Poison

It was nighttime and I was, as usual, in the library. But I wasn't alone. I was with Draco Malfoy. Contrary to public opinion, we didn't spend most of our time bickering or fighting. We sometimes spent it kissing, studying or just being together. Our relationship was no secret- the whole school, my family and even Draco's family knew. I just wasn't sure if they approved, but they didn't say anything.

Right now, I was sitting on a couch. (The library had couches now that I was Head Girl. They were just more comfortable for studying.) I was curled up with a book I needed for my Advanced Arithmancy. Draco was lying on the couch using my legs as his pillow. He wasn't reading anything, he was just looking at me. It was one of his favorite positions.

His other position would be to lay his head on my shoulder and sleep. He often did that when he was tired, and that was more often than not. He was kept busy with his studies, Head Boy duties and his Quidditch team.

Right now he was still staring at me, and I must admit it was a little unnerving.

"What?"

Draco looked startled. "What do you mean 'what'?"

"Why do you keep staring at me?"

He chuckled. "It's nothing."

"No, come on. What is it?"

"I was just thinking about how you remind me of a unicorn," he said, then flushed.

"Why?"

"Well," Draco stalled for time. He seemed encouraged by my interest and by the fact that I was taking him seriously. "For one thing you're so brainy that I wouldn't be surprised if you sprout a horn, just to keep all that knowledge in. For another...well, you're innocent, pure and defenseless."

I snorted at that. "Defenseless? Good one, Draco, but I know more hexes and counter curses than you!"

"Fine. You're innocent and pure, though. I mean, you still hold to the belief that you can rid the world of evil. You still think that you can fight evil with good. Wake up! You can only fight hatred with hatred, and curses with curses. Honestly, if a dark wizard hexes you, do you throw a wreath of flowers over his head?"

"Wait a minute. I loved you, didn't I? Didn't that banish your hatred of me?"

Draco was silent. "You're right," he said finally. "I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted. Why else do you say I'm a unicorn? You obviously had more to say."

"You're beautiful."

"I hardly think so," I told him.

"That's just your opinion. I think you're beautiful. And unicorns can save you even if you're an inch from death. You saved me. You gave me a new life."

"But unicorns can give you a cursed life too."

"True. You've made my life wonderful, you know. But you also made my own family distant from me. Granted, they always were a bit cold towards me, but they went over the top at this."

"Really? I never knew."

"Now you do. Anyway, you're my unicorn. I love you for it," Draco said, then he kissed me. Life together was bliss. Sheer bliss.

I was leaving the Library a while later, when I ran into my best friends, Harry and Ron. They both asked right away if I was okay. I glared at them.

"Still don't trust him, do you?" I asked fiercely, tears of hurt springing to my eyes. "He's not a Death Eater, I've told you that already."

"Have you ever seen him with his shirt off?" Ron countered, using the same response he used every time. I also used my standard retort.

"No, I haven't seen him with his shirt off, and he hasn't seen me with mine off." I rolled my eyes. Harry looked uncomfortable, and fidgeted just like he always did before he apologized.

"Listen, Mione, I'm sorry. We're sorry," he glared at Ron meaningfully. "It's not that we don't trust your judgment. We just care about you, okay? We won't ask again. Right, Ron?" Harry stared Ron down before the taller boy broke the glare.

"Right," he sighed. "And I am, you know, that I keep pestering you. I'm worried."

I smiled at him. I knew that that little 'you know' in there meant he was sorry. "It's okay. I know you guys have my best interests at heart." Ron grinned, relieved that I had understood his somewhat awkward apology.

I went to bed that night with a troubled heart. I knew there was no way Draco could be a Death Eater, no way that he'd support Lord Voldemort. Voluntarily, anyway. Draco was just about the most stubborn person I knew, except maybe Ron. He could keep up a fight for days, no matter how many times I proved him wrong.

The Final Ball was just days away. Draco had asked me as soon as he heard about it, and of course I accepted. I had new dress robes, and I was looking forward to dancing the night away in his arms. I trusted him completely, but somehow Ron and Harry had awakened a little seed of doubt. I shoved the thought away, mentally cursing my friends for the uncertainty. Surely I would have noticed something suspicious about Draco if he were a Death Eater.

Comforted by that thought, I turned over and went to sleep.

