20. Chapter 20

Hey everybody! I'm sorry this is late.

Ok. Time for an author's note. I'm not going to have access to my laptop for a couple of weeks, so to make up for it, I'll post a new chapter tomorrow, saturday as well. Then the next chapter will be in several weeks. Yay! Excitement.

Disclaimer: I still don't own HP.

The next morning, Draco woke up slowly, drifting lazily into the world of consciousness. He rolled over casually, but stopped almost immediately when he realized something was blocking the way. His eyes widened as he realized it was the one and only Hermione Granger that was preventing him from rolling on to his stomach. The memories of the night before came rushing back, all at once. The drawing room, his hallucination, her nightmare, and then finally the request to have him stay the night.

Hermione was still sleeping sounding, her face serene, her mouth open a tad, breathing deeply. Draco sat on the bed for several moments, slowly brushing her hair from her face. His fingers grazed her skin, which was as smooth as satin. He felt little tingles shoot up his fingertips every time he made contact. He was perfectly content, until his brain began to think.

Hermione remembered that day in the drawing room. She remembered every moment of it. But, since it was the only thing she remembered about that time period, she thought it was a just nightmare. She didn't know it had been one of the darkest days of her life. She didn't know who Bellatrix was. She didn't know this woman had tortured her, while her friends screamed from bellow. She didn't know that he had stood by and watched. She didn't know that he hadn't saved her.

How could he tell her it was a reality? It was a nightmare from the deepest pits of hell. How could she come to terms with it? He could barely face it in his life and he hadn't been the one withering around on the floor in pure agony. How could Hermione face that now? She wasn't the courageous Gryffindor she once was. Draco had realized that last night. He had never really thought about it before.

Hermione wasn't born strong, selfless and courageous. She probably was somewhat, but those attributes definitely weren't as prominent as they were when she disappeared. Her life in the magical world, her hardships, her friendship with Potter, the war, had shaped her just as it had shaped him. However, she hadn't become a coward with nightmares, living in a pool of his own sins. No, she had become glorious, strong, selfless, courageous, beautiful and completely incredible. Her time at Hogwarts had made her the person Draco remembered, admired, and secretly revered. That wasn't the girl sleeping next to him. This was what Hermione would've became had she been simply a muggle. The girl sleeping next to him was great, and he could recognize traits of Hermione in her. However, they were not as incredible as in magical Hermione.

In that moment, Draco admitted defeat. The battle that had been raging within him was finished; one side had finally conquered the other. Hermione needed to get her memories back, regardless of Draco's personal feelings towards her. She would probably hate him afterwards, but, oh well. Draco knew he needed to make this sacrifice for her. He needed to be selfless. She needed him to be selfless.

A little noise shook Draco from his thoughts. Hermione was stirring. Draco took a deep breath. This was going to be a strange day. That was already decided. She opened her eyes lazily, and gazed up at him, a look of contentment on her face.

"Morning," she smiled. Draco attempted to return the smile, but found he couldn't. He ended up demonstrating a grimace. Smooth.

"Morning," he replied, his voice sounded low and emotionless. Hermione looked startled. Chipper up, his subconscious shouted at him. He attempted to smile again, and Hermione's face relaxed.

"How're you feeling?" Draco asked, relieved to find his voice normal once more.

Hermione shrugged. "Better than last night," she chuckled at this. "Thanks for staying," she said, a light blush upon her cheeks.

Draco smiled. "I didn't really mind," he said coyly, and her blush increased. Why did he say that? He was just getting confused when Hermione's stomach rumbled. Draco snorted, "Come on, let's go get some food."

Hermione nodded and jumped from the bed. Draco took a moment just to capture her beauty. Green seriously suited her. How many times had he said that as of late? Her hair seemed to be perfect, cascading down her back in curls. Her eyes were bright and alive, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her smile wide and genuine. Draco was going to miss seeing her like this.

He led Hermione from the room and once more into the labyrinth known as the manor. Making sure that he was taking all the right turns, they arrived in the kitchen in five minutes. There were several house elves cooking already, and Narcissa was sitting at the kitchen table sipping on coffee and reading the paper. She looked up as they walked in. Her eyes twinkled as she looked over Hermione in the Slytherin pyjamas.

"Good morning Hermione, Draco," she said, smiling at each of them in turn.

"Good morning, Narcissa," Hermione replied, taking a seat at the table. Draco took the one next to her.

"Well, you two," Narcissa started, folding up the paper and shoving it towards them. "Your escape from the ministry made the paper."

"Of course it made the paper," Draco muttered, pulling the Daily Prophet towards him.

