"I was in detention when she got hurt," he snapped. "How can I be responsible?"
"I remember that necklace being in Borgin and Burkes," she told him. "I questioned Borgin about it, but he didn't say much. Did you buy it?"
"If you and your little friends wouldn't spy on me..."
She could feel how hot her face was. "You did buy it," she concluded. "Who was the necklace for? Harry? Dumbledore?"
"Look, I told you. I have something important to do," he grounded out. "I can't tell you what it is. I'm sorry for what happened to Bell, but it wasn't my fault. That package was wrapped..."
"I knew it!" she burst, interrupting again. "Somehow, I knew. Draco, she almost died. She would have died had it not been for Professor Snape. And, yes, it would have been your fault. How did you give it to her?"
"I didn't," he argued. "If you'd listen, I was in detention. I did not go to Hogsmeade. How can I give her something if I'm not even there?"
"That's what I'm asking you," she snipped. "How did you do it?"
"I didn't," he repeated.
She stamped her foot in agitation. She took the ring out of her pocket and showed it to him. "Do you remember this? Do you remember what we said to one another?"
He stared at the ring. "Of course I do," he answered. "How could I forget?"
"I need you to promise me something, Draco," she told him. "Promise me you won't walk down your father's path. Promise me you won't become a Death Eater. Promise me..." she choked. Tears ran unchecked down her cheeks. "Promise me.. I won't.. lose you... to the darkness... I need you, Draco... I need you."
She was sobbing at this point. She closed her eyes to her blurred vision. She felt him wrap his arms around her and did not fight him. Instead, she accepted his embrace and weeping into his chest. "I can't lose you," she whispered into his chest. "Please, just.. go to Dumbledore. Ask him for help..."
He broke their embrace and held her at arm's length. His steel eyes bore into hers. "I won't become a Death Eater," he promised. "Nor will I leave you. You're not going to lose me. However, I will not go to Dumbledore for anything. I will not ask him for anything. This is my task. He won't stop me from completing it."
"What if he could help?" she questioned.
He shook his head. "He can't. There's nothing he can do. This is for me."
"What are you trying to prove, Draco?" she asked, her red, wet eyes filling up with more tears.
He sighed, "Look, I just came by because I wanted to spend Christmas with you. I'm not sure how much time we'll be able to spend together after we get back to school."
"I am losing you, aren't I?" she sniffed.
He kissed her gently on the lips and whispered, "No, you are not, darling. You won't lose me. Not now, not ever."
"Promise me you won't kill anyone?" she requested. "Promise me you won't stain your hands with blood."
He took a deep breath and let it out. "The Dark Lord is back, Hermione. He's back and he's gaining strength. Before all of this is over, even your hands will be stained with blood. Especially if you plan on following Potter, like I know you are."
She accepted his embrace without question. She knew he spoke the truth, but it broke her heart. She wept silently into his chest.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Crookshanks wasn't your ordinary house cat. Actually, he wasn't even a full cat, he was half kneazle. He had an intelligence that overlooked most house cats. Plus, he was owned by Hermione Granger.
He wasn't a very good-looking cat. He was much too large. He had long, orange tabby fur and a bushy tail. His face was flat and smashed against the rest of his head.
None of these things mattered to Crookshanks. He was perfectly content with his life. He loved his mistress and she loved him.
Course, the same couldn't be said of the boy who was currently asleep next to his mistress. The cat hated that boy. Hated him because he knew what was going to occur eventually. Though they were not mated yet, Crookshanks knew it was only a matter of time before his mistress would mate with the boy.
The cat had been appalled when he learned of his mistress's choice. He didn't hide his dislike, either. He would hiss and spit at the boy. If the boy came too near, he would attempt to swipe at him. It took every ounce of Crookshank's love for his mistress to keep from ripping the pale-faced, blond-haired boy open.
But, with a soft mew, he knew he would have to accept his circumstances. His mistress loved this boy and she was happy with him. So, Crookshanks did his best to not hurt the boy.
