Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Paths We Take	By : Luckycharms Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 18436 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That right goes to the AMAZING JK Rowling. No profit is made off this story. Shout out to Scorpia11 for being my awesome Beta!!

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
“Wait, it's just about to break, it's more than I can take
Everything's about to change
I feel it in my veins, it's not going away
Everything's about to change”
War of Change- Thousand Foot Krutch
Chapter 18- Breathe Again
Wednesday, May 13^th, 1999
Pansy stood in the door frame of the chambers Harry had previously stayed in, while trying to hide the fear brewing within her stomach as she watched Theo and Ron plead with the mother Malfoy. It was amusing to say the least and so far, no one in the room had noticed her, so she continued to observe the comical scenario. Although her eyes kept drifting to a certain raven-haired wizard, who looked torn between laughing at the predicament and being utterly annoyed with the desperate appeals.
Ever since Thorfinn had mentioned that she and the Gryffindor might like each other, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about it the entire way back to the bedroom. Question after question ran through her mind and she had no idea how to sort them all out. It troubled her that she couldn’t figure out if she was actually starting to fancy the Savior of the Wizarding World or if she was only thinking about it because it was brought to her attention. It wasn’t as if she didn’t like Harry, she enjoyed his company and was happy he was even willing to be her friend after everything they had been through. She didn’t want to destroy it all based off of one man’s suggestion because she knew that if she broached the topic when they had just recently become friends, the Golden Boy might think she was barmy and stop speaking to her. Not to mention that her Slytherin friends would criticize her ruthlessly.
However, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was simply lying to herself about how she really felt due to her desperate need to be wanted, and accepted, by her peers and by Draco Malfoy. She was in love with the blonde, or at least she thought she was, even though it was blatantly obvious to everyone that the Slytherin Prince would never feel the same. Nevertheless, Harry had made her feel happier than Draco ever had and now, thanks to Rowle, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t look at the raven-haired wizard the same way. With her arms crossed as she leaned on the frame of the doorway, she bit her bottom lip while she studied her male Gryffindor friend.
Harry had removed his glasses from his face and rubbed his eyes as Theo and Ron continued to beg Narcissa for various pieces of luxury items to take with them back to Hogwarts. He then threw his head back in frustration before feeling like someone was watching him and replaced his glasses before looking to the door out of instinct. Noticing he had seen her, Pansy uncrossed her arms and warmly smiled while weakly waving to him. Harry grinned from ear to ear before quickly walking over to her, taking her hand, and pulling her out into the hall.
“Thank Godric you showed up!” he chuckled, though never freeing his hand from the Slytherins’. “I was losing my mind in there. I thought Ron was intense when it came to haggling but damn, Theo is one savage negotiator.”
“He gets that from his father” she giggled softly. “Next to Blaise, he’s the best salesman of our group. Not as good as the Weasley twins…I mean…twin…” she frowned while releasing Harry’s grasp on her and fiddled with her fingers. “Anyway” she feebly smiled while glancing up, “a-are you still hungry? I think Keesy may still be in the kitchen…”
“Yeah!” he beamed while trying to ignore her small correction about the twins. Placing his hands in his pockets while pointing down the hall with his head, the pair began to make their way to the kitchen in an awkward silence. Once they made it to their destination, Harry flicked his wand and turned on the lights in the dark room. “I guess she went on break…”
“It’s only noon” Pansy stated as she looked around the large empty space.
“Maybe because we are supposed to be going back to Hogwarts, Mrs. Malfoy told her to not worry about lunch?”
“Possibly…” she shrugged while heading towards the charmed icebox and opening the door. “So,” she quickly breathed out, “what are you in the mood for?”
“Uhh, peanut butter and jelly works for me…” Harry claimed as he stood next to the Slytherin Princess and eyed the continents in the fridge.
“Oh, please!” she argued playfully. “We can do better than something so simple. Come on, tell me what you’re really in the mood for? Do you like Mexican food?”
“Wait,” he held up a hand with a small smile on his lips “you can cook?”
“Don’t act so surprised” she giggled while pulling out a few items from the cooler and hoped that whatever she decided to create, he would like. “I’ve been cooking for years. I started the summer after fourth year, when my parents began to argue over money and other things” she continued as she placed a skirt steak on the counter and summoned a few pots and pans along with other ingredients she would need, in order to make lunch for the both of them. “As it turns out, I’m pretty decent at it and I actually enjoy it. No one else knows about it though. Expect for, well now you, and of course Theo.”
Pansy began to oil and season the steak as she charmed a pot of rice to cook itself, while Harry took a seat on a stool across the counter from her.
“I never liked cooking” he admitted as he leaned forward on his arms and watched as she placed the steak on a sizzling pan before starting on the corn. “I guess I can blame the Dursley’s for that. They sort of took the fun out of it.”
“I’m sorry…” she frowned as she stopped stirring the corn and bean mixture in the bowl in front of her and softened her shoulders.
“Don’t be. I’m not.”
“Still…”
“So, why cooking?” he inquired as he tried to change the subject.
“I don’t know” she shrugged as she went back to her task at hand. “After my mother moved into a different bedroom and my father distracted himself with work, which meant he was rarely home anymore, I couldn’t concentrate on anything else, so I found comfort in Babkey, our house elf. He taught me how to cook after I became bored of only talking. I prefer baking more than anything, but I guess I feel I can be myself when doing it. It allows me to bring out my creative side and…” she smiled and lightly shook her head as she thought about how culinary made her feel, “I-I lose myself in it. It helps clear my mind- distract me from the rest of the world, all my problems…When I cook, I feel…free.”
“Sounds like you really love it.”
“I do…” she beamed while pausing for a moment.
“Maybe you can teach me one day” Harry suggested, causing Pansy to flick her eyes to him and nervously grin. “If it’s something your passionate about I’m sure I would enjoy learning from you.”
“Yeah…I-I’d like that. I mean I’d liked to-I mean-”
“Pansy…?” he cut in with a raised brow, but quickly shook away the idea that she was acting strange from his mind and instead focused on what he really wanted to say.
“Hmm?” she hummed while flipping the meat.
“I…I wanted to say thank you. You know, for everything you’ve done for me the last few days. I really appreciate you being there for me. I know it must not have been easy and you had plenty of other people to look out for…But I’m glad you chose to help me.”
“It’s no problem, Harry. I’m happy to help.”
As Harry lightly blushed and lowered his head as he smiled, Pansy observed him as he began to play with the tips of his fingers. His messy black hair hung loosely in his face as she watched his jaw clench and his Adam’s Apple bob up and down. It was almost as if he wanted to say something else but was too nervous to do so. Though as she continued to stare at the smooth skin on his neck and her eyes veered to the small amount of stubble growing on his chin, a sudden image of her leaving tender pecks along his jaw line flashed before her eyes, catching her completely off guard. The daydream came out of nowhere and caused an aching feeling to emerge in the pit of her stomach as she stared at him. But she kept on thinking about how his skin would feel against hers as images of him entangling his fingers through her hair while he whispered in her ear, persisted to plague her mind.
“Pansy?” he interrupted, pulling her from the fantasy as he eyed her worryingly. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine” she claimed while removing the cooked steak from the pan and setting it on the cutting board.