"Sorry, did I say made the paper?" Narcissa said, chuckling slightly. "It is the paper."

Draco and Hermione both brought the paper towards them, reading the title simultaneously.

HERMIONE GRANGER RETURNS! Beneath those giant words, a picture of Hermione in Draco's arms seconds before they disaparated. Hermione's hair was in disarray from the mayhem but her face was glowing.

"Nice picture," Hermione snickered. They both began to read the article.

The funeral of Hermione Granger took place yesterday. It was a beautiful ceremony, in a lovely clearing near the lake. There were speakers and chances for loved ones to mourn. Many would have thought that it would have finally given closer to the mysterious disappearance of Hermione Granger over seven years ago.

Little did everyone know, the entire case was about to be turned upside down.

Harry Potter, the famous boy who lived, defeater of He who must not be named, and best friend to Ms. Granger, spoke at the funeral. His face shone with tears, his distress obvious on his face. He spoke of how he didn't want to have the funeral, because it meant it was real. Hermione Granger was really gone. He gave a beautiful speech, stating he was never really going to give up on Hermione, even though they were holding the funeral. "You are a part of me 'Mione. And I'm not giving up on you, not now not ever. Because I know, you would never give up on me." Soon after the funeral finished, the boy who lived disappeared from the premises.

Ron Weasley, war hero and best friend to Hermione Granger and Harry Potter also spoke. He told everyone that he was in love with Granger, having become her paramour during the Battle of Hogwarts. This had been unknown information prior to the funeral. He spoke of how Hermione Granger had made him a better person, and would continue to do so, until the day he died. "I would give anything to have her back. Anything at all. It's been seven years, and I still love Hermione. She was a light in my darkness. She always knew what to do. Whenever I have a problem, I think, what would Hermione do? She leads me, even though she's long gone. Even though it's been years since I've seen her, she still helps me. She always will. She will always be there for me." Then, like Potter, he disappeared from the funeral soon after it had finished.

One other person spoke, Draco Malfoy. Many were shocked to see the Malfoy heir and Magical World's renowned bad boy" Hermione snorted at this. "take the podium. It was well known that he and Ms. Granger had been bitter enemies in their school days, as well as during the war. Malfoy spoke of how his dislike came from admiration of Ms. Granger, which no one had known before this proclamation. He spoke mainly of how amazing, in his eyes, Ms. Granger was. "As I see this beautiful service you all have concocted, I still don't think it does Hermione justice. It is beautiful, but not as much a Hermione was. I'll be honest, as surprising as the next statement will be, it's the truth. I miss Hermione. I miss the snobby bookworm who would yell at me when I interrupted her studying. I miss the girl who walked into the prefects carriage, glowing with pride at the achievement. I miss the strong woman who let herself be tortured instead of give in to the wishes of the dark side. I miss Hermione Granger." Soon after the funeral, Mr. Malfoy disappeared from the premises as well.

There was a final disappearance from the funeral. Mrs. Ginny Potter, sister to Ron Weasley, wife to Harry Potter, war heroine and a very good friend to Hermione Granger. Mrs. Potter didn't speak at the funeral, though she could be seen crying softly in the front row. She disappeared from the funeral along with the speakers.

Now, many people went looking for these four after they left. The wizarding world wondered where they had gone. Their friends and family wanted to give them comfort, the press wanted to get statements. However, they could not be found anywhere on the premises or the surrounding woods.

The congregation at the funeral decided to head to the ministry of magic to see if they could find the four there. The funeral goers, along with many others, stood in the atrium, trying to spot the four, or receive news of where they had gone to. The ministry had been closed that day, given that Ms. Granger's funeral was happening. However, when you're the boy who lived, a war hero/heroine, and one of the biggest entrepreneurs in the world, you can avoid little obstacles such as the closure of the entire Ministry of Magic.

The large group, consisting of hundreds of people, stood in the atrium for approximately five minutes before the four made their appearance. However, now they were joined with one other.

Blaise Zabini, renowned auror and partner to Harry Potter stood with the group as they exited the elevators. Expressions of shock covered the five's faces. It was obvious that they were not expecting the group. Many reporters took this opportunity to ask questions.

Bill Crocket, from the Daily Prophet, asked what motivated Mr. Potter to suddenly have the service for Ms. Granger given that she has been missing for years.

Mr. Potter replied with, "Because I know Hermione Granger. She would not have wanted me to waste my life wasting after her. I love Hermione so much, and I will never truly let her go, but I suddenly realized that I had to start living again, because otherwise, Hermione would not stand for it."

Ella Vacon, from Witch Weekly, asked, if Mr. Potter was ever involved with Hermione Granger.

