The Fractured Flame | Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Thirty Nine: A Hidden Spell

Anxiety made her stomach turn. "Do you think he's mad at me?"

"Not in the slightest." Draco didn't hesitate, shaking his head. "I'll admit I'm curious about your parents, love. I caught on to Potter changing the subject before when your parents were brought up last week, but I didn't realize obliviating them bothered you like this."

Hermione nodded, "It's a story for another day... For now, will you get Harry? I should apologize, but I don't want to see everyone just yet."

Draco stood up, "Can I stay with you tonight or would you like some alone time?"

She thought about it for a moment, but shook her head. "Please come back."

"For you? Always." He winked, "I'll be at their house waiting. Take your time, but not too much time. I can't stand the redhead that much."

Hermione smiled sadly. There wasn't any bite to his voice which showed that Ginny was starting to grow on him. When he left, that's when it occurred to her that they were both under the effects of Veritaserum still. He meant it when he said he was keeping her forever. He loved her as much as she loved him. The thought warmed her heart.

A Hidden Spell

Hermione glanced at the floor awkwardly as Harry floo'd to her apartment. Harry also being extremely awkward, sat down and stared at the same spot on the floor.

"So..." He began uncomfortably, "..."

There was a few moments of a thick silence before they both blurted out, "I'm sorry!"

Hermione frowned at this, "What are you apologizing for? I'm the one that went mad for no reason."

"But you do have a reason!" Harry argued, sighing. "I never really thought about how being my friend changed your Hogwarts experience. Every year it was always something different and while we did have some really great times... There were a lot of bloody bad times too. I don't believe I ever asked once how you were doing. It was always you looking after Ron and I."

She pursed her lips, "It was still no reason to say all that stuff in front of everyone when we were having a good time."

"It was the Veritaserum, but I'm glad it was said. I wish you had brought up how you were feeling sooner, honestly." Harry sighed heavily, "You're sure there's no way to restore your parents' memory?"

Hermione shook her head, "Tried everything. Never lasts for more than a few minutes and I can't... I can't keep going through that."

There was another silence between them before Harry spoke up again.

"I'm happy that the both of you are together."

She raised her eyebrow, glancing at him with blatant curiosity. "Where did that come from?"

"I think that you give a lot of yourself to people and Malfoy helps you be selfish." He leaned back in his chair, furrowing his eyebrows, "In the same way Malfoy doesn't share himself with anyone except you. It's a balance for the both of you."

Hermione nodded at this, "I don't think I can really picture life without him."

"That serious? Already?" Even Harry looked surprised.

She nodded, biting her lip. "I'll save the girl talk for Ginny," Hermione didn't miss the slightly relieved look on his face, "But he's someone that genuinely listens to me and cares. He challenges me and forces me to broaden my perspective. If the man asked me to marry him tomorrow, I'd say yes."