Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Closer	By : Nocturne Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 29793 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK Rowling. I do not own the Harry Potter fandom, nor do I make any money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 1-Closer
- 2-2
- 3-3
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 6-6
- 7-7
- 8-8
- 9-9
- 10-10
- 11-11
- 12-12
- 13-13
- 14-14
- 15-15
- 16-16
- 17-17
- 18-18
- 19-19
- 20-20
- 21-21
- 22-22
- 23-23
- 24-24
- 25-25
- 26-26
- 12
- 13
- 14
The owl had come abruptly, in the middle of the night, just as he began to doze off. It was a surprise, needless to say, but Ron wasn’t quite sure he would categorize it as good. He had heard things since leaving Azkaban, disturbing things, unthinkable things. At first he didn’t believe the rumours, pegging all of it as gossip, but even gossip had a trace of truth to it more often than not.

The young man sat waiting at the new location they agreed upon – a Muggle pub – unable to afford more than a glass whiskey. It was pathetic, but so was his life. Azkaban had been so much worse than he imagined.

“Ron?”

He didn’t need to turn around. He didn’t want to turn around. But as the feeling in his chest grew tighter and tighter, Ron had no choice but to shift his gaze to the source of the voice. There she was, standing in her simple clothes with her hair falling to her elbows in messy curls and her eyes as deep as he remembered. She hadn’t aged a day since he’d seen her last, but there was something different about her.

His eyes drew down to the ring on her left hand.

“So it’s true,” he gathered, watching as she took a seat in the same booth. “You’re married.”

Hermione nodded.

“How was the wedding?”

“Discreet,” she answered politely. “How have you been?”

Ron felt sick. “Been better.”

“Fair enough. How’s the family?”

“Beats me,” he shrugged, taking a drink. “Haven’t seen or spoken to them since I’ve been back.”

“Why is that? Don’t you miss them?”

Ron had to laugh. “Thing about Azkaban is that it destroys that part of you, the part that feels something.”

The girl blinked several times over. “That’s not what happened to Sirius.”

“Sirius could morph into a dog to maintain control over his emotions. I didn’t have that luxury.”

“So you’re saying Azkaban sucked the emotion out of you?”

“Not entirely,” he said. “I still feel neglect, disdain, hatred, vengefulness – you name it.”

Hermione nodded, understanding his stance. “I know you feel betrayed,” she said. “But that’s why I called you here. I want to explain everything. I want to help you grasp what I’ve been doing.”

“What if I don’t care?”

She look taken aback, which he liked. “I know you’re upset, Ronald, but –”

“ – But nothing,” he interjected. “From where I’m standing it looks like you jumped ship,” calculated the young man. “Harry died. You told me we would stick together and figure the world out – just you and me. We try to settle the score with the rest of the Order and you escape whilst I get thrown into Azkaban.” Ron chugged the remainder of his drink, feeling slightly dizzy. “And now that I’m out I discover your disgusting marriage to the one person I’ve always despised. If you cared in the slightest, we wouldn’t even need to have this conversation. End of.”

“Ron, wait!” she called, grabbing him by the shoulder as he stood to leave, earning the entire pub’s attention. Good thing it was a Muggle establishment. “I’m doing it for us,” she blurted. “For our people.”

“You married Draco Malfoy for our people? Fuck off, Hermione.”

“Will you just sit down for five fucking minutes and let me explain?” she asked, rather aggressively.

He paused, staring at her and watching as she transformed back into the Hermione he knew and helplessly loved. Both of them took a seat at the booth and at first neither of them spoke a word, but the silence was soon broken. Hermione slid her wedding ring off her finger and placed it between them, as though she took off some sort of disguise for his eyes only.

“This is worth more than all the fortunes you have ever dreamt of,” she said carefully. “It’s a family heirloom, a Malfoy treasure, and I want you to keep it safe for me.”

“You want me to what?”

She smiled knowingly, as though she could finally see Ronald Weasley. “Take it. I want you to hold it for the time being.”

“Why?” he asked, perplexed.

“If ever you feel betrayed by either myself or Draco, you may destroy that ring and with it, centuries of Malfoy custom.”

Ron arched an eyebrow. “And how does your husband feel about this?”

“It was his idea,” she said confidently. “He needs this alliance, Ronald. We all do.”

“Is that what this is about? Bringing our groups together?” he asked. “For what purpose?”

Hermione nodded. “A rebellion.”

He didn’t know what to say. Everything was put into perspective – his newfound freedom, her marriage, the entire meeting. The Malfoys needed his help but the only flaw in that plan was a mile long. The Order would never team with the Malfoys.

“When did this come about?” Ron managed to say.

“I don’t know exactly,” she explained. “But the plan is finally in motion. All we need is the Order’s support.”

He nodded. “And that’s why you need me.”

“Yes.”

A small part of him drifted off, feeling slightly stupid for assuming Hermione called him there to make up. Granted, she was married and although it was a false marriage, she seemed oddly content with it. He didn’t dare wonder why.

“I can round up a few of them at the Burrow in a few hours,” he offered. “And my brothers are back in town next week, for Mum’s birthday. I can pitch it to them when they arrive.”

“That sounds perfect,” she smiled, reaching across the table for his hand. It felt strange touching her again – familiar yet foreign, as though he had to relearn the feel of her skin. “You should stop by the Manor before we leave, meet with Draco and the others.”

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Hermione glanced away for a moment. “Our honeymoon.”

“Honeymoon? During a rebellion?”

“We have to keep up appearances,” she said obviously. “In case people suspect the marriage is fake. You know how it is.”

Ron smiled something drenched in sarcasm. “Not exactly. I’m still single.”

“Right.” Hermione cleared her throat, clearly uncomfortable. “So, erm, when shall we expect your visit?”

“I can swing by in the morning.”

“Brilliant.”

“Where are you headed?”

“Hmm?”

“For your honeymoon,” he explained. “Where are you going?”

She paused for a moment. “Tokyo.”

“As in, Japan?”

Hermione nodded. “It’s a lovely place. Loads of culture, great architecture and amazing food.”

“Sounds fun,” smirked the redhead.

“You don’t have to do this, you know?”

“I thought I did.”

“I don’t mean join our sides,” she said obviously. “You don’t have to pretend to take interest in my marriage.”

“I’m not pretending,” Ron clarified, completely serious. “I just need to know what I’m up against.”
- 12
- 13
- 14
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