The Mudblood and the Dragon

Chapter Eleven

Many months past and not much changed. Hermione's stomach grew larger by the day. Ron and Draco eventually became friends. One day, Hermione even walked in to the dormitory to find Draco giving Ron tips on his goal keeping.

Harry and Draco, however, remained mortal enemies. They had completely avoided each other when Hermione was nearby, but Hermione was sure that when Draco was not with Hermione he teased and mocked him.

Hermione had also avoided Harry, but for very different reasons. She was afraid she would fall in love again. He had been her first love, but she knew that their relationship was over. Nothing could change that.

Hermione only talked to Harry when Ron accompanied her. Luckily, Harry made no effort to talk to Hermione otherwise.

Hermione endured many mocks from the Slytherins when Draco wasn't with her. She tried everything in her power to avoid them, taking different routes to classes, retreating to the bathroom when they were near, and even ducking into other classrooms. Somehow the Slytherins hunted her down.

*~*~*~*~*

Toward the end of April, Hermione was reaching her ninth and final month of pregnancy. She felt like a giant balloon, but that didn't stop her from attending classes and doing normal things that seventh years did.

On April 30^th, there was a Hogsmeade trip scheduled. Hermione was very excited. She planned on buying a few things for the baby.

However, Draco was trying to convince her otherwise. "Hermione, you should be in bed resting. I'll even stay here with you. I don't want you to be overdoing it."

"No. I'm going and that's final," Hermione stated.

They were interrupted when Ron entered their room.

"Sorry, did I interrupt?" he asked.

"Tell Hermione not to go to Hogsmeade," Draco said.

"Why shouldn't she?" Ron asked confusedly.

"SHE'S NINE BLOODY MONTHS PREGNANT!" Draco bellowed.

"So?" Ron said. "She still shouldn't miss out on the fun."

Draco rolled his eyes. "You're supposed to take my side!"

"I've been friends with her longer than I've been friends with you, mate. Sorry," Ron defended himself.

"Anyway, the reason I came was to ask if you two wanted to meet Harry and I at the Three Broomsticks."

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Ron," Draco said nervously.

"Why not?" Ron asked.

"Harry hates me," Draco told him.

"Yes, but I don't and I want you both to come. Please..." Ron begged.

"Well, I hate to see a guy beg, so stand up and we'll go."

*~*~*~*~*

The day of the Hogsmeade trip arrived and Draco and Hermione met Ron and Harry at the Three Broomsticks.

Harry and Ron soon became consumed in a rousing conversation about Quidditch.

"I hope it'll be the Chudley Cannons this year!" Ron commented.

"Ron? Are you still supporting them?" Draco asked. "They're the worst in the league!"

"At least I don't support a team that just tried to kill people," Ron came back. "Draco supports the Falmouth Falcons," Ron whispered to Harry.

"At least they win," Harry said.

Hermione smiled. Harry and Draco are actually getting along. Can this be real?

Suddenly, Hermione heard screams from outside. She got up and walked toward the door. She cracked the door open, just the slightest bit.

She couldn't believe her eyes. The road was filled with Death Eaters, and behind them stood Voldemort, cursing everyone in the street.

Hermione turned to yell to Harry, but before she could she was knocked onto her back by a very strong disarming spell.

Harry, Ron, and Draco turned and rushed toward her, but before they reached her, the door to the pub swung open.

Voldemort and his Death Eaters stood in the doorway.

"Harry Potter," Voldemort said in his high pitch voice.

"Voldemort," Harry said, at almost a whisper.

Hermione made to get up, but she found it very difficult with all of her extra weight.

"Famous Harry Potter. How would you like to die? Like a man? Fighting like a real man? Or after bowing down to me?"

"I won't die either way. How do you know it really is me you are supposed to kill for this prophecy to come true?" Harry said, playing with Voldemort's mind. "There's one other who fits the prophecy."

"You lie," Voldemort said. "Dumbledore told you that you were the boy in Sybil Trelawney's stupid prophecy. He told you this after I nearly beat you in the Department of Mysteries. Or have you forgotten?"

Harry gulped. Hermione finally managed to get to her feet. She stood right behind Voldemort and his followers. She pulled her wand out of her pocket and held it at the ready position. She wasn't sure what she was going to do, but knew she had to do something.

Voldemort immediately turned around and yelled, "Crucio!"

