Now I See

Disclaimer: JKR owns it all. I'm just having fun.

Chapter Seven

Now I See

She was going to be ever so late.

"Drat, drat, drat," Luna muttered as she hurriedly signed the parchments that triumphantly declared her experiment a success. As soon as she signed the last one, they rolled up and disappeared with a pop, then reappeared on her supervisor's desk. A glance at the clock told her she was very, very late indeed; Luna hastily grabbed her cloak and rushed from her office.

As she hurried towards the lift, Luna smiled. She had been working on a new Charm for the past two months, but all of her experiments had failed time and time again. That afternoon, she had finally discovered the missing link in her research, and everything had fallen into place. A few trials had proved her theory correct. Tomorrow, the controlled experiments would begin, but Luna's part in the project was complete. She sighed wistfully as she stepped into the lift. The end of a project was almost as lovely as the start of a new one. It had been a very good day.

The lift was filled with people leaving early for the weekend, and Luna waved hello to a few co-workers. Several lavender airplanes floated above her head, and she smiled as they brought to mind the bin in her office that was filled with notes from Draco. She had missed his company terribly over the past week, which was why she had felt so dreadful about being late for tea, but it couldn't be helped; she'd had to finish or she would have spent the entire weekend focussing on the project, and she'd much rather spend her time focussing on Draco. And now she could!

She couldn't wait to share the news with him. They often discussed their ongoing projects with each other, and Luna knew Draco would be inordinately happy for her. The thought of his proud and pleased expression when she told him of her success warmed her from head to toe.

Or maybe it was just hot in the lift.

She hummed happily...Heart and Soul, of course, as it was 'their' song...ignoring the irritated looks of the others in the lift as she recalled the past few months with Draco. They were some of the best days she'd ever known, and she was excited for what the future would bring. Luna could tell that Draco was beginning to care for her...he showed it in dozens of ways every day. Like how he always left a blanket in the drawing room because he knew she was easily chilled, and how he made sure that her favourite foods were in the kitchen at all times. Then there were his kisses. Oh, she could swoon just thinking of his kisses. She never knew when the urge would strike him, not that she minded. She especially loved when he would come to stand behind her and press open-mouthed kisses to her neck, nibbling and sucking lightly while his fingers drew tiny circles on her hips ....

Luna waved her hand in front of her face; it was definitely hot in the lift.

Returning to her original train of thought, Luna knew that whilst she was aware of Draco's deepening feelings, she also knew that he was not...she knew because she fully expected that when he did realise that he cared for her more than he had anticipated, he was quite likely to have a complete strop.

Wouldn't that be lovely?

Ding!

Filled with eager anticipation, Luna dreamily followed the crowd of witches and wizards, moving along with the flow of people towards the Atrium where she could travel to her father's house by Floo. She could hardly wait to see Draco again. It felt like an eternity since she'd seen him and even longer since she'd kissed him. Perhaps they could sneak off for a bit of a snog in the garden ....

"Oh, pardon me," she said after she almost walked into a slower moving witch. Maybe she should pay more attention to where she was going. The Atrium was bustling with people, many waiting in line for the next available fireplace. It was Friday, after all, and it seemed that most of the Ministry's employees had decided to leave early in anticipation of the weekend.

Luna had just passed the Fountain of Magical Brethren when she saw a familiar bushy head of hair in the midst of the crowd. Smiling, she picked up her pace so that she could say a quick hello to her friend.

"Hermione!" she called out, carefully navigating her way through the maze of people.

When she finally caught up, Hermione turned to face her, and it was all Luna could do to refrain from gasping. Hermione's skin was the colour of fresh parchment, pasty and ashen, and her eyes were dull and red-rimmed. She looked utterly exhausted, as if she might fall asleep where she stood. What in the world was wrong with her?

"Hi."

Luna blinked. It had been years since Hermione had greeted her in such a lacklustre fashion. It was quite unsettling. "Are you all right?"

Hermione yawned, belatedly covering her mouth with the fingers of one hand, and then smiled sheepishly. "Yes, thanks. It's just been a very long week at the office. Lots of work, you know."

Luna was jostled by a wizard in deep purple robes who begged her pardon as he walked past. She gave him a fleeting glance and then returned her attention to Hermione. Tilting her head to one side, Luna studied Hermione's tired face and then nodded. "Yes, it has been. I've not seen Draco all week, and we live in the same house."

