Imperiused (Dramione)

January 1999 (Part 4)

Hermione Granger waited patiently for his answer, not knowing what she herself wanted to hear from him.

"If I could only turn back the time, I would not have violated you," Draco Malfoy finally answered after a few minutes. "But, I definitely would still want to have that child with you," he added sincerely.

Hermione just nodded at his answer. She sighed. "Turning back the time and undoing things could alter everything. Changing the past have repercussions, and that will not ensure the present and future we want will happen. We couldn't be sure whether our baby will be conceived in a different instance or situation," she explained, remembering what the late Professor Albus Dumbledore once told her before using her Ministry borrowed Time-Turner to save both Buckbeak and Sirius Black.

Draco was surprised at what she was saying. It was as if she had already experienced time traveling. "I suppose that is correct, that was why the Ministry has banned Time-Turners ages ago," he agreed. But still, if only I could turn back the time, Hermione will not be in this mess, he thought.

Hermione just nodded at his response, of course she couldn't tell him that there were still Time-Turners kept in the Ministry of Magic. What if we use one? Will it change what happened between us? Will we still have a child? She thought pensively.

After a while, Draco handed Hermione her pregnancy potions. She almost forgot about them from all the occurrences that day, grateful that he did not forget.

He also prepared the bath tub for her so she could relax and clean up before going to bed. The warm water helped soothe her tired body. She feels so stressed out after traveling earlier, and with their disastrous meeting with the Head Mistress.

He took a shower after she finished her bath in their shared bathroom. After getting dressed, Draco came back to her room to check on her.

Hermione was rereading Hogwarts a History on her bed. He sat down beside her, just wanting to be near her. He knows that tomorrow will be harder for the both of them once the news of her pregnancy reaches the other students.

"I think you should probably sleep now, you must be tired from all the traveling and meetings we have been to," Draco said after a few moments of comfortable silence between them.

"Yes, it's been a stressful day," she answered with a yawn. She hopes to feel better in the morning to be able to talk properly to Professor McGonagall. "Good night, Draco," she added.

Draco helped her adjust her comforter as she repositioned herself on the bed to get more comfortable.

"Good night, Hermione," he replied, giving her a kiss on the forehead before leaving her room.

She fell asleep instantly as Draco turned off the lights. Her mind and body were both tired from all the day's events. While in the other bedroom, Draco could not sleep, he was still pondering on their earlier conversation about Time-Turners. If only I could turn back the time, he thought again as he finally fell asleep.

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The next morning, Hermione Granger woke up before the sun even rises. She felt refreshed from her sleep last night, thankful that no nightmares visited her during her slumber. She went to the bathroom to prepare for the new day ahead of her. She hopes that she will not break down again in front of the Head Mistress later.

She waited in their dormitory's sitting room for Draco after getting ready, continuing her rereading of Hogwarts a History to calm her nerves.

Draco was surprised to see her up so early after last night's stressful meeting. He was also ready to start the new day.