Chapter 5
Hermione threw her head back and clutched onto her stomach as hers and Draco’s laughter filled the library. It had been so long since she last felt this light and carefree. Reaching around her, Draco picked out a book on the history of quidditch and quirked a brow, sending Hermione into another fit of laughter.
The book triggered a memory of Draco getting Harry a similar book during the Horcrux hunt, which then led to her remembering the time Ron and Harry walked in on them while they were doing… things together. Hermione remembered the horrified look on Harry’s face as he stood drenched in water in the front of their tent as he clutched onto his copy of the quidditch book in one hand and the destroyed locket in the other.
“You know people eat there, right?” Hermione said, doing her best to mimic Harry’s voice from that night.
“I don’t know why he was so upset about us shagging. It’s not like he was drowning or anything,” Draco added with a smirk.
As she leaned back on the green sofa, a small collection of books sprawled across the area between them, Hermione watched as Draco draped his arm along the back of the sofa - his hand resting less than an inch away from hers.
art by lazy_dragon_art (gifted by jaxbemusing)
And there it was again, the desperate urge to touch him, to feel him. That was until she looked up and noticed what he was looking at. Regret and shame consumed his eyes as he stared at her left arm. Most days, Hermione forgot that she had also been marked during the war. It was by no means something that she was happy to have, but it was clear that it hurt Draco more than it did her.
“It’s not your fault, Draco,” she said.
Draco blinked a few times before meeting her eyes. “What?”
“It’s not your fault,” Hermione repeated. “There was nothing that you could’ve done.”
Pain filled the creases of his forehead as he furrowed his brows. “I could’ve stopped her,” he stated, referring to Bellatrix.
“We both know that it would’ve only caused more harm if you had.”
“Yes but I-”
Hermione shook her head. “No Draco,” she said softly. “You did everything that you could that day. Please, rid yourself of this burden.”
Draco dropped his head and nodded slowly as he fiddled with his ring that encased the resurrection stone.
In the past, looking at the black stone would be enough to make Hermione snap. No matter how nice of a moment they were having, seeing that bloody piece of jewellery would cause her to fill with rage and lash out at him, but not anymore. Hermione had decided to enjoy this life with Draco, which meant there was no longer room for anger.
“What is it?” Hermione asked, recognising the reminiscent look on Draco’s face.
“Nothing,” he said. “I was just thinking about us.”
“Well, now you must tell me,” she implored as she adjusted her position so that her legs were crisscrossed and her hands folded in her lap as she smiled and eagerly waited for him to speak.
Draco let out a sigh of surrender and said, “I was just thinking back on our days at the cottage.”
“Bill and Fleur’s?”
Draco nodded. “Specifically, the night when we first met Teddy.”
“Oh, you mean the night you confessed your undying love for me?” she teased.
“Yeah,” he chuckled as he rolled his eyes. “That night.”
“What about it?”
“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Everything and nothing at the same time. Mostly just how we felt then and the excitement that we had for our plans for after the war.”
“We were going to have a cottage of our own,” she smiled as she reminisced on the memory. “We were going to build a garden in the backyard and learn how to grow our own vegetables.”
“Well, you were going to learn how to grow your own vegetables. I was just going to offer my support from the sidelines,” he playfully smirked.
“Please, we both know that I would’ve had you on your hands and knees planting seeds by the third day.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Draco laughed. “I’d do anything that you asked of me, Granger.”
Hermione couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as his words triggered a memory.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she giggled. “It’s just, do you remember that time at the cottage with Ginny and Luna?”
“With Ginny and Luna…” he trailed off when suddenly, embarrassment washed over him. Covering his face with his hands and sinking back into the sofa, Draco let out a groan. “Please don’t remind me,” he begged.
“Why not? I thought you looked nice,” Hermione teased.
The infamous botched haircut was one of her favourite moments from the war. As Draco chased Ginny around the house and continued to threaten to shave her house and possibly even kill her, Hermione found herself feeling like a regular teenager for the first time in her life. There was no talk of Voldemort, Horcruxes or death.
If she could, Hermione would go back in time and live in that moment forever.
A sudden sharp crack caused both of them to jump in their seats before turning their heads in the direction of the sound.
“Master Draco, your guests have arrived!” Bippy excitedly informed him.
“They have?” he asked, surprised by the statement. “Who all is here?”
