Last Kiss

The Invitation

Draco’s POV

 

Stupid. Stupid Death Eaters, my stupid father, the stupid Dark Lord. Why couldn’t Hermione have had just one year without death and destruction?

“‘Mione, you alright?” I asked as we walked out of 27 Kingslake Place.

“I’ll be okay,” she whispered, her eyes still full of tears.

“We should be getting back to Hogwarts.”

We mounted the broom, her in front me behind her, and we sped off back to Hogwarts.  The sun was already setting, which meant we had been gone for at least three hours. We reached Hogwarts and I put the broom back in the broom closet before heading back to the Headmistress’ office.

“Is everyone alright?!” McGonagall found us before we got to her office.

“Other than emotionally upset, yes,” I said, shooting a soft glance at Hermione.  

“Well then, I think you both should go back to your common room. I’m very sorry, Miss Granger.” McGonagall said. Hermione nodded, and we walked away. After I was sure McGonagall was gone, I put my hand in Hermione’s, and led her outside towards the lake. Hermione looked up at me, confused, but I shook my head and smiled, and sat down on the ground, watching the still water of the Black Lake. Hermione sat down next to me and traced patterns in the dirt.

“Hey, ‘Mione, I wanted to ask you this afternoon, but with the whole thing about your parents and…” I trailed off.

“Yes?” she prompted.

“My mum, every year, she has a ball, and this year she wants to invite all the people and families that we used to be friends with, before my father destroyed them.  Such as the Weasel and his family.  And, well, I thought I could invite you,” I finished.

“You want me to come to your mother’s party, with you?” She asked, dumbfounded.

“Umm, yeah?”

“Of course!” She hugged me.  Seeing how sad she was before, she seemed pretty happy now, and I felt proud for cheering her up.

“It’s over the holidays, which is in a few days.” I said, “At, well- at Malfoy Manor.”

“Oh, there.” Her smile fell, and was replaced with a perturbed expression. I knew what had happened to her there, and I cringed at the memory of her terrified screams.  I hadn’t really cared back then, but now it hurts like it had happened to me.

“I promise nothing bad will happen.” I reassured her. I know I can’t be sure, but I’ll try. “Oh, and what was going on during potions? With Astoria?”

She smiled up at me sheepishly. “We became friends during Astronomy. C’mon, you have other friends, why can’t I? Are you jealous?” She asked with a sly smile.

“W- what? No- no, of course not! Why would you think that?” I sputtered, my cheeks turning red.  She gazed at me and her eyes sparkled with laughter.

“Okay, my turn. Let me show you what happens.” I said and bent down, so our noses were almost touching. Hermione inhaled sharply and blushed. Right before our lips met, I turned around and ran away.

“Oh Merlin’s bloody beard! You ferret, Malfoy!” She pulled out her wand, and shouted, “Petrificus Totalus!” I ducked behind a tree, but it was too late. Hermione’s spell hit me square in the back, and I fell over, unable to move. She walked over, twirling her wand between her slender fingers. ‘Oh no.’ I thought, as she started grinning evilly.

I tried to mouth: “PLEASE NOOO I’M INNOCENT!” But no sound came out. She knelt over my petrified body.

“You deserved that,” She muttered, a smirk embedded on her face. I tried to laugh and smirk back, but I couldn’t.  Luckily, she cast the counter curse and I was un-petrified.

“Hey… well, I guess I did deserve that,” I muttered. “So,” I changed the subject. “Where are you going before the party?”

“I’m going to my parent-- oh.” Realization hit Hermione, and she stared at her feet.

After a few seconds, she wiped her eyes, squared her shoulders, and looked back up at me. I was amazed at how strong she was.

“Maybe I’ll stay at Hogwarts, then after the Christmas party, go to the Burrow, like the Weasleys and I originally planned.”

“But then you’ll be alone. Why don’t you stay at my house until after the party?” I asked.

Hermione stared at me, completely nonplussed. “You want me to stay with you, in your house, for a week?

“Er-- well, yeah. You don’t want--” But before I could finish, Hermione wrapped her arms around me. I was a bit taken aback, and stood there a moment before returning the favor.

“ You are the best, bestest person ever.” Hermione said to me, and I felt a surge of pride.

Hey, we should go back now.” I said, before walking back to the common room.