Once the question was asked, Mr. Malfoy burst out into laughter. No one knows why this was so humorous to Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter shot him a not so subtle glare before responding.

"No, Hermione and I were never involved. I loved Hermione as a sister and she felt the same about me. There was never a time where I considered another option, it was always simple with Hermione. She is my sister. Plain and simple."

Ferrara Eleanor, from International Wizarding Times asked when and why Mr. Malfoy's opinion of Ms. Granger changed, given that they were enemies in school.

Mr. Malfoy responded in a soft voice. "My opinion of Hermione was always one of respect. I only noticed it though when I stopped being such a moron." The man is known for his blunt humour.

Suddenly, a cold gust of wind burst through the atrium. Everyone felt it, and many people looked around for the source. What everyone discovered, at the front, was surprising, to say the very, very least. Hermione Granger, war heroine, best friend to Harry Potter, paramour to Ron Weasley, the brightest witch of her age, had suddenly appeared standing next to Mr. Malfoy.

This was no illusion. This was no ghost. It was Hermione Granger, exactly as the world remembered her, though she had obviously aged seven years. Her hair was curled around her face, framing it nicely. Her big brown eyes were slightly fearful. She turned to Mr. Malfoy, and the two exchanged a subtle fearful look.

The room exploded, many rushed forward in excitement. Mr. Potter rushed in front of Ms. Granger, trying to stop her from being mobbed. Ms. Granger kept her eyes on Mr. Malfoy though. Without questioning, Mr. Malfoy brought Hermione into a tight embrace, and whispered something unknown into Mrs. Potter's ear, who was also shielding the couple from the crowd. With their arms wrapped around each other, Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger disaparated, disappearing to an unknown location.

Mr. Potter refused to answer any questions. The four people remaining all disaparated as well, without giving any information regarding Hermione Granger's sudden reappearance. The atrium of the Ministry was in disarray and confusion. The Daily Prophet managed to catch up with some of Ms. Granger's old friends however.

Seamus Finnigan, (Draco groaned at this point) an old Gryffindor classmate of Ms. Granger and a current employee of Mr. Malfoy stated, "I did not know anything about Hermione's reappearance. Mr. Malfoy has been out of the country for several weeks now. I did not even know he was back until he spoke at the funeral."

Professor Minerva Mcgonagall, headmistress at Hogwarts said, "I never believed Hermione was gone. She is a bright and intelligent woman. There has never been a situation she could not handle."

Luna Lovegood, war heroine and old classmate of Ms. Granger stated "the nargles must have been behind it."

Neville Longbottom, war hero, old classmate and Witch Weekly's most eligible bachelor said "It's Hermione freaking Granger. She would never go down without a fight. And if you were in a fight with Hermione Granger, you'd be the one going down."

The entire situation is a mystery. No one knows the answers, and there are many questions left. Where are Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy now? Did Mr. Potter know Ms. Granger was alive? Did Mr. Malfoy find Ms. Granger while he was out of the country? Why'd she disappear? Why didn't she return? And what exactly is a nargle? The Daily Prophet will hopefully have the answers soon.

That article took up several pages. But there was more.

Pg. 4 Hermione Granger's past

Pg. 6 Hermione's time at Hogwarts

Pg. 10 Hermione in the war

Pg. 15 Hermione's disappearance

Pg. 20 the full speeches from the funeral, given by Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Malfoy

Draco put the paper down. He turned to Hermione.

"The secrets are out now."

Hermione shrugged. "At least they didn't find us." Draco nodded, slightly reassured.

Hermione took the paper. "I'm going to read about my life," she said soundly. "This ought to be entertaining."

Draco shrugged and allowed her to read. He sipped on the coffee one of his house elves had given him. He ate the breakfast he had just received. He felt very relaxed, until a sudden noise took away his Zen.

Hermione had been sipping on coffee as well, but had just spat it all out. Sputtering, she turned to Draco.

"Hermione?" he asked worriedly.

"I dated an international sports legend?" she gasped out. Draco chuckled, his worry disappearing.

"His name was Victor Krum. One of the best Quidditch players in the world."

Hermione smirked slightly and muttered, "Good on you, Hermione." Draco snorted at this, though he felt jealous for a split second.

Hermione read for several more minutes. Narcissa was simply watching her from across the table, sipping her coffee slowly. Draco just ate. Yesterday had been exhausting. He was famished.

After he was done eating, he sat there just watching her. She was still reading, now many pages into the articles of her life. Her eyes were racing over the page quickly. Suddenly, her eyes stopped. She seemed to be rereading a section. Her face went ashen. Her eyes widened, and a combination of anger and fear came across her features.