Smiling weakly, Hermione sluggishly continued on towards the fireplaces.

Luna quickly followed, her concern multiplied by Hermione's lack of response. "Are you certain that you're all right? Do you want me to go home with you, to be certain you arrive safely? You look dead on your feet."

Hermione's step faltered as she was bumped by a passing witch, but then she continued on towards the Floo. "I'll be fine. Truly. I just need some sleep, that's all."

"If you're certain." Luna's scepticism coloured her tone.

"Yes, thanks. I'll be fine..." She yawned widely. "I'll be fine once I get home and have a long rest."

"All right," Luna agreed reluctantly. Perhaps she would owl Severus later and voice her concerns; something was not right with her friend. "Floo call me later so I know you made it home. Please?"

Hermione nodded and reached out to grab a handful of Floo powder when her face lost what little colour it had left. She swayed dangerously, and Luna reached out to steady her.

"Hermione?"

"I'm fine. I ... I ...." Hermione's eyes rolled back in her head, her knees buckled, and she collapsed in a heap on the marble floor.

"Hermione!"

---

The reception area at St Mungo's was crowded, as always. A long line of people snaked all the way around the room, beginning at the Inquiries desk and winding its way to the entrance. Witches and wizards with a variety of maladies sat in the long rows of rickety chairs as they waited for the Healers to speak with them about their conditions. The sounds of quills scratching against the Healers' parchments occasionally rose above the chatter.

Draco and Xenophilius had arrived at St Mungo's as quickly as Apparition would allow, only to be faced with the throng of people. Xenophilius balked at the long line and turned to Draco with troubled eyes.

Shaking his head stiffly, Draco's jaw clenched as he took in the chaos of the room. They didn't have time to wait in the queue; it would take too long, and they needed to reach Luna as soon as possible. Who knew how long the Ministry had waited to contact Xenophilius. The accident could have happened any time after she had sent Draco the note telling him she would be late for tea.

He wasn't about to waste a single minute by standing in line. The Malfoy family had been donating money to St Mungo's for four centuries; protocol could go to hell. He drew himself to full height, his lips curling into a cold, familiar sneer, and his grey eyes turning to ice. If ever there was a time to draw on the Malfoy name and reputation, this was it. His eyes searched the room, and he smiled grimly as he saw that the person he was looking for was indeed at her usual location. "I'll take care of this. Follow me."

Draco strode to the front of the queue, wishing he had his father's cane to move people aside as he all but dragged Xenophilius behind him. A chilling glare ceased the indignant gasps and whispers of those who had, in all likelihood, been waiting all afternoon. Draco stopped directly in front of the welcomewitch, making sure Xenophilius stayed out of the irritable woman's line of sight.

He was about to demand she tell him Luna's location when he paused a moment. If he played his hand right, they would get the information they needed; if he didn't, they would be sent to the back of the line and forced to wait. If it came to that, Draco was prepared to forgo the queue and personally search every floor, every ward, every room until he found Luna. However, it would be much faster to get the information from the welcomewitch. He wondered ....

Acting on instinct, Draco quickly re-evaluated his plan and adjusted accordingly. Taking a deep breath, his curved his mouth into his most disarming smile and gingerly sat on the corner of the Inquiries desk.

"Good afternoon, Belinda," he drawled.

The blonde-haired witch, who had been in the process of exasperatedly directing a man who had splinched himself to the fourth floor, turned her head, her cool blue eyes widening with recognition. She arched an eyebrow, her eyes flitting to the back of the queue and then returning to Draco.

He winked.

The witch blushed, her round cheeks turning a rosy pink, and she raised a hand to smooth her hair as she looked up at Draco through her heavily-mascaraed lashes.

Draco almost sighed in relief; his ploy had worked. You truly can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

"Good afternoon, Mr Malfoy. What a surprise to see you...I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow," the welcomewitch said coyly.

"Yes, I know. How are you, my dear? Working hard?"

Xenophilius released a choked whimper from behind him, but Draco ignored it; they needed Belinda's full cooperation to find Luna quickly, and Draco intended to have it. If chatting her up was what it took, then so be it.