The Great Hall glittered with decorations on the night of the Final Ball. I smiled and cried as I accepted my diploma, and my award as the top witch of our year. Neville was weeping as openly as Parvati and Lavender, but Ron and Harry stubbornly kept their tears locked behind glistening eyes. Seven years was a long time to know each other, and all of a sudden it was over.

It was almost midnight when the dancing actually began. We all put down our diplomas and grabbed our partners. There were only a few of the lower years around; only the ones who had come as dates for the graduates. Draco and I had led the first dance, as Head Boy and Head Girl it was our right and our pleasure.

"Are you happy?" he asked me softly.

"About leaving, or about graduating?" I asked.

"About us. Our relationship."

"Of course," I replied without hesitation. Worry spilled into me. "Aren't you? Is something wrong?"

He chuckled a bit. "No, everything's perfect." I believed him. I always do.

A slower song started, and we drew closer together. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ron's scowl deepen, but it quickly disappeared when Padma Patil (I think it was she, not Parvati) invited him to dance. Harry was holding Ginny tightly, and the glistening on her cheeks meant the younger girl was crying. She had always been closer to the higher years than with her own batch. Next year, her brother, her boyfriend, and her mentor, (yes that's me) would be leaving.

Draco and I soon had enough of the party and went outside to the gardens. We were both due to start jobs in the Ministry, me in Bureau of Education of Magical Individuals, he in the Department of International Magical Cooperation. We weren't afraid of losing each other, but we were afraid of losing our childhood. It seems silly, because we'd always have memories, but we knew life wouldn't be so easy anymore. Ron was going into the Ministry as well, in the Department of Magical Sports. Harry already was accepted as an Auror, with the real Mad-eye Moody as his guide. No, though our futures seemed, secure, saying good-bye was always hard.

"Why are you crying?" Draco asked.

I hadn't realized I was crying. "It's funny," I said, wiping my eyes, wondering how best to put my feelings into words. "I've always known that looking back on our tears would make me laugh. Like when Ron belched slugs, when Ron and I fought over some trivial things like Crookshanks and the Firebolt, when Rita Skeeter was targeting Harry. But it's only now I've realized that looking back on our laughs would make me cry." I guess Draco didn't know what to say, because he didn't say anything. He slipped his arm around me, and I felt braver. Hogwarts had prepared me for this moment, after all.

It was months later. I looked up as Draco entered my office. Both of us had offices now, as we kept getting promoted. It was weird, but I suppose we just performed our duties so well.

He slapped a piece of paper on my desk, a huge grin on his face. "We're going to France."

I raised my eyebrows, not believing my ears. "Did you say France?"

"Yup," he said proudly. "We're going on a mission for the Ministry. We have to establish a contest of some sort. What better departments to do it than the department of education and the department of cooperation? And I've wrangled it so that we can go together."

I jumped up from my seat, adrenaline rushing through me. I threw my arms around him, and gave him a big kiss. He smiled and we sat down, going over the details. All too soon, his boss called him away, and I was left with my work. I stared disdainfully at the pile of parchment on my desk. It was not nearly as much fun to be with as Draco. I immediately called Harry up in the fire, because despite my arguments, the Ministry still hadn't installed telephones. Ron went next, and then Ginny. They were all extremely delighted, but not as happy as me. Ron, now that he had his own income, turned out to be a miser, and he cautioned me against spending too much.

I went on many shopping trips that month, against Ron's warning. Ginny and my mum helped me pick out some outfits. It was my first time to fashion a treaty or whatever between two counties, and I needed clothes suitable for the occasion. I also bought a new swimsuit for the pool, and a couple of casual outfits just for hanging out. Draco hinted that we might go to an expensive restaurant one time, and of course I needed a new dress for that. It was a very hectic month, and very draining on the wallet.

A lot of people came to see us off. People from the office, my family, and our friends. Draco's father came, but only for a while. When we arrived, we found our hotel, no problem, and we discovered there was going to be a tour and that we were scheduled to attend. Draco immediately called, and gave an excuse that he wasn't feeling very well. He had a migraine or something. I followed his example an hour later saying I just recovered from the flu and was prohibited by my doctor to do any strenuous activities. Then we headed to the pool.

"Come on, Hermione," he teased as he undid his bathrobe. "Let's see that great body of yours."

I blushed and stuck my tongue out at him. "You first, Malfoy." He turned his back to me and removed the robe, putting lotion on his skin. His skin, pale already, was emphasized by his black swimming trunks. When he turned around and saw that I was still robed, he pulled a face.

