They can take everything from me

 

 

The wizard moved the chair from her, always the gentlemen. “This restaurant is beautiful Draco…” she looked around feeling like a princess. 

“I hoped you liked it. It’s my favourite place in France.”

“We’re in France?” 

“Oui”

“I love it.”

The waiter promptly approached Draco and welcomed them in french. He asked for the wine and Draco spoke perfectly in French. He was about to start translating the list of the wine but Hermione has taken him by surprise by joining the conversation.

“J’amereis le Bordeaux”

Draco agreed and sent away the waiter, his face not showing any sign of surprise.

“Aren’t you resourceful Hermione? I wasn’t expecting you speaking perfectly French”

“Likewise Draco.” she smiled pleased.

“Well, my family routes are indeed from France.”

“Oh, I know”

“Of course you know, because you might be the one who actually read through History of the Wizarding World”

She laughed lightly. “Indeed.”

“Well, since I was a little bastard it happens I know nothing about your upbringing. Would you like to tell me why you speak french so fluently?”

He didn’t know much about Hermione Granger, indeed. He knows her coffee, her daily life, her present. So much less about her past, and despite that, he was so into her yet he was still missing a lot. But there they were, incredibly happy to be together in a French restaurant.

“My parents, they used to take me to France every summer before...everything.”

“They had particular business here?” asked him skipping thew war part.

“Dad & Mum are wine enthusiast...that’s maybe the reason that when I obliviated them they went to Australia and started a wine business.”

Draco smiled. At least he knew her parents were now safe & sounds.

“I can picture you reading summer all along…”

“Why, because you had better stuff to do?”

The wizard frown. “No, I don’t think I had interesting summers whatsoever. I’ve been in France, of course, many times during summer, the wizard one though, and it was very boring.”

“You didn’t have much fun do you?”

The man blushed violently. “Always so blunt Granger…”

“Well, sorry if I’m not a subtle Slytherin Princess…” she whispered while the waiter serve them the entrèes.

They enjoined the cheese selection and the wine they’ve chosen. “ahhhh I didn’t have this in years. It reminds me my dinner with my parents.”

“Sexy..”

“Shut up, it’s completely a wonderful thought. A warming one.”

“So I may assume you’re parentes raised you as a little princess?”

“Well, my parents are not the head of a noble family, but you knwo, they’re both dentist. This means they’re quite wealthy. Not royal-family rich but enough to spoil a little bit their only daughter.”

“am i not the only spoiled brat here then.”

“Pfff.. come on Draco, you were absolutley the most spoiled kid I’ve ever seen.”

“I was. I had eveything Father could afford to display his wealthy. I was a public advertising of his power. But fear not, I enjoyed it.”

Hermionedidn’t reply at all. She wasn’t so sure he enjoyed it. Now adult, and after everything he has passed though she dubt heavily that he did appreciate his childhood at fullest.

“Well, this silence confirm that you are not believing my words…”

“Drac-”

“And you are right. You know why I didnt’ want to come to your birthday party?”

She waited the story, of course she didn’t know,. it seemes that she was knowing Draco for the first time at that Dinner. And she was already in love with him.

“Well,when I was little I used to sing a lot with my mother. As you know her now, she’s far from the terrible witch she would appear outside the Manor.She cared about me and she always try to protect me from father. She always said to me to sing only with he and so I did. The I grew up, I started Hogwarts… and one summer day,in the garden, I started to sing a nice beat I’ve heard the night before at concert with Blaise and Theo. It was “Hyppogrif den” do you remeber?”

“Oh yes, it was the hit of our fourth year!”

“Indeed. I was helping mother and I was telling her about the night before so I started to sing. I st6ill remeber her eyes glowing with joy, it was a rare moment between the two of us, since Father always kept me along fo family business. I was always at the end of the song when my Father stopped me.”

“What?”

“He casted a silencing spell. I was shocked as my mother while he was looking at us...disgusted. I’ll never forget those words. 