And yet, Crookshanks thought as he looked up at his mistress with loving eyes, if his mistress was so happy with this boy, why was she crying?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She couldn't believe she had done it again. How had she allowed her emotions to drift out of control? What was wrong with her?
The day before had been a complete and utter disaster. He had come, unannounced, to her home wanting to spend time with her. She had asked him questions, but received no answers. He had managed to tell her nothing.
And yet, there he was lying in her bed, sleeping. Her soft flowery sheets covered his lower body, leaving his shirtless chest bare to her. She sighed as tears dripped unchecked from her eyes. She silently prayed for strength. She knew what she had to do and she hated herself for it.
No matter how hard she tried, she loved him. She couldn't deny it, couldn't hide it. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't lie to herself about it. She loved him. And, because of her love, she couldn't actually end things with him. She couldn't do that to him. Couldn't hurt him. But, she had to do something.
Leaning slightly over, she kissed him on the cheek. He moaned and a soft, mischievous smile played on his lips. "Good morning, darling," he whispered, opening his steely eyes. His smile turned into a concerned frown when he saw her tears. "What's wrong?"
He sat up next to her and she snuggled into his arms as she cried. She did not know how long it would be before they would be together again, if ever. It broke her heart to know that their fate could be destined for failure, just like Romeo and Juliet.
She took a deep, shuddering breath and prepared herself. With each word as agonizing as the last, she began, "Draco, I love you. And I know you love me. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
He rubbed her back. "I know, my love. I feel the same way. Seeing you get hurt would tear me apart. Losing you would just..."
"Then you know how hard this is for me," she rationalized, seeing that he wasn't going to finish his sentence, instead let it stay up in the air. She looked up at him, brown eyes met gray. "I think you should go."
"What?!" he asked, taken aback.
"Go, Draco," she told him. "Go home. Be with your family. You do what you have to do keep them safe."
"And you? What will you do?" he questioned, his eyes hardening with indignation.
"I will save you," she said simply.
Now he was surprised. His eyes softened as he tried to let this sink in. "You are going to save me?" he snipped. "How are you proposing to do that?"
She rolled her eyes. She was no longer crying, but she knew her eyes were still red and puffy. "By remembering our promise," she answered, showing him the ring on her finger. "I'm going to help Harry defeat Voldemort. If we can achieve this, then you will be free and we can move on with our lives."
He sighed, "I don't know what the three of you are planning, but... just... be careful. Anything you do has a chance of being disastrous. I don't want to see you get killed."
"I know what I'm getting myself into," she told him. "I know the risks I'm taking. But, if I don't do this, if we don't try, then everything will be lost. You and I won't ever be together, except in secrets. And, frankly, I'm getting tired of the secrets."
He threw her a smirk. "Can you imagine the two of us, arm in arm, walking the corridors of Hogwarts? The shocked looks and blatant stares?"
"'Is that Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger?'" Hermione quipped. "'And here I thought he hated Mudbloods. Look at that, a pureblood with a Mudblood.'"
He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. "I don't ever want to hear that word come out of your mouth again," he told her. Though she knew he was teasing, she could sense a faint seriousness in his words.
They got dressed, taking turns in the bathroom, before making their way downstairs. Hermione did not want to let him go. The fear of not knowing the outcome of this war overwhelmed her. What if, after today, she'll never get to hold him again?
When they approached the fireplace, they embraced. She did not want to let him go. She wanted to remain in his arms forever. "I love you, Hermione," he whispered, brushing his lips softly against her ear.
She tipped her head back a bit and gave him a watery smile. "I love you too, Draco," she breathed.
He pressed his lips against hers and she felt her body go numb. The only thing she could feel was him. And he felt wonderful. Their kiss spoke of their longing and desire for one another. The feel and taste of his tongue, his lips, was something she branded into her mind as she gave him the opportunity to do the same. She wanted to remember this moment for a long, long time.
When they finally broke apart, she gazed at him, tears rolling from her eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening the box, he took out a golden chain with five silver forget-me-knots linked around it.
"You can put your ring on this and keep the ring close to your heart," he suggested. "I don't want you to forget about us."