“Miss Ginny Weasley and Mister Harry Potter are in the foyer, and Bippy saw Mister Blaise Zabini, Miss Pansy Parkinson and Mister Theodore Nott approaching the gate,” Bippy said, her cheeks flushing as Theo’s name fell from her lips.
“Very good,” Draco nodded. “Please tend to our guests and offer them refreshments. Then in ten minutes, escort them all to the west wing.”
“Yes, Master Draco,” Bippy replied before apparating.
“Miss Granger,” Draco said as he rose from the sofa. “Would you mind accompanying me to one last place this evening?”
“It would be my honour, Mister Malfoy,” Hermione playfully replied.
As they walked, Hermione experienced something she never thought she would – contentment.
I could do this, she thought to herself.
There would always be barriers, and she knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was willing to give it a chance. If a few hard days meant she could continue to have Draco in her life, then that was a sacrifice she was willing to make.
They would never be able to get the cottage or flat that they had discussed, and they would never be able to get married or have children, but they would have one another. And that was more than enough.
Reaching the west wing, Draco’s hand shook as he gripped the handle and opened the door for Hermione.
“Don’t tell me you’ve put together a second library,” Hermione jokingly said.
Draco let out a small laugh. “Unfortunately, I did not,” he replied. “Do you remember that time when we stayed up all night planning out our future?” Draco asked as he guided her through the room.
“Of course.”
“And do you remember telling me your dream proposal just in case some miracle happened and I managed to remove the broom from my arse and change my stance on marriage?”
“Yes,” Hermione giggled.
Snapping his fingers, the lights in the room shut off, and hundreds of small dots began to glow in the space above their heads to form the Orion constellation. Hermione stared up at the ceiling, completely entranced by the beauty and magic of it all.
A slight snapping noise caught Hermione’s attention. “What was tha–'' her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the ring in his hands. “Draco, what are you doing?”
“I know that I said I’d never want to get married…”
No, no, no.
“… that I didn’t see a point in the titles or the rings or the ceremony, but I do now. I know that we’re still young, and by all means, we can wait as long as you’d like to make it official, but I want this, Hermione. I want this with you.”
“Draco…”
“Wait, please,” he requested. “I’ve rehearsed this speech a million times, but if I don’t get it all out, I’ll probably forget something, and I really don’t want to.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, Hermione. If everyone viewed the world as you do and was in possession of the heart that you have, it would be a far better place. I kick myself daily for taking so long to make my way to you but Gods. I am so happy that I eventually did.”
Hermione stared down at him with glossy eyes. She knew that she should stop him, but she couldn’t bring herself to. Selfishlessly, she wanted to hear everything that he had to say.
“Before you, I was nothing more than a product of my father. I was a child who was raised like cattle to serve a single purpose, to act accordingly and carry out the family name. I had never dreamt of a future for myself because I had no reason to. But now, all I dream about is my future… our future. You have shown me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to let people in and to have hope. There are a lot of things that I can’t promise, but the one thing that I can is that I will always love you, Hermione. I will love you on the easy days, and I’ll love you even more on the hard ones. Whatever challenges that may arise, we will face them together. There is nothing that I want more in this world than to build a life with you. Marry me, Hermione.”
She didn’t know how to respond. He had done the one thing he said he’d never do, and it was for her. He had given Hermione her dream proposal and poured his heart out, and it was perfect. He was perfect. Her heart broke as she looked down at him on one knee. It was everything that she wanted, and it killed her to know that she could not have it.
“Draco I–” she began, but she was cut off.
“Draco?” Pansy chimed as she and the rest of the group walked in.
“Pans, good to see you,” he replied. “If you could just give us a moment.”
“Us? Draco, who are you talking about?” she questioned.
Hermione’s stomach dropped.
“Did your travels fry your brain Pans? I’m referring to Granger and me, obviously. And if you couldn’t tell by the ring in my hand and the fact that I’m on one knee, I’m kind of in the middle of something important. I didn’t expect Bippy to be so prompt with getting you all here.”
“Mate,” Theo said as he stepped forward. “Hermione isn’t here.”
“What are you talking about, Theo? She’s standing right in front of me,” Draco said as he turned and looked up at Hermione, who had an almost horrified look on her face.
Please, no.
Don’t do this.
Not yet.
“No, she’s not,” Theo replied.
“Yes, she is,” he argued.
“Draco,” Theo’s voice was gentle as he slowly approached him. “Hermione isn’t here.”
Don’t take him away from me.
I’m not ready.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Draco ridiculed as he got up to his feet.