"Aww, come on, Mione! You've got nothing to hide, this is a pool for crying out loud." He went to the showers, and I heard him yell as it splashed him. "It's freezing!" He shivered when he returned. I had finally removed my bathrobe and was applying suntan lotion to my skin. He waited for me as I showered, then tested the water. "How come you're not complaining? That shower's bloody freezing!"

"I don't whine," I replied in a dignified manner, and he dived into the pool, wetting me all over. I cursed as the water hit me, startling some kids wading in the shallow end. I waved at them in apology, and as soon as Draco had surfaced, I jumped in front of him. He spluttered as the waves I made went right into his face.

"Hey!" he protested.

The moment my head rose out of the pool, I glared at him. "This water is so cold! You didn't warn me." I shivered, and my teeth chattered.

He laughed at me. "The angry, cold and wet look doesn't suit you." He swam to the edge and, making sure no one was watching, touched his wand to the water. Instantly I warmed up, and I gave him a grateful smile. He hopped back in, and he asked the kids how they liked the temperature.

"What'd you do, pee?" one of them asked. I burst out laughing at the look in Draco's face, he honestly hadn't expected it. Shaking his head, he swam over to me, his strong graceful movements making some teenagers sigh in envy. When we reached near the six-foot mark, he carried me so I could breathe. Amazingly, he was still standing, though on tiptoes.

"Those girls over there are jealous," I commented to him.

"Over their boyfriends who are going gaga over my girl." He kissed me.

"Really? I thought their boyfriends were jealous of their girlfriends who are jealous of me because of you."

He whistled. "What a mouthful. But you know, I think we're both right." He released me and we played around, having even more fun than the kids in the shallow end. Eventually, we headed into the Jacuzzi.

The water there was warm, like a hot tub. Bubbles were foaming everywhere, and Draco piled some on my head. "That's how you'll look when you're older," he said, making sure every bit of hair was covered in white foam. Then he stared at me critically. "Yup," he nodded.

"What do you mean, yup?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yup, I'll still love you. No matter how old you look."

I pretended to slap him across the face. He laughed and ducked easily. "My turn," I told him. I scooped up some bubbles floating around us and cupped his cheeks tenderly. Draco took both my hands in his and looked into my eyes, moving in to kiss me. As our lips touched, I could hear the teenagers sigh, but I didn't care. Who needed them?

When we broke apart, I had to start all over again. Finally, when Draco's chin and cheeks were covered in lather, I moved back and scrutinized my work. "That," I told him seriously, "is how you'll look if you ever grow a beard."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh."

"So it adds to my masculine charm and manliness?" His eyes danced mischievously.

"To be honest, don't even think about sprouting facial hair. It makes you look all disgusting and dirty." I had to bite back a grin. "I mean, it's like you've lived in a jungle for days without seeing any signs of civilization. I don't find it attractive at all."

"Seriously?" he asked, looking crestfallen. I smiled.

"No," I told him. "Even when you're old and wrinkled like a prune, when you're shriveled up like a leaf, when you're not your immaculate, perfect self- I'll still love you." He grinned, and I chucked him on the head. "You're too vain, did you know that?"

"Am I?" he challenged. He rubbed his face, being careful to keep the lather on. "Can we get a picture?" Slowly, very carefully, he stepped out of the Jacuzzi and grabbed his camera from his bag. After taking a couple of shots of me, I took some pictures of him. Then he asked one of the people watching if they'd take our picture together. One of the teenage girls quickly volunteered, and she eagerly snapped some shots of him.

"Make sure you get Hermione too!" Draco told her. She nodded, and shifted her position a bit. After the photography session we dived into the big pool to remove the suds and had a huge water fight. We had to run before the management got angry at us.

A few weeks after we had successfully formed an agreement between the two schools, there was a party at the Ministry. It was the anniversary of the founding of the Ministry of Magic, and there was going to be a raffle and some dancing.

I was feeling a bit left out as Draco and Ron discussed the improvement of Quidditch standards now that Ludo Bagman had been sacked. It was different to see the boys trying hard to get along, and finding that they could without any difficulty. Harry must have noticed that I was lonely because he came over and we had some small talk.

"Hi. I heard you've been promoted again."

"Well, yeah," I answered modestly.

"What's that? The fourth time since you've started?" Harry whistled appreciatively. "You must work 24/7."

"Actually, I don't. That's why I'm quite surprised myself. The only reason they keep promoting me and Draco is that people keep dying."