 

“Draco Lucius Malfoy. Don’t you dare to embarass me anymore with this foolish and feminine acitvity. I’m disappointed at you Narcissa, this is how you raise our heir?”

 

I’ve never sang again. Until yesterday. Well, Blaise me hinted a couple of songs and I’ve picked that one, because I liked the challenge.”

“You were great. And I’m looking forward to other laraole with you...maybe as a date?” she hinted. Then she reached his hand on the table. “Thank you, for yesterday. I misjudged you in so many things and now I’m realising how much fucke upo your life was. I’m not pitying you, but may I be sorry because you had to conceal yourself fo a lifetime? You were just a boy.”

The wizard kissed lightly her fingers. “I feel sorry for myself as well Hermione. But after the war, after all that’s happened, ultimsately the bloody curse.. I don’t want to restrain myself anymore. It’s a long process going on since six bloody years, but I’m trying my best.”

“I’m really proud of you.”

His pale cheecks reddend a bit. “Thanks. I’m proud of you as well.”

“For what?”

Draco look at her straight. “For everythign you’ve done during the war. For being so brave where I was coward.”

“We already had this discussion, many months ago…”

“I know, but I don’t know if I will ever stop tpo apologize.”

“This is our first date and I don’t want you to apologize. I want to you to know me and viceversa.”

“Many of the thigns I’d might tell are gloomy as this last one.”

“And I’ll welcome them. but don’t apologize to me anymore.” He nodded silently while the main dish was served. Hermione lookd delighted at her plate. “I’m in love withmy dish I guess?”

Draco laughed shortly “Aren’t you a gluttony witch?”

“I am. I do love eating and I’d never apologize.”

“Please don’t. I had enough witches terrorized frkm their salads.”

“Exactly...how many witches?” 

“Is it necessary to answer during our first dte?”

“Why? It’s not a crime if you had a past. So did I. I’m just curious.”

“I tought exes debates are not first date conversation material..”

“It’s a stupid sthereotype. I have no matter in saying that after Rone left me I’ve got a couple of adventures but nothing serious. It seems like I wizards are usually afraid of me.”

“Wait: WEASEL left you?”

“Yes. Didn’t you know?”

“No! And so why he and Weaslette were so against you?”

“Well, I don’t know honestly. But now we all rekindled, so it’s fine. I guess Ginny has always been a little jelous of my bond with Harry, but she realized she could sleep at night.”

“It’s obvious enough that you and Potter have a siblings like relationship.”

I know right? But this is jelousy.”

“Are you not jelous Granger?” 

“It depends. I value trust more than anything, so usually I’m really relaxed. Ofcourse, I wouldn’t enjoy the view of you surrounded by tons of adorant blond witches.”

Draco smiled. “As flattered as I am I highly doubt that. Maybe in the past, but you’re probably the only witch enough out of her ind to want me, an ex- Death Eater in disgarce.”

“Your name has been cleared and you’re now working in the Ministery. I could bet that I will witness some scenew fo sort in the near future.” she grinned.

“Let’s bet then.” 

“Ok. I bet that I will catch you surrounded by witches in one of two of the newxt ministry dinners.”

“And I bet the contrary. Also because you’d be my date.”

“I...what?”

“Do you want to keep our relationship a secret?”

“No, of course not.”

“So I wouldn’t see reason why I can’t be your date.”

“I tought you were some...time, maybe? Rita Skeeter and half of the press will not leave us alone.”

“Indeed. The sooner the better, so the big news will be out and in a week they’ll be on something else.” Drco looked at her. “But only if you want it. I don’t want to push you.”

“I’m sure of what I want. And it’s a relationship with you and not a secret one.”

“See? Our bet is useless then.”

“I’m still sure its’ going to happen.”

“And I’m more worried about you.”

“I just told you that wizards are literally afraid of me. Too smart. Too powerful. Too...much? And mind me, I’m not even remotely sad about it. I’ve resolved that I can be really happy by myself. but I’ve been in a relationship with myself for enought ime to be ready to start something new.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

“Said from you Draco?”

