Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of 4
Southern_Witch_69Before going into the manor, Draco decides to speak with Hermione.
ReviewedDisclaimer: Not my characters. Not making any money.
This is the conclusion to the short tale that I started for my friend, Soul Bound, well over a year ago. Hahaha. Sorry it took so long to finish, mate!
“Everyone ready?” Harry asked quietly.
“Yes,” Hermione whispered in return.
Ron nodded and pushed Draco on the shoulder. “Are you?” he asked.
“I am,” Draco replied, shifting his eyes from Potter to Granger.
She’d not looked at him since the night of their misunderstanding, and he’d gone over what had happened a million times in his mind. He was about to show them how to get what they needed from his family home, but something could still go wrong.
“I need a word with Granger,” he said suddenly.
“What for?” Ron asked incredulously.
“None of your business, Weasel.”
“Oi, what’s crawled up your arse?” Ron asked, stepping forward.
“Granger?” Draco asked.
Finally, her soft brown eyes met his, and she nodded. “If it will get things going,” she said, huffing slightly. “What is it?”
“In private, please.”
“We’ll be right over there, Harry,” she said, beckoning for Draco to follow her. When they were alone, she rounded on him, though her eyes didn’t quite meet his. “Well? What is it?”
“I just want you to be careful in there.”
“You’ve got to be kidding!”
“Look, wait!” He reached out to grab her arm and pull her back when she started to walk away from him. He noticed that Potter and Weasley were watching them with interest. “I just wanted to say…”
“Say what?” she prompted when his voice trailed off.
“I just wanted to apologize about the other night. I think we both misunderstood what—”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“If something happens to you… or to me, I will have wanted this said. Could you just hear me out?”
“Fine.” She crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive stance and waited for him to speak.
“I’m sorry. You were right.”
“About?”
“I did need you.”
“Great. Glad that’s settled,” she said snidely. “Now can we get on with it?”
“No.” He reached out to touch her arm, caressing it lightly. “I’m not sorry it happened, and no matter what you might think, I wasn’t… I wasn’t imagining that you were Pansy or even thinking about her. Your words just touched me, and I thought that someone cared about me—really cared. It just felt so good.”
“I do care about you, Malfoy. Why do you think we saved your arse?”
“Because you need my help. That’s why.”
“All right,” she said in frustration. “That is part of the reason, but we know that you’re a good person. Harry was there that night. Don’t forget that. His opinion counts for me more than you realize. If he says you wouldn’t have done it, then I believe him.”
Her eyes lifted and met his. She flashed a small smile and maneuvered her hand to flip over and grasp his. “I believe in you.”
“Maybe after this is over…”
“Maybe we can start over as well?” she asked hopefully.
“Yeah,” he agreed. “I’d like that.”
“So would I.”
“Let’s do this then,” he said, tightening his grip.
Together they walked forward, hands still clasped, ignoring the incredulous expressions on the boys' faces. For the first time in a long time, Draco felt as though there was hope for his future, and he had Granger to thank for that.
AN: I wanted to leave the story on a hopeful note, as requested by Soul Bound. I hope this works. Cheers.
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Latest 25 Reviews for One Last Effort
29 Reviews | 7.38/10 Average
And we're not going to learn if the find the Horcrux? How unfair!
But the ending was quite a hopeful one on the private sector.
Yep, yep, this is Draco. proud like a peacock, no matter what.
I'm positively surprised at Ron here, but three years are a long time.
I love reading your stories Southern. You do the characters justice in every piece! :) I really enjoyed this...I've found myself liking Dramione more and more...even though I'm still a Snape/Hermione all the way. It's always interesting to see how Draco and Hermione come together, so to speak. Fantastic! :)
Trusting, ain't he? :)
Cute little story. I liked the characterizations :)
Yep. Definitely hopeful! :)
Oh dear. They need their heads knocked together! :)
A little softening on both their parts. :)
Update please!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
I was just thinking that I really need to upload the next chapter to this. I'll work on that. Sorry for the long wait.