“Yeaaahhh, you’re not. I’ve had a girl as a friend for as long as I can remember. I know when something’s wrong and you’re afraid to tell me. Please tell me you’re not thinking of doing what Theo did the other day by trying to find a way to switch places with me?”
“What? What are you talking about? What exactly did Theo do?” she pressed while narrowing her brows.
“He-he didn’t tell you? Shite, I’m sorry, I thought you knew. I think it’s probably best if he tells you instead of me, but don’t worry, he’s fine. Ron, Neville, and I talked him out of it. He realized it was barmy after I convinced him to never do it again.”
“Is that why he and Weasley are suddenly so close? I thought it was a bit strange that those two of all people, could find a way to get along.”
“Sort of” he shrugged while pulling out his wand and summoning a pot of tea. “After we talked him down, we all agreed to be there for him if he ever needed someone to talk to…” Though as Harry proceeded to speak about how the Gryffindor clan decided to support one of her best friends, Pansy heard none of it. It was in that moment as she marveled at the site of Harry speaking, that she finally grasped the idea that she did indeed like him. It wasn’t because of what Thorfinn had told her or the fact that she already thought the The-Boy-Who-Lived was cute, she realized that she appreciated and respected Harry standing up and protecting her friend when she couldn’t.
There was also something about the fact that he went out of his way, that made her see him in a different light. He was charming and caring, smart and funny; she didn’t understand why it had taken her so long to notice just how much she wanted to be with him. Unfortunately, her fears of not having the feelings reciprocated, similar to her situation with the blonde Prince of Slytherin, rushed to the surface and she quickly removed the idea of being more than friends, from her mind. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked with a tilt of his head.
“I’m fine, Harry…I’ll talk to Theo later about what he did.”
“Pansy-”
“Thank you for looking out for him” she cut in as she stared down at the meat on the counter.
“Look, whatever is going on right now, I know it doesn’t have to do with Theo. What’s on your mind?”
“I-It’s nothing” she chuckled as she picked up the large chef knife, but for some reason didn’t cut the steak. “It’s-it’s just something Rowle mentioned earlier that had me thinking.”
“Mentioned? What did he say to you?” he questioned slightly upset.
“Nothing bad. I don’t think…It’s nothing. It’s-it’s stupid. Forget I said anything.”
“Pansy…?” he drawled while giving her a knowing look before standing up and walking around the counter in order to place himself beside to her. Gently taking the knife from her hand, he set it down on the counter, and turned her by the shoulders to face him. “What’s wrong?”
Biting her lower lip, the raven-haired witch gazed down towards the cutting board as she thought about what she wanted to say; if she wanted to say anything.
“I-I don’t want to ruin our friendship, Harry. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long while. I don’t want to mess that up. I…I don’t want you to stop speaking to me.”
“What did Rowle say to you that would make you think I would ever stop being your friend?”
“You’re gonna laugh if I tell you. It-it’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” She laughed it off while waving a hand and tried to turn back to the counter, but Harry gently grabbed her shoulder to stop her.
“I told you before, Pansy. I would never laugh at you. Not unless it was something you could laugh at as well…Is-is it about him telling you to give me a chance and why you keep blushing every time I look at you? And why you keep spacing out?”
“What?” she questioned with wide eyes, as Harry chuckled lightly.
“I have an invisibility cloak, Pansy, and a promising track record of eavesdropping on things I shouldn’t. I’ve been lied to and kept in the dark by my Aunt and Uncle, by Dumbledore, even Snape, for a better part of my life. So, I had my reasons for doing it then. However,” he tilted his head to get a better look at her as she avoided his gaze, “I only tried listening to your conversation with Rowle because I care about you and I wanted to make sure he wasn’t up to something. The man may have helped us all come to terms with our friends being stuck in the past, but that doesn’t mean I fully trust the bloke.”
“So, you’re saying t-that you heard ev-everything?” she queried nervously as she finally met his gaze.
“I only heard the last part of it really. Where he told you that I might be someone worth fancying. And how he said that Draco won’t want to be with you when he returns…”
“Oh…I…it was just a suggestion that I have no intention on pursuing!” she quickly iterated.
“Bummer...I was hoping you might want to go to dinner in Hogsmeade with me over the weekend…as a date” he smirked, causing Pansy’s cheeks to flush and her jaw to drop. “Listen…I like you, Pansy. I realized I liked you the moment you decided to put someone else before yourself without even thinking about it beforehand. I mean, I wanted to get to know you first and see if maybe you could ever see me as more before asking you out-”
“But we just became friends…” she managed to finally utter.
“Yeah, it’s a little quick, but…why not give it a try? The war is over, we’re not enemies anymore, and…and life is way too short to not go for something you want. I’m tired of being told what I can and can’t do anymore and I’m tired of not being able to make my own choices…I’ve wanted to tell you that you’re beautiful, since the day you started stuttering in the Library” he claimed, causing her to glance up at him. “You’re smart, a lot smarter than anyone gives you credit for, and your kind. A bit clingy, but I’m okay with that; any guy would be lucky to date you. Hell, I would be lucky to date you…”
“What about our friendship?”
“It won’t be ruined-”
“What about Weas-I mean, Ginny?”
“What about her?” he queried while shrugging a shoulder. “We aren’t together anymore and haven’t been all year. I care for her, yes, but we just didn’t work out.”
“Well what about when she gets back?”
“Why are you using Ginny as an excuse to not say ‘yes’ to going out with me? You can say ‘no’, you know? It won’t change our friendship.”
“I’m not using her as an excuse!”
“Do you like me, Pansy?” he inquired tenaciously while searching her dark eyes.
“I-I guess…” she answered as her mind ran a thousand miles per second. “Yes…”
“Then go out with me on Saturday. If it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t work out, but at least we can say we tried. I won’t give up being friends with you if it doesn’t. And if it’ll make you feel more comfortable, we don’t have to tell anyone about us until you’re ready. I-I know you’re most likely afraid of what your Slytherin Housemates think and that you also have feelings for Draco…and I’m okay with that, well kind of okay with that,” he chuckled, “but I’m willing to give it a go if you are? I’m only asking that you give me a chance.” Pansy stared at Harry for a long moment as the timer for the rice beeped behind her and the pot it was boiling in, drained itself into a large mixing bowl. She couldn’t take her eyes off the Gryffindor before her while her chest rose and fell rapidly as she strongly thought about what he was asking. “Pansy?”
Quickly veering her gaze from his, she continued to muddle over not only what he was saying but what Thorfinn had said earlier. She began pondering over if going out with the Golden Boy was worth giving Draco up and more importantly, worth potentially losing Harry in the processes. She had seen plenty of muggle movies over the year and knew her life was nothing like them. The wizard standing in front of her might think their friendship could survive if being together failed, but she knew life was nothing like the fairy tale she wished it could be and there wasn’t always a happy ending.
But could she take the risk and hope Harry was right? Could she take a leap of faith knowing her own track record with men and the fact that she could most likely lose the one person she needed most in her life right now, the one that understood her better than anyone else ever has? Or worse, could she risk being shunned by her family if they ever found out? She would have no money and nowhere to go if her prejudice parents caught wind that she was dating a half-blood who was also best friends with the most famous of all ‘Mudbloods’. Not that she saw Hermione that way anymore, but it wouldn’t stop her mother and or father from disowning her.
