To a Better End

Chapter 37

October 22nd 1976

Hermione couldn't move and could hardly form a coherent thought. Was she shivering from the cold or from shock? The only thing her mind seemed to be capable of was berating herself.

My fault. My fault. What did I do?

Draco pulled her into his arms and apparated them back to their cottage. He didn't even ask permission when he reached into her bag and found the boxes housing the needed Time-Turners. It felt like someone cast an Immobulus on her. She barely felt the warming charm that Draco quickly muttered.

The chain was cold around her neck, immediately counteracting the charm. It was fine. She deserved worse. She deserved the worst.

"It's alright, Granger."

It wasn't. She knew it wasn't. She could feel it. She could feel him slipping from her grasp. The familiar tug pulled her forward by decades. Of course, they would have to go forward. Going back to stop her would only create a paradox. It was the only option. He shouldn't be alone when it happens. She felt another cold chain and another tug. She had been staring at a fallen leaf, barely existing.

*****

June 17th 2003

At some point there was another apparition; she wasn't paying much attention. Draco must have been exhausted, but a quick glance at him showed he had more resolve than she did. He pulled her up from the ground - even though she doesn't remember falling, and it felt like they were running. Her body must have more to give than her mind.

Then, like puzzle pieces falling into place, Hermione gasped and reality hit her. She could finally feel Draco pulling her as he ran. Getting her bearings, she dropped his hand and sprinted ahead of him.

"Theo!" She yelled, her voice echoing through the manor.

It was late at night. It meant that he was either in bed or in the parlour. She took her chances with the parlour, knowing his affinity for staying up late with a glass of firewhiskey and a book. She ran, taking the stairs two at a time.

She could hear him. The weakened breathing. It was already happening. She wasn't ready. She could never be ready to say goodbye to him. But that's exactly what she had to do, whether she wanted to or not.

She turned down the hall and saw his brown waves on the floor in the doorway. In one quick movement, she slid to him on her knees, lifting his head and placing it in her lap. He looked up at her weakly and smiled. Even dying he was handsome.

"Hey there, Goldy." His laboured breathing caused Hermione's chest to ache.

"Hi," her voice was tight, filled with emotion.

"That was quick," he winked at her. Even at a time like this, he still found something to joke about.

"Theo, we've been gone for years. You know that." She choked back a sob, feigning a smile to match his weak one. She wanted to tell him how much she missed him and how she'd changed, but she could barely get any words out without her voice failing her. "I'm so sorry."

"Am I... to assume... You killed... my dad? Fucker... had it coming." His broken words were still filled with humour.

Her laugh came out as a sob. Hermione ran her fingers through Theo's hair, knowing this was the last time she would be able to feel his soft waves. She looked up at Draco and found that his face was tight and his eyes were wet. He was losing his best friend, too.

Hermione pulled out her wand, summoning an empty vial from her bag. She placed the tip of her wand to her temple and focused. She didn't have much time, but she couldn't let herself forget him. She couldn't lose him completely. Her first real love. Her best friend. Her secret keeper.