Chapter Twenty Two

The silence in the restaurant was contagious with everyone. They ate breakfast, their knifes and forks clinking against the plates. Hermione looked up and caught Draco's eye. He smiled and Hermione went back to eating, wondering if everyone else was as nervous as her. They had no reason to be so why were they all silent?

‘Right, guys!’ Hermione said a few minutes later, making everyone jump in their seats, ‘I'm getting married tomorrow. Why is everyone else so silent and nervous? I don't like it.’

Before anyone could answer, Ginny grinned, ‘they’re here!’

Everyone looked back to see Mr Weasley, Mr Granger, George, Percy, Bill, Charlie and Fleur enter the hotel. Mr Weasley went over to the receptionist as the others came over to the hotel to greet them.

Hermione's face lit up as she stood next to Draco and let everyone greet them first.

‘You came?’ Mrs Weasley asked Bill and Charlie.

‘Of course we came!’ Bill rolled his eyes, ‘Hermione is basically family now, don’t you think?’

Hermione grinned at him and hugged him as tight as she could before hugging the others. She chuckled as Mrs Weasley threatened to cut Bill’s hair before the wedding so he looked at least presentable. When everyone was done greeting each other, Hermione grabbed Draco's hand nervously.

‘I heard the news. You and Malfoy? Well... I guess, nothing IS impossible,’ Charlie said, hugging Hermione and holding out a hand to Draco, ‘anyway, keep her safe or you’ll have a lot of Weasley’s to answer to.’

‘Of course,’ Draco shook his hand, seeing the resemblance to Mr and Mrs Weasley and Ron.

 ‘Come on, sit down. Have breakfast,’ Mrs Weasley said, waving her hand.

‘Mum, we're done so we're going down to the beach.’ Ron said, pulling Harry away.

Hermione, Draco, Harry, Ron and Ginny made their way down to the beach. They all felt happy now that the rest of them were here although Hermione was still a little nervous.

‘So, how do you like the Weasley's?’ Hermione asked Draco as they walked onto the beach.

‘They're okay. Not sure on that Percy bloke though.’ Draco said, frowning.

‘Not everyone is going to be happy with our relationship.’ Hermione sighed slightly.

‘You're happy, right? I mean... I didn't rush this, did I? You and I just feel so... perfect together. I can't explain it.’ Draco said, sitting down on the sand.

‘Of course I'm happy. We are meant to be together. I know that and I believe that. And... I love you.’ Hermione said, hugging him.

‘I love you too. I’ll always love you,’ Draco assured her.

‘You up for a game, Draco?’ Harry asked, ‘since no one is here yet?’

Hermione looked around, the beach was deserted. That was a first, she thought.

‘Sure, come on, Hermione. You're playing too,’ Draco said, not listening to Hermione's protests.

‘Ron and Hermione versus myself and Draco?’ Harry asked.

‘Is it a good idea to play volleyball before our wedding?’ Hermione asked nervously.

‘Nothing will happen. Do you want me on your team?’ Draco asked, linking hands.

‘Ron took Hermione's arm, gently pushing her back. Draco raised his eyebrows, letting go of Hermione’s hand as she was practically pulled away.

‘Let's get this game started.’ Ron stated, smiling.

‘She can walk herself.’ Draco said threateningly, pushing Ron's hand away from her.

‘What the hell is your problem?’Ron said, pushing Draco's hand away.

‘You're my problem.’ Draco sneered.

‘Can't handle a little competition?’ Ron asked, pushing his chest.

‘She's my soon to be wife.’ Draco said, getting in Ron's face.

‘Draco, please just stop.’ Hermione said, frowning at him.

‘I'm not trying to take her away from you, alright? But you always think I am. Might as well play the part.’ Ron said, taking Hermione's arm at the same time as Draco.

‘Take your hand off of her, or you'll have a black eye at your own wedding.’ Ron said, pulling Hermione towards him, ‘bloody death eater. Always the same with-’

‘You-’

Draco was interrupted as Hermione slapped Ron. Ginny gasped, nearly dropping the drinks she got for everyone. Harry and Draco stood transfixed, mouths agape.

Hermione pushed Ron ad Draco's hands away from herself.

‘How dare you?’ Hermione whispered, although it vibrated throughout the air, ‘what about our conversation in the bar? You want me to be happy, well stop fighting with him.’

‘Hermione, I do want you to be happy but I can't stand to see you with HIM. Why can't you see that I love you?’ Ron asked, frustrated, ‘I've hold you so many times but it doesn't seem to affect you. I've said that I'm over you to see you're reaction but still no effect. I got Joanne to make you jealous, bloody hell.’

Hermione crossed her arms, speechless on the inside, angry on the outside.

‘Ron, just- urgh!’ Hermione turned around and started walking away.

‘Wait, Hermione!’ Ron said.

Draco pushed him hard, nearly making him topple onto the sand. Ginny stood in her spot, wondering how this fight had actually started.

‘Don't you go after her. She's mine, understand?’ Draco said.

Hermione kept on walking, tears streaming down her face. She walked past the bar and down the beach. When she was breathless she fell down onto the grass and the tears seemed to keep coming.

‘Hermione please. I'm sorry.’ A voice said behind her.

She didn't have to look to know it was Ron, but she looked anyway. She stood up and both Ron and Draco were there. Draco had a frown on his face, crossing his arms over his chest.

‘Can I get a little peace?’ Hermione frowned.

‘Hermione, I'm leaving.’ Ron said, looking her in the eye.

‘What do you mean, you're leaving?’ Hermione asked in a hushed whisper.

‘I'm leaving and not coming back. I always seem to hurt you.’

Draco's eyes rested on Hermione, watching her every move.

‘No, Ron, you can't leave...’ Hermione said, the tears came faster down her cheeks as she hugged him, ‘please, Ron.’

‘Why don't you want me to leave?’ Ron asked, stroking her hair.

Draco gritted his teeth, noticing the way Hermione leaned into his touch and didn’t even bother to stop him from touching her. What was the point in all of this when Hermione probably still had feelings for Ron?

‘Because...’ Hermione started.

‘Because you love him.’ Draco said, his voice hoarse, ‘Hermione, we are not meant to be... It's... I should leave. You should be with him. Get married to him! This is all my fault anyway.’

‘Draco, wait...’ Hermione whispered, ‘that’s not...’

 ‘I'll always love you,’ Draco whispered.

Walking a few paces backwards, leaving Hermione, he disapparated and left only a trail of light smoke in his absence.