Iuga Sortis (Bound By Destiny)

Twenty Two

"No . . . nooo! Harry! Watch out! No! Please--"

"Shhh, shhh, it's all right. It's all right, love . . ."

Hermione awoke with a start, very aware of the strong arms holding her middle. Her breathing came out in rapid spurts, and she gripped tighter at the arms around her.

"Ron?" she asked hesitantly.

"I'm here. I'm right here, Hermione." There was a kiss to her head. "You were dreaming again."

"Did I wake you?"

"I've been awake for a while now."

There was silence.

"I'm sorry Ron." She felt him shake his head.

"'S not your fault. I told you I've been awake for a while."

"Is Professor Umbridge awake?" He shifted.

"No. I think Pomfrey gave her a Dreamless Sleep potion. She's out like a light."

"I feel bad about what I did to her."

"I don't. She deserved it! She's been bloody awful. I knew it would be you to put her in her place."

Hermione's heart swelled at his words. "Really?"

"Of course! Need I remind you of Skeeter? Of Malfoy?"

"I suppose you're right." She couldn't keep the smugness out of her voice.

"Besides, you'd think that after five years I'd know not to mess with you, but I can't. You're a drug, Hermione. I'm addicted to you."

Hermione's eyes shot open. Surely she was dreaming.

"Huh?" It was inarticulate, and definitely not up to her usual witty remark, yet it was the only fitting exclamation she could utter.

"You're a drug, my drug. My 'Mione."

Her heart was racing.

I'm not dreaming! I'm hallucinating!

"Ron? Are you awake?"

"Yes."

"Do you know what you're saying?"

"Yes."

"Do you mean it?"

"Very much so."

Oh dear.

Hermione pinched herself, and she heard him chuckle.

"You're awake, too, 'Mione."

"It appears that way," she muttered as she sat up in the bed. Ron did not follow. Hermione raised her knees and rested her arms on them, then her head on her arms.

"This cannot be happening to me . . ."

"What's happening to you, 'Mione? Is it the curse?" She felt his arms around her again, his chin atop her head. She felt very safe and secure--cherished.

Oh dear.

"No, it's not the curse." His arms tightened around her, and she leaned against him, too tired to tell her body to do otherwise.

"Then what's wrong?"

Nothing's wrong. For once something may be right.

"I really don't like being compared to a narcotic, Ron."

She felt him stiffen, and she stifled a laugh.

"That's--that's not what I--I mean--bloody hell, woman! I like you! Satisfied?"

"Of course you like me, Ron. We're friends."

She grinned smugly, glad he couldn't see it.

No, no, Ron. You started this, and I intend to make you sweat it out.

"You're insufferable, you know," he muttered.

"But you like me anyway."

She was having entirely too much fun with this.

"That I do. I like you very much. But I like something else almost as much."

She frowned. His voice had dropped a few decibels, and it took on a husky quality.

What was he on about? "What is it, then?"

Ron's hand touched her face, turning it to his. His eyes roamed over her features, and Hermione could barely suppress the quiver that passed through her. "This."

His mouth was on her before she could think. Not that it mattered anyway; his kiss effectively made outside thought impossible. Every sensation concentrated on the feel of his lips on hers.

This must be what heaven feels like.

"Paradise. Pure heaven. When I die, I want to be kissing you," he murmured against her lips.

Hermione pulled back and frowned. "Where did that come from?"

"I dunno. You make me do things, woman, say things I wouldn't normally say."

"And you mean them."

"Merlin yes."

"I don't want you to die," she said in a small voice. Ron cupped the back of her head and kissed her forehead.

"I don't want me to die, either, but it will happen sometime. There's a war going on now, Hermione. Cedric was the first casualty and now . . . and now Sirius. There's a strong possibility all of us may not come out alive."

"Don't--don't talk like that." Her voice wavered, and tears began streaming down her cheeks. "You're just sixteen, Ron! You shouldn't talk like that!"

Ron wiped her face gently with his thumbs. "I may be sixteen on paper, but look at all we've seen, all we've experienced! We're much older than that!"

Hermione snuggled closer to him and relished in his warmth.

"I don't want you to die," she repeated again. "I don't want Harry to die. I don't want anyone to die except for Voldemort. Once he goes, all of this will be over."

"Yes, but death in a war is inevitable. You have to be prepared for it."

Hermione said nothing, content to listen to his heart beat under her ear. He reclined in the bed again, causing her to lie atop him. Ron's hand ran through her hair in a comforting gesture, as though trying to lull her back to sleep.

"But in the meantime," he said, and she dragged her eyes back open, "I aim to do a lot of the thing I fancy with the girl I fancy."

There was a teasing quality to his voice, and Hermione smirked. "Then why are you here with me? Umbridge is three beds down from us."