Hermione screamed with pain. She felt as though she was going to die. She could hear nothing except her own screaming. Just let me die! I can't take the pain! Suddenly the pain stopped and Hermione found herself lying on the floor.

Voldemort's wand was lying on the floor next to her. Obviously, someone had disarmed him. Hermione grabbed the wand before Voldemort could and aimed it at him.

He did not look nervous or scared. He merely laughed at Hermione. Hermione was a bit confused. He can't do anything. I have his wand. He is going to die, and he is laughing.

"Silly girl. You think you can kill the greatest sorcerer in the world?" he laughed.

"No, but Harry can."

Harry had stepped forward and had his wand at the ready. Voldemort laughed again, "Trying to be noble again, Potter? Would you like to duel again? This could be quite easy, if your friend here would just give me my wand, we could have a nice duel."

Harry didn't make a move. He stood in silence.

"Or would you rather die on your knees, begging for forgiveness?"

"Stupefy!" Draco yelled, pointing his wand at Voldemort.

Voldemort quickly reacted and ducked. The curse hit the wall behind him, just missing Hermione. Hermione screamed as the curse hit the wall and blew a large whole in it.

"Another Malfoy," Voldemort said. "Your father bowed down to me quite often. A good man, not very strong though. Couldn't handle a few dementors."

Draco looked as though he had been stunned. He stayed very quiet and his eyes were glazed over, filled with tears.

"You, bastard!" Hermione yelled. "Avada Kedavra!"

A flash of green light erupted from her wand and zoomed toward Voldemort. Again, he ducked and hit a wall. The wall burst into flame. Voldemort glared at her. "Silly girl, still trying to kill the greatest sorcerer in the world?"

"Accio Wand!" Voldemort called.

The wand in Hermione's hands slipped from her grip and into Voldemort's open hand.

"Crucio!" Voldemort yelled, again, and waved his wand at Hermione. Hermione screamed again. She couldn't hear anything except her own thoughts running through her mind. I want to die! I want this to all be over! Why didn't I just listen to Draco and not come?

Hermione couldn't even hear her thoughts anymore. All she could hear was her screaming. Her horrible ear-piercing scream was filling the room.

The next thing Hermione knew, her world went black. Nothing made sense. She was skinny again, walking toward a bright light. I'm dead; I'm walking to heaven. Hermione tried to turn around, but for some reason she continued walking. Her feet couldn't stop, no matter how hard she tried.

A man was standing in front of a golden gate. He said something, but Hermione couldn't hear what. All she could hear was someone shouting her name.

*~*~*~*~*

Hermione opened her eyes. Hermione recognized the room. She was at St. Mungo's. There was a mediwitch standing over her, calling her name.

"Oh dear, you're alright. Just stay still," the mediwitch told her.

Hermione glanced around. Draco smiled at her from the chair next to her bed. In his arms were a bundle of blankets.

Hermione rearranged herself, trying to see what was inside the blanket.

"What happened?" Hermione asked the mediwitch.

"You fainted. We nearly lost you," the mediwitch told her. "You were in critical condition when you went into labor while you were unconscious."

"What?" Hermione asked, looking at her stomach. It was small, no longer huge like it had been in the Three Broomsticks.

Draco then added, "It's a boy," handing the baby to his mother.

Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but realized she didn't know what to say.

Hermione looked down at the baby, cradled in her arms. He looked just like...

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked.

Draco sighed and bowed his head. Hermione's heart pounded hard in her chest.

"No," she whispered.

Draco merely nodded.

"No. No. NO!" Hermione screamed.

Draco grabbed her hand that was now shaking furiously.

The mediwitch dashed over and took the baby away, knowing that Draco and Hermione needed to talk.

Hermione wanted to cry, she wanted to look as though she cared, but her grief was past crying, it was past words.

"He defeated the Dark Lord. He was so happy, but the Death Eaters... they were furious. They couldn't handle it," Draco told her, bowing his head once again.

Hermione's lip trembled. "What about R-Ron? Is he ok-kay?

Draco nodded. "He'll be by later. We're taking shifts, staying with you."

*~*~*~*~*

At around noon, Ron stepped inside the room. He immediately noticed Hermione was awake and stopped. His face dropped. He looked as though he had just been smacked across the face.