“You know far too well that I’m a mess. You, by the young age of 26 are a resolved woman. A powerful, smart and resolute witch.”

“I have nightmares. A lot. As uch as you. I am stratled at everything. I need to have always my wand with me or I go crazy. Sometimes I need to call my parents three times a day to be sure they’re ok...I’m a mess too. i’m just trying to heal.”

“That’s why I am produ of you Hermione.”

 

They appeard at the Manor. “Why would you apparate here Hermione?”

“Because we need to do this, or this”  she pointed at thermselves “ is not going too happen”

“We had a beautiful dinner, why ruin evrything now?”

“Because we’re not going to have a relationship if we don’t close with this.” She grabbed his arm exposing the dark mark and almost simultaneously she exposed her mudblood scar.

Draco paled, he was about to puke. “you are right. We can’t be together. I jsut can’t.”

“Haven’t you heard me? I’ve said that we need to close with the past, not that we can’tbe together. I am so revolting to you?”

“Absolutely NOT Hermione, I am revolted to me.” she grabbed his marked arm and dragged him to the place.

Draco was almost about to throw out. “I’ve never been in this room in six years…” he breathed heavily, rubbing his hand on his face.

“Neither I did. I was almost in your room or in your mother’s apartment.”

They were watching that damned fireplace. “I was there... I was there and I did nothing. I witnessed your torture and this is one of the many regrets that haunts me at night. I’d never be free of that. You can’t really love me Hermione…” he started to feel overwhelmed, the dinner was just a facade of a relationship that could not bloom. Hermione watched that place, she remebred that exact spot. “Come here Draco.” she instructed, bossy as ever.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Just come here.”

He did as instructed and Hermione took his hands. She looked at the mark again. “You’re not this mark Draco. I know you’re devoured from your regrets. I’m shaking right now” she lifted her hand, she was shaking hard. “because I’ve never tought I’d have the courage to face this room. But now I know I can. We were here six years ago, in a totally different situation. Now  the war is over, we’re not enemies. You didn’t sell Harry to Voldemort, your mother helped as much and you’ve spent the last six years trying to forgive yourself.”

“I’m not a good person. I’m a coward. And you don’t know how much I’d love to come back in time and change the past. Stand for you. Do something.” he breathed again “I can hear your screams in my head, I’m haunted by them.”

“And I can see your cold eyes staring at me.” she cupped his face with her hands. “But I want to go and replace my screams with my laughters as your eyes are not cold anymore in my head.”

“How is it possible that you love me Hermione?”

“Because I’ve seen a changed man. I’ve got fond of a person who tried to grew and be better, always hidden behind the cocky mask of perfection. I’ve got to know your weakness while you were dying and I’ve found them very similar to mine. Becasue you are the only person who wanted to face the past with me without coating it. And I don’t think I have  a valid explanation for loving you”

“I love you so much Hermione and I have no explanation either….But this.This is too much…”

“I know, but we need to move on or we can’t be together...”

“You’re so brave and I’m a mess…” his eyes were fulled with tears. “It’s not me that should be consoled Hermione, It’s you that has been tortured in this exact spot.”

“But I forgave. I had more time to heal and process. I had my friends, my family, therapy sessions. You were alone. But now you have me.”

She kissed him. “I want love to replace the memory of this damn spot. I want to remeber the salt of your tears on my lips and my heart racing in my chest because I’m afraid that I’ve pushed too much and I don’t want to lose you.”

Draco looked shocked, tears still filling his grey eyes. “I don’t want to loose you Hermione” he hugged her tights. “Let’s replace this memory with a new one.” They stayed like this for many minutes, loosing the sense of time.

She traced the mark, while he traced her scar. They felt tied together, the power of their feelings sealed in that place and in themselves.

“I know my mother want to redesign the Manor. She wants to erase this room as well.”Draco break the silence, after brushing her lips with affection.