Hermione giggled silently as Ron sputtered and made choking noises. "Shut your filthy mouth! That is the most vile and disgusting thing you've ever said!"

Hermione only laughed harder, lifting herself off him to look into his eyes. They were sparkling. "You have such lovely eyes, Ron."

He smiled softly. "That could have something to do with the person I'm seeing at the moment." She blushed and ducked her face from his view. "Or it could be delirium, but my money's on you."

Hermione snapped her head up with a gasp. "Your money's on me now, is it? I do not appreciate being likened to a scarlet woman, either! This will not be the first time you've done so, mind you!"

"You do turn scarlet when you blush, love. Just calling it like I see it."

He called me 'love!' I know I'm a wonderful shade of scarlet now.

She gasped quietly as a realization hit her. And he said it earlier.

Oh dear . . .

"Ah, yes, well, Ron, I'm terribly tired. I think you should let me go now, so I can sleep properly."

Don't let me go, Ron.

The arms around her squeezed harder. "I rather like you in my arms, Mione. You fit right in them."

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

"I could get heavy, Ron. Don't be daft."

"I'm not being daft. In fact, I think I've finally gotten the point I missed over a year and a half ago."

"The point?"

"About not thinking of you as a last resort."

"You remember that?"

"'Course I do. I remember everything you tell me."

"Then what's the fifth use of dragon's blood?"

"Uhh. . . ."

"Not everything, then."

"If I recall, you gave me the book to read."

"So?"

"So, that's not telling me. That's showing me."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If only you could be that clever with everything you do."

"Then you wouldn't be the cleverest one of all!"

She snorted. "Spare me."

"No bother. I have wizard's chess. As long as I can best you there, I'll be a happy man."

"Fine. Now let go."

"Don't think so, 'Mione. I've finally got you where I want you, and I don't plan on letting go."

He kissed the top of her head and settled into the pillows. After a few moments, she heard his light snoring. Hermione hesitated a moment before putting her fingertips to her lips then placing them on his as she settled more comfortably in his arms.

Don't, Ron. Don't ever let me go.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Do you think we should get them down?"

"What for? I rather like them that way . . ."

The slugs in the luggage rack squirmed even more at that comment.

"Ginny!"

The older girl rolled her eyes. "Fine! We'll get them down!"

After a few moments of trying spells, the bodies were lifted from the rack, and the curse was broken.

"That is the most horrendous thing I've ever experienced in my life," Draco wheezed as he patted himself to reassure himself that he was, in fact, in his original body.

"Whatever happened to, 'thank you, Nia and Ginny, for lifting the curse?'" Nia asked amusedly.

"A Malfoy doesn't apologize," he said stubbornly.

"Okay then, I'll put a curse on you so bad you'll wish you ended up a slug," Ginny threatened.

"Thank you, Nia and Ginny, for lifting the curse."

"And you two?" Nia asked, pointing her wand to Crabbe and Goyle.

"Thank you, Nia and Ginny!" Goyle said quickly and hurried to his original compartment. Crabbe glared at Nia, but she held her stance, crossing her arms in front of her and raising an eyebrow in a challenge.

Crabbe grunted. "Thank, you Nia and Ginny," he muttered and followed Goyle.

"Let's not sound too sincere," Nia muttered as Crabbe left.

"You actually got him to apologize for something. That's a feat in and of itself," Draco reminded her.

"Now for the question of the day--why did you end up like this in the first place?" Nia asked.

Draco scowled as Ginny smirked. "He was trying to play a trick on Harry," Ginny answered.

"He got my father arrested," Draco mumbled.

"Your 'father' deserved it," Nia said unapologetically. Draco glared at her. "What? Gonna try and hex me, too?"

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"Yes, you would. You just remember I have a punch that rivals Mike Tyson."

"Who?

"Never mind."

"You should really think out your plans of revenge more thoroughly. One would think you'd know that, since you are in Slytherin," Ginny mentioned.

Draco's scowl deepened as he stood. "Potter's not worth the aggravation. He'll get it soon enough."

"Get what? The Order of Merlin, First Class?"

"No! My foot up his a--"

"Language, Malfoy. We have a young one, here."

Nia controlled the urge to scream. "Ass! He's gonna put his foot up his ASS!"

The two older students looked at Nia in shock before they all began to laugh.

"Now look and what you've gone and done, Malfoy. You've corrupted this sweet, charming girl!" Ginny teased.

Draco smirked. "I beg to differ. I fear she's the one who's corrupted me!"

"You would enjoy that, wouldn't you?" Nia muttered.

"Of course."

"But not as much if a certain redheaded Gryffindor did the same?" Nia looked pointedly at Ginny.

Draco made a disgusted face. "We were having such a lovely conversation, and you had to bring the Weasel in it."

"It's like that, is it?" Ginny asked. She humphed and turned on her heel.