“Draco, listen to me,” Theo said as he placed a sympathetic hand on Draco’s shoulder. “Hermione isn’t here.”
Smacking his hand away, Draco said, “Look, I get it if you think I’m being impulsive or that we’re too young to get married or whatever, but stop, Theo. This isn’t funny.”
“I know that you’re hurting, but you need to accept it,” Theo said. “Hermione is gone.”
“Fuck you!” Draco spat before connecting his fist with Theo’s jaw, causing him to stumble backwards. Grabbing onto the front of his shirt, Draco pinned Theo against the wall.
“Hermione never came back from the war,” Theo coughed out.
“Shut up!” Draco shouted before punching him in the stomach.
Hermione watched in horror as everything began to fall apart in front of her eyes.
“Look at me!” Ginny commanded as she ripped Draco away from Theo. “I know you’ve probably blocked a majority of the battle out. I know I have, but you need to remember.”
“What are you talking about?” Draco scoffed. “I remember the war. Potter died, then he came back to life and killed Voldemort.”
Harry wasn’t the one who killed Voldemort. You are.
“Actually, I wasn’t the one who-” Harry began, but Ginny raised her hand to silence him.
“Just fucking humour me and do it,” Ginny said. “You don’t even need to remember all of it, just the last half. Where were you when Harry jumped out of Hagrid’s arms?”
Draco let out an aggravated groan before reluctantly doing as instructed.
“I was with Granger,” he replied. “We were on the steps in front of the school.”
“Good, yes,” Ginny nodded. “And then, after Harry ran off and Voldemort followed him, what happened?”
Draco took another moment as he tried to remember.
“We got separated for a little, ” he said. “I got hit in the arm by a hex while I searched for Hermione. Eventually, I found her in the courtyard. A Death Eater was approaching behind her.”
Nothing had destroyed Hermione as much as watching Draco slowly remember everything. With each sentence, his voice became shakier. Death didn’t hurt nearly as much as this.
“…my father was killed, and then my mother was–” his voice cracked as he winced, tears brimming his eyes. “I was holding her. I remember the warmth of her blood as it poured out from her abdomen.”
“And then what happened, Draco?” Ginny asked carefully.
“I killed Greyback and my aunt Bella and then…” his eyebrows pulled tightly together.
“You killed Greyback and Bellatrix, and then, what? Tell me what happened next,” Ginny requested.
Draco immediately dropped to his knees, his head falling into his hands.
“Draco,” Ginny crouched down and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Draco,” she said once more, her voice soft and compassionate.
“No,” he choked out as he shook his head. “no no NO!” his voice broke as he tightly covered his ears and hunched over, his forehead pressed against the marble floor. “She’s not dead, she’s not dead, she’s not dead,” he kept repeating.
“It’s going to be alright.”
“No!” he snapped as he shot up to his feet, his eyes frantically searching the area. “See!” he said as he pointed over at Hermione, who was still standing frozen in the centre of the room. “She’s right there. She’s fine.”
It felt like Hermione’s heart was ripped from her chest, and every bone in her body was broken as everyone stared at her unknowingly.
“Draco,” Pansy said delicately. “There’s no one there.”
“Yes, there is!” he argued as he began walking towards Hermione. “Look, I’ll even grab her-” his face dropped as his hand passed straight through hers.
He shook his head in disbelief as he reached out for her again. Draco desperately tried to grab onto her hand, her arm, waist, face, anything. But each time he attempted to, his hand moved through her like thin air.
“This can’t-I don’t-” he stammered as he stared at Hermione.
Tears streamed down her face as she looked into Draco’s pleading eyes. She could tell that he was waiting for her to say that it wasn’t true, but she couldn’t. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice cracking with every word.
Draco stumbled backwards. His hands stretched out to the side as he searched for something to grab onto to steady himself.
“Mate-” Theo said.
Draco grabbed Theo’s wrist and twisted his arm back. “Where were you?” he asked. “Where were you this entire fucking time?! Why didn’t-why didn’t you tell me?” Draco turned to look at the rest of his friends. “Why didn’t any of you fucking tell me?!”
They tried.
“We tried,” Harry sheepishly stated. “We all took turns coming to visit you, but each time you had Bippy turn us away. After a month, we sort of just…” he trailed off as he looked down at his hands.
“You sort of just, what, Potter?” Draco snarled. “You sort of just moved on with your life? You sort of just went on your merry little way and moved on from her?”
“That’s not fair, Draco,” Hermione said.