He walked across the room to her bedside and gave her a hug. Hermione said nothing. She felt nothing. She felt absolutely empty. Surely death is better than this.

*~*~*~*~*

One week later, the funeral was held. It was at Hogwarts, it was how Harry would have wanted it. Hogwarts was Harry's true home. The whole school was required to attend.

Hermione stopped by the Gryffindor Tower about an hour before the funeral, carrying her baby. She found Mrs. Weasley and asked her, "Could you look after the baby for me? I want to have a bit of alone time."

"Of course, dear," she answered. "Oh, he's beautiful," she commented.

Hermione smiled. She had picked out an adorable outfit. It was dark blue, with golden snitches printed all over.

"Harry would have loved it," Mrs. Weasley told her.

Hermione merely nodded, not knowing what to say.

"Hermione, dear, what is his name?"

"Oh," Hermione said, remembering that she hadn't even thought of a name, all she thought about was Harry. And then it hit her. "Harry," she told her.

Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded, "It's perfect."

*~*~*~*~*

Hermione entered the Great Hall. It no longer had five tables; it now held rows of chairs. Hermione walked to the front. In the very front of the Great Hall, where the teachers usually sat, there was a large wooden coffin.

Hermione's breath quickened. She knew what was in there, and she knew that she didn't want to see it.

The ceremony didn't start for another hour, but Hermione knew she needed to be alone. She didn't want to be with Draco or Ron or Ginny. She wanted to grieve alone. It seemed very peaceful in the Great Hall. It was no longer filled with noisy children. It was perfect silence.

Hermione walked to the front where seats were reserved for friends and family. Hermione walked along the row of chairs, looking for the one with her name.

Halfway down the row, she found it.

Hermione Granger

Family

Her and Ron had requested to be known as Harry's family. They both knew that the Dursleys wouldn't be attending the funeral and felt it best for Harry to feel he had some family at his funeral.

Hermione looked at the chairs on either side of her. On one side, was Ron's seat, next to him was his entire family, and on the other was Draco's. She quickly looked at what it said below his name.

Mortal Enemy

It must have been Draco's idea. Harry would definitely agree to that.

On her chair, laid one single white rose. Hermione gasped. The only person who had ever given her a white rose was Harry. On every date they went on, Harry had greeted her with one. Could this be a sign? No. Ginny must have told Draco or Ron.

Hermione picked it up and sniffed the rose. It seemed right to keep it; after all, it had been on her seat.

Hermione sat down and stared at the ceiling of the Great Hall. The way the sun shone through the clouds made it look as though heaven was right there, close enough to touch.

*~*~*~*~*

People started entering the Great Hall at around four. Hermione sat quietly as soft whispers filled the hall. Many people came up to her expressing their great sorrow.

Draco sat down next to Hermione and kissed her on the forehead. "Where's the baby?"

"Harry is with Mrs. Weasley," she answered.

"Perfect name."

Ron, followed by the rest of his family, entered the Great Hall. Hermione stood up and hugged Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Mrs. Weasley, carrying baby Harry, and Mr. Weasley. The only one not there was Percy. Percy didn't even seem like part of the Weasley family anymore. He was never mentioned since the row his parents had with him two years ago.

Everyone took his or her seat as Dumbledore walked up to a podium in front of the coffin.

"We are here, today, to honor the death of a great young man," he started. "Harry Potter has touched all of our lives in some way or another. Some knew him as a friend, others knew him for his accomplishments, even if they did not believe they were true."

Hermione glared across the hall at some of the Slytherins, but they didn't seem happy about his death, as she had thought they would. Some of them even looked sad.

"As a baby, Harry was extraordinary. He managed to escape death from Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore said. Several gasps came from the audience, but other than that, the Great Hall was silent.

"But, the question some of you may be asking is not how, but why? Why did Lord Voldemort try to kill Harry? This is a question that Harry, himself asked me after his first year battle. I did not tell him then though. I believe I should have, but I thought he was too young to handle it."

Dumbledore paused, as though considering his words. "In Harry's fifth year, after he faced Lord Voldemort in the Department of Mysteries, I finally told him that it was because of a prophecy made before he was born. The prophecy said that a baby born at the end of July, whose parents had defied Lord Voldemort three times would have the power to kill him.

"Harry knew what he had to do. He risked his life in doing so, and saved the wizarding world. Every year Harry spent here was anything but normal. His friends can tell you how much time he spent in the hospital wing."