The plump witch's lashes fluttered before she gazed up at Draco with an simpering smile. "Oh, no more than usual," she replied as she waved dismissively at the grumbling queue.

"And how is your daughter...Aurelia, isn't it?" Draco asked, mentally congratulating himself when he saw Belinda's eyes light up with pleasure at the mention. His weekly volunteer work and sneaky Slytherin skills...also known as eavesdropping...were proving their worth.

The woman's face flushed with her delight at his inquiry. "Oh! How did you ... erm ... yes! Aurelia is doing quite well, thank you. The baby was born last week, actually."

"I find it hard to believe that you are a grandmother, Belinda. You look much too young," Draco said smoothly as he reached for the witch's hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers.

She tittered and pressed her free hand to her pink cheeks. "Oh, Mr Malfoy, what a charmer you are!"

Those waiting in the queue were in awe as they watched the well-known wizard charm the notoriously prickly witch; they were so caught up in the welcomewitch's atypical behaviour that they merely stared in stunned silence.

Draco smirked even as the fingers of one hand curled into a fist, clenched, and released. "It seems quite busy today, my dear, and I don't wish to take you away from your very important work," he said, deciding he had sucked up enough to the easily-ruffled witch. "I have a small favour to ask."

"I see," Belinda said, schooling her features into a more professional expression. "How may I be of service?"

With a casual shrug, as if his request were of no real importance, he replied, "It pertains to a patient actually. She was brought in earlier today."

"Oh, dear. I hope it's nothing serious."

"I'm sure everything is fine," Draco replied, forcing his voice to remain even, "but I would like to see her and make sure she is well."

"Of course. What is the name of the patient?"

"Luna Lovegood."

Belinda checked her parchments, frowned, and then checked again. "I'm sorry, Mr Malfoy. No one by that name has been admitted."

That wasn't possible. She had to be there. "Are you certain?"

Those in the immediate vicinity gasped, and all eyes flew to the welcomewitch, waiting for her reaction.

She looked at Draco with sympathetic eyes and said, "You must be so worried. Let me check again."

The murmuring in the crowd intensified; had anyone else asked the witch that question they would have been skewered on a pole and served on a platter for dinner.

"No, she's not here. I'm sorry."

Draco's mouth thinned into a tight line; frustration began to build, but he forced himself to relax. "Hmm. How strange. The Ministry sent a letter saying that she had been brought in."

"Ah, now that's something quite different." She leant forward to whisper conspiratorially, "Only one patient has been admitted today from the Ministry. Third floor, room 314."

With a relieved smile, Draco stood from his perch on the desk. "Thank you, Belinda."

"You're quite welcome, dear." She winked at him and then turned away. The smile slid from her face, and her usual bored expression returned. "NEXT!"

Draco grabbed Xenophilius by the arm and hauled him to a set of double doors, pushing him through into a small corridor.

"Not very welcoming for a welcomewitch is she?" Xenophilius whispered, glancing back at the witch over his shoulder.

Draco considered the question rhetorical and instead thought about what the witch had said. His eyebrows drew together in confusion. "Did she say third floor?"

"Yes, yes," Xenophilius said absentmindedly as they opened the door to a narrow stairwell.

"That can't be right," Draco muttered as he took the stairs two at a time, no longer willing to wait for the older wizard in his haste to reach Luna. "The spell damage ward is on the fourth floor. If there had been a Charms accident, she would have been taken there," he called out, now half a flight ahead. He tried to block out the image of Luna lying in a hospital bed, helpless and alone ....

"What's on the third floor?" Xenophilius asked breathlessly, his eyes wide with fear as he doggedly followed Draco, rushing up the stairs as quickly as he could.

Draco paused, one foot resting on the next stair as he attempted to swallow the panic that was threatening to overtake him. "Potion and Plant Poisoning."

Xenophilius gasped. "Dear Merlin."

They raced up the stairs, doubling their efforts.

---

More than anything else, Luna hated hospital.

After witnessing the Charms accident that had taken her mother's life, she had been taken to St Mungo's. She had been distraught, unbearably so, but her expression had given no indication of the turmoil churning beneath the surface. Concerned by her apparent lack of response, the Healers had insisted that Luna stay overnight for observation so that they could be sure the magic that had killed her mother had not also affected her.