When he turned around and moved towards her, Hermione had to stop herself from flinching. There was a raw anger in his eyes and movements that she had never seen before.
“Fair?” Draco scoffed. “You think I give a damn about fair? None of this is fair, Granger! You’re not even–” his voice caught in the back of his throat. Closing his eyes, he drew in a deep breath before continuing. “You’re not even real.”
It felt like she had been hit with the killing curse all over again as the words fell from his lips.
“Just because you can’t touch me doesn’t mean I’m not real, Draco,” Hermione said quietly. “I’m still here with you. Doesn’t that count for something?”
“That’s not good enough! I don’t want some conjured version of you that only I can see. I want the real you! I want to take your hand and put this stupid fucking ring on it,” Draco said as he angrily held up the small box.
I want that too.
“I want to stand with you before our friends and say those damn vows and kiss you. I want to build our cottage, buy our flat in the muggle neighbourhood, and start a family with you, but I can’t, we can’t!”
“Draco, please.” Hermione took a step toward him.
“No,” Draco said as he raised his hand to stop her. “Don’t come any closer. I can’t… it’s too much and I… just don’t.”
He may not have vocalised it, but Hermione knew that Draco’s desire to see her had finally reached its expiration date. Because as soon as he turned around and stormed off, Hermione felt a tug in her chest and shortly after, the walls around her began to twist and turn, and she felt herself being yanked away.
When Hermione materialised in the familiar room, she expected to be greeted by Lucius, but she wasn’t. No one came rushing forward to bombard her with questions and the only sound was that of the flames flickering in the fireplace that she once spent most of her days sitting by.
“Hermione?” The sudden voice caused her to jump.
“Tonks?” she asked as she squinted her eyes and looked at the front entrance.
Before she knew it, Hermione felt two arms wrap tightly around her. The warm embrace instantly broke down the last of her walls, causing Hermione to release every emotion she was experiencing in the form of gut-wrenching sobs.
“I lost him again,” she cried into Tonks’s shoulder. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
“Shh,” Tonks lightly stroked her hair. “It’s okay, Hermione. You’re going to be okay.”
***
Once Hermione calmed down enough to say a sentence without choking on her words, she sat with Tonks by the fire and explained everything from the very beginning. It was therapeutic in a way, to share everything that she had been through.
“ I’m sorry you had to go through that, Hermione,” Tonks spoke with remorse.
“I’m not,” she replied.
Tonks raised a brow. “You’re not?”
“No. I would do it again, all of it, because while it was uncomfortable and draining and sometimes felt like the cruellest form of torture, I got to be with him for just a little longer.”
Tonks’s expression softened as she grabbed her hand.
“I still wish that–” Tonks stopped mid-sentence as she stared into the fire.
“What is it?” Hermione asked as she turned to look into the flames.
It was Draco, and he was currently standing outside of the greenhouse that he had surprised her with earlier that day, watching as it slowly burned to the ground. And then, he screamed. The sound of his rage, frustration, and heartache echoed against the walls of the afterlife.
He was ridding himself of her.
Tonks immediately checked on Hermione, but by the time she asked, “Are you okay?” Hermione had already broken down again.
***
The afterlife grew silent as Hermione and Tonks watched as Narcissa explained everything to Draco. It was hard to see the memories force their way forward in his mind, but it was even harder to watch Narcissa - the heartbreak was written all over her face. Hermione understood now. She understood why Narcissa could never bring herself to tell Draco the truth, why she continued to stand by and let her son exist in his fantasy.
After a few more minutes, Ginny, Theo, Blaise, and Pansy joined Draco in the study. Narcissa lingered for a little longer before finally leaving her son’s side. Tonks held tightly onto Hermione’s hand as they witnessed Draco fall apart in Theo’s arms.
“I’m here, Draco,” Theo whispered to him. “You’re not alone. I’m right here.”
Draco continued to release it all, to allow all of the hurt and anger to spill out. The sound of his cries scraped at Hermione’s ears and shattered her heart.
“Hermione, Tonks!” Remus exclaimed as he came rushing toward them.
Tonks shot up to her feet. “What is it?”
“Teddy,” he panted. “Harry is bringing him Teddy.”
Before Tonks could respond, she disappeared into thin air. Remus and Hermione shared a quick glance before heading over to the fireplace.
“I’ve done my best the past few months, but I’m not what he needs. He needs his family,” Harry said as he carefully handed Teddy to Draco.