"I try so hard to catch those Death Eaters, but I never seem to be able to," Harry confided dejectedly.

"Don't feel so bad, you've just started. Besides, you've caught five already, and you've only been in the business for a few months!"

"True, true. So what position did they give you this time?"

"Assistant Supervisor for this district. That's just five slots from the top!"

"Cool! Then you'll become the head of that office. Anyway, I've got to go. The raffle will start and I've been chosen as the announcer." Harry pulled a face. "Keep up the good work in the office."

Sadly, I didn't win anything in the raffle. Draco, however, won one of the consolation prizes and Ron won one of the major prizes. He was delighted because he wouldn't have to buy a pensieve since he got one free. Weasleys always seemed to get lucky at raffles.

The dancing started and Draco immediately claimed me. After a while I moved onto other partners, and he danced with his boss. She was talking intently with him, and I wondered fleetingly if he was getting promoted again. I watched them, looking jealously at her straight, blond hair and astonishingly blue eyes. She was young and attractive, and I had more than once felt that Draco was drawn to her. Ron invited me to dance, and I accepted, feeling rather foolish because my friend was so tall. I was used to dancing with Draco, and he was a good few inches shorter than Ron was. Although Ron and Harry didn't say anything about my relationship with Draco, I knew they still felt protective of me, and I think a little bit jealous because we kept it a secret from them for almost a year. I was grateful, though, that they didn't mention it anymore.

I remember the clock chiming ten when Draco took me outside for a walk in the gardens. He was like me; not very sociable, and we tended to escape the parties often. The gardens of the Ministry looked very different at night, and Draco led me to a bench near a fountain. We sat down, and he put his arm around me to ward off the chill.

We made small talk. His boss was reminding him of an assignment, it turned out. Draco had once told me that it's okay to be jealous about somebody, because it means you care enough to be jealous. I had told him it was a cardinal sin, and he shrugged it off. "I can't help it if I get jealous whenever some guy looks at you," he had said. "Cause I care enough to keep you."

I smiled, remembering that moment. Draco lay his head on my shoulder just like he used to when we were younger. "Hell, I'm tired," he yawned. "I was up before dawn this morning finishing up this report for Isa." Isa was his boss. "I hand it in, and what does she say? 'A little short today, aren't we? Seven pages, you usually do at least ten.' Boy, I almost hit her on the spot. If only she weren't my boss..." he yawned again.

I ran my fingers through his hair, a trick that always calmed him down. He sighed and straightened up. "You always know just what to do, don't you?"

"Part of the fun is in knowing. The rest is in doing."

He moved in, kissing me sweetly on the lips. "Mmm-hmm" he agreed. We stayed like that- just kissing and murmuring sweet nothings- for I don't know how long. Just when things began to heat up, Draco broke away abruptly, swearing.

"What-" I began to ask. But the words died on my lips. Draco was clutching his arm, his eyes filled with a pain and sadness I had never thought possible.

He bit his lip, trying to get whatever was hurting him under control. He failed miserably, as I could see it was getting worse. Tears coursed down his cheeks but he made no move to wipe them off. He clenched his fingers in an effort to not cry out.

"What's wrong? What's happening?" A far off corner of my mind must have realized what was happening, but I refused to believe it. I rolled up his sleeve, despite his minimal efforts to stop me. It was as if he didn't care what I found under his robes.

It was ugly. There, burning on his pale skin, was the Dark Mark.

I stared at it in horror. I didn't say anything. I couldn't. He stared at me, afraid of what I might say.

"I'm sorry, Hermione."

I searched his eyes desperately, but what I was looking for even I don't know. A sign that said it was all a joke, maybe? Whatever I was looking for, I didn't find it.

An invisible hand clutched my throat, and I had difficulty breathing. I let out a dry sob, gasping for air. I turned away from him and ran, ran right into someone's arms. Harry's. He took one look at me, and I don't know what he saw but he held me close and stood firm against the darkness. I could tell without looking up that he was looking around, challenging Draco who he knew must be nearby. Then without speaking, he gently led me to his car and got Ron. They both escorted me home, leaving the party. They didn't say anything, not even an 'I told you so' which I knew I deserved, not even to ask what had happened. They knew, and they had known all along.

It was only when we reached my home that the tears began to flow. It was only then that I felt the horrible feeling of heartbreak, the sense of betrayal, of stupidity. My best friends had been warning me about him, why hadn't I for once just believed them? I would have been spared the pain.