Hermione and Ron laughed. It was true; he went there for some reason every year.

"I feel that death is not as bad as everyone may think. I believe death is the next great adventure. I told Harry this in his first year. Harry will be greatly missed, I am sure, but he will forever be in our hearts.

"I would now like to open the podium for anyone who would like to say something in honor of Harry," Dumbledore said as he backed away.

Hermione instantly froze. She had a speech planned, but she wasn't ready. Let someone else go, Please.

Next to her, Ron got to his feet and walked up to the podium.

"Harry was my best friend. I stood by him when he died, and I still can't believe it," Ron said, looking down at his feet.

"Harry taught me so many things. He taught me how to be loyal to my friends, how to stand up to people," Ron said, looking up to Draco. "And he taught me a great deal about Quidditch."

A few in the crowd chuckled.

"And even though he's not here anymore, he'll always be with me when I'm doing something I shouldn't be or when I'm playing Quidditch."

Ron stepped down from the podium to let other say their share.

Next to her, Draco was standing up. What can Draco say? They were worst enemies!

"Harry and I were the worst of enemies. We spent all of our spare time thinking of ways to get back at each other for something the other one did, but this year was different; this year there was a bond between us. Because of Hermione and Ron, Harry and I were forced to talk. We found out that we really could get along. I just wish we could have had more time to make a real friendship," Draco said.

"Like Ron, I was there when Harry killed the Dark Lord. Harry was so happy. The happiness hadn't even died from his face when the Death Eaters killed him. One day, I know, Harry and I will meet again, and we will be able to talk and begin to understand each other."

Draco stepped down off of the podium and sat down next to Hermione. "That was beautiful," she whispered to him.

Oliver Wood got up onto the podium and praised Harry for his Quidditch ability.

"Draco, could you hold this?" Hermione asked handing him the rose.

"Sure," he said as Hermione rummaged through her purse to find her cue cards. She had written down what she was going to say because she knew once she got up there, she would forget everything she had thought of.

"Where did you get this?" Draco asked.

Hermione looked up from her purse. "Wait, you didn't leave it?"

"No," Draco said, handing the rose back to her.

Hermione's mind raced. Had it really been Harry? But it couldn't. He's dead.

Oliver Wood sat down and Hermione froze. Dumbledore stood up. "Anyone else?" he asked.

Hermione snapped back to reality and stood up shaking. She walked up to the podium.

She unfolded the notes, but then set them down on the podium. I don't need them. I'm going to do this from my heart.

"I had a speech planned. I had it all written down, but I don't think it is appropriate. I think I need to say something from my heart. Harry was my best friend. He still is. He's the father of my child, and I just wish he could have seen him. Harry taught me about love. He was my first love. There will always be a sacred bond between us," Hermione said, tears welling in her eyes.

"I came down here early, before the ceremony. I found a single white rose on my chair. The only one who ever gave me a rose was Harry. Before every date, he would greet me, holding one in his hand," Hermione said, wiping the tears on her sleeve.

"When I told Harry I was pregnant, he was furious. He never told me he was sorry for getting mad, and even though this may be foolish, I think this was a sign from him, saying he was sorry for getting mad, and telling me that he loves me."

Hermione buried her face in her hands. This was the first time she had cried since Harry died. Draco rushed up to the podium and grabbed Hermione's arm. She pulled her arm out of his grip.

"I'm sure there were many things in my planned speech, that I haven't said, but there is only one thing I'd like to say before I finish. I'm sure that you are all aware that I had a baby boy about a week ago. I have decided to name him Harry, in honor of his father," Hermione bowed her head and walked back to her seat with Draco's arm around her waist.

"Thank you, everyone, for sharing your memories of Harry with us," Dumbledore said. There seemed to be tears in his eyes, but Hermione didn't point it out.

*~*~*~*~*

The day of graduation came. Hermione and Draco were both dressed in their gold robes, since they were Head Boy and Girl.

They met Ron in the entry hall, wearing his silver robe and walked into the Great Hall where they were told to sit. In tradition, they were to be seated in alphabetical order. However, Dumbledore allowed them to sit where they wanted, considering the past events.

Hermione sat between Ron and Draco. Dumbledore made a short speech then, Professor McGonagall started calling the students up, in order of their seats. Hermione shook nervously because she had to make a speech. Draco also had to make a speech, but he didn't seem nervous at all.

"Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, and Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall called. Hermione looked at Ron confusedly. Ron shrugged and walked up to the podium silently.

"Harry Potter's diploma will be presented to Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry's b-best f-friends," Professor McGonagall said. She looked as though she were on the verge of tears.

Hermione stopped halfway up the stairs to the stage. Ron, who was in front of her seemed to have sensed her stopping, and grabbed her hand. Hermione followed Ron onto the stage, shook McGonagall's hand and took her diploma. She then handed Hermione and Ron Harry's diploma. Hermione felt tears stinging at her eyes.

She walked across the stage and pulled her tassel to the other side of her cap.

They retook their seats as McGonagall finished reading the students' names.

When McGonagall finished, Hermione and Draco walked up to the stage and stood in front of the podium. Draco read his speech first. It was beautiful. He talked about changes and how once he had imagined himself as a Death Eater, but now he didn't.

Draco backed away from the podium, letting Hermione forward.

"The past seven years of school here have been full of changes. I, myself, never could have imagined myself standing here next to Draco, without making rude motions at each other," Hermione said. There were a few laughs from the audience.

"I never thought I would have become a mother at the age of seventeen. I never would have thought I'd lose a friend and receive his diploma," she said looking at Ron, in the audience.

"This year, alone, has been filled with many changes for the entire wizarding world. The most terrible wizard of all time has been killed, and so has the Boy Who Lived."

Tears welled in Hermione's eyes, once again. "Anyway, I wish you all luck in the future and hope that you all are successful in your years to come."

Hermione dashed off the stage, not wanting everyone to see her cry. Draco followed after her. Hermione sat down next to Ron and buried her face in her hands. The bit of make-up that she had put on before the ceremony had now worn off, into her hands.

Ron put his arm around Hermione and pulled her into a hug. Dumbledore was talking, but Hermione wasn't listening. Everyone stood up and threw their hats in the air, except for Hermione, Ron, and Draco.

*~*~*~*~*

The next day was their last day at Hogwarts. There were no classes. It was a chance for students to pack and say good-bye.

Hermione, Ron, and Draco found a nice spot under a tree near the lake. They were all talking about what they planned on doing when they got home. "I reckon I'll see the Chudley Cannons' coach. I'd really like to play with them," Ron told them.

"You'd fit in on their team," Draco teased him.

"What about you, Draco? What are you going to do?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know. I think I'd like to teach."

Hermione and Ron looked at Draco, shocked by his sudden interest in teaching.

"Well, I sooner or later they'll need a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and I think I could do it."

Hermione smiled. "You did do a pretty nice stunning spell in the Three Broomsticks."

That was the first time she had mentioned what had happened the day Harry died.

Changing the subject, Ron asked, "What are you going to do, Hermione?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "I think I'm going to wait a little bit before getting held down with a job. I have a baby to take care of."

"Owl us if you need any help," Draco told her. She nodded and turned out to the lake. Something told her that she needed to go on a walk.

"Guys, I'm gonna go on a walk. I'll be back later."

"Okay," Draco and Ron said.

Hermione walked around the lake, along the bank. Halfway around the lake, Hermione heard a noise in the forest. She knew it probably wasn't safe, what with Grawp and the centaurs running around, but she walked, cautiously, into the forest.

"Hermione..." a voice called through the forest. I recognize that voice, but no, it couldn't.

Hermione walked forward. Through the trees, Hermione saw, what looked like a boy standing in the middle of a clearing.

Hermione drew nearer. The boy turned to face her. Jiminy Crickets!

Hermione ran forward, toward the boy. She had to know if it was really him.

"Harry!" Hermione yelled as she reached the clearing.

"Hermione," Harry said. "I hoped you'd find me here."

"But Harry, they told me you were dead. You're not a ghost, are you?" Hermione asked, and then answered her own question. "No, you look solid."

"I'm not a ghost, but I'm not real either," he told her. "I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and our son. I'll always be there when you need me; all you have to do is call my name.

"Hermione, I also wanted to let you know that everything I own, you can split with Ron. You two deserve it; you were the best friends I could ever have had. The key to my vault at Gringotts is inside a mustard colored sock in my trunk, I want you to have my money, all of it."

Harry quickly kissed Hermione on the cheek and was gone.