Warmth filled Hermione’s chest at the sight of Teddy in Draco’s arms.
“He has his mother’s eyes,” Draco stated, his face softening as he gently brushed Teddy’s cheek with his thumb.
And then, Remus and Hermione watched as Tonks slowly appeared at Draco’s side.
“It’s about time you thought of me,” Tonks smiled. “I mean seriously, it’s like you don’t even care about me,” she teased.
“Dora?” Draco’s voice barely audible as he stared up at her. “Is that… is that you?”
“In the flesh,” she replied. “Well, kind of.”
Getting up to his feet, Theo quietly motioned for everyone to leave the room.
“There’s my sweet boy,” tears filled Tonks’s eyes as she looked down at Teddy. “He has Remus’ nose, lucky for him.”
Remus let out a soft chuckle. His eyes also clouded with tears as he watched his wife reunite with their son.
“I know I agreed to be his godfather, but I don’t think I can do this, Dora,” Draco admitted. “I mean, I’m a mess. Can’t your mother and father take care of him? They’d be better suited to do so.”
“They probably would be, but I didn’t choose them to be his guardian should something happen to me. I chose you, Draco.”
“I know, but don’t you think-”
Tonks raised her hand. “I’m going to stop you right there,” Tonks said. “Look, I’m going to make this quick because, well, truthfully I feel like if I stay here any longer I’ll cry and I’d really rather not. I’d like to keep some of my dignity.”
Crouching down so that she was at eye level with Draco, Tonks said, “All of the good that could possibly come from our DNA is in Teddy. He deserves to grow up in a household that reminds him of such. I’m sure my parents would do an excellent job raising him, but they aren’t who I want to do so. You are. I know it’s a lot to ask of you and that someone your age shouldn’t be given such a heavy responsibility, but I need you to do this for me, okay?”
There was a brief pause before Draco nodded and said, “Okay.”
“Good,” Tonks smiled before standing up. “Take care of him, Draco. Take care of my son.”
“I will.”
The ache in Hermione’s chest slowly began to alleviate.
He’s going to be okay, she told herself.
“I have to go,” Remus said to her.
Hermione turned to look at him. “Go? Where are you going?”
“Our son is where he’s meant to be, which means it’s time for my wife and I to do the same,” he stated as he rose to his feet. “Don’t worry, we’ll see you soon. I just have a feeling that there’s one last thing you need to do before you can join us.”
The Next Day
Hermione remained by the fireplace for the majority of the night. She took turns watching over Draco and Teddy and also staring at the staircase behind her, waiting for Narcissa to appear, but she never did.
The night was long and quiet but, at the same time, peaceful. It was the first time that Hermione was granted time to process all of her thoughts and emotions without any interruptions. She was able to come to reflect and fully come to terms with her decisions and release every last drop of anger or doubt.
Hermione also took the time to revisit one of the things that Lucius had said to her.
“There is a certain beauty in letting go.”
It all made sense to her now.
Lucius wasn’t referring to giving in and learning to be content with that life with Draco. What he meant was letting go of everything that she was still holding onto. And he was right, there was a beauty in it.
There was a beauty in no longer seeing her past life as one she had left behind but instead, as one that ran its course and opened a door to a new one. There was a beauty in looking back fondly on the memories she had made with her friends and family, rather than focusing on the ones she would never be able to. And there was a beauty in remembering her and Draco’s love and being happy with their story, instead of cursing the world for ending it too soon.
Hermione was ready to let go.
So, when she woke up the next day and felt the familiar tug in her chest, the anxiety and dread that she had felt previously was replaced by excitement. Excitement for her new beginning and for Draco’s.
As Hermione materialised, she watched as Draco knelt and placed a bouquet in the grass and rested his forehead against the gravestone.
”We almost made it, Granger,” he whispered. “We should’ve made it.”
Stepping forward, Hermione said, “I always thought you looked handsome in a suit.”
“I always thought you looked handsome in a suit,” Hermione said.
Draco lifted his head and met her eyes.
“Even back at school, I thought you did,” she admitted. “But if you had asked me back then, I would’ve denied it.”
Draco let out a small chuckle. “Yes, well, we both know my head was too far up my own arse to ever speak to you at school in the first place.”
“That it was,” she giggled.
Tell him that you don’t regret it.
“I would do it again, you know,” she said quietly. “I would sacrifice my life a hundred times over if it meant saving you.”
“Please,” Draco winced. “Please don’t say that.”