I sobbed into Harry's shoulder as Ron made some tea. He was very much like his mother in that respect. It was only when I had calmed down and had a mug of tea in front of me that I began to tell them what had happened.

The sense of their indignation and anger was more than I had ever felt before. Ron's ears turned purple, although he refrained from speaking violently or rushing out to Malfoy. He knew I'd start all over again. Harry, like Ron, stayed quiet, just talking to comfort me. They felt no need to say I was wrong. I knew it already.

Harry and Ron stayed with me that night. I don't know if it was to make sure I was okay (that I didn't commit suicide) or to make sure I stayed okay (that Malfoy didn't kill me.) Yes, he was Malfoy to me now. All feelings I had ever felt for him were gone, and all I had left were memories. Mere echoes of what was, and what could have been.

The two boys took turns watching over me. I don't know when they planned it, but then again, I was still in a state of shock. I had gotten past my denial that first night, my mind working as well as it always did. I felt an appalling ache of emptiness, sadness so infinite I couldn't cry anymore. I'm sure Ron was as funny as ever, but for some reason 'fun' had lost it's meaning. To hell with Draco. Malfoy, I mean. Yeah, that's right. Malfoy. And to think I had once hoped to be a Mrs. Malfoy.

The weekend passed with frightening speed. Before I knew it, it was Monday, and I had to return to the office. It was a day I was both dreading and waiting for. I hated the idea of seeing him again. He hadn't tried to contact me over the weekend. And yet I wanted to see him, to let him know that he meant nothing to me. To prove to him that Hermione Granger didn't need gits like Draco Malfoy.

I walked into the office, returning the smiles that my colleagues gave me. I guess they didn't know yet. Mechanically, I did all my duties perfectly. It was almost lunch when I realized that I hadn't seen Malfoy all day, and that he had made no effort to explain anything to me. He should know how much I hate being left in the dark.

The fire suddenly blazed and I found myself staring into the face of Isa, Malfoy's boss.

"Good morning ma'am! Can I help you in anyway? Is there anything you need?" I asked with forced cheerfulness, hoping that she wouldn't notice.

Isa chuckled. "No, nothing at all. I can see why Draco admired you so. And I see why you keep getting promoted. You're just so accommodating and hard-working..."

"Thank you ma'am." I smiled modestly, trying not to show her the pang of pain that came with the mention of Draco-Malfoy's name.

"Speaking of Draco, have you seen him? He hasn't been at the office today, but when I called his home, his mother said he left for work at the regular time."

Draco hadn't come to work? A feeling of worry crept into me. Did the Death Eaters do something to him? I shook my head. "No, I haven't seen him. I don't suppose something happened to him..." Why would the Death Eaters hurt him? He was one of them. Anger welled up inside me and I felt tears in my eyes. "Maybe he just got called somewhere or something like that. Or maybe he went out for a drink. I'm sorry, but I really must get back to my work. There's nothing I can tell you."

Isa looked at me thoughtfully. "Sorry to waste your time. But Draco is a valuable member of the Ministry. To lose him would be disastrous... Thanks, Hermione. I'll let you know if something turns up. I know how worried you must be."

I nodded to show my gratitude, and the fire blazed once more. When the spots cleared, Isa was there no more. Tears fell from my eyes but I brushed them away impatiently. Why the hell should I care about Draco? Malfoy, I mean. Why should I care about him?

For a time I enjoyed all the attention I was getting from my friends. It was always Harry people cared about, and to see them worried about me was very touching. After a while, though, I began to feel smothered. I wanted desperately to get out alone, to think. For weeks I had pushed away any thought of Malfoy, even though I was worried when he never showed up. I forced myself to believe that he just didn't want to face me, and he had transferred jobs or something. Thinking was what I did best, and not thinking was like me living in a desert without water. One Saturday, I finally found myself alone. I walked into the garden, and sat under a tree.

Why hadn't he told me? If it's one thing he knows I can't stand, it's not knowing. But, a part of my mind argued, this is a perfect case of 'what you don't know can't hurt you.' If he loved me... if he knew how much I loved him...

Then he disappeared. Just like that, no warning, nothing. No good-byes, no explanations. He just stopped going to work and seeing me. No one had seen him either. I got worried. Then I got hurt. After a month, the hurt and worry made me bitter to anything that reminded me of Draco. (Malfoy!) Not a day went by that I didn't miss him, but not a day went by that I didn't curse him. He hurt me deep.

