My Dove

Struggling

(Disclaimer: The plot is my own but the rest is JKR's.)

Hermione POV

After Draco left, I started having a mental debate with myself. He almost kissed me! The thing that scared me the most was that I think I wanted him to. I looked around and saw Mr and Mrs Weasley cleaning up. I went to go and help them. 

"Oh no, Hermione dear, I won't have that. You relax, you've had a long few weeks." Mrs Weasley assured me.

"Are you sure?" 

"Of course dear. Go write back to Blaise Zabini." Mrs Weasley smiled a knowing smile. I hugged her. 

"Thank you." I whispered.

"Of course. We'll always love you, dear." 

"Same here." I smiled and walked up the stairs. I still roomed with Ginny, but I knew her and Harry slept in each others arms. I saw Alaska, waiting. I smiled. I opened the letter and started to read.

Dear Hermione,

I've broken up with Astoria. You knew that we weren't right for each other, as always. She took it hard though. I've owled, but she hasn't replied since. I am upset of course, but I'll get over it. I always do.

I've heard that you are back in England now. We need to meet up at some point, I've missed you. 

To answer your question, I got the job I went for! The kind of job I can't speak about.

Apart from that, there isn't much else I can tell you. At least, not the kind of words that can be conveyed through ink and parchment. 

Write back as soon as you can, won't you?

From Blaise

I  smiled. I got out parchment, a spare quill and ink. I needed to tell him about my parents, Draco and my mixed feelings. I could ask him not to tell Draco, about the feelings. I started writing:

Dear Blaise,

I'm sorry that you're upset about your break up. It'll get better. 

Congratulations about that job you can't speak about. I knew you could do it!

I found my parents! But I'm getting carried away, I need to tell you the whole story:

I was going to get a coffee in an Australian Cafe, when guess who I ran into? One of your best friends, Draco Malfoy. He made this huge speech, apologising for his actions, saying that he loved me. I was shocked, to say the least. But I told him that I was engaged to Ron. He said he'd respect that. Then, he helped me find my parents. He then came to the burrow and apologised to everyone there too. So, I guess him and I are friends now.

Your letter came when we were having lunch, so now Draco knows about our friendship. He was okay with it. Ron, on the contrary, wasn't. He wanted me to cut ties with you. That's not going to happen. 

Can you please not tell anyone (especially Draco) about the next section?  I trust you to help me with this.

I'm struggling. Ron and I are engaged, I thought I was in love and happy, I truly did. But Draco's opened up a whole new side of me, Blaise. I have this feeling, when I'm with him... He said something to me this afternoon, after lunch. He said that 'I'm worth more than a million galleons' then leaned in to kiss me. I started to lean in, then stepped back. I don't know what to do! The thing that scared me the most, was that I think I wanted him to. Kiss me, I mean. I haven't wanted Ron to kiss me, (like I wanted Draco to) for a while. I'm not sure what to do, or think. Should I call off the engagement?

How about we meet up tomorrow, at Flourish and Blotts? I'll be there at 1pm if you are interested.

From Hermione

I sealed the envelope and gave it to Alaska. 

"Go as soon as you can." I whispered to her as she soared into the sky.

"Ahem." Harry was leaning against the door frame. 

"Come in." I smiled and he sat on the end of Ginny's bed.

"What's going on?"

"What makes you think something's going on?"

"You're one of my best friends, 'Mione. I know you. What's going on?"

"I don't know what to do." I let my head drop into my hands. 

"About Ron?"

"Partially."

"He just seemed angry, but I'd keep an eye on him. Since the war..."

"I know. But he's been acting like that lately. He said something about family that got under my skin. I know he's one of your best friends, but I don't know if I feel the same way about him since..."

"Since Draco Malfoy?"

"What?"

"He has a thing for you. It's obvious. The question is, do you like him, in that way?" I internally laughed. 'Captain Oblivious' was the only one who saw something. 

"I-"