Last Lesson in Love - (Sequel to Tutoring A Malfoy)

Chapter Sixteen - 'Visiting the Ministry jails.'

An awkward silence passed between the three of them sitting at the small kitchen table with their tea and food in front of them. Hermione looked down at her tea, hearing Rose’s nonsense singing in the other room as she amused herself. Lifting the mug to her lips, she realised her hands were shaking a little. Well, she wasn’t surprised.

She had just told her ex-best friend, first kisser, and the person that everyone thought she would end up with, that she was in love with Draco Malfoy.

‘I can’t believe this,’ Ron muttered, after an agonising silence that felt like it was piercing through Hermione’s heart.

Hermione lifted her eyes, not even drinking her tea before putting the mug down. She tried to keep herself under control, knowing the Weasley’s would obviously not approve of this.

‘Why not, Ronald?’ Hermione asked, keeping eye contact with him.

‘Because... I-it’s Malfoy!’ Ron frowned at her, as though she had grown another head in the short span of five seconds, ‘you can’t fall in love with a Malfoy! Is he even capable of love? Does he-?’

‘I can assure you, Ron, that Draco is capable of love. He is a human, after all, no matter what you think,’ Hermione shook her head and sighed as she glanced at Mrs Weasley who was looking between the two of them, ‘I just need you to take care of Rose for me. For today and tomorrow is his trial. After that, Rose and I will leave... hopefully with Draco.’

Ron stood up and went over to the sink. He grabbed a glass and filled it to the top with water, sipping it with his back to her. Mrs Weasley watched her son for a moment and then patted Hermione’s hand soothingly, smiling as she listened to Rose giggling softly at something in the other room.

‘Of course I’ll take care of her,’ Mrs Weasley nodded, ‘you do what you need to and I’ll make sure she’s fed and bathed and I’m sure there’s a few children’s clothes in the attic. I have a lot of left-over clothes from my own children.’

‘Thank you, I can’t... even begin to tell you how much I appreciate this,’ Hermione said, honestly, looking at her.

Mrs Weasley shook her head, ‘you don’t need to, dear.’

Hermione smiled at her gratefully and stood up, glancing at the food. She wasn’t hungry, not much of a surprise, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Draco had ate. They were supposed to go on a romantic boat trip with dinner under the stars and light music and dancing. Now, she had to find someone to plead Draco’s case, someone good. That would be hard without any money but she’d find a way to make it happen.

She had to.

Hermione’s eyes flickered to Ron who still had his back to her and she sighed, ‘I’ll see you tonight, I think.’

Mrs Weasley nodded, ‘if you don’t make it in for dinner, I’ll leave some in the oven for you.’

‘Thank you,’ Hermione said, smiling slightly before heading into the other room.

Rose was giggling to herself as she played with a salt and pepper shaker that had been left on the table. Hermione smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Rose glanced up at her and suddenly threw her arms around her neck, hugging her tight, making Hermione fall back a little until she was sitting down.

‘Rose, listen to me, love,’ Hermione murmured, stroking her hair.

‘Mummy... is Dway-co okay?’ Rose asked, pulling back and looking at her with wide, innocent eyes.

Hermione wanted to say yes but she had no idea what Draco’s manner was right now. She kissed her cheek, ‘he’ll be okay and he’ll be back to sing you a song on his guitar. Maybe he’ll even draw you a pretty picture!’