Second Chances {Dramione}

Chapter Six - Bad consciousness

"Excuse me?" he said as if he hadn't quite understood what she had said.

"This morning I've placed a note in the kitchen, that I couldn't do it anymore and that I'd like to blow off the wedding," she explained and his eyes widened.

"What wedding?" he panicked and got up to sit straighter.

"Mind and Ronald's. He asked me to become his wife almost a year ago but I've somehow always felt like it wasn't right but I never had the heart to tell him. But this morning I suddenly realised that I just lacked so much in that relationship that I couldn't do it anymore. I know he loves me; I do. But I just can't pretend to have feelings I don't. I'm not capable of it any longer."

Her voice trembled and tears started to flow down her cheeks. Draco quickly took her in his arms and held her tight until the tears stopped.

"Hermione, it's entirely your responsibility, but I think you should speak to him. I know it will always haunt you when you don't go to see him and explain in person. It's not your fault that you don't love him the way you thought you would and if he is your friend, he will understand that. Maybe try to explain to him why you felt the need to run away so suddenly and don't blame him. It's not his fault either. He loves you and that's a feeling one would like to be mutual. But when it's not, he'll have to cope."

She knew he was right. It pained her to think of Ronald, not knowing why she left. She checked the time and realised that she'd have time until he went to bed.

"Would you take me? As a last stop for the night?" she asked and he nodded.

"Of course. But I think I'll better wait outside. It probably won't help the matter when I suddenly bring his ex-girlfriend over." She laughed.

"No, it would not. But why wait? I can get home alone you know? I'm a big girl." He nodded.

"I know. But I think you don't have anywhere to stay, so I'd have offered my place. I could take the couch."

She smiles. He was sweet. Even though she never thought she'd say that.

"Thank you!"

She rang the bell of the house that once was hers as well. She didn't think it right to use the key after what she did

this morning.

"You'll be fine," she heard Draco say before he went off

to wait around the corner.

Harry opened the door. It was no surprise that he'd come to help his friend but for a second her plans were disrupted.

"Harry," she said and was greeted by a disappointed look. Shit, she thought. She could cope with his anger, but him being disappointed in her was a different story. She hated it.

"What on earth do you think you're doing," he asked her worried and took her in his arms.

"I've come to explain,", she said and he nodded.

"Come on in. We're all worried to death!"

Harry had obviously meant it when he said all. In the living room, she was greeted by the eyes of nearly all the Weasleys. Arthur and Molly, George, Percy sat at the dining table while Ginny comforted her brother on the sofa. When Harry cleared his throat all their eyes met Hermione's and she was sure she had never felt so uncomfortable in her entire life.

"Hello," she said.

The room stayed silent, all eyes on her, except Ronald's. Ginny was the first to move and come towards her. But she reacted nothing like Harry had done. Instead, she slapped her right across the face and then stormed off into the kitchen. Well, she thought, that was fair.