She smiled as she took the necklace. Choking back a sob, she replied, "Don't forget me, either. Whether it's noticeable now or not, you and I are in this together. This is us. Our destiny, our life. No matter what."
He kissed her tenderly one last time. Then, he grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and stepped into the fireplace. With his free hand, he blew her a kiss. Then, dropping the Floo Powder, he commanded, "Malfoy Manor." He disappeared in a puff of green flame.
By: Tassana Burrfoot
Chapter Ten
Hermione sighed as she plopped down on her bed. It felt so good to be home! She had missed her parents so much and they obviously missed her. It had been easy to skip going to the Burrow this year. After all, she was apparently angry with Ron. But, that wasn't true at all.
If anything, she was happy for Ron. He deserved to have someone in his life. She just felt guilty. Though she had tried not to, Hermione knew she had led Ron on so many times. And now, she kept a terrible secret from him and Harry.
She though of telling Harry before they had departed, but decided not to. She had all ready lost one best friend, she did not need to lose Harry, too. Besides, he needed her.
She wasn't even certain this secret would last much longer. She felt betrayed and deceived. She wanted to take the ring and shove it down Draco's throat. To Hell with the Malfoy line!
"I'm not leaving you. I love you, Draco Malfoy. Hell or high water, I will be your wife. Nothing will come between us and our happiness."
Hermione shrunk at her remembered vow. Why did she make such a proclamation? What part of her brain told her, convinced her, that a promise like that was a smart idea? Apparently not the rational part.
She wanted to throw the ring. She held it in her hand and studied it. She remembered all the good things. The passionate kisses tender touches, and romantic dances swept through her memory. The sound of his voice whispering her name was brought to the forefront of her mind. It was like the sweet melody of their song.
"Hermione!" called a voice, causing her to start.
She opened the door and peered down the staircase. Her mother smiled up at her. "You have a visitor."
Hermione stood there a moment, blinking. Who could possibly be calling at this ridiculous hour? Curious, she tucked her ring back into her pocket and descended the stairwell. She hadn't told her parents of her engagement yet, nor was she certain her mysterious visitor would know about it.
Her knees nearly failed her when she saw him. There, waiting by the hearth, he was. He looked so pale, almost sickly. His white-blond hair was slicked back elegantly. His light gray eyes watched her step towards him. He wore black robes and a soft, but weary smile. Judging by his looks, he was exhausted.
"Hermione," he whispered, holding open his arms.
Hearing her name whispered so softly, so invitingly, on his lips almost caused her to forget. She had just about run into his arms. Memories of their days spent together poured over her like rain.
She took a step forward and then stopped. "No," she growled, gaining control of her actions. "We need to talk."
At first he fixed her with a puzzled stare, unsure what she could be talking about. Then, he must have realized she was angry, for his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. "About?" he questioned.
She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms. "There's no need for that tone. If anyone should be angry, it should be me."
Her parents glanced back and forth between the teenagers. She knew they did not know what was going on. Thankfully, they decided to not push the matter. They quietly bowed out, mumbling about taking a walk. When they left, Draco took a step forward.
"No," she commanded. "Just stay there."
"What is your problem, Hermione?" he demanded, frustrated, but he stayed where he was.
"Does Katie Bell bring anything to mind?" she questioned. "What about Slughorn's party?"
Now his face was starting to get some colour. His cheeks were pink in anger, his gray eyes turned to steel. Good. She wanted him to be angry.
"I know nothing..." he began.
"Liar!" she shouted, cutting him off. "Don't lie to me, Draco! You've lied enough all ready. I want to know the truth! And I want to know now. Are you responsible for what happened to Katie Bell?"
"I was in detention when she got hurt," he snapped. "How can I be responsible?"
"I remember that necklace being in Borgin and Burkes," she told him. "I questioned Borgin about it, but he didn't say much. Did you buy it?"
"If you and your little friends wouldn't spy on me..."
She could feel how hot her face was. "You did buy it," she concluded. "Who was the necklace for? Harry? Dumbledore?"