She did not recall much of that day, only her father's sad and worried face as he held her hand and pleaded with her not to leave him, too. When visiting hours were over, the Healers had forced her father to go home, leaving Luna alone, frightened, and grieving. For years after, she had suffered from nightmares, not only of her mother's death but of being left alone in a sterile, white hospital room.

Yet now, she was once again at St Mungo's, her expression blank as she stared at the closed door of the room opposite her chair. At the moment, however, there was no other place Luna would rather be in the entire world ... except perhaps inside Hermione's room rather than waiting in the hall whilst the Healer examined her.

She clasped her hands together, wringing them slightly in her lap, a handkerchief clutched between her palms. Her whitened knuckles were the only visible sign of her distress. Her father and Draco must have been terribly worried when she hadn't arrived for tea, but at least she had managed to activate the emergency contact charm before following Hermione and the mediwizards to St Mungo's. Hermione's charm had been triggered the moment she had lost consciousness within the Ministry's walls, and Severus had appeared at hospital within moments of their arrival.

Twisting the handkerchief, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply in an attempt to keep from crying. Her best friend, the woman whom she thought of as a sister, lay in a hospital bed, pale and unconscious, possibly poisoned. Luna took a small measure of comfort in the knowledge that her friend was not alone; Severus had refused to leave his wife's side for a single moment.

Luna sniffed...just once...and then the door finally opened, revealing a visibly harried young Healer and a scowling Severus Snape. He glowered at the Healer's back as she primly marched away; then he turned to Luna, his eyes softening.

"Hermione's condition does not appear to be the result of a potion or a poisoning, thank Merlin, but another Healer will be arriving shortly to verify the results of the examination," he said. He muttered something about incompetent upstarts under his breath before continuing. "She is resting comfortably. You may come and sit with her whilst we wait."

Luna nodded and rose to her feet, quietly entering the hospital room so as not to disturb Hermione's rest. Moving to the far side of the bed, she sat in the provided chair, her fingers reaching out to grasp Hermione's. Severus, meanwhile, shut the door and sat on the other side of the bed, entwining his fingers with his sleeping wife's. He leant forward and rested his head on her forearm, murmuring so lowly that Luna could not make out his words.

They were just settling in when a commotion came from down the hall. It sounded as if someone was running, their heavy footfalls echoing throughout the corridor. Severus lifted his head and scowled at the intrusion of noise. Curious, Luna stood and was about to step into the hall when the door to the room burst open, revealing a visibly panicked Draco, followed immediately by her frantic father.

Draco's crazed eyes looked to the bed and then to Luna. He shook his head, as though dazed, and then bellowed, "What the hell is going on?"

Luna was gobsmacked; she'd never seen Draco in such a state. After a worried glance at the thankfully still sleeping Hermione and a glaring Severus, she hurriedly made her way around the bed and pushed her father and Draco out into the corridor, gently shutting the door behind her.

She turned to face the two men, taking in their appearance. Their robes were askew, their hair and eyes wild. They were breathing quickly, their chests heaving with the effort to pull oxygen into their deprived lungs.

Goodness. She had expected them to be upset, but this was far more than she had anticipated.

She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could utter a word, Draco lunged for her, his eyes wild as he pulled her to him. He dragged his hands over every part of her he could reach, his touch gentle but firm, checking for any sign of injury or harm.

Luna frowned slightly; she had often wished for Draco to touch her all over, but this wasn't quite what she had in mind.

As quickly as he had begun, he ceased, and then he embraced her, pressing his face into her neck as he trembled against her. Shocked by the severity of his distress, Luna threaded her fingers into his platinum hair, stroking his scalp in an attempt to offer some measure of comfort.

Not knowing what more to do, Luna looked over Draco's shoulder to her father, her expression puzzled.

"We thought it was you, poppet," Xenophilius whispered brokenly as he leant against the wall for support. "We thought it was you."

Luna's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh."

Draco's arms tightened around her waist, and she snuggled into his embrace, murmuring assurances as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. "It's all right. I'm fine. I'm fine."

---

It was chilly in the sterile corridor. In his haste to reach Luna, Draco had left his cloak behind, and since hospital regulations precluded the use of magic inside its walls by non-personnel, he could not cast a warming charm. Instead, his arms were wrapped around Luna, holding her tightly to his side as she shivered ever so slightly.