Oh, you're so evil...I love it!Draco and Hermione make me happy :o) Well done with this, the plot is original, and I'm totally diggin' it.Thanks for the story,Sue.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
thanks! I'll have more up soon. :)
Hermione made a bad decision there and I'm glad you let her make it. When characters make mistakes like that it really adds to their depth.
More, please!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Thank you very much.
You've definintely left me wanting more. It's nice to see the trio a bit older and dealing with Draco on a more mature level than when they were in school. Of course, the old behaviors are still there underneath, making your characters quite believable.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
thanks!
A pity shag? That is so wrong for so many reasons. And the fact that he didn't even bother to satisfy her, made it worse. It really leaves a bad taste in one's mouth... I'm almost tempted to say 'poor Hermione', almost. But I think that 'Dumb move, Hermione' would be more appropriate. This was a very hard chapter to read, looking at how girls/women can lower their standards and accept a man's 'favors' to keep the peace. Well written, hitting on a reality that does still exist. Sadly...Hope to see more soon. As always, cheers!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Very dumb move. I agree wholeheartedly. Sadly, many girls/women do this. I had a good friend back in high school who seemed to think that having sex with boys made them like her. She never understood that they were using her and then talking bad about her behind her back. :( More up soon. THanks. :)
Poor Hermione! By helping him, she hurt herself. I can't believe how much I like this fic because of the pairing, but I shouldn't be surprised--it is your writing! I am really looking forward to the next chapter!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Thanks, doll. THat's a compliment. I know you don't like the pairing. Teehee. Sometimes we women can make some seriously bad decisions.
I like this chapter. Emotions keep changing. Draco is nice one minute and an arse the next, keeping Hermione confused. Looking forward to the next!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Exactly. I'm building up for something that I hope is worthy. :)
I was just telling Sir Cadogan that he should bother Phineas Nigellus for visiting rights to Grimmauld Place so that he can watch things heat up between Draco and Hermione.
He agrees. Plan on Sir Cadogan being witness for whatever you have in store for these youngsters.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
I certainly will, friend. And I do hope that he gives Phineas a hard time, as that man (portrait) is a right menace.
Sir Cadogan and I both think that Draco's at the end of his rope. He'd probably accept help from anyone at this point. Even that cowardly Potter fellow.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Is Catogen Sir Cadogan's evil twin? LOL Just kidding. Thanks! I'm with you on the Draco opinion by the way.
I am really enjoying this story.? Can't wait for the rest.?
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Hey, thanks for reading. More up tomorrow. :)
mmmm... have we got some DM/HG going on here? Me likey, me likey... :)
hope the boys dont get too mad over half-naked Draco *drool* lol.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
They need Draco too much to get too pissy with him. Muahahaha
You know I love it! :D And I'm glad you didn't chop too much of his hair off. lol I love the tension and I am looking forward to more angstiness.
Thanks, you're a babe!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
I appreciate your encouragement. I wanted to write something Draco and Hermione again, but I hadn't the time, what with all the hg/ss plot bunnies multiplying. LOL I like his hair this way as well. :)
A shirtless Malfoy and a blushing Granger... Hmm, sounds like a recipe for a little lip-play? Smooching madness to come, I say. LOL Could be worse... Malfoy and Weasle? 
Looking forward to the next installement. Cheers!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
*nods* That's coming up next! :) (not Malfoy/Weasleby either... lol)
Ah, I see my poor son is still on the run. He should have trusted Snape indeed.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Ah, at least he's still alive.
Good beginning, nicely done too. Yes, I agree that if he were on the run for so long, he would be more agreable and ready to accept their help. But... and its a biggie, why have they been searching for him? There has to be a good reason. Looking forward to more details in the next chapter. Cheers!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
Thank you. There won't be many details in the next chapter, but we do find out what they want from him. After that, I'll go into more detail. Thank you for reading this. :)
Oh, that was nice. Thanks you, dear! This is setting up to be just what the doctor(me) ordered! :P
And I like Draco's hair...
lol
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of One Last Effort)
I muck with his hair a little in the nex chapter, but I leave it mostly the same. teehee...