However, her own situation was not the only issue at hand. Harry’s friends would have to either accept or deny him as well if they discovered what she was debating on agreeing to. Ron would lose his mind and Hermione, when she returned, might literally hex her into the past. Not to mention the rest of the Weasley family coming for her head or rejecting the Golden Boy. If she was going to do this, she needed to make absolute certain Harry really wanted to be with her.
“Pansy, if this is too much for you…I don’t want you to think I’m pressuring you or anything.”
“Are you sure?” she questioned while turning her focus back to the raven-haired wizard. “Are you sure you want to try this, with me, this soon? I mean, we just became friends. We hardly know each other.”
“You quite literally saw me naked in the bath the other day and didn’t bat an eye. We’ve also been going to school with each other for eight years. We know each other…”
“But we don’t. Not really. Would we have even become close if our friends weren’t trapped in time? Would you have ever even given me a second look if we didn’t have shared trauma? What if we go out and it’s a disaster? What if you realize you can find someone better than me? What if our friends and family don’t approve?”
“I think you’re thinking way too deep about this-”
“How can you be sure that I’m what you really want?”
Harry searched the Slytherin Princess’ face before licking his lip and taking a step forward; closing the gap between them. Slowly raising a hand, he cupped her cheek, and gently pulled her closer to him. Lowering his sight to her lips as he heard her sharply inhale, he quickly flicked his gaze back to hers, closed his eyes while tilting his head slightly, and leaned in; delicately connecting their lips together. He could hear her gasp softly as he pressed a little harder against her and felt a tingling in his abdomen, he had never felt with anyone else before. However, as much as he wanted to question the feelings running through his mind and continue the magical moment, he wished would last a lifetime, he had to unfortunately break the kiss to fully prove his point. That no matter what happens between them, they could still remain friends and to assure her he was serious about what he had said. Still cupping her cheek as he pulled his face away from hers, he looked deep into her eyes, that appeared to be longing for him, and affectionately smiled at her.
“I’m sure” he claimed while slowly removing his hand from her smooth jawline as she bit the corner of her bottom lip and warmly smiled up at him. “So, whadda say we try this delicious smelling food and then we can talk about where you would like me to take you on Saturday?”
“I…I never said ‘yes’…”
“You sort of did when you kissed me back. And…I’d liked to kiss you again…if you’d let me…?” he queried when he realized just how much he enjoyed their first kiss.
“O-okay…” she beamed in utter shock as Harry leaned in once more and coupled his lips fondly against hers, except this time, he allowed the amorous moment to last a little longer as he entangled his fingers through her long black hair and sensed relief when he felt her hands begin to press against his chest and cling to the front of his button down shirt.
Deepening the physical embrace, Harry turned the Slytherin Princess, so her lower back pressed up against the counter, as Pansy wrapped her arms around his neck. Seconds passed by like minutes as they entwined their bodies together before coming up for air and pressing their foreheads together while breathing heavily. Rubbing his thumb against her cheek as he held her thigh against his hip, Harry tenderly laid a kiss upon her forehead before reluctantly pulling away from her.
“So…about that date?”
“Yes…” she immediately answered with a broad smile plastered on her face.
“Yeah?” he grinned while rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.
“Yeah…”
“So, if this does work out…We can snog like that again?” he questioned while Pansy bit her bottom lip and smirked happily.
“Let’s just eat for now and see how Saturday goes.”
“Playing hard to get, I see” he claimed as he placed his hands in his pockets. “Very Slytherin of you. Okay…But I want you to know that after our dinner at Hogsmeade, regardless if it fails or not, I would very much like to snog you again” he stated as he walked back around the counter to take his seat and she unconsciously pressed her fingers against her lips, before turning towards the cutting board, and picking up the knife.
After cutting the steak and setting up two bowls, Pansy handed one of the colorful concoctions to Harry before grabbing two forks from a drawer.
“I hope you like it. It’s a steak burrito bowl. More filling than PB and J” she giggled while passing him the utensil across the counter.
“It’s looks great, Pansy! Thank you!” he gleamed up at her as she began to dig into her food while standing near the cutting board. “Do you not want to sit next to me?” he frowned slightly.
“Oh…Did you want me to? I-I thought we could better talk while facing each other…I can move if want…”
“No, it’s alright.” He waved a hand and stabbed at his bowl while smiling up at her. “I have a better view of your beauty from this angle anyway.” Pansy blushed as she slowly chewed but the moment was quickly interrupted as Theo and Ron came barreling into the kitchen, shoving one another as they laughed aloud.
“Oh, shite! There you two are!” Ron claimed when he saw both Pansy and Harry eyeing them. “You made food and didn’t invite us?” he stated as he rushed up to the pair and scooped up some of the corn mixture placed next to the raven-haired witch with his fingers. “Mmm, what is this?”
“It’s Mexican-What’s got you in such a good mood, Weasley?” she asked as she played with her food with the fork.
“You know what, Parkinson, I will happily tell you!” he grinned while taking a piece of meat from her bowl and popping it into his mouth “Thanks to Theo, Mrs. Malfoy not only allowed us to take the linen with us, BUT she allowed us to take the pillows too!” he admitted while high-fiving Theo across the counter, who had just taken a seat next to Harry.
“Nice!” Harry exclaimed before rolling his eyes at Pansy, causing her to silently snicker.
“What are you guys up to?” Theo questioned while leaning on the table with his arms. “Besides hiding out here cooking up an awesome dish. Did you make it, Pans?” he turned to Harry and nudged his arm with his elbow. “She makes the best dishes. I always told her she should make a career out of it. Muggles love watching that shite on their tellys. I saw one once over the summer, while vacationing with Pansy in France, that had some chef bloke named Gordon Ramsey. I like him. Definitely Slytherin material and one hundred percent my new idol, even though he’s a muggle.”
“You-you went with Pansy to-to France…?” Harry inquired sullenly. “Th-that’s a really romantic area…”
“Oh, we didn’t stay together” Theo replied rather quickly after seeing the fear hidden deep within the Saviors’ eyes. “In fact, as I recall, we not only stayed in separate rooms, but basically did our own thing the whole trip. We only met up a few times when she needed someone to help her pick out outfits in Paris. Not the most fun I’ve ever had” he mumbled so only Harry could hear in order to assure him that he and Pansy were simply good friends. “Anyway,” he clapped his hands against the counter and stood up, “we need to get going. Mrs. Malfoy wants us in the Library in fifteen minutes, ready to go. McGonagall is expecting us while all the other students are in class, so no one bothers us when we return. Said she’ll have lunch prepared for us and set to our common room as soon as she can, but…I guess you guys are already full…”
“We didn’t know!” Pansy argued.
“I’m not coming at you, Pans. I was just saying…”
“He’s right” Harry chimed in, in an effort to keep the peace. “We should be going. Listen Ron, Theo, why don’t you guys go on a head and we’ll clean up here before meeting up with you in the Library” he suggested, all the while hoping he could get a little more alone time with Pansy before being bombarded by everyone at school.