Draco scowled at Nia, and she lifted her hands in denial. "Me not do anything wrong."

Draco hesitated a moment before grabbing Ginny's arm and whirling her around to face him.

"You git! What do you think you are--mmm."

Draco swallowed the insult with his mouth on hers. Ginny relaxed her body and wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him closer.

"There's a way to get her!" Nia smirked. Draco waved his hand behind his back and tried to shoo her away, but too much of his attention was on snogging the life out of Ginny Weasley.

"If I were you, I'd get a room."

"Thanks Angelina," Ginny murmured against Draco's lips, and the couple made their way into a compartment--lips still locked together.

"I hope that room is empty," Angelina said.

"BUGGER OFF!"

The compartment Ginny and Draco entered soon had scared first years running out of it, searching desperately for another car.

"Who knew Ginny had it in her?" Nia asked with a grin.

"You should hear it when she yells at her brothers. I think she does her mum proud," Angelina joked.

They shared a laugh that faded into a comfortable silence.

"Ready to go home?" Angelina asked after a while.

"Yeah. I've missed Grandma, but I have so many questions. I'm definitely not the same girl as before."

"I imagine you're not. Hogwarts has a way of changing people."

"And their relationships," Nia smirked.

Angelina grinned as well. "So from here you take the train to the airport?"

"Yup. I'll be flying high in the sky for eight hours. What joy that will bring . . ."

"Nia, it's the best feeling in the world. Nothing like the wind blowing in your face as you speed across the pitch . . ."

"I'm partial to the ground myself."

Angelina laughed. "I'll talk to Ginny about teaching you to fly. Once you get on a broom, you'll never want to come down."

"What about Ginny?"

The two girls turned to see a slightly disheveled Draco and Ginny emerge from the compartment. Draco looked highly pleased with himself, and Ginny was a little pink, yet smug.

"Angie's gone crazy and suggested you teach me how to fly," Nia said with a snort.

"She'll take you on a magic carpet ride, that's for sure," Draco quipped, raising his eyebrows and licking his lips.

Ginny's cheeks turned very red, but she kept her composure. "And I didn't even take you all around the world this time . . ."

Draco grinned. "I have my passport ready, love."

Ginny smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Mmmmm."

"Gag me!" Nia begged.

"Better yet, Ginny go back into your compartment. They'll be wondering where you are soon," Angelina warned.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Reckon I better think of an excuse for my absence, huh?"

"Better think quick, as well. Come, I'll walk you there. See you at the platform, Nia, Malfoy."

"Bye Angelina," Nia said with a trace of humor, for Draco was too busy looking at Ginny's backside to answer. She decided to pat his.

"Oi! I've been violated!" he exclaimed as he covered his butt.

Nia snickered. "I'm sure Ginny appreciates you undressing her with your eyes."

"If this blasted train ride wasn't so short, I would've undressed her with my hands!"

Nia frowned and shuddered. "Ugh. Boys."

"There are no boys before you, love. I am all man."

"And the sad thing is you believe that."

"Don't think I don't remember you doing the same thing to me when we first met," he said with a raised eyebrow.

"I could make the same claim, as I recall."

Draco grinned. "Touché."

Nia linked her arm through his and led them back to their car. "I'm really gonna miss you this summer."

"And I you. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to write you."

"Why not?"

"Do they have post owls in America?"

"Wouldn't know. I never got one there before."

"As it is, I don't want to raise any suspicion with my father."

"But he's in Azkaban or whatever."

"He's a very powerful man. He'll be out soon, if not already."

"No offense to you, Draco, but I hope he doesn't leave."

Draco said nothing. Nia stopped walking and wrapped her arms around his neck. Draco's went around her waist, and he squeezed tightly.

"You're not your father, you know," she whispered in his ear.

Draco chuckled hollowly. "Funny, Ginger said the same thing."

"We already have pet names for her? You're in deeper than I thought."

"Bugger off, Little One."

She laughed and pulled away a bit. "Just think of me as the litter sister you never had."

"Or wanted."

She gasped and hit his shoulder. "Dragon!"

"At least I get a three month reprieve . . ."

Nia linked arm and began walking again. "Be glad, because next year will be a doozy."

END OF PART I

A/N: Well, yeah. This all started as something to do during work when things were slow, and then it blossomed into this 22+ chapter story. Many many MANY thanks goes to my WONDERFUL, MAGNIFICENT, BOMB beta reader Liberty (freelancer--read her stuff here, it's to DIE for) for guiding me and helping me with canon, Britspeak, and just generally letting me know if something works or not. Thanks to my reviewers and people who've taken the time to read this little ole thing. I appreciate the comments SO much; they are most invaluable tools.

Fear not, this is just the end of Part 1; Part II is now up as well. Once again, thank you all! J