Chapter 24
(Hermione’s POV)
The courtroom, the Ministry, all of it now felt like a distant nightmare fading into memory. In the days following Ron’s conviction, the weight of his tyranny began to lift from my shoulders. Slowly, I found myself daring to hope again.
This morning, as the estate was bathed in soft morning light, a knock at the door of our makeshift office in the estate’s drawing room startled me. Draco and Theo were already there, waiting—Draco with his steady, unyielding gaze and Theo with his usual half-grin that managed to balance mischief and concern.
A Ministry clerk, looking both efficient and sympathetic, stepped forward with a small folder in hand. “Ms. Granger,” he said quietly, extending the folder toward me. “Here are the finalized divorce papers. Everything is in order. They’ve been signed, sealed, and will be processed immediately.”
My heart fluttered—not just from the shock, but from the overwhelming sense of freedom these papers represented. With trembling fingers, I accepted the folder and flipped it open. Every page was proof that I was, at last, severing the ties that had held me captive for too long.
Draco’s hand found mine as I scanned the documents. His touch was gentle and reassuring, silently affirming that I wasn’t alone. “It’s official,” he murmured, his voice soft yet resolute.
Theo, ever the jester, leaned in with a teasing glint in his eye. “Congratulations, Granger. You’re officially unchained.” He grinned broadly, his tone light enough to momentarily chase away the lingering sorrow.
I couldn’t help but laugh, a sound that was both bitter and triumphant. “Unchained,” I repeated, the word tasting like hope and defiance all at once.
The reality of it washed over me—the divorce papers symbolized not just the end of a toxic marriage, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I felt tears welling up, but this time they were tears of release rather than sorrow.
Draco’s thumb brushed tenderly over my hand, and without thinking, I leaned into him. In that charged moment, as if every oppressive memory and every stolen dream were dissolving, I pressed my lips to his. The kiss was soft at first, tentative—a silent thank you for the safety, the strength, and the promise he had given me all along.
When we finally pulled apart, I looked into his eyes and saw a universe of unspoken support, understanding, and something warmer—something like hope. “Thank you,” I whispered, not just for the papers, but for standing by me when I was too afraid to stand alone.
Draco squeezed my hand gently, and Theo clapped his hands together with a broad, mischievous smile. “Now that’s what I call a real happy ending,” he quipped, drawing a reluctant laugh from both of us.
Outside, the world was waking up, and though I knew there were challenges ahead—the legal battles, the emotional healing, and the inevitable aftermath of Ron’s fall—I felt, for the first time in years, that I was ready. Ready to rebuild my life on my own terms, free from his control.
As we settled into the warmth of the estate that day, the divorce papers lay on the table—a tangible reminder that I had reclaimed my freedom. And with Draco by my side, I knew that whatever came next, I would never have to face it alone.