I dabbed hopelessly at my streaming eyes. Hadn't I once told myself I wouldn't cry over a man, any man? And here I was, sniffling over a man not deserving of one single tear. Hell, he didn't even deserve to be remembered as how I remembered him.

Sitting up suddenly, I blinked. Had I just seen...? I looked across the street. Yes, I'd recognize that pale shock of hair anywhere. The nerve of that wretch, to come here! Ooh, I hated all Malfoy's but this particular one I hated the most.

Trying to keep a low profile, I ducked into my house. Right on cue, the doorbell rang. I didn't open the door to him. Why should I?

He left soon enough, but he returned the next day. I still pretended that I wasn't home. On the third day, however, he spoke.

"Hermione, I saw you get home. I know you're there. Let me in." I was shocked at the change in Draco's voice. What once was strong, full and charming was now weak, feeble and bleak.

I opened the door. There he stood, using the rail of the porch to support him. "What do you want?" I asked frostily.

"Hermione," he rasped. "I know what you're thinking. That I left you-that I disappeared without saying goodbye. That I didn't tell you I was a Death Eater. It's true, and I'm sorry.

"I had no control over the events this past month. It's been much too overwhelming. 'Mione, I have to tell you something. I'm dying."

It took a while for the words to sink in. When they did, I almost staggered from the gravity of what he was saying. I gasped. My hands flew to my mouth. I couldn't say anything.

"Mione," he said, reaching out a trembling hand to caress my face. "I've been poisoned."

I couldn't believe my ears. All the resentment I felt towards him just disappeared. "Come in," I offered. "Tell me everything."

Draco was so weak that I needed to help him get into the house. He was so different from the old Draco, so strong and independent. "Where do you want me to start?"

"The Dark Mark."

He took a deep breath. "I've had that mark since I was a baby. The night after my christening, my parents took me to the Dark Lord to receive his little 'gift.' I never took part in any of the operations; it was too risky. I was to be the heir of the Dark Lord, and couldn't afford to be hurt. When I went to Hogwarts, I wasn't allowed to Apparate, so I was excused from the meetings. In the summer I attended, unless I could get out of it. See, I already realized that, although my fate was sealed, I didn't want to be a Death Eater." Draco paused, a spasm of pain flitting across his features.

"What?" I asked, worried. "Need help?"

He smiled at my worry. "It's okay. I'm okay, now I'm with you, and you're hearing me out. I don't know what possessed me to ask you to be my girlfriend. I mean, a Death Eater shouldn't have a Muggle-born as a girlfriend... but I guess I thought I'd be protecting you, in a way. They wouldn't dare harm anyone I loved, even if you were a muggle-born."

"But when we went swimming-" I thought back desperately. "I didn't see it-"

"I hid it with magic. That's why Harry's having such a hard time catching them. If there's enough time, the Death Eaters can cover it up. Anyway, the last few weeks, I began noticing the pattern. That the people, our superiors, who kept dying were the ones I passed information about. I knew that they were being killed so that I'd be promoted, so I could get even more information.

"I know the punishment for Death Eaters who change their minds. It's not pretty. A horrible death, but only after agonizing torture. But I didn't want it anymore. I could take the punishment. It's only my life for the lives of... how many? So I stopped responding to Voldemort's calls, and when Mother asked me about it, I just said I had important business at that time and I wasn't able to go. She bought it, for a while. Then they got suspicious. The calls came with more frequency... more painful each time. That last time, you were with me... that's when you found out. I'd never felt it burn like that. I thought my arm was on fire already. And you deserted me. You went with Harry..."

I made a gesture, ready to defend myself, but he shook his head. "I don't blame you," Draco said. "I hid it from you, when we agreed no secrets. I'm just sorry you got dragged into it all. Maybe it was better if you went on hating me."

"Hey," I objected, trying to lift his spirits. "I loved you too, remember? The note-" I had forgiven him completely. "Who poisoned you? Why did you disappear?"

"It was my mother." I let out a gasp at these words. I never expected Narcissa to be capable of poisoning her own son. Lucius, maybe, but not Narcissa. Draco smiled ruefully. "Not what you'd expect, eh? Voldemort ordered her to do it. She's a die-hard Voldemort supporter, and she was angry because of our relationship. She locked me in the dungeons of our mansion. I just escaped four days ago. It's been over three weeks since she poisoned me. It's a slow acting poison," he added when he saw my questioning look. "Don't even try to kiss me; you'll get poisoned too."

