Smirks, Books and, Dirty Looks

Ruby Red

Hermione sat in her bed looking up at the ceiling not knowing how to feel. Of all people it could have been why was it Draco?  She remembered this had happened a handful of times while at Howgarts. The first time she ever masturbated to Draco Malfoy was around her third year, a couple of days after she punched him to be exact. Remembering how she felt about it at the time considering how he had always acted towards her was strange. The range of emotions that surged through her body as she imagined him was pure bliss. Of course, back then she was only a child but the feeling started to get more intense the older she got. The final time she had done it was right before they left to find horcruxes, after that she kissed the fond memory of that boy she had once seen look so captivated by her, goodbye. 

Hermione had sworn to never do it again so naturally guilt overwhelmed her but strangely that was not the only feeling she was having. Surprisingly, Hermione also felt good, alive, and somehow wanted. After deciding to go take a shower she went to bed, not wanting to think about this any longer. Closing her eyes she fell into a dreamless sleep. The next morning, she awoke to Ron lying next to her. He reeked of alcohol and she wrinkled her nose. When had he come home?  Looking at her husband as he slept she wondered when she had missed their problems growing. His features were soft while he slept. He almost looked like the man she fell in love with, just a little older and with slightly more worry lines etched onto his pale freckled face. 

As her eyes grazed over her husband inch by inch she had the urge to sweep the red hair that had fallen over his eyes, she reached over and felt how the once soft hair had become brittle. 'How Ironic his hair feels like our lives together, maybe my marriage has not been an easy one but at least it might be better than being alone.' Noting he was wearing the same clothes from last night is when she saw it. She thought it was so cliché and tacky but that still did not stop her heart from sinking. He had lipstick on the collar of his white button up. The shade was a dark ruby red almost wine colored, defiantly not a shade she was used to wearing. Hermione stayed quiet burning a hole into his collar, suddenly a memory of her wedding popped into her head. 

'Ronald had stood in front of all their friends and family, looking dashing in a Gryffindor gold with red trim suit and tie. Hermione watched him get closer and closer as she walked down the isle. Her heart was pounding as she saw how in love he looked at her. As the ceremony continued she teared up while listening to his perfectly recited vows. No doubt he had spent the better part of a month repeating them to himself in the mirror the way they flew out of his mouth so effortlessly. Hermione had never felt so secure about anything in her life in that moment listening to him in her beautiful white gown while he promised he would never put her through the humiliation of cheating on her or treating her wrong. The rest of the night had been one filled with tears and cheers. She had finally married her other half, her soulmate. Everything was the way it should have been.'

A ghost of a smile on her lips as the memory came and went, not realizing that silent tears were already falling on her pillow. Slowly she tore her eyes away from the man who once made her laugh until she her face hurt and got up to get ready for what looked like a stressful day. Quietly making her way to the bathroom she brushed her teeth and combed her hair. Looking at herself in the mirror she wondered what she had done to have a cheating and abusive husband. Had her appearance really changed that much while she hadn't noticed? The worry lines that slowly appeared during the war and got worse over the course of her work and marriage. Her age that seemed to have doubled in a matter of a few years with so many problems swirling around her. 

Is this why he is cheating? Is this why he is drinking more and not coming home? What does she have that I can't give him, better yet who is she? Hermione swished her hand and wandlessly applied her make up. Taking one last look in the mirror she pushed all thoughts about this mystery woman out of her mind. Molly must be waiting for her and she needed to get to work, this could wait for another day. Slowly walking out of the room she went to wake Sabrina. Hermione woke her daughter up with little kisses all over her beautiful face making her giggle in delight and got her ready. Sabrina noticed her mother wasn't feeling well and didn't put up a fuss about the outfit her mother had chosen for her. 

Looking at her tired face she semi whispered, "Mother, are you and father fighting?" Hermione looked at her young child and made sure to brighten up a little. "No, my love, I am just feeling a little under the weather." Sabrina nodded still not convinced she asked, "Does this have to do with Draco?" Hermione stopped in her tracks. "What did you say?" Sabrina looked back at her expectantly, "Is this about my friendship with Draco?" Hermione didn't know how to proceed. "Please love, mother is tired, we will talk about this later. I am going to be late for work if we don't hurry and get you to Molly soon," Sabrina nodded and sighed in defeat. After finishing her hair and brushing her teeth, she was getting in the circle that Hermione had traced in her room for apperation. Hiding her face in her mothers thighs she cleared her mind and with a simple thought from her mother they were outside of the Burrow. 

Molly had walked out waving at Hermione after hearing the crack that thundered alerting her to their arrival. Sabrina hugged her mother tightly and smiled up at her, saying goodbye she ran towards Molly. Hermione waited to see her reach the door and jump into the old witches' arms before apperating to her office. Sighing as she sat in her chair and looking at the clock, she realized there was only five minutes to prepare herself for her first appointment of the day. Somehow the day that had just begun not two hours ago seemed to one that was going to drag on eternally, and Hermione was not looking forward to it one bit.