"Are you cold, love?" he asked, wincing as he heard the never-before-spoken endearment somehow slip from between his lips.

Luna, however, acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. "No," she said, even as she pressed herself closer against him.

Draco smiled and rested his chin atop her head, one hand gently travelling up and down her arm. He couldn't seem to stop touching her, and her responsiveness urged him to continue.

He had wanted to take Luna home as soon as Hermione had awakened, desiring nothing more than to curl up with her on the sofa in the drawing room and hold her, to assure himself that she truly was healthy and whole, which was a tad troubling, but there it was. Luna had resisted, however, calmly explaining that she did not want to leave until she was certain her friend would be all right. He had been about to insist that Severus could Floo call them with the results, but one look at Luna's tired yet pleading expression, and he'd given in with no resistance.

How bloody embarrassing.

He had obviously completely lost his mind. Not only had he given in to Luna's request after a mere look, but his earlier behaviour upon finding her safe and sound had been positively mortifying ... and disconcerting.

She was his friend, his pretend girlfriend...though she didn't know that...and nothing more. He should have been concerned, yes...worried, even. But the utter panic he had experienced? The need he felt to touch her, to keep her in his line of sight? Surely that was not normal!

He raked a hand through his already dishevelled hair and glared down at the top of Luna's head; it was all her fault.

"Are you all right?" she asked, her words muffled due to having her face burrowed into his chest.

"I'm fine."

"Are you certain? You seem tense."

Draco sighed and kissed the top of her head. "Merely uncomfortable after sitting so long in this chair, love."

Damn it. He'd said it again.

Just as he was convinced that he might need to make a stop at the Janus Thickey ward for an examination, the door to Hermione's room opened, and a kind-faced Healer walked out, a compassionate smile upon her lips, followed by an exhausted Severus.

"Thank you, Healer Pinkton. You have greatly eased my concerns," the wizard said, shaking the Healer's hand.

"You're quite welcome, Mr Snape. Good night."

As the Healer walked away, Severus turned to face Draco and Luna, who stood to their feet. He ran a weary hand over his face and said, "Hermione will be fine. The Healers have all agreed that her collapse was due to extreme exhaustion, exacerbated by the fact that she..." he paused, his jaw clenching in anger and frustration, "...neglected to eat today. Healer Pinkton has recommended Hermione stay overnight for observation."

"Thank goodness," Luna breathed, her hand squeezing Draco's forearm.

Severus nodded, then sank into one of the chairs.

"Are they going to move her to another floor?" Luna asked.

"No," Severus replied tiredly, one hand absently rubbing his stomach. "They've decided not to disturb her rest. She will remain here until she is released in the morning."

Draco's eyes flitted from Severus to Luna and back to Severus again. The man was in obvious need of sustenance...and Draco could use the distraction, as well as food. "You look like you could use a cup of strong tea and something to eat. Why don't we go up to the Visitor's Tearoom? I'm sure Luna will be happy to keep Hermione company for a few minutes."

Severus shook his head and was assuredly about to decline when Luna spoke. "I'd be more than happy to stay with Hermione. Go, Severus. I know you'll want to stay with her, and you've missed dinner. You'll need something to get you through the night."

Draco could have kissed her. "Yes, come on. I could use a little something myself."

"You will continue to pester me until I agree, won't you?" Severus said resignedly.

"You know me so well," Draco tossed back, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Severus gave a long-suffering sigh. "Fine. The sooner we go, the sooner I can return." He stood and started walking down the hall, not bothering to wait for his former charge.

Draco winked at Luna and then brought his hand to lie against her cheek. He ran his thumb along her jaw line and then leaned down to press a brief but firm kiss upon her lips. "We'll be back soon, and please ... do try to stay out of trouble."

She smiled at him dreamily. "All right."

Draco watched as she slipped into Hermione's room...wanting already to kiss her again and cursing himself for feeling so...and then he quickly strode down the hall towards the stairwell.

"You're fast for an old wizard," Draco said as he caught up with his former Head of House and fell into step beside him.

Severus said nothing, merely sliding a brief but baleful glance in Draco's direction.

Draco smirked.

They climbed the stairs to the fifth floor, exited the stairwell, and then headed down to the hall to the Visitor's Tearoom. Within minutes, they were ensconced at small table with tea and sandwiches.

