To a Better End

Chapter 56

June 10th 1978

No, Hermione did not want to be here. She did not want to wear the nice dress robes Draco insisted were appropriate for the event. She didn't want to step foot in Hogwarts while Albus was still reigning supreme. But the letters she got from Remus, James, and Sirius were so sweet. They had all but begged her to show up to the graduation. James and Sirius were already set to start Auror training on top of the Order. And Remus was devoting his life to the cause, blindly following Albus' stupid plans. He was to go undercover with a pack. Their appearances would decrease significantly.

Chances are, she wouldn't see them again before they died or she "disappeared." She needed to cherish the moments she had left, especially if she wasn't able to... No. She was going to save them. She was going to save someone.

"Are you doing alright?" Draco looked down at her with concern.

Hermione noticed that Draco began to worry more and more. He fussed over her. Making sure she was eating and drinking or even making her step outside and touch the earth. He would tell her nourishment and connection with nature helps. He honestly began to feel like the therapist she had for the first year after the battle. Hermione went into it, thinking it would help. But ultimately it just showed her that there were few people that truly understood the trauma and loss she experienced.

"I'm fine."

Draco scoffed. "You might get by lying to everyone else, but not with me, dear. After all these years, I know your tells."

"Oh yeah? What are they?" she challenged.

Draco gave her a comical look, whispering, "I can't tell you. Then you'll change them."

She shook her head, smiling slightly at him as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. He touched her every chance he got. It didn't matter. He would hold her hand everywhere, and when her hand got sweaty, he would move it to her back. He made sure to kiss her when he could. Chaste little kisses that formed butterflies in her stomach. Those were the kisses that were acceptable in public. But in their home... He dropped all pretence of being a gentleman and ravished her. And when they were both spent, he would hold her. He held her like he was terrified of losing her. And she couldn't blame him for that at all.

Despite what the innermost parts of his brain told him, Hermione would never leave him. Never again would she turn her back on him and leave him to ruminate about her. She was his, always.

"So, are you going to tell me?"

"I don't want to be here," she admitted.

"Anyone could have told me that," he said matter-of-factly.

"I really don't want to see Albus."

"What do you want me to do?" Their eyes met, and Hermione smirked at him. Draco laughed, before responding to the silent conversation they had. "He can't die yet, dear. But I'll do my best to distract him for you to run off and hide."

"Thank you."

Draco nodded with a smile, whispering, "Scaredy pants."

Hermione stuck her tongue at him in the most immature move she's done in a long time. He made her feel good. He made her feel like herself again. Not like Hermione in the 40s. Not like Mina Black. He made her feel like Hermione Granger. Well, now it was Hermione Granger-Malfoy.

Just as they were all filing into the Quidditch pitch for the ceremony, Hermione jumped when a set of arms wrapped around her. Her fight or flight kicked in. She grabbed the arms and spun around so quickly, it looked like a dance. It wasn't until Sirius Black was pinned down on the floor, did she realise the scene she made.