Although, Ron seemed to be oblivious to what was happening around him, Theo could tell something was up. As much as he hated knowing Pansy would never choose him, he couldn’t help but feel happy for his friend that someone actually worthy of her affection was paying attention to her. She deserved better than Draco and himself and trusted that Harry would never do anything to purposely hurt her. She may never see Theo as more than a friend and in that moment, Theo finally decided to let her go in order for them both to be happy. The last thing he ever wanted to do was hold Pansy back and if he loved her like he thought he did, it was time he step aside and allow Harry to be the man she actually needed.
“Can I take this?” Ron asked while pointing to Pansy’s bowl and pulling Theo from his drifting thoughts.
Slumping her shoulders, the Slytherin Princess handed over her food to the redhead, who cheered happily, before bringing out her wand in order to charm everything clean. However, when she caught the Golden Boys’ eye as he covertly shook his head ‘no’, she stopped what she was doing and set her wand on the counter. The pair waited until their friends left, after Theo had to practically drag Ron from the room and began to put the kitchen back in order. Once they finished, they began to head out the door, when Harry slipped his hand into Pansys’ and guided her towards the Library. Although, on the way back, the Gryffindor stopped walking and sighed heavily, causing the raven-haired witch to turn in curiosity. However, as she whirled around to ask him what was wrong, she found herself embraced in his arms as he leaned in and kissed her. He pulled back after a couple of seconds to see her shocked expression and stepped away immediately.
“I-I’m sorry!” he expressed in embarrassment.
“Why are you sorry?”
“Well I mean, that was a little forward of me…”
“Harry,” she giggled softly, “you’re a Gryffindor and you’ve quite literally been through hell. If you weren’t so forward, I would probably be concerned.”
“True. I just…I’ve never done this before. Been so impertinent with my feelings. Not with Cho or with Ginny…I just…I really like you, Pansy, and I’ve wanted to kiss you since you prepared my bath…with me still in it.”
“So, why didn’t you kiss me then?” she inquired in curiosity. Although, she knew that if he had, the moment would have turned into more and neither of them that day were ready to further their relationship.
“Well…mainly because I’ve been under duress, but also because I didn’t know how you felt about me. Look, I know we decided only moments ago to try this out and we haven’t actually gone on a date yet…I just…”
“What?” she questioned with a raised brow, wondering where he was going with his small speech as she rubbed her arm anxiously.
“I-I really want this to work. I don’t want to scare you off before we’ve even had a chance to see if we could be together. I want to get to know the real you more and I can’t do that if I keep wanting to act on the urge to pin you against a wall right now.”
“Harry…I’m a Slytherin” she snickered lightly. “It would take a lot more than you spontaneously and boldly, I might add, snogging me, to scare me off. I like a guy who can take charge every now and again and I fancy a guy who is brave enough to admit what he wants. If you wanna kiss me then just kiss me. If you want to pin me against a wall, which is super-hot by the way, then do so. Just make sure no one else sees. I’m not ready yet to tell anyone what we’re doing, whatever it is we’re doing. You understand, right?”
“I told you, we don’t have to tell anyone until you’re ready. I don’t mind being your dirty little secret…Okay that…sounded really bad” he chuckled while holding up a finger as the pair laughed quietly in the hall, completely unaware that Neville not only could see them, but had heard everything.
“So, are you going to snog me now or are you trying to play hard to get this time?” she asked with a coy smile.
“I’m not good at playing hard to get, so I think I’m going to kiss you now” he grinned while stepping closer to her as she bit her bottom lip and giggled. “But only for a moment because I have feeling Ron might think you’ve hexed me and come looking for me soon.”
“Deal…” she beamed before wrapping her arms around the Gryffindors’ neck and allowing him to connect their lips together.
Once the couple broke apart and Harry brushed her hair away from her face, Neville decided now was a good time to call out to them, so they had time to break apart and not seem suspicious. The last thing he wanted was to invade their privacy and he was happy for them, he was, but Harry was right, and he knew Ron or even Theo, would come searching for the pair if he didn’t bring them to the Library soon.
“Harry!” he called out after backing up so it would appear that he had just rounding the corner, giving the couple a quick chance to separate before he saw them again. “Oh, there you are! Ron is going ballistic thinking Parkinson poisoned your dish or something. Then again, he was hardcore bragging about how good her food was. I guess she didn’t poison her own lunch” he chortled.
“I would never poison anyone, Longbottom. It’s tacky and way too obvious. Woman always use poison. It’s child’s play. If I wanted to murder someone it would be a swift slash to their throat while they’re sleeping so I can watch them slowly bleed out as they grip their trachea in desperation and confusion.” Both Harry and Neville looked at the witch with a mixture of shock and worry embedded on their faces as she confidently crossed her arms and smirked. “You are both so gullible” she chuckled while shaking her head and looking back and forth between the boys. “You honestly believe that if I was going to ever kill someone, I would tell either of you how I would do it…? Amateurs!”
“Okay then…” Neville breathed out while clicking his tongue against his cheek. “We should probably get going before Ron thinks Parkinson has murdered both of us” he chortled slightly.
“Right behind you, mate” Harry snorted while folding in his lips and eyeing Pansy strangely.
“Don’t look at me like that” she demanded while holding up a finger. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d be dead already.”
“Good to know” he ticked while waving a hand for her to go ahead of him.
The trio trekked down the hall as both Pansy and Harry walked on either side of Neville and entered the Library to be greeted by everyone, including Elizabeth Granger, who had somehow managed to pull herself out of bed in order to see the children off. Luna rushed over to Pansy, grabbed her by the hand, and dragged her away with a large smile plastered on her face. The Slytherin witched turned back to look at Harry, who surreptitiously winked at her before heading off to meet up with Ron and Theo, and blushed as she allowed Luna to haul her over to a table in order to chat.
July 5^th, 1863
Draco stood next to the wigwam with his arms crossed as he watched Tala and Hermione talk to one another. It had been so long since he had seen a genuine smile cross his witch’s lips and it made him feel happier than he had felt in a long time. Whether or not it was his doing or if it was Talas’, or even if it was Hermione herself, he respected the strength and courage it took for the bookworm to get out of bed and face the things she feared most head on. Though, he would have felt more comfortable with her waiting for him instead of causing him to panic when he couldn’t find her in her tent. Not that he shouldn’t have expected it to happen eventually. Hermione was an independent woman who needed to do things at her own pace, in her own time. He couldn’t control her actions even if he used the Imperious Curse on her…not that he would or even wanted to. He loved who she was and couldn’t imagine her changing for anything.
“Keep watchin her like that and you might have to take a picture to savior the memory” Caleb muttered as he stepped up next to Draco with a smile on his face.
“Is that where that saying came from?” the blonde queried with a raised brow.
“What sayin are you referring to?”
“Nothing…What are you doing down here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready to go hunting with everyone?”
“I had to pick up rope and arrows from Chavatangakwunua. Best arrow maker in town…! Well the village now, I presume” Caleb exclaimed cheerfully while patting the bag on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry…what?” Draco questioned in confusion as he looked to the brunette and chortled.