"What does it do to you?" I asked, not wanting to know.

"It kills you slowly. You just get weaker and weaker, then you die. And it makes you dream. It makes you dream of the Cruciatus curse, and you feel every inch of your body is burning. But you can't wake up until morning."

I shuddered visibly at his words. I couldn't bear to imagine my dear Draco having to endure that for three weeks.

"I've tried everything," he continued. "Father's been a great help. He loves me."

"A bezoar? You've tried that?"

"Yes. We even went to Snape. He said that since the poison was one of Voldemort's own creations, only Voldemort would have the cure."

"The bracelet- the one I gave you for Valentines a few years back." I was thinking frantically, not wanting to let go of hope just yet.

He fondled the bracelet. It was only then that I realized he was still wearing it. "I think it's what's kept me alive this long. Long enough to see you. It helped get me through. You placed such strong wards on it that Mother had to poison me a fair few times before it took effect."

"What about a..." I stopped myself. "Nothing."

"What?"

"Well, what about unicorn blood?"

Draco gave a short laugh. His voice was so hoarse that it sounded more like barking. "I could never kill something that reminds me so much of you. Besides, I don't want a cursed life. It would just affect the people around me.

"Also, I doubt if I can even find a unicorn. They're very rare now. I think Voldemort has either captured them or slain them all. I heard on the news that there were only about 500 left in Britain. I don't want to slay another one."

"I guess you're right," I sighed.

"'Course I am," Draco said, sounding like his old self. The memory of him brought tears to my eyes; tears that up to now had remained hidden.

"Hey, don't cry," Draco murmured. "I love you. I won't leave you, even in death."

"I can't help it! You're breaking my heart!" I wailed in despair.

"Life is eternal, love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight," he quoted Rossiter Worthington Raymond. "See? I'll still love you even if you can't see me. I'll be here for you no matter what." He cupped my face in his hand, but his fingers were ice cold and trembling. I tried not to shiver at his touch. "We've always been star-crossed lovers, haven't we?"

" Fate is against us... maybe we weren't meant to be."

"Hey, we are. We got through everything. And I'll be waiting for you." He coughed a horribly hoarse cough that made his thin body tremble.

"Draco, you're so weak! How did you get here?"

"My father brought me. He takes care of me."

"How much time do you have left?"

"Not much. I just wanted to see you before I die. I just want to hold you again and pretend we're still in Hogwarts, care-free and innocent. But I have things to tell you. Things that I heard when I was locked up." He paused to shift his position to a more comfortable one. "Voldemort will attack at the Ministry on the seventeenth. It will be an ambush, so unexpected that no one would dream of it. While he's doing that, the second party will be attacking Hogwarts."

I listened as Draco told me all the details that I needed to know. He listed all the names of Death Eaters Harry wanted badly to catch. It was hard work for him- his condition was deteriorating before my very eyes. It pained me to look at him, but I loved him, so I endured everything in silence.

"Hermione..." how I missed the way he said my name. "You still love me, don't you?" his voice was filled with quiet need.

"Of course, you idiot. I thought that was obvious." I tried not to show him I was crying.

"Isn't it I told you before that as long as you're with me, I'll survive? I'm gonna get through this one. You're with me."

"But Draco..." I didn't want to remind him. "You're dying already."

He gave a twisted smile. "I know. I was dying since that one mark, that one blemish on my skin turned you against me. No, wait, it's not your fault," he said hastily as he saw the look on my face. "If it's anyone's fault, it's my mother's... or Voldemort's."

"So... how will I know you'll be with me?"

He looked indignant at that. "Excuse me? Of course I'll be with you. I'll leave Mione, my phoenix, with you. She'll remind you of me." His voice softened, as he grew serious. "Just look around, and you'll find me there. I could never bear to leave you. I'll wait for you. We'll get to wherever we're going together." I knew he was talking about Heaven and Hell. He touched my cheek. "How I wish I could kiss you."

With the greatest of effort I bit back a sob, realizing how much I wanted to kiss him too. How much I'd miss him. He looked back at me, and I saw hopelessness in his eyes. I bent my head towards him and let my lips touch his cheek, his forehead, and his nose.

"I've missed you so much," he whispered, his eyes glistening with tears.

"I'm going to miss you so much," I replied running my fingers through his hair. "I wish I had opened the door to you sooner."