"So," Draco said after devouring his first sandwich, "are you going to make her quit?"

Severus arched an eyebrow and set his teacup on the saucer in front of him. "I beg your pardon?"

"Hermione. Are you going to make her quit the Ministry?"

Leaning back in his chair, Severus looked at Draco with amused eyes. "What makes you think that I could?"

Draco shrugged. "You're her husband. It's your right...your duty even. She's endangering herself by working there."

Severus sighed. "Whether or not Hermione chooses to return to her position at the Ministry is her decision. Believe it or not, I am aware of the ... difficulties she has faced. There are those in power who feel that the six months I spent in Azkaban were not nearly enough, and Hermione has borne the brunt of their ill-will. She felt she had something to prove, but of course, she has approached the situation in a very different manner than would you or I."

"Gryffindor," Draco said knowingly.

"Right in one," Severus said, raising his teacup in salute. "She's being stubborn and ridiculously stout-hearted, rather than cunning and sly."

"What will you do, then, if you're not going to forbid her to return?"

"The two of us will discuss the current happenings at the Ministry, as well as today's events. The ultimate decision, however, rests in Hermione's hands, so long as she promises to take better care of herself."

"You trust her to do that, even after today?" Draco asked, sceptical but intrigued by Severus' view of marriage; the willingness to discuss and compromise was vastly different from what he had witnessed in his parents' marriage.

Severus looked troubled, his gaze sliding to the table. "I must." He paused in contemplation. "Our marriage is based on love and trust and honesty...I have to believe that Hermione will not allow herself to dishonour that any more than she already has."

Draco's eyebrows lifted almost to his hairline. "You're angry with her," he said, realising that the man's calm demeanour had been belied by his words.

"Yes," Severus said between clenched teeth, his eyes still focussed on the table. "She endangered her health, kept from me the severity of her situation at her place of employment, and by omission, lied to me. The word 'infuriated' comes to mind. She and I will have much to discuss once she is feeling better." Severus pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. "Let's not talk about this now, shall we?"

"Of course," Draco murmured then took a bite of his second sandwich.

After a few moments, he looked up to see Severus staring at him with a rather smug expression.

"What is it?" Draco asked as he looked down at his shirt, wondering if he had spilt his food or drink.

"Nothing of import," Severus replied, smugness still firmly in place. "I was merely recalling your rather dramatic entrance this afternoon."

Draco cringed. "Don't remind me."

"Come now, Draco," the older wizard drawled. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. Such behaviour was to be expected...you were merely concerned for the woman you care about."

Draco choked on his tea, coughing until Severus pounded him on his back. Waving the other man off, Draco shook his head in confusion. "What are you on about?" he rasped.

Severus sighed and briefly placed a patronising hand on Draco's shoulder. "There's no point in denying it...it's written all over your face."

Draco's hand flew to his face. What was written all over his face? "What the hell are you talking about?"

Severus arched an eyebrow. "Honestly, Draco. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. You obviously care for the girl, and she cares for you. This is a good thing."

Ah, well. That was no surprise, then. Draco had known for years that Luna had fancied him, so the idea that she cared for him was nothing new. She was his friend and for the time being, his pretend girlfriend, and he cared for her as such. Surely that was what Severus had noticed.

His relief at the explanation was expected, but it was surprisingly overshadowed by a longing so deep that he felt it in his very bones...for what, he did not know.

Slowly and carefully, without looking at his former Head of House, Draco said, "We are dating. It's only natural that we care for each other."

There was a long pause before Severus spoke again. "It is."

They continued to eat their small repast in silence, whilst Draco was lost in thought. He was on the cusp of a realisation...one that he somehow knew would either be his salvation or his damnation. His mind replayed his reaction to the message from the Ministry, finding Luna safe and unharmed, Severus' words regarding his marriage ....

"Our marriage is based on love and trust and honesty."

Draco frowned. His plan was all but complete. Ignoring the churning in his stomach...hospital food was not the most palatable, after all...he allowed himself to consider the things on which his future marriage would be based. He didn't have to think long...his expectations for a proper marriage had been drilled into him from the moment he had first noticed the fairer sex.

Propriety, tradition, obligation, ambition.

