When the Stars Fall

SIX: Hedwig's Visit

Time seemed to fly by. Harry's birthday came and went and Hermione sent him a cake and a thick book on animagi, a particular interest that she felt was unhealthy to Harry, because she could imagine him following in his father's footsteps, becoming an animagus and forgetting to register with the Ministry of Magic. Still she didn't get any letters from Harry or Ron. She grew worried, but kept her fears to herself. She doubted that Draco cared to hear about her friends, since Harry and Ron violently disliked Draco, and of course Draco returned the sentiment.

Draco always seemed to keep her busy. They worked on homework together; Draco gave her some pointers on using sarcasm in her potions essay. He said Snape was a sucker for sarcasm when applied properly. She clarified some questions he had on his transfiguration essay and they finished all of their homework within a week. He also liked going to the muggle shops, and became particular fond of examining electronic games. He became fascinated by computers and resolved to buy a laptop eventually.

She saw the real Draco and he never ceased to amaze her. They grew closer with each passing day, learning how to read each other. Then it happened, one morning Hermione woke to the sound of Draco's voice, but he was still asleep beside her. She looked down at him, and then heard his voice again, it was clear in her mind, but his mouth hadn't opened. Her mouth went dry as she recalled something she'd read in Matronly Marriages of Magical Mirth about the Lunari Ceremony, her marriage ceremony. Their souls could become linked, the book had warned, and she suddenly knew what that meant. She and Draco were linked telepathically.

She shook him awake. He growled about her waking him up, but when he saw the look on her face he sat up and looked at her. He stretched and then asked, "What's wrong?"

"I could hear your thoughts. You were thinking of Harry and me together in the Gryffindor common room and you were jealous. Then you were wondering how to keep our marriage a secret," she said.

"Funny, I was also dreaming of Potter and Weasley attacking me on the Hogwarts' Express, you were yelling at them to leave me alone. Don't know where that dream came from, and Crabbe and Goyle were nowhere in sight..." he said and then realized what she had just told him.

"I had that same dream. I was actually preparing to immobilize them because they obviously weren't listening to me. I think, when we did the binding ceremony we linked our souls. We can communicate with out thoughts. We can even share dreams. This is a very rare occurrence in the ceremony. According to the Matronly Marriages of Magical Mirth, it's not often that the Lunari Ceremony results in thought transference between the binding couple. I suppose we're one of those rare exceptions," Hermione's voice took on its usual bookish air, but Draco detected fear.

A wicked smile played across his lips. "Think of how useful this will be in Snape and McGonagall's classes! We can talk without actually speaking. So no one would have to suspect anything."

"I suppose you're right, but you don't know Harry and Ron. They will know something has changed with me. Maybe we should tell them. I could write to them." Her voice trembled at the thought of what her friends would say about the situation.

"Then that dream will come true the moment I step on the train. Are you mad? They would kill me! First they would ask if I forced myself upon you and if that union resulted in a child, and before they got an answer you would be a widow!"

Anger sparked in Hermione's toffee colored eyes. "How dare you! Harry and Ron would hear me out before pouncing on you. Well, maybe not Ron, but Harry would hold him back and listen to what I had to say. Mind you, any smart remarks on your part might result in injury, but if kept your mouth shut..."

"What? Now you're insulting me when you know your friends would only be satisfied with my blood on their hands? Some wife you are. I thought you got in this to protect me!"

"Keep this up and I'll be what you need protection from! They are my friends. Unlike some people, they will listen to reason!" she yelled.

"Like Weasley would be rational when it came to you! I've seen him and how he looks at you! He would love to get his hands on me if he knew!" Draco growled back.

Hermione made a strange noise that sounded like a shriek mixed with a guttural growl, then she turned on her heel, and walked downstairs. She had to get out of her room and away from him before she did something she would regret later.

Draco ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He hadn't meant what he said, not all of it at least. He was certain about what Potter and Weasley would do once they found out about the marriage. He knew he was in for a curse or a brawl. He looked down at his left palm and saw the crescent scar. He brought his palm up to his mouth and brushed his lips across the scar. That was the first real argument he and Hermione had gotten into since their marriage.