“He is the best arrow maker in the village…?” the Confederate repeated in puzzlement.
“No, I heard that. What I don’t think I heard correctly, was his name?”
“Oh, Chavatangakwunua!”
“Wow…now that’s a name” the Slytherin claimed with a grin. “I thought Hermione’s name was hard at one point, but man does that take the cake” he chuckled as he turned back to watch the two women.
“Why would it…‘take the cake’ as you say?”
“It’s just an expression, meaning it’s a shocking surprise. That name tops one I previously thought was difficult to pronounce.”
“Ahh…But do you not speak Latin and other languages when preforming spells? Should it not be easy for you to pronounce harder names?”
“We do. However, we had to a lot of practice in order to say them, let alone preform them. I guess it’s sort of like how you learned how to say Chava-whatever his name is, “he chortled, “and other Native American names.”
“I can agree on that…So, how is Ms. Hermione today? I see she has finally emerged from her chambers. I saw her step out not long ago lookin very befuddled. Tala saw as well and decided to approach her to see if she needed anything. I assumed she was lookin for you.”
“She came out on her own?”
“She did. I suppose something you had said had helped her enough to want to break through her terrors” Caleb shrugged. “But whatever you said, I am happy it seemed to help. I can tell you care very much for her.”
“I do…actually…” Draco began as he affectionately glanced to Hermione. “Probably more than she will ever know.”
“Why do you say that? Why do you not tell her?” Caleb asked while nudging the blonde gently with his elbow. “When I knew about Tala, I told her straight away. Though Ohiyesa was not pleased. He was the man who Tala’s father had picked to marry his daughter before departin this world. He still holds a grudge against me.”
“I don’t believe I have met him yet. But to answer your question, it’s because she just went through a trauma and…I don’t know…” he trailed off as he looked down.
“You fear she might not feel the same?”
“No…yes…I don’t know. It’s-it’s complicated. It’s also way too soon to even think about saying anything. If I even can say anything. She’s been through a lot and I don’t want to add the pressure of my feelings on top of everything. She’s been through enough and she doesn’t need to know that her boyfriend of-of a few days, days which she was barely even awake for, might have stronger feelings for her then she thinks.”
“Well…” Caleb sighed as he adjusted the rope on his other shoulder and looked to Draco with a sympathetic smile, “perhaps you should allow Hermione to decide what she believes is best for her. She appears to be a strong woman, who can handle a lot more than you believe” he stated as he patted the blonde on the back. “And who knows, perhaps your admittance just might be the thing that ‘takes the cake’ as you say. Do not underestimate the power of love” he winked before walking off towards the lake.
“I never said anything about…!” Draco shouted with a raised hand before quickly stopping himself as he glanced around at everyone looking at him in surprise, before lowering his voice and turning back to face Hermione. “Love…”
“Draco!” Tala called out when she saw him standing next to the wigwam, causing Draco to shake away his thought and smile as she waved him over. Sucking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Draco produced a warm smile. Headed over to the two women and took a seat before Tala handed him a few materials so he could start working on a basket of his own.
XX
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Blaise questioned in an angry whisper as he stormed up to Ginny still readying her horse.
“About what, Blaise?” Ginny bit out while throwing her head back in annoyance.
“Just…” he began before gently grabbing her bicep and guiding her into the woods where no one else could hear them.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she exclaimed in anger after stopping in her tracks and ripping her arm from the Italians’ grasp.
“So many things…Too many to count” he mumbled.
“Seriously, Blaise! First you command me to stay put, then you go and-and tattle on me, to Draco of all people, and now you’re forcefully dragging me into the woods demanding that I speak to you! Is this how it’s going to be going forward? You trying to tell me what to do all the time? Because I’m going to stop you right there! I did not agree to give you a chance so you could boss me around like a bloody tyrant! I-”
“Red…”
“My damn name is Ginny!” she shouted while stomping her foot.
Blaise folded in his lips as she continued to yell at him as he softened his shoulders and sullenly stared unseeingly at the ground in front of him. He allowed her to release her pent-up feelings caused by not only the fact that they were traveling through time like some science fiction novel, but because he still hadn’t explained the real issue with Hermione. However, he didn’t bring her out into the woods so she could vent and berate him or to try and control her. He only wanted to explain why he was acting the way he was but felt he didn’t have much time to do so. Though he had to admit, he should have thought about the way he behaved before trying to convince the fiery redhead to not do something.
“Ginny...”
“No! No, you know what? You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do! We have not been together long enough for you to think you have any sort of control over me! I don’t need someone breathing down my neck! I’m not some fragile crystal vase that’s going to break just because Mione won’t talk to me! If you think for one second that-”
“I’m scared…” he admitted; cutting her off mid-sentence as he slowly raised his eyes to her.
“What?” she breathed out with narrowed brows of confusion.
“I’m…scared.”
“No, I heard that…! Why? Of what?” she questioned in bewilderment.
“Of you…”
“I beg your pardon…? How the bloody hell do I scare you?”
“Ginny, you’re…ambitious…” he began apprehensively as she pursed her chin forward. “You’re bullheaded and stubborn, forward a-and at times insufferable.”
“Do you have a point, or did you only bring me out here to insult me?” she inquired while furiously crossing her arms.
“They aren’t insults, Ginny…They’re amazing traits that I am terrified of.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact that you have no sense of fear. You do things before you think, and I am scared it will…you will do something that ends up getting you hurt.”
“It’s just hunting, Blaise. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m a witch who is proficient in spell casting and can hold my own.”
“See, that’s the stubbornness I’m talking about. Did you not see what happened with Hermione? The woman who quite literally is the bravest person we all know. Or Draco, who is not only better than you at spells and Defense Against the Dark Arts, faced Voldemort and somehow managed to save himself and his family, was tortured by muggles. Anything can happen whether you have magic on your side or not, which you don’t seem to get. Look, I understand that you have a house full of brothers and have taken care of yourself for a long time, but I care too much about you to constantly worry about whether you’re going to make a decision that causes you harm or gets you killed.”
“I’m fine!”
“Are you?” he tilted his head while placing his hands in his pockets. “Because I know from experience, that acting on things when you’re an emotional mess is cause for a disaster. Did you even think about this before just agreeing to it? Do you know the dangers and the risks that come with hunting?”
“If you don’t trust me then come with me!” she exclaimed while throwing her hands in the air.
“Have you seen me? I’m not exactly hunting material! The only animals I’m not scared of are those that sleep in barns and chicken coops! But you…you’re not scared of anything. Merlin, you’re the one who had to ask me out on that pirate ship! And I trust you! It’s everything else in this fucked up world that I don’t trust.”
“Are you joking?” she questioned as she softened her shoulders and gazed at the Italian warmheartedly. “Blaise, I’m terrified of a lot of things. I was scared when all that bullshite happened with Caesar and Draco had to save me, I was frightened when the saber almost attacked us, and when Draco fought that caveman to protect Hermione. I was afraid when I thought I lost you both in Pompeii and of everything that happened in Salem, and…I was scared shitless…to ask you to be my boyfriend. Just because I don’t always show it, doesn’t mean I’m not terrified of things, Blaise. But I’m trying not to be. I’m trying to be the person I once was, who had the strength to do what no one else would.”