The sort of marriage his parents had endured.

The sort of marriage that was expected of a Malfoy.

The sort of marriage that was expected of him.

It didn't matter if it was what he wanted or what he needed.

That was the marriage he would have.

Draco tossed the last of his sandwich onto his plate. Suddenly, he was no longer hungry.

And thinking was overrated.

---

Luna was almost asleep on her feet when they returned to number twelve, Grimmauld Place. Draco gently led her to her room, opening the door and guiding her to her bed. She lay down, too tired to change into her nightclothes, and snuggled in as he removed her shoes then tucked the quilt about her shoulders.

As he placed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear, he bent down to kiss her. His instincts were screaming at him to stay with her, to lie with her, to simply hold her. Instead, he brushed her mouth with his and then backed away.

He had opened the door to leave the room when he heard Luna sigh sleepily and murmur the words he had never thought he would hear.

"I love you, Draco."

She rolled over, her breath evening as she fell asleep.

Draco's heart stilled within his chest; the realisation that had been hovering just beyond his grasp crashed down around him with all the grace and finesse of a raging Hippogriff.

And he knew.

He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loved her, too.

He loved the way she was always cold and how she would snuggle into him for warmth. He loved the way she looked at him, eyes wide with trust and affection. He loved how she listened to him talk about his work and that she asked his advice for her own. He loved how free he felt when he was with her and that he could make her laugh. He loved that she could so easily see past all his pretences to the man beneath the surface...the one even he wasn't sure he knew completely.

He even loved the annoying things about her. How her hair clogged up the drain in the shower and how she could never find her shoes, because she was hiding them from Blibbering Humdingers...whatever the hell they were. He loved her eccentric jewellery and bizarre fashion sense. Somehow even these annoyances were endearing ... because they were part of her.

Because he loved her.

And it was terrifying.

He ran from the room and down the stairs, escaping into the drawing room.

Shite. The piano.

He sprinted down the stairs...again...all the way to the little used formal dining room. There were no memories of her here.

He paced the room angrily. This wasn't supposed to happen...he had The Plan, damn it, and falling in love wasn't a part of it! It couldn't be possible. He had been preparing to end his faux-relationship with Luna so that he could find a wife suitable for a Malfoy.

For the first time, Draco was unable to ignore the ache in his chest. His heart hurt. At the mere thought of being without Luna, his heart hurt.

Even as he denied his feelings, he knew it to be true.

He loved her. Draco Malfoy had fallen in love with Loony Luna Lovegood.

And she thought herself in love with him.

He laughed, the harsh sound echoing in the small room. Luna was unaware to what lengths he had gone in his quest for a wife. She had no idea to whom she had so foolishly given her affections. He had used her for his own selfish gain, and she had stupidly fallen for his lies.

His worst nightmare had come true.

The Plan had gone all to hell.

He came to a halt and braced his arms against the drinks table. Closing his eyes, for a brief moment he allowed himself to entertain the idea of marriage to Luna. A marriage based on love and commitment ... given The Plan, he couldn't include trust and honesty. Even so, marriage to Luna would be all that he could ever dream of...one like that of the Weasleys, the Lupins, the Snapes, and even the Potters. And he wanted it. He wanted it like he'd never wanted anything in his entire life...but it would come at a high price.

It would mean that he would be giving up the very last thing that would have made his parents proud ... the very last vestige of what it meant to be a Malfoy. He had turned his back on everything else...the pure-blood supremacy mentality, the Dark magic, the following after evil megalomaniacs.

His heart ached with the knowledge that he couldn't do it. He couldn't give up the final piece that made him who he was. He had an obligation to his family, to his legacy. If he allowed himself to love her, he would lose himself in her ... and he simply could not do it.

He picked up a glass from the table and threw it into the fireplace, shattering it into a thousand pieces.

How fitting.

He returned to his room, packed his belongings into his old Hogwarts trunk, and did the only thing he knew to do.

He left.

---

A/N: My unending gratitude to Subversa and Deanna for beta reading and to LettyBird for Brit picking.

I apologize...again...for taking so long to update. I wanted the last scene in this chapter to be perfect, and it took me around ten attempts to get it right. Only two more chapters left. One should post in two weeks, and the other two weeks after that. Hopefully. Thank you so much for sticking with me!