"Look, I told you. I have something important to do," he grounded out. "I can't tell you what it is. I'm sorry for what happened to Bell, but it wasn't my fault. That package was wrapped..."
"I knew it!" she burst, interrupting again. "Somehow, I knew. Draco, she almost died. She would have died had it not been for Professor Snape. And, yes, it would have been your fault. How did you give it to her?"
"I didn't," he argued. "If you'd listen, I was in detention. I did not go to Hogsmeade. How can I give her something if I'm not even there?"
"That's what I'm asking you," she snipped. "How did you do it?"
"I didn't," he repeated.
She stamped her foot in agitation. She took the ring out of her pocket and showed it to him. "Do you remember this? Do you remember what we said to one another?"
He stared at the ring. "Of course I do," he answered. "How could I forget?"
"I need you to promise me something, Draco," she told him. "Promise me you won't walk down your father's path. Promise me you won't become a Death Eater. Promise me..." she choked. Tears ran unchecked down her cheeks. "Promise me.. I won't.. lose you... to the darkness... I need you, Draco... I need you."
She was sobbing at this point. She closed her eyes to her blurred vision. She felt him wrap his arms around her and did not fight him. Instead, she accepted his embrace and weeping into his chest. "I can't lose you," she whispered into his chest. "Please, just.. go to Dumbledore. Ask him for help..."
He broke their embrace and held her at arm's length. His steel eyes bore into hers. "I won't become a Death Eater," he promised. "Nor will I leave you. You're not going to lose me. However, I will not go to Dumbledore for anything. I will not ask him for anything. This is my task. He won't stop me from completing it."
"What if he could help?" she questioned.
He shook his head. "He can't. There's nothing he can do. This is for me."
"What are you trying to prove, Draco?" she asked, her red, wet eyes filling up with more tears.
He sighed, "Look, I just came by because I wanted to spend Christmas with you. I'm not sure how much time we'll be able to spend together after we get back to school."
"I am losing you, aren't I?" she sniffed.
He kissed her gently on the lips and whispered, "No, you are not, darling. You won't lose me. Not now, not ever."
"Promise me you won't kill anyone?" she requested. "Promise me you won't stain your hands with blood."
He took a deep breath and let it out. "The Dark Lord is back, Hermione. He's back and he's gaining strength. Before all of this is over, even your hands will be stained with blood. Especially if you plan on following Potter, like I know you are."
She accepted his embrace without question. She knew he spoke the truth, but it broke her heart. She wept silently into his chest.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Crookshanks wasn't your ordinary house cat. Actually, he wasn't even a full cat, he was half kneazle. He had an intelligence that overlooked most house cats. Plus, he was owned by Hermione Granger.
He wasn't a very good-looking cat. He was much too large. He had long, orange tabby fur and a bushy tail. His face was flat and smashed against the rest of his head.
None of these things mattered to Crookshanks. He was perfectly content with his life. He loved his mistress and she loved him.
Course, the same couldn't be said of the boy who was currently asleep next to his mistress. The cat hated that boy. Hated him because he knew what was going to occur eventually. Though they were not mated yet, Crookshanks knew it was only a matter of time before his mistress would mate with the boy.
The cat had been appalled when he learned of his mistress's choice. He didn't hide his dislike, either. He would hiss and spit at the boy. If the boy came too near, he would attempt to swipe at him. It took every ounce of Crookshank's love for his mistress to keep from ripping the pale-faced, blond-haired boy open.
But, with a soft mew, he knew he would have to accept his circumstances. His mistress loved this boy and she was happy with him. So, Crookshanks did his best to not hurt the boy.
And yet, Crookshanks thought as he looked up at his mistress with loving eyes, if his mistress was so happy with this boy, why was she crying?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She couldn't believe she had done it again. How had she allowed her emotions to drift out of control? What was wrong with her?
The day before had been a complete and utter disaster. He had come, unannounced, to her home wanting to spend time with her. She had asked him questions, but received no answers. He had managed to tell her nothing.