"Oh, bullocks! Had to go and get attached to someone like her. I had to have been out of my head!" he yelled to no one in particular, and then jumped when he heard the tapping at the window.

He turned and saw a snowy owl at the door. Something about the owl was familiar. He went to the window, pulled it open, and let the owl come in. The owl looked at him skeptically, as if trying to read him. Draco raised an eyebrow at the owl and then shouted downstairs to Hermione to tell her about their feathery visitor. Hermione rushed back up the stairs and burst into the room.

Her eyes widened in delight as she said, "Hedwig! So, Harry's sent a letter?"

Draco looked at the owl and reached for the letter that was tied to the owl's foot, but the bird nipped him. Draco snatched back his hand and glared at the bird and then turned to Hermione. "Are you going to get the letter or wait until the bird has taken off my finger?"

"Honestly! She doesn't trust you Draco. Owls are highly intelligent creatures and she knows about your animosity towards Harry. I couldn't blame her in the least," she said and then untied the letter and opened it:

Hermione,

I hope your summer holiday has been well. It has been too long. I'm sorry I haven't written you. The Dursleys had my window boarded up shortly after I received your presents. By the way, thank you for the cake and the book. When Pig returned to Ron after he'd tried to send me a letter (I think it was the third one that was returned to him), he got worried and told his dad. Well, as you can imagine, Mr. Weasley paid the Dursleys' a visit and now I'm back at the Weasleys. It's wonderful, as always.

I think Mrs. Weasley is trying to fatten me up. Oh, but about Mr. Weasley's visit. Somehow when he used flu powder to get here he ended up coming out of the oven. Aunt Petunia was making a roast. There was an awful lot of noise downstairs. I don't think Uncle Vernon will ever touch a roast again. Mr. Weasley was not in the least happy about having to exit through the oven. It was interesting stuffing my trunk and Hedwig's cage into the oven. I hope I never had to travel by oven again. It was rather hot.

At any rate I'm doing much better and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Diagon Alley. We are going on Sunday. We're hoping to avoid the Malfoys. See you at Flourish and Blotts. I can't wait to catch up and hear all about your summer. I'm sure it was better than mine. It had to be. Thank Merlin for Mr. Weasley coming to get me!

Until Sunday,

Harry

Hermione's hand shook as she read over the line, 'We're hoping to avoid the Malfoys.' She was a Malfoy. Tears began to build behind her eyes. She sat down, her head hung low, the letter clutched in her hand, as she took deep breaths and tried to hold the tears in. Draco knelt down so that he was at her level. He could sense that something was a miss. He looked down at the letter in her grasp and asked to read it.

She let go of the letter as he took it from her and read it. She noted his anger when came across the line. He looked up at her and shook his head. Then he sat down beside her, holding in his own anger and pulled her close against him. He put his arms around her and tried to comfort her.

"He's your friend. He wouldn't want to avoid you. I'm the one he doesn't want to see. I don't know how we'll get through Diagon Alley. Your parents can't possibly afford two sets of books, and I'm certain that my father has cut out my private account. I assume that my school expenses have been paid. My father is probably hoping that I return to school so that he can find me. I have to go back though, don't I?" Draco's voice had a fierce edge to it.

"Tomorrow is Sunday. My parents are taking us tomorrow, and have you forgotten that my parents are dentists? I'm sure they can manage the cost, and you can always repay them. Oh, and Monday is September first. We'll be going to Hogwarts then. How did time go by so quickly? How can we keep this a secret if my parents are taking us to Diagon Alley?" she asked.

He sighed. "We'll find a way. I suppose you can go in first and then I'll follow after a few minutes. Our biggest worry should be running into my father. Um, shouldn't you send the owl on her way? I'm sure Potter will want her as soon as possible."

Hermione nodded and then looked at Hedwig and said, "Go to Harry."