“It’s true though.”
“I never asked you to do that.”
“You didn’t need to. It was my choice and I’ll never regret it,” Hermione said. “This is your chance, Draco. This is your new beginning.”
“You were my new beginning,” he replied.
“I don’t have to be your end, though. You have so much to look forward to, so much life to live. For the first time, you get to decide what you want to do and who you want to become,” she explained. “Don’t waste this gift by sitting around and missing me. I’m always going to be with you, even if you can’t see me.”
Draco shook his head as his eyes filled with tears. “It’s not the same.”
“How about this,” she began. “When you’re walking through town with Teddy, which you better do because they have some lovely markets, and you see a northern cardinal, know that it’s me. Know that, at that moment, I’m with you.”
“Why a northern cardinal?”
“My dad was gone for work for a few months in the States and when he returned home, he said that every time he saw one he thought of me. So now I want you to do the same.”
“There’s one problem,” Draco said.
Hermione lifted a brow. “And what might that be?”
“They aren’t native to the UK.”
A smile crept its way across her lips. “Then you won’t be able to argue that it’s just a coincidence when you see one, you’ll know for certain that it’s me, okay?”
“Whatever you say, Granger,” he smiled back.
“Yup, I still love hearing you call me that,” Hermione said. “One last thing, I need you to promise me something, Draco.”
“Anything.”
“I want you to promise me that you’ll live a full life. Promise me that you’ll take risks and that you’ll laugh on the good days and cry on the hard ones. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, allow yourself to be human. You deserve to experience everything that life has to offer. Promise me that you’ll live, Draco. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes.”
“I want to hear you say it. Say that you promise.”
“I promise,” Draco said. “I love you, Hermione.”
“And I love you, Draco. I always will.”
“I hope you know that the second I arrive in whatever afterlife awaits me, I’m finding you.”
“I’m counting on it,” Hermione smiled. “Until then?”
Draco nodded and choked back his tears.
“Until then.”
Hermione took a moment to memorise every last detail of Draco. His hair was messier now, a small piece dangling on his forehead. His face was somehow even more defined, and the tension that he always used to carry in his shoulders had dissipated. And even though there was still sadness that lingered in his eyes, she could see it. Hermione could see the hope beginning to return.
Draco let out a shaky breath before placing the resurrection stone on the ground and covering it with dirt.
***
When Hermione opened her eyes and took in her surroundings, she found herself back at King’s Cross, only this time, it wasn’t flooded with hundreds of people. The only people besides herself who were in attendance were standing just ahead, all smiling as they waited for her to approach.
“Come on then,” Tonks shouted. “We haven’t got all day.”
Placing one foot in front of the other, Hermione rushed forward and quickly closed the distance between them. As soon as she was close enough, she felt three pairs of arms wrap tightly around her.
“It’s good to see you all again,” Hermione smiled.
Making her way through the group, hugging each individual person, Hermione finally reached the end and looked up at Lucius.
“Hey there, Lulu,” she smirked.
Lucius cocked a brow. “Lulu?”
Hermione nodded proudly. “It’s my nickname for you, do you not like it?”
He took a moment to think it over. “I suppose I can allow that, Hermione,” he replied.
To Hermione’s surprise, Lucius presented his arm to her. Slipping her arm through the crook of his elbow, she laced her fingers around his bicep and followed him onto the train. As they took their seat, Tonks to her left, Remus to her right, and Narcissa and Lucius sat across from her, Hermione leaned back against the soft cushion.
“So, where does this take us?” she asked the group.
“Home,” Narcissa smiled warmly.
“Home,” her lips curved into a gentle smile as she echoed the word, her heart filling with a mixture of emotions.
For a long time, Hermione didn’t know what home was anymore. Home used to be with her parents, but that changed when she obliviated them. Then, home became whatever new spot herself, Harry, and Ron camped out at during the Horcrux hunt. And after that, home no longer became a place but instead a person - it became Draco. Whenever she was with him, that was when she felt at home.
It wasn’t until after she died that home started to become something Hermione never thought she would be able to find again. She no longer had her parents, her friends or Draco. But now, as she sat on the Hogwarts Express, she realised that home wasn’t a place or even a person, it was a feeling.
Home was the fluttering in her heart, the excitement that filled her stomach, and the anticipation for the unknown. And one day, when the time was right, home would become the love that filled the air when she greeted Draco at King’s Cross.
“Home,” Hermione said once more. “It feels good to be home.”