“Hunting is dangerous, Ginny…”
“I know that. But for the first time in my life this is something I’m actually not scared to want to do. Yes, I’m a girl, who is stubborn and bullheaded, but that is what has gotten me through life and helped me survive basically everything and anything thrown at me. It won’t change, but,” she stepped forward and cupped her hands delicately on either side of Blaise’s face, “if you honestly feel that you’ll be worried about me while I’m on this trip, then come with me. You don’t have to actually hunt or anything, just be there…with me.”
“Ginny, I’m not-”
“Someone who cares deeply for me?” she interrupted with a soft smile. “Someone who cares enough to try and get Draco Malfoy to talk me out of doing something because he’s concerned about my safety. Someone who could spend three nights with me, alone, without Hermione or Draco right next door.”
“This trip is three nights?” he expressed in complete shock.
“You’re missing the point here, Blaise.”
“And what point is that exactly?” he questioned while backing up and crossing his arms in anger. “That you weren’t planning on telling me that you would be gone for three fucking nights or that you weren’t going to tell me, Hermione, and Draco and just let us wonder and worry about where you were? Potentially endangering the three of us because you know damn well, we would search the entire mountain for you!”
“No…I was hoping you would come with me…”
“Why the hell would I go with you when I’m not a hunter, Ginny?”
“So, we can be alone for once!” she shouted while throwing her hand in the air. “Godric, do I really have to spell it out to you!” Blaise stared at Ginny for a long moment as the wheels in his mind started to turn in understanding while she grumbled and rotated away from him.
“Are you serious?” he demanded as he walked up to the redhead and turned her back to him. “If you think for one second that you can bribe me to join your little…slumber party…with sexual favors, then you would be absolutely…in the right…” he claimed as a smile began to play at his lips, causing Ginny to bite her lip, before wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissing him deeply. However, the moment didn’t last long as Blaise pulled back slightly and tilted his head while looking into his witchs’ eyes. “What about the amulet? What if it goes off and we aren’t anywhere near the square?”
“It won’t go off. Hermione hasn’t exactly learned to be vulnerable yet. You said it yourself; she needs time to mentally heal after her ordeal.”
“Ginny…There’s-there’s something you need to know about Hermione and Draco’s situation…”
“They didn’t break up, did they?” she questioned with distress dripping from her voice. “Oh Merlin, please tell me they didn’t break up!”
“What? Have you gone mental? You honestly believe anything can break that power couple up?” he chuckled slightly. “No, they didn’t break up, at least not to my knowledge.”
Blaise rubbed his hand over her head as he explained what he had talked about with Draco not long ago, while Ginny listened intently before taking a seat on the ground and stared unseeingly before her.
“So…you’re saying it…it’s not me?” she queried as she tried to work out everything the dark-haired wizard had said. “She’s not scared of me because I couldn’t get to her in time?”
“No, darlin…” he replied while kneeling down to her level. “Her fear has nothing to do with either of us.” Ginny’s lip quivered while her eyes began to water as she looked up at her boyfriend in relief. Biting her bottom lip, she briefly smiled before releasing a soft sigh and glancing to the ground. “I’ll tell you what” he continued with a tilt of his head, “we can go on this trip…if you, and you alone, can convince Draco that it’s not only okay, but that the amulet won’t go off without us-”
“Convince Draco?” she argued as she met his gaze with furrowed brows. “Why the bloody hell do I have to convince Draco when he not only agreed to allow me to go, but basically acted like he didn’t give a damn about what I did?”
“He only agreed to allow you to go hunting because you didn’t tell him it was for three nights, Gin. With everything we’re going through right now, the mess Hermione’s going through, and the amulet…he’s going to quite literally lose his shite. He’s gonna go ballistic.”
“I was hoping he wouldn’t find out…” she claimed while crinkling her nose.
“You can’t be serious” he chortled. “We’re all in this together. He would discover you weren’t coming back probably as soon as you headed out, and his reaction might be much worse if you would have left for longer than a few hours like he believes. You’ve seen him when he’s furious. Do you truly want to be on the receiving end of his anger?”
“Yeah okay…” she giggled softly. “I should have told him…”
“Look, love…I may be the wind beneath the gits big arrogant wings” he chuckled as he reached out and lifted her chin with his fingers “but there’s no way I can convince him to let this happen. Not when Hermione is still refusing to get out of bed. If you want alone time, you’re going to have to be the one to persuade him. He’s got a soft spot for you, you’re like a little sister to him…I know because of how he treats you. Plus, he’s always wanted a sister.”
“But he has Pansy…”
“Pansy is…was more of a fling than a sibling relationship. My point is, Gin, he has protected both me and you numerous times…He’s not going to be happy you lied to him.”
“I didn’t lie, I just…didn’t tell the full truth” she shrugged with a half-smile. “He’s gonna yell, isn’t he?”
“Oh, yeah! Big time! So, we might as well get it done and over with now. At least if we speak to him before we leave, maybe he won’t be as mad.”
“He can’t kill both of us right…” she giggled. “Can he?” she questioned with worry dripping from her voice.
“Do you remember the arena…in Pompeii?”
“Fuck!”
“Listen, don’t let your pride destroy the relationships you have, Gin. Draco may be a hard arse and even the Devil might be terrified of him, but…he loves you like family. He might not ever say it because that’s not who he is, but he’ll go easy on you, I’m sure…And it’s possible that if you play your cards right, you’ll be able to talk to Hermione after he’s done reaming you out. Even if she doesn’t respond, I think at least telling her how you feel will help both of you. Although, we do need to tell Draco first, he deserves to know.”
“You’re right. But if he really does see me as a little sister, then he’ll only just slightly yell, right? No one can stay mad at me for very long. You should see how nice my brothers are to me when I start crying” she winked, completely unaware of how her plan was about to backfire.
“Good luck with that. Draco is not someone who falls for the puppy dog eyes.”
“We’ll see…” she claimed proudly before leaning in and pecking the Italian on his lips.
XX
“WHAT?” Draco shouted as he glared at Ginny flinching at his sonorous voice, before grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her away from prying ears, and from the many stares he was receiving. Dragging her behind a rather large wigwam, the blonde Prince released his grip and angrily scowled at the witch standing before him just as Blaise stopped short behind the redhead. “When the fuck were you planning on telling me that your ridiculous hunting trip was going to be three fucking nights long, Ginny? Right before you left? In four bloody days? Or wait, were you going to send an Owl to let me know that you chose to completely disrespect me AND Hermione by gallivanting around the woods with men you don’t even bloody know!”
“I wasn’t honestly planning on telling you at all” she alleged through her failing voice. However, she realized convincing the Slytherin would be a lot harder than she thought and found herself cowering like a child. Although, it wasn’t like she hadn’t seen him furious before, however, witnessing his rage directed straight at her rather than towards another person, where she was safe, made her feel incredibly small.
“You weren’t-” he began before halting his words as an indescribable fury engulfed him. “What about the damn amulet, Ginny? What about Hermione? Are you that bloody selfish that you’re willing to risk leaving your best friend behind or fucking causing all of us to worry? What about risking being left behind because the amulet decided to jump us and you’re off doing Merlin fucking knows what, Merlin fucking knows where? Are you mental? Have you lost your damn mind?”