The owl ruffled its feathers, gave a hoot, and then flew out of the window, headed for Harry. Hermione's gaze stayed on the owl until it disappeared. She swallowed thickly and wondered how long she would be able to keep her secret from Harry and Ron. She would have to tell them before they found out themselves or they would kill Draco. She looked up at him and shook her head. Draco underestimated Harry's keen sense of observation.

That night dinner was eventful. There was talk mostly about the textbooks that Hermione would need. Mr. Granger offered to pay for Draco's things. Draco's head had snapped up in astonishment. His father in law was willing to buy his books and the things he would need for school. He looked at Hermione, wondering if she'd mentioned anything to her father. She just shrugged. They discussed the books needed and then Hermione brought up Harry's letter. Telling her parents that she was supposed to meet Harry and Ron at Flourish and Blotts'.

Her parents exchanged a look and then asked if Harry and Ron knew anything about the marriage. Hermione shook her head and then mentioned how she and Draco wanted to keep it a secret. Her parents seemed to have mixed feelings at the news. There was a long discussion over that, until Draco finally cut in and said if it was necessary he would tell "Scar head" and "Weasel" if he had to, which seemed to settle the matter.

Hermione thought she'd be up all night with worry, but when her head hit the pillow sleep took her immediately. Draco was the one with the trouble sleeping. He held Hermione in his arms for a long time before he fell asleep. He wondered how tomorrow was going to turn out. He would be facing Potter and Weasley, and he didn't even want to think of the possibility of his father being there.

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They arrived at the Leaky Caldron within an hour. Hermione and Draco wore robes as they both entered the Leaky Caldron, Hermione's parents trailing behind them. Hermione's father secured a room for Hermione and Draco; the Granger's weren't going to stay the night in the Leaky Caldron. As soon as they had their daughter and son-in-law settled they were going home. Besides Hermione would be with Harry, Ron, and Draco.

A few minutes later Hermione was in Diagon Alley. Draco waited in the Leaky Caldron for ten minutes and then went into Diagon Alley and headed towards Gringotts' where he was to get the money he needed for his textbooks. Mr. Granger was going to leave the money with one of the goblins and then the goblin would get Draco and give him the money. That was the plan.

Draco walked up the stairs to Gringotts' and when he walked in, he was met by an official looking goblin. The goblin looked to be in a foul mood, but he looked Draco over and said, "Yes, you're the boy. You're to be taken to your vault immediately. We were told you would be coming in today at the very latest."

With that Draco was being ushered towards the vaults. He got in the cart with a goblin and was soon zooming through the tunnel at break neck speed. After a while the cart came to an abrupt stop and the goblin was out and opening a vault. As soon as the vault opened Draco's mouth fell open. The vault was filled with Galleons and Sickles. The goblin then held out a black leather bag, Draco took it and noticed it was already heavy with money. The goblin looked at the boy and said, "A muggle told me to give you that. Funny, because you already have a fortune, newly acquired too, this account was opened over the summer, and under your name."

"Do you know who opened the account?" Draco asked.

The goblin looked at him with a smirk. "It was not your father. He closed the account in your name a couple of months ago. So much money to be transferred, it took six carts to take it all. Your new vault though, its far more impressive than the account your father had for you. It took twelve carts to carry all of the money. This vault was opened for you only last week. Your benefactor said quite specifically that you not be told who he was, only that he is a friend."

Draco looked skeptically at the goblin and knew that the goblin wouldn't tell him anything else. He entered the vault and filled the leather bag with as many galleons and sickles as it could hold. He had a small fortune in the bag. Once he was satisfied that the bag was filled to capacity he went back to the cart while the goblin sealed his vault. Within a few minutes he was walking out of Gringotts' and toward Flourish and Blotts'. He was still stunned at his newly acquired fortune. He couldn't imagine who would have given him so much money, but he wasn't going to question it.

Before he walked into the bookstore he looked in through the window and saw Hermione talking and laughing with Weasley and Potter. She looked up and her toffee gaze met with his blue gaze and locked for a moment.

Suddenly he heard her voice in his head. It's all right to come in. Did you get the money my father left for you?

