Chapter 18
Draco’s POV
The second Weasley grabbed Hermione’s arm, I saw red. I had barely stepped forward when Theo beat me to it, his hand shooting out and shoving Weasley back with enough force to make him stumble.
“Touch her again, and I swear I’ll break your damn hands,” Theo growled, his usual teasing tone gone, replaced by something lethal.
Weasley barely caught himself before he lunged forward, his face twisted in fury. “She’s my wife! You have no right to get involved!”
I stepped between them, my hands clenched into fists. “She’s not your possession, Weasley. She said no. That means you back the hell off.”
Potter, who had been standing frozen in the doorway, finally snapped out of it. He grabbed Weasley’s shoulder, trying to pull him back. “Ron, stop this. This isn’t okay.”
Weasley turned on him, eyes wild. “You’re supposed to be on my side! She’s my wife, Harry! She’s supposed to stay with me!”
I looked at Potter, waiting for his response, and for the first time, I saw doubt flicker in his expression. His grip on Weasley tightened. “She doesn’t belong to anyone, Ron.”
Weasley shoved Potter off him, his rage shifting dangerously. “You don’t know what she’s like. She’s ungrateful! I did everything for her, and she threw it away!”
Theo let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, mate, you really showed her how much you ‘did for her’ when you turned her into a punching bag.”
That was it. Weasley lunged. I was already moving, meeting him head-on before he could land a hit. My fist connected with his jaw, sending him staggering back. Before he could recover, Theo was on him too, grabbing his collar and shoving him against the wall.
“You’re done,” Theo snapped. “Do you hear me? You don’t touch her again. You don’t go near her again. Or I swear to Merlin, you won’t like what happens next.”
Weasley struggled, but Theo didn’t let up, his grip iron-tight. Potter, now fully realizing just how far gone his so-called best friend was, stepped in and grabbed Weasley’s other arm. “Enough, Ron.”
Weasley jerked away from both of them, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. “You think you’ve won?” He sneered, his eyes flicking to me. “You think she’s better off with you?”
I didn’t respond. There was no point.
I turned away from him, my focus shifting to Hermione. She was shaking, her breathing erratic.
I barely had time to register what was happening before she went pale, her body swaying.
“Hermione?” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn’t help it.
Then she collapsed.
I caught her before she hit the floor, my arms wrapping around her as her body went limp.
“Shit,” Theo muttered, stepping closer.
Weasley started to move toward her, but Theo immediately blocked him. “Back the fuck off.”
Potter looked between all of us, his expression torn. “Get her out of here.” His voice was quieter now. “Take care of her.”
I hesitated, surprised, but I didn’t waste time. I lifted Hermione in my arms and turned toward the Minister, who had been silent through the chaos, watching everything unfold.
“You’ve seen what he is,” I said coldly, nodding toward Weasley. “I trust you’ll take action.”
The Minister’s face was grim as he looked at Weasley. “We will be handling this matter, Malfoy.”
I didn’t stay to hear the rest.
Theo and I walked out of the office, Hermione unconscious in my arms. She was so light—too light.
As we reached the Apparition point, Theo exhaled sharply. “That went well.”
I shot him a look.
He smirked. “Hey, at least Potter finally pulled his head out of his ass. Small victories, mate.”
I said nothing, focusing only on the woman in my arms. One thing was clear—this wasn’t over. Not even close.
Draco’s POV
Theo and I Apparated straight back to the estate. The moment we landed, I adjusted my grip on Hermione, making sure she was still secure in my arms. She hadn’t stirred once since she fainted, and it was unsettling. She was always so sharp, so aware. Seeing her like this—vulnerable and weak—made my stomach churn.
Theo must’ve noticed my tension because he clapped me on the shoulder as we walked inside. “She’s going to be alright, mate.”
I didn’t answer. I carried her straight up to her room, pushing the door open with my foot. The room was already warm, the fire flickering softly in the corner. I laid her down gently on the bed, brushing a few strands of hair out of her face. She looked too pale.
Theo hovered by the door, quieter now. “I’ll get some potions.”
I nodded, barely paying attention as he slipped out. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clenched into fists.
This is my fault.
I knew that rationally, it wasn’t. But I also knew that if I hadn’t shown up at her flat that night, things might’ve played out differently. Weasley would’ve hurt her either way, she made that clear, but that didn’t make this any easier to accept.
She stirred suddenly, a small whimper escaping her lips. My breath caught as her eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused at first. Then, when she registered where she was, she tensed.
“You’re safe,” I said quickly, keeping my voice low. “It’s just me.”
Her gaze found mine, and some of the panic in her expression softened. “Draco?”
“Yeah,” I confirmed.
She swallowed hard, then her hands clenched the blankets beneath her. “What happened?”
I hesitated, then exhaled. “You fainted. Right after Weasley grabbed you.”
The memory must’ve hit her all at once because her breath hitched, and she squeezed her eyes shut.
“He’s not here,” I reassured her. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “You think he won’t come for me?”
I clenched my jaw. “Let him try.”
She shook her head, then looked at me properly. “What happened after I passed out?”
I hesitated, knowing this wasn’t going to help her stress levels, but I also wasn’t about to lie to her.
“Weasley lost it,” I admitted. “Potter finally realized what a bastard he is.”
Hermione blinked in surprise. “Harry… he believes me now?”
I nodded. “Took him long enough, but yeah.”
She exhaled sharply, like a weight had been lifted from her chest. “Good.”
Theo returned then, holding a few vials. “Alright, princess, let’s get you sorted out.”
Hermione gave him a tired look, but he grinned, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “Come on, don’t look at me like that. You scared the hell out of us back there.”