“Mione doesn’t need me or even want me! And truthfully, I no longer give a bloody damn! And that stupid amulet won’t jump us because she will never understand what it means to be vulnerable!”
“Are you five?” he questioned while crossing his arms in a threatening stance. “Cause you’re sure acting like you’re a fucking toddler. If you haven’t already noticed, Hermione has left the tent and is starting to socialize again! Maybe if you would think about anyone but your fucking self you would see that she needs you! She only pushed you away because she thought it was better to keep you at arm’s length than to bring you down with her! Salazar, she may not be the friend you want her to be right now, but at least she’s willing to still try and protect your feelings and you don’t seem to give two shites! You’re willing to give up on her after years of friendship, and for what? A boy? Because you can’t handle everything not going your way? What, Ginny? Why the hell do you need to lie to me and abandon Hermione?” he contended as a tear slipped from the redheads’ lashes.
“I didn’t lie…” she claimed weakly.
“Well you sure as fuck didn’t tell me the truth! And don’t you dare start with the waterworks or give me pathetic puppy dog eyes! That shite will never work on me! I’m not one of your brothers and I sure as hell am not your father! I’m your damn friend who has risked my life more than once protecting everyone in this group and I’m not about to let you jeopardize your life or endanger yourself if that fucking amulet goes off and you’re not around!”
“Told you...” Blaise whispered in her ear as he leaned forward.
“And what the hell were you thinking?” the blonde quarreled as he looked to the dark-haired wizard in irritation. “You’re okay with this? Just a moment ago you were completely against her going for a few hours and now you want to go with her for three fucking nights!” he spat venomously. “Are you both that sick of us that you’re willing to take the chance of being stuck in this era?”
“That’s not why I want to go” Ginny stated sullenly before Blaise had a chance to answer. “Every reason I told you earlier is true, but I’m tired of feeling depressed and scared all the damn time. My decision to do this is not about you, or Mione, or even Blaise. I want to do this for myself and I don’t need your permission to do so!”
“You’re right” Draco declared as he lowered his voice and uncrossed his arms in order to place his hands in his pockets, “you don’t need anyone’s permission. If you want to do this and risk everything, including being stuck in 1863, where we all know Blaise will be in danger regardless if the North finds him or the South does, then be my guest. But his life is now solely in your hands” he claimed while turning to walk away.
“That’s not fair!” she argued while taking a step forward.
“LIFE ISN’T FAIR!” he screamed as he turned back, causing both Ginny and Blaise to recoil and go silent in shock. “If it was then we wouldn’t be in this fucking mess! The war never would have happened and none of us would have to struggle just to stay fucking alive! This isn’t bloody Hogwarts, Ginny! We are in dangerous times and we can’t escape it until we fucking change something! So, instead of going off with people you don’t even know, how about you think for once and figure out what it is the amulet wants you to fix about yourself before we get to your trial! If you even bloody make it there!”
“Draco, I…I need to do this…” she replied as her jaw quivered and a single tear slipped down her cheek.
Ginny originally wanted to use her sad eyes method to convince the Prince she was capable of protecting herself, like she had countless times before with her brothers and her father, in order to get what she wanted. However, when Draco didn’t let up and refused to give into to her tactics, she realized the remorse and sadness she was feeling was genuine and could no longer pretend with the Slytherin who sacrificed a lot to defend her.
“Why? Why the hell do you need to leave for four days?”
“I-I can’t explain it. It’s just a feeling and…I am so sorry for not telling you earlier, but I…I can’t take being here right now. I know the amulet won’t go off anytime soon because I know Hermione. She’s going to need time to cope with everything. I know you care about her and yes, you’re making progress but…she needs more than a few days to feel like herself again. And I am not the one she needs right now…it’s you. Whether her magic connected to yours or not, you’re the only one who has the capability to help her…not me. If you care about me like Blaise has said, then you’ll trust me enough to allow me to go hunting. Like I’m trusting you with my best friend…my sister…”
Draco stared at Ginny for a long while to see if she was being sincere with her words as he inhaled a deep breath and licked his lips. He was still furious with the redhead for trying to go behind his back, however, he was fully aware of how much they all needed a break from everything. He did care for the witch like she was a sister, which only made his choices about her safety that much harder.
He would never forgive himself if she was left behind or something bad happened to her, nor would Hermione ever forgive him if he allowed her to go. But Ginny was smart and fully capable of protecting herself, his only issue was the fact that he indeed needed to learn to trust her more. Except after the stunt she had just pulled and the fact that she placed him in a horrible position, made him weary of relying on her word. And knowing Ginny, regardless if he approved of her excursion or not, she would find a way to leave. He had to think of a way to at least know she’d be alright and there was only one way he knew would work.
Searching her pleading eyes as he ran his hand through his hair, Draco heavily sighed as he briefly glanced away before looking back to the Gryffindor. While he internally fought with himself, Blaise took Ginny’s hand and squeezed it tightly in support. He knew facing the blonde Prince would not be easy, but it was something he figured his girlfriend had to do on her own in order to know how much her presence meant to all of them.
“You will send me a Patronus” Draco began directly while watching the pair before him, “every four hours so that I know you’re alright. Do you understand me? No excuses.”
“Y-you’re allowing me to go?” she inquired completely stunned.
“As long as Blaise goes with you, he doesn’t get eaten by a bear, and you send me your Patronus. I don’t care if you have to set an alarm on your wand to wake you up every four hours-”
“Six!” she cut in while crossing her arms in determination.
“Four…” he retorted while also crossing his arms adamantly.
“Five!”
“Four, Ginny! Be grateful I’m not making it two! Four hours and you will do it, or I will come looking for you. And trust me when I say this, Red, you do not want me to come looking for you…”
Ginny produced a wide smile before leaping into Draco’s unsuspecting arms, throwing him off, as she hugged him tightly. As the blonde looked up to a smirking Blaise, he scowled at him while hugging the witch in return, before releasing her, and returning his attention back to the red-headed Weasley.
“Thank you…” she smiled warmly.
“Don’t thank me yet. You will be the one to tell Hermione. And be grateful she’s not a hundred percent herself right now because if you thought I was bad…”
“I know, I know…She’d most likely seal me in the tent until the next jump.”
“You’re lucky I don’t seal you in the tent!”
“I promise, I’ll be okay…”
“You can’t promise that, Red, you know that. However, I am trusting that you will do your best to stay safe. But if that amulet shows any signs of glowing or the next clue is revealed, I want both of you back here as soon as possible. I don’t care how you do it, you will be in that square or so help me. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes…”
“Good…Now let’s go tell Hermione before Tala teaches her how to make a Bow and Arrow that she can use to shoot me when she finds out I allowed this to happen.”
“Draco, I…” Ginny expressed as she reached out and stopped him from turning around. “I-I really am sorry for not telling you.”
“I know you are…Listen, I know I’m not your family, Red, but right now we are the only family you have. You’re like a little sister to me and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Don’t make me regret letting you do this.”
“Are you’re saying what I think you’re saying? Because I know how hard it is for you-” she giggled as he held up a hand to stop her.