He shook his head and she looked at him, trying to figure out what he meant when he answered her. I got the money your father left me. I have to go check something out for a moment. I'll be in Flourish and Blotts' in a moment. You haven't told them, have you?

"No, I haven't," she answered, before she realized she'd spoken aloud.

Harry and Ron looked at her strangely and Ron asked, "You haven't what?"

"Nothing," she blushed and then shot Draco a look.

He grinned as he headed toward Ava's Admirable Amulets. He walked in and saw the glass cases cluttered with various amulets, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. A woman apparated behind the counter and asked if she could help him.

"Perhaps. I'm looking for a gift. I've never really bought something for someone else, and I'm not sure of what to get," he said.

She smiled and nodded. "I see. You're looking for something special. Let me guess, something for a girl?"

"Yes, that's correct."

She asked to see his hands and he looked at her oddly. Then he held out his hands palms down. She turned his hands over and saw the mark on his left hand. Her eyes widened as she looked at the mark. He quickly snatched his hand back and looked at the woman.

"That's the mark of the Lunari Ceremony. You look a little young for so serious a marriage vow. I think I know what you are looking for. I have something perfect for the occasion." She disapparated and then returned a few moments later holding a medium sized jewelry box.

She handed him the box and he opened it. Inside was a matching set of silver rings. The bands were carved in an intricate Celtic design of woven knots and the rings were set with a round polished red orange stone. One ring was meant for a man, the other for a woman.

He looked at the rings and then back up at the clerk, his eyebrow raised questioningly. She smiled and then spoke. "The rings are set with Wish Stones, its carnelian; they ensure health, long life, and good fortune. It also brings joy and protects its wearer, as well as provide energy, although I'm sure you're quite energetic on your own."

"I was actually looking for a pendant," he said.

"These rings were meant for you. I have a feel for these things. As for the pendant you came for. Your bride, she is a woman of virtue and humanity. Yes, I know what you seek," the woman said and then disapparated again.

When she reappeared behind the counter she held a small white velvet bag. Draco looked at the bag wondering what was inside. The woman opened the bag and dumped the contents into her hand. A smooth oblong shaped translucent milky stone with a bluish-gray tint to it; the stone was attached to a delicately woven silver chain. He looked at the stone and his breath caught. It was perfect.

The woman put the stone back into the white velvet bag and pulled the drawstrings closed. "It's a moonstone. It will reflect her feelings and open her up to dreams. It will also deepen her humanity, and bring hope to the darkest of moments."

"It's perfect. I'll take it."

"Very well, that will be thirty Galleons," she said.

He gave her the money and took the bag. He left the box with the rings on the counter. He was walking out when she called out to him.

"You've left your rings."

"I thought I only paid for the pendant," he answered.

She nodded. "Yes. You only paid for the pendant, but these rings were meant for you. Therefore they are my wedding gift to you. Treat her well. She has become the other half of your soul."

He gave the woman a strange look, but took the rings, and then headed toward Flourish and Blotts' where he bought his textbooks. He noticed that Hermione, Potter, and Weasley were still in the bookstore. He tried to make eye contact with Hermione, but noticed that Potter was watching him. It was always Potter being the nosy sort. Draco scowled and then paid for his books at the counter. He headed toward Hermione and her friends and looked them all up and down.

"Potter, Weasley, have a good summer?" he asked.

Ron looked at Draco suspiciously. "Why would it matter to you? Aren't you going to say something clever about us or are you waiting on us to provide you with an insult?"

"So you do have a brain. I'm quite astonished. I just thought a friendly word between acquaintances would be a nice gesture. I can see that I was mistaken," he answered.

"Malfoy, what are you getting at? Go bother someone else," Harry said.

"Yeah, Bugger off!" Ron added.

Draco smirked. "Very well. I'll leave you to your discussion, although talking to Weasley would hardly provide for a stimulating conversation."

Ron almost hit him, but Hermione sent him a look and shook her head fiercely, enough so that Ron backed down as Malfoy went to the counter to gather his books. Harry watched Malfoy, trying to figure out what was going on; then he looked at Hermione, noticing how she was looking at Malfoy.