"Don't look back. I'm here now." His hand grasped mine, a touch so familiar to me. I held his hand, realizing that he was still young, despite his sudden frailties. He should have lived much longer. I sat with him, quiet hatred flowing through me. Narcissa would be sorry.

"'Mione," Draco said suddenly. "I need a favor."

"Name it."

"I want to lean on you like I did before, when we would study together. I'll put my head on your shoulder, okay? I'm gonna be gone for quite a while..." his voice trailed off as he leaned on my shoulder. I took him in my arms, wishing I could kiss him, but knowing that I couldn't.

I saw him looking at my fireplace, over which I had hung the mosaic he had given me... a mosaic of us together. He told me not to look back, but how could I not? I'd always look back, and I'd always see him. I remembered how we'd be together, just like this. Only his head wasn't so heavy then... Our favorite pastime would be to share with each other interesting quotations we'd picked up from books and other sources. I liked the quotes about love, and he liked quotes to do with philosophy. We spent hours discussing whether the chicken came before the egg or whether it was the other way around. I remembered that Christmas in Seventh Year when we went ice skating on the lake. How he'd held my hands as he taught me trick after trick on the ice. How after that we'd built snowmen. Well, he built a snowwoman and called it Mione. I remembered how I'd thought it was rather cheesy at the time. He said that his masterpiece was called Mione, and so was God's. Looking back, I wished I had appreciated it more. There was this time, this one time, when I felt lonely, and all I wanted to do was end up in his arms. It was the night before the N.E.W.T.s, and I couldn't sleep. I wanted to crawl out of bed and talk with him, never mind what we talked about. But I thought I'd be disturbing him, so I stayed put and killed time reviewing until I slept. The next day, when I spoke to him, he said he wished I had come because he needed someone to talk to; he had no idea I was awake. I still regretted that night, but the pain was particularly hard to bear now. I thought about how we had swum, like little kids without a care in the world. How he had seen me as I'd look when I grow up, and I'd seen him like he'd be when he grew up, if he grew up... only he wouldn't. I saw the man he'd never become.

I held his hand in mine, but slowly, his breathing stopped. I still didn't let go of him. I couldn't accept that he was dead. It was just impossible.

Shifting just a bit, I realized there was something in Draco's hand that I was holding. It was a piece of paper. Still holding him close, I read it. It was a poem, with a few notes at the bottom. It was in his handwriting.

I can feel your hand, your love flowing through

I thought I'd be fine, as long as I had you.

But though I've still got you, nothing seems right

My old promises mean nothing; I'm leaving tonight.

Now this is it, no goodbyes,

I'm in your arms, I see in your eyes.

This is heaven as I breathe my last,

Together with you, just like in the past.

I've fought the battle as best I could

But I've fallen down, like I knew I would.

I see my end, it's coming near,

All I want to do is to just stay here.

'Tis said afterlife holds wonderful things

Glories that nothing on Earth can bring,

But I'd much rather suffer for millions of years

Than go to paradise and leave you here.

Dying isn't so bad, it's the leaving you

At least you can still love, but what can the dead do?

But I've got no choice, my life is through,

I'll just die here, leaning on you.

So please hold me close this one last time

Your heart will beat on, but sadly, not mine.

And if I go like this, my wish has come true

And my very last thought was one of you.

Remember that I loved you, and that I always will

And even in my grave I'll be loving you still.

If you ever need me or want me at all

I'll always be there, no need to call.

Try not to despair, please don't grieve too long.

This isn't your fault, you've done nothing wrong.

Just bear this in mind, wear it on your heart

Remember, my darling, we're never apart.

Live life to the fullest, do all that you can,

You have all your dreams in the palm of your hand

Try not to look back, you've your whole life ahead

Not like me, a young man who's dead.

Hermione, I love you. Give my body to my Father but only when you're ready to let go, not a moment sooner. He's waiting outside. We said our goodbyes earlier. Bring Harry and Ron and even Ginny to my funeral, I guess I've had some good times with them too. Don't forget what I told you, that Voldemort will attack. Harry deserves to capture all the Death Eaters I named.

Take care. Don't look back, but don't forget. I'll be gone for a long time, but we're not apart.

"They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies."

That's a quote from William Penn, by the way. But you already knew that.

-DRACO

His note and poem unlocked the tears, and I wept openly. I wasn't ready to let go yet. I kept Draco leaning against me, knowing that yes, he would be gone for a long, long time.