And yet, there he was lying in her bed, sleeping. Her soft flowery sheets covered his lower body, leaving his shirtless chest bare to her. She sighed as tears dripped unchecked from her eyes. She silently prayed for strength. She knew what she had to do and she hated herself for it.
No matter how hard she tried, she loved him. She couldn't deny it, couldn't hide it. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't lie to herself about it. She loved him. And, because of her love, she couldn't actually end things with him. She couldn't do that to him. Couldn't hurt him. But, she had to do something.
Leaning slightly over, she kissed him on the cheek. He moaned and a soft, mischievous smile played on his lips. "Good morning, darling," he whispered, opening his steely eyes. His smile turned into a concerned frown when he saw her tears. "What's wrong?"
He sat up next to her and she snuggled into his arms as she cried. She did not know how long it would be before they would be together again, if ever. It broke her heart to know that their fate could be destined for failure, just like Romeo and Juliet.
She took a deep, shuddering breath and prepared herself. With each word as agonizing as the last, she began, "Draco, I love you. And I know you love me. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
He rubbed her back. "I know, my love. I feel the same way. Seeing you get hurt would tear me apart. Losing you would just..."
"Then you know how hard this is for me," she rationalized, seeing that he wasn't going to finish his sentence, instead let it stay up in the air. She looked up at him, brown eyes met gray. "I think you should go."
"What?!" he asked, taken aback.
"Go, Draco," she told him. "Go home. Be with your family. You do what you have to do keep them safe."
"And you? What will you do?" he questioned, his eyes hardening with indignation.
"I will save you," she said simply.
Now he was surprised. His eyes softened as he tried to let this sink in. "You are going to save me?" he snipped. "How are you proposing to do that?"
She rolled her eyes. She was no longer crying, but she knew her eyes were still red and puffy. "By remembering our promise," she answered, showing him the ring on her finger. "I'm going to help Harry defeat Voldemort. If we can achieve this, then you will be free and we can move on with our lives."
He sighed, "I don't know what the three of you are planning, but... just... be careful. Anything you do has a chance of being disastrous. I don't want to see you get killed."
"I know what I'm getting myself into," she told him. "I know the risks I'm taking. But, if I don't do this, if we don't try, then everything will be lost. You and I won't ever be together, except in secrets. And, frankly, I'm getting tired of the secrets."
He threw her a smirk. "Can you imagine the two of us, arm in arm, walking the corridors of Hogwarts? The shocked looks and blatant stares?"
"'Is that Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger?'" Hermione quipped. "'And here I thought he hated Mudbloods. Look at that, a pureblood with a Mudblood.'"
He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. "I don't ever want to hear that word come out of your mouth again," he told her. Though she knew he was teasing, she could sense a faint seriousness in his words.
They got dressed, taking turns in the bathroom, before making their way downstairs. Hermione did not want to let him go. The fear of not knowing the outcome of this war overwhelmed her. What if, after today, she'll never get to hold him again?
When they approached the fireplace, they embraced. She did not want to let him go. She wanted to remain in his arms forever. "I love you, Hermione," he whispered, brushing his lips softly against her ear.
She tipped her head back a bit and gave him a watery smile. "I love you too, Draco," she breathed.
He pressed his lips against hers and she felt her body go numb. The only thing she could feel was him. And he felt wonderful. Their kiss spoke of their longing and desire for one another. The feel and taste of his tongue, his lips, was something she branded into her mind as she gave him the opportunity to do the same. She wanted to remember this moment for a long, long time.
When they finally broke apart, she gazed at him, tears rolling from her eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening the box, he took out a golden chain with five silver forget-me-knots linked around it.
"You can put your ring on this and keep the ring close to your heart," he suggested. "I don't want you to forget about us."
She smiled as she took the necklace. Choking back a sob, she replied, "Don't forget me, either. Whether it's noticeable now or not, you and I are in this together. This is us. Our destiny, our life. No matter what."
He kissed her tenderly one last time. Then, he grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and stepped into the fireplace. With his free hand, he blew her a kiss. Then, dropping the Floo Powder, he commanded, "Malfoy Manor." He disappeared in a puff of green flame.