“Shut it now or I will change my mind and seal you in that tent. It’s not too late.”
A small smile fought against the anger deep within the Slytherins’ soul and he couldn’t help himself as he rolled his eyes and the redhead continued to giggle into her hand. Though as Blaise nodded his head and began to guide Ginny passed the blonde and towards where they had last seen Hermione, the Gryffindor witch turned around and began to walk backwards as a warm smile creased her lips.
“I love you too, Blondie” she called out before jumping up and down and dragging Blaise as quickly as she could through the camp. However, Draco stood planted in place as he watched the happy couple and grinned ever so softly while he placed his hands in his pockets.
“I love you too, Red…” he claimed in a low voice. “I love you too.”
XX
Hermione stood on the edge of a cliff as she gazed out at the vast beauty in front of her. She hugged herself as she watched the birds fly through the bright blue sky and thought strongly about everything she had been through. The river flowed effortlessly below her as the mountains surrounding the valley stood strong and tall while littered with thousands upon thousands of different animals and species of trees. She watched as the flock of birds found a home within the many leaves before lifting off again to fly freely through the clouds. It had been a long time since she had seen such beauty and took her time studying every aspect of the mountain range nature had procured.
However, Hermione couldn’t understand how something so marvelous couldn’t stop the heartache she felt within. She missed her friends and family back home and was so tired of bad things constantly occurring. She wished the pain would just stop and all she had to really do was take one step forward and it would all be over. Although, every time she thought about cutting her life short, Draco, Ginny, and Blaises’ gentle smiles filled her mind. The hope they shared and the happiness they provided, brought a tear to her eye when she thought about leaving them behind. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever believe she would befriend the two Slytherins, let alone fall hard for the one that used to be her worst enemy, but something about the two boys, caused her idea about life to drastically change.
It wasn’t just Draco and Blaise however, that stopped her from taking that single step, it was happy memories of Harry and Ron, as well Fred’s voice telling her to not give up; that her story had just begun, and she had so much more to see. But knowing her group still had three more trials to go through on top of what she and Draco had already survived, she didn’t know how much more strength she had left in her. After her ordeal in Gettysburg, she felt weaker than she ever had before, and the weight pressed so hard against her she felt ready to snap at any moment. All she wanted was a sign that things would eventually get better, but so far, the Universe kept screwing her over. Was happiness simply too far away for her to grasp anymore? And was it really fair to the ones who loved her to suffer through her depression as well?
As Hermione continued to hug herself and gaze out to the great wide-open canyon, something fluttered in front of her face and came to rest at her feet. Looking up while wiping away the tears staining her cheeks, she spotted a large bald bird with a fish in its mouth, soaring overhead, and smiled for a brief moment before glancing at the ground. Bending down, the brunette witch picked up the rather large feather and studied it while turning it slowly in her fingers.
“The Great American Bald Eagle…” a feminine voice claimed proudly, causing the bookworm to stand up and turn around to see Tala walking toward her. However, the chief was looking to the sky with a hand above her eyes to block out the sun before lowering her gaze and stopped directly next to the witch. “Often known to us Natives as the Sea Eagle and the holder of all the wisdom of the world” she claimed while looking out to the valley.
“I guess Draco didn’t come back after I left?” Hermione replied in a low voice.
“He did. However, he seemed to need his space. Though your other friends are looking for you. I asked that they give me a moment before allowing them to speak to you. However, I gather through all the yelling that Draco was not successful with convincing Ginny and Blaise and they wish to tell you what it is they are doing.”
“Do you know why he was mad at them?”
“I did not hear the why, but it is none of my concern unless he requires my presence…”
“Oh…”
“Hermione, I want you to know that I requested that Draco not take your memories for a reason” Tala stated as she proceeded to keep her attention on the vast mountain range. “A lost soul cannot find its way back home without recalling the past. You may be stuck in this time, but that does not mean you should stay here.”
“I-I don’t understand…”
“Think of yesterday as a closing door, Hermione. You no longer live there. You are allowing what happened to you here…follow you” she claimed as she finally turned her focus to the Gryffindor Princess. “You should not carry that burden of pain with you once you return home, but you should also remember in order to move on. Forgive, but do not forget. The world can be a cold and empty place, though the fire in you can light the way. You just need something to reignite the flame. I believe Draco is your spark, if you allow him to be.”
“I know he’s doing his best, but…” Hermione trailed off and she glanced down at the feather in her hands.
“You are not a person who asks for assistance” Tala finished for her as Hermione nodded her head and her eyes began to water. “Perhaps the task Draco has told me the amulet has given you, is not what you may believe. Instead of simply learning the value of being vulnerable, which I feel you already have, perhaps you also need to learn to ask for help…”
“I-I don’t know how…”
“Well, you will not find the answers you seek standing here. You must find the courage within yourself. However, just because you cannot see it or touch it, does not mean it is not there. The greatest things you will ever know, Hermione…are invisible. But it is up to you to decide if you are willing to search for it. There is no shame in asking and Draco seems to care deeply for you. Accept his aid, my dear. I guarantee you’ll be a better woman for it.” Grasping the witchs’ forearm gently, Tala warmly smiled and turned as if she was about to leave but halted her movements as she stared at the feather in the bookworms’ hand. “Do you know the symbol of an Eagle feather? What it represents to myself and to my people?”
“No…” she replied while shrugging her shoulders. “Not really. Just the fun fact that Bald Eagles have a wingspan of eight feet” she chuckled softly.
“The Eagle is the strongest and bravest of all birds. When a feather is given to another it is worn with pride, and dignity, and treated with the upmost respect. But when an Eagle gives you one of its own feathers, it is considered the highest of honor. If you were out here looking for a sign that things will get better for you, I am sure this is it. You should keep it. It is a symbol of the Great Spirit and shows strength and power. Though the White Man believes it to be a badge of freedom, which I do suppose they are not wrong. But if a majestic bird such as that one, believes you are strong enough…shouldn’t you? Say goodbye to where you’ve been, dear…and tell your heart to beat again.”
Tenderly smiling once more, Tala bowed her head and walked off as Hermione stared at the feather in wonder. Wiping away the stray tear that had slipped from her lashes, she sniffled before looking up at the horizon and bit her bottom lip as a smile of her own began to splay across her face. In that moment, Hermione Granger found the hope she had so desperately needed as she held the feather close to her heart, before turning away from the mountains and began traveling back to camp.
@Saxman66- Thank you!! I am definintely better now! Lol, I did alwasy plan to have Narcissa and Thorfinn like each other but I am still unsure if I will or will not pair them together. Their ship is still up in the air for now :) Hansy has always been a pairing I wanted to try and to be honest, I'm now obsessed haha. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

@1_Luv215- Awe you are too sweet, thank you! It feels good to be back! I would never forget about this story! I love it too much and have too much planned to see it abandoned. Haha, I am told by a coworker and my beta that I am the Queen of twists. I hope I can live up to the title :) I legit plan everything down to the last detail for each chapter and have so much more planned for future chapters. I can't wait for you and everyone else to see the next 3 eras! I'm seriously stoked about them :D
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The Paths We Take