"Hermione, are you okay?" he asked.

She shook herself and then looked at her friend. "Yes, of course. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, it's just that he didn't say anything to you. He always seems to have something to say to you, but this time all he did was give you this strange look," Harry answered.

"He wouldn't have looked at her like that if I'd decked him," Ron piped up.

"You can't hit him," Hermione said, emotion flooding her voice.

Ron looked over at her. "And why not?"

Harry's green eyes met her toffee gaze as he tried to read her. He could tell that something was different. She was different and so was Malfoy. She knew that Harry was trying to figure out what was wrong. She looked toward Ron and then spoke.

"Do you really want to start our sixth year off in Snape's bad graces? You know Draco...Malfoy is his favorite."

She looked at Harry, and she knew he'd caught her little slip up. She would have to tell them before Harry figured it out, or worse yet, before Ron figured it out. She still needed time to think of a way to tell them. She didn't know how they would take it.

"You called him Draco. Are you feeling all right?" Ron asked.

She sighed. "Don't be absurd. I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired. I was up all night rereading A History of Alchemy in the Dark Arts. We really can't give Snape a reason for taking points from Gryffindor on the first day."

"You are too devoted for your own good. How can you stand reading so much? Don't you ever get tired? Don't the words ever get blurry to you?" Ron asked.

Hermione smiled at him. "It's only blurry between the lines, Ron. Reading the words is the easy part. Reading between the lines is more difficult. Life is comprised of reading between the lines."

The rest of the day Hermione spent with Ron and Harry, wondering how she could break it to them without giving Ron probable cause to break Draco's face. They ended up eating ice cream and walking through the various shops that made up Diagon Alley. They finally returned to the Leaky Caldron when it was well after dark. They parted ways in the hall and Hermione went to her room. She carried a bag with her textbooks, parchment, quills, and ink. She put the bag down and then took a seat in the only chair in the room. She noticed a light on in the bathroom.

A few minutes later the light was turned off and Draco walked out of the bathroom. He was wearing a pair of black boxers and nothing else. He sauntered over to her chair and then leaned over her and took something off of the bedside table. It was a white velvet drawstring bag. He pulled it opened and then turned it over. A bluish-gray stone attached to an intricately woven silver chain fell into his hand. She looked at the pendant and recognized the stone immediately. It was a moonstone.

She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. "It's beautiful, but where did you get the money?"

"A funny thing happened in Gringotts'..." he began and then told her everything as he fastened the necklace around her neck.

He was leaning back on the bed by the time he finished telling her about the vault and Ava's Admirable Amulets. She'd asked to see the rings and he'd shown them to her. She loved the rings, but she closed the box and gave them back to him. She knew they couldn't wear them until they announced their marriage, and that would be a long time in coming.

"So, you're rich again?" Hermione asked.

Draco nodded. "I only wish I knew who my benefactor was, but I'll accept the money regardless. We do need it after all."

"I don't know. It's an awful lot of money. It could be from anyone, even your father," she said.

"No, my father had my vault closed. He wouldn't have had it reopened and the furnished me with so large a sum. The goblin said the benefactor was a friend, maybe we should trust this stranger as such," he replied.

"Very well, but it seems odd. Who would have known that you had nothing?"

Draco shrugged. "I don't know. Let's forget about this for tonight. This is our last night together for a long time. I don't know how I'll sleep without you. Let's just go to bed and see what tomorrow brings. We've gotten this far haven't we?"

"Bed sounds wonderful," she said.

With that she got out of her chair, headed toward the bed, and then leaned down to kiss him. He caught her around the waist and in a matter of seconds he was above her. She looked up at him, noticed how his eyes had grown dark, almost black. She blinked and they were a dark smoldering blue again. He leaned down and caught her lips with his fiercely. She returned the kiss with the same passion. The night grew old around them, but that didn't seem to matter. Eventually they fell asleep in each other's arms, to await the morning when they would board the train at platform nine and three quarters.