“So I’m glad we had the time to do this before this spot will be gone. Because from now on Draco I want you to forgive yourself and move forward. With me.” her eyes were so full of love, his heart was shrinking.

He nodded. “With you.”

“And now, would you like to come to my place?” asked trying to be cheerful.

She expected a wit retort but Draco was still processing that intense moment. “I’d love to.” admitted.

Hermione could’t express how much she loved Draco in that moment, so vulnerable. The guy really needed to let everythign go. She wans’t a therapist, and she knew it was unlikely that he could ever go to an appointment, but could try to help.

They apparated to Hermione’s place and she immediately welcomed him kissing Draco as soon as they exited her floo place. Draco didn’t say a word since they exited the salon, but kissed her with a urgency she knew was given from that important moment. 

“I-i...I dont’t want to disaippont you Granger, but I should go…” he said lightly, hand still clapsed on her hips. “What?”

“I don’t think I’d be of ever utility in your bed chamber tonight.”

She hit on his left arm. “And that’s why you want to leave? Couldn’t we just stay here? Together?”

“This date really confused me… I wanted to take you to dinner, and see what would have happend later but you dragged me, bossy as ever, in one of my, and yours!, living nightmares...and you’re here, kissing me as if nothign happened.”

“If you want some me time of course you are free to leave Draco. But nothing was planned for me tonight. I just felt the urge to close once and for all with that place and that scene in my head. I am content now but I can get if you need more time.”

He shooked his head. “It’s just humiliating because I wanted you so much, and I’m a sissy crying in your arms.”

“Don’t you dare! How many timess have you see me crying? Crying is good and it’s not a sissy thing. Nothins is “sissy”. You should try to cry a little more, as if. Let it go., because if youll keep your guards so up you’d never forgive yourself.”

He hugged her tighter. “Thsi is the weirdest date of my life.”

“Draco, we fell for each other while you were dying. Nothing in our relationship would ever be normal. We’re weird and we’re together.”

“I like that.”

“Would you like to come in my room and sleep together? As we did when you miracoulously survived the curse?” she asked hesitantly.

He nodded and she led him to her room. She knew she was bossy but someone had to be in charge and Draco was emotionally drained. “Make yourself comfortable, I’m going to make some tea. You want some?”

“Yes please.”

When she came back Draco was on her bed, on the cover, with black joggers and a black tshirt. She indeed has changed into her old gryffindor pyjama and looked at him smirking “Why do you look as a Calvin klein model and I feel like cinderella after midgnight?” asked quitely to herself. 

“I didn’t get a word of what you said.”

“Muggle stuff. Let me explain.” she passed his tea and while drinking she explained what that words meant and the metaphor. Draco laughed, finally. “You don’t look like a pumpkin tough. You’re still a beautiful princess. I think I like this petname for you. I know you would hate it, so it’s perfect.” Hermione laughed. “It’s indeed obnoxious and cheesy, so yes I hate it.” That was partially true, the nickname was cheesy but she loved it if said by Draco.

“I still need to find new ways to annoy you, you know? And since I started to use your name I find that Granger has lost his ring”

“But i’m attached to it, don’t drop it!” Draco smirked while sipping his tea. “I think I might need to think about something for you as well…” she vanished the empty cups with her wand, then opened the duvet and invited Draco to do the same. She put herself into his arms, and she kissed lightly the small amount of skin bare on the collar of the tshirt. 

“I feel safe here in your arms Draco.”

He snuggled her hair before asnwer. “I hope that we will never have the chance to be in danger again, but I promis Hermione, I will defend you at the cost of my life if neded.They can take everything from me. My hope, my legacy, my life. But God help them the day they come for you.” 

“I know, and that’s scares me. I dont want to lose you again Draco, one time has been suffiecient. I think I might have white hair for the scare you gave me.”

He examined her head. “Indeed you have a bunch of white hair now that I look closesly…”

“h fuck…”

He laughed and then squeezed her to his heart. “I’m joking pumpkin princess. You have just one.”