Mine

[56]

I wrote to Hermione almost immediately after Blaise and Draco left including every detail of Draco's trial and what occurred after. I needed advice, and much to my dismay, the response from Hermione had been very minimal.

I am honestly shocked to hear that Harry joined you in speaking up...What do you want to do? Do you want to speak with him?

I had written Hermione back quickly, explaining how I didn't know what I wanted to do or what I should do. I made sure to emphasize the distress I was feeling and once again included the crying fit I had following his trial. I felt that this form of communication, letters, was depriving her of fully understanding my emotional state. I was desperate and fearful. I needed my best friend here. I couldn't count on Blaise, not when he'd turned to something more than a best friend. I just – I needed Hermione. I was desperate enough that if it were possible I would have apparated to Hogwarts, but I knew it wasn't possible.

Hermione's response finally came two days later, which felt like an eternity.

Gemma, you know in your heart what you need. If you think that hearing what Draco has to say will be good for you, then do it. I know you're scared and that this is all very difficult, but you and I both know that deep down the answer is inside of you. I can't tell you what will be best for you. What I can tell you though is that I trust your judgment, and you should too. Trust your gut instinct and follow it.

I'm sorry that I can't be there with you for this, but you have got this. I promise.

Love you lots, Hermione

I couldn't help but sigh in response. Her letter was asking me to take my destiny into my own hands, but I didn't trust myself. It had been three days now since Draco's trial, and I'd received a letter from him every day begging me to meet with him. Maybe one day I would be ready, but that day hadn't arrived.

* * *

It had now been nine days since Draco's trial, and he had written me every single day requesting that I speak with him. He was breaking me down, once again. I could feel myself crawling back into my shell that I'd been in during the months following the war. I tried to fight it by playing the piano often, writing Hermione, and spending time with Blaise. But I was coming to the realization that maybe I needed to hear him out. I wasn't fond of the idea, but where I stood right now, I couldn't continue moving on.

I was sat at the dining room table, eating dinner with my parents. My mother seemed off, nervous maybe. But I ignored it. I was too in my own head to worry about what was bothering her.

"Narcissa..." My mother suddenly spoke up, being hesitant, "Narcissa Malfoy invited us over for dinner."

My fork fell out of my hand, clattering against my plate as I stared speechlessly at my mother. She looked over to my father, who looked less than pleased, though not surprised, by her announcement.

"You've got to be joking me." I said.

"My sentiments exactly." My father said, keeping his gaze trained on his plate.

"Look, I know that maybe things are not...well, ideal. But she is my childhood best friend. She has been through a lot." My mother said slowly, but I just shook my head fervently.

"I'm not attending dinner at the Malfoy's!" I exclaimed, my eyes remaining trained on my father in hopes that he would side with me.

"Gemma," My mother sighed, "I know that things have been difficult around here, but maybe it is worth our time to hear them out."

"Maybe it's worth your time, but you can't decide when it's my time to!" I exclaimed, staring at my mother in shock. "If you want to hear her out, why don't you just do tea with her? Why drag father and I into it?"