"Hermione?" Draco asked tentatively. What had she read?

She wouldn't look at him. She ripped a page out of the newspaper and threw it at him. Draco picked it up hesitantly.

It was a piece about Hermione's involvement in the war. Draco read the first few lines.

Though the exact details are unknown, it is known that Hermione Granger, along with Ron Weasley and Harry Potter were captured and brought to Malfoy Manor. Ms. Granger was tortured for information by the infamous death eater Bellatrix Lestrange, pictured below.

A picture of Bellatrix snarling took over the rest of the page.

Draco put the paper down slowly, his fingers trembling. She knew. She knew it was real. She knew that she had been tortured on the drawing room floor. She knew that her nightmare had really taken place. And worst of all, she knew that he had just stood there, not helping as she screamed in agony. She now knew who he had once been.

"Hermione," Draco started, regret in his voice. Narcissa was watching their exchange curiously. Hermione looked up and met his eyes, hers angry.

"You knew it was real, didn't you?" she asked, malice in her voice.

Draco nodded, seeing no other option. Hermione glared and stood up from the table, turned on her heel and rushed out of the kitchen. Draco raced after her.

She was running down the halls. Draco ran after her, calling out her name. Eventually, he was able to catch up with her. Quidditch training. He grabbed her arm, and spun her around, forcing Hermione to face him.

Her face was bright red in anger, with several tear marks streaking down it. Her hair seemed to be cackling with electricity. She was downright frightening.

"It was real?" she spat. Draco nodded once more. Hermione glared at him, more tears forming in her eyes.

"I really was tortured," she said, more to herself, not looking to him for confirmation. "And you just stood there." Oh shit. She glared at him, her face reddening even more. "Why did you just stand there?" she screamed.

Draco opened his mouth to speak, not even knowing what to say, but Hermione cut across him.

"I mean, you said we didn't get along," she babbled. "But never would I have imagined you would have just stood by, while I was screaming at the top of my lungs, right before your eyes. Why the hell would you do that? Why would anyone do that? Who would do that? You would have to be truly evil…." Suddenly, her eyes widened, and her face went slightly ashen.

"You're one of them," she whispered. She seemed to have come to a realisation. She was shivering now. She looked him in the eye. "You're one of Voldemort followers." She must have remembered him from Potter's lecture on her life.

Draco couldn't hide it. The guilt must have filled his face. He didn't need to confirm it.

Hermione backed up several feet. She was fully trembling now. "You're evil."

"Not anymore," Draco said, stepping forward.

"Not anymore?" Hermione exploded. "That's not bloody good enough! You tortured people! You might have even killed people!"

Another look of guilt flashed across his face. Her eyes widened even more.

"You did! No wonder Ron and Harry can't stand you! No wonder you used to hate me! What is this to you? What is this relati….friendship to you!" She stuttered slightly there. Draco barely noticed. He was now cowering beneath Hermione's exploding rage.

"Is it a joke? Is everything you've told me a lie? Why did you ever help me, you, you, death eater!" She finished with a flourish, tears now streaming across her face. She did nothing to subside them.

Draco opened his mouth, but no words would come out. He knew she'd end up hating him, that was inevitable, but it surprised him how much it hurt. It was as if his heart had been ripped out and trampled on. He could feel tears coming as well. He did his best to stop them. Luckily, a distraction came right then.

A white light appeared at the end of the hall, slowly moving towards them. Draco didn't flinch, like Hermione did. He knew what this was.

The patronus came to a halt before him, the stag's antlers glistening silver. This was Potter's patronus. The boy wonder's voice rang through the corridor.

"Good morning," it said. "Malfoy, bring Hermione to Kingsley's office. He's ordered a meeting. Do this now. Please. And, Hermione, just go with Malfoy, even though you're probably pissed at him, for some reason. You know, because it's Malfoy. See you in a few."

Draco snorted. Potter had such faith in him. He turned to Hermione, slowly, dreading their interaction. She had her arms crossed and wouldn't meet his eyes.

"We've got to go," he said softly. She nodded curtly. "I need your arm." She let him grab her arm wordlessly. He turned towards her, and he finally met her eyes. It felt as though a knife went through his heart.

They were cold, emotionless. There was no anger or hatred, but no love or kindness either. They were dead. It was as if he didn't even exist. Hermione didn't feel anything for him. Not anymore. He felt empty, he had never truly felt this way before. Swallowing dryly, he felt his tears began to fall. Hermione's expression didn't change. Blinking them back, Draco took her arm, probably for the last time, and apparated them away.

Review you guys, and I'll see you tomorrow :)